Software Technology for “Methods for performing a dispatched logistic operation in medical logistics related to a diagnostic kit for treating patients and using a modular automated bot apparatus assembly and dispatch server.”

Medical Device – Ole-Petter Skaaksrud, Frank Mayfield, Daniel Gates, FedEx Corporate Services Inc

Abstract for “Methods for performing a dispatched logistic operation in medical logistics related to a diagnostic kit for treating patients and using a modular automated bot apparatus assembly and dispatch server.”

Methods are used to perform one or more dispatched medical logistic operations using a modular, autonomous bot apparatus assembly and an dispatch server. The operations relate to a diagnosis kit that is being treated for a patient. The dispatch command is received by the MAM of bot. This verifies that the bot assembly is compatible with the dispatched operation(s), and then the CSS contains a diagnosis kit. The MAM causes the MB to move to a desired location, notifying the authorized recipient for the diagnosis kit. The MAM coordinates the CSS with appropriate authentication input to allow access to the kit and monitor its unloading. They also provide instructions on how to use the kit. Finally, the MAM notifies personnel at the medical institution about the return item.

Background for “Methods for performing a dispatched logistic operation in medical logistics related to a diagnostic kit for treating patients and using a modular automated bot apparatus assembly and dispatch server.”

Existing systems can deploy delivery vans or courier personnel to manage dispatched logistics operations. These vehicles and personnel are responsible for delivering and picking up items from homes and businesses. But, manually controlling logistics delivery vehicles and systems can incur ”

“Autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles can move and maneuver from one location to another, but they are not without their problems in logistics. Common semi-autonomous or autonomous logistics systems can be less flexible than necessary. One particular autonomous logistics delivery vehicle might not be compatible with specific logistics operations, or may not be able to handle large quantities of different sizes. Unwanted waste can also be caused by autonomous logistics delivery systems that dispatch large delivery vehicles to a logistics operation. Common problems faced by autonomously controlled logistics delivery vehicles include a lack of interoperability and obstacles in the way.

These requirements are being addressed and further improved systems, devices, and methods are required to provide autonomous delivery and pickup of objects/items.

“In this description, certain aspects will be made clear. In their broadest sense, the embodiments and aspects could be used without any of these features. These embodiments and aspects are only examples.

“In this description, certain aspects will be made clear. In their broadest sense, the embodiments and aspects could be used without any of these features. These embodiments and aspects are only examples.

“In one aspect, the disclosure describes a method for dispatching a medical logistics operation to deliver a diagnosis kit for treating patients. The dispatch server and modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly are used. This particular aspect describes a modular autonomous robot apparatus assembly that is used to dispatch a medical logistics operation. It includes a modular mobility base for propelling the modular autobot apparatus assembly, an auxiliary power module for powering the modular autobot apparatus assembly, a modular cargo storage unit designed to store the diagnostic kit in the modular self-contained modular autonomousbot apparatus assembly and a module mobile autonomy control module which autonomously controls the operation of the modular automated bot apparatus assembly during dispatch. The method starts with the modular mobile autonomous control module receiving a dispatch order from the dispatch server. This dispatch command was initiated and sent by the medical entity that provided the diagnosis kit. The dispatch command contains at most identifier information about the diagnosis kits, transport parameters for the diagnosis kits, destination delivery information regarding delivery of the diagnosis kits, and authentication information related the delivery recipient. Modular mobile autonomy control modules verify that each module of the modular mobile control module, modular mobility base, modular auxiliary power module and modular cargo storage system is compatible with the dispatched medical logistic operation. This information is based on the dispatch command. The modular cargo system receives the diagnostic kit at an origin location. Next, the method causes the modular mobile autonomy module to autonomously cause the modular mobility base move from the origin location to a destination location as identified by the destination delivery data. As part of this method the modular mobile autonomy control module notifies the authorized recipient of the diagnosis kits of approaching deliveries once the modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly is located within the threshold notification range of the destination locations identified by the destination information. Then, the delivery recipient authentication input is received from an external recipient. Modular cargo storage allows access to the diagnostic kit only when the delivery receiver authentication input matches the delivery authentication information. This indicates that the delivery recipient who provided the delivery recipient authentication input is the authorized recipient. The modular mobile autonomy module monitors the unloading process from within the modular cargo storage system. It does this by using at least one sensor on the modular mobile autonomous control module or the modular cargo system. The modular mobile autonomy control module then notifies the authorized delivery recipient of diagnosis kit with instructional information. It also detects when a return item regarding the diagnosis kits is within the payload area within the modular cargo storage system. After the return item is detected, the modular mobility base will move autonomously from the destination location to the origin location. Notifying personnel associated to the medical entity about the return delivery of the diagnosis item when the modular autonomous robot apparatus assembly is within a specified return notification range.

