Flexible processors and flexible memory

• US 9,582,465 B2
• Filed: 11/30/2012
• Issued: 02/28/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 11/15/2012
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Elwha LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Original Assignee: Elwha LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Inventors: Hyde, Roderick A., Pasch, Nicholas F., Tegreene, Clarence T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Rigol, Yaima
• Assistant Examiner(s): Matin, Tasnima
• Application Number:
  US13/691,448
• Publication Number:
  US 20140136755A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,551 Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6801 specially adapted to be attached to or worn on the body surface
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6846 specially adapted to be brought in contact with an internal body part, i.e. invasive
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 15/7814 Specially adapted for real time processing, e.g. comprising hardware timers
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 10/00 Energy efficient computing, e.g. low power processors, power management or thermal management

Abstract

An apparatus includes but is not limited to a non-volatile memory array and a processor integrated with the apparatus. The processor is operable to operate in combination with the non-volatile memory array to accumulate information associated with a product. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a flexible biodegradable substrate configured to conform to at least one of internal or surface biological tissue;

one or more non-volatile memory arrays configured as flexible biodegradable memory formed of biodegradable circuit components integrated onto the flexible biodegradable substrate; and

one or more processors configured as a flexible biodegradable integrated circuit formed of biodegradable circuit components integrated onto and distributed spatially and functionally over the one or more non-volatile memory arrays and integrated onto the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more processors configured to accumulate information relating at least in part to contact with the internal or surface biological tissue, wherein the flexible biodegradable integrated circuit integrated onto the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, and the one or more processors are configured in a flexible structure that conforms to the at least one of internal or surface biological tissue.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

a medical device integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays and the one or more processors configured for implantable or external contact with the at least one of internal or surface biological tissue.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

a product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays and the one or more processors;

wherein;

the one or more processors are configured to accumulate and communicate information about use of the product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, and the one or more processors.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

a product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays and the one or more processors;

wherein;

the one or more processors are configured to accumulate and communicate information about at least one biological entity in association with the product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, and the one or more processors.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

a product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays and the one or more processors;

wherein;

the one or more processors are configured to accumulate and communicate information about at least one biological entity in communication with the product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, and the one or more processors.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

a product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays and the one or more processors;

wherein;

the one or more processors are configured to accumulate and communicate information about at least one biological entity in contact with the product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, and the one or more processors.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

a product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays and the one or more processors;

wherein;

the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more processors, and the one or more non-volatile memory arrays are integrated onto a printed polymer for integration with the product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, and the one or more processors.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

a product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays and the one or more processors;

wherein;

the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more processors, and the one or more non-volatile memory arrays are integrated onto a printed flexible polymer for integration with the product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, and the one or more processors.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

a communication interface integrated with the one or more processors, and the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, the communication interface operable for communication with a network.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

a communication interface integrated with the one or more processors, and the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, the communication interface operable for communication with a network wherein;

the one or more processors are configured to perform data preprocessing, history tracking, and manage data and history communication associated with the accumulated information relating at least in part to contact with the at least one of internal or surface biological tissue.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

one or more volatile memories integrated onto the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays and the one or more processors.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein:

the one or more processors are configured to monitor tactile contact of the at least one of internal or surface biological tissue with a product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, and the one or more processors.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

a product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays and the one or more processors;

wherein;

the one or more processors are configured to monitor tactile contact of the at least one of internal or surface biological tissue with the product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, and the one or more processors, determine statistics on type, characteristics, and number of occurrences of tactile contact of the at least one of internal or surface biological tissue with the product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, and the one or more processors, and store the statistics for access.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

a product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays and the one or more processors;

wherein;

the one or more processors are configured to monitor conditions of the product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, and the one or more processors independently of commands received from a source external to the product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, and the one or more processors.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein:

the one or more non-volatile memory arrays is partitioned into a plurality of memory blocks; and

the one or more processors include biodegradable control logic partitioned into a plurality of command logic blocks spatially distributed over the one or more non-volatile memory arrays wherein one or more of the plurality of command logic block are associated with ones of the plurality of memory blocks.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein:

the one or more processors includes two or more portions of biodegradable control logic integrated onto and distributed over two or more portions of the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, the biodegradable control logic operable to selectively distribute functionality across respective two or more portions of the one or more non-volatile memory arrays.

17. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein:

the one or more non-volatile memory arrays include a plurality of memory blocks characterized by a plurality of different operating characteristics; and

the one or more processors include two or more portions of biodegradable control logic operable to selectively distribute functionality over respective two or more portions of the plurality of memory blocks.

18. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein:

the one or more non-volatile memory arrays include a plurality of memory blocks characterized by a plurality of different operating characteristics; and

the one or more processors includes two or more portions of biodegradable control logic operable to analyze conditions of the product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, and the one or more processors and selectively distribute functionality over respective two or more portions of the plurality of memory blocks based on the analysis.

19. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

at least one sensor operable to detect an operating condition of at least one of the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, or the one or more processors, wherein;

the one or more processors include biodegradable control logic operable to monitor the operating condition.

20. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

at least one sensor operable to detect an operating condition of at least one of the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, and the one or more processors, wherein;

the one or more processors include biodegradable control logic operable to monitor the operating condition, derive data derived from the operating condition, process data derived from the operating condition, and store the processed data.

21. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

a communication interface integrated with the one or more processors, and the one or more non-volatile memory arrays; and

at least one sensor operable to detect an operating condition of at least one of the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, and the one or more processors, wherein;

the one or more processors include biodegradable control logic operable to monitor the operating condition, derive data from the operating condition, process data derived from the operating condition, and communicate the processed data via the communication interface.

22. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

optical silicon operable to communicate optically, independently of a bus structure coupled to the apparatus wherein;

the one or more processors are configured to operate in combination with the one or more non-volatile memory arrays to accumulate information about at least one of the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, and the one or more processors using the optical silicon independently of communication on the bus structure.

23. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

optical silicon operable to communicate optically, independently of a bus structure coupled to the apparatus wherein;

the one or more processors are configured to operate in combination with the one or more non-volatile memory arrays to receive instructions for controlling accumulation of information about at least one of the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, and the one or more processors using the optical silicon independently of communication on the bus structure.

24. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

a medical device configured as a medical support material that is dissolvable in a patient'"'"'s body integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays and the one or more processors.

25. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) device integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays and the one or more processors, wherein the TENS device includes one or more electrodes formed on the flexible biodegradable substrate.

26. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

a biocompatible, biodegradable hemodynamic monitor integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays and the one or more processors, wherein the biocompatible, biodegradable hemodynamic monitor is configured for implantable or external use in contact in conformation with the at least one of internal or surface biological tissue.

27. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

a flexible identification armband integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays and the one or more processors, wherein the flexible identification armband is configured for performing security operations in a location.

28. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

a medical device sleeve integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays and the one or more processors, wherein the medical device sleeve is configured for monitoring implanted medical devices including knee implants, hip implants, shoulder implants, elbow implants, or cardiovascular implants.

29. An apparatus comprising:

a flexible biodegradable substrate configured to conform to at least one of internal or surface biological tissue;

one or more non-volatile memory arrays configured as flexible biodegradable memory formed of biodegradable circuit components integrated into the flexible biodegradable substrate; and

biodegradable control logic formed of biodegradable circuit components integrated onto and distributed spatially and functionally over the one or more non-volatile memory arrays into the flexible biodegradable substrate in a flexible biodegradable integrated circuit, the biodegradable control logic including multiple portions configured to distribute functionality over respective portions of the one or more non-volatile memory arrays at least in part to monitor phenomena relating at least in part to contact with the at least one of internal or surface biological tissue, wherein the flexible biodegradable integrated circuit integrated onto the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, and the biodegradable control logic are configured in a flexible structure that conforms to the at least one of internal or surface biological tissue.

30. The apparatus according to claim 29 further comprising:

a medical device integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays and the biodegradable control logic configured for implantable or external contact with the at least one of internal or surface biological tissue.

31. The apparatus according to claim 29, further comprising:

a product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays and the biodegradable control logic;

wherein;

the biodegradable control logic is operable to accumulate and communicate information about phenomena relating at least in part to contact with the at least one of internal or surface biological tissue associated with use of the product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, and the biodegradable control logic.

