Patents Issued in December 31, 2015
  • Publication number: 20150374295
    Abstract: Techniques for shielding permittivity-sensitive devices are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: Vital Sensors Holdig Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Volker Boedecker, Axel Niemeyer, Bernhard Wagner
  • Publication number: 20150374296
    Abstract: A nerve cuff stimulation electrode for cervical VNS is provided and configured to be arranged so as to at least partially surround or enclose one of the vagus nerves. The cuff stimulation electrode has at least two contacts configured to deliver electric stimulation pulses to a vagus nerve. The cuff stimulation electrode further has or may be attached or connected to a tilt sensor, a kinematic sensor, and/or a pulsation sensor configured to generate a signal representative of arterial and venous pressures. The implantable tilt sensor is configured to output a posture signal indicating a patient's posture, thus allowing discrimination between supine and semi-recumbent or erect postures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: BIOTRONIK SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Marcelo BARU, Andrew B. KIBLER, Warren DABNEY, Jie LIAN, Christopher MOULDER, Dirk MUESSIG
  • Publication number: 20150374297
    Abstract: A modular instrumented floor covering assembly is used in connection with a subject walking across the assembly. The floor covering assembly comprises a plurality of sensor panels having interlocking edges. The sensor panels are adapted for interlocking the adjacent panels together along the edges. Each sensor panel has a pressure sensor matrix responsive to a weight of the subject for generating data relating to movement of the subject. The sensor panels are adapted for selective and releasable assembly in patterns. Communicating means is provided for wirelessly communicating data between the sensor panels and from the sensor panels to a computer for analysis. Power means is provided for supplying power to the sensor panels and between adjacent sensor panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Douglas D. Haas, Igor Ofenbakh
  • Publication number: 20150374298
    Abstract: Access is provided to certain pulse oximetry systems utilizing a keyed sensor and a corresponding locked sensor port of a restricted access monitor. In such systems, the keyed sensor has a key comprising a memory element, and the monitor has a memory reader associated with the sensor port. The monitor is configured to function only when the key is in communications with the locked sensor port, and the memory reader is able to retrieve predetermined data from the memory element. The monitor is accessed by providing the key separate from the keyed sensor, integrating the key into an adapter cable, and connecting the adapter cable between the sensor port and an unkeyed sensor so that the monitor functions with the unkeyed sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Ammar Al-Ali, Ronald Coverston, Massi E. Kiani
  • Publication number: 20150374299
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing data processing and control for use in a medical communication system are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Alan Hayter
  • Publication number: 20150374300
    Abstract: Techniques develop models for classification for physical conditions of a subject based on monitored physiologic signal data. The models for classification are determined from data transformed and feature extracted using a Taut-string transformation and in some instances using a further Stockwell-transformation, applied in parallel or in series. Physical conditions, specifying the state of hemodynamic stability and reflective of the cardiovascular and nervous systems, are thus modeled using these techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Kayvan Najarian, Ashwin Belle, Kevin Ward, Harm Derksen
  • Publication number: 20150374301
    Abstract: The invention is a wireless communications device, such as a cellular telephone, having sensors to generate data indicative of a physiological or contextual parameters of a user. A processor on the wireless communications device is adapted derive physiological state information of the user from the contextual or physiological parameters. The apparatus may include a central monitoring unit remote from the sensors for storing data and transmitting data to a recipient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: BodyMedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Teller, John M. Stivoric, Christopher D. Kasabach, Christopher D. Pacione, John L. Moss, Craig B. Liden, Margaret A. McCormack
  • Publication number: 20150374302
    Abstract: A muscle assessment method utilizing a computing system, surface electromyometry (sEMG) sensors, and other sensors to gather data for one or more subjects engaged in an activity through operably coupling the one or more sensors to the computing system, and directing a computing system to select one or more muscle assessment protocols related to a number of different metrics. For a user subject engaged in a physical activity, assessing muscle condition, the muscle activity, and statistically related averages provide information to the user and about muscle and whole body fitness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: SOMAXIS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Alexander B. Grey, Violetta Georgiou, Edward Frank Hejtmanek
