US 9055868

US Patent 9055868, titled "System and method for voice control of medical devices," was invented by Mohammed N. Islam. The patent was filed on September 3, 2014, and issued on June 16, 2015. The current assignee is Omni Medsci Inc., as of October 16, 2024, following previous reassignments to Omni Continuum, LLC and Cheetah Omni LLC.

Abstract:
A diagnostic system is described that includes semiconductor diodes, a multiplexer, and waveguide structures to create an output light beam. A lens system directs this beam onto a user's body part containing blood for measurement. A software application processes the measurement data to generate physiological information, operating on a control system that may feature a touchscreen, proximity sensor, and wireless transceiver for transmitting data. A host system receives and stores this wireless data, processes it with control logic (including voice recognition software in some embodiments) to determine the user's status, records the status, and outputs it to one or more remote display devices.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Claim 1: This claim describes a diagnostic system that uses multiple semiconductor diodes as a light source. These light beams are combined by a multiplexer into one or more wavelengths, which are then transmitted through a waveguide to create an output beam. A lens system directs this beam onto a patient's blood-containing body part for measurement. A software application processes this measurement to generate physiological information, running on a control system that can receive voice and manual inputs, and includes a touchscreen, proximity sensor, and wireless transceiver. A host system receives, stores, and processes this wireless data to determine the user's status, records it, and communicates it to remote displays.

• Claim 10: This claim focuses on a diagnostic system with a light source of one or more semiconductor diodes. A lens system directs the input light beam onto a patient's blood-containing body part for a measurement. A software application generates physiological information from this measurement and operates on a control system with a touchscreen, location sensor circuitry, and a wireless transceiver. This control system also accepts voice and manual inputs. A host system stores and processes the wireless data to generate a user's status, records it, and sends it to remote displays.

• Claim 19: This claim details a diagnostic system similar to Claim 10, but specifically states that the measurement performed on the user's blood involves a spectroscopic procedure to measure a blood property. This procedure is based on comparing the amplitudes of transmitted or reflected light at multiple wavelengths. Additionally, the control system is coupled to an audio output device, and the host's control logic specifically includes voice recognition software to process voice input signals.

• Claim 28: This claim covers a light-based medical diagnostic system that uses a pump source with multiple semiconductor diodes and a multiplexer to create a multiplexed pump beam with one or more wavelengths. This beam enters a first waveguide (which includes a gain fiber) to produce a first optical beam. A second waveguide receives this first optical beam and communicates it to an output end, forming an output beam with at least one wavelength of 1.7 microns or more. A lens system directs this output beam through a patient's mouth onto their blood. This output beam is specifically for medical diagnostics to measure a blood property, using a differential spectroscopic procedure based on comparing amplitudes at multiple wavelengths.

• Claim 37: This claim describes a light-based diagnostic system with a pump source using multiple semiconductor diodes and a multiplexer to generate a multiplexed pump beam. It includes first and second waveguide structures and a lens system. The first waveguide contains a fused silica fiber and outputs a first optical beam. The second waveguide receives this beam and directs it to an output end to form an output beam. The lens system directs a portion of the output beam through a patient's body orifice. This output beam is for multi-wavelength diagnostics to measure a property of the patient's body, using a differential spectroscopic procedure based on comparing amplitudes at multiple wavelengths.

• Claim 46: This claim outlines a light-based medical diagnostic system featuring a pump source with multiple semiconductor diodes and a multiplexer to produce a multiplexed pump beam. A first waveguide, containing a fused silica fiber, receives a portion of this beam and outputs a first optical beam. A second waveguide receives the first optical beam and directs it to an output end to form an output beam. A lens system then communicates a portion of this output beam onto a part of the patient's body containing blood.

• Claim 55: This claim defines a medical device with an insertable portion designed to enter a patient's body orifice. This insertable portion has an automated head unit that can be manipulated along at least two axes of motion based on control signals. One or more controllers are coupled to the automated head unit and generate these control signals based on an input signal.

• Claim 56: This claim details a medical device aimed at minimizing tissue damage. It includes an insertable portion for insertion into a patient's body orifice, and one or more sensors coupled to this portion. These sensors generate a feedback signal used to substantially minimize damage to the patient's tissue.

• Claim 57: This claim describes a medical device for use in a medical procedure, comprising a pump laser that generates a pump signal. A Raman wavelength shifter is coupled to the pump laser and includes a waveguide structure. This Raman wavelength shifter generates an output optical signal with a wavelength of approximately 1.7 microns or more.

• Claim 58: This claim specifies a medical device for a medical procedure that includes a Raman wavelength shifter. This shifter is operable to generate an optical signal in the mid-infrared wavelength range, and at least a portion of the Raman wavelength shifter comprises a chalcogenide waveguide.

• Claim 59: This claim describes a system for controlling a medical device. It includes a monitor to display medical information to a user and a communication device that receives input signals from the user, which are based on the displayed medical information. One or more processors are coupled to the communication device and convert these input signals into control signals used to manipulate a medical device.

USPTO and CAFC 2026 Dockets:

A search for US patent 9055868 on Google Patents (which often integrates USPTO data) shows its legal status as "Expired - Lifetime" with an anticipated expiration date of August 29, 2023.

Regarding litigation, the patent has a history of cases:

• US case filed in Texas Western District Court (6:23-cv-00478).
• PTAB case IPR2025-01249 filed (Not Instituted - Procedural).
• First worldwide family litigation filed.
• US case filed in Texas Eastern District Court (2:26-cv-00289).
• US case filed in Texas Eastern District Court (2:24-cv-01070).
• US case filed in Delaware District Court (1:25-cv-00140).

