U.S. patent application number 12/648992 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-31 for breast implant system including bio-medical units.
This patent application is currently assigned to BROADCOM CORPORATION. Invention is credited to AHMADREZA ROFOUGARAN.
Application Number | 20110077736 12/648992 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43780935 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110077736 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ROFOUGARAN; AHMADREZA |
March 31, 2011 |
BREAST IMPLANT SYSTEM INCLUDING BIO-MEDICAL UNITS
Abstract
A breast implant system includes a shell, a viscous material for
substantially filling the shell, and a plurality of bio-medical
units affixed to at least one of the shell and the viscous
material. A bio-medical unit of the plurality of bio-medical unit
includes a wireless power harvesting module, a functional module,
and a wireless communication module. The wireless power harvesting
module is operable to generate a supply voltage from a wireless
source. The functional module is operable to perform a function
when activated and powered by the supply voltage. The wireless
communication module is operable to facilitate wireless
communication with the functional module.
Inventors: |
ROFOUGARAN; AHMADREZA;
(NEWPORT COAST, CA) |
Assignee: |
BROADCOM CORPORATION
IRVINE
CA
|
Family ID: |
43780935 |
Appl. No.: |
12/648992 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61247060 |
Sep 30, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
623/8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 2037/0007 20130101;
G16H 40/67 20180101; H04L 12/10 20130101; A61N 2/002 20130101; A61M
31/002 20130101; A61M 2205/3507 20130101; G16H 10/65 20180101; G16H
40/63 20180101; G16H 20/13 20180101; G16H 20/17 20180101; A61K
9/0009 20130101; A61B 5/055 20130101; A61M 2205/3592 20130101; A61B
6/00 20130101; A61M 2205/3523 20130101; A61M 37/00 20130101; A61N
1/325 20130101; Y02D 30/50 20200801 |
Class at
Publication: |
623/8 |
International
Class: |
A61F 2/12 20060101
A61F002/12 |
Claims
1. A breast implant system comprises: a shell; a viscous material
for substantially filling the shell; and a plurality of bio-medical
units affixed to at least one of the shell and the viscous
material, wherein a bio-medical unit of the plurality of
bio-medical unit includes: a wireless power harvesting module
operable to generate a supply voltage from a wireless source; a
functional module operable to perform a function when activated and
powered by the supply voltage; and a wireless communication module
operable to facilitate wireless communication with the functional
module.
2. The breast implant system of claim 1, wherein the functional
module is operable to perform the function, wherein the function
comprises at least one of: a repair function; an imaging function;
and a leakage detection function.
3. The breast implant system of claim 2, wherein the repair
function comprises at least one of: a cutting function; a grasping
function; and a patching function.
4. The breast implant system of claim 2, wherein the leakage
detection function comprises at least one of: a pressure detection
function; and a position detection function.
5. The breast implant system of clam 2, wherein the imaging
function comprises at least one of: radio frequency radar imaging
function; ultrasound imaging function; magnetic resonance imaging
function; digital image sensor function; millimeter wave radar
imaging function; and light imaging function.
6. The breast implant system of claim 1 further comprises: at least
some of the plurality of bio-medical units are fixed in a
stationary position in the shell.
7. The breast implant system of claim 1, wherein the bio-medical
unit further comprises: a motion module operable to position the
bio-medical unit within the viscous material based on positioning
wireless communications received by the wireless communication
module.
8. The breast implant system of clam 1, wherein the bio-medical
unit further comprises: a housing to contain the wireless power
harvesting module, the functional module, and the wireless
communication module, wherein the bio-medical unit is suspended in
a desired position within the viscous material.
9. A bio-medical unit for use within breast implants, the
bio-medical unit comprises: a wireless power harvesting module
operable to generate a supply voltage from a wireless source; a
functional module operable to perform a function when activated and
powered by the supply voltage; and a wireless communication module
operable to facilitate wireless communication with the functional
module.
10. The bio-medical unit of claim 9, wherein the functional module
is operable to perform the function, wherein the function comprises
at least one of: a repair function; an imaging function; and a
leakage detection function.
11. The bio-medical unit of claim 10, wherein the repair function
comprises at least one of: a cutting function; a grasping function;
and a patching function.
12. The bio-medical unit of claim 10, wherein the leakage detection
function comprises at least one of: a pressure detection function;
and a position detection function.
13. The bio-medical unit of claim 10, wherein the imaging function
comprises at least one of: radio frequency radar imaging function;
ultrasound imaging function; magnetic resonance imaging function;
digital image sensor function; millimeter wave radar imaging
function; and light imaging function.
14. The bio-medical unit of claim 9 further comprises: a motion
module operable to position the bio-medical unit within a viscous
material of the breast implant based on positioning wireless
communications received by the wireless communication module.
15. The bio-medical unit of claim 9 further comprises: a housing to
contain the wireless power harvesting module, the functional
module, and the wireless communication module, wherein the
bio-medical unit is suspended in a desired position within a
viscous material of the breast implant.
16. A breast implant system comprises: a shell; a viscous material
for substantially filling the shell; and a bio-medical unit affixed
to at least one of the shell and the viscous material, wherein the
bio-medical unit includes: a wireless power harvesting module
operable to generate a supply voltage from a wireless source; a
breast cancer detection module operable to detect possible breast
cancer when activated and powered by the supply voltage; and a
wireless communication module operable to facilitate wireless
communication with the breast cancer detection module.
17. The breast implant system of claim 16 further comprises: a
plurality of bio-medical units positioned at desired locations
within at least one of the shell and the viscous material, wherein
the plurality of bio-medical units includes the bio-medical
unit.
18. The breast implant system of clam 16, wherein the breast cancer
detection module comprises at least one of: a radio frequency radar
imaging module; an ultrasound imaging module; a magnetic resonance
imaging module; a digital image sensor; a millimeter wave radar
imaging module; and a light imaging module.
19. The breast implant system of claim 16, wherein the bio-medical
unit further comprises: a motion module operable to position the
bio-medical unit within the viscous material based on positioning
wireless communications received by the wireless communication
module.
20. The breast implant system of clam 16, wherein the bio-medical
unit further comprises: a housing to contain the wireless power
harvesting module, the functional module, and the wireless
communication module, wherein the bio-medical unit is suspended in
a desired position within the viscous material.
Description
[0001] This patent application is claiming priority under 35 USC
.sctn.119 to a provisionally filed patent application entitled
BIO-MEDICAL UNIT AND APPLICATIONS THEREOF, having a provisional
filing date of Sep. 30, 2009, and a provisional Ser. No.
61/247,060.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT
DISC
[0003] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Technical Field of the Invention
[0005] This invention relates generally to medical equipment and
more particularly to wireless medical equipment.
[0006] 2. Description of Related Art
[0007] As is known, there is a wide variety of medical equipment
that aids in the diagnosis, monitoring, and/or treatment of
patients' medical conditions. For instances, there are diagnostic
medical devices, therapeutic medical devices, life support medical
devices, medical monitoring devices, medical laboratory equipment,
etc. As specific exampled magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices
produce images that illustrate the internal structure and function
of a body.
[0008] The advancement of medical equipment is in step with the
advancements of other technologies (e.g., radio frequency
identification (RFID), robotics, etc.). Recently, RFID technology
has been used for in vitro use to store patient information for
easy access. While such in vitro applications have begun, the
technical advancement in this area is in its infancy.
[0009] Therefore, a need exists for a bio-medical unit that has
applications within breast implants.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods
of operation that are further described in the following Brief
Description of the Drawings, the Detailed Description of the
Invention, and the claims. Other features and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description of the invention made with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an embodiment of a system in
accordance with the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a diagram of another embodiment of a system in
accordance with the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a diagram of an embodiment of an artificial body
part including one or more bio-medical units in accordance with the
present invention;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an
artificial body part in accordance with the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a diagram of another embodiment of a system in
accordance with the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a diagram of another embodiment of a system in
accordance with the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a diagram of another embodiment of a system in
accordance with the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
bio-medical unit in accordance with the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
power harvesting module in accordance with the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment
of a power harvesting module in accordance with the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment
of a power harvesting module in accordance with the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment
of a power harvesting module in accordance with the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment
of a bio-medical unit in accordance with the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 14 is a diagram of another embodiment of a system in
accordance with the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 15 is a diagram of an example of a communication
protocol within a system in accordance with the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 16 is a diagram of another embodiment of a system in
accordance with the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 17 is a diagram of another example of a communication
protocol within a system in accordance with the present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 18 is a diagram of another embodiment of a system in
accordance with the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 19 is a diagram of another embodiment of a system in
accordance with the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 20 is a diagram of an embodiment of a network of
bio-medical units in accordance with the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 21 is a logic diagram of an embodiment of a method for
bio-medical unit communications in accordance with the present
invention;
[0032] FIG. 22 is a diagram of an embodiment of a network of
bio-medical units collecting image data in accordance with the
present invention;
[0033] FIG. 23 is a diagram of an embodiment of a network of
bio-medical units facilitating cancer treatment in accordance with
the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 24 is a diagram of another embodiment of a network of
bio-medical units facilitating cancer treatment in accordance with
the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 25 is a diagram of an embodiment of a network of
bio-medical units that include MEMS robotics in accordance with the
present invention;
[0036] FIG. 26 is a diagram of another embodiment of a network of
bio-medical units that include MEMS robotics in accordance with the
present invention;
[0037] FIG. 27 is a diagram of an embodiment of a bio-medical unit
collecting image data in accordance with the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 28 is a diagram of another embodiment of a network of
bio-medical units communicating via light signaling in accordance
with the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 29 is a diagram of an embodiment of a bio-medical unit
collecting audio and/or ultrasound data in accordance with the
present invention;
[0040] FIG. 30 is a diagram of another embodiment of a network of
bio-medical units communicating via audio and/or ultrasound
signaling in accordance with the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 31 is a diagram of an embodiment of a network of
bio-medical units collecting ultrasound data in accordance with the
present invention;
[0042] FIG. 32 is a diagram of an embodiment of a network of
bio-medical units within a breast implant in accordance with the
present invention;
[0043] FIG. 33 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment
of a bio-medical unit in accordance with the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 34 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment
of a bio-medical unit in accordance with the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 35 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment
of a bio-medical unit in accordance with the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 36 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment
of a bio-medical unit in accordance with the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 37 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment
of a bio-medical unit in accordance with the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 38 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment
of a bio-medical unit in accordance with the present invention;
[0049] FIG. 39 is a diagram of an embodiment of a bio-medical unit
determining relative distance using Doppler shifting in accordance
with the present invention;
[0050] FIG. 40 is a diagram of an example of determining relative
distance using Doppler shifting in accordance with the present
invention;
[0051] FIG. 41 is a diagram of an example of determining vibrations
using Doppler shifting and ultrasound in accordance with the
present invention;
[0052] FIG. 42 is a diagram of an embodiment of a bio-medical unit
including a controlled release module in accordance with the
present invention;
[0053] FIG. 43 is a diagram of an embodiment of a controlled
release module in accordance with the present invention;
[0054] FIG. 44 is a diagram of an embodiment of a system of
bio-medical units for controlled release of a medication in
accordance with the present invention;
[0055] FIG. 45 is a diagram of an embodiment of a bio-medical unit
including sampling modules in accordance with the present
invention;
[0056] FIG. 46 is a logic diagram of an embodiment of a method for
MMW communications within a MRI sequence in accordance with the
invention;
[0057] FIG. 47 is a logic diagram of an embodiment of a method for
processing of MRI signals in accordance with the present
invention;
[0058] FIG. 48 is a logic diagram of an embodiment of a method for
communication utilizing MRI signals in accordance with the present
invention; and
[0059] FIG. 49 is a logic diagram of an embodiment of a method for
coordination of bio-medical unit task execution in accordance with
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0060] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an embodiment of a system that
includes a plurality of bio-medical units 10 embedded within a body
and/or placed on the surface of the body to facilitate diagnosis,
treatment, and/or data collections. Each of the bio-medical units
10 is a passive device (e.g., it does not include a power source
(e.g., a battery)) and, as such, includes a power harvesting
module. The bio-medical units 10 may also include one or more of
memory, a processing module, and functional modules. Alternatively,
or in addition to, each of the bio-medical units 10 may include a
power source.
[0061] In operation, a transmitter emits 12 electromagnetic signals
16 that pass through the body and are received by a receiver 14.
The transmitter 12 and receiver 14 may be part of a piece of
medical diagnostic equipment (e.g., magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI), X-ray, etc.) or independent components for stimulating and
communicating with the network of bio-medical units in and/or on a
body. One or more of the bio-medical units 10 receives the
transmitted electromagnetic signals 16 and generates a supply
voltage therefrom. Examples of this will be described in greater
detail with reference to FIGS. 8-12.
[0062] Embedded within the electromagnetic signals 16 (e.g., radio
frequency (RF) signals, millimeter wave (MMW) signals, MRI signals,
etc.) or via separate signals, the transmitter 12 communicates with
one or more of the bio-medical units 10. For example, the
electromagnetic signals 16 may have a frequency in the range of a
few MHz to 900 MHz and the communication with the bio-medical units
10 is modulated on the electromagnetic signals 16 at a much higher
frequency (e.g., 5 GHz to 300 GHz). As another example, the
communication with the bio-medical units 10 may occur during gaps
(e.g., per protocol of medical equipment or injected for
communication) of transmitting the electromagnetic signals 16. As
another example, the communication with the bio-medical units 10
occurs in a different frequency band and/or using a different
transmission medium (e.g., use RF or MMW signals when the magnetic
field of the electromagnetic signals are dominate, use ultrasound
signals when the electromagnetic signals 16 are RF and/or MMW
signals, etc.).
[0063] One or more of the bio-medical units 10 receives the
communication signals 18 and processes them accordingly. The
communication signals 18 may be instructions to collect data, to
transmit collected data, to move the unit's position in the body,
to perform a function, to administer a treatment, etc. If the
received communication signals 18 require a response, the
bio-medical unit 10 prepares an appropriate response and transmits
it to the receiver 14 using a similar communication convention used
by the transmitter 12.
[0064] FIG. 2 is a diagram of another embodiment of a system that
includes a plurality of bio-medical units 10 embedded within a body
and/or placed on the surface of the body to facilitate diagnosis,
treatment, and/or data collections. Each of the bio-medical units
10 is a passive device and, as such, includes a power harvesting
module. The bio-medical units 10 may also include one or more of
memory, a processing module, and functional modules. In this
embodiment, the person is placed in an MRI machine (fixed or
portable) that generates a magnetic field 26 through which the MRI
transmitter 20 transmits MRI signals 28 to the MRI receiver 22.
[0065] One or more of the bio-medical units 10 powers itself by
harvesting energy from the magnetic field 26 or changes thereof as
produced by gradient coils, from the magnetic fields of the MRI
signals 28, from the electrical fields of the MRI signals 28,
and/or from the electromagnetic aspects of the MRI signals 28. A
unit 10 converts the harvested energy into a supply voltage that
supplies other components of the unit (e.g., a communication
module, a processing module, memory, a functional module,
etc.).
[0066] A communication device 24 communicates data and/or control
communications 30 with one or more of the bio-medical units 10 over
one or more wireless links. The communication device 24 may be a
separate device from the MRI machine or integrated into the MRI
machine. For example, the communication device 24, whether
integrated or separate, may be a cellular telephone, a computer
with a wireless interface (e.g., a WLAN station and/or access
point, Bluetooth, a proprietary protocol, etc.), etc. A wireless
link may be one or more frequencies in the ISM band, in the 60 GHz
frequency band, the ultrasound frequency band, and/or other
frequency bands that supports one or more communication protocols
(e.g., data modulation schemes, beamforming, RF or MMW modulation,
encoding, error correction, etc.).
[0067] The composition of the bio-medical units 10 includes
non-ferromagnetic materials (e.g., paramagnetic or diamagnetic)
and/or metal alloys that are minimally affected by an external
magnetic field 26. In this regard, the units harvest power from the
MRI signals 28 and communicate using RF and/or MMW electromagnetic
signals with negligible chance of encountering the projectile or
missile effect of implants that include ferromagnetic
materials.
[0068] FIG. 3 is a diagram of an embodiment of an artificial body
part 32 including one or more bio-medical units 10 that may be
surgically implanted into a body. The artificial body part 32 may
be a pace maker, a breast implant, a joint replacement, an
artificial bone, splints, fastener devices (e.g., screws, plates,
pins, sutures, etc.), artificial organ, etc. The artificial body
part 32 may be permanently embedded in the body or temporarily
embedded into the body.
[0069] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an
artificial body part 32 that includes one or more bio-medical units
10. For instance, one bio-medical unit 10 may be used to detect
infections, the body's acceptance of the artificial body part 32,
measure localized body temperature, monitor performance of the
artificial body part 32, and/or data gathering for other
diagnostics. Another bio-medical unit 10 may be used for deployment
of treatment (e.g., disperse medication, apply electrical stimulus,
apply RF radiation, apply laser stimulus, etc.). Yet another
bio-medical unit 10 may be used to adjust the position of the
artificial body part 32 and/or a setting of the artificial body
part 32. For example, a bio-medical unit 10 may be used to
mechanically adjust the tension of a splint, screws, etc. As
another example, a bio-medical unit 10 may be used to adjust an
electrical setting of the artificial body part 32.
[0070] FIG. 5 is a diagram of another embodiment of a system that
includes a plurality of bio-medical units 10 and one or more
communication devices 24 coupled to a wide area network (WAN)
communication device 34 (e.g., a cable modem, DSL modem, base
station, access point, hot spot, etc.). The WAN communication
device 34 is coupled to a network 42 (e.g., cellular telephone
network, internet, etc.), which has coupled to it a plurality of
remote monitors 36, a plurality of databases 40, and a plurality of
computers 38.
[0071] In an example of operation, one or more of the remote
monitors 36 may receive images and/or other data 30 from one or
more of the bio-medical units 10 via the communication device 24,
the WAN communication device 34, and the network 42. In this
manner, a person(s) operating the remote monitors 36 may view
images and/or the data 30 gathered by the bio-medical units 10.
This enables a specialist to be consulted without requiring the
patient to travel to the specialist's office.
[0072] In another example of operation, one or more of the
computers 38 may communicate with the bio-medical units 10 via the
communication device 24, the WAN communication device 34, and the
network 42. In this example, the computer 36 may provide commands
30 to one or more of the bio-medical units 10 to gather data, to
dispense a medication, to move to a new position in the body, to
perform a mechanical function (e.g., cut, grasp, drill, puncture,
stitch, patch, etc.), etc. As such, the bio-medical units 10 may be
remotely controlled via one or more of the computers 36.
[0073] In another example of operation, one or more of the
bio-medical units 10 may read and/or write data from or to one or
more of the databases 40. For example, data (e.g., a blood sample
analysis) generated by one or more of the bio-medical units 10 may
be written to one of the databases 40. The communication device 24
and/or one of the computers 36 may control the writing of data to
or the reading of data from the database(s) 40. The data may
further include medical records, medical images, prescriptions,
etc.
[0074] FIG. 6 is a diagram of another embodiment of a system that
includes a plurality of bio-medical units 10. In this embodiment,
the bio-medical units 10 can communicate with each other directly
and/or communicate with the communication device 24 directly. The
communication medium may be an infrared channel(s), an RF
channel(s), a MMW channel(s), and/or ultrasound. The units may use
a communication protocol such as token passing, carrier sense, time
division multiplexing, code division multiplexing, frequency
division multiplexing, etc.
[0075] FIG. 7 is a diagram of another embodiment of a system that
includes a plurality of bio-medical units 10. In this embodiment,
one of the bio-medical units 44 functions as an access point for
the other units. As such, the designated unit 44 routes
communications between the units 10 and between one or more units
10 and the communication device 24. The communication medium may be
an infrared channel(s), an RF channel(s), a MMW channel(s), and/or
ultrasound. The units 10 may use a communication protocol such as
token passing, carrier sense, time division multiplexing, code
division multiplexing, frequency division multiplexing, etc.
[0076] FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
bio-medical unit 10 that includes a power harvesting module 46, a
communication module 48, a processing module 50, memory 52, and one
or more functional modules 54. The processing module 50 may be a
single processing device or a plurality of processing devices. Such
a processing device may be a microprocessor, micro-controller,
digital signal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit,
field programmable gate array, programmable logic device, state
machine, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry,
and/or any device that manipulates signals (analog and/or digital)
based on hard coding of the circuitry and/or operational
instructions. The processing module 50 may have an associated
memory 52 and/or memory element, which may be a single memory
device, a plurality of memory devices, and/or embedded circuitry of
the processing module. Such a memory device 52 may be a read-only
memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory,
static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or
any device that stores digital information. Note that if the
processing module 50 includes more than one processing device, the
processing devices may be centrally located (e.g., directly coupled
together via a wired and/or wireless bus structure) or may be
distributedly located (e.g., cloud computing via indirect coupling
via a local area network and/or a wide area network). Further note
that when the processing module 50 implements one or more of its
functions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry,
and/or logic circuitry, the memory and/or memory element storing
the corresponding operational instructions may be embedded within,
or external to, the circuitry comprising the state machine, analog
circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry. Still further
note that, the memory element stores, and the processing module
executes, hard coded and/or operational instructions corresponding
to at least some of the steps and/or functions illustrated in FIGS.
1-49.
[0077] The power harvesting module 46 may generate one or more
supply voltages 56 (Vdd) from one or more of MRI electromagnetic
signals 16, magnetic fields 26, RF signals, MMW signals, and body
motion. The power harvesting module 46 may be implemented as
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,595,732 to generate one or more supply
voltages from an RF signal. The power harvesting module 46 may be
implemented as shown in one or more FIGS. 9-11 to generate one or
more supply voltages 56 from an MRI signal 28 and/or magnetic field
26. The power harvesting module 46 may be implemented as shown in
FIG. 12 to generate one or more supply voltage 56 from body
motion.
[0078] The communication module 48 may include a receiver section
and a transmitter section. The transmitter section converts an
outbound symbol stream into an outbound RF or MMW signal 60 that
has a carrier frequency within a given frequency band (e.g., 900
MHz, 2.5 GHz, 5 GHz, 57-66 GHz, etc.). In an embodiment, this may
be done by mixing the outbound symbol stream with a local
oscillation to produce an up-converted signal. One or more power
amplifiers and/or power amplifier drivers amplifies the
up-converted signal, which may be RF or MMW bandpass filtered, to
produce the outbound RF or MMW signal 60. In another embodiment,
the transmitter section includes an oscillator that produces an
oscillation. The outbound symbol stream provides phase information
(e.g., +/-.DELTA..theta.[phase shift] and/or .theta.(t) [phase
modulation]) that adjusts the phase of the oscillation to produce a
phase adjusted RF or MMW signal, which is transmitted as the
outbound RF signal 60. In another embodiment, the outbound symbol
stream includes amplitude information (e.g., A(t) [amplitude
modulation]), which is used to adjust the amplitude of the phase
adjusted RF or MMW signal to produce the outbound RF or MMW signal
60.
[0079] In yet another embodiment, the transmitter section includes
an oscillator that produces an oscillation. The outbound symbol
provides frequency information (e.g., +/-.DELTA.f [frequency shift]
and/or f(t) [frequency modulation]) that adjusts the frequency of
the oscillation to produce a frequency adjusted RF or MMW signal,
which is transmitted as the outbound RF or MMW signal 60. In
another embodiment, the outbound symbol stream includes amplitude
information, which is used to adjust the amplitude of the frequency
adjusted RF or MMW signal to produce the outbound RF or MMW signal
60. In a further embodiment, the transmitter section includes an
oscillator that produces an oscillation. The outbound symbol
provides amplitude information (e.g., +/-.DELTA.A [amplitude shift]
and/or A(t) [amplitude modulation) that adjusts the amplitude of
the oscillation to produce the outbound RF or MMW signal 60.
[0080] The receiver section amplifies an inbound RF or MMW signal
60 to produce an amplified inbound RF or MMW signal. The receiver
section may then mix in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) components of
the amplified inbound RF or MMW signal with in-phase and quadrature
components of a local oscillation to produce a mixed I signal and a
mixed Q signal. The mixed I and Q signals are combined to produce
an inbound symbol stream. In this embodiment, the inbound symbol
may include phase information (e.g., +/-.DELTA..theta.[phase shift]
and/or .theta.(t) [phase modulation]) and/or frequency information
(e.g., +/-.DELTA.f [frequency shift] and/or f(t) [frequency
modulation]). In another embodiment and/or in furtherance of the
preceding embodiment, the inbound RF or MMW signal includes
amplitude information (e.g., +/-.DELTA.A [amplitude shift] and/or
A(t) [amplitude modulation]). To recover the amplitude information,
the receiver section includes an amplitude detector such as an
envelope detector, a low pass filter, etc.
[0081] The processing module 50 generates the outbound symbol
stream from outbound data and converts the inbound symbol stream
into inbound data. For example, the processing module 50 converts
the inbound symbol stream into inbound data (e.g., voice, text,
audio, video, graphics, etc.) in accordance with one or more
wireless communication standards (e.g., GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, HSUPA,
HSDPA, WiMAX, EDGE, GPRS, IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, ZigBee, universal
mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), long term evolution (LTE),
IEEE 802.16, evolution data optimized (EV-DO), etc.). Such a
conversion may include one or more of: digital intermediate
frequency to baseband conversion, time to frequency domain
conversion, space-time-block decoding, space-frequency-block
decoding, demodulation, frequency spread decoding, frequency
hopping decoding, beamforming decoding, constellation demapping,
deinterleaving, decoding, depuncturing, and/or descrambling.
[0082] As another example, the processing module 50 converts
outbound data (e.g., voice, text, audio, video, graphics, etc.)
into outbound symbol stream in accordance with one or more wireless
communication standards (e.g., GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, HSUPA, HSDPA,
WiMAX, EDGE, GPRS, IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, ZigBee, universal mobile
telecommunications system (UMTS), long term evolution (LTE), IEEE
802.16, evolution data optimized (EV-DO), etc.). Such a conversion
includes one or more of: scrambling, puncturing, encoding,
interleaving, constellation mapping, modulation, frequency
spreading, frequency hopping, beamforming, space-time-block
encoding, space-frequency-block encoding, frequency to time domain
conversion, and/or digital baseband to intermediate frequency
conversion.
[0083] Each of the one or more functional modules 54 provides a
function to support treatment, data gathering, motion, repairs,
and/or diagnostics. The functional modules 54 may be implemented
using nanotechnology and/or microelectronic mechanical systems
(MEMS) technology. Various examples of functional modules 54 are
illustrated in one or more of FIGS. 13-49.
[0084] The bio-medical unit 10 may be encapsulated by an
encapsulate 58 that is non-toxic to the body. For example, the
encapsulate 58 may be a silicon based product, a non-ferromagnetic
metal alloy (e.g., stainless steel), etc. As another example, the
encapsulate 58 may include a spherical shape and have a
ferromagnetic liner that shields the unit from a magnetic field and
to offset the forces of the magnetic field.
[0085] The bio-medical unit 10 may be implemented on a single die
that has an area of a few millimeters or less. The die may be
fabricated in accordance with CMOS technology, Gallium-Arsenide
technology, and/or any other integrated circuit die fabrication
process.
[0086] FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
power harvesting module 46 that includes an array of on-chip air
core inductors 64, a rectifying circuit 66, capacitors, and a
regulation circuit 68. The inductors 64 may each having an
inductance of a few nano-Henries to a few micro-Henries and may be
coupled in series, in parallel, or a series parallel
combination.
[0087] In an example of operation, the MRI transmitter 20 transmits
MRI signals 28 at a frequency of 3-45 MHz at a power level of up to
35 KWatts. The air core inductors 64 are electromagnetically
coupled to generate a voltage from the magnetic and/or electric
field generated by the MRI signals 28. Alternatively or in addition
to, the air core inductors 64 may generate a voltage from the
magnetic field 26 and changes thereof produced by the gradient
coils. The rectifying circuit 66 rectifies the AC voltage produced
by the inductors to produce a first DC voltage. The regulation
circuit generates one or more desired supply voltages 56 from the
first DC voltage.
[0088] The inductors 64 may be implemented on one more metal layers
of the die and include one or more turns per layer. Note that trace
thickness, trace length, and other physical properties affect the
resulting inductance.
[0089] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment
of a power harvesting module 46 that includes a plurality of
on-chip air core inductors 70, a plurality of switching units (S),
a rectifying circuit 66, a capacitor, and a switch controller 72.
The inductors 70 may each having an inductance of a few
nano-Henries to a few micro-Henries and may be coupled in series,
in parallel, or a series parallel combination.
[0090] In an example of operation, the MRI transmitter 20 transmits
MRI signals 28 at a frequency of 3-45 MHz at a power level of up to
35 KWatts. The air core inductors 70 are electromagnetically
coupled to generate a voltage from the magnetic and/or electric
field generated by the MRI signals 28. The switching module 72
engages the switches via control signals 74 to couple the inductors
70 in series and/or parallel to generate a desired AC voltage. The
rectifier circuit 66 and the capacitor(s) convert the desired AC
voltage into the one or more supply voltages 56.
[0091] FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment
of a power harvesting module 46 that includes a plurality of Hall
effect devices 76, a power combining module 78, and a capacitor(s).
In an example of operation, the Hall effect devices 76 generate a
voltage based on the constant magnetic field (H) and/or a varying
magnetic field. The power combining module 78 (e.g., a wire, a
switch network, a transistor network, a diode network, etc.)
combines the voltages of the Hall effect devices 76 to produce the
one or more supply voltages 56.
[0092] FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment
of a power harvesting module 46 that includes a plurality of
piezoelectric devices 82, a power combining module 78, and a
capacitor(s). In an example of operation, the piezoelectric devices
82 generate a voltage based on body movement, ultrasound signals,
movement of body fluids, etc. The power combining module 78 (e.g.,
a wire, a switch network, a transistor network, a diode network,
etc.) combines the voltages of the Hall effect devices 82 to
produce the one or more supply voltages 56. Note that the
piezoelectric devices 82 may include one or more of a piezoelectric
motor, a piezoelectric actuator, a piezoelectric sensor, and/or a
piezoelectric high voltage device.
[0093] The various embodiments of the power harvesting module 46
may be combined to generate more power, more supply voltages, etc.
For example, the embodiment of FIG. 9 may be combined with one or
more of the embodiments of FIGS. 11 and 12.
[0094] FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment
of a bio-medical unit 10 that includes a power harvesting module
46, a communication module 48, a processing module 50, memory 52,
and may include one or more functional modules 54 and/or a Hall
effect communication module 116. The communication module 48 may
include one or more of an ultrasound transceiver 118, an
electromagnetic transceiver 122, an RF and/or MMW transceiver 120,
and a light source (LED) transceiver 124. Note that examples of the
various types of communication modules 48 will be described in
greater detail with reference to one or more of FIGS. 14-49.
[0095] The one or more functional modules 54 may perform a repair
function, an imaging function, and/or a leakage detection function,
which may utilize one or more of a motion propulsion module 96, a
camera module 98, a sampling robotics module 100, a treatment
robotics module 102, an accelerometer module 104, a flow meter
module 106, a transducer module 108, a gyroscope module 110, a high
voltage generator module 112, a control release robotics module
114, and/or other functional modules described with reference to
one or more other figures. The functional modules 54 may be
implemented using MEMS technology and/or nanotechnology. For
example, the camera module 98 may be implemented as a digital image
sensor in MEMS technology. Example of these various modules will be
described in greater detail with reference to one or more of FIGS.
14-49.
[0096] The Hall effect communication module 116 utilizes variations
in the magnetic field and/or electrical field to produce a plus or
minus voltage, which can be encoded to convey information. For
example, the charge applied to one or more Hall effect devices 76
may be varied to produce the voltage change. As another example, an
MRI transmitter 20 and/or gradient unit may modulate a signal on
the magnetic field 26 it generates to produce variations in the
magnetic field 26.
[0097] FIG. 14 is a diagram of another embodiment of a system that
includes one or more bio-medical units 10, a transmitter unit 126,
and a receiver unit 128. Each of the bio-medical units 10 includes
a power harvesting module 46, a MMW transceiver 138, a processing
module 50, and memory 52. The transmitter unit 126 includes a MRI
transmitter 130 and a MMW transmitter 132. The receiver unit 128
includes a MRI receiver 134 and a MMW receiver 136. Note that the
MMW transmitter 132 and MMW receiver 136 may be in the same unit
(e.g., in the transmitter unit, in the receiver unit, or housed in
a separate device).
[0098] In an example of operation, the bio-medical unit 10 recovers
power from the electromagnetic (EM) signals 146 transmitted by the
MRI transmitter 130 and communicates via MMW signals 148-150 with
the MMW transmitter 132 and MMW receiver 136. The MRI transmitter
130 may be part of a portable MRI device, may be part of a full
sized MRI machine, and/or part of a separate device for generating
EM signals 146 for powering the bio-medical unit 10.
[0099] FIG. 15 is a diagram of an example of a communication
protocol within the system of FIG. 14. In this diagram, the MRI
transmitter 20 transmits RF signals 152, which have a frequency in
the range of 3-45 MHz, at various intervals with varying signal
strengths. The power harvesting module 46 of the bio-medical units
10 may use these signals to generate power for the bio-medical unit
10.
[0100] In addition to the MRI transmitter 20 transmitting its
signal, a constant magnetic field and various gradient magnetic
fields 154-164 are created (one or more in the x dimension Gx, one
or more in the y dimension Gy, and one or more in the z direction
Gz). The power harvesting module 46 of the bio-medical unit 10 may
further use the constant magnetic field and/or the varying magnetic
fields 154-164 to create power for the bio-medical unit 10.
[0101] During non-transmission periods of the cycle, the
bio-medical unit 10 may communicate 168 with the MMW transmitter
132 and/or MMW receiver 136. In this regard, the bio-medical unit
10 alternates from generating power to MMW communication in
accordance with the conventional transmission-magnetic field
pattern of an MRI machine.
[0102] FIG. 16 is a diagram of another embodiment of a system
includes one or more bio-medical units 10, a transmitter unit 126,
and a receiver unit 128. Each of the bio-medical units 10 includes
a power harvesting module 46, an EM transceiver 174, a processing
module 50, and memory 52. The transmitter unit 126 includes a MRI
transmitter 130 and electromagnetic (EM) modulator 170. The
receiver unit 128 includes a MRI receiver 134 and an EM demodulator
172. The transmitter unit 126 and receiver unit 128 may be part of
a portable MRI device, may be part of a full sized MRI machine, or
part of a separate device for generating EM signals for powering
the bio-medical unit 10.
[0103] In an example of operation, the MRI transmitter 130
generates an electromagnetic signal that is received by the EM
modulator 170. The EM modulator 170 modulates a communication
signal on the EM signal to produce an inbound modulated EM signal
176. The EM modulator 170 may modulate (e.g., amplitude modulation,
frequency modulation, amplitude shift keying, frequency shift
keying, etc.) the magnetic field and/or electric field of the EM
signal. In another embodiment, the EM modulator 170 may modulate
the magnetic fields produced by the gradient coils to produce the
inbound modulated EM signals 176.
[0104] The bio-medical unit 10 recovers power from the modulated
electromagnetic (EM) signals. In addition, the EM transceiver 174
demodulates the modulated EM signals 178 to recover the
communication signal. For outbound signals, the EM transceiver 174
modulates an outbound communication signal to produce outbound
modulated EM signals 180. In this instance, the EM transceiver 174
is generating an EM signal that, in air, is modulated on the EM
signal transmitted by the transmitter unit 126. In one embodiment,
the communication in this system is half duplex such that the
modulation of the inbound and outbound communication signals is at
the same frequency. In another embodiment, the modulation of the
inbound and outbound communication signals are at different
frequencies to enable full duplex communication.
[0105] FIG. 17 is a diagram of another example of a communication
protocol within the system of FIG. 19. In this diagram, the MRI
transmitter 20 transmits RF signals 152, which have a frequency in
the range of 3-45 MHz, at various intervals with varying signal
strengths. The power harvesting module 46 of the bio-medical units
10 may use these signals to generate power for the bio-medical unit
10.
[0106] In addition to the MRI transmitter 20 transmitting its
signal, a constant magnetic field and various gradient magnetic
fields are created 154-164 (one or more in the x dimension Gx, one
or more in the y dimension Gy, and one or more in the z direction
Gz). The power harvesting module 46 of the bio-medical unit 10 may
further use the constant magnetic field and/or the varying magnetic
fields 154-164 to create power for the bio-medical unit 10.
[0107] During the transmission periods of the cycle, the
bio-medical unit 10 may communicate via the modulated EM signals
182. In this regard, the bio-medical unit 10 generates power and
communicates in accordance with the conventional
transmission-magnetic field pattern of an MRI machine.
[0108] FIG. 18 is a diagram of another embodiment of a system that
includes one or more bio-medical units 10, the patient's cell phone
200, a WAN communication device 34, a service provider's computer
186, a network 42, one or more databases 40, and a server 188. The
bio-medical unit 10 includes a power harvesting module 46, a
processing module 50, memory 52, and a MMW transceiver 138. The
memory 52 is storing URL data for the patient 190. Note that the
bio-medical unit 10 may be implanted in the patient, on the
patient's body, or on the patient's person (e.g., in a medical tag,
a key chain, etc.).
[0109] The URL data 190 includes one or more URLs 192 that identify
locations of the patient's medical records. For example, one URL
may be for the patient's prescription records, another may be for
hospitalizations, another for general office visits, etc. In this
regard, the bio-medical unit 10 is an index to easily access the
patient's medical history.