  • Publication number: 20150374303
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for identifying when a subject is likely to be affected by a medical condition. For example, at least one processor may be configured to receive information reflective of an external soft tissue image of the subject. The processor may also be configured to perform an evaluation of the external soft tissue image information and to generate evaluation result information based, at least in part, on the evaluation. The processor may also be configured to predict a likelihood that the subject is affected by the medical condition based, at least in part, on the evaluation result information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Dekel Gelbman, Yaron Gurovich
  • Publication number: 20150374304
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for identifying when a subject is likely to be affected by a medical condition. For example, at least one processor may be configured to receive information reflective of an external soft tissue image of the subject. The processor may also be configured to perform an evaluation of the external soft tissue image information and to generate evaluation result information based, at least in part, on the evaluation. The processor may also be configured to predict a likelihood that the subject is affected by the medical condition based, at least in part, on the evaluation result information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Dekel Gelbman, Yaron Gurovich
  • Publication number: 20150374305
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for identifying when a subject is likely to be affected by a medical condition. For example, at least one processor may be configured to receive information reflective of an external soft tissue image of the subject. The processor may also be configured to perform an evaluation of the external soft tissue image information and to generate evaluation result information based, at least in part, on the evaluation. The processor may also be configured to predict a likelihood that the subject is affected by the medical condition based, at least in part, on the evaluation result information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Dekel Gelbman, Yaron Gurovich
  • Publication number: 20150374306
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for identifying when a subject is likely to be affected by a medical condition. For example, at least one processor may be configured to receive information reflective of an external soft tissue image of the subject. The processor may also be configured to perform an evaluation of the external soft tissue image information and to generate evaluation result information based, at least in part, on the evaluation. The processor may also be configured to predict a likelihood that the subject is affected by the medical condition based, at least in part, on the evaluation result information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Dekel Gelbman, Yaron Gurovich
  • Publication number: 20150374307
    Abstract: A data analysis device which collects sensor data in time series from a sensor attached to a user during movement in a course having a plurality of sections where two adjacent sections are connected to each other and shapes along extended directions of the sections connected to each other are different from each other, estimates times of section change points based on the sensor data, estimates a movement speed at each section, based on times of each of the plurality of the section change points and a distance value of each section, calculates differences between movement speeds at two sections connected to each other, and adjusts the movement speeds to appropriate values by adjusting at least one of the plurality of section change points so as to reduce a value of sum total of the differences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Tomoaki Nagasaka
  • Publication number: 20150374308
    Abstract: A method of generating corrected fluorescence data of concentrations of a targeted fluorophore in tissue of a subject includes administering first and second fluorescent contrast agents to the subject, the first contrast agent targeted to tissue of interest, the second agent untargeted. The tissue is illuminated with light of a first stimulus wavelength and first data is acquired at an appropriate emissions wavelength; the tissue is illuminated at a second stimulus wavelength and second data is acquired at a second emissions wavelength associated with the second agent, the first and second emissions wavelength differ. Difference data is generated by subtracting the second data from the first data. A system provides for stimulus and capture at multiple wavelengths, with image storage memory and subtraction code, to perform the method. Corrected data may form an fluorescence image, or is used to generate fluorescence tomographic images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: The Trustees of Dartmouth College
    Inventors: Kenneth Tichauer, Robert W. Holt, Frederic Leblond, Pablo Valdes, Brian W. Pogue, Keith D. Paulsen, David W. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20150374309
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for characterizing a portion of biological tissue. A surface of the tissue is illuminated with light having a known wavelength spectrum capable of materially penetrating the tissue. The intensity of the illumination light remitted from the tissue in response to the illumination over a known measurement window is measured over a hyperspectral range of wavelengths for at least two distinguishable polarization components. Based on a model of the response of the tissue and the preceding measurements, data representative of the location and one or more characteristics of an abnormal portion of the tissue are produced. A method is provided to eliminate the masking effect of melanin to obtain accurate estimations of an anomaly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel L. Farkas, Fartash Vasefi, Nicholas MacKinnon
  • Publication number: 20150374310
    Abstract: An activity monitor reduces power consumption by providing a heart rate sensor in an inactive mode at times when the heart rate is relatively unimportant. Data from a motion sensor is used to determine when to activate the heart rate monitor to obtain heart rate readings. For example, the motion data may indicate that the user is becoming active after a period of inactivity, or the user is vigorously exercising, then terminates the exercising, or the user is in a sleep-related activity such as the onset of sleep, non-REM (rapid-eye movement sleep) sleep, REM sleep and the user waking from sleep. The heart rate sensor may be in a continuously active mode, an alternating mode, or an inactive mode. In the alternating mode, a delay between readings is set adaptively based on the user's level of activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Yong Jin Lee
  • Publication number: 20150374311
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for monitoring a physiological parameter of a cyclist, and methods of using the system. The system comprises a garment, a sensor, and a signal processor. The garment is configured to be worn by the cyclist. The sensor is fixedly coupled to the garment and configured to measure a signal representative of the physiological parameter during pedaling. The signal processor is operatively coupled to the sensor and configured to determine a diagnosis based on the measured signal. An alert is generated in response to the diagnosis substantially in real time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Craig NIEDERBERGER, Peter PFANNER, James HOTALING, Matthew CLARK, Andrew GRAHAM, Michael PARADISE, Michael SCOTT
  • Publication number: 20150374312
    Abstract: To use an object information acquiring apparatus that has: a plurality of detection elements that detect acoustic waves generated from an object irradiated with light from a light source and output electric signals; a supporting member that supports the plurality of detection elements so that the axes of directivity of at least part of the detection elements gather; an inputting unit that receives an input of a measurement condition from a user; a selecting unit that selects at least part of the plurality of detection elements in response to the measurement condition input by the user; and a processing unit that acquires property information on the inside of the object, using electric signals output from the selected detection elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Akira Sato, Minoru Ohkoba
  • Publication number: 20150374313
    Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes compressing circuitry. The compressing circuitry is configured to compress, for each of a first data group and a second data group both of which being included in data pertaining to a medical image, each of the first data group and the second data group separately, starting from data corresponding to a boundary between the first data group and the second data group and shifting sequentially to a direction away from the boundary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Nakaba KOGURE, Tomoya Kodama, Shinichiro Koto, Wataru Asano, Hiroaki Nakai
  • Publication number: 20150374314
    Abstract: An X-ray apparatus for image acquisition and a related method. The apparatus comprises a field-of-view corrector (CS) configured to receive a scout image (SI) acquired by the imager with a tentative collimator setting in a pre-shot imaging phase where said imager operates with a low dosage radiation cone causing the detector to register the scout image. The low dosage cone has, in the detector's image plane, a first cross section smaller than the total area of the detector surface. The field-of-view corrector (CS) uses said scout image to establish field-of-view correction information for a subsequent imaging phase where the imager is to operate with a high dosage radiation cone, the high dosage higher than the low dosage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Hanns-Ingo MAACK, Christoph KURZE, Jens VON BERG, André GOOSSEN, Claire LEVRIER, Raoul FLORENT, Liesbet Hilde Hadewijch ROOSE, Dirk MANKE, Marc HENSEL
  • Publication number: 20150374315
    Abstract: The present invention is related to system and method for capturing dental images, for example, an aiming and positioning device for capturing dental images of a patient's teeth using a collimator. The system includes an image receptor holding device with an elongated arm adapted to receive and couple the receptor holder to a collimation structure. The elongated arm extends between the collimator and the receptor holder with one end coupling to the rear portion of the receptor holder and another end coupling to the collimator, and aligns the receptor with the collimator opening in an unobstructed manner. A biting portion or surface is present on the elongated arm adjacent to the receptor holder such that when the receptor is positioned behind the teeth on which the images are being taken, the biting surface is gripped by the teeth of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Robert Hayman, Ekram Khan, Michael Paloian, Anthony Orchard
  • Publication number: 20150374316
    Abstract: The disclosure is related to a display device that may produce and display a predetermined internal surface (e.g., a predetermined plane view) of an object according to a user input designating a depth thereof. Such display device may include a data storage, a user input interface, a processor, and an image display. The data storage may be configured to store image data. The user input interface may be configured to receive a request from a user. The processor may be configured to generate image data for a 3D image with internal surface images at one or more depths in response to the user request. The image display may be configured to display the 3D image with internal surfaces at each depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: Ewoosoft Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Youngkyu JIN
  • Publication number: 20150374317
    Abstract: A photon-counting X-ray CT apparatus in an embodiment includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, correction circuitry, and processing circuitry. The X-ray tube is configured to irradiate a subject with X-rays. The X-ray detector is configured to include an X-ray detection element that detects photons of the X-rays that the X-ray tube emits. The correction circuitry is configured to correct a count value observed by the X-ray detection element in each of a plurality of energy bins, based on at least one of the probability of escape in the X-ray detection element and the probability of crosstalk in the X-ray detection element. The processing circuitry is configured to generate a reconstruction image, based on the count values corrected by the correction circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Kenta MORIYASU
  • Publication number: 20150374318
    Abstract: A method for attenuation correcting a PET image of a target includes locating a radiopaque structure by MRI scan of the target; fitting a model of the radiopaque structure to the MRI scan image; and correcting attenuation of the PET image based on the fitted model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: KEVIN MATTHEW KOCH, Gaspar Delso
  • Publication number: 20150374319
    Abstract: C-arm systems and method for making and using continuous C-arm spin acquisition trajectories for dynamic imaging and improved image quality are described. In such systems and methods, a C-arm gantry, coupled to a C-arm support assembly, is adapted to retain an x-ray source and an x-ray detector. The C-arm gantry is selectively rotatable relative to the C-arm support assembly about both a C-arm axis and a pivot-axis to displace the x-ray source and the x-ray detector along a continuous C-arm spin trajectory. The C-arm system is adapted for continuous three-dimensional acquisition of data along the continuous C-arm spin trajectory including a plurality of shorts arcs and a plurality of long arcs. The C-arm system is adapted for continuous three-dimensional acquisition of data along the continuous C-arm spin trajectory to provide continuous three-dimensional imaging of dynamic processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Bernhard Erich Hermann Claus, David Allen Langan, Omar Al Assad
  • Publication number: 20150374320
    Abstract: The application relates to an X-ray imaging unit for a medical imaging. The unit comprising a rotating part comprising a first X-ray source and an X-ray imaging detector unit configured to provide an image by means of at least a rotational movement (R) around a rotation axis of the rotating part, and an upper shelf for supporting the rotating part. The upper shelf is configured to enable the rotating part to move with respect to the upper shelf by means of a linear movement (L) and to be attached to a column with a pivoting joint for enabling a pivot movement (P) of the upper shelf around the column. The rotating part is configured to be positioned by the linear movement and the pivot movement during the imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: PALODEX GROUP OY
    Inventors: Esa Suuronen, Sami Vartiainen
  • Publication number: 20150374321
    Abstract: An x-ray imaging apparatus comprises a platform connected to a frame, a sliding bar, a detector mounted on the sliding bar, an x-ray source, and a control system. The x-ray source includes a collimator to generate an x-ray exposure window. The control system is configured to slide the detector along the sliding bar and synchronously move the collimator to direct the x-ray exposure window to the first detector. The x-ray exposure window movements are registered to the detector movements. The detector interfaces with a processor that processes x-ray image data received from the detector, and generates at least one x-ray image from the x-ray image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Omid Ebrahimi Kia
  • Publication number: 20150374322
