Patents by Inventor Jeffrey W. Eberhard
Jeffrey W. Eberhard 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: 7783089Abstract: At least one metric for a mammographic image is computed by a workstation, and provided on a workstation display along with the mammographic image. A clinician can select one or more different metrics to be computed for an image, as well as where they are to be shown and the manner in which they are to be shown on the display. Speech (may also be an audible sound which is not speech) may also be used in the workstation to audibly provide metrics information to the clinician.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2002Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: John P. Kaufhold, Bernhard E. H. Claus, Jeffrey W. Eberhard
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Patent number: 7433507Abstract: A method of creating and displaying images resulting from digital tomosynthesis performed on a subject using a flat panel detector is disclosed. The method includes the step of acquiring a series of x-ray images of the subject, where each x-ray image is acquired at different angles relative to the subject. The method also includes the steps of applying a first set of corrective measures to the series of images, reconstructing the series of images into a series of slices through the subject, and applying a second set of corrective measures to the slices. The method further includes the step of displaying the images or slices according to at least one of a plurality of display options.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2003Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Co.Inventors: Kadri N. Jabri, Gopal B. Avinash, Stephen W. Metz, John M. Sabol, Jeffrey W. Eberhard, Bernard E. H. Claus, John P. Kaufhold
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Patent number: 7415146Abstract: A method and apparatus for using a flat panel detector to determine bone mineral density are provided. The apparatus includes a dual energy X-ray emitter, a flat panel detector for receiving X-rays sent from the X-ray emitter, and may optionally include an image corrector, adapted to emit corrected image information. The apparatus also includes a basis material decomposer that includes a calibration database, the decomposer being adapted to create a bone image and a soft tissue image. The apparatus further includes a bone mineral density calculator that is adapted to compute bone mineral density from the first image, and a display for displaying at least the computed bone mineral density. A method for using a flat panel detector to detect multiple disease states is also provided. The method includes emitting X-rays from a dual energy X-ray source through an area of a patient's body sought to be imaged and receiving X-rays with a flat panel detector.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2002Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Christopher D. Unger, Jianguo Zhao, Gopal Avinash, Carson Thomas, Jeffrey W. Eberhard
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Patent number: 6885724Abstract: Systems and methods that utilize asymmetric geometry to acquire radiographic tomosynthesis images are described. Embodiments comprise tomosynthesis systems and methods for creating a reconstructed image of an object from a plurality of two-dimensional x-ray projection images. These systems comprise: an x-ray detector; and an x-ray source capable of emitting x-rays directed at the x-ray detector; wherein the tomosynthesis system utilizes asymmetric image acquisition geometry, where ?1??0, during image acquisition, wherein ?1 is a sweep angle on one side of a center line of the x-ray detector, and ?0 is a sweep angle on an opposite side of the center line of the x-ray detector, and wherein the total sweep angle, ?asym, is ?asym=?1+?0. Reconstruction algorithms may be utilized to produce reconstructed images of the object from the plurality of two-dimensional x-ray projection images.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2003Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Baojun Li, Abdulrahman Al-Khalidy, Jeffrey W. Eberhard, Stephen W. Metz, Bernhard Erich Hermann Claus, Vianney Pierre Battle
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Publication number: 20030194120Abstract: A method and apparatus for using a flat panel detector to determine bone mineral density are provided. The apparatus includes a dual energy X-ray emitter, a flat panel detector for receiving X-rays sent from the X-ray emitter, and may optionally include an image corrector, adapted to emit corrected image information. The apparatus also includes a basis material decomposer that includes a calibration database, the decomposer being adapted to create a bone image and a soft tissue image. The apparatus further includes a bone mineral density calculator that is adapted to compute bone mineral density from the first image, and a display for displaying at least the computed bone mineral density. A method for using a flat panel detector to detect multiple disease states is also provided. The method includes emitting X-rays from a dual energy X-ray source through an area of a patient's body sought to be imaged and receiving X-rays with a flat panel detector.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2002Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventors: Christopher D. Unger, Jianguo Zhao, Gopal Avinash, Carson Thomas, Jeffrey W. Eberhard
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Patent number: 5611026Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and a system for supplementing and completing 3D CT data generated from an incomplete scanning path. If a detector is large enough to scan the object, additional data is acquired from adjacent scanning paths and combined directly with the original projection data set in order to form an exact and complete data set called the combined data set. If the object to be scanned is larger than the detector, additional data from adjacent scanning paths is acquired and reconstructed into an approximate image of the adjacent region from which appropriate projection data from the region of interest is calculated to form an exact and complete data set. In either case, a priori information about the object may be used to calculate missing projection information.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1995Date of Patent: March 11, 1997Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jeffrey W. Eberhard, Kristina H. V. Hedengren
