Patents by Inventor Ralf Nanke

Ralf Nanke 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).

  • Publication number: 20240099672
    Abstract: One or more example embodiments of the present invention relates to a mammography system for recording an X-ray recording dataset of a region of interest of a breast of an examinee, comprising a compression unit for fixing the breast for the recording; and an interrupt unit triggerable by the examinee and connected to the compression unit and an X-ray source, the interrupt unit being configured to release the fixation and to stop the X-ray radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf NANKE, Steffen KAPPLER, Julia WICKLEIN, Madeleine HERTEL
  • Publication number: 20230200754
    Abstract: A method for controlling an FFS X-ray system comprises: simulating a beam geometry of the X-ray beam at a specified FFS deflection onto the detector during recording of a projection image; determining whether cross-radiation is present in a region around the detector by the simulated beam geometry of the X-ray beam; generating FFS control data for the recording of the projection image, wherein the FFS control data either (i) causes FFS deflection that is reduced relative to the specified FFS deflection for the recording of the projection image in the event of the cross-radiation being present for the recording of the projection image or (ii) causes the specified FFS deflection otherwise; repeating the simulating, the determining and the generating FFS control data for at least one further recording of a projection image; and generating a control data set including the FFS control data, for controlling an FFS X-ray system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2022
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Applicant: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Marcus RADICKE, Ralf NANKE, Steffen KAPPLER, Thomas WEBER, Ferdinand LUECK, Ludwig RITSCHL, Anja FRITZLER
  • Publication number: 20230098560
    Abstract: One or more example embodiments relates to a method for calibrating an X-ray emitter having a cathode, an anode and a coil, wherein the coil is connected to a conductor arrangement through which an electrical function current is guided through the coil. The method comprises measuring an induction current that is induced in the coil at the conductor arrangement of the coil; calculating a compensation current for an effecting coil of the X-ray emitter based on the measured induction current, the effecting coil configured to change an electron beam between the cathode and the anode, wherein the compensation current is calculated such that a magnetic field that induces the induction current during the measuring is compensated using a magnetic field that is produced by the compensation current in the effecting coil; and applying the compensation current in the effecting coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2022
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Applicant: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas WEBER, Anja FRITZLER, Steffen KAPPLER, Ralf NANKE, Ludwig RITSCHL, Marcus RADICKE, Ferdinand LUECK
  • Patent number: 11304666
    Abstract: A method for creating a virtual patient model includes acquiring image data of the patient from a number of directions and in a number of positions of the patient. A virtual patient is created based upon the acquired image data. The virtual patient is adjusted to a posture of the patient during a planned examination with a medical engineering examination apparatus. A patient model creation apparatus is also described. Moreover, a medical engineering examination system is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBH
    Inventors: Mathias Hoernig, Ralf Nanke
  • Patent number: 11090020
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for adjusting a collimator of an X-ray source. In an embodiment, the method includes detecting an arrangement of an X-ray detector with respect to the X-ray source; automatically determining an adjustment for the collimator based on the detected position of the X-ray detector with respect to the X-ray source; and automatically adjusting the collimator based on the determined adjustment for the collimator. An X-ray device and computer readable medium are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBH
    Inventors: Susanne Oepping, Ralf Nanke, Michael Fuhrmann, Birgi Tamersoy, Yao-jen Chang, Terrence Chen
  • Patent number: 10779774
    Abstract: A method for positioning a body region of a patient for a radiography acquisition by a radiography system includes providing an examination requirement for the body region, pre-positioning the body region in the radiography system for the radiography acquisition, pre-positioning an acquisition unit of the radiography system for the radiography acquisition, producing a three-dimensional positioning acquisition of the body region using a 3D camera system, and producing a preview image from the three-dimensional positioning acquisition. A patient model is generated from the three-dimensional positioning acquisition and the preview image is produced from the patient model, and the preview image depicts a representation as if made using the acquisition unit of the radiography system. The method further includes outputting at least one of the preview image and positioning information based on the preview image. Another embodiment may use an apparatus and computer readable medium to execute the method above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GMBH
