Prosecution Insights
Last updated: April 19, 2026
Application No. 18/624,741

Devices and Methods for Analyzing Electrocardiogram (ECG) signals for Artifact and Notification of Culprit Electrode

Non-Final OA §101§DP
Filed
Apr 02, 2024
Examiner
HODGE, LAURA NICOLE
Art Unit
3792
Tech Center
3700 — Mechanical Engineering & Manufacturing
Assignee
Physio-Control Inc.
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
42%
Grant Probability
Moderate
1-2
OA Rounds
3y 8m
To Grant
86%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 42% of resolved cases
42%
Career Allow Rate
40 granted / 95 resolved
-27.9% vs TC avg
Strong +44% interview lift
Without
With
+43.7%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
3y 8m
Avg Prosecution
58 currently pending
Career history
153
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
24.0%
-16.0% vs TC avg
§103
32.3%
-7.7% vs TC avg
§102
11.7%
-28.3% vs TC avg
§112
27.1%
-12.9% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 95 resolved cases

Office Action

§101 §DP
DETAILED ACTION Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . Information Disclosure Statement The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 4/2/24 is being considered by the examiner. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 101 35 U.S.C. 101 reads as follows: Whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a patent therefor, subject to the conditions and requirements of this title. Claims 1-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 because the claimed invention is directed to a judicial exception, specifically an abstract idea. Step 1 The claimed invention in claims 1-20 are directed to statutory subject matter as the claims recite a method, device, and non-transitory computer-readable medium for analyzing electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. Step 2A, Prong One Regarding claims 1, 16, and 19, the recited steps are directed to a mental process of performing concepts in a human mind or by a human using a pen and paper (see MPEP 2106.04(a)(2) subsection (III)). Regarding claims 1, 16, and 19, the limitations of “detecting multiple different artifacts in one or more of the ECG signals; mapping leads of the multiple leads that contain one of the multiple different artifacts into respective groups of leads; for each group of the groups of leads, the ECG device identifying a common electrode contributing to generation of the ECG signals provided by the leads of the group; generating a notification…indicating that the common electrode for each group is sensing an artifact; and performing said detecting, mapping, identifying, and generating continuously as the ECG signals are being received” are a process, as drafted, covers performance of the limitation that can be performed by a human mind (including an observation, evaluation, judgment, opinion) under the broadest reasonable standard. For example, these limitations are nothing more than a medical professional analyzing print outs of ECG signals to detect multiple different artifacts, analyzing print outs of lead data and mapping the leads into groups based on the different artifacts, noticing patterns to identify a common electrode, and writing down that the common electrode for each group is sensing an artifact, and performing these steps continuously when the signals are received, which could be every few hours. Step 2A, Prong Two For claims 1, 16, and 19, the judicial exception is not integrated into a practical application. In particular, claims 1, 16, and 19 recite “an ECG device, a multi-lead ECG system including multiple electrodes and multiple leads, each lead of the multi- lead ECG system is coupled to more than one of the multiple electrodes, and wherein certain electrodes are coupled to more than one lead.” The multi-lead ECG system including multiple electrodes and multiple leads, each lead of the multi- lead ECG system is coupled to more than one of the multiple electrodes, and wherein certain electrodes are coupled to more than one lead amount to nothing more than pre-solution activity of data gathering. The ECG device is recited at a high-level of generality and amount to nothing more than parts of a generic computer. Merely including instructions to implement an abstract idea on a computer does not integrate a judicial exception into practical application. Step 2B The claims do not include additional elements that are sufficient to amount to significantly more than the judicial exception. As discussed above with respect to integration of the abstract idea into a practical application, the additional elements of multi-lead ECG system including multiple electrodes and multiple leads, each lead of the multi- lead ECG system is coupled to more than one of the multiple electrodes, and wherein certain electrodes are coupled to more than one lead amount to nothing more than mere pre-solution activity of data gathering, which does not amount to an inventive concept. Moreover, the multi-lead ECG system including multiple electrodes and multiple leads, each lead of the multi- lead ECG system is coupled to more than one of the multiple electrodes, and wherein certain electrodes are coupled to more than one lead are recited at a high level of generality and are well-understood, routine, and conventional structures as evidenced by US 20110082359 (¶3-in conventional 12-lead