Patents Issued in May 4, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170119302
    Abstract: Detection of neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease can be accomplished through analyzing a subject's speech for acoustic measures based on human factor cepstral coefficients (HFCC). Upon receiving a speech sample from a subject, a signal analysis can be performed that includes identifying articulation range and articulation rate using HFCC and delta coefficients. A likelihood of Parkinson's disease, for example, can be determined based upon the identified articulation range and articulation rate of the speech.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: John Clyde Rosenbek, Mark D. Skowronski, Rahul Shrivastav, Supraja Anand
  • Publication number: 20170119303
    Abstract: Described are various embodiments of an acoustic upper airway assessment system and method, and sleep apnea assessment system and method relying thereon. In one embodiment, a non-invasive method is described for assessing upper airway anatomy in a subject while breathing. This method comprises receiving as input at a hardware processor a digital signal representative of respiratory sounds generated by the subject while breathing; isolating digital respiratory sound segments from said digital signal; computationally extracting a designated spectral feature from each of said segments to characterize said respiratory sounds within each of said segments; automatically evaluating each said extracted spectral feature against a preset upper airway anatomy metric associated with said designated spectral feature to characterize a given upper airway anatomy measure in the subject while breathing; and outputting a sleep apnea severity indication based on said characterized upper airway anatomy measure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Azadeh YADOLLAHI, Frank RUDZICZ, Shumit SAHA
  • Publication number: 20170119304
    Abstract: The present invention relates to device, system and method for unobtrusively and reliably detecting apnoea of a subject (2). The proposed device comprises an input unit (11) for receiving image data of subject, said image data including a sequence of images over time, a cardiac activity extraction unit (12) for extracting from said image data a cardiac activity signal representing the subject's cardiac activity from a skin area of the subject using remote photoplethysmography, a motion signal extraction unit (14) for extracting from said image data a motion signal representing motion of a subject's body part caused by breathing of the subject, an analysis unit (16) for determining the similarity between said cardiac activity signal and said motion signal, and an decision unit (18) for detecting apnoea of the subject based on the determined similarity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Vincent JEANNE
  • Publication number: 20170119305
    Abstract: An electrocardiography and respiratory monitor recorder is provided. The recorder includes a sealed housing adapted to be removably secured into a non-conductive receptacle on a disposable extended wear electrode patch and an electronic circuitry comprised within the sealed housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Gust H. Bardy, Jon Mikalson Bishay, Jason Felix
  • Publication number: 20170119306
    Abstract: Methods for diagnosing sleep apnea are provided herein. In at least one example, a method may be provided including receiving airway image data from a remote end imaging sensor coupled to a nasal tube disposed within an upper airway above a constriction point, and analyzing the airway image data and displaying in a sleep study report the airway image data to identify airway closures related to obstructive sleep apnea.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Chunyuan Qiu
  • Publication number: 20170119307
    Abstract: A mobile terminal according to the present invention includes a terminal main body, a user input unit provided at the terminal main body and capable of receiving a control command for executing a specific function, a sensor unit provided adjacent to the user input unit and capable of sensing biometric information during the reception of the control command, and a controller capable of executing the specific function based on the control command and calculating a blood pressure value using the biometric information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hongjo SHIM, Hyunok LEE, Youngho SOHN, Mihyun PARK, Jisoo PARK, Hyunwoo KIM, Sungho WOO, Seonghyok KIM
  • Publication number: 20170119308
    Abstract: A method for continuously detecting body physiological information trajectories through the use of a personal wearable device. Through short-distance wireless transmission, a smartphone or a computer first transmits basic information, including a personal ID of a user of the device, a device ID, an ID of the smartphone or the computer, and communication links, to a remote medical data center. In this case, the device continuously detects body physiological information which can be transmitted to the remote medical data center. Corrective body physiological information data of the user is measured and transmitted to the remote medical data center. The remote medical data center processes the data and periodic pulse volume curves. The remote medical data center then transmits the numeral data converted from periodic pulse volume curves back to the personal wearable device and continuously constructs a periodic trajectory of detected personal body physiological information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Jean Fuh, Pei Chin Chen, Martin M. T. Fuh
  • Publication number: 20170119309
