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For the Inventor, By the Inventor

Cupertino, CA, United States of America

Thomas Guthrie Zimmerman

This inventor holds 59 USPTO granted patents and 3 published patent applications and 1 EPO patent, primarily in Optical Measurement Systems (CPC class A61B). Top assignees: International Business Machines Corporation, Vpl Research, Inc., Sun Microsystems, Inc.. Active years: 1985-2024.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Thomas Guthrie Zimmerman. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/thomas-guthrie-zimmerman

Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile

USPTO Granted Patents = 59 

% Patents Active = 64.4


Average Co-Inventor Count = 1.6

ph-index = 26

Forward Citations = 3,795(Granted Patents)

Forward Citations (Not Self Cited) = 3,739(Dec 10, 2025)


Inventors with similar research interests:


Location History:

  • Flushing, NY (US) (1985 - 1994)
  • Melrose, MA (US) (1996)
  • San Francisco, CA (US) (1991 - 2007)
  • San Jose, CA (US) (2014 - 2017)
  • Cupertino, CA (US) (1996 - 2022)

Company Filing History:

goldMedal48 out of 166,351 
 
International Business Machines Corporation
 patents
silverMedal4 out of 12 
 
Vpl Research, Inc.
 patents
bronzeMedal2 out of 7,642 
 
Sun Microsystems, Inc.
 patents
4. 1 out of 1,422 
 
Nuance Communications, Inc.
 patents
5. 1 out of 16,025 
 
University of California
 patents
6. 4 out of 834,513 
Other
 patents
where one patent can have more than one assignee

Years Active: 1985-2024

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Areas of Expertise:
Ophthalmoscope
IoT Enabled
Optical Measurement
Emotion Visualization
Biometric Sensor
Identity Verification
Digital Pen
3D Modeling
Inventory Tracking
Speech Enhancement
Training Set Generation
Distance Perception
59 patents (USPTO):Explore Patents
1. 12106505 - Reflection-based distance perception (2024-10-01),
2. 11452446 - Ophthalmoscope using natural pupil dilation (2022-09-27),
3. 11288590 - Automatic generation of training sets using subject matter experts on social media (2022-03-29),
4. 11229358 - Ophthalmoscope using natural pupil dilation (2022-01-25),
5. 11150187 - Portable and autonomous, IoT enabled, optical measurement system (2021-10-19),
6. 10986228 - System and method for monitoring and visualizing emotions in call center dialogs by call center supervisors (2021-04-20),
7. 10827923 - Ophthalmoscope using natural pupil dilation (2020-11-10),
8. 10810759 - Creating a three-dimensional model from a sequence of images (2020-10-20),
9. 10805464 - System and method for monitoring and visualizing emotions in call center dialogs at call centers (2020-10-13),
10. 10638926 - Ophthalmoscope using natural pupil dilation (2020-05-05),
11. 10524655 - Ophthalmoscope using natural pupil dilation (2020-01-07),
12. 10477020 - System and method for monitoring and visualizing emotions in call center dialogs at call centers (2019-11-12),
13. 10429303 - Portable and autonomous, IoT enabled, optical measurement system (2019-10-01),
14. 10419612 - System and method for monitoring and visualizing emotions in call center dialogs by call center supervisors (2019-09-17),
15. 10387940 - Interactive decision support based on preferences derived from user-generated content sources (2019-08-20),

Title: Innovations of Thomas Guthrie Zimmerman: A Pioneer in Patented Technologies

Introduction: Thomas Guthrie Zimmerman, a prominent inventor based in Cupertino, CA, has made significant contributions to the field of technology with an impressive portfolio of 59 patents. His innovative work focuses on enhancing optical devices and distance perception mechanisms, showcasing his ability to merge creativity with technical expertise.

Latest Patents: Among his latest inventions are two notable patents that demonstrate his ingenuity. The first is a technology for reflection-based distance perception. This innovation enables a single camera to determine the height of an object by using a reflective surface backdrop. The camera captures the image of the object and, by analyzing the distance from the camera to the reflective surface as well as the distance between the object and its reflection, calculates the depth information effectively.

The second patent is an ophthalmic device that utilizes natural pupil dilation for enhanced eye examinations. It features a single or dual compartment configuration, which selectively emits infrared and visible light beams to perform precise eye fundus imaging. This device aids healthcare professionals in detecting eye-related ailments through analysis of anomalies in the pupillary reflex, significantly improving diagnostic accuracy.

Career Highlights: Thomas has worked with leading companies such as International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) and Vpl Research, Inc., where he applied his skills to develop innovative technological solutions. His tenure in these organizations has been marked by a strong commitment to research and development, positioning him as a key player in his field.

Collaborations: Throughout his career, Thomas has had the opportunity to collaborate with esteemed professionals, including Barton Allen Smith and Alexandros Karargyris. These partnerships have further enhanced his capabilities and have contributed to the successful development of various pioneering inventions.

Conclusion: Thomas Guthrie Zimmerman exemplifies the spirit of innovation through his extensive patent portfolio and contributions to optical technology and device design. His ability to create solutions that address practical challenges serves as an inspiration to aspiring inventors and industry professionals alike.

Profile summary based on public USPTO records.
Data Sources: USPTO Patent Grant XML, Patent Center, EPO & CIPO • Normalized by IDiyas Innovation Graph. Methodology & provenance architecturePlease report any incorrect information to [email protected]
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