Light assembly and method for mammography and tomosynthesis imaging systems

Abstract

The invention relates to an optical assembly and a method for mammography and tomosynthesis imaging systems. An imaging system includes an X-ray tube head, a support arm, and a compression system coupled to the support arm. The compression system is independently rotatable relative to the X-ray tube head and includes a compression paddle, a support platform, and an X-ray receiver. The imaging system also includes an illumination assembly coupled to the support arm and disposed above the compression paddle. The illumination assembly is configured to direct one or more light beams toward the support platform.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application for invention titled "Optical Components and Methods for Mammography and Tomosynthesis Imaging Systems" with an application date of September 25, 2019, an application number of 201980062539.0.

[0002] Cross - reference to Related Applications

[0003] This application was filed as a PCT international patent application on September 25, 2019, and claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 736,089, filed on September 25, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0004] Compression during mammography and tomosynthesis serves multiple purposes. For example, it: (1) thins the breast in the X - ray flux direction, thus reducing the patient's radiation exposure from the levels required to image the thicker parts of an uncompressed breast; (2) makes the thickness of the breast in the X - ray flux direction more uniform, thus facilitating more uniform exposure on the image plane across the entire breast image; (3) immobilizes the breast during X - ray exposure, thus reducing image blurring; (4) brings breast tissue out from the chest wall into the imaging exposure field, thus allowing more tissue to be imaged. When the breast is compressed, typically a technician manipulates the breast to properly position it and counteract the tendency of compression to push breast tissue towards the chest wall and out of the image field.

[0005] Standard compression methods for mammography and tomosynthesis use a movable, rigid, radiolucent compression paddle. The breast is placed in the imaging area on a generally flat breast support platform, and then the paddle compresses the breast, usually while a technician or other healthcare professional holds the breast in place. The technician can also manipulate the breast to ensure proper tissue coverage within the field of view of the image receptor.

[0006] One known challenge in mammography and breast tomosynthesis is for a technician to position the patient's breast within the field of view of the image receptor before compressing the breast. For example, imaging rooms typically have dim lighting to increase patient comfort and reduce patient anxiety. However, insufficient light makes it more difficult for the technician to work around the imaging system and increases the time required for the imaging process. For example, identifying the active imaging area, which sometimes generally corresponds to the size, shape, and position of the compression paddle. Additionally, when the X - ray source is moved out of position to allow the technician access to the patient's breast and the compression system, it is often difficult to identify the field of view of the image receptor. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In one aspect, the technology relates to an imaging system, comprising: an X-ray tube head; a support arm; a compression system coupled to the support arm and rotatable independently relative to the X-ray tube head, wherein the compression system includes a compression paddle, a support platform, and an X-ray receptor; and an illumination assembly coupled to the support arm and disposed above the compression paddle, wherein the illumination assembly is configured to direct one or more light beams toward the support platform.

[0008] In an example, the illumination assembly includes a cantilever support coupled to the support arm and an illumination structure coupled to the cantilever support. In another example, the illumination structure includes a ring defining an opening therein, and when an X-ray beam is emitted from the X-ray tube head, the X-ray beam travels through the opening such that the ring is not in the field of view of the resulting X-ray image. In yet another example, the illumination structure is fixed to the cantilever support. In yet another example, the illumination structure includes one or more light sources. In an example, at least one of the one or more light sources is articulated. In another example, at least one of the one or more light sources is collimated. In yet another example, the illumination assembly includes a mask. In yet another example, the mask is slidably coupled to the cantilever support and is configured to move along the cantilever support and relative to the illumination structure.

[0009] In another aspect, the technology relates to an imaging system, comprising: a gantry; a compression system rotatably supported on the gantry, wherein the compression system includes a compression paddle, a support platform, and an X-ray receptor disposed below the support platform; an X-ray tube head rotatably supported on the gantry and rotatable independently relative to the compression system; and a transmitter configured to emit a visible position marker onto the support platform, wherein the transmitter is disposed on the compression system.

[0010] In an example, the transmitter includes a mask. In another example, the transmitter includes a ring extending from the compression system. In yet another example, the transmitter includes at least one of an articulator and a collimator. In yet another example, the transmitter includes a laser. In an example, the position marker includes a substantially linear line. In another example, the line corresponds to the front edge of the X-ray receptor.

[0011] In another aspect, the technology relates to a method of compressing a breast for an imaging procedure, the method comprising: illuminating a support platform of an imaging system with one or more light sources disposed on an illumination assembly, wherein the illumination assembly is coupled to the compression system; positioning the breast on the support platform; advancing a compression paddle toward the breast positioned on the support platform; and bringing at least a portion of the breast into contact with the compression paddle.

[0012] In an example, the method further includes moving a face mask of the illumination assembly toward a retracted position, the face mask being movable relative to one or more light sources. In another example, illuminating the support platform includes emitting position markers from one or more light source emission positions, the emitted position markers substantially visually identifying the position of the imaging region on the support platform. In yet another example, the emitted position markers correspond to the position of the X-ray receptor relative to the support platform during an imaging process. In yet another example, the emitted position markers include a substantially linear line corresponding to the front edge of the X-ray receptor. In an example, the emitted position markers include at least one target marker that identifies a target breast placement position on the target platform for positioning a breast. In another example, positioning the breast includes aligning at least a portion of the breast with the position markers.

[0013] In another aspect, the technology relates to a method of identifying an imaging region for an imaging system, the imaging system including: (a) a gantry, (b) a compression system including a compression paddle, a support platform, and an X-ray receptor disposed below the support platform, wherein the compression system is rotatable relative to the gantry, and (c) an X-ray tube head that is independently rotatable to the gantry and the compression system, the method including: rotating the compression system to a compression position; rotating the X-ray tube head to a proximity position, wherein when in the proximity position, the X-ray tube head is set at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the breast platform; emitting position markers from a transmitter disposed on the X-ray tube head toward the breast platform, wherein the emitted position markers substantially visually depict the position of the imaging region during an imaging process; rotating the X-ray source tube head to an imaging position; and performing an imaging process.

[0014] In an example, the emitted position markers correspond to the position of the X-ray receptor relative to the breast platform. In another example, the emitted position markers include at least one target marker that identifies a target breast placement position of a patient's breast on the breast platform. In yet another example, the at least one target marker corresponds to a target breast placement position of one or more of a nipple line, a skin line, and an axillary tissue line of the patient's breast. In yet another example, the method further includes articulating the transmitter relative to the X-ray tube head prior to emitting the position markers. In an example, the method further includes collimating the emitted position markers. In another example, rotating the X-ray tube head to the proximity position includes rotating the X-ray tube head relative to the compression paddle such that the compression paddle is not in the field of view of the transmitter.

[0015] In another aspect, the technology relates to a method of illuminating an active imaging area for an imaging system, the imaging system comprising: (a) a gantry, (b) a compression system including a compression paddle, a support platform, and an X-ray receptor disposed below the support platform, wherein the compression system is rotatable relative to the gantry, and (c) an X-ray tube head rotatable independently to the gantry and the compression system, the method comprising: rotating the compression system to a first rotational position; rotating the X-ray tube head to a second rotational position, wherein when in the second rotational position, the X-ray tube head is set to a non-imaging position relative to the breast platform; emitting a position marker from a light source disposed on the compression system toward the breast platform, wherein the emitted position marker substantially visually depicts the position of the active imaging area; rotating the X-ray source tube head to an imaging position; and performing an imaging process.

[0016] In an example, the first rotational position is the MLO imaging position. In another example, the second rotational position is at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the breast platform. In yet another example, the active imaging area is at least partially based on the size, shape, and / or position of the compression paddle.

[0017] In another aspect, the technology relates to an imaging system, comprising: an X-ray tube head; a support arm; a compression system coupled to the support arm and rotatable independently relative to the X-ray tube head, wherein the compression system includes a compression paddle, a support platform, and an X-ray receptor; and a projector coupled to the support arm and disposed above the compression paddle, wherein the projector is configured to project an image onto the support platform.

[0018] In an example, the imaging system further includes a face mask, and the projector is coupled to the face mask. In another example, the imaging system further includes a cantilever support, and the projector is coupled to the cantilever support. In yet another example, the projector is communicatively coupled to the system controls and the workstation unit of the imaging system. In yet another example, the image projected by the projector is at least partially aligned with the X-ray field of the X-ray tube head. In an example, the image projected by the projector includes one or more of a white box, a crosshair pattern, and one or more targets.

[0019] In another aspect, the technology relates to a method of compressing a breast for an imaging process, the method comprising: illuminating the support platform of the imaging system by a projector coupled to the compression system, wherein the illumination is provided by one or more images projected by the projector onto the support platform; positioning the breast on the support platform; advancing the compression paddle toward the breast positioned on the support platform; and bringing at least a portion of the breast into contact with the compression paddle.