[0110] For a service provider to access the patient's medical
records, or a portion thereof, the patient's cell phone retrieves
200 the URL(s) 192 from the bio-medical unit 10. The cell phone 200
generates a request to access the patient's information, where the
request includes the URL(s) 192, the service provider's ID, the
patient's ID, and a data request. The request is provided, via the
WAN device 34 and the network 42, to the server 188.
[0111] The server 188 processes 198 the request. If the service
provider is authenticated and the request is valid, the server
issues a data retrieval message to the one or more databases 40
identified by the URL(s) 192. The addressed database(s) 40
retrieves the data and provides it via the network 42 and the WAN
device 34 to the service provider's computer 186.
[0112] FIG. 19 is a diagram of another embodiment of a system that
includes one or more bio-medical units 10, the patient's cell phone
200, a WAN communication device 34, a service provider's computer
186, a network 42, one or more databases 40, and a server 188. The
bio-medical unit 10 includes a power harvesting module 46, a
processing module 50, memory 52, and a MMW transceiver 138. The
memory 52 is storing URL data for the patient. Note that the
bio-medical unit 10 may be implanted in the patient, on the
patient's body, or on the patient's person (e.g., in a medical tag,
a key chain, etc.).
[0113] The URL data includes one or more URLs that identify
locations of the patient's medical records. For example, one URL
may be for the patient's prescription records, another may be for
hospitalizations, another for general office visits, etc. In this
regard, the bio-medical unit is an index to easily access the
patient's medical history.
[0114] To update the URL(s) in the bio-medical unit 10, the server
188 determines when an update is needed 212. When an update is
needed, the server 188 generates an update message that includes
the identity of the patient's cell phone 200, the updated URL data
208, and the identity of the bio-medical unit 10. The server 188
provides the update message to the patient's cell phone 200 via the
network 42 and a base station 202. The patient's cell phone 200
processes the update message and, when validated, provides the
updated URL data 208 to the bio-medical unit 10 for storage in
memory 52 as stored updated patient URL(s) 206.
[0115] FIG. 20 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of
networked bio-medical units 10 that communicate with each other,
perform sensing functions to produce sensed data 218-232, process
the sensed data to produce processed data, and transmit the
processed data 216. The bio-medical units 10 may be positioned in a
body part to sense data across the body part and to transmit data
to an external communication device. The transmitted data may be
further processed or aggregated from sensed data.
[0116] The bio-medical units 10 may monitor various types of
biological functions over a short term or a long term to produce
the sensed data 218-232. Note that the sensed data 218-232 may
include blood flow rate, blood pressure, temperature, air flow,
blood oxygen level, density, white cell count, red cell count,
position information, etc.
[0117] The bio-medical unit 10 establishes communications with one
or more other bio-medical units 10 to facilitate the communication
of sensed data 218-232 and processed data 216. The communication
may include EM signals, MMW signals, optical signals, sound
signals, and/or RF signals.
[0118] The bio-medical unit 10 may determine position information
based on the sensed data 218-232 and include the position
information in the communication. The bio-medical unit 10 may also
determine a mode of operation based on one or more of a command, a
list, a predetermination, sensed data, and/or processed data. For
example, a bio-medical unit 10 at the center of the body part may
be in a mode to sense temperature and a bio-medical unit 10 at the
outside edge of the body part may sense blood flow.
[0119] The bio-medical unit 10 may receive processed data 218-232
from another bio-medical unit and re-send the same processed data
218-232 to yet another bio-medical unit 10. The bio-medical unit 10
may produce processed data based on sensed data 218-232 from the
bio-medical unit 10 and/or received processed data from another
bio-medical unit 10.
[0120] FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of
networked bio-medical unit data where the bio-medical unit
determines the sense mode based on one or more of a
predetermination, a stored mode indicator in memory, a command,
and/or a dynamic sensed data condition. The method begins at step
234 where the bio-medical unit 10 determines the mode. The method
branches to step 240 when the bio-medical unit 10 determines that
the mode is process and sense. The method continues to step 236
when the bio-medical unit 10 determines that the mode is sense
only.
[0121] At step 236, the bio-medical unit 10 gathers data from one
or more of the functional modules 54 to produce sensed data. The
bio-medical unit 10 may transmit the sensed data 238 to another
bio-medical unit 10 and/or an external communication device in
accordance with the sense mode. For example, the bio-medical unit
10 may transmit the sensed data at a specific time, to a specific
bio-medical unit 10, to a specific external communication device,
after a certain time period, when the data is sensed, and/or when
the sensed data compares favorably to a threshold (e.g., a
temperature trip point).
[0122] The method continues at step 240 where the bio-medical unit
10 determines whether it has received data from another unit 10. If
not, the method continues to step 250, where the bio-medical unit
10 transmits its sensed data to another bio-medical unit 10 and/or
an external communication device in accordance with the sense
mode.
[0123] When the bio-medical unit 10 has received data from another
unit, the method continues at step 242, where the bio-medical unit
10 determines a data function to perform based on one or more of
the content of the received data, the sensed data, a command,
and/or a predetermination. The data function may one or more of
initialization, comparing, compiling, and/or performing a data
analysis algorithm.
[0124] The method continues at step 244, where the bio-medical unit
10 gathers data from the functional modules 54, and/or the received
data from one or more other bio-medical units 10. The method
continues at step 246, where the bio-medical unit 10 processes the
data in accordance with a function to produce processed data. In
addition to the example provided above, the function may also
include the functional assignment of the bio-medical unit 10 as
determined by a predetermination, a command, sensed data, and/or
processed data (e.g., measure blood pressure from the plurality of
bio-medical units and summarize the high, low, and average).
[0125] The method continues at step 248, where the bio-medical unit
10 transmits the processed data to another bio-medical unit 10
and/or to an external communication device in accordance with the
sense mode. For example, the bio-medical unit 10 may transmit the
sensed data at a specific time, to a specific bio-medical unit 10,
to a specific external communication device, after a certain time
period, when the data is sensed, and/or when the sensed data
compares favorably to a threshold (e.g., a temperature trip point).
Note that the communication protocol may be the same or different
between bio-medical units 10 and/or between the bio-medical unit 10
and the external communication device.
[0126] FIG. 22 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
plurality of imaging bio-medical units 10 in a body part 214 where
image data A-H 218-232 is provided by the plurality of imaging
bio-medical units 10 that may pertain to a mass 216 within the body
part 214.
[0127] The bio-medical units 10 may determine an operational mode
based on a pre-determination (e.g., pre-programmed) and/or system
level coordination commands received from an external communication
device. The operational mode may specify how to gather image data
(e.g., MMW radar sweep, ultrasound, light) and where to gather it
(e.g., pointing at a specific location within the body).
[0128] In an example, the bio-medical units 10 perform the MMW
radar sweep of a mass 216 in a body part in a coordinated fashion
such that each bio-medical unit 10 performs the MMW radar sweep
sequentially. In another example, one bio-medical unit 10 transmits
a radar sweep while the other bio-medical units 10 generate image
data based on received reflections.
[0129] FIG. 23 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of
plurality bio-medical units 10 that is encircling cancer cells. The
bio-medical units 10 disperse a drug therapy 236 (e.g.,
chemotherapy cancer drugs) and substantially contain the drug
therapy 236 to a localized area 234 in a body part 214 (e.g.,
around the cancer cells) via electromagnetic energy. For example,
the drug 236 may be induced with a magnetic charge that is opposite
to the electromagnetic energy of the bio-medical units such that is
substantially stays in a desired location. As another example, the
drug 236 may be ionized and/or include an inert catalyst.
[0130] One or more of the bio-medical units 10 may determine to
deliver the drug therapy 236 and/or one or more of the bio-medical
units 10 may determine to contain the drug therapy 236 to the
localized area 234. The determinations are based on one or more of
a predetermination (e.g., in memory), a command (e.g., via
communication from an external communication device), a time
schedule, and/or sensed data (e.g., the proximity of the localized
area, cancer cell growth, white blood cell count, etc.).
[0131] FIG. 24 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
plurality of bio-medical units 10 containing an ionized drug
therapy 236 around a cancer cell mass 234. The bio-medical unit
communication module 48 may utilize beam forming in conjunction
with one or more other bio-medical unit communication modules 48
such that the resulting composite electric field E substantially
contains the ionized drug therapy 236.
[0132] In an embodiment of a bio-medical unit, the communication
module 48 may communicate with other communication modules 48 to
coordinate the beam forming. Alternatively, the communication
modules 48 may receive a command from the external communication
device to coordinate the beamforming. Note that the bio-medical
unit 10 may vary the E field generation based on one or more of
sensed data (e.g., the drug therapy is moving), a command, and/or
available power.
[0133] FIG. 25 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
parent bio-medical unit (on the left) communicating with an
external unit to coordinates the functions of one or more children
bio-medical units 10 (on the right). The parent unit includes a
communication module 48 for external communications, a
communication module 48 for communication with the children units,
the processing module 50, the memory 52, and the power harvesting
module 46. Note that the parent unit may be implemented one or more
chips and may in the body or one the body.
[0134] Each of the child units includes a communication module 48
for communication with the parent unit and/or other children units,
a MEMS robotics 244, and the power harvesting module 46. The MEMS
robotics 244 may include one or more of a MEMS technology saw,
drill, spreader, needle, injection system, and actuator. The
communication module 48 may support RF and/or MMW inbound and/or
outbound signals 60 to the parent unit such that the parent unit
may command the child units in accordance with external
communications commands.
[0135] In an example of operation, the patent bio-medical unit
receives a communication from the external source, where the
communication indicates a particular function the child units are
to perform. The parent unit processes the communication and relays
relative portions to the child units in accordance with a control
mode. Each of the child units receives their respective commands
and performs the corresponding functions to achieve the desired
function.
[0136] FIG. 26 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment
of a plurality of task coordinated bio-medical units 10 including a
parent bio-medical unit 10 (on the left) and one or more children
bio-medical units 10 (on the right). The parent unit may be
implemented one or more chips and may in the body or one the body.
The parent unit may harvest power in conjunction with the power
booster 84.
[0137] The parent unit includes the communication module 48 for
external communications, the communication module 48 for
communication with the children units, the processing module 50,
the memory 52, a MEMS electrostatic motor 248, and the power
harvesting module 46. The child unit includes the communication
module 48 for communication with the parent unit and/or other
children units, a MEMS electrostatic motor 248, the MEMS robotics
244, and the power harvesting module 46. Note that the child unit
has fewer components as compared to the parent unit and may be
smaller facilitating more applications where smaller bio-medical
units 10 enhances their effectiveness.
[0138] The MEMS robotics 244 may include one or more of a MEMS
technology saw, drill, spreader, needle, injection system, and
actuator. The MEMS electrostatic motor 248 may provide mechanical
power for the MEMS robotics 244 and/or may provide movement
propulsion for the child unit such that the child unit may be
positioned to optimize effectiveness. The child units may operate
in unison to affect a common task. For example, the plurality of
child units may operate in unison to saw through a tissue area.
[0139] The child unit communication module 48 may support RF and/or
MMW inbound and/or outbound signals 60 to the parent unit such that
the parent unit may command the children units in accordance with
external communications commands.
[0140] The child unit may determine a control mode and operate in
accordance with the control mode. The child unit determines the
control mode based on one or more of a command from a parent
bio-medical unit, external communications, a preprogrammed list,
and/or in response to sensor data. Note that the control mode may
include autonomous, parent (bio-medical unit), server, and/or peer
as previously discussed.
[0141] FIG. 27 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
bio-medical unit 10 based imaging system that includes the
bio-medical unit 10, the communication device 24, a database 254,
and an in vivo image unit 252. The bio-medical unit 10 may perform
scans and provide the in vivo image unit 252 with processed image
data for diagnostic visualization.
[0142] The bio-medical unit 10 includes a MEMS image sensor 256,
the communication module 48 for external communications with the
communication device, the processing module 50, the memory 52, the
MEMS electrostatic motor 248, and the power harvesting module 46.
In an embodiment the bio-medical unit 10 and communication device
24 communicate directly. In another embodiment, the bio-medical
unit 10 and communication device 24 communicate through one or more
intermediate networks (e.g., wireline, wireless, cellular, local
area wireless, Bluetooth, etc.). The MEMS image sensor 256 may
include one or more sensors scan types for optical signals, MMW
signals, RF signals, EM signals, and/or sound signals.
[0143] The in vivo unit 252 may send a command to the bio-medical
unit 10 via the communication device 24 to request scan data. The
request may include the scan type. The in vivo unit 252 may receive
the processed image data from the bio-medical unit 10, compare it
to data in the database 254, process the data further, and provide
image visualization.
