Patents by Inventor Thomas Blaffert

Thomas Blaffert 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: 11886543
    Abstract: A system and computer-implemented method are provided for annotation of image data. A user is enabled to iteratively annotate the image data. An iteration of said iterative annotation comprises generating labels for a current image data part based on user-verified labels of a previous image data part, and enabling the user to verify and correct said generated labels to obtain user-verified labels for the current image data part. The labels for the current image data part are generated by combining respective outputs of a label propagation algorithm and a machine-learned classifier trained on user-verified labels and image data and applied to image data of the current image data part. The machine-learned classifier is retrained using the user-verified labels and the image data of the current image data part to obtain a retrained machine-learned classifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Juergen Weese, Thomas Blaffert, Tom Brosch, Hans Barschdorf
  • Patent number: 11285338
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling a magnetic resonance imaging guided radiation therapy apparatus comprising a magnetic resonance imaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Nicole Schadewaldt, Steffen Renisch, Sven Prevrhal, Heinrich Schulz, Thomas Blaffert
  • Publication number: 20220019860
    Abstract: A system and computer-implemented method are provided for annotation of image data. A user is enabled to iteratively annotate the image data. An iteration of said iterative annotation comprises generating labels for a current image data part based on user-verified labels of a previous image data part, and enabling the user to verify and correct said generated labels to obtain user-verified labels for the current image data part. The labels for the current image data part are generated by combining respective outputs of a label propagation algorithm and a machine-learned classifier trained on user-verified labels and image data and applied to image data of the current image data part. The machine-learned classifier is retrained using the user-verified labels and the image data of the current image data part to obtain a retrained machine-learned classifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventors: JUERGEN WEESE, THOMAS BLAFFERT, TOM BROSCH, HANS BARSCHDORF
  • Patent number: 10870017
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a method and system for computing an alternative electron density map of an examination volume. The processing system is configured to compute a first electron density map using a plurality of imaging data, compute a second electron density map, wherein the second electron density map is a simplified version of the first electron density map, and compute the alternative electron density map, using the first electron density map and the second electron density map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Steffen Renisch, Nicole Schadewaldt, Sven Prevrhal, Heinrich Schulz, Thomas Blaffert
  • Patent number: 10430941
    Abstract: An imaging method for identifying abnormal tissue in the lung is provided, comprising the recording of slice images of the lung by means of X-ray radiation, recording of blood vessels, differentiation of blood vessels and abnormal tissue, segmentation of the abnormal tissue and display of the segmented abnormal tissue on an output device. In addition, a computer tomograph for identifying abnormal tissue in the lung is provided, having a radiation source for recording slice images of the lung and blood vessels by means of X-ray radiation, a computer unit for differentiating the blood vessels from the abnormal tissue and for segmenting the abnormal tissue, as well as an output device for displaying the segmented abnormal tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Buelow, Rafael Wiemker, Cristian Lorenz, Steffen Renisch, Thomas Blaffert
  • Publication number: 20180078787
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling a magnetic resonance imaging guided radiation therapy apparatus comprising a magnetic resonance imaging system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: NICOLE SCHADEWALDT, STEFFEN RENISCH, SVEN PREVRHAL, HEINRICH SCHULZ, THOMAS BLAFFERT
  • Publication number: 20180071550
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a method and system for computing an alternative electron density map of an examination volume. The processing system is configured to compute a first electron density map using a plurality of imaging data, compute a second electron density map, wherein the second electron density map is a simplified version of the first electron density map, and compute the alternative electron density map, using the first electron density map and the second electron density map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: STEFFEN RENISCH, NICOLE SCHADEWALDT, SVEN PREVRHAL, HEINRICH SCHULZ, THOMAS BLAFFERT
  • Patent number: 9678620
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for post processing 2D image slices (110a-c) defining a 3D image volume. The apparatus comprises a graphical user interface controller (160), a 2D segmenter (170) and a 3D segmenter (180). The apparatus allows a user to effect calculation and display of a 2D segmentation of a cross section of an object shown in a slice (110a) and calculation and display of a 3D segmentation of the object across the 3D image volume, the 3D segmentation based on the object's previously calculated 2D segmentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Rafael Wiemker, Thomas Blaffert, Cristian Lorenz, Daniel Bystrov
  • Patent number: 9336613
