Electrical Stimulation Modulation for Novel Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept leverages electrical stimulation modulation technology to address diverse challenges in agriculture, livestock, athletics, cybersecurity, and environmental remediation, offering a platform for innovation and growth.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent's electrical stimulation modulation technology, primarily focused on medical devices, has limitations in its applicability to other fields. The inventive concept addresses these limitations by exploring new applications and use cases, expanding the technology's reach and potential impact.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises systems and methods that adapt the electrical stimulation modulation technology to various novel domains. For instance, in agriculture, the technology can be used to monitor and control crop health by generating electrical pulses that stimulate plant growth. In livestock, electrical pulses can enhance nutrient absorption in feed mixtures. Wearable devices can utilize electrical stimulation to improve athletic performance, while computer systems can leverage the technology to detect and prevent cyber attacks. Finally, electrical pulses can be used to treat contaminated soil by enhancing microbial degradation of pollutants. These new applications and use cases demonstrate the versatility and potential of the original technology.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The inventive concept's novelty lies in its application of electrical stimulation modulation technology to entirely new industries and problems, which were not contemplated in the original patent. The inventive step involves the recognition of the technology's broader potential and the adaptation of its components and operation to address diverse challenges.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different types of electrodes, stimulation generators, or processing circuitry tailored to specific applications. Variations could involve the integration of additional sensors or data sources to enhance the effectiveness of the electrical stimulation modulation technology.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential across various industries, including agriculture, livestock, athletics, cybersecurity, and environmental remediation. The market for these applications is substantial, with potential customers ranging from farmers and livestock producers to athletes and cybersecurity professionals.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Biomedical electrical stimulation systems and methods, with expertise in signal processing, electrode design, and physiological parameter monitoring across medical and biological domains
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with advanced degree, experienced in electrical stimulation technologies, signal processing algorithms, and interdisciplinary medical device design with knowledge of sensor integration and parameter optimization
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental modularity of electrical stimulation technology as disclosed in US 11857790, understanding that the core principles of pulse generation, parameter determination, and signal processing can be readily adapted across diverse biological and technological domains. The source patent's fundamental architecture of stimulation generation, processing circuitry, and biomarker identification provides a flexible technological platform that can be systematically translated to novel applications. The PTD demonstrates predictable extensions of these core technological principles by maintaining the essential signal generation and processing framework while applying it to different contextual challenges.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,790 |
|---|---|
| Title | Electrical stimulation modulation |
| Assignee(s) | Medtronic, Inc. |