Including Image Analysis Patents (Class 128/922)
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Patent number: 7127091Abstract: For visualizing a limited part of a 3D medical image-point-related data set, Selectively, a geometrically selected part of the data set is suppressed and an image rendered based on any non-suppressed part of the data set. The selected geometrically selected part includes a first selection containing all points associated to a nearer region with respect to a first clipping plane, and all points associated to a farther region with respect to a second clipping plane, respectively. The image rendered thereby is based on an intermediate region between the first clipping plane and the second clipping plane.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2001Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.Inventors: Johannes Catharina Antonius Op De Beek, Reiner Koppe, Erhard Paul Artur Klotz
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Patent number: 7122031Abstract: Systems and methods deploy an electrode structure in contact with the tissue region. The electrode structure carries a sensor at a known location on the electrode structure to monitor an operating condition. The systems and methods provide an interface, which generate an idealized image of the electrode structure and an indicator image to represent the monitored operating condition in a spatial position on the idealized image corresponding to the location of the sensor on the electrode structure. The interface displays a view image comprising the idealized image and indicator image. The systems and methods cause the electrode structure to apply energy to heat the tissue region while the view image is displayed on the display screen.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2001Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Curon Medical, Inc.Inventors: Stuart D Edwards, John W. Gaiser, David S Utley, Scott H. West, Jay Qin
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Patent number: 7120283Abstract: The invention provides improvements in reconstructive imaging of the type in which a volume is reconstructed from a series of measured projection images (or other two-dimensional representations) generated by projection of a point x-ray source (or other radiation source), positioned at a distinct focus, through the volume to a plane at which the respective projection image is acquired (“detector plane”). In one aspect, the improvements are with respect to back-projecting a two-dimensional representation lying in the detector plane (representing, for example, a difference between an originally-acquired measured projection image and a subsequently-generated estimate thereof) to generate three-dimensional representation (which can be used, for example, to update an estimate of the volume).Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2004Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Mercury Computer Systems, Inc.Inventors: Scott A. Thieret, Valeri Kotlov, Joseph Goddard, Ari P. Berman
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Patent number: 7103203Abstract: The invention relates to a medical imaging station including acquisition means ACQ for obtaining images IM exhibiting levels of gray, means DIS of displaying images IM, segmentation means SEG for segmenting at least one imaged object, said segmentation means SEG determining a so-called segmentation zone IMS delimiting the image object on the image, and means TR of extracting at least one path PAT within the segmentation IMS. The station according to the invention is such that the extraction means include means POS of positioning an initial point on the segmentation, means PROP of propagating an edge within the segmentation IMS from the initial point, means TES of testing the connectedness of the edge, means LAB of labeling portions of the edge, referred to as ramifications, when a non-connected edge is detected, means IDE of identifying final points PF of the propagation on the ramifications, path tracing means TRA for tracing a path PAT from final points PF and the initial point.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2002Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.Inventor: Thomas D. Deschamps
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Patent number: 7088848Abstract: In a method for the presentation of projection images or tomograms from 3D volume data of an examination volume, particularly from MR or CT volume data, a grayscale image of a prescribable projection or of a prescribable section that is composed of individual pixels is calculated from the 3D volume data. The distance of a voxel or partial volume of the examination volume represented by the pixel from a reference plane is determined for each pixel of the grayscale image, and a chromatic value corresponding to this distance is allocated to each pixel of the grayscale image, the chromatic value is obtained by color coding of the distance, and a projection image or tomogram is presented by overlaying or coloring the grayscale image with the chromatic values allocated to each pixel. The presentation of a projection image with an unambiguous and immediately understandable depth, information is thereby enabled.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2003Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Roland Faber
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Patent number: 7085407Abstract: To provide more accurate ribcage boundary information and landmark information, the size of a searching ROI which is mapped on a digital chest image is decided, the ROI is set on the image, an image existing within the region that is set on the image is enhanced, a profile of pixel values existing within the region is obtained, and the obtained profile is analyzed so that candidate points for a ribcage boundary are obtained. The deciding, setting, enhancing, obtaining, and analyzing operations are repeated until a center of each searching ROI advances immediately before a given search limit. As a result, a series of candidate points for the ribcage boundary is provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2001Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Mitsubishi Space Software Co., Ltd.Inventor: Osamu Ozaki
