Mammography Patents (Class 378/37)
  • Patent number: 11946768
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: a shape information acquiring unit 204 configured to acquire shape information of a surrounding environment of a moving body measured by a sensor mounted in the moving body; a position and posture acquiring unit configured to acquire position and posture information of the sensor; a correction state acquiring unit configured to acquire a performance state relating to a process of correcting the position and posture information; a priority level determining unit configured to determine a priority level of an area for generating a map; and a map generating unit configured to generate the map on the basis of the shape information and the position and posture information acquired at the time of acquisition of the shape information, in which the map generating unit generates the map in order from an area of which the priority level is high in accordance with the performance state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenji Isatake, Masaya Katamine
  • Patent number: 11935236
    Abstract: Provided are a method and an apparatus for interlocking a lesion location between a 2D medical image and 3D tomosynthesis images including a plurality of 3D image slices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Lunit Inc.
    Inventors: Jung Hee Jang, Do Hyun Lee, Woo Suk Lee, Rae Yeong Lee
  • Patent number: 11883206
    Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure describe systems and methods for personalized breast imaging. In aspects, a first set of patient attributes may be collected. The first set of patient attributes may relate to, or be used to determine, for example, breast size, breast thickness, and/or three-dimensional (3D) breast shape. The first set of patient attributes may be used to customize image acquisition parameters for the patient. A second set of patient attributes may also be collected. The second set of patient attributes may relate to, or be used to determine, for example, breast elasticity and breast density. The second set of patient attributes may be used to customize breast compression parameters for the patient. The customized image acquisition parameters and breast compression parameters may then be used to perform one or more procedures (e.g., an imaging procedure, a biopsy procedure, etc.) on the patient's breast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Biao Chen, Haili Chui
  • Patent number: 11877857
    Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure describe systems and methods for the long-term, real-time active monitoring of a wireless implant. In aspects, a wireless biosensor may be implanted in a breast biopsy cavity. The biosensor may detect biochemical parameter data of the breast biopsy cavity and the human body. The biosensor may transmit the detected biochemical parameter data in real-time to a surveillance system wirelessly coupled to the biosensor. The surveillance system may then facilitate the evaluation of the biochemical parameter data. In examples, the evaluation may comprise detecting trends in a tumors microenvironment, monitoring the progress of a treatment, or adjusting a treatment to tailor a personalized treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventor: Estefania Alvarez
  • Patent number: 11880980
    Abstract: Described is a method for segmenting an anatomical part, including identifying a landmark on a contour/surface of a 2D/3D model of the anatomical part in an ultrasound image, assigning a weight to the landmark, identifying different appearance patterns of a region around the landmark based on a previously stored training set; and applying a filter to the different appearance patterns of the region around the landmark in order to identify contours of the anatomical part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: CHILDREN'S NATIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
    Inventors: Marius George Linguraru, Juan Jose Cerrolaza, Craig Andrew Peters
  • Patent number: 11857358
    Abstract: A method and breast imaging system for processing breast tissue image data includes feeding image data of breast images to an image processor, identifying image portions depicting breast tissue and high density elements and executing different processing methods on input images. A first image processing method involves breast tissue enhancement and high density element suppression, whereas the second image processing method involves enhancing high density elements. Respective three-dimensional sets of image slices may be generated by respective image processing methods, and respective two-dimensional synthesized images are generated and combined to form a two-dimensional composite synthesized image which is presented through a display of the breast imaging system. First and second image processing may be executed on generated three-dimensional image sets or two-dimensional projection images acquired by an image acquisition component at respective angles relative to the patient's breast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaomin Liu, Haili Chui, Xiangwei Zhang, Nikolaos Gkanatsios
  • Patent number: 11832988
    Abstract: A mammography apparatus performs ultrasound imaging while moving an ultrasound transceiver having an ultrasound imaging region smaller than a radiography region from a scanning start position to a scanning end position for scanning. During the scanning, in plural states in which the ultrasound transceiver is disposed at different positions of the radiography region, the radiation source emits radiation to perform radiography. A control device acquires plural captured radiographic images. Then, a removed radiographic image, in which an image of the ultrasound transceiver disposed at different positions in the plural radiographic images has been removed, is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Masakazu Fukuyo
  • Patent number: 11771384
    Abstract: A system and a method are respectively for positioning an examination object and evaluation of an image with respect to a positioning of a breast of an examination object in relation to an x-ray device. In an embodiment, the system includes an x-ray device including at least one compression device to fix a breast of the examination object; at least one camera, arranged in relation to the x-ray device such that images are acquirable via the at least one camera, the images showing a current positioning of the breast of the examination object in relation to the x-ray device; and at least one display device, embodied to display the images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Mario Bechtold, Daniela Bolte, Anja Brundobler, Helmut Gollwitzer, Anna Jerebko, Wolfgang Neuber, Marcus Radicke, Karin Ratzmer, Juliane Ritter, Ann-Christin Roessler
  • Patent number: 11759153
    Abstract: A breast support platform for an x-ray imaging system includes a housing having a compression plate and a front wall, and a heating system disposed at least partially within the housing. The heating system is configured to heat at least a portion of the compression plate, at least a portion of the front wall, or at least a portion of the compression plate and the front wall. In an example, the heating system includes a transparent conducting film coupled to an inner surface of the housing. In another example, the heating system includes a blower disposed at least partially within the housing, and the blower is configured to channel hot air across an inner surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth F. DeFreitas, Tarpit Patel, Alan Rego, Danielle Niremberg
  • Patent number: 11684320
    Abstract: An x-ray system for at least one of breast examinations and procedures includes a base component, a table configured to support a patient in a prone position and disposed proximate to the base component with a space reserved therebetween, a rotatable x-ray assembly disposed between the base component and the table, and a linear motor assembly operatively connected to the rotatable x-ray assembly and the base component so as to effect rotation of the rotatable x-ray assembly relative to the base component during operation. The rotatable x-ray assembly rotates at least partially around an active spatial region, and the table defines an opening that is positioned for a breast to extend downwards therethrough at least partially into said active spatial region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Izotropic Corporation
    Inventor: Younes Achkire
  • Patent number: 11657497
    Abstract: A method of identifying potential lesions in mammographic images may include operations executed by an image processing device including receiving first image data of a first type, receiving second image data of a second type, registering the first image data and the second image data by employing a CNN using pixel level registration or object level registration, determining whether a candidate detection of a lesion exists in both the first image data and the second image data based on the registering of the first image data and the second image data, and generating display output identifying the lesion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: William C. Walton, Seung-Jun Kim
  • Patent number: 11596351
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a non-invasive system for determining tissue composition. The system comprises an imaging system with a non-invasive probe, a signal analyzer, and a correlation processor. The probe includes active imaging components for emitting energy and collecting imaging data including reflected signals from an object of interest. The signal analyzer analyzes the imaging data and determines one or more signal properties from the reflected signals. The correlation processor then associates the one or more signal properties to pre-determined tissue signal properties of different tissue components through a pattern recognition technique wherein the pre-determined tissue signal properties are embodied in a database, and identifies a tissue component of the object based on the pattern recognition technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: PHILIPS IMAGE GUIDED THERAPY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Anuja Nair
  • Patent number: 11547390
    Abstract: Information relevant to a state of a tissue in a subject (state information) is provided with technology reducing the amount of memory and computation necessary at the time of extracting the information. An ultrasonic wave is transmitted towards a subject, a transmission wave transmitted through the subject or a reflection wave reflected on the subject is received. A reception signal is generated on the basis of the transmission wave or the reflection wave. A tissue region candidate, of a region indicating a tissue of the subject, is set on the basis of the reception signal. State information, which is information relevant to a state of the tissue in the tissue region candidate, is calculated on the basis of the reception signal and the tissue region candidate. An ultrasonic image reflecting the state information is generated on the basis of the state information and displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: FUJIFILM HEALTHCARE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Yamanaka, Kenichi Kawabata, Takahide Terada, Yushi Tsubota, Wenjing Wu
  • Patent number: 11439358
