Patents by Inventor Daniel Morf
Daniel Morf 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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Patent number: 11027153Abstract: A radiation therapy system is configured to enable imaging and treatment of a target volume during a single patient breath hold. The radiation system includes a rotating gantry on which are mounted a treatment-delivering X-ray source and multiple imaging X-ray sources and corresponding X-ray imaging devices. The multiple imaging X-ray sources and X-ray imaging devices enable the acquisition of volumetric image data for the target volume over a relatively short rotational arc, for example 30 degrees or less. Therefore, intra-fraction motion can be detected in near-real time, for example within about one second or less. The radiation therapy system can perform image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) that monitors intra-fraction motion using X-ray imaging. Detected anatomical variations can then either be compensated for, via patient repositioning and/or treatment modification, or the current treatment can be aborted.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2019Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: John Van Heteren, Liangjia Zhu, Daniel Morf, Stefan Georg Scheib, Pascal Paysan
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Patent number: 11016202Abstract: An imaging device includes: a first scintillator layer; an array of detector elements, wherein the array of detector elements comprises a first detector element; a second scintillator layer configured to receive radiation after the radiation has passed through the first scintillator layer and the array of detector elements, wherein the array of detector elements is located between the first scintillator layer and the second scintillator layer; a first electrode located closer to the first scintillator than the second scintillator; and a second electrode situated between the second scintillator and the first detector element; the first detector element configured to generate a first electrical signal in response to light from the first scintillator layer, and to generate a second electrical signal in response to light from the second scintillator layer; the second electrode configured to allow the light from the second scintillator layer to reach the first detector element.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2018Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Morf, Josh Star-Lack
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Patent number: 10973488Abstract: In an x-ray imaging method, the acquisition of a signal image is split off into acquisition of two or more subimages or frames. The first subimage may be acquired with an exposure of a low dose followed by a readout cycle. The dose of the exposure for acquiring the first subimage can be chosen such that it is below the default dose for a particular anatomy. The first subimage may be used to calculate or estimate the parameters of exposure for acquiring a second or subsequent images subimage. The estimation may be such that the total dose received by the imager, in acquiring the first and second subimages, achieves an expected target value to provide an image of good quality. The first and second subimages can be combined to form the final image. A detector array supporting automatic exposure control (AEC) includes AEC pixels providing AEC signals. The AEC pixels are independently or individually addressable and/or readable.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2019Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: Varian Medical Systems International AGInventors: Daniel Morf, Reto Filiberti
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Publication number: 20200038687Abstract: An imager includes: an array of imager elements configured to generate image signals based on radiation received by the imager; and circuit configured to perform readout of image signals, wherein the circuit is configured to be radiation hard. An imager includes: an array of imager elements configured to generate image signals based on the radiation received by the imager; and readout and control circuit coupled to the array of imager elements, wherein the readout and control circuit is configured to perform signal readout in synchronization with an operation of a treatment beam source.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2018Publication date: February 6, 2020Inventors: Daniel MORF, Martin AMSTUTZ
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Publication number: 20200030634Abstract: A radiation therapy system is configured to enable imaging and treatment of a target volume during a single patient breath hold. The radiation system includes a rotating gantry on which are mounted a treatment-delivering X-ray source and multiple imaging X-ray sources and corresponding X-ray imaging devices. The multiple imaging X-ray sources and X-ray imaging devices enable the acquisition of volumetric image data for the target volume over a relatively short rotational arc, for example 30 degrees or less. Therefore, intra-fraction motion can be detected in near-real time, for example within about one second or less. The radiation therapy system can perform image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) that monitors intra-fraction motion using X-ray imaging. Detected anatomical variations can then either be compensated for, via patient repositioning and/or treatment modification, or the current treatment can be aborted.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2019Publication date: January 30, 2020Applicant: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: John VAN HETEREN, Liangjia ZHU, Daniel MORF, Stefan Georg SCHEIB, Pascal PAYSAN
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Publication number: 20200030633Abstract: A method of radiation therapy comprises, while a gantry of a radiation therapy system rotates continuously in a first direction through a treatment arc from a first treatment delivery position to a second treatment delivery position, causing an imaging X-ray source mounted on the gantry to direct X-rays through a target volume and receiving a set of X-ray projection images from an X-ray imager mounted on the gantry; determining a current location of the target volume based on the set of X-ray projection images; and while the gantry to continues to rotate to the second treatment delivery position, initiating delivery of a treatment beam of a treatment-delivering X-ray source mounted on the gantry to the target volume, and continuing to cause the gantry to rotate in the first direction from the second treatment delivery position to a third treatment delivery position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2019Publication date: January 30, 2020Applicant: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: John VAN HETEREN, Liangjia ZHU, Daniel MORF
