Patents by Inventor Loren Niklason

Loren Niklason 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: 8565372
    Abstract: A breast imaging system leverages the combined strengths of two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging to provide a breast cancer screening with improved sensitivity, specificity and patient dosing. A tomosynthesis system supports the acquisition of three-dimensional images at a dosage lower than that used to acquire a two-dimensional image. The low-dose three-dimensional image may be used for mass detection, while the two-dimensional image may be used for calcification detection. Obtaining tomosynthesis data at low dose provides a number of advantages in addition to mass detection including the reduction in scan time and wear and tear on the x-ray tube. Such an arrangement provides a breast cancer screening system with high sensitivity and specificity and reduced patient dosing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc
    Inventors: Jay Stein, Andrew Smith, Zhenzue Jing, Loren Niklason
  • Publication number: 20120263273
    Abstract: A breast imaging system leverages the combined strengths of two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging to provide a breast cancer screening with improved sensitivity, specificity and patient dosing. A tomosynthesis system supports the acquisition of three-dimensional images at a dosage lower than that used to acquire a two-dimensional image. The low-dose three-dimensional image may be used for mass detection, while the two-dimensional image may be used for calcification detection. Obtaining tomosynthesis data at low dose provides a number of advantages in addition to mass detection including the reduction in scan time and wear and tear on the x-ray tube. Such an arrangement provides a breast cancer screening system with high sensitivity and specificity and reduced patient dosing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Jay Stein, Andrew Smith, Zhenzue Jing, Loren Niklason
  • Patent number: 8285020
    Abstract: A method and system for acquiring, processing, storing, and displaying x-ray mammograms Mp tomosynthesis images Tr representative of breast slices, and x-ray tomosynthesis projection images Tp taken at different angles to a breast, where the Tr images are reconstructed from Tp images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Nikolaos A. Gkanatsios, Loren Niklason, Ian Shaw, Christopher Ruth, Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein
  • Publication number: 20120238870
    Abstract: Systems and methods for x-ray imaging a patient's breast in combinations of dual-energy, single-energy, mammography and tomosynthesis modes that facilitate screening for and diagnosis of breast abnormalities, particularly breast abnormalities characterized by abnormal vascularity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein, Zhenxue Jing, Baorui Ren, Loren Niklason, Christopher Ruth, Ian Shaw
  • Publication number: 20120121155
    Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate the presentation and assessment of selected features in projection and/or reconstructed breast images, such as calcifications that meet selected criteria of size, shape, presence in selected slice images, distribution of pixels that could be indicative of calcification relative to other pixels or of other image features of clinical interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Chris RUTH, Jay STEIN, Loren NIKLASON, Andrew SMITH
  • Publication number: 20120114095
    Abstract: A multi-mode system and method for imaging a patient's breast with x-rays in one or more of a CT mode, a narrow-angle tomosynthesis mode, a wide angle tomosynthesis mode, and a mammography mode, using essentially the same equipment, on one or more compressions or immobilizations of the breast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Paul Smith, Jay A. Stein, Ken Defreitas, Ian Shaw, Zhenxue Jing, Loren Niklason, Baorui Ren, Christopher Ruth
  • Patent number: 8131049
    Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate the presentation and assessment of selected features in projection and/or reconstructed breast images, such as calcifications that meet selected criteria of size, shape, presence in selected slice images, distribution of pixels that could be indicative of calcification relative to other pixels or of other image features of clinical interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Ruth, Jay Stein, Loren Niklason, Andrew Smith
  • Publication number: 20120033868
    Abstract: The effects of patient motion in tomosynthesis scan images are automatically detected and quantified. In at least one embodiment an indication of detection of the effects of patient motion in tomosynthesis scan images is provided shortly after the scan, e.g., before the patient is discharged or before the breast is decompressed. A patient motion score may be calculated as part of motion quantification. The score may be stored for subsequent retrieval. Images may be presented with reference features to help a technician confirm of the effects of motion in images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Baorui Ren, Loren Niklason, Andrew Smith, Zhenxue Jing, Jay Stein
  • Publication number: 20110135185
    Abstract: A method and system for acquiring, processing, storing, and displaying x-ray mammograms Mp tomosynthesis images Tr representative of breast slices, and x-ray tomosynthesis projection images Tp taken at different angles to a breast, where the Tr images are reconstructed from Tp images
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Nikolaos A. GKANATSIOS, Loren Niklason, Ian Shaw, Christopher Ruth, Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein
  • Patent number: 7916915