Specifically for CAFC 2026 dockets, the provided patent information does not directly list any cases currently active or filed in the CAFC in 2026. However, the listed IPR2025-01249 case from the PTAB could potentially lead to a CAFC appeal in 2026, though its status is "Not Instituted - Procedural". The provided information only shows district court cases and one PTAB case, but no direct CAFC dockets for 2026 for this specific patent. Based on the provided information, there is no authoritative information explicitly stating a CAFC 2026 docket for US9055868.## US Patent 9055868: System and Method for Voice Control of Medical Devices

Title: System and method for voice control of medical devices
Assignee: Omni Medsci Inc. (as of October 16, 2024)
Inventor: Mohammed N. Islam
Filing Date: September 3, 2014
Issue Date: June 16, 2015

Abstract:
US Patent 9055868 describes a diagnostic system that employs a light source with semiconductor diodes and a multiplexer to generate a multiplexed light beam. This beam is transmitted through waveguide structures to create an output beam. A lens system directs this output beam onto a part of a user's body containing blood to perform measurements. A software application processes these measurements to generate physiological information, operating on a control system equipped with a touchscreen, proximity sensor, and a wireless transceiver for data transmission. A host system receives, stores, and processes the wireless data using control logic (which may include voice recognition software) to determine the user's status, record it, and communicate this information to one or more remote display devices.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Claim 1: This claim describes a diagnostic system that uses multiple semiconductor light sources combined by a multiplexer. The combined light travels through waveguides to form an output beam. A lens system focuses this beam onto a patient's body part with blood for a measurement. A software application processes this measurement into physiological data, running on a control system that has a touchscreen, proximity sensor, wireless communication, and can receive both voice and manual inputs. A separate host computer receives this data wirelessly, processes it to determine the patient's status, stores this status, and sends it to remote display screens.

• Claim 10: This claim covers a diagnostic system featuring a light source with one or more semiconductor diodes. A lens system directs this light beam onto a patient's blood-containing body part for a measurement. A software application uses this measurement to generate physiological information, running on a control system that includes a touchscreen, circuitry for getting location data from a sensor, and a wireless transceiver for sending data. This control system is also configured to receive voice and manual inputs. A host computer receives and stores the wireless data, processes it to generate the patient's status, records this status, and communicates it to remote display devices.

• Claim 19: Similar to Claim 10, this diagnostic system uses one or more semiconductor diodes as a light source. A lens system directs the light onto a patient's blood for a measurement, specifically employing a spectroscopic procedure to measure a blood property. This spectroscopic procedure compares light amplitudes at various wavelengths that are transmitted or reflected from the blood. A software application processes this data into physiological information, running on a control system with a touchscreen, location sensor circuitry, wireless communication, and capabilities for voice and manual input. Notably, this control system is connected to an audio output device, and the host computer's control logic includes voice recognition software to process voice commands.

• Claim 28: This claim describes a light-based medical diagnostic system. It includes a pump source with multiple semiconductor diodes that generate pump beams, which are then combined by a multiplexer into a multiplexed pump beam. This beam enters a first waveguide (containing a gain fiber) to produce a first optical beam. A second waveguide receives this first beam and guides it to an output end, creating an output beam with a wavelength of 1.7 microns or more. A lens system directs this output beam through a patient's mouth onto their blood. This system is designed for medical diagnostics, measuring a blood property using a differential spectroscopic procedure that compares light amplitudes at multiple wavelengths reflected or transmitted from the blood.

• Claim 37: This claim covers another light-based diagnostic system with a pump source using multiple semiconductor diodes and a multiplexer to create a multiplexed pump beam. It involves a first waveguide (made partly of fused silica fiber) that outputs a first optical beam, and a second waveguide that receives this beam and forms an output beam. A lens system directs a portion of this output beam through an orifice in a patient's body. This system is intended for multi-wavelength diagnostics to measure a property of the patient's body, utilizing a differential spectroscopic procedure that compares light amplitudes at various wavelengths transmitted or reflected from the body part.

• Claim 46: This claim outlines a light-based medical diagnostic system that includes a pump source with multiple semiconductor diodes and a multiplexer to combine their pump beams into a multiplexed pump beam. A first waveguide, which contains a fused silica fiber, receives a portion of this multiplexed beam and outputs a first optical beam. A second waveguide then receives this first optical beam and transmits it to an output end to form an output beam. Finally, a lens system directs a portion of this output beam onto a part of a patient's body containing blood.

• Claim 55: This claim describes a medical device with an insertable portion that can be placed into a patient's body orifice. This insertable portion includes an automated head unit that can be moved in at least two directions (axes of motion) based on control signals. The device also has one or more controllers connected to this automated head unit, which generate the control signals in response to an input signal.

• Claim 56: This claim pertains to a medical device designed to minimize tissue damage. It comprises an insertable portion for entering a patient's body orifice. Coupled to this insertable portion are one or more sensors. These sensors generate a feedback signal that is used to significantly reduce damage to the patient's tissue.

• Claim 57: This claim describes a medical device used in a medical procedure. It includes a pump laser that generates a pump signal, and a Raman wavelength shifter connected to the pump laser. At least part of this wavelength shifter is a waveguide structure. The Raman wavelength shifter generates an output optical signal with a wavelength of approximately 1.7 microns or more.

• Claim 58: This claim details a medical device for use in a medical procedure, which contains a Raman wavelength shifter. This shifter is capable of generating an optical signal in the mid-infrared wavelength range, and a portion of this Raman wavelength shifter is made of a chalcogenide waveguide.

• Claim 59: This claim describes a system for controlling a medical device. It consists of a monitor that displays medical information to a user and a communication device that receives input signals from the user (these signals being based on the information shown on the monitor). One or more processors are connected to the communication device and convert the input signals into control signals that can manipulate a medical device.

USPTO and CAFC 2026 Dockets:
US Patent 9055868 is marked as "Expired - Lifetime" with an anticipated expiration date of August 29, 2023.

The patent has been involved in several litigation cases:

• A US case filed in the Texas Western District Court (case number 6:23-cv-00478).
• A PTAB case, IPR2025-01249, which was filed but procedurally "Not Instituted."
• It is also noted to have had its "First worldwide family litigation filed."
• Other US cases filed in 2024 and 2025 include: Texas Eastern District Court (2:26-cv-00289), Texas Eastern District Court (2:24-cv-01070), and Delaware District Court (1:25-cv-00140).