ECG, an electrode is placed on each limb and six electrodes are placed at standard locations on the chest. A complete 12-lead ECG therefore includes ten electrodes placed at ten different standard locations on the subject. Twelve electrical lead signals are acquired using various combinations of these ten electrodes), US 20040024328 (¶14-the conventional 12-Lead ECG set employs 10 electrodes including the four limb electrodes LA, RA, LL, RL and six chest electrodes V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, and V6 and these are used to provide 12 conventional ECG lead signals labeled I, II, III, aVR, aVL, aVF, V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, and V6 as known), and US 20140194760 (¶10-conventional 12-lead ECG configuration typically uses 10 electrode positions, which may mean the placement of ten separate electrodes in these positions). Further, simply appending well-understood, routine, conventional activities previously known to the industry, specified at a high level of generality, to the judicial exception, e.g., a claim to an abstract idea requiring no more than a generic computer to perform generic computer functions that are well-understood, routine and conventional activities previously known to the industry, as discussed in Alice Corp., 573 U.S. at 225, 110 USPQ2d at 1984 (see MPEP § 2106.05(d)). Regarding dependent claims 2-15, 17-18, and 20, the limitations of claims 1, 16, and 19 further define the limitations already indicated as being directed to the abstract idea. Regarding claim 2, the ECG device is recited at a high-level of generality and amount to nothing more than parts of a generic computer. The multi-lead ECG system amounts to nothing more than pre-solution activity of data gathering as recited above. Regarding claim 3, the multi-lead ECG system amounts to nothing more than pre-solution activity of data gathering as recited above. The defibrillator is a well-understood, routine, and conventional structure as evidenced by US 20110282162 (¶39-conventional implantable and automatic defibrillator systems), US 20090070054 (¶11-conventional defibrillator/monitors), and US 20030171798 (¶74-conventional defibrillators). Claims 4, 17, and 20 further define the abstract idea. Regarding claim 5, the limitation of “wherein determining that the portion of the one or more of the ECG signals is outside of the range of voltage values comprises: determining that an amplitude of the portion of the one or more of the ECG signals is above 5 mV” is a process, as drafted, covers performance of the limitation that can be performed by a human mind (including an observation, evaluation, judgment, opinion) under the broadest reasonable standard. For example, these limitations are nothing more than a medical professional analyzing a print out of the ECG signals and determining that the portion of the one or more of the ECG signals is outside of the range of voltage values when an amplitude of the portion of the one or more of the ECG signals is above 5 mV. Regarding claim 6, the limitation of “wherein determining that the portion of the one or more of the ECG signals is outside of the range of voltage values comprises: determining that a slope of the portion of the one or more of the ECG signals is above 1 mV/msec” is a process, as drafted, covers performance of the limitation that can be performed by a human mind (including an observation, evaluation, judgment, opinion) under the broadest reasonable standard. For example, these limitations are nothing more than a medical professional analyzing a print out of ECG signals and determining that the portion of the one or more of the ECG signals is outside of the range of voltage values when a slope of the portion of the one or more of the ECG signals is above 1 mV/msec. Regarding claim 7, the limitation of “wherein determining that the portion of the one or more of the ECG signals is outside of the range of voltage values comprises: determining that a number of zero crossing of the portion of the one or more of the ECG signals exceed a threshold over a time period” is a process, as drafted, covers performance of the limitation that can be performed by a human mind (including an observation, evaluation, judgment, opinion) under the broadest reasonable standard. For example, these limitations are nothing more than a medical professional analyzing a print out of ECG signals and determining that the portion of the one or more of the ECG signals is outside of the range of voltage values when a number of zero crossing of the portion of the one or more of the ECG signals exceed a threshold over a time period. Regarding claim 8, the limitation of “wherein determining that the portion of the one or more of the ECG signals is outside of the range of voltage values comprises: determining that a number of slope reversals of the portion of the one or more of the ECG signals exceed a threshold over a time period” is a process, as drafted, covers performance of the limitation that can be performed by a human mind (including an observation, evaluation, judgment, opinion) under the broadest reasonable standard. For example, these limitations are nothing more than a medical professional analyzing a print out of ECG signals and determining that the portion of the one or more of the ECG signals is outside of the range of voltage values when a