Patents by Inventor Donald M. Wichern

Donald M. Wichern 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).

  • IMAGE SYNCHRONIZATION WITHOUT INPUT CLOCK AND DATA TRANSMISSION CLOCK IN A PULSED LASER MAPPING IMAGING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20200400566
    Abstract: Pulsed laser mapping imaging without input clock or data transmission clock is disclosed. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a plurality of bidirectional data pads and a controller in communication with the image sensor. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises a laser mapping pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • SPECKLE REMOVAL IN A PULSED FLUORESCENCE IMAGING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20200397249
    Abstract: Speckle removal in a pulsed fluorescence imaging system is described. A system includes a coherent light source for emitting pulses of coherent light, a fiber optic bundle connected to the coherent light source, and a vibrating mechanism attached to the fiber optic bundle. The system includes and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of coherent light emitted by the coherent light source comprises electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 770 nm to about 790 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • IMAGE ROTATION IN AN ENDOSCOPIC FLUORESCENCE IMAGING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20200397250
    Abstract: Image rotation in an endoscopic fluorescence imaging system is described. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a rotation sensor for detecting an angle of rotation of a lumen relative to a handpiece of an endoscope. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 770 nm to about 790 nm and/or from about 795 nm to about 815 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • LASER SCANNING AND TOOL TRACKING IMAGING IN A LIGHT DEFICIENT ENVIRONMENT
    Publication number: 20200404130
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for laser scanning in a light deficient environment. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a controller comprising a processor in electrical communication with the image sensor and the emitter, wherein the controller synchronizes timing of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation during a blanking period of the image sensor. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises a laser scanning pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • CONTROLLING INTEGRAL ENERGY OF A LASER PULSE IN A HYPERSPECTRAL,FLUORESCENCE, AND LASER MAPPING IMAGING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20200400832
    Abstract: Controlling integral energy of a light pulse in a hyperspectral, fluorescence, and laser mapping imaging system is disclosed. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes an electromagnetic sensor for sensing energy emitted by the emitter. The system includes a controller configured to synchronize timing of the emitter and the image sensor. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises one or more of a hyperspectral emission, a fluorescence emission, or a laser mapping pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • PULSED ILLUMINATION IN A HYPERSPECTRAL, FLUORESCENCE, AND LASER MAPPING IMAGING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20200400828
    Abstract: Pulsed hyperspectral, fluorescence, and laser mapping imaging in a light deficient environment is disclosed. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a controller configured to synchronize timing of the emitter and the image sensor. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises one or more of a hyperspectral emission, a fluorescence emission, or a laser mapping pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • IMAGE ROTATION IN AN ENDOSCOPIC LASER MAPPING IMAGING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20200404189
    Abstract: Image rotation in an endoscopic laser mapping imaging system is described. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a rotation sensor for detecting an angle of rotation of a lumen relative to a handpiece of an endoscope. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter is a laser mapping pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • CONTROLLING INTEGRAL ENERGY OF A LASER PULSE IN A FLUORESCENCE IMAGING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20200404141
    Abstract: Controlling integral energy of a light pulse in a fluorescence imaging system is disclosed. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes an electromagnetic sensor for sensing energy emitted by the emitter. The system includes a controller configured to synchronize timing of the emitter and the image sensor. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 770 nm to about 790 nm and/or from about 795 nm to about 815 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • DRIVING LIGHT EMISSIONS ACCORDING TO A JITTER SPECIFICATION IN A HYPERSPECTRAL, FLUORESCENCE, AND LASER MAPPING IMAGING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20200397258
    Abstract: Driving an emitter to emit pulses of electromagnetic radiation according to a jitter specification in a hyperspectral, fluorescence, and laser mapping imaging system is described. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a driver for driving emissions by the emitter according to a jitter specification. The system is h that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises one or more of a hyperspectral emission, a fluorescence emission, and/or a laser mapping pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • FLUORESCENCE IMAGING WITH FIXED PATTERN NOISE CANCELLATION
    Publication number: 20200400572
    Abstract: Fluorescence imaging with reduced fixed pattern noise is disclosed. A method includes actuating an emitter to emit a plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation and sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation resulting from the plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation with a pixel array of an image sensor. The method includes reducing fixed pattern noise in an exposure frame by subtracting a reference frame from the exposure frame. The method is such that at least a portion of the plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 770 nm to about 790 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • IMAGE ROTATION IN AN ENDOSCOPIC HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20200402228
