Patents by Inventor Volker Heer

Volker Heer 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: 8670062
    Abstract: For noise correction in connection with a flat-panel x-ray detector, noise signals of a dark reference area are checked for deviations exceeding a specified threshold which, if any are present, will be taken into consideration separately for calculating the correction factor derived from the noise signal. Image artifacts due, for example, to high-contrast objects such as, for instance, cardiac pacemakers or metallic implants, in the x-ray image will be avoided through this measure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Burkhard Groh, Volker Heer, Mathias Hörnig, Bernhard Sandkamp
  • Publication number: 20120128118
    Abstract: An x-ray system to generate x-ray image data of a predefined volume segment of an examination subject has either an arc-shaped mount or an annular gantry, an x-ray emitter arrangement with multiple x-ray microemitters, an x-ray detector arrangement with multiple x-ray pixels arranged directly adjacent to one another, and a controller to activate the x-ray emitter arrangement and the x-ray detector arrangement. The x-ray emitter arrangement and the x-ray detector are situated opposite one another on the arc-shaped mount or the gantry. The x-ray system is designed for introduction of the examination subject between the x-ray emitter arrangement and the x-ray detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Rainer Graumann, Volker Heer
  • Publication number: 20110198508
    Abstract: For noise correction in connection with a flat-panel x-ray detector, noise signals of a dark reference area are checked for deviations exceeding a specified threshold which, if any are present, will be taken into consideration separately for calculating the correction factor derived from the noise signal. Image artifacts due, for example, to high-contrast objects such as, for instance, cardiac pacemakers or metallic implants, in the x-ray image will be avoided through this measure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Burkhard Groh, Volker Heer, Mathias Hömig, Bernhard Sandkamp
  • Patent number: 7965333
    Abstract: For noise correction in connection with a flat-panel x-ray detector (2), noise signals of a dark area (6) are checked for deviations exceeding a specified threshold (g) which, if any are present, will be taken into consideration separately for calculating the correction factor derived from the noise signal. Image artifacts due, for example, to high-contrast objects such as, for instance, cardiac pacemakers or metallic implants, in the x-ray image will be avoided through this measure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Burkhard Groh, Volker Heer, Mathias Hörnig, Bernhard Sandkamp
  • Patent number: 7826651
    Abstract: A method for checking an x-ray diagnostic apparatus is provided. Fluoroscopic series of x-ray images of a technical phantom are digitally acquired and stored. Difference between a dynamic image and a background image is calculated. A measuring field is predicted. Priori information about the shape of a clinically relevant object is determined. Hough transformation on a gray value image corresponding to the difference is applied. Contrast of the object from the Hough-transformed gray value image is determined. A square of the determined contrast is calculated. A noise variance is calculated by determining a sum of a noise variance of a homogenous image region and a variance of the background image. A contrast-to-noise ratio of the determined contrast and the calculated noise variance is determined. A square of the contrast-to-noise ratio is dynamically averaged. A Clinical Relevant Fluoroscopy Performance index for the x-ray diagnostic apparatus is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stefan Böhm, Peter Durlak, Volker Heer, Martin Kolarjk
  • Publication number: 20090169088
    Abstract: A method for checking an x-ray diagnostic apparatus is provided. Fluoroscopic series of x-ray images of a technical phantom are digitally acquired and stored. Difference between a dynamic image and a background image is calculated. A measuring field is predicted. Priori information about the shape of a clinically relevant object is determined. Hough transformation on a gray value image corresponding to the difference is applied. Contrast of the object from the Hough-transformed gray value image is determined. A square of the determined contrast is calculated. A noise variance is calculated by determining a sum of a noise variance of a homogenous image region and a variance of the background image. A contrast-to-noise ratio of the determined contrast and the calculated noise variance is determined. A square of the contrast-to-noise ratio is dynamically averaged. A Clinical Relevant Fluoroscopy Performance index for the x-ray diagnostic apparatus is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Stefan Bohm, Peter Durlak, Volker Heer, Martin Kolarjk
  • Patent number: 7539336