    Abstract: An elastic physiological detection structure includes a fabric article, a main body, an elastic member, and a detection module. The main body is combined with an internal layer of the fabric article. The main body includes at least one opening formed therein. The elastic member is combined to a surface of the main body. The detection module is combined to the elastic member and exposed outside the opening of the main body. The elastic member helps the detection module to apply an increased force from the fabric article to a surface layer of a human body, allowing the detection module located outside the opening of the main body to tightly engage the surface layer of the human body at a site where detection is to be made thereby improving the attachability of the detection module to the surface layer of the human body and enhancing stability of dynamic detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: KING'S METAL FIBER TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu Hsun KANG, Li Chuan CHANG, Jaang Jiun HOU, Hao Chen WANG, Shu Fen LIAO, Reng Sho CHEN
  • Publication number: 20170119310
    Abstract: A physiological detection structure includes a main body, a slidable member, and a detection module. The slidable member is combined to a surface of the main body. The main body includes at least one opening formed therein. The slidable member has an extra preserved length. The detection module is combined to the slidable member and exposed outside the opening of the main body. As such, the detection module is allowed to displace by means of the extra preserved length of the slidable member to provide the detection module with an effect of changing the site where detection is to be made for detecting physiological signals of different sites of the human body. Further, with such an operatively-disconnected arrangement, the stability of the detection module is ensured and discomfort of human body caused by the detection module being long retained on and depressing a fixed location of the skin is eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: KING'S METAL FIBER TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu Hsun KANG, Li Chuan CHANG, Hao Chen WANG, Shu Fen LIAO, Reng Sho CHEN
  • Publication number: 20170119311
    Abstract: A device for placement in contact with an eye of a user. The device includes at least one detector for measuring at least one property, and a signal processor for determining, based on the at least one property, whether the eye of the user is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Masanori Iwasaki, Ken Hayakawa, Tsukasa Yoshimura, Masakazu Yajima, Naoto Yamaguchi, Akira Tange
  • Publication number: 20170119312
    Abstract: An integrated adhesive sensor array includes an adhesive a patch, a sensor hub, and a detachable sensor pod packaged as a unit. The patch may include a docking area for the detachable sensor pod. The detachable sensor pod may include at least one sensor and may be configured to be detached from the patch and applied to various locations on a body. The detachable sensor pod may send sensor data to the sensor hub via a wired link when on the patch and via a wireless link when detached from the patch. The sensor hub receives sensor data from the detachable sensor pod and relays the data to a receiver. The sensor hub and detachable sensor pod may include indicators for communicating information. The sensor hub may include a power source for powering the sensor hub and a detachable sensor pod attached to the main sensor unit or patch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Kenneth KASKOUN, Brian David NIZNIK, Michael David ATELLA
  • Publication number: 20170119313
    Abstract: A wellness monitoring method and system with temperature-based forehead contact detection comprises a sensor device configured for placement in contact with a user's forehead and a mobile computing device wirelessly coupled with the sensor device. The system uses temperature readings taken by the sensor device to detect when contact between the sensor device and the user's forehead is established and lost and, as a result, when to start and stop wellness measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Eric Helvick, Geoff Harvey
  • Publication number: 20170119314
    Abstract: A monitoring device configured to be attached to a body of a subject includes a sensor configured to detect and/or measure physiological information from the subject, and at least one actuator that is configured to adjust the stability of the monitoring device relative to the subject body in response to the sensor detecting a change in subject activity, a change in environmental conditions, a change in time, and/or a change in location of the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Steven Matthew Just, Steven Francis LeBoeuf, Jesse Berkley Tucker, Michael Edward Aumer, Mark Andrew Felice
  • Publication number: 20170119315
    Abstract: A monitoring device configured to be attached to a body of a subject includes a sensor configured to detect and/or measure physiological information from the subject, and a processor coupled to the sensor that is configured to receive and analyze signals produced by the sensor. The processor is configured to change signal analysis frequency and/or sensor interrogation power in response to detecting a change in subject activity, a change in subject stress level, a change in environmental conditions, a change in time, and/or a change in location of the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Steven Francis LeBoeuf, Jesse Berkley Tucker, Michael Edward Aumer, Steven Matthew Just, Mark Andrew Felice
  • Publication number: 20170119316
    Abstract: A spine measurement system comprises an optical measurement probe, one or more targets, a fluoroscope, and a remote station. A-P and lateral images of the spine are taken using the fluoroscope and provided to the remote station. The remote station includes computer vision that can identify endplates and pedicle screws in the spine. The computer vision in the remote station is further used to identify vertebra and bone landmarks of the spine. The remote station can generate quantitative measurement data such as Cobb angles and axial rotation of the spine from the fluoroscope images that correspond to the spine deformity. The optical measurement probe can send images of the spine with pedicle screw extenders extending from the pedicle screws to the remote station. The remotes station using computer vision can provide spine metrics in real-time by tracking position of the pedicle screw extenders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: Orthosensor Inc
    Inventors: Erik Herrmann, Scott Clegg
  • Publication number: 20170119317
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting cardiac conditions such as events indicative of worsening of heart failure (HF) are described. A system can receive a physiological signal from a patient, transform one or more first portions of the physiological signal into respective one or more baseline statistical values, transform one or more second portions of the physiological signal into one or more historical extreme values, and generate one or more reference values of a physiologic parameter using the baseline statistical values and the historical extreme values. The system can transform one or more third signal portions of the physiological signal into respective one or more short-term values, and produce a cardiac condition indicator using a combination of relative differences between the short-term values and the corresponding reference values. The system can output the cardiac condition indicator, or deliver therapy according to the cardiac condition indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Pramodsingh Hirasingh Thakur, Qi An, Viktoria A. Averina, John D. Hatlestad, Yi Zhang
  • Publication number: 20170119318
    Abstract: A system and method for evaluating cardiovascular-related health of a user including an RF sensor device configured to transmit incident pulse signals towards the user, and to receive reflected pulse signals for generating a reflected pulse signal dataset, a pulse signal modification module configured to modify the reflected pulse signal dataset, and a processing system communicably coupled to the RF sensor device and the pulse signal modification module, the processing system configured to generate a cardiovascular parameter for the user based on the modified reflected pulse signal dataset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: Blumio, Inc.
    Inventors: Oliver Hao-Yuan Shay, Lillian Lei Dai
  • Publication number: 20170119319
    Abstract: A user wearable portable communication device and a method for collecting and transmitting a plurality of physiological parameters to a remote monitoring center are disclosed. The portable communication device includes a provision for enabling the user to establish a video conference, a fall detection module in conjunction with an accelerometer recognizes a placement of the portable communication device, a home automation module for enabling the user to remotely operate multiple electronic devices, an acknowledgment acceptance module for receiving the acknowledgment, a physiological data collecting module communicatively coupled to a fetal Doppler module for monitoring and transmitting the physiological parameters associated with a child, multiple preprogrammed contact numbers for enabling the user to establish a communication, a subscriber identity module for enabling the user establish a communication and data transmission between the portable communication device and the remote monitoring center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Rajendra Padma Sadhu
  • Publication number: 20170119320
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical image diagnostic apparatus includes a gantry, a couch, a movable base, a screen, a reflecting plate, and a support body. The gantry has a bore formed therein and performs medical imaging. The couch is configured to move the table top along the central axis of the bore. The movable base is provided independently of the table top so as to be movable along the central axis of the bore. The screen is provided on the movable base. An image from a projector is projected on the screen. The reflecting plate reflects the image projected on the screen. The support body is provided on the movable base and supports the reflecting plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yu UEDA, Hiromitsu Takamori, Takashi Sasaki, Aira Hotta, Takahiro Murata
  • Publication number: 20170119321
    Abstract: A system for detecting lymphedema comprising a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry system and one or more spacer pads disposed within a field of view of the dual energy x-ray absorptiometry system. The dual energy x-ray absorptiometry system comprises an x-ray source and a patient support platform, wherein the patient support platform is configured to receive a patient in a supine position with the x-ray source disposed above the patient support platform. The one or more spacer pads are configured to be positioned between body parts of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Kevin Wilson, Thomas L. Kelly
  • Publication number: 20170119322
    Abstract: A medical image diagnosis system according to an embodiment includes a structural image diagnosis apparatus and a nuclear medical image diagnosis apparatus. The system includes a processing circuit that acquires information on a position of a body part of a subject based on a structural image acquired by the structural image diagnosis apparatus and a gantry that scans a nuclear medical image of the subject. The processing circuit controls the gantry based on the information on the position of the body part and a scan condition of the body part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yasunobu YAMADA, Yasuhiro NOSHI
  • Publication number: 20170119323
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography imaging apparatus includes an X-ray source, an X-ray detector, a gantry, a column, and a display. The display configured to display, on the floor surface, a graphic corresponding to one of a range in which a field of view formed by the X-ray source and the X-ray detector is projected onto the floor surface from a vertical direction of the gantry and a range in which an outer edge of the bore is projected onto the floor surface from the vertical direction of the gantry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Keisuke OISHI
  • Publication number: 20170119324
    Abstract: A system of shields designed to provide substantially greater protection, head to toe, against radiation exposure to health care workers in a hospital room during procedures which require real-time imaging. The shields are placed around the patient and the x-ray table and provide protection even when the x-ray tube is moved to various angles around the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: Egg Medical, Inc
    Inventors: Robert F. Wilson, Uma S. Valeti, John P. Gainor
  • Publication number: 20170119325
    Abstract: A data acquisition device according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to compare the reference waveform of a signal, which is output from a detector that detects radiation, with the waveform of a detection signal based on the radiation, which enters the detector through the subject and which is detected by the detector. The processing circuitry is configured to estimate the information about the radiation, which enters the detector through the subject, in accordance with a comparison result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Emi TAMURA
  • Publication number: 20170119326
    Abstract: A method of making a device having a component with a planar surface bonded to a supporting frame with openings therein by an adhesive layer cured by actinic rays, wherein part of the adhesive layer lies in the shadow of opaque portions of the supporting frame, involves bringing the component and supporting frame together with a layer of adhesive applied between them. The part of the adhesive layer in the shadow of the opaque portions is cured by directing actinic rays obliquely through the openings so that they are reflected internally into the part of the adhesive layer in the shadow of the opaque portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Anton Petrus Maria VAN ARENDONK
  • Publication number: 20170119327
    Abstract: A method for determining the locations of origin of radiation signals in a measurement zone in which radiation signals are detected from the measurement zone by means of a quantity of radiation detectors at a measurement time, and measurement values associated with the measurement time are provided. The determination of the locations of origin is carried out taking into account the measurement values of all of the radiation detectors and of the known positional relationships of the radiation detectors relative to one another using a reference dataset. The measuring device of the invention, for the simultaneous detection of radiation events of decaying radionuclides in the measurement zone has a quantity of radiation detectors is provided in a measuring head. An ultrasound probe may be arranged in the measuring head. Detection, determination and imaging of a two-dimensional intensity distribution of radiation signals of a radionuclide is possible in the entire measurement zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Martin FREESMEYER
  • Publication number: 20170119328
    Abstract: The present invention provides a support device for an X-ray detector and an X-ray detection device, the support device comprising a bottom plate and a limiting device mounted on the bottom plate, the limiting device comprising a limiting frame, two mounting members connected to the limiting frame, and two stoppers respectively arranged on the two mounting members. At least one of the two mounting members is configured to be able to move in a particular direction and to be limited at one of a plurality of fixed positions on the limiting frame, and the two stoppers are used for limiting the movement of the X-ray detector in the particular direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Xiaojie Wang
  • Publication number: 20170119329
    Abstract: An interventional radiology system includes an imaging system for generating an image of anatomy of a patient and a catheter within the anatomy and a display system operable to display the image as a projection onto the patient, proximate and aligned with the patient anatomy. An interventional radiology method includes generating an image of anatomy of a patient and a catheter within the anatomy using an imaging system, and displaying the image as a projection onto the patient, proximate and aligned with the patient anatomy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Adrian F. Warner, James V. Miller, Claudio P. Mejia, Daniel R. Schneidewend, Hao Lai, Nicholas P. Nekich
  • Publication number: 20170119330
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for medical imaging uses a first and second contrast agent, the second agent targeted to a particular tissue type. First images are obtained using the first agent, and second images using the second agent using medical imaging systems. An image processing system is adapted to process the first and second medical images by fitting parameters of a pharmacokinetic model to the first medical images, identifying a nontargeted tissue type, scaling the fitted parameters to best match the nontargeted tissue in the second medical images, executing the pharmacokinetic model to prepare a correction image, and generating corrected medical images by subtracting the correction image from the second medical images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Kenneth M. TICHAUER, Scott C. DAVIS, Brian William POGUE
  • Publication number: 20170119331
    Abstract: A system including initialization, imaging, alignment, processing, and setting modules. The initialization module obtains patient parameters for a patient and procedure and surgeon parameters. The initialization module selects first settings for an x-ray source based on the patient, procedure, and surgeon parameters. The image module obtains a first sample set of images of a region-of-interest of the patient and a master sample set of images. The first sample set was acquired as a result of the x-ray source operating according to the first settings. The alignment module aligns the first sample set to the master sample set. The processing module processes pixel data corresponding to a result of the alignment based on a pixel parameter or one of the patient parameters. The setting module adjusts the first settings to provide updated settings. X-ray dosage associated with the updated settings is less than x-ray dosage associated with the first settings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Richard J. BRODY
  • Publication number: 20170119332
    Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry configured to acquire a plurality of X-ray images over time based on X-rays having passed through a subject injected with a contrast agent, to calculate a blood vessel region corresponding to an inflow path of the contrast agent leading to a predetermined position in the blood vessel region, based on a temporal transition of signal intensities of the contrast agent in the blood vessel region represented in the X-ray images, and to perform control to display the blood vessel region corresponding to the inflow path in a display mode that is different from that of a blood vessel region other than the inflow path on a display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Mika TAKAYA, Shingo Abe, Ko Fuchigami, Ryoichi Nagae, Takuya Sakaguchi
  • Publication number: 20170119333
    Abstract: A method for quantifying the effects of a treatment of a subject, comprising: analysing a sample of the subject, the sample comprising a material of interest and at least one adjacent material that is generally adjacent to the material of interest, the material of interest having a generally different density from the adjacent material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Roger ZEBAZE, Eleanor Jean MACKIE, Anne BOHTE, Aloys MBALA, Ali GHASEMZADEH, Ego SEEMAN
  • Publication number: 20170119334
    Abstract: A computerized method for determining an objective tumor response to an anti-cancer therapy using one or more cross-sectional images can comprise receiving one or more cross-sectional images that comprise one or more cross-sectional slices of digital medical image data and identifying one or more target lesions within the one or more cross-sectional images. The method can also comprise analyzing at least one of the target lesions with an image-processing module configured to identify a total range of pixel intensities and restrict the total range of pixel intensities to a first restricted range that corresponds to pixel intensities representative of vascularized tumor. Further still, the method can comprise deriving a vascular tumor burden for the at least one of the one or more target lesions and determining the objective tumor response for the at least one of the one or more target lesions based on the vascular tumor burden.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Andrew Dennis Smith
  • Publication number: 20170119335
    Abstract: This X-ray CT device uses iterative reconstruction to obtain a CT image with the desired noise reduction or X-ray reduction ratio. An iterative approximation reconstruction unit (136) is provided which, from measured projection data obtained by an X-ray detection unit of the X-ray CT device, iteratively reconstructs a CT image in a reconstruction range of a subject, and iteratively corrects the CT image such that calculated projection data, calculated through forward projection of a CT image, is the same as the difference between measured projection data detected by the X-raw detection unit and calculated projection data. The iterative approximation reconstruction unit is provided with a parameter determination unit (151), an iterative correction unit (152), and a table unit (153) which calculates in advance the relation between each parameter used in the iterative reconstruction, and noise reduction or X-ray reduction ratio in the CT image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Keisuke YAMAKAWA, Shinichi KOJIMA
  • Publication number: 20170119336
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method and a system to create a medical image are disclosed. The method comprises receiving a plurality of patient tissue images during an x-ray dose. Furthermore, during the x-ray dose, a determination is made if motion occurred in the plurality of patient tissue images. In a case that no motion is determined, a diagnostic image of the patient tissue comprising the plurality of patient tissue images is created.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Biju Jacob, Remy Andre Klausz, John Eric Tkaczyk, Emad Abutabanjeh
  • Publication number: 20170119337
    Abstract: The embodiments relate to a method for adapting at least one radiation parameter of a beam source in an x-ray device, wherein the beam source is activated according to the radiation parameter for providing x-radiation, wherein, as long as the filter element is not being moved, the radiation parameter is specified based on image data acquired in a transillumination region by the beam detector, wherein at least one interim image is recorded at least partially within a movement interval during which the filter element is moved, after which the radiation parameter is specified independently of the image data of the interim image or after which exclusively image data of the interim image that are acquired in an overlapping region of the beam detector that lies within the transillumination region during the entire recording interval are taken into account in the determination of the radiation parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Anton Nekovar, Tamás Ujvári
  • Publication number: 20170119338
    Abstract: An X-ray system for taking an X-ray image of an object includes an X-ray source, an X-ray detector, depth camera(s) covering at least an area covered by an X-ray bundle and configured to obtain depth images and a client device including a display adapted to display an impression image to a user. The system further includes a controller configured to derive the impression image including a representation of this area from the depth images; and to obtain from the client device a first geometric position correction of the X-ray imaging system with respect to this impression image; and to convert the first geometric position correction to an actual geometric position configuration of the X-ray imaging system by a known relation between the one or more depth cameras and the X-ray imaging system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Gert MERCKX
  • Publication number: 20170119339