“Each one of these features and aspects of these aspects respectively effect improvements in the technology of autonomous logistic vehicles. This and other advantages will be described in part. Other aspects and features of the disclosed embodiments will also be discussed in the following description. The following detailed description and the general description are intended to be exemplary and informative only. They are not meant to limit the invention as claimed.

Summary for “Methods for performing a dispatched logistic operation in medical logistics related to a diagnostic kit for treating patients and using a modular automated bot apparatus assembly and dispatch server.”

Existing systems can deploy delivery vans or courier personnel to manage dispatched logistics operations. These vehicles and personnel are responsible for delivering and picking up items from homes and businesses. But, manually controlling logistics delivery vehicles and systems can incur ”

“Autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles can move and maneuver from one location to another, but they are not without their problems in logistics. Common semi-autonomous or autonomous logistics systems can be less flexible than necessary. One particular autonomous logistics delivery vehicle might not be compatible with specific logistics operations, or may not be able to handle large quantities of different sizes. Unwanted waste can also be caused by autonomous logistics delivery systems that dispatch large delivery vehicles to a logistics operation. Common problems faced by autonomously controlled logistics delivery vehicles include a lack of interoperability and obstacles in the way.

These requirements are being addressed and further improved systems, devices, and methods are required to provide autonomous delivery and pickup of objects/items.

“In this description, certain aspects will be made clear. In their broadest sense, the embodiments and aspects could be used without any of these features. These embodiments and aspects are only examples.

“In this description, certain aspects will be made clear. In their broadest sense, the embodiments and aspects could be used without any of these features. These embodiments and aspects are only examples.

“In one aspect, the disclosure describes a method for dispatching a medical logistics operation to deliver a diagnosis kit for treating patients. The dispatch server and modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly are used. This particular aspect describes a modular autonomous robot apparatus assembly that is used to dispatch a medical logistics operation. It includes a modular mobility base for propelling the modular autobot apparatus assembly, an auxiliary power module for powering the modular autobot apparatus assembly, a modular cargo storage unit designed to store the diagnostic kit in the modular self-contained modular autonomousbot apparatus assembly and a module mobile autonomy control module which autonomously controls the operation of the modular automated bot apparatus assembly during dispatch. The method starts with the modular mobile autonomous control module receiving a dispatch order from the dispatch server. This dispatch command was initiated and sent by the medical entity that provided the diagnosis kit. The dispatch command contains at most identifier information about the diagnosis kits, transport parameters for the diagnosis kits, destination delivery information regarding delivery of the diagnosis kits, and authentication information related the delivery recipient. Modular mobile autonomy control modules verify that each module of the modular mobile control module, modular mobility base, modular auxiliary power module and modular cargo storage system is compatible with the dispatched medical logistic operation. This information is based on the dispatch command. The modular cargo system receives the diagnostic kit at an origin location. Next, the method causes the modular mobile autonomy module to autonomously cause the modular mobility base move from the origin location to a destination location as identified by the destination delivery data. As part of this method the modular mobile autonomy control module notifies the authorized recipient of the diagnosis kits of approaching deliveries once the modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly is located within the threshold notification range of the destination locations identified by the destination information. Then, the delivery recipient authentication input is received from an external recipient. Modular cargo storage allows access to the diagnostic kit only when the delivery receiver authentication input matches the delivery authentication information. This indicates that the delivery recipient who provided the delivery recipient authentication input is the authorized recipient. The modular mobile autonomy module monitors the unloading process from within the modular cargo storage system. It does this by using at least one sensor on the modular mobile autonomous control module or the modular cargo system. The modular mobile autonomy control module then notifies the authorized delivery recipient of diagnosis kit with instructional information. It also detects when a return item regarding the diagnosis kits is within the payload area within the modular cargo storage system. After the return item is detected, the modular mobility base will move autonomously from the destination location to the origin location. Notifying personnel associated to the medical entity about the return delivery of the diagnosis item when the modular autonomous robot apparatus assembly is within a specified return notification range.

