CN104107063B - A kind of medical image scan method and device - Google Patents

A kind of medical image scan method and device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CN104107063B
CN104107063B CN201310134453.9A CN201310134453A CN104107063B CN 104107063 B CN104107063 B CN 104107063B CN 201310134453 A CN201310134453 A CN 201310134453A CN 104107063 B CN104107063 B CN 104107063B
Authority
CN
China
Prior art keywords
scanning
benefit
end position
parameter
sweeps
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
CN201310134453.9A
Other languages
Chinese (zh)
Other versions
CN104107063A (en
Inventor
吴晓明
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Shanghai United Imaging Healthcare Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Shanghai United Imaging Healthcare Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Shanghai United Imaging Healthcare Co Ltd filed Critical Shanghai United Imaging Healthcare Co Ltd
Priority to CN201310134453.9A priority Critical patent/CN104107063B/en
Publication of CN104107063A publication Critical patent/CN104107063A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CN104107063B publication Critical patent/CN104107063B/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Landscapes

  • Apparatus For Radiation Diagnosis (AREA)

Abstract

The invention discloses a kind of medical image scan method and device, the medical image scan method includes the following steps:a)Scanning obtains the initial data and image of a scanning sequence for the first time;b)As initial position and keep scanning and relevant parameter second of the scanning of constant progress rebuild obtains the initial data and image of supplement using the end position that scans for the first time;c)The initial data and image that first time scanning and second of scanning are obtained merge and to form a scanning sequence.Medical image scan method provided by the invention and device, as the initial position of second of scanning and keep the constant progress of image relevant parameter fast, accurately to mend sweeping using the end position that scans for the first time, and with former one sequence of sequent synthesis, so as to ensure the integrality of scanning sequence and be easy to subsequent treatment.

