Patents by Inventor Michael Wels

Michael Wels 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: 9805473
    Abstract: A method and system for segmenting multiple brain structures in 3D magnetic resonance (MR) images is disclosed. After intensity standardization of a 3D MR image, a meta-structure including center positions of multiple brain structures is detected in the 3D MR image. The brain structures are then individually segmented using marginal space learning (MSL) constrained by the detected meta-structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Wels, Gustavo Henrique Monteiro de Barros Carneiro, Martin Huber, Dorin Comaniciu, Yefeng Zheng
  • Publication number: 20170270705
    Abstract: A method for interactively generating a geometric model of a volume object on the basis of three-dimensional image data of an examination region of interest of an examination subject is described. According to an embodiment, a representation of the volume object is determined on the basis of three-dimensional image data and a two-dimensional representation is determined on the basis of the determined representation using a preferably non-linear planar reformation of the three-dimensional object. Subsequently, boundary indicators which define the surface profile of the volume object are edited in the two-dimensional representation. Following the editing, a three-dimensional representation of the edited boundary indicators is generated by back-transforming the edited boundary indicators into three-dimensional space. Finally, a model-based representation of the volume object is generated in three-dimensional space on the basis of the edited boundary indicators. A volume object modeling device is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Applicant: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Christian HOPFGARTNER, Felix LADES, Chris SCHWEMMER, Michael SUEHLING, Michael WELS
  • Publication number: 20170200317
    Abstract: A method and a device are disclosed for the perspective representation, via an output image, of at least one virtual scene component arranged within a real scene. In the method, depth image data of the real scene is captured from a first perspective via a depth image sensor, and 2D image data of the real scene is captured from a second perspective via a 2D camera. Further, a virtual three-dimensional scene model of the real scene is created with reference to depth information from the depth image data, and at least one virtual scene component is inserted into the three-dimensional virtual model. Finally, an output image is generated by way of perspective projection of the 2D image data corresponding to the second perspective onto the virtual three-dimensional scene model comprising the virtual scene component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Thilo HANNEMANN, Michael SUEHLING, Michael WELS, Andreas WIMMER, Ferdinand DISTLER
  • Patent number: 9633435
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for automatically calibrating an RGB-D sensor and an imaging device using a transformation matrix includes using a medical image scanner to acquire a first dataset representative of an apparatus attached to a downward facing surface of a patient table, wherein corners of the apparatus are located at a plurality of corner locations. The plurality of corner locations are identified based on the first dataset and the RGB-D sensor is used to acquire a second dataset representative of a plurality of calibration markers displayed on an upward facing surface of the patient table at the corner locations. A plurality of calibration marker locations are identified based on the second dataset and the transformation matrix is generated by aligning the first dataset and the second dataset using the plurality of corner locations and the plurality of calibration marker locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Inventors: Kai Ma, Yao-jen Chang, Vivek Kumar Singh, Thomas O'Donnell, Michael Wels, Tobias Betz, Andreas Wimmer, Terrence Chen
  • Patent number: 9629599
    Abstract: A method of assigning first localization data of a breast of a patient derived from first image data of the breast, the first image data being the result of a first radiological data acquisition process, to second localization data of the same breast derived from second image data, the second image data being the result of a second radiological data acquisition process, or vice versa. Thereby, the first localization data are assigned to the second localization data by intermediately mapping them into breast model data representing a patient-specific breast shape of the patient and then onto the second image data—or vice versa, thereby deriving assignment data. An assignment system performs the above-described method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Anna Jerebko, Michael Kelm, Michael Suehling, Michael Wels
  • Publication number: 20170091940
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for automatically calibrating an RGB-D sensor and an imaging device using a transformation matrix includes using a medical image scanner to acquire a first dataset representative of an apparatus attached to a downward facing surface of a patient table, wherein corners of the apparatus are located at a plurality of corner locations. The plurality of corner locations are identified based on the first dataset and the RGB-D sensor is used to acquire a second dataset representative of a plurality of calibration markers displayed on an upward facing surface of the patient table at the corner locations. A plurality of calibration marker locations are identified based on the second dataset and the transformation matrix is generated by aligning the first dataset and the second dataset using the plurality of corner locations and the plurality of calibration marker locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Kai Ma, Yao-jen Chang, Vivek Kumar Singh, Thomas O'Donnell, Michael Wels, Tobias Betz, Andreas Wimmer, Terrence Chen
  • Patent number: 9545238