    Abstract: Improved imaging devices and methods. A portable SPECT imaging device may co-register with imaging modalities such as ultrasound. Gamma camera panels including gamma camera sensors may be connected to a mechanical arm. A coded aperture mask may be placed in front of a gamma-ray photon sensor and used to construct a high-resolution three-dimensional map of radioisotope distributions inside a patient, which can be generated by scanning the patient from a reduced range of directions around the patient and with radiation sensors placed in close proximity to this patient. Increased imaging sensitivity and resolution is provided. The SPECT imaging device can be used to guide medical interventions, such as biopsies and ablation therapies, and can also be used to guide surgeries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Ziteo, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Quinlan, Lucian Mihailescu, Andrei Claudiu Cosma
  • Patent number: 11426132
    Abstract: While performing a tomosynthesis procedure, the breast of a patient is compressed between two compression elements to create an imaging condition. Foam is secured to the rigid substrate of a one of the compression elements. The patient's chest wall is aligned with the leading edge surface of the foam. The inner side of the breast is disposed proximate the lateral edge surface of the foam and the outer side of the breast is disposed proximate the outer lateral edge surface of the foam. A mid-plane is disposed between the inner and outer lateral edge surfaces of the foam. An interface connects a leading edge surface of the foam and compressive surfaces. A portion of the leading edge surface which is aligned with the mid-plane is incompletely compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth F. Defreitas, Alan Rego, Richard Gladwin Edwards, Christine Janssen, Zhenxue Jing, Jay A. Stein, Diane M. Conlin, Timothy N. Wells, Cornell Lee Williams
  • Patent number: 11406332
    Abstract: Systems and methods for x-ray imaging a patient's breast in combinations of dual-energy, single-energy, mammography and tomosynthesis modes that facilitate screening for and diagnosis of breast abnormalities, particularly breast abnormalities characterized by abnormal vascularity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein, Zhenxue Jing, Baorui Ren, Loren Niklason, Christopher Ruth, Ian Shaw
  • Patent number: 11406342
    Abstract: A device and a method for post-processing of computed tomography (CT), which are adapted to improve an identification image of a focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) of a liver, are provided. The method includes: obtaining the identification image including a liver region and a non-liver region and a Hounsfield unit (HU) value of each pixel corresponding the identification image, wherein the liver region includes an FNH candidate region; calculating an average HU of the liver region; adjusting an HU value of the non-liver region to the average HU value of the liver region with respect to the identification image to generate a processed identification image; and updating the FNH candidate region according to a morphological algorithm based on the processed identification image to generate an updated FNH candidate region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Che-Wei Chu, Chun-Peng Hsu
  • Patent number: 11410350
    Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires information on missing data based on first projection data obtained by scanning a subject. The processing circuitry generates second projection data by interpolating missing data in the first projection data based on the information on missing data. The processing circuitry generates a first reconstructed image by reconstructing the second projection data. The processing circuitry generates third projection data by performing forward projection on the first reconstructed image. The processing circuitry generates fourth projection data by updating the second projection data based on the third projection data. The processing circuitry generates a second reconstructed image based on the fourth projection data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: CANON MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Satoru Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 11395637
    Abstract: A radiographic imaging system includes: a radiographic imaging apparatus body that has a movable unit and is disposed in an imaging room; a subject information acquisition unit that acquires subject information regarding a subject; a first position controller that moves a position of the movable unit to a first position according to the physique of the subject using the subject information; an imaging unit that images the subject; a recognition unit that recognizes the subject using an image of the subject captured by the imaging unit; and a second position controller that moves the position of the movable unit from the first position to a second position according to a recognition result of the recognition unit using the recognition result of the recognition unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takahisa Arai, Takeyasu Kobayashi, Shunsuke Kodaira
  • Patent number: 11375968
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for breast positioning assistance during mammography and image guided interventional procedures. In one example, a vision system is utilized to evaluate one or more of a patient position, a breast position, and breast anatomy to determine if the patient and breast are adjusted to desired positions preferred for a desired view and imaging procedure. Further, based on the evaluation, prior to acquiring x-ray images, real-time feedback may be provided to guide the user to position the breast and/or the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: GE Precision Healthcare LLC
    Inventors: Laurence Vancamberg, Serge Muller, Sridharan Pradeepkumar, Muthu Revathy Authavan, Vinay N.
