Patents by Inventor Björn Kreher

Björn Kreher 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).

  • Publication number: 20240050045
    Abstract: Systems and methods for ascertaining an item of torsion information of a bone of a patient, wherein an X-ray facility with adjustable projection geometry of a recording arrangement described by projection parameters is used. A first X-ray image is recorded of an end region of the bone in a first projection geometry in which a torsion direction defined relative to at least one torsion landmark and used for ascertaining a roll angle lies in a first computing plane, which is formed by the focal point of the X-ray source and a reference direction which may be determined in the first X-ray image by at least one reference landmark. A second X-ray image is recorded of the end region of the bone in a second projection geometry with a direction of projection deviating from the direction of projection of the first projection geometry, and forming a second computing plane from the reference direction which may be determined in the second X-ray image likewise by the at least one reference landmark, and the focal point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: Björn Kreher, Benedict Swartman, Gerhard Kleinszig, Alexander Gemmel, Holger Kunze, Markus Weiten, Jessica Magaraggia, Maxim Privalov
  • Patent number: 11481936
    Abstract: A method for establishing a three-dimensional tomosynthesis data record of a target volume from two-dimensional projection images recorded with a recording arrangement including an X-ray source and an X-ray detector in different recording geometries is provided. During or after a reconstruction step, a deconvolution technique is used for reducing image artifacts of the tomosynthesis data record occurring due to lacking information. The projection images are recorded along a linear recording trajectory of the X-ray source. The reconstruction and the use of the deconvolution technique take place in a plurality of different two-dimensional reconstruction planes that are spanned by the recording trajectory and, in each case, a definition point in the target volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Gemmel, Gerhard Kleinszig, Björn Kreher, Holger Kunze, Jessica Magaraggia, Markus Weiten
  • Patent number: 11382592
    Abstract: A method for increasing accuracy of positioning an X-ray device relative to an examination subject using a camera system includes recording a first data set, acquiring original positioning information pertaining to the X-ray device and specifying a target position of the X-ray device relative to the original position. The X-ray device is positioned out of the original position into a first approach position using the original positioning information, and a second data set is recorded. A deviation between the target position and the first approach position is determined by a reconciliation between the first data set and the second data set. The X-ray device is positioned out of the first approach position into a second approach position using the determined deviation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Gemmel, Gerhard Kleinszig, Bjoern Kreher, Holger Kunze, Jessica Magaraggia, Markus Weiten
  • Patent number: 11357465
    Abstract: Evaluating the reliability of a computed tomography (CT) volume image includes acquiring a first CT volume image and a modified CT volume image that are reconstructed from scanned projection images. From the first CT volume image and the modified CT volume image, digitally reconstructed X-ray images are then calculated. A respective similarity with a corresponding one of the scanned projection images is then determined. Based on a comparison of these similarities with one another, the reliability of the CT volume images is then evaluated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Fischer, Alexander Gemmel, Gerhard Kleinszig, Björn Kreher, Holger Kunze, Jessica Magaraggia, Stefan Schneider, Markus Weiten
  • Patent number: 11321833
    Abstract: A method for segmenting metal objects in projection images acquired using different projection geometries is provided. Each projection image shows a region of interest. A three-dimensional x-ray image is reconstructed from the projection images in the region of interest. A trained artificial intelligence segmentation algorithm is used to calculate first binary metal masks for each projection image. A three-dimensional intermediate data set of a reconstruction region that is larger than the region of interest is reconstructed by determining, for each voxel of the intermediate data set, as a metal value, a number of first binary metal masks showing metal in a pixel associated with a ray crossing the voxel. A three-dimensional binary metal mask is determined. Second binary metal masks are determined for each projection image by forward projecting the three-dimensional binary metal mask using the respective projection geometries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Kunze, Peter Fischer, Björn Kreher, Tristan Gottschalk, Michael Manhart
  • Patent number: 11172902
