Patents by Inventor Mark Robert Schneider
Mark Robert Schneider 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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Patent number: 12324633Abstract: A device comprising includes an insertable structure usable in a surgical theater, a fiber optic line extending through the structure, wherein a computer system is configured to determine a shape of the fiber optic line extending through the structure, and one or more electromagnetic sensors wrapped at least in part around one or more portions of the fiber optic line, wherein the computer system is configured to determine a position and orientation of the one or more electromagnetic sensors, wherein the computer system is configured to determine a shape and a position of the structure based on the determined shape of the fiber optic line extending through the structure and the determined position and orientation of the one or more electromagnetic sensors.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2023Date of Patent: June 10, 2025Assignee: Northern Digital Inc.Inventor: Mark Robert Schneider
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Patent number: 12207888Abstract: A magnetic tracking device is configured to track an object in an environment by receiving a measurement of the non-magnetic signal and a corresponding measurement of the magnetic signal for a location of the magnetic tracking device in the environment. The magnetic tracking device estimates, based on the measurement of the non-magnetic signal, a non-magnetic pose of the magnetic tracking device in the environment for the location. The device estimates, based on the measurement of the magnetic signal, a magnetic pose of the magnetic tracking device in the environment for the location. The device determines a difference between the magnetic pose estimate and the non-magnetic pose estimate for the location. The device determines a magnetic distortion correction value for the location based on the difference. The magnetic tracking device generates a distortion correction model including the distortion value and outputs a representation of the distortion correction model.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2021Date of Patent: January 28, 2025Assignee: Northern Digital Inc.Inventors: Mark Robert Schneider, Alec Duling, Syamprasad Karyattuparambil Rajagopalan
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Publication number: 20240382129Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for tracking fiber optic shaping. In some implementations, a server obtains optical signals reflected through a fiber, the fiber comprising one or more embedded sensors and a nano-magnetometer embedded at a distal location of the fiber. The server determines a frequency shift of each of the reflected optical signals, the frequency shift imparted on the reflected optical signals by the one or more embedded sensors. The server determines a phase shift of each of the reflected optical signals, the phase shift imparted on the reflected optical signals by the nano-magnetometer. The server determines characteristics of the fiber using the determined frequency and the phase shift of each of the reflected optical signals, the characteristics comprises a shape of the fiber and a location of the fiber in relation to an external reference.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2024Publication date: November 21, 2024Inventors: Mark Robert Schneider, Jose Luis Alarcon Herrera, Utsav Pardasani
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Publication number: 20240330663Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving a first set of inductance data and a second set of inductance data, each representing one or more inductance measurements when a distorter is absent and when the distorter is present, respectively. The method includes training a machine learning system for compensating for distortion, in which the machine learning system is configured to generate an estimated value of distortion indicating an amount of distortion present in the electromagnetic field. The method includes receiving a set of inductance data and generating, by the trained machine learning system, the estimated value of distortion using the additional set of inductance data and measured pose data that represents position and orientation information for one or more sensors. The method includes providing the estimated value of the distortion for application to a computing device for calibrating the one or more sensors by compensating for the estimated value of the distortion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2024Publication date: October 3, 2024Inventors: Mark Robert Schneider, Syamprasad Karyattuparambil Rajagopalan
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Publication number: 20240247955Abstract: A magnetic tracking system is configured to determine an object pose of a tracked object in an environment of the magnetic tracking system. The tracking system includes a transmitter assembly that includes a transmitting coil configured to generate a magnetic signal indicative of an object pose of a tracked object with respect to the transmitter assembly and a marker that visually identifies a pose of the transmitter assembly with respect to a camera device. The camera device captures at least one image of the transmitter assembly. A computing device determines, based on the image, a pose for the transmitter assemblies in the image. Based on the magnetic signal and the pose associated with the transmitter assembly, the computing device determines the object pose of the tracked object in the environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2024Publication date: July 25, 2024Inventor: Mark Robert Schneider
