Patents Assigned to Merge Healthcare Incorporated
  • Patent number: 10387614
    Abstract: Systems and methods for remote control and management of medical workstations using an instant messaging infrastructure. A remote client, such as a mobile phone, laptop, tablet, or other computing device, is used to generate instructions or information requests in one or more data packets. The remote client sends the one or more data packets using the instant messaging infrastructure to a medical workstation at another location. A service application in communication with the medical workstation receives the data packets and causes the medical workstation to retrieve the requested information or execute the instruction. The communications between the remote client and the service application are encrypted and signed to ensure secure communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: MERGE HEALTHCARE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Mark Logan, John Fehrenbach
  • Patent number: 10368828
    Abstract: Systems and methods for performing remote diagnostic imaging. One system includes a stand-alone imaging station including a first housing module and a diagnostic imaging device. The diagnostic imaging device is contained within the first housing module and includes a radiation source and a radiation detector. The imaging station also includes a door and a device. The door is coupled to the first housing module and configured to allow a patient to enter the first housing module. The device is configured to receive payment information for a diagnostic imaging procedure performed using the diagnostic imaging device. The device may be magnetic stripe reader, a bill pay unit, a user identification card dispenser, or a scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: MERGE HEALTHCARE INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Michael W. Ferro, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10332251
    Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically mapping biopsy locations to pathology results. One system includes a server including an electronic processor and an interface for communicating with at least one data source and at least one pathology result source. The electronic processor is configured to receive an image from the at least one data source over the interface. The electronic processor is also configured to receive a biopsy location. The biopsy location includes a three-dimensional position mapped to a position within the image. The electronic processor is also configured to automatically locate an electronic pathology result for the biopsy location within the at least one pathology result source over the interface. The electronic processor is also configured to generate an electronic correlation between the biopsy location and the electronic pathology result. The electronic processor is also configured to display the image with the biopsy location marked within the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: MERGE HEALTHCARE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Murray A. Reicher, Jon T. DeVries, Michael W. Ferro, Jr., Marwan Sati
  • Patent number: 10289701
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for caching data. One method includes receiving, through a user device, a selection of a set of data items, and determining, with an electronic processor, a storage rate, wherein the storage rate includes an integer (N). The method also include retrieving the set of data items and storing every Nth data item included in the set of data items to a non-transitory memory cache while discarding intervening data items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Merge Healthcare Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert Mitchell
  • Patent number: 9954915
    Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely viewing medical images on a client device having a zero-client web application with a buffering module. The zero-client web application receives an image series selection from a user and receives corresponding series details from a web server. The zero-client web application generates an off-screen image array according to the series details. The buffering module outputs image requests based on the series details to a web server. The web server is in communication with a medical image database storing images in a non-web browser compatible format (e.g., DICOM). The buffering module then populates the off-screen image array with converted medical images received from the web server. The zero-client web application further includes an on-screen image and a display module. The display module sequentially sets converted medical images of the off-screen array as the on-screen image to stream the converted medical images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Merge Healthcare Incorporated
    Inventor: William A. N. Lingley
  • Patent number: 9928339
    Abstract: Methods and systems for routing image reports. One method includes receiving a completed report for the image study from a report source, establishing a unique identifier for a set of images associated with the completed report and stored in an image repository accessible through an image viewer, storing the unique identifier and an identifier of the image viewer in an image directory, and automatically creating a link associated with the completed report, the link based on the unique identifier. The method also includes identifying a report destination for the completed report, and transmitting the completed report and the link to the report destination. In addition, the method includes, when a recipient selects the link, automatically identifying the image viewer based on the image directory, and automatically providing the recipient with access to the image viewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Merge Healthcare Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven Tolle, Kochuparambil Harish, Atul Agarwal, Pete Nanos
  • Patent number: 9769226
    Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely viewing medical images on a client device having a zero-client web application with a buffering module. The zero-client web application receives an image series selection from a user and receives corresponding series details from a web server. The zero-client web application generates an off-screen image array according to the series details. The buffering module outputs image requests based on the series details to a web server. The web server is in communication with a medical image database storing images in a non-web browser compatible format (e.g., DICOM). The buffering module then populates the off-screen image array with converted medical images received from the web server. The zero-client web application further includes an on-screen image and a display module. The display module sequentially sets converted medical images of the off-screen array as the on-screen image to stream the converted medical images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Merge Healthcare Incorporated
    Inventor: William A. N. Lingley
  • Patent number: 9730670
    Abstract: Systems and methods for performing remote diagnostic imaging. One system includes a stand-alone imaging station including a housing that includes a first housing module and a second housing module, a diagnostic imaging device, and a door. The first housing module and the second housing module are separate and configured to be assembled together. The diagnostic imaging device is contained within the housing and includes a radiation source and a radiation detector. The door is coupled to the housing and is configured to allow a patient to enter the housing. The door includes a lock configured to maintain the door in a locked state at least while the diagnostic imaging device captures the diagnostic image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Merge Healthcare Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael W. Ferro, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9635074
    Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely viewing medical images on a client device having a zero-client web application with a buffering module. The zero-client web application receives an image series selection from a user and receives corresponding series details from a web server. The zero-client web application generates an off-screen image array according to the series details. The buffering module outputs image requests based on the series details to a web server. The web server is in communication with a medical image database storing images in a non-web browser compatible format (e.g., DICOM). The buffering module then populates the off-screen image array with converted medical images received from the web server. The zero-client web application further includes an on-screen image and a display module. The display module sequentially sets converted medical images of the off-screen array as the on-screen image to stream the converted medical images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Merge Healthcare Incorporated
    Inventor: William A. N. Lingley
  • Patent number: 9507914
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable medium containing instructions for processing image data. One system includes at least one processor configured to generate a graphical user interface (“GUI”). Through the GUI, the at least one processor receives a matching condition and a morphing action from a user. The morphing action includes an action to perform on a data attribute associated with image data when the image data satisfies the matching condition. Based on the received matching condition and morphing action, the at least one processor creates executable code. The at least one processor also receives image data including an image data attribute and executes the executable code to determine if the received image data satisfies the matching condition. If the image data satisfies the matching condition, the at least one processor automatically performs the morphing action on the received image data attribute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Merge Healthcare Incorporated
    Inventor: Amit Khare
  • Patent number: 9462991
    Abstract: Systems and methods for remote diagnostic imaging. The systems include a diagnostic imaging kiosk. The kiosk includes, for example, a first housing module and a second housing module. The first housing module is configured to house, among other things, a diagnostic imaging system (e.g., an X-ray system). The second housing module is configured to house electronics associated with the operation, control, and networking of the kiosk. The electronics include, for example, a primary controller, an X-ray controller, an X-ray generator, an internal display controller, an external display controller, one or more routers, and a digital radiology module. The kiosk is configured to communicatively connect to a remote technician's workstation, and a remote technician at the workstation is able to remotely control the kiosk through a packet-switched network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Merge Healthcare Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael W. Ferro, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9385977
    Abstract: Systems and methods for remote control and management of medical workstations using an instant messaging infrastructure. A remote client, such as a mobile phone, laptop, tablet, or other computing device, is used to generate instructions or information requests in one or more data packets. The remote client sends the one or more data packets using the instant messaging infrastructure to a medical workstation at another location. A service application in communication with the medical workstation receives the data packets and causes the medical workstation to retrieve the requested information or execute the instruction. The communications between the remote client and the service application are encrypted and signed to ensure secure communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Merge Healthcare Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark Logan, John Fehrenbach
  • Patent number: 9338207
    Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely viewing medical images on a client device having a zero-client web application with a buffering module. The zero-client web application receives an image series selection from a user and receives corresponding series details from a web server. The zero-client web application generates an off-screen image array according to the series details. The buffering module outputs image requests based on the series details to a web server. The web server is in communication with a medical image database storing images in a non-web browser compatible format (e.g., DICOM). The buffering module then populates the off-screen image array with converted medical images received from the web server. The zero-client web application further includes an on-screen image and a display module. The display module sequentially sets converted medical images of the off-screen array as the on-screen image to stream the converted medical images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Merge Healthcare Incorporated
    Inventor: William A. N. Lingley
  • Patent number: 8799358
    Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely viewing medical images on a client device having a zero-client web application with a buffering module. The zero-client web application receives an image series selection from a user and receives corresponding series details from a web server. The zero-client web application generates an off-screen image array according to the series details. The buffering module outputs image requests based on the series details to a web server. The web server is in communication with a medical image database storing images in a non-web browser compatible format (e.g., DICOM). The buffering module then populates the off-screen image array with converted medical images received from the web server. The zero-client web application further includes an on-screen image and a display module. The display module sequentially sets converted medical images of the off-screen array as the on-screen image to stream the converted medical images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Merge Healthcare Incorporated
    Inventor: William A. N. Lingley
  • Patent number: 8737712
    Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method of determining anterior commissure (AC) and posterior commissure (PC) points in a volumetric neuroradiological image. The method includes determining, by a computer, a mid-sagittal plane estimate to extract a mid-sagittal plane image from the volumetric neuroradiological image, and AC and PC point estimates in the mid-sagittal plane image. The method further includes determining, by the computer, a refined mid-sagittal plane estimate from the AC and PC point estimates to extract a refined mid-sagittal plane image, the AC point from the refined mid-sagittal plane image, and the PC point from the refined mid-sagittal plane image and the AC point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Merge Healthcare Incorporated
    Inventor: Paul Arthur Geiger
  • Publication number: 20140003577
    Abstract: Systems and methods for remote diagnostic imaging. The systems include a diagnostic imaging kiosk. The kiosk includes, for example, a first housing module and a second housing module. The first housing module is configured to house, among other things, a diagnostic imaging system (e.g., an X-ray system). The second housing module is configured to house electronics associated with the operation, control, and networking of the kiosk. The electronics include, for example, a primary controller, an X-ray controller, an X-ray generator, an internal display controller, an external display controller, one or more routers, and a digital radiology module. The kiosk is configured to communicatively connect to a remote technician's workstation, and a remote technician at the workstation is able to remotely control the kiosk through a packet-switched network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Merge Healthcare Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael W. Ferro
  • Patent number: 8594444
    Abstract: A system and method for enhancing digital images is described. A digital image is transformed into a series of decomposed images in frequency bands, or different resolution grids. A decomposed image is noise suppressed and contrast enhanced. Representative value of signal at each pixel is computed based on contributions to signals from pixels in a neighborhood of the pixel. Lookup tables are applied to pixel values to selectively enhance signal in a predetermined range of signal strength. Another set of lookup tables are applied to pixel values to suppress noise components contained therein. Optionally, operations are applied to decomposed images to suppress quantum noise, enhance object edges or enhance global contrast, among others. These decomposed images, after signal enhancement and noise suppression, are then recombined to result in an enhanced image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Merge Healthcare Incorporated
    Inventors: Paul Geiger, Vittorio Accomazzi
  • Patent number: 8526573
    Abstract: Systems and methods for remote diagnostic imaging. The systems include a diagnostic imaging kiosk. The kiosk includes, for example, a first housing module and a second housing module. The first housing module is configured to house, among other things, a diagnostic imaging system (e.g., an X-ray system). The second housing module is configured to house electronics associated with the operation, control, and networking of the kiosk. The electronics include, for example, a primary controller, an X-ray controller, an X-ray generator, an internal display controller, an external display controller, one or more routers, and a digital radiology module. The kiosk is configured to communicatively connect to a remote technician's workstation, and a remote technician at the workstation is able to remotely control the kiosk through a packet-switched network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Merge Healthcare Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael W. Ferro, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130094728
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing at least one medical image that includes image data and metadata. One method includes generating, at a processor, a number of copies of the at least one medical image, wherein the number of copies is equal to a number of independent reviewers associated with the at least one medical image. Each of the copies includes the image data and the metadata. The method also includes modifying the metadata of each of the copies to include a unique identifier, and storing the copies to at least one image storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: MERGE HEALTHCARE INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Merge Healthcare Incorporated
  • Patent number: 8270698
    Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method of determining anterior commissure (AC) and posterior commissure (PC) points in a volumetric neuroradiological image. The method includes determining, by a computer, a mid-sagittal plane estimate to extract a mid-sagittal plane image from the volumetric neuroradiological image, and AC and PC point estimates in the mid-sagittal plane image. The method further includes determining, by the computer, a refined mid-sagittal plane estimate from the AC and PC point estimates to extract a refined mid-sagittal plane image, the AC point from the refined mid-sagittal plane image, and the PC point from the refined mid-sagittal plane image and the AC point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Merge Healthcare Incorporated
    Inventor: Paul Arthur Geiger