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Patent number: 5463666Abstract: Imaging of a region of interest within a larger object is accomplished without the need for determining Radon derivatives of portions of the object outside a field of view which generally corresponds to the region of interest. The field of view and region of interest may be relatively large compared to a relatively small area detector used for the imaging. In order to provide a complete data set satisfying Radon completeness requirements with little or no collection of data from outside the region of interest, a source scanning trajectory uses a first circle, a second circle, and a helical portion connecting the first and second circles. The first and second circle and helical portion define a cylinder which is outside and surrounding the field of view, which is likewise a cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1993Date of Patent: October 31, 1995Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jeffrey W. Eberhard, Kwok C. Tam
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Patent number: 5420429Abstract: Transducer arrays are constructed using multiple layers of transducer elements, each layer of transducer elements having energy passages such as spaces to allow free passage of energy to or from transducer elements in another layer. Each transducing element performs the same transducing (energy conversion) as the other transducing elements. The transducer arrays may be detector arrays having scintillation materials for detection of x-ray or other high energy rays with each element operable to detect the same type of energy (e.g., x-ray, gamma ray, ultrasound, etc.) as the other elements. Multiple layering of the detector elements allows construction of a diced or mosaic detector array without restrictions upon the thickness of the individual elements which might otherwise result from the kerf width.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1993Date of Patent: May 30, 1995Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jeffrey W. Eberhard, Kristina H. V. Hedengren
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Patent number: 5355309Abstract: A multi-resolution array detector includes a fine resolution zone having a higher density of detector elements than in a coarse resolution zone having a relatively lower density of detector elements. The array detector, usually an area detector, is used in computerized tomography (CT) imaging to provide a finer resolution image in one zone than in another zone. A method of processing data from the multi-resolution detector uses a non-uniform distribution of data in Radon space.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1992Date of Patent: October 11, 1994Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jeffrey W. Eberhard, Kwok C. Tam
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Patent number: 5325296Abstract: A technique for selecting discrete data acquisition points in three-dimensional computerized tomograph (3D CT) is based upon the center-to-center distances between detector elements in an area detector used for detecting images. The data acquisition points are selected to avoid excess computer power for processing redundant data and, at the same time, insure that a sufficient number of data points are used to minimize distortion and/or artifacts.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1992Date of Patent: June 28, 1994Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Jeffrey W. Eberhard
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Patent number: 5319693Abstract: Relatively large objects are viewed using relatively small area detectors by changing the configurations corresponding to the relative positioning of a source of cone beam imaging energy, the object which is to be viewed, and the area detector. A relatively large area detector is simulated by use of a high quality, high resolution, relatively small area detector. The simulated area detector allows imaging of objects which are too wide and/or too high for an actual area detector. The different configurations may be realized by moving the actual area detector relative to the source or by repositioning the object relative to the area detector. Movement for reconfiguration may be in a plane parallel to a plane in which a scan path is disposed if the object is too wide. If the object is too high, the reconfiguration movement would be perpendicular to a plane in which a scan path, usually circular, is located.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1992Date of Patent: June 7, 1994Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jeffrey W. Eberhard, Kwok C. Tam, Kristina H. V. Hedengren
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Patent number: 5278884Abstract: Complete CT data acquisition is provided by scanning path trajectories located on a sphere or approximately located on a sphere. The scanning path trajectories are at least bounded between two relatively close spheres. The various scanning paths include sinusoids, square waves, circles, and arcs.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1992Date of Patent: January 11, 1994Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jeffrey W. Eberhard, Kristina H. V. Hedengren
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Patent number: 5187659Abstract: A configuration for three-dimensional cone beam computerized tomography imaging which minimizes the incompleteness of the data set and, at the same time, avoids corrupted data and resulting artifacts when only a portion of an object is imaged, the object being of greater axial extent compared to a cylindrical field of view. At least two circular source scanning trajectories are defined centered on a rotation axis and lying respectively in two endplanes defining the axial extent of the field of view. At least one cone beam x-ray source and at least one corresponding two-dimensional array detector are employed to scan the object along the source scanning trajectories, while acquiring cone beam projection data only from rays passing through the field of view. Preferably, at least one additional circular source scanning trajectory is defined, centered on the rotation axis and lying in a plane intermediate the two endplanes.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 1990Date of Patent: February 16, 1993Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jeffrey W. Eberhard, Kwok C. Tam
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Patent number: 5073910Abstract: A configuration for three-dimensional cone beam computerized tomography imaging which allows a complete data set to be acquired in a practical manner, while providing fast data acquisition to minimize motion artifacts. An object within a field of view such that every plane passing through the field of view passes through the source scanning trajectory at least once.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1990Date of Patent: December 17, 1991Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jeffrey W. Eberhard, Kristina H. V. Hedengren
