Interesting patent

Title of the invention: Hollow stem; perfume source

Publication number:    US 6830733 B2

Publication type:         Grant

Application number:    US 10/164,818

Publication date:         Dec 14, 2004

Filing date:                  Jun 7, 2002

Inventors:                    Virgil E. Stanley, III

ABSTRACT:  An artificial flower includes a hollow stem and a flower portion disposed adjacent one end of the hollow stem. A fragrance source is associated with the artificial flower. In one embodiment, the fragrance source is disposed within the hollow stem of the artificial flower and the fragrance source is adapted to emit a fragrance that moves through at least a portion of the hollow stem.

Interview with Dr N Sundarajan, Vice-Chancellor of Jain University, Bangalore

In this issue, we are extremely happy to publish interview of Dr N Sundararajan, Vice-Chancellor of Jain University, Bangalore

Dr. N. Sundararajan, the First and Founding Vice–Chancellor of the Jain University, Bangalore, bears a testimony to the society as an Academician and mantles the academic battle as a successful educational administrator, as excellent teacher and a thoughtful writer. Formerly the Principal of Sri Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain College, Bangalore, he is lauded in the academic circles as well as  his peer group as the harbinger of many useful and effective academic, administrative and co-curricular reforms in the field of education.

Prior to his appointment as the Principal, School of Graduate Studies, Sri Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain College, Bangalore, he was a professor of Physics at Christ College, Bangalore for  3 decade and more, teaching, mentoring, students from Pre-University Education to Research Scholars under the aegis of Bangalore University, to which the college was affiliated. Dr. Sundararajan is a prolific writer who has authored about 30 books in physics to the undergraduate and Pre-University students.

Dr Sundararajan is associated with Indian Physics Association, Bangalore Chapter being its Vice–Chairman between 2003 – 2006.

Dr. N. Sundararajan has received many prestigious awards like Outstanding Aluminus Award by National College, Trichy and the Rank of Honorary Colonel by Government of India through NCC Directorate, Karnataka and Goa.

Below are his expert opinions in IP and importance of IP education in educational institutions.

Origiin: Hello Sir. It is a great pleasure and honour for us to interact with you and publish your thoughts in this interview.

Dr. N Sundararajan: Thank you. I feel privileged to share my views and thoughts with your esteemed organization.

Origiin: Jain University has a special cell, which is dedicated towards Intellectual Property and Innovation. Would you like to throw some light how it has come up and how has the response been from the students?

Dr. N Sundararajan: Yes, Jain University encourages students to think innovatively. The creativity has no limits and students come out with many innovative ideas. In fact, we conduct Idea contests every year, for thestudents and faculty members as well. The prizes are distributed on World IP day, i.e., April 26th.  We have a dedicated person Dr.S. Rama Murthy, Professor from Centre for Emerging Technologies, who has given IPR sensitization lectures to all the departments. He takes care of converting innovative ideas into products or processes, which leads to patents. The response from the students is encouraging and now students and teachers are coming up with new innovations.

Origiin: How important is IPR education and knowledge about protecting one’s idea & product among students?

Dr. N Sundararajan: We have introduced IPR as one of the electives to under-graduate students of Aerospace, Mechanical and Electronic and communication departments. An IPR course for M. Tech. students has also been introduced.Centre of Emerging technologies, a research wing of Jain University is providing opportunities to conduct innovative projects.

Origiin: Jain University has filed many patents so far. Is Jain University also working in the direction of IP commercialization?

Dr. N Sundararajan: Yes, it is our main interest to commercialize most of the technologies for which we have filed for patents. Jain University is in the process of commercializing one of the technologies to companies in Sri Lanka on non-exclusive basis.

Origiin: What are the hurdles academic institution faces while patenting the inventions?

Dr. N Sundararajan: In academic institutions, students are busy with tests, assignments and examinations and teachers are busy with Lab work, teaching and examination works. The time for taking up innovative research projects is limited. But still, Jain University has filed 14 patent applications and 7 more Patent applications are in the pipe line under processing at NRDC.

Origiin: Unlike other western Universities like Harvard or Stanford, that are not just patenting but also commercializing patents successfully, we hardly see such scenario in Indian Universities. In your opinion what are the reasons for this gap?

Dr. N Sundararajan: Yes, you are right. There are several reasons. Firstly, I would say it is mind -set and IP culture has not reached to that level of Universities like Harvard or Stanford.  Secondly, filing patents is expensive, which most of academic institutions may find it difficult to spend. Thirdly, return on investments of patents takes several years. In India, IP culture is slowly picking up and I hope to see more funds from the government for R &D and for filing patents.

Origiin: What is your view regarding IP as career? Does your University provide any assistance in terms of course or PhD to those who would like to carve a niche in IP as a career?

