Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) for Novel Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept leverages the core technology of fNIRS to tackle diverse challenges in cognitive load monitoring, pilot fatigue prediction, mental stress tracking, athletic performance optimization, and neurological disorder detection.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent focused on hearing assessment using fNIRS, but its limitations in signal processing and analysis hindered its applicability to other domains. This new concept overcomes these limitations by adapting fNIRS to address distinct problems in various industries.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new claims encompass a range of applications, including: monitoring cognitive load in drivers, predicting pilot fatigue, tracking mental stress levels, optimizing athletic performance, and detecting neurological disorders. Each application utilizes fNIRS to measure brain activity, which is then analyzed to extract meaningful insights. The system comprises a fNIRS sensor and a processor configured to analyze the brain activity. In the context of cognitive load monitoring, the system detects changes in brain activity to identify periods of high mental workload. For pilot fatigue prediction, the system identifies patterns indicative of fatigue. In mental stress tracking, the system provides a stress level indicator. For athletic performance optimization, the system offers feedback on mental preparation and focus. Finally, in neurological disorder detection, the system identifies patterns indicative of a neurological disorder.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a novel application of fNIRS, departing from the original patent's focus on hearing assessment. The inventive step lies in adapting fNIRS to tackle distinct problems in various industries, leveraging the technology's versatility and potential.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include wearable devices, mobile applications, or cloud-based services. Variations could involve integrating fNIRS with other sensing modalities, such as EEG or heart rate variability, to enhance the accuracy and robustness of the system.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
This inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including automotive, aviation, healthcare, sports, and education. The target market includes companies developing cognitive load monitoring systems, pilot fatigue management tools, mental wellness platforms, athletic performance optimization software, and neurological disorder diagnostic systems.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Biomedical engineering, neuroimaging, and physiological monitoring technologies, with expertise in functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and brain activity measurement techniques
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or neuroscientist with advanced training in neuroimaging, signal processing, and physiological monitoring, familiar with adapting medical sensing technologies across different application domains
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the core fNIRS technology disclosed in the source patent provides a versatile brain activity measurement technique that can be readily adapted to multiple application contexts. The fundamental signal acquisition and processing methods remain consistent across different use cases, with only minor variations in interpretation and application. The PTD demonstrates predictable extensions of the original hearing assessment technology by applying the same core fNIRS measurement principles to cognitive load, fatigue, stress, performance, and neurological disorder monitoring.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,312 |
|---|---|
| Title | Hearing assessment system and method |
| Assignee(s) | THE BIONICS INSTITUTE OF AUSTRALIA |