    Abstract: Image rotation in an endoscopic hyperspectral imaging system is described. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a rotation sensor for detecting an angle of rotation of a lumen relative to a handpiece of an endoscope. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 513 nm to about 545 nm, from about 565 nm to about 585 nm, or from about 900 nm to about 1000 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • IMAGE ROTATION IN AN ENDOSCOPIC HYPERSPECTRAL, FLUORESCENCE, AND LASER MAPPING IMAGING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20200397253
    Abstract: Image rotation in an endoscopic hyperspectral, fluorescence, and/or laser mapping imaging system is described. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a rotation sensor for detecting an angle of rotation of a lumen relative to a handpiece of an endoscope. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises one or more of a hyperspectral emission, a fluorescence emission, and/or a laser mapping pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • CONTROLLING INTEGRAL ENERGY OF A LASER PULSE IN A FLUORESCENCE IMAGING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20200404143
    Abstract: Controlling integral energy of a light pulse in a fluorescence imaging system is disclosed. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes an electromagnetic sensor for sensing energy emitted by the emitter. The system includes a controller configured to synchronize timing of the emitter and the image sensor. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 770 nm to about 790 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • IMAGE SYNCHRONIZATION WITHOUT INPUT CLOCK AND DATA TRANSMISSION CLOCK IN A PULSED FLUORESCENCE IMAGING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20200404169
    Abstract: Pulsed fluorescence imaging without input clock or data transmission clock is disclosed. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a plurality of bidirectional data pads and a controller in communication with the image sensor. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises one or more of: electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 770 nm to about 790 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • PULSED ILLUMINATION IN A FLUORESCENCE IMAGING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20200400500
    Abstract: Pulsed fluorescence imaging in a light deficient environment is disclosed. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a controller configured to synchronize timing of the emitter and the image sensor. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 770 nm to about 790 nm or from about 795 nm to about 815 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • MINIMIZING IMAGE SENSOR INPUT/OUTPUT IN A PULSED HYPERSPECTRAL, FLUORESCENCE, AND LASER MAPPING IMAGING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20200397246
    Abstract: Minimizing image sensor input/output pads in a pulsed laser mapping imaging system is disclosed. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a plurality of bidirectional pads comprising an output state for issuing data and an input state for receiving data. The system includes a controller configured to synchronize timing of the emitter and the image sensor. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises one or more of a hyperspectral emission, a fluorescence emission, or a laser mapping pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • HYPERSPECTRAL VIDEOSTROBOSCOPY OF VOCAL CORDS
    Publication number: 20200397275
    Abstract: Hyperspectral videostroboscopy imaging is described. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a controller configured to cause the emitter to emit the pulses of electromagnetic radiation at a strobing frequency determined based on a vibration frequency of vocal cords of a user. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 513 nm to about 545 nm, from about 565 nm to about 585 nm, or from about 900 nm to about 1000 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • CONTROLLING INTEGRAL ENERGY OF A LASER PULSE IN A LASER MAPPING IMAGING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20200400831
    Abstract: Controlling integral energy of a light pulse in a laser mapping imaging system is disclosed. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes an electromagnetic sensor for sensing energy emitted by the emitter. The system includes a controller configured to synchronize timing of the emitter and the image sensor. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter is a laser mapping pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • LASER MAPPING WITH MINIMAL AREA MONOLITHIC IMAGE SENSOR
    Publication number: 20200397240
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for fluorescence imaging with a minimal area image sensor are disclosed. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation, wherein the pixel array comprises active pixels and optical black pixels. The system includes a black clamp circuit providing offset control for data generated by the pixel array. The system includes a controller comprising a processor in electrical communication with the image sensor and the emitter. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises a laser mapping pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • OPTICAL FIBER WAVEGUIDE IN AN ENDOSCOPIC SYSTEM FOR FLUORESCENCE IMAGING
    Publication number: 20200397270
    Abstract: Optical fiber waveguide for communicating electromagnetic radiation pulsed by an emitter in an endoscopic imaging system. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an endoscope comprising an image sensor for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a waveguide communicating the pulses of electromagnetic radiation from the emitter to the endoscope. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 795 nm to about 815 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern