Patents by Inventor Andrew P. Smith

Andrew P. Smith 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: 12295771
    Abstract: A method of imaging a breast compressed with a foam paddle includes emitting an x-ray energy from an x-ray source towards the breast and the foam paddle having a plurality of upper markers and a plurality of lower markers, wherein the plurality of lower markers are movable relative to the upper markers. The x-ray energy is detected at a detector disposed opposite the breast from the x-ray source. An image of the compressed breast is generated based on the detected x-ray energy. At least one of the plurality of upper markers and at least one of the plurality of lower markers is identified in the image. A thickness of the compressed breast at a plurality of thickness locations is determined, wherein each of the plurality of thickness locations corresponds to at least one of the plurality of lower markers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2025
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Baorui Ren, Kenneth Defreitas, Alan Rego, Christopher Ruth, Andrew P. Smith, Zhenxue Jing, Jay A. Stein
  • Publication number: 20250140219
    Abstract: The invention includes a method including the steps of obtaining a plurality of images, each of the images in the plurality having at least one corresponding region, generating a merged image, the merged image also having the corresponding region. The step of generating includes selecting an image source from the plurality of images to source image data for the corresponding region in the merged image by comparing attributes of the corresponding regions of the plurality of images to identify the image source having preferred attributes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2024
    Publication date: May 1, 2025
    Applicant: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Kreeger, Andrew P. Smith, Ashwini Kshirsagar, Jun Ge, Xiangwei Zhang, Haili Chui, Christopher Ruth, Yiheng Zhang, Liyang Wei, Jay Stein
  • Patent number: 12239471
    Abstract: Systems and methods for x-ray imaging a patient's breast in combinations of dual-energy, single-energy, mammography and tomosynthesis modes that facilitate screening for and diagnosis of breast abnormalities, particularly breast abnormalities characterized by abnormal vascularity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2025
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein, Zhenxue Jing, Baorui Ren, Loren Niklason, Christopher Ruth, Ian Shaw
  • Patent number: 12193853
    Abstract: Methods, devices, apparatuses and systems are disclosed for performing mammography, such as utilizing tomosynthesis in combination with breast biopsy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2024
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2025
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Defreitas, John Laviola, Loren Niklason, Tao Wu, Joseph Mark, Michael Miller, Jay Stein, Andrew P. Smith
  • Patent number: 12183309
    Abstract: The invention includes a method including the steps of obtaining a plurality of images, each of the images in the plurality having at least one corresponding region, generating a merged image, the merged image also having the corresponding region. The step of generating includes selecting an image source from the plurality of images to source image data for the corresponding region in the merged image by comparing attributes of the corresponding regions of the plurality of images to identify the image source having preferred attributes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2024
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Kreeger, Andrew P. Smith, Ashwini Kshirsagar, Jun Ge, Xiangwei Zhang, Haili Chui, Christopher Ruth, Yiheng Zhang, Liyang Wei, Jay Stein
  • Patent number: 12144668
    Abstract: A multi-mode system and method for imaging a patient's breast with x-rays in one or more of a CT mode, a narrow-angle tomosynthesis mode, a wide angle tomosynthesis mode, and a mammography mode, using essentially the same equipment, on one or more compressions or immobilizations of the breast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein, Ken Defreitas, Ian Shaw, Zhenxue Jing, Loren Niklason, Baorui Ren, Christopher Ruth
  • Publication number: 20240341698
    Abstract: Methods, devices, apparatuses and systems are disclosed for performing mammography, such as utilizing tomosynthesis in combination with breast biopsy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2024
    Publication date: October 17, 2024
    Applicant: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth DEFREITAS, John LAVIOLA, Loren NIKLASON, Tao WU, Joseph MARK, Michael MILLER, Jay STEIN, Andrew P. SMITH
  • Publication number: 20240242820
    Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure describe systems and methods for using machine learning (ML) to predict optimal exposure technique for acquiring mammographic images. In aspects, training data may be collected from one or more data sources. The training data may comprise sample data of patient attribute data and sample image attribute data, image metadata, image pixel data, and/or exposure technique parameters. The training data may be used to train an ML model to determine the optimal exposure technique parameters for acquiring mammographic images of a patient. After the ML model has been trained, patient data that is collected from a patient during a patient visit may be provided as input to the ML model. The ML model may output optimal exposure technique parameters for the patient in real-time. The real-time output of the ML model may be used to generate one or more mammographic images of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2022
    Publication date: July 18, 2024
    Applicant: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashwini KSHIRSAGAR, Baorui REN, Andrew P. SMITH
  • Patent number: 12029602
    Abstract: A method of performing a procedure on a breast of a patient includes compressing the breast of the patient with a paddle of an imaging system and performing an initial imaging procedure on the breast of the patient. The initial imaging procedure includes imaging the breast with an x-ray source at a first energy to obtain a first image and a second energy to obtain a second image. A composite image is generated from the first image and the second image and displayed. A region of interest on the composite image is targeted and a biopsy is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Smith, Julian Marshall
  • Publication number: 20240169958
    Abstract: The invention includes a method including the steps of obtaining a plurality of images, each of the images in the plurality having at least one corresponding region, generating a merged image, the merged image also having the corresponding region. The step of generating includes selecting an image source from the plurality of images to source image data for the corresponding region in the merged image by comparing attributes of the corresponding regions of the plurality of images to identify the image source having preferred attributes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2023
    Publication date: May 23, 2024
    Applicant: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Kreeger, Andrew P. Smith, Ashwini Kshirsagar, Jun Ge, Xiangwei Zhang, Haili Chui, Christopher Ruth, Yiheng Zhang, Liyang Wei, Jay Stein
  • Patent number: 11837197
    Abstract: The invention includes a method including the steps of obtaining a plurality of images, each of the images in the plurality having at least one corresponding region, generating a merged image, the merged image also having the corresponding region. The step of generating includes selecting an image source from the plurality of images to source image data for the corresponding region in the merged image by comparing attributes of the corresponding regions of the plurality of images to identify the image source having preferred attributes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Kreeger, Andrew P. Smith, Ashwini Kshirsagar, Jun Ge, Xiangwei Zhang, Haili Chui, Christopher Ruth, Yiheng Zhang, Liyang Wei, Jay Stein
  • Publication number: 20230121010
    Abstract: Systems and methods for breast x-ray tomosynthesis that enhance spatial resolution in the direction in which the breast is flattened for examination. In addition to x-ray data acquisition of 2D projection tomosynthesis images ETp1 over a shorter source trajectory similar to known breast tomosynthesis, supplemental 2D images ETp2 are taken over a longer source trajectory and the two sets of projection images are processed into breast slice images ETr that exhibit enhanced spatial resolution, including in the thickness direction of the breast. Additional features include breast CT of an upright patient's flattened breast, multi-mode tomosynthesis, and shielding the patient from moving equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Applicant: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. SMITH, Jay STEIN, Kenneth DEFREITAS, Ian SHAW, Zhenxue JING, Loren NIKLASON, Baorui REN, Christopher RUTH
  • Publication number: 20230121488
    Abstract: A method of imaging a breast compressed with a foam paddle includes emitting an x-ray energy from an x-ray source towards the breast and the foam paddle having a plurality of upper markers and a plurality of lower markers, wherein the plurality of lower markers are movable relative to the upper markers. The x-ray energy is detected at a detector disposed opposite the breast from the x-ray source. An image of the compressed breast is generated based on the detected x-ray energy. At least one of the plurality of upper markers and at least one of the plurality of lower markers is identified in the image. A thickness of the compressed breast at a plurality of thickness locations is determined, wherein each of the plurality of thickness locations corresponds to at least one of the plurality of lower markers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: Baorui REN, Kenneth DEFREITAS, Alan REGO, Christopher RUTH, Andrew P. SMITH, Zhenxue JING, Jay A. STEIN
