Patents by Inventor Hermann Schomberg

Hermann Schomberg 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: 7688937
    Abstract: An electron beam computed tomography system is provided that uses a cone beam geometry to generate truly three-dimensional images. The required cone beam projections can be obtained using a single sweep of the electron beam along the target ring (20). The target ring (20) is non-planar and shaped roughly like a ?th segment of the boundary curve of a saddle. The resulting source trajectory satisfies Tuy's completeness condition with respect to a sizeable volume of interest around the isocenter of the system. The detector (28) has a large area and is built from a plurality of small, brick-shaped detector modules (32), which are placed side by side along a detector trajectory that is a mirror image, through the isocenter, of the source trajectory. Owing to the special shapes of the target ring and the detector strip, a cone-beam of x-rays starting from the target ring and heading towards the opposite segment of the detector strip is not blocked by other portions of the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Hermann Schomberg
  • Patent number: 7440535
    Abstract: A 3D image of a region of an object is computed from truncated cone beam projection data acquired with an x-ray device and a prior CT image representing a larger region of the object. The truncated projection data are extrapolated to derive pseudoprojection data associated with projection directions outside the detector, and an intermediate CT image is reconstructed based on the truncated projection data completed with the pseudoprojection data. The prior CT image is then registered with the intermediate CT image. Forward projection data associated with projection directions outside the detector are computed from the truncated projection data and the registered prior CT image. The 3D image is finally reconstructed based on the truncated projection data completed with the forward projection data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Netsch, Georg Rose, Hermann Schomberg
  • Publication number: 20080212860
    Abstract: A fast reconstruction algorithm for cone-beam computed tomography is presented. The algorithm is of the filtered backprojection type and uses nonuniform fast Fourier transforms to switch between functions defined and uniformly sampled on the detector plane and the Fourier transforms of these functions, sampled on a polar grid in the associated Fourier plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventor: Hermann Schomberg
  • Patent number: 7342992
    Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray apparatus which includes an X-ray source (2) for the emission of a conical X-ray beam and an X-ray detector (3) for the multiple detection of the X-rays after their passage through an object to be examined, being arranged along an object axis (4), while the X-ray source (2) and the X-ray detector (3) are displaced along a trajectory. In order to increase the size of the reconstructable examination zone without increasing the size of the X-ray detector, and in order to minimize the problem caused by projections truncated in the transverse direction, the invention proposes an X-ray apparatus which includes means (12, 14, 15) for changing the position and/or the orientation of the X-ray detector (3) relative to the X-ray source (2) and a control unit (11) for displacing the X-ray source (2) and the X-ray detector (3) along the trajectory and for controlling the position and/or the orientation of the X-ray detector (3) during the detection of the X-rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventor: Hermann Schomberg
  • Publication number: 20070195923
    Abstract: A 3D image of a region of an object is computed from truncated cone beam projection data acquired with an x-ray device and a prior CT image representing a larger region of the object. The truncated projection data are extrapolated to derive pseudoprojection data associated with projection directions outside the detector, and an intermediate CT image is reconstructed based on the truncated projection data completed with the pseudoprojection data. The prior CT image is then registered with the intermediate CT image. Forward projection data associated with projection directions outside the detector are computed from the truncated projection data and the registered prior CT image. The 3D image is finally reconstructed based on the truncated projection data completed with the forward projection data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Netsch, Georg Rose, Hermann Schomberg
  • Publication number: 20070165773
    Abstract: An electron beam computed tomography system is provided that uses a cone beam geometry to generate truly three-dimensional images. The required cone beam projections can be obtained using a single sweep of the electron beam along the target ring (20). The target ring (20) is non-planar and shaped roughly like a ?th segment of the boundary curve of a saddle. The resulting source trajectory satisfies Tuy's completeness condition with respect to a sizeable volume of interest around the isocenter of the system. The detector (28) has a large area and is built from a plurality of small, brick-shaped detector modules (32), which are placed side by side along a detector trajectory that is a mirror image, through the isocenter, of the source trajectory. Owing to the special shapes of the target ring and the detector strip, a cone-beam of x-rays starting from the target ring and heading towards the opposite segment of the detector strip is not blocked by other portions of the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Hermann Schomberg
  • Publication number: 20060023830
    Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray apparatus which includes an X-ray source (2) for the emission of a conical X-ray beam and an X-ray detector (3) for the multiple detection of the X-rays after their passage through an object to be examined, being arranged along an object axis (4), while the X-ray source (2) and the X-ray detector (3) are displaced along a trajectory. In order to increase the size of the reconstructable examination zone without increasing the size of the X-ray detector, and in order to minimize the problem caused by projections truncated in the transverse direction, the invention proposes an X-ray apparatus which includes means (12, 14, 15) for changing the position and/or the orientation of the X-ray detector (3) relative to the X-ray source (2) and a control unit (11) for displacing the X-ray source (2) and the X-ray detector (3) along the trajectory and for controlling the position and/or the orientation of the X-ray detector (3) during the detection of the X-rays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Publication date: February 2, 2006
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N. V.
    Inventor: Hermann Schomberg
  • Patent number: 6869217
    Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray device which includes an X-ray source and an X-ray detector which are mounted at a respective end of a common holding device. The holding device being attached to the room by way of a supporting device. In order to realize a more flexible construction of such X-ray devices that are widely used and are usually provided with a holding device in the form of a C-arm and nevertheless maintain a high positioning accuracy. The invention further relates to a supporting device constructed with a plurality of hinged, serially interconnected supporting members. The supporting device is formed notably by a serial manipulator, for example, a conventional robot arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Volker Rasche, Hermann Schomberg, Erhard Paul Artur Klotz
  • Patent number: 6618468
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of reconstructing images from cone beam projection data from an examination zone (3) of an object to be examined. The cone beam projection data is acquired by means of an X-ray device which includes an X-ray source (1) and an X-ray image intensifier (2), the X-ray source (1) being guided along a trajectory around the examination zone (3) in order to acquire the projection data. First projection data are then acquired from the examination zone (3) in a first mode of operation of the X-ray image intensifier (2) which involves a low resolution. For a sub-zone (4) of the examination zone (3) second projection data is acquired in a second mode of operation of the X-ray image intensifier (2) which involves a high resolution. Subsequently, the first and second projection data is combined so as to form third projection data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Erhard Paul Artur Klotz, Reiner Koppe, Hermann Schomberg
  • Patent number: 6582120
    Abstract: A method for the acquisition of a set of projection images for the reconstruction of a three-dimensional image data set of an object to be examined that is arranged in an examination zone, said acquisition being performed by way of an X-ray device that includes an X-ray source and an X-ray detector, said X-ray source being guided along a trajectory around the examination zone, said trajectory being situated essentially on a spherical surface, in order to acquire the projection images. In accordance with the invention the trajectory is configured in such a manner that the X-ray source can continuously follow the trajectory in order to acquire the set of projection images and that not all points of the trajectory are situated in a common plane. This enables fast acquisition of a set of projection data that enables an exact reconstruction of the object to be examined. The invention also relates to a corresponding X-ray device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Hermann Schomberg
  • Patent number: 6542573
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of reconstructing three-dimensional images from cone beam projection data of an object to be examined which is arranged in an examination zone. In practice cone beam projections are usually cut off, because the object to be examined usually cannot be imaged completely in all imaging positions. An image which is reconstructed exclusively from the acquired projection data, therefore, does not have the highest possible image quality. In order to continue the projection data beyond the sensitive detector surface and hence obtain images of higher image quality, therefore, the invention proposes a method which includes the following steps: (a) acquiring the cone beam projection data, (b) determining the contour of the sensitive detector surface, (c) determining pseudo-projection data in an overall outer zone from the projection data acquired, and (d) reconstructing a three-dimensional image from the projection data and the pseudo-projection data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Hermann Schomberg
  • Publication number: 20020168053
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the acquisition of a set of projection images for the reconstruction of a three-dimensional image data set of an object to be examined that is arranged in an examination zone, said acquisition being performed by means of an X-ray device that includes an X-ray source and an X-ray detector, said X-ray source being guided along a trajectory around the examination zone, said trajectory being situated essentially on a spherical surface, in order to acquire the projection images. In accordance with the invention the trajectory is configured in such a manner that the X-ray source can continuously follow the trajectory in order to acquire the set of projection images and that not all points of the trajectory are situated in a common plane. This enables fast acquisition of a set of projection data that enables an exact reconstruction of the object to be examined. The invention also relates to a corresponding X-ray device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Hermann Schomberg
  • Publication number: 20020154737
