BIO-MEDICAL UNIT NETWORK COMMUNICATION AND APPLICATIONS THEREOF

Abstract

k includes a plurality of bio-medical units, where at least some of the bio-medical units are for implanting within a body. At least one of the bio-medical units coordinates, on behalf of the plurality of bio-medical units, a communication convention with a communication device external to the body. A bio-medical unit includes a power harvesting module, a communication module, and a functional module. The power harvesting module is operable to generate a supply voltage from a wireless power source. The communication module is powered via the supply voltage and is operable to communicate data and/or control information. The functional module is powered by the supply voltage and is operable to perform a bio-medical function.

Description

[0001]This patent application is claiming priority under 35 USC §119 to a provisionally filed patent application entitled BIO-MEDICAL UNIT AND APPLICATIONS THEREOF, having a provisional filing date of Sep. 30, 2009, and a provisional Ser. No. of 61/247,060.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002]NOT APPLICABLE

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

[0003]NOT APPLICABLE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004]1. Technical Field of the Invention

[0005]This invention relates generally to medical equipment and more particularly to wireless medical equipment.

[0006]2. Description of Related Art

[0007]As is known, there is a wide variety of medical equipment that aids in the diagnosis, monitoring, and/or treatment of patients' medical conditions. For instances, there are diagnostic medical devices, therapeutic medical devices, life support medical devices, medical monitoring devices, medical laboratory equipment, etc. As specific exampled magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices produce images that illustrate the internal structure and function of a body.

[0008]The advancement of medical equipment is in step with the advancements of other technologies (e.g., radio frequency identification (RFID), robotics, etc.). Recently, RFID technology has been used for in vitro use to store patient information for easy access. While such in vitro applications have begun, the technical advancement in this area is in its infancy.

[0009]Therefore, a need exists for a bio-medical unit network and communication therein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010]The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods of operation that are further described in the following Brief Description of the Drawings, the Detailed Description of the Invention, and the claims. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0011]FIG. 1 is a diagram of an embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention;

[0012]FIG. 2 is a diagram of another embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention;

[0013]FIG. 3 is a diagram of an embodiment of an artificial body part including one or more bio-medical units in accordance with the present invention;

[0014]FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an artificial body part in accordance with the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 5 is a diagram of another embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 6 is a diagram of another embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 7 is a diagram of another embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a bio-medical unit in accordance with the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a power harvesting module in accordance with the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a power harvesting module in accordance with the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a power harvesting module in accordance with the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a power harvesting module in accordance with the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a bio-medical unit in accordance with the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 14 is a diagram of another embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 15 is a diagram of an example of a communication protocol within a system in accordance with the present invention;

[0026]FIG. 16 is a diagram of another embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention;

[0027]FIG. 17 is a diagram of another example of a communication protocol within a system in accordance with the present invention;

[0028]FIG. 18 is a diagram of an embodiment of a network of bio-medical units in accordance with the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 19 is a logic diagram of an embodiment of a method for bio-medical unit communications in accordance with the present invention;

[0030]FIG. 20 is a diagram of an embodiment of a network of bio-medical units that include MEMS robotics in accordance with the present invention;

[0031]FIG. 21 is a diagram of another embodiment of a network of bio-medical units that include MEMS robotics in accordance with the present invention;

[0032]FIG. 22 is a diagram of another embodiment of a network of bio-medical units communicating via light signaling in accordance with the present invention;

[0033]FIG. 23 is a diagram of another embodiment of a network of bio-medical units communicating via audio and/or ultrasound signaling in accordance with the present invention; and

[0034]FIG. 24 is a logic diagram of an embodiment of a method for coordination of bio-medical unit task execution in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035]FIG. 1 is a diagram of an embodiment of a system that includes a plurality of bio-medical units 10 embedded within a body and/or placed on the surface of the body to facilitate diagnosis, treatment, and/or data collections. Each of the bio-medical units 10 is a passive device (e.g., it does not include a power source (e.g., a battery)) and, as such, includes a power harvesting module. The bio-medical units 10 may also include one or more of memory, a processing module, and functional modules. Alternatively, or in addition to, each of the bio-medical units 10 may include a power source.

[0036]In operation, a transmitter emits 12 electromagnetic signals 16 that pass through the body and are received by a receiver 14. The transmitter 12 and receiver 14 may be part of a piece of medical diagnostic equipment (e.g., magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray, etc.) or independent components for stimulating and communicating with the network of bio-medical units in and/or on a body. One or more of the bio-medical units 10 receives the transmitted electromagnetic signals 16 and generates a supply voltage therefrom. Examples of this will be described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 8-12.

[0037]Embedded within the electromagnetic signals 16 (e.g., radio frequency (RF) signals, millimeter wave (MMW) signals, MRI signals, etc.) or via separate signals, the transmitter 12 communicates with one or more of the bio-medical units 10. For example, the electromagnetic signals 16 may have a frequency in the range of a few MHz to 900 MHz and the communication with the bio-medical units 10 is modulated on the electromagnetic signals 16 at a much higher frequency (e.g., 5 GHz to 300 GHz). As another example, the communication with the bio-medical units 10 may occur during gaps (e.g., per protocol of medical equipment or injected for communication) of transmitting the electromagnetic signals 16. As another example, the communication with the bio-medical units 10 occurs in a different frequency band and/or using a different transmission medium (e.g., use RF or MMW signals when the magnetic field of the electromagnetic signals are dominate, use ultrasound signals when the electromagnetic signals 16 are RF and/or MMW signals, etc.).

[0038]One or more of the bio-medical units 10 receives the communication signals 18 and processes them accordingly. The communication signals 18 may be instructions to collect data, to transmit collected data, to move the unit's position in the body, to perform a function, to administer a treatment, etc. If the received communication signals 18 require a response, the bio-medical unit 10 prepares an appropriate response and transmits it to the receiver 14 using a similar communication convention used by the transmitter 12.

[0039]FIG. 2 is a diagram of another embodiment of a system that includes a plurality of bio-medical units 10 embedded within a body and/or placed on the surface of the body to facilitate diagnosis, treatment, and/or data collections. Each of the bio-medical units 10 is a passive device and, as such, includes a power harvesting module. The bio-medical units 10 may also include one or more of memory, a processing module, and functional modules. In this embodiment, the person is placed in an MRI machine (fixed or portable) that generates a magnetic field 26 through which the MRI transmitter 20 transmits MRI signals 28 to the MRI receiver 22.

[0040]One or more of the bio-medical units 10 powers itself by harvesting energy from the magnetic field 26 or changes thereof as produced by gradient coils, from the magnetic fields of the MRI signals 28, from the electrical fields of the MRI signals 28, and/or from the electromagnetic aspects of the MRI signals 28. A unit 10 converts the harvested energy into a supply voltage that supplies other components of the unit (e.g., a communication module, a processing module, memory, a functional module, etc.).

