Patents by Inventor Christopher Allen Nafis
Christopher Allen Nafis 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).
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Publication number: 20120165657Abstract: A hybrid tracking system utilizing at least one combined light emitting diode (LED) and magnetoresistance sensor. The hybrid tracking system includes optical tracking technology and electromagnetic (EM) tracking technology with at least one combined LED and magnetoresistance reference sensor attached to a fixed object, at least one combined LED and magnetoresistance sensor attached to an object being tracked, and a processor coupled to the at least one combined LED and magnetoresistance reference sensor and the at least one combined LED and magnetoresistance sensor for processing signals from the at least one combined LED and magnetoresistance reference sensor and the at least one combined LED and magnetoresistance sensor. The combined LED and magnetoresistance sensor includes at least one magnetoresistance sensor and at least one LED that are integrated into a single package.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2010Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Daniel Eduardo Groszmann, William Hullinger Huber, Jon Thomas Lea, Laurent Jacques Node-Langlois, Christopher Allen Nafis
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Publication number: 20120076369Abstract: A system and method for contactless multi-fingerprint collection is disclosed. The contactless multi-fingerprint collection system includes an imaging volume, a user interface configured to provide feedback to the subject regarding a proximity of a hand to a desired imaging location within the imaging volume, and at least one image capture device to capture images of each of the plurality of fingerprints at each of at least two different depths from the fingerprints. The contactless multi-fingerprint collection system also includes a processor coupled to the at least one image capture device that is programmed to generate a composite image and a contour map of each of the plurality of fingerprints from the images captured at the at least two different depths and generate a two-dimensional rolled equivalent image of each of the plurality of fingerprints from the composite image and the contour map.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2010Publication date: March 29, 2012Inventors: Gil Abramovich, Kevin George Harding, Christopher Allen Nafis, Joseph Czechowski, III, Vijay Krishna Paruchuru, Daniel Curtis Gray
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Patent number: 8057397Abstract: An imaging and navigation system is disclosed herein. The imaging and navigation system includes a computer and an ultrasonic imaging device disposed at least partially within an ultrasound catheter. The ultrasonic imaging device is connected to the computer and is adapted to obtain a generally real time three-dimensional image. The imaging and navigation system also includes a tracking system connected to the computer. The tracking system is adapted to estimate a position of a medical instrument. The imaging and navigation system also includes a display connected to the computer. The display is adapted to depict the generally real time three-dimensional image from the ultrasonic imaging device and to graphically convey the estimated position of the medical instrument.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Dun Alex Li, Christopher Allen Nafis, Douglas Glenn Wildes, Vernon Thomas Jensen, Weston Blaine Griffin
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Patent number: 8022990Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for calibration of an imaging camera or other image acquisition device. Certain embodiments include characterizing a transformation from a coordinate system of an imager to a coordinate system of a first sensor positioned with respect to the imager using a first off-line calibration. Certain embodiments also include characterizing a transformation from a coordinate system of an imaging camera source to a coordinate system of a second sensor positioned with respect to the imaging camera source using a second off-line calibration. Additionally, certain embodiments include quantifying intrinsic parameters of the imaging camera source based on a transformation from the coordinate system of the imager to the coordinate system of the imaging camera source based on the first and second off-line calibrations and information from the first and second sensors and a transmitter positioned with respect to an object being imaged.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2006Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Dun Alex Li, Christopher Allen Nafis
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Publication number: 20110211076Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for calibration of an imaging camera or other image acquisition device. Certain embodiments include characterizing a transformation from a coordinate system of an imager to a coordinate system of a first sensor positioned with respect to the imager using a first off-line calibration. Certain embodiments also include characterizing a transformation from a coordinate system of an imaging camera source to a coordinate system of a second sensor positioned with respect to the imaging camera source using a second off-line calibration. Additionally, certain embodiments include quantifying intrinsic parameters of the imaging camera source based on a transformation from the coordinate system of the imager to the coordinate system of the imaging camera source based on the first and second off-line calibrations and information from the first and second sensors and a transmitter positioned with respect to an object being imaged.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Dun Alex Li, Christopher Allen Nafis
