Patents by Inventor Cristian Lorenz
Cristian Lorenz 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).
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Publication number: 20120081386Abstract: The invention relates to a visualization apparatus (1) for visualizing an image data set. The visualization apparatus (1) comprises an image data set providing unit (2) for providing the image data set, a differential property determination unit (5) for determining local differential properties for different regions of the image data set, an assigning unit (6) for assigning visualization properties to the different regions of the image data set depending on the determined local differential properties, wherein a visualization property defines the visualization of a region, to which the visualization property is assigned, and a display unit (7) for displaying the visualization properties assigned to the different regions of the image data set. By displaying the visualization properties assigned to the different regions of the image data set different objects can visually be separated from each other without requiring large computational costs.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2010Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Rafael Wiemker, Thomas Buelow, Cristian Lorenz, Torbjorn Vik, Sven Kabus
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Patent number: 8111885Abstract: The present invention relates to an image processing device and a corresponding image processing method for processing medical image data showing at least two image objects, including a segmentation unit for detection and/or segmentation of image objects in said image data.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2006Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Jens Von Berg, Cristian Lorenz
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Patent number: 8094772Abstract: A reconstruction unit is provided for receiving a sequence of data sets, the data sets representing structural information of the object. The reconstruction unit performs receiving scheduling information related to the data sets of the sequence of data sets. Then reconstructing a sequence of coarse reconstructions of the object by using the sequence of data sets and the scheduling information. Afterwards a sequence of adapted models of the object is generated by adapting a respective model to each of the coarse reconstructions. Then a motion of a predetermined portion of each of the adapted models is determined and a specific data set of the sequence of data sets is selected, wherein the specific data set corresponds to the adapted model with the minimum motion of the predetermined portion. Finally the reconstruction unit performs reconstructing a fine reconstruction of at least the part of the object using the specific data set.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2006Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Michael Grass, Jens Berg, Cristian Lorenz
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Publication number: 20110286652Abstract: A system for displaying lung ventilation information, the system comprising an input (12) and a processing unit (15). The input being provided for receiving multiple CT images (71) of a lung, each CT image (71) corresponding to one phase of at least two different phases in a respiratory cycle. The processing unit (15) being configured to compare CT images (71) corresponding to different phases in the respiratory cycle for determining a deformation vector field for each phase, to generate for each phase a ventilation image (72) based on the corresponding deformation vector field, to spatially align the ventilation images (72), and to generate for at least one common position (62) in each one of the aligned ventilation images (72), a function (81) of a time course of a ventilation value for said common position (62), each ventilation value in the function (81) being based on the deformation vector fields corresponding to the aligned ventilation images (73).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2010Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Sven Kabus, Cristian Lorenz, Nicole Schadewaldt, Roland Opfer, Ingwer Curt Carlsen, Steffen Renisch, Joerg Sabczynski, Hans Barschdorf, Jens Von Berg, Thomas Blaffert, Tobias Klinder
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Publication number: 20110284751Abstract: A system is provided for obtaining a nuclear image of a moving object. The system comprises an input (14), a processing unit (15) and an output (17). The input (14) is provided for receiving a nuclear image and morphological images of the object. The processing unit (15) is configured to process the morphological images to obtain sparse motion information of the object, to use the sparse motion information and a motion model for obtaining estimated motion information about the object, and to generate a motion-corrected nuclear image based on the estimated motion information and the acquired nuclear image. The output (17) provides the corrected nuclear image.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2010Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Tobias Klinder, Cristian Lorenz, Michael H. Kuhn
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Patent number: 7986836Abstract: The invention relates to a method of segmenting a surface in a multi dimensional dataset comprising a plurality of images. In accordance with the method of the invention, at step 4 shape parameters and topology parameters for the object under consideration are acquired. Preferably that the multi-dimensional data set imaging the object is acquired at an acquisition step 1 and is subsequently stored in a computer-readable file 2. At step 5 the default shape parameters and topology parameters of a suitable segmentation algorithm 3 based on a deformable model are adapted with the value of the actual shape parameters and the topology parameters 4 for the given object. Subsequently, at step 6 the images constituting the multi-dimensional dataset are segmented using deformable model algorithm 6a with the adapted shape parameters and the adapted topology parameters yielding respective portions of the sought surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2006Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Jens Von Berg, Cristian Lorenz
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Publication number: 20110175909Abstract: The invention relates to a system (100) for visualizing an object in image data using a first cross-section surface coupled to a model of the object, the system comprising a model unit for adapting a model to the object in the image data, a surface unit for adapting the first cross-section surface to the adapted model on the basis of the coupling between the first cross-section surface and the model, and a visualization unit for computing an image from the image data on the basis of the adapted first cross-section surface. The first cross-section surface may be used to define a slice of the image data for visualizing useful features of the object. Any suitable rendering technique, e.g. maximum intensity projection, can be used by the visualization unit to compute the image based on the slice of the image data defined by the first cross-section surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2009Publication date: July 21, 2011Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Cristian Lorenz, Tobias Klinder
