Patents by Inventor Otto Z. Zhou
Otto Z. Zhou 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: 12193852Abstract: Systems and related methods for stationary digital chest tomosynthesis (s-DCT) imaging are disclosed. In some aspects, systems include a stationary x-ray source array with an array of x-ray pixels configured to generate x-ray beams at different viewing angles relative to a subject to be imaged that is stationary, a stationary area x-ray detector configured to record x-ray projection images of the subject, a physiological gating apparatus for monitoring at least one physiological signal of the subject and defining a physiological phase and a time window based on the at least one physiological signal, and a computing platform configured to activate the x-ray pixels based on the physiological phase and the time window and upon receipt of the at least one physiological signal from the physiological gating apparatus in order to synchronize x-ray exposure with the at least one physiological signal of the subject.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2021Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILLInventors: Jianping Lu, Jing Shan, Yueh Lee, Otto Z. Zhou, Jabari Calliste, Christina Inscoe, Pavel Chtcheprov, Andrew Tucker
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Patent number: 12190436Abstract: Systems and methods for generating multi-view synthetic dental radiographs for intraoral tomosynthesis. In some embodiments, the method includes generating or receiving two-dimensional (2D) projection images, manipulating pixel values contained in each of the plurality of 2D projection images, reconstructing a three-dimensional (3D) image space from information available in the plurality of 2D projection images, the 3D image space comprising voxel values, manipulating the voxel values in the 3D image space using one or more tunable weighting algorithms that can be adjusted to emphasize one or more features of interest of each image in the 3D image space, generating a plurality of synthetic dental radiographs from multiple views using information available in the 3D image space, and displaying one or more of the synthetic dental radiographs. In some embodiments, the system includes a display in communication with an image processing system comprising one or more processors for performing the method.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2021Date of Patent: January 7, 2025Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILLInventors: Connor Puett, Otto Z. Zhou, Jianping Lu, Christina Inscoe
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Patent number: 12016716Abstract: Intraoral three-dimensional (3D) tomosynthesis imaging systems, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media are used to generate one or more two-dimensional (2D) x-ray projection images and to reconstruct, using a computing platform, the one or more 2D x-ray projection images into one or more 3D images of an object, such as teeth of a patient, which can then be displayed on a monitor in order to enhance diagnostic accuracy of dental disease. The intraoral 3D tomosynthesis imaging system can include a wall-mountable control unit connected to one end of an articulating arm, the other end of which is connected to an x-ray source, which is configured to generate x-ray radiation that is acquired by an x-ray detector held at a desired position by an x-ray detector holder that is removably coupled to a collimator at an emission region of the x-ray source.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2021Date of Patent: June 25, 2024Assignee: Surround Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jianping Lu, Otto Z. Zhou, Andrew Tucker, Jing Shan, Brian Gonzales
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Patent number: 12004890Abstract: An intraoral tomosynthesis x-ray imaging device, system, and method with an interchangeable collimator. The intraoral tomosynthesis x-ray imaging device includes an x-ray source array including one or more spatially distributed focal spots and a detachable collimation assembly to provide rectangular or circular radiation fields. The intraoral tomosynthesis x-ray imaging device further includes a digital intraoral x-ray detector. In some embodiments, the x-ray source array is configured to produce either a scanning x-ray beam illuminating an object from different viewing angles without mechanically moving the x-ray source array for tomosynthesis, or a single two-dimensional radiograph.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2018Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: Surround Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Captain Capo, Andrew Tucker, Julianna Burney, Otto Z. Zhou, Jianping Lu
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Compact x-ray devices, systems, and methods for tomosynthesis, fluoroscopy, and stereotactic imaging
Patent number: 11950944Abstract: Compact x-ray devices, systems, and methods for capturing in tomosynthesis, two-dimensional radiography, fluoroscopy, and stereotactic imaging modes. In some embodiments, the compact x-ray imaging system includes an x-ray source array including spatially distributed x-ray focal spots and a digital area x-ray detector. In some embodiments, the imaging system includes an electronic switching device configured to alternate the imaging mode of the system. In some embodiments, the imaging system includes a mechanical support configured to enable a position and orientation of the x-ray source array and the digital area x-ray detector to be adjusted such that both upper and lower extremities of a patient can be imaged using various imaging modes while a position of the plurality of spatially distributed x-ray focal spots with respect to the digital area x-ray detector remains unchanged.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2021Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILLInventors: Otto Z. Zhou, Jianping Lu, Yueh Zenas Lee, Christina Inscoe, Alex Billingsley -
Publication number: 20220148252Abstract: Systems and methods for generating multi-view synthetic dental radiographs for intraoral tomosynthesis. In some embodiments, the method includes generating or receiving two-dimensional (2D) projection images, manipulating pixel values contained in each of the plurality of 2D projection images, reconstructing a three-dimensional (3D) image space from information available in the plurality of 2D projection images, the 3D image space comprising voxel values, manipulating the voxel values in the 3D image space using one or more tunable weighting algorithms that can be adjusted to emphasize one or more features of interest of each image in the 3D image space, generating a plurality of synthetic dental radiographs from multiple views using information available in the 3D image space, and displaying one or more of the synthetic dental radiographs. In some embodiments, the system includes a display in communication with an image processing system comprising one or more processors for performing the method.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2021Publication date: May 12, 2022Inventors: Connor Puett, Otto Z. Zhou, Jianping Lu, Christina Inscoe
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Publication number: 20220142591Abstract: Multi-modality dental x-ray imaging devices, systems, and methods. In some embodiments, an x-ray imaging system is operable in cone-beam computed tomography, two-dimensional intraoral x-ray, and intraoral tomosynthesis imaging modes. In some embodiments, the device includes a rotatable gantry, an x-ray source array attached to the rotatable gantry and including x-ray focal spots, a digital area x-ray detector attached to the rotatable gantry, an intraoral sensor, an adjustable collimation assembly positioned between the x-ray source array and the subject and configured to limit x-ray radiation to a surface of the intraoral sensor or the digital area x-ray detector depending on the selected imaging mode, and a control unit including one or more processors, the control unit configured to operate the x-ray imaging system in one of the imaging modes.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2021Publication date: May 12, 2022Inventors: Otto Z. Zhou, Jianping Lu
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Publication number: 20220110595Abstract: An intraoral tomosynthesis x-ray imaging device, system, and method with an interchangeable collimator. The intraoral tomosynthesis x-ray imaging device includes an x-ray source array including one or more spatially distributed focal spots and a detachable collimation assembly to provide rectangular or circular radiation fields. The intraoral tomosynthesis x-ray imaging device further includes a digital intraoral x-ray detector. In some embodiments, the x-ray source array is configured to produce either a scanning x-ray beam illuminating an object from different viewing angles without mechanically moving the x-ray source array for tomosynthesis, or a single two-dimensional radiograph.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2018Publication date: April 14, 2022Applicant: Surround Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Captain Capo, Andrew Tucker, Julianna Burney, Otto Z. Zhou, Jianping LU
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COMPACT X-RAY DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR TOMOSYNTHESIS, FLUOROSCOPY, AND STEREOTACTIC IMAGING
Publication number: 20210353238Abstract: Compact x-ray devices, systems, and methods for capturing in tomosynthesis, two-dimensional radiography, fluoroscopy, and stereotactic imaging modes. In some embodiments, the compact x-ray imaging system includes an x-ray source array including spatially distributed x-ray focal spots and a digital area x-ray detector. In some embodiments, the imaging system includes an electronic switching device configured to alternate the imaging mode of the system. In some embodiments, the imaging system includes a mechanical support configured to enable a position and orientation of the x-ray source array and the digital area x-ray detector to be adjusted such that both upper and lower extremities of a patient can be imaged using various imaging modes while a position of the plurality of spatially distributed x-ray focal spots with respect to the digital area x-ray detector remains unchanged.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2021Publication date: November 18, 2021Inventors: Otto Z. ZHOU, Jianping LU, Yueh Zenas LEE, Christina INSCOE, Alex BILLINGSLEY -
Publication number: 20210338180Abstract: Intraoral three-dimensional (3D) tomosynthesis imaging systems, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media are used to generate one or more two-dimensional (2D) x-ray projection images and to reconstruct, using a computing platform, the one or more 2D x-ray projection images into one or more 3D images of an object, such as teeth of a patient, which can then be displayed on a monitor in order to enhance diagnostic accuracy of dental disease. The intraoral 3D tomosynthesis imaging system can include a wall-mountable control unit connected to one end of an articulating arm, the other end of which is connected to an x-ray source, which is configured to generate x-ray radiation that is acquired by an x-ray detector held at a desired position by an x-ray detector holder that is removably coupled to a collimator at an emission region of the x-ray source.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2021Publication date: November 4, 2021Applicant: Surround Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jianping Lu, Otto Z. Zhou, Andrew Tucker, Jing Shan, Brian Gonzales
