Resume

Biao Chen

Newark, DE 19702 

Mobile: 302-345-0976, Email: biaochenus at gmail.com 

Summary

An innovative, productive, and teamwork oriented Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering with extensive industrial and academic experiences in medical image processing, 3D CT reconstruction, and machine learning. 

Proficient in C++ / Python, cone-beam CT 3D reconstruction / tomosynthesis / medical physics, computer assisted surgery, deep-learning development (Tensorflow / Keras, Pytorch, SciKit-Learn), computer vision (object detection, segmentation, correlation, classification, and reporting), image computing (registration and rendering), project management and design control, clinical development and applications, patent applications, and multi-team / multi-discipline communications and collaborations.

Experience

Patent Examiner, US Patent and Trademark Office                        2024 - Present 

Tech Lead / Senior Principal Scientist, Hologic, Inc.                      6/2019 - 8/2023 

(1) Led a machine learning team including two scientists and one engineer. Developed a deep-learning hardware / software framework for breast lesion analytics using live ultrasound imaging video input, including lesion detection, segmentation, correlation, classification, and lesion descriptor / BI-RADS reporting. Combined breast ultrasound with breast x-ray tomosynthesis images and patient information using state-of-art models, multi-modal information latency-space fusion, and ensemble learning to improve the inference accuracy and stability. 

(2) Deployed the lesion analytics software release on an edge computing server and an ultrasound imaging cart system with Python/C++ APIs. Accelerated inference speed 5-15x using NVIDIA TensorRT compiled models. 

(3) Investigated and developed an ensemble learning based Breast Density Assessment with deep-learning powered ordinal regression and multi-class classification. Collected a large dataset with one single super-radiologist’s truth scores. Significantly improved the breast composition category classification accuracies compared to other methods.  

(4) Managed the design control process including project plan, design requirements specification, software requirements specification, software design specification, verification / validation, software release, and project reviews. 

(5) Worked with marketing, product program, regulatory, intellectual property attorneys, and clinical applications for multi-department collaborations. 

(6) Mentored young scientists and engineers in terms of self management, design documentation, and the balance of innovative research and product development. 

Skills: Deep Learning, Image Processing, Project Management, Design Control, Clinical Development, Python, and C++

Senior Principal Scientist, Hologic, Inc.                                           1/2009 - 6/2019 

(1) Investigated a deep-learning based Breast Density Assessment framework, significantly improving the classification performance over conventional machine learning methods. 

(2) Developed Hologic's FDA approved conventional machine-learning (SVM) based breast density assessment product (Quantra), providing more consistent density scores for breast density reporting. Supported the FDA 510(k) filing. 

(3) Developed the image processing functions of special tasks for the metal and high contrast object artifacts (e.g., halos / shadows) removal or reduction, implant and skin line brightness reduction, and image local correction for non-uniform tissue areas, applying them to 2D images and 3D tomosynthesis slices. 

(4) Performed the tomosynthesis system evaluation in terms of MTF / NPS / SNR / CNR / x-ray dose / AEC functions for FDA PMA submission working with Hologic detector science, engineering, and regulatory.

(5) Developed and released the core image processing algorithms and software modules for biopsy / specimen image processing in Hologic's Trident HD / Brevera / Affirm stereotactic imaging products. Supported the FDA 510(k) filing. 

(6) Developed and released a scanned film image enhancement software module in Hologic's DigitalNow HD product. Supported the FDA 510(k) filing. 

(7) Developed a deep-learning based image denoising algorithm with a difference based CNN model and a software module for x-ray FFDM and tomosynthesis images, reducing x-ray dose significantly while maintaining the clinical diagnosis performance and image quality. The clinical evaluation confirmed the algorithm kept the high fidelity for soft lesions and calcifications without any artifacts.

(8) Developed a breast cancer risk assessment software module with patient demographic information, clinical history, and breast density categories. 

