Ultrasound Mammography Patents (Class 128/915)
  • Patent number: 12127864
    Abstract: A bracket body releasably secures a compression element to the compression arm of a breast imaging system. A pair of parallel lateral arms extends from a rigid frame which extends from the bracket. A span connects the ends of the lateral arms opposite the bracket and a flexible membrane extends from the span towards the bracket body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Rego, Joseph Vartolone
  • Patent number: 12070355
    Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus including a plurality of casters allowing the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus to be moved according to a control signal, a detection sensor configured to detect a motion of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, an input configured to receive a control command of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus from a user, and a controller configured to determine whether a user desires to use the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus on the basis of at least one of the detected motion or the received control command, and upon determining that the user desires to use the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, transmit a control signal for locking at least one of the plurality of casters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: SAMSUNG MEDISON CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Chang Wook Song, Kyeong Gu Woo, Gil Ju Jin
  • Patent number: 12029599
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system comprising: a radiation source configured to cause emission of characteristic X-rays of a chemical element in human breast tissues by generating and directing radiation to the human breast tissues; a first image sensor configured to capture a first set of images of the human breast tissues using the characteristic X-rays; a second image sensor configured to capture a second set of images of the human breast tissues using the radiation that has transmitted through the human breast tissues; and a clamp configured to compress the human breast tissues against the second image sensor; wherein the first image sensor is between the clamp and the second image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: SHENZHEN XPECTVISION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Peiyan Cao, Yurun Liu
  • Patent number: 11844648
    Abstract: A device, system, and method for volumetric ultrasound imaging is described. The device and system include an array of transducer elements grouped in triangular planar facets and substantially configured in the shape of a hemisphere to form a cup-shaped volumetric imaging region within the cavity of the hemisphere, A plurality of data-acquisition assemblies are connected to the transducers, which are configured to collect ultrasound signals received from the transducers and transmit image data to a network of processors that are configured to construct a volumetric image of an object within the imaging region based on the image data received from the data-acquisition assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Inventors: Robert C. Waag, Jeffrey P. Astheimer
  • Patent number: 11793487
    Abstract: Techniques of this disclosure are for a transducer array device, method and system. An ultrasound wrap for securing an array of piezoelectric transducers at a thoracic cavity anterior for echocardiology imaging, the ultrasound wrap including a transducer portion having an array of piezoelectric transducers mounted to an inner concave surface of a semi-rigid structure, and a securing portion extending from the transducer portion and comprising flexible material securely fitting around the thorax of a patient limiting the movement of the transducer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Inventors: Annamarie Saarinen, Paul Saarinen
  • Patent number: 11439362
    Abstract: A method and system acquiring, processing and displaying breast ultrasound images in a way that makes breast ultrasound screening more practical and thus more widely used, and reduces the occurrence of missing cancers in screening and diagnosis, using automated scanning of chestwardly compressed breasts with ultrasound. Enhanced, whole-breast navigator overview images are produced from scanning breasts with ultrasound that emphasize abnormalities in the breast while excluding obscuring influences of non-breast structures, particularly those external to the breast such as ribs and chest wall, and differentiating between likely malignant and likely benign abnormalities and otherwise enhancing the navigator overview image and other images, thereby reducing the time to read, screen, and/or diagnose to practical time limits and also reduce screening or diagnostic errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: QView Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Zhang, Shih-Ping Wang, Alexander Schneider, Harlan Romsdahl, Thomas Neff
  • Patent number: 11311270
    Abstract: An anatomical structure is detected (110) in a volume of ultrasound data by identifying (150) the anatomical structure in another volume of ultrasound data and generating (155) an image of the anatomical structure and an anatomical landmark. A group of images are generated (130) of the original volume and compared (140) to the image of the other volume. An image of the group of images is selected (150) as including the anatomical structure based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Jin-hyeong Park, Michal Sofka, Shaohua Kevin Zhou
  • Patent number: 11304676
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for preclinical ultrasound imaging of subjects are provided. In one aspect, the apparatus can include a platform on which a subject is positionable and at least one motion stage for controlling a spatial position of at least one ultrasound transducer relative to the platform in order to acquire ultrasound image data of the subject. Methods for preclinical ultrasound raster scanning of at least one organ or tissue in a subject are also provided, where the at least one organ or tissue is a heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignees: THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL, SONOVOL, INC.
    Inventors: Paul Alexander Dayton, Ryan Christopher Gessner, James Owen Butler, Max Stephan Harlacher, Nicholas Allan Norman
  • Patent number: 11058357
    Abstract: An acoustic wave apparatus is used, the apparatus comprising: a supporting member supporting an examinee and having insertion opening; a subject holding member holding the subject; a transducer array including transducers and being distant from the subject holding member; a load acquiring unit acquiring a load value applied between the supporting member and the subject holding member based on an amount of deformation of the subject holding member; a memory unit storing a first load reference value determined based on the amount of deformation of the subject holding member and an area applied with the load when the subject holding member and the transducer array come into contact with each other; a comparing and determining; and an interlock controlling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shinji Ohishi
  • Patent number: 11013492
    Abstract: A sonographic imaging device involves an at least one movable panel, coupled to an upper surface, wherein movement of the panel will alter the overall size of the opening, a tub positioned beneath the opening and defining a volume such that a body part of a human subject can freely protrude through the opening into the volume defined by the tub, at least one robotic arm having a terminal end, wherein the terminal end is position-able to multiple locations within the volume defined by the tub, and at least one high frequency ultrasound transducer located near the terminal end. A related method of acquiring sonographic images of internal tissue of a human subject is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Inventor: Philip B. Kivitz
  • Patent number: 10959698
    Abstract: A system for diagnosing a heart condition comprises an imaging system (102) arranged to acquire two images of the heart at respective points in the cardiac cycle, and locating means, which may be manually operated or automatic, for locating a series of pairs of points on the images. Each pair of points indicates the respective positions of a single part of the heart in the two images. The system further comprises a processor (108) arranged to calculate from the positions of said pairs of points a value of at least one parameter of the deformation of the heart. It may further be arranged to compare the value of the at least one parameter with reference data to generate a diagnostic output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: OXFORD UNIVERSITY INNOVATION LTD.
    Inventors: Ross Upton, Paul Leeson
  • Patent number: 10945684
    Abstract: The ultrasonic CT device includes: a first water tank configured such that an object is inserted therein, the first water tank being filled with a medium through which an ultrasonic wave passes; a ring array that irradiates an ultrasonic wave to the object and detects an ultrasonic wave reflected by the object while moving on an outer surface of the first water tank; and a signal processing unit that generates a tomographic image of the object based on a signal obtained by the ring array. The ultrasonic CT device further includes: a second water tank that houses the first water tank and the ring array; and a lid having a hole or a notch which is provided on a side of the object in the second water tank and which drains the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Yushi Tsubota, Masakazu Sugaya, Hideo Kashima, Takahide Terada, Kenichi Kawabata, Wenjing Wu, Kazuhiro Yamanaka, Ai Masuda
  • Patent number: 10905380
    Abstract: A blind area is reduced by reducing an area between a subject and a receiver in which acoustic waves do not propagate. The present invention relates to a subject-information acquisition apparatus including a base; a subject holding member on the base; a receiver including a plurality of transducers and a support member on which the plurality of transducers are disposed; and a fluid-level adjusting mechanism configured in such a manner that an acoustic matching material in a space enclosed by the base, the subject holding member, and the receiver can be at a fluid level higher than a boundary between the subject holding member and the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 10888301
