Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Specialized X-Ray Imaging Systems for Niche Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857355_0004_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Specialized X-Ray Imaging Systems for Niche Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857355_0004_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857355_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. 11,857,355.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

This inventive concept adapts x-ray imaging systems for specific, narrow markets or unique operational environments, such as disaster relief, high-security needs, extreme weather conditions, and mobile search and rescue operations.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent discloses a multi-detector system for x-ray imaging, but it lacks adaptations for specialized applications. This inventive concept addresses the limitations of the original patent by providing tailored solutions for niche environments, enhancing imaging capabilities and system portability in these contexts.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new inventive concept comprises a range of x-ray imaging systems, each designed for a specific niche environment. For disaster relief, a portable gantry and low-power operation enable imaging in confined spaces. For high-security needs, a gantry within a security checkpoint and high-resolution imaging of small objects are provided. For extreme weather conditions, a weather-resistant enclosure and high-sensitivity imaging in low-temperature and high-humidity environments are implemented. For mobile search and rescue operations, a lightweight gantry and rapid deployment capabilities are integrated.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept's novelty lies in its adaptations for specific niche environments, which are not addressed by the original patent. The inventive step resides in the combination of energy-integrating and photon-counting detectors, tailored for each environment, and the system's portability, low-power operation, and high-sensitivity imaging capabilities.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments could include x-ray imaging systems for other niche environments, such as space exploration, underwater operations, or industrial inspection. Variations could involve different detector configurations, power sources, or system integration with other medical or security devices.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

This inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, security, and disaster relief. The target market includes hospitals, security checkpoints, disaster relief organizations, and search and rescue teams, among others.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B6/4266
A A61 A61B6/032
A A61 A61B6/4233
A A61 A61B6/4241
A A61 A61B6/4435
A A61 A61B6/54
G G01 G01T1/17
G G06 G06T11/005
G G06 G06T11/008

Field of Art

Medical imaging systems, specifically x-ray imaging technologies with a focus on multi-detector configurations, interventional radiology, and advanced imaging techniques

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical imaging specialist with expertise in x-ray detector technologies, system design, and knowledge of energy-integrating and photon-counting detector configurations

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's multi-detector x-ray system provides a foundational design that can be readily adapted to specialized environments by applying standard engineering modifications. The core technical elements of the x-ray system remain consistent across the PTD's variations, with modifications primarily addressing environmental and operational constraints. The combination of energy-integrating and photon-counting detectors serves as a flexible platform that can be tailored to specific use cases through predictable system adaptations.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Gantry configured to rotate about a pivot axis with x-ray source and detector system
PTD Variation
Portable gantry design for disaster relief and mobile search and rescue operations with lightweight construction
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would recognize that miniaturizing and lightening the gantry is a standard engineering design choice for mobile applications, using known mechanical engineering techniques to reduce weight while maintaining core functional requirements
Source Patent Element
X-ray detector system with energy-integrating and photon-counting detectors
PTD Variation
Detector system adapted for specific environmental conditions like low-temperature, high-humidity, or low-light scenarios
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying detector sensitivity and operating parameters for specific environmental conditions represents a predictable variation that a skilled practitioner would find obvious through standard sensor engineering techniques
Source Patent Element
X-ray detector system with integrated processing electronics
PTD Variation
Specialized detector configurations for high-security and high-resolution object inspection
Obviousness Reasoning
Reconfiguring detector arrays and processing electronics to optimize for specific imaging requirements is a routine design optimization that would be obvious to a PHOSITA familiar with imaging system design
Source Patent Element
X-ray imaging system with rotational gantry design
PTD Variation
Weather-resistant enclosure and system integration for outdoor and extreme condition applications
Obviousness Reasoning
Protecting electronic and mechanical systems from environmental conditions through enclosure design is a standard engineering practice that would be obvious to implement across various operational contexts
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857355's disclosure of multi-detector x-ray imaging systems, the present publication demonstrates that a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed variations obvious through predictable combinations of known technical elements. The disclosed adaptations represent routine engineering modifications that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner without requiring inventive insight, thus rendering potential derivative claims obvious and unpatentable.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,355
TitleMulti-detector systems and methods for x-ray imaging
Assignee(s)Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation