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Ever thought about computers becoming more like humans? As technology advances, promising steps are being taken in this direction. Researchers are using computational models called Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) that mimic the brain’s structure and functions to detect and diagnose diseases. With medical treatments becoming more high-tech in myriad ways, there is immense scope for innovation in this field, especially because the global market size of ANNs is projected to reach $ 152.61 billion in 2030.
Since ANN related inventions are relatively new, we conducted a patent search in PatSeer to get a clearer picture of the IP landscape. The results were segmented based on the type of neural network and application. Then they were analysed further using PatSeer’s co-occurrence matrix. The matrix output has been plotted below:
Insights gained from analysis of ANN patent filings in PatSeer
1. Amongst the various types of ANNs, Convolutional Neural Networks are the most patented and have a strong focus towards medical imaging.
2. After Convolutional Neural Networks, Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) are the second most commonly used type of ANNs in the early detection of the onset of heart failure.
3. Siemens has filed many patents in the ANN space, mostly for medical imaging. We noticed that from 2006-2022, there was a significant growth in the value of their portfolio.
4. Most IBM patents are related to medical imaging for detecting various kinds of cancer. They hold 8 patents for tumour tracking and are also in the top 5 in terms of portfolio value.
5. Qualcomm’s patents are mainly related to the modelling of ANNs. The company has a high patent portfolio value that is protected in all key geographies.
6. Samsung’s patent portfolio size increased substantially from 2010-2022, but their portfolio value is relatively average in this space.
Newer players
7. Molecular diagnostic product manufacturer Ciphergen Biosystems seems to be a new player and their patents have a strong R & D calibre rating because of their high innovativeness and economic potential. In the future, one can expect them to license their patents to established companies.
8. Mining company Arch Coal Inc. is a new entrant in this technology space with a high portfolio value index. Even though they have a limited number of patented inventions, the portfolio ranks high in PatSeer’s value metrics. Most of their patents concern the use of ANNs to detect calcification or other respiratory problems that miners face.
As investments in this sector increase, the various applications of ANNs for the diagnosis and treatment of medical ailments will increase and become more precise. Empirical evidence clearly shows that they are extremely beneficial in the early detection of various diseases and disorders.
