13 patents in this list

Updated: August 14, 2024

Key elements of the continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems security architecture include sophisticated authentication and access control techniques.

 

These systems manage extremely private health information, thus strong security measures are required to keep out unwanted access and guarantee the data's integrity and confidentiality.

This page looks at many approaches and technologies used to secure CGM devices, emphasizing the value of robust encryption, safe data transfer, and trustworthy pairing procedures.

1.  Enhanced Device Coordination in Diabetes Management Systems through Configurable Interfaces

Dexcom, Inc., 2023

A diabetes management system that improves the flexibility and adaptability of connected devices like continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and displays to work better together. The system uses a diabetes management partner interface to configure devices like sensors and pumps for wireless communication with partners like displays and alerts. It allows partner devices to request access to the sensor's configuration parameters via the interface. The sensor can then modify its settings to accommodate partner requirements. This enables customized communication and coordination between devices from different manufacturers.

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2.  Secure Pairing and Data Transmission Method for Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems

Dexcom, Inc., 2023

Continuous monitoring of analyte values using wireless communication between an analyte sensor system and display devices. The method involves pairing the sensor system with a display device by entering an identification code in the device's app. Once paired, the sensor system periodically transmits advertisement signals. The display device searches for these signals authenticates the sensor system using the stored code and requests a data connection. The sensor system grants the connection and transmits analyte values. This allows continuous monitoring without constant connection overhead. The display device can also switch between sensor systems by re-entering the code.

3.  Secure Pairing and Synchronization Method for Glucose Monitoring Device Displays

Dexcom, Inc., 2023

Securely pairing and synchronizing multiple displays like smartphones and dedicated glucose monitors to transmit and display glucose levels. The transmitter limits the number of connected displays and exchanges an application key with each device periodically. This prevents unauthorized devices from connecting. The displays authenticate with the transmitter using a hash of their ID. The transmitter allows only matched devices. This allows consistent display across devices while preventing unauthorized access.

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4.  Secure Access Code-Based Retrieval of Glucose Data from CGM Systems

ABBOTT DIABETES CARE INC., 2023

Retrieving glucose data from a glucose monitoring system without requiring a wired connection to a user device or an account login. The system uses access codes associated with users to enable others like EMR systems or patients' devices to request and receive glucose reports without direct system access. When a user's device sends a web request with their access code, the monitoring system retrieves their report and sends it back. This allows external systems and users to access glucose data without needing system connectivity or login credentials.

5.  NFC-Enabled Power-Efficient Data Transmission for Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices

Dexcom, Inc., 2023

Efficiently transmitting glucose sensor data to display devices like smartphones and computers while minimizing power consumption. The sensor can be woken up using near-field communication (NFC) from a nearby device like a phone. This forces the sensor to activate its transceiver. The sensor can then establish a two-way communication channel with the device. After sending sensor data, the sensor deactivates and goes back to sleep. This avoids continuous transmission. The NFC initiation can be done manually by the user or by software. It enables remote sensor access without an always-on power drain.

6.  Enhanced RF Communication for Reliable and Efficient Data Transmission in Glucose Monitors

ABBOTT DIABETES CARE INC., 2023

Optimizing RF communication in medical devices like glucose monitors to improve reliability and reduce constraints on transmission time. The method involves using proximity commands to trigger specific functions on the device without sending full data packets. The proximity commands are sent when the device is physically near the receiver. This allows separating urgent versus non-urgent data and transmitting them separately. Non-urgent data is broken into segments and sent over multiple packets, while urgent data is sent in full. This reduces the transmission time burden. The proximity commands can also trigger specific functions like sensor disconnect detection. This helps conserve power and avoid unnecessary data transmission.

7.  Secure Pairing Method for Glucose Monitoring Devices Using Password-Authenticated Key Exchange

Dexcom, Inc., 2023

Securely pair medical devices like sensors and displays in healthcare facilities without requiring input/output capabilities on both devices. The method involves using password-authenticated key exchange (PAKE) to generate an authentication key at the application layer. Each device derives a passkey from that key for verifying pairing. This allows devices without I/O to authenticate without requiring devices with I/O to enter a passkey. The derived passkeys are then used to establish encrypted connections.

8.  Efficient Biometric Data Handling for Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems

I-SENS, INC., 2023

Transmitting and receiving biometric information between a sensor and a device in a continuous monitoring system reduces the load of determining whether biometric information was received at every regular interval. Instead, it checks for unreceived data only at longer non-receipt intervals and selectively requests missing data if needed. This reduces processing and energy waste compared to constant checking.

9.  Enhanced Security and User Interaction Features in Glucose Monitoring and Insulin Delivery Devices

Abbott Diabetes Care Inc., 2023

Medical devices like glucometers, insulin pumps, and drug infusion devices with features to alert, alarm, and remind users to maintain proper analyte levels. Alerts indicate when a test result falls outside the ideal range. Alarms provide urgent warnings for critical levels. Reminders prompt retesting if a level is outside range. The device can be configured with customizable ranges and reminders set by healthcare providers or caregivers.

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10.  Configurable Wireless Communication System for Diabetes Management Devices

Dexcom, Inc., 2022

A diabetes management system that allows flexible and configurable wireless communication between an implantable glucose sensor, display devices, and other diabetes management devices like insulin pumps. The system uses a diabetes management partner interface to enable devices like insulin pumps to access and modify sensor configuration parameters. This allows customization of sensor behavior to accommodate specific requirements of devices like pumps. The interface also facilitates configurable connections between devices to balance features like alerts vs battery life.

11.  Secure Authentication and Access Control for In Vivo Analyte Sensor Data

ABBOTT DIABETES CARE INC., 2022

Controlling access to data from in vivo analyte sensors to prevent unauthorized use. It involves authenticating user interface applications to operate with sensor interface applications, restricting access to real-time sensor data, and expiring displayed analyte levels after a set time. This ensures accurate and secure analyte monitoring when multiple apps interact with sensors. It prevents apps from accessing sensor data without approval and prevents displaying outdated levels.

12.  Enhanced Data Security Measures for Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Device Connectivity

DexCom, Inc., 2021

Controlling and protecting the retransmission of patient medical data like glucose levels to prevent compromising confidentiality and ensure proper use. The controls limit access and redistribution of medical data between apps and devices. Techniques include delaying the transmission of sensitive data, encrypting it, or separating less sensitive data. Apps are verified to accurately store received medical data. This allows using medical apps on devices like smartphones while mitigating risks of compromised data, incorrect recommendations, or missed alarms.

13.  Integrated Diabetes Management Device with Real-Time CGM Data Authentication and Access Control

Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc., 2016

Handheld diabetes manager device that integrates blood glucose testing and insulin pump control with real-time monitoring of external medical devices like continuous glucose monitors. The handheld device has a user interface that displays both local glucose measurements and remote device status simultaneously when connected to the external device. This allows users to see coordinated data from both devices for more comprehensive diabetes management.

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Request the PDF report with complete details of all 13 patents for offline reading.

All of these technologiesᅳwhich range from sophisticated authentication mechanisms to secure pairing techniquesᅳhelp ensure that CGM devices operate safely and effectively while protecting patient data and making it available to authorized users only. Ensuring patient data security and improving diabetes care will depend on strict security requirements being upheld as CGM technology develops.