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).

  • Publication number: 20220109790
    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: December 16, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Applicant: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • Publication number: 20220109783
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an endoscopic light source that includes a first emitter. The first emitter may emit light of a first wavelength at a dichroic mirror which reflects the light of the first wavelength to a plurality of optical fibers. The endoscopic light source further comprises a second emitter. The second emitter may emit light of a second wavelength at a second dichroic mirror which reflects the light of the second wavelength to the plurality of optical fibers. In one embodiment, the first dichroic mirror may be transparent to the light of the second wavelength, allowing the light of the second wavelength to pass through the first dichroic mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Applicant: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Jeremiah D. Henley, Donald M. Wichern
  • Publication number: 20220107418
    Abstract: Hyperspectral, fluorescence, and laser mapping 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 pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises one or more of: electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 513 nm to about 545 nm, from about 565 nm to about 585 nm, from about 900 nm to about 1000 nm, an excitation wavelength of electromagnetic radiation that causes a reagent to fluoresce, or a laser mapping pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Applicant: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • Patent number: 11294062
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for laser mapping and color imaging with increased dynamic range 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 a plurality of pixels each configurable as a short exposure pixel or a long exposure pixel. The system includes a controller comprising a processor in electrical communication with the image sensor and the emitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • Patent number: 11291358
    Abstract: Fluorescence 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 770 nm to about 790 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • Patent number: 11284785
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • Patent number: 11284784
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • Patent number: 11284783
    Abstract: Pulsed hyperspectral 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 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 513 nm to about 545 nm, from about 565 nm to about 585 nm, or from about 900 nm to about 1000 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • Patent number: 11288772
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for super resolution and color motion artifact correction in a pulsed fluorescence imaging system are 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 to generate a plurality of exposure frames. The method includes detecting motion across two or more sequential exposure frames of the plurality of exposure frames, compensating for the detected motion, and combining the two or more sequential exposure frames to generate an image frame. The method is such that at least a portion of the plurality of 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 or from about 795 nm to about 815 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • Patent number: 11280737
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for super resolution and color motion artifact correction in a pulsed fluorescence imaging system are 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 to generate a plurality of exposure frames. The method includes detecting motion across two or more sequential exposure frames of the plurality of exposure frames, compensating for the detected motion, and combining the two or more sequential exposure frames to generate an image frame. The method is such that at least a portion of the plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises one or more of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 795 nm to about 815 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • Publication number: 20220086323
    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 and 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 electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 795 nm to about 815 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Applicant: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • Patent number: 11276148
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for super resolution and color motion artifact correction in a pulsed fluorescence imaging system are 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 to generate a plurality of exposure frames. The method includes detecting motion across two or more sequential exposure frames of the plurality of exposure frames, compensating for the detected motion, and combining the two or more sequential exposure frames to generate an image frame. The method is such that at least a portion of the plurality of 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: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • Patent number: 11266305
    Abstract: The disclosure relates and extends to a light source having a strobing or pulsing sequence suitable for use with a CMOS sensor that does not require, have, or use a global shutter. Instead, the CMOS sensor synchronizes the strobing input with the blanking portion of the sensor readout pattern and disables the strobing during sensor readout, or when the strobing would otherwise leave artifacts in the image. The CMOS sensor freezes its readout during the strobing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald M. Wichern, Joshua D. Talbert, Laurent Blanquart
  • Patent number: 11266304
    Abstract: Pulsed hyperspectral 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 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 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: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • Patent number: 11265491
    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 795 nm to about 815 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • Publication number: 20220047148
    Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for detecting whether an illumination source of an endoscope is in use (inside the body of a patient) versus not in use (outside the body of a patient). The disclosure relies on the fact that the working environment is lit solely by the endoscope and its components. Thus, communication between the illumination or light source controller and the imaging device, such as a surgical camera, is required. When the illumination or light source is turned off and the endoscope is outside the body, a sensor will detect ambient light alerting the illumination source controller that it is outside the body, which then keeps the illumination source off or at a low intensity level. Conversely, when the illumination source is turned off and the endoscope is inside the body, the sensor will not detect any light (or will detect only a very low level of light).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2021
    Publication date: February 17, 2022
    Applicant: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremiah D. Henley, Donald M. Wichern, Joshua D. Talbert, Laurent Blanquart, John Richardson
  • Patent number: 11252326
    Abstract: Pulsed 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 a laser mapping pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • Patent number: 11240426
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • Patent number: 11237270
    Abstract: Hyperspectral, fluorescence, and laser mapping 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 pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises one or more of: electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 513 nm to about 545 nm, from about 565 nm to about 585 nm, from about 900 nm to about 1000 nm, an excitation wavelength of electromagnetic radiation that causes a reagent to fluoresce, or a laser mapping pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • Publication number: 20220022737
    Abstract: Driving an emitter to emit pulses of electromagnetic radiation according to a jitter specification in a 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 such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises a laser mapping pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern