Patents by Inventor Gregory C. Stratton
Gregory C. Stratton 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: 6859288Abstract: A computerized imager is programmed with software that enables an efficient worklist query to be sent to a remotely located device. A user-interactive menu is provided which allows the user to select one or more search fields and enter search criteria for each field. The search is initiated by clicking on a virtual representation of a Search key on the worklist menu. The software also allows the system operator to control which data in the retrieved worklist data is displayed on the worklist menu. The system user can transfer the information in any entry on the retrieved worklist to the new patient menu by simply clicking on that entry. That information will be included with each image stored in image files on the hard disk for that job.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1999Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Charles C. Brackett, Gregory C. Stratton, Takao Shiibashi
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Patent number: 6689055Abstract: A method and a system for acquiring and analyzing non-imaging data collected during an ultrasound examination for the purpose of reporting ultrasound department performance characteristics. This is accomplished by tracking user keystrokes whenever the ultrasound imaging system is turned on, acquiring the keystroke data from the ultrasound system and then using this data for departmental performance analysis. During an examination, the ultrasound system user presses buttons and selects items from menus on the operator interface. These keystrokes invoke functions or change operating parameters on the ultrasound imaging system. Simultaneously, a code representing the keystroke is stored in electronic storage. Along with this code, the date, time and values being set or adjusted are also stored. Subsequently, the data in the electronic storage can be extracted for use in analysis of the use of the ultrasound imaging system.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1999Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Paul Mullen, Gregory C. Stratton
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Patent number: 6519632Abstract: A computerized imager is programmed with software that allows properly formatted image frames (objects) to be sent to one or more remotely located devices selected from a list of configured remote devices. The imager is programmed with multiple configurable DICOM tasks, each task being configurable in accordance with configuration data of a respective remote device entered on a Device Configuration menu. Configuration of a DICOM task occurs only after a configured remote device has been activated. Each remote device can be activated by clicking on an activation field on a respective page of the Device Configuration menu. Alternatively, all configured remote devices can be activated and de-activated from a Device Activation menu having a respective activation field for each configured device.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1999Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Charles C. Brackett, Gregory C. Stratton, James S. Lehouillier
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Patent number: 6418225Abstract: A method and apparatus for configuring an ultrasound imaging system at a remote location by obtaining an encrypted feature key from a central location (e.g., via telephone) and then inputting that feature key into the ultrasound imaging system using an operator interface (e.g., a keyboard). To validate the feature key, the ultrasound imaging system decrypts the encrypted data and then compares the decrypted data to validation data pre-stored in the system. If the decrypted data matches the validation data, then the optional feature identified by the feature key will be enabled each time the system is booted or initialized. Optionally, an expiration date can be associated with the activated option, after which date the feature will be disabled when the system is initialized. Similarly, an activated optional feature can be disabled at a remote location by the input of an encrypted key obtained from a central location.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2001Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Gregory C. Stratton, Charles Cameron Brackett, Chandler A. Johnson
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Patent number: 6417870Abstract: An imaging system which constructs multiple DICOM objects substantially simultaneously for image transfer to multiple remotely located devices via a network. The imager is programmed with multiple DICOM tasks, each task constructing DICOM-formatted data objects using image data and attribute data. In response to pressing of an image transfer button which is configured for multiple remote devices, a corresponding multiplicity of DICOM tasks will be started substantially simultaneously. These concurrently running tasks are performed using conventional multi-tasking principles.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1999Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Charles C. Brackett, Gregory C. Stratton, James S. Lehouillier, Takao Shiibashi
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Patent number: 6388687Abstract: A computerized imager is programmed with software that allows properly formatted image frames (objects) to be sent to one or more remotely located devices selected from a list of configured devices. For each job selected for transfer to a remote device, an element is added to a linked list which forms a virtual queue, each element incorporating a respective pointer (i.e., the file name) identifying each stored image to be included in that particular job. Each element identifies the image frames included in the job and the destination remote device for that job. An interactive display menu enables the operator to easily redirect queued jobs from one destination remote device to another.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1999Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Charles C. Brackett, Gregory C. Stratton, James S. Lehouillier, Takao Shiibashi
