Patents by Inventor Karl Stierstorfer
Karl Stierstorfer 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: 11759157Abstract: A hybrid medical apparatus having an imaging unit, an irradiation unit, and a patient support apparatus is provided. The imaging unit is configured to record image data of an examination region. The irradiation unit is configured to carry out an irradiation of at least a part of the examination region. The imaging unit and the irradiation unit have a common isocenter. The irradiation unit is arranged for rotational movement along a first perimeter independently of the imaging unit. An X-ray source and an X-ray detector of the imaging unit are arranged for movement such that a central beam between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector runs through the common isocenter. The patient support apparatus and/or the imaging unit and/or the irradiation unit is movable along a first spatial axis such that the examination region of the examination object is able to be arranged in the common isocenter.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2020Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbHInventors: Markus Faulhaber, Hans-Jürgen Müller, Karl Stierstorfer, Gabriel Haras, Michael Kaus
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Patent number: 11666301Abstract: A method for correction of an input dataset is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes acquisition of an input dataset comprising at least one data error; determination of a correction function; creation of a corrected output dataset by application of the correction function to the input dataset; and outputting of the corrected output dataset. The correction function is embodied to bring about a reduction of at least two data errors that mutually influence one another in the input dataset.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2020Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBHInventors: Karl Stierstorfer, Martin Petersilka, Martin Hupfer, Achim Hillenbrand, Matthias Baer-Beck, Rainer Raupach
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Patent number: 11234662Abstract: A method is for changing a spatial intensity distribution of an x-ray beam. In an embodiment, the method includes generating an x-ray beam by an x-ray source; guiding a beam path of the x-ray beam through a form filter with a plurality of lamellas, the form filter including a holder apparatus and the plurality of lamellas being arranged in the holder apparatus such that each lamella has at least one straight line running through the respective lamella in parallel to the further lamellas. The method further includes aligning the plurality of lamellas relative to the beam path by controlled movement of at least one part of the plurality of lamellas relative to one another and thereby changing the spatial intensity distribution of the x-ray beam. An apparatus, configured to carry out such a method, an irradiation arrangement and a medical imaging apparatus are further disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2018Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBHInventors: Sascha Manuel Huck, Karl Stierstorfer
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Publication number: 20210177365Abstract: A hybrid medical apparatus having an imaging unit, an irradiation unit, and a patient support apparatus is provided. The imaging unit is configured to record image data of an examination region. The irradiation unit is configured to carry out an irradiation of at least a part of the examination region. The imaging unit and the irradiation unit have a common isocenter. The irradiation unit is arranged for rotational movement along a first perimeter independently of the imaging unit. An X-ray source and an X-ray detector of the imaging unit are arranged for movement such that a central beam between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector runs through the common isocenter. The patient support apparatus and/or the imaging unit and/or the irradiation unit is movable along a first spatial axis such that the examination region of the examination object is able to be arranged in the common isocenter.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2020Publication date: June 17, 2021Inventors: Markus Faulhaber, Hans-Jürgen Müller, Karl Stierstorfer, Gabriel Haras, Michael Kaus
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Publication number: 20210100516Abstract: A method is for changing a spatial intensity distribution of an x-ray beam. In an embodiment, the method includes generating an x-ray beam by an x-ray source; guiding a beam path of the x-ray beam through a form filter with a plurality of lamellas, the form filter including a holder apparatus and the plurality of lamellas being arranged in the holder apparatus such that each lamella has at least one straight line running through the respective lamella in parallel to the further lamellas. The method further includes aligning the plurality of lamellas relative to the beam path by controlled movement of at least one part of the plurality of lamellas relative to one another and thereby changing the spatial intensity distribution of the x-ray beam. An apparatus, configured to carry out such a method, an irradiation arrangement and a medical imaging apparatus are further disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2018Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: Siemens Healthcare GmbHInventors: Sascha Manuel HUCK, Karl STIERSTORFER
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Publication number: 20210093286Abstract: A method for correction of an input dataset is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes acquisition of an input dataset comprising at least one data error; determination of a correction function; creation of a corrected output dataset by application of the correction function to the input dataset; and outputting of the corrected output dataset. The correction function is embodied to bring about a reduction of at least two data errors that mutually influence one another in the input dataset.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2020Publication date: April 1, 2021Applicant: Siemens Healthcare GmbHInventors: Karl STIERSTORFER, Martin PETERSILKA, Martin HUPFER, Achim HILLENBRAND, Matthias BAER-BECK, Rainer RAUPACH
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Patent number: 10716526Abstract: An X-ray system, in particular a computed tomography system, for acquiring projection data of an examination subject includes one or more X-ray radiation sources, at least one of the one or more X-ray radiation sources including at least one prefilter, the one or more X-ray radiation sources being configured to generate X-ray radiation including at least two X-ray radiation spectra, the at least one prefilter being configured to at least one of spatially distribute or temporally modify the X-ray radiation, and a one or more photon-counting detectors configured to detect the X-ray radiation passing through the examination subject in an energy-resolved manner according to at least two detection thresholds, and generate projection data based on the detection.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2016Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBHInventors: Thomas Flohr, Steffen Kappler, Bernhard Krauss, Bernhard Schmidt, Friederike Schoeck, Karl Stierstorfer
