Patents by Inventor Daniel Morf
Daniel Morf 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).
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Patent number: 11931601Abstract: An imager includes: an array of imager elements configured to generate image signals based on radiation received by the imager; and circuit configured to perform readout of image signals, wherein the circuit is configured to be radiation hard. An imager includes: an array of imager elements configured to generate image signals based on the radiation received by the imager; and readout and control circuit coupled to the array of imager elements, wherein the readout and control circuit is configured to perform signal readout in synchronization with an operation of a treatment beam source.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2022Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS INTERNATIONAL AGInventors: Daniel Morf, Martin Amstutz
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Patent number: 11896851Abstract: A method of radiation therapy comprises, while a gantry of a radiation therapy system rotates continuously in a first direction through a treatment arc from a first treatment delivery position to a second treatment delivery position, causing an imaging X-ray source mounted on the gantry to direct X-rays through a target volume and receiving a set of X-ray projection images from an X-ray imager mounted on the gantry; determining a current location of the target volume based on the set of X-ray projection images; and while the gantry to continues to rotate to the second treatment delivery position, initiating delivery of a treatment beam of a treatment-delivering X-ray source mounted on the gantry to the target volume, and continuing to cause the gantry to rotate in the first direction from the second treatment delivery position to a third treatment delivery position.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2021Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: John Van Heteren, Liangjia Zhu, Daniel Morf
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Publication number: 20230083536Abstract: An imager includes: an array of imager elements configured to generate image signals based on radiation received by the imager; and circuit configured to perform readout of image signals, wherein the circuit is configured to be radiation hard. An imager includes: an array of imager elements configured to generate image signals based on the radiation received by the imager; and readout and control circuit coupled to the array of imager elements, wherein the readout and control circuit is configured to perform signal readout in synchronization with an operation of a treatment beam source.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2022Publication date: March 16, 2023Inventors: Daniel MORF, Martin AMSTUTZ
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Patent number: 11590369Abstract: In a radiation therapy system, treatment X-rays are delivered to a target volume at the same time that imaging X-rays are also delivered to the target volume for generating image data of the target volume. That is, during an imaging interval in which imaging X-rays are delivered to the target volume, one or more pulses of treatment X-rays are also delivered to the target volume. In each pixel of an X-ray imaging device of the radiation therapy system, image signal is accumulated during portions of the imaging interval in which only imaging X-rays are delivered to the target volume and is prevented from accumulating in each pixel during the pulses of treatment X-rays.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2019Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Simon Keller, Daniel Morf, Peter Munro
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Patent number: 11478663Abstract: An imager includes: an array of imager elements configured to generate image signals based on radiation received by the imager; and circuit configured to perform readout of image signals, wherein the circuit is configured to be radiation hard. An imager includes: an array of imager elements configured to generate image signals based on the radiation received by the imager; and readout and control circuit coupled to the array of imager elements, wherein the readout and control circuit is configured to perform signal readout in synchronization with an operation of a treatment beam source.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2018Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL AGInventors: Daniel Morf, Martin Amstutz
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Publication number: 20220159198Abstract: A radiation therapy system is configured with fast readout of X-ray images with significantly reduced image lag. A reset phase is included in the process of acquiring an X-ray image to reduce image lag in a subsequently acquired X-ray image. During the reset phase, residual charge is concurrently transferred from multiple arrays of pixel detector elements in an X-ray detector panel. As a result, image lag present in a subsequent X-ray image is minimized or otherwise reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2022Publication date: May 19, 2022Applicant: Varian Medical Systems International AGInventors: Simon KELLER, Daniel MORF
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Publication number: 20220151572Abstract: A cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) method uses a continuous beam and an area detector to carry out fast acquisition of projection data. The acquired projection data are then reconstructed to generate tomographic images. In acquisition of the projection data, a radiation source continuously irradiates a subject with a cone beam of radiation from a plurality of angles and an area detector continuously reads out data. A CBCT system including a source operable to produce a cone beam of radiation and an area detector movable in synchrony with the source to rapidly acquire projection data for CBCT construction is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2022Publication date: May 19, 2022Inventors: Mathias Lehmann, Reto Ansorge, Manuel Waser, Daniel Morf
