Patents Assigned to Carestream Health, Inc.
  • Patent number: 10475215
    Abstract: A method for multi-dimensional image processing obtains a multi-dimensional image having a plurality of data elements, each data element having a corresponding data value. The method forms a reduced noise image by repeated iterations of a process that adjusts the data value for one or more data elements p of the obtained image by: for each data element k in a group of data elements in the image, calculating a weighting factor for the data element k as a function of the difference between an estimated data value for data element p and the corresponding data value of data element k, updating the estimated data value for the data element p according to the combined calculated weighting factors and the data value of the data element k; and displaying, storing, or transmitting the reduced noise image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward B. Gindele, Richard A. Simon
  • Patent number: 10463325
    Abstract: A mobile radiography apparatus has a moveable (e.g., wheeled) transport frame and an adjustable column mounted at the frame. A boom apparatus supported by the adjustable column can support an x-ray source assembly. Radiation or X-ray source assembly methods and/or apparatus embodiments can provide mobile radiography carts a capability to direct x-ray radiation towards a subject from one or a plurality of different source positions, where the X-ray source assembly includes a first x-ray power source and a second plurality of distributed x-ray sources disposed in a prescribed spatial relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Foos, John Yorkston, Xiaohui Wang
  • Patent number: 10466354
    Abstract: Ultrasound methods involve generating ultrasound using virtual point sources. Apodization may be applied selectively to transducer elements to provide improved uniformity of response. Virtual point sources may be located at positions that are independent of transducer geometry. The number and/or locations of virtual point sources may be selected to cover a region of interest with a reduced number of ultrasound transmissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventor: Bhaskar Ramamurthy
  • Patent number: 10453644
    Abstract: An X-ray tube has a housing enclosing a vacuum chamber. There is a primary field-emission cathode within the vacuum chamber, a secondary cathode within the vacuum chamber, spaced apart from the primary cathode, and an anode target within the vacuum chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaohui Wang, Michael K. Rogers
  • Patent number: 10413268
    Abstract: An imaging system includes an x-ray assembly having one or more x-ray sources configured to be energized at multiple positions. A control program energizes the one or more x-ray sources in a programmed sequence and controls the timing of the sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaohui Wang, David H. Foos, Michael D. Heath, Richard A. Simon, Eliot L. Siegel
  • Patent number: 10405818
    Abstract: A digital radiography detector has a two dimensional array of photosensors, with control electronics electrically connected to the photosensors. A substantially rigid housing encloses the photosensors and the control electronics. A surface of the housing includes antimicrobial material to inhibit growth of pathogens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Langley, Scott T. MacLaughlin
  • Patent number: 10405820
    Abstract: A method for display of a fluoroscopic image sequence during ongoing image acquisition acquires and renders a first image of a subject on a display according to a first parameter setting, modifies the first parameter setting according to an operator instruction entered following acquisition of the first image, and applies the modified first parameter setting for acquiring and rendering one or more subsequent fluoroscopic images of the subject in the fluoroscopic image sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaohui Wang, Samuel Richard, David H. Foos
  • Patent number: 10405812
    Abstract: An apparatus for cone beam computed tomography can include a support structure, a scanner assembly coupled to the support structure for controlled movement in at least x, y and z orientations, the scanner assembly can include a DR detector configured to move along at least a portion of a detector path that extends at least partially around a scan volume with a distance D1 that is sufficiently long to allow the scan volume to be positioned within the detector path; a radiation source configured to move along at least a portion of a source path outside the detector path, the source path having a distance D2 greater than the distance D1, the distance D2 being sufficiently long to allow adequate radiation exposure of the scan volume for an image capture by the detector; and a first gap in the detector path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignees: Carestream Health, Inc., The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Michael A. Litzenberger, Peter A. Newman, John Yorkston, Andrew J. Hartmann, Jeffrey H. Siewerdsen, Douglas M. Csaszar
  • Patent number: 10395395
    Abstract: A method for tomosynthesis volume reconstruction acquires at least a prior projection image of the subject at a first angle and a subsequent projection image of the subject at a second angle. A synthetic image corresponding to an intermediate angle between the first and second angle is generated by a repeated process of relating an area of the synthetic image to a prior patch on the prior projection image and to a subsequent patch on the subsequent projection image according to a bidirectional spatial similarity metric, wherein the prior patch and subsequent patch have n×m pixels; and combining image data from the prior patch and the subsequent patch to form a portion of the synthetic image. The generated synthetic image is displayed, stored, processed, or transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Levon O. Vogelsang, Lawrence A. Ray, Richard A. Simon
  • Patent number: 10393886
    Abstract: A mobile radiography system has a moveable transport frame configured to travel across a floor. An adjustable support structure is coupled to the moveable transport frame and an x-ray source is coupled to the adjustable support structure. A power transmitter emits wireless power signals to a digital detector to charge a battery therein. Power signal receiving circuitry in the detector receives the wireless power signals to generate recharging current for the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott T. MacLaughlin
  • Patent number: 10395397
