Patents by Inventor Ralph Etienne-Cummings

Ralph Etienne-Cummings 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: 20220343621
    Abstract: A device may identify, in a first frame of a video feed captured by a camera and using a first computer vision technique, a first subject based on a plurality of reference points of the first subject. The device may determine whether the first subject is merged with a second subject in a second frame of the video feed. The device may selectively identify the first subject in the second frame using the first computer vision technique, or using a second computer vision technique, based on whether the first subject is merged with the second subject in the second frame, wherein the second computer vision technique is based on a shape context of the first subject. The device may determine log information based on identifying the first subject in the first frame and the second frame. The device may store or provide the log information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Applicant: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Fabio MARCUCCIO, Alena V. SAVONENKO, Ralph ETIENNE-CUMMINGS, Duncan Elliot PARKE
  • Patent number: 10932751
    Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a precise catheter tracking system, Active Ultrasound Pattern Injection System (AUSPIS). AUSPIS establishes ultrasonic communication between any ultrasound external probe and internal catheter (CUTE catheter). The system receives image beacon pulses, analyzes the acquired signal, and fires one or a series of active echo pulses from the same active echo element with a proper timing, frequency, duration and amplitude. Thus it enables injection of any “virtual” pattern into the B-mode image. The pattern injected to the B-mode image is from actively encoded ultrasound field in the tissue. The encoding is based on B-mode ultrasound image formation technique, so it doesn't require hardware or software modification to the US machine. It continuously measures the local acoustic signal amplitude, by which sub-millimeter elevation localization accuracy can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Emad Boctor, Ralph Etienne-Cummings, Jairo Garcia
  • Patent number: 10925269
    Abstract: An underwater imaging system is disclosed. A boat sonar transducer is configured to transmit and receive sonar signals and generate an image of water and surfaces using received sonar signals. An active echo system is configured to be positioned within the water to remotely communicate with the boat sonar transducer. The active echo system includes an ultrasound transducer configured to detect sonar signals transmitted by the boat sonar transducer and transmit an active echo pulse, or a series of active echo pulses, back to the boat sonar transducer. A microprocessor is configured to drive the ultrasound transducer to transmit the active echo pulse, or series of active echo pulses, back to the boat sonar transducer in response to the ultrasound transducer detecting sonar signals transmitted by the boat sonar transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Ralph Etienne-Cummings, Emad Boctor, Xiaoyu Guo
  • Publication number: 20200138563
    Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention includes 3D retinal tissue generated in a laboratory. The 3D retinal tissue is coupled to an engineered microelectronic chip. The 3D retinal tissue together with the engineered microelectronic chip enable retinal regeneration and vision restoration for patients with retinal cell damage. The engineered microelectronic chip sends electrical signals to specific parts of the 3D retinal tissue for stimulating and recording both the 3D retinal tissue and the cells in the patient's own retina. The chip may be absorbable or removable once connection is made between the 3D retinal tissue and the patient's own remaining retinal tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Inventors: Yassine Daoud, Maria Canto-Soler, Ralph Etienne-Cummings, Mandeep Singh, Gerard Lutty
  • Patent number: 10484628
    Abstract: A pixel having a variable exposure for a scene capture device, the pixel comprising a photodiode, a buffer and a memory element and a switching mechanism. The memory element is configured to store an exposure control bit and the switching mechanism configured to control a variable exposure period of the photodiode based on the exposure control bit and to reset a voltage on said photodiode to a reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jie Zhang, Ralph Etienne-Cummings, Tao Xiong, Trac D. Tran, Sang H. Chin
  • Publication number: 20180116629
    Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a precise catheter tracking system, Active Ultrasound Pattern Injection System (AUSPIS). AUSPIS establishes ultrasonic communication between any ultrasound external probe and internal catheter (CUTE catheter). The system receives image beacon pulses, analyzes the acquired signal, and fires one or a series of active echo pulses from the same active echo element with a proper timing, frequency, duration and amplitude. Thus it enables injection of any “virtual” pattern into the B-mode image. The pattern injected to the B-mode image is from actively encoded ultrasound field in the tissue. The encoding is based on B-mode ultrasound image formation technique, so it doesn't require hardware or software modification to the US machine. It continuously measures the local acoustic signal amplitude, by which sub-millimeter elevation localization accuracy can be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Emad Boctor, Ralph Etienne-Cummings, Jairo Garcia
  • Publication number: 20180115725
