Patents by Inventor Ernst Klotz

Ernst Klotz 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: 20240070866
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method comprises: receiving a measurement data set, the measurement data set including energy resolved data based on a computed tomography scan of the patient; reconstructing a morphology preserving image data set based on a first photon-energy band or a first combination of photon-energy bands described by the measurement data set; segmenting a blood pool within a myocardium in the morphology preserving image data set; reconstructing a contrast agent map based on a second photon-energy band or a second combination of photon-energy bands described by the measurement data set; determining a reference value based on at least one pixel or voxel of the contrast agent map within the segmented blood pool; and determining a respective myocardial extracellular volume fraction depending on the reference value and a value given for at least one respective pixel or voxel outside the segmented blood pool by the contrast agent map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Applicant: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Michael WELS, Suha AYMAN, Max SCHOEBINGER, Thomas ALLMENDINGER, Ernst KLOTZ, Bernhard SCHMIDT
  • Patent number: 9984477
    Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, a plurality of images of a region under examination are recorded at different times. Anatomical information and flow information are derived from the images. The anatomical information may relate to the course of vessels or the structure of perfused tissue. The temporal component of the flow information can advantageously be combined with the anatomical information in a resultant image. An intensity-dependent fenestration assigns a gray-scale value to pixels of the resultant image in accordance with the anatomical information. A time-dependent fenestration assigns a chromaticity to the pixels of the resultant image in accordance with the flow information and the gray-scale values and the chromaticities are assigned independently of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hendrik Ditt, Ernst Klotz
  • Publication number: 20160148379
    Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, a plurality of images of a region under examination are recorded at different times. Anatomical information and flow information are derived from the images. The anatomical information may relate to the course of vessels or the structure of perfused tissue. The temporal component of the flow information can advantageously be combined with the anatomical information in a resultant image. An intensity-dependent fenestration assigns a gray-scale value to pixels of the resultant image in accordance with the anatomical information. A time-dependent fenestration assigns a chromaticity to the pixels of the resultant image in accordance with the flow information and the gray-scale values and the chromaticities are assigned independently of one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Inventors: Hendrik DITT, Ernst KLOTZ
  • Patent number: 9082167
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for the reconstruction of image data of an examination object from measurement data. First and second image data are reconstructed from the measurement data with a first and second respective image characteristic, with an enhanced signal-to-noise ratio of the second image characteristic relative to the first image characteristic. Enhanced image data is calculated using an iterative algorithm using the first and the second image data. In the case of the iterative algorithm, a low pass is applied to a difference between the first image data and the image data of an iteration cycle, and a high pass to a difference between the second image data and the image data of the iteration cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Herbert Bruder, Ernst Klotz, Martin Petersilka, Rainer Raupach, Harald Schöndube
  • Patent number: 8755635
    Abstract: A method and system for data dependent multi phase image visualization, includes: acquiring a plurality of series of image data acquisitions; registering the plurality of series of image data acquisitions to a same reference series to create a plurality of registered series; combining information from the registered series to create a new series; creating a further new series by a selection decision based on combination rules from information from the plurality of registered series and the new series; and displaying the further new series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernhard Geiger, Ernst Klotz, Christophe Chefd'hotel
  • Publication number: 20130259342
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for the reconstruction of image data of an examination object from measurement data. First and second image data are reconstructed from the measurement data with a first and second respective image characteristic, with an enhanced signal-to-noise ratio of the second image characteristic relative to the first image characteristic. Enhanced image data is calculated using an iterative algorithm using the first and the second image data. In the case of the iterative algorithm, a low pass is applied to a difference between the first image data and the image data of an iteration cycle, and a high pass to a difference between the second image data and the image data of the iteration cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Herbert BRUDER, Ernst KLOTZ, Martin PETERSILKA, Rainer RAUPACH, Harald SCHÕNDUBE
  • Patent number: 8509379
    Abstract: In a method and x-ray device to adapt the width and the position of a central value of a greyscale windowing for imaging with the x-ray device based on CT values determined with said x-ray device, the adaptation takes place within the scope of a determination and adjustment of an acquisition tube voltage of an x-ray tube of the x-ray device for an examination of a defined tissue of a patient, assuming a reference tube voltage for the examination of the defined tissue of the patient, and in which a width and position of a central value of the greyscale windowing that are associated with the reference tube voltage are automatically adapted to the acquisition tube voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ute Feuerlein, Ernst Klotz, Rainer Raupach, Bernhard Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8467587
    Abstract: A method for distinguishing between gray matter and white matter starting from a time-dependent computed tomography image data record from a perfusion CT examination is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, a plurality of time-independent images are calculated from the time-dependent image data record, a plurality of threshold histogram analyses are performed in order to determine regions of the brain which can be assigned to one or more types of cerebral matter, and subsequently the region of gray matter is determined from the information obtained in respect of type and region of the cerebral matter using at least one logical combination and at least one exclusion method. A control and computational unit is also disclosed with a storage medium in which a computer program or program module is stored, which executes the described method during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Corinna Bürger, Ernst Klotz, Jochen Schleu, Grzegorz Soza
  • Publication number: 20120201344
    Abstract: In a method and x-ray device to adapt the width and the position of a central value of a greyscale windowing for imaging with the x-ray device based on CT values determined with said x-ray device, the adaptation takes place within the scope of a determination and adjustment of an acquisition tube voltage of an x-ray tube of the x-ray device for an examination of a defined tissue of a patient, assuming a reference tube voltage for the examination of the defined tissue of the patient, and in which a width and position of a central value of the greyscale windowing that are associated with the reference tube voltage are automatically adapted to the acquisition tube voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Ute Feuerlein, Ernst Klotz, Rainer Raupach, Bernhard Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20100166281
    Abstract: A method for distinguishing between gray matter and white matter starting from a time-dependent computed tomography image data record from a perfusion CT examination is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, a plurality of time-independent images are calculated from the time-dependent image data record, a plurality of threshold histogram analyses are performed in order to determine regions of the brain which can be assigned to one or more types of cerebral matter, and subsequently the region of gray matter is determined from the information obtained in respect of type and region of the cerebral matter using at least one logical combination and at least one exclusion method. A control and computational unit is also disclosed with a storage medium in which a computer program or program module is stored, which executes the described method during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Corinna Bürger, Ernst Klotz, Jochen Schleu, Grzegorz Soza
  • Publication number: 20100061606
    Abstract: A method and system for data dependent multi phase image visualization, includes: acquiring a plurality of series of image data acquisitions; registering the plurality of series of image data acquisitions to a same reference series to create a plurality of registered series; combining information from the registered series to create a new series; creating a further new series by a selection decision based on combination rules from information from the plurality of registered series and the new series; and displaying the further new series.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: Siemens Corporate Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernhard Geiger, Ernst Klotz, Christophe Chefd'hotel
  • Patent number: 7477929
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for forecasting the contrast medium flow in a living body, in particular in a patient, in which a defined test bolus with a contrast medium is injected, preferably intravenously and with a known injection flow profile, into the body, preferably into a blood vessel. The time concentration profile of the contrast medium is observed and determined over a limited time period with a number of measuring instants at at least one location in the body with the aid of a tomographic method. The time profile of the contrast medium concentration of another contrast medium dose is forecast with the aid of a linear cause/effect formulation from the measured data obtained via the distribution of the contrast medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ernst Klotz, Annabella Rauscher
  • Patent number: 7400756
    Abstract: A method is for calibration of perfusion parameter images. The image data from tomographic imaging measurements are analyzed using a perfusion model, and perfusion parameter values obtained from the analysis are calibrated with a calibration factor to a physiological normal value. To perform the calibration, an image area which contains several different tissue compositions, and in which approximately normal perfusion conditions can be assumed, is selected from the obtained perfusion parameter image. A frequency analysis of the perfusion parameter values contained in this image area is then performed, and at least one frequency interval is selected which corresponds at least approximately to a frequency interval of the occurrence of perfusion parameter values of a known tissue composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ernst Klotz
