Guided Diffuse Optical Tomography for Diverse Industrial Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept leverages the core technology of guided diffuse optical tomography to address critical problems in various industries, including agriculture, livestock health, wound management, and food safety.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent focused on optimizing functional images of a lesion region using guided diffuse optical tomography. However, the technology's potential extends beyond medical imaging. The new inventive concept addresses the limitations of the original patent by applying the core technology to diverse industrial applications, where it can provide critical insights and solutions.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept involves adapting the guided diffuse optical tomography system to detect and analyze various parameters in different industries. For instance, in agriculture, the system can detect water stress and nutrient deficiencies in plants, enabling optimized irrigation and fertilization. In livestock health, it can track changes in hemoglobin concentrations and oxygenation levels to detect diseases. In wound management, it can non-invasively monitor tissue oxygenation and hemoglobin concentrations to optimize treatment. In food safety, it can identify contaminants by analyzing changes in optical properties and hemoglobin concentrations.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel applications of guided diffuse optical tomography, which are non-obvious and unexpected in light of the original patent. The inventive step lies in recognizing the technology's potential in diverse industries and adapting it to address specific challenges in each field.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different wavelengths, sensor configurations, or data analysis techniques. Variations could also involve integrating the guided diffuse optical tomography system with other technologies, such as machine learning or IoT devices, to enhance its capabilities and applicability.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including agriculture, livestock health, wound management, and food safety. The target market includes companies and organizations seeking innovative solutions to improve crop yields, disease detection, wound care, and food quality control.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Biomedical imaging and optical tomography, with expertise in signal processing, medical instrumentation, and data analysis techniques for functional imaging across biological systems
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical physicist with advanced training in optical imaging, signal processing, matrix mathematics, and interdisciplinary technology adaptation, capable of translating specialized imaging techniques across different application domains
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the core diffuse optical tomography principles disclosed in the source patent are fundamentally transferable across biological systems by adapting signal processing and voxel analysis techniques. The PTD demonstrates predictable extensions of the original technology by applying consistent methodological approaches to detect hemodynamic and optical property changes in diverse contexts. The underlying mathematical and optical principles remain consistent, allowing straightforward technological translation.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,289 |
|---|---|
| Title | Systems and methods of optimizing functional images of a lesion region using guided diffuse optical tomography |
| Assignee(s) | Washington University |