Adaptive Retinal Cameras for Specialized Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857260_0004_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Adaptive Retinal Cameras for Specialized Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857260_0004_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857260_0004_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. 11,857,260.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

This inventive concept adapts retinal cameras to operate in high-security, disaster relief, extreme weather, high-altitude, and search and rescue environments, ensuring accurate retinal imaging in challenging conditions.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent's retinal cameras, having movable optical stops, are limited in their ability to operate in specific, demanding environments. This inventive concept addresses these limitations by designing specialized retinal camera systems that can accommodate varying pupil sizes, operate in low-light conditions, and withstand extreme temperatures, humidity, and pressure.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept comprises a retinal camera system with a movable optical stop, repositionable to accommodate varying pupil sizes. In high-security applications, the system includes a secure data transmission module. For disaster relief scenarios, the camera is positioned in a temporary shelter, aligned with a subject's eye using a telescopic eyepiece, and transmits the captured image to a remote medical facility. In extreme weather conditions, the apparatus features a waterproof housing and a heating element to maintain a stable operating temperature. For high-altitude environments, the system includes a pressure-resistant housing and a controller configured to compensate for atmospheric pressure changes. The portable kit for search and rescue operations comprises a compact retinal camera, a rechargeable power source, and a ruggedized carrying case.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel adaptations to the original retinal camera design, enabling operation in specialized environments. The inventive step lies in the integration of features such as secure data transmission, telescopic eyepieces, waterproof housing, heating elements, pressure-resistant housing, and ruggedized carrying cases, which collectively provide a unique solution for challenging environments.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include integrating the retinal camera with other medical devices, such as blood glucose monitors or blood pressure sensors, to create a comprehensive health monitoring system. Variations could also include adapting the camera for use in other extreme environments, such as space exploration or underwater operations.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The adaptive retinal cameras have significant commercial potential in industries such as healthcare, security, disaster relief, and search and rescue operations. The target market includes medical facilities, government agencies, and organizations operating in challenging environments.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B3/14
A A61 A61B3/113
A A61 A61B3/12
G G02 G02F1/1334

Field of Art

Medical imaging technologies, specifically ophthalmic diagnostic imaging systems with a focus on retinal camera design and optical imaging techniques

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or optical systems designer with expertise in medical imaging, optics, mechanical engineering, and electronic sensor technologies, holding advanced degrees and 5-10 years of professional experience in medical device development

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the disclosed variations represent predictable adaptations of the source patent's core retinal camera technology by applying standard engineering techniques to extend functionality for specialized environments. The modifications involve integrating known protective and communication technologies with the existing optical imaging system in ways that would be technically straightforward for a skilled practitioner. The core optical stop mechanism and imaging principles remain fundamentally consistent with the source patent's teachings.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Movable optical stop mechanism with repositioning capabilities
PTD Variation
Adapting optical stop mechanism for high-altitude and extreme weather environments with pressure-resistant housing and temperature compensation
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would recognize that environmental adaptation involves standard engineering practices of adding protective enclosures and temperature/pressure compensation circuits, which are predictable modifications to existing optical systems
Source Patent Element
Infrared light source for eye imaging
PTD Variation
Integrating secure data transmission module for high-security medical imaging applications
Obviousness Reasoning
Combining existing imaging technologies with secure communication protocols represents a known technique for extending medical device functionality in sensitive environments
Source Patent Element
Objective lens for collecting reflected light from eye
PTD Variation
Adding telescopic eyepiece alignment mechanism for disaster relief and remote medical scenarios
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing precise alignment mechanisms is a predictable engineering solution for extending imaging system usability across different operational contexts
Source Patent Element
Controller for managing optical stop positioning
PTD Variation
Developing specialized controllers to compensate for atmospheric pressure changes and environmental variations
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying control systems to handle environmental variations represents a standard engineering approach using known sensor integration and compensation techniques
Source Patent Element
Basic retinal camera imaging apparatus
PTD Variation
Creating portable, ruggedized kit with rechargeable power source for search and rescue operations
Obviousness Reasoning
Transforming medical imaging equipment into portable, robust configurations is a predictable design evolution using established engineering practices
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857260's foundational teachings of retinal camera optical stop mechanisms, the present publication demonstrates that the claimed variations would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention. The disclosed adaptations represent straightforward extensions of known optical imaging and medical device technologies, applying standard engineering techniques to create specialized imaging solutions for challenging environments.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,260
TitleRetinal cameras having movable optical stops
Assignee(s)VERILY LIFE SCIENCES LLC