Intelligent Hearing Assessment and Therapy System
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The proposed system integrates functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) with artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and other technologies to create a more accurate, efficient, and personalized hearing assessment and therapy system.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a hearing assessment system and method using fNIRS, but it had limitations in terms of data analysis, security, and personalization. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by incorporating AI, IoT, blockchain, and other technologies to provide a more comprehensive and effective hearing assessment and therapy system.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The system consists of a fNIRS device, an AI module for data analysis and hearing profile generation, a blockchain-based data storage module for secure storage, and IoT devices for personalized hearing recommendations. The AI module can also be integrated with electronic health records (EHRs) for seamless data integration. Additionally, the system includes a wearable device with a fNIRS sensor, microcontroller, and wireless communication module for real-time hearing assessment and therapy. The system can also provide personalized sound therapy based on the patient's hearing profile, and a blockchain-based payment system for secure payment processing.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces the synergistic combination of fNIRS with AI, IoT, blockchain, and other technologies, which provides a more accurate, efficient, and personalized hearing assessment and therapy system. The integration of these technologies provides a novel and non-obvious solution that addresses the limitations of the original patent.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different AI algorithms, IoT devices, or blockchain networks. Variations could also include the integration of additional technologies, such as natural language processing (NLP) or machine learning algorithms, to further enhance the system's capabilities.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The proposed system has significant commercial potential in the healthcare industry, particularly in the fields of audiology, otolaryngology, and hearing therapy. The system's ability to provide accurate, efficient, and personalized hearing assessment and therapy makes it an attractive solution for hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical diagnostics and neuroimaging, specifically hearing assessment technologies using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) with expertise in signal processing, biomedical engineering, and neurological data analysis
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or neurological diagnostic specialist with advanced knowledge of medical imaging technologies, signal processing techniques, data analysis algorithms, and familiarity with emerging healthcare technology integration strategies
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that integrating AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies with the existing fNIRS hearing assessment methodology represents a predictable combination of known techniques in medical diagnostics and digital health technologies. The source patent establishes a foundational method for hearing assessment using fNIRS, which naturally invites technological augmentation through standard digital health innovation approaches. The proposed variations represent logical extensions of the original patent's core technological framework using well-established interdisciplinary integration strategies.
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 |