Using Neural Network Or Trainable (adaptive) System Patents (Class 600/408)
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Patent number: 8135452Abstract: Provided is a method for rapid, 3D, dynamic, projection reconstruction bilateral breast imaging using simultaneous multi-slab volume excitation and radial acquisition of a contrast enhanced bilateral image, in conjunction with SENSE processing, using k-Space Weighted Image Contrast (“KWIC”) filtering and multi-coil arrays for signal separation in an interleaved bilateral MR bilateral breast scan that uses conventional Cartesian sampling without parallel imaging. Software was developed for the reconstruction, modeling contrast kinetics using a heuristic model, display by parametric mapping and viewer/analysis of the multidimensional, high frame-rate bilateral breast images.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2008Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: The Trustees Of The University Of PennsylvaniaInventors: Lawrence Dougherty, Hee Kwon Song, Raymond Charles Boston, Mitchell Schnall
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Patent number: 8103073Abstract: Physician interactive workstations with global cardiac voxel distribution visualization may also include one or more of a 3-D color scale image of a population of voxel in the heart and/or an electronic boundary-tracing tool configured to accept user input to electronically define at least one boundary of a target region of a heart in a medical image of a patient on a display. The workstation may be configured to evaluate intensity of voxels associated with tissue within the defined boundary of the target region of the heart whereby cardiotoxicity is evaluated.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2011Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Wake Forest University Health SciencesInventors: William Gregory Hundley, Craig A. Hamilton, Ralph B. D'Agostino
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Patent number: 8082127Abstract: A method for determining the spatial distribution of magnetic resonance signals from an imaging area, wherein nuclear spins are excited in a spatially encoded fashion through multi-dimensional RF pulses, is characterized in that in a definition step, a resolution grid with resolution grid cells is predetermined, and in accordance with a predetermined phase encoding scheme, an excitation pattern is defined for each phase encoding step, in which the amplitudes within the imaging area are set in accordance with a predetermined distribution identically for each phase encoding step. In a preparatory step, the amplitude and phase behavior of the RF pulses to be irradiated is calculated in accordance with a predetermined k-space trajectory for each defined complex excitation pattern.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2008Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Bruker BioSpin MRI GmbHInventor: Wolfgang Ruhm
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Publication number: 20110257505Abstract: Characterization of carotid atherosclerosis and classification of plaque into symptomatic or asymptomatic along with the risk score estimation are key steps necessary for allowing the vascular surgeons to decide if the patient has to definitely undergo risky treatment procedures that are needed to unblock the stenosis. This application describes a statistical (a) Computer Aided Diagnostic (CAD) technique for symptomatic versus asymptomatic plaque automated classification of carotid ultrasound images and (b) presents a cardiovascular risk score computation. We demonstrate this for longitudinal Ultrasound, CT, MR modalities and extendable to 3D carotid Ultrasound. The on-line system consists of Atherosclerotic Wall Region estimation using AtheroEdge™ for longitudinal Ultrasound or Athero-CTView™ for CT or Athero-MRView from MR.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Inventor: Jasjit S. Suri
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Patent number: 8032335Abstract: Provided are methods, systems and computer program products evaluating magnetic resonance (MR) signals from a sample. The methods and systems can be used to evaluate MR signals from various constituents (e.g., metabolites, macromolecules) of the sample.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2008Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Emory UniversityInventors: Diego R. Martin, Xiaoping Hu, Nashiely Pineda-Alonso, Puneet Sharma
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Patent number: 8012091Abstract: A method for fetal weight estimation wherein fetal biometric parameters are ultrasonically measured and further physiological and phenomenological pregnancy parameters are determined for a plurality of sample cases. The fetal weight for each of the sample cases is then determined by precision weighing at birth. A database is then created based on the known sample cases and mathematical prediction models are generated from the database. For the case under examination for which fetal weight is to be predicted, the fetal biometric parameters are ultrasonically measured and further physiological and phenomenological pregnancy parameters are determined. The fetal weight of the case under examination is predicted by using a mathematical prediction model and a multinormal probabilistic model is used as a mathematical model.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2006Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Esoate S.p.A.Inventors: Felice Petraglia, Paolo Barbini, Gabriele Cevenini, Filiberto Maria Severi