    Inventors: Clemens Joerger, Ralf Nanke, Susanne Oepping
  • Publication number: 20200281539
    Abstract: A method for creating a virtual patient model includes acquiring image data of the patient from a number of directions and in a number of positions of the patient. A virtual patient is created based upon the acquired image data. The virtual patient is adjusted to a posture of the patient during a planned examination with a medical engineering examination apparatus. A patient model creation apparatus is also described. Moreover, a medical engineering examination system is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Applicant: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Mathias HOERNIG, Ralf NANKE
  • Patent number: 10716530
    Abstract: An automation method is disclosed for an X-ray tube scanner having an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector. The method allows the X-ray tube scanner to detect the X-ray detector's plane with an object to be imaged placed on the X-ray detector; determine a boundary box of the object to be imaged on the X-ray detector; determine the object's center position and orientation on the X-ray detector's plane; transfer the object's center position from the object's coordinate system to the X-ray tube's coordinate system; and estimate the X-ray tube control parameters for aligning the X-ray field emitted from the X-ray tube's collimator to the object's center position and the object's orientation on the X-ray detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Yao-jen Chang, Birgi Tamersoy, Susanne Oepping, Ralf Nanke, Terrence Chen
  • Patent number: 10674979
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile C-arm system (C1), at least comprising at least three wheels, at least two wheels each having an electric motor, wherein the electric motor has a stator (S) and a rotor (R), the stator (S) being connected to a wheel suspension (T) of the wheel and the rotor (R) being surrounded peripherally by a running wheel (L).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Fehre, Alexander Gemmel, Andreas Limmer, Ralf Nanke
  • Patent number: 10660599
    Abstract: A method for positioning an emitter relative to a detector includes determining the position of the detector relative to the emitter, changing the position of the detector and measuring the change in position using a measuring device located in the detector. Data related to the change in position of the detector is then supplied to a device for positioning the emitter, and the position of the emitter is changed in accordance with the data. An image capture device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBH
    Inventors: Anne-Katrin Becker, Steffen Benndorf, Franziska Dinse, Susanne Dornberger, Michael Fuhrmann, Philip Hafner, Sultan Haider, Ralf Nanke, Sabine Schaeffer-Kundler
  • Patent number: 10624602
    Abstract: Embodiments include a medical imaging device and a method controlling one or more parameters of a medical imaging device. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving image data representing a first image of an object to be imaged using the radiation source and detecting a plurality of positions of respective predetermined features in the first image. Based upon the detected positions, a boundary of an imaging area of the object to be imaged is determined. Based on the determined boundary, one or more parameters of the radiation source unit are controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBH
    Inventors: Yao-jen Chang, Terrence Chen, Birgi Tamersoy, Vivek Kumar Singh, Susanne Oepping, Ralf Nanke
  • Patent number: 10610177
    Abstract: A first x-ray image is acquired at a predetermined position of a focal point and with a first orientation of an x-ray tube of an x-ray device. Subsequently, the x-ray tube is adjusted by rotating about a predetermined angle and by positioning, wherein the focal point is situated in the predetermined position prior to the adjustment and after the adjustment. After the adjustment, the x-ray tube is situated in a second orientation. Subsequently, a second x-ray image is acquired at the predetermined position and with the second orientation. A combined x-ray image from at least the first and second x-ray image is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Volker Biermann, Frank Dennerlein, Michael Fuhrmann, Rainer Graumann, Anna Jerebko, Thomas Mertelmeier, Ralf Nanke, Thomas Schmitt
  • Patent number: 10588584
    Abstract: A mobile c-arm X-ray apparatus is described. The mobile X-ray apparatus includes an electrically operated X-ray source. The mobile C-arm X-ray apparatus also includes an electrical energy storage device having a high current-capable accumulator. The electrical energy storage device includes a first electrical terminal electrically connected to the electrically operated X-ray source and a second electrical terminal used by a system energy supply. A method for operating the mobile X-ray apparatus is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Fehre, Ralf Nanke