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Patent number: 7079675Abstract: A method of measuring oestrogen or progesterone receptor (ER or PR) comprises identifying in histopathological specimen image data pixel groups indicating cell nuclei, and deriving image hue and saturation. The image is thresholded using hue and saturation and preferentially stained cells identified. ER or PR status is determined from normalised average saturation and proportion of preferentially stained cells. A method of measuring C-erb-2 comprises correlating window functions with pixel sub-groups to identify cell boundaries, computing measures of cell boundary brightness and sharpness and brightness extent around cell boundaries, and comparing the measures with comparison images associated with different values of C-erb-2. A C-erb-2 value associated with a comparison image having similar brightness-related measures is assigned. A method of measuring vascularity comprises deriving image hue and saturation, producing a segmented image by hue and saturation thresholding and identifying contiguous pixels.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2003Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: QinetiQ LimitedInventors: Michael J Hamer, Maria Petrou, Anastasios Kesidis, Margaret Varga
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Patent number: 7072499Abstract: The invention concerns a medical imaging station including segmentation means for segmenting at least one imaged object in an image having gray levels, by propagating an edge from at least one initial point positioned in the image on the imaged object. The speed of propagation of the edge depends on said gray levels at each point referred to as a current point and the segmentation means segmenting the image between the points over which the edge passes and the points over which the edge does not pass. According to the invention, the edge propagation means are coupled with means of automatically detecting an emergence of the propagation edge from the imaged object at a current point. Means of locally fixing the speed of propagation at zero at this current point are activated in the event of detection of an emergence of the propagation edge.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2002Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electrnoics, N.V.Inventors: Thomas Deschamps, Laurent Cohen
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Patent number: 7043064Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining and characterizing, which portions or shapes of a medical image correspond to a shape of interest is provided. A candidate shape is obtained after which a visible surface is computed adjacent to this candidate shape. A visible surface includes one or more portions of the medical image that are visible by the candidate shape. Once the visible surface is determined, parameters of the visible surface are computed. Then the method further includes the step of determining whether the candidate shape corresponds to a shape of interest. The method further includes the step of computing features of the candidate shape and/or classifying the candidate shape. The advantage of the computer-implemented method is that it provides a high detection specificity, i.e. reducing false positives, without sacrificing sensitivity of the detection of a shape of interest.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2002Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: David S. Paik, Sandy A. Napel, Geoffrey D. Rubin, Christopher F. Beaulieu
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Patent number: 7027853Abstract: An improved technique is described for acquiring MR image data such as needed for FSE-based Dixon imaging techniques. A gradient-induced echo shift is produced in the pulse sequences by a small gradient applied along the readout axis prior to a readout pulse. When necessary, another small pulse is applied along the readout axis, equal in area and opposite in polarity to the first, to compensate for the shifting effect. Similar pulses are applied for each acquisition window. While data with non-zero phase shifts between water and fat signals are collected as fractional echoes, no increase in echo spacing is necessary with the modified acquisition strategy. Images corresponding to different phase shifts are reconstructed using phase-sensitive partial Fourier reconstruction algorithms whenever necessary. These images are then used to separate different chemical species (such as water and fat) in the object to be imaged.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2002Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventor: Jingfei Ma
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Patent number: 7020318Abstract: MR imaging produces a projection image showing better image contrast between small blood vessels and background than traditional net intensity projection (NIP) images but more visual clues to vessel depth than traditional maximum intensity projection (MIP) images.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2002Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Advanced MRI Technologies, LLCInventors: Koichi Oshio, David A. Feinberg, Matthias Guenther
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Patent number: 7013032Abstract: An image management system (10), includes a PACS system. The PACS system (10) includes a PACS server (20) coupled to a communications network (22) and a plurality of PACS workstations (40) also coupled to a communications network (22). Each PACS workstation (40) is configured to receive two dimensional image information and produce a three dimensional image rendering on the PACS workstation (40). The three dimensional image rendering is communicated to the PACS server (20) for storage and later retrieval.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1999Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: The General Electric CompanyInventors: Yaseen Samara, William M. Stoval, Neil D. D'Souza, Rahul Choudhury, Greg J. Angst, David W. Kurzynski, Jerome Knoplioch
