Specialized Hyperspectral Imaging Systems for Niche Surgical Guidance Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
Adaptations of hyperspectral fluorescence and reflectance imaging for specific, narrow market or unique operational environments, enhancing surgical guidance in high-security, disaster relief, extreme weather, remote, and high-altitude settings.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent, 'Method and apparatus for quantitative and depth resolved hyperspectral fluorescence and reflectance imaging for surgical guidance,' has limitations in its applicability to specialized environments. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by providing tailored solutions for high-security, disaster relief, extreme weather, remote, and high-altitude surgical guidance.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept comprises five specialized hyperspectral imaging systems for niche surgical guidance applications. The first system is designed for high-security environments, featuring secure data storage and communication modules. The second system is a portable, ruggedized device for disaster relief settings, with a backup power source. The third system is adapted for extreme weather conditions, with a weather-resistant housing and heating or cooling module. The fourth system is designed for remote or austere environments, with low-power mode and satellite communication capabilities. The fifth system is tailored for high-altitude use, with a pressure-resistant housing and oxygen sensor module. These systems enable surgeons to accurately identify and quantify tissue types in challenging operational environments.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel adaptations of hyperspectral fluorescence and reflectance imaging for specific, narrow market or unique operational environments, providing an inventive step over the original patent. These adaptations include secure data storage and communication modules, ruggedized and weather-resistant housings, backup power sources, low-power modes, satellite communication capabilities, pressure-resistant housings, and oxygen sensor modules.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include additional features such as biometric authentication, data encryption, and real-time image processing. Variations could include adaptations for specific types of surgical procedures, such as neurosurgery or ophthalmology.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the areas of surgical guidance and imaging. Target markets include hospitals, clinics, and disaster relief organizations operating in high-security, extreme weather, remote, and high-altitude environments.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical imaging technologies, specifically surgical guidance systems using hyperspectral fluorescence and reflectance imaging, requiring expertise in optical engineering, medical imaging, and biomedical instrumentation
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical imaging specialist with advanced degree, knowledge of optical imaging techniques, experience in surgical technology adaptation, and understanding of medical device design constraints
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's fundamental hyperspectral imaging technology can be readily adapted to specialized environments by adding contextually appropriate modules and protective features. The core imaging methodology remains consistent, with variations representing predictable engineering modifications to extend the technology's operational range. These adaptations represent standard design practices for medical imaging devices targeting specific use cases.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,317 |
|---|---|
| Title | Method and apparatus for quantitative and depth resolved hyperspectral fluorescence and reflectance imaging for surgical guidance |
| Assignee(s) | The Trustees of Dartmouth College, UNIVERSITY HEALTH NETWORK |