Patents by Inventor Yoshitaka Bito
Yoshitaka Bito 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).
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Publication number: 20240125878Abstract: In separating water and fat with applying the Dixon method, peak intensities of fat with multiple peaks are individually calculated with a high degree of accuracy while reducing the number of variables to be estimated. Multiple images made up of signals acquired at different echo times (TEs) are used to solve a predetermined signal equation (signal model) expressing the relation between the pixel values (signal values) of the images and imaging parameters such as signal intensities of components and TE, thereby performing separation of signals for each component. For separating the signals, at least one of the variables (other than the signal intensity) included in the signal equation is subjected to a process (first estimation process) for refining a value roughly obtained, and then using thus refined value of the variable to estimate (second estimation process) other variables (including the signal intensity), the signals are separated.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2023Publication date: April 18, 2024Inventors: Takashi Nishihara, Toru Shirai, Yoshitaka Bito, Masahiro Takizawa
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Publication number: 20230349995Abstract: In contrast-enhanced MRI, a visualization capability of a tissue which a contrast agent reaches is increased, and overall imaging time is shortened. An imaging unit of an MRI apparatus includes a gradient echo pulse sequence for acquiring a T1 weighted image including a fat saturation pulse, and a control unit performs control to generate images of a plurality of phases having different arrival positions of a contrast agent by repeating the pulse sequence for a predetermined time from administration of the contrast agent to the subject by the imaging unit. At this time, a preparation pulse that suppresses a signal from a contrast agent present outside a target tissue (cell) is added prior to a pulse sequence, in a phase immediately before reaching the target tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2023Publication date: November 2, 2023Inventors: Nobuyuki Yoshizawa, Yoshitaka Bito, Takashi Nishihara
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Publication number: 20230309848Abstract: Provided is a means that uses a two-dimensional image to distinguish a small region from other regions within the image and to highlight the small region. On the basis of the two-dimensional image where an organ such as blood vessels or a lesion such as microbleeds (collectively referred to as a designated region) is visualized, the designated region is discriminated from other regions, using a shape feature of the designated region and spatial feature of the space where the designated region exists. The spatial feature includes at least one of the followings; a spatial tissue distribution (presence probability for each tissue) of the designated region, and a spatial brightness distribution of pixel values of the designated region.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2023Publication date: October 5, 2023Inventors: Ryota Satoh, Toru Shirai, Hisaaki Ochi, Yoshihiro Iwata, Yoshitaka Bito
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Publication number: 20230288511Abstract: In an MRI image, signals from plural metabolites are accurately separated. A signal separation unit generates, as a dictionary, plural signal patterns in which values of variables of substances are changed based on prior information, and performs signal separation of the substances by matching the dictionary with a measured signal. At this time, an order of signal intensities of the substances is used as the prior information, and selection of a most matched dictionary for each of the substances is repeated while changing a dictionary used for matching according to the order.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2023Publication date: September 14, 2023Inventors: Toru Shirai, Ryota Sato, Takashi Nishihara, Masahiro Takizawa, Yoshitaka Bito
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Publication number: 20230221391Abstract: Fluid parameters such as WSS and EL are accurately calculated, using flow velocity information obtained by diffusion tensor imaging. Dispersion of a flow velocity distribution of fluid is calculated, using a diffusion tensor image obtained with respect to an examination target containing fluid, and an estimation model is set for a distribution shape of intra-voxel flow velocity. Using the estimation model and the dispersion of the flow velocity distribution, a differential value of the flow velocity is calculated. Then, a fluid parameter representing a flow characteristic of the fluid is calculated.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2022Publication date: July 13, 2023Inventors: Yoshitaka Bito, Hisaaki Ochi
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Patent number: 11600378Abstract: The most appropriate image for a diagnostic target among a plurality of images is selected and accurate diagnosis support information is presented regardless of the type of a selected image, a modality, or the like. An image diagnosis support apparatus includes: a diagnostic information generation unit that generates diagnostic information based on a plurality of medical images; a reliability calculation unit that evaluates an image quality and calculates an image reliability for each of the plurality of medical images; and a degree-of-contribution calculation unit that calculates a degree of contribution of each of the plurality of medical images to the diagnostic information using an internal parameter indicating a degree of appropriateness of each medical image for a diagnostic target and the reliability calculated by the reliability calculation unit. An image for detection used by the diagnostic information generation unit is generated based on the degree of contribution.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2020Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: FUJIFILM HEALTHCARE CORPORATIONInventors: Ryota Satoh, Tomoki Amemiya, Toru Shirai, Yoshitaka Bito