  • Patent number: 11617548
    Abstract: A system for multi-mode breast x-ray imaging which comprises a compression arm assembly for compressing and immobilizing a breast for x-ray imaging, an x-ray tube assembly, and an x-ray image receptor is provided. The system is configured for a plurality of imaging protocols and modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth DeFreitas, Thomas Farbizio, Baorui Ren, Christopher Ruth, Ian Shaw, Andrew P. Smith, Jay Stein
  • Publication number: 20230053489
    Abstract: The invention includes a method including the steps of obtaining a plurality of images, each of the images in the plurality having at least one corresponding region, generating a merged image, the merged image also having the corresponding region. The step of generating includes selecting an image source from the plurality of images to source image data for the corresponding region in the merged image by comparing attributes of the corresponding regions of the plurality of images to identify the image source having preferred attributes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Applicant: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Kreeger, Andrew P. Smith, Ashwini Kshirsagar, Jun Ge, Xiangwei Zhang, Haili Chui, Christopher Ruth, Yiheng Zhang, Liyang Wei, Jay Stein
  • Publication number: 20230008465
    Abstract: A method of performing a procedure on a breast of a patient includes compressing the breast of the patient with a paddle of an imaging system and performing an initial imaging procedure on the breast of the patient. The initial imaging procedure includes imaging the breast with an x-ray source at a first energy to obtain a first image and a second energy to obtain a second image. A composite image is generated from the first image and the second image and displayed. A region of interest on the composite image is targeted and a biopsy is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Applicant: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. SMITH, Julian MARSHALL
  • Publication number: 20220386969
    Abstract: Systems and methods for x-ray imaging a patient's breast in combinations of dual-energy, single-energy, mammography and tomosynthesis modes that facilitate screening for and diagnosis of breast abnormalities, particularly breast abnormalities characterized by abnormal vascularity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Applicant: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein, Zhenxue Jing, Baorui Ren, Loren Niklason, Christopher Ruth, Ian Shaw
  • Patent number: 11508340
    Abstract: The invention includes a method including the steps of obtaining a plurality of images, each of the images in the plurality having at least one corresponding region, generating a merged image, the merged image also having the corresponding region. The step of generating includes selecting an image source from the plurality of images to source image data for the corresponding region in the merged image by comparing attributes of the corresponding regions of the plurality of images to identify the image source having preferred attributes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Kreeger, Andrew P. Smith, Ashwini Kshirsagar, Jun Ge, Yiheng Zhang, Haili Chui, Christopher Ruth, Xiangwei Zhang, Liyang Wei, Jay Stein
  • Patent number: 11478206
    Abstract: Systems and methods for breast x-ray tomosynthesis that enhance spatial resolution in the direction in which the breast is flattened for examination. In addition to x-ray data acquisition of 2D projection tomosynthesis images ETp1 over a shorter source trajectory similar to known breast tomosynthesis, supplemental 2D images ETp2 are taken over a longer source trajectory and the two sets of projection images are processed into breast slice images ETr that exhibit enhanced spatial resolution, including in the thickness direction of the breast. Additional features include breast CT of an upright patient's flattened breast, multi-mode tomosynthesis, and shielding the patient from moving equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Smith, Jay Stein, Kenneth Defreitas, Ian Shaw, Zhenxue Jing, Loren Niklason, Baorui Ren, Christopher Ruth
  • Patent number: 11464472
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for estimating a geometric thickness of a breast in mammography/tomosynthesis or in other x-ray procedures, by imaging markers that are in the path of x-rays passing through the imaged object. The markings can be selected to be visible or to be invisible when the composite markings/breast image is viewed in clinical settings. If desired, the contribution of the markers to the image can be removed through further processing. The resulting information can be used determining the geometric thickness of the body being x-rayed and thus setting imaging parameters that are thickness-related, and for other purposes. The method and apparatus also have application in other types of x-ray imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Baorui Ren, Andrew P. Smith, Zhenxue Jing, Jay Stein, Kenneth F. Defreitas