Patents by Inventor James Zhengshe Liu

James Zhengshe Liu 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: 9036783
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for gain calibration is provided. The method includes sorting the calibration data of each pixel location from the offset-corrected X-ray image data into a sequence. The method also includes removing part of the calibration data from one end or both ends of the respective sequence for each pixel location. The method further includes averaging the calibration data remaining within each respective sequence to obtain an average pixel value for each pixel location. The method yet further includes generating a gain map based on the average pixel value for each pixel location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: James Zhengshe Liu
  • Patent number: 9024269
    Abstract: A digital X-ray detector includes a scintillator that is configured to absorb radiation emitted from an X-ray radiation source and to emit light photons in response to the absorbed radiation. The detector also includes a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) light imager that is configured to absorb the light photons emitted by the scintillator. The CMOS light imager includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is disposed opposite the second surface. The scintillator contacts the first surface of the CMOS light imager. The CMOS light imager further includes a CMOS pixel array with an array of CMOS pixels. Each individual CMOS pixel includes at least two row select transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: James Zhengshe Liu
  • Publication number: 20150108354
    Abstract: An X-ray detector includes a light sensor configured to receive light energy from a scintillator receiving X-rays. The light sensor includes a grid of pixels having a light reception surface oriented toward the scintillator and configured to receive light from the scintillator. Each pixel includes a diode assembly, a control assembly and a capacitor assembly. The diode assembly is disposed on the light reception surface and is configured to produce electric charge responsive to light received by the diode assembly. The diode assembly includes plural diodes selectably configurable in plural combinations, wherein an amount of the electric charge produced by the diode assembly varies based on a selection of diode combination. The control assembly is operably connected to the diode assembly and configured to selectably configure the diodes. The capacitor assembly is operably connected to the diode assembly and configured to receive and store the electric charge from the diode assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Zhengshe Liu, Paul Richard Granfors
  • Publication number: 20150103973
    Abstract: An x-ray system with multiple dynamic range selections. The system including an x-ray source and a detector, wherein the detector includes a scintillator and a pixel. The pixel includes a photodiode and first and second capacitors connectable to the photodiode. The pixel is configured to be switched between a first state where only the first capacitor is connected to the photodiode and a second state where both capacitors are connected to the photodiode. The x-ray source directs x-rays to the detector and a region of interest positioned between the source and detector, the scintillator converts the x-rays to light, and the pixel photodiode converts the light to an electrical charge. The charge is stored in the first capacitor when the pixel is in the first state and in the first and second capacitors when the pixel is in the second state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Zhengshe Liu, Jonathan Edvard Snyder, Richard Larry Anderton, David Ellis Barker, Brian James Grekowicz
  • Publication number: 20150092922
    Abstract: An imaging system includes an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert an analog pixel value into a first digital pixel value. The imaging system also includes an index value source configured to receive the first digital pixel value from the analog-to-digital converter and to generate a digital index value based on a comparison of the first digital pixel value to a digital reference value. In addition, the imaging system includes a transmitter in communication with the index value source and configured to transmit the digital index value. Further, the imaging system includes an image processing component configured to receive the digital index value and to generate a second digital pixel value based at least in part on the received digital index value and a lookup table of the image processing component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: James Zhengshe Liu, Richard Larry Anderton, Brian James Grekowicz, Bela Janos Kiraly
  • Patent number: 8950938
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for reducing image artifacts in X-ray image data includes dividing pixels of X-ray image data into a plurality of pixel value regions based on a pixel value of each pixel, wherein each pixel value region has a different range of pixel values. The method also includes generating calibrated X-ray image data for each pixel value region, wherein the respective calibrated X-ray image data for each pixel value region is generated using a different dose of radiation. Further, the method includes calculating a gain slope for each pixel value region based on the calibrated X-ray image data, and calculating a pixel gain correction for the pixels of the X-ray image data based on at least one of the calculated gain slopes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: James Zhengshe Liu
