Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1996-2000
Title: Innovations in Cardiac Imaging by Robert M Haralick
Introduction
Robert M Haralick is a prominent inventor based in Seattle, WA (US), known for his significant contributions to the field of cardiac imaging. With a total of 4 patents, Haralick has developed innovative methods that enhance the accuracy and efficiency of heart contour delineation from imaging data.
Latest Patents
One of his latest patents is focused on the automated delineation of heart contours from images. This method defines a three-dimensional surface of a patient's heart using data obtained from ultrasound imaging. The imaging process is conducted over at least one cardiac cycle, resulting in multiple images captured in different planes. By manually identifying at least three anatomical landmarks in these images, Haralick's method creates an ultrasound mesh model that represents an archetype shape for a population of hearts. This model is then aligned with the patient's heart images, allowing for a comparison between predicted and observed images. The process iteratively adjusts the mesh model to optimize the fit, ultimately defining the shape of the endocardium and epicardium of the left ventricle in three dimensions.
Another notable patent involves a method for determining the contour of an in vivo organ, specifically the left ventricle (LV). This automated method evaluates image data taken over a sequence of frames to establish the LV contour. By converting the sequence into digital data that identifies gray scale values for each pixel, an initial LV region is estimated based on training data from manually drawn contours of other individuals' hearts. The method also compensates for the effects of adjacent tissue mass, such as the diaphragm, ensuring accurate contour determination. The resulting contours can be displayed to assist physicians in diagnosing physiological defects of the heart.
Career Highlights
Haralick is affiliated with the University of Washington, where he continues to advance research in cardiac imaging technologies. His work has significantly impacted the medical field, particularly in improving diagnostic capabilities for heart conditions.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Haralick has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Florence H Sheehan and Jasjit Suri, contributing to the development of innovative imaging techniques.
Conclusion
Robert M Haralick's contributions to cardiac imaging through his patents and research at the University of Washington have paved the way for advancements in heart diagnostics. His innovative methods continue to enhance the understanding and treatment of cardiovascular conditions