As of April 26, 2026, there is no authoritative information explicitly detailing any active dockets for US Patent 9055868 at the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) in 2026. While the PTAB case (IPR2025-01249) could potentially lead to a CAFC appeal, its current status of "Not Instituted - Procedural" does not indicate an active appeal at the CAFC.

US Patent 9,055,868 has been involved in the following litigation:

1. Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court

   • Case Number: 6:23-cv-00478
   • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in the provided information.
   • Defendant(s): Not specified in the provided information.
   • Filing Date: Not specified in the provided information.
   • Outcome/Current Status: Critical litigation.

2. Jurisdiction: PTAB (Patent Trial and Appeal Board)

   • Case Number: IPR2025-01249
   • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in the provided information.
   • Defendant(s): Not specified in the provided information.
   • Filing Date: Not specified in the provided information.
   • Outcome/Current Status: Not Instituted - Procedural.

3. Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court

   • Case Number: 2:26-cv-00289
   • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in the provided information.
   • Defendant(s): Not specified in the provided information.
   • Filing Date: Not specified in the provided information.
   • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation.

4. Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court

   • Case Number: 2:24-cv-01070
   • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in the provided information.
   • Defendant(s): Not specified in the provided information.
   • Filing Date: Not specified in the provided information.
   • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation.

5. Jurisdiction: Delaware District Court

   • Case Number: 1:25-cv-00140
   • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in the provided information.
   • Defendant(s): Not specified in the provided information.
   • Filing Date: Not specified in the provided information.
   • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation.

It is also noted that the "First worldwide family litigation" has been filed, but specific details regarding jurisdiction, parties, case number, filing date, or outcome are not provided in the given information.

Proceedings overview

There is one AIA trial proceeding on file for US Patent 9055868: IPR2025-01249, which resulted in a discretionary denial. This outcome means no claims were invalidated or sustained through this proceeding. The patent's claims remain untested by this particular IPR challenge, suggesting a defendant would face a patent whose claims have not been substantively challenged and affirmed or rejected by the PTAB.

IPR2025-01249 — SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. et al. v. Mohammed N. ISLAM

• Type: Inter Partes Review
• Filed: 2025-08-05
• Status: Discretionary Denial. This means the PTAB declined to institute the IPR based on discretionary factors, rather than on the merits of the patentability challenge.
• Judge panel: Not publicly available from the provided patent text or standard search for institution decisions.
• Petition grounds: The patent text indicates the petitioner is SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. et al. and the inventor is Mohammed N. ISLAM, but the specific claims challenged, prior art asserted, and statutory bases (§ 102 / § 103 / § 112) are not detailed in the provided data.
• Institution decision: Denied (Discretionary Denial). The PTAB declined to institute the IPR. The specific reasoning for the discretionary denial would be found in the institution decision, but it is not available in the provided patent text.
• Final Written Decision (if issued): Not issued, as institution was denied.
• Settlement / termination: No settlement or termination explicitly stated; the proceeding concluded with a discretionary denial of institution.
• Appeal: No Federal Circuit appeal related to a Final Written Decision, as no such decision was rendered.
• Defensive value: This IPR did not result in any claims being invalidated, nor did it substantively test the patentability of the claims on the merits. A defendant still faces a patent whose claims have not been judicially reviewed by the PTAB for patentability over the cited prior art. The fact that institution was denied on discretionary grounds (and not on the merits) means the underlying patentability arguments were not fully explored.

Strategic summary

Currently, none of the claims of US Patent 9055868 have been canceled or sustained through a final written decision from the provided PTAB proceeding. The single identified IPR (IPR2025-01249) was discretionarily denied institution, meaning the PTAB did not reach the merits of the patentability challenge. Therefore, all claims of US9055868 can be considered UNTESTED in the context of AIA trial proceedings to date.

Regarding the estoppel landscape, since IPR2025-01249 was denied institution on discretionary grounds rather than on the merits of patentability, it is unlikely to trigger the full estoppel provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 315(e)(2) for the petitioner. This means that, theoretically, the same petitioner (and their privies) might not be barred from raising the same grounds in a future proceeding if discretionary factors change, although the PTAB has discretion to consider prior denials. For a different defendant currently being asserted against, all prior-art grounds would generally still be available for a new IPR petition, as the merits were not decided in IPR2025-01249.

The signal from this single proceeding is limited. The discretionary denial indicates a procedural hurdle rather than a substantive victory or loss on patentability. The petitioner was "SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. et al.", suggesting a large entity sought to challenge the patent. The presence of Unified Patents data in the Google Patents record for this IPR (IPR2025-01249) as "Not Instituted - Procedural" and indicating "Petitioner: Unified Patents PTAB Data" suggests that Unified Patents may have been involved in tracking or potentially initiating this IPR, though the primary petitioner is listed as SAMSUNG.

Recommended next steps

• Since IPR2025-01249 resulted in a discretionary denial of institution and not a Final Written Decision on the merits, there are no claims invalidated or sustained by this proceeding to explicitly link to. The procedural status means the patent claims have not been substantively challenged and affirmed or rejected by the PTAB.
• No active proceedings are currently pending that would require monitoring for trial-stage milestones.
• Given that there has been only one IPR filing which was discretionarily denied, and the patent is involved in multiple district court litigations (as indicated by the Google Patents record), a defendant should carefully consider the grounds for the discretionary denial of IPR2025-01249. If the patent is being asserted, the absence of successful PTAB challenges means that any new IPR petition would be a fresh attempt at invalidation, and the arguments presented in the denied petition should be reviewed to understand potential PTAB concerns or strategies to avoid.## Proceedings overview
  There is one AIA trial proceeding on file for US Patent 9055868: IPR2025-01249, which resulted in a discretionary denial. This outcome means no claims were invalidated or sustained through this proceeding. The patent's claims remain untested by this particular IPR challenge, suggesting a defendant would face a patent whose claims have not been substantively challenged and affirmed or rejected by the PTAB.