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Publication number: 20240148466Abstract: A computing device implemented method includes receiving data representing strains experienced at multiple positions along a fiber, the fiber being positioned within a surgical theater, determining a shape of the fiber from the received data representing the stains experienced at the multiple positions along the fiber by using a machine learning system, the machine learning system being trained using data representing shapes of fibers and data representing strains at multiple positions along each of the fibers, and representing the determined shape as functions of an orientation of a center of the fiber, a first radial axis of the fiber, and a second radial axis of the fiber.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2023Publication date: May 9, 2024Inventor: Mark Robert Schneider
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Patent number: 11953349Abstract: A magnetic tracking system is configured to determine an object pose of a tracked object in an environment of the magnetic tracking system. The tracking system includes a transmitter assembly that includes a transmitting coil configured to generate a magnetic signal indicative of an object pose of a tracked object with respect to the transmitter assembly and a marker that visually identifies a pose of the transmitter assembly with respect to a camera device. The camera device captures at least one image of the transmitter assembly. A computing device determines, based on the image, a pose for the transmitter assemblies in the image. Based on the magnetic signal and the pose associated with the transmitter assembly, the computing device determines the object pose of the tracked object in the environment.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2020Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: Northern Digital Inc.Inventor: Mark Robert Schneider
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Patent number: 11900778Abstract: A method for improving safety and property protection in schools comprising fixed and mobile safety and security devices, networked together. A software App provides real-time communication among various devices. The network integrates disparate security devices into a unified system to expand coordination and communication among public safety personnel. The system automatically triggers alarms, cell phone notifications, and warnings, as well as defensive measures, when its sensors or safety devices detect or report threats to public safety and property. Each device in the system is pre-programmed to respond independently while simultaneously sharing its findings with all other devices and security personnel in the network. Deployment of these disparate devices gives security personnel heightened awareness, real-time status of secured and unsecured building entrances, around-the-clock visualization, and faster response times in both indoor and outdoor emergencies.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2023Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Inventors: John Thomas Scully, Jr., Lee Bryan, Mark Robert Schneider, Patricia Lynn Scott, Vladimir Kogan
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Publication number: 20230218350Abstract: A device comprising includes an insertable structure usable in a surgical theater, a fiber optic line extending through the structure, wherein a computer system is configured to determine a shape of the fiber optic line extending through the structure, and one or more electromagnetic sensors wrapped at least in part around one or more portions of the fiber optic line, wherein the computer system is configured to determine a position and orientation of the one or more electromagnetic sensors, wherein the computer system is configured to determine a shape and a position of the structure based on the determined shape of the fiber optic line extending through the structure and the determined position and orientation of the one or more electromagnetic sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2023Publication date: July 13, 2023Inventor: Mark Robert Schneider
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Patent number: 11604057Abstract: A calibration device comprising: a plurality of magnetic sensors positioned at the calibration device, the plurality of magnetic sensors defining a space; a controller configured to be positioned in the space defined by the plurality of magnetic sensors, wherein the controller includes a magnetic transmitter; and one or more processors configured to: cause the magnetic transmitter to generate magnetic fields; receive signals from the plurality of magnetic sensors that are based on characteristics of the magnetic fields received at the plurality of magnetic sensors; calculate, based on the signals received from the plurality of magnetic sensors, positions and orientations of the plurality of magnetic sensors relative to a position and orientation of the magnetic transmitter; and determine whether the calculated positions and orientations of the plurality of magnetic sensors are within one or more threshold limits of known positions and orientations of the plurality of magnetic sensors.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2020Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: Northern Digital Inc.Inventors: Mark Robert Schneider, Charles Robertson, Joseph Bruce Durfee