32. The apparatus according to claim 29, further comprising:

a product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays and the biodegradable control logic;

wherein;

the biodegradable control logic is operable to accumulate and communicate information about phenomena relating at least in part to contact with the at least one of internal or surface biological tissue associated with at least one biological entity in contact with the product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, and the biodegradable control logic.

33. The apparatus according to claim 29, further comprising:

a product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays and the biodegradable control logic;

wherein;

the biodegradable control logic is operable to accumulate and communicate information about phenomena relating at least in part to contact with the at least one of internal or surface biological tissue associated with at least one biological entity in communication with the product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, and the biodegradable control logic.

34. The apparatus according to claim 29, further comprising:

a product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays and the biodegradable control logic;

wherein;

the biodegradable control logic is operable to accumulate and communicate information about phenomena relating at least in part to contact with the at least one of internal or surface biological tissue associated with at least one biological entity in contact with the product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, and the biodegradable control logic.

35. The apparatus according to claim 29, further comprising:

a product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays and the biodegradable control logic;

wherein;

the biodegradable control logic is operable to monitor tactile contact of the at least one of internal or surface biological tissue with the product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, and the biodegradable control logic.

36. The apparatus according to claim 29, further comprising:

a product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays and the biodegradable control logic;

wherein;

the biodegradable control logic is operable to monitor tactile contact of the at least one of internal or surface biological tissue with the product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, and the biodegradable control logic, determine statistics on type, characteristics, and number of occurrences of tactile contact of the at least one of internal or surface biological tissue with the product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, and the biodegradable control logic, and store the statistics for access.

37. The apparatus according to claim 29, further comprising:

a product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays and the biodegradable control logic;

wherein;

the biodegradable control logic is operable to monitor conditions of the product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, and the biodegradable control logic independently of commands received from a source external to the product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, and the biodegradable control logic.

38. The apparatus according to claim 29 further comprising:

a communication interface integrated with the biodegradable control logic and the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, the communication interface operable for communicating information associated with the phenomena relating at least in part to contact with the at least one of internal or surface biological tissue and with a network.

39. The apparatus according to claim 29 further comprising:

a product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays and the biodegradable control logic; and

at least one sensor operable to detect an operating condition of the product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, and the biodegradable control logic;

wherein;

the biodegradable control logic is operable to monitor the operating condition and phenomena relating at least in part to contact with the at least one of internal or surface biological tissue and detectable at the product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays.

40. The apparatus according to claim 29 further comprising:

a product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays and the biodegradable control logic; and

at least one sensor operable to detect an operating condition of the product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, and the biodegradable control logic;

wherein;

the biodegradable control logic is operable to monitor phenomena relating at least in part to contact with the at least one of internal or surface biological tissue and detectable at the product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, wherein the biodegradable control logic is further operable to monitor the operating condition, derive data from the operating condition, process data derived from the operating condition, and store the processed data.

41. The apparatus according to claim 29 further comprising:

a product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays and the biodegradable control logic;

a communication interface integrated with the biodegradable control logic and the one or more non-volatile memory arrays; and

at least one sensor operable to detect an operating condition of the product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, and the biodegradable control logic, wherein;

the biodegradable control logic is operable to monitor phenomena relating at least in part to contact with the at least one of internal or surface biological tissue and detectable at the product integrated with the flexible biodegradable substrate, the one or more non-volatile memory arrays, and the biodegradable control logic is further operable to monitor the operating condition, derive data from the operating condition, process data derived from the operating condition, and communicate the processed data via the communication interface.

42. An information handling system comprising:

means for supporting an integrated circuit;

means for storing information for at least read access integrated onto the means for supporting the integrated circuit; and

means for executing information handling functions integrated onto the means for supporting the integrated circuit and distributed spatially and functionally over the means for storing information, the means for executing information handling functions including multiple portions configured to distribute functionality over respective portions of the means for storing information;

wherein means for executing information handling functions includes at least;

means for accumulating information relating at least in part to contact in conformation with the at least one of internal or surface biological tissue;

wherein;

the means for supporting an integrated circuit is biodegradable and configured in a flexible structure that conforms to at least one of internal or surface biological tissue, and the means for storing information and the means for executing information handling functions are biodegradable, formed of biodegradable circuit components, and configured in a flexible structure that conforms to at least one of internal or surface biological tissue.