Patents by Inventor Frank Gunter

Frank Gunter 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: 20220031422
    Abstract: Imaging systems and methods involving a videoscope including cameras; a filter feature in optical communication with the cameras, the filter feature configured to independently filter or tandemly filter light from each camera; an independently adjustable aperture in optical communication with the filter feature, the independently adjustable aperture configured to limit transmission of filtered light; independently adjustable zoom features in optical communication with the independently adjustable aperture, the independently adjustable zoom features including corresponding independently adjustable zoom channels, and each independently adjustable zoom feature configured to independently zoom independently limited filtered light; a prism in optical communication with the independently adjustable zoom channels, the prism configured to redirect independently zoomed, independently limited, filtered light; and a shared focus feature in optical communication with the prism, the shared focus feature comprising a share
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Applicant: SYNAPTIVE MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: Michael Frank Gunter Wood, Joshua Lee Richmond, Tammy Kee-Wai Lee, William La
  • Publication number: 20220015636
    Abstract: A computing device and methods for tracking surgical imaging devices stores a preoperative image of patient tissue registered to a frame of reference of a tracking system; and receives, from a first imaging device, a first intraoperative image of a first region of the tissue, with a finer resolution than the preoperative image. The computing device receives a position of the first imaging device from the tracking system, and registers the first intraoperative image with the frame of reference. The computing device receives, from a second imaging device, a second intraoperative image of a second region of the patient tissue, with a finer resolution than the first intraoperative image. The computing device registers the second intraoperative image to the first intraoperative image; and controls a display to present the preoperative image overlaid with the first intraoperative image, and the first intraoperative image overlaid with the second intraoperative image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2021
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Applicant: SYNAPTIVE MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: Siu Wai Jacky Mak, Michael Frank Gunter Wood, Thanh Vinh Vuong
  • Patent number: 11207139
    Abstract: A 3D navigation system and methods for enhancing feedback during a medical procedure, involving: an optical imaging system having an optical assembly comprising movable zoom optics and movable focus optics, a zoom actuator for positioning the zoom optics, a focus actuator for positioning the focus optics, a controller for controlling the zoom actuator and the focus actuator in response to received control input, at least one detector for capturing an image of at least one of a target and an obstacle, the at least one detector operable with the optical assembly, and a proprioception feature operable with the optical imaging system for generating a 3D perception, the proprioception feature comprising a communication feature for providing 3D information, the 3D information comprising real-time depth information in relation to real-time planar information within an interrogation volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: SYNAPTIVE MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: Cameron Anthony Piron, Michael Frank Gunter Wood
  • Patent number: 11172993
    Abstract: Described are various embodiments of a sensored surgical tool, and surgical intraoperative tracking and imaging system incorporating same. In one embodiment, the surgical tool comprises a rigid elongate tool body having a substantially rigid tool tip to be displaced and tracked within the surgical cavity so to reproducibly locate the tool tip within the cavity. The tool further comprises one or more tool tip cameras and/or pressure sensors operatively disposed along the body at or proximal to the tool tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: SYNAPTIVE MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: Yanhui Bai, Michael Frank Gunter Wood, Cameron Anthony Piron
  • Patent number: 11172823
    Abstract: A computing device for tracking surgical imaging devices stores a preoperative image of patient tissue registered to a frame of reference of a tracking system; and receives, from a first imaging device, a first intraoperative image of a first region of the tissue, with a finer resolution than the preoperative image. The computing device receives a position of the first imaging device from the tracking system, and registers the first intraoperative image with the frame of reference. The computing device receives, from a second imaging device, a second intraoperative image of a second region of the patient tissue, with a finer resolution than the first intraoperative image. The computing device registers the second intraoperative image to the first intraoperative image; and controls a display to present the preoperative image overlaid with the first intraoperative image, and the first intraoperative image overlaid with the second intraoperative image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: SYNAPTIVE MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: Siu Wai Jacky Mak, Michael Frank Gunter Wood, Thanh Vinh Vuong
  • Patent number: 11160614
    Abstract: Described are various embodiments of a mobile surgical imaging sensor and display unit, and surgical navigation system associated therewith, in which the mobile unit may be disposed to provide line-of-sight or near line-of-sight imaging and display capabilities to an operator thereof during a surgical procedure, while a position and/or orientation of the mobile unit is tracked relative to a surgical site to associate a surgical site location with images captured and rendered by the mobile unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: SYNAPTIVE MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: Luc Gilles Charron, Michael Frank Gunter Wood
  • Publication number: 20210307860