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for recording a panorama dataset of an examination object by a movable medical x-ray device, to a medical x-ray device, and to a computer program product for carrying out the method. The medical x-ray device has an x-ray source, which emits a bundle of x-rays, wherein a first image segment, which maps at least one part of the examination object, is recorded at a first point in time. Position data is acquired, which maps the spatial position of the x-ray device at this first point in time. At least one further image segment along an imaging path is recorded after there has been a movement of the x-ray device, wherein the imaging path lies in one plane, wherein a central ray of the bundle of x-rays emitted by the x-ray source does not run in parallel to the plane in which the imaging path lies. Additionally, position data is acquired, which maps the spatial position of the x-ray device at the time of the recording of the at least one further image segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Gemmel, Björn Kreher, Holger Kunze, Markus Weiten, Jessica Magaraggia, Gerhard Kleinszig, Tobias Lenich, Edgar Zaus
  • Patent number: 10842456
    Abstract: A method for determining an alignment between at least two bone parts of an elongated bone system of a patient includes recording a plurality of partially spatially overlapping projection images by a recording system of an x-ray device during a translational movement of the x-ray device or the recording system in a direction of or parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bone system. Tomosynthesis image data of the bone parts is reconstructed from the recorded projection images, and an alignment angle between the at least two bone parts is determined or estimated at least partially based on the reconstructed tomosynthesis image data and/or the plurality of projection images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Gemmel, Gerhard Kleinszig, Björn Kreher, Benedict Swartman, Wei Wei, Markus Weiten, Qiao Yang
  • Publication number: 20200320755
    Abstract: A method for establishing a three-dimensional tomosynthesis data record of a target volume from two-dimensional projection images recorded with a recording arrangement including an X-ray source and an X-ray detector in different recording geometries is provided. During or after a reconstruction step, a deconvolution technique is used for reducing image artifacts of the tomosynthesis data record occurring due to lacking information. The projection images are recorded along a linear recording trajectory of the X-ray source. The reconstruction and the use of the deconvolution technique take place in a plurality of different two-dimensional reconstruction planes that are spanned by the recording trajectory and, in each case, a definition point in the target volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Alexander Gemmel, Gerhard Kleinszig, Björn Kreher, Holger Kunze, Jessica Magaraggia, Markus Weiten
  • Publication number: 20200305832
    Abstract: A method for increasing accuracy of positioning an X-ray device relative to an examination subject using a camera system includes recording a first data set, acquiring original positioning information pertaining to the X-ray device and specifying a target position of the X-ray device relative to the original position. The X-ray device is positioned out of the original position into a first approach position using the original positioning information, and a second data set is recorded. A deviation between the target position and the first approach position is determined by a reconciliation between the first data set and the second data set. The X-ray device is positioned out of the first approach position into a second approach position using the determined deviation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Alexander Gemmel, Gerhard Kleinszig, Bjoern Kreher, Holger Kunze, Jessica Magaraggia, Markus Weiten
  • Publication number: 20200268334
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for recording a panorama dataset of an examination object by a movable medical x-ray device, to a medical x-ray device, and to a computer program product for carrying out the method. The medical x-ray device has an x-ray source, which emits a bundle of x-rays, wherein a first image segment, which maps at least one part of the examination object, is recorded at a first point in time. Position data is acquired, which maps the spatial position of the x-ray device at this first point in time. At least one further image segment along an imaging path is recorded after there has been a movement of the x-ray device, wherein the imaging path lies in one plane, wherein a central ray of the bundle of x-rays emitted by the x-ray source does not run in parallel to the plane in which the imaging path lies. Additionally, position data is acquired, which maps the spatial position of the x-ray device at the time of the recording of the at least one further image segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Inventors: Alexander Gemmel, Bjoern Kreher, Holger Kunze, Markus Weiten, Jessica Magaraggia, Gerhard Kleinszig, Tobias Lenich, Edgar Zaus
  • Publication number: 20200250820
    Abstract: A method for segmenting metal objects in projection images acquired using different projection geometries is provided. Each projection image shows a region of interest. A three-dimensional x-ray image is reconstructed from the projection images in the region of interest. A trained artificial intelligence segmentation algorithm is used to calculate first binary metal masks for each projection image. A three-dimensional intermediate data set of a reconstruction region that is larger than the region of interest is reconstructed by determining, for each voxel of the intermediate data set, as a metal value, a number of first binary metal masks showing metal in a pixel associated with a ray crossing the voxel. A three-dimensional binary metal mask is determined. Second binary metal masks are determined for each projection image by forward projecting the three-dimensional binary metal mask using the respective projection geometries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Inventors: Holger Kunze, Peter Fischer, Björn Kreher, Tristan Gottschalk, Michael Manhart