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Patent number: 7010151Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for detecting endplates of vertebra, comprising the steps of providing a filtered curvature map derived from filtering an intensity curvature map of a spine image in a direction relative to a spine axis, computing minimum and maximum curvature projections for each point along said spine axis, at a plurality of points on said spine axis, computing a score from said curvature projections, said score indicating the likelihood that the point is located on an endplate, and subjecting said score calculation to at least one of the following constraints (1) that the angle between neighboring endplates not exceed a certain value, and (2) that the variation in height of vertebra of said spine image should satisfy a global model.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2001Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Siemens Corporate Research, Inc.Inventors: Guo-Qing Wei, Jianzhong Qian, Helmuth Schramm
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Patent number: 7006677Abstract: An apparatus and method for segmenting three-dimensional (3D) medical images containing a region of interest is provided that identifies a first set of seed points within the region of interest and a second set of seed points outside the region of interest. A first sphere is constructed within the region of interest. Voxels contained within the medical image are classified using a spatial constrained fuzzy clustering algorithm. A plurality of second spheres is generated. Ones of the plurality of second spheres are accepted that satisfy the homogeneity function threshold as defined by the spatial constricted fuzzy clustering algorithm. A three-dimensional area is grown that defines the region of interest. The region of interest defined by the three-dimensional area is displayed.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2002Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ravindra Mohan Manjeshwar, Harvey Ellis Cline
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Patent number: 6999610Abstract: Device for automatically sorting periodic data records, in particular for representing the motion of parts in the human body from individual images, an examination monitor with a storage device for the data records been assigned a measuring and evaluation device which measures in the data records two separate points or a line of the moving part and, on the basis of their changes in distance or phase shifts, sorts the data records into a cyclic sequence.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2001Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Rainer Kuth
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Patent number: 6993175Abstract: The present invention provides methods of determining the microvascular density of tumors. The methods generally comprise creating a digital image of a defined cross section of the tumor, determining the cross-sectional surface area of vascular tissue in the section of the tumor, determining the total cross sectional area of the section of the tumor, calculating the ratio of the cross sectional surface area of the tumor to the total cross sectional area of the section of the tumor, and thereby determining the microvascular density of the tumor. The digital image of the tumor may preferably be created using image processing software and the image may be displayed on a computer screen. The image may be digitally dissected by removing from the image all non-vascular tissue. This approach produces reproducible results that match the results generated by functional MRI assessments of blood perfusion of the tumors.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2001Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Quest Diagnostics Investments IncorporatedInventors: Michael Samoszuk, Froilan Espinoza, Leonard Leonor
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Patent number: 6993168Abstract: System for the simulation of the evolution of a region of the scalp of a subject over time, comprising a means of observation of the said hair region able to output digital observation data, a first digital data processing means capable of classifying elementary parts of the said region on the basis of the observation data, a second digital data processing means capable of simulating the evolution of the said hair region as a function of the data emanating from the first digital data processing means, and a means of displaying the data emanating from the second digital data processing means.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2000Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: L'OrealInventors: Geneviève Loussouarn, Bruno Bernard, Albert Goldbeter, José Halloy
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Patent number: 6990220Abstract: Imaging, object tracking, integration apparatus 100 has tracking system 1, imaging system 3, communication system 5 and integration system 7. Tracking system 1 locates objects in 3-dimensions and determines respective poses. Imaging system 3 acquires object images. Integration system 7 correlates 3-dimensional poses. User communication system 5 provides information, such as images, sounds, or control signals to the user or other automated systems. Image acquisition techniques include X-ray imaging and ultrasound imaging. Images can be acquired from digital files. Imaging system 3 creates a calibrated, geometrically corrected two-dimensional image 110, 210. Correlation system 7 can receive instructions from a practitioner to create, destroy, and edit the properties of a guard. Communications system 5 displays images and calculations to a practitioner, such as a surgeon. Methods can determine geometrical relations between guards and/or present to a practitioner projections of forms of guards.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2001Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Assignee: IGO Technologies Inc.Inventors: Randy E. Ellis, Thomas J. Radcliffe