[0041]A communication device 24 communicates data and/or control communications 30 with one or more of the bio-medical units 10 over one or more wireless links. The communication device 24 may be a separate device from the MRI machine or integrated into the MRI machine. For example, the communication device 24, whether integrated or separate, may be a cellular telephone, a computer with a wireless interface (e.g., a WLAN station and/or access point, Bluetooth, a proprietary protocol, etc.), etc. A wireless link may be one or more frequencies in the ISM band, in the 60 GHz frequency band, the ultrasound frequency band, and/or other frequency bands that supports one or more communication protocols (e.g., data modulation schemes, beamforming, RF or MMW modulation, encoding, error correction, etc.).

[0042]The composition of the bio-medical units 10 includes non-ferromagnetic materials (e.g., paramagnetic or diamagnetic) and/or metal alloys that are minimally affected by an external magnetic field 26. In this regard, the units harvest power from the MRI signals 28 and communicate using RF and/or MMW electromagnetic signals with negligible chance of encountering the projectile or missile effect of implants that include ferromagnetic materials.

[0043]FIG. 3 is a diagram of an embodiment of an artificial body part 32 including one or more bio-medical units 10 that may be surgically implanted into a body. The artificial body part 32 may be a pace maker, a breast implant, a joint replacement, an artificial bone, splints, fastener devices (e.g., screws, plates, pins, sutures, etc.), artificial organ, etc. The artificial body part 32 may be permanently embedded in the body or temporarily embedded into the body.

[0044]FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an artificial body part 32 that includes one or more bio-medical units 10. For instance, one bio-medical unit 10 may be used to detect infections, the body's acceptance of the artificial body part 32, measure localized body temperature, monitor performance of the artificial body part 32, and/or data gathering for other diagnostics. Another bio-medical unit 10 may be used for deployment of treatment (e.g., disperse medication, apply electrical stimulus, apply RF radiation, apply laser stimulus, etc.). Yet another bio-medical unit 10 may be used to adjust the position of the artificial body part 32 and/or a setting of the artificial body part 32. For example, a bio-medical unit 10 may be used to mechanically adjust the tension of a splint, screws, etc. As another example, a bio-medical unit 10 may be used to adjust an electrical setting of the artificial body part 32.

[0045]FIG. 5 is a diagram of another embodiment of a system that includes a plurality of bio-medical units 10 and one or more communication devices 24 coupled to a wide area network (WAN) communication device 34 (e.g., a cable modem, DSL modem, base station, access point, hot spot, etc.). The WAN communication device 34 is coupled to a network 42 (e.g., cellular telephone network, internet, etc.), which has coupled to it a plurality of remote monitors 36, a plurality of databases 40, and a plurality of computers 38.

[0046]In an example of operation, one or more of the remote monitors 36 may receive images and/or other data 30 from one or more of the bio-medical units 10 via the communication device 24, the WAN communication device 34, and the network 42. In this manner, a person(s) operating the remote monitors 36 may view images and/or the data 30 gathered by the bio-medical units 10. This enables a specialist to be consulted without requiring the patient to travel to the specialist's office.

[0047]In another example of operation, one or more of the computers 38 may communicate with the bio-medical units 10 via the communication device 24, the WAN communication device 34, and the network 42. In this example, the computer 36 may provide commands 30 to one or more of the bio-medical units 10 to gather data, to dispense a medication, to move to a new position in the body, to perform a mechanical function (e.g., cut, grasp, drill, puncture, stitch, patch, etc.), etc. As such, the bio-medical units 10 may be remotely controlled via one or more of the computers 36.

[0048]In another example of operation, one or more of the bio-medical units 10 may read and/or write data from or to one or more of the databases 40. For example, data (e.g., a blood sample analysis) generated by one or more of the bio-medical units 10 may be written to one of the databases 40. The communication device 24 and/or one of the computers 36 may control the writing of data to or the reading of data from the database(s) 40. The data may further include medical records, medical images, prescriptions, etc.

[0049]FIG. 6 is a diagram of another embodiment of a system that includes a plurality of bio-medical units 10 to produce a bio-medical unit network. In this embodiment, the bio-medical units 10 communicate with each other directly and/or communicate with the communication device 24 directly. The communication medium may be an infrared channel(s), an RF channel(s), a MMW channel(s), and/or ultrasound. The units may use a communication protocol such as token passing, carrier sense, time division multiplexing, code division multiplexing, frequency division multiplexing, etc.

[0050]FIG. 7 is a diagram of another embodiment of a system that includes a plurality of bio-medical units 10 to produce a bio-medical unit network. In this embodiment, one of the bio-medical units 44 functions as an access point for the other units. As such, the designated unit 44 routes communications between the units 10 and between one or more units 10 and the communication device 24. The communication medium may be an infrared channel(s), an RF channel(s), a MMW channel(s), and/or ultrasound. The units 10 may use a communication protocol such as token passing, carrier sense, time division multiplexing, code division multiplexing, frequency division multiplexing, etc.

[0051]In an example of operation, a bio-medical unit network includes a plurality of bio-medical units, where at least some of the bio-medical units are implanted within a body. Other bio-medical units may be on the skin of the body and/or included in an artificial body part. At least one of the bio-medical units coordinates, on behalf of the plurality of bio-medical units, a communication convention with a communication device external to the body. For instance, the coordinating bio-medical unit(s) may negotiate with the communication device 24 to determine a communication protocol, the communication medium (e.g., RF, MMW, light (e.g., infrared), ultrasound, etc.), and/or whether communication with the communication device 24 by the bio-medical units will be direct (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6), a peer-to-peer relay (e.g., as shown in FIG. 18), and/or via an access point bio-medical unit (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7).

[0052]Once network communication convention is established (e.g., the communication protocol, communication medium, direct/indirect/peer-to-peer relay, etc.), individual bio-units may negotiate to use a different communication medium for communications therebetween. For example, a first bio-medical unit may negotiate with a second bio-medical unit to select a desired communication medium and the corresponding transceiver (e.g., the RF transceiver, the MMW transceiver, the MEMS light transceiver, or the MEMS ultrasound transceiver) for communication therebetween.

[0053]In addition to establishing the communication protocol, the communication medium, and/or the mechanism of communication (e.g., direct/indirect/peer-to-peer relay), the coordinating bio-medical unit may, as part of establishing the communication convention, synchronize power harvesting by the plurality of bio-medical units, synchronize activation of the functional module of one or more of the plurality of bio-medical units, and/or synchronize communication of the one or more of the plurality of bio-medical units with the communication device. For example, the coordinating bio-medical unit may indicate to the other units when to convert a wireless power source (e.g., magnetic signal, MRI signal, RF signal, MMW signal, etc.) into a supply voltage, when to activate their respective functional modules, and/or when they can communicate.

[0054]In an embodiment, a bio-medical unit of the bio-medical units in the network includes a power harvesting module, a communication module, a functional module, and may further include a processing module. These modules are described in greater detail with reference to one or more of FIGS. 8-24. Note that the processing module may be configured to perform the method of FIG. 19 and/or the method of FIG. 24.