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Publication number: 20190331808Abstract: An imaging device includes: a first scintillator layer; an array of detector elements, wherein the array of detector elements comprises a first detector element; a second scintillator layer, wherein the array of detector elements is located between the first scintillator layer and the second scintillator layer; and a first neutral density filter located between the first scintillator layer and the first detector element and/or a second neutral density filter located between the second scintillator layer and the first detector element; wherein the first detector element is configured to generate a first electrical signal in response to light from the first scintillator layer, and to generate a second electrical signal in response to light from the second scintillator layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2018Publication date: October 31, 2019Applicant: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Daniel MORF, Josh STAR-LACK
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Publication number: 20190331806Abstract: An imaging device includes: a first scintillator layer; an array of detector elements, wherein the array of detector elements comprises a first detector element; a second scintillator layer configured to receive radiation after the radiation has passed through the first scintillator layer and the array of detector elements, wherein the array of detector elements is located between the first scintillator layer and the second scintillator layer; a first electrode located closer to the first scintillator than the second scintillator; and a second electrode situated between the second scintillator and the first detector element; the first detector element configured to generate a first electrical signal in response to light from the first scintillator layer, and to generate a second electrical signal in response to light from the second scintillator layer; the second electrode configured to allow the light from the second scintillator layer to reach the first detector element.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2018Publication date: October 31, 2019Applicant: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Daniel MORF, Josh STAR-LACK
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Patent number: 10444378Abstract: An imaging device includes: a first scintillator layer; an array of detector elements, wherein the array of detector elements comprises a first detector element; a second scintillator layer, wherein the array of detector elements is located between the first scintillator layer and the second scintillator layer; and a first neutral density filter located between the first scintillator layer and the first detector element and/or a second neutral density filter located between the second scintillator layer and the first detector element; wherein the first detector element is configured to generate a first electrical signal in response to light from the first scintillator layer, and to generate a second electrical signal in response to light from the second scintillator layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2018Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Morf, Josh Star-Lack
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Publication number: 20190269377Abstract: In an x-ray imaging method, the acquisition of a signal image is split off into acquisition of two or more subimages or frames. The first subimage may be acquired with an exposure of a low dose followed by a readout cycle. The dose of the exposure for acquiring the first subimage can be chosen such that it is below the default dose for a particular anatomy. The first subimage may be used to calculate or estimate the parameters of exposure for acquiring a second or subsequent images subimage. The estimation may be such that the total dose received by the imager, in acquiring the first and second subimages, achieves an expected target value to provide an image of good quality. The first and second subimages can be combined to form the final image. A detector array supporting automatic exposure control (AEC) includes AEC pixels providing AEC signals. The AEC pixels are independently or individually addressable and/or readable.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2019Publication date: September 5, 2019Inventors: Daniel Morf, Reto Filiberti
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Patent number: 10285661Abstract: In an x-ray imaging method, the acquisition of a signal image is split off into acquisition of two or more subimages or frames. The first subimage may be acquired with an exposure of a low dose followed by a readout cycle. The dose of the exposure for acquiring the first subimage can be chosen such that it is below the default dose for a particular anatomy. The first subimage may be used to calculate or estimate the parameters of exposure for acquiring a second or subsequent images subimage. The estimation may be such that the total dose received by the imager, in acquiring the first and second subimages, achieves an expected target value to provide an image of good quality. The first and second subimages can be combined to form the final image. A detector array supporting automatic exposure control (AEC) includes AEC pixels providing AEC signals. The AEC pixels are independently or individually addressable and/or readable.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2015Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: Varian Medical Systems International AGInventors: Daniel Morf, Reto Filiberti
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Patent number: 10176601Abstract: One example method to improve image quality of projection image data may include obtaining projection image data and channel offset data associated with the projection image data. The channel offset data may be acquired using the flat panel detector and include at least one set of channel offset data values associated with respective channels of the flat panel detector. The method may also include generating channel offset drift data representing one or more variations of the channel offset data from a reference channel offset data. The method may further include generating offset-compensated projection image data by modifying the projection image data based on the channel offset drift data to compensate for the one or more variations of the channel offset data.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2016Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL AGInventors: Daniel Morf, Viktor Steinlin
