System and method for intra-body communication

• US 20100305437A1
• Filed: 06/09/2008
• Published: 12/02/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 06/08/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Lin Zhong, Michael Liebschner, Michael S. Cordray, Mimi W. Zhang
• Original Assignee: Lin Zhong, Michael Liebschner, Michael S. Cordray, Mimi W. Zhang
• Inventors: Liebschner, Michael, Cordray, Michael S., Zhang, Mimi W., Zhong, Lin
• Application Number:
  US12/602,469
• Publication Number:
  US 20100305437A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/437
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0002 Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network A61B5/07 takes precedence; transmission systems for measured values G08C; transmission H04B; transmission of digital information H04L; wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0008 Temperature signals
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0028 Body tissue as transmission medium, i.e. transmission systems where the medium is the human body
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0051 by applying vibrations
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02438 with portable devices, e.g. worn by the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/145 Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissuemeasuring of blood pressure or blood flow A61B5/02; non-radiation detecting or locating of foreign bodies in blood A61B5/06
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4504 Bones A61B5/4547 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4509 Bone density determination
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4514 Cartilage
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4519 Muscles A61B5/389, A61B5/224 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4528 Joints A61B5/4533, A61B5/4538 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4533 Ligaments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4839 combined with drug delivery
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 13/005 Transmission systems in which the medium consists of the human body

Abstract

A method comprising generating a mechanical signal in a mammal, the mechanical signal having a frequency no more than 50,000 Hz, transmitting the mechanical signal through the musculoskeletal system in the mammal, and sensing the mechanical signal from the musculoskeletal system. A method of triggering an internal event comprising generating a mechanical signal internal or external to a mammal, transmitting the signal through the musculoskeletal system of the mammal, detecting the mechanical signal, and triggering an event in response to the mechanical signal. A method of drug delivery comprising generating a mechanical signal internal or external to a mammal, transmitting the signal through the musculoskeletal system of the mammal, detecting the mechanical signal, and delivering the drug in response to the mechanical signal.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

a) generating a mechanical signal in a mammal, the mechanical signal having a frequency no more than 50,000 Hz;

b) transmitting the mechanical signal through the musculoskeletal system in the mammal; and

c) sensing the mechanical signal from the musculoskeletal system.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the mechanical signal is modulated to carry data or information.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the mechanical signal is frequency modulated or amplitude modulated.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein (a) comprises using an electro-mechanical stimulator, an electro-magnetic stimulator, or a piezo-electric stimulator to generate the mechanical signal.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein (a) comprises generating the mechanical signal on the outer surface of the mammal.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein (a) comprises generating the mechanical signal inside the mammal.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the mammal initiates the mechanical signal in (a) by tapping, clicking teeth or snapping fingers.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the mechanical signal has a frequency ranging from about 1.0 Hz to about 20,000 Hz.

9. A method comprising:

generating a mechanical signal internal or external to a mammal;

transmitting the signal through the musculoskeletal system of the mammal;

detecting the mechanical signal; and

at least one action selected from the group consisting of triggering an event in response to the mechanical signal;

delivering the drug in response to the mechanical signal;

decoding the mechanical signal to monitor blood pressure, ECG, heart rate, body temperature, glucose level, or combinations thereof;

decoding the mechanical signal to trigger an event;

comparing the mechanical signal to a reference signal to identify the mammal; and

comparing the mechanical signal to a reference signal to diagnose the injury, wherein the injury comprises a fracture, a tear, a trauma, internal bleeding, or combinations thereof.

10-16. -16. (canceled)

17. A system for intra-body communication in a mammal comprising:

a mechanical signal generator coupled to the body of the mammal;

a receiver coupled to the body of the mammal capable of detecting a low frequency mechanical signal generated from said mechanical signal generator, wherein said signal is transmitted through the musculoskeletal system of the mammal.

18. The system of claim 17 wherein the mechanical signal generator is an electro-mechanical, electro-magnetic, a piezoelectric stimulator, or combinations thereof.

19. The system of claim 17 wherein the mechanical signal generator is implanted inside the mammal or is coupled to the outer surface of the mammal.

21. The system of claim 17 wherein the receiver is an accelerometer.

22. The system of claim 17 wherein the receiver is strapped to the wrist of the mammal or is implanted inside the mammal.

24. The system of claim 17 further comprising one or more amplifiers coupled to said mechanical signal generator or to said receiver.

25. The system of claim 17 wherein the receiver is coupled to the body of another mammal directly connected to the mammal wearing the transmitter.

26. The system of claim 25 wherein the coupling between two or more mammals is established through additional materials and devices.

27. The system of claim 17 wherein the receiver or transmitter are external devices with temporary direct coupling to the user.

28. The system of claim 27 wherein such external devices include computers and peripherals attached to computers.

29. The system of claim 25 wherein such external devices are autonomous.

20. (canceled)

23. (canceled)