    Abstract: A conductor-less, shape-able, surgical lighting system and methods for use in surgical applications in which a medical clinician, once having established a surgical site, can shape the lighting system to selectively illuminate desired volumes of the surgical site. The system includes preselected lengths of an elongate light emitting member formed of a transparent elastomer matrix material having a glass transition temperature of lower than or substantially equal to room temperature to render the elongate light emitting member bendable and shape-able. Embedded in the transparent elastomer matrix material are particles of a transparent material having a refractive index different from a refractive index of the matrix material dispersed in the elastomer matrix material so that light coupled into the elongate light emitting member is scattered and refracted out of the elongate light emitting member along its length. One end of the elongate light emitting member is coupled with a light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Applicant: SYNAPTIVE MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: Siu Wai Jacky Mak, Michael Frank Gunter Wood
  • Publication number: 20210235991
    Abstract: A multispectral synchronized imaging system is provided. A multispectral light source of the system comprises: blue, green and red LEDs, and one or more non-visible light sources, each being independently addressable and configured to emit, in a sequence: at least visible white light, and non-visible light in one or more given non-visible frequency ranges. The system further comprises a camera and an optical filter arranged to filter light received at the camera, by: transmitting visible light from the LEDs; filter out non-visible light from the non-visible light sources; and otherwise transmit excited light emitted by a tissue sample excited by non-visible light. Images acquired by the camera are output to a display device. A control unit synchronizes acquisition of respective images at the camera for each of blue light, green light, visible white light, and excited light received at the camera, as reflected by the tissue sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2021
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Applicant: SYNAPTIVE MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: Ze Shan YAO, Piotr KUCHNIO, Michael Frank Gunter WOOD, Tammy Kee-Wai LEE, Yanhui BAI, Michael Peter BULK, Christopher Thomas JAMIESON
  • Publication number: 20210243358
    Abstract: A cognitive optical system for dynamically refining imaging during a medical procedure, involving a processor operable by a set of executable instructions storable in relation to a non-transitory memory device. The processor is configured to automatically adjust an image by automatically compensating for at least one external factor affecting an anatomical area being viewed, automatically adjusting at least one imaging parameter, and automatically adjusting at least one internal control of an optical chain, whereby a quality of the image is improvable in real time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2021
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Applicant: SYNAPTIVE MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: Michael Frank Gunter WOOD, Piotr KUCHNIO, Cameron Anthony PIRON
  • Patent number: 11076930
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a conductor-less, shape-able surgical lighting system for use in surgical applications in which a medical clinician, once having established a surgical site, can shape the lighting system to selectively illuminate desired volumes of the surgical site. The system includes one or more preselected lengths of an elongate light emitting member formed of a transparent elastomer matrix material having a glass transition temperature of lower than or substantially equal to room temperature to render the elongate light emitting member bendable and shape-able. Embedded in the transparent elastomer matrix material are particles of a transparent material having a refractive index different from a refractive index of the matrix material dispersed in the elastomer matrix material so that light coupled into the elongate light emitting member is scattered and refracted out of the elongate light emitting member along its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: SYNAPTIVE MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: Siu Wai Jacky Mak, Michael Frank Gunter Wood
  • Publication number: 20210228283
    Abstract: Methods and systems for outputting depth data during a medical procedure on a patient. Depth data is outputted, representing at least one of relative depth data and general depth data. Tracking information about the position and orientation of a medical instrument and depth information about variations in depth over a site of interest are used. Relative depth data represents the depth information relative to the position and orientation of the instrument. General depth data represents the depth information over the site of interest independently of the position and orientation of the instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: Kamyar Abhari, Gal Sela, Michael Frank Gunter Wood, Kai Michael Hynna, Kelly Noel Dyer, Tammy Kee-wai Lee
  • Publication number: 20210220079
    Abstract: A surgical camera system, and method therefor, is provided which includes a plurality of imaging devices each having a tunable iris configured to change between at least two different sized numerical apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: Siu Wai Jacky MAK, Michael Frank Gunter WOOD, Yanhui BAI
  • Publication number: 20210215919
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a surgical microscope. Moveable optics of the surgical microscope are controlled using two sets of control parameters, to reduce jitter and image instability. Shifts in the image due to changes in temperature or due to the use of optical filter can also be compensated. Misalignment between the mechanical axis and the optical axis of the surgical microscope can also be corrected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2021
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Tammy Kee-Wai LEE, William LA, Paul QUEVEDO, Aryeh Benjamin TAUB, Yusuf BISMILLA, Sam Anthony LEITCH, Yuri Alexander KUZYK, Ze Shan YAO, Michael Frank Gunter WOOD
  • Patent number: 11013402