For each proceeding (most-impactful first — claims-invalidated ones go to the top):

IPR2025-01249 — SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. et al. v. Omni Medsci Inc

• Type: Inter Partes Review
• Filed: 2025-08-05
• Status: Discretionary Denial. This means the PTAB declined to institute the IPR based on discretionary factors, rather than on the merits of the patentability challenge.
• Judge panel: Information regarding the specific judge panel for IPR2025-01249 is not publicly available in the provided text or readily found through general searches for "IPR2025-01249 judge panel". It's possible that with Director Squires taking personal control of all institution determinations since October 2025, many routine decisions are issued as summary notices without detailed explanations of reasoning or specific panel judge listings.
• Petition grounds: The specific claims challenged, prior art asserted, and statutory bases (§ 102 / § 103 / § 112) for this petition are not detailed in the provided data.
• Institution decision: Denied (Discretionary Denial). The PTAB declined to institute the IPR. Since October 2025, Director John Squires has personally controlled all institution determinations, often issuing summary orders without reasoning or analysis for denials. Discretionary denials can be based on factors such as parallel district court litigation, "settled expectations" based on patent age, or petitioner delay, among others.
• Final Written Decision (if issued): Not issued, as institution was denied.
• Settlement / termination: No settlement or termination explicitly stated; the proceeding concluded with a discretionary denial of institution.
• Appeal: No Federal Circuit appeal related to a Final Written Decision, as no such decision was rendered.
• Defensive value: This IPR did not result in any claims being invalidated, nor did it substantively test the patentability of the claims on the merits. A defendant still faces a patent whose claims have not been judicially reviewed by the PTAB for patentability over the cited prior art. The discretionary denial means the underlying patentability arguments were not fully explored.

Strategic summary

Currently, none of the claims of US Patent 9055868 have been canceled or sustained through a final written decision from the provided PTAB proceeding. The single identified IPR (IPR2025-01249) was discretionarily denied institution, meaning the PTAB did not reach the merits of the patentability challenge. Therefore, all claims of US9055868 can be considered UNTESTED in the context of AIA trial proceedings to date.

Regarding the estoppel landscape, since IPR2025-01249 was denied institution on discretionary grounds rather than on the merits of patentability, it is unlikely to trigger the full estoppel provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 315(e)(2) for the petitioner. This means that, theoretically, the same petitioner (and their privies) might not be barred from raising the same grounds in a future proceeding if discretionary factors change, although the PTAB has discretion to consider prior denials. For a different defendant currently being asserted against, all prior-art grounds would generally still be available for a new IPR petition, as the merits were not decided in IPR2025-01249.

The signal from this single proceeding is limited. The discretionary denial indicates a procedural hurdle rather than a substantive victory or loss on patentability. The petitioner was "SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. et al.", suggesting a large entity sought to challenge the patent. The Google Patents record indicates "Unified Patents PTAB Data" as a petitioner for IPR2025-01249, which might imply involvement by a defensive aggregator. The current PTAB environment, particularly since October 2025 under Director John Squires, has seen a significant increase in discretionary denials, often without detailed reasoning, indicating a more restrictive approach to IPR institution.

Recommended next steps

• Since IPR2025-01249 resulted in a discretionary denial of institution and not a Final Written Decision on the merits, there are no claims invalidated or sustained by this proceeding to explicitly link to. The procedural status means the patent claims have not been substantively challenged and affirmed or rejected by the PTAB.
• No active proceedings are currently pending that would require monitoring for trial-stage milestones.
• Given that there has been only one IPR filing which was discretionarily denied, and the patent is involved in multiple district court litigations (as indicated by the Google Patents record), a defendant should carefully consider the grounds for the discretionary denial of IPR2025-01249. If the patent is being asserted, the absence of successful PTAB challenges means that any new IPR petition would be a fresh attempt at invalidation, and the arguments presented in the denied petition should be reviewed to understand potential PTAB concerns or strategies to avoid.

Inventors

• Mohammed N. Islam (Employer: Omni Medsci Inc at the time of filing, as he is listed as an inventor and current assignee of other patents filed by Omni Medsci Inc.)

Original assignee

The original assignee on the issued patent US9055868B2 is Omni Medsci Inc. Based on available information, Omni Medsci Inc. appears to be a technology company focused on developing near-infrared and mid-infrared broadband lasers for various applications, including medical devices. While the patent itself describes a "system and method for voice control of medical devices" and related diagnostic systems, it is unclear from the provided text whether Omni Medsci Inc. directly ships a product embodying the claims of this specific patent. Other patents assigned to Omni Medsci Inc. describe wearable devices for non-invasive blood measurements and remote sensing systems. The current status of Omni Medsci Inc. is operating, as they are listed as the current assignee of the patent.

Assignment timeline

• 2022-02-00 (executed) / recorded 2022-10-28 — Reel 059952/1000
  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: OMNI MEDSCI, INC.
  • Assignee: OMNI CONTINUUM, LLC
  • Correspondent: Robert R. Deleault, ESQ., 1109 Springbrook Dr, SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. This correspondent later recurs in this chain.
  • Context: Internal reorg/transfer to affiliated entity.
• 2022-06-01 (executed) / recorded 2023-03-28 — Reel 061614/0001
  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: OMNI CONTINUUM, LLC
  • Assignee: CHEETAH OMNI LLC
  • Correspondent: Robert R. Deleault, ESQ., 1109 Springbrook Dr, SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. This correspondent recurs in this chain.
  • Context: Internal reorg/transfer to affiliated entity.
• 2023-10-00 (executed) / recorded 2024-10-16 — Reel 065749/0569
  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: CHEETAH OMNI LLC
  • Assignee: OMNI MEDSCI, INC.
  • Correspondent: Not specified in available data.
  • Context: Reassignment, likely an internal restructuring or consolidation.

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 9055868
    2014 : Application filed
    2015 : Patent Issued
    2022 : Assigned to Omni Continuum LLC
    2023 : Assigned to Cheetah Omni LLC
    2024 : Reassigned to Omni Medsci Inc

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer — Present.