    Abstract: A detector system for an imaging system includes an airflow cooling system. The detector system includes a detector chassis, a duct extending along the length of the chassis, and a manifold that couples the duct to the interior of the chassis. A vacuum source, such as a suction fan, is coupled to the duct and generates a vacuum force within the duct. The chassis includes a plurality of inlet openings, with an airflow path being defined through the interior of the chassis between the inlet openings and the manifold. The suction fan pulls cooling air through the inlet openings, through the chassis and manifold to the duct, and then expels the air through an exhaust opening. The airflow is directed into thermal contact with detector elements and associated electronics in the detector chassis to provide cooling of these components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Eugene A. Gregerson, Paul Sebring, Russell Stanton, Michael Connor, Michael Allen, Scott Coppen
  • Publication number: 20150374323
    Abstract: An X-ray diagnosis apparatus includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, and a processing circuitry. The X-ray tube generates X-rays. The X-ray detector detects the X-rays that have passed through a subject. The processing circuitry calculates, for each of a plurality of X-ray images that are acquired chronologically, an average of pixel values and a reference value based on the pixel values. The processing circuitry extracts, from the plurality of X-ray images, an X-ray image with a relatively large difference between the average and the reference value, an X-ray image with a relatively large ratio between the average and the reference value, or an X-ray image with a relatively large number of pixels each representing a value equal to or larger than the average or the reference value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kunio SHIRAISHI, Toshiaki KAWANO, Hisayasu YUMIZA, Makoto TAKANAKA
  • Publication number: 20150374324
    Abstract: There is provided a particle therapy system including: a particle beam generator for generating a particle beam; an irradiation nozzle arranged in a treatment room and irradiating a target with the particle beam; a particle beam transport system 6 communicating the particle beam generator with the irradiation nozzle; an X-ray imaging device arranged in the treatment room and imaging the position of the target through irradiation with X-rays; a dosimeter 8 arranged at a position passed by the particle beam in the irradiation nozzle; and a control apparatus 400 performing control to exclude the measurement result of the X-rays from the measurement result obtained using the dosimeter 8 when the X-rays are emitted during treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Arao NISHIMURA, Koji MATSUDA, Ryosuke SHINAGAWA, Taisuke TAKAYANAGI, Masahiro TADOKORO, Takao KIDANI, Hideaki NIHONGI, Kikuo UMEGAKI, Taeko MATSUURA
  • Publication number: 20150374325
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray tube which generates an X-ray, an X-ray detector which detects an X-ray generated by the X-ray tube, a support frame which supports the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector pivotally with respect to a plurality of movable axes, a storage which stores angular information represented by rotation angles about the movable axes, the angular information relates to at least one preset posture of the support frame, and a display which displays at least one first angle mark corresponding to the at least one posture on a clinical angle map represented by a coordinate system based on the movable axes defining a posture of the support frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinori SHIMIZU, Masahiro OZAWA
  • Publication number: 20150374326
    Abstract: According to embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes a frame holding an X-ray tube and detector such that an axis connecting a X-ray focus and center of the detector rotates around an isocenter, display displaying a first image, operation circuitry inputting a position of a target region on the image, target position calculation circuitry calculating a position of the region on a second image based on an angle between the axes concerning the first and second images, a first distance from the isocenter to a top plate, and second distance from the target position to the plate, and top plate movement amount calculation circuitry calculating a top plate movement amount to display the region at a same position as the target position on the second image based on the calculated position, target position, angle, and first distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Hayato KASAOKA, Shunichiro NISHIGAKI, Takeo MATSUZAKI, Kayoko NIHEI
  • Publication number: 20150374327
    Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating an x-ray computed tomography device has a plurality of objects formed from a material that is visible to x-rays. The plurality of objects are configured to receive x-rays without changing shape, and have substantially the same shape. The objects each have an object attenuation value to x-rays and a center point such that they are symmetrically shaped relative to their respective center points. The apparatus also has a base at least in part fixedly supporting the plurality of objects so that each of the plurality of objects contacts at least one of the other objects. Like other physical objects, such as the objects, the base has a base attenuation value to x-rays, and that value is greater than the base attenuation value. The center points of the plurality of objects together form a three-dimensional volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Gurpreet Singh