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Patent number: 7981040Abstract: A method of ultrasonic detection and localization of contrast agent microbubbles wherein the decision as to whether or not the received ultrasonic signals indicate the presence of a single microbubble or a small microbubble population is made by analyzing the projections of the spectra of said received ultrasonic signals in multidimensional spaces, and by comparing such projections with the projections in said multidimensional spaces of sample control signals corresponding to known conditions of presence and/or absence of single microbubbles and/or small microbubble populations.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2006Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: ESAOTE, S.p.A.Inventors: Andrea Trucco, Daniele Cecchini, Luca Di Resta
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Publication number: 20110172514Abstract: A classifier (20) is trained by a feature matrix (18, 18?) made up of feature vectors (F11, . . . , Fkm). The feature vectors are generated by operating on each of a plurality (k) of training image data sets with each of a plurality (m) of image processing algorithms (121, . . . , 12m) to generate processed and segmented images. Features of the segmented regions are extracted (14) to generate the feature vectors. In this manner, the classifier is trained with data generated with a variety of image processing algorithms.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2009Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Michael Chun-chieh Lee, Lilla Boroczky
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Patent number: 7949384Abstract: PRF shift MRI data is acquired. The PRF shift MRI data may include signals affected by both a desired PRF shift and an undesired PRF shift. Thus, example systems and methods describe manipulating the PRF shift MRI data to make it substantially free of the effects of the undesired PRF shift, which facilitates displaying certain MRI images based on the desired PRF shift.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2008Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Case Western Reserve UniversityInventors: Jonathan S. Lewin, Jeffrey L. Duerk, Kestutis J. Barkauskas
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Patent number: 7940977Abstract: A method of identifying a calcium and/or a soft plaque deposit in a blood vessel using imaging data of the blood vessel is provided. A first threshold is applied to a slice of three-dimensional imaging data of a blood vessel to define voxels above the first threshold. A maximum intensity of the blood vessel is identified from the defined voxels. A distance from the identified maximum intensity to a center of the blood vessel is calculated and is compared with a distance threshold. If the calculated distance is greater than the distance threshold, a calcium deposit is identified. A second threshold is applied to the slice to define voxels below the second threshold. If a calcium deposit is identified or if the defined voxels below the threshold have a half-moon shape, a soft plaque deposit is identified.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2006Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Rcadia Medical Imaging Ltd.Inventors: Grigory Begelman, Roman Goldenberg, Shai Levanon, Shay Ohayon, Eugene Walach
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Patent number: 7881760Abstract: A magneto-encephalographic equipment superconducting magnetic-shield comprising a vacuum-tight body comprising an outer enclosure wall, a first inner enclosure wall inserted in the outer enclosure wall to define a upper closed space, and a second inner enclosure wall to define a lower open space. The first and second inner enclosure walls are arranged with the bottom of the first inner enclosure wall facing the ceiling of the second inner enclosure wall. A first enclosure of HTSC and a second enclosure of high-permeability material are concentrically arranged in the annular vacuum space defined between the first and second inner enclosure walls and the outer enclosure wall. A head-accommodating area is delimited by the hollow partition between, the bottom of the first inner enclosure wall and the ceiling of the second inner enclosure wall both facing each other, and a plurality of SQUID sensors are arranged in the upper closed space, encircling the head-accommodating area.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: National Institute of Information and Communications TechnologyInventors: Toshiaki Matsui, Hiroshi Ohta
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Patent number: 7831292Abstract: It is often desirable to define objects with respect to images of an anatomy displayed using an image guided surgery system. For non-trivial objects, or those with complicated two or three dimensional forms, it may be difficult to present information in a manner that is simple for a user to understand. The local distance to a surface of interest, such as the surface of the defined object, or to a desired position, the local penetration distance of the surface of interest, or haptic repulsion force, often provides the most useful information for augmenting the interaction of the user with the image guided surgery system. The scalar value of the local distance may be conveyed to the user by visual, audio, tactile, haptic, or other means.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2003Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Mako Surgical Corp.Inventors: Arthur E. Quaid, Rony A. Abovitz