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Patent number: 11526989Abstract: In brain analysis, anatomical standardization is performed when analyzing a region of interest (ROI). There are individual differences in the shape and size of the brain and by converting the brain into a standard brain, these differences can be compared with each other and subjected to statistical analysis. When generating a standard brain analysis, a large number of pieces of image data are classified into a plurality of groups based on their anatomical features. An intermediate template that is an intermediate conversion image and a conversion map is calculated for each group, and the calculation of the intermediate template and the generation of the intermediate conversion image are repeated while gradually reducing the number of classifications, so that a final standard image is generated. Using the standard image and the intermediate template calculated during the generation of the standard image, spatial standardization of the measured image is performed.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2020Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: FUJIFILM HEALTHCARE CORPORATIONInventors: Toru Shirai, Ryota Satoh, Yasuo Kawata, Tomoki Amemiya, Yoshitaka Bito, Hisaaki Ochi
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Publication number: 20220198652Abstract: An image including contrast is standardized and an area is divided, a measurement cross section that most matches a measurement cross section determined to be appropriate for measuring a predetermined index is determined based on a feature of a notable tissue in the divided area, and a measurement value serving as an index is calculated in the measurement cross section.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2021Publication date: June 23, 2022Inventors: Toru SHIRAI, Ryota SATOH, Tomoki AMEMIYA, Yoshitaka BITO
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Patent number: 11257196Abstract: Image processing using a machine learning model is enabled, thereby accurately reducing noise to improve image quality. A medical image is acquired; and it is evaluated whether noise in the medical image exceeds a predetermined reference value. A noise reducer reduces the noise of the medical image that has been determined to include noise that exceeds the reference value. The noise of the medical image is reduced using a machine learning model constructed by collecting a plurality of learning data sets that include an image with noise as input data and an image without noise as output data. The machine learning model includes a plurality of layers that perform convolution on an image that is input, one layer of which includes a filter layer in which a plurality of linear or nonlinear filters are incorporated, and convolution coefficients of the plurality of linear or nonlinear filters are predetermined.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2020Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: FUJIFILM HEALTHCARE CORPORATIONInventors: Yukio Kaneko, Masahiro Ogino, Yoshimi Noguchi, Yoshitaka Bito
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Patent number: 11141078Abstract: Accuracy degradation due to a signal loss is reduced, and susceptibility is calculated with high accuracy where, by using an MRI, at least one echo is acquired where spatial magnetic field inhomogeneity is reflected, and a complex image is calculated from the acquired echo. Three masks are calculated from the calculated complex image; a low-signal region mask representing a low signal region, a first high-signal region mask representing a high signal and high fat content region, and a second high-signal region mask representing a high signal and low fat content region. In calculating a susceptibility image from a frequency image or a magnetic field image generated from the complex image, the susceptibility image is obtained under the constraint that a region defined by the low-signal region is set as a background and the susceptibility of the region defined by the second high-signal region mask is set to a specific value.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2017Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.Inventors: Ryota Satoh, Toru Shirai, Yo Taniguchi, Yoshitaka Bito, Hisaaki Ochi, Yoshihisa Sotome
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Patent number: 11051695Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes: a static magnetic field generating magnet configured to generate a static magnetic field in a space where a subject is arranged; a transmission unit configured to transmit a high frequency magnetic field to the subject; a reception unit configured to receive a nuclear magnetic resonance signal generated in the subject due to transmission of the high-frequency magnetic field thereto; a gradient magnetic field application unit configured to apply a gradient magnetic field which adds positional information to the nuclear magnetic resonance signal; a computer configured to control the transmission unit, the reception unit, and the gradient magnetic field application unit, and configured to process the nuclear magnetic resonance signal; and a display unit configured to display an image processed by the computer; and the computer performs a predetermined calculation processing.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2018Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Toru Shirai, Ryota Satoh, Hisaaki Ochi, Takenori Murase, Yoshitaka Bito