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Patent number: 11298088Abstract: A cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) method uses a continuous beam and an area detector to carry out fast acquisition of projection data. The acquired projection data are then reconstructed to generate tomographic images. In acquisition of the projection data, a radiation source continuously irradiates a subject with a cone beam of radiation from a plurality of angles and an area detector continuously reads out data. A CBCT system including a source operable to produce a cone beam of radiation and an area detector movable in synchrony with the source to rapidly acquire projection data for CBCT construction is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2020Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: Varian Medical Systems International AGInventors: Mathias Lehmann, Reto Ansorge, Manuel Waser, Daniel Morf
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Publication number: 20220079534Abstract: A cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) system employs a large area detector and a cone-beam radiation source to allow for acquisition of projection images in about 180 degrees plus a fan angle to provide a complete data set for CBCT reconstruction to generate an image volume with a field of view (FOV) of at least about 20 cm.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2020Publication date: March 17, 2022Inventors: Daniel Morf, Martin Amstutz, Simon Keller
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Patent number: 11245860Abstract: A radiation therapy system is configured with fast readout of X-ray images with significantly reduced image lag. A reset phase is included in the process of acquiring an X-ray image to reduce image lag in a subsequently acquired X-ray image. During the reset phase, residual charge is concurrently transferred from multiple arrays of pixel detector elements in an X-ray detector panel. As a result, image lag present in a subsequent X-ray image is minimized or otherwise reduced.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2019Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Inventors: Simon Keller, Daniel Morf
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Publication number: 20210393989Abstract: A method of radiation therapy comprises, while a gantry of a radiation therapy system rotates continuously in a first direction through a treatment arc from a first treatment delivery position to a second treatment delivery position, causing an imaging X-ray source mounted on the gantry to direct X-rays through a target volume and receiving a set of X-ray projection images from an X-ray imager mounted on the gantry; determining a current location of the target volume based on the set of X-ray projection images; and while the gantry to continues to rotate to the second treatment delivery position, initiating delivery of a treatment beam of a treatment-delivering X-ray source mounted on the gantry to the target volume, and continuing to cause the gantry to rotate in the first direction from the second treatment delivery position to a third treatment delivery position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2021Publication date: December 23, 2021Applicant: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: John VAN HETEREN, Liangjia ZHU, Daniel MORF
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Publication number: 20210353964Abstract: Time-domain interleaving of treatment X-rays and imaging X-rays during an image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) process in a radiation therapy system prevents scatter of the treatment X-rays from degrading the quality of X-ray images used to generate volumetric image data of a target volume. Imaging X-rays are delivered to the target volume during one or more imaging intervals, and one or more pulses of treatment X-rays are delivered to the target volume between the imaging intervals. In instances in which a pulse of treatment X-rays is timed to occur during an imaging interval, the pulse of treatment X-rays is inhibited from occurring during the imaging interval and is rescheduled to occur at a later time that does not coincide with that imaging interval or subsequent imaging intervals.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2019Publication date: November 18, 2021Applicant: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Simon KELLER, Daniel MORF, Peter MUNRO
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Publication number: 20210346723Abstract: In a radiation therapy system, treatment X-rays are delivered to a target volume at the same time that imaging X-rays are also delivered to the target volume for generating image data of the target volume. That is, during an imaging interval in which imaging X-rays are delivered to the target volume, one or more pulses of treatment X-rays are also delivered to the target volume. In each pixel of an X-ray imaging device of the radiation therapy system, image signal is accumulated during portions of the imaging interval in which only imaging X-rays are delivered to the target volume and is prevented from accumulating in each pixel during the pulses of treatment X-rays.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2019Publication date: November 11, 2021Applicant: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Simon KELLER, Daniel MORF, Peter MUNRO