  • Patent number: 7277524
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for a multislice computer assisted tomograph, capable of carrying out a spiral scan of an object volume with a pitch p selected to be small enough that each slice of the object volume is multiply detected during the spiral scan. The method includes calculating, using measured data of two temporally consecutive at least one of revolutions and half revolutions, an image of the object volume from which a change inside the object volume between the two temporally consecutive at least one of revolutions and half revolutions is directly visible. An embodiment of the method can permit, for example, the detection and visualization of dynamic processes with an enhanced time resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktienbesellschaft
    Inventors: Herbert Bruder, Thomas Flohr, Ernst Klotz, Karl Stierstorfer
  • Patent number: 7203353
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for image processing proceeding from a computed tomography (CT) image of a lung as an original image that is registered using a contrast agent, pulmonary parenchyma pixels are determined, the pulmonary parenchyma pixels are presented in false colors, and the remaining image regions are presented in the gray scale values of the original image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ernst Klotz, Matthias Niethammer, Stefan Schaller
  • Publication number: 20060239918
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for forecasting the contrast medium flow in a living body, in particular in a patient, in which a defined test bolus with a contrast medium is injected, preferably intravenously and with a known injection flow profile, into the body, preferably into a blood vessel. The time concentration profile of the contrast medium is observed and determined over a limited time period with a number of measuring instants at at least one location in the body with the aid of a tomographic method. The time profile of the contrast medium concentration of another contrast medium dose is forecast with the aid of a linear cause/effect formulation from the measured data obtained via the distribution of the contrast medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Publication date: October 26, 2006
    Inventors: Ernst Klotz, Annabella Rauscher-Scheibe
  • Publication number: 20060239917
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for forecasting the contrast medium flow in a living body, in particular in a patient, in which a defined test bolus with a contrast medium is injected, preferably intravenously and with a known injection flow profile, into the body, preferably into a blood vessel. The time concentration profile of the contrast medium is observed and determined over a limited time period with a number of measuring instants at at least one location in the body with the aid of a tomographic method. The time profile of the contrast medium concentration of another contrast medium dose is forecast with the aid of a linear cause/effect formulation from the measured data obtained via the distribution of the contrast medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Publication date: October 26, 2006
    Inventors: Ernst Klotz, Annabella Rauscher
  • Publication number: 20060018424
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for a multislice computer assisted tomograph, capable of carrying out a spiral scan of an object volume with a pitch p selected to be small enough that each slice of the object volume is multiply detected during the spiral scan. The method includes calculating, using measured data of two temporally consecutive at least one of revolutions and half revolutions, an image of the object volume from which a change inside the object volume between the two temporally consecutive at least one of revolutions and half revolutions is directly visible. An embodiment of the method can permit, for example, the detection and visualization of dynamic processes with an enhanced time resolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Publication date: January 26, 2006
    Inventors: Herbert Bruder, Thomas Flohr, Ernst Klotz, Karl Stierstorfer
  • Publication number: 20050058331
    Abstract: A method is for calibration of perfusion parameter images. The image data from tomographic imaging measurements are analyzed using a perfusion model, and perfusion parameter values obtained from the analysis are calibrated with a calibration factor to a physiological normal value. To perform the calibration, an image area which contains several different tissue compositions, and in which approximately normal perfusion conditions can be assumed, is selected from the obtained perfusion parameter image. A frequency analysis of the perfusion parameter values contained in this image area is then performed, and at least one frequency interval is selected which corresponds at least approximately to a frequency interval of the occurrence of perfusion parameter values of a known tissue composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Publication date: March 17, 2005
    Inventor: Ernst Klotz
  • Patent number: 6647283
    Abstract: In a method for examining a living subject with an imaging method making use of the concentration of a contrast agent having a physical property that is identifiable with the imaging method in a region of interest (ROI) of the subject presented in time-successive images acquired with the imaging method representing quantitative values of the physical property, a histogram of the quantitative values of the physical property in the ROI is produced for each of the individual images, and the contrast agent concentration in the ROI is determined on the basis of the frequency of occurrence of the quantitative values of the physical property in the ROI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ernst Klotz