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Inventors: Andrew K. Levien, John D. Watson, Ronald H. Silverman
  • Patent number: 10603007
    Abstract: A method and system acquiring, processing and displaying breast ultrasound images in a way that makes breast ultrasound screening more practical and thus more widely used, and reduces the occurrence of missing cancers in screening and diagnosis, using automated scanning of chestwardly compressed breasts with ultrasound. Enhanced, whole-breast navigator overview images are produced from scanning breasts with ultrasound that emphasize abnormalities in the breast while excluding obscuring influences of non-breast structures, particularly those external to the breast such as ribs and chest wall, and differentiating between likely malignant and likely benign abnormalities and otherwise enhancing the navigator overview image and other images, thereby reducing the time to read, screen, and/or diagnose to practical time limits and also reduce screening or diagnostic errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: QVIEW MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Wei Zhang, Shih-Ping Wang, Alexander Schneider, Harlan Romsdahl, Thomas Neff
  • Patent number: 10413757
    Abstract: Methods and systems for coupling ultrasound to the body, including to the head, are disclosed. The system is optionally configured to transmit ultrasound energy for transcranial ultrasound neuromodulation. Couplant assemblies are described that incorporate a semi-solid component that interfaces directly to the user's body and face of the ultrasound transducer. These couplant assemblies can be shaped, molded, or otherwise machined and, in some embodiments, contain one or more liquid, gel, or other non-solid component in an enclosed reservoir of the couplant assembly. Beneficial embodiments of ultrasound coupling assemblies described herein include those that conform to the contour of the user's body (e.g. the user's head for transcranial applications) and can easily be removed without leaving a messy residue. By having solid materials physically contacting the body, no residue is left that requires cleanup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: CEREVAST MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Tomokazu Sato, William J. Tyler, Philip Lamb, Daniel Z. Wetmore, Han-Ting Chang, Isy Goldwasser
  • Patent number: 10390785
    Abstract: A medical imaging device that includes: a press plate that presses a breast; an emitter that radiates radiation onto the breast; an acquisition section that acquires various information indicating a type of an acoustic matching member inserted between the press plate and the breast in cases in which ultrasound imaging of the breast is performed; and a setting section that sets a tube voltage of the emitter to a first tube voltage, in cases in which radiographic imaging of the breast is performed alone, and that sets the tube voltage of the emitter to a second tube voltage that is different from the first tube voltage, by employing the various information acquired by the acquisition section, in cases in which radiographic imaging and ultrasound imaging of the breast are performed consecutively with the acoustic matching member still inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takahisa Arai, Tomonari Sendai, Takeyasu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 10372876
    Abstract: A system and method for providing breast image data. A transmission request is transmitted from a workstation to an imaging server with identifying characteristics for a mammography image. A pre-determined breast window for the mammography image is identified. An unprocessed image stored on the server that corresponds to the mammography image is identified, and breast image data can be determined for unprocessed image. The breast image data includes a breast window image that can be determined by applying the pre-determined breast window to the unprocessed image. The breast image data is transmitted to the clinician workstation, and the breast window image is displayed at the clinician workstation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: AGFA HEALTHCARE INC.
