Enhanced Robotic-Assisted Driving Systems for Flexible Medical Instruments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept presents a series of direct improvements and enhancements to robotic-assisted driving systems for flexible medical instruments, addressing limitations in the original patent by incorporating real-time sensor data, machine learning algorithms, and predictive analytics to ensure safer, more accurate, and more efficient procedures.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent for robotic-assisted driving systems for flexible medical instruments, while innovative, had limitations in terms of patient safety, instrument accuracy, and procedural efficiency. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing advanced technologies to improve the overall performance of the system.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced robotic-assisted driving system comprises a controller configured to receive real-time sensor data, process the data using machine learning algorithms, and adjust the instrument's movement accordingly. The system can automatically adjust the instrument entry point, predict and prevent potential collisions, and dynamically adjust the stiffness of the instrument in response to changes in the patient's anatomy. Additionally, the system can generate a 3D map of the patient's anatomy, identify potential obstacles, and adjust the instrument's movement to avoid them.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce the use of real-time sensor data, machine learning algorithms, and predictive analytics to improve the safety, accuracy, and efficiency of robotic-assisted driving systems for flexible medical instruments. These advancements are non-obvious and novel compared to the original patent, providing a significant inventive step.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different sensor types, such as electromagnetic or optical sensors, or the integration of additional machine learning algorithms to improve the system's performance. Variations could also include the application of the inventive concept to different types of medical instruments or procedures.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced robotic-assisted driving system has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the fields of minimally invasive surgery and flexible endoscopy. The system's ability to improve patient safety, reduce procedure time, and increase accuracy makes it an attractive solution for hospitals and medical facilities.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Robotic-assisted medical instrumentation, specifically flexible medical instruments with computer-controlled navigation systems, requiring expertise in robotics, medical device engineering, sensor integration, and machine learning algorithms
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with advanced degrees in robotics or bioengineering, experienced in medical device design, familiar with sensor technologies, control systems, and machine learning techniques applied to surgical navigation
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that incorporating real-time sensor data, machine learning, and predictive analytics into robotic-assisted medical instrument systems represents a natural progression of existing control methodologies. The source patent's foundational robotic driving system provides a clear technical framework that would motivate a skilled practitioner to enhance navigation precision through advanced computational techniques. These improvements address inherent limitations in existing robotic medical instrument systems by introducing more sophisticated tracking and collision avoidance mechanisms.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,281 |
|---|---|
| Title | Robot-assisted driving systems and methods |
| Assignee(s) | Auris Health, Inc. |