Patents by Inventor Enn-Ling Chen
Enn-Ling Chen 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).
-
Publication number: 20230288509Abstract: A method for reordering a segmented MRI pulse sequence includes synchronizing to a physiologic signal of a heart or vessel, to a respiratory signal, or to an external trigger source, and acquiring a plurality of data collecting segments as a contiguous block in a phase encoding direction such that lines of the plurality of data collecting segments are alternately acquired in a forward direction and a reverse direction for each consecutive data collecting segment.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2023Publication date: September 14, 2023Inventors: Wolfgang G. Rehwald, Raymond J. Kim, Enn-Ling Chen, David C. Wendell
-
Publication number: 20230132314Abstract: A system and method comprises execution of a segmented magnetic resonance imaging pulse sequence, the pulse sequence including a plurality of shots, each of the plurality of shots including an inversion recovery preparation pulse and acquiring a respective segment of k-space lines, wherein each shot comprises a different inversion time between a peak of the inversion recovery pulse and a midpoint of the acquisition of the respective segment of k-space lines, and reconstruction of an image based on the acquired respective segments of k-space lines. In some aspects, the k-space lines acquired by each shot are consecutive in a phase encoding direction of k-space and each shot acquires the segments of k-space lines acquired by prior shots in the sequence, and a time delay between the inversion recovery preparation pulse and acquisition of a first segment for each shot is equal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2022Publication date: April 27, 2023Inventors: Wolfgang G. Rehwald, Raymond J. Kim, Enn-Ling Chen
-
Patent number: 10955511Abstract: A method for correcting image inhomogeneity includes acquiring a non-normalized image and a reference image using receiver coils. A high-signal mask and a low-signal mask are created. Each pixel in the high-signal mask is set to a predetermined integer value if the reference image pixel at the same specific location has a value above a threshold value. Each pixel in the low-signal mask is set to the predetermined integer value if the reference image pixel at the same specific location has a value below or equal to the threshold value. A coil normalization map is created by smoothing the reference image with filters. Then, an iterative procedure is performed to update the coil normalization map using the high-signal mask and the low-signal mask. Following the iterative procedure, the non-normalized image is divided by the current coil normalization map to yield a normalized image.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2019Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignees: Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Duke UniversityInventors: Wolfgang G. Rehwald, David C. Wendell, Elizabeth R. Jenista, Enn-Ling Chen, Raymond J. Kim
-
Publication number: 20200241100Abstract: A method for correcting image inhomogeneity includes acquiring a non-normalized image and a reference image using receiver coils. A high-signal mask and a low-signal mask are created. Each pixel in the high-signal mask is set to a predetermined integer value if the reference image pixel at the same specific location has a value above a threshold value. Each pixel in the low-signal mask is set to the predetermined integer value if the reference image pixel at the same specific location has a value below or equal to the threshold value. A coil normalization map is created by smoothing the reference image with filters. Then, an iterative procedure is performed to update the coil normalization map using the high-signal mask and the low-signal mask. Following the iterative procedure, the non-normalized image is divided by the current coil normalization map to yield a normalized image.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2019Publication date: July 30, 2020Inventors: Wolfgang G. Rehwald, David C. Wendall, Elizabeth R. Jenista, Enn-Ling Chen, Raymond J. Kim
-
Patent number: 10591568Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system and method are provided for improved phase-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging of tissues affected by cardiovascular pulsatile motion. A magnetically-prepared image dataset and corresponding reference image dataset (for phase sensitivity) are obtained within the duration of a single cardiac cycle. The paired datasets can be single-shot or segmented datasets and a navigator sequence can optionally be provided with each paired dataset. The system and method take advantage of the shape symmetry of the cardiac cycle to acquire the paired dataset in a shorter time interval, thereby reducing misregistration artifacts. The magnetic preparation can include inversion recovery pulses, FIDDLE sequences, other magnetic preparation sequences, or combinations thereof. The reference dataset can be acquired at a lower resolution than the corresponding magnetically-prepared dataset without compromising image quality.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2017Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignees: Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Duke UniversityInventors: Wolfgang G. Rehwald, David C. Wendell, Elizabeth R. Jenista, Enn-Ling Chen, Raymond J. Kim
-
Patent number: 10551455Abstract: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems and methods using adiabatic tip-down and matched adiabatic flip-back pulses are disclosed. According to an aspect, a system includes a signal generator configured to generate a pulse sequence for on-resonance magnetization transfer preparation. The pulse sequence includes an adiabatic tip-down pulse and a matched adiabatic flip-back pulse for separating spins in a mobile spin pool from spins in a bound spin pool of an anatomical region of interest for imaging. The system includes radio frequency (RF) coils configured to transmit RF pulses in response to the pulse sequence and to acquire RF data in response to transmission of the RF pulses. Further, the system includes a processing system configured to process the RF data to provide a display image indicating different tissue types with discrimination.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2016Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignees: Duke University, Siemens Healthcare GmbHInventors: David Wendell, Wolfgang Rehwald, Enn-Ling Chen, Raymond Kim
-
Patent number: 10067208Abstract: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquisition and reconstruction techniques that invert MR signals of selected frequencies without the application of inversion RF pulses are disclosed. An example method comprises acquisition of at least one MR image representative dataset and an associated phase reference dataset, and classifies anatomical material into a first component representing anatomical material having a first range of resonance frequencies associated with a first range of phase differences between the MR image representative dataset and the reference image dataset and a second component representing anatomical material having a second range of resonance frequencies associated with a second range of phase differences between the MR image representative dataset and the reference image dataset. The method assigns different visual attributes to first and second components derived using phase differences between the MR image representative dataset and the reference image dataset and displays an image.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2012Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: Duke UniversityInventors: Raymond J. Kim, Elizabeth R. Jenista, Han W. Kim, Enn-Ling Chen
-
Publication number: 20180203086Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system and method are provided for improved phase-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging of tissues affected by cardiovascular pulsatile motion. A magnetically-prepared image dataset and corresponding reference image dataset (for phase sensitivity) are obtained within the duration of a single cardiac cycle. The paired datasets can be single-shot or segmented datasets and a navigator sequence can optionally be provided with each paired dataset. The system and method take advantage of the shape symmetry of the cardiac cycle to acquire the paired dataset in a shorter time interval, thereby reducing misregistration artifacts. The magnetic preparation can include inversion recovery pulses, FIDDLE sequences, other magnetic preparation sequences, or combinations thereof. The reference dataset can be acquired at a lower resolution than the corresponding magnetically-prepared dataset without compromising image quality.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2017Publication date: July 19, 2018Inventors: Wolfgang G. Rehwald, David C. Wendell, Elizabeth R. Jenista, Enn-Ling Chen, Raymond J. Kim
-
Publication number: 20180143276Abstract: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems and methods using adiabatic tip-down and matched adiabatic flip-back pulses are disclosed. According to an aspect, a system includes a signal generator configured to generate a pulse sequence for on-resonance magnetization transfer preparation. The pulse sequence includes an adiabatic tip-down pulse and a matched adiabatic flip-back pulse for separating spins in a mobile spin pool from spins in a bound spin pool of an anatomical region of interest for imaging. The system includes radio frequency (RF) coils configured to transmit RF pulses in response to the pulse sequence and to acquire RF data in response to transmission of the RF pulses. Further, the system includes a processing system configured to process the RF data to provide a display image indicating different tissue types with discrimination.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2016Publication date: May 24, 2018Inventors: David Wendell, Wolfgang Rehwald, Enn-Ling Chen, Raymond Kim
-
Patent number: 9256977Abstract: A virtual frequency selective inversion (VFSI) method receives at least one MR image representative dataset and an associated phase reference dataset, and classifies anatomical material into a first component representing anatomical material having a first range of resonance frequencies associated with a first range of phase differences between the MR image representative dataset and the associated phase reference image dataset, and a second component representing anatomical material having a second range of resonance frequencies associated with a second range of phase differences between the MR image representative dataset and the associated phase reference image dataset. The method assigns different visual attributes to first and second components derived using phase differences between the MR image representative dataset and the reference image dataset and displays an image.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2012Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignees: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., Duke UniversityInventors: Wolfgang G Rehwald, Elizabeth R Jenista, Raymond J Kim, Han W Kim, Enn-Ling Chen
