Enhanced Endoscopic Objective Image Analysis Systems and Methods

Publication ID: 24-11857151_0006_PTD

Published: November 07, 2025

Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Endoscopic Objective Image Analysis Systems and Methods,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857151_0006_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857151_0006_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 discloses a novel system and method for evaluating and optimizing the performance of an endoscope's objective, leveraging artificial intelligence, real-time processing, and automated correction mechanisms to improve image quality and reduce aberrations.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent addressed the need for evaluating an endoscope's objective image quality, but it had limitations in terms of manual processing, aberration correction, and real-time feedback. This new inventive concept builds upon the original patent by integrating AI-powered aberration detection, real-time processing, and automated correction mechanisms to provide a more efficient, accurate, and reliable system for objective evaluation and optimization.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new system comprises an objective from an endoscope, an image capture system, and a processing unit. The image capture system is integrated with an artificial intelligence module to automatically detect and correct for aberrations in the formed image. The processing unit analyzes the intermediate images and provides real-time feedback on objective performance. Additionally, the system can be used to optimize objective design by identifying areas of aberration and informing design modifications. The automated objective calibration feature ensures optimal performance by adjusting the objective to optimal calibration.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The integration of AI-powered aberration detection, real-time processing, and automated correction mechanisms represents a significant improvement over the original patent. The new claims introduce a non-obvious combination of features that enhance the overall performance, efficiency, and accuracy of the system, providing a novel solution to the limitations of the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include using different types of image capture systems, such as cameras with varying resolutions or spectral sensitivities. Variations may also include implementing the system in different types of endoscopes, such as flexible or rigid endoscopes, or integrating the system with other medical imaging modalities.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced endoscopic objective image analysis system has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the areas of endoscopy, minimally invasive surgery, and medical imaging. The system can be marketed to medical device manufacturers, hospitals, and clinics, offering improved image quality, reduced aberrations, and enhanced diagnostic capabilities.

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)

▼

Field of Art

Medical imaging systems, specifically endoscopic image analysis technologies involving optical systems, image processing, and diagnostic imaging techniques. Requires expertise in optics, image processing algorithms, medical device engineering, and artificial intelligence applied to medical imaging

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A person with a graduate degree in biomedical engineering, optics, or electrical engineering, with 3-5 years professional experience in medical imaging system design, familiar with image processing techniques, optical aberration correction methods, and emerging AI-based diagnostic technologies

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating artificial intelligence and real-time processing into an existing endoscopic objective evaluation system represents a predictable technological enhancement. The source patent establishes a foundational method for image capture and analysis, and the PTD extends this framework by introducing automated correction and intelligence-driven optimization. These variations would be considered obvious improvements using standard engineering design approaches and known machine learning techniques.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Image capture system configured to capture intermediate images of a formed image from an endoscope objective

PTD Variation

Integrating an artificial intelligence module to automatically detect and correct image aberrations

Obviousness Reasoning

Adding AI-based image correction is a known technique in medical imaging, representing a predictable application of machine learning to enhance existing image analysis systems

Source Patent Element

Image processing system identifying in-focus portions using spatial frequency analysis

PTD Variation

Real-time processing unit providing immediate feedback on objective performance

Obviousness Reasoning

Extending image analysis capabilities to provide instantaneous diagnostic information is an obvious design improvement using standard signal processing techniques

Source Patent Element

Movable camera along optical axis for capturing multiple intermediate images

PTD Variation

Automated objective calibration system that adjusts objective based on image analysis

Obviousness Reasoning

Implementing closed-loop calibration represents a logical extension of existing image capture methodologies, using feedback mechanisms well-known in optical system design

Source Patent Element

Standalone system for evaluating endoscope objective performance

PTD Variation

Using image analysis to inform and guide objective design modifications

Obviousness Reasoning

Applying computational insights to iterative design processes is a standard engineering approach for systematic performance improvement

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857151, the present published technical disclosure demonstrates that the claimed variations in endoscopic objective image analysis would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention. The disclosed AI-enhanced, real-time image processing techniques represent predictable technological extensions of existing medical imaging methodologies, rendering subsequent claims involving similar systems and methods unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. § 103.

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.