Patents by Inventor Hans David Hoeg
Hans David Hoeg 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: 20140210977Abstract: A system for wirelessly powering various devices positioned on an endoscope, including, for example, a light source, various electronics including an imager and/or a memory device. The endoscope is coupled to a camera where the endoscope may be rotated relative to the camera when coupled thereto. The system is further provided such that video signal processing parameters are automatically set for an endoscopic video camera system based upon characteristics of an attached endoscope, with reduced EMI and improved inventory tracking, maintenance and quality assurance, and reducing the necessity for adjustment and alignment of the endoscope and camera to achieve the data transfer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Inventors: Marc R. Amling, Hans David Hoeg, David Chatenever, Charles E. Ankner
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Patent number: 8771177Abstract: A flexible endoscope having a wide-angle lens that has an optical axis that is angularly offset from a longitudinal axis of the endoscope, such that the optical axis resides at an angle greater than zero degrees to the longitudinal axis. The wide-angle lens system simultaneously gathers an endoscopic image field at least spanning the longitudinal axis and an angle greater than ninety degrees to the longitudinal axis. The endoscope includes an imager comprising an imaging surface area that receives at least a portion of endoscopic image transmitted by the wide-angle lens system and produces output signals corresponding to the endoscopic image field and image forming circuitry that receives the output signal and produces an image signal. The wide-angle lens endoscope has a flexible distal end or tip.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2012Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Karl Storz Imaging, Inc.Inventors: Eric L. Hale, Nathan Jon Schara, Hans David Hoeg, George E. Duckett, III
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Patent number: 8758234Abstract: An endoscope with a wide angle lens that comprises an optical axis that is angularly offset from a longitudinal axis of the endoscope such that the optical axis resides at an angle greater than zero degrees to the longitudinal axis. The wide angle lens system simultaneously gathers an endoscopic image field, the endoscopic image field at least spanning the longitudinal axis and an angle greater than ninety degrees to the longitudinal axis. The endoscope includes a transmission system with a lens system having f-sin(theta) distortion or substantially f-sin(theta) distortion that distributes the angle of incidence of the light rays gathered from the endoscopic field of view on to the image surface area in order to even out the information density across the surface area of the imager.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2012Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Karl Storz Imaging, Inc.Inventors: Eric L. Hale, Hans David Hoeg, George E. Duckett, III, Nathan Jon Schara
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Patent number: 8723936Abstract: A system for wirelessly powering various devices positioned on an endoscope, including, for example, a light source, various electronics including an imager and/or a memory device. The endoscope is coupled to a camera where the endoscope may be rotated relative to the camera when coupled thereto. The system is further provided such that video signal processing parameters are automatically set for an endoscopic video camera system based upon characteristics of an attached endoscope, with reduced EMI and improved inventory tracking, maintenance and quality assurance, and reducing the necessity for adjustment and alignment of the endoscope and camera to achieve the data transfer.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2010Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Karl Storz Imaging, Inc.Inventors: Marc R. Amling, Hans David Hoeg, David Chatenever, Charles E. Ankner
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Publication number: 20140121459Abstract: An endoscope and endoscopic surgical system for improving the image resolution/performance of a solid state variable direction of view endoscope. The endoscope and endoscopic surgical system has an optical rotator element that optically rotates the entire wide-angle field so as to make any portion of the wide-angle field visible to an image sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Inventors: Hans David Hoeg, George E. Duckett, III
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Publication number: 20140046132Abstract: A deployable endoscopic imaging module and endoscopic surgical system having an imaging system with solid state variable direction of view navigation features, and manipulated by direct contact force, mechanical linkage and/or magnetic force. A deployable endoscopic imaging module or endoscopic imaging system equipped with solid state variable direction of view image navigation features and software. A deployable imaging system having image navigation software and solid state variable direction of view technology which can be incorporated into a percutaneous housing for performing surgery through a patient's skin.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2012Publication date: February 13, 2014Inventors: Hans David Hoeg, Eric L. Hale, Douglas S. Kirk, William S. Schnorr, Nathan Jon Schara
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Publication number: 20140018622Abstract: A variable direction of view endoscope system including an endoscope having an image receiver with a variable direction of view adjustable over a viewing range bound by a first limit and a second limit and a single button for adjusting the variable direction of view of the image receiver, wherein actuation of the single button advances the variable direction of view sequentially through the viewing range. When the image receiver is at the second limit of the viewing range, actuation of the single button adjusts the image receiver back to the first limit of the viewing range.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2012Publication date: January 16, 2014Inventors: Hans David Hoeg, William S. Schnorr
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Patent number: 8599250Abstract: A system for wirelessly powering various devices positioned on an endoscope, including, for example, a light source, various electronics including an imager and/or a memory device. The system is further provided such that video signal processing parameters are automatically set for an endoscopic video camera system based upon characteristics of an attached endoscope, with reduced EMI and improved inventory tracking, maintenance and quality assurance, and reducing the necessity for adjustment and alignment of the endoscope and camera to achieve the data transfer.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2009Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Karl Storz Imaging, Inc.Inventors: Marc R. Amling, Hans David Hoeg, David Chatenever, Charles E. Ankner
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Publication number: 20130204084Abstract: An endoscope with a wide angle lens that comprises an optical axis that is angularly offset from a longitudinal axis of the endoscope such that the optical axis resides at an angle greater than zero degrees to the longitudinal axis. The wide angle lens system simultaneously gathers an endoscopic image field, the endoscopic image field at least spanning the longitudinal axis and an angle greater than ninety degrees to the longitudinal axis. The endoscope includes a transmission system with a lens system having f-sin(theta) distortion or substantially f-sin(theta) distortion that distributes the angle of incidence of the light rays gathered from the endoscopic field of view on to the image surface area in order to even out the information density across the surface area of the imager.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2012Publication date: August 8, 2013Inventors: Eric L. Hale, Hans David Hoeg, George E. Duckett, III
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Patent number: 8414476Abstract: A method for a variable direction of view endoscope used in combination with an image guided surgical system to provide new diagnostic and surgical capabilities. The method provides the following capabilities: greatly improved endoscopic orientation capabilities, global monitoring of endoscopic viewing direction, and greatly improved surgical approach and procedure planning.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2011Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Karl Storz Imaging, Inc.Inventors: Hans David Hoeg, Nathan Jon Schara, Eric Lawrence Hale
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Publication number: 20120116158Abstract: A flexible endoscope having a wide-angle lens that has an optical axis that is angularly offset from a longitudinal axis of the endoscope, such that the optical axis resides at an angle greater than zero degrees to the longitudinal axis. The wide-angle lens system simultaneously gathers an endoscopic image field at least spanning the longitudinal axis and an angle greater than ninety degrees to the longitudinal axis. The endoscope includes an imager comprising an imaging surface area that receives at least a portion of endoscopic image transmitted by the wide-angle lens system and produces output signals corresponding to the endoscopic image field and image forming circuitry that receives the output signal and produces an image signal. The wide-angle lens endoscope has a flexible distal end or tip.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2012Publication date: May 10, 2012Inventors: Eric L. Hale, Nathan Jon Schara, Hans David Hoeg
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Patent number: 8167795Abstract: A method and system are provided for configuring a variable direction of view endoscope, generally comprising a video display screen and an endoscope having a view controlling device for moving the view vector between predefined, discrete view vector positions. The video display screen displays a set of these view vector positions, and the view vector is moved from one of these positions directly to another in response to a command from a user via the video display screen.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2008Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Karl Storz Imaging, Inc.Inventors: Hans David Hoeg, Nathan Jon Schara, Eric Lawrence Hale
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Publication number: 20110230710Abstract: A method for a variable direction of view endoscope used in combination with an image guided surgical system to provide new diagnostic and surgical capabilities. The method provides the following capabilities: greatly improved endoscopic orientation capabilities, global monitoring of endoscopic viewing direction, and greatly improved surgical approach and procedure planning.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2011Publication date: September 22, 2011Inventors: Hans David Hoeg, Nathan Jon Schara, Eric Lawrence Hale
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Publication number: 20110193948Abstract: A system for wirelessly powering various devices positioned on an endoscope, including, for example, a light source, various electronics including an imager and/or a memory device. The endoscope is coupled to a camera where the endoscope may be rotated relative to the camera when coupled thereto. The system is further provided such that video signal processing parameters are automatically set for an endoscopic video camera system based upon characteristics of an attached endoscope, with reduced EMI and improved inventory tracking, maintenance and quality assurance, and reducing the necessity for adjustment and alignment of the endoscope and camera to achieve the data transfer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2010Publication date: August 11, 2011Inventors: Marc R. Amling, Hans David Hoeg, David Chatenever, Charles E. Ankner