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Patent number: 6985611Abstract: System for the simulation of the evolution of a hair region of the scalp of a subject over time, comprising a means of observation of the said hair region able to output observation data, a first processing means capable of classifying the hairs of the said region on the basis of the observation data and of external data, a second processing means capable of simulating the evolution of the hairs as a function of the data emanating from the first processing means, and a means of displaying the data emanating from the second processing means.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2000Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: L'OrealInventors: Geneviève Loussouarn, Catherine Huber, Mahmoud Mourad
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Patent number: 6983180Abstract: An apparatus and process for determining and displaying a helical artifact index to a system operator are provided. The HAI is determined by acquiring and processing imaging data of a phantom. The HAI is then displayed to the operator on a console so that the operator may, if necessary, reset the scanning parameters or select a new scanning protocol that will result in a reconstructed image of a subject having reduced artifact presence. By providing a likelihood of artifact presence to the system operator, the present invention eliminates the need for the operator to recall those scanning profiles that are susceptible to high artifact presence.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2002Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas L. Toth, Piero Simoni
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Patent number: 6980676Abstract: An imaging system including means for transmitting a digital image, an image base, a sensor, means for referencing positions on a dummy, echographic display means, means for recalculation of a three-dimensional image, and means for receiving expert assessment results combining videoconference ability and the possibility of remote manipulation of two-dimensional images.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2001Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: IODP (S.A.R.L.)Inventor: Pascal Pineau
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Patent number: 6978039Abstract: A method and system for segmenting three-dimensional (3D) medical images containing an object of interest are provided. The method comprises generating a plurality of successive layers of fixed radius spheres about a circumference of a sphere containing at least one seed point placed within the object of interest when a plurality of respective voxels contained within the spheres exceed a selected threshold. The generation of the layers is repeated until no further voxels contained within an outer surface of each respective layer exceed the selected threshold or a stop seed point is encountered. The layers form a segmented representation of the object of interest.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2001Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Harvey Ellis Cline, Siegwalt Ludke
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Patent number: 6970585Abstract: A method for modifying a planar image slice in a CT scanner having a predetermined reconstruction angle, comprising: reconstructing an image of the slice using initial X-ray attenuation data acquired along an initial scan path sector; acquiring additional X-ray attenuation data along an additional scan path sector in a vicinity of the axial position of the slice, the sector having an angular extent substantially less than the reconstruction angle; and modifying the image, to provide a modified image of the slice, responsible to the additional attenuation data.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1998Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Ehud Dafni, Uri Shreter, Haim Gelman
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Patent number: 6970587Abstract: The present invention provides for the use of computer-aided detection (CAD) system output displays for providing accurate representations of areas for subsequent exams. Since the CAD output, unlike the original medical imagery, is not used during the initial reading, the radiologist does not mark it until a final determination is reached regarding subsequent procedures. Additionally, since the CAD output contains versions of the original imagery, the regions indicated by the radiologist are shown in the context of the particular anatomical detail for the given patient. This detail assists the technologist in more efficiently and accurately locating the exact area for subsequent exams.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2003Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: ICAD, Inc.Inventor: Steven K. Rogers
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Patent number: 6961605Abstract: A method for processing biomagnetic fields generated by biocurrents resulting from activities of human brain or myocardia and its mapping apparatus are provided, which features biomagnetic measurement and its analysis, magnetic field mapping and its imaging and their waveform generation by a simple operation. Biomagnetic fields emitted from the patient are measured at a plurality of measurement positions, and a contour map of magnetic field obtained as a result of processing of these measured biomagnetic fields is imaged in the magnetic contour map display apparatus, which display apparatus comprises: the process function display area indicating process function items including measurement; and the analysis data display area which displays the waveform together with a designated measurement time, the waveform being generated during measurement at least based on the measured biomagnetic fields and during the designated measurement period of time.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2001Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Suzuki, Keiji Tsukada, Kazuhisa Machida, Takafumi Kawasaki