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of reconstructing images from cone beam projection data from an examination zone (3) of an object to be examined. The cone beam projection data is acquired by means of an X-ray device which includes an X-ray source (1) and an X-ray image intensifier (2), the X-ray source (1) being guided along a trajectory around the examination zone (3) in order to acquire the projection data. First projection data are then acquired from the examination zone (3) in a first mode of operation of the X-ray image intensifier (2) which involves a low resolution. For a sub-zone (4) of the examination zone (3) second projection data is acquired in a second mode of operation of the X-ray image intensifier (2) which involves a high resolution. Subsequently, the first and second projection data is combined so as to form third projection data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Erhard Paul Artur Klotz, Reiner Koppe, Hermann Schomberg
  • Publication number: 20020150201
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of reconstructing three-dimensional images from cone beam projection data of an object to be examined which is arranged in an examination zone. In practice cone beam projections are usually cut off, because the object to be examined usually cannot be imaged completely in all imaging positions. An image which is reconstructed exclusively from the acquired projection data, therefore, does not have the highest possible image quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: Hermann Schomberg
  • Patent number: 6461039
    Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray device which includes a C-arm (12) carrying an X-ray source (2) and an X-ray detector (3), and includes a suspension device (14) with a joint (13), the X-ray source (2) and the X-ray detector (3) being rotatable about a propeller axis (z4) which extends through the joint (13). In order to enable flexible movements in such an X-ray device, notably a wide variety of trajectories, according to the invention the X-ray device is construction in such a manner that the position of the propeller axis (z4) can be changed in all spatial directions (z1, z2, z3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Erhard Paul Artur Klotz, Hermann Schomberg
  • Patent number: 6377043
    Abstract: The invention enables the temporal variation of the magnetic field generated by a gradient coil to be derived from the measured temporal variation of the current through this gradient coil and from a pulse response which has been determined once and stored for the relevant coil. In this case an inexpensive non-linear amplifier may be used in the gradient channel, and also a gradient coil with eddy current effects, without the reconstruction or the pulse design being degraded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: US Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Bernd Aldefeld, Hermann Schomberg, Dietrich Holz
  • Publication number: 20010005410
    Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray device which includes an X-ray source (2) and an X-ray detector (3) which are mounted at a respective end of a common holding device (12), the holding device (12) being attached to the room (9) by way of a supporting device (18). In order to realize a more flexible construction of such X-ray devices that are widely used and are usually provided with a holding device (12) in the form of a C-arm and nevertheless maintain a high positioning accuracy, the invention proposes to compose the supporting device (18) of a plurality of hinged, serially interconnected supporting members (15, 16, 17). The supporting device is to be formed notably by a serial manipulator, for example, a conventional robot arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventors: Volker Rasche, Hermann Schomberg, Erhard Paul Artur Klotz
  • Patent number: 5604434
    Abstract: An MR method for determining the spatial distribution of the nuclear magnetization in an examination region, includes exciting the nuclear magnetization in the examination region, one or more times by means of at least one RF pulse in the presence of a steady, uniform magnetic field and reading the MR signals arising after the excitation in order to produce MR data, magnetic gradient fields acting on the examination region during the reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Hermann Schomberg
  • Patent number: 5317735
    Abstract: Multicomputer systems frequently consist of a network of node computers connected to one another in a particular topology, and at least one host computer which controls the network. To execute a task, the host computer loads a program into the node computer, and this is then followed by data, either from the host computer or possibly from a peripheral device also connected to the network, which are processed in accordance with the loaded program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Hermann Schomberg
  • Patent number: 4541279
    Abstract: For the correction of the time-of-flight of an ultrasonic signal, the measurement signal (s) produced by an ultrasonic transducer (3) is digitized, stored and compared with a reference signal (s*). The comparison is performed by way of different relative shifts between the measurement signal and the reference signal. The value of the shift where both signals correspond best is used for the correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1985
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Hermann Schomberg