Larry E Nelson

US Patent:

6842538, Jan 11, 2005

Filed:

Mar 23, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/815816

Inventors:

Seho Oh - Mukilteo WA, US
Larry A. Nelson - Seattle WA, US

International Classification:

G06K 900
G06K 962
G06K 936
H04N 100

US Classification:

382224, 382145, 382291, 358406

Abstract:

Mark detection and position determination are improved by use of directional elongated filters, symmetry, gray scale image processing, structural constraints, and learning. Directional elongated filters are used to pre-process images of registration marks to create masks and enhanced images. Working sequentially, portions of the mark are detected and classified. The input gray scale image of the mark is processed using its structural constraints in conjunction with a mask for the detected mark. A cost function estimation determines mark position and orientation with sub-pixel accuracy. Learning is used to improve specific application performance.

US Patent:

7258226, Aug 21, 2007

Filed:

Oct 12, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/962681

Inventors:

Larry Nelson - Mukilteo WA, US
Daniel E. Flanagan - Puyallup WA, US
Robert Muscato - Monmouth Junction NJ, US

Assignee:

The BOC Group, Inc. - Murray Hill NJ

International Classification:

B65G 21/18

US Classification:

198778

Abstract:

A modular drive system for a self-stacking conveyor belt adapted to travel at least along one non-linear path segment includes at least one drive cassette adapted to removably engage sidelinks on an edge of the conveyor belt, and preferably at least a first drive cassette engaging the conveyor belt sidelinks at an inner curve of the segment and at least a second drive cassette engaging the conveyor belt sidelinks at an outer curve of the segment.

US Patent:

58596950, Jan 12, 1999

Filed:

Dec 23, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/996844

Inventors:

Larry A. Nelson - Bellevue WA
James W. Woods - Albuquerque NM

Assignee:

Honeywell Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

G01N 2188

US Classification:

356 731

Abstract:

A test method and system for the testing of fiber optic connectors in a fiber optic system while the system is operational without external test equipment. An input signal is applied to one end of a fiber optic path comprising a plurality of connections, which results in an output signal. The input signal has known characteristics (e. g. , a training pulse) over the fiber optic path. The output signal, which is generated in response to the input signal, is converted from a time domain expression to a frequency domain expression using, for example, Fourier transform analysis. Then, the frequency domain expression of the output signal is combined with a frequency domain expression of the input signal to provide a waveform from which the location of each connector and its relative level of performance can be determined. Advantageously, the method and system do not require disassembly of the fiber optic path.

US Patent:

59335190, Aug 3, 1999

Filed:

Jun 3, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/867017

Inventors:

Paul S. Wilhelm - Kirkland WA
Michael G. Meyer - Seattle WA
Wendy R. Bannister - Seattle WA
William E. Ortyn - Devall WA
Larry A. Nelson - Bellevue WA
Keith L. Frost - Seattle WA
Jon W. Hayenga - Kent WA

Assignee:

Neo Path, Inc. - Redmond WA

International Classification:

G06K 900
G06K 968
G06K 970

US Classification:

382133

Abstract:

The invention detects areas of interest at low magnification, locating possible abnormal cells or other cells of interest using image processing and statistical pattern recognition techniques. Next, at high magnification, the areas identified at low magnification are re-examined. The information from the low magnification and high magnification scans is collated and a determination is made about the slide--whether it is normal, abnormal, contains endocervical component, and so forth. The invention also provides a method and apparatus to train object feature and slide feature classifiers. The invention provides an automated cytology system that can process training slides for use in a feed back classifier development environment. The invention also can classify endocervical groups of cells.

US Patent:

56279086, May 6, 1997

Filed:

Sep 20, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/309063

Inventors:

Alan C. Nelson - Redmond WA
Larry A. Nelson - Bellevue WA
Carl E. Youngmann - Seattle WA
Keith L. Frost - Seattle WA

Assignee:

NeoPath, Inc. - Redmond WA

International Classification:

G06K 900
G06K 938

US Classification:

382133

Abstract:

A cytological system dynamic normalization of a normal threshold. An analysis score from a slide is compared against a threshold to determine whether or not the slide is normal or requires microscopy review. The normal threshold is dynamically adjusted using a three step process. The process is implemented on an automatic cytology system. The first step is initial calibration of the system to determine an initial threshold. The second step is a running adjustment of the normal threshold in response to the presentation of new slides to the automatic cytology system. The third step is the batch certification of every slide. The threshold may be adjusted for an analysis score, a quality control score, or a screening score.

US Patent:

57991014, Aug 25, 1998

Filed:

Jul 21, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/897392

Inventors:

Seho Oh - Mukilteo WA
Stanley F. Patten - Issaquah WA
Alan C. Nelson - Redmond WA
Larry A. Nelson - Bellevue WA

Assignee:

NeoPath, Inc. - Redmond WA

International Classification:

G06K 900
G01N 3348

US Classification:

382133

Abstract:

A computer aided biological specimen screener is responsive to a priori information about biological specimens. An automated slide classifier scans a slide specimen and generates a set of scores. The classification which results from this set of scores depends on a priori information concerning the patient, such as patient age and prior health history and diagnosis. Using the patient information and an appropriate score, the specimen is classified. A normal threshold used for classification is changed over a wide range depending on the specificity appropriate to a particular patient risk category. The sensitivity of the classification is automatically maximized for a predetermined normal specificity.

US Patent:

61818119, Jan 30, 2001

Filed:

Jan 13, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/006457

Inventors:

Seho Oh - Mukilteo WA
Larry A. Nelson - Bellevue WA
Dayle G. Ellison - Redmond WA
Florence W. Patten - Issaquah WA

Assignee:

Neopath, Inc. - Redmond WA

International Classification:

G06K 900
G02B 2126
G01N 3348

US Classification:

382133

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for optimizing biological and cytological specimen screening and diagnosis. A slide review process is recommended for cytological specimen screening to identify abnormal sub-populations for further review and also diagnosis by a human expert. An automated screener processes a cytological specimen. Using a slide score generated by the automated screener, a slide review process using a slide score classification is determined. The recommendation of slide review processes improves overall performance of the screening process as measured by sensitivity to abnormal specimens, and at the same time reduces the work load of a human reviewer. The system also effectively and smoothly integrates the process of initial screening of the specimen with the process of further review of the specimen and final diagnosis of the specimen.