Retinal Camera Technology for Diverse Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept leverages the core technology of retinal cameras with movable optical stops to address novel applications and use cases across various industries, including agriculture, environmental monitoring, industrial inspection, wildlife conservation, and food quality control.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed retinal cameras with movable optical stops for fundus photography. However, these cameras were limited to medical applications. The inventive concept addresses the need for adaptable, high-resolution imaging solutions in diverse industries, where traditional imaging technologies may not be effective.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept involves adapting retinal cameras with movable optical stops to capture high-quality images in various non-medical applications. For instance, in agriculture, the camera can be used to monitor crop growth and detect early signs of disease or stress. In environmental monitoring, the camera can detect contaminants in water samples. In industrial inspection, the camera can capture high-resolution images of equipment components. In wildlife conservation, the camera can be used to monitor animal populations in low-light conditions. In food quality control, the camera can detect contaminants or spoilage in food samples. The movable optical stop enables the camera to adjust its field of view, focus, or resolution to optimize image capture in each application.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The inventive concept's novelty lies in its application of retinal camera technology to diverse industries, leveraging the movable optical stop to overcome the limitations of traditional imaging solutions. The inventive step is the recognition of the potential for retinal camera technology to be adapted to address specific challenges in these industries, resulting in novel and non-obvious applications.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include modifying the camera's light source, objective lens, or internal lens to accommodate specific application requirements. Variations may involve integrating additional sensors or software to enhance image analysis or automation capabilities.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential across various industries, including agriculture, environmental monitoring, industrial inspection, wildlife conservation, and food quality control. The market for high-resolution imaging solutions in these industries is substantial, with opportunities for licensing, partnerships, or product development.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B3/14 |
| A | A61 | A61B3/113 |
| A | A61 | A61B3/12 |
| G | G02 | G02F1/1334 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical and scientific imaging technologies, specifically optical systems for high-precision image capture with a focus on adaptable imaging apparatus with movable optical components
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
An optical engineer or imaging systems specialist with expertise in medical imaging, optics design, mechanical actuation, and sensor technologies, holding at least a master's degree in engineering or applied physics with 3-5 years of professional experience in precision imaging systems
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the fundamental optical principles and mechanical actuation mechanisms disclosed in the source patent for retinal cameras can be readily adapted to alternative imaging applications by leveraging the core technological innovations of movable optical stops and precision imaging control. The PTD demonstrates predictable variations that extend the source patent's core technology to new domains by applying known optical engineering techniques. The movable optical stop's fundamental functionality remains consistent across different application contexts, making the variations obvious to a skilled practitioner.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,260 |
|---|---|
| Title | Retinal cameras having movable optical stops |
| Assignee(s) | VERILY LIFE SCIENCES LLC |