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Patent number: 7826885Abstract: First time-density curves concerning arteries in a specific region and second time-density curves concerning tissues in the specific region are prepared from a plurality of continuous images concerning the specific region of a subject into which a contrast medium is injected. Modulation transfer functions indicating local blood flow circulations in the tissues with respect to the arteries are calculated by curve-fitting so that residual errors of the second time-density curves are minimized with respect to convolution of the modulation transfer functions and first time-density curves. Indices concerning the local blood flow circulations with respect to the respective arteries are calculated from the modulation transfer functions. Maps of the indices for the arteries are prepared, and the maps of these indices are synthesized into one map in accordance with the residual errors for the first time-density curves.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2007Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Kyojiro Nambu, Yoshihiro Ikeda
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Patent number: 7801965Abstract: A method for processing data is proposed, particularly image data in a medical system, in which a plurality of imaging modalities for capturing the data and their associated apparatus for locally processing and storing the data are connected to one another via a data transmission unit for the purpose of data interchange. Common data for all modalities are respectively stored locally and are coordinated with one another such that the respective modality remains active regardless of the state of the data transmission unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2005Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Ralf Hofmann, Ivan Murphy, Andreas Schuelke
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Patent number: 7787927Abstract: In one embodiment, an adaptive medical image registration procedure includes a motion estimation procedure involving estimating or determining an amount of patient or tissue motion along a set of axes; an evaluation procedure involving evaluating an estimated amount of motion relative to a correction threshold; and a correction procedure involving performing a two dimensional image resampling, a three dimensional image resampling, or possibly avoiding an image resampling based upon a relationship between an estimated amount of motion and the correction threshold. Axes considered by a motion estimation procedure may include an axis of lowest image resolution, and the correction threshold may have a value given by a fraction of a lowest image resolution.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2003Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Merge CAD Inc.Inventors: Chris H. Wood, Tanya L. Niemeyer
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Patent number: 7782974Abstract: An apparatus providing additional response for a distortion correcting device that receives a first signal at a correcting input and provides a first delayed output signal at an output includes: (a) A first signal combiner coupled with an input and the correcting input. (b) A delay unit coupled with the input provides a second delayed signal to a delayed signal terminal. (c) A second signal combiner coupled with the delayed signal terminal and the output employs the output signal and the second delayed signal to present an error signal at a first error terminal. (d) An adaptive circuit coupled with the input locus, the first signal combiner and the second signal combiner employs provides a supplemental signal to the first signal combiner which employs the input signal and the supplemental signal to present the first signal to reduce the error signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2006Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Texas Instuments IncorporatedInventor: Gregory Clark Copeland
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Patent number: 7783089Abstract: At least one metric for a mammographic image is computed by a workstation, and provided on a workstation display along with the mammographic image. A clinician can select one or more different metrics to be computed for an image, as well as where they are to be shown and the manner in which they are to be shown on the display. Speech (may also be an audible sound which is not speech) may also be used in the workstation to audibly provide metrics information to the clinician.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2002Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: John P. Kaufhold, Bernhard E. H. Claus, Jeffrey W. Eberhard
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Patent number: 7774042Abstract: A three-dimensional thermoacoustic imaging system uses dye markers. Thermoacoustic signals are produced by the dye markers when light from an external source is absorbed by the dye. Thermoacoustic images with and without dye stimulation may be generated using excitation frequencies both inside and outside the frequency band of fluorescence of the dye marker, and these may be combined, and/or combined with conventional ultrasound images for image enhancement. An apparatus for carrying out this method on mice, uses a commercially available array of transducers positioned opposite to the body of the mouse, which is immersed in a coupling media. A source of illumination such as a laser directs light to the mouse through the coupling media, and resulting acoustic waves are captured by the array and reconstructed to form an image.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2003Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Senco Brands, Inc.Inventor: Robert A. Kruger
