Transdermal Authentication for Implantable Medical Device Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implanted medical devices (IMDs) face challenges in securely accessing and transmitting sensitive patient data, particularly in emergency situations where rapid and secure communication is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses transdermal carrier waves to validate an access key, allowing secure communication between an IMD and an external reader, enabling the transmission of IMD data via radio-frequency communication mode once the access key is validated, utilizing a combination of transdermal and RF communication modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional RF communication is used for data transmission from IMD, then communication speed is improved, but data security deteriorates due to potential unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transdermal authentication intermediary process between the IMD and external reader. Before allowing RF data transmission, the system requires verification through transdermal communication that validates the reader's authorization credentials. This intermediary authentication layer ensures that only authorized devices can access IMD data, resolving the security concern while maintaining RF communication speed for actual data transfer.
2Reliability
If transdermal communication is used for authentication, then data security is improved, but communication complexity increases due to multiple communication modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication process into distinct functional phases: authentication phase using transdermal communication and data transfer phase using RF communication. Each phase uses the most appropriate communication mode for its specific purpose. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high security during authentication while using faster RF communication for actual data transfer, managing overall system complexity through clear functional separation.
3Reliability
If access key validation is implemented, then data security is improved, but access time increases during emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authentication credentials that are pre-configured in authorized readers. During an emergency situation, the transdermal authentication process validates these pre-configured credentials quickly without requiring complex real-time verification. This preliminary preparation of authentication materials allows rapid access validation, reducing the time penalty while maintaining security requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If dual communication modes (transdermal and RF) are used, then communication versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes both the IMD and external reader multi-functional devices capable of operating in two communication modes: transdermal mode for authentication and RF mode for data transfer. This universality allows the same hardware to perform different functions based on the operational phase, achieving communication versatility without proportionally increasing complexity. The system adapts the appropriate communication mode based on the specific task requirement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures secure and efficient data transmission from IMDs to external readers, enhancing patient safety by providing authorized access to critical medical information during emergencies while maintaining data security.
Implementation Method 1
a transdermal wave transceiver and a radio frequency transceiver. The external reader includes a device-body contact surface, a transdermal wave transceiver capable of transmitting transdermal carrier waves from the contact surface into the patient's body
Implementation Method 2
The IMD is operable to transmit information by radio frequency (RF) in an RF communication mode
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for communication between an IMD and an external reader includes bringing a portion of a patient's body into contact with a device-body contact surface of an external reader. The reader transmits a first transdermal carrier wave from the contact surface into the patient's body, where the first carrier wave includes a request for communication with the IMD. The transdermal carrier waves are electrical conductive waves, optical waves, or acoustic waves. Upon detection of the first carrier wave, the IMD transmits a second transdermal carrier wave including a request for an access key from the reader and the reader replies by transmitting a third transdermal carrier wave including the access key back to the IMD. If the access key is valid, the IMD transmits information by radio frequency (RF) in an RF communication mode or a fourth transdermal carrier wave including data from the IMD.