Specialized Endoscopy Systems for Niche Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857158_0009_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Specialized Endoscopy Systems for Niche Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857158_0009_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857158_0009_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. 11,857,158.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The present disclosure relates to specialized endoscopy systems adapted for use in high-security environments, disaster relief scenarios, extreme weather conditions, underwater environments, and space exploration, providing enhanced performance and reliability in these unique operational contexts.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed an optical system, endoscope apparatus, and endoscope with improved depth of field. However, these systems are not optimized for specific, challenging environments. The present inventive concept addresses this limitation by adapting the optical system for niche applications, ensuring high-quality imaging and reliable operation in demanding conditions.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The specialized endoscopy systems comprise an optical system with a quarter-wave plate including one birefringent material, a polarizing beam splitter configured to split light from the objective optical system into two, and an image sensor configured to pick up two images. The systems are specifically designed for use in high-security environments with advanced encryption protocols, disaster relief scenarios with limited resources, extreme weather conditions with enhanced durability, underwater environments with specialized waterproofing, and space exploration scenarios with microgravity considerations.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The novelty of the present inventive concept lies in the adaptation of the optical system for specialized, niche applications, which is non-obvious compared to the original patent. The inventive step is the combination of the quarter-wave plate, polarizing beam splitter, and image sensor with the specific design considerations and adaptations for each unique operational environment.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in the quarter-wave plate material, polarizing beam splitter design, and image sensor configuration to further optimize performance in specific environments. Additionally, the systems could be integrated with other specialized equipment, such as robotic arms or sensors, to enhance their capabilities in these niche applications.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The specialized endoscopy systems have significant commercial potential in various industries, including defense, healthcare, disaster relief, oil and gas, and space exploration. The systems' ability to provide high-quality imaging and reliable operation in challenging environments makes them attractive solutions for organizations operating in these niches.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B1/00096
A A61 A61B1/000095
A A61 A61B1/05
A A61 A61B1/0655
G G02 G02B23/2407
G G02 G02B23/2484
G G02 G02B27/283

Field of Art

Medical imaging systems, specifically endoscopic optical systems with advanced polarization and image sensing technologies, requiring expertise in optical engineering, medical device design, and image processing

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A skilled optical engineer with advanced degrees in optics or biomedical engineering, familiar with endoscopic imaging technologies, polarization techniques, and multi-spectral image acquisition methods

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that adapting the source patent's optical system to specialized environments represents predictable variations using known optical engineering techniques. The core optical configuration remains substantially unchanged, with modifications primarily addressing environmental constraints. The fundamental optical principles of quarter-wave plate polarization and light splitting are directly transferable across different operational contexts.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Quarter-wave plate with uniaxial crystal material having negative birefringence
PTD Variation
Adapting quarter-wave plate material for extreme environmental conditions like underwater or space exploration
Obviousness Reasoning
Material selection for optical components is a routine design choice for engineers, with predictable performance modifications based on environmental requirements
Source Patent Element
Polarizing beam splitter configured to split light from objective optical system
PTD Variation
Integrating advanced encryption protocols with light splitting mechanism for high-security environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Combining optical systems with encryption technologies is a known technique in secure imaging applications, representing an obvious extension of existing optical design principles
Source Patent Element
Image sensor configured to pick up two images
PTD Variation
Modifying image sensor configuration for microgravity or disaster relief scenarios
Obviousness Reasoning
Adapting sensor performance for specific environmental constraints is a standard engineering approach with predictable optimization strategies
Source Patent Element
Optical system with objective lens and polarization components
PTD Variation
Integrating specialized waterproofing and durability enhancements
Obviousness Reasoning
Protective modifications for optical systems in challenging environments represent standard engineering practice with well-understood implementation techniques
Source Patent Element
Endoscope apparatus with optical path splitting configuration
PTD Variation
Incorporating robotic arm integration and specialized sensor interfaces
Obviousness Reasoning
Expanding device functionality through modular design and interface adaptation is a predictable evolution of existing optical system architectures
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857158, the present publication demonstrates that the claimed variations in endoscopic optical systems represent obvious extensions of existing technologies, wherein a person having ordinary skill in the art would readily conceive of environmental adaptations using standard optical engineering techniques, thus rendering potential derivative claims anticipated and non-patentable.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,158
TitleOptical system, endoscope apparatus and endoscope
Assignee(s)OLYMPUS CORPORATION