Patents by Inventor Robert Edwin Douglas

Robert Edwin Douglas 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: 20210157399
    Abstract: In this patent, an improved eye tracking system is implemented for enhanced viewing. This system incorporates eye facing cameras and tracks display settings longitudinally and determines which portions of the image have been viewing and to what extent. A longitudinal dataset is generated and analyzed to better understand the human review process and cause improvements thereof. Furthermore, image review is enhanced by highlighting portions of the image that have not been adequately reviewed. Comparison across multiple reviewers is also performed to improve a user's performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2020
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Inventor: Robert Edwin Douglas
  • Patent number: 11006100
    Abstract: A physician performing a physical examination can miss subtle abnormalities, such as alterations of respiratory rate or dangerous skin lesion. A surgeon performing surgery can miss small areas of bleeding or tumor implants. This invention comprises head display unit comprising sensors that gathers data and in real time analyzes the data for potential hazards and alerts the user of a potential hazardous scenario.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Inventor: Robert Edwin Douglas
  • Patent number: 11003342
    Abstract: This patent discloses a method and apparatus for improving workflow for a radiologist. Specifically, this patent improves the current manual scrolling such as at a constant rate of 0.2 seconds per image slice by establishing triggering events which cause a precise timing system to exactly determine the appropriate amount of time to spend on each image. For example, viewing of homogeneous regions where there is good contrast between a lesion and background will serve as a triggering event for rapid scrolling. In contrast, viewing of heterogeneous and complex regions or regions where the target is similar in gray scale to the background will serve as a triggering event for slow scrolling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Inventor: Robert Edwin Douglas
  • Patent number: 11003948
    Abstract: In this patent, a smart consulting process is established to improve workflow and human classification of images. A key innovative aspect is the process for selecting an optimal consultant for an image. Such a process may improve human image classification, such as diagnostic radiology. Furthermore, such a process may improve education to more novice imagers. A modified workflow is established where users have general and specific consult pools. Additionally, a modified relative value unit (RVU) system is created to appropriately compensate users for the modified workflow, which is established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Inventor: Robert Edwin Douglas
  • Patent number: 10973485
    Abstract: A method for improved 3D imaging of a volume is disclosed. The application discussed is improved assessment of complex 3D structures including breast microcalcifications and incorporation of geo-registered tools. The 3D imaging is displayed on a geo-registered head display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Inventors: David Byron Douglas, Robert Edwin Douglas, Kathleen Mary Douglas
  • Patent number: 10964124
    Abstract: A 3D image processing system includes voxel adjustments based on radiodensity, filtering and segmentation, each of which may be selected, configured, and applied in response to controller-entered commands. In this disclosure, a method and apparatus for improved voxel processing and improved filtering is established. With regard to the improved voxel processing, a first group of voxels is changed in shape, size or orientation independently from a second group of voxels. For example, the volume is divided into groups and the dynamic filtering is performed. This improves visualization of 3D images by providing a greater extent of filtering while maintaining context of portions of the 3D image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Inventor: Robert Edwin Douglas
  • Patent number: 10964095
    Abstract: This patent provides a method for performing advanced volume rendering strategies. In tandem volume rendering, the volume is divided and a first portion of the volume undergoes a first volume rendering strategy and a second portion undergoes a second volume rendering strategy. Additional volume rendering strategies disclosed herein include preemptive volume rendering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Inventor: Robert Edwin Douglas
  • Patent number: 10959696
    Abstract: This patent includes a method for performing precision localization within the body on a cross-sectional imaging examination. As a result of the improved precision localization techniques, anatomic structure specific coordinate systems can be developed to improve radiological analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Inventor: Robert Edwin Douglas
  • Patent number: 10956635
    Abstract: This patent includes a method and apparatus for the generation of a simulated, realistic 3D radiological dataset from CT, MRI, PET, SPECT or DTS examinations. This simulated dataset can be segmented, filtered, manipulated, used with artificial intelligence algorithms and viewed in conjunction with head display units and geo-registered tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Inventors: David Byron Douglas, Kathleen Mary Douglas, Robert Edwin Douglas
  • Patent number: 10950338
    Abstract: A method comprises generating a 3D volumetric dataset through an artificial intelligence process. Then, performing a simulation by first assigning mechanical type properties to a 3D volumetric dataset. Then, performing rendering of the 3D volumetric wherein the 3D volumetric dataset has a first configuration. Then, receiving an input to cause the 3D volumetric dataset to change from a first configuration to a second configuration wherein the change in configuration is in accordance with the nature of the input and the mechanical type properties of the 3D dataset. Then, performing rendering of the 3D volumetric dataset in the second configuration. This cycle is repeated over multiple changes in configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Inventor: Robert Edwin Douglas
  • Publication number: 20210065900
    Abstract: A computerized medical diagnostic system uses a training dataset that is updated based on reports generated by a radiologist. AI and/or CAD is used to make an initial determination of no finding, finding, or diagnosis based on the training dataset. Normal results with a high confidence of no finding are not reviewed by the radiologist. Low confidence results, findings, and diagnosis are reviewed by the radiologist. The radiologist generates a report that associates terminology and weighting with marked 3D image volumes. The report is used to update the training dataset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Robert Edwin Douglas, David Byron Douglas, Kathleen Mary Douglas
