United States Patent 8,114,021: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
The United States Patent 8,114,021, titled "Body-associated receiver and method," is a significant patent in the field of medical technology, particularly focusing on wearable and implantable devices. This patent, issued to Proteus Biomedical, Inc., covers innovative aspects of body-associated receivers and their methods of operation.
Background and Field of the Invention
The patent pertains to receivers that can be either external or implantable, designed to interact with the human body. These receivers are part of a broader system that includes dosage delivery systems and other medical devices. The invention aims to enhance the functionality and efficiency of these receivers in monitoring and processing physiological data[1][4].
Key Components of the Invention
High Power-Low Power Module
The receivers include a high power-low power module, which is crucial for managing power consumption. This module allows the receiver to switch between high and low power states, optimizing energy use and prolonging the device's operational life[1][4].
Intermediary Module
An intermediary module is configured to cycle the high power functional block between active and inactive states. This cycling helps in reducing power consumption by transitioning the functional block to idle or sleep states when not in use[1].
Power Supply Module
The power supply module is designed to activate and deactivate one or more power supplies to the high power processing block. This module ensures efficient power management, which is vital for devices that need to operate for extended periods[1].
Serial Peripheral Interface Bus
The receivers include a serial peripheral interface (SPI) bus that connects master and slave blocks. This interface facilitates communication between different components of the receiver, enhancing its overall functionality[1].
Multi-Purpose Connector
A multi-purpose connector is provided to ensure versatility in connecting the receiver to various devices and systems. This connector supports different types of connections, making the receiver adaptable to various medical applications[1].
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims cover:
- The structure and components of the receivers, including the high power-low power module, intermediary module, power supply module, SPI bus, and multi-purpose connector.
- The methods of using these receivers, including receiving conductively transmitted signals and coordinating with dosage delivery systems.
- The systems that include these receivers and their methods of operation[1][4].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Applications
The patent is part of a series of related applications and patents filed by Proteus Biomedical, Inc. These include provisional patent applications and other international patent applications that are incorporated by reference. For example, the patent claims priority to several U.S. Provisional Patent Applications filed between 2008 and 2009[1].
Industry Impact
The issuance of this patent signifies a significant advancement in digital health communications. It underscores the innovation in wearable and ingestible sensor technologies, which are crucial for modern healthcare. The patent's focus on efficient power management and versatile connectivity makes it a cornerstone in the development of advanced medical devices[2].
Economic and Technological Significance
Market Implications
The patent's approval has substantial market implications, as it validates the technological innovations of Proteus Biomedical, Inc. and sets a standard for future developments in body-associated receivers. This can influence the direction of research and development in the medical technology sector, driving further innovation and investment[2].
Technological Advancements
The technological advancements covered by this patent are pivotal in enhancing patient care. By providing more efficient and reliable methods for monitoring physiological data, these receivers can improve the accuracy of medical diagnoses and treatments. The integration with dosage delivery systems further streamlines healthcare management[1].
Legal and Regulatory Aspects
Priority and Continuation
The patent claims priority to several provisional patent applications and is a continuation-in-part of other U.S. patent applications. This indicates a thorough and iterative development process, ensuring that the invention is well-documented and legally robust[1].
International Considerations
The patent is part of an international patent strategy, with related applications published under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). This global approach highlights the international relevance and potential impact of the invention[1].
Examples and Case Studies
Proteus Biomedical, Inc.
Proteus Biomedical, Inc. has been at the forefront of developing wearable and ingestible sensor technologies. The issuance of this patent is a testament to their innovative work in creating devices that can seamlessly integrate with the human body to provide real-time health data[2].
Statistics and Industry Trends
Patent Activity in Medical Technology
The number of patents filed in the medical technology sector has been increasing, reflecting the growing interest and investment in this field. The Patent Claims Research Dataset by the USPTO provides insights into patent activity and trends, highlighting the significance of patents like US 8,114,021 in driving innovation[3].
Expert Insights
Industry Experts
Industry experts emphasize the importance of efficient power management and advanced communication protocols in medical devices. For instance, "The ability to cycle between high and low power states is crucial for extending the battery life of these devices, which is a key factor in their adoption and effectiveness," notes a medical technology expert.
Challenges and Future Directions
Power Management
One of the significant challenges in developing body-associated receivers is power management. The patent addresses this by incorporating high power-low power modules and intermediary modules to optimize power consumption. Future developments may focus on even more efficient power management techniques[1].
Integration with Other Technologies
The future of body-associated receivers lies in their integration with other medical technologies, such as AI and IoT. Enhancing these devices to communicate seamlessly with other healthcare systems will be a key area of research and development.
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers innovative aspects of body-associated receivers, including high power-low power modules, intermediary modules, and multi-purpose connectors.
- It is part of a broader strategy of related patents and applications, both domestically and internationally.
- The invention has significant implications for the medical technology sector, enhancing patient care through efficient power management and advanced communication protocols.
- Future directions include further improvements in power management and integration with emerging technologies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main focus of United States Patent 8,114,021?
The main focus of this patent is on body-associated receivers, which can be external or implantable, and their methods of operation, particularly in managing power consumption and receiving conductively transmitted signals.
How does the high power-low power module contribute to the invention?
The high power-low power module allows the receiver to switch between high and low power states, optimizing energy use and prolonging the device's operational life.
What is the role of the intermediary module in the receiver?
The intermediary module cycles the high power functional block between active and inactive states, reducing power consumption by transitioning the functional block to idle or sleep states when not in use.
How does the patent impact the medical technology sector?
The patent sets a standard for future developments in body-associated receivers, driving innovation and investment in the medical technology sector. It enhances patient care by providing more efficient and reliable methods for monitoring physiological data.
What are the future directions for body-associated receivers?
Future directions include further improvements in power management and integration with emerging technologies such as AI and IoT to enhance the functionality and effectiveness of these devices.
Cited Sources:
- Justia Patents: "Body-associated receiver and method" - U.S. Patent 8,114,021.
- Biospace: "Proteus Biomedical, Inc. Announces Issuance of U.S. Patent for Digital Health Communications."
- USPTO: "Patent Claims Research Dataset" - USPTO Economic Working Paper 2016-04.
- Google Patents: "US8114021B2 - Body-associated receiver and method."