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating assignments between image regions of an image of an object and element classes includes an assigning unit (13) for assigning element classes to image regions of an element image of the object, which is indicative of a distribution of the element classes, depending on region and/or boundary features, which are determined depending on image values of a provided object image and provided first preliminary assignments. Thus, the resulting element image with the assignments to the element classes is not necessarily based on the provided object image only, but can also be based on the provided preliminary assignments. If the quality of the assignments defined by the element image would be restricted due to restrictions of the provided object image, these restrictions of the provided image can therefore be compensated by the preliminary assignments such that the quality of the resulting element image can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Blaffert, Steffen Renisch, Bernd Schweizer, Zhiqiang Hu
  • Patent number: 9324167
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for generating an attenuation correction map. An image providing unit (5, 6) provides an image of an object comprising different element classes and a segmentation unit (11) applies a segmentation to the image for generating a segmented image comprising image regions corresponding to the element classes. The segmentation is based on at least one of a watershed segmentation and a body contour segmentation based on a contiguous skin and fat layers in the image. A feature determination unit (12) determines features of at least one of a) the image regions and b) boundaries between the image regions depending on image values of the image and an assigning unit (13) assigns attenuation values to the image regions based on the determined features for generating the attenuation correction map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Blaffert, Steffen Renisch, Bernd Schweizer, Zhiqiang Hu
  • Patent number: 9092886
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rendering system (100) for rendering a view from an image dataset, the rendering system comprising a selecting unit (110) for selecting a subset of the image dataset, a computing unit (120) for computing a first principal axis of a tensor on the basis of the subset of the image dataset, and a rendering unit (130) for rendering the view on the basis of the first principal axis. Using the information about the directionality and orientation of a structure, comprised in the selected subset of the image dataset and extracted from the first principal axis of the tensor, the rendering system (100) is arranged to effectively assist the user in selecting an advantageous view from the image dataset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Rafael Wiemker, Thomas Buelow, Thomas Blaffert
  • Patent number: 8892188
    Abstract: An imaging method for identifying abnormal tissue in the lung is provided, comprising the recording of slice images of the lung by means of X-ray radiation, recording of blood vessels, differentiation of blood vessels and abnormal tissue, segmentation of the abnormal tissue and display of the segmented abnormal tissue on an output device. In addition, a computer tomograph for identifying abnormal tissue in the lung is provided, having a radiation source for recording slice images of the lung and blood vessels by means of X-ray radiation, a computer unit for differentiating the blood vessels from the abnormal tissue and for segmenting the abnormal tissue, as well as an output device for displaying the segmented abnormal tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Buelow, Rafael Wiemker, Cristian Lorenz, Steffen Renisch, Thomas Blaffert
  • Publication number: 20140330119
    Abstract: An imaging method for identifying abnormal tissue in the lung is provided, comprising the recording of slice images of the lung by means of X-ray radiation, recording of blood vessels, differentiation of blood vessels and abnormal tissue, segmentation of the abnormal tissue and display of the segmented abnormal tissue on an output device. In addition, a computer tomograph for identifying abnormal tissue in the lung is provided, having a radiation source for recording slice images of the lung and blood vessels by means of X-ray radiation, a computer unit for differentiating the blood vessels from the abnormal tissue and for segmenting the abnormal tissue, as well as an output device for displaying the segmented abnormal tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: THOMAS BUELOW, RAFAEL WIEMKER, CRISTIAN LORENZ, STEFFEN RENISCH, THOMAS BLAFFERT
  • Publication number: 20140298270
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for post processing 2D image slices (110a-c) defining a 3D image volume. The apparatus comprises a graphical user interface controller (160), a 2D segmenter (170) and a 3D segmenter (180). The apparatus allows a user to effect calculation and display of a 2D segmentation of a cross section of an object shown in a slice (110a) and calculation and display of a 3D segmentation of the object across the 3D image volume, the 3D segmentation based on the object's previously calculated 2D segmentation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Rafael Wiemker, Thomas Blaffert, Cristian Lorenz, Daniel Bystrov
  • Patent number: 8798343