Dr. N Sundararajan: Future of India is based on the Knowledge economy. Our Chairman encourages all innovative projects. Jain University has plans to start degree courses in interdisciplinary areas like LLB and Engineering combined. This course will help in acquiring both legal and technical knowledge. The students of this course will have openings in progressive Law firms like yours! If there is an interesting problem, we are encouraging PhD students also.

Origiin: What are the initiatives taken by Jain University to create awareness in the field of Intellectual Property?

Dr. N Sundararajan:  Dr Rama Murthy, who is instrumental in spearheading IPR at Jain University, has delivered several lectures to all the departments. In addition, VTPC, Govt. of Karnataka has organized seminars on the role of IPR to academics and Business.

Origiin: What would be your message to IP innovators of India?

Dr. N Sundararajan: IP innovators are the future Technology creators and they should continue generating more and more innovative ideas. IP innovators should be encouraged and should be rewarded for their work. IP innovators should take up task of “Training of Trainers” and IP knowledge should spread like atomic fission.

Origiin: Thank you so much Sir for your valuable inputs.

Dr. N Sundararajan: Thank you

Innovative product

“LECHAL” – Bluetooth enabled footwear

Lechal, a revolution in wearable technology pioneered by Indian enterprise, has launched world’s first interactive footwear that navigates you via Blue tooth. The product Lechal (pronounced Le-ch-al), which in Hindi means “take me there”, is launched by Ducere Technology, a company that primarily aims to offer products that are intuitive and unobtrusive, and facilitate every user to evolve to higher lifestyles. Krispian Lawrence and Anirudh Sharma, graduates from The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and MIT, respectively, are the co-founders of DucereTechnologies,based in Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh.

The footwear was initially designed to help the visually challenged people with mobility through unobtrusive means; it was soon realized that this innovation can be useful for everyone. This thought was further developed to launch stylish footwear with interactive haptic based navigational system guiding the user towards their destination through simple vibrations in the footwear. The noble thought behind launching lifestyle tech enabled footwear, was to subsidize the cost of the footwear for the visually challenged. Higher sales of the stylish LECHAL footwear would substantially reduce the cost of footwear meant for the visually challenged, who can use the footwear to assist them in navigating their way on their own.

In terms of navigation,an app loaded on a smartphone pairs with the footwear via Bluetooth. The user interacts with the app and can set a destination. The phone’s GPS is used to calculate location data and the directions are conveyed to the user via haptics (simple vibrations) in the footwear thereby it allows you to tag locations, set destinations,start/stop/pause navigation, and much more, all by executing simple foot gestures. Not only this, ‘LECHAL’ footwear also aids to fitness regime by counting your steps, and tracks your calories burnt. Through the App, the user can set goals, create custom workout sessions and much more.

Today, Ducere and its brand LECHAL, is recognized globally as an innovative brand in wearable technology, winning several awards & recognitions, including being presented at the world renowned TED conference in 2013.

Interesting patent

Title of the invention: Method and means for creating anti-gravity illusion

Publication number:   US5255452 A

Publication type:        Grant

Application number:    US 07/905,479

Publication date:         Oct 26, 1993

Filing date:                 Jun 29, 1992

Inventors:   Michael J. Jackson, Michael L. Bush, Dennis Tompkins

ABSTRACT: The present invention discloses a garment having printed thereon a figure comprising uniquely identifiable regions that when worn permit the wearer to identify for a third party a particular location on the wearer’s body.

Patent Landscape Analysis Report on:

Biometric Authentication using Ultrasound Technology

We are glad to share with a comprehensive Patent Landscape Analysis for patent activities in the field of biometric authentication using ultrasound technology during the period of 1993 to till date.This landscape is based on published patent applications and granted patents in US jurisdiction and mainly focuses on theparameters, such as:Patent application publication trend (year wise), patenting activities of key players, patent filing trend,technologyanalysis etc.

In this emerging era of e-commerce, secure online transactions play a vital role. Though online transaction is a convenient option, yet it is prone to hacking, leading to frauds and related crimes. Thepasswords and PINs,commonly used for online banking,have become absolutely inadequate to protect security of user or consumer. Apart from this, in all spheres of life, especially in any public place or corporate world, security issues are increasing and there is always risk of an unauthorized person entering into restricted areas with an intention of theft, terrorist attack etc.In order to overcome such problems,biometric systems are often deployed at such places to ensure data security to the internet users. It also assists in authentication of an individual on basis of physical, physiological or behavioural characteristics.

There are several systems and products in the market that relate to biometric authentication and their demandis growing exponentially. With increasing demand, innovation and number of patents in this domain are also increasing. Patent has

an effective tool not just to protect such innovations but also to strengthen core technologies.Biometric is considered to be the most suitable authentication system for security as every individual is unique and hence identification of specific traits is a reliable way of authentication. As the specific traits cannot be borrowed, stolen or forgotten, counterfeiting is practically impossible, that makes biometric authentication an extremely effective technology for authentication of individual. Biometric characteristicsmay be physical, physiological or behavioural. Physiological characteristics relate to physiological parameters of body, such as, fingerprints, geometry of hand, finger or palm, retina, iris, and any of the facial features. Behavioural characteristics include parameters such as, signature, voice and keystroke pattern etc.