    Inventor: Viktor Kopylov
  • Patent number: 10293189
    Abstract: An ultrasonic apparatus (10) includes a support (2) for accommodating a portion of a patient (14). The support includes a first reservoir (8) with a transmission medium. The support further includes an ultrasonic wave source (9) having an emitting surface (7) being conceived to be oriented towards the portion of the patient (14) in use. The ultrasonic apparatus further includes a substantially transparent aperture (26) arranged in the support (2) for enabling an inspection of the first reservoir. A therapeutic system increases a workflow of the ultrasonic apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Jan Willem Bruggers
  • Patent number: 10258308
    Abstract: A whole breast ultrasound image-capturing device comprises: a platform comprising an opening formed thereon; a mechanical driving system mounted in the opening and comprising a frame mounted on the mechanical driving system, a rotary module comprising a first gear, a second gear engaged with the first gear, and a drive motor connected to the first gear, and a radial movement drive comprising a translation mechanism radially movable; an array probe mounted in the radial movement drive; a holder connected to the translation mechanism to fix the array probe; a gel plate connected to a cam surface of the second gear through connecting frames, mounted on the holder, and comprising a plate opening enclosing the array probe to expose the array probe out of the gel plate; a film assembly mounted in the frame and comprising a film frame mounted in the frame and a film mounted in the film frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: EPISONICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsun-Ming Chang, Ihyuan Kuo
  • Patent number: 10251618
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a digital mammography device. The digital mammography device comprises a pressure pad configured to be movably installed between an X-ray generator for irradiating X-rays and a detector for receiving X-rays that have passed through an object to be imaged, in such a way as to apply pressure to the object to be imaged; a pressure pad driving part configured to include a motor and a power transferring part for moving the pressure pad by means of the power of the motor, and an applied pressure transferring part configured to include a coupling block to which the pressure pad is fixed to the power transferring part and relatively and movably connected to the coupling block, and provides an electrical signal depending on a relative movement displacement between the coupling block and the mobile block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Chang Hwa Lee, Tae Woo Nam
  • Patent number: 10226224
    Abstract: A medical imaging device that includes: a press plate that presses a breast; an emitter that radiates radiation onto the breast; an acquisition section that acquires various information indicating a type of an acoustic matching member inserted between the press plate and the breast in cases in which ultrasound imaging of the breast is performed; and a setting section that sets a tube voltage of the emitter to a first tube voltage, in cases in which radiographic imaging of the breast is performed alone, and that sets the tube voltage of the emitter to a second tube voltage that is different from the first tube voltage, by employing the various information acquired by the acquisition section, in cases in which radiographic imaging and ultrasound imaging of the breast are performed consecutively with the acoustic matching member still inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takahisa Arai, Tomonari Sendai, Takeyasu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 10188363
    Abstract: A medical imaging device that includes: a press plate that presses a breast; an emitter that radiates radiation onto the breast; an acquisition section that acquires various information indicating a type of an acoustic matching member inserted between the press plate and the breast in cases in which ultrasound imaging of the breast is performed; and a setting section that sets a tube voltage of the emitter to a first tube voltage, in cases in which radiographic imaging of the breast is performed alone, and that sets the tube voltage of the emitter to a second tube voltage that is different from the first tube voltage, by employing the various information acquired by the acquisition section, in cases in which radiographic imaging and ultrasound imaging of the breast are performed consecutively with the acoustic matching member still inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takahisa Arai, Tomonari Sendai, Takeyasu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 10105061
    Abstract: A long period of time is required to complete measurement performed by a subject information obtaining apparatus. Accordingly, a subject information obtaining apparatus includes a receiver including a plurality of conversion elements which receive acoustic waves and output reception signals and a supporting member including the conversion elements disposed therein, a movement mechanism configured to move the receiver, and a controller configured to input a driving signal to the movement mechanism. The conversion elements are disposed in the supporting member such that directional axes of a number of the conversion elements are converged. The controller controls the movement mechanism so that a center position of a scanning trajectory of the receiver is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takatoshi Tanaka, Naoto Abe
  • Patent number: 10070813