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Patent number: 11493318Abstract: A calibration device comprising: a plurality of magnetic sensors positioned at the calibration device, the plurality of magnetic sensors defining a space; a controller configured to be positioned in the space defined by the plurality of magnetic sensors, wherein the controller includes a magnetic transmitter; and one or more processors configured to: cause the magnetic transmitter to generate magnetic fields; receive signals from the plurality of magnetic sensors that are based on characteristics of the magnetic fields received at the plurality of magnetic sensors; calculate, based on the signals received from the plurality of magnetic sensors, positions and orientations of the plurality of magnetic sensors relative to a position and orientation of the magnetic transmitter; and determine whether the calculated positions and orientations of the plurality of magnetic sensors are within one or more threshold limits of known positions and orientations of the plurality of magnetic sensors.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2020Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: Northern Digital, Inc.Inventors: Mark Robert Schneider, Charles Robertson, Joseph Bruce Durfee
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Patent number: 11360161Abstract: A system comprising: a magnetic transmitter configured to generate magnetic fields; a magnetic sensor configured to generate signals based on characteristics of the magnetic fields received at the magnetic sensor; and one or more computer systems configured to: receive the signals from the magnetic sensor; determine, based on the signals received from the magnetic sensor, an electromagnetic (EM) pose of the magnetic sensor relative to the magnetic transmitter; determine one or both of: i) an inertial pose of the magnetic sensor relative to the magnetic transmitter based on inertial data associated with the magnetic transmitter and the magnetic sensor, or ii) an optical pose of the magnetic sensor relative to the magnetic transmitter based on optical data associated with the magnetic transmitter and the magnetic sensor; determine an estimated pose of the magnetic sensor relative to the magnetic transmitter based on the EM pose and the one or both of the inertial pose or the optical pose; determine distorted maType: GrantFiled: February 8, 2019Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: Northern Digital Inc.Inventors: Mark Robert Schneider, Kenji Fujioka
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Patent number: 11340311Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a magnetic sensor, a series of transmitter signals that are detected as a series of signals corresponding to different locations and/or orientations of a magnetic transmitter emitting a magnetic field, calculating, receiving, at the magnetic sensor, a measurement transmitter signal that is detected as a signal corresponding to a magnetic field provided by the magnetic transmitter, and calculating, based at least on the received measurement sensor signal and the calibration matrix, one or both of an orientation matrix indicative of an orientation of the magnetic sensor relative to the magnetic transmitter and a positional matrix indicative of a position of the magnetic sensor relative to the magnetic transmitter, wherein the series of transmitter signals are transmitted from the same physical location relative to the magnetic sensor.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2020Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: Northern Digital Inc.Inventor: Mark Robert Schneider
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Publication number: 20210386485Abstract: A magnetic tracking device is configured to track an object in an environment by receiving a measurement of the non-magnetic signal and a corresponding measurement of the magnetic signal for a location of the magnetic tracking device in the environment. The magnetic tracking device estimates, based on the measurement of the non-magnetic signal, a non-magnetic pose of the magnetic tracking device in the environment for the location. The device estimates, based on the measurement of the magnetic signal, a magnetic pose of the magnetic tracking device in the environment for the location. The device determines a difference between the magnetic pose estimate and the non-magnetic pose estimate for the location. The device determines a magnetic distortion correction value for the location based on the difference. The magnetic tracking device generates a distortion correction model including the distortion value and outputs a representation of the distortion correction model.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2021Publication date: December 16, 2021Inventors: Mark Robert Schneider, Alec Duling, Syamprasad Karyattuparambil Rajagopalan
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Publication number: 20210123714Abstract: A calibration device comprising: a plurality of magnetic sensors positioned at the calibration device, the plurality of magnetic sensors defining a space; a controller configured to be positioned in the space defined by the plurality of magnetic sensors, wherein the controller includes a magnetic transmitter; and one or more processors configured to: cause the magnetic transmitter to generate magnetic fields; receive signals from the plurality of magnetic sensors that are based on characteristics of the magnetic fields received at the plurality of magnetic sensors; calculate, based on the signals received from the plurality of magnetic sensors, positions and orientations of the plurality of magnetic sensors relative to a position and orientation of the magnetic transmitter; and determine whether the calculated positions and orientations of the plurality of magnetic sensors are within one or more threshold limits of known positions and orientations of the plurality of magnetic sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2020Publication date: April 29, 2021Inventors: Mark Robert Schneider, Charles Robertson, Joseph Bruce Durfee