  • Patent number: 10507002
    Abstract: A system includes: a movable X-ray tube scanner; a range sensor movable with the X-ray tube scanner; an X-ray detector positioned to detect X-rays from the X-ray tube passing through a standing subject between the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector; and a processor configured for automatically controlling the X-ray tube scanner to transmit X-rays to a region of interest of the patient while the subject is standing between the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Vivek Kumar Singh, Yao-jen Chang, Birgi Tamersoy, Kai Ma, Susanne Oepping, Ralf Nanke, Terrence Chen
  • Patent number: 10478149
    Abstract: A method and a system for automatically aligning a positionable X-ray source of an X-ray system in alignment with a mobile X-ray detector is disclosed where the X-ray system detects the position of the mobile X-ray detector using a 3D camera and then driving the positionable X-ray source to a position in alignment with the mobile X-ray detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Birgi Tamersoy, Vivek Kumar Singh, Yao-jen Chang, Susanne Dornberger, Ralf Nanke, Terrence Chen
  • Publication number: 20190290236
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for adjusting a collimator of an X-ray source. In an embodiment, the method includes detecting an arrangement of an X-ray detector with respect to the X-ray source; automatically determining an adjustment for the collimator based on the detected position of the X-ray detector with respect to the X-ray source; and automatically adjusting the collimator based on the determined adjustment for the collimator. An X-ray device and computer readable medium are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2019
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Applicant: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Susanne OEPPING, Ralf NANKE, Michael FUHRMANN, Birgi TAMERSOY, Yao-jen CHANG, Terrence CHEN
  • Publication number: 20190183439
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for positioning a body region of a patient for a radiography acquisition by a radiography system. The method includes providing an examination requirement for the body region; pre-positioning the body region in the radiography system for the radiography acquisition; pre-positioning an acquisition unit of the radiography system for the radiography acquisition; producing a three-dimensional positioning acquisition of the body region using a 3D camera system; producing a preview image from the three-dimensional positioning acquisition, wherein a patient model is generated from the three-dimensional positioning acquisition and the preview image is produced from the patient model, and wherein the preview image depicts a representation as if made using the acquisition unit of the radiography system as intended in the pre-positioning adopted; and outputting at least one of the preview image and positioning information based on the preview image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Clemens JOERGER, Ralf NANKE, Susanne OEPPING
  • Publication number: 20180338742
    Abstract: A system includes: a movable X-ray tube scanner; a range sensor movable with the X-ray tube scanner; an X-ray detector positioned to detect X-rays from the X-ray tube passing through a standing subject between the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector; and a processor configured for automatically controlling the X-ray tube scanner to transmit X-rays to a region of interest of the patient while the subject is standing between the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Vivek Kumar Singh, Yao-jen Chang, Birgi Tamersoy, Kai Ma, Susanne Oepping, Ralf Nanke, Terrence Chen
  • Publication number: 20180317870
    Abstract: A mobile c-arm X-ray apparatus is described. The mobile X-ray apparatus includes an electrically operated X-ray source. The mobile C-arm X-ray apparatus also includes an electrical energy storage device having a high current-capable accumulator. The electrical energy storage device includes a first electrical terminal electrically connected to the electrically operated X-ray source and a second electrical terminal used by a system energy supply. A method for operating the mobile X-ray apparatus is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Jens FEHRE, Ralf NANKE
  • Patent number: 10111642
    Abstract: A positioning device for a mobile x-ray detector, an x-ray device containing such a mobile positioning device, and a method mutually align a mobile x-ray detector and an x-ray emitter in relation to one another. In order to enable exact mutual alignment or positioning of the mobile x-ray detector in relation to the x-ray emitter, a positioning device is used for a mobile x-ray detector. The positioning device contains at least one marker and/or at least one sensor for determining the position and/or the orientation of the positioning device and contains a number of connection elements for establishing a mechanical connection between the positioning device and the mobile x-ray detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Deinlein, Thomas Dippl, Susanne Dornberger, Michael Fuhrmann, Sultan Haider, Ralf Nanke