“Each one of these features and aspects of these aspects respectively effect improvements in the technology of autonomous logistic vehicles. This and other advantages will be described in part. Other aspects and features of the disclosed embodiments will also be discussed in the following description. The following detailed description and the general description are intended to be exemplary and informative only. They are not meant to limit the invention as claimed.

Click here to view the patent on Google Patents.

What is a software medical device?

The FDA can refer to software functions that include ” Software As a Medical Device” and “Software in a Medical Device(SiMD)”, which are software functions that are integral to (embedded in a) a medical device.

Section 201(h),?21 U.S.C. 321(h),(1) defines a medical device to be?an apparatus, implements, machine, contrivances, implant, in vitro regulator, or other similar or related articles, as well as a component or accessory. . . (b) is intended for diagnosis or treatment of disease or other conditions in humans or animals. (c) Is intended to alter the structure or function of human bodies or animals. To be considered a medical device, and thus subject to FDA regulation, the software must meet at least one of these criteria:

• It must be used in diagnosing and treating patients.
• It must not be designed to alter the structure or function of the body.

If your software is designed to be used by healthcare professionals to diagnose, treat, or manage patient information in hospitals, the FDA will likely consider such software to be medical devices that are subject to regulatory review.

Is Your Software a Medical Device?

FDA’s current oversight, which puts more emphasis on the functionality of the software than the platform, will ensure that FDA does not regulate medical devices with functionality that could be dangerous to patient safety. Examples of Device Software and Mobile Medical Apps FDA is focused on

• Software functions that aid patients with diagnosed mental disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), etc.) by providing “Skill of the Day”, a behavioral technique, or audio messages, that the user can access when they are experiencing anxiety.
• Software functions that offer periodic reminders, motivational guidance, and educational information to patients who are recovering from addiction or smokers trying to quit;
• Software functions that use GPS location data to alert asthmatics when they are near high-risk locations (substance abusers), or to alert them of potential environmental conditions that could cause symptoms.
• Software that uses video and games to encourage patients to exercise at home.
• Software functions that prompt users to choose which herb or drug they wish to take simultaneously. They also provide information about interactions and give a summary of the type of interaction reported.
• Software functions that take into account patient characteristics, such as gender, age, and risk factors, to offer patient-specific counseling, screening, and prevention recommendations from established and well-respected authorities.
• Software functions that use a list of common symptoms and signs to give advice about when to see a doctor and what to do next.
• Software functions that help users to navigate through a questionnaire about symptoms and to make a recommendation on the best type of healthcare facility for them.
• These mobile apps allow users to make pre-specified nurse calls or emergency calls using broadband or cell phone technology.
• Apps that allow patients or caregivers to send emergency notifications to first responders via mobile phones
• Software that tracks medications and provides user-configured reminders to improve medication adherence.
• Software functions that give patients access to their health information. This includes historical trending and comparisons of vital signs (e.g. body temperature, heart rate or blood pressure).
• Software functions that display trends in personal healthcare incidents (e.g. hospitalization rates or alert notification rate)
• Software functions allow users to electronically or manually enter blood pressure data, and to share it via e-mail, track it and trend it, and upload it to an electronic or personal health record.
• Apps that offer mobile apps for tracking and reminders about oral health or tools to track users suffering from gum disease.
• Apps that offer mobile guidance and tools for prediabetes patients;
• Apps that allow users to display images and other messages on their mobile devices, which can be used by substance abusers who want to quit addictive behaviors.
• Software functions that provide drug interaction and safety information (side effects and drug interactions, active ingredient, active ingredient) in a report based upon demographic data (age and gender), current diagnosis (current medications), and clinical information (current treatment).
• Software functions that allow the surgeon to determine the best intraocular lens powers for the patient and the axis of implantation. This information is based on the surgeon’s inputs (e.g., expected surgically induced astigmatism and patient’s axial length, preoperative corneal astigmatism etc.).
• Software, usually mobile apps, converts a mobile platform into a regulated medical device.
• Software that connects with a mobile platform via a sensor or lead to measure and display electrical signals from the heart (electrocardiograph; ECG).
• Software that attaches a sensor or other tools to the mobile platform to view, record and analyze eye movements to diagnose balance disorders
• Software that collects information about potential donors and transmits it to a blood collection facility. This software determines if a donor is eligible to collect blood or other components.
• Software that connects to an existing device type in order to control its operation, function, or energy source.
• Software that alters or disables the functions of an infusion pump
• Software that controls the inflation or deflation of a blood pressure cuff
• Software that calibrates hearing aids and assesses sound intensity characteristics and electroacoustic frequency of hearing aids.