[0055]FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a bio-medical unit 10 that includes a power harvesting module 46, a communication module 48, a processing module 50, memory 52, and one or more functional modules 54. The processing module 50 may be a single processing device or a plurality of processing devices. Such a processing device may be a microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on hard coding of the circuitry and/or operational instructions. The processing module 50 may have an associated memory 52 and/or memory element, which may be a single memory device, a plurality of memory devices, and/or embedded circuitry of the processing module. Such a memory device 52 may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any device that stores digital information. Note that if the processing module 50 includes more than one processing device, the processing devices may be centrally located (e.g., directly coupled together via a wired and/or wireless bus structure) or may be distributedly located (e.g., cloud computing via indirect coupling via a local area network and/or a wide area network). Further note that when the processing module 50 implements one or more of its functions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the memory and/or memory element storing the corresponding operational instructions may be embedded within, or external to, the circuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry. Still further note that, the memory element stores, and the processing module executes, hard coded and/or operational instructions corresponding to at least some of the steps and/or functions illustrated in FIGS. 1-24.

[0056]The power harvesting module 46 may generate one or more supply voltages 56 (Vdd) from one or more of MRI electromagnetic signals 16, magnetic fields 26, RF signals, MMW signals, and body motion. The power harvesting module 46 may be implemented as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,595,732 to generate one or more supply voltages from an RF signal. The power harvesting module 46 may be implemented as shown in one or more FIGS. 9-11 to generate one or more supply voltages 56 from an MRI signal 28 and/or magnetic field 26. The power harvesting module 46 may be implemented as shown in FIG. 12 to generate one or more supply voltage 56 from body motion.

[0057]The communication module 48 may include a receiver section and a transmitter section. The transmitter section converts an outbound symbol stream into an outbound RF or MMW signal 60 that has a carrier frequency within a given frequency band (e.g., 900 MHz, 2.5 GHz, 5 GHz, 57-66 GHz, etc.). In an embodiment, this may be done by mixing the outbound symbol stream with a local oscillation to produce an up-converted signal. One or more power amplifiers and/or power amplifier drivers amplifies the up-converted signal, which may be RF or MMW bandpass filtered, to produce the outbound RF or MMW signal 60. In another embodiment, the transmitter section includes an oscillator that produces an oscillation. The outbound symbol stream provides phase information (e.g., +/-Δθ [phase shift] and/or θ(t) [phase modulation]) that adjusts the phase of the oscillation to produce a phase adjusted RF or MMW signal, which is transmitted as the outbound RF signal 60. In another embodiment, the outbound symbol stream includes amplitude information (e.g., A(t) [amplitude modulation]), which is used to adjust the amplitude of the phase adjusted RF or MMW signal to produce the outbound RF or MMW signal 60.

[0058]In yet another embodiment, the transmitter section includes an oscillator that produces an oscillation. The outbound symbol provides frequency information (e.g., +/-Δf [frequency shift] and/or f(t) [frequency modulation]) that adjusts the frequency of the oscillation to produce a frequency adjusted RF or MMW signal, which is transmitted as the outbound RF or MMW signal 60. In another embodiment, the outbound symbol stream includes amplitude information, which is used to adjust the amplitude of the frequency adjusted RF or MMW signal to produce the outbound RF or MMW signal 60. In a further embodiment, the transmitter section includes an oscillator that produces an oscillation. The outbound symbol provides amplitude information (e.g., +/-ΔA [amplitude shift] and/or A(t) [amplitude modulation) that adjusts the amplitude of the oscillation to produce the outbound RF or MMW signal 60.

[0059]The receiver section amplifies an inbound RF or MMW signal 60 to produce an amplified inbound RF or MMW signal. The receiver section may then mix in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) components of the amplified inbound RF or MMW signal with in-phase and quadrature components of a local oscillation to produce a mixed I signal and a mixed Q signal. The mixed I and Q signals are combined to produce an inbound symbol stream. In this embodiment, the inbound symbol may include phase information (e.g., +/-Δθ [phase shift] and/or θ(t) [phase modulation]) and/or frequency information (e.g., +/-Δf [frequency shift] and/or f(t) [frequency modulation]). In another embodiment and/or in furtherance of the preceding embodiment, the inbound RF or MMW signal includes amplitude information (e.g., +/-ΔA [amplitude shift] and/or A(t) [amplitude modulation]). To recover the amplitude information, the receiver section includes an amplitude detector such as an envelope detector, a low pass filter, etc.

[0060]The processing module 50 generates the outbound symbol stream from outbound data and converts the inbound symbol stream into inbound data. For example, the processing module 50 converts the inbound symbol stream into inbound data (e.g., voice, text, audio, video, graphics, etc.) in accordance with one or more wireless communication standards (e.g., GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, HSUPA, HSDPA, WiMAX, EDGE, GPRS, IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, ZigBee, universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), long term evolution (LTE), IEEE 802.16, evolution data optimized (EV-DO), etc.). Such a conversion may include one or more of: digital intermediate frequency to baseband conversion, time to frequency domain conversion, space-time-block decoding, space-frequency-block decoding, demodulation, frequency spread decoding, frequency hopping decoding, beamforming decoding, constellation demapping, deinterleaving, decoding, depuncturing, and/or descrambling.

[0061]As another example, the processing module 50 converts outbound data (e.g., voice, text, audio, video, graphics, etc.) into outbound symbol stream in accordance with one or more wireless communication standards (e.g., GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, HSUPA, HSDPA, WiMAX, EDGE, GPRS, IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, ZigBee, universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), long term evolution (LTE), IEEE 802.16, evolution data optimized (EV-DO), etc.). Such a conversion includes one or more of: scrambling, puncturing, encoding, interleaving, constellation mapping, modulation, frequency spreading, frequency hopping, beamforming, space-time-block encoding, space-frequency-block encoding, frequency to time domain conversion, and/or digital baseband to intermediate frequency conversion.

[0062]Each of the one or more functional modules 54 provides a function to support treatment, data gathering, motion, repairs, and/or diagnostics. The functional modules 54 may be implemented using nanotechnology and/or microelectronic mechanical systems (MEMS) technology. Various examples of functional modules 54 are illustrated in one or more of FIGS. 13-24.

[0063]The bio-medical unit 10 may be encapsulated by an encapsulate 58 that is non-toxic to the body. For example, the encapsulate 58 may be a silicon based product, a non-ferromagnetic metal alloy (e.g., stainless steel), etc. As another example, the encapsulate 58 may include a spherical shape and have a ferromagnetic liner that shields the unit from a magnetic field and to offset the forces of the magnetic field.

[0064]The bio-medical unit 10 may be implemented on a single die that has an area of a few millimeters or less. The die may be fabricated in accordance with CMOS technology, Gallium-Arsenide technology, and/or any other integrated circuit die fabrication process.

