Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Enhanced Imaging Unit and Endoscope System

Publication ID: 24-11857166_0006_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Imaging Unit and Endoscope System,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857166_0006_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857166_0006_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

An advanced imaging unit and endoscope system with improved image quality, low-light performance, and durability, enabling enhanced diagnostic capabilities and reduced risk of damage during insertion.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent (Imaging unit and endoscope) had limitations in image quality, low-light performance, and durability. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing an advanced optical system, novel sensor configuration, flexible substrate with a foldable design, and optimized illumination source, thereby improving the overall performance and reliability of the endoscope system.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced imaging unit features an advanced optical system with improved lenses and mirrors, allowing for higher resolution and reduced noise. The novel sensor configuration includes a back-illuminated sensor with improved quantum efficiency, enabling better low-light performance. The flexible substrate with a foldable design ensures improved durability and reduced risk of damage during insertion. The system also includes an advanced information processing device and high-resolution display device for real-time image processing and display. Furthermore, the integrated illumination source is optimized for reduced heat generation and improved image quality.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel and non-obvious features, including the advanced optical system, novel sensor configuration, flexible substrate with a foldable design, and optimized illumination source, which collectively provide a significant improvement over the original patent. The inventive step lies in the combination and optimization of these features to achieve enhanced image quality, low-light performance, and durability.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include varying the optical system design, sensor configuration, and substrate material to suit specific application requirements. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in different medical or industrial fields, such as gastroscopy, laparoscopy, or machine vision.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced imaging unit and endoscope system has significant commercial potential in the medical and industrial fields, particularly in applications requiring high-quality imaging and low-light performance. The target market includes hospitals, clinics, and medical research institutions, as well as industries such as manufacturing, quality control, and inspection.

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 and endoscopic device design, focusing on semiconductor packaging, optical imaging, and flexible electronic substrates for medical instrumentation

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An engineer with expertise in medical device design, optical systems, semiconductor packaging, and electronic integration, typically holding a master's or PhD in biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, or related field with 3-5 years of industry experience

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable incremental improvements to the source patent's imaging unit design, utilizing known techniques in optical system optimization, sensor configuration, and substrate engineering. The disclosed enhancements follow established design principles in medical imaging technology, representing straightforward extensions of the existing technological framework. The modifications demonstrate standard engineering problem-solving approaches to improving image quality, durability, and performance of endoscopic imaging systems.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Semiconductor package with optical system and imaging sensor
PTD Variation
Back-illuminated sensor with improved quantum efficiency for enhanced low-light performance
Obviousness Reasoning
Known sensor technology improvement representing a predictable optimization of imaging capabilities using standard semiconductor design techniques
Source Patent Element
Rigid substrate with connection terminals
PTD Variation
Flexible substrate with foldable design for improved durability
Obviousness Reasoning
Routine materials engineering adaptation addressing mechanical constraints in endoscopic device design, representing a standard design choice for improved device performance
Source Patent Element
Imaging unit with basic optical configuration
PTD Variation
Advanced optical system with improved lenses and mirrors for higher resolution and reduced noise
Obviousness Reasoning
Incremental optical design improvement using well-established lens engineering principles and known optical performance enhancement techniques
Source Patent Element
Basic imaging unit with standard connection interfaces
PTD Variation
Integrated information processing and high-resolution display device for real-time image processing
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable system integration approach using standard electronic interface design and known medical imaging signal processing techniques
Source Patent Element
Basic imaging unit without specialized illumination
PTD Variation
Optimized integrated illumination source with reduced heat generation
Obviousness Reasoning
Routine thermal management and illumination design optimization representing standard engineering problem-solving in medical imaging systems
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857166, a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art would find the technical variations disclosed herein to be obvious extensions of the prior art, representing predictable improvements using known techniques in semiconductor packaging, optical design, and medical imaging system integration. The disclosed variations do not rise to the level of non-obvious innovation, and therefore constitute prior art capable of rendering subsequent similar claims obvious under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

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