Enhanced Systems and Methods for Standalone Endoscopic Objective Image Analysis

Publication ID: 24-11857151_0001_PTD

Published: November 07, 2025

Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Systems and Methods for Standalone Endoscopic Objective Image Analysis,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857151_0001_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857151_0001_PTD

This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,151.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

This inventive concept improves upon the original patent by providing enhanced image quality, reduced optical aberrations, and improved accuracy and speed of image evaluation for standalone endoscopic objective image analysis.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent for standalone endoscopic objective image analysis had limitations in image quality, optical aberrations, and processing speed. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a fixed distance image capture system, varying focal lengths, machine learning algorithms, and vibration isolation systems.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced system comprises an objective from an endoscope, an image capture system positioned at a fixed distance from the objective to reduce optical aberrations, and an image processing system. The image capture system can capture a plurality of intermediate images at varying focal lengths to improve image quality and reduce distortion. Additionally, the image processing system can apply machine learning algorithms to the intermediate images to improve accuracy and speed of image evaluation. Furthermore, the system can include a vibration isolation system to reduce camera shake and improve image quality.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce the novelty of a fixed distance image capture system, varying focal lengths, machine learning algorithms, and vibration isolation systems, which are not present in the original patent. These enhancements provide a non-obvious solution to the limitations of the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include using different types of image capture systems, such as spectrometers or interferometers, or incorporating additional optical components to further improve image quality. Variations could also include using the inventive concept for other types of optical systems, such as microscopes or telescopes.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced system for standalone endoscopic objective image analysis has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly for endoscope manufacturers and medical imaging companies. The improved image quality, reduced optical aberrations, and increased processing speed can lead to better patient outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and increased market share for companies adopting this technology.

CPC Classifications

Section	Class	Group
A	A61	A61B1/00009
A	A61	A61B1/04
G	G06	G06T5/003
G	G06	G06T5/006
G	G06	G06T7/0012
H	H04	H04N23/67
G	G06	G06T5/005
G	G06	G06T7/174
G	G06	G06T2207/10068
G	G06	G06T2207/20221
G	G06	G06T2207/30168
H	H04	H04N23/6845
H	H04	H04N23/951

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Medical imaging systems, specifically endoscopic objective image analysis, involving optical systems, image processing, and machine learning techniques for medical diagnostic imaging

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A skilled practitioner with expertise in optical engineering, medical imaging technologies, image processing algorithms, and proficiency in machine learning techniques applied to diagnostic imaging systems

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable improvements to the source patent's core methodology of endoscopic objective image analysis. The disclosed enhancements such as fixed distance image capture, varying focal lengths, and machine learning processing are logical extensions of the original patent's image evaluation techniques. These modifications represent standard engineering approaches to improving optical imaging systems through incremental technological refinements.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Image capture system movable along optical axis to capture intermediate images

PTD Variation

Fixed distance image capture system with multiple focal length captures

Obviousness Reasoning

A PHOSITA would recognize that modifying the movable capture system to a fixed configuration with multiple focal length captures represents a predictable variation to reduce optical aberrations and improve image quality

Source Patent Element

Image processing system identifying in-focus portions using spatial frequencies and edge detection

PTD Variation

Applying machine learning algorithms to improve image evaluation accuracy and speed

Obviousness Reasoning

Integrating machine learning techniques into existing image processing methods is a known approach for enhancing computational image analysis, representing an obvious improvement to existing edge detection and spatial frequency techniques

Source Patent Element

Standalone endoscopic objective image analysis system

PTD Variation

Adding vibration isolation system to reduce camera shake

Obviousness Reasoning

Implementing vibration reduction techniques is a standard engineering solution for improving optical imaging system stability, which would be an obvious design improvement to a skilled practitioner

Source Patent Element

Endoscope objective image capture methodology

PTD Variation

Extending technique to alternative optical systems like microscopes and telescopes

Obviousness Reasoning

Adapting imaging analysis techniques across similar optical systems represents a standard engineering practice of technological generalization, which would be obvious to a PHOSITA

Source Patent Element

Basic image capture and processing approach

PTD Variation

Using alternative image capture technologies like spectrometers and interferometers

Obviousness Reasoning

Substituting equivalent imaging technologies is a predictable variation that would be obvious to a skilled practitioner familiar with different optical measurement techniques

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857151 and the disclosed variations, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed technical improvements to endoscopic objective image analysis obvious and non-inventive. The incremental enhancements represent standard engineering approaches to refining optical imaging systems through predictable modifications in capture methodology, processing techniques, and system configuration.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,857,151
Title	Systems and methods for standalone endoscopic objective image analysis
Assignee(s)	STERIS Instrument Management Services, Inc.