Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Fluorescence-based Monitoring and Analysis Systems

Publication ID: 24-11857164_0007_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Fluorescence-based Monitoring and Analysis Systems,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857164_0007_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857164_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. 11,857,164.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

This inventive concept extends the core technology of the original patent to novel applications in food quality monitoring, counterfeit product detection, water quality monitoring, plant health monitoring, and pest/disease tracking in agriculture, leveraging the same principles of fluorescence emission wavelength analysis.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent focused on medical applications, specifically neurosurgery, but its core technology has broader potential. This inventive concept addresses the limitations of the original patent by exploring new industries and use cases, where the detection of changes in fluorescence emission wavelengths can provide valuable insights and solutions.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new claims describe systems and methods that inject a bolus of at least one fluorophore into a target material, capture images using a camera system, and analyze the images to detect changes in fluorescence emission wavelengths indicative of spoilage, authenticity, contamination, disease, or pest/disease spread. These systems can be tailored to specific industries, such as food quality monitoring, counterfeit product detection, water quality monitoring, plant health monitoring, and pest/disease tracking in agriculture.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel applications and use cases that were not considered in the original patent, demonstrating a non-obvious extension of the core technology to new fields. The inventive step lies in the recognition of the potential for fluorescence emission wavelength analysis to solve problems in these new domains.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include variations in the type of fluorophore used, the camera system configuration, or the image analysis algorithms employed. Additionally, the systems could be adapted for use in other industries, such as environmental monitoring or pharmaceutical quality control.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including food safety, anti-counterfeiting, water quality monitoring, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. The market for fluorescence-based monitoring and analysis systems is expected to grow as industries seek more accurate and efficient solutions for quality control and monitoring.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B1/043
A A61 A61B1/00004
G G06 G06T7/0016
G G06 G06T11/001
A A61 A61B2017/00066
G G06 G06T2207/10016
G G06 G06T2207/10064
G G06 G06T2207/30101
G G06 G06T2207/30104
G G06 G06T2210/41

Field of Art

Medical imaging, diagnostic technologies, and signal processing systems involving fluorescence-based analysis across biological and material sciences

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An interdisciplinary professional with expertise in optical imaging, signal processing, biomedical engineering, and computer vision techniques, holding advanced degrees in engineering or applied sciences with working knowledge of spectroscopic analysis and image processing algorithms

Obviousness Rationale

The PTD demonstrates a straightforward extension of the source patent's core fluorescence imaging methodology by applying the established signal processing and image analysis techniques to alternative domains. A PHOSITA would recognize that the fundamental principles of fluorophore-based imaging and wavelength analysis are transferable across different inspection contexts. The technical framework established in the source patent provides a clear template for adapting the technology to new monitoring and diagnostic applications.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Method for capturing and processing time series input frames containing fluorescent signals
PTD Variation
Applying the same image processing methodology to food quality, product authenticity, and agricultural monitoring scenarios
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of adapting signal processing algorithms to related technical domains with predictable results
Source Patent Element
Iterative image processing involving component signal decomposition and threshold analysis
PTD Variation
Extending threshold-based analysis to detect variations in fluorescence emissions across different material inspection contexts
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable application of established image analysis techniques to solve analogous technical problems
Source Patent Element
Bolus injection of fluorophore for enhanced imaging contrast
PTD Variation
Using fluorophore injection techniques in non-medical domains like agriculture and product authentication
Obviousness Reasoning
Routine engineering adaptation of a known technique to expand technological application space
Source Patent Element
Near-infrared fluorescence imaging methodology
PTD Variation
Generalizing fluorescence imaging principles to detect material characteristics beyond medical diagnostics
Obviousness Reasoning
Obvious technological transfer based on well-understood spectroscopic imaging principles
Source Patent Element
Image processing system with component signal analysis
PTD Variation
Implementing similar signal processing algorithms for detecting material changes across diverse inspection domains
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable engineering solution using known computational techniques with expected technical outcomes
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857164's comprehensive disclosure of fluorescence imaging methodologies, the present publication demonstrates that the claimed variations represent obvious extensions of the prior art, employing routine engineering techniques to adapt established signal processing and imaging technologies across alternative technical domains, thereby rendering subsequent claims involving similar methodological approaches anticipated and non-patentable.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,164
TitleMethod, image processor and device for observing an object containing a bolus of a fluorophore
Assignee(s)Leica Instruments (Singapore) Pte Ltd.