Advanced Guided Diffuse Optical Tomography Systems for Enhanced Lesion Imaging

Publication ID: 24-11857289_0010_PTD

Published: November 07, 2025

Category:Future Evolutions & Paradigm Shifts

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Guided Diffuse Optical Tomography Systems for Enhanced Lesion Imaging,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857289_0010_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857289_0010_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. 11,857,289.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

Next-generation guided diffuse optical tomography (DOT) systems that leverage artificial intelligence, machine learning, and multimodal imaging to provide high-resolution, real-time functional images of lesion regions, enabling more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed systems and methods for optimizing functional images of a lesion region using guided diffuse optical tomography. However, these systems have limitations in terms of resolution, imaging speed, and adaptability to changing optical properties of the lesion region. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by integrating advanced technologies to provide more comprehensive and accurate lesion imaging.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new inventive concept comprises a system for generating high-resolution, real-time functional images of a lesion region using artificial intelligence-enhanced guided diffuse optical tomography. The system utilizes machine learning algorithms to predict and adapt to changing optical properties of the lesion region, enabling more accurate and personalized imaging. Additionally, the system can be integrated with other imaging modalities, such as ultrasound, MRI, and CT, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the lesion region. The system can also be used to generate personalized, 3D-printed phantoms for training and validating guided diffuse optical tomography systems, improving the accuracy of DOT imaging. Furthermore, the system can be implemented in a wearable, portable device, enabling real-time lesion detection and characterization.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce several novel and non-obvious features, including the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to adapt to changing optical properties of the lesion region, the integration of guided diffuse optical tomography with other imaging modalities, and the use of 3D-printed phantoms for training and validation. These features provide a significant improvement over the original patent and enable more accurate and personalized lesion imaging.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different machine learning algorithms, the integration of guided diffuse optical tomography with other imaging modalities, such as PET or SPECT, and the use of different types of phantoms, such as digital phantoms or physical phantoms with varying optical properties.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The new inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the medical imaging industry, particularly in the areas of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. The system's ability to provide high-resolution, real-time functional images of lesion regions could enable more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. The system could also be used in other medical applications, such as imaging of other types of cancer or neurological disorders.

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

▼

Field of Art

Medical imaging technologies, specifically diffuse optical tomography (DOT) for lesion detection and characterization, requiring advanced knowledge of optical imaging, signal processing, machine learning, and medical diagnostic technologies

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A PhD or advanced engineering professional with expertise in biomedical imaging, signal processing, machine learning, and experience with medical diagnostic technologies, familiar with interdisciplinary approaches to medical imaging optimization

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's proposed variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core DOT imaging methodology by integrating known machine learning techniques, multimodal imaging approaches, and advanced computational strategies that are well-established in medical imaging research. The proposed enhancements leverage standard engineering problem-solving techniques to improve functional imaging resolution, adaptability, and diagnostic accuracy. These modifications represent incremental improvements using standard interdisciplinary engineering approaches.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Diffuse optical tomography system for acquiring lesion functional data with variable voxel sizes

PTD Variation

Integration of machine learning algorithms to dynamically adapt voxel resolution and optical property prediction

Obviousness Reasoning

Applying machine learning to adaptive imaging is a known technique in signal processing, representing a predictable optimization of existing DOT imaging methodologies

Source Patent Element

Functional image generation using truncated pseudoinverse matrix techniques

PTD Variation

Extending matrix processing with AI-enhanced computational approaches and multimodal image integration

Obviousness Reasoning

Computational image enhancement through advanced matrix techniques is a standard engineering approach with well-understood mathematical foundations

Source Patent Element

DOT imaging system for lesion characterization

PTD Variation

Development of wearable, portable DOT devices with real-time machine learning-based detection capabilities

Obviousness Reasoning

Miniaturization and computational enhancement of medical imaging devices is a predictable technological progression driven by standard engineering design optimization

Source Patent Element

Functional imaging of lesion regions using optical data acquisition

PTD Variation

Creating personalized 3D-printed phantoms for system training and validation

Obviousness Reasoning

Using physical and digital simulation techniques for medical imaging system calibration is a standard validation approach in biomedical engineering

Source Patent Element

Single-modality DOT imaging system

PTD Variation

Hybrid imaging system combining DOT with ultrasound, MRI, and CT modalities

Obviousness Reasoning

Multimodal imaging integration is a known technique for improving diagnostic accuracy through complementary information sources

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857289 and the disclosed technical variations, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the proposed DOT imaging system enhancements obvious and predictable, representing standard engineering problem-solving approaches that do not rise to the level of non-obvious invention. The proposed modifications represent incremental technological improvements achievable through routine interdisciplinary engineering methodologies.

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