[0144] FIG. 28 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
communication and diagnostic bio-medical unit 10 pair where the
pair utilize an optical communication medium between them to
analyze material between them (e.g., tissue, blood flow, air flow,
etc,) and to carry messages (e.g., status, commands, records, test
results, scan data, processed scan data, etc.).
[0145] The bio-medical unit 10 includes a MEMS light source 256, a
MEMS image sensor 258, the communication module 48 (e.g., for
external communications with the communication device 24), the
processing module 50, the memory 52, the MEMS electrostatic motor
248 (e.g., for propulsion and/or tasks), and the power harvesting
module 46. The bio-medical unit 10 may also include the MEMS light
source 256 to facilitate the performance of light source tasks. The
MEMS image sensor 258 may be a camera, a light receiving diode, or
infrared receiver. The MEMS light source 256 may emit visible
light, infrared light, ultraviolet light, and may be capable of
varying or sweeping the frequency across a wide band.
[0146] The processing module 50 may utilize the MEMS image sensor
258 and the MEMS light source 256 to communicate with the other
bio-medical unit 10 using pulse code modulation, pulse position
modulation, or any other modulation scheme suitable for light
communications. The processing module 50 may multiplex messages
utilizing frequency division, wavelength division, and/or time
division multiplexing.
[0147] The bio-medical optical communications may facilitate
communication with one or more other bio-medical units 10. In an
embodiment, a star architecture is utilized where one bio-medical
unit 10 at the center of the star communicates to a plurality of
bio-medical units 10 around the center where each of the plurality
of bio-medical units 10 only communicate with the bio-medical unit
10 at the center of the star. In an embodiment, a mesh architecture
is utilized where each bio-medical unit 10 communicates as many of
the plurality of other bio-medical units 10 as possible and where
each of the plurality of bio-medical units 10 may relay messages
from one unit to another unit through the mesh.
[0148] The processing module 50 may utilize the MEMS image sensor
258 and the MEMS light source 256 of one bio-medical unit 10 to
reflect light signals off of matter in the body to determine the
composition and position of the matter. In another embodiment, the
processing module 50 may utilize the MEMS light source 256 of one
bio-medical unit 10 and the MEMS image sensor 258 of a second
bio-medical unit 10 to pass light signals through matter in the
body to determine the composition and position of the matter. The
processing module 50 may pulse the light on and off, sweep the
light frequency, vary the amplitude and may use other perturbations
to determine the matter composition and location.
[0149] FIG. 29 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
bio-medical unit 10 based sounding system that includes the
bio-medical unit 10, the communication device 24, the database 254,
and a speaker 260. The bio-medical unit 10 may perform scans and
provide the speaker 260 with processed sounding data for diagnostic
purposes via the communication device 24.
[0150] The bio-medical unit 10 includes a MEMS microphone 262, the
communication module 48 for external communications with the
communication device 24, the processing module 50, the memory 52,
the MEMS electrostatic motor 248, and the power harvesting module
46. In an embodiment the bio-medical unit 10 and communication
device 24 communicate directly. In another embodiment, the
bio-medical unit 10 and communication device 24 communicate through
one or more intermediate networks (e.g., wireline, wireless,
cellular, local area wireless, Bluetooth, etc.) The MEMS microphone
262 may include one or more sensors to detect audible sound
signals, sub-sonic sound signals, and/or ultrasonic sound
signals.
[0151] The processing module 50 may produce the processed sounding
data based in part on the received sound signals and in part on
data in the database 254. The processing module 50 may retrieve
data via the communication module 48 and communication device 24
link from the database 254 to assist in the processing of the
signals (e.g., pattern matching, filter recommendations, sound
field types). The processing module 50 may process the signals to
detect objects, masses, air flow, liquid flow, tissue, distances,
etc. The processing module 50 may provide the processed sounding
data to the speaker 260 for audible interpretation. In another
embodiment, the bio-medical unit 10 assists an ultrasound imaging
system by relaying ultrasonic sounds from the MEMS microphone 262
to the ultrasound imaging system instead of to the speaker 260.
[0152] FIG. 30 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment
of a bio-medical unit 10 communication and diagnostic pair where
the pair utilize an audible communication medium between them to
analyze material between them (e.g., tissue, blood flow, air flow,
etc,) and to carry messages (e.g., status, commands, records, test
results, scan data, processed scan data, etc.). The bio-medical
unit 10 includes the MEMS microphone 262, a MEMS speaker 264, the
communication module 48 (e.g., for external communications with the
communication device), the processing module 50, the memory 52, the
MEMS electrostatic motor 248 (e.g., for propulsion and/or tasks),
and the power harvesting module 46. The bio-medical unit 10 may
also include the MEMS speaker 264 to facilitate performance of
sound source tasks.
[0153] The MEMS microphone 262 and MEMS speaker 264 may utilize
audible sound signals, sub-sonic sound signals, and/or ultrasonic
sound signals and may be capable of varying or sweeping sound
frequencies across a wide band. The processing module 50 may
utilize the MEMS microphone 262 and MEMS speaker 264 to communicate
with the other bio-medical unit 10 using pulse code modulation,
pulse position modulation, amplitude modulation, frequency
modulation, or any other modulation scheme suitable for sound
communications. The processing module 50 may multiplex messages
utilizing frequency division and/or time division multiplexing.
[0154] The bio-medical sound based communications may facilitate
communication with one or more other bio-medical units 10. In an
embodiment, a star architecture is utilized where one bio-medical
unit 10 at the center of the star communicates to a plurality of
bio-medical units 10 around the center where each of the plurality
of bio-medical units 10 only communicate with the bio-medical unit
10 at the center of the star. In an embodiment, a mesh architecture
is utilized where each bio-medical unit 10 communicates as many of
the plurality of other bio-medical units 10 as possible and where
each of the plurality of bio-medical units 10 may relay messages
from one unit to another unit through the mesh.
[0155] The processing module 50 may utilize the MEMS microphone 262
and MEMS speaker 264 of one bio-medical unit 10 to reflect sound
signals off of matter in the body to determine the composition and
position of the matter. In another embodiment, the processing
module 50 may utilize the MEMS microphone 262 of one bio-medical
unit 10 and the MEMS speaker 264 of a second bio-medical unit 10 to
pass sound signals through matter in the body to determine the
composition and position of the matter. The processing module 50
may pulse the sound on and off, sweep the sound frequency, vary the
amplitude and may use other perturbations to determine the matter
composition and location.
[0156] FIG. 31 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
sound based imaging system including a plurality of bio-medical
units 10 utilizing short range ultrasound signals in the 2-18 MHz
range to facilitate imaging a body object 268. The bio-medical unit
10 includes at least one ultrasound transducer 266, the
communication module 48 (e.g., for external communications with the
communication device and for communications with other bio-medical
units), the processing module 50, the memory 52, and the power
harvesting module 46. The ultrasound transducer 266 may be
implemented utilizing MEMS technology.
[0157] The processing module 50 controls the ultrasonic transducer
266 to produce ultrasonic signals and receive resulting reflections
from the body object 268. The processing module 50 may coordinate
with the processing module 50 of at least one other bio-medical
unit 10 to produce ultrasonic signal beams (e.g., constructive
simultaneous phased transmissions directed in one direction) and
receive resulting reflections from the body object. The processing
module 50 may perform the coordination and/or the plurality of
processing modules 50 may perform the coordination. In embodiment,
the plurality of processing modules 50 receives coordination
information via the communication module 48 from at least one other
bio-medical unit 10. In another embodiment, the plurality of
processing modules 50 receives coordination information via the
communication module 48 from an external communication device.
[0158] The processing module produces processed ultrasonic signals
based on the received ultrasonic reflections from the body object
268. For example, the processed ultrasonic signals may represent a
sonogram of the body part. The processing module 50 may send the
processed ultrasonic signals to the external communication device
and/or to one or more of the plurality of bio-medical units 10.
[0159] FIG. 32 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
breast implant system 308 that may be implanted within breast
tissue 306 and may communicate with a communication device 24. The
breast implant system 308 includes a shell 311 (e.g., silicon), a
viscous material 313 (e.g., saline and/or silicon), and a plurality
of bio-medical units 310-316. The bio-medical units may include one
or more image sensing bio-medical units 310, one or more repair
tool bio-medical units 312, one or more leakage detection
bio-medical units 314, and/or one or more repair material
bio-medical units 316.
[0160] Each of the bio-medical units310-316 includes a wireless
power harvesting module, a functional module, and a wireless
communication module. The wireless power harvesting module
generates a supply voltage from a wireless source (e.g., MRI
signals, RF signals, body motion, ultrasound signals, etc.) as
previously discussed. The wireless communication module facilitates
wireless communications between the functional module and the
communication device 24 in a manner as previously discussed. For
example, the communication may involve gathering of data by the
unit, transmitting data by the unit, performing a command from the
communication device 24, etc.
[0161] The functional module of a bio-medical unit 310-316 performs
a function when activated and powered by the supply voltage. The
function may be one or more of a repair function (e.g., tool and/or
repair material), an imaging function, and a leakage detection
function. For example, the repair function may be one or more of a
cutting function (e.g., laser, knife, scissors, etc.), a grasping
function (e.g., pliers, clamp, etc.) and a patching function.
(e.g., stapler, sewing, canister for holding a repair material of
silicon, saline, and/or other patching material, etc.). As another
example, the leakage detection function may include one or more of
a pressure detection function and a position detection function. As
yet another example, the imaging function may include one or more
of a radio frequency radar imaging function, an ultrasound imaging
function, a magnetic resonance imaging function, a digital image
sensor function, a millimeter wave radar imaging function, and a
light imaging function.
[0162] One or more of bio-medical units 310-316 may each be affixed
to the shell 311 and/or to the viscous material 313. For example,
at least some of bio-medical units 310-316 are fixed in a
stationary position in the shell. As a specific example, some of
the units 310-316 may be embedded in the shell during the
manufacture of the shell 311. As another specific example, some of
the units 310-316 may be affixed to the shell during the breast
augmentation surgery. As yet another example, some of the units may
include a housing that enables the bio-medical unit to be suspended
in a desired position within the viscous material. For instance,
the housing may of a material, include a magnetic polarization,
and/or be ionized to enable its suspension within the viscous
material 313.
[0163] In another embodiment, one or more of the bio-medical unit
310-316 further includes a motion module that enables the
bio-medical unit to be positioned within the viscous material 313
based on positioning wireless communications received by the
wireless communication module. Examples of motion modules have been
discussed in one or more of the preceding figures.
[0164] In an example of operation, the breast implant system 308
communicates with the communication device 24 to perform a
mammogram function, to detect damage to the shell 311 that may
cause a leak, to detect a leak within the shell, to repair the
leak, etc. For instance, the communication device 24 may instruct
the plurality of image sensing bio-medical units 310 to capture
images of the surround breast tissue 306 and provide the images to
the communication device 24. The communication device 24 may
process the images to produce a mammogram or provide the images to
another device for processing. In either situation, a mammogram can
be performed without a visit to a doctor's office, may be performed
at any time, and with any regularity. With a substantial percentage
of US woman having breast implants and about 12% US woman
contracting breast cancer, the breast implant system 308 enables
easy and early detection of breast cancer and will help to save
lives.
[0165] As another example of operation, the communication device 24
may instruct the breast implant system 308 to periodically check
for leaks. (Note that, at the writing of this patent application,
many breast implants have an effect life of about 10 years, meaning
they have to be repaired and/or replaced every ten years;
subjecting a woman to surgery every 10 years of her life.) In this
example, the plurality of leakage detection bio-medical units 314
function to measure the shape, volume, and/or pressure of the
breast implant system 306. This information is provided to the
communication device 24, which can determine whether a changed has
occurred since the last measurement and determine whether the
change is due to a potential leak.
[0166] If the communication device 24 suspects a leak, it may
engage the imaging sensing bio-medical units 310 to capture images
of the shell 311 and provide it with the images. The communication
device 24 processes the images to determine whether the shell has a
leak or may be on the verge of have a leak. Alternatively, the
communication device 24 may engage the leakage detection
bio-medical units 314 to gather data regarding movement of the
viscous material 313 within the shell 311 and provide it with the
data. From the data, the communication device 24 analyzes the
movement of the viscous material 311 and may detect a leak
therefrom.
[0167] If the communication device determines a leak, it engages
the plurality of repair tool bio-medical units 312 and the
plurality of repair material bio-medical units 316 to repair it.
