Patents by Inventor David Byron Douglas

David Byron Douglas has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10893844
    Abstract: Digital breast tomosynthesis represents an enhanced type of mammogram for detecting breast cancer. In this disclosure, data from digital breast tomosynthesis is reconstructed into a volumetric database with each voxel having a (x, y, z) coordinate and viewed in true 3D using geo-registered head display unit and geo-registered tools for overall enhanced diagnosis. The breast is imaged under various configurations and the internal architecture of an anatomic feature three-dimensionally analyzed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Inventors: David Byron Douglas, Robert Edwin Douglas, Kathleen Mary Douglas
  • Publication number: 20200409480
    Abstract: An interactive 3D cursor facilitates selection and manipulation of a three-dimensional volume from a three-dimensional image. The selected volume image may be transparency-adjusted and filtered to remove selected tissues from view. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of tissues in a selected volume may be performed. Location indicators, annotations, and registration markers may be overlaid on selected volume images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Kathleen M. Douglas, Robert E. Douglas, David Byron Douglas
  • Patent number: 10878639
    Abstract: A simulation is performed by assigning tissue type properties to voxels of a medical image and manipulating the voxels based on the assigned tissue type properties and an input that prompts voxel manipulation. Voxels may also be created and eliminated in response to the input. Tissue type properties may include elasticity, ductility, hardness, density, and thermal conductivity. Manipulation may include changing at least one of voxel size, location, orientation, shape, color, grayscale, and tissue type property value. The input may include insertion of a virtual volume-subtending surgical or anatomic object. Simulations may include virtual motion, deformation of tissue, and radiological dissection for pre-operative planning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Inventors: David Byron Douglas, Robert E Douglas, Kathleen M Douglas, Max Wintermark
  • Patent number: 10795457
    Abstract: An interactive 3D cursor facilitates selection and manipulation of a three-dimensional volume from any three-dimensional image. The selected volume image may be transparency-adjusted and filtered to remove selected items from view. Qualitative and quantitative analysis within a selected volume may be performed. Location indicators, annotations, and registration markers may be overlaid on selected volume images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: D3D TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kathleen M. Douglas, Robert E. Douglas, David Byron Douglas
  • Publication number: 20200264709
    Abstract: An interactive 3D cursor facilitates selection and manipulation of a three-dimensional volume from a three-dimensional image. The selected volume image may be transparency-adjusted and filtered to remove selected tissues from view. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of tissues in a selected volume may be performed. Location indicators, annotations, and registration markers may be overlaid on selected volume images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Inventors: Kathleen M Douglas, Robert E Douglas, David Byron Douglas
  • Publication number: 20200167917
    Abstract: Digital breast tomosynthesis represents an enhanced type of mammogram for detecting breast cancer. In this disclosure, data from digital breast tomosynthesis is reconstructed into a volumetric database with each voxel having a (x, y, z) coordinate and viewed in true 3D using geo-registered head display unit and geo-registered tools for overall enhanced diagnosis. The breast is imaged under various configurations and the internal architecture of an anatomic feature three-dimensionally analyzed. Additional dataset creation and three-dimensional imaging techniques are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Publication date: May 28, 2020
    Inventors: David Byron Douglas, Robert Edwin Douglas, Kathleen Mary Douglas
  • Publication number: 20200054293
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for improvement of spatial resolution in molecular and radiological imaging is presented. System equipment includes bed with either flat or cylindrical detectors large detector arrays with collimator(s), lens(s), mirror(s) and/or shutter(s). This system utilizes magnification principles with large detector arrays. There is error reduction by reduction of non-collinearity error as seen in current PET scans by determination of the trajectory of the photons and accurate localization of the annihilation event of a positron. Additional error reduction of random coincidence and scatter coincidence is seen. Overall, this method and apparatus affords improved spatial resolution and higher efficiencies, which would allow for lower cost and dose reduction to the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: David Byron Douglas, Robert E. Douglas
  • Patent number: 10517546
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for improvement of spatial resolution in molecular and radiological imaging is presented. System equipment includes bed with either flat or cylindrical detectors large detector arrays with collimator(s), lens(s), mirror(s) and/or shutter(s). This system utilizes magnification principles with large detector arrays. There is error reduction by reduction of non-collinearity error as seen in current PET scans by determination of the trajectory of the photons and accurate localization of the annihilation event of a positron. Additional error reduction of random coincidence and scatter coincidence is seen. Overall, this method and apparatus affords improved spatial resolution and higher efficiencies, which would allow for lower cost and dose reduction to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Inventors: David Byron Douglas, Robert E. Douglas
  • Publication number: 20190311542
    Abstract: Interactions between a surgical device and a patient are planned and monitored using data from a smart operating room to calculate the spatial location of the surgical device, both within the patient and within a patient 3D data set that includes a virtual representation of the patient. Virtual patient images are generated to enhance the surgeon's visualization of the progress of the operation. The images can be displayed, on the command of the surgeon, on a head display unit. For example, the images may be superimposed on the surgeon's real-world view with coordinated alignment such that virtualized aspects of the operation such as a planned incision can be viewed in their real-world location and orientation from any distance and angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Inventors: Robert E. Douglas, Kathleen M. Douglas, David Byron Douglas
  • Publication number: 20190251755
    Abstract: A simulation is performed by assigning tissue type properties to voxels of a medical image and manipulating the voxels based on the assigned tissue type properties and an input that prompts voxel manipulation. Voxels may also be created and eliminated in response to the input. Tissue type properties may include elasticity, ductility, hardness, density, and thermal conductivity. Manipulation may include changing at least one of voxel size, location, orientation, shape, color, grayscale, and tissue type property value. The input may include insertion of a virtual volume-subtending surgical or anatomic object. Simulations may include virtual motion, deformation of tissue, and radiological dissection for pre-operative planning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: David Byron Douglas, Robert E Douglas, Kathleen M Douglas, Max Wintermark
  • Patent number: 10317218
    Abstract: A computer-implemented planetary surveillance system method and apparatus is presented. A first space object detection system is disposed proximate Earth, wherein the first space object detection systems include a first constellation of Planetary Surveillance System Platforms (PSSPs) that provide warning of asteroids approaching Earth and on a path which has a likelihood of impacting Earth. At least one additional space object detection system is also used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Inventors: David Byron Douglas, Robert E. Douglas
  • Publication number: 20180303439
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for improvement of spatial resolution in molecular and radiological imaging is presented. System equipment includes bed with either flat or cylindrical detectors large detector arrays with collimator(s), lens(s), mirror(s) and/or shutter(s). This system utilizes magnification principles with large detector arrays. There is error reduction by reduction of non-collinearity error as seen in current PET scans by determination of the trajectory of the photons and accurate localization of the annihilation event of a positron. Additional error reduction of random coincidence and scatter coincidence is seen. Overall, this method and apparatus affords improved spatial resolution and higher efficiencies, which would allow for lower cost and dose reduction to the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: David Byron Douglas, Robert E. Douglas
  • Publication number: 20180271374
    Abstract: A technique for correlating electroencephalogram (EEG) with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) to place probes in optimal locations and generate 4D maps of neuronal activity in the brain is presented. EEG and MEG probes may be positioned relative to tract clusters based on a volumetric isotropic sequence and a DTI sequence. Each probe may include multiple electrodes. The probes may be associated with a helmet on which probe position is automatically adjusted. A baseline map may be compared with a pathological state map to aide in characterizing neurological function and disorder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: David Byron Douglas, Robert E. Douglas, Kathleen M. Douglas, Pamela K. Douglas
  • Patent number: 10034640
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for improvement of spatial resolution in molecular and radiological imaging is presented. System equipment includes bed with either flat or cylindrical detectors large detector arrays with collimator(s), lens(s), mirror(s) and/or shutter(s). This system utilizes magnification principles with large detector arrays. There is error reduction by reduction of non-collinearity error as seen in current PET scans by determination of the trajectory of the photons and accurate localization of the annihilation event of a positron. Additional error reduction of random coincidence and scatter coincidence is seen. Overall, this method and apparatus affords improved spatial resolution and higher efficiencies, which would allow for lower cost and dose reduction to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Inventors: David Byron Douglas, Robert E. Douglas
  • Patent number: 9980691
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for three-dimensional viewing of images is presented. Embodiments of the invention provide a process for combining slices generated by medical imaging devices to create a volume of interest and then present this volume in a three-dimensional representation to a head display unit so that the user can obtain a holistic view of the patient. Key image processing techniques are applied which enable the user to rotate and view the volume of interest from alternative viewpoints; to enable tissue subtraction to facilitate unobstructed viewing of a region of interest; to identify differing tissues with color schematics; to zoom in for optimal viewing; and to view a moving image of a volume of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventors: David Byron Douglas, Robert E. Douglas
  • Publication number: 20180057193
    Abstract: A simulated gravity device method and apparatus is presented. The simulated gravity device (SGD) is disposed in mechanical communication with a spacecraft. The SGD is rotatable about a central axis, and is capable of supporting a person therein. The SGD is rotatable at a speed resulting in various forces, said various forces dependent on a rotation speed of said SGD and on a position within said SGD. The SGD is able to simulate the force of gravity on an astronaut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: David Byron Douglas
  • Publication number: 20180017394
    Abstract: A computer-implemented planetary surveillance system method and apparatus is presented. A first space object detection system is disposed proximate Earth, wherein the first space object detection systems include a first constellation of Planetary Surveillance System Platforms (PSSPs) that provide warning of asteroids approaching Earth and on a path which has a likelihood of impacting Earth. At least one additional space object detection system is also used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Inventors: David Byron Douglas, Robert E. Douglas
  • Patent number: 9615806
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for creation and display of artifact-corrected three dimensional (3D) volumetric data from biplane fluoroscopic image acquisition is disclosed. Orthogonal images of a patient are obtained during an interventional medical procedure, the orthogonal images including an anterior-posterior (AP) image and a lateral image. A common coordinate system is established. The orthogonal images and the patient are plotted onto the common coordinate system. An intersection volume of the images is calculated. The data at each frame of the images are analyzed and a determination made regarding which x,z point of an AP image matches with which y,z point from a lateral image. An artifact correction process is performed and a resulting volumetric data set is plotted and displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventors: David Byron Douglas, Robert E. Douglas
  • Patent number: 9473766
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for three dimensional viewing of images is presented. Left eye viewing point (LEVP) imagery is passed through a left eye filter to obtain a filtered LEVP imagery. Right eye viewing point (REVP) imagery is passed through a right eye filter to obtain a filtered REVP imagery. The filtered LEVP imagery is projected on a display and the filtered REVP imagery is projected on the display. A user wearing polarized glasses is able to view the filtered LEVP imagery and the filtered REVP imagery as three-dimensional imagery on the display. The three dimensional imagery can be augmented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventors: David Byron Douglas, Robert E. Douglas
  • Publication number: 20160266261
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for improvement of spatial resolution in molecular and radiological imaging is presented. System equipment includes bed with either flat or cylindrical detectors large detector arrays with collimator(s), lens(s), mirror(s) and/or shutter(s). This system utilizes magnification principles with large detector arrays. There is error reduction by reduction of non-collinearity error as seen in current PET scans by determination of the trajectory of the photons and accurate localization of the annihilation event of a positron. Additional error reduction of random coincidence and scatter coincidence is seen. Overall, this method and apparatus affords improved spatial resolution and higher efficiencies, which would allow for lower cost and dose reduction to the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: David Byron Douglas, Robert E. Douglas