Haptic Technology for Diverse Industries
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept leverages the core technology of haptic control and navigation systems to address various challenges in agriculture, athletics, music, robotics, and virtual reality, enabling new applications and use cases beyond surgical systems.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent, 'Surgical system with automated alignment,' provided a haptic control solution for surgical tools. However, its scope was limited to the medical field. This inventive concept addresses the problem of restricted application by adapting the core technology to tackle distinct challenges in other industries, such as optimizing agricultural harvesting, enhancing athletic performance, and improving musical technique.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept involves integrating haptic devices with navigation systems to provide real-time tactile feedback in various contexts. In agriculture, this enables farmers to precisely track crop boundaries and optimize harvesting. In athletics, it allows for real-time feedback on form and technique. In music, it enhances musicians' technique and expression. In robotics, it enables remote operators to receive tactile feedback during inspections. In virtual reality therapy, it simulates real-world experiences for patients. The haptic devices and navigation systems work in tandem to provide accurate and timely feedback, improving overall performance and efficiency.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel applications of haptic technology, expanding its scope beyond surgical systems. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the core technology to address distinct challenges in various industries, demonstrating a non-obvious extension of the original patent's concepts.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of this inventive concept could include using different types of haptic devices, such as exoskeletons or wearable devices, or integrating the technology with other sensors, like computer vision or lidar. Variations could also involve applying the concept to other industries, such as gaming, education, or manufacturing.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
This inventive concept has significant commercial potential across multiple industries, including agriculture, athletics, music, robotics, and virtual reality. The target markets include companies and organizations seeking to improve efficiency, performance, and safety in their respective fields.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/15 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/142 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/1615 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/1703 |
| A | A61 | A61B34/20 |
| A | A61 | A61B34/30 |
| A | A61 | A61B34/76 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/157 |
| A | A61 | A61B34/25 |
| A | A61 | A61B90/03 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00128 |
| A | A61 | A61B2034/105 |
| A | A61 | A61B2034/2055 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Haptic control systems and robotic navigation technologies, with expertise in surgical robotics, sensor integration, and human-machine interaction interfaces across medical, industrial, and interactive domains
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A multidisciplinary engineer with advanced degrees in robotics, mechanical engineering, or biomedical engineering, possessing comprehensive knowledge of sensor technologies, control systems, and adaptive feedback mechanisms
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the core technological principles of haptic navigation and tactile feedback systems disclosed in the surgical patent are fundamentally transferable across diverse technological domains. The source patent's core innovations of sensor-driven robotic control and adaptive feedback can be readily adapted to alternative contexts by applying standard engineering design principles. The variations presented in the PTD represent predictable extensions of existing technological frameworks, utilizing well-established techniques of sensor integration and navigation systems.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,201 |
|---|---|
| Title | Surgical system with automated alignment |
| Assignee(s) | MAKO Surgical Corp. |