Acoustic Wave Technology for Diverse Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept expands the core technology of using acoustic waves to detect, localize, and/or suppress neural activity in the brain to various new applications and use cases, including agricultural pest control, water quality monitoring, skin condition treatment, termite detection, and soil moisture management.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a technology for detecting and suppressing brain swelling using acoustic waves. However, the patent's focus on neural activity limited its applicability to other fields. This inventive concept addresses the problem of limited applicability by exploring the potential of acoustic wave technology in diverse industries and problem domains.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new claims describe systems and methods for utilizing acoustic waves and/or ultrasound in various applications. For instance, claim 1 describes a system for detecting and suppressing agricultural pests, where a sensor detects pest activity and a controller generates and directs acoustic waves to suppress the pest activity. Similarly, claim 2 outlines a method for monitoring and controlling water quality in aquatic ecosystems by detecting changes in aquatic life activity and applying acoustic waves to mitigate water pollution. The remaining claims describe devices and systems for non-invasively treating skin conditions, detecting and suppressing termite activity, and monitoring and controlling soil moisture levels.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The novelty of this inventive concept lies in the application of acoustic wave technology to entirely new fields, including agriculture, environmental monitoring, dermatology, and construction. The inventive step involves recognizing the potential of acoustic waves to address diverse problems beyond neural activity and developing specific systems and methods to realize this potential.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include using different frequency ranges or waveforms for specific applications, integrating acoustic wave technology with other sensing modalities, or developing miniaturized or portable devices for in-field use.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including agriculture, environmental monitoring, healthcare, and construction. The market for acoustic wave-based solutions in these industries is substantial, with potential applications in pest control, water quality management, skin condition treatment, termite detection, and soil moisture management.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Biomedical engineering and acoustic wave technologies, with expertise in non-invasive neural and biological signal detection/manipulation techniques
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or biomedical physicist with advanced degrees, experience in ultrasound technologies, signal processing, and interdisciplinary problem-solving across biological systems
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental principle of acoustic wave manipulation demonstrated in the source patent as a generalizable technique applicable across biological and environmental systems. The core technological concept of using targeted acoustic waves to detect, localize, and suppress activity is directly transferable between neural, agricultural, and ecological contexts. The source patent establishes a foundational method of precise wave-based interaction that a skilled practitioner would naturally extend to analogous domains with predictable results.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,811 |
|---|---|
| Title | Detection, localization, and/or suppression of neural activity using acoustic waves and/or ultrasound |
| Assignee(s) | The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University |