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Patent number: 6351547Abstract: A computerized imager is programmed with software that allows properly formatted image files (data objects) to be sent to multiple remotely located devices via a network. The imager is programmed with multiple configurable DICOM tasks, one task for each configured remote device. Each task is configured to format image files into DICOM objects acceptable to a particular remote device. Each DICOM object is constructed from image frame data and attribute data. Each DICOM task queries an Attribute Control Engine, which instructs that DICOM task concerning which attributes and what attribute values to include in the DICOM objects being constructed by that task. The Attribute Control Engine in turn reads the attribute information from an Attribute Control File. A respective Attribute Control file is provided for each configured remote device.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1999Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Chandler A. Johnson, Charles C. Brackett, Gregory C. Stratton, James S. Lehouillier, Takao Shiibashi
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Publication number: 20010005886Abstract: A method and apparatus for configuring an ultrasound imaging system at a remote location by obtaining an encrypted feature key from a central location (e.g., via telephone) and then inputting that feature key into the ultrasound imaging system using an operator interface (e.g., a keyboard). To validate the feature key, the ultrasound imaging system decrypts the encrypted data and then compares the decrypted data to validation data pre-stored in the system. If the decrypted data matches the validation data, then the optional feature identified by the feature key will be enabled each time the system is booted or initialized. Optionally, an expiration date can be associated with the activated option, after which date the feature will be disabled when the system is initialized. Similarly, an activated optional feature can be disabled at a remote location by the input of an encrypted key obtained from a central location.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2001Publication date: June 28, 2001Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Gregory C. Stratton, Charles Cameron Brackett, Chandler A. Johnson
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Patent number: 6246770Abstract: A method and apparatus for configuring an ultrasound imaging system at a remote location by obtaining an encrypted feature key from a central location (e.g., via telephone) and then inputting that feature key into the ultrasound imaging system using an operator interface (e.g., a keyboard). To validate the feature key, the ultrasound imaging system decrypts the encrypted data and then compares the decrypted data to validation data pre-stored in the system. If the decrypted data matches the validation data, then the optional feature identified by the feature key will be enabled each time the system is booted or initialized. Optionally, an expiration date can be associated with the activated option, after which date the feature will be disabled when the system is initialized. Similarly, an activated optional feature can be disabled at a remote location by the input of an encrypted key obtained from a central location.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1998Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Gregory C. Stratton, Charles Cameron Brackett, Chandler A. Johnson
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Patent number: 6210327Abstract: A computerized ultrasound imager is programmed with software that enables a “Live Imaging” mode. “Live Imaging” refers to the ability to keep a network association (between the imager and a remote device) open throughout the course of an examination of a patient. Each time the operator presses a Print/Store button configured to a storage device, the frozen image will be automatically sent to the remote device via the open connection. The “Live Imaging” association is closed when the system operator presses an “End Exam” button on the keyboard. In the case where the remote device is a printer configured to receive multi-image film sessions, pressing the “End Exam” button also forces the transfer of any partially filled film session from the imager to the printer.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1999Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Charles C. Brackett, Gregory C. Stratton, James S. Lehouillier, Jeannette M. Eichholz, Takao Shiibashi
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Patent number: 6117079Abstract: A computerized imager is programmed with software that allows properly formatted image frames (objects) to be sent to one or more remotely located devices selected from a list of configured devices. For each job selected for transfer to a remote device, an element is added to a linked list which forms a virtual queue, each element incorporating a respective pointer (i.e., the file name) identifying each stored image to be included in that particular job. Each element identifies the image frames included in the job and the destination remote device for that job. Elements for failed jobs are transferred to a Holding Queue. An interactive display menu enables the operator to easily redirect the failed jobs to a secondary remote device by clicking on the menu.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1999Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Charles C. Brackett, Gregory C. Stratton, James S. Lehouillier