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Patent number: 5068882Abstract: A configuration of three-dimensional cone beam computerized tomography imaging which minimizes the incompleteness of the data set acquired, while providing fast data acquisition to minimize motion artifacts. An object within a field of view is scanned, preferably simultaneously, along a pair of circular source scanning trajectories spaced a distance selected to minimize the amount of missing data. A procedure is disclosed for calculating the spacing distance between the scanning trajectories which minimizes the amount of missing data. In one embodiment, a pair of cone beam x-ray sources are employed and a corresponding pair of two-dimensional array detectors. In order to reduce interference caused by x-rays from one source interacting with the detector corresponding to the other source, the cone beam x-ray sources are angularly offset, for example by 90.degree..Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1990Date of Patent: November 26, 1991Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Jeffrey W. Eberhard
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Patent number: 5032990Abstract: Rapid x-ray inspection of objects larger than an x-ray detector array is based on a translate rotate scanning motion of the object relative to the fan beam source and detector. The scan for computerized tomography imaging is accomplished by rotating the object through 360 degrees at two or more positions relative to the source and detector array; in moving to another position the object is rotated and the object or source and detector are translated. A partial set of x-ray data is acquired at every position which are combined to obtain a full data set for complete image reconstruction. X-ray data for digital radiography imaging is acquired by scanning the object vertically at a first position at one view angle, rotating and translating the object relative to the source and detector to a second position, scanning vertically, and so on to cover the object field of view, and combining the partial data sets.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1989Date of Patent: July 16, 1991Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jeffrey W. Eberhard, Kwok C. Tam
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Patent number: 4942596Abstract: The quality of x-ray images is significantly enhanced by adjusting the x-ray system operating parameters in real time during acquisition of x-ray data to take information about the part into account adaptively. X-ray energy, x-ray flux, and integration time can all by varied independently and in combination to improve the signal to noise ratio in the image. The x-ray data from a previous subsection of the image is processed to determine optimum system operating parameters for a next image subsection. x-ray tube voltage is adjusted to change x-ray energy and keep .alpha.L close to 2 over all image subsections. X-ray tube current is adjusted to change x-ray flux and data acquisition integration time is adjusted to keep the signal to noise ratio within limits.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1988Date of Patent: July 17, 1990Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jeffrey W. Eberhard, Rudolph Koegl, John P. Keaveney
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Patent number: 4920491Abstract: The quality of incomplete data Non-Destructive Evaluation and Computed Tomography images is improved by incorporating a priori information into the image reconstruction and image processing to supplement the available data. The a priori information is provided by electronic models of the part derived from a solid modeler, physics of the inspection process, and outputs of touch and other sensors. Methods of improving limited-angle X-ray CT images are given. Calculated projection data in the missing angular range is provided by calculating x-ray path lengths through a solid model of the part, and x-ray attenuation from known physical parameters of the part and source. The measured and calculated projection data are combined to reconstruct the CT image. In an iterative reconstruction approach, precise boundary information from a model and calculated attenuation are information to improve the limited angle image.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 1988Date of Patent: April 24, 1990Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jeffrey W. Eberhard, Kristina H. Hedengren
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Patent number: 4751391Abstract: An ionization chamber X-ray detector which minimizes the effects of leakage X-rays in systems where a collimator is employed to define resolution. The active collection volume of each detector element is reduced to the actual volume occupied by the negative ion cloud resulting from an incident X-ray beam for optimum response to desired radiation while minimizing response to leakage radiation by a combination of reducing the width of the collector electrodes with wider spaces in between the collector electrodes, and providing metallized guard electrodes between the collector electrodes. The guard electrodes serve to collect electrons freed by ionization between the collector electrodes resulting from "noise" X-rays, preventing these particular electrons from building up a space charge, or from reaching the actual collector electrodes. In addition, electric field distortions are minimized, with a consequent avoidance of adverse effects on detector response characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1986Date of Patent: June 14, 1988Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jeffrey W. Eberhard, David W. Oliver
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Patent number: 4638499Abstract: High resolution in an X-ray computerized tomography (CT) inspection system is achieved by using a collimator/detector combination to limit the beam width of the X-ray beam incident on a detector element to the desired resolution width. In a detector such as a high pressure Xenon detector array, a narrow tapered collimator is provided above a wide detector element. The collimator slits have any desired width, as small as a few mils at the top, the slit width is easily controlled, and they are fabricated on standard machines. The slit length determines the slice thickness of the CT image.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1986Date of Patent: January 20, 1987Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jeffrey W. Eberhard, Dallas E. Cain