Multi-mode Ingestible Event Marker with Conductive and Non-conductive Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a comprehensive, cost-effective solution to address supply chain issues, pharmacy errors, and patient safety concerns related to medication management, including unintentional information disclosure and misuse, in the healthcare sector.
Innovation Solution
The development of multi-mode communication ingestible event marker devices that incorporate both conductive and non-conductive communication modules, such as RFID, to provide secure and accurate information transmission across the medication life cycle, from manufacturing to patient use, using a combination of conductive and non-conductive communication protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single communication mode is used in ingestible event markers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability and versatility of communication across different stages (manufacturing, supply chain, patient use) are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-mode communication by integrating both conductive communication module and non-conductive communication module into a single ingestible event marker device. This allows the device to perform multiple communication functions across different stages: conductive mode for patient use and non-conductive mode for manufacturing and supply chain, achieving universal communication capability without requiring multiple separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is segmented into distinct modules - a conductive communication module and a non-conductive communication module - each optimized for specific communication scenarios. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each module while maintaining overall system versatility, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity
2Reliability
If conductive communication is used for patient safety monitoring, then real-time data transmission is achieved, but unintended information disclosure and privacy concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an event marker communication system that acts as an intermediary between the ingestible device and external systems. The system includes a receiver that captures signals and a database that stores information, mediating the information flow to control what data is accessed and by whom, thus preventing unintended disclosure while maintaining reliable monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements preliminary protective measures through encryption and access control mechanisms built into the communication protocol and database structure. These anti-actions are established before any information disclosure can occur, preventing privacy breaches while allowing necessary medical monitoring
3Reliability
If comprehensive tracking is implemented across the medication lifecycle, then supply chain management and inventory control are improved, but cost-effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The same ingestible event marker device serves multiple functions across the entire medication lifecycle - from manufacturing tracking through supply chain monitoring to patient safety verification. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate tracking systems at each stage, reducing overall costs while maintaining comprehensive supply chain management
Solution Approach 2:
The ingestible event marker is a self-contained device that automatically transmits its own identification and status information at each stage of the medication lifecycle. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual tracking processes and reduces the complexity and cost of comprehensive supply chain management
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
These devices enable secure, controlled, and accurate communication throughout the medication life cycle, enhancing patient safety, inventory control, and supply chain management, while ensuring privacy and reducing errors through encryption and modular design.
Implementation Method 1
a first power source including: a first material associated with the integrated circuit component; and a second material different from the first material; wherein: the second material is associated with the integrated circuit component; the first material and the second material are collectively configured to provide a voltage potential difference when in contact with a conductive fluid of a user ingesting the ingestible device
Implementation Method 2
the modulator is configured to modulate a signal associated with at least one of data or the conductive antenna to generate a detectable signal at least partially defined by current flow that extends through the conductive fluid
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
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AI summary
Aspects of the invention include multi-mode communication ingestible event marker devices. Ingestible event marker devices of the invention include an ingestible component comprising a conductive communication module and at least one additional non-conductive communication module. The non-conductive communication module may be integrated with the ingestible component or at least a portion or all of the non-conductive communication module may be associated with a packaging component of the ingestible event marker device. Additional aspects of the invention include systems that include the devices and one or more receivers, as well as methods of using the same.