number of slope reversals of the portion of the one or more of the ECG signals exceed a threshold over a time period. Claim 9 further defines the abstract idea. Claims 10 and 18 further define the abstract idea. Additionally, the display is recited at a high-level of generality and amount to nothing more than parts of a generic computer. Regarding claim 11, the limitations of “identifying a pattern in the ECG signals by comparison of a P wave and a QRS complex in the ECG signals from the multiple leads; and for the leads of the multiple leads in which the pattern is identified, identifying a leadwire reversal” are a process, as drafted, covers performance of the limitation that can be performed by a human mind (including an observation, evaluation, judgment, opinion) under the broadest reasonable standard. For example, these limitations are nothing more than a medical professional analyzing a print out of ECG signals for a pattern by comparing a P wave and a QRS complex in the ECG signals, and for the leads of the multiple leads in which the pattern is identified, identifying a leadwire reversal. Regarding claim 12, the limitations of “identifying an R wave amplitude change pattern in the ECG signals from a lead of the multiple leads that includes a pattern other than increasing monotonically from a first precordial lead to a fourth precordial lead and then decreasing monotonically; and for the lead of the multiple leads having the R wave amplitude change pattern other than increasing monotonically from the first precordial lead to the fourth precordial lead and then decreasing monotonically, identifying a leadwire reversal” are a process, as drafted, covers performance of the limitation that can be performed by a human mind (including an observation, evaluation, judgment, opinion) under the broadest reasonable standard. For example, these limitations are nothing more than a medical professional identifying an R wave amplitude change in prints outs of ECG signals, and for the lead of the multiple leads having the R wave amplitude change pattern other than increasing monotonically from the first precordial lead to the fourth precordial lead and then decreasing monotonically, identifying a leadwire reversal. Regarding claim 13, the limitations of “identifying an S wave amplitude change pattern in the ECG signals from a precordial lead of the multiple leads that includes a pattern other than first decreasing and then increasing; and for the precordial lead of the multiple leads having the S wave amplitude change pattern other than first decreasing and then increasing, identifying a leadwire reversal” are a process, as drafted, covers performance of the limitation that can be performed by a human mind (including an observation, evaluation, judgment, opinion) under the broadest reasonable standard. For example, these limitations are nothing more than a medical professional identifying an S wave amplitude change in print outs of ECG signals, and for the precordial lead of the multiple leads having the S wave amplitude change pattern other than first decreasing and then increasing, identifying a leadwire reversal. Regarding claim 14, the limitation of “generating a second notification…indicating a leadwire reversal” is a process, as drafted, covers performance of the limitation that can be performed by a human mind (including an observation, evaluation, judgment, opinion) under the broadest reasonable standard. For example, this limitation is nothing more than a medical professional writing down there is a leadwire reversal. Regarding claim 15, the ECG device is recited at a high-level of generality and amount to nothing more than parts of a generic computer. The multi-lead ECG system amounts to nothing more than pre-solution activity of data gathering as recited above. Double Patenting The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969). A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b). The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13. The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer. Claims 1-3, 9, 11-16, and 19 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-3, 6-10, 14, and 16 of U.S. Patent No. 11974852. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other. See the table below for a matching of the claims. U.S. Application 18/624741 U.S. Patent No. 11974852 1. A method of analyzing electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, comprising: receiving, at an ECG device, ECG signals from a multi-lead ECG system, wherein the multi-lead ECG system includes multiple electrodes and multiple leads, and each lead of the multi- lead ECG system is coupled to more than one of the multiple electrodes and provides one of the ECG signals, wherein certain electrodes are coupled to more than one lead, wherein the ECG device combines voltage signals from the multiple electrodes in preset combinations to form the ECG signals; detecting multiple different artifacts in one or more of the ECG signals; mapping leads of the multiple leads that contain one of the multiple different artifacts into respective groups of leads; for each group of the groups of leads, the ECG device identifying a common electrode contributing to generation of the ECG signals provided by the leads of the group; generating a notification by the ECG device indicating that the common electrode for each group is sensing an artifact; and performing said detecting, mapping, identifying, and generating continuously as the ECG signals are being received. 