Washington Patent of the Month – March 2025

Proprio, a Seattle-based medical technology company, has secured U.S. Patent No. 12,243,162 for “Methods and systems for augmenting depth data from a depth sensor, such as with data from a multiview camera system.” This innovation promises to significantly improve real-time surgical imaging by integrating data from multiple sources to create more accurate 3D visualizations.​

Bridging Gaps in Surgical Visualization

Traditional depth sensors often struggle with occlusions, leading to incomplete data during procedures. Proprio’s patented system addresses this by combining depth sensor data with images from multiple cameras. When the depth sensor encounters blind spots, the system uses adjacent image data to fill in the missing information, resulting in a comprehensive 3D point cloud of the surgical scene.​

This method enhances the surgeon’s ability to visualize complex anatomical structures, potentially reducing the risk of errors and improving patient outcomes.​Justia Patents+6US Patent and Trademark Search+6US Patent and Trademark Search+6

Real-World Impact and Future Applications

By providing a more complete and accurate representation of the surgical field, Proprio’s technology could revolutionize how surgeons plan and execute procedures. The integration of AI-driven depth mapping allows for better navigation and precision, particularly in minimally invasive surgeries where visibility is limited.​

Beyond the operating room, this technology has potential applications in medical training, allowing students and professionals to experience more realistic simulations. It could also be adapted for use in other fields requiring precise 3D mapping, such as robotics and virtual reality.​

With this patent, Proprio solidifies its position at the forefront of surgical innovation, offering tools that enhance both the safety and efficacy of medical procedures.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.