Parallel Network Architecture For Aggregate Data Routing
Patent No. US12047475 (titled "Parallel Network Architecture For Aggregate Data Routing") was filed by Collective Medical Technologies Inc on Mar 2, 2021.
What is this patent about?
’475 is related to the field of networked data processing , specifically the challenge of managing and routing diverse data streams in a hub-and-spoke architecture. Existing systems struggle to handle the volume and heterogeneity of data from multiple sources, often overwhelming users with irrelevant information or requiring them to perform complex queries. This is particularly relevant in healthcare, where various entities (hospitals, insurance providers, etc.) exchange data using different protocols, including HL7 ADT messages.
The underlying idea behind ’475 is to intelligently filter and route data streams based on user-defined parameters. Instead of simply multiplexing all incoming data to all users, the system analyzes the data in real-time and delivers only the information that is relevant to each specific user's needs. This involves parsing different data formats, identifying key information, and applying filtering rules to reduce the volume of data delivered.
The claims of ’475 focus on a network that connects multiple data streams and users , with the network conditioning and routing the streams. The network includes a protocol interface that handles different communication protocols, including HL7, and an intake interface that receives parameters for network operation from users. A processor, executing instructions stored in memory, limits the flow of data to a receiving user to only HL7 ADT messages (or portions thereof) that comply with the user's parameters, performing this filtering in real-time.
In practice, the system operates by first ingesting subscriber parameters, which define the specific information needs of each user. These parameters might include patient rosters, event types of interest, or notification frequency preferences. As data streams flow into the system, the processor compares the incoming data against these parameters, filtering out irrelevant or unwanted information. The system can also enhance the data by adding patient-identifying information to a data source, improving the accuracy and completeness of the data.
This approach differentiates from prior solutions by providing a highly customized and efficient data delivery mechanism . Instead of relying on users to manually query a large database or passively receive a constant stream of unfiltered data, the system proactively delivers only the information that is relevant to their specific needs. This reduces network bandwidth consumption, processor load, and user fatigue, while also improving the overall quality and timeliness of the information delivered. The system can also write enhanced patient-identifying information back to the data sources, improving the overall quality of the data.
How does this patent fit in bigger picture?
Technical landscape at the time
In the early 2010s when ’475 was filed, network architectures commonly relied on dedicated hardware or complex software configurations to manage diverse data streams from multiple sources. At a time when interoperability between heterogeneous systems was a significant challenge, signal management, authentication, and data management often required substantial processing power at the hub to handle dynamic signal input from various spokes. This was at a time when hardware or software constraints made efficient filtering and routing of data streams non-trivial, especially when dealing with real-time updates and diverse protocols.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The examiner allowed the claims because the applicant's appeal brief, combined with the prior art and prosecution history, made the reason for allowance evident. The examiner stated that their previous actions clearly pointed out the reasons for rejection, and the applicant's reply explicitly pointed out why the claims are patentable over the prior art. The dependent claims were also considered allowable because they further limit the independent claims.
Claims
This patent contains 22 claims, of which claims 1, 12, and 20 are independent. The independent claims are generally directed to a network that conditions and routes or enhances streams, particularly Health Level 7 (HL7) Admit Discharge Transfer (ADT) streams, based on parameters received from users. The dependent claims generally elaborate on the functionality and features of the network described in the independent claims, providing more specific details and limitations.
Key Claim Terms New
Definitions of key terms used in the patent claims.
Patent Family
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Date
Description
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US12047475
- Application Number
- US17190358
- Filing Date
- Mar 2, 2021
- Status
- Granted
- Expiry Date
- Aug 5, 2033
- External Links
- Slate, USPTO, Google Patents