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Patent number: 7774041Abstract: First time-density curves concerning arteries in a specific region and second time-density curves concerning tissues in the specific region are prepared from a plurality of continuous images concerning the specific region of a subject into which a contrast medium is injected. Modulation transfer functions indicating local blood flow circulations in the tissues with respect to the arteries are calculated by curve-fitting so that residual errors of the second time-density curves are minimized with respect to convolution of the modulation transfer functions and first time-density curves. Indices concerning the local blood flow circulations with respect to the respective arteries are calculated from the modulation transfer functions. Maps of the indices for the arteries are prepared, and the maps of these indices are synthesized into one map in accordance with the residual errors for the first time-density curves.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2002Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Kyojiro Nambu, Yoshihiro Ikeda
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Patent number: 7756317Abstract: A method for detecting and analyzing candidate lesions in a magnetic resonance image of a breast. The method includes the steps of: accessing a plurality of temporal magnetic resonance images of the breast; identifying candidate lesions by performing a temporal pattern analysis of the plurality of images to produce temporal features based on an uptake phase and a washout phase; performing a morphological operation on the candidate lesions to produce morphological features; and classifying the candidate lesions using the morphological features and temporal features to produce classified candidate lesions.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2006Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.Inventors: Zhimin Huo, Hui Wang, Xu Liu
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Patent number: 7756564Abstract: The present invention provides a low-noise MEG apparatus of high sensitivity. A MEG apparatus using a magnetic shield of high critical temperature superconductor is set on the floor of a building via mechanical vibration suppressor supports to prevent appearance of noise signals. Also, the apparatus is equipped with means for preventing any relative displacement between the SQUID magnetic sensors and the magnetic shield of high critical temperature superconductor, thereby not letting an inevitable mechanical vibration of least strength produce any variable components of the trapped static magnetic field, which the SQUID magnetic sensors could be sensitive to.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2005Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: National Institute of Information and Communications TechnologyInventors: Toshiaki Matsui, Hiroshi Ohta
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Patent number: 7746340Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for generating a two dimensional (2D) image of a structure (e.g., an organ) that has at least one pixel corresponding to at least one voxel of a three dimensional (3D) image of the structure. First, the surface of the structure in the 3D image is modeled by a geometrical volume such as an ellipsoid. Next, normal maximum intensity projection (MIP) rays are cast (i.e., projected) for voxels of the geometrical volume. The 2D image is then generated using the rays. The 2D image has at least one pixel that corresponds to at least one voxel of the 3D image.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2006Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Charles Florin, Romain Moreau-Gobard, James P. Williams
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Patent number: 7747311Abstract: A combination of a haptic device and a computer-assisted medical system is used for interactive haptic positioning of a medical device coupled to the haptic device. A reconfigurable haptic object facilitates the positioning of the medical device and/or the haptic device. The haptic object may be modified in response to application of a force against the haptic object by a user of the haptic device pushing the haptic device against the haptic object. Preferably, the haptic object moves in the direction of the force applied by the haptic device. The medical device may be guided to a desired pose relative to a target area from its current position. The user may approach the target area from its current position and still be provided with haptic cues to enable the user to guide the medical device to the target area.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2003Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: MAKO Surgical Corp.Inventor: Arthur E. Quaid, III
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Patent number: 7738683Abstract: A system for the detection of abnormalities in a medical image of a subject. The system includes an examination bundle, a learning engine, and a detecting engine. The examination bundle includes at least one medical image of the subject from a first modality and at least one medical image of the subject from a second modality. The learning engine is employed for determining the characteristics of abnormalities within the at least one medical image from the first modality and the at least one medical image from the second modality. The detecting engine is employed for detecting abnormalities within at least one of the medical images comprising the examination bundle.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2005Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.Inventors: Nathan D. Cahill, Shoupu Chen, Zhaohui Sun, Lawrence A. Ray
