Neuromodulation-inspired solutions for agriculture, microbiology, and environmental remediation
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept applies the core technology of targeted neuromodulation to novel industries, including agriculture, microbiology, and environmental remediation, to enhance crop growth, microorganism productivity, and bioremediation efficiency.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed systems and methods for targeted neuromodulation in brain stimulation therapies. However, the limitations of this technology lie in its restricted application to human brain stimulation. The inventive concept addresses this limitation by exploring new applications of the core technology in unrelated fields, where similar principles of targeted stimulation can be applied to achieve desirable outcomes.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises systems and methods for personalized agricultural crop stimulation, targeted neuromodulation of microorganisms, neuromodulation-based pest control, personalized environmental remediation, and targeted neuromodulation of biofilm formation. These novel applications leverage the original patent's technology to identify optimal stimulation targets and provide electromagnetic stimulation to enhance crop growth, microorganism productivity, and bioremediation efficiency, while disrupting pest behavior and biofilm formation.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The inventive concept's novelty lies in its application of targeted neuromodulation principles to novel industries, resulting in a non-obvious expansion of the original patent's technology. The inventive step is the recognition of the potential for targeted stimulation to achieve desirable outcomes in these unrelated fields.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include variations in the type of electromagnetic stimulation, the specific industries or applications targeted, and the integration of additional data sources or sensors to enhance the accuracy of stimulation targets. For example, the use of machine learning algorithms to analyze crop data and predict optimal stimulation targets could further enhance the efficiency of the agricultural crop stimulation system.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the agriculture, microbiology, and environmental remediation industries, where the ability to enhance crop growth, microorganism productivity, and bioremediation efficiency can lead to increased yields, reduced costs, and improved environmental outcomes. The target market includes companies involved in precision agriculture, biotechnology, and environmental consulting.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B34/20 |
| A | A61 | A61B5/0036 |
| A | A61 | A61B5/055 |
| A | A61 | A61N1/20 |
| A | A61 | A61N1/36096 |
| A | A61 | A61N2/006 |
| G | G01 | G01R33/4806 |
| G | G01 | G01R33/5608 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Biomedical engineering, neurostimulation technologies, and computational systems for targeted electromagnetic interventions, with expertise in neuroimaging, signal processing, and personalized medical/biological targeting strategies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A professional with advanced degree in bioengineering, neuroscience, or electrical engineering, possessing knowledge of neuroimaging techniques, electromagnetic stimulation protocols, computational data analysis, and interdisciplinary technology translation
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental similarity between targeted neuromodulation principles in the source patent and the PTD's novel application domains. The core technological framework of identifying precise stimulation targets through data analysis and applying electromagnetic interventions remains consistent across biological systems. The extension of neuromodulation techniques to agriculture, microbiology, and environmental contexts represents a predictable technological progression utilizing well-established signal processing and targeting methodologies.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,275 |
|---|---|
| Title | Systems and methods for targeted neuromodulation |
| Assignee(s) | The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University |