Patents by Inventor Timothy Soper

Timothy Soper 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).

  • Patent number: 10912523
    Abstract: A method includes receiving a first set of image data representing passageways at a first cyclical motion state, receiving a second set of image data representing the passageways at a second cyclical motion state, receiving pose data for points describing a shape of an instrument, and comparing the shape of the instrument to the first and second sets of image data. The comparing includes assigning match scores to the sets of image data by comparing each to the shape of the instrument and determining a selected set of image data that matches the shape. The method further includes identifying a phase of a cyclical anatomical motion, generating a command signal indicating an intended movement of the instrument, adjusting the command signal to include an instruction for a cyclical instrument motion of the instrument based on the phase of the cyclical anatomical motion, and causing the intended movement of the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Prashant Chopra, Vincent Duindam, Caitlin Donhowe, Tao Zhao, Timothy Soper, Federico Barbagli
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080058629
    Abstract: A scanning fiber endoscope (SFE) system selectively operable in a plurality of different modes. One or more illumination optical fibers convey different types of light to an internal site. A scanner that is resonantly driven in a desired pattern collects light from the internal site. The scanner can be a cantilevered distal end of a scanning optical fiber or a scanning mirror. The illumination optical fiber(s) can be moved in a non-resonant manner to alter the direction at which the light is emitted. In a therapy mode, a relatively high-power light can be applied to the site, while in a monitoring mode, the scanner can be used to image the tissue at the internal site after or during therapy. Exemplary SFE probes are disclosed for measuring scattering angle (which can detect larger cancer cell nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio), absorption depth, axial distance to tissue, and other conditions at the internal site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: University of washington
    Inventors: Eric Seibel, Richard S. Johnston, Timothy Soper, Charles D. Melville
  • Publication number: 20060149134
    Abstract: Visual-assisted guidance of an ultra-thin flexible endoscope to a predetermined region of interest within a lung during a bronchoscopy procedure. The region may be an opacity-identified by non-invasive imaging methods, such as high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) or as a malignant lung mass that was diagnosed in a previous examination. An embedded position sensor on the flexible endoscope indicates the position of the distal tip of the probe in a Cartesian coordinate system during the procedure. A visual display is continually updated, showing the present position and orientation of the marker in a 3-D graphical airway model generated from image reconstruction. The visual display also includes windows depicting a virtual fly-through perspective and real-time video images acquired at the head of the endoscope, which can be stored as data, with an audio or textual account.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 6, 2006
    Applicant: University of Washington
    Inventors: Timothy Soper, Robb Glenny, Eric Seibel
  • Publication number: 20050182295
    Abstract: Visual-assisted guidance of an ultra-thin flexible endoscope to a predetermined region of interest within a lung during a bronchoscopy procedure. The region may be an opacity-identified by non-invasive imaging methods, such as high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) or as a malignant lung mass that was diagnosed in a previous examination. An embedded position sensor on the flexible endoscope indicates the position of the distal tip of the probe in a Cartesian coordinate system during the procedure. A visual display is continually updated, showing the present position and orientation of the marker in a 3-D graphical airway model generated from image reconstruction. The visual display also includes windows depicting a virtual fly-through perspective and real-time video images acquired at the head of the endoscope, which can be stored as data, with an audio or textual account.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Publication date: August 18, 2005
    Applicant: University of Washington
    Inventors: Timothy Soper, Robb Glenny, Eric Seibel