Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Specialized Endoscope Systems for Niche Applications

Publication ID: 24-11857167_0009_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Specialized Endoscope Systems for Niche Applications,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857167_0009_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857167_0009_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

The inventive concept adapts the original image pickup unit and endoscope for specific, narrow market or unique operational environments, such as high-security needs, disaster relief, extreme weather conditions, and more.

Background and Problem Solved

The original image pickup unit and endoscope patent has limitations in addressing the diverse needs of various industries and environmental conditions. This inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing specialized variations of the image pickup unit and endoscope tailored to specific niches, thereby expanding its applicability and value.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept comprises a series of specialized endoscope systems, each designed to operate in a unique environment or meet specific security requirements. The high-security endoscope system features a tamper-evident image pickup unit with a secure boot mechanism. The disaster relief endoscope apparatus is ruggedized to withstand extreme environmental conditions and capture high-quality images in low-light scenarios. The weather-resistant endoscope system is designed for inspecting industrial equipment in extreme weather conditions, with a corrosion-resistant metal barrel and a hydrophobic coating. The high-temperature endoscope apparatus is adapted for inspecting industrial equipment in extreme heat environments, featuring a heat-resistant metal barrel and a substrate barrel with thermal insulation properties. The low-light endoscope system is optimized for inspecting confined spaces, with a high-sensitivity image sensor and a substrate barrel with a low-noise amplifier.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The inventive concept introduces a new level of specialization and adaptability to the original image pickup unit and endoscope, providing unique solutions for specific niches. The novel combination of features, such as tamper-evident mechanisms, ruggedized designs, and specialized coatings, constitutes an inventive step beyond the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Other potential embodiments of the inventive concept could include endoscope systems for underwater exploration, explosive environments, or sterile medical applications. These variations could incorporate additional features, such as waterproof coatings, explosion-proof casings, or antimicrobial materials, to further expand the scope of the inventive concept.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, industrial inspection, disaster relief, and security. The specialized endoscope systems can provide unique solutions for specific market needs, offering a competitive advantage and opportunities for market growth and expansion.

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 imaging systems, specifically endoscopic imaging technologies with a focus on precision optical and mechanical design for image pickup units in challenging environments

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An engineer with expertise in optical systems, mechanical engineering, and medical device design, possessing knowledge of materials science, thermal management, and electronic packaging for imaging devices

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the source patent's fundamental image pickup unit design provides a versatile platform for environmental adaptations. The PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the original patent's core technological framework, applying known engineering techniques to modify the endoscope for specific use cases. These modifications involve standard design practices such as material selection, coating technologies, and electronic component optimization that would be readily apparent to a skilled practitioner.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Metal barrel holding an objective lens with a substrate barrel having insulation properties
PTD Variation
Specialized metal barrel with corrosion-resistant or heat-resistant coatings for extreme environment applications
Obviousness Reasoning
Material selection and protective coatings are well-known techniques for adapting mechanical components to specific environmental conditions, representing a predictable design variation
Source Patent Element
Image sensor integrated with substrate barrel
PTD Variation
High-sensitivity image sensor with low-noise amplifier for low-light scenarios
Obviousness Reasoning
Optimizing image sensor performance through electronic component selection is a standard engineering approach with known techniques for improving signal-to-noise ratio
Source Patent Element
Insulation properties of substrate barrel
PTD Variation
Thermal insulation and secure boot mechanisms for high-security and high-temperature applications
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding security features and thermal management to electronic packaging represents a logical extension of existing design principles using well-understood electronic and materials engineering techniques
Source Patent Element
Basic endoscope image pickup unit structure
PTD Variation
Ruggedized design with shock-absorbing substrate barrel for disaster relief applications
Obviousness Reasoning
Mechanical reinforcement and shock absorption are standard engineering approaches for adapting devices to harsh operational environments
Source Patent Element
Electrical insulation between components
PTD Variation
Hydrophobic coating and advanced electrical isolation for weather-resistant applications
Obviousness Reasoning
Surface treatment and electrical isolation techniques are well-known methods for improving device reliability in challenging environmental conditions
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857167, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the variations disclosed in the Published Technical Disclosure to be obvious extensions of the prior art. The systematic adaptation of the original image pickup unit to specialized environments represents predictable design variations achievable through routine engineering practices, thereby rendering potential claims to such variations 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