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: 10292676Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 20, 2012Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: VOLCANO CORPORATONInventors: Nikhil Rajguru, Vladimir Zagrodsky, David Goodwin, Jon Klingensmith, Wolf-Ekkehard Blanz, Bernhard Sturm
-
Method for seam elimination and reconstruction of coplanar images from intravascular ultrasonic data
Patent number: 10159467Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 2, 2013Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: VOLCANO CORPORATIONInventors: Wolf-Ekkehard Blanz, Jerome Mai -
Publication number: 20140350404Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2012Publication date: November 27, 2014Applicant: Volcano CorporationInventors: Nikhil Rajguru, Vladimir Zagrodsky, David Goodwin, Jon Klingensmith, Wolf-Ekkehard Blanz, Bernhard Sturm
-
Method for Seam Elimination and Reconstruction of Coplanar Images from Intravascular Ultrasonic Data
Publication number: 20140039308Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: Volcano CorporationInventors: Wolf-Ekkehard Blanz, Jerome Mai -
Patent number: 7418078Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 6, 2005Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Wolf-Ekkehard Blanz, Ali Bani-Hashemi
-
Publication number: 20060251212Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2005Publication date: November 9, 2006Inventors: Wolf-Ekkehard Blanz, Ali Bani-Hashemi
-
Patent number: 7046757Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 18, 2005Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Ali Bani-Hashemi, Wolf-Ekkehard Blanz, Jonathan S. Maltz
-
Patent number: 7027737Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 26, 2002Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Stefan Popescu, Wolf-Ekkehard Blanz
-
Patent number: 6839405Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Ali Bani-Hashemi, Wolf Ekkehard Blanz
-
Publication number: 20040062344Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Stefan Popescu, Wolf-Ekkehard Blanz
-
Publication number: 20030223538Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: Ali Bani-Hashemi, Wolf Ekkehard Blanz
-
Patent number: 5544657Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 9, 1994Date of Patent: August 13, 1996Assignee: Siemens Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Lorenz V. Kurowski, Wolf-Ekkehard Blanz, Wolf Delong
-
Patent number: 5255216Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 16, 1991Date of Patent: October 19, 1993Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Wolf-Ekkehard Blanz, Charles E. Cox