  • Publication number: 20210034169
    Abstract: This patent provides a method and apparatus for improving the spatial resolution of the display, so that it appears less pixelated. This is accomplished by generating a first portion of an image that corresponds to a user's fovea and a second portion of the image that corresponds to areas of non-fovea regions of the retina. For the region of the image that corresponds to the fovea, the display uses high spatial resolution of pixels, so that the display is optimized for the user's central vision which has the highest visual acuity. For regions of the image that do not correspond to the fovea, the display uses a lower spatial resolution of pixels. Furthermore, the first portion of the image with the high spatial resolution can be moved within the image so as to accommodate various look angles and convergence points of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Robert Edwin Douglas, Kathleen Mary Douglas, David Byron Douglas
  • Patent number: 10893844
    Abstract: Digital breast tomosynthesis represents an enhanced type of mammogram for detecting breast cancer. In this disclosure, data from digital breast tomosynthesis is reconstructed into a volumetric database with each voxel having a (x, y, z) coordinate and viewed in true 3D using geo-registered head display unit and geo-registered tools for overall enhanced diagnosis. The breast is imaged under various configurations and the internal architecture of an anatomic feature three-dimensionally analyzed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Inventors: David Byron Douglas, Robert Edwin Douglas, Kathleen Mary Douglas
  • Patent number: 10846911
    Abstract: In this patent, we teach a method and apparatus for displaying flow-type visualization features that move in accordance with fluid dynamics models on extended reality displays. A user is able to select the type of flow of interest and the type of flow of non-interest and then display the type of flow of interest unhindered by the type of flow of non-interest. This technique has applications in medicine, such as modeling flow inside of the carotid artery. Also, outside of the medical field, this technique can have applications, such as in aeronautical engineering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventor: Robert Edwin Douglas
  • Patent number: 10776989
    Abstract: In this patent, a method for prioritizing items within a 3D volume is presented. This allows prioritized items within the display to achieve preferential display. Augmented visualization strategies of such prioritized items are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Inventor: Robert Edwin Douglas
  • Publication number: 20200260653
    Abstract: This patent provides a method, apparatus and software for an integrated, automated, and largely hands-free gardening in a constrained space. It consists of vertical and horizontal placement of a system-of-systems consisting of: a control element; light sources, removable garden modules, vertical rotating pillars, and fluid reservoir, which may be configured for aquaponics and includes plumbing for distribution and re-cycling of fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Inventors: Pamela Kathleen Douglas, Robert Edwin Douglas
  • Publication number: 20200211698
    Abstract: A method comprises generating a 3D volumetric dataset through an artificial intelligence process. Then, performing a simulation by first assigning mechanical type properties to a 3D volumetric dataset. Then, performing rendering of the 3D volumetric wherein the 3D volumetric dataset has a first configuration. Then, receiving an input to cause the 3D volumetric dataset to change from a first configuration to a second configuration wherein the change in configuration is in accordance with the nature of the input and the mechanical type properties of the 3D dataset. Then, performing rendering of the 3D volumetric dataset in the second configuration. This cycle is repeated over multiple changes in configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventor: Robert Edwin Douglas
  • Publication number: 20200167917
    Abstract: Digital breast tomosynthesis represents an enhanced type of mammogram for detecting breast cancer. In this disclosure, data from digital breast tomosynthesis is reconstructed into a volumetric database with each voxel having a (x, y, z) coordinate and viewed in true 3D using geo-registered head display unit and geo-registered tools for overall enhanced diagnosis. The breast is imaged under various configurations and the internal architecture of an anatomic feature three-dimensionally analyzed. Additional dataset creation and three-dimensional imaging techniques are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Publication date: May 28, 2020
    Inventors: David Byron Douglas, Robert Edwin Douglas, Kathleen Mary Douglas
  • Patent number: 10657731
    Abstract: A 3D image processing system includes voxel adjustments based on radiodensity, filtering and segmentation, each of which may be selected, configured, and applied in response to controller-entered commands. Voxel adjustments based on radiodensity may include changes to grayscale values and color, e.g. to enhance selected tissues or to emphasize differences between tissues of similar radiodensity. Voxel adjustments based on radiodensity may include demarcation, and changes to voxel size, shape, and orientation. Filtering may include removing a portion of voxels of a selected radiodensity from a presented image. Segmentation may characterize voxels based on nearest neighbors, and grow features or fill gaps. Multiple images may be generated with different configuration settings and be combined into a composite image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Inventor: Robert Edwin Douglas
  • Patent number: 9301809
    Abstract: A method and apparatus providing precision external control of interventional medical procedures is presented. The apparatus includes a fixed frame, the fixed frame attachable to a patient and to a secure structure. The apparatus also includes a precision actuator in mechanical communication with the fixed frame, the actuator directing motion of a wire within a catheter or a catheter within the patient. Additionally the apparatus includes a control device in electrical communication with the actuator, wherein the control device controls the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventors: David Byron Douglas, Robert Edwin Douglas, Kathleen Mary Douglas