-
Patent number: 9081073Abstract: An MR system acquires, over multiple heart cycles, image datasets representing multiple image slices of an anatomical region of interest of a patient. In the device, an RF signal generator and a magnetic field gradient generator provides an RF pulse and magnetic field gradient sequence for RF signal excitation of the region of interest and for acquiring RF data following the signal excitation. The sequence comprises, a first sequence occurring substantially immediately after the acquisition of image data using a readout magnetic field gradient. The first sequence includes an RF pulse with a predetermined flip angle followed by a magnetic field gradient pulse for reducing field magnetization to substantially zero. The first sequence is preceded by a dummy acquisition sequence comprising the elements of the first sequence except substantially without acquisition of data.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2012Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignees: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., Duke UniversityInventors: Wolfgang G. Rehwald, Enn-Ling Chen, Raymond J. Kim, Elizabeth R. Jenista
-
Publication number: 20150077106Abstract: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquisition and reconstruction techniques that invert MR signals of selected frequencies without the application of inversion RF pulses are disclosed. An example method comprises acquisition of at least one MR image representative dataset and an associated phase reference dataset, and classifies anatomical material into a first component representing anatomical material having a first range of resonance frequencies associated with a first range of phase differences between the MR image representative dataset and the reference image dataset and a second component representing anatomical material having a second range of resonance frequencies associated with a second range of phase differences between the MR image representative dataset and the reference image dataset. The method assigns different visual attributes to first and second components derived using phase differences between the MR image representative dataset and the reference image dataset and displays an image.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2012Publication date: March 19, 2015Inventors: Raymond J. Kim, Elizabeth R. Jenista, Han W. Kim, Enn-Ling Chen
-
Patent number: 8797031Abstract: A system provides B1- and B0-insensitive, blood flow and motion-robust T2-preparation and T2-preparation combined with inversion recovery. An MR imaging system discriminates between imaged tissue types based on transverse relaxation time (T2) or transverse relaxation time combined with longitudinal recovery time (T1). A signal generator generates a pulse sequence for T2 preparation or combined T2-preparation with inversion recovery comprising one or more B1 independent refocusing (BIREF-1) pulses for refocusing of magnetization of an anatomical region of interest being imaged, and different combinations of adiabatic or non-adiabatic tip-down and flip-back pulses. Multiple RF coils transmit RF pulses in response to the pulse sequence and acquire RF data in response to transmission of the RF pulses. A processing system processes the RF data to provide a display image indicating different tissue types with enhanced discrimination based on T2 relaxation time difference or combined T2 and T1 time difference.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignees: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., Duke UniversityInventors: Wolfgang G Rehwald, Enn-Ling Chen, Raymond J Kim
-
Publication number: 20130194265Abstract: A virtual frequency selective inversion (VFSI) method receives at least one MR image representative dataset and an associated phase reference dataset, and classifies anatomical material into a first component representing anatomical material having a first range of resonance frequencies associated with a first range of phase differences between the MR image representative dataset and the associated phase reference image dataset, and a second component representing anatomical material having a second range of resonance frequencies associated with a second range of phase differences between the MR image representative dataset and the associated phase reference image dataset. The method assigns different visual attributes to first and second components derived using phase differences between the MR image representative dataset and the reference image dataset and displays an image.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2012Publication date: August 1, 2013Inventors: Wolfgang G Rehwald, Elizabeth R Jenista, Raymond J Kim, Han W Kim, Enn-Ling Chen
-
