Synergistic Flexible Tube Insertion System with AI, IoT, and Blockchain Integration

Publication ID: 24-11857157_0008_PTD

Published: November 07, 2025

Category:Synergistic Combinations

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Synergistic Flexible Tube Insertion System with AI, IoT, and Blockchain Integration,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857157_0008_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857157_0008_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. 11,857,157.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

A novel system that integrates a flexible tube insertion support apparatus with AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies to enhance the safety, efficiency, and accuracy of flexible tube insertion operations.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a flexible tube insertion support apparatus that generated propriety information based on external forces applied to the flexible tube. However, this invention had limitations in terms of data storage, analysis, and security. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by integrating the flexible tube insertion support apparatus with AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies to provide a more comprehensive and secure system for flexible tube insertion operations.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The synergistic system comprises a flexible tube insertion support apparatus, a blockchain-based data storage module, an AI-powered analytics engine, and IoT-enabled sensors. The AI-powered analytics engine analyzes data from the IoT-enabled sensors and the blockchain-based data storage module to optimize insertion operations and predict optimal twisting operations. The system also includes a video processing unit, a computer vision module, and a notification module for real-time monitoring of flexible tube insertion operations.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce the integration of AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies with the flexible tube insertion support apparatus, which provides a novel and non-obvious solution for enhancing the safety, efficiency, and accuracy of flexible tube insertion operations. The inventive step lies in the synergistic combination of these technologies to provide a comprehensive and secure system.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different AI algorithms, IoT protocols, or blockchain platforms. Variations could also include the integration of additional sensors or modules, such as machine learning modules for predicting optimal twisting operations or decentralized ledger for secure recording of insertion operation data.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The synergistic flexible tube insertion system has potential commercial applications in the medical device industry, particularly in the field of endoscopy and colonoscopy. The system could be marketed as a comprehensive solution for enhancing the safety, efficiency, and accuracy of flexible tube insertion operations, with potential customers including hospitals, clinics, and medical device manufacturers.

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)

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Field of Art

Medical device technologies for flexible endoscopic insertion systems, focusing on force sensing, data processing, and insertion support mechanisms in minimally invasive medical procedures

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical device technologist with expertise in sensor integration, data analytics, medical imaging, and control systems for medical instrumentation, holding advanced degrees and practical experience in medical device design

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies with the existing flexible tube insertion support apparatus represents a predictable combination of known techniques in medical device instrumentation. The source patent's core technology of force sensing and insertion support provides a natural foundation for enhanced data processing and monitoring technologies. The proposed variations represent logical extensions of the existing technical framework using standard engineering approaches to improve medical device functionality and data management.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Processor configured to generate propriety information regarding twisting operations of a flexible tube

PTD Variation

AI-powered analytics engine analyzing sensor data to optimize insertion operations and predict optimal twisting parameters

Obviousness Reasoning

Predictable application of machine learning techniques to existing force sensing methodology, representing a standard engineering approach to enhancing sensor-based control systems

Source Patent Element

External force detection and calculation of reference values for tube insertion

PTD Variation

IoT-enabled sensors transmitting force data to a blockchain-based data storage module for secure recording and analysis

Obviousness Reasoning

Known technique of extending sensor data collection with distributed data management technologies, representing a standard approach to improving data reliability and traceability

Source Patent Element

Processor storing and accumulating force quantities from external force detectors

PTD Variation

Computer vision module analyzing insertion operation images to detect anomalies and generate operator recommendations

Obviousness Reasoning

Predictable extension of existing data processing capabilities using standard image analysis and machine learning techniques commonly applied in medical device monitoring

Source Patent Element

Flexible tube insertion support apparatus with force sensing capabilities

PTD Variation

Integration of decentralized ledger technologies for secure recording of insertion operation data and performance tracking

Obviousness Reasoning

Obvious combination of existing medical device data management principles with emerging blockchain technologies, representing a standard approach to enhancing data security and auditability

Source Patent Element

Processor generating permission information for twisting operations based on external force quantities

PTD Variation

Machine learning module predicting optimal twisting operations by analyzing historical insertion procedure data

Obviousness Reasoning

Predictable application of advanced analytics to existing procedural monitoring technologies, representing a logical evolution of the source patent's core technical approach

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857157 and the disclosed technical variations, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the integration of AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies with flexible tube insertion support apparatus to be an obvious extension of existing medical device control and monitoring technologies, rendering potential claims in this domain obvious and unpatentable as a matter of standard engineering practice.

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