    Abstract: A system for displaying lung ventilation information, the system comprising an input (12) and a processing unit (15). The input being provided for receiving multiple CT images (71) of a lung, each CT image (71) corresponding to one phase of at least two different phases in a respiratory cycle. The processing unit (15) being configured to compare CT images (71) corresponding to different phases in the respiratory cycle for determining a deformation vector field for each phase, to generate for each phase a ventilation image (72) based on the corresponding deformation vector field, to spatially align the ventilation images (72), and to generate for at least one common position (62) in each one of the aligned ventilation images (72), a function (81) of a time course of a ventilation value for said common position (62), each ventilation value in the function (81) being based on the deformation vector fields corresponding to the aligned ventilation images (73).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Sven Kabus, Cristian Lorenz, Nicole Schadewaldt, Roland Opfer, Ingwer Curt Carlsen, Steffen Renisch, Joerg Sabczynski, Hans Barschdorf, Jens Von Berg, Thomas Blaffert, Tobias Klinder
  • Patent number: 8787620
    Abstract: A nuclear imaging system includes a crystal identification system which receives a flood image which includes a plurality of peaks, each peak responsive to radiation detected by a corresponding scintillator crystal. A crystal identification processor partitions the flood image into a plurality of candidate regions with a watershed segmentator implementing a watershed algorithm. The candidate regions are linked in an adjacency graph, and then classified as background or relevant, where relevant regions contain a peak within the watershed lines. The regions are then assigned to a crystal according to an objective function and an assignability score. A calibration processor maps the peaks to a rectangular grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philps N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Laurence, Sharon X. Wang, Jerome J. Griesmer, Thomas Blaffert, Zhiqiang Hu, Steffen Renisch
  • Publication number: 20140193054
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for generating an attenuation correction map. An image providing unit (5, 6) provides an image of an object comprising different element classes and a segmentation unit (11) applies a segmentation to the image for generating a segmented image comprising image regions corresponding to the element classes. The segmentation is based on at least one of a watershed segmentation and a body contour segmentation based on a contiguous skin and fat layers in the image. A feature determination unit (12) determines features of at least one of a) the image regions and b) boundaries between the image regions depending on image values of the image and an assigning unit (13) assigns attenuation values to the image regions based on the determined features for generating the attenuation correction map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Blaffert, Steffen Renisch, Bernd Schweizer, Zhiqiang Hu
  • Publication number: 20140133728
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for generating assignments between image regions of an image of an object and element classes. The apparatus (1) comprises an assigning unit (13) for assigning element classes to image regions of an element image of the object, which is indicative of a distribution of the element classes, depending on region and/or boundary features, which are determined depending on image values of a provided object image and provided first preliminary assignments. Thus, the resulting element image with the assignments to the element classes is not necessarily based on the provided object image only, but can also be based on the provided preliminary assignments. If the quality of the assignments defined by the element image would be restricted due to restrictions of the provided object image, these restrictions of the provided image can therefore be compensated by the preliminary assignments such that the quality of the resulting element image can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Blaffert, Steffen Renisch, Bernd Schweizer, Zhiqiang Hu
  • Publication number: 20130315454
    Abstract: A nuclear imaging system includes a crystal identification system which receives a flood image which includes a plurality of peaks, each peak responsive to radiation detected by a corresponding scintillator crystal. A crystal identification processor partitions the flood image into a plurality of candidate regions with a watershed segmentator implementing a watershed algorithm. The candidate regions are linked in an adjacency graph, and then classified as background or relevant, where relevant regions contain a peak within the watershed lines. The regions are then assigned to a crystal according to an objective function and an assignability score. A calibration processor maps the peaks to a rectangular grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas LAURENCE, Sharon X. WANG, Jerome J. GRIESMER, Thomas BLAFFERT, Zhiqiang HU, Steffen RENISCH
  • Patent number: 8526697
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for segmenting an object comprising sub-objects shown in an object image. The apparatus comprises a feature image generation unit (2) for generating a feature image showing features related to intermediate regions between the sub-objects and a segmentation unit (3) for segmenting the sub-objects by using the object image and the feature image. Preferentially, the feature image generation unit (2) is adapted for generating a feature image from the object image. In a further embodiment, the feature image generation unit (2) comprises a feature enhancing unit for enhancing features related to intermediate regions between the sub-objects in the object image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Blaffert, Hans Barschdorf, Jens Von Berg, Sebastian Peter Michael Dries, Cristian Lorenz, Rafael Wiemker, Tobias Klinder, Astrid Ruth Franz, Steffen Renisch