Specialized Nuclear Medicine Imaging Systems for Niche Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857357_0004_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Specialized Nuclear Medicine Imaging Systems for Niche Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857357_0004_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857357_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. 11,857,357.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The present inventive concept discloses specialized nuclear medicine imaging systems adapted for specific, narrow market or unique operational environments, such as disaster relief, high-security areas, extreme weather conditions, remote areas, and areas with limited power supply.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent described a SPECT system with a collimator having multi-pinholes equipped with filters. However, this system lacks adaptability to unique operational environments, limiting its applicability in various scenarios. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing specialized variations of the original system, tailored to meet the specific demands of niche markets.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept encompasses five distinct embodiments: 1) a portable collimator for disaster relief, featuring filters designed to operate in high-temperature environments; 2) a method for conducting SPECT imaging in high-security areas, utilizing a collimator with integrated radiation shielding; 3) a system for extreme weather condition SPECT imaging, comprising a weather-resistant detector and a collimator with pinholes having adjustable apertures; 4) a compact, battery-powered collimator for remote areas; and 5) a method for conducting PET imaging in areas with limited power supply, employing a collimator with low-power consumption filters. These embodiments demonstrate the versatility of the original system, now adapted to cater to specific market needs.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The novelty of the present inventive concept lies in the adaptation of the original SPECT system to address the unique challenges of niche environments, thereby providing a non-obvious solution to the limitations of the original patent. The inventive step is evident in the integration of specialized components, such as high-temperature filters, radiation shielding, weather-resistant detectors, and low-power consumption filters, which enable the system to operate effectively in these environments.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include the use of different materials for the collimator, varying the number and pattern of pinholes, or incorporating additional features, such as cooling systems or backup power sources, to further enhance the system's adaptability to niche environments.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The present inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, disaster relief, security, and remote area development. The specialized systems can be marketed to organizations operating in these environments, providing a unique solution to their imaging needs and enhancing their operational capabilities.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B6/5235
A A61 A61B6/037
G G01 G01T1/1642

Field of Art

Nuclear medicine imaging systems, specifically single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) technologies, involving advanced detector and collimator design with expertise in radiation detection, medical imaging instrumentation, and specialized environmental adaptations

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A medical imaging engineer or physicist with advanced degree, working knowledge of radiation detection principles, experience designing medical imaging equipment, familiar with modular system design, and capable of adapting imaging technologies to specialized environmental constraints

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the fundamental multi-pinhole collimator architecture from the source patent provides a flexible platform for environmental adaptation. The disclosed variations represent predictable engineering modifications that address specific operational challenges by integrating known techniques like specialized filters, radiation shielding, and power management strategies. These adaptations leverage the core technological framework established in the original patent through straightforward, incremental design modifications.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Multi-pinhole collimator design with interleaved pinhole sets
PTD Variation
Portable collimator with high-temperature filters for disaster relief environments
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would recognize that adapting filter materials to withstand high temperatures is a standard engineering design choice using known thermal-resistant materials, representing a predictable solution to environmental constraints
Source Patent Element
Detector configuration with multiple pinhole projection patterns
PTD Variation
Weather-resistant detector with adjustable pinhole apertures for extreme conditions
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying detector robustness and pinhole flexibility represents a routine engineering adaptation using standard environmental sealing techniques and mechanical aperture design principles
Source Patent Element
Nuclear medicine imaging system with photon detection capabilities
PTD Variation
Compact, battery-powered collimator for remote area deployment
Obviousness Reasoning
Reducing power consumption and implementing portable power solutions is an obvious optimization for medical imaging systems, utilizing well-established power management and miniaturization techniques
Source Patent Element
Multi-set pinhole collimator with radiation detection methodology
PTD Variation
Integrated radiation shielding for high-security imaging environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding radiation shielding represents a standard safety enhancement using known materials and design principles, representing a predictable solution to specialized operational requirements
Source Patent Element
Nuclear medicine imaging system with configurable detection parameters
PTD Variation
Low-power consumption filters for limited power supply environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing energy-efficient filter technologies is a routine engineering optimization using known semiconductor and optical filtering techniques
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. ยง 103, the variations disclosed in this publication would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention, as they represent predictable engineering adaptations of the fundamental multi-pinhole collimator system disclosed in US Patent 11857357, utilizing standard design modification techniques to address specific environmental constraints without introducing novel inventive concepts.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,357
TitleImaging systems and methods
Assignee(s)SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.