Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Next-Generation Hybrid Imaging Systems and Methods

Publication ID: 24-11857357_0010_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Future Evolutions & Paradigm Shifts

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Next-Generation Hybrid Imaging Systems and Methods,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857357_0010_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857357_0010_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

A next-generation hybrid imaging system that integrates SPECT and PET modalities with adaptive multi-pinholes and filters, enabling high-resolution, high-sensitivity imaging with simultaneous acquisition of multiple energy windows.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent, 'Imaging systems and methods', addressed limitations in traditional SPECT systems. However, the new inventive concept tackles the limitations of traditional SPECT and PET systems by introducing a hybrid approach that combines the strengths of both modalities. The problem solved is the inability of traditional systems to provide high-resolution, high-sensitivity imaging with simultaneous acquisition of multiple energy windows.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The next-generation hybrid imaging system comprises a SPECT module, a PET module, and a collimator having adaptive multi-pinholes equipped with filters. The adaptive multi-pinholes are dynamically reconfigurable to optimize imaging performance for various applications. The system enables simultaneous acquisition of SPECT and PET data, which is then fused using a deep learning algorithm to generate high-resolution, high-sensitivity images. The system also includes a modular design, allowing for interchangeable and upgradable detector, collimator, and processing modules.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a paradigm shift in imaging technology by combining SPECT and PET modalities with adaptive multi-pinholes and filters, enabling high-resolution, high-sensitivity imaging with simultaneous acquisition of multiple energy windows. The inventive step lies in the integration of these components and the dynamic reconfigurability of the adaptive multi-pinholes.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include variations in the design of the adaptive multi-pinholes, such as using different materials or geometries. Other variations may include the use of different machine learning algorithms for image reconstruction or the integration of additional imaging modalities, such as CT or MRI.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The next-generation hybrid imaging system has significant commercial potential in the medical imaging industry, particularly in applications such as cancer diagnosis, neuroimaging, and cardiovascular imaging. The system's ability to provide high-resolution, high-sensitivity images with simultaneous acquisition of multiple energy windows makes it an attractive solution for researchers and clinicians.

CPC Classifications

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

Field of Art

Medical imaging technologies, specifically nuclear medicine functional imaging techniques including SPECT and PET systems, with expertise in detector design, collimator configurations, and multi-modal imaging technologies

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical imaging specialist with advanced degree, knowledge of radiation detection, signal processing, and experience in designing medical imaging instrumentation with understanding of multi-pinhole collimator architectures

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's hybrid imaging approach represents a predictable combination of known SPECT and PET imaging modalities, with the adaptive multi-pinhole design being a logical extension of existing collimator technologies. The integration of machine learning for image reconstruction and the modular system design are incremental improvements that would be obvious to someone skilled in medical imaging system development. The variations demonstrate standard engineering problem-solving approaches applied to existing imaging system architectures.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Multi-pinhole SPECT system with distinct pinhole sets
PTD Variation
Hybrid SPECT/PET system with adaptive multi-pinholes and integrated filters
Obviousness Reasoning
Combining imaging modalities is a known technique in medical imaging, with predictable benefits of increased diagnostic capability. The adaptive pinhole design represents a natural evolution of existing multi-pinhole configurations.
Source Patent Element
Pinhole projection patterns without overlapping regions
PTD Variation
Dynamic reconfigurable multi-pinholes that can optimize imaging performance
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would recognize that adjustable pinhole configurations are a predictable solution to improving imaging flexibility, representing a design choice within standard engineering problem-solving approaches.
Source Patent Element
Single-photon detection system with collimator
PTD Variation
Modular imaging platform with interchangeable detector, collimator, and processing modules
Obviousness Reasoning
Modular system design is a standard engineering approach for improving system adaptability and upgradeability, which would be obvious to a skilled practitioner in medical imaging technologies.
Source Patent Element
Photon detection using multiple pinhole sets
PTD Variation
Simultaneous acquisition of multiple energy windows using distinct filter configurations
Obviousness Reasoning
Energy window manipulation and multi-filter approaches are well-known techniques in nuclear medicine imaging, representing a predictable optimization of existing detection methodologies.
Source Patent Element
SPECT imaging system with pinhole collimator
PTD Variation
Wearable imaging device with miniaturized adaptive multi-pinhole collimator
Obviousness Reasoning
Miniaturization of medical imaging technologies is a continuous trend, and adapting existing SPECT system architectures to compact, wearable formats represents an obvious technological progression.
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857357 and the published technical disclosure, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed hybrid imaging system variations obvious, as they represent predictable combinations of known medical imaging techniques, standard engineering design choices, and incremental improvements to existing multi-pinhole SPECT system architectures.

Original Patent Information

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