    Abstract: A method and system for the diagnosis of 3D images are disclosed, which significantly cuts the time required for the diagnosis. The 3D images are for example an image volume dataset of a magnetic resonance tomography system which is saved in an RIS or PACS system. In at least one embodiment, the diagnostic finding are partially automatically generated, and details of the position, size and change in pathological structures are compared to previous diagnostic findings are generated automatically. As a result of this automation the diagnostic work of radiologists is significantly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Rüdiger Bertsch, Roland Brill, Alexander Cavallaro, Maria Jimena Costa, Martin Huber, Michael Kelm, Helmut König, Sascha Seifert, Michael Wels
  • Patent number: 9524582
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a 3D personalized mesh of a person from a depth camera image for medical imaging scan planning is disclosed. A depth camera image of a subject is converted to a 3D point cloud. A plurality of anatomical landmarks are detected in the 3D point cloud. A 3D avatar mesh is initialized by aligning a template mesh to the 3D point cloud based on the detected anatomical landmarks. A personalized 3D avatar mesh of the subject is generated by optimizing the 3D avatar mesh using a trained parametric deformable model (PDM). The optimization is subject to constraints that take into account clothing worn by the subject and the presence of a table on which the subject in lying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Kai Ma, Terrence Chen, Vivek Kumar Singh, Yao-jen Chang, Michael Wels, Grzegorz Soza
  • Publication number: 20160306924
    Abstract: A method for estimating a body surface model of a patient includes: (a) segmenting, by a computer processor, three-dimensional sensor image data to isolate patient data from environmental data; (b) categorizing, by the computer processor, a body pose of the patient from the patient data using a first trained classifier; (c) parsing, by the computer processor, the patient data to an anatomical feature of the patient using a second trained classifier, wherein the parsing is based on a result of the categorizing; and (d) estimating, by the computer processor, the body surface model of the patient based on a result of the parsing. Systems for estimating a body surface model of a patient are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Vivek Kumar Singh, Yao-jen Chang, Kai Ma, Terrence Chen, Michael Wels, Grzegorz Soza
  • Patent number: 9378551
    Abstract: An embodiment of the method is disclosed for non-invasive lesion candidate detection in a patient's body includes generating a number of first medical images of the patient's body. The method further includes identifying lesion-like geometrical regions inside the first medical images of the patient's body by applying image processing methods, whereby the identification is at least partly controlled by a number of patient-specific context features which are not directly extractable from the first medical images. In addition, the method includes selecting a number of the identified lesion-like geometrical regions as lesion candidates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Kelm, Michael Sühling, Alexey Tsymbal, Michael Wels
  • Patent number: 9235888
    Abstract: A second form of image data is determined from a first form of image data of an examination object in a radiological imaging system. A set of a defined plurality of input pixels in the image data of the first form is determined. In addition, a set of target form parameters of a target form model with a defined plurality of target form parameters is prognostically determined by way of a data-driven regression method from the plurality of input pixels. The number of target form parameters is smaller than the number of input pixels. The second form of image data is determined from the set of target form parameters. There is also described a method in radiological imaging for determining the geometric position of a number of target objects in a second form of image data and an image processing workstation for determining a second form of image data from a first form of image data as well as an imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Anna Jerebko, Michael Kelm, Michael Suehling, Michael Wels
  • Patent number: 9113781
    Abstract: A method and system for on-line learning of landmark detection models for end-user specific diagnostic image reading is disclosed. A selection of a landmark to be detected in a 3D medical image is received. A current landmark detection result for the selected landmark in the 3D medical image is determined by automatically detecting the selected landmark in the 3D medical image using a stored landmark detection model corresponding to the selected landmark or by receiving a manual annotation of the selected landmark in the 3D medical image. The stored landmark detection model corresponding to the selected landmark is then updated based on the current landmark detection result for the selected landmark in the 3D medical image. The landmark selected in the 3D medical image can be a set of landmarks defining a custom view of the 3D medical image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Wels, Michael Kelm, Michael Suehling, Shaohua Kevin Zhou
  • Publication number: 20150213646
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a 3D personalized mesh of a person from a depth camera image for medical imaging scan planning is disclosed. A depth camera image of a subject is converted to a 3D point cloud. A plurality of anatomical landmarks are detected in the 3D point cloud. A 3D avatar mesh is initialized by aligning a template mesh to the 3D point cloud based on the detected anatomical landmarks. A personalized 3D avatar mesh of the subject is generated by optimizing the 3D avatar mesh using a trained parametric deformable model (PDM). The optimization is subject to constraints that take into account clothing worn by the subject and the presence of a table on which the subject in lying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Kai Ma, Terrence Chen, Vivek Kumar Singh, Yao-jen Chang, Michael Wels, Grzegorz Soza