[0065]FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a power harvesting module 46 that includes an array of on-chip air core inductors 64, a rectifying circuit 66, capacitors, and a regulation circuit 68. The inductors 64 may each having an inductance of a few nano-Henries to a few micro-Henries and may be coupled in series, in parallel, or a series parallel combination.

[0066]In an example of operation, the MRI transmitter 20 transmits MRI signals 28 at a frequency of 3-45 MHz at a power level of up to 35 KWatts. The air core inductors 64 are electromagnetically coupled to generate a voltage from the magnetic and/or electric field generated by the MRI signals 28. Alternatively or in addition to, the air core inductors 64 may generate a voltage from the magnetic field 26 and changes thereof produced by the gradient coils. The rectifying circuit 66 rectifies the AC voltage produced by the inductors to produce a first DC voltage. The regulation circuit generates one or more desired supply voltages 56 from the first DC voltage.

[0067]The inductors 64 may be implemented on one more metal layers of the die and include one or more turns per layer. Note that trace thickness, trace length, and other physical properties affect the resulting inductance.

[0068]FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a power harvesting module 46 that includes a plurality of on-chip air core inductors 70, a plurality of switching units (S), a rectifying circuit 66, a capacitor, and a switch controller 72. The inductors 70 may each having an inductance of a few nano-Henries to a few micro-Henries and may be coupled in series, in parallel, or a series parallel combination.

[0069]In an example of operation, the MRI transmitter 20 transmits MRI signals 28 at a frequency of 3-45 MHz at a power level of up to 35 KWatts. The air core inductors 70 are electromagnetically coupled to generate a voltage from the magnetic and/or electric field generated by the MRI signals 28. The switching module 72 engages the switches via control signals 74 to couple the inductors 70 in series and/or parallel to generate a desired AC voltage. The rectifier circuit 66 and the capacitor(s) convert the desired AC voltage into the one or more supply voltages 56.

[0070]FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a power harvesting module 46 that includes a plurality of Hall effect devices 76, a power combining module 78, and a capacitor(s). In an example of operation, the Hall effect devices 76 generate a voltage based on the constant magnetic field (H) and/or a varying magnetic field. The power combining module 78 (e.g., a wire, a switch network, a transistor network, a diode network, etc.) combines the voltages of the Hall effect devices 76 to produce the one or more supply voltages 56.

[0071]FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a power harvesting module 46 that includes a plurality of piezoelectric devices 82, a power combining module 78, and a capacitor(s). In an example of operation, the piezoelectric devices 82 generate a voltage based on body movement, ultrasound signals, movement of body fluids, etc. The power combining module 78 (e.g., a wire, a switch network, a transistor network, a diode network, etc.) combines the voltages of the Hall effect devices 82 to produce the one or more supply voltages 56. Note that the piezoelectric devices 82 may include one or more of a piezoelectric motor, a piezoelectric actuator, a piezoelectric sensor, and/or a piezoelectric high voltage device.

[0072]The various embodiments of the power harvesting module 46 may be combined to generate more power, more supply voltages, etc. For example, the embodiment of FIG. 9 may be combined with one or more of the embodiments of FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0073]FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a bio-medical unit 10 that includes a power harvesting module 46, a communication module 48, a processing module 50, memory 52, and may include one or more functional modules 54 and/or a Hall effect communication module 116. The communication module 48 may include one or more of an ultrasound transceiver 118, an electromagnetic transceiver 122, an RF and/or MMW transceiver 120, and a light source (LED) transceiver 124. Note that examples of the various types of communication modules 48 will be described in greater detail with reference to one or more of FIGS. 14-24.

[0074]The one or more functional modules 54 may perform a repair function, an imaging function, and/or a leakage detection function, which may utilize one or more of a motion propulsion module 96, a camera module 98, a sampling robotics module 100, a treatment robotics module 102, an accelerometer module 104, a flow meter module 106, a transducer module 108, a gyroscope module 110, a high voltage generator module 112, a control release robotics module 114, and/or other functional modules described with reference to one or more other figures. The functional modules 54 may be implemented using MEMS technology and/or nanotechnology. For example, the camera module 98 may be implemented as a digital image sensor in MEMS technology. Example of these various modules will be described in greater detail with reference to one or more of FIGS. 14-24.

[0075]The Hall effect communication module 116 utilizes variations in the magnetic field and/or electrical field to produce a plus or minus voltage, which can be encoded to convey information. For example, the charge applied to one or more Hall effect devices 76 may be varied to produce the voltage change. As another example, an MRI transmitter 20 and/or gradient unit may modulate a signal on the magnetic field 26 it generates to produce variations in the magnetic field 26.

[0076]FIG. 14 is a diagram of another embodiment of a system that includes one or more bio-medical units 10, a transmitter unit 126, and a receiver unit 128. Each of the bio-medical units 10 includes a power harvesting module 46, a MMW transceiver 138, a processing module 50, and memory 52. The transmitter unit 126 includes a MRI transmitter 130 and a MMW transmitter 132. The receiver unit 128 includes a MRI receiver 134 and a MMW receiver 136. Note that the MMW transmitter 132 and MMW receiver 136 may be in the same unit (e.g., in the transmitter unit, in the receiver unit, or housed in a separate device).

[0077]In an example of operation, the bio-medical unit 10 recovers power from the electromagnetic (EM) signals 146 transmitted by the MRI transmitter 130 and communicates via MMW signals 148-150 with the MMW transmitter 132 and MMW receiver 136. The MRI transmitter 130 may be part of a portable MRI device, may be part of a full sized MRI machine, and/or part of a separate device for generating EM signals 146 for powering the bio-medical unit 10.

[0078]FIG. 15 is a diagram of an example of a communication protocol within the system of FIG. 14. In this diagram, the MRI transmitter 20 transmits RF signals 152, which have a frequency in the range of 3-45 MHz, at various intervals with varying signal strengths. The power harvesting module 46 of the bio-medical units 10 may use these signals to generate power for the bio-medical unit 10.

[0079]In addition to the MRI transmitter 20 transmitting its signal, a constant magnetic field and various gradient magnetic fields 154-164 are created (one or more in the x dimension Gx, one or more in the y dimension Gy, and one or more in the z direction Gz). The power harvesting module 46 of the bio-medical unit 10 may further use the constant magnetic field and/or the varying magnetic fields 154-164 to create power for the bio-medical unit 10.

[0080]During non-transmission periods of the cycle, the bio-medical unit 10 may communicate 168 with the MMW transmitter 132 and/or MMW receiver 136. In this regard, the bio-medical unit 10 alternates from generating power to MMW communication in accordance with the conventional transmission-magnetic field pattern of an MRI machine.

