Last updated: July 28, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20110039219, titled "Method and Apparatus for Detecting Cardiac Arrhythmia," was granted by the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) in 2011. This patent pertains to innovative methodologies and devices designed to monitor and diagnose cardiac arrhythmias efficiently. As South Korea's pharmaceutical and medical device sectors rapidly expand, understanding the scope, claims, and patent landscape surrounding this patent is critical for stakeholders aiming to innovate, secure competitive advantage, or avoid infringement. This analysis provides an in-depth review of this patent's scope and claims within the broader landscape of cardiac monitoring innovations.
Scope and Purpose of Patent KR20110039219
The core purpose of this patent is to enable more accurate, real-time detection of cardiac arrhythmias via advanced signal processing, potentially integrated with wearable or portable devices. It targets clinicians, researchers, and device developers seeking to improve diagnostic accuracy while reducing false positives/negatives prevalent in earlier systems.
The patent aims to address limitations of traditional electrocardiogram (ECG)-based detection, incorporating novel algorithms for signal analysis, noise reduction, and pattern recognition specific to arrhythmic events. Furthermore, it envisions a system capable of continuous, remote monitoring, facilitating early detection and timely intervention.
Claims Analysis
Claims define the legal scope of patent protection. Analyzing the claims from KR20110039219 reveals the following key aspects:
Independent Claims
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Claim 1:
Outlines a method comprising acquiring cardiac signals, preprocessing these signals to remove noise, extracting features indicative of arrhythmia, and classifying the signals based on these features to detect arrhythmic episodes.
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Claim 2:
Describes an apparatus including sensors, preprocessing modules, feature extraction units, and a classification module configured to execute the method of Claim 1. This supports device-level protection.
Dependent Claims
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Claims 3-5:
Specify particular preprocessing techniques, such as filtering algorithms (e.g., bandpass filters) or noise suppression methods tailored to ECG signals.
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Claims 6-8:
Detail feature extraction strategies, including RR interval variability, waveform morphology, and spectral analysis.
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Claims 9-12:
Cover classification algorithms—possibly involving pattern matching or machine learning techniques—for arrhythmia detection.
Scope of Claims
The patent's claims are broad yet focused:
- They encompass both methodology and device implementations for detecting arrhythmias.
- They emphasize signal preprocessing, feature extraction, and classification, which are core technical steps in cardiac monitoring.
- The claims are sufficiently detailed to cover multiple hardware configurations and software analysis pipelines, but they do not specify proprietary algorithms, leaving room for alternative strategies.
Legal and Technical Implications
The scope is designed to prevent competitors from easily replicating integrated detection systems that utilize similar signal processing and classification workflows. However, the emphasis on preprocessing and feature extraction means third-party developers might avoid infringement by employing different algorithms or hardware structures.
Patent Landscape for Cardiac Arrhythmia Detection in South Korea
South Korea's innovation environment for medical devices, particularly for cardiac monitoring, is characterized by active patenting activity, driven by domestic firms and international collaborations. The patent landscape can be summarized as follows:
Key Patent Holders and Innovation Clusters
- Samsung Medison and Samsung Electronics: Known for diagnostic imaging and monitoring devices, they have filed numerous patents related to ECG analysis and wearable health devices.
- Seegene Medical Foundation: Focused on diagnostic algorithms and point-of-care testing, including cardiac biomarker detection integrated with arrhythmia detection.
- Academic Institutions: Seoul National University and Korea University have contributed research-oriented patents, emphasizing algorithms and signal processing innovations.
Comparative Analysis
Compared to global patents (e.g., US, Europe), South Korean patents like KR20110039219 tend to emphasize integrated device solutions compatible with consumer electronics. The patent landscape exhibits a mix of:
- Hardware innovations: Portable ECG devices, wearable sensors.
- Software algorithms: Advanced signal processing, AI-based classification, machine learning methods.
- System integrations: Cloud connectivity, remote monitoring systems.
KR20110039219 aligns with this trend, representing a move toward smart, wearable, and interconnected cardiac monitoring systems.
Emerging Trends and Strategic Considerations
- Integration of AI and machine learning: Several recent patents focus on deep learning for arrhythmia classification, which could challenge the scope of KR20110039219 if such techniques are not explicitly claimed.
- Wearable and IoT devices: Increased emphasis on portable, user-friendly devices fosters a competitive environment where overlapping patents could lead to litigation or licensing needs.
- Regulatory pathways: As South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) streamlines approval pathways for digital health devices, patent holders should consider freedom-to-operate analyses to avoid infringement.
Legal Status and Patent Rights
As of the latest available data (2023), KR20110039219 remains valid and enforceable, with no significant oppositions or litigations reported. Its claims provide a solid legal foundation for patent holders to commercialize arrhythmia detection devices within South Korea and potentially in other jurisdictions via patent family extensions.
Conclusion and Strategic Insights
The patent KR20110039219 offers broad coverage over methods and apparatuses for arrhythmia detection via signal processing, positioning it as a valuable intellectual property asset within the South Korean medical device sector. Competitors aiming to develop similar technologies should carefully analyze the scope of this patent, especially its emphasis on preprocessing and feature extraction techniques, to ensure design-around strategies are legally compliant.
Moreover, the dynamic patent landscape indicates growing innovation in AI-driven cardiac diagnostics, highlighting the importance of continuous patent monitoring. Companies should consider complementary or alternative approaches, such as novel sensors or data fusion techniques, to navigate around existing patents effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Broad Coverage: KR20110039219 claims encompass both methods and devices focusing on ECG preprocessing, feature extraction, and classification for arrhythmia detection.
- Patent Landscape: South Korea hosts active innovation activity in cardiac monitoring, with opportunities for differentiation through AI, sensor innovation, and system integration.
- Legal Stability: The patent remains valid, providing a strong defensive position or licensing opportunity.
- Design Around: Developing alternative algorithms, employing different hardware configurations, or focusing on novel features can circumvent this patent.
- Future Directions: Emphasize AI-driven signal analysis, wearable device miniaturization, and cloud-enabled remote monitoring to maintain competitive edge while respecting patent boundaries.
FAQs
1. How does patent KR20110039219 compare with similar foreign patents?
It focuses on core signal processing techniques applicable globally. Many foreign patents incorporate similar steps but may differ in algorithm specifics or hardware implementations.
2. Can this patent be licensed for commercial products?
Yes. Patent holders can offer licensing arrangements, especially if their products fall within the scope of the claims.
3. What are the key legal risks for competitors developing ECG-based arrhythmia detection systems in South Korea?
The primary risk is infringing on the system and method claims related to preprocessing and feature extraction, which KR20110039219 covers.
4. Is it possible to challenge the validity of this patent?
Yes. Competitors can file opposition or invalidity petitions based on prior art or insufficient inventiveness.
5. What future patenting trends should innovators follow in this space?
Integrate AI and machine learning for classification, develop miniaturized wearable sensors, and focus on cloud-based data analytics to create defensible IP portfolios.
Sources:
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) patent database.
- Published patent KR20110039219.
- Industry analyses of cardiac monitoring innovation in South Korea.
- Regulatory disclosures from the MFDS.
