Wireless Relay Architecture for Secure Analyte Data Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

In vivo analyte monitoring systems face challenges with power management, signal noise interference, interoperability, data security, and privacy due to the frequent operation of communication circuitry and third-party interference with reader devices, particularly smartphones, and the threat of unauthorized tracking.

Innovation Solution

The use of a handheld relay device configured with a proprietary wireless protocol to relay data between the sensor control device and reader devices, employing power latch circuitry and encrypted advertising schemes to enhance privacy and security, and manage communication timing to reduce power consumption and noise interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If communication circuitry is turned on and off frequently to maintain connectivity with reader devices, then interoperability and data transmission are improved, but power consumption increases and signal noise interference occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinteroperabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor control device uses periodic advertising intervals instead of continuous communication, turning the communication circuitry on and off at regular intervals. This reduces power consumption while maintaining connectivity, as the device only activates its transmitter when needed to broadcast analyte data or respond to requests from reader devices or the handheld relay device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

A handheld relay device is introduced as an intermediary between the sensor control device and reader devices. The relay device maintains a persistent connection with the sensor control device, allowing the sensor device to sleep longer between communications while the relay device buffers and forwards data to reader devices when needed, thus reducing the sensor device's power consumption without sacrificing interoperability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If communication circuitry operates frequently to ensure data transmission, then data security and privacy monitoring are improved, but signal noise interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata securityVSAvoidsignal noise interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic advertising and connection events instead of continuous transmission. The sensor control device broadcasts encrypted analyte data at scheduled intervals and only activates its communication circuitry when data needs to be transmitted or when a connection event occurs, reducing electromagnetic noise while maintaining security through encrypted periodic communications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The handheld relay device acts as a buffer, maintaining persistent encrypted connections with both the sensor control device and reader devices. This allows the sensor device to communicate securely with the relay device at lower power intervals, while the relay device handles more frequent data forwarding to reader devices, isolating the sensor device from direct high-frequency communication noise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If standard wireless protocols are used for communication, then interoperability with reader devices is improved, but data security and privacy are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinteroperabilityVSAvoidunauthorized tracking

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements different communication modes with different security characteristics: periodic advertising mode for low-power, one-way encrypted data transmission, and connection mode for bidirectional authenticated communication. The sensor control device uses advertising mode for routine analyte data transmission and reserves connection mode for authenticated interactions, applying appropriate security measures to each local communication context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The handheld relay device implements a trusted intermediary architecture with pre-shared keys and authentication mechanisms. It establishes secure encrypted tunnels between the sensor control device and reader devices, verifying device identities and protecting against unauthorized tracking. The relay device's trusted position allows it to mediate authentication and encryption, providing enhanced security while maintaining interoperability through standardized protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3558117B1Systems, devices and methods for wireless communications in analyte monitoring devices

Publication Date: 2026.02.25 ABBOTT DIABETES CARE INC

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AI summary

Systems, devices and methods are provided that allow for enhanced performance, power efficiency, interoperability, data security and user privacy for in vivo analyte monitoring systems that utilize wireless communications. The in vivo analyte monitoring systems can include a Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy enabled handheld relay device for wirelessly relaying analyte data between a sensor unit device and one or more reader devices. The in vivo analyte monitoring systems can employ advertisement and encryption schemes for wirelessly transmitting data in a manner that allows for improved security, efficiency and privacy.