Medical devices come in many shapes and sizes and can be inspired in a great many number of ways. As we've discussed on our blog many times in the past many ideas come from the imaginations of those outside of the industry.
Another example of this kind of innovation has been underway thanks to a competition that was initiated back in 2012 that has these innovators working to recreate a medical marvel that first debuted on televisions a half century ago.
Star Trek's Tricorder was a multifunction hand-held device used for sensor scanning, data analysis, and recording data. Each prototype must have the capacity to monitor five vital signs and diagnose medical conditions, send data to the internet, and weigh under five pounds.
You can read more on STAT about the Qualcomm Tricorder X Prize and how two teams are working to develop a real life version of Star Trek's medical Tricorder.