Patents by Inventor Gudrun Ruyters

Gudrun Ruyters 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).

  • Patent number: 11454688
    Abstract: A method and a system for providing parameters of a resonance frequency spectrum of a magnetic resonance scan. The system includes: an input interface for receiving a resonance frequency spectrum of a magnetic resonance scan and a computing device configured to implement a trained machine learning algorithm. The trained machine learning algorithm is trained to receive the resonance frequency spectrum received by the input interface as its input and to generate as its output a set of parameters of the resonance frequency spectrum. The system further includes an output interface configured to output the generated set of parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Gudrun Ruyters, Johann Sukkau, Michael Wullenweber
  • Patent number: 11287503
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling patient stimulating effects in MR imaging. The methods and systems include calculating a first effective stimulus duration independently for each pulse flank of an MRI sequence individually and calculating a second effective stimulus duration for which a respective history of a changing gradient field during the sequence is taken into account. Dependent on an evaluation of both the first and second effective stimulus durations a threshold value for an allowable rate of change in the magnetic gradient field is then calculated. The respective MRI sequence is then evaluated against the calculated threshold value to determine whether or not the respective MRI sequence is safe to apply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBH
    Inventors: Daniel Niederlöhner, Gudrun Ruyters, Axel vom Endt
  • Patent number: 11243277
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a field camera and a method for measuring a magnetic field distribution using a magnetic resonance tomograph and the field camera. The field camera has a number of samples, which are distributed over a spatial volume to be measured, and a number of receive antennas. In an act of the method, a sensitivity matrix for the receive antennas, for each sample at each receive antenna, is captured using the magnetic resonance tomograph. In another act, antenna signals of the samples in a magnetic field to be measured are captured by the receive antennas, using the magnetic resonance tomograph. Finally, magnetic resonance signals of the individual samples are determined from the antenna signals as a function of the sensitivity matrix, using a controller. In a further act, the magnetic field strength at the location of the samples may be determined from the magnetic resonance signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Kannengiesser, Robert Rehner, Stefan Popescu, Gudrun Ruyters, Markus Vester
  • Patent number: 11112472
    Abstract: A gradient system characterization function (e.g., a gradient system transfer function) may be developed by measuring a behavior of the MR device at a target temperature and developing at least one gradient system characterization function for a gradient coil of a magnetic resonance (MR) device at the target temperature based on the measured behavior. A patient may be subsequently imaged by the MR device, wherein the imaging process comprises measuring a temperature of a gradient coil, determining a gradient system characterization function at the measured temperature, calculating a pre-emphasized gradient of the gradient coil, and imaging the patient using the pre-emphasized magnetic field component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignees: Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Gudrun Ruyters, Andrew Dewdney, Manuel Stich, Herbert Köstler, Christiane Pfaff, Tobias Wech, Adrienne Campbell
  • Publication number: 20210088613
    Abstract: A method and a system for providing parameters of a resonance frequency spectrum of a magnetic resonance scan. The system includes: an input interface for receiving a resonance frequency spectrum of a magnetic resonance scan and a computing device configured to implement a trained machine learning algorithm. The trained machine learning algorithm is trained to receive the resonance frequency spectrum received by the input interface as its input and to generate as its output a set of parameters of the resonance frequency spectrum. The system further includes an output interface configured to output the generated set of parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Inventors: Gudrun Ruyters, Johann Sukkau, Michael Wullenweber
  • Patent number: 10928466
    Abstract: In a magnetic resonance apparatus and a method for operation thereof, at least one electrical operating value of at least one predetermined component of the apparatus is captured and, as a function of the at least one operating value, at least one coil operating value of a transmitting coil arrangement of the magnetic resonance apparatus is controlled for the purpose of limiting a B1 value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Bielmeier, Gerhard Brinker, Swen Campagna, Bernd Erbe, Matthias Gebhardt, Juergen Nistler, Dominik Paul, Carsten Prinz, Gudrun Ruyters, Stephan Stoecker, Markus Vester
  • Publication number: 20210025956
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling patient stimulating effects in MR imaging. The methods and systems include calculating a first effective stimulus duration independently for each pulse flank of an MRI sequence individually and calculating a second effective stimulus duration for which a respective history of a changing gradient field during the sequence is taken into account. Dependent on an evaluation of both the first and second effective stimulus durations a threshold value for an allowable rate of change in the magnetic gradient field is then calculated. The respective MRI sequence is then evaluated against the calculated threshold value to determine whether or not the respective MRI sequence is safe to apply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Inventors: Daniel Niederlöhner, Gudrun Ruyters, Axel vom Endt
  • Patent number: 10823809