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Publication number: 20210236067Abstract: Systems and related methods for stationary digital chest tomosynthesis (s-DCT) imaging are disclosed. In some aspects, systems include a stationary x-ray source array with an array of x-ray pixels configured to generate x-ray beams at different viewing angles relative to a subject to be imaged that is stationary, a stationary area x-ray detector configured to record x-ray projection images of the subject, a physiological gating apparatus for monitoring at least one physiological signal of the subject and defining a physiological phase and a time window based on the at least one physiological signal, and a computing platform configured to activate the x-ray pixels based on the physiological phase and the time window and upon receipt of the at least one physiological signal from the physiological gating apparatus in order to synchronize x-ray exposure with the at least one physiological signal of the subject.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2021Publication date: August 5, 2021Inventors: Jianping Lu, Jing Shan, Yueh Lee, Otto Z. Zhou, Jabari Calliste, Christina Inscoe, Pavel Chtcheprov, Andrew Tucker
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Patent number: 11051771Abstract: Intraoral three-dimensional (3D) tomosynthesis imaging systems, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media are used to generate one or more two-dimensional (2D) x-ray projection images and to reconstruct, using a computing platform, the one or more 2D x-ray projection images into one or more 3D images of an object, such as teeth of a patient, which can then be displayed on a monitor in order to enhance diagnostic accuracy of dental disease. The intraoral 3D tomosynthesis imaging system can include a wall-mountable control unit connected to one end of an articulating arm, the other end of which is connected to an x-ray source, which is configured to generate x-ray radiation that is acquired by an x-ray detector held at a desired position by an x-ray detector holder that is removably coupled to a collimator at an emission region of the x-ray source.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2017Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Inventors: Jianping Lu, Otto Z. Zhou, Andrew Tucker, Jing Shan, Brian Gonzales
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Patent number: 10980494Abstract: Systems and related methods for stationary digital chest tomosynthesis (s-DCT) imaging are disclosed. In some aspects, systems include a stationary x-ray source array with an array of x-ray pixels configured to generate x-ray beams at different viewing angles relative to a subject to be imaged that is stationary, a stationary area x-ray detector configured to record x-ray projection images of the subject, a physiological gating apparatus for monitoring at least one physiological signal of the subject and defining a physiological phase and a time window based on the at least one physiological signal, and a computing platform configured to activate the x-ray pixels based on the physiological phase and the time window and upon receipt of the at least one physiological signal from the physiological gating apparatus in order to synchronize x-ray exposure with the at least one physiological signal of the subject.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2015Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillInventors: Jianping Lu, Jing Shan, Yueh Lee, Otto Z. Zhou, Jabari Calliste, Christina Inscoe, Pavel Chtcheprov, Andrew Tucker
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Patent number: 10835199Abstract: Optical geometry calibration devices, systems, and related methods for x-ray imaging are disclosed. An optical-based geometry calibration device is configured to interface with a two-dimensional (2D) imaging device to perform three-dimensional (3D) imaging. The optical-based geometry calibration device includes one or more optical cameras fixed to either an x-ray source or an x-ray detector, one or more markers fixed to the x-ray detector or the x-ray source, with each of the one or more optical cameras being configured to capture at least one photographic image of one or more corresponding optical markers when each x-ray image of the object is captured, and an image processing system configured to compute positions of the x-ray source relative to the x-ray detector for each 2D projection image based on the at least one photographic image of the one or more markers.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2017Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillInventors: Pavel Chtcheprov, Otto Z. Zhou, Jianping Lu
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Publication number: 20200337655Abstract: Intraoral three-dimensional (3D) tomosynthesis imaging systems, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media are used to generate one or more two-dimensional (2D) x-ray projection images and to reconstruct, using a computing platform, the one or more 2D x-ray projection images into one or more 3D images of an object, such as teeth of a patient, which can then be displayed on a monitor in order to enhance diagnostic accuracy of dental disease. The intraoral 3D tomosynthesis imaging system can include a wall-mountable control unit connected to one end of an articulating arm, the other end of which is connected to an x-ray source, which is configured to generate x-ray radiation that is acquired by an x-ray detector held at a desired position by an x-ray detector holder that is removably coupled to a collimator at an emission region of the x-ray source.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2017Publication date: October 29, 2020Inventors: Jianping Lu, Otto Z. Zhou, Andrew Tucker, Jing Shan, Brian Gonzales