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Patent number: 11156727Abstract: An imaging device includes: a scintillator layer; and an array of photodiode elements; wherein the scintillator layer is configured to receive radiation that has passed through the array of photodiode elements. An imaging device includes: a scintillator layer having a plurality of scintillator elements configured to convert radiation into photons; and an array of photodiode elements configured to receive photons from the scintillator layer, and generate electrical signals in response to the received photons; wherein at least two of the scintillator elements are separated by an air gap. An imaging device includes: a first scintillator layer having a plurality of scintillator elements arranged in a first plane; and a second scintillator layer having a plurality of scintillator elements arranged in a second plane; wherein the first scintillator layer and the second scintillator layer are arranged next to each other and form a non-zero angle relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2015Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Shedlock, Josh M. Star-Lack, Daniel Morf, Eric Abel, Gary F. Virshup, Andre Meyer, Viktor Steinlin, Mingshan Sun
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Publication number: 20210298694Abstract: A cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) method uses a continuous beam and an area detector to carry out fast acquisition of projection data. The acquired projection data are then reconstructed to generate tomographic images. In acquisition of the projection data, a radiation source continuously irradiates a subject with a cone beam of radiation from a plurality of angles and an area detector continuously reads out data. A CBCT system including a source operable to produce a cone beam of radiation and an area detector movable in synchrony with the source to rapidly acquire projection data for CBCT construction is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2020Publication date: September 30, 2021Inventors: Mathias Lehmann, Reto Ansorge, Manuel Waser, Daniel Morf
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Publication number: 20210282735Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are presented for automatic tuning, calibration, and verification of radiation therapy systems comprising control elements configured to control parameters of the radiation therapy systems based on images obtained using electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs) included in the radiation therapy system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2021Publication date: September 16, 2021Inventors: Robert T. WIGGERS, Daryl LEUNG, Reto W. FILIBERTI, Daniel MORF, Diana KUNG, Stephen GAUDIO
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Patent number: 11110300Abstract: A method of radiation therapy comprises, while a gantry of a radiation therapy system rotates continuously in a first direction through a treatment arc from a first treatment delivery position to a second treatment delivery position, causing an imaging X-ray source mounted on the gantry to direct X-rays through a target volume and receiving a set of X-ray projection images from an X-ray imager mounted on the gantry; determining a current location of the target volume based on the set of X-ray projection images; and while the gantry to continues to rotate to the second treatment delivery position, initiating delivery of a treatment beam of a treatment-delivering X-ray source mounted on the gantry to the target volume, and continuing to cause the gantry to rotate in the first direction from the second treatment delivery position to a third treatment delivery position.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2019Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: John Van Heteren, Liangjia Zhu, Daniel Morf
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Patent number: 11058393Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are presented for automatic tuning, calibration, and verification of radiation therapy systems comprising control elements configured to control parameters of the radiation therapy systems based on images obtained using electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs) included in the radiation therapy system.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2017Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignees: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC., VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL AGInventors: Robert T. Wiggers, Daryl Leung, Reto W. Filiberti, Daniel Morf, Diana Kung, Stephen Gaudio
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Publication number: 20210185245Abstract: A radiation therapy system is configured with fast readout of X-ray images with significantly reduced image lag. A reset phase is included in the process of acquiring an X-ray image to reduce image lag in a subsequently acquired X-ray image. During the reset phase, residual charge is concurrently transferred from multiple arrays of pixel detector elements in an X-ray detector panel. As a result, image lag present in a subsequent X-ray image is minimized or otherwise reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2019Publication date: June 17, 2021Applicant: Varian Medical Systems International AGInventors: Simon KELLER, Daniel MORF
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Patent number: 11027153Abstract: A radiation therapy system is configured to enable imaging and treatment of a target volume during a single patient breath hold. The radiation system includes a rotating gantry on which are mounted a treatment-delivering X-ray source and multiple imaging X-ray sources and corresponding X-ray imaging devices. The multiple imaging X-ray sources and X-ray imaging devices enable the acquisition of volumetric image data for the target volume over a relatively short rotational arc, for example 30 degrees or less. Therefore, intra-fraction motion can be detected in near-real time, for example within about one second or less. The radiation therapy system can perform image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) that monitors intra-fraction motion using X-ray imaging. Detected anatomical variations can then either be compensated for, via patient repositioning and/or treatment modification, or the current treatment can be aborted.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2019Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: John Van Heteren, Liangjia Zhu, Daniel Morf, Stefan Georg Scheib, Pascal Paysan