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Patent number: 7725153Abstract: A system and a method of using dual-energy absoptiometry to estimate visceral fat metrics and display results, preferably as related to normative data. The process involves deriving x-ray measurements for respective pixel positions related to a two-dimensional projection image of a body slice containing visceral fat as well as subcutaneous fat; at least some of the measurements being dual-energy x-ray measurements, processing the measurements to derive estimates of metrics related to the visceral fat in the slice; and using the resulting estimates.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2004Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Hologic, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Kelly, Kevin E. Wilson, Christopher Ruth
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Patent number: 7715895Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system for imaging human breasts, in which the system includes a main magnet providing a static magnetic field, a gradient coil insert received within the internal bore of the main magnet, the gradient coil insert including gradient coils providing a spatially varying magnetic field, a patient support table configured to support the patient within the patient opening, the patient support table including a patient support member with at least one breast opening sized and positioned so that in use the patient's breast extends through the opening and is accessible below the patient support member, an RF transmitter coil mounted on the patient support table in the vicinity of the at least one breast opening, and an RF receiver coil separate from the RF transmitter coil and mounted on the patient support table in the vicinity of the at least one breast opening.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Aurora Imaging Technology, Inc.Inventors: David Graessle, Mathew A. Hass
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Patent number: 7706855Abstract: A system and method of MR imaging is disclosed that includes reconstruction of MR images with uniform or homogeneous fat suppression. An imaging process is performed using partial asymmetric acquisitions in conjunction with zero-filling of k-space for dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging. Data acquisition is carried out in a relatively short period of time which reduces scan time, reduces the likelihood of subject discomfort and motion-induced artifacts, and increases patient throughput.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2004Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Agus Priatna, Anthony T. Vu, Xiaoli Zhao
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Publication number: 20100076296Abstract: A method and system for automatic coronary stenosis detection in computed tomography (CT) data is disclosed. Coronary artery centerlines are obtained in an input cardiac CT volume. A trained classifier, such as a probabilistic boosting tree (PBT) classifier, is used to detect stenosis regions along the centerlines in the input cardiac CT volume. The classifier classifies each of the control points that define the coronary artery centerlines as a stenosis point or a non-stenosis point.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2009Publication date: March 25, 2010Applicants: Siemens Corporate Research, Inc., Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Sushil Mittal, Yefeng Zheng, Bogdan Georgescu, Fernando Vega-Higuera, Dorin Comaniciu
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Patent number: 7680526Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, brain stimulation models, systems, devices, and methods, such as for deep brain stimulation (DBS) or other electrical stimulation. A model computes a volume of influence region for a simulated electrical stimulation using certain stimulation parameters, such as amplitude, pulsewidth, frequency, pulse morphology, electrode contact selection or location, return path electrode selection, pulse polarity, etc. The model uses a non-uniform tissue conductivity. This accurately represents brain tissue, which has highly directionally conductive neuron pathways yielding a non-homogeneous and anisotropic tissue medium. In one example, the non-uniform tissue conductivity is obtained from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data. In one example, a second difference of an electric potential distribution is used to define a volume of activation (VOA) or similar volume of influence.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2008Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: The Cleveland Clinic FoundationInventors: Cameron C. McIntyre, Christopher R. Butson, John D. Hall, Jaimie M. Henderson
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Patent number: 7676076Abstract: Image processing method for a digital medical examination image, the pixels of which are assigned a gray-scale value in each instance, with a minimum and a maximum gray-scale value being defined as limit values for the purpose of displaying the examination image, with the pixels being subjected to an evaluation by means of a neural network, in order to determine such pixels and to disregard them when defining the gray-scale values which are located in a direct radiation region or in a projected collimator region.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Martin Spahn
