Specialized Endoscope Systems for Niche Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A family of endoscope systems tailored to specific, high-stakes environments, including high-security, disaster relief, extreme weather, infectious disease diagnosis, and search and rescue operations.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a general-purpose imaging unit and endoscope. However, these devices may not be suitable for unique operational environments or specialized markets, where specific requirements and constraints must be addressed. The new inventive concept solves this problem by adapting the imaging unit and endoscope for these niche applications, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and reliability.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept encompasses five specialized endoscope systems. The high-security endoscope system features enhanced encryption and secure data transmission protocols to prevent unauthorized access to patient data. The disaster relief endoscope system boasts a ruggedized and waterproof design, with an extended battery life for use in remote or disaster-stricken areas. The system for endoscopic imaging in extreme weather conditions incorporates a thermal management system to maintain optimal operating temperatures in high or low temperature environments. The endoscope system for high-risk infectious disease diagnosis has a sterilizable design and UV-C light disinfection capabilities to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. Lastly, the portable endoscope system for search and rescue operations is characterized by a compact and lightweight design, with a wireless communication module for real-time video transmission to remote command centers.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel, specialized variations of the imaging unit and endoscope, tailored to specific markets or operational environments. These adaptations involve non-obvious modifications to the original design, ensuring that the inventive concept is both new and non-obvious.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include endoscope systems for use in space exploration, high-altitude environments, or underwater operations. Other variations might focus on specific medical specialties, such as cardiology or neurology, or incorporate advanced sensors, such as hyperspectral or fluorescence imaging capabilities.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The specialized endoscope systems have significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, disaster response, search and rescue, and aerospace. Target markets may include government agencies, hospitals, research institutions, and private companies operating in these domains.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B1/051 |
| H | H05 | H05K1/115 |
| H | H05 | H05K1/147 |
| H | H05 | H05K2201/10015 |
| H | H05 | H05K2201/10151 |
| H | H05 | H05K2201/10757 |
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,166 |
|---|---|
| Title | Imaging unit and endoscope |
| Assignee(s) | OLYMPUS CORPORATION |