Privacy-protecting system and method for wireless medical devices
First Claim
1. A method of concealing use of a wireless-enabled medical device (WEMD), the method comprising:
- detecting at least one device type of at least one respective wireless device in a neighborhood of the WEMD;
selecting a cover device type based at least in part on the at least one detected device type, wherein the cover device type is selected so as to be different from the at least one detected device type;
operating the WEMD to measure physiological parameter data; and
wirelessly conveying the physiological parameter data from the WEMD by encapsulating the physiological parameter data in a message having a message type associated with the selected cover device type to simulate the selected cover device type.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for protecting the privacy of wireless enabled medical device (WEMD) communications, particularly against traffic-analysis attacks. In an exemplary method, a WEMD measures a physiological parameter and conveys that physiological parameter to a WEMD-receiver using messages that simulate at least one message from a cover device, for example by embedding physiological data in a message from a simulated cover device. In some embodiments, the WEMD sends messages that simulate traffic patterns of the cover device. The cover device may be a device not associated with serious medical conditions, such as a fitness-oriented heart rate monitor. In some embodiments, the simulation is discontinued under emergency conditions or in particular regions that are deemed to be safe.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method of concealing use of a wireless-enabled medical device (WEMD), the method comprising:
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detecting at least one device type of at least one respective wireless device in a neighborhood of the WEMD; selecting a cover device type based at least in part on the at least one detected device type, wherein the cover device type is selected so as to be different from the at least one detected device type; operating the WEMD to measure physiological parameter data; and wirelessly conveying the physiological parameter data from the WEMD by encapsulating the physiological parameter data in a message having a message type associated with the selected cover device type to simulate the selected cover device type. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A wireless enabled medical device (WEMD) system comprising:
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a device-setting module operative to detect at least one device type of at least one respective wireless device in a neighborhood of the WEMD and to select a cover device type based at least in part on the at least one detected device type, wherein the device-setting module is operative to select the cover device type so as to be different from the at least one detected device type; and a WEMD operative to measure physiological parameter data and to wirelessly convey the physiological parameter data from the WEMD, wherein the WEMD is operative to encapsulate the physiological parameter data in a message having a message type associated with the selected cover device type to simulate the selected cover device type. - View Dependent Claims (16)
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Specification