Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Enhanced Image Pickup Unit and Endoscope System

Publication ID: 24-11857167_0006_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Image Pickup Unit and Endoscope System,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857167_0006_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857167_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. 11,857,167.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

An improved image pickup unit and endoscope system that enhances image quality, durability, and safety while reducing electromagnetic interference and thermal noise.

Background and Problem Solved

The original image pickup unit and endoscope system had limitations in terms of image quality, durability, and safety. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing enhancements such as improved thermal conductivity, reinforced structures, shielding layers, reflective coatings, and built-in temperature sensors.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced image pickup unit features a metal barrel with improved thermal conductivity to reduce thermal noise, and an image sensor configured to capture high-resolution images. The endoscope system includes a substrate barrel with a reinforced structure to prevent cracking, and an image pickup unit disposed in the substrate barrel, configured to withstand harsh environmental conditions. Additionally, the system incorporates a shielding layer to block electromagnetic waves, a reflective coating to enhance light reflection, and a built-in temperature sensor to detect overheating.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept introduces novel features that overcome the limitations of the original patent. Specifically, the improved thermal conductivity, reinforced structures, shielding layers, reflective coatings, and built-in temperature sensors provide a significant improvement in image quality, durability, and safety, making the new inventive concept non-obvious and innovative compared to the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include varying the material and structure of the metal barrel, substrate barrel, and image sensor, as well as incorporating additional features such as image stabilization, autofocus, or advanced noise reduction algorithms.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced image pickup unit and endoscope system has significant commercial potential in the medical and industrial fields, where high-quality imaging and durability are crucial. The system could be used in a variety of applications, including medical procedures, industrial inspections, and quality control.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
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

Field of Art

Medical and industrial endoscopy imaging systems, focusing on image pickup units with specialized mechanical and electrical configurations for high-precision optical instrumentation

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An electrical or mechanical engineer with expertise in medical imaging technologies, optics, thermal management, and electronic packaging, typically holding a master's degree with 3-5 years of experience in precision optical instrument design

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents predictable variations and incremental improvements to the source patent's fundamental endoscope image pickup unit design. The proposed modifications address known limitations in thermal performance, electromagnetic interference, and environmental durability using standard engineering techniques. These variations represent routine optimization strategies that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to enhance endoscopic imaging systems.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Metal barrel holding an objective lens with basic thermal properties
PTD Variation
Metal barrel with enhanced thermal conductivity and integrated thermal noise reduction
Obviousness Reasoning
Thermal management is a known challenge in precision imaging, and modifying material properties to reduce noise represents a predictable solution within standard optical engineering practices
Source Patent Element
Substrate barrel with basic insulation properties
PTD Variation
Substrate barrel with reinforced structural design to prevent cracking and withstand harsh environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Mechanical robustness is a standard design consideration, and improving structural integrity through material selection and geometric reinforcement would be an obvious approach to a skilled engineer
Source Patent Element
Basic image sensor configuration
PTD Variation
Image sensor with integrated electromagnetic shielding and advanced noise reduction capabilities
Obviousness Reasoning
Electromagnetic interference mitigation is a well-established engineering technique, and implementing shielding layers represents a standard method of improving signal quality in precision electronic systems
Source Patent Element
Endoscope image pickup unit with standard optical components
PTD Variation
Image pickup unit with reflective coating to enhance light sensitivity and low-light performance
Obviousness Reasoning
Optical performance optimization through surface treatment is a known technique, and applying reflective coatings to improve light capture represents a predictable engineering solution
Source Patent Element
Basic electronic configuration of image pickup unit
PTD Variation
Integrated temperature monitoring with automatic thermal shutdown mechanism
Obviousness Reasoning
Safety systems and thermal protection are standard design considerations in medical imaging equipment, and implementing self-monitoring capabilities represents a logical and predictable engineering improvement
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857167 and the published technical disclosure, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed variations obvious and anticipated. The incremental improvements in thermal management, structural design, electromagnetic shielding, and safety monitoring represent routine engineering optimizations that do not rise to the level of non-obvious innovation, thereby rendering potential derivative patent claims obvious and unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,167
TitleImage pickup unit and endoscope
Assignee(s)OLYMPUS CORPORATION