Illumination System for Diverse Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A novel illumination system, leveraging the core technology of the original eye-imaging apparatus, is adapted for various industries and use cases, including food inspection, crop monitoring, water quality analysis, textile defect detection, and air quality monitoring.
Background and Problem Solved
The original eye-imaging apparatus, while effective for uniform illumination of a patient eye, has limitations in its application scope. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by repurposing the technology to tackle diverse challenges in various fields, where uniform illumination is crucial for accurate imaging and analysis.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a light source, one or more optical lenses defining an imaging path, and illuminator fibers with skewed fiber angles, providing uniform illumination. This system is adapted for different applications, such as inspecting food products, monitoring crop health, analyzing water quality, detecting defects in textiles, and monitoring air quality. Each application-specific system is designed to capture high-quality images, enabling accurate analysis and decision-making.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel applications and use cases, which are non-obvious extensions of the original eye-imaging apparatus. The inventive step lies in recognizing the potential of the core technology to solve diverse illumination challenges, and adapting the system to meet the specific requirements of each new application.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include adjusting the numerical aperture of the illuminator fibers, modifying the fiber array ends, or incorporating additional sensors to enhance the system's capabilities. Variations may involve integrating the system with existing equipment, such as UAVs, textile production lines, or mobile platforms, to expand its reach and versatility.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including food safety, agriculture, environmental monitoring, textiles, and air quality management. The market demand for accurate imaging and analysis solutions is substantial, and this technology is poised to address these needs, offering a competitive edge to companies that adopt it.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B3/14 |
| A | A61 | A61B3/0008 |
| A | A61 | A61B3/125 |
| A | A61 | A61B3/1208 |
| A | A61 | A61B3/1241 |
| G | G02 | G02B6/0008 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Optical imaging systems, particularly for precision illumination and imaging across medical, industrial, and environmental monitoring applications, involving optical fiber configurations, lens systems, and specialized illumination techniques
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
An optical engineer or imaging systems specialist with expertise in fiber optics, lens design, light propagation, and cross-domain optical sensing technologies, holding at least a master's degree in optical engineering or related field
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the core illumination technology from the eye-imaging patent represents a generalizable optical system adaptable to multiple imaging contexts. The fundamental principles of controlled fiber array illumination, skewed light output angles, and precise optical path design are transferable across different inspection and monitoring domains. The PTD demonstrates predictable variations that extend the original patent's core technological concept through straightforward application-specific modifications.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,261 |
|---|---|
| Title | Eye-imaging system and apparatus with coordinated illuminator fibers having a skewed fiber angle |