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Publication number: 20110175991Abstract: A coupling assembly for a scope and an image sensor housing is disclosed generally comprising an image orientation unit having first and second coupling sections for coupling the unit to a scope and an image sensor housing, such as a camera head, an optical assembly with a rotatable optical element for rotating the images, a rotation sensor for monitoring rotation of the optical element, an accelerometer for monitoring rotation of the unit, and a processor for receiving signals from the rotation sensor and the accelerometer and calculating the orientation of the images relative to the direction of gravity. In certain embodiments, the processor causes an actuator to rotate the optical element to level the images. In some embodiments, the processor activates a visual indicator, such as a diode, to indicate the direction of vertical.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2011Publication date: July 21, 2011Inventors: Hans David Hoeg, Eric L. Hale, Nathan Jon Schara
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Patent number: 7967742Abstract: A method for a variable direction of view endoscope used in combination with an image guided surgical system to provide new diagnostic and surgical capabilities. The method provides the following capabilities: greatly improved endoscopic orientation capabilities, global monitoring of endoscopic viewing direction, and greatly improved surgical approach and procedure planning.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2005Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Karl Storz Imaging, Inc.Inventors: Hans David Hoeg, Nathan Jon Schara, Eric Lawrence Hale
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Patent number: 7956887Abstract: A coupling assembly for a scope and an image sensor housing is disclosed generally comprising an image orientation unit having first and second coupling sections for coupling the unit to a scope and an image sensor housing, such as a camera head, an optical assembly with a rotatable optical element for rotating the images, a rotation sensor for monitoring rotation of the optical element, an accelerometer for monitoring rotation of the unit, and a processor for receiving signals from the rotation sensor and the accelerometer and calculating the orientation of the images relative to the direction of gravity. In certain embodiments, the processor causes an actuator to rotate the optical element to level the images. In some embodiments, the processor activates a visual indicator, such as a diode, to indicate the direction of vertical.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2006Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Karl Storz Imaging, Inc.Inventors: Hans David Hoeg, Eric L. Hale, Nathan Jon Schara
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Patent number: 7909756Abstract: A illumination system for variable direction of view instruments is disclosed generally comprising an endoscope having a longitudinal axis and a variable view vector that pivots about a pivot axis angularly offset from the longitudinal axis. The view vector has an attendant viewing field that travels along a path as the view vector pivots, defining a viewing range. A source of illumination is arranged in a plane offset from the plane in which the view vector pivots and provides an annular, solid angle of illumination that covers the viewing range. In certain embodiments, the pivot axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the illumination plane is parallel to the pivot plane. In some embodiments, the source of illumination is a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged around the pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2006Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Karl Storz Imaging, Inc.Inventors: Hans David Hoeg, Eric L. Hale, Nathan Jon Schara, John C. Tesar
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Patent number: 7896803Abstract: A viewing instrument with a variable direction of view is disclosed generally comprising an outer instrument shaft, such as endoscope shaft, with a viewing element at its distal end, and an inner drive shaft within the outer shaft for moving the viewing element in order to change the direction of the view vector. First and second on-board actuators, such as motors, are arranged in the proximal portion of the instrument for rotating the outer and inner shaft, respectively, in order to rotate the viewing element through two degrees of freedom. In certain embodiments, the axes of the shafts are coincident, and the viewing element rotates about a rotational axis substantially perpendicular to shaft axes. In some embodiments, the axes of the motors are substantially parallel.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2006Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Karl Storz Imaging, Inc.Inventors: Nathan Jon Schara, Hans David Hoeg, Eric L. Hale
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Publication number: 20110046447Abstract: An illumination system for variable direction of view instruments is disclosed generally comprising an endoscope having a longitudinal axis and a variable view vector that pivots about a pivot axis angularly offset from the longitudinal axis. The view vector has an attendant viewing field that travels along a path as the view vector pivots, defining a viewing range. A source of illumination is arranged in a plane offset from the plane in which the view vector pivots and provides an annular, solid angle of illumination that covers the viewing range. In certain embodiments, the pivot axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the illumination plane is parallel to the pivot plane. In some embodiments, the source of illumination is a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged around the pivot axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2010Publication date: February 24, 2011Inventors: Hans David Hoeg, Eric L. Hale, Nathan Jon Schara, John C. Tesar