  • Publication number: 20150374328
    Abstract: A fetal and maternal monitoring system is provided, including one or more sensing devices, a central control device which receives signals from, and provides power to, the sensing devices, and a gateway device in wireless communication with the central control device for visualization of data received from the central control device and transmission of the received data to a remote location over a network. The one or more sensing devices may include a fetal heart rate monitor (FHR), a strain gauge tocodynamometer (TOCO), maternal heart rate monitor (MHR), blood pressure monitor or other wearable health or fitness sensing device which require only a basic sensor and rely upon the central control device for processing and power. Lighting elements on the sensing devices provide indications of signal detection and strength. The gateway device will also provide instructions to a user for performing tests and virtual physician visits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Jacques Ginestet, Jessica Grossman, Byron Hourmand, Holmes Chuang, Albert Fong
  • Publication number: 20150374329
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method, apparatus and system for enhancing needle visualization in ultrasound imaging, said method comprising: a setting step for setting a scanning depth corresponding to a depth of a part or tissue target in a patient's body; and a determining step for automatically determining a needle frame steering angle and an ultrasound working frequency for needle frame collection based on the scanning depth. In the embodiments of the present invention, the needle frame steering angle and ultrasound working frequency for needle frame collection and the filter kernel for enhancing edge filtering of the collected needle frame are both dependent upon the scanning depth, and thereby can achieve enhancing needle visualization in ultrasound imaging for scanning at different depths without participation of the user or extra change of hardware.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Yimeng Lin, Menachem Halmann, Feng Lin, Jianjun Guo
  • Publication number: 20150374330
    Abstract: An ultrasonic measurement control unit of an ultrasonic measurement apparatus generates received data by transmitting an ultrasonic wave to a blood vessel and receiving the ultrasonic wave reflected from the blood vessel. A blood vessel determination unit determines the blood vessel from the received data. A transmission direction setting unit sets the transmission direction of the ultrasonic wave for measuring the diameter of the blood vessel using the determination result of the blood vessel position. A blood vessel diameter measurement unit measures the diameter of the blood vessel by transmitting the ultrasonic wave in the transmission direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Kiyoaki MURAI
  • Publication number: 20150374331
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an ultrasonic cavity probe including a grip configured to be held by a user, a lens unit having a predetermined curvature radius, and configured to be inserted into a bodily cavity and to be brought into contact with a skin inside the bodily cavity, a head unit including a first side for mounting the lens unit and rounded corners, and a connecting portion configured to connect the head unit and the grip and to make a first angle with the head unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicants: ALPINION MEDICAL SYSTEMS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Woo-jin CHO, Wonho NOH, Sang-woong LEE, Sang-seok LEE, Jaewon LEE, Wonse PARK
  • Publication number: 20150374332
    Abstract: A patient stand for supporting a patient in a standing position on a platform during examination by an ultrasound technologist. The patient stand comprised of an elevation apparatus mounted on a base. The platform is mounted on the elevation apparatus which is configured to raise and lower the platform to an ergonomically convenient height to allow the technologist to accurately position the ultrasound probe during examination. An electric motor lifts and lowers the patient stand, and optionally rotates on a “lazy susan” style base. One embodiment of a lifting mechanism is a scissors style mechanism and another embodiment uses a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder mechanism. The patient stand is also comprised of horizontally spaced apart left and right free-standing arm rest supports mounted vertically on the platform; and further having patient arm rests horizontally mounted on left and right arm rest supports respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: Creative Ultrasound Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Philomina Duesdieker
  • Publication number: 20150374333