[0081]FIG. 16 is a diagram of another embodiment of a system includes one or more bio-medical units 10, a transmitter unit 126, and a receiver unit 128. Each of the bio-medical units 10 includes a power harvesting module 46, an EM transceiver 174, a processing module 50, and memory 52. The transmitter unit 126 includes a MRI transmitter 130 and electromagnetic (EM) modulator 170. The receiver unit 128 includes a MRI receiver 134 and a EM demodulator 172. The transmitter unit 126 and receiver unit 128 may be part of a portable MRI device, may be part of a full sized MRI machine, or part of a separate device for generating EM signals for powering the bio-medical unit 10.

[0082]In an example of operation, the MRI transmitter 130 generates an electromagnetic signal that is received by the EM modulator 170. The EM modulator 170 modulates a communication signal on the EM signal to produce an inbound modulated EM signal 176. The EM modulator 170 may modulate (e.g., amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, amplitude shift keying, frequency shift keying, etc.) the magnetic field and/or electric field of the EM signal. In another embodiment, the EM modulator 170 may modulate the magnetic fields produced by the gradient coils to produce the inbound modulated EM signals 176.

[0083]The bio-medical unit 10 recovers power from the modulated electromagnetic (EM) signals. In addition, the EM transceiver 174 demodulates the modulated EM signals 178 to recover the communication signal. For outbound signals, the EM transceiver 174 modulates an outbound communication signal to produce outbound modulated EM signals 180. In this instance, the EM transceiver 174 is generating an EM signal that, in air, is modulated on the EM signal transmitted by the transmitter unit 126. In one embodiment, the communication in this system is half duplex such that the modulation of the inbound and outbound communication signals is at the same frequency. In another embodiment, the modulation of the inbound and outbound communication signals are at different frequencies to enable full duplex communication.

[0084]FIG. 17 is a diagram of another example of a communication protocol. In this diagram, the MRI transmitter 20 transmits RF signals 152, which have a frequency in the range of 3-45 MHz, at various intervals with varying signal strengths. The power harvesting module 46 of the bio-medical units 10 may use these signals to generate power for the bio-medical unit 10.

[0085]In addition to the MRI transmitter 20 transmitting its signal, a constant magnetic field and various gradient magnetic fields are created 154-164 (one or more in the x dimension Gx, one or more in the y dimension Gy, and one or more in the z direction Gz). The power harvesting module 46 of the bio-medical unit 10 may further use the constant magnetic field and/or the varying magnetic fields 154-164 to create power for the bio-medical unit 10.

[0086]During the transmission periods of the cycle, the bio-medical unit 10 may communicate via the modulated EM signals 182. In this regard, the bio-medical unit 10 generates power and communicates in accordance with the conventional transmission-magnetic field pattern of an MRI machine.

[0087]FIG. 18 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of networked bio-medical units 10 that communicate with each other, perform sensing functions to produce sensed data 218-232, process the sensed data to produce processed data, and transmit the processed data 216. The bio-medical units 10 may be positioned in a body part to sense data across the body part and to transmit data to an external communication device. The transmitted data may be further processed or aggregated from sensed data.

[0088]The bio-medical units 10 may monitor various types of biological functions over a short term or a long term to produce the sensed data 218-232. Note that the sensed data 218-232 may include blood flow rate, blood pressure, temperature, air flow, blood oxygen level, density, white cell count, red cell count, position information, etc.

[0089]The bio-medical unit 10 establishes communications with one or more other bio-medical units 10 to facilitate the communication of sensed data 218-232 and processed data 216. The communication may include EM signals, MMW signals, optical signals, sound signals, and/or RF signals.

[0090]The bio-medical unit 10 may determine position information based on the sensed data 218-232 and include the position information in the communication. The bio-medical unit 10 may also determine a mode of operation based on one or more of a command, a list, a predetermination, sensed data, and/or processed data. For example, a bio-medical unit 10 at the center of the body part may be in a mode to sense temperature and a bio-medical unit 10 at the outside edge of the body part may sense blood flow.

[0091]The bio-medical unit 10 may receive processed data 218-232 from another bio-medical unit and re-send the same processed data 218-232 to yet another bio-medical unit 10. The bio-medical unit 10 may produce processed data based on sensed data 218-232 from the bio-medical unit 10 and/or received processed data from another bio-medical unit 10.

[0092]FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of networked bio-medical unit data where the bio-medical unit determines the sense mode based on one or more of a predetermination, a stored mode indicator in memory, a command, and/or a dynamic sensed data condition. The method begins at step 234 where the bio-medical unit 10 determines the mode. The method branches to step 240 when the bio-medical unit 10 determines that the mode is process and sense. The method continues to step 236 when the bio-medical unit 10 determines that the mode is sense only.

[0093]At step 236, the bio-medical unit 10 gathers data from one or more of the functional modules 54 to produce sensed data. The bio-medical unit 10 may transmit the sensed data 238 to another bio-medical unit 10 and/or an external communication device in accordance with the sense mode. For example, the bio-medical unit 10 may transmit the sensed data at a specific time, to a specific bio-medical unit 10, to a specific external communication device, after a certain time period, when the data is sensed, and/or when the sensed data compares favorably to a threshold (e.g., a temperature trip point).

[0094]The method continues at step 240 where the bio-medical unit 10 determines whether it has received data from another unit 10. If not, the method continues to step 250, where the bio-medical unit 10 transmits its sensed data to another bio-medical unit 10 and/or an external communication device in accordance with the sense mode.

[0095]When the bio-medical unit 10 has received data from another unit, the method continues at step 242, where the bio-medical unit 10 determines a data function to perform based on one or more of the content of the received data, the sensed data, a command, and/or a predetermination. The data function may one or more of initialization, comparing, compiling, and/or performing a data analysis algorithm.

[0096]The method continues at step 244, where the bio-medical unit 10 gathers data from the functional modules 54, and/or the received data from one or more other bio-medical units 10. The method continues at step 246, where the bio-medical unit 10 processes the data in accordance with a function to produce processed data. In addition to the example provided above, the function may also include the functional assignment of the bio-medical unit 10 as determined by a predetermination, a command, sensed data, and/or processed data (e.g., measure blood pressure from the plurality of bio-medical units and summarize the high, low, and average).

[0097]The method continues at step 248, where the bio-medical unit 10 transmits the processed data to another bio-medical unit 10 and/or to an external communication device in accordance with the sense mode. For example, the bio-medical unit 10 may transmit the sensed data at a specific time, to a specific bio-medical unit 10, to a specific external communication device, after a certain time period, when the data is sensed, and/or when the sensed data compares favorably to a threshold (e.g., a temperature trip point). Note that the communication protocol may be the same or different between bio-medical units 10 and/or between the bio-medical unit 10 and the external communication device.

[0098]FIG. 20 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a parent bio-medical unit (on the left) communicating with an external unit to coordinates the functions of one or more children bio-medical units 10 (on the right). The parent unit includes a communication module 48 for external communications, a communication module 48 for communication with the children units, the processing module 50, the memory 52, and the power harvesting module 46. Note that the parent unit may be implemented one or more chips and may in the body or one the body.

[0099]Each of the child units includes a communication module 48 for communication with the parent unit and/or other children units, a MEMS robotics 244, and the power harvesting module 46. The MEMS robotics 244 may include one or more of a MEMS technology saw, drill, spreader, needle, injection system, and actuator. The communication module 48 may support RF and/or MMW inbound and/or outbound signals 60 to the parent unit such that the parent unit may command the child units in accordance with external communications commands.

[0100]In an example of operation, the patent bio-medical unit receives a communication from the external source, where the communication indicates a particular function the child units are to perform. The parent unit processes the communication and relays relative portions to the child units in accordance with a control mode. Each of the child units receives their respective commands and performs the corresponding functions to achieve the desired function.

[0101]FIG. 21 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a plurality of task coordinated bio-medical units 10 including a parent bio-medical unit 10 (on the left) and one or more children bio-medical units 10 (on the right). The parent unit may be implemented one or more chips and may in the body or one the body. The parent unit may harvest power in conjunction with the power booster 84.

[0102]The parent unit includes the communication module 48 for external communications, the communication module 48 for communication with the children units, the processing module 50, the memory 52, a MEMS electrostatic motor 248, and the power harvesting module 46. The child unit includes the communication module 48 for communication with the parent unit and/or other children units, a MEMS electrostatic motor 248, the MEMS robotics 244, and the power harvesting module 46. Note that the child unit has fewer components as compared to the parent unit and may be smaller facilitating more applications where smaller bio-medical units 10 enhances their effectiveness.

[0103]The MEMS robotics 244 may include one or more of a MEMS technology saw, drill, spreader, needle, injection system, and actuator. The MEMS electrostatic motor 248 may provide mechanical power for the MEMS robotics 244 and/or may provide movement propulsion for the child unit such that the child unit may be positioned to optimize effectiveness. The child units may operate in unison to affect a common task. For example, the plurality of child units may operate in unison to saw through a tissue area.

[0104]The child unit communication module 48 may support RF and/or MMW inbound and/or outbound signals 60 to the parent unit such that the parent unit may command the children units in accordance with external communications commands.

[0105]The child unit may determine a control mode and operate in accordance with the control mode. The child unit determines the control mode based on one or more of a command from a parent bio-medical unit, external communications, a preprogrammed list, and/or in response to sensor data. Note that the control mode may include autonomous, parent (bio-medical unit), server, and/or peer as previously discussed.

[0106]FIG. 22 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a communication and diagnostic bio-medical unit 10 pair where the pair utilize an optical communication medium between them to analyze material between them (e.g., tissue, blood flow, air flow, etc,) and to carry messages (e.g., status, commands, records, test results, scan data, processed scan data, etc.).

[0107]The bio-medical unit 10 includes a MEMS light source 256, a MEMS image sensor 258, the communication module 48 (e.g., for external communications with the communication device 24), the processing module 50, the memory 52, the MEMS electrostatic motor 248 (e.g., for propulsion and/or tasks), and the power harvesting module 46. The bio-medical unit 10 may also include the MEMS light source 256 to facilitate the performance of light source tasks. The MEMS image sensor 258 may be a camera, a light receiving diode, or infrared receiver. The MEMS light source 256 may emit visible light, infrared light, ultraviolet light, and may be capable of varying or sweeping the frequency across a wide band.

[0108]The processing module 50 may utilize the MEMS image sensor 258 and the MEMS light source 256 to communicate with the other bio-medical unit 10 using pulse code modulation, pulse position modulation, or any other modulation scheme suitable for light communications. The processing module 50 may multiplex messages utilizing frequency division, wavelength division, and/or time division multiplexing.

[0109]The bio-medical optical communications may facilitate communication with one or more other bio-medical units 10. In an embodiment, a star architecture is utilized where one bio-medical unit 10 at the center of the star communicates to a plurality of bio-medical units 10 around the center where each of the plurality of bio-medical units 10 only communicate with the bio-medical unit 10 at the center of the star. In an embodiment, a mesh architecture is utilized where each bio-medical unit 10 communicates as many of the plurality of other bio-medical units 10 as possible and where each of the plurality of bio-medical units 10 may relay messages from one unit to another unit through the mesh.

[0110]The processing module 50 may utilize the MEMS image sensor 258 and the MEMS light source 256 of one bio-medical unit 10 to reflect light signals off of matter in the body to determine the composition and position of the matter. In another embodiment, the processing module 50 may utilize the MEMS light source 256 of one bio-medical unit 10 and the MEMS image sensor 258 of a second bio-medical unit 10 to pass light signals through matter in the body to determine the composition and position of the matter. The processing module 50 may pulse the light on and off, sweep the light frequency, vary the amplitude and may use other perturbations to determine the matter composition and location.

[0111]FIG. 23 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a bio-medical unit 10 communication and diagnostic pair where the pair utilize an audible communication medium between them to analyze material between them (e.g., tissue, blood flow, air flow, etc,) and to carry messages (e.g., status, commands, records, test results, scan data, processed scan data, etc.). The bio-medical unit 10 includes the MEMS microphone 262, a MEMS speaker 264, the communication module 48 (e.g., for external communications with the communication device), the processing module 50, the memory 52, the MEMS electrostatic motor 248 (e.g., for propulsion and/or tasks), and the power harvesting module 46. The bio-medical unit 10 may also include the MEMS speaker 264 to facilitate performance of sound source tasks.

[0112]The MEMS microphone 262 and MEMS speaker 264 may utilize audible sound signals, sub-sonic sound signals, and/or ultrasonic sound signals and may be capable of varying or sweeping sound frequencies across a wide band. The processing module 50 may utilize the MEMS microphone 262 and MEMS speaker 264 to communicate with the other bio-medical unit 10 using pulse code modulation, pulse position modulation, amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, or any other modulation scheme suitable for sound communications. The processing module 50 may multiplex messages utilizing frequency division and/or time division multiplexing.

[0113]The bio-medical sound based communications may facilitate communication with one or more other bio-medical units 10. In an embodiment, a star architecture is utilized where one bio-medical unit 10 at the center of the star communicates to a plurality of bio-medical units 10 around the center where each of the plurality of bio-medical units 10 only communicate with the bio-medical unit 10 at the center of the star. In an embodiment, a mesh architecture is utilized where each bio-medical unit 10 communicates as many of the plurality of other bio-medical units 10 as possible and where each of the plurality of bio-medical units 10 may relay messages from one unit to another unit through the mesh.

[0114]The processing module 50 may utilize the MEMS microphone 262 and MEMS speaker 264 of one bio-medical unit 10 to reflect sound signals off of matter in the body to determine the composition and position of the matter. In another embodiment, the processing module 50 may utilize the MEMS microphone 262 of one bio-medical unit 10 and the MEMS speaker 264 of a second bio-medical unit 10 to pass sound signals through matter in the body to determine the composition and position of the matter. The processing module 50 may pulse the sound on and off, sweep the sound frequency, vary the amplitude and may use other perturbations to determine the matter composition and location.

