Patents by Inventor Tao Zhao

Tao Zhao 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: 20160048953
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to calibration assemblies and methods for use with an imaging system, such as an endoscopic imaging system. A calibration assembly includes: an interface for constraining engagement with an endoscopic imaging system; a target coupled with the interface so as to be within the field of view of the imaging system, the target including multiple of markers having calibration features that include identification features; and a processor configured to identify from first and second images obtained at first and second relative spatial arrangements between the imaging system and the target, respectively, at least some of the markers from the identification features, and using the identified markers and calibration feature positions within the images to generate calibration data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: Tao Zhao, Wenyi Zhao, David D. Scott
  • Patent number: 9259289
    Abstract: A robotic system includes a camera having an image frame whose position and orientation relative to a fixed frame is determinable through one or more image frame transforms, a tool disposed within a field of view of the camera and having a tool frame whose position and orientation relative to the fixed frame is determinable through one or more tool frame transforms, and at least one processor programmed to identify pose indicating points of the tool from one or more camera captured images, determine an estimated transform for an unknown one of the image and tool frame transforms using the identified pose indicating points and known ones of the image and tool frame transforms, update a master-to-tool transform using the estimated and known ones of the image and tool frame transforms, and command movement of the tool in response to movement of a master using the updated master-to-tool transform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Tao Zhao, Giuseppe Maria Prisco, John Ryan Steger, David Q. Larkin
  • Publication number: 20160031558
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with improved reliability. According to one aspect of the invention, interference experienced by onboard sensors from onboard electrical components is reduced. According to another aspect of the invention, user-configuration or assembly of electrical components is minimized to reduce user errors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Tao Wang, Tao Zhao, Shaojie Chen, Zhigang Ou
  • Publication number: 20160023744
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for a transformable aerial vehicle are provided. In one aspect, a transformable aerial vehicle includes: a central body and at least two transformable frames assemblies respectively disposed on the central body, each of the at least two transformable frame assemblies having a proximal portion pivotally coupled to the central body and a distal portion; an actuation assembly mounted on the central body and configured to pivot the at least two frame assemblies to a plurality of different vertical angles relative to the central body; and a plurality of propulsion units mounted on the at least two transformable frame assemblies and operable to move the transformable aerial vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventors: Tao Wang, Tao Zhao, Hao Du, Mingxi Wang
  • Publication number: 20160023778
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided relating to improved mounting platforms for supporting a payload on a movable object. In one aspect, an apparatus for supporting a payload comprises: a first support member coupled to the payload and configured to rotate the payload; a second support member coupled to the first support member and configured to rotate the first support member relative to the second support member; and a flexible member electrically coupling the first and second support members, wherein a length of the flexible member winds around a portion of the first support member or second support member, such that the length winds up around the portion when the first support member is rotated in a first direction and unwinds from the portion when the first support member is rotated in a second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventors: Tao Zhao, Xi Feng Zhao, Yong Wang, Li Zhou, Tao Wang
  • Patent number: 9242714
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for a transformable aerial vehicle are provided. In one aspect, a transformable aerial vehicle includes: a central body and at least two transformable frames assemblies respectively disposed on the central body, each of the at least two transformable frame assemblies having a proximal portion pivotally coupled to the central body and a distal portion; an actuation assembly mounted on the central body and configured to pivot the at least two frame assemblies to a plurality of different vertical angles relative to the central body; and a plurality of propulsion units mounted on the at least two transformable frame assemblies and operable to move the transformable aerial vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., Ltd
    Inventors: Tao Wang, Tao Zhao, Hao Du, Mingxi Wang
  • Patent number: 9242729
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for a transformable aerial vehicle are provided. In one aspect, a transformable aerial vehicle includes: a central body and at least two transformable frames assemblies respectively disposed on the central body, each of the at least two transformable frame assemblies having a proximal portion pivotally coupled to the central body and a distal portion; an actuation assembly mounted on the central body and configured to pivot the at least two frame assemblies to a plurality of different vertical angles relative to the central body; and a plurality of propulsion units mounted on the at least two transformable frame assemblies and operable to move the transformable aerial vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., Ltd
    Inventors: Tao Wang, Tao Zhao, Hao Du, Mingxi Wang
  • Publication number: 20160016654
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for propelling self-propelled movable objects are provided. In one aspect, a rotor assembly for a self-propelled movable object comprises: a hub comprising a first fastening feature; a drive shaft comprising a second fastening feature and directly coupled to the hub by a mating connection of the first and second fastening features, wherein the drive shaft is configured to cause rotation of the hub such that the mating connection of the first and second fastening features is tightened by the rotation; and a plurality of rotor blades coupled to the hub and configured to rotate therewith to generate a propulsive force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Tao Wang, Tao Zhao, Zhi Gang Ou
  • Publication number: 20160016674
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided relating to improved mounting platforms for supporting a payload on a movable object. In one aspect, an apparatus for supporting a payload comprises: a first support member coupled to the payload and configured to rotate the payload; a second support member coupled to the first support member and configured to rotate the first support member relative to the second support member; and a flexible member electrically coupling the first and second support members, wherein a length of the flexible member winds around a portion of the first support member or second support member, such that the length winds up around the portion when the first support member is rotated in a first direction and unwinds from the portion when the first support member is rotated in a second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Tao ZHAO, Xi feng ZHAO, Yong WANG, Li ZHOU, Tao WANG
  • Patent number: 9233754
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with improved reliability. According to one aspect of the invention, interference experienced by onboard sensors from onboard electrical components is reduced. According to another aspect of the invention, user-configuration or assembly of electrical components is minimized to reduce user errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Tao Wang, Tao Zhao, Shaojie Chen, Zhigang Ou
  • Patent number: 9221537
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with improved reliability. According to one aspect of the invention, interference experienced by onboard sensors from onboard electrical components is reduced. According to another aspect of the invention, user-configuration or assembly of electrical components is minimized to reduce user errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY, CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tao Wang, Tao Zhao, Shaojie Chen, Zhigang Ou
  • Patent number: 9221536
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with improved reliability. According to one aspect of the invention, interference experienced by onboard sensors from onboard electrical components is reduced. According to another aspect of the invention, user-configuration or assembly of electrical components is minimized to reduce user errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY, CO., LTD
    Inventors: Tao Wang, Tao Zhao, Shaojie Chen, Zhigang Ou
  • Publication number: 20150298788
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for a transformable aerial vehicle are provided. In one aspect, a transformable aerial vehicle includes: a central body and at least two transformable frames assemblies respectively disposed on the central body, each of the at least two transformable frame assemblies having a proximal portion pivotally coupled to the central body and a distal portion; an actuation assembly mounted on the central body and configured to pivot the at least two frame assemblies to a plurality of different vertical angles relative to the central body; and a plurality of propulsion units mounted on the at least two transformable frame assemblies and operable to move the transformable aerial vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Inventors: Tao Wang, Tao Zhao, Hao Du, Mingxi Wang
  • Patent number: 9162758
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with improved reliability. According to one aspect of the invention, interference experienced by onboard sensors from onboard electrical components is reduced. According to another aspect of the invention, user-configuration or assembly of electrical components is minimized to reduce user errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY, CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tao Wang, Tao Zhao, Shaojie Chen, Zhigang Ou
  • Patent number: 9155592
    Abstract: Robotic and/or measurement devices, systems, and methods for telesurgical and other applications employ input devices operatively coupled to tools so as to allow a system user to manipulate tissues and other structures being measured. The system may make use of three dimensional position information from stereoscopic images. Two or more discrete points can be designated in three dimensions so as to provide a cumulative length along a straight or curving structure, an area measurement, a volume measurement, or the like. The discrete points may be identified by a single surgical tool or by distances separating two or more surgical tools, with the user optionally measuring a structure longer than a field of view of the stereoscopic image capture device by walking a pair of tools “hand-over-hand” along the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon D. Itkowitz, Tao Zhao, Simon Dimaio, Wenyi Zhao, Christopher J. Hasser, Myriam J. Curet, Catherine J. Mohr, Hubert Stein
  • Publication number: 20150265368
    Abstract: A method of modeling a cyclic anatomical motion comprises receiving a pose dataset for an identified point on an interventional instrument retained within and in compliant movement with a cyclically moving patient anatomy for a plurality of time parameters. The method also includes determining a set of pose differentials for the identified point with respect to a reference point at each of the plurality of time parameters and identifying a periodic signal for the cyclic anatomical motion from the set of pose differentials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Inventors: Prashant Chopra, Vincent Duindam, Caitlin Donhowe, Tao Zhao, Timothy Soper, Federico Barbagli
  • Patent number: 9134150
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to calibration assemblies and methods for use with an imaging system, such as an endoscopic imaging system. A calibration assembly includes: an interface for constraining engagement with an endoscopic imaging system; a target coupled with the interface on as to be within the field of view of the imaging system, the target including multiple of markers having calibration features that include identification features; and a processor configured to identify from first and second images obtained at first and second relative spatial arrangements between the imaging system and the target, respectively, at least some of the markers from the identification features, and using the identified markers and calibration feature positions within the images to generate calibration data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Tao Zhao, Weny Zhao, David D. Scott
  • Patent number: 9130482
    Abstract: A method of performing space vector modulation for PWM control for creating AC waveforms includes generating and sampling a reference signal to generate reference samples and performing a reference vector approximation to synthesize a reference vector associated with at least one of the reference samples. The reference vector approximation employs active vectors, one or more zero vectors, and one or more pseudo zero vectors in the formation thereof. Another method of performing space vector modulation (SVM) includes generating a reference signal and sampling the reference signal at a sampling frequency to generate a plurality of reference samples. The method also includes performing a reference vector approximation to synthesize a reference vector associated with at least one of the reference samples, wherein the reference vector approximation has a first portion that employs two adjacent active vectors and a remaining portion that employs two non-adjacent active vectors in the formation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Tao Zhao, Arno Rabenstein, Theng Kiong Gan, Choon Keat Kok, Sze Main Wong
  • Publication number: 20150182289
    Abstract: In a minimally invasive surgical system, a hand tracking system tracks a location of a sensor element mounted on part of a human hand. A system control parameter is generated based on the location of the part of the human hand. Operation of the minimally invasive surgical system is controlled using the system control parameter. Thus, the minimally invasive surgical system includes a hand tracking system. The hand tracking system tracks a location of part of a human hand. A controller coupled to the hand tracking system converts the location to a system control parameter, and injects into the minimally invasive surgical system a command based on the system control parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon D. Itkowitz, Simon P. DiMaio, Tao Zhao
  • Patent number: 9057273
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for propelling self-propelled movable objects are provided. In one aspect, a rotor assembly for a self-propelled movable object comprises: a hub comprising a first fastening feature; a drive shaft comprising a second fastening feature and directly coupled to the hub by a mating connection of the first and second fastening features, wherein the drive shaft is configured to cause rotation of the hub such that the mating connection of the first and second fastening features is tightened by the rotation; and a plurality of rotor blades coupled to the hub and configured to rotate therewith to generate a propulsive force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Tao Wang, Tao Zhao, Zhi Gang Ou