  • Patent number: 9025841
    Abstract: A method and system for fully automatic segmentation the prostate in multi-spectral 3D magnetic resonance (MR) image data having one or more scalar intensity values per voxel is disclosed. After intensity standardization of multi-spectral 3D MR image data, a prostate boundary is detected in the multi-spectral 3D MR image data using marginal space learning (MSL). The detected prostate boundary is refined using one or more trained boundary detectors. The detected prostate boundary can be split into patches corresponding to anatomical regions of the prostate and the detected prostate boundary can be refined using trained boundary detectors corresponding to the patches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Wels, Michael Suehling, Michael Kelm, Sascha Seifert, Maria Jimena Costa, Alexander Cavallaro, Martin Huber, Dorin Comaniciu
  • Publication number: 20140254910
    Abstract: A method of assigning first localization data of a breast of a patient derived from first image data of the breast, the first image data being the result of a first radiological data acquisition process, to second localization data of the same breast derived from second image data, the second image data being the result of a second radiological data acquisition process, or vice versa. Thereby, the first localization data are assigned to the second localization data by intermediately mapping them into breast model data representing a patient-specific breast shape of the patient and then onto the second image data—or vice versa, thereby deriving assignment data. An assignment system performs the above-described method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: ANNA JEREBKO, MICHAEL KELM, MICHAEL SUEHLING, MICHAEL WELS
  • Publication number: 20140228667
    Abstract: A method in radiological imaging for determining lesions in image data of an examination object is described. In an embodiment, the method includes determining anatomical structures by hierarchical breakdown of the image data of the examination object. The method furthermore includes image data analysis for localizing lesion candidates in the anatomical structures. Moreover, the method also includes determining the lesions by evaluating and filtering the lesion candidates. Moreover, an image processing workstation in radiological imaging for determining lesions in image data of an examination object and an imaging apparatus are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Peter DANKERL, Matthias HAMMON, Michael KELM, Michael SÜHLING, Alexey TSYMBAL, Michael WELS, Andreas WIMMER
  • Publication number: 20140219548
    Abstract: A method and system for on-line learning of landmark detection models for end-user specific diagnostic image reading is disclosed. A selection of a landmark to be detected in a 3D medical image is received. A current landmark detection result for the selected landmark in the 3D medical image is determined by automatically detecting the selected landmark in the 3D medical image using a stored landmark detection model corresponding to the selected landmark or by receiving a manual annotation of the selected landmark in the 3D medical image. The stored landmark detection model corresponding to the selected landmark is then updated based on the current landmark detection result for the selected landmark in the 3D medical image. The landmark selected in the 3D medical image can be a set of landmarks defining a custom view of the 3D medical image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicants: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, Siemens Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Wels, Michael Kelm, Michael Suehling, Shaohua Kevin Zhou
  • Publication number: 20140185888
    Abstract: An embodiment of the method is disclosed for non-invasive lesion candidate detection in a patient's body includes generating a number of first medical images of the patient's body. The method further includes identifying lesion-like geometrical regions inside the first medical images of the patient's body by applying image processing methods, whereby the identification is at least partly controlled by a number of patient-specific context features which are not directly extractable from the first medical images. In addition, the method includes selecting a number of the identified lesion-like geometrical regions as lesion candidates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Michael KELM, Michael Sühling, Alexey TSYMBAL, Michael WELS
  • Patent number: 8693750
    Abstract: A method and system for automatic detection and volumetric quantification of bone lesions in 3D medical images, such as 3D computed tomography (CT) volumes, is disclosed. Regions of interest corresponding to bone regions are detected in a 3D medical image. Bone lesions are detected in the regions of interest using a cascade of trained detectors. The cascade of trained detectors automatically detects lesion centers and then estimates lesion size in all three spatial axes. A hierarchical multi-scale approach is used to detect bone lesions using a cascade of detectors on multiple levels of a resolution pyramid of the 3D medical image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Wels, Michael Suehling, Shaohua Kevin Zhou, David Liu, Dijia Wu, Christopher V. Alvino, Michael Kelm, Grzegorz Soza, Dorin Comaniciu
  • Patent number: 8548213
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting a guiding catheter in a 2D fluoroscopic image is disclosed. A plurality of guiding catheter centerline segment candidates are detected in the fluoroscopic image. A guiding catheter centerline connecting an input guiding catheter centerline ending point in the fluoroscopic image with an image margin of the fluoroscopic image is detected based on the plurality of guiding catheter centerline segment candidates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignees: Siemens Corporation, Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Wels, Peng Wang, Terrence Chen, Simone Prummer, Dorin Comaniciu