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Publication number: 20110064282Abstract: This invention provides a method for contactless fingerprint detection and verification comprising illuminating a fingerprint and directing a reflected light through an imaging system using liquid crystal panels and birefringent elements to polarize the light. A plurality of polarized images are captured and used to calculate the depth of structural features on the fingertip. A means to generate a two-dimensional rolled equivalent image of the fingerprint is also provided which may then be used for verification and authentication. The invention also provides an imaging system for carrying out the method.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Gil Abramovich, Kevin George Harding, Qingying Hu, Swaminathan Manickam, Meena Ganesh, Christopher Allen Nafis
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Patent number: 7681453Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-mode calibration target operable to calibrate multiple optical sensors. One embodiment has multiple planar surfaces, wherein the multiple planar surfaces are able to be distinguished by visual sensors based on their color, hue, shade, tint, or tone. Additionally, these planar surfaces may be raised or recessed from one another to provide depth contrast as well as visual contrast. Other embodiments may include narrow band emitters such as laser diodes located at predetermined locations within the multi-mode target. These targets may then be used to calibrate various sensors, such as optical sensors, within an inspection system such as a laser ultrasonic inspection system.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2005Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Wesley David Turner, Christopher Allen Nafis
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Publication number: 20090182248Abstract: A system for monitoring an activity of a patient is provided. The system includes at least one electromagnetic transmitter configured to transmit at least one electromagnetic signal, and at least one electromagnetic receiver configured to receive at least one electromagnetic signal. The system further includes a processor configured to determine at least one position and at least one orientation of at least one electromagnetic transmitter with respect to at least one electromagnetic receiver to determine the activity of the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2008Publication date: July 16, 2009Inventors: Vernon Thomas Jensen, Christopher Allen Nafis
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Publication number: 20080287794Abstract: A method for implementing an imaging and navigation system to perform a medical procedure such as cardiac ablation is disclosed herein. The a method includes implementing an ultrasonic imaging device to provide a generally real time three-dimensional patient image, identifying a target site on the generally real time three-dimensional patient image, directing a medical instrument to the target site using a tracking system, and performing a medical procedure at the target site.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2007Publication date: November 20, 2008Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Dun Alex Li, Christopher Allen Nafis, Douglas Glenn Wildes
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Publication number: 20080287778Abstract: An imaging and navigation system is disclosed herein. The imaging and navigation system includes a computer and an ultrasonic imaging device disposed at least partially within an ultrasound catheter. The ultrasonic imaging device is connected to the computer and is adapted to obtain a generally real time three-dimensional image. The imaging and navigation system also includes a tracking system connected to the computer. The tracking system is adapted to estimate a position of a medical instrument. The imaging and navigation system also includes a display connected to the computer. The display is adapted to depict the generally real time three-dimensional image from the ultrasonic imaging device and to graphically convey the estimated position of the medical instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2007Publication date: November 20, 2008Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Dun Alex Li, Christopher Allen Nafis, Douglas Glenn Wildes, Vernon Thomas Jensen, Weston Blaine Griffin
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Publication number: 20080064952Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for calibration of an imaging camera or other image acquisition device. Certain embodiments include characterizing a transformation from a coordinate system of an imager to a coordinate system of a first sensor positioned with respect to the imager using a first off-line calibration. Certain embodiments also include characterizing a transformation from a coordinate system of an imaging camera source to a coordinate system of a second sensor positioned with respect to the imaging camera source using a second off-line calibration. Additionally, certain embodiments include quantifying intrinsic parameters of the imaging camera source based on a transformation from the coordinate system of the imager to the coordinate system of the imaging camera source based on the first and second off-line calibrations and information from the first and second sensors and a transmitter positioned with respect to an object being imaged.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2006Publication date: March 13, 2008Inventors: Dun Alex Li, Christopher Allen Nafis
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Patent number: 6519359Abstract: A method of acquiring a three-dimensional surface image of an object using a range camera automatically calculates an optimal number of scans. The optimal number of scans is calculated in accordance with operator-defined and camera optical parameters. Scan data acquired for each scan is merged with a preference for higher resolution data over lower resolution data for any given scanned area, such that the merged scan data forms the three-dimensional surface image of the object.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1999Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Christopher Allen Nafis, Nelson Raymond Corby, Jr.