(9) Developed comprehensive x-ray dose calculations for various x-ray anode / filter combinations, 2D and tomosynthesis, and ACR / EUREF guidelines. 

(10) Worked closely with marketing, clinical application, regulatory, and IP legal teams. 

Principal Scientist, Hologic, Inc.                                                       1/2006 - 1/2009

(1) Investigated x-ray optimization, modeled x-ray target/filter spectra for tungsten systems, evaluated dose and image quality to optimize x-ray techniques for different applications, and performed clinical studies of breast contrast imaging in USC and tungsten-anode imaging in UCLA, respectively. 

(2) Created a comprehensive x-ray flat-panel detector test protocol for R&D and manufacturing. Performed intensive performance evaluation for different x-ray detectors. 

(3) Prepared the materials in the imaging performance section for FDA PMA and 510(k) filing. (4) Worked closely with marketing, engineering, regulatory, and global technical support teams. 

Senior Scientist, Hologic, Inc.                                                           7/2002 - 1/2006

(1) Worked on a pilot cone-beam breast imaging project. Developed an improved FDK based reconstruction algorithm. Applied the method to the x-ray projections of a set of limited angles (15–60 degree) for tomosynthesis feasibility study.  

(2) Investigated CEDM methods of dynamic analysis and dual-energy imaging with x-ray contrast agent injection. Performed clinical study at USC Norris cancer center. Acted as project manager. 

(3) Developed image processing algorithms and software modules for acquisition workstation and softcopy workstation, and next generation mammography product. 

(4) Developed image calibration algorithms and software for x-ray a-Se flat panel detectors. 

(5) Solved the complicated field problems with the radiologists, technologists, applications specialists, field service engineers, and medical physicists involved. 

Academic Experience

Visiting Instructor, University of Rochester                                    5/1998 - 7/2002

(1) Pioneered in cone-beam CT based breast imaging technology. Performed theoretical and experimental study regarding system design, x-ray technique optimization for low dose, cone-beam CT reconstruction algorithm, requirements on 2D detector, and 3D breast dose estimation.

(2) Investigated x-ray CT angiography based on CCD camera-image intensifier and flat panel detector (FPD) / digital image acquisition. Performed FPD calibration, data acquisition, cone-beam CT reconstruction algorithms, system evaluation, 3D image rendering using Analyzer software, and animal study. 

(3) Investigated x-ray volume CT lung imaging for early lung cancer detection based on a spiral scanner. Performed the prototype system evaluation. 

Associate Professor, Shanghai Jiao Tong University                   5/1998 - 10/2000

(1) Cone-beam volume CT: investigated reconstruction algorithms, designed and implemented an experimental x-ray CCD-II cone-beam imaging system at SJTU University Hospital as the first cone-beam CT system in China. A neural-network NN based interactive method was developed.

(2) Reverse geometry based 2D and 3D image reconstruction: Developed reconstruction algorithms and built an experimental system with crystal detectors. 

(3) Multi-camera computer vision: Investigated camera calibration methods, and designed multi-camera based hardware systems. 

(4) Taught Signal and Linear System and Digital Image Processing.

Instructor, Shanghai Jiao Tong University                                     5/1995 - 5/1998

(1) Three-dimensional rendering for in vivo lung volume: Designed 3D surface rendering algorithm and performed clinical study with a physician to evaluate 3D CT data. 

(2) Direct volume reconstruction: Developed volume CT reconstruction algorithms and performed experimental studies on a prototype imaging system. 

(3) Microprocessor-based smart instruments R&D: Developed an LCD display and compact-lead based miniaturized ECG recorder/analyzer. 

(4) Taught Signal and Linear System and Digital Image Processing. 

Post-Doctoral Fellow, TIMC-IMAG                                                   11/1996 - 8/1997

Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble, France

(1) Investigated computer assisted endoscopic ENT surgery with a hybrid image registration method (commercialized by PRAXIM Inc., Grenoble, France).

(2) Developed image registration method for real-time localizer data / 3D CT images. Worked closely with an ENT surgeon for clinical validation study at CHU University Hospital. 

(3) Applied hybrid image registration method for computer assisted medical intervention. Performed 3D image segmentation, modeling, registration, rendering, and 3D localizer calibration for computer-assisted surgery. 

(4) Studied surgical robotics for computer assisted surgery applications. 

Education

Ph.D. degree, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China                                                      

Major: Biomedical Engineering Minor: Image Processing and Medical Imaging

Master's degree, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China                                                        

Major: Inertia Techniques and Navigation Instruments Minor: Measurement and Control 

Bachelor's degree, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China                                                     

Major: Precision Instruments Minor: Precision Instruments 

Selected Publications on Machine Learning, CBCT, Tomosynthesis, and Computer Assisted Surgery

• B. Chen, C. Ruth, Zhang, Y, Z. Jing, Breast density assessment: image feature extraction and density classification with machine intelligence, Proc. SPIE 10573, Medical Imaging 2018: Physics of Medical Imaging, 105735F; doi: 10.1117/12.2293365 (2018).

• A.P. Smith, T. Wu, B. Ren, B. Chen, C. Ruth, L. Niklason, Z. Jing, Performance of low dose high resolution digital mammography and breast tomosynthesis system, ECR 2007 (2007).

• R. Ning, X. Lu, B. Chen, Y. Yu, Reconstruction accuracy of cone-beam CT breast imaging for different scanning orbits, SPIE Medical Imaging 2003: Physics of Medical Imaging, Proc. 5030, 1001-1009 (2003).

• B. Chen and R. Ning, Cone-beam volume CT breast imaging: wavelet-analysis-based multi-resolution reconstruction and de-noising technique, SPIE Medical Imaging 2002: Imaging Physics, Proc. 4682, 236-244 (2002).

• B. Chen and R. Ning, Cone-beam volume CT breast imaging: feasibility study, Medical Physics 29, 755-770 (2002). 

• R. Ning, B. Chen, et al, Flat-panel detector-based cone beam volume CT breast imaging: preliminary phantom study, SPIE Medical Imaging 2001: Imaging Physics, SPIE Proc. 4320, 601-610 (2001).

• S. Schmerber, B. Chen, S. Lavallee, M. Coulomb, J.P. Chirossel, J.P. Lavieille, E. Reyt, Computer-assisted video-endoscopic endonasal surgery, Ann Otolaryngol Chir Cervicofac, 118(1): 35-44 (2001). 

• R. Ning, B. Chen, R. Yu, D. Conover, X. Tang, Y. Ning, Flat panel detector-based cone-beam volume CT angiography imaging: system evaluation, IEEE Trans. on Med. Imag., 19(9): 949-963 (2000). 

• B. Chen, T. Zhuang, S. Lavallee, Combinary registration method for computer assisted ENT surgery, Chinese Journal of Biomedical Engineering, 19(9): 138-144 (2000). 

• B. Chen, D. Lv, T. Zhuang, Reverse geometry based direct volume reconstruction, Acta Optica Sinica, 19(1): 35-40 (1999).

• B. Chen, T. Zhuang, Study on direct volume imaging based on cone beam x-ray projections, Journal of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 31(4): 72-76 (1997). 

Patents / Applications

• Smith A, Chen B, and Jing Z, Mammography/tomosynthesis systems and methods automatically deriving breast characteristics from breast x-ray images and automatically adjusting image processing parameters accordingly, USPTO Patent number: US8170320 B2 (2012) 

• Chen B, and Chui H, Personalized breast imaging system, USPTO Patent Application Pub. No. US 2021/0030366 A1 (2021); USPTO Patent number: 11883206 (1/30/2024)

• Chen B, Jing Z, Kshirsagar A, Gkanatsios N, and Chui H, Systems and methods for automating clinical workflow decisions and generating a priority read indicator, USPTO Patent Application Pub. No. US 2021/0035680 A1 (2021) 

• Chen B, Stango T, Stein J, and Ruth C, Imaging with curved compression elements, EPO EP 3 537 979 B1 (2021) 

• Chen B, Tissue imaging in presence of fluid during biopsy procedure, USPTO Patent Application Pub. No. US 2022/0110597 A1 (2022) 

• Stango T, Stein J, Chen B, and Ruth C, Imaging with curved compression elements, USPTO Patent number: 11633164 (2023) 

• Chen B, Defreitas K, and Hochstetler S, Systems methods and computer program products for selectively modifying x-ray images of tissue specimens, USPTO Patent Application Pub. No. US 2023/0136395 A1 (2023) 

• Chen B, Zhang B, and Liu J, Systems and methods for a multimodality breast ultrasound workflow collaborative solution, Filed to EPO; Pending Published; PCT/EP2023/060791 (2023) 

Awards

• Excellent Graduate Award, Shanghai Municipal Education Committee, Shanghai, China, 1992.

• Excellent Young Investigator Paper Award, Second Prize, Annual Conference of the Chinese Biomedical Engineering Society, Beijing, China, 1995. 

• Science and Technology Progress Award of Shanghai, Second Prize, Science and Technology Progress Awards Jury, Shanghai Municipality, Shanghai, China, 1998. “Medical image reconstruction, understanding, segmentation and volume CT theory”.

• Jay Stein Award 2015, Hologic, Inc., Boston, MA, in 2015. “Innovations of the Affirm Biopsy System”

Additional Information

• Citizenship: the United States of America

• References: available upon requests

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参考

Patents / Applications

• 谌飚，T ·R·斯坦戈，J ·A·斯泰因，C·鲁斯，使用弯曲的压缩元件进行成像，申请号：CN201780064725.9 (2017)

• 谌飚，K·F·德弗雷塔斯，S·霍奇斯塔特勒, 用于选择性修改组织标本的X射线图像的系统,方法和计算机程序产品，申请号：CN202180023271.7 (2021)

• 谌飚，荆振学，A·克什萨加尔，N·戈卡纳特斯奥斯，崔海力，用于使临床工作流程决策自动化并生成优先读取指示符的系统和方法，申请号：CN202080036265.0 (2021)

Internal

• B. Chen, A comprehensive 2D image processing framework for breast x-ray screening, diagnosis, stereotactic biopsy, implant images. (2009)

• B. Chen, Machine-learning (SVM) based breast density classification. (2016)

• B. Chen, Deep-learning based breast density category classification method for 2D and 3D x-ray images. (2018)

• B. Chen, and Zhang Y, Brightness reduction for Implants in 2D and 3D x-ray mammographic images. (2020)

• Z. Ye, B. Chen, Deep-learning based x-ray 2D / 3D low-dose image denoising. (2020)

• B. Chen, B. Shi, T. Xu, J. Liu, L. Wei, Breast lesion correlation platform for x-ray tomosynthesis and ultrasound imaging. (2022)

Publications (Full List)

• B. Chen, C. Ruth, Zhang, Y, Z. Jing, Breast density assessment: image feature extraction and density classification with machine intelligence, Proc. SPIE 10573, Medical Imaging 2018: Physics of Medical Imaging, 105735F; doi: 10.1117/12.2293365 (2018).

• B. Chen, C. Ruth, Z. Jing, et al, Estimation of effective x-ray tissue attenuation differences for volumetric breast density measurement, SPIE Medical Imaging 2014: Physics of Medical Imaging, Proc. 903347 (2014).

• B. Chen, A.P. Smith, Z. Jing, E. Ingal, Imaging Technique Optimization of Tungsten Anode FFDM System, SPIE Medical Imaging 2009: Physics of Medical Imaging, Proc. 7258:725830 (2009).

• B. Chen, A.P. Smith, Z. Jing, and T. Wu, Breast density mapping based upon system calibration, x-ray techniques, and FFDM images, SPIE Medical Imaging 2007: Physics of Medical Imaging, Proc. 6510: 65102Z (2007).

