Specialized Endoscopic Optoacoustic Imaging Devices for Niche Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857290_0009_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Specialized Endoscopic Optoacoustic Imaging Devices for Niche Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857290_0009_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857290_0009_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

This inventive concept adapts the original endoscopic optoacoustic imaging device for specific, narrow markets or unique operational environments, such as high-security needs, disaster relief, extreme weather conditions, search and rescue operations, and high-altitude environments.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent for endoscopic optoacoustic imaging devices has limitations in its adaptability to diverse environments. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing specialized variations and niche solutions to cater to specific markets and operational conditions.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new inventive concept encompasses a range of specialized devices and methods for endoscopic optoacoustic imaging. For high-security environments, the device includes a secure communication channel and biometric authentication module. For disaster relief, the device is portable and utilizes a satellite-based communication network. For extreme weather conditions, the device features a weather-resistant housing, temperature-controlled imaging unit, and self-cleaning mechanism. For search and rescue operations, the device is wearable and includes GPS and wireless communication modules. For high-altitude environments, the device is pressurized and incorporates a barometric pressure sensor.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept's novelty lies in its adaptability to diverse environments, achieved through the introduction of specialized components and features that address specific challenges in each niche market. The inventive step is in the combination of these components and features to create devices and methods that are tailored to unique operational conditions.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include variations in the design of the secure communication channel, biometric authentication module, or satellite-based communication network. Other variations could involve different types of wearable devices or pressurized imaging units. Additionally, the inventive concept could be applied to other niche environments, such as underwater or space exploration.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The specialized endoscopic optoacoustic imaging devices have significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, disaster response, search and rescue, and aerospace. The market demand for such devices is expected to grow as the need for adaptable and reliable imaging solutions increases in diverse environments.

Field of Art

Medical imaging technologies, specifically endoscopic optoacoustic imaging systems, requiring expertise in optical engineering, medical device design, signal processing, and biomedical instrumentation

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced degree, working knowledge of optoacoustic imaging principles, experience in medical device miniaturization, signal processing techniques, and adaptable sensing technologies

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's fundamental optoacoustic imaging device provides a flexible platform for environmental adaptation. The disclosed variations represent predictable extensions of core imaging technology by adding specialized modules and protective features that address specific operational challenges. These modifications represent standard engineering problem-solving approaches within medical device design.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Imaging unit configured to be inserted into an object with irradiation and detection capabilities
PTD Variation
Adding specialized housing for extreme weather conditions with temperature-controlled imaging unit and self-cleaning mechanism
Obviousness Reasoning
Protecting sensitive medical imaging equipment from environmental factors is a known design challenge with predictable solution strategies involving ruggedization and environmental compensation techniques
Source Patent Element
Carrier unit capable of rotation and translation for scanning regions of interest
PTD Variation
Incorporating GPS tracking and wireless communication modules for search and rescue applications
Obviousness Reasoning
Augmenting medical imaging devices with location tracking and communication capabilities represents a standard approach for expanding device functionality in field deployment scenarios
Source Patent Element
Imaging unit with electromagnetic radiation irradiation capabilities
PTD Variation
Implementing secure communication channels and biometric authentication for high-security environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding data security and access control mechanisms to medical imaging technologies is a predictable engineering response to increasing cybersecurity and privacy requirements
Source Patent Element
Endoscopic device designed for internal object scanning
PTD Variation
Creating pressurized device with barometric pressure sensor for high-altitude imaging environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Adapting medical imaging equipment for extreme environmental conditions through pressure compensation is a standard engineering approach with well-understood technical strategies
Source Patent Element
Basic optoacoustic imaging system with transmission and detection capabilities
PTD Variation
Developing satellite-based communication network integration for disaster relief scenarios
Obviousness Reasoning
Expanding medical imaging device communication capabilities through satellite networks represents a logical technological progression with known implementation techniques
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857290's fundamental optoacoustic imaging device teachings, the present published technical disclosure demonstrates that the claimed variations represent obvious extensions readily apparent to a person having ordinary skill in medical imaging technologies, thereby establishing prior art that would render subsequent substantially similar claims obvious and unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

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)