    Abstract: The invention relates to an angiographic x-ray diagnostic apparatus with an x-ray radiator having an x-ray tube, with a patient positioning table having a radiation-transparent positioning plate and mattress, with an x-ray detector, with an imaging system, an image processing unit and a measuring device to which the output signals of the x-ray detector are fed and which has a first device for determining a value determining the reproduction quality of clinically relevant objects, a second device for determining local variances of the noise in a homogenous image region of different x-ray images and a device for taking the ratio of the output values of the two devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stefan Böhm, Peter Durlak, Volker Heer, Martin Kolarjk
  • Patent number: 7212612
    Abstract: X-ray device with a detector and an adjustable diaphragm for fading-in an examination area, whereby the detector (6) can be controlled and read-out asymmetrically and the diaphragm (8) can be moved asymmetrically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Burkhard Groh, Volker Heer, Mathias Hörnig, Bernhard Sandkamp
  • Patent number: 7178980
    Abstract: An x-ray system HAS adjustable operating parameters with a dependency existing between different auxiliary types of equipment selectable for an examination and a suitable setting of the parameter. A control system of the x-ray system has a data input device to detect the used auxiliary equipment, a data storage device with data concerning the relation between each type of auxiliary equipment and an optimal setting of the parameters therefor, and an adjustment device for automatically adjusting the parameter dependent on the selection of the auxiliary equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Burkhard Groh, Volker Heer, Mathias Hörnig, Bernhard Sandkamp
  • Patent number: 7170974
    Abstract: An X-ray device (1) is provided including an X-ray source (8) and a first X-ray detector (9,100) for producing a first X-ray image data set of an examination object (P). A second X-ray detector (20) is provided for producing a second X-ray image data set of examination object (P) where the second X-ray detector (20) has a smaller detector surface (23) than the first X-ray detector (9,100). The second X-ray detector (20) may produce an X-ray image associated with the second X-ray image data set that has a higher local resolution than the X-ray image (12) associated with the first X-ray image data set. The second X-ray detector (20) may be movably connected with the first X-ray detector (9,100) so the second X-ray detector (20) maybe articulated upstream of the first X-ray detector (9,100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventors: Burkhard Groh, Volker Heer, Mathias Hömig, Bernhard Sandkamp
  • Publication number: 20070016108
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for 3D visualization of vascular inserts in the human body using C-arm radiography comprising: firstly recording a contrast-agent-free vessel system having a vascular insert of two series x-ray recordings with different angulations, secondly contrast-agent-based recording the same vessel system of two series x-ray recordings, processing the first two series recordings for improving image quality of the image data sets containing the insert representation, matching the vessel anatomy from the second two series recordings to the insert representation contained in the processed first two series recordings by 2D matching, computing a 3D data set of a region around the insert enclosing the insert as completely as possible based on the processed first two series recordings, computing a 3D data set of the vessel system based on the second two series recordings, and superimposing the two computed 3D data sets based on the 2D matching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: Estelle Camus, Volker Heer, Markus Lendl
  • Patent number: 7136456
    Abstract: Depth diaphragm for an x-ray device, which diaphragm has a plurality of adjustable diaphragm blades (1) for displaying an area being examined, which blades (1) can be moved in such a way that said area being examined can be displayed asymmetrically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Burkhard Groh, Volker Heer, Mathias Hörnig, Bernhard Sandkamp
  • Patent number: 7110494
    Abstract: An x-ray diagnostic apparatus has an x-ray radiator, a control device connected thereto, a radiation detector and a patient positioning table. A patient weighing device that is connected with the control device to influence parameters for setting the x-ray radiation is associated with the patient positioning table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Burkhard Groh, Volker Heer, Mathias Hörnig, Bernhard Sandkamp
  • Publication number: 20060198553
    Abstract: To protect a digital flat detector, especially a mobile detector, against being damaged by the effect of impact, an automatically triggering device is provided. The automatically triggering device, including an airbag for example, is provided for protection against the effect of external mechanical impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Publication date: September 7, 2006