[0115]FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating the coordination of bio-medical unit task execution where the processing module 50 determines and executes tasks with at least one other bio-medical unit 10. The method begins at step 592 where the processing module 50 determines if communication is allowed. The determination may be based on one or more of a timer, a command, available power, a priority indicator, an MRI sequence, and/or interference indicator.

[0116]At step 594, the method branches back to step 592 when the processing module 50 determines that communication is not allowed. At step 594, the method continues to step 596 when the processing module 50 determines that communication is allowed. At step 596, the processing module 50 directs the communication module 48 to communicate with a plurality of bio-medical units 10 utilizing RF and/or MMW inbound and/or outbound signals. The processing module 50 may decode messages from the RF and/or MMW inbound and/or outbound signals inbound signals. At step 598, the processing module 50 determines if communications with the plurality of bio-medical units 10 is successful based in part on the decoded messages.

[0117]At step 600, the method branches back to step 592 when the processing module determines that communications with the plurality of bio-medical units 10 is not successful. Note that forming a network with the other bio-medical units 10 may be required to enable joint actions. At step 600, the method continues to step 602 when the processing module 50 determines that communications with the plurality of bio-medical units 10 is successful.

[0118]At step 602, the processing module 50 determines the task and task requirements. The task determination may be based on one or more of a command from a parent bio-medical unit 10, external communications, a preprogrammed list, and/or in response to sensor data. The task requirements determination may be based on one or more of the task, a command from a parent bio-medical unit 10, external communications, a preprogrammed list, and/or in response to sensor data. Note that the task may include actions including one or more of drilling, moving, sawing, jumping, spreading, sensing, lighting, pinging, testing, and/or administering medication.

[0119]At step 604, the processing module 50 determines the control mode based on one or more of a command from a parent bio-medical unit 10, external communications, a preprogrammed list, and/or in response to sensor data. Note that the control mode may include autonomous, parent (bio-medical unit), server, and/or peer.

[0120]At step 606, the processing module 50 determines if task execution criteria are met based on sensor data, communication with other bio-medical units 10, a command, a status indicator, a safety indicator, a stop indicator, and/or location information. Note that the task execution criteria may include one or more of safety checks, position information of the bio-medical unit 10, position information of other bio-medical units 10, and/or sensor data thresholds.

[0121]At step 608, the method branches back to step 606 when the processing module 50 determines that the task execution criteria are not met. At step 608, the method continues to step 610 when the processing module 50 determines that the task execution criteria are met. At step 610, the processing module 50 executes a task element. A task element may include a portion or step of the overall task. For example, move one centimeter of a task to move three centimeters.

[0122]At step 612, the processing module 50 determines if task exit criteria are met based on a task element checklist status, sensor data, communication with other bio-medical units 10, a command, a status indicator, a safety indicator, a stop indicator, and/or location information. Note that the task exit criteria define successful completion of the task.

[0123]At step 614, the method branches back to step 592 when the processing module 50 determines that the task exit criteria are met. In other words, the plurality of bio-medical units 10 is done with the current task and is ready for the next task. At step 614, the method continues to step 616 when the processing module 50 determines that the task exit criteria are not met.

[0124]At step 616, the processing module 50 directs the communication module 48 to communicate with the plurality of bio-medical units 10 utilizing RF and/or MMW inbound and/or outbound. The processing module 50 may decode messages from the RF and/or MMW inbound and/or outbound signals inbound signals. Note that the messages may include information in regards to task modifications (e.g., course corrections). At step 618, the processing module 50 determines if communications with the plurality of bio-medical units 10 is successful based in part on the decoded messages.

[0125]At step 620, the method branches back to step 592 when the processing module determines that communications with the plurality of bio-medical units is not successful (e.g., to potentially restart). Note that maintaining the network with the other bio-medical unit may be required to enable joint actions. At step 620, the method continues to step 622 when the processing module determines that communications with the plurality of bio-medical units is successful.

[0126]At step 622, the processing module 50 determines task modifications. The task modifications may be based on one or more of a command from a parent bio-medical unit 10, and/or external communications. The task modifications determination may be based on one or more of the task, a command from a parent bio-medical unit 10, external communications, a preprogrammed list, and/or in response to sensor data. The method branches back to step 606 to attempt to complete the current task.

[0127]As may be used herein, the terms "substantially" and "approximately" provides an industry-accepted tolerance for its corresponding term and/or relativity between items. Such an industry-accepted tolerance ranges from less than one percent to fifty percent and corresponds to, but is not limited to, component values, integrated circuit process variations, temperature variations, rise and fall times, and/or thermal noise. Such relativity between items ranges from a difference of a few percent to magnitude differences. As may also be used herein, the term(s) "coupled to" and/or "coupling" and/or includes direct coupling between items and/or indirect coupling between items via an intervening item (e.g., an item includes, but is not limited to, a component, an element, a circuit, and/or a module) where, for indirect coupling, the intervening item does not modify the information of a signal but may adjust its current level, voltage level, and/or power level. As may further be used herein, inferred coupling (i.e., where one element is coupled to another element by inference) includes direct and indirect coupling between two items in the same manner as "coupled to". As may even further be used herein, the term "operable to" indicates that an item includes one or more of power connections, input(s), output(s), etc., to perform one or more its corresponding functions and may further include inferred coupling to one or more other items. As may still further be used herein, the term "associated with", includes direct and/or indirect coupling of separate items and/or one item being embedded within another item. As may be used herein, the term "compares favorably", indicates that a comparison between two or more items, signals, etc., provides a desired relationship. For example, when the desired relationship is that signal 1 has a greater magnitude than signal 2, a favorable comparison may be achieved when the magnitude of signal 1 is greater than that of signal 2 or when the magnitude of signal 2 is less than that of signal 1.

[0128]The present invention has also been described above with the aid of method steps illustrating the performance of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries and sequence of these functional building blocks and method steps have been arbitrarily defined herein for convenience of description. Alternate boundaries and sequences can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships are appropriately performed. Any such alternate boundaries or sequences are thus within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention.

[0129]The present invention has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the performance of certain significant functions. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined for convenience of description. Alternate boundaries could be defined as long as the certain significant functions are appropriately performed. Similarly, flow diagram blocks may also have been arbitrarily defined herein to illustrate certain significant functionality. To the extent used, the flow diagram block boundaries and sequence could have been defined otherwise and still perform the certain significant functionality. Such alternate definitions of both functional building blocks and flow diagram blocks and sequences are thus within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention. One of average skill in the art will also recognize that the functional building blocks, and other illustrative blocks, modules and components herein, can be implemented as illustrated or by discrete components, application specific integrated circuits, processors executing appropriate software and the like or any combination thereof.