• A.P. Smith, T. Wu, B. Ren, B. Chen, C. Ruth, L. Niklason, Z. Jing, Performance of low dose high resolution digital mammography and breast tomosynthesis system, ECR 2007 (2007).

• B. Chen, Z. Jing, A.P. Smith, S. Parikh, and Y. Parisky, Dual-energy contrast-enhanced digital mammography (DE-CEDM): Optimization on Digital Subtraction with Practical x-ray Low / High-Energy Spectra, SPIE Medical Imaging 2006: Physics of Medical Imaging, Proc. 6142, 61422N (2006).

• P. Sheth, Y. Parisky, L. Hovanessian, J. Sim, D. Holmes, R. Lambert, B. Chen, Initial experiences with contrast enhanced digital mammography: technical and clinical issues, National Consortium of Breast Centers Conference (2005).

• B. Chen, Z. Jing, and A.P. Smith, Contrast-enhanced digital mammography (CEDM): Imaging modeling, computer simulations, and phantom study, SPIE Medical Imaging 2005: Physics of Medical Imaging, Proc. 5745, 877-888 (2005).

• R. Ning, X. Lu, B. Chen, Y. Yu, Reconstruction accuracy of cone-beam CT breast imaging for different scanning orbits, SPIE Medical Imaging 2003: Physics of Medical Imaging, Proc. 5030, 1001-1009 (2003).

• B. Chen and R. Ning, Cone-beam volume CT breast imaging: wavelet-analysis-based multi-resolution reconstruction and de-noising technique, SPIE Medical Imaging 2002: Imaging Physics, Proc. 4682, 236-244 (2002).

• R. Ning, D. Conover, B. Chen, L. McHugh, J. Cullinan, and R. Yu, Flat-panel detector-based cone beam volume CT breast imaging:  phantom and specimen study, SPIE Medical Imaging 2002: Imaging Physics, SPIE Proc. 4682, 218-227 (2002).

• B. Chen and R. Ning, Cone-beam volume CT breast imaging: feasibility study, Medical Physics 29, 755-770 (2002). 

• B. Chen and R. Ning, Cone-beam volume CT mammographic imaging: feasibility study, SPIE Medical Imaging 2001: Imaging Physics, SPIE Proc. 4320, 655-664 (2001).

• R. Ning, B. Chen, et al, Flat-panel detector-based cone beam volume CT breast imaging: preliminary phantom study, SPIE Medical Imaging 2001: Imaging Physics, SPIE Proc. 4320, 601-610 (2001).

• R. Yu, R. Ning, B. Chen, High-speed cone-beam reconstruction on PC, SPIE Medical Imaging 2001: Imaging Processing, SPIE Proc. 4322, 964-973 (2001). 

• R. Ning, B. Chen, D. Conover, L. McHugh, J. Cullinan, and A. Robinson, Flat panel detector-based cone-beam volume CT breast imaging: phantom study, 43rd Annual Meeting of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine, July 22-26, Salt Lake City, Utah (2001). 

• R. Ning, B. Chen, D. Conover, L. McHugh, J. Cullinan, and A. Robinson, Flat panel detector-based cone-beam volume CT breast imaging: phantom study, RSNA 87th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25-30, Chicago, Illinois (2001).

• S. Schmerber, B. Chen, S. Lavallee, M. Coulomb, J.P. Chirossel, J.P. Lavieille, E. Reyt, Computer-assisted video-endoscopic endonasal surgery, Ann Otolaryngol Chir Cervicofac, 118(1): 35-44 (2001). 

• R. Ning, B. Chen, R. Yu, D. Conover, X. Tang, Y. Ning, Flat panel detector-based cone-beam volume CT angiography imaging: system evaluation, IEEE Trans. on Med. Imag., 19(9): 949-963 (2000). 

• B. Chen, T. Zhuang, S. Lavallee, Combinary registration method for computer assisted ENT surgery, Chinese Journal of Biomedical Engineering, 19(9): 138-144 (2000). 

• R. Ning, R. Colbeth, B. Chen, R. Yu, D. Conover, Y. Ning, C. Blouir, Real time flat panel detector-based volume tomographic angiography imaging: detector evaluation, Proceedings of SPIE 3977, Medical Imaging 2000: Physics of Medical Imaging, 396-407 (2000). 

• R. Ning, J. Strang, B. Chen, D. Conover, R. Yu, Intravenous volume tomographic pulmonary angiography imaging, Proceedings of SPIE v. 3660, Proceedings of the 1999 Medical Imaging - Physiology and Function from Multidimensional Images, 169-180 (1999). 

• R. Ning, D. Zhang, B. Chen, D. Conover, R. Yu, Flat panel detector-based volume tomographic angiography imaging: detector evaluation, Proceedings of SPIE v. 3772, Proceedings of the 1999 Developments in x-Ray Tomography II, 1999, 167-178 (1999). 

• D. Lv, B. Chen, Reconstruction algorithm of the reverse geometry based on 2D CT, Journal of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 33(9): 1131-1136 (1999). 

• D. Zhang, R. Ning, B. Chen, D. Conover, Accurate and efficient calibration method for a selenium flat-panel detector-based volume tomographic angiography imaging system, Proceedings of SPIE 3659, n II, Proceedings of the 1999 Medical Imaging - Physics of Medical Imaging, 626-636 (1999). 

• B. Chen, D. Lv, T. Zhuang, Reverse geometry based direct volume reconstruction, Acta Optica Sinica, 19(1): 35-40 (1999).

• D. Lv, B. Chen, T. Zhuang, A reconstruction algorithm for reverse geometry based volume CT, Procs. of the 20th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, Vol. 2: 660-662 (1999). 

• B. Chen, T. Zhuang, Computer assisted ENT surgery system, Chinese Medical Instrumentation Magazine, 22(5): 254-258 (1998). 

• B. Chen, Large-scale memory space expansion in intelligent instruments, Computer Development and Applications, 20(3) (1998).

• S. Schmerber, B. Chen, S. Lavallee, J.P. Chorossel, P. Cinquin, et al, Markerless hybrid registration method for computer assisted endoscopic ENT surgery, Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery, H.U. Lemke, M.W. Vannier and K. Inamura (Editors), Elsevier Science B.V., 799-806 (1997). 

• B. Chen, T. Zhuang, Study on direct volume imaging based on cone beam x-ray projections, Journal of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 31(4): 72-76 (1997). 

• B. Chen, T. Zhuang, Experimental study on direct volume reconstruction, Chinese Medical Instrumentation Magazine, 21(2): 63-66 (1997). 

• B. Chen, T. Zhuang, Theoretical study on cone beam x-ray reconstruction, Annual Conference of the Chinese Biomedical Engineering Society (1995).  

• B. Chen, T. Zhuang, Experimental study on cone beam x-ray imaging, Annual Conference of the Chinese Biomedical Engineering Society (1995).

• B. Chen, T. Zhuang, Direct volume reconstruction based on cone-beam x-ray projections with a single circle vertex curve, Journal of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 29 (Suppl.1): 1-7 (1995).

• B. Chen, T. Zhuang, L. Chen, X-ray 3D imaging and 3D rendering, Chinese Medical Instrumentation Magazine, 19(5): 274-277(1995).

• B. Chen, T. Zhuang, et al., 3D reconstruction of lung tissues in vivo and its clinical evaluation, CT Theory and Applications, 3(4): 1-5(1994). 

• D. Yan and B. Chen, Computerized ship gyroscope power inverter, Shanghai Shipbuilding, 23,(3) (1994). 

• G. Ding and B. Chen, A constant-resolution measurement system for rotary velocity, Shanghai Measurement and Testing, 20(1): 20-21 (1993).