    Inventors: Volker Heer, Mathias Hoernig, Bernhard Sandkamp
  • Publication number: 20060153338
    Abstract: An x-ray system HAS adjustable operating parameters with a dependency existing between different auxiliary types of equipment selectable for an examination and a suitable setting of the parameter. A control system of the x-ray system has a data input device to detect the used auxiliary equipment, a data storage device with data concerning the relation between each type of auxiliary equipment and an optimal setting of the parameters therefor, and an adjustment device for automatically adjusting the parameter dependent on the selection of the auxiliary equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Publication date: July 13, 2006
    Inventors: Burkhard Groh, Volker Heer, Mathias Hornig, Bernhard Sandkamp
  • Publication number: 20060126911
    Abstract: The invention relates to an angiographic x-ray diagnostic apparatus with an x-ray radiator having an x-ray tube, with a patient positioning table having a radiation-transparent positioning plate and mattress, with an x-ray detector, with an imaging system, an image processing unit and a measuring device to which the output signals of the x-ray detector are fed and which has a first device for determining a value determining the reproduction quality of clinically relevant objects, a second device for determining local variances of the noise in a homogenous image region of different x-ray images and a device for taking the ratio of the output values of the two devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Publication date: June 15, 2006
    Inventors: Stefan Bohm, Peter Durlak, Volker Heer, Martin Kolarjk
  • Patent number: 7012258
    Abstract: An X-ray detector includes an X-ray converter for conversion of X-ray radiation to light, and a photodiode sensor with an arrangement of two or more photodiode elements for detection of the light produced by the X-ray radiation in the X-ray converter. A nonlinearly absorbent filter is located between the X-ray converter and the photodiode sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Burkhard Groh, Volker Heer, Mathias Hoernig, Bernhard Sandkamp
  • Patent number: 6980626
    Abstract: Method for an x-ray arrangement for compensation of scattered radiation and x-ray apparatus The invention concerns a method for an x-ray arrangement comprising two x-ray systems (1, 2) for compensation of scattered radiation. In addition, the invention concerns an x-ray apparatus with two x-ray systems (1, 2) which respectively comprise an x-ray source (4, 5) and an x-ray detector (5, 7). An x-ray scattered radiation image based on the x-ray radiation (11) scattered on a subject (P) is acquired for at least one of the two x-ray systems (1, 2), given a definite positioning of the x-ray systems (1, 2) relative to one another. The acquired x-ray scattered radiation image is saved and used for subtraction from an x-ray image acquired with the x-ray system (1, 2) in order to compensate for the influence of the scattered radiation originating from the other x-ray system (1, 2) and to achieve an improved image quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Burkhard Groh, Volker Heer, Mathias Hörnig, Bernhard Sandkamp
  • Publication number: 20050219387
    Abstract: For noise correction in connection with a flat-panel x-ray detector (2), noise signals of a dark area (6) are checked for deviations exceeding a specified threshold (g) which, if any are present, will be taken into consideration separately for calculating the correction factor derived from the noise signal. Image artifacts due, for example, to high-contrast objects such as, for instance, cardiac pacemakers or metallic implants, in the x-ray image will be avoided through this measure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Publication date: October 6, 2005
    Inventors: Burkhard Groh, Volker Heer, Mathias Hornig, Bernhard Sandkamp
  • Publication number: 20050169426
    Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray device (1) with an X-ray source (8) and a first X-ray detector (9, 100) for producing a first X-ray image data set of an examination object (P). The X-ray device (1) additionally comprises a second X-ray detector (20) for producing a second X-ray image data set of an examination object (P), whereby the second X-ray detector (20) has a smaller detector surface (23) than the first X-ray detector (9, 100) and is designed such that the X-ray image associated with the second X-ray image data set has a higher local resolution than the X-ray image (12) associated with the first X-ray image data set. The invention also relates to a method for producing an X-ray image data set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Publication date: August 4, 2005
    Inventors: Burkhard Groh, Volker Heer, Mathias Homig, Bemhard Sandkamp