Specialized Endoscope Systems for Niche Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857166_0004_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Specialized Endoscope Systems for Niche Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857166_0004_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857166_0004_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. 11,857,166.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept adapts the original imaging unit and endoscope for specific, high-stakes operational environments, such as high-security needs, disaster relief, extreme weather conditions, explosive environments, and space exploration.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent provides a general imaging unit and endoscope design, but it lacks the necessary adaptations for use in specialized, high-stress environments. This inventive concept addresses the limitations of the original patent by providing tailored solutions for these niche markets, ensuring reliable and effective imaging capabilities in challenging conditions.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept comprises four specialized endoscope systems, each designed for a unique operational environment. The first system, for high-security environments, incorporates encryption and wireless transmission of image signals to ensure secure data transfer. The second system, for disaster relief, is optimized for low-light conditions and enables real-time feedback to the operator. The third system, for extreme weather conditions, is waterproof and operates within a temperature range of -20°C to 50°C, with a heating or cooling system to maintain optimal operating conditions. The fourth system, for explosive environments, is explosion-proof and uses a fiber optic cable for data transmission. The fifth system, for space exploration, operates in a vacuum environment and uses wireless communication to transmit image signals to a remote command center.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The inventive concept's novelty lies in its adaptation of the original imaging unit and endoscope design for specific, high-stakes operational environments. The inventive step is the integration of specialized components and features that enable reliable and effective imaging capabilities in these niche markets.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different encryption protocols, varied wireless transmission frequencies, or alternative heating or cooling systems. Variations could also include the integration of additional sensors or instruments to enhance the endoscope's functionality.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, disaster response, environmental monitoring, and space exploration. The market demand for specialized endoscope systems is expected to grow as these industries increasingly require reliable and effective imaging capabilities in challenging environments.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B1/051
H H05 H05K1/115
H H05 H05K1/147
H H05 H05K2201/10015
H H05 H05K2201/10151
H H05 H05K2201/10757

Field of Art

Medical imaging systems, endoscopic technologies, and specialized electronic packaging with a focus on miniaturized imaging units for diagnostic and exploratory applications

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A skilled practitioner with expertise in biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, and optical systems design, possessing knowledge of semiconductor packaging, wireless transmission technologies, and environmental adaptation strategies for medical imaging devices

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the source patent's fundamental imaging unit design provides a versatile platform for environmental adaptation through predictable modifications. The PTD's variations represent standard engineering approaches to extending the core imaging technology into specialized operational contexts by integrating known protective and communication technologies. These adaptations follow established design principles of ruggedization and functional enhancement that are well-understood within medical and industrial imaging systems engineering.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Semiconductor package with optical system and imaging sensor
PTD Variation
Integrating encryption and wireless transmission for high-security environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding wireless encryption is a predictable solution for secure data transmission, utilizing standard communication protocols and known encryption techniques applicable to medical imaging systems
Source Patent Element
Imaging unit with connection terminals
PTD Variation
Adapting the imaging unit to operate in extreme temperature ranges with heating/cooling systems
Obviousness Reasoning
Thermal management is a standard engineering approach for extending electronic device operational capabilities, representing a finite and predictable set of design modifications
Source Patent Element
Flexible insertion portion with imaging apparatus
PTD Variation
Developing explosion-proof configuration using fiber optic cable transmission
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing safety modifications for hazardous environments is a known technique in industrial and medical imaging, involving standard protective design strategies
Source Patent Element
Imaging sensor configured to convert optical images
PTD Variation
Configuring the imaging unit for vacuum environment and space exploration applications
Obviousness Reasoning
Adapting electronic systems for extreme environments follows established engineering principles of component selection and protective packaging
Source Patent Element
Optical system with communication terminals
PTD Variation
Low-light imaging capabilities with real-time remote feedback
Obviousness Reasoning
Enhancing imaging performance through signal processing and communication technologies represents a predictable evolution of medical imaging systems
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857166's fundamental imaging unit design, the disclosed variations represent obvious extensions of the prior art through standard engineering modifications. A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize these adaptations as predictable combinations of known techniques, rendering subsequent claims involving similar environmental specializations obvious and anticipated by the present disclosure.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,166
TitleImaging unit and endoscope
Assignee(s)OLYMPUS CORPORATION