For instance, the communication device 24 may instruct the repair
tool units 312 to hold a damaged area of the shell while it
instructs the repair material units 316 to repair the damage. As a
specific example, if the shell has a puncture, the repair tool
units 312 may clasp the punctured area closed while the repair
material units 316 dispense a patch material (e.g., silicon) to
patch the punctured area. Note that the same may be done for a weak
area of the shell prior to leak actually occurring. In either of
these cases, leakage of a breast implant is substantially reduced
and/or eliminated, thus substantially reducing the health risks of
a breast implant leak.
[0168] In another example of operation, the bio-medical units
310-316 operation in an autonomous manner to gather image data,
process the image data, detect leaks, and/or repair leaks or
weakened areas of the shell. In this example, the plurality of
image sensing bio-medical units 310 periodically (e.g., once a
week, once a month, etc.) captures images of the surround breast
tissue 306. The units 310 may store the data and provide it to the
communication device 24 when communication is established
therebetween. Alternatively, the units 310 may process the images
to produce a mammogram, which is subsequently provided to the
communication device 24.
[0169] In furtherance of this example, the plurality of leakage
detection bio-medical units 314 periodically measures the shape,
volume, and/or pressure of the breast implant system 306. The units
314 store the information and provided it to the communication
device 24 when communication is established therebetween.
Alternatively, the units may process the data to determine whether
a changed has occurred since the last measurement and determine
whether the change is due to a potential leak.
[0170] If a leak is suspected, the detection units 314 may engage
the imaging sensing bio-medical units 310 to capture images of the
shell 311 to determine whether the shell has a leak or may be on
the verge of have a leak. Alternatively, the leakage detection
bio-medical units 314 may gather data regarding movement of the
viscous material 313 within the shell 311 and analyze the movement
of the viscous material 311 to detect a leak therefrom. If a leak
is detected, the plurality of repair tool bio-medical units 312 and
the plurality of repair material bio-medical units 316 are
activated to repair it.
[0171] In another embodiment, the breast implant system 308
includes the shell 311, the viscous material 313, and a bio-medical
unit (e.g., 310). The bio-medical unit is affixed to the shell
and/or the viscous material and includes a wireless power
harvesting module, a breast cancer detection module, and a wireless
communication module. The wireless power harvesting and the
wireless communication modules function as previously described.
The breast cancer detection module is operable to detect possible
breast cancer when activated and powered by the supply voltage.
[0172] The breast cancer detection module includes one or more of a
radio frequency radar imaging module, an ultrasound imaging module,
a magnetic resonance imaging module, a digital image sensor, a
millimeter wave radar imaging module, and a light imaging module.
The bio-medical unit may also include a motion module operable to
position the bio-medical unit within the viscous material based on
positioning wireless communications received by the wireless
communication module. The bio-medical unit may further include a
housing to contain the wireless power harvesting module, the
functional module, and the wireless communication module, wherein
the bio-medical unit is suspended in a desired position within the
viscous material.
[0173] FIG. 33 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
leakage detection bio-medical unit 314 where the bio-medical unit
314 may detect leakage in a breast implant and report the leakage.
The bio-medical unit 314 includes a MEMS pressure sensor 320, the
communication module 48 (e.g., for external communications with the
communication device and for communications with other bio-medical
units), the processing module 50, the memory 52, and the power
harvesting module 46.
[0174] The processing module 50 may utilize the MEMS pressure
sensor 320 to periodically sample the pressure, save a pressure
indicator in the memory 52, and process the plurality of pressure
indicators to produce a processed pressure indicator. The processed
pressure indicator may be an average, mean, medium, and may include
short term and long term metrics. For example, a short term metric
may include a rolling average of one hundred samples over the last
twenty four hours and a long term metric may include a rolling
average of one thousand samples over the last sixty days.
[0175] The processing module 50 may send the processed pressure
indicator to one or more other bio-medical units 10 and/or to the
communication device 24 for further processing and decision making.
In another embodiment, the processing module 50 may compare the
processed pressure indicator to one or more thresholds to determine
if a leak may be present. The processing module 50 may acquire the
thresholds from one or more of a predetermination, a command,
and/or an adaptive algorithm (e.g., to filter out false
alarms).
[0176] FIG. 34 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment
of a leakage detection bio-medical unit 314 where the bio-medical
unit may detect leakage in a breast implant and report the leakage.
The bio-medical unit 314 includes a MEMS position sensor 324, the
communication module 48 (e.g., for external communications with the
communication device and for communications with other bio-medical
units), the processing module 50, the memory 52, and the power
harvesting module 46.
[0177] The processing module 50 may utilize the MEMS position
sensor 324 to periodically determine the position of the unit
relative to the position of other units and/or the breast implant
308, save a position indicator in the memory 52, and process the
plurality of position indicators to produce a processed position
indicator. The processed position indicator may be an average,
mean, medium, and may include short term and long term metrics. For
example, a short term metric may include a rolling average of one
hundred samples over the last twenty four hours and a long term
metric may include a rolling average of one thousand samples over
the last sixty days.
[0178] The processing module 50 may send the processed position
indicator to one or more other bio-medical units 10 and/or to the
communication device 24 for further processing and decision making.
In another embodiment, the processing module 50 may compare the
processed position indicator to one or more thresholds to determine
if a leak may be present (e.g., the position indicators suggest a
volume change). The processing module 50 may acquire the thresholds
from one or more of a predetermination, a command, and/or an
adaptive algorithm (e.g., to filter out false alarms).
[0179] FIG. 35 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an
image sensing bio-medical unit 310 where the bio-medical unit 310
may provide one or more imaging functions. The bio-medical unit 310
includes a MEMS image sensor, 328 the communication module 48
(e.g., for external communications with the communication device
and for communications with other bio-medical units), the
processing module 50, the memory 52, and the power harvesting
module 46.
[0180] The processing module 50 may utilize the MEMS image sensor
328 to periodically determine images including images based on a
camera, ultrasound, RF radar, MMW radar, and light. The processing
module 50 may process the image to produce a processed image. For
example, the processing module 50 may pattern match the image to
determine the location of a leak in a breast implant 308.
[0181] The processing module 50 may send the processed image to one
or more other bio-medical units 10 and/or to the communication
device 24 for further processing and decision making. In another
embodiment, the processing module 50 may compare the processed
image to one or more image templates to determine if a leak may be
present. The processing module 50 may acquire the image templates
from one or more of a predetermination, a command, and/or an
adaptive algorithm (e.g., to filter out false alarms by storing
images of previous actual leaks).
[0182] FIG. 36 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
repair tool bio-medical unit 312 where the bio-medical unit 312 may
provide a cutting function. The bio-medical unit 312 includes a
MEMS cutting tool 332, the communication module 48 (e.g., for
external communications with the communication device and for
communications with other bio-medical units), the processing module
50, the memory 52, and the power harvesting module 46.
[0183] The processing module 50 may determine to utilize the MEMS
cutting tool 332 to affect a breast implant repair. The MEMS
cutting tool 332 may include a cutting method including a laser, an
ultrasonic beam, and/or a knife edge. The determination may be
based on one of more of a predetermination, a command, and/or an
adaptive algorithm (e.g., to cut a moving object).
[0184] FIG. 37 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment
of a repair tool bio-medical unit 312 where the bio-medical unit
312 may provide a grasping function. The bio-medical unit 312
includes a MEMS grasping tool 336, the communication module 48
(e.g., for external communications with the communication device
and for communications with other bio-medical units), the
processing module 50, the memory 52, and the power harvesting
module 46.
[0185] The processing module 50 may determine to utilize the MEMS
grasping tool 336 to affect a breast implant repair. The MEMS
grasping tool 336 may include a grasping method including pliers,
clamp, latch, hooks, etc. The determination may be based on one of
more of a predetermination, a command, and/or an adaptive algorithm
(e.g., to grasp a moving object).
[0186] FIG. 38 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
repair material bio-medical unit 316 where the bio-medical unit 316
may provide a repair material dispensing function. The bio-medical
unit 316 includes a MEMS canister 340, the communication module 48
(e.g., for external communications with the communication device
and for communications with other bio-medical units), the
processing module 50, the memory 52, and the power harvesting
module 46.
[0187] The processing module 50 may determine to utilize the MEMS
canister 340 to affect a breast implant repair. The MEMS canister
340 may include a dispensing method including faster injection,
slower injection, transfer, spreading, patching, etc. The
determination may be based on one of more of a predetermination, a
command, and/or an adaptive algorithm (e.g., to patch a moving
object).
[0188] FIG. 39 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
Doppler radar bio-medical unit to provide a distancing radar
function to determine the location of a body object 268. The
bio-medical unit 10 includes the communication module 48 (e.g., for
external communications with the communication device and for
communications with other bio-medical units), the MEMS propulsion
348, the processing module 50, the memory 52, the power harvesting
module 46, a MMW frequency adjust 358, a mixer 362, a low noise
amplifier 360 (LNA), and a power amplifier 356 (PA). The
bio-medical unit 10 may communicate with other bio-medical units 10
and/or with a communication device 24 to communicate status
information and/or commands.
[0189] The bio-medical unit 10 may send a transmitted MMW signal
364 to the body object 268 and receive a reflected MMW signal 366
from the body object. 268. Some of the transmitted MMW signal
energy is absorbed, reflected in other directions, and/or
transmitted to other directions. The bio-medical unit 10 forms a
Doppler radar sequence by varying the frequency of the transmitted
MMW signal 364 over a series of transmission steps. The bio-medical
unit 10 may determine the distance and location information based
on the reflected MMW signal 366 in response to the Doppler
radar.
[0190] The bio-medical unit 10 may receive a command from the
communication device 24 to reposition, adjust the MMW frequency,
and transmit MMW signals to perform the Doppler radar function. In
another embodiment, the communication device 24 may send a command
to a plurality of bio-medical units 10 to coordinate the formation
of a beam to better pinpoint the body object. In yet another
embodiment, the communication device 24 may send a command to a
plurality of bio-medical units 10 to coordinate the Doppler radar
function from two, three or more bio-medical units 10 to
triangulate the body object location based on the distance
information.
[0191] The processing module 50 may control the MEMS propulsion 348
to reposition the bio-medical unit 10. The processing module 50 may
determine how to control the MMW frequency adjust 358 to affect the
distance information detection based on a command, a
predetermination, and/or an adaptive algorithm (e.g., that detects
course distance ranges at first and fine tunes the accuracy over
time). The processing module 50 controls the MMW frequency adjust
358 in accordance with the determination such that the PA 356
generates the desired transmitted MMW signal 364. The LNA 360
amplifies the reflected MMW signal 366 and the mixer 362 down
converts the signal such that the processing module 50 receives and
processes the signal.
[0192] FIG. 40 is a timing diagram of an embodiment of a Doppler
radar sequence where a transmit (TX) series 368 of MMW
transmissions for the transmit sequence of transmitted MMW signals
364 and a receive (RX) series of MMW receptions for the receive
sequence of reflected MMW signals 366. The transmit sequence may
modulo cycle through frequencies that are .DELTA.f apart (e.g., f1,
f1+2 .DELTA.f, f1+2 .DELTA.f, . . . ) spaced apart in time at
intervals t1, t2, t3, etc.
[0193] The receive sequence 370 provides the reflection signals in
the same order of the transmit sequence 368 with small differences
in time (e.g., at r1, r2, r3, . . . ) and frequency. The processing
module 50 determines distance information based on the small
differences in time and frequency between the receive sequence 370
and the originally transmitted sequence 368.
[0194] FIG. 41 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment
of a Doppler radar bio-medical unit 10 to provide a distancing
radar function to determine the density of a body object 268 when
the body object 268 vibrates from an ultrasound signal 372. At
least one other bio-medical unit 10 may provide the ultrasound
signal.
[0195] The bio-medical unit 10 includes the communication module 48
(e.g., for external communications with the communication device
and for communications with other bio-medical units), the MEMS
propulsion 348, the processing module 50, the memory 52, the power
harvesting module 46, a MMW frequency adjust 358, a mixer 362, a
low noise amplifier 360 (LNA), and a power amplifier 356 (PA). The
bio-medical unit 10 may communicate with other bio-medical units 10
and/or with a communication device 24 to communicate status
information and/or commands. For example, the bio-medical unit 10
may coordinate with at least one other bio-medical unit 10 to
provide the ultrasound signal 372.
[0196] The bio-medical unit 10 may send a transmitted MMW signal
364 to the body object and receive a reflected MMW signal 366 from
the body object. Some of the transmitted MMW signal energy is
absorbed by the body object, reflected in other directions, and/or
transmitted to other directions. Note that the reflections may vary
as a function of the ultrasound signal where the reflected signals
vary according to the density of the body object.
