System and method for intra-body communication

Abstract

A method comprising generating a mechanical signal in a mammal, the mechanical signal having a frequency no more than 50,000 Hz, transmitting the mechanical signal through the musculoskeletal system in the mammal, and sensing the mechanical signal from the musculoskeletal system. A method of triggering an internal event comprising generating a mechanical signal internal or external to a mammal, transmitting the signal through the musculoskeletal system of the mammal, detecting the mechanical signal, and triggering an event in response to the mechanical signal. A method of drug delivery comprising generating a mechanical signal internal or external to a mammal, transmitting the signal through the musculoskeletal system of the mammal, detecting the mechanical signal, and delivering the drug in response to the mechanical signal.

1 . A method comprising:
 a) generating a mechanical signal in a mammal, the mechanical signal having a frequency no more than 50,000 Hz;   b) transmitting the mechanical signal through the musculoskeletal system in the mammal; and   c) sensing the mechanical signal from the musculoskeletal system.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the mechanical signal is modulated to carry data or information. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the mechanical signal is frequency modulated or amplitude modulated. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein (a) comprises using an electro-mechanical stimulator, an electro-magnetic stimulator, or a piezo-electric stimulator to generate the mechanical signal. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein (a) comprises generating the mechanical signal on the outer surface of the mammal. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein (a) comprises generating the mechanical signal inside the mammal. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the mammal initiates the mechanical signal in (a) by tapping, clicking teeth or snapping fingers. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the mechanical signal has a frequency ranging from about 1.0 Hz to about 20,000 Hz. 
     
     
         9 . A method comprising:
 generating a mechanical signal internal or external to a mammal;   transmitting the signal through the musculoskeletal system of the mammal;   detecting the mechanical signal; and   at least one action selected from the group consisting of triggering an event in response to the mechanical signal; delivering the drug in response to the mechanical signal; decoding the mechanical signal to monitor blood pressure, ECG, heart rate, body temperature, glucose level, or combinations thereof; decoding the mechanical signal to trigger an event; comparing the mechanical signal to a reference signal to identify the mammal; and comparing the mechanical signal to a reference signal to diagnose the injury, wherein the injury comprises a fracture, a tear, a trauma, internal bleeding, or combinations thereof.   
     
     
         10 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A system for intra-body communication in a mammal comprising:
 a mechanical signal generator coupled to the body of the mammal;   a receiver coupled to the body of the mammal capable of detecting a low frequency mechanical signal generated from said mechanical signal generator, wherein said signal is transmitted through the musculoskeletal system of the mammal.   
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17  wherein the mechanical signal generator is an electro-mechanical, electro-magnetic, a piezoelectric stimulator, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 17  wherein the mechanical signal generator is implanted inside the mammal or is coupled to the outer surface of the mammal. 
     
     
         20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 17  wherein the receiver is an accelerometer. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 17  wherein the receiver is strapped to the wrist of the mammal or is implanted inside the mammal. 
     
     
         23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 17  further comprising one or more amplifiers coupled to said mechanical signal generator or to said receiver. 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 17  wherein the receiver is coupled to the body of another mammal directly connected to the mammal wearing the transmitter. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 25  wherein the coupling between two or more mammals is established through additional materials and devices. 
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 17  wherein the receiver or transmitter are external devices with temporary direct coupling to the user. 
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 27  wherein such external devices include computers and peripherals attached to computers. 
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 25  wherein such external devices are autonomous.