    Abstract: A phase difference caused by eddy currents is determined for an MR system. First MR data is acquired with a first sequence by irradiating at least one RF pulse having an RF excitation pulse, importing a first test gradient during or after the RF excitation pulse, applying a read-out gradient, and acquiring the first MR data while the read-out gradient is switched, so the first MR data is acquired for at least one K-space line. Second MR data is acquired with a second sequence by importing a second test gradient during or after the RF excitation pulse, and applying the read-out gradient. The second MR data is acquired while the read-out gradient is switched, so the second MR data is acquired for the at least one K-space line. The phase difference per voxel is determined using the first MR data and the second MR data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Köhler, Gudrun Ruyters
  • Publication number: 20200333410
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods, devices, and systems for developing gradient system characterization functions and imaging a patient using pre-emphasized magnetic field components in a magnetic resonance (MR) device, wherein the processes allow for a reduction in a number of artifacts when reconstructing the magnetic resonance image. The gradient system characterization function (e.g., a gradient system transfer function) may be developed by measuring a behavior of the MR device at a target temperature and developing at least one gradient system characterization function for a gradient coil of the MR device at the target temperature based on the measured behavior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2019
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Inventors: Gudrun Ruyters, Andrew Dewdney, Manuel Stich, Herbert Köstler, Christiane Pfaff, Tobias Wech, Adrienne Campbell-Washburn
  • Publication number: 20200292645
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a field camera and a method for measuring a magnetic field distribution using a magnetic resonance tomograph and the field camera. The field camera has a number of samples, which are distributed over a spatial volume to be measured, and a number of receive antennas. In an act of the method, a sensitivity matrix for the receive antennas, for each sample at each receive antenna, is captured using the magnetic resonance tomograph. In another act, antenna signals of the samples in a magnetic field to be measured are captured by the receive antennas, using the magnetic resonance tomograph. Finally, magnetic resonance signals of the individual samples are determined from the antenna signals as a function of the sensitivity matrix, using a controller. In a further act, the magnetic field strength at the location of the samples may be determined from the magnetic resonance signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: Stephan Kannengiesser, Robert Rehner, Stefan Popescu, Gudrun Ruyters, Markus Vester
  • Patent number: 10663538
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a temporal change in a magnetic field in a magnetic resonance device, as well as an evaluation unit, a magnetic resonance device, and a computer program product for performing the method are provided. The method provides that a position-dependent magnetic field distribution that is produced by the plurality of gradient coils is provided with a plurality of monitoring points. In addition, time-dependent gradient values of the plurality of gradient coils are ascertained. Based on position-dependent magnetic field distribution and the time-dependent gradient values, the temporal change in the magnetic field is ascertained. The temporal change in the magnetic field is monitored by comparing the temporal change in the magnetic field with at least one limit value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Bielmeier, Gerhard Brinker, Swen Campagna, Nikolaus Demharter, Bernd Erbe, Matthias Gebhardt, Helmut Lenz, Jürgen Nistler, Dominik Paul, Carsten Prinz, Gudrun Ruyters, Stephan Stöcker, Markus Vester
  • Patent number: 10557908
    Abstract: In some aspects, the disclosed technology relates to magnetic field monitoring of spiral echo train imaging. In one embodiment, a method for spiral echo train imaging of an area of interest of a subject includes measuring k-space values and field dynamics corresponding to each echo of a spiral echo pulse train, using a dynamic field camera and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. The dynamic field camera is configured to measure characteristics of fields generated by the MRI system; the characteristics include at least one imperfection associated with the MRI system. The spiral echo pulse train corresponds to a spiral trajectory scan from the MRI system that obtains magnetic resonance imaging data using a pulse sequence which applies spiral gradients in-plane with through-plane phase encoding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: University of Virginia Patent Foundation
    Inventors: Craig H. Meyer, John P. Mugler, III, Samuel W. Fielden, Gudrun Ruyters, Berthold Kiefer, Josef Pfeuffer
  • Publication number: 20190212407
    Abstract: A phase difference caused by eddy currents is determined for an MR system. First MR data is acquired with a first sequence by irradiating at least one RF pulse having an RF excitation pulse, importing a first test gradient during or after the RF excitation pulse, applying a read-out gradient, and acquiring the first MR data while the read-out gradient is switched, so the first MR data is acquired for at least one K-space line. Second MR data is acquired with a second sequence by importing a second test gradient during or after the RF excitation pulse, and applying the read-out gradient. The second MR data is acquired while the read-out gradient is switched, so the second MR data is acquired for the at least one K-space line. The phase difference per voxel is determined using the first MR data and the second MR data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Köhler, Gudrun Ruyters
  • Patent number: 10288710