[0197] The bio-medical unit 10 forms a Doppler radar sequence by
varying the frequency of the transmitted MMW signal 364 over a
series of transmission steps. The bio-medical unit 10 may determine
the distance and density based on the reflected MMW signal 366 in
response to the Doppler radar.
[0198] The bio-medical unit 10 may receive a command from the
communication device 24 to reposition, adjust the MMW frequency,
and transmit MMW signals 364 to perform the Doppler radar function.
In another embodiment, the communication device 24 may send a
command to a plurality of bio-medical units 10 to coordinate the
formation of a beam to better pinpoint the body object 268 and
determine the density. In yet another embodiment, the communication
device 24 may send a command to a plurality of bio-medical units 10
to coordinate the Doppler radar function from two, three or more
bio-medical units 10 to triangulate the body object 268 location
based on the distance information.
[0199] The processing module 50 may control the MEMS propulsion 348
to reposition the bio-medical unit 10. The processing module 50 may
determine how to control the MMW frequency adjust 358 to affect the
distance and density information detection based on a command, a
predetermination, and/or an adaptive algorithm (e.g., that detects
course distance ranges at first and fine tunes the accuracy over
time). The processing module 50 controls the MMW frequency adjust
358 in accordance with the determination such that the PA 356
generates the desired transmitted MMW signal 364. The LNA 360
amplifies the reflected MMW signal 366 and the mixer 362 down
converts the signal such that the processing module 50 receives and
processes the signal.
[0200] FIG. 42 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
controlled release bio-medical unit 10 that administers potentially
complex medications. The bio-medical unit 10 includes a MEMS
controlled release module 374, the communication module 50 (e.g.,
for external communications with the communication device and for
communications with other bio-medical units), the processing module
50, the memory 52, and the power harvesting module 46.
[0201] The bio-medical unit 10 may communicate with other
bio-medical units 10 and/or with a communication device 24 to
communicate status information and/or commands. For example, the
bio-medical unit 10 may coordinate with at least one other
bio-medical unit 10 to provide the administration of medications.
The processing module 50 may determine when and how to administer
the medication based on a command, a predetermination, and/or an
adaptive algorithm (e.g., that detects local pain).
[0202] The MEMS controlled release module 374 may contain materials
that comprise medications and a unit ID to identify the materials.
The processing module 50 may control the MEMS controlled release
module 374 to mix particular materials to produce a desired
medication in accordance with the unit ID, and the determination of
the when and how to administer the medication.
[0203] FIG. 43 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
MEMS controlled release module 374 that controls the formation and
delivery of medications created with materials previously stored in
the MEMS controlled release module 374. The MEMS controlled release
module 374 may include a MEMS canister 340, a MEMS valve 376, a
MEMS pump 378, a MEMS needle 380, MEMS delivery tube 382, and
pathways between the elements. The MEMS canister 340 holds one or
more materials. The MEMS valve 376 may control the flow of a
material. The MEMS pump 378 may actively move a material. The MEMS
needle 380 may facilitate injection of the medication. The MEMS
delivery tube 382 may facilitate delivery of the medication.
[0204] The MEMS controlled release module 374 may receive requests
and/or commands from the processing module 50 including request for
unit ID, commands to mix 10% material A and 90% material B, a
command to inject the needle, and/or a command to administer the
mixture through a MEMS needle 380 and/or MEMS delivery tube
382.
[0205] FIG. 44 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
controlled release bio-medical unit 10 system that administers
potentially complex medications. A plurality of bio-medical units
10 transfers (e.g., from at least one unit to another), mix, and
administer the medications.
[0206] A first type of bio-medical unit 10 includes a MEMS
controlled release module 374, the communication module 48 (e.g.,
for external communications with the communication device and for
communications with other bio-medical units), the processing module
50, the memory 52, and the power harvesting module 46. The first
type of bio-medical unit 10 substantially provides the medication
ingredients to a second type of bio-medical unit 10.
[0207] The second type of bio-medical unit 10 includes at least one
MEMS controlled receptacle module 386, a MEMS composition mix and
release 388, the communication module 48 (e.g., for external
communications with the communication device and for communications
with other bio-medical units), the processing module 50, the memory
52, and the power harvesting module 46. The second type of
bio-medical unit 10 substantially mixes the final medication and
administers the medication.
[0208] The first and second types of bio-medical unit 10 may
communicate with other bio-medical units 10 and/or with a
communication device 24 to communicate status information and/or
commands. For example, the second type bio-medical unit 10 may
coordinate with at least one first type of bio-medical unit 10 to
provide the administration of medications.
[0209] The processing module 50 of the second type of bio-medical
unit 10 may determine when and how to administer the medication
based on a command, a predetermination, and/or an adaptive
algorithm (e.g., that detects local pain). The processing module 50
of the second type of bio-medical unit 10 may determine which of
the plurality of the first type of bio-medical units 10 contain the
required materials based on a unit ID status update, a command,
and/or a predetermination.
[0210] The processing module 50 of the second type of bio-medical
unit 10 may send a command to the plurality of the first type of
bio-medical units 10 to dock with the second type of bio-medical
unit 10 and transfer the required materials to the MEMS controlled
receptacle module 386 of the second type of bio-medical unit 10.
The processing module 50 of the second type of bio-medical unit 10
may control the MEMS composition mix and release 388 to mix the
required materials from the plurality of first type of bio-medical
units 10. The processing module 50 of the second type of
bio-medical unit 10 may control the MEMS composition mix and
release 388 to release the mixture in accordance with the
determination of the when and how to administer the medication.
[0211] FIG. 45 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
self-cleaning sampling bio-medical unit 10 where a wave based MEMS
cleaner 390 facilitates cleaning of a sampling sub-system. The
bio-medical unit 10 includes the wave based MEMS cleaner 390 for a
MEMS sample analyzer 392, a pipette 394, a needle 396, and a MEMS
actuator 276. The bio-medical unit 10 also includes the
communication module 48 (e.g., for external communications with the
communication device and for communications with other bio-medical
units), the processing module 50, the memory 52, and the power
harvesting module 46.
[0212] The processing module 50 may determine when to perform a
sampling and cleaning of the sampling sub-system based on a
command, a predetermination, and/or an adaptive algorithm (e.g.,
based on a sample history). The processing module 50 may precede
each sampling with a cleaning, follow each sampling with a
cleaning, or some combination of both.
[0213] The processing module 50 may command the wave based MEMS
cleaner 390 to clean the components of the sampling sub-system. The
wave based MEMS cleaner 390 may perform the cleaning with one or
methods including heating, vibrating, RF energy, laser light,
and/or sound waves. In another embodiment, the bio-medical unit 10
includes a MEMS canister 340 with a cleaning agent that is released
during the cleaning sequence and expelled through the needle
396.
[0214] The processing module 50 may command the MEMS actuator 276
to apply force 286 to move the needle 396 into the sampling
position where the needle 396 is exposed to the outside of the
bio-medical unit 10 (e.g., extends into the body). The pipette 394
moves the sample from the needle 396 to the MEMS sample analyzer
392.
[0215] The MEMS sample analyzer 392 provides the processing module
50 with sample information, which may include blood analysis, pH
analysis, temperature, oxygen level, other gas levels, toxin
analysis, medication analysis, and/or chemical analysis. The
processing module 50 may process the sample information to produce
processed sample information. The processing module 50 may send the
processed sample information to another bio-medical unit 10 or to a
communication unit 24 for further processing.
[0216] FIG. 46 is a flowchart illustrating MMW communications
within a MRI sequence where the processing module 50 determines MMW
communications in accordance with an MRI sequence. The method
begins with step 442 where the processing module 50 determines if
the MRI is active based on receiving MRI EM signals. At step 444,
the method branches to step 448 when the processing module 50
determines that the MRI is active. At step 444, the method
continues to step 446 when the processing module 50 determines that
the MRI is not active.
[0217] At step 446, the processing module 50 performs MMW
communications. In an embodiment, the MRI sequence may not start
until the processing module 50 performs MMW communications. The
method branches to step 442. At step 448, the processing module 50
determines the MRI sequence based on received MRI EM signals (e.g.,
gradient pulses and/or MRI RF pulses).
[0218] At step 450, the processing module 50 determines when it is
time to perform receive MMW communication in accordance with the
MRI sequence. In an embodiment, the MMW transceiver 138 may receive
MMW inbound signals 148 between any of the MRI sequence steps. In
another embodiment, the MMW transceiver 138 may receive MMW inbound
signals 148 between specific predetermined steps of the MRI
sequence.
[0219] At step 452, the method branches back to step 450 when the
processing module 50 determines that it is not time to perform
receive MMW communication. The method continues when the processing
module 50 determines that it is time to perform receive MMW
communication. At step 454, the processing module 50 directs the
MMW transceiver 138 to receive MMW inbound signals 148. The
processing module 50 may decode messages from the MMW inbound
signals 148 such that the messages include one or more of a status
request, a records request, a sensor data request, a processed data
request, a position request, a command, and/or a request for MRI
echo signal data.
[0220] At step 456, the processing module 50 determines if there is
at least one message pending to transmit (e.g., in a transmit
queue). The method branches back to step 442 when the processing
module 50 determines that there is not at least one message pending
to transmit. The method continues to step 460 when the processing
module 50 determines that there is at least one message pending to
transmit.
[0221] At step 460, the processing module 50 determines when it is
time to perform transmit MMW communication in accordance with the
MRI sequence. In an embodiment, the MMW transceiver 138 may
transmit MMW outbound signals 150 between any of the MRI sequence
steps. In another embodiment, the MMW transceiver 138 may transmit
MMW outbound signals 150 between specific predetermined steps of
the MRI sequence.
[0222] At step 462, the processing module 50 branches back to step
460 when the processing module 50 determines it is not time to
perform transmit MMW communication. The method continues to step
464 when the processing module 50 determines it is time to perform
transmit MMW communication. At step 464, the processing module 50
directs the MMW transceiver 138 to prepare the MMW outbound signals
150 based on the at least one message pending to transmit. The
processing module 50 may encode messages into the MMW outbound
signals 150 such that the messages include one or more of a status
request response, a records request response, a sensor data request
response, a processed data request response, a position request
response, a command response, and/or a request for MRI echo signal
data response. The method branches back to step 442.
[0223] FIG. 47 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of MRI
signals where the processing module 50 of the bio-medical unit 10
may assist the MRI in the reception and processing of MRI EM
signals 146. The method begins at step 466 where the processing
module 50 determines if the MRI is active based on receiving MRI EM
signals 146. The method branches back to step 466 when the
processing module 50 determines that the MRI is not active. In an
embodiment, the MRI sequence may not start until the processing
module 50 communicates to the MRI that it is available to assist.
The method continues to step 470 when the processing module 50
determines that the MRI is active.
[0224] At step 470, the processing module 50 determines the MRI
sequence based on received MRI EM signals 146 (e.g., gradient
pulses and/or MRI RF pulses). At step 472, the processing module
receives EM signals 146 and/or MMW communication 532 in accordance
with the MRI sequence and decodes a message for the processing
module 50. In an embodiment, the MMW transceiver 138 may receive
MMW inbound signals 148 between any of the MRI sequence steps. In
another embodiment, the MMW transceiver 138 may receive MMW inbound
signals 148 between specific predetermined steps of the MRI
sequence. In yet another embodiment, the processing module 50 may
receive EM signals 146 at any point of the MRI sequence such that
the EM signals 146 contain a message for the processing module 50.
The processing module 50 may decode messages from the EM signals
146 and/or MMW inbound signals 148 such that the messages include
one or more of a request to assist in the MRI sequence, a status
request, a records request, a sensor data request, a processed data
request, a position request, a command, and/or a request for MRI
echo signal data.
[0225] At step 474, the processing module 50 determines whether to
assist in the MRI sequence based in part on the decoded message.
The determination may be based on a comparison of the assist
request to the capabilities of the bio-medical unit 10. At step
476, the method branches to step 480 when the processing module 50
determines to assist in the MRI sequence. The method continues with
step 478 when the processing module 50 determines to not assist in
the MRI sequence. At step 478, the processing module 50 performs
other instructions contained in the message. The method ends.
[0226] At step 480, the processing module 50 begins the assist
steps by receiving echo signals 530 during the MRI sequence. Note
the echo signals 530 may comprise EM RF signals across a wide
frequency band as reflected off of tissue during the MRI sequence.
At step 482, the processing module 50 processes the received echo
signals 530 to produce processed echo signals. Note that this may
be a portion of the overall processing required to lead to the
desired MRI imaging.
[0227] At step 484, the processing module 50 determines the assist
type based on the decoded message from the MRI unit. The assist
type may be at least passive or active where the passive type
collects echo signal 530 information and sends it to the MRI unit
via MMW outbound signals 150 and the active type collects echo
signal information and re-generates a form of the echo signals 530
and sends the re-generated echo signals to the MRI unit via
outbound modulated EM signals (e.g., the MRI unit interprets the
re-generated echo signals as echo signals to improve the overall
system gain and sensitivity).
