Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Solar Panel Quality Inspection and Performance Evaluation System

Publication ID: 24-11857151_0007_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Solar Panel Quality Inspection and Performance Evaluation System,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857151_0007_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857151_0007_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

The invention applies the core technology of the original patent to the solar panel industry, enabling standalone evaluation of solar panel quality and performance.

Background and Problem Solved

The solar panel industry faces challenges in evaluating the quality and performance of solar panels. Current methods are time-consuming, expensive, and often require specialized equipment. The original patent's technology for analyzing images produced by an objective of an endoscope is adapted to address these limitations, providing a novel solution for the solar panel industry.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The system comprises a solar panel objective, an image capture system, and an image processing system. The solar panel objective is apart from the solar panel and has an optical axis. The image capture system captures a plurality of intermediate images of a formed image from the objective. The image processing system analyzes the intermediate images to identify in-focus portions of the formed image corresponding to the solar panel. The system can detect defects, evaluate performance, monitor degradation over time, and optimize installation.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a novel application of the original patent's technology to the solar panel industry, providing a standalone system for evaluating solar panel quality and performance. The inventive step lies in adapting the optical component and image processing system to accommodate the unique requirements of solar panels.

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 include integrating the system with existing solar panel manufacturing or installation processes.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the solar panel industry, enabling manufacturers and installers to improve quality control, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. The target market includes solar panel manufacturers, installers, and maintenance providers.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
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

Field of Art

Optical imaging systems, image processing, and diagnostic/inspection technologies with a focus on precision optical analysis across multiple domains including medical devices, industrial inspection, and performance evaluation systems

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A skilled practitioner with expertise in optical engineering, image processing algorithms, computer vision, and interdisciplinary system design with knowledge of image capture techniques, signal processing, and domain-specific diagnostic methodologies

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the core optical imaging and analysis methodology disclosed in the source patent can be readily adapted to alternative domains like solar panel inspection by applying equivalent image capture and processing techniques. The fundamental principles of capturing intermediate images, analyzing focal characteristics, and identifying performance metrics remain consistent across different technical applications. The solar panel system represents a predictable variation that applies known optical diagnostic techniques to a new technological context.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Image capture system configured to capture intermediate images along an optical axis
PTD Variation
Applying the same image capture methodology to solar panel objective analysis
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of translating optical diagnostic principles across domains with predictable results
Source Patent Element
Processing images to identify in-focus portions using spatial frequency analysis
PTD Variation
Using equivalent image processing algorithms to detect solar panel defects and performance characteristics
Obviousness Reasoning
Standard image processing technique applicable across multiple inspection domains with minimal modification
Source Patent Element
Movable camera and optical components for comprehensive image capture
PTD Variation
Implementing similar movable imaging system for comprehensive solar panel surface analysis
Obviousness Reasoning
Finite design solution for systematic optical inspection that would be obvious to adapt across different technological contexts
Source Patent Element
Standalone objective evaluation system
PTD Variation
Creating an independent solar panel quality assessment system using equivalent architectural principles
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable extension of diagnostic system design with clear technological equivalence
Source Patent Element
Edge detection and spatial frequency analysis for image focus determination
PTD Variation
Applying identical image processing algorithms to identify solar panel surface characteristics
Obviousness Reasoning
Well-established image processing technique with broad applicability across inspection domains
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857151 and the principles of optical imaging and diagnostic system design, the present publication demonstrates that the claimed solar panel inspection system would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of the invention. The disclosed variations represent a predictable application of known optical diagnostic techniques to a novel technological domain, thereby rendering potential claims covering such a system unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. ยง 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,151
TitleSystems and methods for standalone endoscopic objective image analysis
Assignee(s)STERIS Instrument Management Services, Inc.