Fluorescence-Based Imaging for Non-Medical Applications

The inventive concept applies the core technology of fluorescence-based imaging to novel applications beyond medical imaging, including crop health monitoring, food processing, solar panel inspection, water quality monitoring, and environmental biomarker detection.

The original patent disclosed a method, image processor, and device for observing live tissue containing a bolus of a fluorophore, primarily for neurosurgical applications. However, the limitations of this technology are its narrow focus on medical imaging and its inability to address diverse problems in other industries. The new inventive concept tackles this limitation by adapting the core technology to address pressing issues in various non-medical fields.

The new inventive concept comprises a camera system capturing multi- or hyperspectral images, an illumination system emitting fluorescence excitation wavelengths, and an image processor analyzing the images to detect fluorophores indicative of specific conditions. In crop health monitoring, the system detects fluorophores indicating plant stress. In food processing, the method identifies fluorophores indicative of contamination. In solar panel inspection, the device detects fluorophores indicating defects or degradation. In water quality monitoring, the system detects fluorophores indicating pollutants or contaminants. In environmental biomarker detection, the method identifies fluorophores indicative of specific biomarkers.

The new claims introduce a paradigm shift by applying the fluorescence-based imaging technology to entirely new industries and problem domains, demonstrating a non-obvious and innovative extension of the original patent's core technology.

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include adapting the camera system for specific wavelengths, modifying the illumination system for increased efficiency, or developing new image processing algorithms for improved fluorophore detection. Variations of the inventive concept could involve integrating the technology with existing systems, such as drones for crop monitoring or robotic arms for food processing inspection.

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including agriculture, food processing, renewable energy, environmental monitoring, and biotechnology. The target market includes companies and organizations seeking innovative solutions for monitoring and detecting specific conditions in their respective fields.