This client initially asked us to provide a viability assessment of their product idea to develop a low-cost medical device that provides practical solutions to a series of common medical problems. As we examined the project we found that although the client's initial ideas about the product were quite incomplete, we could apply practical engineering techniques to implement a real-world product to meet the client's requirements. After reviewing our assessment report, the client chose to hire us to conduct a full R&D program to produce a proof-of-concept product, including a physical prototype. In addition to the R&D program, we offered the client help in developing the intellectual property (IP) documents, required to file the product invention in the United States Patent Office and similar organizations around the world.

While conducting the research phase of the project, we witnessed some interesting physical phenomena that eventually changed the direction of the development. We educated the client about our findings and directly contributed to rewriting the patent application that set this invention apart from other filed patents. To help guarntee that patent attorneys would not miss critical details while forming the patent application document, we also directly participated in the ensuing patent research that eventually led to the final formation of the patent application. Once the patent was filed, we focused our efforts on finalizing the prototype device and preparing a performance demonstration that would assisted the client in marketing the invention.

The prototype was a battery-powered device built around an Atmel microcontroller integrated with some custom-designed analog circuitry and auxiliary logic. We designed custom REAL-TIME software for the device that implemented the special algorithms that we developed during our research phase. The prototype was successfully completed and we were immediately able to demonstrate the viability and effectiveness of the invention to the client, who was very happy indeed.

Next, the client asked us to refine the design and produce a small number of units that would be used for display, technical demonstrations and clinical testing. Throughout this followup phase of the project we managed to improve product performance, overall usability and reliability, and we added power-saving features that would extend the device's battery life in the field. We also provided the client with a complete design package that would enable them to approach electronic device manufacturers for quotes, if they wished to do so.

The client was able to demonstrate the operation of the device to multiple interested parties in the US as well as in Europe, and the device effectiveness was tested and proven in several focused study groups and clinical trials. At that point we had reached all goals that were assigned to us and we signed off on the project. We were proud to have one more happy customer under our belt.

Yet another milestone was reached when the client called us about two years after project sign-off and informed us that their patent application was formally granted by the US Patent Office. A worldwide patent (through PCT) followed shortly thereafter.