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Patent number: 6950689Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for graphically displaying a three-dimensional model of a region located within a living body. A three-dimensional model of a region of interest is displayed on a graphical display. The location in three-dimensional space of a physical characteristic (e.g. a structure, wall or space) in the region of interest is determined using at least one probe positioned within the living body. The graphical display of the model is deformed to approximately reflect the determined three-dimensional location of the physical characteristic. Preferably, the probe or probes are moved throughout the region of interest so as to gather multiple data points that can be used to increase the conformity between the graphical display and the actual region of interest within the patient.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1998Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: N. Parker Willis, Jinglin Zeng, James A. Quarato
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Patent number: 6950690Abstract: Capsule (60) moves through the gastrointestinal tract (62) in a first pass to generate a map of the gastrointestinal tract, and to identify a location of interest. In its second pass, capsule (60) moves through the gastrointestinal tract, and is controlled to perform a job at the identified location. Repeated localizations generate generate a map of the route taken by the capsule in the gastrointestinal tract (62). images displayed on the image monitor (61) are compared with the generated map displayed on the position monitor (63) to identify the location of a pathology (72).Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1999Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Assignee: Given Imaging LTDInventors: Gavriel Meron, Gavriel J. Iddan
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Patent number: 6950543Abstract: A method for reconstructing an image of an object includes unwrapping a reduced field of view image, and estimating edge boundaries using the unwrapped reduced field of view image. The estimated edge boundaries are used to calculate the number of aliasing replicates in the reduced field of view image. The number of aliasing replicates is used to unwrap the reduced field of view image.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2002Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Kevin Franklin King, Elisabeth Angelos
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Patent number: 6947584Abstract: A volume imaging system which progressively constructs, analyzes, and updates three dimensional models while acquiring cross-sectional data is described. The system constructs and displays three-dimensional renderings, and performs quantitative calculations in real time during the imaging system data collection process, displays interactive three-dimensional renderings in a traditional post-data collection process, as well as prescribes, archives, films, and transmits rendering procedures, parameters, renderings, measurements, and processed data, during data collection and post-acquisition.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1999Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ricardo Scott Avila, James Vradenburg Miller, Robert Franklin Senzig, Hui David He, Darin Robert Okerlund
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Patent number: 6917826Abstract: A system and method for automatic quantitative assessment of myocardial image quality includes a liver-heart artifact quantification unit for providing a sequence of images, detecting the heart position in each image, segmenting non-heart activity relative to the detected heart positions, measuring the liver-heart effect in each image based on the segmentations, fusing the measurements obtained in each image, and determining a quality number for the plurality of images responsive to the fused measurements; and also includes a heart detection unit for receiving the image sequence, generating a region of interest comprising the heart by 1-D pseudo-motion analysis of the image sequence, localizing the heart center by a training-based algorithm, fitting a curve to the localized heart centers of each image in the sequence, refining the heart center positions of localized heart centers falling outside of a tolerance distance from the fitted curve, and determining a bounding circle comprising the heart in accordanceType: GrantFiled: February 1, 2002Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: Siemens Corporate Research, Inc.Inventors: Guo-Qing Wei, Jianzhong Qian, John C. Engdahl
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Patent number: 6915004Abstract: Apparatus and methods for three dimensional image reconstruction from data acquired in a positron emission tomograph (PET). This invention uses a parallel/pipelined architecture for processing the acquired data as it is acquired from the scanner. The asynchronously acquired data is synchronously stepped through the stages performing histogramming, normalization, transmission/attenuation, Mu image reconstruction, attenuation correction, rebinning, image reconstruction, scatter correction, and image display.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: CTI PET Systems, Inc.Inventors: Danny F. Newport, Michael E. Casey, Wing K. Luk, Johnny H. Reed
