Endoscopic Optoacoustic Imaging Devices for Niche Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857290_0004_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Endoscopic Optoacoustic Imaging Devices for Niche Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857290_0004_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857290_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. 11,857,290.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The present inventive concept relates to specialized endoscopic optoacoustic imaging devices adapted for operation in high-security environments, disaster relief situations, extreme weather conditions, search and rescue operations, and confined spaces.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a device for endoscopic optoacoustic imaging, but it lacked adaptability for specific, narrow market or unique operational environments. The present inventive concept addresses this limitation by introducing specialized variations and niche solutions to cater to diverse operational requirements.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept encompasses a range of devices and methods tailored for distinct environments. For instance, a secure communication module is integrated into the device for high-security environments, ensuring encrypted transmission of optoacoustic image data. In disaster relief situations, a portable, battery-powered optoacoustic imaging device is deployed to generate images of internal injuries. The device for extreme weather conditions features a weather-resistant housing and thermal management system to maintain optimal operating temperatures. A wearable optoacoustic imaging device is integrated into a rescue worker's uniform for search and rescue operations, providing real-time images of trapped individuals. Additionally, a flexible, fiber-optic based optoacoustic imaging probe is used for confined spaces to navigate through narrow passages and generate images of internal structures.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The present inventive concept introduces novel adaptations to the original device, including secure communication modules, portable and wearable designs, weather-resistant housings, and specialized probes. These modifications enable the devices to operate effectively in unique environments, providing an inventive step over the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include variations in the secure communication module, such as using different encryption protocols or integrating additional security features. Other embodiments may involve adapting the wearable device for use in different types of rescue operations or developing specialized probes for specific confined spaces.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, disaster response, search and rescue, and industrial inspection. The specialized devices and methods can cater to the unique needs of these industries, providing a competitive edge in the market.

Field of Art

Medical imaging technologies, specifically endoscopic optoacoustic imaging systems involving optical radiation, ultrasound transduction, and specialized medical probe design

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer with expertise in medical imaging, optical sensing technologies, mechanical design of medical devices, and experience with miniaturized diagnostic instrumentation

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's fundamental optoacoustic imaging device architecture provides a flexible technological platform that can be readily adapted for specialized environmental and operational contexts. The core imaging principles remain consistent across the disclosed variations, with modifications representing predictable engineering extensions addressing specific use case requirements. The PTD's variations represent logical design iterations that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize the device for distinct operational scenarios.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Imaging unit configured to be inserted into an object with irradiation and detection capabilities
PTD Variation
Portable, battery-powered variant for disaster relief and wearable integration into rescue worker uniforms
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would recognize that miniaturization and power optimization are standard design approaches for medical imaging devices, with battery technology and compact electronics representing predictable technological solutions
Source Patent Element
Carrier unit with rotational and translational scanning capabilities
PTD Variation
Flexible fiber-optic probe for navigating confined spaces with complex geometries
Obviousness Reasoning
Adapting the scanning mechanism to different probe geometries represents a routine mechanical engineering design choice, with flexible routing being a known technique for medical imaging devices
Source Patent Element
Basic optoacoustic imaging system with electromagnetic radiation and ultrasound detection
PTD Variation
Secure communication module for encrypted image data transmission in high-security environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating secure communication protocols is a standard engineering practice, with encryption and data transmission representing well-understood technological domains
Source Patent Element
Imaging unit with potential environmental interactions
PTD Variation
Weather-resistant housing with thermal management system for extreme temperature operation
Obviousness Reasoning
Environmental hardening of medical devices is a predictable engineering solution, with thermal management and protective enclosures representing standard design techniques for expanding operational contexts
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857290's fundamental optoacoustic imaging device disclosure, the present publication demonstrates that a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the disclosed environmental and operational variations obvious, as they represent predictable engineering adaptations employing known techniques to extend the base imaging technology into specialized use cases.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,290
TitleDevice for endoscopic optoacoustic imaging, in particular for endoscopic optoacoustic imaging of cavities and hollow objects
Assignee(s)HELMHOLTZ ZENTRUM MUENCHEN—DEUTSCHES FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM FUERGESUNDHEIT UND UMWELT (GMBH)