Expanding Photoplethysmography Technology to Novel Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept leverages the core technology of measuring blood flow in the foot to develop innovative solutions for crop yield monitoring, athletic performance optimization, water quality detection, livestock health monitoring, and industrial process optimization.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent focused on measuring blood flow in the foot to address complications in diabetic patients. However, the limitations of this patent are that it is restricted to a specific medical application. This inventive concept addresses the problem of underutilization of the core technology by exploring its potential in entirely new industries and fields.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new claims encompass a range of novel applications, including monitoring crop yields by measuring blood flow-like parameters in the crop's root system, optimizing athletic performance by analyzing blood flow in muscles, detecting water quality changes using PPG signals, predicting livestock health issues by measuring blood flow in hooves, and optimizing industrial processes by measuring fluid flow in pipes. Each application leverages the core technology of photoplethysmography (PPG) to provide valuable insights and data.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a significant inventive step by applying the PPG technology to entirely new fields, which were not originally considered. The novelty lies in the creative adaptation of the core technology to address distinct problems and needs in various industries.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Other potential implementations of this inventive concept could include using PPG technology in environmental monitoring, veterinary medicine, or even space exploration. The concept could also be modified to accommodate different types of sensors or data analysis techniques.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The commercial potential of this inventive concept is vast, with applications in agriculture, sports, environmental monitoring, animal health, and industrial processes. The target markets include companies and organizations seeking innovative solutions to improve crop yields, athletic performance, water quality, livestock health, and process efficiency.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Biomedical engineering and sensor technologies, specifically photoplethysmography (PPG) measurement systems with a focus on physiological monitoring and sensor adaptation
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or sensor technology specialist with expertise in optical sensing, signal processing, and interdisciplinary sensor applications, capable of understanding PPG measurement principles and adapting sensing technologies across different domains
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the core PPG measurement technology disclosed in the source patent represents a fundamental sensing approach that can be readily adapted to multiple measurement contexts by substituting measurement targets while maintaining consistent signal acquisition principles. The technical framework of using multiple PPG sets, wavelength variations, and force-sensitive measurement platforms provides a generalizable sensing methodology that can be systematically applied across different domains. The disclosed variations represent predictable extensions of the core sensing technology by applying established signal processing and optical measurement techniques to alternative measurement environments.
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. |