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Patent number: 10555706Abstract: To generate images, in which a first row area of a multiple-row detector is illuminated with a first X-ray spectrum and a second row area of the multiple-row detector, trailing in the direction of travel, is illuminated with a second X-ray spectrum, image data is recorded at a pitch chosen such that one slice image can be reconstructed in each case for a sectional position for the first and the second row area. Correspondingly, for the sectional position, the respective slice image for the first and the second row area is reconstructed. For a third row area, illuminated with the first and the second X-ray spectrum, a reference sectional image is reconstructed as a slice image. To generate motion-reduced first and second spectral images assigned to the first and second row area respectively, the slice images of the first and second row areas are registered to the reference sectional image.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2019Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Assignee: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBHInventors: Bernhard Krauss, Bernhard Schmidt, Karl Stierstorfer, Eric Fournie, Markus Juergens
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Patent number: 10504634Abstract: In a method and device for setting a spatial intensity distribution of an X-ray beam, an X-ray beam is generated by an X-ray tube. A beam path of the X-ray beam is guided in a direction of propagation by a form filter including a plurality of lamella plates which taper to a focal point such that, for each of the lamella plates, at least one straight line running through the respective lamella plate and forming a first direction of the lamella plate is aligned with the focal point. The first directions of the lamella plates of the form filter are aligned relative to the beam path. As a result of the alignment, parts of the X-ray beam are absorbed. Finally, the spatial intensity distribution of the X-ray beam is set in the direction of propagation by the absorption due to the lamella plates.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2017Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBHInventor: Karl Stierstorfer
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Publication number: 20190290227Abstract: To generate images, in which a first row area of a multiple-row detector is illuminated with a first X-ray spectrum and a second row area of the multiple-row detector, trailing in the direction of travel, is illuminated with a second X-ray spectrum, image data is recorded at a pitch chosen such that one slice image can be reconstructed in each case for a sectional position for the first and the second row area. Correspondingly, for the sectional position, the respective slice image for the first and the second row area is reconstructed. For a third row area, illuminated with the first and the second X-ray spectrum, a reference sectional image is reconstructed as a slice image. To generate motion-reduced first and second spectral images assigned to the first and second row area respectively, the slice images of the first and second row areas are registered to the reference sectional image.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2019Publication date: September 26, 2019Applicant: Siemens Healthcare GmbHInventors: Bernhard KRAUSS, Bernhard SCHMIDT, Karl STIERSTORFER, Eric FOURNIE, Markus JUERGENS
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Patent number: 10026203Abstract: A method is for imaging of an examination region of an object to be examined with a computed tomography system. In an embodiment, the method includes recording of first and second projection measurement data with a common x-ray source-detector system, the first projection measurement data being recorded with a first x-ray spectrum in a first angular sector and the second projection measurement data being recorded with a second x-ray spectrum in a second angular sector; Creation of first and second start image data from the first and second projection measurement data via a first reconstruction method; and coupled iterative reconstruction of first result image data on the basis of the first start image data and of second result image data on the basis of the second start image data, the first result image data and the second result image data each featuring a complete image of the examination region.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2017Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBHInventors: Herbert Bruder, Karl Stierstorfer
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Publication number: 20180075627Abstract: A method is for imaging of an examination region of an object to be examined with a computed tomography system. In an embodiment, the method includes recording of first and second projection measurement data with a common x-ray source-detector system, the first projection measurement data being recorded with a first x-ray spectrum in a first angular sector and the second projection measurement data being recorded with a second x-ray spectrum in a second angular sector; Creation of first and second start image data from the first and second projection measurement data via a first reconstruction method; and coupled iterative reconstruction of first result image data on the basis of the first start image data and of second result image data on the basis of the second start image data, the first result image data and the second result image data each featuring a complete image of the examination region.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2017Publication date: March 15, 2018Applicant: Siemens Healthcare GmbHInventors: Herbert BRUDER, Karl STIERSTORFER
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Publication number: 20180033514Abstract: In a method and device for setting a spatial intensity distribution of an X-ray beam, an X-ray beam is generated by an X-ray tube. A beam path of the X-ray beam is guided in a direction of propagation by a form filter including a plurality of lamella plates which taper to a focal point such that, for each of the lamella plates, at least one straight line running through the respective lamella plate and forming a first direction of the lamella plate is aligned with the focal point. The first directions of the lamella plates of the form filter are aligned relative to the beam path. As a result of the alignment, parts of the X-ray beam are absorbed. Finally, the spatial intensity distribution of the X-ray beam is set in the direction of propagation by the absorption due to the lamella plates.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2017Publication date: February 1, 2018Applicant: Siemens Healthcare GmbHInventor: Karl STIERSTORFER