    Abstract: Embodiments of a dermatological cosmetic treatment and imaging system and method can include use of a hand wand and a removable transducer module having an ultrasound transducer. The system can include a control module that is coupled to the hand wand and has a graphical user interface for controlling the removable transducer module, and an interface coupling the hand wand to the control module. In some embodiments, the cosmetic treatment system may be used in cosmetic procedures on at least a portion of a face, head, neck, body, and/or other part of a patient for a face lift, a brow lift, a chin lift, an eye treatment, a wrinkle reduction, a scar reduction, a burn treatment, a tattoo removal, a skin tightening, a vein reduction, a treatment on a sweat gland, a treatment of hyperhidrosis, a sun spot removal, a fat treatment, a vaginal rejuvenation, and/or an acne treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: Guided Therapy Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Peter G. Barthe, Michael H. Slayton
  • Publication number: 20150374334
    Abstract: Methods and systems for imaging dense anatomical structures are provided. In one aspect, for example, a method for imaging a bone or a joint of a subject can include delivering a transmission ultrasound wave field from a transmission transducer array to a body part of a subject, receiving transmission data from the transmission ultrasound wave field at a transmission receiver array, delivering a reflection ultrasound wave field from a reflection transducer array to the body part of the subject, receiving reflection data from the reflection ultrasound wave field at a reflection receiver array, and generating an image of a bone or joint from at least one of the transmission data or the reflection data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: John C. Klock, David T. Borup, James W. Wiskin
  • Publication number: 20150374335
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for ultrasound imaging using ultrasound sensor elements comprising thin film transistors. Specifically, ultrasound elements for use in a two dimensional array of ultrasound elements, two dimensional arrays of ultrasound elements, ultrasound sensor element array assemblies, ultrasound imaging devices and methods of performing an ultrasound scan using a two dimensional array of ultrasound elements. A sensor element comprises: an ultrasound transducer, a transmit circuit configured to provide an electrical signal to the transducer for output of an ultrasound signal; and a receive circuit configured to receive an electrical signal from the transducer, based on a received reflected ultrasound signal, wherein the transmit and receive circuits each comprise one or more thin film transistors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher James BROWN, Michael Robert PRIOR-JONES, Benjamin James HADWEN
  • Publication number: 20150374336
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ultrasound probe including a transducer array configured to generate ultrasonic waves, an integrated circuit disposed on a back surface of the transducer array by using an adhesive member, a printed circuit board connected to the integrated circuit and configured to output a signal to the integrated circuit, and a pad bridge disposed on front surfaces of the printed circuit board and the integrated circuit by using the adhesive member and configured to electrically connect the printed circuit board with the integrated circuit. An area of a region of the ultrasound probe contacting the human body may be reduced without reducing the size of the transducer array, and the integrated circuit and the printed circuit board may be integrally connected by using the adhesive member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eunsung LEE, Youngil KIM, Jong Keun SONG, Minseog CHOI
  • Publication number: 20150374337
    Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes transmitting and receiving circuitry, adding circuitry, and image generating circuitry, and control circuitry. The transmitting and receiving circuitry performs, more than once on the same scan line, an ultrasound transmission and reception repeatedly performed with phase polarities being inverted on the same scan line, according to a number set as a scan condition parameter. The adding circuitry adds together reflected wave data received as a result of the ultrasound transmission and receptions. The image generating circuitry generates an image by using the reflected wave data that have been added together. The control circuitry controls the transmitting and receiving circuitry, based on a relation between the number of the ultrasound transmission and receptions and a scan condition parameter other than the number.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kuramitsu NISHIHARA, Akihiro KAKEE, Takuya SASAKI
  • Publication number: 20150374338
    Abstract: A multipulse elastography method for the quantitative measurement of at least one mechanical property of a viscoelastic medium having an ultrasonic signal after ultrasonic illumination, the method including defining characteristics of at least two mechanical pulses; generating the at least two mechanical pulses for which characteristics are defined in a viscoelastic medium; monitoring a propagation of at least two shear waves generated by the at least two mechanical pulses using acquisition and emission of ultrasonic signals, in the viscoelastic medium, and calculating at least one mechanical property of said viscoelastic medium using said acquisitions of said ultrasonic signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Laurent SANDRIN, Cécile BASTARD
  • Publication number: 20150374339