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Patent number: 6909796Abstract: Imaging method and system including thermal noise reduction for ultrasonic and magnetic resonance images. In ultrasound imaging, this method provides thermal noise reduction and a reduction of artifacts in applications with contrast agents. The method includes the computation of a simple correlation function to be applied where two or more images or vectors of the same region of the body are provided. The signals relating to the images or the vectors are: combined by a weight function which, by comparing corresponding samples of the signals or vectors, assumes values in a range between a maximum value and a minimum value depending on the mutual correlation measure between the samples. The weight function is combined with the combination of the two response signals (P1, P2, MR1, MR2). The resulting signal is transformed into image data. The signals are processed based on the peculiarities of the selected imaging system.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2001Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: Esaote S.p.A.Inventors: Francesco Pomata, Franco Bertora
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Patent number: 6907137Abstract: The method for adapting the lateral and temporal resolution of a microscope image allows the detection of temporal changes in the image content, and switches over to another transmission mode on the basis of the result of the determination. The arrangement for adapting the lateral and temporal resolution of a microscope image comprises means for detecting the changes in the image content of a microscopic image. Also provided are electronic means for limiting the image content. Further means make it possible to switch over automatically to a suitable transmission mode. The means for detecting the change is an image data processing means (22) that ascertains salient image points and their positions within a defined image window. In addition, a comparison element (36) is provided and is connected to a switchover means (33).Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2001Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Leica Microsystems Wetzlar GmbHInventor: Helmut Ruehl
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Patent number: 6907282Abstract: A method for converting a source intensity map into a target intensity map having a geometry compatible with a desired multi-leaf collimator configuration. The source intensity map and the target intensity map each have a geometry defining sampling points of cells within the maps. The method includes defining a field on an object for radiation delivery. The field includes a plurality of cells defining the source intensity map, each of the cells having a treatment intensity level. An intermediate intensity map geometry is created such that the intermediate map contains sampling points of the source intensity map and the target intensity map. The method further includes defining treatment intensity levels for cells of the intermediate map and calculating treatment intensity levels for cells of the target intensity map based on the intensity level of the intermediate map cells.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2001Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventor: Ramon Alfredo Carvalho Siochi
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Patent number: 6901277Abstract: Software, methods and user interfaces for viewing and generating a lung report. In exemplary methods, a first baseline image is analyzed to localize lung nodules. The lung nodule information can be stored and used to relocate the previously localized lung nodules in a second, follow-up imaging scan. The follow-up scan can be analyzed—either manually or automatically—to generate statistics for the lung nodules localized in the follow-up scan. Information derived from the baseline scan can be used to ease the localization of the lung nodules in the follow-up scan. In some exemplary methods, both the baseline scan and follow-up scan are displayed and the nodules are selected for comparison. Typically, the graphical user interface can display a third, composite image that displays the change of size of the nodules.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2001Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: AccuImage Diagnostics Corp.Inventors: Leon Kaufman, Mikhail Mineyev, Shelley Powers, David Goldhaber
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Patent number: 6892089Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of measuring motion of an object such as a heart by magnetic resonance imaging. A pulse sequence is applied to spatially modulate a region of interest of the object and at least one first spectral peak is acquired from the Fourier domain of the spatially modulated object. The inverse Fourier transform information of the acquired first spectral-peaks is computed and a computed first harmonic phase image is determined from each spectral peak. The process is repeated to create a second harmonic phase image from each second spectral peak and the strain is determined from the first and second harmonic phase images. In a preferred embodiment, the method is employed to determine strain within the myocardium and to determine change in position of a point at two different times which may result in an increased distance or reduced distance. The method may be employed to determine the path of motion of a point through a sequence of tag images depicting movement of the heart.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2000Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: Johns Hopkins UniversityInventors: Jerry L. Prince, Nael F. Osman
