Network for implanted computer devices
First Claim
1. A network device configured to be implanted in a subject and communicate over a computer network, said implantable network device comprising:
- an internal interface in physiological communication with said subject, said internal interface being coupled with, and configured to send signals to;
a processor, said processor being configured to receive signals from said internal interface and process said signals, and said processor further being configured to send and receive signals over a computer network from another said network device implanted in said subject, said processor being further coupled with;
a computer memory for storing data and instructions for said processor, and an external interface for sending and receiving signals over a computer network, and a power source.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A network device that can be implanted in a subject is described. The device is configured to communicate over a computer network. In one embodiment, the device of the invention includes an internal interface in physiological communication with the subject. The internal interface is coupled with, and configured to send signals to, a processor. The processor is configured to receive and process the signals, and is further configured to communicate over a computer network with another such device. Such devices can be used to monitor and communicate information regarding a host'"'"'s physiological status, monitor and/or control artificial organs and prosthetic devices, and/or dispense medication.
374 Citations
28 Claims
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1. A network device configured to be implanted in a subject and communicate over a computer network, said implantable network device comprising:
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an internal interface in physiological communication with said subject, said internal interface being coupled with, and configured to send signals to;
a processor, said processor being configured to receive signals from said internal interface and process said signals, and said processor further being configured to send and receive signals over a computer network from another said network device implanted in said subject, said processor being further coupled with;
a computer memory for storing data and instructions for said processor, and an external interface for sending and receiving signals over a computer network, and a power source. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28)
implanting an implantable network device as described in claim 1 in said subject;
establishing communication with said implantable network device;
determining at least one physiological parameter using said implantable network device; and
communicating said measured parameter using said implantable network device over a computer network.
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19. The method of claim 18, wherein said step of communicating over a computer network includes sending a signal to a second implantable network device.
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20. The method of claim 18, wherein said step of communicating over a computer network includes sending a signal to an external receiver.
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23. The method of claim 18, further including the step of updating a user interface over said computer network.
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24. The method of claim 18, further including the steps of:
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determining whether a signal should be sent to a second network device in communication with said first implantable network device across a computer network; and
sending a signal to said second implantable network device across said computer network in response to a determination that said signal should be sent.
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26. The method of claim 18, fuirther including the steps of:
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receiving a signal from a networked device;
processing said signal and determining whether said signal is interpretable;
determining whether an action is required to be taken if said signal is interpretable; and
taking said action in response to a determination that an action is required to be taken.
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27. The method of claim 26, further including the step of throwing an exception in response to determining that said signal cannot be interpreted.
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28. The method of claim 27, wherein said step of throwing an exception comprises the sub-steps of:
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determining whether said exception is internal, and sending said exception to said first implantable network device if said exception is internal;
determining whether said exception is external, and sending said exception to a user interface if said exception is external; and
sending said exception to both said first implantable network device and said user interface if said exception is both internal and external.
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- 21. The method of 19, including the step of receiving said signal by said second implantable network device.
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25. The method of 24, further including the step of determining whether a user interface in communication with said first implantable network device should be updated, and updating said user interface in response to a determination that said user interface should be updated.
Specification