  • Patent number: 11364003
    Abstract: A device and methods for performing a simulated CT biopsy on a region of interest on a patient. The device comprises a gantry (22) configured to mount an x-ray emitter (24) and CT detector (26) on opposing sides of the gantry, a motor (28) rotatably coupled to the gantry such that the gantry rotates horizontally about the region of interest, and a rotation of source high resolution x-ray detector (172) positioned adjacent the CT detector in between the CT detector and the x-ray emitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: John M. Boone, Thomas R. Yellen-Nelson
  • Patent number: 11364000
    Abstract: The housing for a breast imaging system contains an x-ray source and is configured to rotate relative to the breast. The housing for an x-ray receptor has a breast support platform and extends from an arm assembly which rotates independently from the x-ray source housing. A compression arm assembly connected to the arm assembly moves between a first linear position proximate the x-ray receptor housing and a second linear position distal the x-ray receptor housing. A pair of extension arms are pivotably connected to a strut which removably secures a compression paddle to the compression arm assembly substrate. The extension arms move between a first pivoted position substantially aligned with the strut and a second pivoted position disposed at an angle to the strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth F. Defreitas, Thomas Deyoung, Jeffrey Harold Paige, Alan Rego, Baorui Ren, Jay A. Stein, David Wolff
  • Patent number: 11357456
    Abstract: A compression paddle with a plurality of markers is advanced towards a patients breast which has been positioned on a support platform for an imaging procedure. An initial position of the compression paddle is detected relative to the support platform when a portion of the breast is contacted. An initial marker is identified which is associated with a feature of the breast when the compression paddle is in the initial position. A compression target marker is based at least in part on the initial position and the initial marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn St. Pierre, Alan Rego, Richard Gladwin Edwards, Joseph Vartolone, Timothy Wells
  • Patent number: 11350891
    Abstract: A compression arm device for compressing a breast in an imaging system with a compression paddle. The compression arm device includes a drive for moving the compression paddle towards the breast such that the drive provides a variable resistance during a contact of the compression paddle with the breast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Defreitas, Alan Rego
  • Patent number: 11331063
    Abstract: An image capturing apparatus for a breast examination in which a breakthrough mammary gland density can be adduced. A mammary gland density is calculated by recognizing a distribution of mammary gland tissues of a subject according to a distribution of radioactive pharmaceuticals distributed in a breast. An imaged image of the distribution of the radioactive pharmaceuticals is one type of function image, and represents activity in the subject. Therefore, it is possible to calculate the mammary gland density based on a mammary gland tissue of which the activity is active (an active mammary gland tissue) in the mammary gland tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Ohtani, Tetsuro Mizuta
  • Patent number: 11311262
    Abstract: A console (information processing apparatus) of a mammography apparatus includes: a compression conditions acquisition unit that acquires a compression force and a compression thickness measured in the imaging of a first breast that is one of a right breast and a left breast; a compression conditions estimation unit that, in the case of imaging a second breast that is the other one of the right breast and the left breast, estimates a compression force and a compression thickness of the second breast using the compression force and the compression thickness of the first breast; and a display unit that displays the compression force and the compression thickness estimated by the compression conditions estimation unit at least in imaging of the second breast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takahisa Arai, Takeyasu Kobayashi, Shunsuke Kodaira
  • Patent number: 11304672
    Abstract: An imaging system housing is provided which includes a body and a scanning plate. The body defines a cavity and an opening in communication with the cavity. The body includes one of a lip or groove formation extending from peripheral zone adjacent the opening in a direction away from or towards the cavity and transverse to a plane defined by the opening. The scanning plate is shaped and dimensioned to close the opening and has the other of a groove or lip formation extending along a periphery thereof and being shaped and dimensioned to cooperate with and receive the lip or groove formation of the body. The scanning plate is made from a low surface energy plastic material. The body and plate are bonded together using a structural acrylic adhesive applied to one or both of the lip and groove formations. The imaging system may be a dual-modality imaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: CapeRay Medical (Pty) Ltd
    Inventors: James William Long, Raphael V. Smith, Christopher Leonard Vaughan, Roland Victor Baasch
  • Patent number: 11308594
    Abstract: Systems and methods for synthesizing a two-dimensional (2D) image of an organ of a patient by obtaining an pre-exposure x-ray image of the organ in order to ascertain parameters needed for acquisition of 2D (tomosynthesis) projection images of the organ, imaging the organ to obtain a plurality of 2D (tomosynthesis) projection images of the organ, and generating a synthetic 2D image of the organ from a combination of both the plurality of tomosynthesis projection images and the pre-exposure x-ray image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: GE Precision Healthcare LLC