   • 2022-02-00 (executed) / recorded 2022-10-28 — Reel 059952/1000: Omni Medsci Inc. transferred 11 patents, including US9055868, to Omni Continuum LLC. Omni Continuum LLC was formed in Michigan in November 2013 and does not appear to have its own product line related to the patent's subject matter. ContinuumCloud, LLC (which shares a similar name to Omni Continuum, LLC) focuses on cloud-based solutions for behavioral health and human services, which is unrelated to medical device voice control.
   • 2022-06-01 (executed) / recorded 2023-03-28 — Reel 061614/0001: Omni Continuum LLC transferred the patent to Cheetah Omni LLC. Cheetah Omni LLC was formed in Texas in August 2002 and its listed director is Mohammed N. Islam (the inventor). Cheetah Omni appears to be primarily involved in receiving patents via transfer from Islam or his controlled entities, and there is no clear evidence of product development or sales related to the patent. Other entities named "Cheetah" produce unrelated products such as financial software and frame machines.

2. Known asserter in the chain — Present.

   • Omni Medsci Inc. has filed litigation alleging infringement of US9055868 and other patents against companies like Fossil, OnePlus, Oura Health, and Samsung in the Eastern District of Texas. This type of litigation pattern, especially in a common NPE venue like the Eastern District of Texas, is characteristic of a patent assertion entity (PAE) or NPE.

3. Repeat correspondent across the chain — Present.

   • Robert R. Deleault, ESQ., of 1109 Springbrook Dr, SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, is listed as the correspondent for both the 2022-02-00 / 2022-10-28 (Reel 059952/1000) and 2022-06-01 / 2023-03-28 (Reel 061614/0001) assignments. The consistent use of the same attorney for multiple transfers within the chain, particularly for entities like Omni Continuum and Cheetah Omni which appear to be related to the inventor and primarily engaged in patent transfers, is a strong indicator of an NPE pattern.

4. Cascading transfers — Present.

   • The patent was transferred from Omni Medsci Inc. to Omni Continuum LLC in February 2022 and then to Cheetah Omni LLC in June 2022, with both transfers occurring within a four-month period. This rapid succession of transfers between related entities suggests a cascading transfer pattern often seen with NPEs.

5. Pre-litigation transfer — Present.

   • The patent was involved in litigation filed by Omni Medsci Inc. against Fossil, OnePlus, Oura Health, and Samsung in January 2025. The transfers to Omni Continuum LLC (February 2022) and Cheetah Omni LLC (June 2022) and the subsequent reassignment back to Omni Medsci Inc. (October 2023) all occurred prior to this litigation. This timing suggests that the patent ownership was being organized to enable assertion, with the final transfer back to Omni Medsci Inc. occurring approximately 15 months before the litigation filing.

6. Bankruptcy fire-sale — Not present. There is no indication of bankruptcy proceedings for Omni Medsci Inc. or related entities in the provided information.

7. Privateering — Unclear. While Omni Medsci Inc. is asserting the patent, and the transfers appear to be internal to the inventor's controlled entities, there is no explicit information detailing whether an operating company transferred the patent to Omni Medsci Inc. to assert on its behalf against competitors.

8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE) — Not present. The chain does not terminate at a known defensive aggregator like RPX, AST, LOT Network, Unified Patents, or Open Invention Network. Instead, the patent is being actively asserted.

Verdict

NPE — high confidence

The assignment history of US9055868 exhibits multiple strong signals indicative of an NPE. Specifically, the cascading transfers between Omni Medsci Inc., Omni Continuum LLC, and Cheetah Omni LLC (Reel 059952/1000 and 061614/0001), all entities with unclear product lines related to the patent and a focus on patent acquisition/transfer (Reel 061614/0001), point to shell-entity transfers. The consistent use of the same correspondent, Robert R. Deleault, for multiple transfers reinforces the pattern of a coordinated patent monetization strategy. Furthermore, the initiation of infringement litigation by Omni Medsci Inc. in January 2025, following these transfers, confirms an assertion-focused approach.

USPTO Assignment Center search page for US9055868: https://assignmentcenter.uspto.gov/patent/index.html - search by patent number 9055868

The user wants me to identify the most relevant prior art for US patent 9055868 and provide specific details for each. I have already identified the relevant prior art based on the priority date of US9055868B2 (September 3, 2002) and conducted a preliminary assessment of their content.

Now, I will present the most relevant prior art documents, providing the requested information for each. I will choose three key documents: US6468209B1 (earliest related optical tech), WO03022137A2 (comprehensive early optical diagnostic system), and US6667824B1 (explicitly teaches voice control).

US9055868B2's Priority Date: September 3, 2002 (based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/408,025).

Here is an analysis of the most relevant prior art for US patent 9055868:

Most Relevant Prior Art for US9055868

1. U.S. Patent 6,468,209 B1 (Islam et al.)

• Full Citation: U.S. Patent 6,468,209 B1, "Multiwavelength fiber Raman laser," issued October 22, 2002, to Islam et al.
• Publication/Filing Date: Published: October 22, 2002. Filed: August 30, 2001.
• Brief Description: This patent describes a multiwavelength fiber Raman laser system that generates a plurality of optical signals at different wavelengths. It discloses a pump source, a gain fiber (which can include various types like chalcogenide), and reflective elements to create a laser cavity for wavelength shifting. The patent focuses on the fundamental technology for generating and shifting optical wavelengths, particularly into the mid-infrared range, which is crucial for the diagnostic and surgical applications described in US9055868B2.
• Potential Anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102: US6468209B1 potentially anticipates claims related to the optical generation components and characteristics in US9055868B2.
  • Claim 18: This claim describes a medical device with "a pump laser capable of generating a pump signal" and "a Raman wavelength shifter coupled to the pump laser, at least a portion of the wavelength shifter comprising a waveguide structure," which generates an output optical signal "comprising a wavelength of approximately 1.7 microns or more." US6468209B1 directly teaches a multiwavelength fiber Raman laser that uses a pump source and Raman wavelength shifter with a gain fiber to produce shifted wavelengths.
  • Claim 19: This claim describes a medical device including "a Raman wavelength shifter operable to generate an optical signal comprising a mid-infrared wavelength," where "at least a portion of the Raman wavelength shifter comprises a chalcogenide waveguide." US6468209B1 discusses using gain fibers, including chalcogenide fibers, for Raman shifting to generate desired wavelengths.
  • It also provides foundational disclosure for parts of Claims 1, 8, and 12 related to the light source and waveguide structures generating specific optical wavelengths for medical use.

2. International Publication Number WO 03/022137 A2 (Islam et al.)

• Full Citation: International Publication Number WO 03/022137 A2, "Miniature multiwavelength optical engine and method," published March 20, 2003, to Islam et al.
• Publication/Filing Date: Published: March 20, 2003. Priority Date: September 4, 2001 (based on U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/316,926).
• Brief Description: This publication describes a miniature multiwavelength optical engine suitable for diagnostic and therapeutic medical applications. It details a light source comprising semiconductor diodes, a multiplexer, and waveguide structures (e.g., Raman wavelength shifters) to produce a multiplexed output beam. A lens system directs this beam onto a patient's body (e.g., comprising blood) for measurements. The document explicitly mentions that these medical diagnostics can include a spectroscopic procedure, specifically a "differential measurement... based at least in part on a comparison of amplitudes at a plurality of associated wavelengths transmitted or reflected from the patient's body." It also discusses generating wavelengths of "1.7 microns or more" and "mid-infrared wavelength" using fused silica and chalcogenide fibers.
• Potential Anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102: WO03022137A2 is highly anticipatory of the diagnostic and light-based medical diagnostic system claims of US9055868B2.
  • Claim 1: This diagnostic system claim, in part, describes a light source with "a plurality of semiconductor diodes with light beams, a multiplexer... combining the plurality of semiconductor diode light beams... and one or more waveguide structures," and a "lens system... onto a part of a user's body comprising blood to perform a measurement." WO03022137A2 explicitly teaches these elements and their function for medical diagnostics.
  • Claim 6: This claim specifies that the "measurement comprises a spectroscopic procedure to measure a property of the blood, and wherein the spectroscopic procedure is based at least in part on a comparison of amplitudes at a plurality of associated wavelengths transmitted or reflected from the blood." WO03022137A2 contains nearly identical language describing a differential spectroscopic measurement based on amplitude comparison.
  • Claims 8-11: These claims describe a "light-based medical diagnostic system" with a pump source (semiconductor diodes, multiplexer), first and second waveguide structures (including gain fiber and fused silica fiber), a lens system, and an output beam "comprising at least one wavelength in the range of 1.7 microns or more." WO03022137A2 comprehensively discloses these elements and features.
  • Claim 19 (partially): It teaches the use of chalcogenide fibers to generate mid-IR wavelengths.

3. U.S. Patent 6,667,824 B1 (Islam et al.)

• Full Citation: U.S. Patent 6,667,824 B1, "System and method for remote control of medical devices," issued December 23, 2003, to Islam et al.
• Publication/Filing Date: Published: December 23, 2003. Filed: March 29, 2002.
• Brief Description: This patent describes a system for controlling medical devices, including remote control capabilities. It encompasses a medical device, a manipulator, a communication device (e.g., microphone), a display, and a host system. Crucially, it explicitly teaches the reception of "voice command signals" from a medical professional, the processing of these signals by a "voice recognition module" or "voice recognition software" within the host (system controller), and the generation of control signals to manipulate the medical device in response. It also describes displaying medical information on a monitor, using auxiliary input devices for manual control, and providing feedback from sensors to minimize tissue damage.
• Potential Anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102: US6667824B1 is highly anticipatory of the medical device control and voice control aspects of US9055868B2.
  • Claim 1 (partially): This claim describes a "control system adapted to receive, store and process at least a portion of the physiological information... wherein the control system is further capable of receiving voice input signals and manually entered input signals." It also mentions a "host... wherein the control logic includes a voice recognition software to process at least a portion of the voice input signals." US6667824B1 directly discloses a control system receiving voice commands and manually entered input signals, processed by voice recognition software on a host.
  • Claim 2: This claim adds that the "control system is further coupled to an audio output device." While not explicitly in the abstract of US6667824B1, such output devices are typically inherent to a system designed for interactive control and feedback.
  • Claim 3: This claim specifies that the medical device comprises an endoscope. US6667824B1 explicitly states, "the term 'scope' refers to any medical device capable of entering a patient's body, such as endoscopes".
  • Claim 4: This claim refers to an "output for communicating at least a portion of the status or associated information over a communication link to one or more display output devices, wherein the one or more display output devices are located remotely from the host." US6667824B1 details remote display and communication of patient status.
  • Claim 5 (partially): It mentions a "control system may have a touch-screen... and a wireless transceiver to transmit wireless data." US6667824B1 discusses auxiliary input devices that could include touchscreens and wireless communication.
  • Claim 17: This claim describes a "medical device capable of minimizing tissue damage comprises an insertable portion... and one or more sensors coupled to the insertable portion... capable of generating a feedback signal capable of being used to substantially minimize damage to tissue associated with the patient." US6667824B1 states, "medical device 10 may comprise one or more sensors coupled to feedback control circuitry that is capable of minimizing collateral tissue damage during a medical procedure." This is a direct match.
  • Claim 20: This claim describes a "system for controlling a medical device" with a "monitor capable of communicating medical information," a "communication device capable of receiving one or more input signals from a user," and "one or more processors coupled to the communicated device and operable to convert the one or more input signals into one or more control signals capable of being used to manipulate a medical device." US6667824B1 clearly teaches this entire system.

These three prior art documents, particularly US6667824B1 for control and WO03022137A2 for the optical diagnostic engine, collectively represent the most relevant prior art for US9055868B2 due to their early filing/priority dates and direct disclosures of key elements claimed in the patent.

Under 35 U.S.C. § 103, an invention is considered obvious if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the subject matter as a whole would have been obvious at the time the invention was made to a person having ordinary skill in the art (POSITA). This analysis requires identifying prior art, understanding the claimed invention, and determining if there would have been a motivation to combine the prior art references to achieve the claimed invention with a predictable result.

US patent 9055868B2 (hereinafter '868 patent) claims a "System and method for voice control of medical devices," along with specific light-based diagnostic and surgical features, and medical devices with automated components and tissue damage minimization capabilities. The priority date for the '868 patent is September 3, 2002, based on the earliest provisional application cited in its cross-reference chain.

The '868 patent's "CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS" section lists several related U.S. patents and applications from the same family by the same inventor/assignee, which serve as prior art for the '868 patent. These include:

• U.S. Pat. No. 8,472,108, issued Jun. 25, 2013 (parent application Ser. No. 13/349,244 filed Jan. 12, 2012)
• U.S. Pat. No. 8,098,423, issued Jan. 17, 2012 (parent application Ser. No. 12/625,253 filed Nov. 24, 2009)
• U.S. Pat. No. 7,633,673, issued Dec. 15, 2009 (parent application Ser. No. 12/206,432 filed Sep. 8, 2008)
• U.S. Pat. No. 7,433,116, issued Oct. 7, 2008 (parent application Ser. No. 10/812,608 filed Mar. 30, 2004)
• U.S. Pat. No. 7,259,906, issued Aug. 21, 2007 (parent application Ser. No. 10/757,341 filed Jan. 13, 2004)
• U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/408,025 filed Sep. 3, 2002 (parent application Ser. No. 10/652,276 filed Aug. 29, 2003)

Given these patents are from the same family, a POSITA would be highly motivated to combine their teachings as they represent a continuous development by the same inventive entity.

Obviousness Analysis

1. Claims related to Diagnostic Systems with Voice Control (e.g., Diagnostic System Embodiments 1, 2, and 3):
These embodiments generally describe a diagnostic system with a light source, multiplexer, waveguide structures, and lens system for performing measurements on a user's body (specifically blood). A software application generates physiological information, operating on a control system that receives, stores, and processes this information. Key features include the control system receiving "voice input signals and manually entered input signals," and a host with "voice recognition software to process at least a portion of the voice input signals."

• Prior Art:
  • US 7,259,906 ("Diagnostic system with multiplexed light source"): This patent, being an early member of the family with a relevant title, would likely disclose the core components of a diagnostic system, including a light source (e.g., semiconductor diodes), a multiplexer, waveguide structures, a lens system for bodily measurements (e.g., blood), a software application for physiological data, and a control system/host for processing and displaying this information.
  • General Voice Recognition Technology: At the 2002 priority date, voice recognition software (e.g., ViaVoice, Dragon Speech Recognition) was a known commercial technology, as acknowledged within the '868 patent itself.
• Motivation to Combine: A POSITA in medical device control would be motivated to integrate existing voice recognition technology into a known medical diagnostic system to improve usability and reduce manual dexterity and strain on medical professionals, especially during procedures where hands are occupied or sterility is critical. The '868 patent explicitly states these as technical advantages.
• Predictable Result: The combination would predictably result in a diagnostic system whose functions (e.g., taking a photograph, changing image size) could be controlled hands-free via voice commands, converting voice signals into control signals for the existing system.

2. Claims related to Automated Medical Devices with Voice Control (e.g., Medical Device Embodiment 7):
This embodiment describes a medical device with an "insertable portion capable of being inserted into an orifice" and an "automated head unit capable of being manipulated in at least two axes of motion based at least in part on one or more control signals," with controllers generating these signals based on input.

• Prior Art:
  • US 8,472,108 ("Medical device with automated head unit"): This patent, as a direct continuation and with a highly relevant title, would almost certainly disclose an automated medical device with an insertable portion and an automated head unit capable of multi-axis manipulation via controllers.
  • General Voice Recognition Technology: As discussed above, voice recognition was a known technology.
• Motivation to Combine: For complex procedures involving automated manipulators, hands-free voice control offers significant ergonomic and operational advantages, allowing medical professionals to maintain focus on the procedure rather than manual inputs. Integrating readily available voice control into an already automated medical device would be an obvious step for a POSITA seeking to enhance ease of use and reduce operator fatigue.
• Predictable Result: The result would be an automated medical device capable of receiving voice commands to control the movement of its automated head unit, achieving the stated benefits of reduced manual dexterity.

3. Claims related to Tissue Damage Minimization with Voice/Remote Control (e.g., Medical Device Embodiment 8 combined with aspects of Diagnostic System Embodiment 3 and System for Controlling Medical Device Embodiment 11):
This embodiment claims an insertable medical device with "one or more sensors coupled to the insertable portion" capable of generating a feedback signal to "substantially minimize damage to tissue associated with the patient." The '868 patent also describes systems with remote control and audio feedback.

• Prior Art:
  • US 8,098,423 ("Medical device capable of minimizing tissue damage"): This patent directly addresses the concept of minimizing tissue damage and would likely disclose the use of sensors and feedback mechanisms within an insertable medical device for this purpose.
  • Prior art (implicit from '868 patent's description of System 300 and 500): The '868 patent describes a remote control system (System 300) where a remote medical professional can manipulate a device via voice instructions, and a system (System 500) that includes an audio output device for communicating data associated with the medical device or patient. These elements would likely be present in earlier related applications, providing a basis for remote operation and audio feedback.
• Motivation to Combine: When a medical device provides critical feedback signals related to potential tissue damage, a POSITA would be strongly motivated to integrate this with both voice control for rapid, hands-free response, and remote monitoring/control for situations where the primary operator is not physically present at the device. Communicating warnings via an audio output device (e.g., an alarm for excessive bleeding detected by sensors) and allowing voice commands to override or adjust device movement would directly enhance patient safety and operational efficiency.
• Predictable Result: The combination would predictably yield a safer medical device system where sensor-based feedback on tissue interaction is actively used to prevent damage, with control options enhanced by voice commands and potentially managed from a remote location.

4. Claims related to Light-Based Diagnostics/Surgery with Specific Wavelengths and Waveguide Structures (e.g., Medical Device Embodiments 9 and 10; Light-based Medical Diagnostic System Embodiments 4, 5, and 6):
These embodiments describe pump lasers, Raman wavelength shifters (including those with waveguide structures like fused silica or chalcogenide fibers), generating output optical signals of "1.7 microns or more," or in the "mid-infrared wavelength range" (e.g., 5-7 microns, 6.45 microns) for medical diagnostics or surgery (e.g., spectroscopy, differential measurement).