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Publication number: 20210096001Abstract: A magnetic tracking system is configured to determine an object pose of a tracked object in an environment of the magnetic tracking system. The tracking system includes a transmitter assembly that includes a transmitting coil configured to generate a magnetic signal indicative of an object pose of a tracked object with respect to the transmitter assembly and a marker that visually identifies a pose of the transmitter assembly with respect to a camera device. The camera device captures at least one image of the transmitter assembly. A computing device determines, based on the image, a pose for the transmitter assemblies in the image. Based on the magnetic signal and the pose associated with the transmitter assembly, the computing device determines the object pose of the tracked object in the environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2020Publication date: April 1, 2021Inventor: Mark Robert Schneider
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Patent number: 10948278Abstract: A calibration system comprising: a Helmholtz device comprising thee pairs of coils defining an inner volume, wherein each of the three pairs of coils is configured to generate a magnetic field that is uniform throughout the inner volume; a mount configured to accept a device that includes a magnetic sensor, wherein at least a portion of the mount is positioned within the inner volume such that the magnetic sensor is positioned at or near a center of the inner volume when the device is positioned on the mount; and a computer system configured to communicate with the Helmholtz device and the magnetic sensor, wherein the computer system is configured to: provide instructions to cause each of the three pairs of coils to generate a magnetic field; receive signals from the magnetic sensor that are based on characteristics of the magnetic fields received at the magnetic sensor; measure, based on the signals received from the magnetic sensor, one or more characteristics of the magnetic sensor; and determine, using aType: GrantFiled: January 18, 2019Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: Ascension Technology CorporationInventors: Mark Robert Schneider, Charles Robertson
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Patent number: 10883812Abstract: A calibration device comprising: a plurality of magnetic sensors positioned at the calibration device, the plurality of magnetic sensors defining a space; a controller configured to be positioned in the space defined by the plurality of magnetic sensors, wherein the controller includes a magnetic transmitter; and one or more processors configured to: cause the magnetic transmitter to generate magnetic fields; receive signals from the plurality of magnetic sensors that are based on characteristics of the magnetic fields received at the plurality of magnetic sensors; calculate, based on the signals received from the plurality of magnetic sensors, positions and orientations of the plurality of magnetic sensors relative to a position and orientation of the magnetic transmitter; and determine whether the calculated positions and orientations of the plurality of magnetic sensors are within one or more threshold limits of known positions and orientations of the plurality of magnetic sensors.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2019Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: Ascension Technology CorporationInventors: Mark Robert Schneider, Charles Robertson, Joseph Bruce Durfee
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Publication number: 20200333404Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a magnetic sensor, a series of transmitter signals that are detected as a series of signals corresponding to different locations and/or orientations of a magnetic transmitter emitting a magnetic field, calculating, receiving, at the magnetic sensor, a measurement transmitter signal that is detected as a signal corresponding to a magnetic field provided by the magnetic transmitter, and calculating, based at least on the received measurement sensor signal and the calibration matrix, one or both of an orientation matrix indicative of an orientation of the magnetic sensor relative to the magnetic transmitter and a positional matrix indicative of a position of the magnetic sensor relative to the magnetic transmitter, wherein the series of transmitter signals are transmitted from the same physical location relative to the magnetic sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2020Publication date: October 22, 2020Inventor: Mark Robert Schneider
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Patent number: 10779892Abstract: A system comprising: a sensor configured to be introduced into a clearance hole of a surgical implant, wherein the sensor is configured to be introduced in proximity to a generated magnetic field and cause distortion of the magnetic field; and one or more field measuring coils configured to: measure a characteristic of the magnetic field when the sensor is in proximity to the magnetic field; and provide, to a computing device, a signal representative of the measured characteristic of the magnetic field, wherein the computing device is configured to determine one or both of a position and an orientation of the sensor and the clearance hole based on the measured characteristic of the magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2018Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: Northern Digital Inc.Inventors: Nikolai Mikuszeit, Christian Schilling, Olaf Zerres, Georg Brunner, Stefan R. Kirsch, Westley D. Ashe, Mark Robert Schneider, Vladimir F. Kogan