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Patent number: 6879712Abstract: A system and method for generating and utilizing a computer model of the craniofacial features of a patient is claimed. To create the computer model, three-dimentional data regarding the patient's facial features, dental features and skeletal features is collected. Data regarding facial features is acquired using laser scanning and digital photograph. Data regarding dental features are acquired by physically modeling the teeth and laser scanning the models. Lastly, data regarding the skeletal features is obtained from radiographs. The data are combined into a single computer model that can be manipulated and viewed in the three-dimensions. The model also has the ability to be animated between the current modeled craniofacial features and theoretical craniofacial features.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2001Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Inventors: Orhan C. Tuncay, John C. Slattery
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Patent number: 6879711Abstract: Method of automatic registration of three-dimensional images making possible visualization of the blood vessels, by comparison of a three-dimensional digital image obtained by means of a radiology apparatus and a three-dimensional digital image obtained by means of a nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus, in which, from a point of correspondence between the two three-dimensional images, an estimate is made by processing of the projected two-dimensional images of a rotation capable of registering the two three-dimensional images, then an estimate is made by processing of the projected two-dimensional images of a translation capable of registering the two three-dimensional images, and one of the two three-dimensional images is registered in relation to the other.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2001Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: GE Medical Systems SAInventors: Eric Maurincomme, Erwan Kerrien
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Patent number: 6859548Abstract: An ultrasonic picture processing method comprising the steps of extracting contour information of a target from respective frame pictures of an ultrasonic moving image, dividing the extracted contour information into a plurality of regions at a preset interval, comparing the divided contour information parts with one another and making a predetermined determination of the ultrasonic moving pictures based on the comparison results.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2001Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Hideki Yoshioka, Mutsumi Watanabe, Mayumi Yuasa, Masahide Nishiura
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Method and system for extracting spine frontal geometrical data including vertebra pedicle locations
Patent number: 6850635Abstract: The invention relates to an image processing method of extracting geometrical data of the spine, for extracting the left and right pedicle landmarks of each spine vertebra, comprising steps of: acquiring image data of a 2-D frontal image of the spine; associating spine States to vertebra positions along the spine and estimating locations of left and right pedicle landmark Candidates in each State; defining a State Cost for forming Couples of left and right pedicle landmark Candidates (PL and PR); estimating sets of Best Couple Candidates, in each State, from the lowest State Costs; defining a Path Cost to go from one State to the next State; selecting a pedicle landmark Couple in each spine State (V) among the Best Couple Candidates from the minimum Path Costs, and localizing the left and right pedicle landmarks of each spine vertebra from said selected pedicle landmark Couple. The invention also relates to a system, a medical apparatus and a program product for carrying out the method.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2001Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.Inventors: Olivier Gerard, Milena Planells-Rodriguez, Pierre Lelong, Sherif Makram-Ebeid -
Patent number: 6845175Abstract: An image processing method for use in dentistry or orthodontic is provided. Two images of teeth, one being a two-dimensional image and one a three-dimensional image are combined in a manner to allow the use of information obtained from one to the other. In order to combine the two images a set of basic landmarks is defined in one, identified in the other and then the two images are registered.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2001Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Cadent Ltd.Inventors: Avi Kopelman, Eldad Taub
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Patent number: 6839457Abstract: This invention relates to a bone measurement method for measuring a bone shape, structure and architecture on the basis of the tomographic images of a test bone or joint, in more detail, to a bone measurement method characterized by having a template image extraction step for obtaining a wholly continued template image of a bone inner portion surrounded by a cortical bone from the binary image of a test bone cross section, and separating a cortical bone and a cancellous bone by the product of said template image and said binary image, as a bone measurement method which enables the automatic, high-speed and repeatable separation of a cortical bone and a cancellous bone on the basis of the binary image of a test bone or joint cross section and by which a separated three-dimensional image of the cortical bone portion and the cancellous bone portion is obtained as the bases for a non-invasive analyses of three-dimensional bone structure, bone strength, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2000Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Teijin LimitedInventors: Yoshiaki Azuma, Yoshifumi Harada, Norihiro Yamada, Tsutomu Maeda, Tomohiro Ohta