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Publication number: 20210193299Abstract: The most appropriate image for a diagnostic target among a plurality of images is selected and accurate diagnosis support information is presented regardless of the type of a selected image, a modality, or the like. An image diagnosis support apparatus includes: a diagnostic information generation unit that generates diagnostic information based on a plurality of medical images; a reliability calculation unit that evaluates an image quality and calculates an image reliability for each of the plurality of medical images; and a degree-of-contribution calculation unit that calculates a degree of contribution of each of the plurality of medical images to the diagnostic information using an internal parameter indicating a degree of appropriateness of each medical image for a diagnostic target and the reliability calculated by the reliability calculation unit. An image for detection used by the diagnostic information generation unit is generated based on the degree of contribution.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2020Publication date: June 24, 2021Inventors: Ryota SATOH, Tomoki AMEMIYA, Toru SHIRAI, Yoshitaka BITO
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Publication number: 20210166388Abstract: In brain analysis, anatomical standardization is performed when analyzing a region of interest (ROI). There are individual differences in the shape and size of the brain and by converting the brain into a standard brain, these differences can be compared with each other and subjected to statistical analysis. When generating a standard brain analysis, a large number of pieces of image data are classified into a plurality of groups based on their anatomical features. An intermediate template that is an intermediate conversion image and a conversion map is calculated for each group, and the calculation of the intermediate template and the generation of the intermediate conversion image are repeated while gradually reducing the number of classifications, so that a final standard image is generated. Using the standard image and the intermediate template calculated during the generation of the standard image, spatial standardization of the measured image is performed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2020Publication date: June 3, 2021Inventors: Toru SHIRAI, Ryota SATOH, Yasuo KAWATA, Tomoki AMEMIYA, Yoshitaka BITO, Hisaaki OCHI
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Publication number: 20200286214Abstract: Image processing using a machine learning model is enabled, thereby accurately reducing noise to improve image quality. A medical image is acquired; and it is evaluated whether noise in the medical image exceeds a predetermined reference value. A noise reducer reduces the noise of the medical image that has been determined to include noise that exceeds the reference value. The noise of the medical image is reduced using a machine learning model constructed by collecting a plurality of learning data sets that include an image with noise as input data and an image without noise as output data. The machine learning model includes a plurality of layers that perform convolution on an image that is input, one layer of which includes a filter layer in which a plurality of linear or nonlinear filters are incorporated, and convolution coefficients of the plurality of linear or nonlinear filters are predetermined.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2020Publication date: September 10, 2020Inventors: Yukio KANEKO, Masahiro OGINO, Yoshimi NOGUCHI, Yoshitaka BITO
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Patent number: 10765349Abstract: Provided is a technique for calculating an oxygen extraction fraction by using MRI where the oxygen extraction fraction in a brain including brain parenchyma is calculated via a simple processing without an impact on an examinee, such as administration of caffeine. For this purpose, an MRI apparatus of the present invention measures a complex image of nuclear magnetic resonance signals, and calculates from thus measured complex image, a physical property distribution for obtaining a physical property image reflecting the oxygen extraction fraction. Then, thus calculated physical property distribution is separated into tissue-specific physical property distributions for at least two tissues (separated tissue images). After converting any of the separated tissue images into the oxygen extraction fraction, a distribution of the oxygen extraction fraction is estimated based on the condition that a value of any selected pixel is substantially equal to a mean value of pixels surrounding the selected pixel.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2017Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.Inventors: Toru Shirai, Ryota Satoh, Yo Taniguchi, Hisaaki Ochi, Yoshihisa Sotome, Yoshitaka Bito, Takenori Murase
