Wearable Defibrillator NFC Tag for Secure Wireless Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) systems face challenges with inadvertent or malicious programming due to insecure communication methods, which can lead to incorrect device connections and security risks, particularly in life-critical medical devices.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a Near Field Communications (NFC) tag that stores access information for secure wireless communication, requiring close proximity for device pairing and configuration updates, eliminating the need for manual data entry and physical cables, thus enhancing security and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless communication is used for programming WCD systems, then ease of operation is improved, but security against inadvertent or malicious programming deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an NFC tag as an intermediary device that mediates between the wireless communication module and the programming interface. The NFC tag stores encrypted programming credentials and must be physically present and activated to enable wireless programming, thus preventing inadvertent or unauthorized programming while maintaining ease of operation when properly authenticated.
2Reliability
If manual entry of connectivity data is required, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically retrieves connectivity data from the NFC tag without requiring manual entry by the user. The NFC tag contains pre-configured encrypted credentials that are automatically read and used by the wireless communication module, eliminating manual data entry while maintaining security through encrypted authentication.
3Reliability
If physical cables are used for connection, then security is improved, but device complexity and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with an NFC-based wireless authentication system. The NFC tag provides secure credential exchange without physical cable connection, eliminating tripping hazards and simplifying the connection process while maintaining security through encrypted authentication protocols.
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
The NFC-based solution ensures secure and accurate pairing of WCD systems with accessing devices, reducing the risk of incorrect programming and malicious attacks, while simplifying the configuration process and eliminating physical connection hazards.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating a Near Field Communications (NFC) tag that stores access information for secure wireless communication
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) system includes a processor, a memory, a wireless communication module (DWCM), and an NFC tag that stores information for how an accessing device may access the DWCM wirelessly. An accessing device such as a defibrillator configurator with an NFC reader may read the NFC tag of the WCD system, if it has adequate permission to do so. Upon so reading, the accessing device will know how to address the DWCM wirelessly, and thus install or update configuration data, software updates, or request memory downloads from operations. The use of the NFC tag requires close proximity, which hampers both inadvertently programming the wrong WCD system, plus a WCD system being attacked maliciously.