  • Patent number: 10706546
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating a medical imaging device when performing an imaging examination. In order to allow an improved preparation of images in the context of such an imaging examination, the method includes: providing an original image of a body region; recording an updated image of the body region; and generating a three-dimensional subsequent image from the original image and from the updated image using a previously trained artificial neural network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Gemmel, Gerhard Kleinszig, Björn Kreher, Holger Kunze, Jessica Magaraggia, Stefan Schneider, Markus Weiten
  • Patent number: 10687900
    Abstract: In a method of image support for a person carrying out a minimally invasive procedure with an instrument in a procedure site of a patient, one two-dimensional X-ray image respectively of the procedure site is recorded by an X-ray apparatus in at least two recording geometries implementing different projection directions and chosen specific to the procedure, in particular by the person. A three-dimensional model data set of the procedure region is reconstructed by iterative reconstruction from the X-ray images. At least one two-dimensional supporting image corresponding to one of the recording geometries is determined by incorporating at least one item of further information by re-projection of the model data set supplemented by the further information and is displayed for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Gemmel, Bjoern Kreher, Gerhard Kleinszig, Markus Weiten
  • Publication number: 20200113534
    Abstract: Evaluating a reliability of a computed tomography (CT) volume image includes acquiring a first CT volume image and a modified CT volume image that are reconstructed from scanned projection images. From the first CT volume image and the modified CT volume image, digitally reconstructed X-ray images are then calculated. A respective similarity with a corresponding one of the scanned projection images is then determined. Based on a comparison of these similarities with one another, a reliability of the CT volume images is then evaluated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Peter Fischer, Alexander Gemmel, Gerhard Kleinszig, Björn Kreher, Holger Kunze, Jessica Magaraggia, Stefan Schneider, Markus Weiten
  • Publication number: 20190392582
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating a medical imaging device when performing an imaging examination. In order to allow an improved preparation of images in the context of such an imaging examination, the method includes: providing an original image of a body region; recording an updated image of the body region; and generating a three-dimensional subsequent image from the original image and from the updated image using a previously trained artificial neural network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Alexander Gemmel, Gerhard Kleinszig, Björn Kreher, Holger Kunze, Jessica Magaraggia, Stefan Schneider, Markus Weiten
  • Publication number: 20190117180
    Abstract: A method for determining an alignment between at least two bone parts of an elongated bone system of a patient includes recording a plurality of partially spatially overlapping projection images by a recording system of an x-ray device during a translational movement of the x-ray device or the recording system in a direction of or parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bone system. Tomosynthesis image data of the bone parts is reconstructed from the recorded projection images, and an alignment angle between the at least two bone parts is determined or estimated at least partially based on the reconstructed tomosynthesis image data and/or the plurality of projection images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventors: Alexander Gemmel, Gerhard Kleinszig, Björn Kreher, Benedict Swartman, Wei Wei, Markus Weiten, Qiao Yang
  • Publication number: 20180250076
    Abstract: In a method of image support for a person carrying out a minimally invasive procedure with an instrument in a procedure site of a patient, one two-dimensional X-ray image respectively of the procedure site is recorded by an X-ray apparatus in at least two recording geometries implementing different projection directions and chosen specific to the procedure, in particular by the person. A three-dimensional model data set of the procedure region is reconstructed by iterative reconstruction from the X-ray images. At least one two-dimensional supporting image corresponding to one of the recording geometries is determined by incorporating at least one item of further information by re-projection of the model data set supplemented by the further information and is displayed for the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Inventors: ALEXANDER GEMMEL, BJOERN KREHER, GERHARD KLEINSZIG, MARKUS WEITEN