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Publication number: 20170172532Abstract: An X-ray system, in particular a computed tomography system, for acquiring projection data of an examination subject is described. In an embodiment, the X-ray system includes an X-ray emitter arrangement including a number of X-ray radiation sources and a number of photon-counting detectors including at least two detection thresholds. In this configuration, the X-ray emitter arrangement is embodied so as to generate X-ray radiation including at least two X-ray radiation spectra. Furthermore, the number of photon-counting detectors are arranged and embodied so as to detect at least the X-ray radiation passing through the examination subject in an energy-resolved manner in the form of projection data. An image reconstruction method is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2016Publication date: June 22, 2017Applicant: Siemens Healthcare GmbHInventors: Thomas FLOHR, Steffen KAPPLER, Bernhard KRAUSS, Bernhard SCHMIDT, Friederike SCHOECK, Karl STIERSTORFER
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Patent number: 9646731Abstract: A direct-converting x-ray radiation detector is disclosed for detecting x-ray radiation, in particular for use in a CT system. In an embodiment, the detector includes a semiconductor material used for detecting the x-ray radiation; at least one collimator; and at least one radiation source, to irradiate the semiconductor material with additional radiation. In at least one embodiment, the at least one collimator includes at least one reflection layer on a side facing the semiconductor material, on which the additional radiation is reflected to the semiconductor material. In another embodiment, a CT system including the direct-converting x-ray radiation detector, and a method for detecting incident x-ray radiation via a direct-converting x-ray radiation detector, in particular for use in a CT system, are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2013Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Fabrice Dierre, Edgar Göderer, Peter Hackenschmied, Steffen Kappler, Björn Kreisler, Miguel Labayen De Inza, Daniel Niederlöhner, Mario Reinwand, Christian Schröter, Karl Stierstorfer, Matthias Strassburg, Justus Tonn, Stefan Wirth
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Patent number: 9208586Abstract: A method is disclosed for reconstructing image data of an examination object from measurement data, wherein the measurement data were captured previously during a relative rotational movement between a radiation source of a computed tomography system and the examination object. Filtered measurement data are calculated from the measurement data. First image data are calculated from the measurement data. Edge information is obtained from the first image data, wherein the edge information, depending on position, specifies strength and direction of edges within the first image data. New measurement data are calculated using the edge information by mixing the measurement data and the filtered measurement data and second image data are calculated from the new measurement data.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2013Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Rainer Raupach, Karl Stierstorfer
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Patent number: 9192341Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a computed tomography device including an x-ray source embodied to emit a fan-type beam bundle and a detector arrangement interacting therewith and including a plurality of detector elements. An embodiment of the method provides that an integration time provided to read out a detector element is dependent on the position of the detector element within the detector arrangement, wherein with a detector element which detects x-rays which penetrate the isocenter lying between the x-ray source and the detector arrangement, a longer integration time is provided, than with a detector element which detects x-rays which penetrate an examination volume which is further away from the isocenter.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2013Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Steffen Kappler, Martin Petersilka, Karl Stierstorfer
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Patent number: 9176078Abstract: For improved sampling, an x-ray detector system for a computed tomography scanner is provided. In an embodiment, the x-ray detector system includes at least one detector row which includes a plurality of detector modules each having a plurality of detector elements. Along the at least one detector row, a first portion of the detector elements is arranged in a grid at a first grid spacing in relation to its respective neighboring detector elements, and a second portion of the detector elements is arranged in a grid at a second grid spacing in relation to its respective neighboring detector elements.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2013Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Thomas Flohr, Michael Grasruck, Karl Stierstorfer
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Publication number: 20150221406Abstract: A direct-converting x-ray radiation detector is disclosed for detecting x-ray radiation, in particular for use in a CT system. In an embodiment, the detector includes a semiconductor material used for detecting the x-ray radiation; at least one collimator; and at least one radiation source, to irradiate the semiconductor material with additional radiation. In at least one embodiment, the at least one collimator includes at least one reflection layer on a side facing the semiconductor material, on which the additional radiation is reflected to the semiconductor material. In another embodiment, a CT system including the direct-converting x-ray radiation detector, and a method for detecting incident x-ray radiation via a direct-converting x-ray radiation detector, in particular for use in a CT system, are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2013Publication date: August 6, 2015Inventors: Fabrice Dierre, Edgar Göderer, Peter Hackenschmied, Steffen Kappler, Björn Kreisler, Miguel Labayen De Inza, Daniel Niederlöhner, Mario Reinwand, Christian Schröter, Karl Stierstorfer, Matthias Strassburg, Justus Tonn, Stefan Wirth
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Patent number: 9078625Abstract: A method is disclosed for transmitting measurement data from a transmitter system to a receiver system by way of a transmission link of a medical device. In an embodiment, the measurement data, as input data of a transformation method, is transformed to output values and, after transmission, back transformed again, the values of the input data lying between a maximum value and a minimum value and an assignment function being used for compression purposes, to allocate an output value to every value of the input data, a root function being used as the assignment function for at least some of the values.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2011Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Steffen Kappler, Edgar Kraft, Daniel Niederlöhner, Thomas Reichel, Karl Stierstorfer, Helmut Winkelmann