    Inventors: Sylvain Bernard, Remy Klausz, Veronique Felix, Xavier Mancardi
  • Patent number: 11302440
    Abstract: A method, computer system, and a computer program product for dynamically altering at least one image is provided. The present invention may include receiving a plurality of data, wherein the received plurality of data includes at least one existing medical image. The present invention may also include determining that one or more user instructions for the received existing image were received. The present invention may then include implementing the one or more user instructions on the received existing medical image. The present invention may also include altering the received existing medical image based on the one or more implemented user instructions and a medical knowledge base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Murray A. Reicher, Marwan Sati
  • Patent number: 11282209
    Abstract: A system and method for generating contours in medical imaging scans. In some embodiments, the method includes calculating a first threshold, based on a first target point in a normalized scan data array, and generating a first contour. The contour may be a boundary of a first region, the first region being a region within which the elements of the normalized scan data array are less than the first threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Tuan T. Tran
  • Patent number: 11257251
    Abstract: Methods and systems for guiding a patient for a medical examination using a medical apparatus. For example, a computer-implemented method for guiding a patient for a medical examination using a medical apparatus includes: receiving an examination protocol for the medical apparatus; determining a reference position based at least in part on the examination protocol; acquiring a patient position; determining a deviation metric based at least in part on comparing the patient position and the reference position; determining whether the deviation metric is greater than a pre-determined deviation threshold; and if the deviation metric is greater than a pre-determined deviation threshold: generating a positioning guidance based at least in part on the determined deviation metric, the positioning guidance including guidance for positioning the patient relative to the medical apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Shanghai United Imaging Intelligence Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ziyan Wu, Shanhui Sun, Arun Innanje
  • Patent number: 11237938
    Abstract: A click heatmap abnormality detection method and apparatus, comprising: obtaining a first click heatmap, and dividing the first click heatmap into a plurality of regions (S100); for each region among the plurality of regions, respectively determining a click probability of a click action corresponding to each click source happening in the region (S200); for each click source, determining an abnormal click region corresponding to the click source according to the click probabilities (S300). The described solution determines abnormal click regions according to the click probabilities of the click actions corresponding to the click sources happening in the regions, without the need for manual identification, and with high accuracy and identification efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: BEIJING GRIDSUM TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Zhenhua Liu
  • Patent number: 11234661
    Abstract: A mobile radiography system includes a wheeled transport frame and a vertical column mounted on the transport frame. A telescoping arm is attached to the vertical column and to an x-ray tube head. The telescoping arm allows an operator to rotate the tube head to a desired orientation and then to fix the tube head in the desired orientation without mechanical impact noise. A permanent magnet and an electromagnetic coil assembly allows an operator to easily and quietly control rotation of the tube head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Dirisio
  • Patent number: 11219427
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes ultrasound imaging systems and methods that may be used to image breast tissue. An ultrasound imaging system according to one embodiment may include a user interface comprising a display, a processor operatively connected to the user interface, and memory comprising processor-executable instructions, which when executed by the processor cause the user interface to display a first ultrasound image of a breast on the display and receive an indication of a first region of interest (ROI) in the first ultrasound image. The memory may include instructions to further cause the user interface to display a second ultrasound image of the breast on the display and receive an indication of a second region of interest in the second ultrasound image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Julia Dmitrieva, Gary Cheng-How Ng, James Robertson Jago
  • Patent number: 11197653
    Abstract: A mammography apparatus includes a radiation source having a plurality of radiation tubes. The plurality of radiation tubes are disposed at a plurality of positions where the radiation is emitted to an imaging surface of a radiation detector at different irradiation angles. A correction unit corrects irradiation conditions of the radiation using a first coefficient such that the arrival dose of the radiation reaching the radiation detector is the same regardless of the irradiation angle. The first coefficient corresponds to a compression thickness of the object, indicates a rate of change in an arrival dose of the radiation depending on the irradiation angle, and is registered for each of the plurality of radiation tubes. The setting unit sets the irradiation conditions corrected by the correction unit in the radiation source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tetsuya Kojima, Masayoshi Matsuura
  • Patent number: 11191502