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Patent number: 7668581Abstract: A CAM (current arrow map) 71 and another CAM 72 are obtained from magnetocardiogram waveforms measured from both front and back sides of a subject using data at a point of time of an R-wave peak, then the coordinates of the CAM 72 are inverted in both x and y axis directions to obtain a CAM 73. The coordinates of each of the CAMs 71 and 73 are converted to polar coordinates to obtain CAMs 74 and 75 at both front and back sides of the subject. After that, the CAM 74 is adjusted to the CAM 76 in scale to obtain a CAM 76 , and CAMs 74 and 76 are combined. Then, the CAM data at measuring points on each measuring-points-missing radius vector is inserted through an arithmetic processing by interpolation so that CAM data at every measuring point on a planispheric chart 77 are connected to each another consecutively.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2005Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventors: Akihiko Kandori, Tsuyoshi Miyashita, Kuniomi Ogata
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Patent number: 7587073Abstract: Disclosed is a medical image processing system comprising a medical image storage server for storing digital image data provided by means such as computerized tomography or magnetic resonance image apparatus in a medical image database; and an image processing system which is coupled to said medical image storage server and to several client computers by TCP/IP protocol; wherein said image processing system comprises a user interface unit which converts the user's command into an electric signal and outputs said electric signal; an image processor unit which reads a medical image out of said medical image database, performs an image processing program comprising a medical image controlling algorithm and outputs a result signal; and an output interface unit which receives said result signal and converts said result signal into a format which can be recognized by a user.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2002Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Virtual ITech Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jong-Won Park
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Publication number: 20090221881Abstract: The present invention describes a method and system for intelligent diagnostic relevant information processing and analysis. Information associated with a patient is processed via an image reading platform. Based on such processed information, a matrix of diagnosis decisions containing diagnostic related information is generated via a matrix of diagnosis decision platform. A diagnostic decision is made based on the diagnostic relevant information. The image reading platform and/or the matrix of diagnosis decision platform encapsulate information and toolkits to be used to manipulate the information.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2009Publication date: September 3, 2009Applicant: EDDA TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Jianzhong QIAN, Li Fan, Guo-Qing Wei, Cheng-Chung Liang
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Patent number: 7580739Abstract: A system includes a device swallowed, passing through a subject, and including a constant magnetic field generator generating a constant magnetic field; and a position transducer. The position transducer includes a magnetic detector, a calibration magnetic field generator, a magnetic detector detecting an intensity of a magnetic field, a coordinate calibrating unit, and a position processor. The calibration magnetic field generator is disposed at a fixed relative position to the subject, and generates a calibration magnetic field for position calibration of the magnetic detector. The coordinate calibrating unit calibrates a position coordinate of the magnetic detector using an intensity of the calibration magnetic field. The position processor calculates a position of the device in the subject based on the intensity of the constant magnetic field and the position coordinate of the magnetic detector calibrated.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2004Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventors: Tetsuo Minai, Hatsuo Shimizu
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Patent number: 7580737Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating acute stroke patients and for determining whether a stroke patient will benefit from the use of thrombolysis therapy includes obtaining measurements of the cerebral blood flow and cerebral blood volume of the brain of a stroke patient, determining ischemic areas of the brain where the ischemic areas comprise the measurements of cerebral blood flow which are less than a first value and creating a penumbra-infarct map of the ischemic areas of the brain using the measurements. The infarct area corresponds to the area of the brain where cerebral blood volume is less than a second value. The penumbra area corresponds to the area of the brain where cerebral blood volume is greater than this second dvalue. The method also includes determining a ratio of penumbra size to the total of penumbra size and infarct size. When the ratio is greater than a predetermined value, the stroke patient is a candidate for thrombolysis therapy.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2002Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Universite de LausanneInventors: Max Wintermark, Jean-Philippe Thiran, Reto Antoine Meuli
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Patent number: 7574253Abstract: A method for processing signals, such as a tomography signal, in the time domain provides both high spatial resolution and high frequency resolution but at low cost. The method uses non-linear regression with a sinusoidal model to fit a sine wave to a portion of the signal that is less than a full cycle of a wave of the signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2003Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Northwestern UniversityInventors: Paul A. Edney, Joseph T. Walsh, Jr.
