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).

  • Integrated Multi-Mode Mammography/Tomosynthesis X-Ray System and Method
    Publication number: 20140044231
    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: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth DeFreitas, Thomas Farbizio, Baorui Ren, Christopher Ruth, Ian Shaw, Andrew P. Smith, Jay Stein
  • System and Method for Low Dose Tomosynthesis
    Publication number: 20140044230
    Abstract: A breast imaging system leverages the combined strengths of two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging to provide a breast cancer screening with improved sensitivity, specificity and patient dosing. A tomosynthesis system supports the acquisition of three-dimensional images at a dosage lower than that used to acquire a two-dimensional image. The low-dose three-dimensional image may be used for mass detection, while the two-dimensional image may be used for calcification detection. Obtaining tomosynthesis data at low dose provides a number of advantages in addition to mass detection including the reduction in scan time and wear and tear on the x-ray tube. Such an arrangement provides a breast cancer screening system with high sensitivity and specificity and reduced patient dosing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Stein, Andrew P. Smith, Zhenxue Jing, Loren Niklason
  • TOMOSYNTHESIS WITH SHIFTING FOCAL SPOT AND OSCILLATING COLLIMATOR BLADES
    Publication number: 20140016737
    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: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Baorui Ren, Andrew P. Smith, Thomas Farbizio, Zhenxue Jing, Jay Stein
  • Method of obtaining a molecular breast image
    Patent number: 8592772
    Abstract: An integrated tomosynthesis/molecular breast imaging device having improved sensitivity includes tomosynthesis imaging components and molecular breast imaging components. The imaging components may be used individually or in combination to provide a system with improved sensitivity and specificity. Molecular imaging components may be smoothly advanced or withdrawn depending upon the desired imaging mode. The system supports both PET and SPECT imaging and enables SPECT collimation to be modified in accordance with image capture requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Stein, Baorui Ren, Andrew P. Smith, Ken Brooks, Zhenxue Jing, Ian Shaw, Kenneth DeFreitas
  • Methods and systems for detecting possible error in patient position
    Patent number: 8571174
    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: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Smith, Julian Marshall
  • X-RAY MAMMOGRAPHY WITH TOMOSYNTHESIS
    Publication number: 20130272494
    Abstract: A method and system for producing tomosynthetic images of a patient's breast. An x-ray source that delivers x-rays through a breast immobilized and compressed between a compression paddle and a breast platform and form an image at a digital x-ray receptor panel. Multiple x-ray images are taken as the x-ray source and the receptor move relative to the immobilized breast. In one preferred embodiment, the x-ray source travels from ?15° to +15°. The source can travel in an arc around the breast while the receptor travels linearly while remaining parallel and at the same distance from the breast platform. The sets of x-ray image data taken at different angles are combined to form tomosynthetic images that can be viewed in different formats, alone or as an adjunct to conventional mammograms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth DeFreitas, Baorui Ren, Ian SHAW, Christopher RUTH, Andrew P. SMITH, Jay A. STEIN
  • Breast biopsy and needle localization using tomosynthesis systems
    Patent number: 8532745
    Abstract: Methods, devices, apparatuses and systems are disclosed for performing mammography, such as utilizing tomosynthesis in combination with breast biopsy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth F. DeFreitas, Ian Shaw, John Laviola, Loren Thomas Niklason, Tao Wu, Joseph L. Mark, Michael E. Miller, Jay A. Stein, Andrew P. Smith
  • X-ray mammography with tomosynthesis
    Patent number: 8452379
    Abstract: A method and system for producing tomosynthetic images of a patient's breast. An x-ray source that delivers x-rays through a breast immobilized and compressed between a compression paddle and a breast platform and form an image at a digital x-ray receptor panel. Multiple x-ray images are taken as the x-ray source and the receptor move relative to the immobilized breast. In one preferred embodiment, the x-ray source travels from ?15° to +15°. The source can travel in an arc around the breast while the receptor travels linearly while remaining parallel and at the same distance from the breast platform. The sets of x-ray image data taken at different angles are combined to form tomosynthetic images that can be viewed in different formats, alone or as an adjunct to conventional mammograms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth F. DeFreitas, Baorui Ren, Chris Ruth, Ian Shaw, Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein
  • MULTI-MODE TOMOSYNTHESIS/MAMMOGRAPHY GAIN CALIBRATION AND IMAGE CORRECTION USING GAIN MAP INFORMATION FROM SELECTED PROJECTION ANGLES
    Publication number: 20120328176
    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: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Baorui Ren, Andrew P. Smith, Zhenxue Jing, Jay Stein
  • DEDICATED BREAST RADIATION IMAGING/THERAPY SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20120288057
    Abstract: System, apparatus and methods specialized for breast and related tissue radiation therapy and imaging of a prone patient but also usable for supine patient if desired or needed. A special treatment radiation source such as a LINAC unit generates radiation of types and energy ranges specifically matched to breast tissue. Any one or more of several imaging technologies may be used to localize the tissue to be irradiated and to generate information for therapy planning, adjustment, and verification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: Hologic, Inc.,
    Inventors: Kenneth BROOKS, Jay A. Stein, Andrew P. Smith
  • Image handling and display in x-ray mammography and tomosynthesis
    Patent number: 8285020
    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: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Nikolaos A. Gkanatsios, Loren Niklason, Ian Shaw, Christopher Ruth, Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein
  • Integrated Breast X-Ray and Molecular Imaging System and Method
    Publication number: 20120250969
    Abstract: An integrated tomosynthesis/molecular breast imaging device having improved sensitivity includes tomosynthesis imaging components and molecular breast imaging components. The imaging components may be used individually or in combination to provide a system with improved sensitivity and specificity. Molecular imaging components may be smoothly advanced or withdrawn depending upon the desired imaging mode. The system supports both PET and SPECT imaging and enables SPECT collimation to be modified in accordance with image capture requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Jay Stein, Baorui Ren, Andrew P. Smith, Ken Brooks, Zhenxue Jing, Ian Shaw, Kenneth F. DeFreitas
  • Multi-mode tomosynthesis/mammography gain calibration and image correction using gain map information from selected projection angles
    Patent number: 8275090
    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: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Baorui Ren, Andrew P. Smith, Zhenxue Jing, Jay Stein
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DUAL ENERGY AND/OR CONTRAST ENHANCED BREAST IMAGING FOR SCREENING, DIAGNOSIS AND BIOPSY
    Publication number: 20120238870
    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: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein, Zhenxue Jing, Baorui Ren, Loren Niklason, Christopher Ruth, Ian Shaw
  • Dedicated breast radiation imaging/therapy system
    Patent number: 8254521
    Abstract: System, apparatus and methods specialized for breast and related tissue radiation therapy and imaging of a prone patient but also usable for supine patient if desired or needed. A special treatment radiation source such as a LINAC unit generates radiation of types and energy ranges specifically matched to breast tissue. Any one or more of several imaging technologies may be used to localize the tissue to be irradiated and to generate information for therapy planning, adjustment, and verification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Brooks, Jay A. Stein, Andrew P. Smith
  • MATCHING GEOMETRY GENERATION AND DISPLAY OF MAMMOGRAMS AND TOMOSYNTHESIS IMAGES
    Publication number: 20120195484
    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: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Baorui Ren, Christopher Ruth, Andrew P. Smith, Kevin Wilson, Jay A. Stein
  • Integrated breast X-ray and molecular imaging system
    Patent number: 8217357
    Abstract: An integrated tomosynthesis/molecular breast imaging device having improved sensitivity includes tomosynthesis imaging components and molecular breast imaging components. The imaging components may be used individually or in combination to provide a system with improved sensitivity and specificity. Molecular imaging components may be smoothly advanced or withdrawn depending upon the desired imaging mode. The system supports both PET and SPECT imaging and enables SPECT collimation to be modified in accordance with image capture requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Stein, Baorui Ren, Andrew P. Smith, Kenneth F. Brooks, Jing Zhenxue, Ian Shaw, Ken DeFreitas
  • X-ray imaging with X-ray markers that provide adjunct information but preserve image quality
    Publication number: 20120093285
    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: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Baorui Ren, Andrew P. Smith, Zhenxue Jing, Jay Stein, Kenneth F. Defreitas
  • Matching geometry generation and display of mammograms and tomosynthesis images
    Patent number: 8155421
    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: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Baorui Ren, Christopher Ruth, Andrew P. Smith, Kevin Wilson, Jay A. Stein
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETECTING POSSIBLE ERROR IN PATIENT POSITION
    Publication number: 20120063567
    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: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Smith, Julian Marshall