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Publication number: 20180028143Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are presented for automatic tuning, calibration, and verification of radiation therapy systems comprising control elements configured to control parameters of the radiation therapy systems based on images obtained using electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs) included in the radiation therapy system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2017Publication date: February 1, 2018Inventors: Robert T. WIGGERS, Daryl LEUNG, Reto W. FILIBERTI, Daniel MORF, Diana KUNG, Stephen GAUDIO
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Patent number: 9844358Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are presented for automatic tuning, calibration, and verification of radiation therapy systems comprising control elements configured to control parameters of the radiation therapy systems based on images obtained using electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs) included in the radiation therapy system.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2014Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignees: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC., VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL AGInventors: Robert T. Wiggers, Daryl Leung, Reto W. Filiberti, Daniel Morf, Diana Kung, Stephen Gaudio
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Publication number: 20170281976Abstract: An apparatus for patient position or motion monitoring includes: an energy source configured to emit energy from a first location to a second location, or vice versa, wherein the second location that is moveable relative to the first location in response to a movement by a patient; and a processing unit coupled to receive an input that is based on the emitted energy, and to determine a characteristic associated with the patient based on the input.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2017Publication date: October 5, 2017Applicant: Varian Medical Systems International AGInventors: Daniel MORF, Reto FILIBERTI, Patrik KUNZ
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Publication number: 20170278277Abstract: One example method to improve image quality of projection image data may include obtaining projection image data and channel offset data associated with the projection image data. The channel offset data may be acquired using the flat panel detector and include at least one set of channel offset data values associated with respective channels of the flat panel detector. The method may also include generating channel offset drift data representing one or more variations of the channel offset data from a reference channel offset data. The method may further include generating offset-compensated projection image data by modifying the projection image data based on the channel offset drift data to compensate for the one or more variations of the channel offset data.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2016Publication date: September 28, 2017Applicant: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL AGInventors: Daniel MORF, Viktor STEINLIN
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Publication number: 20170097425Abstract: An imaging device includes: a scintillator layer; and an array of photodiode elements; wherein the scintillator layer is configured to receive radiation that has passed through the array of photodiode elements. An imaging device includes: a scintillator layer having a plurality of scintillator elements configured to convert radiation into photons; and an array of photodiode elements configured to receive photons from the scintillator layer, and generate electrical signals in response to the received photons; wherein at least two of the scintillator elements are separated by an air gap. An imaging device includes: a first scintillator layer having a plurality of scintillator elements arranged in a first plane; and a second scintillator layer having a plurality of scintillator elements arranged in a second plane; wherein the first scintillator layer and the second scintillator layer are arranged next to each other and form a non-zero angle relative to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2015Publication date: April 6, 2017Applicants: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL AG, VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Daniel SHEDLOCK, Josh M. STAR-LACK, Daniel MORF, Eric ABEL, Gary F. VIRSHUP, Andre MEYER, Viktor STEINLIN, Mingshan SUN
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Publication number: 20170079610Abstract: In an x-ray imaging method, the acquisition of a signal image is split off into acquisition of two or more subimages or frames. The first subimage may be acquired with an exposure of a low dose followed by a readout cycle. The dose of the exposure for acquiring the first subimage can be chosen such that it is below the default dose for a particular anatomy. The first subimage may be used to calculate or estimate the parameters of exposure for acquiring a second or subsequent images subimage. The estimation may be such that the total dose received by the imager, in acquiring the first and second subimages, achieves an expected target value to provide an image of good quality. The first and second subimages can be combined to form the final image. A detector array supporting automatic exposure control (AEC) includes AEC pixels providing AEC signals. The AEC pixels are independently or individually addressable and/or readable.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2015Publication date: March 23, 2017Inventors: Daniel Morf, Reto Filiberti
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Patent number: 9268037Abstract: An x-ray imaging device may include a detector array and an x-ray converting layer coupled to the detector array. The detector array and the x-ray converting layer may be configured such that x-rays traverse the detector array before propagating in the x-ray converting layer. The x-ray imaging device may also include a buildup layer behind the x-ray converting layer. The x-ray imaging device may be used as a “universal” imager for both MV and kV imaging.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2013Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Larry Partain, Edward Seppi, George Zentai, Hassan Mostafavi, Ivan Mollov, Daniel Morf
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Patent number: 9268042Abstract: A method for determining parameters of a beam. As a part of the disclosed method, a beam is received at an image detection array where charges are generated and collected, at a plurality of pixels. Values associated with at least one of a plurality of parameters of the beam are determined by integrating information supplied from each of the pixels. Feedback is generated that presents the values.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2009Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignees: Varian Medical Systems International Ag, Varian Medical Systems Particle Therapy GMBHInventors: Daniel Morf, Juergen Heese