Location History:
- Milwaukee, WI (US) (1988)
- San Francisco, CA (US) (1991 - 1993)
- Palo Alto, CA (US) (2009 - 2011)
Company Filing History:
5 out of 51,901 
2 out of 5,307 
1 out of 517 
Years Active: 1988-2011
Title: Ann Shimakawa: Innovator in Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Introduction
Ann Shimakawa is a prominent inventor based in Palo Alto, CA (US). She has made significant contributions to the field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a total of 6 patents to her name. Her work focuses on improving imaging techniques and calibration methods, which are crucial for accurate diagnostics in medical imaging.
Latest Patents
Among her latest patents is a method and system to perform phase correction for species separation in magnetic resonance imaging. This invention provides a way to process magnetic resonance images by acquiring first and second sets of lines of MRI signals, which have readout gradients that are reversed in polarity. A two-dimensional phase error is determined using these sets of lines, enhancing the quality of the images produced. Another notable patent involves calibration maps for parallel imaging free of chemical shift artifacts. This method generates a calibrated parallel magnetic resonance image by applying a magnetic resonance imaging excitation and acquiring a plurality of echoes at different echo times. The echoes are then used to create a chemical shift corrected calibration map, further improving the accuracy of MRI diagnostics.
Career Highlights
Throughout her career, Ann has worked with esteemed organizations such as General Electric Company and Leland Stanford Junior University. Her experience in these institutions has allowed her to develop and refine her innovative techniques in MRI technology.
Collaborations
Ann has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Charles McKenzie and Huanzhou Yu. These partnerships have contributed to her success and the advancement of her research in the field.
Conclusion
Ann Shimakawa's contributions to magnetic resonance imaging have significantly impacted the medical field. Her innovative patents and collaborations highlight her dedication to improving diagnostic techniques. Her work continues to pave the way for advancements in MRI technology.