Description

A kind of medical image scan method and device
Technical field
The present invention relates to a kind of image scan method and device, more particularly to a kind of medical image scan method and device.
Background technology
When medical image scans, if occurring deviation in scanning process, it is often necessary to carry out benefit and sweep.Medical image at present It is relatively simple to mend the mode swept, mainly carries out dragging setting by parameter box direct editing set-up mode or by posting. Due to that there can only be a fixed scanning direction during scanning, the end that the initial position swept is exactly last scanning in fact is mended Position, could so enable the initial data for mending the initial data swept and image and last scanning and image to merge.Using Although parameter box direct editing is set can mend end position of the initial position swept as last time scanning using strict guarantee, repair Not directly perceived enough when changing, user cannot accurately judge scan position.Dragging setting is carried out by posting, generally cannot Ensure to mend the end position of the initial position swept for last scanning, so as to cause to mend the initial data for sweeping acquisition and image cannot Directly merge with former sequence, the function limitation of follow-up 3D and advanced application.
Therefore existing two kinds of benefits sweep the equal Shortcomings of mode, it is necessary to provide a kind of new medical image scanning Method and device, after a scanning sequence, can fast, accurately be mended and be swept, and with former sequent synthesis one Sequence, to ensure the integrality of scanning sequence and to be easy to subsequent treatment.
The content of the invention
The technical problems to be solved by the invention are to provide a kind of medical image scan method and device, are not only able to carry out Fast, accurately mend and sweep, and change and set intuitive and convenient, twice sweep sequence can directly merge, easy to follow-up offline weight Build, clinic browses application processing advanced with 3D.
The present invention is to provide a kind of medical image scan method to solve the technical solution that above-mentioned technical problem uses, its It is characterized in that, includes the following steps:
a)Scanning obtains the initial data and image of a scanning sequence for the first time;
b)Using the end position that scans for the first time as initial position and keep scanning and the relevant parameter rebuild it is constant into Second of scanning of row obtains the initial data and image of supplement;
c)The initial data and image that first time scanning and second scanning are obtained, which merge, to be formed one and sweeps Retouch sequence.
Above-mentioned medical image scan method, wherein, the step b)Posting is swept by benefit and benefit is swept parameter list and set Second of sweep length or second of scan end position, the benefit are swept sweep length and end position control in posting and are corresponded to Adjustment parameter and benefit sweep corresponding adjustment parameter in parameter list and keep synchronous vacations and synchronized update to show.
Above-mentioned medical image scan method, wherein, it is described benefit sweep posting and mend sweep parameter list initial position it is automatic It is arranged to the not editable of the end position after scanning for the first time.
Above-mentioned medical image scan method, wherein, the step b)First pass through the stop bits for pulling and mending and sweeping in posting Put orient control and carry out the coarse localization of second of scan end position, then sweep parameter box with benefit and carry out second of end of scan position That puts is accurately positioned.
Above-mentioned medical image scan method, wherein, the parameter setting precision that the benefit sweeps end position in parameter list is 0.1mm。
Above-mentioned medical image scan method, wherein, the relevant parameter of the scanning and reconstruction includes window width, window position, side Edge enhancing, thickness, interlayer every and CT light pipe exposure parameters.
Present invention also offers a kind of medical image scanning means, wherein, including:
Scanning element, the initial data and image for obtaining a scanning sequence are scanned for first time;
Benefit sweeps unit, is connected with the scanning element, for using the end position that scans for the first time as initial position simultaneously Scanning and the relevant parameter rebuild second of scanning of constant progress is kept to obtain the initial data and image of supplement;
Combining unit, sweeps unit with the scanning element and benefit respectively and is connected, for sweeping first time scanning and for the second time Retouch the initial data of acquisition and image merges to form a scanning sequence.
Above-mentioned medical image scanning means, wherein, the benefit, which sweeps unit, to be included:
Benefit sweeps posting module, including initial position orient control and end position orient control, the initial position are determined The initial position of position control is automatically set as the end position after scanning for the first time, and the end position orient control is used to pass through Pulling mode determines the end position of second of scanning;
Benefit sweeps parameter list module, and sweeping posting module with the benefit is connected, including initial position parametric contol and stop bits Parametric contol is put, the initial position of the initial position parametric contol is automatically set as the end position after scanning for the first time, institute State the end position that end position parameter module is used to determine second of scanning by way of arrange parameter;
The benefit sweeps the end position orient control of posting module and the benefit sweeps the end position ginseng of parameter list module Digital-to-analogue block is associated.
Above-mentioned medical image scanning means, wherein, the combining unit includes:
Initial data merging module, suitable for will scanning for the first time and second scanning initial data merge for Subsequent treatment;
Image merging module, suitable for merging to form 3-D view the image of first time scanning and second of scanning.
Above-mentioned medical image scanning means, wherein, display unit is further included, sweeping unit with the benefit is connected, for showing Show that the benefit sweeps posting module and benefit sweeps parameter list module.
The present invention contrast prior art has following beneficial effect:Medical image scan method provided by the invention and dress Put, after a scanning sequence, as initial position and keep scanner uni to rebuild phase using the end position that scans for the first time Related parameter it is constant progress fast, accurately mend sweeps, and with former one sequence of sequent synthesis, so as to ensure the complete of scanning sequence Property and be easy to subsequent treatment, it is follow-up it is offline rebuild and when 3D, advanced application is handled with a sequence, realize clinic Integrality when browsing, meets the demand of clinical diagnosis.Posting is swept especially by benefit and benefit is swept parameter list and set second Sweep length and second of scan end position, and to sweep sweep length and end position control in posting corresponding for the benefit Adjustment parameter and benefit sweep corresponding adjustment parameter in parameter list and keep synchronous vacations and synchronized update to show;Positioning is swept by mending Frame and mend and sweep two kinds of complementary edit modes of parameter list, combine the agility of parameter modification and the intuitive of posting modification Advantage.
Brief description of the drawings
Fig. 1 is the flow chart of medical image of the present invention scanning;
Fig. 2 is the schematic diagram of medical image scanning means of the present invention.
Embodiment
The invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples.
Fig. 1 is the flow chart of medical image of the present invention scanning.
Fig. 1 is referred to, medical image scan method provided by the invention includes the following steps:
Step S1:By parameter box direct editing or by posting, initial position, sweep length and stop bits are set Put, scanning for the first time obtains the initial data and image of a scanning sequence;After described image according to initial data i.e. to rebuild Obtained image.
Step S2:As initial position and keep scanning and to rebuild relevant parameter constant using the end position that scans for the first time Carry out initial data and image that second of scanning obtains supplement;The end position of scanning for the first time is set to sweep start bit for benefit Put, and keep window width, window position, edge enhancing, thickness and interlayer every, CT light pipe exposure parameters(KV, mAs)Deng scanning and rebuild ginseng Number is constant, keeps these parameter constants, so as to the initial data to first time scanning and second of scanning and the figure rebuild As merging and being easy to the post processing to image, then second of sweep length or second of scan end position are set, Carry out initial data and image that second of scanning obtains supplement.
The initial position swept is mended for the second time to be automatically set as the end position after scanning for the first time and remain unchanged, second Mend the sweep length swept and scan end position combination benefit sweeps posting and benefit sweeps parameter list to set, first pass through to pull benefit and sweep and determine End position control in the frame of position carries out the coarse localization of second of scan end position, mend sweep adjustment parameter in parameter box with The end position in posting and drag benefit synchronous vacations, i.e., sweep that posting and mending sweeps that parameter list changes in fact by mending is same A parameter, ensures that the parameter is all consistent in all displays in interface and is newest, then sweeps parameter box with benefit and carry out second Secondary scan end position is accurately positioned;The parameter setting precision that the benefit sweeps end position in parameter list can reach 0.1mm More than.
Second of benefit, which sweeps the posting used and parameter list, to use identical posting and parameter with first time scanning Table, when simply benefit is swept, initial position in posting is fixed as to the end position after scanning for the first time automatically to be pulled, and joined The initial position of number tables is also accordingly arranged to the end position after scanning for the first time and keeps grey not allow modification.
Step S3:Do not generate new sequence in sequence table, first time scanning and second of scanning are obtained original Data and image merge to form a scanning sequence.Wherein, the image for different lamellas twice sweep rebuild is closed And a complete 3D rendering can be formed, the initial data that twice sweep obtains is merged to carry out image Post processing.
