Intelligent Flexible Tube Insertion Support System
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A novel system integrating AI, IoT, blockchain, and new materials to enhance flexible tube insertion operations, ensuring optimal twisting, real-time monitoring, and data-driven decision making.
Background and Problem Solved
The original flexible tube insertion support apparatus faced limitations in accurately detecting external forces, processing propriety information, and providing real-time feedback. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by synergistically combining distinct technologies to create a more powerful and efficient system.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The system comprises a blockchain-based data storage unit for secure propriety information storage, an AI-powered processor for analyzing and generating support information, an IoT-enabled sensor network for detecting external forces, and a new material-based flexible tube with enhanced durability and flexibility. The AI-powered processor integrates with an imaging unit and generates an image signal of the observation object. The system also includes a cloud-based data analytics platform for real-time monitoring and feedback. Additionally, the system utilizes machine learning to optimize twisting operations based on collected data.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a novel combination of AI, IoT, blockchain, and new materials, which provides a non-obvious solution to the limitations of the original patent. The inventive step lies in the synergistic integration of these technologies to create a more powerful and efficient system.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include integrating the system with other medical devices, such as robotic-assisted surgery systems or virtual reality platforms. Variations may include using different AI algorithms, IoT sensor configurations, or blockchain protocols to achieve similar results.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The intelligent flexible tube insertion support system has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in endoscopy and minimally invasive surgery. The system's ability to enhance patient safety, reduce procedure time, and provide real-time feedback makes it an attractive solution for hospitals and medical centers.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B1/00055 |
| A | A61 | A61B1/00009 |
| A | A61 | A61B1/009 |
| A | A61 | A61B1/0057 |
| A | A61 | A61B1/00096 |
| A | A61 | A61B1/00097 |
| A | A61 | A61B5/061 |
| A | A61 | A61B5/065 |
| A | A61 | A61B1/044 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device technology, specifically endoscopic and flexible tube insertion systems, focusing on biomedical instrumentation, medical imaging, and diagnostic apparatus with emphasis on sensor-based monitoring and control systems
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device technologist with advanced degree, expertise in sensor integration, signal processing, medical imaging, and familiarity with emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and data analytics in medical instrumentation
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's integration of AI, IoT, and blockchain represents predictable technological extensions of the source patent's core concepts of flexible tube insertion monitoring and force-based propriety assessment. The fundamental problem of optimizing flexible tube insertion remains consistent, with the PTD offering incremental technological improvements using well-established interdisciplinary techniques. The variations represent standard engineering design choices that would be obvious to implement given the existing technological landscape and the source patent's foundational teachings.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,157 |
|---|---|
| Title | Flexible tube insertion support apparatus, flexible tube insertion apparatus, and flexible tube insertion method |
| Assignee(s) | OLYMPUS CORPORATION |