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Publication number: 20040260175Abstract: A medical viewing system for displaying a sequence of images of a medical intervention that comprises moving and/or positioning a tool in a body organ, which tool is carried by a support to which at least one marker is attached at a predetermined location with respect to the tool, comprising means for acquiring the sequence of images, and for processing said images during the medical intervention, wherein: extracting means for automatically extracting at least one marker that is attached to the tool support and that neither belongs to the tool nor to the body organ, and yielding the marker location information; computing means for automatically deriving the tool location information from the marker location information, and enhancing means for improving the visibility of the tool and/or the body organ in order to check whether the medical intervention stages are successfully carried out.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2004Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventors: Raoul Florent, Lucile Nosjean, Pierre Lelong
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Publication number: 20040254464Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2004Publication date: December 16, 2004Inventor: Mark L. Stribling
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Publication number: 20040249266Abstract: A method and apparatus for cross checking points palpated with a localization device. Points corresponding to the palpated points are obtained from a preoperative image of an object such as an X-Ray of a tibia bone. During a surgical procedure, the accuracy of palpated points are determined based on the palpated points and corresponding points obtained from the preoperative image. If a palpated point is inaccurate, an indicator is generated to indicate the inaccuracy of the palpated point.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Applicant: Aesculap AG & Co. KGInventors: Dirk Friedrich, Nicola Giordano, Francois Leitner, Hanns-Peter Tummler
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Publication number: 20040249291Abstract: An average color bar indicating the overall imaging period of images taken in time sequence by a capsule endoscope is displayed. A list of checked images in the entire taken images is displayed in a checked-image display field, computation is made to what time during an observation period each checked image corresponds is computed, and a mark is displayed with a scale of the average color bar by a number corresponding to each checked image on the average color bar.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Applicant: Olympus CorporationInventors: Takemitsu Honda, Tetsuo Minai
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Publication number: 20040249270Abstract: Using medical three-dimensional image data, at least one of a volume-rendering image, a flat reformatted image on an arbitrary section, a curved reformatted image, and an MIP (maximum value projection) image is prepared as a reference image. Vessel center lines are extracted from this reference image, and at least one of a vessel stretched image based on the center line and a perpendicular sectional image substantially perpendicular to the center line is prepared. The shape of vessels is analyzed on the basis of the prepared image, and the prepared stretched image and/or the perpendicular sectional image is compared with the reference image, and the result is displayed together with the images. Display of the reference image with the stretched image or the perpendicular sectional image is made conjunctive. Correction of the center line by the operator and automatic correction of the image resulting from the correction are also possible.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATIONInventors: Yasuhira Kondo, Shigeharu Ohyu, Hitoshi Yamagata, Arturo Calderon, Tomohiro Kawasaki, Atsuko Sugiyama
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Patent number: 6819785Abstract: A method and system are provided to report the findings of an expert's analysis of image data. The method and system are based on a reporting system that forms the basis of an image management system that can efficiently and systematically generate image reports, facilitate data entry into searchable databases for data mining, and expedite billing and collections for the expert's services. The expert identifies a significant finding on an image and attaches a location:description code to the location of that finding in order to create a significant finding and an entry into a database. Further descriptions of that finding, such as dimensional measurements, audio descriptions, 3D rendered snapshots, etc., may be automatically appended to the finding as secondary attributes of the finding within the database. At the end of the expert's evaluation of the image(s), the system sorts the findings in the database and presents the findings by prioritized categories.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2000Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Wake Forest University Health SciencesInventors: David J. Vining, Yaorong Ge, David K. Ahn, David R. Stelts
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Publication number: 20040225223Abstract: An image display apparatus includes an input unit that inputs image data taken in time sequence by an in-vivo imaging device, a scale display control unit that displays a scale indicating an overall imaging period of the image data and displays a movable slider on the scale, an image display control unit displays on a display unit an image at an imaging time corresponding to a position of the slider in response to a movement of the slider on the scale, a color information detecting unit that detects color information of a screen of the image data, and a color display control unit that displays a color corresponding to the color information at position on the scale corresponding to time.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2004Publication date: November 11, 2004Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventors: Takemitsu Honda, Tetsuo Minai
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Publication number: 20040210125Abstract: A video-based surgical targeting system for targeting anatomical structures within a patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2004Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventors: David T. Chen, Steven D. Pieper, Michael A. McKenna