    Abstract: A multi-mode system and method for imaging a patient's breast with x-rays in one or more of a CT mode, a narrow-angle tomosynthesis mode, a wide angle tomosynthesis mode, and a mammography mode, using essentially the same equipment, on one or more compressions or immobilizations of the breast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Smith, Jay A. Stein, Ken Defreitas, Ian Shaw, Zhenxue Jing, Loren Niklason, Baorui Ren, Christopher Ruth
  • Patent number: 11179126
    Abstract: A radiation source of a mammography apparatus includes plural first radiation tubes and one second radiation tube. The first radiation tubes are used for tomosynthesis imaging. In contrast, the second radiation tube is used for pre-imaging which is performed before the tomosynthesis imaging in order to set the irradiation conditions of radiation in the tomosynthesis imaging. The first radiation tubes are provided at plural positions where the focuses of the radiation are set so as to be arranged in a linear shape or an arc shape at equal intervals. The second radiation tube is provided at a position that is offset from the plural positions where the first radiation tubes are provided to a rear side which is a side opposite to the irradiation side of the radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Masaru Sato, Masayoshi Matsuura
  • Patent number: 11154267
    Abstract: A method, system and computer readable storage media for segmenting individual intra-oral measurements and registering said individual intraoral measurements to eliminate or reduce registration errors. An operator may use a dental camera to scan teeth and a trained deep neural network may automatically detect portions of the input images that can cause registration errors and reduce or eliminate the effect of these sources of registration errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: DENTSPLY SIRONA INC.
    Inventors: Stan Mandelkern, Joseph Lasker, Fred Duewer
  • Patent number: 11158045
    Abstract: Digital breast tomosynthesis represents an enhanced type of mammogram for detecting breast cancer. In this disclosure, data from digital breast tomosynthesis is reconstructed into a volumetric database with each voxel having a (x, y, z) coordinate and viewed in true 3D using geo-registered head display unit and geo-registered tools for overall enhanced diagnosis. The breast is imaged under various configurations and the internal architecture of an anatomic feature three-dimensionally analyzed. Additional dataset creation and three-dimensional imaging techniques are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Inventors: David Byron Douglas, Robert Edwin Douglas, Kathleen Mary Douglas
  • Patent number: 11113851
    Abstract: A method for correcting image data from a differential phase contrast imaging system is provided. Data comprising distorted data due to spatial variation is obtained. The data is corrected by correcting the distorted data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Ching-wei Chang, Lambertus Hesselink
  • Patent number: 11103206
    Abstract: A mammography apparatus includes a radiation source driver that moves a radiation source to a plurality of imaging positions including a first imaging position where LE imaging of emitting radiation R with low energy from the radiation source to capture a radiation image is performed, and a second imaging position where the LE imaging and HE imaging of emitting radiation R with high energy to capture a radiation image are performed, and a controller that causes a radiation detector to perform the LE imaging at the first imaging position in a state where the radiation source is moved, and causes the radiation detector to perform the LE imaging and the HE imaging at the second imaging position in a state where the movement of the radiation source is stopped or the radiation source is moved at a moving speed slower than that at the first imaging position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroki Nakayama
  • Patent number: 11076821
    Abstract: A size and/or shape specific 3D-beam modulation filter and a size and/or shape specific immobilizer are provided for cone-beam breast computed tomography (bCT). The immobilizer places the breast on an optimal position in the field of view of the scanner system and the 3D-beam modulation filter modulates the incident x-ray beam in the cone-angle (i.e. z-axis of the detector panel) and fan angle (i.e. x-axis of the detector panel) directions in order to improve equalization of the photon fluence incident upon the detector panel and reduce unnecessary radiation dose that the breast receives. Both the immobilizer and the 3D-beam modulation filter are selected among a plurality of alternatives based on the specific shape, size and/or shape or size of the person's breast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: John M. Boone, Andrew M. Hernandez, Peymon Gazi
  • Patent number: 11058372
    Abstract: Mammography apparatus comprising an x-ray source, a movable paddle and a detector, wherein the paddle and the detector are arranged to cooperate for pressurizing a breast so as to prepare for x-ray imaging of the breast, wherein the paddle connects to a paddle drive control system that drives the paddle towards the detector with a selected speed, wherein the paddle drive control system connects to a speed controller which provides the paddle drive control system a variating target setpoint that sets a rate at which the paddle drive control system drives the paddle towards the detector, wherein the apparatus comprises a contact area measurement device with which the contact area of the breast with the paddle and/or the detector is measurable, and that the speed controller is only operable for varying the target setpoint of the paddle drive control system when the contact area measurement device establishes that the said contact area surpasses a predefined first threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: SIGMASCREENING B.V.