    Abstract: A pixel having a variable exposure for a scene capture device, the pixel comprising a photodiode, a buffer and a memory element and a switching mechanism. The memory element is configured to store an exposure control bit and the switching mechanism configured to control a variable exposure period of the photodiode based on the exposure control bit and to reset a voltage on said photodiode to a reference voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Jie Zhang, Ralph Etienne-Cummings, Tao Xiong, Trac D. Tran, Sang H. Chin
  • Publication number: 20170188991
    Abstract: A closed-loop ultrasound system includes an ultrasound receiver, an ultrasound transmitter at least one of integral with or at a predetermined position relative to the ultrasound receiver, and a trigger circuit configured to receive detection signals from the ultrasound receiver and to provide trigger signals to the ultrasound transmitter in response to received detection signals. The ultrasound transmitter is configured to transmit ultrasound energy in response to the trigger signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Applicant: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Emad M. Boctor, Xiaoyu Guo, Ralph Etienne-Cummings, Pezhman Foroughi
  • Patent number: 9636083
    Abstract: A closed-loop ultrasound system includes an ultrasound receiver, an ultrasound transmitter at least one of integral with or at a predetermined position relative to the ultrasound receiver, and a trigger circuit configured to receive detection signals from the ultrasound receiver and to provide trigger signals to the ultrasound transmitter in response to received detection signals. The ultrasound transmitter is configured to transmit ultrasound energy in response to the trigger signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Emad M. Boctor, Xiaoyu Guo, Ralph Etienne-Cummings, Pezhman Forought
  • Publication number: 20160235046
    Abstract: An underwater imaging system is disclosed. A boat sonar transducer is configured to transmit and receive sonar signals and generate an image of water and surfaces using received sonar signals. An active echo system is configured to be positioned within the water to remotely communicate with the boat sonar transducer. The active echo system includes an ultrasound transducer configured to detect sonar signals transmitted by the boat sonar transducer and transmit an active echo pulse, or a series of active echo pulses, back to the boat sonar transducer. A microprocessor is configured to drive the ultrasound transducer to transmit the active echo pulse, or series of active echo pulses, back to the boat sonar transducer in response to the ultrasound transducer detecting sonar signals transmitted by the boat sonar transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Ralph Etienne-Cummings, Emad Boctor, Xiaoyu Guo
  • Patent number: 8908949
    Abstract: A system for detecting post-operative retained foreign bodies has a data storage unit adapted to receive and store a reference image of a surgical object, and a data processor in communication with the data storage unit. The data processor is configured to receive an image of an internal region of a patient and to receive the reference image from the data storage unit, and the data processor is configured to perform operations based on an algorithm to compare the reference image to at least a portion of the image of the internal region of the patient and determine whether a retained foreign body is present in the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Bolanle Asiyanbola, Ralph Etienne-Cummings, Chao-Cheng Wu
  • Publication number: 20140024928
    Abstract: A closed-loop ultrasound system includes an ultrasound receiver, an ultrasound transmitter at least one of integral with or at a predetermined position relative to the ultrasound receiver, and a trigger circuit configured to receive detection signals from the ultrasound receiver and to provide trigger signals to the ultrasound transmitter in response to received detection signals. The ultrasound transmitter is configured to transmit ultrasound energy in response to the trigger signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Emad M. Boctor, Xiaoyu Guo, Ralph Etienne-Cummings, Pezhman Forought
  • Publication number: 20130038353
    Abstract: A system for simulating biofidelic signals includes a transducer and a neural transmitter port. The transducer is affected by a parameter and provides an alternating electrical signal based on an effect of the parameter. The neural transmitter port receives a processed electrical signal and outputs the processed electrical to a neural transmitter. The system further includes an input portion, a band-pass filter, and an integrate-and-fire mechanism. The input portion outputs a first signal based on the alternating electrical signal. The band-pass filter outputs a first filtered signal based on the first signal. The integrate-and-fire mechanism generates the processed electrical signal based on the first filtered signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Sliman Bensmaia, R. Jacob Vogelstein, Ralph Etienne-Cummings, Alexander F. Russell, Sung Soo Kim, Arun P. Sripati
  • Publication number: 20120107184
    Abstract: A decontamination apparatus is provided including an enclosure. A first and second decontamination system may be provided within the enclosure. The first and second decontamination systems may be arranged within the enclosure and configured to decontaminate the articles received in the enclosure. The first and second decontamination systems may rely on different methods of decontamination. The enclosure of the decontamination apparatus may be defined by a plurality of connected prefabricated modular walls. A mobile control and supply module may also be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Bolanle A. Asiyanbola, Ralph Etienne-Cummings, A. Roger Hammons, JR., Akinwale A. Akinpelu, Ronald L. Stanford
  • Patent number: 7835630
    Abstract: An integrated circuit for controlling a DC motor is disclosed. The integrated circuit includes at least one digital position and speed circuit (DPS) for providing measurements of speed, position, and direction of the motor, the DPS being in signal communication with the motor for receiving a pair of signals having a quadrature relationship; and at least one programmable gain amplifier (PGA) electrically coupled to the motor, the PGA being configured to receive a feedback signal indicative of current flowing through the motor and to apply a second signal to the motor for adjusting the speed of the motor; and at least two analog-to-digital converters (A/D), one A/D being used to quantize the output of the PGA for an off-chip processor; and another A/D to provide motor reference position from an analog sensor, such as a potentiometer; and at least two digital-to-analog converters (D/A), one D/A used to set the motor voltage; and another D/A used to set the motor current limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Peter Kazanzides, Ndubuisi John Ekekwe, Ralph Etienne-Cummings
  • Publication number: 20090052770
    Abstract: A device comprising an illumination means and a light sensing means, that can examine and memorize a discrete color of an object based on the magnitude of the reflected light bouncing off of the colored surface in at least three areas of the electromagnetic spectrum. The device also provides output as a visually and/or audibly perceptible signal for deciphering the color. The color range identified by the device is not limited to the visible spectrum and may include infra-red and ultra-violet light. A storage means for memorizing colors may also be included in the device. Applications of ColorStick technology may include children's toys, aids for the visually handicapped (e.g. blind or color blind individuals), designers, internet shoppers, gardeners, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: M. Anthony Lewis, Ralph Etienne-Cummings, Kaijen Hsiao, Ilyas M. Ayub, Viktor Gruev, Chris F. Milne
  • Publication number: 20080247735
    Abstract: An integrated circuit for controlling a DC motor is disclosed. The integrated circuit includes at least one digital position and speed circuit (DPS) for providing measurements of speed, position, and direction of the motor, the DPS being in signal communication with the motor for receiving a pair of signals having a quadrature relationship; and at least one programmable gain amplifier (PGA) electrically coupled to the motor, the PGA being configured to receive a feedback signal indicative of current flowing through the motor and to apply a second signal to the motor for adjusting the speed of the motor; and at least two analog-to-digital converters (A/D), one A/D being used to quantize the output of the PGA for an off-chip processor; and another A/D to provide motor reference position from an analog sensor, such as a potentiometer; and at least two digital-to-analog converters (D/A), one D/A used to set the motor voltage; and another D/A used to set the motor current limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Peter Kazanzides, Ndubuisi John Ekekwe, Ralph Etienne-Cummings
  • Patent number: 7251031
    Abstract: A device comprising an illumination means and a light sensing means, that can examine and memorize a discrete color of an object based on the magnitude of the reflected light bouncing off of the colored surface in at least three areas of the electromagnetic spectrum. The device also provides output as a visually and/or audibly perceptible signal for deciphering the color. The color range identified by the device is not limited to the visible spectrum and may include infra-red and ultra-violet light. A storage means for memorizing colors may also be included in the device. Applications of ColorStick technology may include children's toys, aids for the visually handicapped (e.g. blind or color blind individuals), designers, internet shoppers, gardeners, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Iguana Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: M. Anthony Lewis, Ralph Etienne-Cummings, Kaijen Hsiao, Ilyas M. Ayub, Viktor Gruev, Chris F. Milne
  • Publication number: 20070129648
    Abstract: An artificial Central Pattern Generator (CPG) based on the naturally-occuring central pattern generator locomotor controller for walking, running, swimming, and flying animals may be constructed to be self-adaptive, by providing for the artificial CPG, which may be a chip, to tune its behavior based on sensory feedback. It is believed that this is the first instance of an adaptive CPG chip. Such a sensory feedback-using system with an artificial CPG may be used in mechanical applications such as a running robotic leg, in walking, flying and swimming machines, and in miniature and larger robots, and also in biological systems, such as a surrogate neural system for patients with spinal damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Ralph Etienne-Cummings, M. Lewis
  • Patent number: 7164967
    Abstract: An artificial Central Pattern Generator (CPG) based on the naturally-occuring central pattern generator locomotor controller for walking, running, swimming, and flying animals may be constructed to be self-adaptive, by providing for the artificial CPG, which may be a chip, to tune its behavior based on sensory feedback. It is believed that this is the first instance of an adaptive CPG chip. Such a sensory feedback-using system with an artificial CPG may be used in mechanical applications such as a running robotic leg, in walking, flying and swimming machines, and in miniature and larger robots, and also in biological systems, such as a surrogate neural system for patients with spinal damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Iguana Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph Etienne-Cummings, M. Anthony Lewis