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Patent number: 7570063Abstract: Microwave imaging via space-time beamforming is carried out by transmitting microwave signals from multiple antenna locations into an individual to be examined and receiving the backscattered microwave signals at multiple antenna locations to provide received signals from the antennas. The received signals are processed in a computer to remove the skin interface reflection component of the signal at each antenna to provide corrected signal data. The corrected signal data is provided to a beamformer process that time shifts the received signals to align the returns from a scatterer at a candidate location, and then passes the time aligned signals through a bank of filters, the outputs of which are summed, time-gated and the power therein calculated to produce the beamformer output signal at a candidate location. The beamformer is then scanned to a plurality of different locations in the individual by changing the time shifts, filter weights and time-gating of the beamformer process.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2002Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: Barry D. Van Veen, Susan C. Hagness, Essex Julian Bond, Xu Li
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Patent number: 7558611Abstract: An automated method measures coronary calcium in a living subject using x-ray computed tomography (CT). The method acquires at least one CT image containing voxels representing x-ray attenuation of the subject which may or may not be calibrated. The method of analysis may or may not require operator interactions and includes analyzing the images in a computer to identify the boundaries of the heart. The method further includes identifying the approximate location of at least one coronary artery without operator interaction. The method further includes placing a region-of-interest (ROI) surrounding the artery location automatically. The method further includes analyzing the ROI to identify voxels above a threshold value. The method further includes determining the calcium content in mass units.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2002Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Image Analysis, Inc.Inventors: Ben A. Arnold, Judd E. Reed
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Publication number: 20090171183Abstract: An imaging system (10) comprises a data device (30), which controls radiation data acquisition from a subject positioned in an examination region (18) for an examination. A rebinning processor (40) bins the acquired data periodically into a histogram (42). A transform (70) transforms the histogram (42) into individual independent or uncorrelated components, each component including a signal content and a noise content. A stopping determining device (52) compares an aspect of at least one selected component to a predetermined threshold (TH) and, based on the comparison, terminates the data acquisition.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2006Publication date: July 2, 2009Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N. V.Inventors: Manoj Narayanan, Bart Jacob Bakker, Daniel Gagnon, Alexander Fischer, Lothar Spies
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Patent number: 7555329Abstract: A method and apparatus for quantifying pharyngeal residue and aspiration of a patient by x-ray imaging of the patient's head and neck to produce a baseline image, applying an initial volume of x-ray opaque solution to a patient by mouth; x-ray imaging the head and neck of the patient having received the solution before and after swallowing to produce respective second and third images; and calculating a ratio of the pharyngeal residue volume to the initial volume to determine the proportion of the swallowed bolus that remain in the pharyngeal recesses; and calculating a ratio of the material entering the trachea to the known initial volume to determine the proportion of the swallowed bolus that has been aspirated; and if the volume of the original bolus is known, calculating the actual volume of the pharyngeal residue and aspiration. The apparatus includes a suitably programmed computer and an x-ray imaging system to collect image data.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2005Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Department of Veterans AffairsInventors: Roxann Diez Gross, Richard S. Horne
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Patent number: 7529394Abstract: CAD (computer-aided decision) support systems, methods and tools for medical imaging are provided, which use machine learning classification for automated detection and marking of regions of interest in medical images. Machine learning methods are used for adapting/optimizing a CAD process by seamlessly incorporating physician knowledge into the CAD process using training data that is obtained during routine use of the CAD system.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2004Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Arun Krishnan, Jonathan Stoeckel
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Patent number: 7418287Abstract: A method of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging comprising acquiring undersampled magnetic resonance signals for successive temporal time slots. In a space spanned by geometrical space and temporal frequency and on the basic of a priori information the aliased difference magnetic resonance data which are gained by subtracting for respective k-space sampling positions data of a baseline magnetic resonance image from the undersampled magnetic resonance signals are decomposed into difference data which essentially pertain to individual spatial positions at individual time slots.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2003Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Jeffrey Tsao, Klaas Paul Pruessmann, Peter Boesiger