Claims

1. A bio-medical unit network comprises:a plurality of bio-medical units, wherein at least some of the plurality of bio-medical units are for implanting within a body, wherein a bio-medical unit of the plurality of bio-medical units includes:a power harvesting module operable to generate a supply voltage from a wireless power source;a communication module operable to communicate at least one of data and control information, wherein the communication module is powered by the supply voltage; anda functional module operable to perform a bio-medical function, wherein the functional module is powered by the supply voltage; andwherein at least one of the plurality of bio-medical units coordinates, on behalf of the plurality of bio-medical units, a communication convention with a communication device external to the body.

2. The bio-medical unit network of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the plurality of bio-medical units further functions to:establish the communication convention to enable direct communication between the communication device external to the body and the plurality of bio-medical units using a communication protocol;establish the communication convention to enable a peer-to-peer relay communication between the communication device external to the body and the plurality of bio-medical units using the communication protocol; orestablish the communication convention to enable an access point communication between the communication device external to the body and the plurality of bio-medical units using the communication protocol, wherein one or more of the plurality of the bio-medical units functions as an access point for remaining ones of the plurality of bio-medical units.

3. The bio-medical unit network of claim 1, wherein the communication module comprises at least one of:a radio frequency (RF) transceiver;a millimeter wave (MMW) transceiver;a microelectronic mechanical systems (MEMS) light transceiver; anda MEMS ultrasound transceiver.

4. The bio-medical unit network of claim 3 further comprises:a first bio-medical unit of the plurality of bio-medical units negotiating with a second bio-medical unit of the plurality of bio-medical units to select the RF transceiver, the MMW transceiver, the MEMS light transceiver, or the MEMS ultrasound transceiver for communication therebetween.

5. The bio-medical unit network of claim 1, wherein the communication convention comprises at least one of:establishing a communication protocol;synchronizing power harvesting by the plurality of bio-medical units;synchronizing activation of the functional module of one or more of the plurality of bio-medical units; andsynchronizing communication of the one or more of the plurality of bio-medical units with the communication device.

6. The bio-medical unit network of claim 1, wherein the bio-medical unit further comprises:a processing module powered by the supply voltage, wherein the processing module is operable to:determine mode of operation of the bio-medical unit;when the mode of operation is sense data, coordinate with the functional module to obtain the at least one data and control information; andcoordinate with the communication module to transmit or receive the at least one of data and control information.

7. The bio-medical unit network of claim 6, wherein the processing module further functions to:when the mode of operation is process and sense data, determine whether additional data is received from another one of the plurality of bio-medical units;when the additional data is received, determine a data function to perform on the additional data;perform the data function on the additional data to produce processed data;coordinate with the functional module to obtain the data; andcoordinate with the communication module to transmit the processed data and the data.

8. The bio-medical unit network of claim 1, wherein the bio-medical unit further comprises:a processing module powered by the supply voltage, wherein the processing module is operable to:determine a task;determine a control mode;coordinate with the functional module to execute the task in accordance with the control mode to produce task results; andcoordinate with the communication module to transmit the task results.

9. A bio-medical unit for implanting into a body comprises:a power harvesting module operable to generate a supply voltage from a wireless power source;a communication module operable to communicate at least one of data and control information, wherein the communication module is powered by the supply voltage;a functional module operable to perform a bio-medical function, wherein the functional module is powered by the supply voltage; anda processing module operable to coordinate at least one of:a communication convention with a communication device external to the body;a communication convention with another bio-medical unit for implanting into the body; anda communication convention between the communication device external to the body and a plurality of bio-medical units for implanting into the body, wherein the plurality of bio-medical units includes the bio-medical unit.

10. The bio-medical unit of claim 9, wherein the communication module comprises at least one of:a radio frequency (RF) transceiver;a millimeter wave (MMW) transceiver;a microelectronic mechanical systems (MEMS) light transceiver; anda MEMS ultrasound transceiver.

11. The bio-medical unit of claim 10, wherein the processing module further functions to:negotiate with the other bio-medical unit to select the RF transceiver, the MMW transceiver, the MEMS light transceiver, or the MEMS ultrasound transceiver for communication therebetween.

12. The bio-medical unit of claim 9, wherein the communication convention comprises at least one of:establishing a communication protocol;synchronizing power harvesting by the plurality of bio-medical units;synchronizing activation of the functional module of one or more of the plurality of bio-medical units; andsynchronizing communication of the one or more of the plurality of bio-medical units with the communication device.

13. The bio-medical unit of claim 9, wherein the processing module is further operable to:determine mode of operation of the bio-medical unit;when the mode of operation is sense data, coordinate with the functional module to obtain the at least one of data and control information; andcoordinate with the communication module to transmit or receive the at least one of data and control information.

14. The bio-medical unit of claim 13, wherein the processing module further functions to:when the mode of operation is process and sense data, determine whether additional data is received from another one of the plurality of bio-medical units;when the additional data is received, determine a data function to perform on the additional data;perform the data function on the additional data to produce processed data;coordinate with the functional module to obtain the data; andcoordinate with the communication module to transmit the processed data and the data.

15. The bio-medical unit of claim 9, wherein the processing module is further operable to:determine a task;determine a control mode;coordinate with the functional module to execute the task in accordance with the control mode to produce task results; andcoordinate with the communication module to transmit the task results.

16. A bio-medical unit for implanting into a body comprises:a power harvesting module operable to generate a supply voltage from a wireless power source;a communication module operable to communicate at least one of data and control information, wherein the communication module is powered by the supply voltage;a functional module operable to perform a bio-medical function, wherein the functional module is powered by the supply voltage; anda processing module operable to coordinate at least one of:communication between the communication module and a communication device external to the body; andcommunication between the communication module and another bio-medical unit for implanting into the body.

17. The bio-medical unit of claim 16, wherein the communication module comprises at least one of:a radio frequency (RF) transceiver;a millimeter wave (MMW) transceiver;a microelectronic mechanical systems (MEMS) light transceiver; anda MEMS ultrasound transceiver.

18. The bio-medical unit of claim 17, wherein the processing module further functions to:negotiate with the other bio-medical unit to select the RF transceiver, the MMW transceiver, the MEMS light transceiver, or the MEMS ultrasound transceiver for communication therebetween.

19. The bio-medical unit of claim 16, wherein the processing module is further operable to:determine mode of operation of the bio-medical unit;when the mode of operation is sense data, coordinate with the functional module to obtain the at least one of data and control information;coordinate with the communication module to transmit or receive the at least one of data and control information;when the mode of operation is process and sense data, determine whether additional data is received from another one of the plurality of bio-medical units;when the additional data is received, determine a data function to perform on the additional data;perform the data function on the additional data to produce processed data;coordinate with the functional module to obtain the at least one of data and control information; andcoordinate with the communication module to transmit the processed data and the data.

20. The bio-medical unit of claim 16, wherein the processing module is further operable to:determine a task;determine a control mode;coordinate with the functional module to execute the task in accordance with the control mode to produce task results; andcoordinate with the communication module to transmit the task results.

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