Patent number: 8446148Abstract: A method of suppressing artifacts arising from tissue, fluids, or other long-T1 species when acquiring magnetic resonance data with a segmented pulse sequence that assumes that magnetization is at steady state, said method including suppressing artifacts by producing an artifact suppression module (ASM) before the segmented sequence, the artifact suppression module comprising at least one selective, non-selective, or volume-selective suppression pulse and a time delay.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2009Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignees: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., Duke UniversityInventors: Wolfgang Gerhard Rehwald, Enn-Ling Chen, Raymond J. Kim
-
Publication number: 20120194187Abstract: An MR system acquires, over multiple heart cycles, image datasets representing multiple image slices of an anatomical region of interest of a patient. In the device, an RF signal generator and a magnetic field gradient generator provides an RF pulse and magnetic field gradient sequence for RF signal excitation of the region of interest and for acquiring RF data following the signal excitation. The sequence comprises, a first sequence occurring substantially immediately after the acquisition of image data using a readout magnetic field gradient. The first sequence includes an RF pulse with a predetermined flip angle followed by a magnetic field gradient pulse for reducing field magnetization to substantially zero. The first sequence is preceded by a dummy acquisition sequence comprising the elements of the first sequence except substantially without acquisition of data.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Inventors: Wolfgang G. Rehwald, Enn-Ling Chen, Raymond J. Kim, Elizabeth R. Jenista
-
Publication number: 20120194186Abstract: A system provides B1- and B0-insensitive, blood flow and motion-robust T2-preparation and T2-preparation combined with inversion recovery. An MR imaging system discriminates between imaged tissue types based on transverse relaxation time (T2) or transverse relaxation time combined with longitudinal recovery time (T1). A signal generator generates a pulse sequence for T2 preparation or combined T2-preparation with inversion recovery comprising one or more B1 independent refocusing (BIREF-1) pulses for refocusing of magnetization of an anatomical region of interest being imaged, and different combinations of adiabatic or non-adiabatic tip-down and flip-back pulses. Multiple RF coils transmit RF pulses in response to the pulse sequence and acquire RF data in response to transmission of the RF pulses. A processing system processes the RF data to provide a display image indicating different tissue types with enhanced discrimination based on T2 relaxation time difference or combined T2 and T1 time difference.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2011Publication date: August 2, 2012Inventors: Wolfgang G. Rehwald, Enn-Ling Chen, Raymond J. Kim
-
Publication number: 20120185786Abstract: A method of managing medical information is disclosed. Medical image data is received, at a real-time transfer engine, at the same time that the patient is being scanned by a medical imaging device. The medical image data is then converted to a browser-compatible image format at a converter engine connected to receive the medical image data from the real-time transfer engine. The converter engine comprises a decoder engine for extracting image pixel data from the medical image data and an encoding engine for converting the image pixel data to a browser-compatible format connected to receive the image pixel data. The image pixel data may be converted to a browser compatible format without loss of diagnostic data.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2012Publication date: July 19, 2012Applicant: Heart Imaging Technologies LLC.Inventors: Robert M. Judd, Enn-Ling Chen, Raymond J. Kim
-
Patent number: 8166381Abstract: A method of managing medical information is disclosed. Medical image data is received, at a real-time transfer engine, at the same time that the patient is being scanned by a medical imaging device. The medical image data is then converted to a browser-compatible image format at a converter engine connected to receive the medical image data from the real-time transfer engine. The converter engine comprises a decoder engine for extracting image pixel data from the medical image data and an encoding engine for converting the image pixel data to a browser-compatible format connected to receive the image pixel data. The image pixel data may be converted to a browser compatible format without loss of diagnostic data.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2005Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Heart Imaging Technologies, LLCInventors: Robert M. Judd, Enn-Ling Chen, Raymond J. Kim
-
Patent number: 8055636Abstract: A method of managing medical images is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a plurality of images corresponding to a plurality of modalities, displaying to a user at a client computer a selection comprising images associated with at least two different modalities, and, in response to the user selection, simultaneously displaying at the client computer images corresponding to at least two different modalities.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2005Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Heart Imaging Technologies, LLCInventors: Robert M. Judd, Enn-Ling Chen, Raymond J. Kim