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Publication number: 20110169864Abstract: The invention relates to a system (100) for producing a representation of an object in image data, based on a template coupled to a model of the object, the system comprising a model unit for adapting the model to the object in the image data, and a template unit for adapting the template to the adapted model on the basis of the coupling between the template and the model. The template defines a representation of the object which is simpler to interpret than the model. The template may be arranged to emphasize useful features of the object. The template comprises substantially fewer degrees of freedom and thus can be efficiently adapted to the model. Because the template of the invention is coupled to the model, the position, orientation and/or shape of the template is determined by the model adapted to the object in the image data. Hence, the template is adapted to the image data. The adapted template is capable of representing the object and its individual characteristics, e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2009Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Cristian Lorenz, Sebastian Peter Michael Dries, Steffen Renisch, Jens Von Berg
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Patent number: 7970189Abstract: An automated method (1) for the automatic extraction of a pulmonary vessel tree from a 3D medical image, such as multi-slice CT data, is disclosed. A segmented pulmonary vessel is identified as either an artery or a vein by determining a measure for arterialness for the vessel. The measure is based on a relation of the orientation of a local bronchus to the orientation of the segmented pulmonary vessel of the local bronchus. When a vessel is identified as a pulmonary artery, it is added to the pulmonary artery tree. Radii of the pulmonary artery and bronchus are measured automatically and positions where a ratio of these radii exhibits unusual values are presented in a display, preferably for suggesting further assessment by a radiologist, which for instance is useful for pulmonary embolism detection.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2006Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Thomas Buelow, Rafael Wiemker, Thomas Blaffert, Cristian Lorenz, Steffen Renisch
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Patent number: 7957572Abstract: The present invention relates to an image processing device and a corresponding image processing method for processing a multi-dimensional data set of image data, in particular of three-dimensional medical volume image data, including a segmentation unit (6, 16, 26) for a segmentation of an image object in said data set. Further, the present invention relates to a computer program for implementing said image processing method on a computer.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2006Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Inventors: Jens Von Berg, Cristian Lorenz
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Publication number: 20110058061Abstract: The invention relates to a system (100) for segmenting a plurality of objects in image data using simultaneous model-based image segmentation. A surface mesh is adapted to each object to be segmented. To avoid or reduce the possibility of mesh collision, a plurality of connecting edges for connecting two proximal meshes are used. A connection energy defined for the plurality of connecting edges allows controlling the spatial relationship between the first and second mesh. This is achieved by including in the connection energy expression terms that will increase the connection energy when the lengths of edges of the plurality of connecting edges connecting the first and second mesh decrease. Using the reference configuration of the plurality of connecting edges defined based on the pre-positioned first and second mesh allows taking into account prior knowledge about a typical spatial relationship between the first and second object of the plurality of objects.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2009Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Astrid Ruth Franz, Tobias Klinder, Robin Mitja Benjamin Wolz, Cristian Lorenz
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Publication number: 20110052018Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for segmenting an object comprising sub-objects shown in an object image. The apparatus comprises a feature image generation unit (2) for generating a feature image showing features related to intermediate regions between the sub-objects and a segmentation unit (3) for segmenting the sub-objects by using the object image and the feature image. Preferentially, the feature image generation unit (2) is adapted for generating a feature image from the object image. In a further embodiment, the feature image generation unit (2) comprises a feature enhancing unit for enhancing features related to intermediate regions between the sub-objects in the object image.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Thomas Blaffert, Hans Barschdorf, Jans Von Berg, Sebastian Peter Michael Dries, Cristian Lorenz, Rafael Wiemker, Tobias Klinder, Astrid Ruth Franz, Steffen Renisch
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Publication number: 20110033104Abstract: The invention relates to a system (100) for segmenting an object in image data using model-based image segmentation, the system comprising a feature unit (120) for identifying features in the image data for computing an external energy of a mesh on the basis of a current position of the mesh, wherein the feature unit (120) further comprises a candidate feature unit (122) for selecting a plurality of candidate features in the image data, for identifying a feature to be included in the features identified in the image data, a position unit (124) for determining a position of each candidate feature of the plurality of the candidate features relative to a region of the image data, a feature function unit (126) for computing a strength of each candidate feature, wherein the strength of each candidate feature depends on the position of each candidate feature relative to the region, and an evaluation unit (128) for evaluating each candidate feature of the plurality of candidate features and for identifying the featuType: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2009Publication date: February 10, 2011Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Tobias Klinder, Robin M.B. Wolz, Astrid R. Franz, Cristian Lorenz
