Last updated: August 6, 2025
Introduction
Australian patent AU2011255443, titled “Method and apparatus for diagnosing and monitoring physiological parameters”, was granted in 2012. It represents a significant patent within the health technology domain, focusing on innovative methods and systems for physiological data analysis. This analysis provides an in-depth review of its scope and claims, examines its positioning within the broader patent landscape, and assesses its strategic importance for stakeholders interested in diagnostic technology, wearable devices, and biomedical data management.
Patent Overview and Abstract
Patent AU2011255443 encompasses a method and system for diagnosing or monitoring physiological parameters—potentially including heart rate, respiration, blood oxygenation, and other vital signs—by utilizing sensor data, algorithms, and data processing techniques. The patent claims a system capable of real-time data acquisition, signal analysis, and the interpretation of physiological metrics for clinical or personal health management purposes.
The abstract emphasizes innovations in integrating hardware and software to achieve accurate, reliable physiological monitoring, emphasizing modularity, scalability, and user-friendliness. It thereby intersects with the growing field of digital health, covering wearable health monitors, remote diagnostics, and telemedicine applications.
Scope of the Patent
The patent’s scope is primarily defined by its claims, which articulate the specific technical features protected. The scope includes:
- Systems for physiological monitoring, incorporating sensors, signal processing units, and computational algorithms.
- Methods for data acquisition and analysis, involving steps such as sensing, data filtering, and parameter calculation.
- Real-time processing capabilities, enabling immediate feedback and diagnostics.
- Algorithms for signal classification and anomaly detection, including machine learning or pattern recognition techniques.
- Modular hardware configurations, allowing for different sensor types and adaptable system architectures.
- User interface and data management components, enabling health professionals or individuals to interpret the gathered data easily.
The scope notably emphasizes flexibility, scalability, and accuracy, aligning with industry trends toward personalized health monitoring and remote patient care.
Claims Analysis
The claims are structured into independent and dependent claims, with the independent claims establishing core inventive features. Key claims entail:
Independent Claims
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Claim 1: Describes a system comprising biosensors, a data processing module, and a communication interface configured to acquire, process, and transmit physiological data in real-time. It emphasizes modular sensor integration and includes specific signal processing steps for noise reduction and feature extraction.
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Claim 2: Focuses on a method for diagnosing health conditions based on analyzing sensor data, involving steps like data collection, filtering, feature extraction, and classification to identify abnormalities indicative of health issues.
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Claim 3: Details a wearable device architecture integrating sensors and computational units, emphasizing low power consumption, portability, and user comfort.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify aspects such as:
- Specific types of sensors (e.g., optical, electrical impedance, or acoustic sensors).
- Implementation of particular algorithms like wavelet transforms or neural networks.
- Communication protocols (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular).
- Data storage and security features for confidential health records.
Interpretation of Claim Scope
The patent matches broad claims within the diagnostic and monitoring system space, offering protection over various sensor configurations, data processing techniques, and communication approaches. The claims are sufficiently comprehensive to cover multiple iterations of wearable health monitors, telehealth systems, and AI-driven diagnostic tools, yet they maintain specificity to be enforceable against clear infringing designs.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Competitive Landscape
The patent landscape surrounding AU2011255443 reveals active innovation within digital health, especially in Australia, with notable filings from:
- Multinational corporations like Philips Healthcare, Medtronic, and Siemens, advancing remote monitoring solutions.
- Boutique startups focusing on AI-driven diagnostics and consumer-grade wearable devices.
- Academic institutions patenting sensor-specific innovations and signal processing algorithms, often licensing or collaborating with industry players.
Patents similar in scope include those concerning:
- Wearable ECG and pulse oximetry devices.
- Algorithms for arrhythmia detection.
- Systems for continuous blood pressure monitoring.
- AI-based health data analysis.
Filing Trends and Strategic Focus
Recent filings indicate an emphasis on integrating machine learning and edge computing, enabling immediate diagnostics without server reliance. Furthermore, there is a push toward miniaturization, power efficiency, and secure data transmission, reflecting regulatory and market demands.
Legal and Technical Challenges
The scope's breadth introduces potential for overlapping claims, especially with prior art in:
- Sensor technology.
- Signal processing techniques.
- Telehealth communication systems.
Patent examiners have scrutinized claims for inventive step and novelty, especially given prior patents such as AU2007203799, which describes physiological monitoring systems, and US patents on similar diagnostics.
Patent Status and Portfolio Positioning
AU2011255443 remains granted and active, offering a strategic IP position. It complements other filings by the same assignee, positioning for integrated health monitoring solutions. Enforcement can extend to various commercial applications, especially if infringing implementations employ similar sensor-based methods and data analysis algorithms.
Strategic Implications
- The patent provides a broad defensive shield around innovations related to real-time physiological monitoring systems.
- It offers licensing potential in expanding digital health markets.
- The claims' scope supports product differentiation in wearable and remote diagnostic devices.
- The overlap with existing patents emphasizes the need for diligent freedom-to-operate analyses before commercialization.
Conclusion
Australian patent AU2011255443 encapsulates a robust technical framework for physiological monitoring systems, emphasizing modular, real-time data processing. Its claims protect a broad range of devices and methods, positioning it as a pivotal piece within the digital health patent landscape. The patent’s scope aligns with industry shifts toward wearable, AI-enabled diagnostics, underscoring its strategic relevance.
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers a comprehensive system architecture for physiological data acquisition and analysis, with broad claims adapted to encompass multiple device configurations and algorithms.
- Its landscape documents active competition in digital health, notably in remote monitoring, wearables, and AI-driven diagnostics.
- Potential infringement risks exist if new products employ similar sensor technologies and data processing techniques covered by the claims.
- Strategic licensing and collaboration opportunities are available given the patent’s broad scope.
- Regular patent landscape monitoring and prior art analysis are essential to maintain competitive advantage and ensure freedom to operate.
FAQs
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What makes AU2011255443 distinct from other physiological monitoring patents?
It emphasizes a modular, scalable system architecture integrated with specific signal processing algorithms for real-time health diagnostics across various sensor types.
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Can this patent be enforced against wearable health device manufacturers?
Yes, provided the devices incorporate similar sensor integration, data processing, and communication features claimed under the patent.
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How does this patent influence future innovation in digital health?
It sets a broad foundation for real-time diagnostic systems, encouraging further development while providing a strong IP position for its holders.
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What are the main risks for companies developing related health monitoring solutions?
Risks include potential patent infringement, especially if products incorporate features similar to those claimed; thus, thorough freedom-to-operate analyses are critical.
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Are there licensing opportunities associated with this patent?
Yes; companies seeking to incorporate robust physiological data analysis systems may seek licensing agreements, especially given its comprehensive scope.
Sources:
[1] Australian Official Patent Register, AU2011255443.
[2] WIPO Patent Database.
[3] Patent landscape reports on digital health systems.
[4] Industry patent filings on wearable biomedical devices.
[5] Case law and patent examination reports relevant to biosensor systems.