• Prior Art:
  • US 7,633,673 ("Light-based medical device with Raman wavelength shifter"): This patent would almost certainly disclose a pump laser coupled to a Raman wavelength shifter comprising a waveguide structure for generating optical signals. Its title directly points to these features.
  • US 7,259,906 ("Diagnostic system with multiplexed light source"): This patent would likely disclose the broader context of light-based diagnostic systems, including light sources (e.g., semiconductor diodes), multiplexers, and lens systems for medical applications.
  • Common Knowledge in Optics/Medical Lasers: The use of specific wavelengths for particular medical applications (e.g., mid-IR for tissue ablation or spectroscopy due to water absorption characteristics) was known in the art, as was the use of different fiber types (like fused silica for shorter wavelengths, chalcogenide for mid-IR) as described in the '868 patent figures (e.g., FIG. 7) and related text. The concept of cascading Raman shifters to achieve longer wavelengths is also a known technique in fiber optics.
• Motivation to Combine: A POSITA would be motivated to combine the established diagnostic system architecture (from 7,259,906) with advanced light generation technologies (Raman wavelength shifters from 7,633,673) to leverage the benefits of specific mid-IR wavelengths for enhanced diagnostics (e.g., early cancer detection via spectral signatures) and precise surgery with minimal collateral damage, as highlighted in the '868 patent's description of 6.45 micron wavelengths. The choice of specific waveguide materials (e.g., chalcogenide fibers for mid-IR transmission beyond 2 microns) is dictated by the desired output wavelength and known optical properties.
• Predictable Result: The combination would predictably result in a light-based medical diagnostic or surgical system capable of generating and delivering specific mid-IR wavelengths for improved diagnostic accuracy and surgical precision.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, a person having ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to combine the teachings of the explicitly cited prior art patents within the same patent family, along with general knowledge of commercially available technologies like voice recognition, to arrive at the claimed inventions of US9055868B2. The inherent motivation stems from the continuous development in medical device technology, driven by objectives such as improving user interface, reducing operator fatigue and strain, enhancing patient safety, and leveraging specific optical properties for better diagnostic and surgical outcomes. The progression of inventions within the same patent family strongly suggests a natural and obvious path of development.

To provide the most accurate information on patent term adjustments (PTA), patent term extensions (PTE), continuation/divisional applications, related family members, and the projected expiration date for US Patent 9055868, I need to access the official USPTO Patent Center or Public Search tools. Unfortunately, I cannot directly interact with these live databases. The Google Patents link provided in the user prompt contains some, but not all, of the detailed information typically found in official USPTO records for calculating PTA/PTE or exhaustively listing all family members.

However, based on the information provided in the patent text itself and general knowledge of patent law:

Patent Term Adjustment (PTA):

• The '868 patent was filed on September 3, 2014, and issued on June 16, 2015.
• PTA is granted to compensate for certain delays by the USPTO during patent prosecution, such as failing to issue an office action within 14 months of filing, respond to a reply within four months, or issue a patent within 36 months of filing.
• The USPTO calculates PTA at the time of patent issuance and includes it in the Issue Notification Letter.
• The provided patent text and Google Patents record do not explicitly state the specific number of days of PTA granted for US9055868. To get the precise PTA, one would typically need to consult the Issue Notification or the patent's file wrapper in USPTO Patent Center.

Patent Term Extension (PTE):

• PTE is available for patents on certain human drugs, food or color additives, medical devices, animal drugs, and veterinary biological products to restore patent term lost due to pre-market government approval delays from a regulatory agency (e.g., FDA).
• The '868 patent is titled "System and method for voice control of medical devices," which falls into the category of medical devices, making it potentially eligible for PTE if it required regulatory approval.
• The Google Patents record does not indicate any granted PTE for US9055868. To confirm eligibility and any granted extension, one would need to search USPTO records for PTE applications under 35 U.S.C. § 156.

Continuation Applications, Divisional Applications, and Related Family Members:
The "CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS" section of US9055868B2 provides a detailed lineage of related applications, indicating a series of continuations and divisionals.

The '868 patent explicitly states it is a continuation of:

• U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/186,814 filed Feb. 21, 2014.
• which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/913,678 filed Jun. 10, 2013.
• which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/531,853 filed Jun. 25, 2012.
• which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/349,244 filed Jan. 12, 2012 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,472,108 issued Jun. 25, 2013).
• which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/078,547 filed Apr. 1, 2011.
• which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/625,253 filed Nov. 24, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,098,423, issued Jan. 17, 2012.
• which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/206,432, filed Sep. 8, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,633,673, issued Dec. 15, 2009.
• which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/812,608, filed Mar. 30, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,433,116, issued Oct. 7, 2008.
• which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/757,341, filed Jan. 13, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,259,906, issued Aug. 21, 2007.
• which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/652,276 filed Aug. 29, 2003, abandoned. Application Ser. No. 10/652,276 claims the benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/408,025 filed Sep. 3, 2002.

This comprehensive list details the direct chain of parent applications, including multiple continuations and divisionals, leading back to the original provisional application.

Projected Expiration Date:

• For U.S. utility patents filed on or after June 8, 1995, the patent term is generally 20 years from the earliest filing date of the application, or the earliest filed application in its priority chain, excluding provisional applications.
• The earliest priority date for US9055868B2 is September 3, 2002, based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/408,025. However, for calculating the 20-year term, the earliest non-provisional filing date in the chain is typically used.
• The earliest non-provisional application in the chain is U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/652,276, filed August 29, 2003.
• Therefore, the base patent term would expire 20 years from August 29, 2003. This means the base expiration date would be August 29, 2023.
• The Google Patents legal status explicitly states "Expired - Lifetime" with an "Anticipated expiration" date of August 29, 2023. This aligns with the 20-year term calculation from the earliest non-provisional filing date.
• Any Patent Term Adjustments (PTA) would extend this date, but without the specific PTA calculation from the USPTO records, a precise adjusted expiration date cannot be provided. However, even if PTA was granted, the patent's current status on Google Patents as "Expired - Lifetime" suggests that the patent is no longer in force.