Enhanced Blood Flow Measurement System for Diabetic Foot Care
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An innovative system for measuring blood flow in the foot, incorporating advanced features to improve accuracy, efficiency, and patient comfort, particularly for diabetic patients.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed an apparatus for measuring blood flow in the foot, which, although useful, had limitations in terms of accuracy and individual patient variability. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing temperature sensors, machine learning algorithms, multi-wavelength light sources, vibration generators, and neural networks to enhance blood flow measurement accuracy and provide more comprehensive insights into cardiovascular disease risk.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced system comprises a platform with a temperature sensor to correct for temperature-related variations in blood flow measurements. Additionally, the system incorporates a machine learning algorithm to correct for individual patient variability in blood flow measurements. The system also features a plurality of light sources with different wavelengths to measure blood flow and oxygen saturation simultaneously. Furthermore, a vibration generator is integrated into the platform to stimulate blood flow in the foot, operating at a frequency optimized for enhancing blood flow measurement accuracy. The system's neural network analyzes patterns in blood flow measurements to identify indicators of cardiovascular disease risk.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces novel features that significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of blood flow measurement in the foot, particularly for diabetic patients. The incorporation of temperature sensors, machine learning algorithms, multi-wavelength light sources, vibration generators, and neural networks provides a non-obvious solution to the limitations of the original patent, offering a more comprehensive and accurate assessment of blood flow and cardiovascular disease risk.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different types of sensors, such as pressure sensors or accelerometers, to further enhance blood flow measurement accuracy. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in other parts of the body, such as the hand or arm, or integrated into wearable devices or mobile applications.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced blood flow measurement system has significant commercial potential in the healthcare industry, particularly in the context of diabetic foot care. The system could be marketed to hospitals, clinics, and medical research institutions, offering a more accurate and efficient means of assessing blood flow and cardiovascular disease risk. Additionally, the system could be integrated into wearable devices or mobile applications, providing a convenient and accessible means of monitoring blood flow and cardiovascular health.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device technology for non-invasive blood flow measurement, specifically focused on diagnostic systems for diabetic foot assessment, requiring expertise in photoplethysmography (PPG), sensor integration, and biomedical signal processing
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with advanced degree, expertise in medical instrumentation, signal processing algorithms, sensor design, and understanding of physiological measurement techniques for cardiovascular diagnostics
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents predictable variations and enhancements to the source patent's blood flow measurement apparatus. The additional features like temperature correction, machine learning algorithms, multi-wavelength sensing, and neural network analysis are logical extensions of the foundational PPG measurement technique disclosed in the original patent. These variations represent standard engineering approaches to improving medical diagnostic instrumentation through incremental technological refinements.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,303 |
|---|---|
| Title | Apparatus and method of measuring blood flow in the foot |
| Assignee(s) | Podimetrics, Inc. |