  • Publication number: 20150030130
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for reducing image artifacts in X-ray image data includes dividing pixels of X-ray image data into a plurality of pixel value regions based on a pixel value of each pixel, wherein each pixel value region has a different range of pixel values. The method also includes generating calibrated X-ray image data for each pixel value region, wherein the respective calibrated X-ray image data for each pixel value region is generated using a different dose of radiation. Further, the method includes calculating a gain slope for each pixel value region based on the calibrated X-ray image data, and calculating a pixel gain correction for the pixels of the X-ray image data based on at least one of the calculated gain slopes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: James Zhengshe Liu
  • Patent number: 8942444
    Abstract: An imaging system includes an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert an analog pixel value into a first digital pixel value. The imaging system also includes an index value source configured to receive the first digital pixel value from the analog-to-digital converter and to generate a digital index value based on a comparison of the first digital pixel value to a digital reference value. In addition, the imaging system includes a transmitter in communication with the index value source and configured to transmit the digital index value. Further, the imaging system includes an image processing component configured to receive the digital index value and to generate a second digital pixel value based at least in part on the received digital index value and a lookup table of the image processing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Zhengshe Liu, Richard Larry Anderton, Brian James Grekowicz, Bela Janos Kiraly
  • Patent number: 8891733
    Abstract: A system for eliminating image artifacts caused by electromagnetic interference (EMI) on a portable digital x-ray detector that is capable of non-contact wireless inductively coupled power transfer. An X-ray imaging system comprising a portable digital X-ray detector having detector circuitry coupled to at least one receiver coil, and a power source including a power supply coupled to a signal filter device and coupled to at least one transmitter coil, wherein the power source is coupled to a detector receptacle of the X-ray imaging system, and wherein the at least one receiver coil and the at least one transmitter coil are inductively coupled to each other when the portable digital X-ray detector is located within the detector receptacle of the X-ray imaging system to transfer power from the power supply to the detector circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Zhengshe Liu, Scott William Petrick, Luke Gerard Beno
  • Patent number: 8861678
    Abstract: A system for eliminating image artifacts caused by electromagnetic interference (EMI) on a portable digital x-ray detector that is capable of non-contact wireless inductively coupled power transfer and capacitively coupled communication and data transfer. An X-ray imaging system comprising a portable digital X-ray detector inductively and capacitively coupled to a power source and communication device that is coupled to a detector receptacle of the X-ray imaging system when the portable digital X-ray detector is located within the detector receptacle to transfer power from a power supply of the power source and communication device to the portable digital X-ray detector and transfer communication and data between the power source and communication device and the portable digital X-ray detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Zhengshe Liu, Scott William Petrick, Luke Gerard Beno
  • Patent number: 8834021
    Abstract: A digital X-ray detector includes a multi-functional panel support configured to support a digital detector array on a first side of the panel support and electronics on a second side of the panel support. The panel support includes a first enclosure and a rechargeable battery disposed within the first enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Zhengshe Liu, Habib Vafi
  • Patent number: 8786873
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for managing autonomous detector and imager subsystems communicating as nodes on a network. In an embodiment, an application server is provided which coordinates use of the autonomous imager and detector subsystems so that appropriate combinations of imagers and detectors are used for particular imaging applications. In another embodiment, the performance of a detector subsystem may be automatically evaluated prior to use, such as by one or more automated routines that monitor or measure factors related to detector performance. Additional systems, methods, and devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Michael Sabol, James Zhengshe Liu, Rajeev Ramankutty Marar, Kadri Nizar Jabri, Gopal Biligeri Avinash, Chuande Liu, Tan Liu
  • Patent number: 8779907
    Abstract: A control circuit for a portable x-ray medical imaging system detector. The control circuit operates to reduce power consumption of the portable x-ray detector. The detector control circuit includes a multi-function switch coupled to the portable detector, and a detector control module installed in the portable detector, the detector control module receiving an input from the multi-function switch and based on the received input reconfiguring the portable detector from a first operational mode to a different second operational mode. A portable detector including the detector control circuit and a method of operating the portable detector are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Zhengshe Liu, Scott William Petrick, Donald Fayette Langler, Gary Vernon McBroom, Roy Allan Schley
  • Patent number: 8781075
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a method of changing wireless communication channels in a connected host and client system. For example, in one embodiment, the link quality of a connection is monitored by the host or the client. If the connection has a link quality below a predetermined threshold but remains intact, a channel switch request is sent, synchronization packages are exchanged between the host and client on the current channel, the channel of the system is changed to a new channel, and the system resumes communications on the new channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Zhengshe Liu, Kenneth Kump, Gireesha Rao, Chuande Liu, Craig Dennis
  • Patent number: 8768035
    Abstract: A method for processing X-ray image data includes exposing a digital detector to X-ray radiation. The method also includes sampling data via the digital detector including X-ray image data and offset image data. The method further includes calculating an average offset image without prior knowledge of a total number of offset image frames sampled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Zhengshe Liu, Paul Richard Granfors, Kenneth Scott Kump, Ping Xue, Donald Fayette Langler, Brian John Kost
  • Publication number: 20140098941
    Abstract: A system is provided. The system includes a portable digital X-ray detector and a portable detector control device configured to communicate with the digital X-ray detector. The system also includes a coupling mechanism configured to couple the portable digital X-ray detector to the portable digital X-ray detector to enable simultaneous transport of the digital X-ray detector and the detector control device. The coupling mechanism does not communicate with any component of an imaging system including the portable digital X-ray detector and portable detector control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nicholas Ryan Konkle, Scott William Petrick, Alan Dean Blomeyer, James Zhengshe Liu
  • Patent number: 8693747
    Abstract: A method for controlling a X-ray radiography system includes acquiring data from a digital X-ray detector, characterizing electromagnetic interference based upon the acquired data, selecting an electromagnetic interference compensation algorithm based upon the characterized electromagnetic interference, acquiring X-ray imaging data via the digital X-ray detector based upon the selected electromagnetic interference compensation algorithm, and processing the X-ray imaging data to produce image data capable of reconstruction in a user viewable form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ping Xue, Shijia Zhang, Fengchao Zhang, John Robert Lamberty, Richard Gordon Cronce, James Zhengshe Liu, Paul Richard Granfors, German Guillermo Vera
  • Patent number: 8690426
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a portable x-ray detector includes coupling a gravity sensor to the portable x-ray detector and coupling a processor to the gravity sensor. The processor is programmed to receive an input from the gravity sensor, determine a physical orientation of the portable x-ray detector based on the received input, and generate an indication to reposition the portable x-ray detector. A portable detector and an imaging system including the portable detector are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Zhengshe Liu, Rowland Saunders, Kenneth Kump, Donald Langler, Roy Schley
  • Publication number: 20140050418
    Abstract: An imaging system includes an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert an analog pixel value into a first digital pixel value. The imaging system also includes an index value source configured to receive the first digital pixel value from the analog-to-digital converter and to generate a digital index value based on a comparison of the first digital pixel value to a digital reference value. In addition, the imaging system includes a transmitter in communication with the index value source and configured to transmit the digital index value. Further, the imaging system includes an image processing component configured to receive the digital index value and to generate a second digital pixel value based at least in part on the received digital index value and a lookup table of the image processing component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: James Zhengshe Liu, Richard Larry Anderton, Brian James Grekowicz, Bela Janos Kiraly
  • Publication number: 20140050301
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for reducing image artifacts in X-ray image data includes dividing pixels of X-ray image data into a plurality of pixel value regions based on a pixel value of each pixel, wherein each pixel value region has a different range of pixel values. The method also includes generating calibrated X-ray image data for each pixel value region, wherein the respective calibrated X-ray image data for each pixel value region is generated using a different dose of radiation. Further, the method includes calculating a gain slope for each pixel value region based on the calibrated X-ray image data, and calculating a pixel gain correction for the pixels of the X-ray image data based on at least one of the calculated gain slopes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: James Zhengshe Liu