    Abstract: In a magnetic resonance (MR) apparatus and an operating method therefor, a sequence with which the MR data are to be recorded is created in or provided to a control computer of the MR apparatus. A maximum RF output and a maximum gradient performance of the scanner magnetic resonance apparatus during the performance of the sequence are determined by simulating or analyzing the performance of the sequence in the control computer, and it is verified whether the maximum RF output and/or the maximum gradient performance violate predetermined limit values. Execution of the sequence to record the MR data is performed only if the verification showed that the limit values are not violated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Bielmeier, Gerhard Brinker, Swen Campagna, Nikolaus Demharter, Bernd Erbe, Matthias Gebhardt, Juergen Nistler, Dominik Paul, Carsten Prinz, Gudrun Ruyters, Stephan Stoecker, Markus Vester
  • Patent number: 10101415
    Abstract: A method for operating a magnetic resonance apparatus by a safety unit, taking into account persons fitted with an implant, a safety unit, a safety system, a magnetic resonance apparatus, and a computer program product are provided. The magnetic resonance apparatus includes a first part and a second part. The first part is operated separately from the second part and includes the safety unit. During an examination of a person fitted with an implant, the safety unit checks that the magnetic resonance apparatus, in a restricted operating mode, is complying with implant-conformant limit values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Bielmeier, Gerhard Brinker, Nikolaus Demharter, Bernd Erbe, Matthias Gebhardt, Jürgen Nistler, Dominik Paul, Carsten Prinz, Gudrun Ruyters, Stephan Stöcker, Markus Vester, Swen Campagna
  • Publication number: 20180292499
    Abstract: In some aspects, the disclosed technology relates to magnetic field monitoring of spiral echo train imaging. In one embodiment, a method for spiral echo train imaging of an area of interest of a subject includes measuring k-space values and field dynamics corresponding to each echo of a spiral echo pulse train, using a dynamic field camera and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. The dynamic field camera is configured to measure characteristics of fields generated by the MRI system; the characteristics include at least one imperfection associated with the MRI system. The spiral echo pulse train corresponds to a spiral trajectory scan from the MRI system that obtains magnetic resonance imaging data using a pulse sequence which applies spiral gradients in-plane with through-plane phase encoding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Craig H. Meyer, John P. Mugler, III, Samuel W. Fielden, Gudrun Ruyters, Berthold Kiefer, Josef Pfeuffer
  • Publication number: 20180074138
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a temporal change in a magnetic field in a magnetic resonance device, as well as an evaluation unit, a magnetic resonance device, and a computer program product for performing the method are provided. The method provides that a position-dependent magnetic field distribution that is produced by the plurality of gradient coils is provided with a plurality of monitoring points. In addition, time-dependent gradient values of the plurality of gradient coils are ascertained. Based on position-dependent magnetic field distribution and the time-dependent gradient values, the temporal change in the magnetic field is ascertained. The temporal change in the magnetic field is monitored by comparing the temporal change in the magnetic field with at least one limit value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Wolfgang Bielmeier, Gerhard Brinker, Swen Campagna, Nikolaus Demharter, Bernd Erbe, Matthias Gebhardt, Helmut Lenz, Jürgen Nistler, Dominik Paul, Carsten Prinz, Gudrun Ruyters, Stephan Stöcker, Markus Vester
  • Publication number: 20170328966
    Abstract: In a magnetic resonance apparatus and a method for operation thereof, at least one electrical operating value of at least one predetermined component of the apparatus is captured and, as a function of the at least one operating value, at least one coil operating value of a transmitting coil arrangement of the magnetic resonance apparatus is controlled for the purpose of limiting a B1 value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Applicant: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Bielmeier, Gerhard Brinker, Swen Campagna, Bernd Erbe, Matthias Gebhardt, Juergen Nistler, Dominik Paul, Carsten Prinz, Gudrun Ruyters, Stephan Stoecker, Markus Vester
  • Publication number: 20170315195
    Abstract: In a magnetic resonance (MR) apparatus and an operating method therefor, a sequence with which the MR data are to be recorded is created in or provided to a control computer of the MR apparatus. A maximum RF output and a maximum gradient performance of the scanner magnetic resonance apparatus during the performance of the sequence are determined by simulating or analyzing the performance of the sequence in the control computer, and it is verified whether the maximum RF output and/or the maximum gradient performance violate predetermined limit values. Execution of the sequence to record the MR data is performed only if the verification showed that the limit values are not violated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Bielmeier, Gerhard Brinker, Swen Campagna, Nikolaus Demharter, Bernd Erbe, Matthias Gebhardt, Juergen Nistler, Dominik Paul, Carsten Prinz, Gudrun Ruyters, Stephan Stoecker, Markus Vester
  • Publication number: 20170299667
    Abstract: A method for operating a magnetic resonance apparatus by a safety unit, taking into account persons fitted with an implant, a safety unit, a safety system, a magnetic resonance apparatus, and a computer program product are provided. The magnetic resonance apparatus includes a first part and a second part. The first part is operated separately from the second part and includes the safety unit. During an examination of a person fitted with an implant, the safety unit checks that the magnetic resonance apparatus, in a restricted operating mode, is complying with implant-conformant limit values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Wolfgang Bielmeier, Gerhard Brinker, Nikolaus Demharter, Bernd Erbe, Matthias Gebhardt, Jürgen Nistler, Dominik Paul, Carsten Prinz, Gudrun Ruyters, Stephan Stöcker, Markus Vester, Swen Campagna