    Abstract: A method for processing volume image data obtains two-dimensional projection images of a subject on an image detector, wherein each of the images has the detector and a radiation source at a different scan angles. The image data is arranged as an image stack with corresponding pixel data from the detector in register for each of the images in the stack. A partial subset of projection images showing a metal object is identified. Information relative to the metal object propagates from the partial subject of projection images to the remaining images of the stack. For each of one or more stacked projection images, region growing defines a metal mask and adjusts image data values defined by the mask. The volume image data is reconstructed using region growing results. A 2D image is rendered and displayed from the reconstructed volume image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Jing Zhang, Zhimin Huo, Frank Zhao
  • Patent number: 10390783
    Abstract: A radiographic detector acquires a first partial exposed image signal during an image readout of each of the rows of photosensors, one row at a time. A first scan of each row includes measuring the charge delivered to each cell of the rows, including some rows having partial charge and other rows having full charge, and obtaining a first null image signal during the scan. A second scan includes measuring remaining charge delivered to those rows having partial charge. The null image signal data is subtracted from a sum of the first two scans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery R. Hawver, Gordon Geisbuesch
  • Patent number: 10396110
    Abstract: A digital radiographic detector uses an IGZO active layer in the switching element for each imaging pixel in a two-dimensional array of imaging pixels. Each imaging pixel has a photo-sensitive element and the switching element. Read-out circuits electrically connected to the two-dimensional array generate a radiographic image by reading out image data by switching on and off the switching elements. The IGZO active layer may be formed having a thickness less than about 7 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignees: Carestream Health, Inc., Kyung Hee University
    Inventors: Ravi K. Mruthyunjaya, Timothy J. Tredwell, Jin Jang, Mallory Mativenga, Jae Gwang Um, Mohammad Masum Billah
  • Patent number: 10357219
    Abstract: A boom has an x-ray head attached to one end thereof and the x-ray head has an x-ray source disposed therein. In a docked position of the boom, the x-ray source is disabled. In a deployed position, the x-ray source is enabled. A handle attached to the x-ray head is movable into at least two different positions. A first one of the positions disables the x-ray source while a second one of the positions enables the x-ray source. The handle extends a preselected distance from the x-ray source such that the handle maintains at least the preselected distance between the x-ray source and a subject to be exposed thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. O'Dea, Craig F. Hofmann
  • Patent number: 10341581
    Abstract: A digital radiographic detector includes a multi-layered core having integrated circuits generating heat within a housing of the detector. A thermally conductive component that is configured to provide a distinct function for the core is thermally coupled to the integrated circuits to also serve as a heat sink therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Langley, Steven D. Daniels
  • Patent number: 10335101
    Abstract: A method for processing a radiographic image of a patient, executed at least in part on a host processor, initiates exposure in response to an instruction entered from an operator console and obtains radiographic image data from a digital detector that is subjected to the exposure. The obtained radiographic image data is analyzed according to a set of predefined criteria for diagnostic suitability of the image. One or more results of the diagnostic suitability analysis at the operator console is indicated and a listing of one or more corrective actions at the operator console according to the indicated results is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Foos, William J. Sehnert, Zhimin Huo, Hui Luo, Xiaohui Wang
  • Patent number: 10329108
    Abstract: A system for detecting the level of a media supply in a printer has a frame having a support for seating the printer thereon. A first light source is positioned on the support and is energizable to direct a first beam of light into the printer. A first detector is positioned on the support and provides an analog signal in response to reflection of the first beam of light from within the printer. A control logic processor is in signal communication with the first detector and compares the analog signal to a stored/predetermined value and reports a low media condition according to the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrei Beletsky, James R. Gilbertson
  • Patent number: 10307123
    Abstract: An imaging method, accesses cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) data and displays, on a display monitor, at least one view of the CBCT data. The method provides an interface for a user to indicate a tomosynthesis reconstruction plane on the displayed view of the CBCT data; and displays a tomosynthesis image on the display monitor according to the indicated tomosynthesis reconstruction plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan J. Packard, John Yorkston, Richard A. Simon, Levon O. Vogelsang, Robert A. Senn
  • Patent number: 10307122
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatus are disclosed that can provide a modular approach to an accessory shell for a portable DR detector that can accessorize features for various applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Wojcik, Jeffery R. Hawver, Bradley S. Jadrich
  • Patent number: 10307114
    Abstract: A method for imaging a subject obtains a first set of acquired projection images of a subject volume, wherein each projection image in the first set has a corresponding acquisition angle and forms an initial reconstructed volume image. A second set of synthetic projection images is generated according to processing of the acquired projection images and combined with the first set to form a combined set of projection images. The method augments the initial reconstructed image to form an improved reconstructed image by at least a first iteration of an iterative reconstruction process using the initial reconstructed image with the combined set of acquired and synthetic projection images and at least a subsequent iteration of the iterative reconstruction process using the first set of acquired projection images and fewer than, or none of, the second set of synthetic projection images. The improved reconstruction image is rendered on a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Ray, Richard A. Simon, Levon O. Vogelsang