Patents by Inventor Wolf Ekkehard Blanz

Wolf Ekkehard Blanz 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: 10292676
    Abstract: Computer-implemented methods for use in improving the diagnostic quality of images, including intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images, are disclosed. The methods include using a non-linear, probabilistic classifier algorithm to analyze a plurality of spatiotemporal features of RF backscatter and to produce a blood likelihood map or blood probability map that corresponds to the original IVUS image. The methods disclosed herein allow for visualizing both static and dynamic characteristic of a vessel either by producing a transparency modulated color overlay of the blood likelihood map without altering the underlying IVUS image or by processing the IVUS image based upon the blood likelihood map to better distinguish between static and dynamic components of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: VOLCANO CORPORATON
    Inventors: Nikhil Rajguru, Vladimir Zagrodsky, David Goodwin, Jon Klingensmith, Wolf-Ekkehard Blanz, Bernhard Sturm
  • Patent number: 10159467
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for providing seamless, co-planar intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include projecting a first A-scan line from a distal frame onto a reconstruction plane that extends perpendicular to an imaging axis, projecting a second A-scan line parallel to the first A-scan line from the proximal frame on the reconstruction plane; and determining a grayscale value of a point on the reconstruction plane by a weighted average of the first A-scan line and the second A-scan line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: VOLCANO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wolf-Ekkehard Blanz, Jerome Mai
  • Publication number: 20140350404
    Abstract: Computer-implemented methods for use in improving the diagnostic quality of images, including intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images, are disclosed. The methods include using a non-linear, probabilistic classifier algorithm to analyze a plurality of spatiotemporal features of RF backscatter and to produce a blood likelihood map or blood probability map that corresponds to the original IVUS image. The methods disclosed herein allow for visualizing both static and dynamic characteristic of a vessel either by producing a transparency modulated color overlay of the blood likelihood map without altering the underlying IVUS image or by processing the IVUS image based upon the blood likelihood map to better distinguish between static and dynamic components of the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Volcano Corporation
    Inventors: Nikhil Rajguru, Vladimir Zagrodsky, David Goodwin, Jon Klingensmith, Wolf-Ekkehard Blanz, Bernhard Sturm
  • Publication number: 20140039308
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for providing seamless, co-planar intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include projecting a first A-scan line from a distal frame onto a reconstruction plane that extends perpendicular to an imaging axis, projecting a second A-scan line parallel to the first A-scan line from the proximal frame on the reconstruction plane; and determining a grayscale value of a point on the reconstruction plane by a weighted average of the first A-scan line and the second A-scan line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Volcano Corporation
    Inventors: Wolf-Ekkehard Blanz, Jerome Mai
  • Patent number: 7418078
    Abstract: A radiographic imaging device includes an X-ray source having a finite focal spot characterized by a determined intensity distribution. The X-ray source emits a beam of X-ray radiation toward an object. A detector assembly receives at least part of the X-ray radiation after it passes through the object. The detector assembly produces a signal in response to the received radiation. An image processor constructs an image from the signal generated by the detector assembly using the determined intensity distribution of the X-ray source. By inverse filtering the aggregated detector image from the detector assembly, the effects of the finite focal spot size of the X-ray source are mitigated, improving the quality of the resulting image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Wolf-Ekkehard Blanz, Ali Bani-Hashemi
  • Publication number: 20060251212
    Abstract: A radiographic imaging device includes an X-ray source having a finite focal spot characterized by a determined intensity distribution. The X-ray source emits a beam of X-ray radiation toward an object. A detector assembly receives at least part of the X-ray radiation after it passes through the object. The detector assembly produces a signal in response to the received radiation. An image processor constructs an image from the signal generated by the detector assembly using the determined intensity distribution of the X-ray source. By inverse filtering the aggregated detector image from the detector assembly, the effects of the finite focal spot size of the X-ray source are mitigated, improving the quality of the resulting image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Publication date: November 9, 2006
    Inventors: Wolf-Ekkehard Blanz, Ali Bani-Hashemi
  • Patent number: 7046757