Fig. 2 is the schematic diagram of the medical image scanning means of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is referred to, the present invention also provides a kind of medical image scanning means, including:
Scanning element 201, the initial data and image for obtaining a scanning sequence are scanned for first time;
Benefit sweeps unit 202, is connected with the scanning element 201, for being used as starting using the end position that scans for the first time Position and second of the initial data and image for scanning acquisition supplement of the constant progress of relevant parameter for keeping scanning and rebuilding;It is described Benefit sweeps unit 202 and specifically includes that benefit sweeps posting module 2021 and benefit sweeps parameter list module 2022, and benefit sweeps posting module 2021 Including initial position orient control and end position orient control, the initial position of the initial position orient control is set automatically For the end position after scanning for the first time, the end position orient control is used to determine second of scanning by pulling mode End position;Benefit sweeps parameter list module 2022 and sweeps posting module 2021 with the benefit and be connected, including initial position parametric contol With end position parametric contol, the initial position of the initial position parametric contol is automatically set as the end after scanning for the first time Position, the end position parameter module are used for the end position that second of scanning is determined by way of arrange parameter;It is described Mend the end position orient control for sweeping posting module 2021 and the benefit sweeps the end position parameter mould of parameter list module 2022 Block is associated, modification it is therein any one, another can and then change.
Combining unit 203, sweeps unit 202 with the scanning element 201 and benefit respectively and is connected, for will for the first time scanning and The initial data and image that second of scanning obtains merge to form a scanning sequence.The combining unit 203 is specifically wrapped Include initial data merging module 2031 and image merging module 2032, the initial data merging module 2031, suitable for by first The initial data of secondary scanning and second of scanning is merged for subsequent treatment;Described image merging module 2032, suitable for inciting somebody to action The image of scanning and second of scan rebuilding merges to form 3-D view for the first time.
Display unit 204, sweeps unit 202 with the benefit and is connected, for showing that the benefit sweeps posting module 2021 and benefit Sweep parameter list module 2022.
According to above-mentioned steps and device, the present embodiment provides a kind of following specific operating process:
1st, for the sequence of the just end of scan, ' benefit sweeps function ' is selected on interface is checked;
2nd, check occur that benefit sweeps parameter list and benefit sweeps posting on interface;
2.1, which mend the parameter for sweeping parameter list, initial position, end position, sweep length, and ash is put in initial position, it is impossible to edits Modification;Ash or fixed is put in initial position, because there is the scanning direction of default fixation in scanning, therefore mends the initial position swept It is exactly the end position of last scanning in fact, so that initial data and image that benefit is swept can be original with last scanning Data and image merge.
2.2 benefits sweep posting:FOV(The visual field)As original sequence, initial position is fixed, it is impossible to is pulled, can only be dragged Drag end position;
Linkage is changed between 2.3 both of the above, changes any one, another can and then be changed.Such as:Benefit sweep parameter list its In there is the parameter to be end position, i.e. the bed code of end position, required precision 0.1mm;Benefit is swept posting and is really used The mode of mouse drag determines the bed code of this end position, but due to the use of mouse drag, it is clear that precision is remote Higher than 0.1mm, the coarse localization that first can be swept posting with mending in practical operation and be realized end position, then sweep parameter list with benefit Realization is accurately positioned;The bed code for the end position that the end position bed code that benefit sweeps parameter list sweeps posting with benefit is linkage.
3rd, after the completion of changing, " definite " button for checking interface is clicked on, scanning starts;
4th, the initial data and image that last scanning and benefit scanning obtain merge to form a scanning sequence, in sequence New sequence is not generated in row list.
In conclusion incorporating parametric editor of the present invention and posting editor's two ways, combine the quick of parameter modification Property and posting modification intuitive the advantages of, and ensure that benefit sweeps initial data and image and original initial data and image A sequence can be merged into(Merge including initial data and image), so in follow-up offline reconstruction and 3D, advanced application All it is to be handled with sequence, realizes integrality during clinical browse, meets the demand of clinical diagnosis.
Although the present invention is disclosed as above with preferred embodiment, so it is not limited to the present invention, any this area skill Art personnel, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, when can make a little modification and it is perfect, therefore the present invention protection model Enclose to work as and be subject to what claims were defined.

Claims (7)

1. a kind of medical image scan method, it is characterised in that include the following steps:
a)Scanning obtains the initial data and image of a scanning sequence for the first time;
b)As initial position and keep scanning and the relevant parameter rebuild is constant carries out the using the end position that scans for the first time Rescan obtains the initial data and image of supplement;Posting is swept by benefit and benefit sweeps parameter list and sets second of sweep length Or second of scan end position, the benefit sweep sweep length and the corresponding adjustment parameter of end position orient control in posting Sweeping corresponding adjustment parameter in parameter list with benefit keeps synchronous vacations and synchronized update to show;Benefit sweeps posting and benefit sweeps parameter The initial position of table is automatically set as the not editable of the end position after scanning for the first time;
c)The initial data and image that first time scanning and second of scanning are obtained merge to form a scanning sequence Row.
2. medical image scan method as claimed in claim 1, it is characterised in that the step b)First pass through to pull benefit and sweep and determine End position orient control in the frame of position carries out the coarse localization of second of scan end position, then sweeps parameter box with benefit and carry out the Rescan end position is accurately positioned.
3. medical image scan method as claimed in claim 2, it is characterised in that the benefit sweeps end position in parameter list Parameter setting precision is 0.1mm.
4. such as claims 1 to 3 any one of them medical image scan method, it is characterised in that the scanning and reconstruction Relevant parameter include window width, window position, edge enhancing, thickness, interlayer every and CT light pipe exposure parameters.
A kind of 5. medical image scanning means, it is characterised in that including:
Scanning element, the initial data and image for obtaining a scanning sequence are scanned for first time;
Benefit sweeps unit, adjacent with the scanning element, for using the end position that scans for the first time as initial position and keeping Scanning and the relevant parameter rebuild second of scanning of constant progress obtain the initial data and image of supplement;The benefit sweeps unit bag Include:
Benefit sweeps posting module, including initial position orient control and end position orient control, the initial position positioning control The initial position of part is automatically set as the end position after scanning for the first time, and the end position orient control is used to pass through dragging Mode determines the end position of second of scanning;
Benefit sweeps parameter list module, and sweeping posting module with the benefit is connected, including initial position parametric contol and end position ginseng Numerical control part, the initial position of the initial position parametric contol are automatically set as the end position after scanning for the first time, the knot Beam position parameter module is used for the end position that second of scanning is determined by way of arrange parameter;
The benefit sweeps the end position orient control of posting module and the benefit sweeps the end position parameter control of parameter list module Part is associated;
Combining unit, sweeps unit with the scanning element and benefit respectively and is connected, for first time scanning and second of scanning to be obtained The initial data and image obtained merges to form a scanning sequence.
6. medical image scanning means as claimed in claim 5, it is characterised in that the combining unit includes:
Initial data merging module, suitable for merging the initial data of first time scanning and second of scanning for follow-up Processing;
Image merging module, suitable for merging the image of first time scanning and second of scanning to form 3-D view.
7. medical image scanning means as claimed in claim 5, it is characterised in that further include display unit, swept with the benefit Unit is connected, for showing that the benefit sweeps posting module and benefit sweeps parameter list module.
CN201310134453.9A 2013-04-18 2013-04-18 A kind of medical image scan method and device Active CN104107063B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN201310134453.9A CN104107063B (en) 2013-04-18 2013-04-18 A kind of medical image scan method and device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN201310134453.9A CN104107063B (en) 2013-04-18 2013-04-18 A kind of medical image scan method and device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CN104107063A CN104107063A (en) 2014-10-22
CN104107063B true CN104107063B (en) 2018-05-04

Family

ID=51704190

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CN201310134453.9A Active CN104107063B (en) 2013-04-18 2013-04-18 A kind of medical image scan method and device

Country Status (1)

Country Link
CN (1) CN104107063B (en)

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN104414668B (en) * 2013-08-22 2017-12-22 上海联影医疗科技有限公司 Computed tomography method and computed tomograph scanner system
CN107049348B (en) * 2017-01-04 2020-04-10 东软医疗系统股份有限公司 Positioning frame adjusting method and device
CN107221014A (en) * 2017-06-26 2017-09-29 上海联影医疗科技有限公司 The dispatching method and device and medical image system of medical image reconstruction tasks
CN107798711B (en) * 2017-12-12 2021-06-29 上海联影医疗科技股份有限公司 Medical imaging scanning method and system
CN108209957A (en) * 2017-12-30 2018-06-29 上海联影医疗科技有限公司 Merging method, device and the medical image system of inspection
CN108648167B (en) * 2018-03-06 2021-10-01 深圳市菲森科技有限公司 Three-dimensional scanning method for intraoral scanning
CN109727234B (en) * 2018-12-24 2021-02-19 上海联影医疗科技股份有限公司 Display panel generation method, scanning range planning method and equipment
EP3669942B1 (en) 2018-12-17 2022-01-05 Shanghai United Imaging Healthcare Co., Ltd. Systems and methods for determining a region of interest of a subject
CN112837392B (en) * 2021-04-08 2023-01-03 上海联影医疗科技股份有限公司 CT image generation method, device, system, electronic device and storage medium
CN115381471B (en) * 2022-10-26 2023-03-17 南方医科大学南方医院 CT scanning auxiliary system and method based on motion detection

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4789929A (en) * 1987-05-14 1988-12-06 Hitachi Medical Corporation CT system for spirally scanning subject on a movable bed synchronized to X-ray tube revolution
JPH0787835B2 (en) * 1990-06-27 1995-09-27 株式会社東芝 X-ray tomography system
JP2001286459A (en) * 2000-04-05 2001-10-16 Ge Medical Systems Global Technology Co Llc Computerized tomographic apparatus and method of computerized tomography
JP4823050B2 (en) * 2006-12-18 2011-11-24 ジーイー・メディカル・システムズ・グローバル・テクノロジー・カンパニー・エルエルシー X-ray CT system
CN101772324B (en) * 2007-08-06 2012-01-11 株式会社日立医药 X-ray ct device
CN101635798A (en) * 2009-09-02 2010-01-27 中国科学院长春光学精密机械与物理研究所 Control method for panoramically aerial camera photographing signals
CN101756707A (en) * 2009-12-31 2010-06-30 苏州和君科技发展有限公司 Method for carrying out scanning reconstruction on long target object by using Micro-CT imaging system
JP2013202391A (en) * 2012-03-29 2013-10-07 Toshiba Corp X-ray ct apparatus
CN102908161A (en) * 2012-10-26 2013-02-06 东软飞利浦医疗设备系统有限责任公司 Scanning positioning method for CT (Computed Tomography) system
CN104414668B (en) * 2013-08-22 2017-12-22 上海联影医疗科技有限公司 Computed tomography method and computed tomograph scanner system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN104107063A (en) 2014-10-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CN104107063B (en) A kind of medical image scan method and device
Zhao et al. Application of virtual surgical planning with computer assisted design and manufacturing technology to cranio-maxillofacial surgery
US9262864B2 (en) Synchronized views of video data and three-dimensional model data
EP2164424B1 (en) Graphical user interface for computer-assisted margin marking on dentition
US10657662B2 (en) Display method and system for enabling an operator to visualize and correct alignment errors in imaged data sets
US20180256294A9 (en) Orthodontic treatment planning using lip tracer
US20150082220A1 (en) Radiotherapy system with advanced graphical user interface
JP2019193853A (en) Tomosynthesis imaging control device, imaging device, imaging system, control method, and program to cause computer to execute the control method
US20090147909A1 (en) X-ray ct system and a method for creating a scanning plan
JP2009061334A (en) Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and multi-station imaging method
DE102017126378A1 (en) Method for processing a raw image of a time-of-flight camera, image processing device and computer program
CN206603827U (en) A kind of dentistry 3D printing system based on cloud
CN104462720A (en) Feature-based quick bone plate design method
WO2014203936A1 (en) Tomosynthesis-imaging control device, imaging device, imaging system, control method, and program for causing computer to execute control method
CN106775530B (en) Method and device for displaying medical image sequence
CN107798711B (en) Medical imaging scanning method and system
CN104414668B (en) Computed tomography method and computed tomograph scanner system
EP2767239B1 (en) Multiple image generation from a single patient scan
JP2010155018A (en) X-ray ct system
CN205322350U (en) CT strengthens scanning apparatus
JP2016163228A5 (en)
WO2015137062A1 (en) X-ray ct device and medical image display method
CN102988069A (en) Device and method for carrying out pre-setting on scanning based on positioning image
CN105761293A (en) Medical imaging method and system
CN206514822U (en) Timesharing 3 D scanning system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
C06 Publication
PB01 Publication
C10 Entry into substantive examination
SE01 Entry into force of request for substantive examination
GR01 Patent grant
GR01 Patent grant
CP01 Change in the name or title of a patent holder

Address after: 201815 No. 1180 Xingxian Road, Jiading Industrial Zone, Jiading District, Shanghai

Patentee after: Shanghai Lianying Medical Technology Co., Ltd

Address before: 201815 No. 1180 Xingxian Road, Jiading Industrial Zone, Jiading District, Shanghai

Patentee before: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE Co.,Ltd.

CP01 Change in the name or title of a patent holder
CP02 Change in the address of a patent holder

Address after: 201807 2258 Chengbei Road, Jiading District, Shanghai

Patentee after: Shanghai Lianying Medical Technology Co.,Ltd.

Address before: 201815 No. 1180 Xingxian Road, Jiading Industrial Zone, Jiading District, Shanghai

Patentee before: Shanghai Lianying Medical Technology Co.,Ltd.

CP02 Change in the address of a patent holder