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Publication number: 20200260958Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes: a static magnetic field generating magnet configured to generate a static magnetic field in a space where a subject is arranged; a transmission unit configured to transmit a high frequency magnetic field to the subject; a reception unit configured to receive a nuclear magnetic resonance signal generated in the subject due to transmission of the high-frequency magnetic field thereto; a gradient magnetic field application unit configured to apply a gradient magnetic field which adds positional information to the nuclear magnetic resonance signal; a computer configured to control the transmission unit, the reception unit, and the gradient magnetic field application unit, and configured to process the nuclear magnetic resonance signal; and a display unit configured to display an image processed by the computer; and the computer performs a predetermined calculation processing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2018Publication date: August 20, 2020Inventors: Toru SHIRAI, Ryota SATOH, Hisaaki OCHI, Takenori MURASE, Yoshitaka BITO
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Patent number: 10605881Abstract: In calculating a local magnetic field distribution caused by a magnetic susceptibility difference between living tissues, using MRI, a local frequency distribution with a high SNR is calculated in a short computation time. Multi-echo complex images obtained by measurement of at least two different echo times using the MRI are converted into low-resolution images. A global frequency distribution caused by global magnetic field changes and an offset phase distribution including a reception phase and a transmission phase are separated from a phase distribution of the low-resolution multi-echo complex images. Thus calculated global frequency distribution and the offset phase distribution are enhanced in resolution. A local frequency distribution of each echo is calculated from the measured multi-echo complex images, the high-resolution global frequency distribution, and the high-resolution offset phase distribution.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2017Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Toru Shirai, Ryota Satoh, Yo Taniguchi, Hisaaki Ochi, Takenori Murase, Yoshitaka Bito
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Patent number: 10451701Abstract: With an MRI apparatus using a transmission coil having multiple channels, a region desired to be diagnosed is efficiently imaged with high image quality. The MRI apparatus comprises a region setting means for setting a region in an imaging region, of which high quality image is desired to be obtained, as a first region, and an optimization means for determining at least one of amplitude and phase of a radio frequency wave transmitted to each of the multiple channels as a radio frequency magnetic field condition, and the optimization means determines the radio frequency magnetic field condition so that at least one of specific absorption ratio and signal value of a region that generates artifacts is not higher than a predetermined value defined for each, under a uniformity constraint condition that uniformity of radio frequency magnetic field distribution in the first region is not lower than a predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2013Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.Inventors: Yukio Kaneko, Hideta Habara, Yoshihisa Soutome, Yoshitaka Bito
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Publication number: 20190261906Abstract: Provided is a technique for calculating an oxygen extraction fraction by using MRI where the oxygen extraction fraction in a brain including brain parenchyma is calculated via a simple processing without an impact on an examinee, such as administration of caffeine. For this purpose, an MRI apparatus of the present invention measures a complex image of nuclear magnetic resonance signals, and calculates from thus measured complex image, a physical property distribution for obtaining a physical property image reflecting the oxygen extraction fraction. Then, thus calculated physical property distribution is separated into tissue-specific physical property distributions for at least two tissues (separated tissue images). After converting any of the separated tissue images into the oxygen extraction fraction, a distribution of the oxygen extraction fraction is estimated based on the condition that a value of any selected pixel is substantially equal to a mean value of pixels surrounding the selected pixel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2017Publication date: August 29, 2019Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Toru SHIRAI, Ryota SATOH, Yo TANIGUCHI, Hisaaki OCHI, Yoshihisa SOTOME, Yoshitaka BITO, Takenori MURASE
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Patent number: 10330764Abstract: Provided is a magnetic resonance measuring apparatus that records measurement data measured by MRS or the like and a periodic motion of the measurement object during the measurement of the measurement data in association with each other, and classifies spectra calculated from the measurement data in accordance with a time phase of the periodic motion. Created spectra are integrated for each classification to thereby create partially integrated spectra, correction based on a relationship between the periodic motion and a phase fluctuation or a frequency fluctuation is performed on the partially integrated spectra, and the corrected partially integrated spectra are synthesized.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2016Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.Inventor: Yoshitaka Bito