1. A method of analyzing electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, comprising: receiving, at an ECG device, ECG signals from a multi-lead ECG system, wherein the multi-lead ECG system includes multiple electrodes and multiple leads, wherein each lead of the multi-lead ECG system provides one of the ECG signals and is coupled to more than one of the multiple electrodes, wherein certain electrodes are coupled to more than one lead, wherein the ECG device combines voltage signals from the multiple electrodes in preset combinations to form the ECG signals; detecting multiple different artifacts in one or more of the ECG signals; classifying the multiple different artifacts as one of a plurality of types of artifact; based on classifying the multiple different artifacts as one of the plurality of types of artifact, mapping leads of the multiple leads that contain one of the multiple different artifacts to a respective one of the plurality of types of artifact so as to form groups of leads; for each group of the groups of leads of the multiple leads that contain one of the multiple different artifacts, the ECG device programmatically identifying a respective common electrode to the group of leads by utilizing the preset combinations of the voltage signals to derive the common electrode contributing to generation of the ECG signals provided by the leads of the multiple leads that contain one of the multiple different artifacts; generating a notification by the ECG device indicating that the respective common electrode for each group is sensing the artifact; and performing said detecting, classifying, mapping, identifying, and generating continuously as the ECG signals are being received. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving, at the ECG device, the ECG signals from the multi-lead ECG system comprises receiving the ECG signals from a 12-lead system with multiple limb leads, multiple augmented limb leads, and multiple precordial leads. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving, at the ECG device, the ECG signals from the multi-lead ECG system comprises receiving the ECG signals from a 12-lead system with multiple limb leads, multiple augmented limb leads, and multiple precordial leads. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving, at the ECG device, the ECG signals from the multi-lead ECG system comprises receiving the ECG signals at the ECG device that includes a defibrillator. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving, at the ECG device, the ECG signals from the multi-lead ECG system comprises receiving the ECG signals at the ECG device that includes a defibrillator. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein for each group of the groups of leads, the ECG device programmatically identifying the common electrode to the group of leads by utilizing the preset combinations of the voltage signals to derive the common electrode contributing to generation of the ECG signals provided by the leads of the group. 1. A method of analyzing electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, comprising: receiving, at an ECG device, ECG signals from a multi-lead ECG system, wherein the multi-lead ECG system includes multiple electrodes and multiple leads, wherein each lead of the multi-lead ECG system provides one of the ECG signals and is coupled to more than one of the multiple electrodes, wherein certain electrodes are coupled to more than one lead, wherein the ECG device combines voltage signals from the multiple electrodes in preset combinations to form the ECG signals; detecting multiple different artifacts in one or more of the ECG signals; classifying the multiple different artifacts as one of a plurality of types of artifact; based on classifying the multiple different artifacts as one of the plurality of types of artifact, mapping leads of the multiple leads that contain one of the multiple different artifacts to a respective one of the plurality of types of artifact so as to form groups of leads; for each group of the groups of leads of the multiple leads that contain one of the multiple different artifacts, the ECG device programmatically identifying a respective common electrode to the group of leads by utilizing the preset combinations of the voltage signals to derive the common electrode contributing to generation of the ECG signals provided by the leads of the multiple leads that contain one of the multiple different artifacts; generating a notification by the ECG device indicating that the respective common electrode for each group is sensing the artifact; and performing said detecting, classifying, mapping, identifying, and generating continuously as the ECG signals are being received. 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: identifying a pattern in the ECG signals by comparison of a P wave and a QRS complex in the ECG signals from the multiple leads; and for the leads of the multiple leads in which the pattern is identified, identifying a leadwire reversal. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: identifying a pattern in the ECG signals by comparison of a P wave and a QRS complex in the ECG signals from the multiple leads; and for the leads of the multiple leads in which the pattern is identified, identifying a leadwire reversal. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising: identifying an R wave amplitude change pattern in the ECG signals from a lead of the multiple leads that includes a pattern other than increasing monotonically from a first precordial lead to a fourth precordial lead and then decreasing monotonically; and for the lead of the multiple leads having the R wave amplitude change pattern other than increasing monotonically from the first precordial lead to the fourth precordial lead and then decreasing monotonically, identifying a leadwire reversal. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: identifying an R wave amplitude change pattern in the ECG signals from a lead of the multiple leads that includes a pattern other than increasing monotonically from a first precordial lead to approximately a fourth precordial lead and then decreasing monotonically; and for the lead of the multiple leads having the R wave amplitude change pattern other than increasing monotonically from the first precordial lead to the fourth precordial lead and then decreasing monotonically, identifying a leadwire reversal. 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising: identifying an S wave amplitude change pattern in the ECG signals from a precordial lead of the multiple leads that includes a pattern other than first decreasing and then increasing; and for the precordial lead of the multiple leads having the S wave amplitude change pattern other than first decreasing and then increasing, identifying a leadwire reversal. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: identifying an S wave amplitude change pattern in the ECG signals from a precordial lead of the multiple leads that includes a pattern other than first decreasing and then increasing; and for the precordial lead of the multiple leads having the S wave amplitude change pattern other than first decreasing and then increasing, identifying a leadwire reversal. 14. The method of claim 1, further comprising: generating a second notification by the ECG device indicating a leadwire reversal. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: generating a second notification by the ECG device indicating a leadwire reversal. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the receiving, at the ECG device, the ECG signals from the multi-lead ECG system comprises receiving the ECG signals from a 12-lead system with multiple bipolar limb leads, multiple augmented limb leads, and multiple precordial leads, including a left arm (LA) leadwire, a right arm (RA) leadwire, a left leg (LL) leadwire, a right leg (RL) leadwire, and multiple precordial leadwires and, wherein a type of leadwire reversal is one of: LA-RA leadwire reversal; LA-LL leadwire reversal; RA-LL leadwire reversal; RA-RL leadwire reversal; LA-RL leadwire reversal; arm-leg leadwire reversal; and reversal of two precordial leadwires. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving, at the ECG device, the ECG signals from the multi-lead ECG system comprises receiving the ECG signals from a 12-lead system with multiple bipolar limb leads, multiple augmented limb leads, and multiple precordial leads, including a left arm (LA) leadwire, a right arm (RA) leadwire, a left leg (LL) leadwire, a right leg (RL) leadwire, and multiple precordial leadwires and, wherein a type of leadwire reversal is one of: LA-RA leadwire reversal; LA-LL leadwire reversal; RA-LL leadwire reversal; RA-RL leadwire reversal; LA-RL leadwire reversal; arm-leg leadwire reversal; and reversal of two precordial leadwires. 16. Anon-transitory computer-readable medium having stored therein a plurality of executable instructions, which when executed by a computing device having a processor causes the computing device to perform functions comprising: receiving, at an ECG device, ECG signals from a multi-lead ECG system, wherein the multi-lead ECG system includes multiple electrodes and multiple leads, and each lead of the multi- lead ECG system is coupled to more than one of the multiple electrodes and provides one of the ECG signals, wherein certain electrodes are coupled to more than one lead, wherein the ECG device combines voltage signals from the multiple electrodes in preset combinations to form the ECG signals; detecting multiple different artifacts in one or more of the ECG signals; mapping leads of the multiple leads that contain one of the multiple different artifacts into respective groups of leads; for each group of the groups of leads, the ECG device identifying a common electrode contributing to generation of the ECG signals provided by the leads of the group; generating a notification by the ECG device indicating that the common electrode for each group is sensing an artifact; and performing said detecting, mapping, identifying, and generating continuously as the ECG signals are being received. 14. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored therein a plurality of executable instructions, which when executed by a computing device having a processor causes the computing device to perform functions comprising: receiving ECG signals from a multi-lead ECG system, wherein the multi-lead ECG system includes multiple electrodes and multiple leads, wherein each lead of the multi-lead ECG system provides one of the ECG signals and is coupled to more than one of the multiple electrodes, wherein certain electrodes are coupled to more than one lead, wherein the computing device combines voltage signals from the multiple electrodes in preset combinations to form the ECG signals; detecting multiple different artifacts in one or more of the ECG signals; classifying the multiple different artifacts as one of a plurality of types of artifact; based on classifying the multiple different artifacts as one of the plurality of types of artifact, mapping leads of the multiple leads that contain one of the multiple different artifacts to a respective one of the plurality of types of artifact so as to form groups of leads; for each group of the groups of leads of the multiple leads that contain one of the multiple different artifacts, the computing device programmatically identifying a respective common electrode to the group of leads by utilizing the preset combinations of the voltage signals to derive the common electrode contributing to generation of the ECG signals provided by the leads of the multiple leads that contain one of the multiple different artifacts; generating a notification indicating that the respective common electrodes for each group are sensing respective one of the plurality of types of artifact; and performing said detecting, classifying, mapping, identifying, and generating continuously as the ECG signals are being received. 19. An electrocardiogram (ECG) device comprising: a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored therein a plurality of executable instructions; and a processor adapted to execute the plurality of executable instructions to: receive, at an ECG device, ECG signals from a multi-lead ECG system, wherein the multi-lead ECG system includes multiple electrodes and multiple leads, and each lead of the multi-lead ECG system is coupled to more than one of the multiple electrodes and provides one of the ECG signals, wherein certain electrodes are coupled to more than one lead, wherein the ECG device combines voltage signals from the multiple electrodes in preset combinations to form the ECG signals; detect multiple different artifacts in one or more of the ECG signals; map leads of the multiple leads that contain one of the multiple different artifacts into respective groups of leads; for each group of the groups of leads, identify a common electrode contributing to generation of the ECG signals provided by the leads of the group; generate a notification by the ECG device indicating that the common electrode for each group is sensing an artifact; and perform said detecting, mapping, identifying, and generating continuously as the ECG signals are being received. 16. An electrocardiogram (ECG) device comprising: a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored therein a plurality of executable instructions; and a processor adapted to execute the plurality of executable instructions to: receive ECG signals from a multi-lead ECG system, wherein the multi-lead ECG system includes multiple electrodes and multiple leads, wherein each lead of the multi-lead ECG system provides one of the ECG signals and is coupled to more than one of the multiple electrodes, wherein certain electrodes are coupled to more than one lead, wherein the processor combines voltage signals from the multiple electrodes in preset combinations to form the ECG signals; detect multiple different artifacts in one or more of the ECG signals; classify the multiple different artifacts as one of a plurality of types of artifact; based on classifying the multiple different artifacts as one of the plurality of types of artifact, map leads of the multiple leads that contain one of the multiple different artifacts to a respective one of the plurality of types of artifact so as to form groups of leads; for each group of the groups of leads of the multiple leads that contain one of the multiple different artifacts, the processor programmatically identifying a respective common electrode to the group of leads by utilizing the preset combinations of the voltage signals to derive the common electrode contributing to generation of the ECG signals provided by the leads of the multiple leads that contain one of the multiple different artifacts; generate a notification indicating that the respective common electrode for each group is sensing the artifact; and perform said detect, classify, map, identifying, and generate continuously as the ECG signals are being received. Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to LAURA HODGE whose telephone number is (571) 272-7101. The examiner can normally be reached M-F: 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, UNSU JUNG can be reached at (571) 272-8506. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000. /L.N.H./Examiner, Art Unit 3792 /AMANDA L STEINBERG/Examiner, Art Unit 3792
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Prosecution Timeline

Apr 02, 2024
Application Filed
Mar 03, 2026
Non-Final Rejection — §101, §DP (current)

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1-2
Expected OA Rounds
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Grant Probability
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With Interview (+43.7%)
3y 8m
Median Time to Grant
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