[0228] The method branches to step 494 when the processing module
50 determines the assist type to be active. The method continues to
step 486 when the processing module 50 determines the assist type
to be passive. At step 486, the processing module 50 creates an
echo message based on the processed echo signals where the echo
message contains information about the echo signals 530.
[0229] At step 488, the processing module 50 determines when it is
time to transmit the echo message encoded as MMW outbound signals
150 via MMW communication in accordance with the MRI sequence. In
an embodiment, the MMW transceiver 138 may transmit MMW outbound
signals 150 between any of the MRI sequence steps. In another
embodiment, the MMW transceiver 138 may transmit MMW outbound
signals 150 between specific predetermined steps of the MRI
sequence.
[0230] At step 490, the method branches back to step 488 when the
processing module 50 determines that it is not time to transmit the
echo message. At step 490, the method continues to step 492 when
the processing module 50 determines that it is time to transmit the
echo message. At step 492, the processing module 50 transmits the
echo message encoded as MMW outbound signals 150. The method
ends.
[0231] At step 494, the processing module 50 creates echo signals
based on the processed echo signals. At step 496, the processing
module 50 determines when it is time to transmit the echo signals
as outbound modulated EM signals 180 in accordance with the MRI
sequence. In an embodiment, the EM transceiver 174 may transmit the
outbound modulated EM signals 180 between any of the MRI sequence
steps. In another embodiment, the EM transceiver 174 may transmit
the outbound modulated EM signals 180 between specific
predetermined steps of the MRI sequence. In yet another embodiment,
the EM transceiver 174 may transmit the outbound modulated EM
signals 180 during the time period when the MRI receiver is
receiving echo signals 530.
[0232] At step 498, the method branches back to step 496 when the
processing module 50 determines that it is not time to transmit the
echo signals. At step 498, the method continues to step 500 when
the processing module 50 determines that it is time to transmit the
echo signals. At step 500, the processing module 50 transmits the
echo signals encoded as outbound modulated EM signals 180. Note
that the transmitted echo signals emulate the received echo signals
530 with improvements to overcome low MRI power levels and/or low
MRI receiver sensitivity.
[0233] FIG. 48 is a flowchart illustrating communication utilizing
MRI signals where the processing module 50 determines MMW signaling
in accordance with an MRI sequence. The method begins at step 502
where the processing module 50 determines if the MRI is active
based on receiving MRI EM signals 146. At step 504, the method
branches to step 508 when the processing module 50 determines that
the MRI is active. At step 504, the method continues to step 506
when the processing module 50 determines that the MRI is not
active. At step 506, the processing module 50 queues pending
transmit messages. The method branches to step 502.
[0234] At step 508, the processing module 50 determines the MRI
sequence based on received MRI EM signals 146 (e.g., gradient
pulses and/or MRI RF pulses). At step 510, the processing module 50
determines when it is time to perform receive communication in
accordance with the MRI sequence. In an embodiment, the EM
transceiver 174 may receive inbound modulated EM signals 146
containing message information from any of the MRI sequence
steps.
[0235] At step 512, the method branches back to step 510 when the
processing module 50 determines that it is not time to perform
receive communication. At step 512, the method continues to step
514 when the processing module 50 determines that it is time to
perform receive communication.
[0236] At step 514, the processing module 50 directs the EM
transceiver 174 to receive the inbound modulated EM signals. The
processing module 50 may decode messages from the inbound modulated
EM signals 146 such that the messages include one or more of a echo
signal collection assist request, a status request, a records
request, a sensor data request, a processed data request, a
position request, a command, and/or a request for MRI echo signal
data. Note that the message may be decoded from the inbound
modulated EM signals 146 in one or more ways including detection of
the ordering of the magnetic gradient pulses, counting the number
of gradient pulses, the slice pulse orderings, detecting small
differences in the timing of the pulses, and/or demodulation of the
MRI RF pulse.
[0237] At step 516 the processing module 50 determines if there is
at least one message pending to transmit (e.g., in a transmit
queue). At step 518, the method branches back to step 502 when the
processing module 50 determines that there is not at least one
message pending to transmit. At step 518, the method continues to
step 520 when the processing module 50 determines that there is at
least one message pending to transmit.
[0238] At step 520, the processing module 50 determines when it is
time to perform transmit communication in accordance with the MRI
sequence. In an embodiment, the EM transceiver 174 may transmit
outbound modulated EM signals 180 between any of the MRI sequence
steps. In another embodiment, the EM transceiver 174 may transmit
the outbound modulated EM signals 180 between specific
predetermined steps of the MRI sequence. In another embodiment, the
EM transceiver 174 may transmit the outbound modulated EM signals
180 in parallel with specific predetermined steps of the MRI
sequence, but may utilize a different set of frequencies unique to
the EM transceiver 174.
[0239] At step 522, the method branches back to step 520 when the
processing module 50 determines that it is not time to perform
transmit communication. At step 522, the method continues to step
524 when the processing module 50 determines that it is time to
perform transmit communication.
[0240] At step 524, the processing module 50 directs the EM
transceiver 174 to prepare the outbound modulated EM signals 180
based on the at least one message pending to transmit. The
processing module 50 may encode messages into the outbound
modulated EM signals 180 such that the messages include one or more
of a status request response, a records request response, a sensor
data request response, a processed data request response, a
position request response, a command response, and/or a request for
MRI echo signal data response. The method branches back to step
502.
[0241] FIG. 49 is a flowchart illustrating the coordination of
bio-medical unit task execution where the processing module 50
determines and executes tasks with at least one other bio-medical
unit 10. The method begins at step 592 where the processing module
50 determines if communication is allowed. The determination may be
based on one or more of a timer, a command, available power, a
priority indicator, an MRI sequence, and/or interference
indicator.
[0242] At step 594, the method branches back to step 592 when the
processing module 50 determines that communication is not allowed.
At step 594, the method continues to step 596 when the processing
module 50 determines that communication is allowed. At step 596,
the processing module 50 directs the communication module 48 to
communicate with a plurality of bio-medical units 10 utilizing RF
and/or MMW inbound and/or outbound signals. The processing module
50 may decode messages from the RF and/or MMW inbound and/or
outbound signals inbound signals. At step 598, the processing
module 50 determines if communications with the plurality of
bio-medical units 10 is successful based in part on the decoded
messages.
[0243] At step 600, the method branches back to step 592 when the
processing module determines that communications with the plurality
of bio-medical units 10 is not successful. Note that forming a
network with the other bio-medical units 10 may be required to
enable joint actions. At step 600, the method continues to step 602
when the processing module 50 determines that communications with
the plurality of bio-medical units 10 is successful.
[0244] At step 602, the processing module 50 determines the task
and task requirements. The task determination may be based on one
or more of a command from a parent bio-medical unit 10, external
communications, a preprogrammed list, and/or in response to sensor
data. The task requirements determination may be based on one or
more of the task, a command from a parent bio-medical unit 10,
external communications, a preprogrammed list, and/or in response
to sensor data. Note that the task may include actions including
one or more of drilling, moving, sawing, jumping, spreading,
sensing, lighting, pinging, testing, and/or administering
medication.
[0245] At step 604, the processing module 50 determines the control
mode based on one or more of a command from a parent bio-medical
unit 10, external communications, a preprogrammed list, and/or in
response to sensor data. Note that the control mode may include
autonomous, parent (bio-medical unit), server, and/or peer.
[0246] At step 606, the processing module 50 determines if task
execution criteria are met based on sensor data, communication with
other bio-medical units 10, a command, a status indicator, a safety
indicator, a stop indicator, and/or location information. Note that
the task execution criteria may include one or more of safety
checks, position information of the bio-medical unit 10, position
information of other bio-medical units 10, and/or sensor data
thresholds.
[0247] At step 608, the method branches back to step 606 when the
processing module 50 determines that the task execution criteria
are not met. At step 608, the method continues to step 610 when the
processing module 50 determines that the task execution criteria
are met. At step 610, the processing module 50 executes a task
element. A task element may include a portion or step of the
overall task. For example, move one centimeter of a task to move
three centimeters.
[0248] At step 612, the processing module 50 determines if task
exit criteria are met based on a task element checklist status,
sensor data, communication with other bio-medical units 10, a
command, a status indicator, a safety indicator, a stop indicator,
and/or location information. Note that the task exit criteria
define successful completion of the task.
[0249] At step 614, the method branches back to step 592 when the
processing module 50 determines that the task exit criteria are
met. In other words, the plurality of bio-medical units 10 is done
with the current task and is ready for the next task. At step 614,
the method continues to step 616 when the processing module 50
determines that the task exit criteria are not met.
[0250] At step 616, the processing module 50 directs the
communication module 48 to communicate with the plurality of
bio-medical units 10 utilizing RF and/or MMW inbound and/or
outbound. The processing module 50 may decode messages from the RF
and/or MMW inbound and/or outbound signals inbound signals. Note
that the messages may include information in regards to task
modifications (e.g., course corrections). At step 618, the
processing module 50 determines if communications with the
plurality of bio-medical units 10 is successful based in part on
the decoded messages.
[0251] At step 620, the method branches back to step 592 when the
processing module determines that communications with the plurality
of bio-medical units is not successful (e.g., to potentially
restart). Note that maintaining the network with the other
bio-medical unit may be required to enable joint actions. At step
620, the method continues to step 622 when the processing module
determines that communications with the plurality of bio-medical
units is successful.
[0252] At step 622, the processing module 50 determines task
modifications. The task modifications may be based on one or more
of a command from a parent bio-medical unit 10, and/or external
communications. The task modifications determination may be based
on one or more of the task, a command from a parent bio-medical
unit 10, external communications, a preprogrammed list, and/or in
response to sensor data. The method branches back to step 606 to
attempt to complete the current task.
[0253] As may be used herein, the terms "substantially" and
"approximately" provides an industry-accepted tolerance for its
corresponding term and/or relativity between items. Such an
industry-accepted tolerance ranges from less than one percent to
fifty percent and corresponds to, but is not limited to, component
values, integrated circuit process variations, temperature
variations, rise and fall times, and/or thermal noise. Such
relativity between items ranges from a difference of a few percent
to magnitude differences. As may also be used herein, the term(s)
"coupled to" and/or "coupling" and/or includes direct coupling
between items and/or indirect coupling between items via an
intervening item (e.g., an item includes, but is not limited to, a
component, an element, a circuit, and/or a module) where, for
indirect coupling, the intervening item does not modify the
information of a signal but may adjust its current level, voltage
level, and/or power level. As may further be used herein, inferred
coupling (i.e., where one element is coupled to another element by
inference) includes direct and indirect coupling between two items
in the same manner as "coupled to". As may even further be used
herein, the term "operable to" indicates that an item includes one
or more of power connections, input(s), output(s), etc., to perform
one or more its corresponding functions and may further include
inferred coupling to one or more other items. As may still further
be used herein, the term "associated with", includes direct and/or
indirect coupling of separate items and/or one item being embedded
within another item. As may be used herein, the term "compares
favorably", indicates that a comparison between two or more items,
signals, etc., provides a desired relationship. For example, when
the desired relationship is that signal 1 has a greater magnitude
than signal 2, a favorable comparison may be achieved when the
magnitude of signal 1 is greater than that of signal 2 or when the
magnitude of signal 2 is less than that of signal 1.
[0254] The present invention has also been described above with the
aid of method steps illustrating the performance of specified
functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries and sequence of
these functional building blocks and method steps have been
arbitrarily defined herein for convenience of description.
Alternate boundaries and sequences can be defined so long as the
specified functions and relationships are appropriately performed.
Any such alternate boundaries or sequences are thus within the
scope and spirit of the claimed invention.
[0255] The present invention has been described above with the aid
of functional building blocks illustrating the performance of
certain significant functions. The boundaries of these functional
building blocks have been arbitrarily defined for convenience of
description. Alternate boundaries could be defined as long as the
certain significant functions are appropriately performed.
Similarly, flow diagram blocks may also have been arbitrarily
defined herein to illustrate certain significant functionality. To
the extent used, the flow diagram block boundaries and sequence
could have been defined otherwise and still perform the certain
significant functionality. Such alternate definitions of both
functional building blocks and flow diagram blocks and sequences
are thus within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention. One
of average skill in the art will also recognize that the functional
building blocks, and other illustrative blocks, modules and
components herein, can be implemented as illustrated or by discrete
components, application specific integrated circuits, processors
executing appropriate software and the like or any combination
thereof.
* * * * *