    Abstract: A method for separating and filtering noise caused by X-ray scatter contaminations from the primary signal component of the signal produced by the detector assembly of a radiographic imaging device employs a scatter removal screen or grating disposed between the object being imaged and the detector assembly. The grating has an absorption that varies periodically for varying the intensity of the X-ray radiation passed through the grating. This variation in intensity of the X-ray radiation causes the signal produced by the detector assembly to be amplitude modulated so that the frequency of the primary signal component is shifted from noise components of the signal caused by X-ray scatter contamination allowing the noise components to be filtered from the primary signal component so that scatter induced noise may be reduced or eliminated from the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Bani-Hashemi, Wolf-Ekkehard Blanz, Jonathan S. Maltz
  • Patent number: 7027737
    Abstract: In a method and an arrangement for transmitting data from a rotary part to a stationary part of a system, a light-transmitting channel is formed by an optically reflecting half channel in the stationary part and an optically reflecting half channel in the rotary part, facing each other, with each half channel having a parabolic cross-section and with the half channels being oriented so that the respective focal points and the respective vertices of the two half channels are co-linear. A light emitter is supplied with data to be transmitted and is disposed in the wall of the half channel in the rotary part, and emits modulated light representing the data into the light channel in two opposite directions. At least one of these light beams is detected by a light detector disposed in the wall of the half channel in the stationary part, and the data in the detected beam is then made available for transmission from the stationary part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stefan Popescu, Wolf-Ekkehard Blanz
  • Patent number: 6839405
    Abstract: A system and method for delivering radiation that comprises a source for creating an electron beam, a system that focuses the electron beam and then deflects the beam such that the beam is swept across a first target as an arbitrary pattern. The arbitrary pattern on the first target is given an additional intensity modulation. Thereafter, a lens focuses the arbitrary pattern of electrons from the first target onto a second target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Bani-Hashemi, Wolf Ekkehard Blanz
  • Publication number: 20040062344
    Abstract: In a method and an arrangement for transmitting data from a rotary part to a stationary part of a system, a light-transmitting channel is formed by an optically reflecting half channel in the stationary part and an optically reflecting half channel in the rotary part, facing each other, with each half channel having a parabolic cross-section and with the half channels being oriented so that the respective focal points and the respective vertices of the two half channels are co-linear. A light emitter is supplied with data to be transmitted and is disposed in the wall of the half channel in the rotary part, and emits modulated light representing the data into the light channel in two opposite directions. At least one of these light beams is detected by a light detector disposed in the wall of the half channel in the stationary part, and the data in the detected beam is then made available for transmission from the stationary part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Stefan Popescu, Wolf-Ekkehard Blanz
  • Publication number: 20030223538
    Abstract: A system and method for delivering radiation that comprises a source for creating an electron beam, a system that focuses the electron beam and then deflects the beam such that the beam is swept across a first target as an arbitrary pattern. The arbitrary pattern on the first target is given an additional intensity modulation. Thereafter, a lens focuses the arbitrary pattern of electrons from the first target onto a second target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Ali Bani-Hashemi, Wolf Ekkehard Blanz
  • Patent number: 5544657
    Abstract: Reflected-back ultrasound waves are recorded and rebinned in accordance with a particular data classification scheme. In a post processing step, the data is processed to remove the effect of stationary scatterers (such as slowly-moving body structure) and features of the processed data are computer-traced to determine e.g. the velocity of the patient's blood stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lorenz V. Kurowski, Wolf-Ekkehard Blanz, Wolf Delong
  • Patent number: 5255216
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for multiplying an N bit number X(t) by an M bit number O, and a method for making such an apparatus for multiplying numbers are described. The N bit number is partitioned into K non-overlapping bit groups having priorities ranging from 0, which corresponds to the least significant bits in the value X(t), to K-1, which corresponds to the most significant bits in the value X(t). Each bit group functions as an address which accesses a first value in a respective Look Up Table (LUT). The values from the respective LUTs represent a sum of a constant, which is different for different LUTs, and the product of C and the binary value of the bit group to which the LUT corresponds. The values of the LUTs are added together, effectively bit shifted in accordance with their relative priorities, to form a partial product. The process is repeated with the remaining bit groups of X(t) in their order of priority, highest to lowest. An adder partial products until a single result is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Wolf-Ekkehard Blanz, Charles E. Cox