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Patent number: 10539708Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) x-ray tomographic imaging system includes an x-ray source fixedly attached to a first unmanned vehicle, which can be aerial or otherwise configured for locomotion, and an x-ray detector. A vehicle controller is configured to be operated by an operator, and an optical camera is mounted to the first unmanned vehicle at a fixed position relative to the x-ray source, and an optical pattern is fixed at a position relative to the x-ray detector. The x-ray source and x-ray detector are configured to be positioned on substantially opposite sides of the object, while the x-ray source is rotated radially around the object to one or more imaging positions.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2017Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillInventors: Otto Z. Zhou, Jianping Lu, Pavel Chtcheprov
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Patent number: 9907520Abstract: Digital tomosynthesis systems, methods, and computer readable media for intraoral dental tomosynthesis imaging are disclosed. In some aspects, an intraoral tomosynthesis imaging system includes an x-ray source array for positioning outside a mouth of a patient, wherein the x-ray source array contains multiple x-ray focal spots that are spatially distributed on an anode, an area digital x-ray detector for positioning inside the mouth of the patient, a geometry calibration mechanism for connecting the x-ray detector to the x-ray source array, an x-ray collimator for confining x-ray beams to a region of interest, a controller for regulating x-ray radiation and synchronization of the x-ray radiation with the x-ray detector, such that multiple 2D projection images of the ROI are acquired without mechanical motion of the x-ray source array, the x-ray detector, or the mouth of the patient, and a computer program and workstation for 3D tomosynthesis image reconstruction and display.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2016Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignees: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, XINTEK, INC.Inventors: Otto Z. Zhou, Jianping Lu, Jing Shan, Andrew Tucker, Pavel Chtcheprov, Enrique Platin, André Mol, Laurence Rossman Gaalaas, Gongting Wu
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Publication number: 20170329037Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) x-ray tomographic imaging system includes an x-ray source fixedly attached to a first unmanned vehicle, which can be aerial or otherwise configured for locomotion, and an x-ray detector. A vehicle controller is configured to be operated by an operator, and an optical camera is mounted to the first unmanned vehicle at a fixed position relative to the x-ray source, and an optical pattern is fixed at a position relative to the x-ray detector. The x-ray source and x-ray detector are configured to be positioned on substantially opposite sides of the object, while the x-ray source is rotated radially around the object to one or more imaging positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2017Publication date: November 16, 2017Inventors: Otto Z. Zhou, Jianping Lu, Pavel Chtcheprov
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Publication number: 20170319160Abstract: Intraoral three-dimensional (3D) tomosynthesis imaging systems, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media are used to generate one or more two-dimensional (2D) x-ray projection images and to reconstruct, using a computing platform, the one or more 2D x-ray projection images into one or more 3D images of an object, such as teeth of a patient, which can then be displayed on a monitor in order to enhance diagnostic accuracy of dental disease. The intraoral 3D tomosynthesis imaging system can include a wall-mountable control unit connected to one end of an articulating arm, the other end of which is connected to an x-ray source, which is configured to generate x-ray radiation that is acquired by an x-ray detector held at a desired position by an x-ray detector holder that is removably coupled to a collimator at an emission region of the x-ray source.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventors: Jianping Lu, Ph.D., Otto Z. Zhou, Ph.D., Andrew Tucker, Jing Shan, Brian Gonzales
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Patent number: 9782136Abstract: Intraoral tomosynthesis systems, methods, and computer readable media for dental imaging can include an x-ray source containing multiple focal spots spatially distributed on one or multiple anodes in an evacuated chamber, an x-ray detector for positioning inside a mouth of a patient, a device for determining imaging geometry of the intraoral tomosynthesis system; and control electronics configured to regulate the x-ray source, by sequentially activating each of the multiple focal spots, such that multiple two dimensional (2D) projection images of the mouth of the patient are acquired from multiple viewing angles. In some aspects, the device for determining the imaging geometry can comprise a plate connectedly attached to the x-ray detector, at least one light source connectedly attached to the x-ray source, and a camera configured to capture at least one light spot produced by a projection of at least one light beam onto the plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2015Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignees: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Xintek, Inc.Inventors: Otto Z. Zhou, Jianping Lu, Jing Shan, Andrew Tucker, Pavel Chtcheprov, Enrique Platin, André Mol, Laurence Rossman Gaalaas, Gongting Wu