Photoacoustic imaging spectral image processing apparatus and method
Summary
USPTO granted Patent US12593985B2 to Canon Kabushiki Kaisha for an image processing apparatus and method using photoacoustic imaging technology. The patent covers spectral image acquisition based on photoacoustic signals at multiple wavelengths, contrast agent detection, and display control for distinguishing contrast agent regions from other tissue. The patent has 31 claims and names five inventors.
What changed
USPTO granted Patent US12593985B2 to Canon Kabushiki Kaisha on April 7, 2026. The patent covers an image processing apparatus that acquires spectral images using photoacoustic signals corresponding to multiple wavelengths, detects contrast agent information, determines regions corresponding to the contrast agent, and displays the spectral image with contrast agent regions distinguishable from other regions. The patent names five inventors (Shoya Sasaki, Kenichi Nagae, Hiroki Kajita, Nobuaki Imanishi, Sadakazu Aiso) and contains 31 claims.
This patent grant gives Canon Kabushiki Kaisha exclusive rights to their photoacoustic imaging technology in the United States. Medical device manufacturers developing similar photoacoustic imaging systems should review the patent claims to assess potential infringement risks and licensing needs. Companies in this space should conduct freedom-to-operate analyses for any competing products and consider whether their own innovations may require patent protection.
Archived snapshot
Apr 7, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium
Grant US12593985B2 Kind: B2 Apr 07, 2026
Assignee
Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
Inventors
Shoya Sasaki, Kenichi Nagae, Hiroki Kajita, Nobuaki Imanishi, Sadakazu Aiso
Abstract
An image processing apparatus includes a spectral image acquisition unit configured to acquire a spectral image that is an image generated using photoacoustic signals corresponding to a plurality of different wavelengths, based on photoacoustic waves generated by radiating lights with the plurality of different wavelengths to an object into which a contrast agent has been injected, a contrast agent information acquisition unit configured to acquire information about the contrast agent, a region determination unit configured to determine a region corresponding to the contrast agent in the spectral image on the basis of the information about the contrast agent, and a display control unit configured to display the spectral image such that the region corresponding to the contrast agent is distinguishable from a region other than the region corresponding to the contrast agent.
CPC Classifications
A61B 5/0095 A61B 8/481
Filing Date
2021-02-18
Application No.
17178403
Claims
31
Named provisions
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Source
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