    Abstract: A method and system for acquiring, processing, storing, and displaying x-ray mammograms Mp tomosynthesis images Tr representative of breast slices, and x-ray tomosynthesis projection images Tp taken at different angles to a breast, where the Tr images are reconstructed from Tp images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc
    Inventors: Nikolaos A. Gkanatsios, Loren Niklason, Ian Shaw, Christopher Ruth, Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein
  • Patent number: 7881428
    Abstract: A breast x-ray system and method using tomosynthesis imaging in which the x-ray source generally moves away from the patient's head. The system may include an operation mode in which it additionally takes mammogram image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhenxue Jing, Loren Niklason, Jay Stein, Ian Shaw, Ken Defreitas, Tom Farbizio, Christopher Ruth, Baorui Ren, Andrew P Smith
  • Patent number: 7792244
    Abstract: A breast x-ray imaging method and system that is particularly suited for tomosynthesis imaging but also is useful for conventional mammography. A fluid containing pillow or bag is placed between the breast and a paddle that compresses the breast against a breast platform covering an imaging device, to enhance patient comfort and provide other benefits. Alternatives include a flexible sheet compressing the breast, and a compressible foam, preferably contoured to accommodate a patient's breast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth F. DeFreitas, Linda Hopponen, Ian Shaw, Loren Niklason, Jay Stein, Andrew P. Smith
  • Publication number: 20100086188
    Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate the presentation and assessment of selected features in projection and/or reconstructed breast images, such as calcifications that meet selected criteria of size, shape, presence in selected slice images, distribution of pixels that could be indicative of calcification relative to other pixels or of other image features of clinical interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Chris Ruth, Jay Stein, Loren Niklason, Andrew Smith
  • Publication number: 20090304147
    Abstract: A breast x-ray system and method using tomosynthesis imaging in which the x-ray source generally moves away from the patient's head. The system may include an operation mode in which it additionally takes mammogram image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Zhenxue JING, Loren Niklason, Jay Stein, Ian Shaw, Ken Defreitas, Tom Farbizio, Christopher Ruth, Baorui Ren, Andrew P. Smith
  • Patent number: 7630533
    Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate the presentation and assessment of selected features in projection and/or reconstructed breast images, such as calcifications that meet selected criteria of size, shape, presence in selected slice images, distribution of pixels that could be indicative of calcification relative to other pixels or of other image features of clinical interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Ruth, Jay Stein, Loren Niklason, Andrew Smith
  • Publication number: 20090296882
    Abstract: A method and system for acquiring, processing, storing, and displaying x-ray mammograms Mp tomosynthesis images Tr representative of breast slices, and x-ray tomosynthesis projection images Tp taken at different angles to a breast, where the Tr images are reconstructed from Tp images
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Nikolaos A. Gkanatsios, Loren Niklason, Ian Shaw, Christopher Ruth, Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein
  • Patent number: 7616801
    Abstract: A method and system for acquiring, processing, storing, and displaying x-ray mammograms Mp tomosynthesis images Tr representative of breast slices, and x-ray tomosynthesis projection images Tp taken at different angles to a breast, where the Tr images are reconstructed from Tp images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Nikolaos A. Gkanatsios, Loren Niklason, Ian Shaw, Christopher Ruth, Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein
  • Patent number: 7583786
    Abstract: A breast x-ray system and method using tomosynthesis imaging in which the x-ray source generally moves away from the patient's head. The system may include an operation mode in which it additionally takes mammogram image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhenxue Jing, Loren Niklason, Jay Stein, Ian Shaw, Ken DeFreitas, Tom Farbizio, Christopher Ruth, Baorui Ren, Andrew Smith
  • Publication number: 20090213987
    Abstract: A breast imaging system leverages the combined strengths of two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging to provide a breast cancer screening with improved sensitivity, specificity and patient dosing. A tomosynthesis system supports the acquisition of three-dimensional images at a dosage lower than that used to acquire a two-dimensional image. The low-dose three-dimensional image may be used for mass detection, while the two-dimensional image may be used for calcification detection. Obtaining tomosynthesis data at low dose provides a number of advantages in addition to mass detection including the reduction in scan time and wear and tear on the x-ray tube. Such an arrangement provides a breast cancer screening system with high sensitivity and specificity and reduced patient dosing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Jay Stein, Andrew Smith, Zhenzue Jing, Loren Niklason
  • Patent number: 7577282
    Abstract: A method and system for acquiring, processing, storing, and displaying x-ray mammograms Mp tomosynthesis images Tr representative of breast slices, and x-ray tomosynthesis projection images Tp taken at different angles to a breast, where the Tr images are reconstructed from Tp images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Nikolaos A. Gkanatsios, Loren Niklason, Ian Shaw, Christopher Ruth, Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein