Advanced Image Capture for Diverse Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept leverages the core technology of the original image pickup unit and endoscope patent to expand into new industries, including food quality monitoring, infrastructure inspection, wildlife surveillance, electrical equipment inspection, and environmental pollution monitoring.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent addressed limitations in medical and industrial fields, but its core technology has broader applicability. The new inventive concept solves the problem of limited scope by adapting the image pickup unit and endoscope technology to various new applications, providing innovative solutions for diverse industries.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new claims describe systems and methods that integrate the image pickup unit and endoscope technology into novel applications. For instance, Claim 1 describes a system for monitoring food quality using an image pickup unit in a food storage container. Similarly, Claims 2-5 detail methods and systems for inspecting infrastructure, monitoring wildlife, inspecting electrical equipment, and monitoring environmental pollution, all utilizing the core image pickup unit and endoscope technology.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel applications and use cases that were not considered in the original patent. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the core technology to these new industries, providing innovative solutions that address specific problems and needs in each field.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in the image pickup unit design, such as modified objective lenses or substrate barrels, to accommodate specific requirements in each industry. Additionally, the inventive concept could be integrated with other technologies, such as artificial intelligence or IoT sensors, to enhance its functionality and value.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including food safety, infrastructure maintenance, wildlife conservation, electrical equipment inspection, and environmental monitoring. The target market includes companies and organizations operating in these industries, as well as government agencies and research institutions.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B1/051 |
| A | A61 | A61B1/00124 |
| A | A61 | A61B1/07 |
| G | G02 | G02B23/2469 |
| G | G02 | G02B23/2484 |
| H | H04 | H04N23/55 |
| H | H04 | H04N23/555 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical and industrial imaging systems, specifically endoscopic and specialized imaging technologies involving precision optical and electronic components for image capture in confined or specialized environments
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
An engineer with expertise in optical systems, electronic sensor design, and imaging technologies, possessing knowledge of mechanical integration, electrical insulation techniques, and cross-industry sensor applications
Obviousness Rationale
A person skilled in the art would recognize that the core image pickup unit technology from the source patent can be readily adapted to multiple application domains by leveraging its fundamental design principles of modular optical and sensor components with robust mechanical and electrical characteristics. The PTD demonstrates predictable extensions of the original endoscopic imaging technology into alternative use cases by maintaining the essential structural elements of the metal barrel, substrate barrel, and image sensor configuration.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,167 |
|---|---|
| Title | Image pickup unit and endoscope |
| Assignee(s) | OLYMPUS CORPORATION |