Ge Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC

General Electric Company

Farshid Farrokhnia

Kenneth Scott Kump

Richard Yung Chiao

Richard Aufrichtig

Laurence M Yudkovitch

Habib Vafi

Donald Fayette Langler

Donald G Webster

Alexander Y Tokman

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing voice control of a device, an ultrasound device for example. One embodiment of the present invention comprises an apparatus for providing voice control of the ultrasound device having a plurality of features. The apparatus comprises a memory device adapted to store a plurality of voice commands for controlling the ultrasound device, where the plurality of voice commands has at least two different voice commands that active a single feature of the ultrasound device; a selection module adapted to selecting at least one of the at least two different voice commands; and a translator module adapted to derive a signal from the selected voice command and transmit it to the ultrasound device.

Systems and methods for voice control of a medical imaging device

Method and apparatus for natural voice control of an ultrasound machine

A system for automated x-ray system parameter evaluation is provided. A physical model or template is created and stored in the system, one for each desired phantom. The automated system imports a grayscale x-ray image and then processes the image to determine image components. First, a histogram of the image is created, then a threshold in the histogram is determined and the imported image is binarized with respect to the threshold. Next, connected component analysis is used to determine image components. If the components do not match, then the image is rejected. The system next locates landmarks in the imported image corresponding to expected physical structures. The landmarks include a perimeter ring, vertical and horizontal line segments, and fiducials. The system uses the landmarks to predict Regions of Interest (ROIs) where measurement of the x-ray system parameters takes place. Finally, the x-ray system parameters are measured in the identified ROIs.

Method and apparatus for automated image quality evaluation of X-ray systems using any of multiple phantoms

An x-ray system ( ) include a digital detector ( ) that defines two regions: a first region ( ) suitable for generating data useful for creating a patient x-ray image and a second region ( ) less suitable for generating such data than the first region. A source ( ) transmits x-rays through a phantom ( ) located between the source and the second region ( ) so that the detector ( ) generates test data in the second region. A processor ( ) measures at least one parameter in response to the test data and stores a value of the parameter at one point of time. The processor compares the first value with a second value of the one parameter generated at a later second point in time. The processor also generates a result signal representing the results of the comparison.

X-ray detector image quality test techniques

Modular interchangeable phantoms for multiple x-ray systems are provided. A variety of x-ray phantoms may be interchangeably inserted into a modular phantom carrier. Once a phantom has been inserted into the carrier, the phantom is locked to the carrier by either at least one rotating fastener or a plastic ring with at least one fastening pin. The carrier is then inserted into an x-ray system and x-rays are transmitted through the phantom. The phantom carrier also includes an interior mesh allowing measurement of the resolution non-uniformity of the x-ray system. Three phantoms for use with the modular phantom carrier are presented. Each phantom includes a number of sub-phantoms useful in the determination of various parameters of the x-ray system. These sub-phantoms include a step-intensity sub-phantom for measuring the dynamic range and linearity of the x-ray system, a contrast detail sub-phantom for measuring the contrast of the x-ray system, a mesh sub-phantom for measuring the resolution non-uniformity of the x-ray system, and a resolution sub-phantom and a coupon sub-phantom both for measuring the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) of the x-ray system. The phantoms also preferably include a lead perimeter ring attached near the perimeter of each phantom to aid in the orientation and positioning of the phantom as well as lead line segments or fiducials separating or outlining various sub-phantoms.

Modular interchangeable phantoms for multiple x-ray systems

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Brookfield, WI, United States of America

Farshid Farrokhnia