What does it mean if your software/SaaS is classified as a medical device?

SaaS founders need to be aware of the compliance risks that medical devices pose. Data breaches are one of the biggest risks. Medical devices often contain sensitive patient data, which is why they are subject to strict regulations. This data could lead to devastating consequences if it were to become unprotected. SaaS companies who develop medical devices need to take extra precautions to ensure their products are safe.

So who needs to apply for FDA clearance? The FDA defines a ?mobile medical app manufacturer? is any person or entity who initiates specifications, designs, labels, or creates a software system or application for a regulated medical device in whole or from multiple software components. This term does not include persons who exclusively distribute mobile medical apps without engaging in manufacturing functions; examples of such distributors may include the app stores.

Software As Medical Device Patenting Considerations

The good news is that investors like medical device companies which have double exclusivity obtained through FDA and US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) approvals. As such, the exit point for many medical device companies is an acquisition by cash rich medical public companies. This approach enables medical devices to skip the large and risky go-to-market (GTM) spend and work required to put products in the hands of consumers.

Now that we have discussed the FDA review process, we will discuss IP issues for software medical device companies. Typically, IP includes Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, and Trade secrets. All of these topics matter and should be considered carefully. However, we will concentrate on patents to demonstrate how careless drafting and lack of planning can lead to problems, namely unplanned disclosures of your design that can then be used as prior art against your patent application.

In general, you should file patent application(s) as soon as practicable to get the earliest priority dates. This will help you when you talk to investors, FDA consultants, prototyping firms, and government agencies, among others. Compliance or other documents filed with any government agency may be considered disclosure to third parties and could make the document public. In general, disclosures to third parties or public availability of an invention trigger a one year statutory bar during which you must file your patent application. Failure to file your application within the required time frame could result in you losing your right to protect your invention.

The information from your FDA application may find its way into FDA databases, including DeNovo, PMA and 510k databases and FDA summaries of orders, decisions, and other documents on products and devices currently being evaluated by the FDA. Your detailed information may be gleaned from Freedom of Information Act requests on your application. This risk mandates that you patent your invention quickly.

When you patent your medical device invention, have a global picture of FDA regulatory framework when you draft your patent application. Be mindful of whether your software/SaaS application discusses the diagnosing and treating patients or affecting the structure or function of the body and add language to indicate that such description in the patent application relates to only one embodiment and not to other embodiments. That way you have flexibility in subsequent discussions with the FDA if you want to avoid classification of your software/SaaS/software as a medical device. In this way, if you wish to avoid FDA registration and oversight, you have the flexibility to do so.

An experienced attorney can assist you in navigating the regulatory landscape and ensure that you comply with all applicable laws. This area of law is complex and constantly changing. It is important that you seek legal advice if you have any questions about whether or not your software should be registered with FDA.

Patent PC is an intellectual property and business law firm that was built to speed startups. We have internally developed AI tools to assist our patent workflow and to guide us in navigating through government agencies. Our business and patent lawyers are experienced in software, SaaS, and medical device technology. For a flat fee, we offer legal services to startups, businesses, and intellectual property. Our lawyers do not have to track time as there is no hourly billing and no charges for calls or emails. We just focus on getting you the best legal work for your needs.

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