[0020] In an example, one or more images projected by a projector onto a support platform are substantially aligned with an X-ray field of an X-ray tube head, and the method further includes verifying that a patient is not within the X-ray field of view after positioning the breast on the support platform. In another example, illuminating the support platform includes projecting one or more of a white box, a crosshair pattern, and one or more targets. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary imaging system.

[0022] Figure 1B is Figure 1A a perspective view of the imaging system of.

[0023] Figure 2A and 2B are perspective views of an exemplary illumination assembly in an extended position and a retracted position, respectively.

[0024] Figure 3 is a perspective view of another illumination assembly.

[0025] Figure 4A and Figure 4B are front views of an imaging system having tube heads in multiple positions.

[0026] Figure 5 depicts a flowchart illustrating a method of compressing a breast for an imaging procedure.

[0027] Figure 6 depicts a flowchart illustrating a method of identifying an imaging region of an imaging system.

[0028] Figure 7 depicts a flowchart illustrating a method of illuminating an active imaging region of an imaging system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary imaging system 100. Figure 1B is a perspective view of the imaging system 100. With reference also to Figure 1A and Figure 1B, the imaging system 100 is configured to fix the patient's breast 102 via a breast compression holder unit or compression system 104 for X-ray imaging (one or both of mammography and tomosynthesis). In an example, the compression system 104 includes a static breast support platform 106 and a movable compression paddle 108. The breast support platform 106 and the compression paddle 108 each have a compression surface 110 and 112 respectively, wherein the compression surface 112 is configured to move towards the support platform 106 to compress and fix the breast 102. In known systems, the compression surfaces 110, 112 are exposed so as to directly contact the breast 102. The support platform 106 also houses an image receptor 114 and an optional tilting mechanism 116. The holder unit 104 is in the path of the imaging X-ray beam 118 emitted from the X-ray source 120 such that the beam 118 impinges on the image receptor 114.

[0030] The compression system 104 is supported on a first support arm 122, and the X-ray source 120 is supported on a second support arm, also referred to as a tube arm 124. For mammography, the support arms 122 and 124 can rotate as a unit about an axis 126 between different imaging orientations (such as cranio-caudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO) views) so that the imaging system 100 can take mammography projection images in each orientation. In operation, the image receptor 114 remains in place relative to the support platform 106 while an image is being taken. The holder unit 104 releases the breast 102 to enable the support arms 122, 124 to move to different imaging orientations. For tomosynthesis, the support arm 122 remains in place, where the breast 102 is fixed and held in place, while at least the tube arm 124 rotates the X-ray source 120 about the axis 126 relative to the holder unit 104 and the compressed breast 102. The imaging system 100 takes a plurality of tomosynthesis projection images of the breast 102 at various angles of the X-ray beam 118 relative to the breast 102. Thus, the compression system 104 and the tube arm 124 can rotate discretely from each other, unless a matched rotation is required or desired for the imaging process.

[0031] Simultaneously and optionally, the image receptor 114 can be tilted in coordination with the rotation of the second support arm 124 relative to the breast support platform 106. The tilt can be by the same angle as the rotation of the X-ray source 120, but can also be by a different selected angle such that for each of the plurality of images the X-ray beam 118 remains substantially in the same position on the image receptor 114. The tilt can be about an axis 128, which can but need not be in the image plane of the image receptor 114. A tilt mechanism 116 coupled to the image receptor 114 can drive the image receptor 114 in a tilting motion. For tomosynthesis imaging and / or CT imaging, the breast support platform 106 can be horizontal and can be at an angle to the horizontal, for example similar to the orientation of conventional MLO imaging in mammography. The imaging system 100 can be a fully mammography system, a CT system, or a fully tomosynthesis system, or can be a "combination" system that performs multiple forms of imaging. An example of such a combination system has been provided by the assignee hereof under the trade name Selenia Dimensions.

[0032] When operating the system, the image receptor 114 generates imaging information in response to illumination by the imaging X-ray beam 118 and provides it to the image processor 130 for processing and generating a mammogram. The system controls and workstation unit 132, including software, controls the operation of the system and interacts with the operator to receive commands and convey information including the processed radiographic images.

[0033] One challenge with the imaging system 100 is how to efficiently position the breast 102 on the support platform 106 such that the patient's breast 102 can be compressed and immobilized for the desired or required imaging. For example, a health professional, typically an X-ray technician, will usually place the breast 102 on the support platform 106. The technician will adjust the position of the breast 102 within the holder unit 104 while pulling tissue towards the imaging area and moving the compression paddle 108 towards the breast support platform 106 to secure and hold the breast 102 in place where as much breast tissue as possible is between the compression surfaces 110, 112. However, if the patient's breast is not correctly positioned within the imaging area of the imaging system 100, then the breast compression process may need to be redone, increasing the patient's discomfort and anxiety. Additionally, incorrectly positioning the breast may require retaking the X-ray image, which then may deliver an unnecessary X-ray dose. Further, once the patient's breast is secured to the imaging system 100, the technician will also need to position the patient (e.g., hair, arms, etc.) out of the path (e.g., X-ray field) of the X-ray source 120.

[0034] The techniques described herein relate to a breast compression and imaging system that utilizes an illumination assembly to assist a technician in positioning a patient's breast for compression and imaging. Some of these techniques provide general illumination for the compression system that helps the technician while working with the patient and the imaging system. By illuminating the work area, the technician can more efficiently position the patient. This can improve the overall efficiency of the imaging process, which also improves overall patient comfort. Other illumination assembly techniques described herein provide visible position markers that enable the breast to be properly placed and / or compressed such that the fixation and imaging processes are performed more efficiently. This can also help reduce patient discomfort associated with the compression and imaging processes. These techniques generally improve the accuracy of breast placement and / or compression, enabling the technician to more efficiently ensure proper fixation and subsequent imaging.

[0035] As described herein, these techniques primarily utilize one or more light sources, preferably visible light sources, coupled to the compression system 104. These light sources are configured to illuminate the breast support platform 106 while working around the compression system 104 to assist the technician. Additionally or alternatively, the light sources can provide one or more position markers on the breast support platform 106 to more specifically assist the technician in positioning and / or compressing the patient's breast in the correct position for the imaging process. For example, the position markers can correspond to the location of the image receptor 114, which is not visible to the technician because it is below the support platform 106. In other examples, the position markers can correspond to the effective imaging area that is a subset of the image receptor 114 to provide more focused position assistance to the technician. Examples of light sources can include, but are not limited to, light-emitting diodes, laser lights, incandescent lights, and even optical devices such as image projector systems.

[0036] Imaging systems 100 can be envisioned that include any one of the light sources performing the functions described herein, but certain systems can include all of the described light sources, or additional light sources that are differently positioned but perform the various functions described herein. In some examples, the light sources described herein can perform a single described function or multiple functions.

[0037] Return Figure 1A, the imaging system 100 is typically set up in a dim patient room to increase patient comfort and reduce patient anxiety. Thus, the lighting assembly 134 can be coupled to the support arm 122 such that a light source can be provided in the system 100 and assist the technician in positioning the patient within the compression system 104. The lighting assembly 134 generally points downwardly towards the compression paddle 108, breast 102, and support platform 106. The functions performed in conjunction with the lighting assembly 134 are described herein and can include providing a light source on the compression system 104 to assist the technician in positioning and compressing the breast 102. In some examples, the lighting assembly 134 is configured not to interfere with the x-ray beam 118 during the imaging process. In other examples, at least a portion of the lighting assembly 134 can extend and / or retract relative to the support arm 122 such that full access to the compression system 104 is provided to the technician and / or interference with the x-ray beam 118 during the imaging process is reduced. In another example, the lighting assembly 134 can be at least partially storable within the support arm 122. Additionally or alternatively, the lighting assembly 134 can be configured to emit one or more position markers on the support platform 106 to identify image regions, live image regions, and / or specific breast placement locations and further assist the technician in positioning and compressing the breast. By increasing the correct breast position and compression, patient comfort and anxiety can be improved during the imaging process. Additional illuminating systems are also depicted and described herein.