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Patent number: 7366676Abstract: In a method and a computer system for screening of medical cases known proven positive and/or known proven normal cases are inserted in the flow of cases during the screening. On a user's option the known cases can be infiltrated in the case stream in accordance with a fixed pattern or on a random basis. When the radiologist makes a misdiagnosis of a known case this is recognized by the system and a corresponding output message is provided to the radiologist. Further the system has a database for tracing all user actions, including the diagnostic findings for the purposes of generating a user action report, quality control and assurance, and support in litigation.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: MeVis Breastcare GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Carl J. G. Evertsz
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Patent number: 7346382Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, brain stimulation models, systems, devices, and methods, such as for deep brain stimulation (DBS) or other electrical stimulation. A model computes a volume of influence region for a simulated electrical stimulation using certain stimulation parameters, such as amplitude, pulsewidth, frequency, pulse morphology, electrode contact selection or location, return path electrode selection, pulse polarity, etc. The model uses a non-uniform tissue conductivity. This accurately represents brain tissue, which has highly directionally conductive neuron pathways yielding a non-homogeneous and anisotropic tissue medium. In one example, the non-uniform tissue conductivity is obtained from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data. In one example, a second difference of an electric potential distribution is used to define a volume of activation (VOA) or similar volume of influence.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: The Cleveland Clinic FoundationInventors: Cameron C. McIntyre, Christopher R. Butson, John D. Hall, Jaimie M. Henderson
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Patent number: 7329224Abstract: The invention relates to a therapy combination which consists of a locating unit and a therapy unit which includes a therapy head for focusing energy in a focus, said units being movable relative to one another. In order to determine the relative position, each of said two units is provided with a sub-system of a measuring device. The position of the focus can thus be determined relative to an image produced by the locating unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2003Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Horst Hartwig Schwieker, Thomas Schnabel
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Patent number: 7123762Abstract: A method of calculating a disease assessment by analyzing a medical image, comprising (1) extracting at least one lesion feature value from the medical image; (2) extracting at least one risk feature value from the medical image; and (3) determining the disease assessment based on the at least one lesion feature value and the at least one risk feature value. The method employs lesion characterization for characterizing the lesion, and risk assessment based on the lesion's surroundings, i.e., the environment local and distal to the lesion. Computerized methods both characterize mammographic lesions and assess the breast parenchymal pattern on mammograms, resulting in improved characterization of lesions for specific subpopulations, combining the benefits of both techniques.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2003Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: University of ChicagoInventors: Maryellen L. Giger, Zhimin Huo, Carl J. Vyborny
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Patent number: 7096056Abstract: A method for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) uses steady-state free precession (SSFP) to image changes in blood oxygenation between two time periods. A center frequency of the SSFP sequence is placed between the different resonant frequencies for oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin whereby the signals have a phase difference of 180° and tend to cancel. By repeating the SSFP imaging sequence at different times, the difference in the measured signals provides a measure of change in oxyhemoglobin. RF flip angle of the SSFP sequence is chosen to maximize signal level in the frequency range from that of water in the presence of oxyhemoglobin and that of water in the presence of deoxyhemoglobin.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2003Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Karla L. Miller, John M. Pauly
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Patent number: 7006860Abstract: The vest provides a simple and intuitive coil support assuring proper alignment of the coils with the patient and providing support for coil elements encircling the opposed arms. A coil for receiving and/or transmitting radio-frequency signals for magnetic resonance imaging of the chest, and particularly for ventilation studies of the lungs, is supported in a flexible vest having arm holes locating the coil elements about the patient.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2002Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Invivo CorporationInventor: Ashok Menon
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Patent number: 6985767Abstract: A body fat measuring apparatus is provided with a light emitting device 1 for projecting light rays to a subject's tissue, light receiving devices 3 and 4 for detecting a transmitted light ray having passed through the subject's tissue and/or a reflected light ray reflected inside the subject's body, and a CPU 6 for calculating the subject's subcutaneous fat thickness and/or body fat percentage by performing an operation by use of the detection results of the light receiving devices 3 and 4. The light receiving devices 3 and 4 are situated at different distances from the light emitting device 1.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2003Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Motomi Horiuchi, Shinji Uchida
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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