    Inventors: Jeroen Emanuel de Groot, Cornelis Antonius Grimbergen, Gerard Johan den Heeten
  • Patent number: 11013473
    Abstract: A method for visualizing a region of interest inside an examination object into which an examination instrument has been introduced, and a tomosynthesis system for executing the method. Raw datasets are acquired from a number of lateral acquisition angles. A number of synthetic projections are calculated from the raw datasets. The synthetic projections are output in the form of an image sequence which represents the examination object in a rotating visualization. An image reconstruction device and a tomosynthesis system, as well as a computer program product and a computer-readable medium are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Anna Jerebko, Stefan Veitenhansl
  • Patent number: 11006912
    Abstract: Systems and methods that directly image attenuation-based object grid, use a source grid to improve imaging of the object grid using a high-energy polychromatic source, and use a detector grid having gratings oriented substantially orthogonally to that of the object grid, can address artifacts and beam hardening effects that limit the quality and discriminatory power of high-energy x-ray imaging that includes phase contrast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Erin A. Miller, Richard E. Jacob, Nikhil S. Deshmukh, Cynthia L. Warner, Richard S. Wittman, Luke W. Campbell
  • Patent number: 11006915
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement in connection with a mammography apparatus, in the invention, a screen or a user interface with a screen is attached to the mammography apparatus, which attachment is realized such that the screen or the user interface with a screen is aligned or can be aligned at least partly towards a lower tray structure of the mammography apparatus. Such screen or a user interface with a screen can be arranged in a functional connection with an information system and patient images recorded earlier in the information system can be displayed on the screen or the user interface with a screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: PLANMED OY
    Inventors: Tapio Laukkanen, Leo Aspelund
  • Patent number: 10993706
    Abstract: This invention relates to a biopsy method comprising automated moving of at least part of a biopsy sampler within a biopsy volume, to perform a biopsy in a zone of interest in a body, wherein said automated moving is preceded by variable positioning of said biopsy volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Laurence Vancamberg, Serge Muller, Guillaume Peter, Marcia C. Hill, Aurélie Boudier, Romain Moulin, Aurora Talaverano Fuentes
  • Patent number: 10987075
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: an acquisition unit that acquires a radiographic image of a breast and information indicating a thickness of the breast in capture of the radiographic image; and a derivation unit that derives a percentage of mammary glands of a breast image in the radiographic image acquired by the acquisition unit using different methods in a case in which the thickness of the breast is equal to or greater than a predetermined thickness and a case in which the thickness of the breast is less than the predetermined thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Junya Morita
  • Patent number: 10980501
    Abstract: The X-ray phase imaging apparatus includes a position switching mechanism for switching a relative position of one or more gratings between a retreated position which is an outside of a detection range on a detection surface of an image signal detector and a detection positon which is an inside of the detection range on the detection surface of the image signal detector and a focal diameter changing unit configured to change a focal diameter of the X-ray source in conjunction with switching of the relative position of the one or more gratings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Koichi Tanabe, Kenji Kimura, Toshinori Yoshimuta, Taro Shirai, Takahiro Doki, Satoshi Sano, Akira Horiba, Naoki Morimoto
  • Patent number: 10973480
    Abstract: In example embodiments, a CT imaging system is provided comprising opposing x-ray generation and x-ray detector assemblies and a motion mechanism configured for simultaneously rotationally orbiting the x-ray generation and x-ray detector assemblies around a patient's anatomy along a main axis of rotation of the imaging system while rotationally oscillating the x-ray generation and x-ray detector assemblies about a spinning oscillation axis which is perpendicular to both the main axis of rotation and to a transmission axis extending between the x ray generation and detector assemblies. Further improvements related to a patient support platform and a biopsy attachment are also described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Dedicated2Imaging, LLC
    Inventors: Eric M. Bailey, Andrew Tybinkowski