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).

  • Automatic delivery of messages
    Patent number: 9414209
    Abstract: Using components such as intermediate short message service centers and active subscriber identity systems, it is possible to deliver a message to a subscriber at a number different from the number which was entered by the message's sender at the time the message was sent. These components can also be used to deliver the message in the event that the sender is unavailable at the time the message is originally sent. Communications between components can be performed in a variety of manners, including using proprietary IP protocols, and the components can be configured to take responsibility for retrying message delivery by providing a delivery confirmation once the message reaches them, rather than providing delivery confirmation once it reaches its ultimate recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Convergys Customer Management Delaware LLC
    Inventors: Rod Makin, Andrew P. Smith, John Bunyan
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING A 2D IMAGE FROM A TOMOSYNTHESIS DATA SET
    Publication number: 20160220210
    Abstract: A 2D mammogram image is synthesized from at least one of tomosynthesis projection images and/or the tomosynthesis reconstructed image data. In a simplest form, the mammogram may be synthesized by selecting one of the tomosynthesis projection images for display as a synthesized mammogram. Other methods of synthesizing a mammogram include re-projecting and filtering projection data and/or reconstructed data. The synthesized mammogram is advantageously displayed together with at least a portion of the reconstructed data to aid in review of the reconstructed data. The present invention thus provides a familiar image which may be used to facilitate review of a tomosynthesis data set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Applicant: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Ruth, Andrew P. Smith, Jay Stein
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DYNAMICALLY MODIFYING ACQUISITION PARAMETER DURING IMAGE ACQUISITION
    Publication number: 20160113606
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically and dynamically modifying an image acquisition parameter for use in tomosynthesis breast imaging. A selected image acquisition parameter is modified in response to a measured characteristic of an imaged object such as a breast, and thus tailored to provide the highest quality image for the particular object. For example, image quality in a breast tomosynthesis system can be improved by dynamically varying motion and other acquisition parameters of the tomosynthesis system in response to physical characteristics of the breast to be imaged (determined during image acquisition), such as the breast thickness, density or composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Andrew P. Smith, Julian Marshall
  • TOMOSYNTHESIS WITH SHIFTING FOCAL SPOT AND OSCILLATIG COLLIMATOR BLADES
    Publication number: 20160106383
    Abstract: In a tomosynthesis system a static focal spot is moved in a direction opposite to and generally synchronized with the directional movement of an x-ray source and X-ray collimator blades are moved during each exposure in synchronization with the shifting of the static focal spot. The synchronized movement of the static focal spot, x-ray tube and collimator blades helps keep the effective focal spot fixed in space relative to the breast, detector or both during the entire duration of the exposure and keeps the x-ray field on the detector and breast static. The shifting collimator blades follow an oscillating pattern over the multiple x-ray exposures of a tomosynthesis scan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Applicant: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Baorui Ren, Andrew P. Smith, Thomas Farbizio, Zhenxue Jing, Jay Stein
  • Methods and systems for dynamically modifying acquisition parameter during image acquisition
    Patent number: 9241681
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically and dynamically modifying an image acquisition parameter for use in tomosynthesis breast imaging. A selected image acquisition parameter is modified in response to a measured characteristic of an imaged object such as a breast, and thus tailored to provide the highest quality image for the particular object. For example, image quality in a breast tomosynthesis system can be improved by dynamically varying motion and other acquisition parameters of the tomosynthesis system in response to physical characteristics of the breast to be imaged (determined during image acquisition), such as the breast thickness, density or composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Smith, Julian Marshall
  • Tomosynthesis with shifting focal spot and oscillating collimator blades
    Patent number: 9226721
    Abstract: In a tomosynthesis system a static focal spot is moved in a direction opposite to and generally synchronized with the directional movement of an x-ray source and X-ray collimator blades are moved during each exposure in synchronization with the shifting of the static focal spot. The synchronized movement of the static focal spot, x-ray tube and collimator blades helps keep the effective focal spot fixed in space relative to the breast, detector or both during the entire duration of the exposure and keeps the x-ray field on the detector and breast static. The shifting collimator blades follow an oscillating pattern over the multiple x-ray exposures of a tomosynthesis scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Baorui Ren, Andrew P. Smith, Thomas Farbizio, Zhenxue Jing, Jay Stein
  • Breast tomosynthesis with display of highlighted suspected calcifications
    Patent number: 9202275
    Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate the presentation and assessment of selected features in projection and/or reconstructed breast images, such as calcifications that meet selected criteria of size, shape, presence in selected slice images, distribution of pixels that could be indicative of calcification relative to other pixels or of other image features of clinical interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Chris Ruth, Jay Stein, Loren Niklason, Andrew P. Smith
  • System and Method for Dual Energy and/or Contrast Enhanced Breast Imaging for Screening, Diagnosis and Biopsy
    Publication number: 20150327826
    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: April 24, 2015
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Applicant: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein, Zhenxue Jing, Baorui Ren, Loren Niklason, Christopher Ruth, Ian Shaw
  • MATCHING GEOMETRY GENERATION AND DISPLAY OF MAMMOGRAPMS AND TOMOSYNTHESIS
    Publication number: 20150317538
    Abstract: A method and a system for using tomosynthesis projection images of a patient's breast to reconstruct slice tomosynthesis images such that anatomical structures that appear superimposed in a mammogram are at conforming locations in the reconstructed images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Inventors: Baorui Ren, Christopher Ruth, Andrew P. Smith, Kevin Wilson, Jay A. Stein
  • IMAGE HANDLING AND DISPLAY IN X-RAY MAMMOGRAPHY AND TOMOSYNTHESIS
    Publication number: 20150310611
    Abstract: A method and system for acquiring, processing, storing, and displaying x-ray mammograms Mp tomosynthesis images Tr representative of breast slices, and x-ray tomosynthesis projection images Tp taken at different angles to a breast, where the Tr images are reconstructed from Tp images
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Inventors: Nikolaos A. Gkanatsios, Loren Niklason, Ian Shaw, Christopher Ruth, Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein
  • AUTOMATIC DELIVERY OF MESSAGES
    Publication number: 20150312734
    Abstract: Using components such as intermediate short message service centers and active subscriber identity systems, it is possible to deliver a message to a subscriber at a number different from the number which was entered by the message's sender at the time the message was sent. These components can also be used to deliver the message in the event that the sender is unavailable at the time the message is originally sent. Communications between components can be performed in a variety of manners, including using proprietary IP protocols, and the components can be configured to take responsibility for retrying message delivery by providing a delivery confirmation once the message reaches them, rather than providing delivery confirmation once it reaches its ultimate recipient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Inventors: Rod Makin, Andrew P. Smith, John Bunyan
  • Multi-mode tomosynthesis/mammography gain calibration and image correction using gain map information from selected projection angles
    Patent number: 9119593
    Abstract: A multi-mode tomosynthesis/mammography system and method in which a mammography gain map is used to gain correct mammographic images of a patient's breast but enhanced gain maps for respective projection angled are used to correct tomosynthesis images acquired with the same system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Baorui Ren, Andrew P. Smith, Zhenxue Jing, Jay Stein
  • Image handling and display in X-ray mammography and tomosynthesis
    Patent number: 9095306
    Abstract: A method and system for acquiring, processing, storing, and displaying x-ray mammograms Mp tomosynthesis images Tr representative of breast slices, and x-ray tomosynthesis projection images Tp taken at different angles to a breast, where the Tr images are reconstructed from Tp images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Nikolaos A. Gkanatsios, Loren Niklason, Ian Shaw, Christopher Ruth, Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein
  • Matching geometry generation and display of mammograms and tomosynthesis
    Patent number: 9084579
    Abstract: A method and a system for using tomosynthesis projection images of a patient's breast to reconstruct slice tomosynthesis images such that anatomical structures that appear superimposed in a mammogram are at conforming locations in the reconstructed images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Baouri Ren, Christopher Ruth, Andrew P. Smith, Kevin Wilson, Jay A. Stein
  • System and Method for Generating A 2D Image from a Tomosynthesis Data Set
    Publication number: 20150182181
    Abstract: A 2D mammogram image is synthesized from at least one of tomosynthesis projection images and/or the tomosynthesis reconstructed image data. In a simplest form, the mammogram may be synthesized by selecting one of the tomosynthesis projection images for display as a synthesized mammogram. Other methods of synthesizing a mammogram include re-projecting and filtering projection data and/or reconstructed data. The synthesized mammogram is advantageously displayed together with at least a portion of the reconstructed data to aid in review of the reconstructed data. The present invention thus provides a familiar image which may be used to facilitate review of a tomosynthesis data set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Applicant: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Ruth, Andrew P. Smith, Jay Stein
  • Integrated multi-mode mammography/tomosynthesis x-ray system and method
    Patent number: 9066706
    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: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth DeFreitas, Thomas Farbizio, Baorui Ren, Christopher Ruth, Ian Shaw, Andrew P. Smith, Jay Stein
  • IMAGE HANDLING AND DISPLAY IN X-RAY MAMMOGRAPHY AND TOMOSYNTHESIS
    Publication number: 20150160848
    Abstract: A method and system for acquiring, processing, storing, and displaying x-ray mammograms Mp tomosynthesis images Tr representative of breast slices, and x-ray tomosynthesis projection images Tp taken at different angles to a breast, where the Tr images are reconstructed from Tp images
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Applicant: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Nikolaos GKANATSIOS, Loren NIKLASON, Ian SHAW, Christopher RUTH, Andrew P. SMITH, Jay A. STEIN
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DYNAMICALLY MODIFYING ACQUISITION PARAMETER DURING IMAGE ACQUISITION
    Publication number: 20150148670
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically and dynamically modifying an image acquisition parameter for use in tomosynthesis breast imaging. A selected image acquisition parameter is modified in response to a measured characteristic of an imaged object such as a breast, and thus tailored to provide the highest quality image for the particular object. For example, image quality in a breast tomosynthesis system can be improved by dynamically varying motion and other acquisition parameters of the tomosynthesis system in response to physical characteristics of the breast to be imaged (determined during image acquisition), such as the breast thickness, density or composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Andrew P. Smith, Julian Marshall
  • Image handling and display in X-ray mammography and tomosynthesis
    Patent number: 9042612
    Abstract: A method and system for acquiring, processing, storing, and displaying x-ray mammograms Mp tomosynthesis images Tr representative of breast slices, and x-ray tomosynthesis projection images Tp taken at different angles to a breast, where the Tr images are reconstructed from Tp images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Nikolaos Gkanatsios, Loren Niklason, Ian Shaw, Christopher Ruth, Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein
  • System and method for dual energy and/or contrast enhanced breast imaging for screening, diagnosis and biopsy
    Patent number: 9020579
    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: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein, Zhenxue Jing, Baorui Ren, Loren Niklason, Christopher Ruth, Ian Shaw