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Patent number: 7822246Abstract: The system 10 comprises an input 2 for accessing the suitable input data. The core of the system 10 is formed by a processor 4 which is arranged to operate the components of the system 10, it being the input 2, a computing unit 5, a working memory 6. The computing unit 5 preferably comprises a suitable number of executable subroutines 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, and 5f to enable a constructing of a geometric model of the movable body based on the results of the segmentation step, finding a spatial correspondence between the first and second image dataset, mapping the texture image dataset on geometric model, fusing the geometric model and the mapped texture image dataset. The apparatus 10 according to the invention further comprises a coder 7 arranged to code the determined region of interest in accordance to a pre-selected criterion. The criterion may be selectable from a list of valid criteria, stored in a file 7a.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2005Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Julien Senegas, Cristian Lorenz, Thomas Netsch, Heiner Gunnar Konrad Lund, Alexander Stork
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Publication number: 20100266173Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for performing computer-aided detection (CAD) of a disease, e.g. lung tumours, on a medical image data set (20) from a imaging modality, such as MRI or CT. Initially, there is perform a segmentation of the medical image data set (20) using an anatomical model. Secondly, the segmented data is analyzed for characteristics of the disease resulting in a set of analysis data (25), and finally the set of analysis data (25) is evaluating with respect to the disease. At least one of these steps comprises as an input a position dependent probability (P_r) for the disease. The invention is advantageous in that more efficient computations can be performed because the degree of analysis in a certain region of the part of the patient, e.g. the lung, can be adjusted or tailored to the level of probability of the disease in the that region.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2008Publication date: October 21, 2010Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Cristian Lorenz, Jens Von Berg, Thomas Buelow, Rafael Wiemker
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Patent number: 7764813Abstract: The semi-automatic extraction and delineation of the cardiac region of interest in computer tomographic angiography images is time consuming and requires an experienced operator. According to the present invention, a completely automatic delineation and extraction of the CROI is provided, wherein the chest wall is detected and the region where the CROI is attached to the chest wall. Then, the descending aorta is detected. After that a circular initialization of a closed contour around a part of the CROI is performed, which is optimized in a subsequent step. Then, a propagation is performed through all slices of the CTA image, where the preceding contour of the preceding slice image is used for an actual contour optimization in the actual slice image. Advantageously, a fully automatic delineation and extraction of the CROI is provided within very short time.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2004Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Cristian Lorenz
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Publication number: 20100128940Abstract: An automated method (1) for the automatic extraction of a pulmonary vessel tree from a 3D medical image, such as multi-slice CT data, is disclosed. A segmented pulmonary vessel is identified as either an artery or a vein by determining a measure for arterialness for the vessel. The measure is based on a relation of the orientation of a local bronchus to the orientation of the segmented pulmonary vessel of the local bronchus. When a vessel is identified as a pulmonary artery, it is added to the pulmonary artery tree. Radii of the pulmonary artery and bronchus are measured automatically and positions where a ratio of these radii exhibits unusual values are presented in a display, preferably for suggesting further assessment by a radiologist, which for instance is useful for pulmonary embolism detection.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2006Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.Inventors: Thomas Buelow, Rafael Wiemker, Thomas Blaffert, Cristian Lorenz, Steffen Renisch
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Publication number: 20100046815Abstract: The invention relates to a system (100) for registering a vessel model with an image data set based on a joined model comprising a reference object model and the vessel model, the system comprising: a placement unit (110) for placing the joined model in a space of the image data set, thereby creating a placed joined model comprising a placed reference object model and a placed vessel model; a computation unit (120) for computing a deformation field based on a landmark displacement field comprising displacements of landmarks of the placed reference object model relative to corresponding landmarks in the image data set; a transformation unit (130) for transforming the placed joined model using the deformation field, thereby creating a transformed joined model comprising a transformed reference object model and a transformed vessel model; and a registration unit (140) for registering the transformed vessel model with the image data set based on modifying the transformed vessel model and optimizing an objective fType: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2007Publication date: February 25, 2010Inventors: Jens Von Berg, Bernd Hofmann, Cristian Lorenz, Olivier Ecabert, Jochen Peters, Juergen Weese
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Publication number: 20100014736Abstract: The invention relates to a system (100) for adapting a plurality of model meshes to a plurality of image data, the system comprising a registration unit (110) for registering the plurality of model meshes with the plurality of image data on the basis of a computation of a registration transformation for transforming the plurality of model meshes, and an adaptation unit (120) for adapting the plurality of registered model meshes to the plurality of image data on the basis of a computation of locations of mesh vertices of the plurality of model meshes.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2007Publication date: January 21, 2010Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Hans Barschdorf, Jens Von Berg, Michael Harald Kuhn, Cristian Lorenz, Thomas Blaffert
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Publication number: 20090267941Abstract: Modeling of organ surfaces is a well-established method that may serve in computer-supported teaching, but also in image-based medical diagnosis and in clinical interventions. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method of constructing a multi-surface model from a multi-dimensional dataset of an object of interest is provided, which combines single basic two-dimensional manifold surface meshes, resulting in a multi-surface model. According to an aspect of the present invention, this resulting model may be a non-two-dimensional manifold mesh.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2006Publication date: October 29, 2009Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N. V.Inventors: Jens Von Berg, Cristian Lorenz