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Publication number: 20020198997Abstract: A system and method for maintenance management for a given field asset is provided. The system comprises a portable computing device disposed on the field asset and adapted to store the complete maintenance history, service instructions, and related technical information for the given field asset and further adapted to retrieve at least one of a plurality of maintenance information corresponding to the given field asset and a communication network coupled to the portable computing device and to at least one source of maintenance information to provide updates to at least one of a plurality of maintenance information for use in servicing the given field asset.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2001Publication date: December 26, 2002Inventors: Steven Eric Linthicum, Jeanette Marie Bruno, Christopher Allen Nafis
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Publication number: 20020094134Abstract: A method and system for creating three-dimensional models comprises the steps of generating a three-dimensional object model from a plurality of digital images of an object, creating three-dimensional coordinates from the plurality of images, identifying coordinates on a CAD model of a part which correspond to the three-dimensional coordinates, calculating a transformation matrix between the three-dimensional coordinates and the coordinates on the CAD model, and applying the transformation matrix to the CAD model to position, scale, and orient the CAD model in the object model, thus creating a composite model.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2001Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventors: Christopher Allen Nafis, William Edward Lorensen, James Vradenburg Miller, Steven Eric Linthicum
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Patent number: 5805289Abstract: Calibrated spatial reference devices (SRDs) of known dimensions having targets at known relative locations are attached to a large structure to be measured. A design device employs a digital camera to acquire digital images of `islands` of the structure including the SRDs and employs photogrammetry techniques to determine relative locations of `islands` within a large structure. A highly accurate coordinate measurement device provides absolute 3D measured locations of the targets used to convert the relative photogrammetry locations into absolute 3D locations. A monitor displays the digital images, measured 3D locations, photogrammetry locations in a superimposed manner to a user and a user interface allows the user to select objects to be measured. Image detection techniques are used to identify objects selected by a user and dimensions, and distances between selected objects are automatically calculated.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1997Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Nelson Raymond Corby, Jr., Christopher Allen Nafis, Boris Yamrom
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Patent number: 5745387Abstract: An enhanced reality maintenance system for operating in a hazardous environment employs an environment modeler which creates a computer model of the environment. An environment renderer creates a plurality of images, each corresponding to a viewing location and orientation, `viewpoint`. A remotely operated manipulator arm is attached at a fixed end to a stationary structure, has a utility package, such as a video camera, attached to a distal end, and actuators which move the manipulator arm to desired locations within the environment. The position and orientation of the manipulator arm, are determined by a position and attitude (P&A) sensing unit. This information is passed to an manipulator arm renderer which creates an image from a prestored model of the manipulator arm, viewed from several different viewpoints. The may be interactively determined as an offset from the current position and orientation of the utility package.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1995Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Nelson Raymond Corby, Jr., Peter Michael Meenan, Claude Homer Solanas, III, David Clark Vickerman, Christopher Allen Nafis
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Computer graphic and live video system for enhancing visualization of body structures during surgery
Patent number: 5740802Abstract: An interactive surgery planning and display system mixes live video of external surfaces of the patient with interactive computer generated models of internal anatomy obtained from medical diagnostic imaging data of the patient. The computer images and the live video are coordinated and displayed to a surgeon in real-time during surgery allowing the surgeon to view internal and external structures and the relation between them simultaneously, and adjust his surgery accordingly. In an alternative embodiment, a normal anatomical model is also displayed as a guide in reconstructive surgery. Another embodiment employs three-dimensional viewing.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1995Date of Patent: April 21, 1998Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Christopher Allen Nafis, Timothy Patrick Kelliher, William Edward Lorensen, Harvey Ellis Cline, David Egidio Altobelli, Ron Kikinis, Robert David Darrow, Charles Lucian Dumoulin -
Patent number: 5706195Abstract: An enhanced reality maintenance system operates one or more remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) in a hazardous or inaccessible environment. A computer model of the environment is created from spatial parameters provided to the system. Positions and orientations of moving objects are monitored. The projected course of the moving objects is extrapolated and constantly updated. An automated flight planner, receives desired destinations from an operator, analyzes the environment, the projected courses of moving objects and planned trajectories of other ROVs, and selects a planned trajectory of a selected ROV through the environment without collision.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 1995Date of Patent: January 6, 1998Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Nelson Raymond Corby, Jr., Peter Michael Meenan, Claude Homer Solanas, III, David Clark Vickerman, Christopher Allen Nafis