    Abstract: A system and method of checking registration for a surgical system, the surgical system including fiducials and tracking markers, may include: using the fiducials and the tracking markers to register a three-dimensional (3D) imaging space of the surgical system with a 3D tracking space of the surgical system; using a tracking fixture of an X-ray imaging system to register an X-ray imaging space of the X-ray imaging system to the 3D tracking space; obtaining a two-dimensional (2D) X-ray image corresponding to the 3D tracking space; identifying a point of interest in the 2D X-ray image; determining a vector in the 3D tracking space that passes through the point of interest; and/or evaluating the registration of the 3D imaging space with the 3D tracking space based on a location, an orientation, or the location and the orientation of the vector in the 3D tracking space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Norbert Johnson, Neil Crawford, Jeffrey Forsyth
  • Publication number: 20170119340
    Abstract: A photon-counting X-ray computed tomography (CT) apparatus according to an embodiment includes an X-ray tube, a detector, a photon counting circuitry, a correcting circuitry, and a calculating circuitry. The X-ray tube irradiates a subject with X-rays. The detector includes a plurality of detection elements that detect photons of X-rays incident on the detection elements. The photon counting circuitry counts the count of X-ray photons for each energy bin set in an X-ray energy distribution, for each position of the X-ray tube, and for each of the detection elements. The correcting circuitry corrects the count of the X-ray photons counted by the photon counting circuitry, based on a detection characteristic, of the detection elements. The calculating circuitry calculates the reliability of a pixel in a reconstruction image, based on the correction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroaki NAKAI, Mikihito HAYASHI, Tooru KATO
  • Publication number: 20170119341
    Abstract: An apparatus for metal detection is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing having a first end portion sized and adapted for holding by a user and a second end portion opposite the first end portion, wherein the second end portion includes a centrally located aperture, a detection coil within the second end portion, and a detection circuit connected to the detection coil, the detection circuit and detection coil being configured to detect the presence of an element proximate to the second end portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Szczepanski, Fredrick P. Schoville
  • Publication number: 20170119342
    Abstract: An ultrasonic device has ultrasonic elements to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic device includes a first ultrasonic element array in which ultrasonic elements forming one channel among the ultrasonic elements are arranged in a first direction (scan direction) and a second ultrasonic element array in which ultrasonic elements forming one channel are arranged in the first direction. The second ultrasonic element array is disposed so as to be shifted from the first ultrasonic element array in a second direction (slice direction) crossing the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jiro TSURUNO
  • Publication number: 20170119343
    Abstract: A method and system for analyzing cardiac periodicity includes a processor, a display device, and a probe. The method and system includes acquiring ultrasound data from cardiac tissue with the probe, generating an m-mode image from the ultrasound data with the processor, displaying the m-mode image on the display device, selecting a portion of the m-mode image exhibiting periodic motion, analyzing the portion of the m-mode image with the processor to determine a cardiac periodicity, and displaying a graphical representation of the cardiac periodicity on the display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Klaus Pintoffl
  • Publication number: 20170119344
    Abstract: An angiography system and method comprising of an imaging system for imaging arteries, a processor for processing image data for at least one artery of a participant and an output comprising the image of the artery, a reference image for the artery and physiological data and indexes of the participant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Alfred S. Callahan, III
  • Publication number: 20170119345
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a precision ultrasound scanner for imaging, for example, the prostate in a way that produces a superior image of the prostate while removing the iatrogenic risk and patient discomfort associated with other methods of providing an ultrasound image of the prostate. The present disclosure describes an apparatus and method for forming a high precision image of the prostate from outside the patient's body wherein the resolution in sufficient to image, for example, cancerous lesions on the surface of the prostate. To achieve such images, coded excitation, tissue harmonic imaging, advanced transducers operating in the 10 MHz to 40 MHz range is used to achieve a useable signal-to-noise reflection while being able to position the imaging transducer as close as possible to the prostate without risk or discomfort to the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Andrew K. Levien, John D. Watson, Ronald H. Silverman
  • Publication number: 20170119346
    Abstract: An ultrasonic device that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves includes: ultrasonic elements including first and second surfaces from which the ultrasonic waves are emitted; and a backing unit that supports the second surfaces of the ultrasonic elements and attenuates the ultrasonic waves emitted to the second surface side. The backing unit has slits inclined in a thickness direction. The ultrasonic elements are arranged in the shape of an array, and the slits are arranged at distances equal to an arrangement distance between the ultrasonic elements arranged in the shape of an array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Robina ATSUCHI, Daisuke NAKANISHI
  • Publication number: 20170119347
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, there is provided a headset mountable on a head, the headset including a probe for emitting energy into the head. The headset further includes a support structure coupled to the probe. The support structure includes translation actuators for translating the probe along axes about a surface of the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: Neural Analytics, Inc.
    Inventors: Roman Flores, II, Matthew Hutter, Gerard Salinas, Michael Costa, Matthew Sylvester, Robert Hamilton, Corey Thibeault, Leo Petrossian, Shankar Radhakrishnan, Michael O'Brien, Seth Wilk, Jan Zwierstra
  • Publication number: 20170119348
    Abstract: Apparatus, including an insertion tube, configured to be inserted into a body cavity and having a first lumen having a first lumen diameter and a distal opening, and a tubular channel, having a second lumen and an outer channel diameter smaller than the first lumen diameter, inserted into the first lumen. The apparatus includes a support structure, configured to be passed through a space between an inner wall of the insertion tube and an outer wall of the tubular channel to the distal opening in a folded state and to unfold, upon exit of the support structure through the distal opening, in a direction transverse to the first lumen to reach a support dimension that is greater than the first lumen diameter. A plurality of planar two-dimensional arrays of ultrasonic transducers are supported by the support structure, the arrays having transverse dimensions less than the first lumen diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicants: GEORGIA TECH RESEARCH CORPORATION, BIOSENSE WEBSTER (ISRAEL) LTD.
    Inventors: F. Levent Degertekin, Meir Bar-Tal
  • Publication number: 20170119349
    Abstract: A receiving transducer includes: a flexible portion; a piezoelectric film provided on the flexible portion; a first electrode provided between a first surface of the flexible portion, on which the piezoelectric body is provided, and a second surface of the piezoelectric film that is a surface not facing the flexible portion; and a second electrode that is provided between the first and second surfaces and that faces the first electrode with a gap interposed therebetween in plan view as viewed from the thickness direction of the flexible portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiromu MIYAZAWA, Hiroshi ITO, Tomoaki NAKAMURA, Masayoshi YAMADA, Sayaka YAMASAKI, Tsukasa FUNASAKA
  • Publication number: 20170119350
    Abstract: A piezoelectric element includes: a piezoelectric body; and a vibrating plate including single crystal silicon having anisotropy having orientation with a relatively high Poisson's ratio and orientation with a relatively low Poisson's ratio (hereinafter, referred to as “low Poisson's ratio orientation”) as a vibrating material, in which the piezoelectric body and the vibrating plate are laminated on each other so that the low Poisson's ratio orientation is in a direction along a high expansion and contraction direction among a direction where a degree of expansion and contraction caused according to a support structure of the piezoelectric body is relatively high (hereinafter, referred to as “high expansion and contraction direction”) and a direction where a degree thereof is relatively low.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sayaka YAMASAKI, Hiroaki TAMURA
  • Publication number: 20170119351
    Abstract: A piezoelectric element includes: a piezoelectric body; and a vibrating plate including single crystal silicon having anisotropy having orientation with a relatively high Young's modulus and orientation with a relatively low Young's modulus (hereinafter, referred to as “low Young's modulus orientation”) as a vibrating material, in which the piezoelectric body and the vibrating plate are laminated on each other so that the low Young's modulus orientation is in a direction along a high expansion and contraction direction among a direction where a degree of expansion and contraction caused according to a support structure of the piezoelectric body is relatively high (hereinafter, referred to as “high expansion and contraction direction”) and a direction where a degree thereof is relatively low.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sayaka YAMASAKI, Hiroaki TAMURA