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, a signal processing method, and a recording medium which are capable of eliminating a ghost signal with a small number of data when correcting element data by superimposing a plurality of element data, obtaining a high quality ultrasound image while preventing a decrease in the frame rate, and reducing the capacity of a memory. Information on a transmission frequency of an ultrasonic beam is acquired, and second element data is generated using a plurality of first element data on the basis of the acquired information on a transmission frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroaki YAMAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20150374340
    Abstract: Embodiments for providing a plurality of 3-dimensional ultrasound images by using a plurality of volume slices in an ultrasound system are disclosed. The ultrasound system comprises: an ultrasound data acquisition unit configured to transmit and receive ultrasound signals to and from a target object to acquire ultrasound data; a volume data forming unit configured to form volume data by using the ultrasound data; a user input unit for allowing a user to input a user instruction; and a processing unit configured to set a plurality of volume slice regions having different widths in the volume data in response to the user instruction and form a plurality of 3-dimensional ultrasound images by using volume slices defined by the volume slice regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Suk Jin LEE, Jung KIM
  • Publication number: 20150374341
    Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging processing method based on RF data includes the following steps: S1, receiving echo signals which are obtained by sending ultrasound signals; S2, beamforming the echo signals; S3, obtaining the RF data of the echo signals; and S4, directly conducting an ultrasonic imaging process based on the obtained RF data in order to obtain a target image. The ultrasonic imaging processing method and system based on the RF data according to the present application directly conduct ultrasonic imaging treatment based on the obtained RF data of the echo signals in order to obtain the target image. As a result, the system is simple and with no loss of data information. Besides, real-time performance and image quality of ultrasonic diagnose appliance by using such method and system are improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Huiren CHEN, Tao LING, Jianjun GUO, Dajun YIN, Shui XI
  • Publication number: 20150374342
    Abstract: A method and an ultrasound medical apparatus for compensating for a focal point are disclosed. A method and an ultrasound medical apparatus are provided, for transmitting a high-intensity ultrasound having an intensity lower than a predetermined output value to a target object (an affected area of a patient) in a manner that no errors are generated between a focal point on the target object and an actual ultrasound focusing location when transmitting a high-intensity focused ultrasound and compensating a distance of the focal point by using a reflected signal of the ultrasound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: ALPINION MEDICAL SYSTEMS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Keonho SON, Kookjin KANG, Dae Seung KIM, Myungdeok KIM, Sukhwan JUN
  • Publication number: 20150374343
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound imaging system (100) comprising: an ultrasound probe (10) that comprises a single element ultrasound transducer (16) for transmitting an receiving ultrasound signals; a movement sensor (18) for sensing a displacement-over-time signal x(t) of a displacement (x) of the ultrasound probe (10) relative to an examination object (24) during signal acquisition; an image acquisition hardware (26) that is configured to reconstruct an M-mode ultrasound image from the received ultrasound signals, said reconstructed M-mode ultrasound image being a two-dimensional image I(t,y) comprising multiple one-dimensional depth signals of substantially constant depth (y) in the examination object (24) illustrated over time (t), wherein the image acquisition hardware (26) is further configured to map said M-mode ultra-sound image I(t,y) to a two-dimensional second image I(x,y) comprising the depth signals illustrated over the displacement (x) by using the displacement-over-time signal x(
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: CAIFENG SHAN, FEI ZUO
  • Publication number: 20150374344
    Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising an image display control section for displaying a first image representing positions of first ultrasonic scan planes at certain intervals of time based on information on positions of the first scan planes at certain intervals of time stored in a storage section, and displaying, based on detected information from a movement detecting section, a second image representing positions of second scan planes at certain intervals of time formed by performing a second 3D ultrasonic scan on a subject by an operator moving the ultrasonic probe, the image display control section displaying the first and second images so that the first scan planes and second scan planes have mutually corresponding positional relationships.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Tetsuo KOIDE, Hiroshi HASHIMOTO, Masashi SEKI