    Abstract: A system for imaging a biological sample including a tubular body having a side wall defining an interior shaped and sized for receiving the biological sample, an electromagnetic source positioned at one end of the tubular body interior for directing electromagnetic energy into the biological sample in the body interior, and an ultrasonic transducer positioned along said side wall of the body for receiving ultrasonic energy induced by the electromagnetic energy and transmitted through the biological sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Lihong Wang, Geng Ku
  • Patent number: 10069995
    Abstract: There is provided an operating environment evaluation system that includes a physical quantity acquisition unit and a generation unit. The physical quantity unit acquires a physical quantity indicating an operating environment of an image processing apparatus. The generation unit generates an operating environment properness level of the image processing apparatus based on the physical quantity that is acquired by the physical quantity acquisition unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Sou Miyazaki, Masaki Narahashi, Hiroyo Tanaka, Tatsuya Inagi
  • Patent number: 9995823
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for using compressed sensing for imaging an object for use in combination with an entertainment or infotainment device. For example, the system may utilize a few—(e.g., 1, 2, 3 . . . ) pixel imaging sensor to obtain coarse image data from each of a plurality of subregions of a region of interest. Compressed sensing techniques may then be used to estimate a higher resolution image of the region of interest using the coarse image data from the plurality of subregions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: ELWHA LLC
    Inventors: Jesse R. Cheatham, III, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Craig J. Mundie, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Robert C. Petroski, Eric D. Rudder, Desney S. Tan, Clarence T. Tegreene, Charles Whitmer, Andrew Wilson, Jeannette M. Wing, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Patent number: 9984450
    Abstract: A computer implemented method and apparatus for processing images comprises obtaining two or more images acquired by ultrasound. One or more operating parameters of the ultrasound probe (transducer) are varied so that the resulting images of a material or object under investigation differ with respect to intensity. Examples of parameters which may be varied include probe angle, frequencies, and even the time and/or resolution of the respective images. The method further comprises creating a new image by selectively subtracting one or more images from one or more others. In an embodiment, there are two images and one is partially subtracted from the other. If negative values are obtained as a result of the subtraction, such values are set to zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: The Trustees of Princeton University, Office of Technology and Trademark Licensing
    Inventors: Jason W. Fleischer, Jen-Tang Lu
  • Patent number: 9947092
    Abstract: A method of processing X-ray images of a breast (B), the method comprising the steps of —generating (GEN3DV) a 3D volume from a plurality of X-ray images, —processing (DETMC) the 3D volume and/or the plurality of X-ray images, —computing (DETMC-CTR), for each region of interest in the 3D volume, a 3D characteristic position of the region of interest, —computing (CALCTGT) at least one needle target 3D position from a plurality of said computed 3D characteristic positions, —associating (SELIMG-TGT) each needle target position with a target image, —displaying (DISP-IMG) a slice image on a graphical interface, and —if the current slice image is a target image, displaying (DISP-TGT) on the graphical interface a target marker indicating each needle target position associated with the displayed current slice image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Laurence Vancamberg, Giovanni Palma
  • Patent number: 9934588
    Abstract: A method of providing multimodal medical images includes: loading first image data and second image data obtained by two different imaging modalities; generating object modeling data based on at least one of the first image data and the second image data; and displaying, on a display, the first image data, the second image data, and the object modeling data. The object modeling data is a virtual model of a body tissue of an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hyun-hee Jo
  • Patent number: 9901281
    Abstract: A measuring method and apparatus in which a measurable object (23) is irradiated with acoustic waves to measure a change in property value of charged particles in the object from electromagnetic waves induced thereby. A part (2) of the measurable object irradiated with an acoustic focused beam (1) is in a charge distribution state in which positive charged particles (3) are greater in number in the part (2) where electromagnetic waves induced by positive charged particles (3) are not canceled by those induced by negative charged particles (4) and where net electromagnetic waves (6) are induced. Since a change in concentration of positive charged particles (3) and/or negative charged particles (4) changes the intensity of electromagnetic waves (6), it is possible to know such a change in concentration of the charged particles from a change in intensity of electromagnetic waves (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: JAPAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AGENCY
    Inventors: Kenji Ikushima, Susumu Komiyama
  • Patent number: 9864281