Biometric scanners, such as optical, capacitance, direct pressure, thermal, ultra sound are employed to carry out the process of authentication. However, ultrasound scanner is gaining popularity today for being highly accurate and moreover it is insulated from the effects of dirt, paint, ink and other image contaminants.

Below are some of the analyses with respective graphical representation.

1) PATENT APPLICATION PUBLICATION TREND

Fig 1: Patent Application Publication Trend

An analysis of patent applications that are published in the field of ultrasound based biometric authentication revealed that in the last five years, the number of patent applications published has increased drastically. Year 2013 has been a remarkable year with maximum number of published patent application.

2) PATENTING ACTIVITIES OF KEY PLAYERS

Fig 2: Patenting Activities of Key Players

An analysis for the patents granted in the field of biometric authentication using ultrasound technology revealed that ELWHA, a US-based firm, holds the highest number of patents in this field. Among the key players, ELWHA has been assigned with almost 22% of total number of patents in this technology.

3) PATENT FILING TREND

Fig 3: Patent Filing Trend

The chart represents the patent filing trend in the field of biometric authentication using ultrasound technology in the US jurisdiction till date

4) RECENT TREND IN TECHNOLOGY

Fig 5: Recent Trend in Technology

A technology analysis of the patents/patent applications filed in the field of biometric authentication using ultrasound during last five years revealed that number of patent under the IPC G06F (ELECTRICAL DIGITAL …) is increasing every year.

CONCLUSION

Hence, the landscape analysis carried out to identify the patenting activities in US in the field of biometric authentication using ultrasound technology clearly shows two things, firstly,  that  ultrasound based biometric authentication is becoming the most sought after authentication technology among various sectors like communication (AT&T), banking (AMERICAN EXPRESS and BANK OF AMERICA) and identification (APPLE, NEXTGENID) etc. and secondly although biometric authentication is not the primary sector of business for billion dollar companies like APPLE, IBM etc., according to this landscape study, these companies are showing significant interest in this field. This is evident by the fact that these companies hold more patent in this field than the companies’ whose main area of business is biometric authentication.

Please click here in order to view the detailed and more descriptive report of this Patent Landscape Analysis.

Innovative Product of the Month

ReMeDi® Tele-Medicine Solution

Neurosynaptic  Communications , a Bangalore based company, has indigenously developed a low-cost ReMeDi™ Medical Data Acquisition Unit and Software, todeliver primary health services to rural, remote populations through Telemedicine. It is always observed that access to basic healthcare is a daunting challenge in rural India. Over 70% of the country’s population lives in villages, yet 80% doctors, 75% dispensaries and 60% hospitals are in urban areas. About 70-80% private practitioners are semi- or unqualified and absentee rate at government rural clinics is ~40%. For rural population, healthcare is 1.5 times costlier. Quality healthcare is sought very late in the disease cycle, resulting in high mortality & morbidity besides huge expenses. Clearly, there is a huge demand-supply gap for the rural health services, where quality care is most needed. ReMeDi® Tele-Medicine Solution offers solution to this which can measure basic physiological parameters like patient’s ECG, Temp, BP, HR & oxygen saturation, as well as real-time transmission of heart and lung sounds through electronic stethoscope probe and provide vital information about the patient to a doctor for preliminary diagnosis. The medical device uses only 2W of power. The solution also includes video conferencing between doctors and patients which can work at a bandwidth of as low as 32 Kbps. A preliminary diagnosis of cardio-vascular problems can be carried out using stethoscope, ECG and blood pressure measurement. With images, taken using a normal web camera, doctors can provide eye care, dermatology and ENT services.

While the ReMeDi™ technology is designed to work with extremely low bandwidths by compressing video, audio and data information, this works on all kinds of Internet based connectivity. The ReMeDi™ technology is built in a way that a person with – typically a high school graduate - can operate it with minimal training. Training processes are also considered a part of technology itself. Certain benefits of the system are early detection of ailments, high quality branded healthcare, very much cost effective as per consult cost Rs 30 to 50, close proximity distance of the telemedicine  centre and nearly 75 % of walk in patients taken care of with tele-consultation.A combination of such appropriate technologies that require lower dependency on skilled personnel and bridge the access gap in rural  areas is surely a significant innovative product.

Interesting Patent

Title of the invention: Garment for identifying location on body of the garment wearer

Publication number:         US20060191053 A1

Publication type:              Application

Application number:          US 11/066,815

Publication date:              Aug 31, 2006

Filing date:                      Feb 25, 2005

Inventors:                        Francis Coppola

ABSTRACT: The present invention discloses a garment having printed thereon a figure comprising uniquely identifiable regions that when worn permit the wearer to identify for a third party a particular location on the wearer’s body.