    Abstract: A forward-imaging optical coherence tomography probe is provided, comprising: a substantially cylindrical housing comprising: a longitudinal axis; an interior side; a distal end that is optically transparent; and a mirror located at the interior side, adjacent the distal end; an optical fiber located inside the cylindrical housing along the longitudinal axis; a wedge lens located inside the cylindrical housing, adjacent the distal end, the wedge lens configured to receive light from the fiber, and direct the light towards the mirror; and, at least one motor configured to both: rotate the fiber and the wedge lens about the longitudinal axis and inside the cylindrical housing; and, linearly displace the fiber and the wedge lens along the longitudinal axis and inside the cylindrical housing; the mirror configured to: receive light from the wedge lens and reflect the light out of the distal end as the wedge lens moves linearly and rotationally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: SYNAPTIVE MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: Fangxin Li, Michael Frank Gunter Wood
  • Patent number: 11013414
    Abstract: A multispectral synchronized imaging system is provided. A multispectral light source of the system includes: blue, green and red LEDs, and one or more non-visible light sources, each being independently addressable and configured to emit, in a sequence: at least visible white light, and non-visible light in one or more given non-visible frequency ranges. The system further includes a camera and an optical filter arranged to filter light received at the camera, by: transmitting visible light from the LEDs; filter out non-visible light from the non-visible light sources; and otherwise transmit excited light emitted by a tissue sample excited by non-visible light. Images acquired by the camera are output to a display device. A control unit synchronizes acquisition of respective images at the camera for each of blue light, green light, visible white light, and excited light received at the camera, as reflected by the tissue sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: SYNAPTIVE MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: Ze Shan Yao, Piotr Kuchnio, Michael Frank Gunter Wood, Tammy Kee-Wai Lee, Yanhui Bai, Michael Peter Bulk, Christopher Thomas Jamieson
  • Patent number: 11012610
    Abstract: A cognitive optical system for dynamically refining imaging during a medical procedure, involving a processor operable by a set of executable instructions storable in relation to a non-transitory memory device. The processor is configured to automatically adjust an image by automatically compensating for at least one external factor affecting an anatomical area being viewed, automatically adjusting at least one imaging parameter, and automatically adjusting at least one internal control of an optical chain, whereby a quality of the image is improvable in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: SYNAPTIVE MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: Michael Frank Gunter Wood, Piotr Kuchnio, Cameron Anthony Piron
  • Publication number: 20210128266
    Abstract: A surgical imaging system is described. The system includes first and second optical assemblies. Each optical assembly defines a respective optical axis, and each includes a respective set of one or more optics for adjusting field-of-view (FOV) and focus and a respective camera for capturing an image. The system includes a controller for controlling the optical assemblies and for switching the surgical imaging system between a coupled configuration and an uncoupled configuration. In the coupled configuration, the first optical assemblies are controlled to adjust the respective sets of optics and/or the respective optical axes in dependence on each other. In the uncoupled configuration, the optical assemblies are controlled to adjust the respective sets of optics, and the respective optical axes independently of each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Michael Frank Gunter WOOD, Cameron Anthony Piron, Tammy Kee-Wai Lee, Kamyar Abhari, Kai Michael Hynna
  • Patent number: 10976531
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a surgical microscope. Moveable optics of the surgical microscope are controlled using two sets of control parameters, to reduce jitter and image instability. Shifts in the image due to changes in temperature or due to the use of optical filter can also be compensated. Misalignment between the mechanical axis and the optical axis of the surgical microscope can also be corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Synaptive Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Tammy Kee-Wai Lee, William La, Paul Quevedo, Aryeh Benjamin Taub, Yusuf Bismilla, Sam Anthony Leitch, Yuri Alexander Kuzyk, Ze Shan Yao, Michael Frank Gunter Wood
  • Publication number: 20210077200
    Abstract: An optical imaging system for imaging a target during a medical procedure, the imaging system involving an optical assembly having moveable zoom optics and moveable focus optics, a zoom actuator and a focus actuator for positioning the zoom and focus optics, respectively, a controller for controlling the zoom and focus actuators independently in response to received control input, a camera for capturing an image of the target from the optical assembly, the system capable of performing autofocus during a medical procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Inventors: Tammy Kee-Wai LEE, Michael Frank Gunter WOOD, Cameron Anthony PIRON, Brent Andrew BAILEY, Sagar SAXENA, Sean Adrian CONROY, Kamyar ABHARI, Kai Michael HYNNA, Gal SELA, Kelly Noel DYER, Joshua Lee RICHMOND
  • Patent number: 10932882
    Abstract: A surgical camera system is provided which includes a plurality of imaging devices each having a tunable iris configured to change between at least two different sized numerical apertures. A video stream is produced at a frame rate greater than or equal to about 20 frames per second from first and second images produced by respective sensors and tunable irises of at least two of the imaging devices, the tunable irises controlled to different numerical apertures, the first images acquired at a respective first numerical aperture of a first imaging device and the second images acquired at a respective second numerical aperture of a second imaging device, different from the respective first numerical aperture. The video stream alternates between the first images and the second images so that the video stream results in a three-dimensional effect at a display device when the video stream is rendered thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: SYNAPTIVE MEDICAL (BARBADOS) INC.
    Inventors: Siu Wai Jacky Mak, Michael Frank Gunter Wood, Yanhui Bai