Patents by Inventor Eric G. Hawman

Eric G. Hawman 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).

  • Patent number: 9622714
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for obtaining pointing directions for every channel of a collimator which can then be used during the image reconstruction process to more accurately estimate the direction from which radiation has been received. The disclosed system and method provide for photographic measurement and analysis of individual collimator channel to determine the pointing directions for every channel in the collimator. This information is obtained by photographing the front and back sides of the collimator, and analyzing the digital image data to obtain the pointing angle of each channel. The resulting information, referred to as a “vector map” is included in the firmware of the collimator so that it can be called on during the projection and back-projection steps of the algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric G. Hawman, Robert Kasper
  • Publication number: 20120326059
    Abstract: A multi-view composite collimator includes a first parallel collimator segment having a plurality of collimator channels oriented at a first slant angle and a second parallel collimator segment adjacent to the first parallel collimator segment having a plurality of collimator channels oriented at a second slant angle different from the first slant angle and a bridging collimating element is provided between the first and second parallel collimator segments, wherein radiation can pass through the bridging collimating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Eric G. Hawman, Gengsheng L. Zeng
  • Publication number: 20120314062
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for obtaining pointing directions for every channel of a collimator which can then be used during the image reconstruction process to more accurately estimate the direction from which radiation has been received. The disclosed system and method provide for photographic measurement and analysis of individual collimator channel to determine the pointing directions for every channel in the collimator. This information is obtained by photographing the front and back sides of the collimator, and analyzing the digital image data to obtain the pointing angle of each channel. The resulting information, referred to as a “vector map” is included in the firmware of the collimator so that it can be called on during the projection and back-projection steps of the algorithm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: SIEMENS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS USA, INC.
    Inventors: Eric G. Hawman, Robert Kasper
  • Patent number: 7616798
    Abstract: A method of iteratively reconstructing images from data acquired by converging collimation SPECT, comprising the steps of dividing a reconstruction space into multiple iso-resolution zones that are oriented non-parallel to the detector, and correcting for attenuation by applying a same attenuation value to all voxels in the same iso-resolution zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric G. Hawman
  • Patent number: 7569828
    Abstract: A method for optimizing imaging dwell time during nuclear imaging. A fast pre-scan is conducted over the angular range of imaging, with equal dwell time at each position. A statistical sub-sampling is conducted over a region of interest to a desired fraction of the acquisition time. The statistical sub-sampling is used to simulate a varying dwell time tomographic dataset according to a profile pre-generated by an analysis of patient specific anatomic or functional information. Reconstructed data with equal dwell time and with simulated adaptive dwell time are constructed and compared to generate a difference image, a parameter of interest of which is evaluated. If the parameter of interest is within an acceptable level, the reduced dwell time for the given angular position is established; otherwise, the fraction is varied and the process is repeated. Once dwell times are computed for all view angles, a full scan is conducted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: A Hans Vija, Eric G. Hawman
  • Patent number: 7397893
    Abstract: A nuclear medicine imaging system includes a bed having a direction of translation, a detector disposed rotationally about an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the direction of translation, and a radioactive line source disposed rotationally about the bed substantially opposite the detector at a first predetermined non-zero angle to the axis of rotation and a second predetermined non-zero angle to a plane of rotation of the detector. The bed may be translated along the along the direction of translation while the detector is rotated about the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric G. Hawman
  • Patent number: 7368720
    Abstract: According to the present invention, an improved source collimator for use in nuclear medicine imaging is provided. The improved source collimator utilizes a larger collimation angle than has previously been used in the art. The use of the larger collimation angle for the source collimator reduces the sensitivity of the nuclear medical imaging systems to misalignment between the detector and the source collimators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric G. Hawman, Trudy Dayle Rempel
  • Publication number: 20080073538
    Abstract: A method for optimizing imaging dwell time during nuclear imaging. A fast pre-scan is conducted over the angular range of imaging, with equal dwell time at each position. A statistical sub-sampling is conducted over a region of interest to a desired fraction of the acquisition time. The statistical sub-sampling is used to simulate a varying dwell time tomographic dataset according to a profile pre-generated by an analysis of patient specific anatomic or functional information. Reconstructed data with equal dwell time and with simulated adaptive dwell time are constructed and compared to generate a difference image, a parameter of interest of which is evaluated. If the parameter of interest is within an acceptable level, the reduced dwell time for the given angular position is established; otherwise, the fraction is varied and the process is repeated. Once dwell times are computed for all view angles, a full scan is conducted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: A Hans Vija, Eric G. Hawman
  • Patent number: 7345282
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a novel slat collimator for use in nuclear medicine imaging is provided. The slat collimator comprises a first layer comprising a plurality of spaced apart elongated slats and a second layer comprising a plurality of spaced apart elongated slats. The slats of the second layer are positioned orthogonally with respect to the slats of the first layer. The slats are constructed of a radiation attenuation material and the spaces between the slats may be non-variable or variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric G. Hawman
  • Publication number: 20080061242
    Abstract: A radical imaging system for use in radical medicine using a movable pallet for moving the patient during radical imaging. With the movable pallet, the patient can be moved, such as rotated to a position such that signal attenuation and scattering can be decreased. The imaging system may also incorporate a collimator with finite focal length, or a collimator whose focal length and/or spatial resolution can be adjusted dynamically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: A. Hans Vija, Eric G. Hawman
  • Patent number: 7323689
    Abstract: Attenuation correction in SPECT studies such as cardiac function imaging is carried out using an iterative statistically-based transmission projection reconstruction algorithm that is capable of modeling overlapping transmission beams from a line source array of radiation emitters. Downscatter between emission and transmission photons is additively corrected for in the algorithm. Optimal line source spacing techniques and source collimation angle selection are derived to improve performance and reduce cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric G. Hawman
  • Publication number: 20070290139
    Abstract: A nuclear imaging device for positioning detectors in proximity to a subject generally includes one or more detectors disposed with respect to one another at an angle and at a distance from the subject. Each of the detectors has a field of view having a spatial window for receiving radiation. A positioning assembly is included for radially disposing the detectors away from the subject when one of the spatial windows receives attenuated radiation and toward the subject when non-attenuated radiation is received. A method according to the invention includes disposing a subject between a source of radiation and a field of view of the detectors, receiving radiation emanating from the source within the spatial window, determining the spatial location of the subject based on the radiation received, and positioning the detectors or the subject relative to the other based on the spatial location of the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Eric G. Hawman
  • Patent number: 7230246
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for implementing a system (10) for providing multi-angular SPECT radiation sampling utilizing slant-angle collimation. The system (10) includes a collimator (13) positioned between a radiating mass (19) within a patient (60) and a radiation detector (21). The collimator (13) is spaced apart from a translational path (25) of the radiating mass (19) at a predefined distance (24). A plurality of apertures (27) extend through the collimator (13) and each forms a passageway (28) for radiation rays (20) emanating from the radiating mass (19) in a direction substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis (29) of the respective passageway (29) and in this manner enables the aligned radiation rays (20) to strike the radiation detector (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric G. Hawman
  • Patent number: 5528042
    Abstract: Two conjugate views of a patient are acquired during a SPECT nuclear medicine study. A common anatomical feature is identified in the views. Based on the differences in location of the common feature in the views, the center of rotation ("COR") of the detector during the study can be calculated after the study has been concluded. This COR can then be used during image reconstruction to determine the location at which each filtered view is backprojected. The resulting SPECT data is of higher quality because COR artifacts in the reconstructed image are reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric G. Hawman
  • Patent number: 5430297
    Abstract: The focus of a fan beam collimator is offset from the centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric G. Hawman
  • Patent number: 5390225
    Abstract: An energy window of a scintillation camera system is set to include only events which have been Compton-scattered within a slice of the body of a patient undergoing a SPECT examination. From events so acquired, a scatter image is reconstructed. The scatter image is processed to define therewithin a plurality of regions of constant attenuation coefficient. This information can be used during the normal image reconstruction process to eliminate artifacts caused by variation in attenuation coefficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric G. Hawman
  • Patent number: 4849638
    Abstract: A collimator is in the shape of a closed curve and has one and only one focal point. The collimator is dimensioned such that, in use, the focal point may be positioned inside the body organ to be imaged. The focal point is caused to densely trace over the body organ of interest to form a tomographic image in less time, without imaging the rest of the body slice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: Siemens Gammasonics, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric G. Hawman
  • Patent number: 4752691
    Abstract: Image data are acquired of an object along a given nominal view direction as well as at other view directions which are slightly off-axis with respect to the nominal view direction. The image data is used to produce an enhanced image of the view along the nominal view direction and to compensate for at least some of the effects of finite angular resolution of the camera collimator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1988
    Assignee: Siemens Gammasonics, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric G. Hawman
  • Patent number: 4670657
    Abstract: A collimator collimates radiation so that each beam passes through two focal lines. One of the lines is in a transaxial plane and the other line is in an axial plane. The focal length in the transaxial plane is longer than is the focal length in the axial plane. In the preferred embodiment, the focal lines are perpendicular, whereby an anamorphic collimator is produced. Alternatively, the focal lines are nonparallel, producing an astigmatic collimator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Assignee: Siemens Gammasonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric G. Hawman, Jiang Hsieh
  • Patent number: 4659935
    Abstract: A bilateral collimator for rotational camera transaxial SPECT imaging of small body organs produces two different simultaneous views of a body organ to be imaged. The views are produced by groups of passageways which do not intersect each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Assignee: Siemens Gammasonics, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric G. Hawman