Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1991-1994
Title: Innovations of Charles F. McMillan
Introduction
Charles F. McMillan is a notable inventor based in Livermore, CA (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of optical technology, particularly in the area of corneal analysis. With a total of 4 patents to his name, McMillan's work has advanced the understanding and diagnostic capabilities related to the cornea.
Latest Patents
One of McMillan's latest patents is titled "Illumination of the cornea for profilometry." This invention presents an improved apparatus and technique for illuminating the cornea with points of light. The system is designed to analyze the specularly reflected return light, which is crucial for determining the shape of the cornea. The apparatus includes a combination of optical illumination systems that form real images of light points, along with a plurality of real light source points that are optically peripheral to the objective lens. These light sources can be optical fibers or LEDs arranged in an array, providing comprehensive coverage of both central and peripheral areas of the cornea.
Another significant patent by McMillan is the "Apparatus and method of identifying signals in biological tissues." This invention describes a technique and apparatus for identifying spots in an image that may be obscured by substantial noise. The method is particularly useful in determining corneal shape, where reflections of point light sources play a diagnostic role. The image analysis technique utilizes mathematical morphology and prior information about illumination patterns to effectively remove noise and isolate points of interest for further analysis.
Career Highlights
Charles F. McMillan is currently associated with Phoenix Laser Systems, Inc., where he continues to innovate in the field of optical technologies. His work has been instrumental in enhancing diagnostic techniques related to corneal analysis.
Collaborations
McMillan has collaborated with notable colleagues such as H. Alfred Sklar and Alan M. Frank, contributing to advancements in their shared field of expertise.
Conclusion
Charles F. McMillan's contributions to optical technology and corneal analysis have made a significant impact in the field. His innovative patents reflect his dedication to improving diagnostic techniques and enhancing our understanding of biological tissues.