    Abstract: A movable pressing and light-shielding mechanism for digital stereo image printing comprises a base (1), multiple gantries (2), a photosensitive platform (3) and an exposure system device (4); wherein the base (1) has a groove inside which the photosensitive platform (3) is provided. The number of the gantries (2) is two. The two gantries (2) are provided in parallel and fixed on the base (1) and a slideway (22) is provided between the two gantries (2). A screw is provided in the slideway (22). One end of the screw is connected with a second motor (12). The motor (12) is connected with the exposure system device (4). A top end face of the exposure system device (4) is connected with the screw. A laser scan line opening is provided on a bottom surface of the exposure system equipment (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Shanghai Yiying Digital Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jinchang Gu
  • Patent number: 9659369
    Abstract: Targeting of a lesion which is performed by a stereoscopic biopsy device or the like is performed simply and highly accurately. Designation of a predetermined position in the stereoscopic image is received to acquire position information when a stereoscopic image is displayed, radiological images of radiographing directions are displayed as two-dimensional images, a mark based on the position information, which is designated in the stereoscopic image, is displayed in the two-dimensional images, designation of a predetermined position in the two-dimensional images is further received to acquire the position information after the mark is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki Nakayama, Akira Hasegawa, Harlan Romsdahl
  • Patent number: 9433398
    Abstract: Ultrasonic imaging apparatus or techniques can include obtaining at least an approximation of samples of reflected ultrasonic energy and constructing a representation of an imaging plane within the tissue region. Such apparatus or techniques can include separately determining, for respective focusing locations respective first sums of at least approximated complex samples of reflected ultrasonic energy obtained via respective first lines of transducers, and separately determining, for the specified focusing location, a second sum of at least some the respective first sums of at least approximated complex samples of reflected ultrasonic energy, the second sum corresponding to a second line of transducers in the ultrasonic transducer array. The separately determining the first or second sums of at least approximated complex samples can include phase-rotating at least some of the complex samples. The second line of transducers can be orthogonal to respective first lines in the transducer plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA PATENT FOUNDATION
    Inventor: Kevin Owen
  • Patent number: 9427213
    Abstract: A breast measurement apparatus comprises a receptacle for surrounding a breast; a plurality of optical fibers for irradiating the breast with examination light and detecting transmitted scattered light from the breast; an inner image generation unit for generating an optical CT image concerning the breast according to a detection signal of the transmitted scattered light; an ultrasonic probe, arranged so as to face the inside of the receptacle, for scanning the breast with an ultrasonic wave and receiving a reflected wave from the breast; an image generation unit for generating an ultrasonic image concerning the breast according to the reflected wave; and a mechanism for injecting and discharging a liquid interface agent into and from the inside of the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Suzuki, Yutaka Yamashita, Yukio Ueda, Etsuko Yamaki, Daisuke Yamashita, Kenji Yoshimoto, Harumi Sakahara, Hiroyuki Ogura, Hatsuko Nasu
  • Patent number: 9420991
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for obtaining ultrasound images of a patient's breast that is chestwardly compressed with a template that is essentially planar and rotates relative to the breast while one or more ultrasound transducers moving with the template take 2D images of the breast through one or more respective radially oriented slots in the template, preferably through a membrane that is porous to a gel. The 2D images are processed into slice images representing breast slices of desired thicknesses and orientation that are displayed alone or with some of the 2D images, preferably pairs of orthogonally disposed 2D images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventor: Shih-Ping Wang
  • Patent number: 9317786
    Abstract: A method for content-based image retrieval for the classification of breast density from mammographic imagery is described. The breast density is characterized through the Fisher linear discriminants (FLD) extracted from the Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Unlike PCA, the FLD provides a very discriminative representation of the mammographic images in terms of the breast density. Various exemplary methods, systems and computer program products are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignees: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology
    Inventor: Lahouari Ghouti
  • Patent number: 8827908
    Abstract: An apparatus for ultrasound imaging of a body, particularly a breast of a patient, includes ultrasonic pulse-emitting and pulse-receiving units, disposed in facing relationship at a predetermined distance from each other on opposite sides of a compartment for receiving the body, ultrasonic pulses emitted by the emitting unit and received by the receiving unit after passing through the body being converted into transmit signals; and an ultrasonic pulse emitting and receiving unit disposed to define a scan plane substantially perpendicular to the coronal plane of the patient and having one or more electro-acoustic transducers, which emit ultrasonic pulses into the body and receive echoes generated by the anatomic structures of the body, the echoes being converted into reflection signals. An acoustic impedance adaptation medium, particularly a liquid, preferably water, is interposed between the emitting unit and/or the receiving unit and/or the emitting and receiving unit and the breast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Esaote S.p.A.
    Inventor: Paolo Pellegretti
  • Patent number: 8267864
    Abstract: An ultrasonograph comprising a probe (10) for transmitting/receiving an ultrasonic wave to/from a subject, a transmitting section (12) for supplying a drive signal to the probe (10), a receiving section (12) for receiving a reflection echo signal outputted from the probe (10), image constructing sections (17, 19, 21) for reconstructing a diagnosis image from the received reflection echo signal, a displaying section (25) for displaying the reconstructed diagnosis image, and a control section for controlling the other sections, wherein the rise of temperature of the probe (10) is suppressed by adequately judging whether the probe (10) is left in the air or not. The ultrasonograph further comprises a judging section (22) for judging from diagnosis image information whether or not the probe (10) is left in the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi Medical Corporation
    Inventor: Shinji Kishimoto
  • Patent number: 8096949
    Abstract: Methods and related apparatuses are described for acquiring and displaying ultrasound mammographic image information. The system includes an ultrasound image acquisition device having at least one ultrasonic transducer positionable by a user on breast tissue of a patient so as to provide sonographic information of the breast tissue. A processing system controls the ultrasonic transducer, receives sonographic data from the transducer, and processes the data to generate sonographic image information for real time viewing by the user. A graphical user interface includes a touch-sensitive display programmed and configured to accept user adjustments with respect to the sonographic imaging process, and display the sonographic image information to the user responsive to the accepted adjustments in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: U-Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiayu Chen, Thomas P. Neff
  • Patent number: 7850613
    Abstract: An apparatus for ultrasonic mammography includes: an array of ultrasonic transducers and signal processing means for converting the output of the transducer array into three dimensional renderings of anatomical features; and, an applicator device having a first side conformable to the contour of the transducer array and a second side configured to accept the breast, the applicator device further containing a quantity of fluid sufficient to surround and stabilize the breast during examination without substantially altering the breast from its natural shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Orison Corporation
    Inventor: Mark L. Stribling
  • Patent number: 7826883
    Abstract: A localization mechanism, or fixture, is used in conjunction with a breast coil for breast compression and for guiding a core biopsy instrument during prone stereotactic biopsy procedures in both open and closed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. The localization fixture includes a fiducial marker and three-dimensional Cartesian positionable guide for supporting and orienting an MRI-compatible biopsy instrument with detachable probe/thumb wheel probe to the biopsy site of suspicious tissues or lesions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Hibner, Gary Todd McCollister, David Denis Beck, David Scott Little
  • Patent number: 7496398
    Abstract: The present invention provides for x-ray imaging and ultrasound imaging of a body region of interest in a spatially correlatable manner. The resultant x-ray and ultrasound images may be combinatively employed to provide three-dimensional information regarding a location of interest within the body, and is particularly apt for use in the analysis/biopsy of potential lesions and suspicious masses in a female breast. The invention provides for direct body contact by an ultrasound imaging head, as well as targeted ultrasound imaging of a selected portion of the region from which x-ray images are obtained. A user interface system facilitates various procedures including ultrasound guided needle biopsy procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Hologic Inc.
    Inventors: Morgan W. Nields, John Connor, Curtis Daly
  • Patent number: 7342994
    Abstract: A mammogram recording and read-out apparatus comprises a radiation image detector having a rectangular shape, a detector support section, and a breast support section. A support state of the detector support section is capable of being changed over between a first support state, in which the radiation image detector is supported in an orientation such that a short side of the radiation image detector stands facing the chest wall of an object, and a second support state, in which the radiation image detector is supported in an orientation such that a long side of the radiation image detector stands facing the chest wall of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Shoji, Toshitaka Agano
  • Patent number: 7299806
    Abstract: A probe interface assembly for an automated medical imaging system is provided. The assembly comprises a platform including and inner frame for supporting an ultrasound probe in spaced apart relationship relative to a compression paddle arranged to apply a compression load to breast tissue being scanned during a medical imaging process. The platform is adapted to contactively engage the compression paddle during the medical imaging process. The platform may include a first resilient pivot connection at each side of a first set of mutually opposite sides of said inner frame to provide a tilt degree of freedom about a first axis. The platform may further include a second resilient pivot connection at each side of a second set of mutually opposite sides of the inner frame to provide a tilt degree of freedom about a second axis positioned orthogonal relative to the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Murtuza Lokhandwalla, Ajay Kapur
  • Patent number: 7264592
    Abstract: A breast tomography scanner including a stationary chamber configured to hold fluid, a movable chamber within the stationary chamber configured to hold fluid, and breast scanning apparatus. Various configurations for housing the ultrasonic transducers are disclosed, along with filling and draining apparatus, leakage protections turbulence-reduction configurations and control systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Institute for Biomedical Engineering at the University of Southern California
    Inventor: Ramez E. N. Shehada
  • Patent number: 7171256
    Abstract: A patient support table for breast MRI systems, the table including a base configured to slide into and out of the bore of an MRI system; a patient support member attached to the base and having a top surface shaped to support a patient in a prone position; two breast openings in the patient support member, the breast openings being sized and positioned to permit the patient's breasts to extend downward beneath the patient support member, at least a pair of breast immobilization paddles, one on each side of a breast opening, the immobilization paddles comprising a grid of breast contact elements that contact the breast while providing a plurality of openings through which a surgical tool may be inserted into the breast, and the paddles having a convex curvature along the Z direction (head to toe) so that the breast contacting surface of each paddle is further from the Y-axis center line of the breast opening midway along the Z extent of the paddle than at the Z extremities of the paddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Aurora Imaging Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David Graessle, Alan L. Oslan, Stephen D. Venditti, Gunther Becht, Mathew A. Hass
  • Patent number: 7149566
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the orientation of soft tissue such as breast tissue for enhanced accuracy of imaging and/or procedures such as a biopsy or excision are disclosed. The system for orientating and maintaining the orientation of soft tissue generally includes a frame defining an opening, the frame being configured to orient and immobilize an area of soft tissue positioned on one side of the opening, an attachment mechanism to secure the frame to an attachment region defined by the area of soft tissue or by a skin surface overlying the area of soft tissue, to facilitate orienting and immobilizing the area of soft tissue, and an imaging device to image the area of soft tissue. The opening may allow a probe of the imaging device or imaging energy transmitted by the imaging device to be movable therein for image scanning of the soft tissue. The probe, e.g., an ultrasound transducer can be rotated within the frame such that the probe scans at least either of two perpendicular directions within the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Manoa Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Roberta Lee
  • Patent number: 7110583
    Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic device includes an automatic contour extracting unit that contains an initial contour extracting unit for roughly extracting an initial contour of an object to be examined from an ultrasound image by performing a predetermined operation (such as equalization, binarization, and degeneration) on the ultrasound image. The automatic contour extracting unit also contains a dynamic contour extracting unit for accurately extracting a final contour of the object by using the extracted initial contour as an initial value and by applying an active contour model, such as the SNAKES model, to the object within the ultrasound image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaki Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 6876879
    Abstract: A system for generating a three-dimensional image of the compressed breast 40 of a subject includes an x-ray mammography unit 24 for generating x-ray mammography data, a mechanical scanner 20 including an x-ray mammography compression paddle assembly 22, a control and motion system 26, 28 for driving the mechanical scanner 20 and for sensing the control and motion system's position, an ultrasound probe 32 for generating ultrasound image data in spatial registration with the x-ray mammography unit 24, and a computer 38 for generating from the ultrasound image data and the x-ray mammography data the three-dimensional ultrasound image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: XDATA Corporation
    Inventors: Kris A. Dines, Elizabeth Kelly-Fry, Ada Patricia Romilly