Enhanced Endoscopic Optoacoustic Imaging System for Cavities and Hollow Objects

Publication ID: 24-11857290_0006_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Endoscopic Optoacoustic Imaging System for Cavities and Hollow Objects,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857290_0006_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857290_0006_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

An improved endoscopic optoacoustic imaging system for cavities and hollow objects, featuring advanced components and methods to enhance image quality, reduce noise interference, and optimize imaging processes.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent for endoscopic optoacoustic imaging devices had limitations in signal sensitivity, noise interference, and image processing time. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a modified imaging unit with an integrated acoustic waveguide, dynamic position stabilizing structure, advanced processing unit with machine learning algorithms, novel irradiation unit with multi-frequency electromagnetic radiation, and real-time feedback mechanism.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced endoscopic optoacoustic imaging system comprises a modified imaging unit with an integrated acoustic waveguide to amplify signal sensitivity and reduce noise interference. The imaging unit is configured to dynamically adjust its position stabilizing structure in response to changes in the object's shape or size. An advanced processing unit utilizes machine learning algorithms to improve image resolution and reduce processing time. A novel irradiation unit emits electromagnetic radiation in multiple frequencies to enhance image contrast and resolution. Furthermore, a real-time feedback mechanism optimizes the imaging unit's position and orientation for improved image quality.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept introduces several novel features, including the integrated acoustic waveguide, dynamic position stabilizing structure, advanced processing unit with machine learning algorithms, novel irradiation unit with multi-frequency electromagnetic radiation, and real-time feedback mechanism. These features provide a non-obvious solution to the limitations of the original patent, enhancing the overall performance and efficiency of the endoscopic optoacoustic imaging system.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in the design of the acoustic waveguide, position stabilizing structure, or irradiation unit. Additionally, the advanced processing unit could be implemented using different machine learning algorithms or architectures. The real-time feedback mechanism could be integrated with other imaging modalities or sensors to provide a more comprehensive imaging solution.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced endoscopic optoacoustic imaging system has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the fields of gastroenterology, pulmonology, and urology. The system's improved image quality, reduced noise interference, and optimized imaging processes make it an attractive solution for clinicians and researchers. The market for endoscopic optoacoustic imaging devices is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Field of Art

Medical imaging technologies, specifically endoscopic optoacoustic imaging systems involving optical and acoustic signal processing for internal cavity examination

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical imaging specialist with expertise in optical sensing, ultrasound transducer design, signal processing, and medical device miniaturization, holding advanced degrees in bioengineering or medical physics

Obviousness Rationale

A person skilled in the art would recognize that the PTD's proposed modifications represent predictable engineering improvements to the source patent's fundamental optoacoustic imaging device design. The disclosed variations leverage known techniques in signal processing, machine learning, and imaging system optimization that would be readily apparent to an experienced practitioner seeking to enhance endoscopic imaging performance. The incremental technical modifications represent logical extensions of the existing patent's core technological framework.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Imaging unit configured for insertion into an object with irradiation and detection capabilities
PTD Variation
Integrated acoustic waveguide to enhance signal sensitivity and reduce noise interference
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would recognize that improving signal-to-noise ratio through waveguide design is a standard optimization technique in medical imaging systems, representing a predictable engineering solution
Source Patent Element
Carrier unit capable of rotation and translation for scanning a region of interest
PTD Variation
Dynamic position stabilizing structure that adjusts based on object shape and size
Obviousness Reasoning
Adaptive positioning mechanisms are well-known in medical imaging, and a skilled practitioner would find it obvious to implement responsive positioning to improve imaging accuracy
Source Patent Element
Irradiation unit for electromagnetic radiation emission
PTD Variation
Multi-frequency electromagnetic radiation emission to enhance image contrast and resolution
Obviousness Reasoning
Utilizing multiple radiation frequencies is a standard technique for improving imaging contrast, representing a known method for enhancing diagnostic capabilities
Source Patent Element
Basic imaging system with mechanical scanning capabilities
PTD Variation
Machine learning-enhanced processing unit to improve image resolution and reduce processing time
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying machine learning to medical image processing is a recognized trend, and a PHOSITA would find it an obvious approach to improving computational imaging techniques
Source Patent Element
Endoscopic imaging device with basic positioning mechanisms
PTD Variation
Real-time feedback mechanism to optimize imaging unit position and orientation
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing closed-loop feedback systems is a standard engineering approach for improving device performance, representing a predictable solution for imaging system optimization
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857290 and the disclosed technical variations, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the proposed endoscopic optoacoustic imaging system improvements to be obvious extensions of existing technological capabilities. The incremental modifications represent predictable engineering solutions that would be readily conceived by a skilled practitioner seeking to enhance medical imaging performance through known signal processing, adaptive positioning, and computational techniques.

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)