[0038] Figure 2A and Figure 2B are perspective views of an imaging system 202 with an exemplary lighting assembly 200 in an extended position and a retracted position, respectively. With reference to both Figure 2A and Figure 2B , and as described above, the imaging system 202 includes a gantry 204 that rotatably supports a compression system 206 having a support platform 208 and a compression paddle support 210 (the compression paddle is not shown for clarity). Additionally, the gantry 204 rotatably supports an x-ray tube head 212. In this example, the lighting assembly 200 is coupled to the compression system 206 such that the lighting assembly 200 can rotate therewith relative to the gantry 204 and / or the x-ray tube head 212 and is positioned above the compression paddle support 210. The lighting assembly 200 includes one or more light sources 214 that are directed to direct a light beam towards the upper surface 216 of the support platform 208. By illuminating the upper surface 216, the technician can more easily position the patient's breast within the compression system 206 even if components of the imaging system 202 create shadows above the support platform 208 and / or the compression paddle support 210.

[0039] In an example, the light source 214 can emit ordinary white light to illuminate the area around the support platform 208. For example, the light source 214 can be a light-emitting diode (LED) lamp, an incandescent lamp, etc. In other examples, the light source 214 can emit colored light (e.g., red or blue) as needed or desired. In another example, the light source 214 can be a laser that can provide visible light. In some examples, the light source 214 can emit ultraviolet light and / or infrared light, which can be used with additional imaging devices configured to make these light forms visible to the technician. In yet another example, the light source 214 can emit light that changes color. For example, the light source 214 can change the light color at least partially based on the position of the patient's breast to indicate to the technician that the breast is correctly positioned on the support platform 208. Additionally or alternatively, the light source 214 can emit different light colors based on the area of the support platform 208 being illuminated.

[0040] In still other examples, the light source 214 can include an image projector configured to project an image onto the support platform 208. The image projector can include one or more of the following components: a lamp (e.g., LED, laser, etc.), an optical engine (e.g., liquid crystal display (LCD), digital light processing (DLP), etc.), an image input, a power input, a cooling system, a processor, and focusing optics. The image projector can project a still image or a video image as needed or desired.

[0041] The illumination assembly 200 includes a cantilever support 218 that is coupled to the support arm 220 of the compression system 206. The cantilever support 218 can be removably coupled to the support arm 220 such that the illumination assembly 200 can be removed as needed or desired. Additionally or alternatively, the cantilever support 218 can be slidably coupled to the support arm 220 such that the illumination assembly 200 can linearly move along the support arm 220 by a distance L and can be height-adjusted relative to the support platform 208 as needed or desired. The cantilever support 218 extends from the patient-facing end of the support arm 220 such that the operation of the compression paddle support 210 is not inhibited. Further, access to the patient and / or the technician to the compression system 206 is maintained from the left or right side of the imaging system 202. The cantilever support 218 can be communicatively (e.g., electrically and / or data) coupled to the imaging system 202 such that the system controls and the workstation unit 132 ( Figure 1A as shown) can control the light source 214 as needed or desired. The illumination assembly 200 can be in wired or wireless communication.

[0042] Attached to the free end of the cantilever support 218, the illumination assembly 200 can include a face mask 222. The face mask 222 is slidably coupled to the cantilever support 218 such that the face mask 222 can be in an extended position ( Figure 2Ashown) and a retracted position ( Figure 2B shown) and laterally move T therebetween. In the extended position, the face mask 222 can be used to prevent the patient from moving into the X-ray beam emitted from the X-ray tube head 212 during imaging. The face mask 222 is generally U-shaped such that the face mask 222 is not within the field of view of the x-ray image when it is in the extended position. In other examples, the face mask 222 can be lined with lead to provide radiation protection for the patient during the imaging process. Additionally, the face mask 222 remains stationary during tomosynthesis imaging as it is coupled to the support arm 220. The face mask 222 can also be retracted towards the retracted position to move the face mask 222 out of the way so that the technician can work more easily when positioning and compressing the patient's breast.

[0043] In an example, the light source 214 is coupled to the inner surface of the face mask 222 such that contact between the patient and the light source 214 is prevented during use of the face mask 222. Additionally, the light source 214 is generally located at the center of the face mask 222 and is aligned with the cantilever support 218. This location enables a substantially uniform light distribution to be provided on the support platform 208 by the illumination assembly 200. In another example, the light source 214 can be disposed at the free end of the cantilever support 218. In some examples, more than one light source 214 can be spaced along the inner perimeter of the face mask 222. By using more than one light source 214, the illumination assembly 200 can independently operate each light source 214 such that the light distribution on the support platform 208 can be adjusted as needed or desired. For example, the light from each light source 214 can be directed to one or more of the left side portion, right side portion, front portion, rear portion, and center portion of the support platform 208.

[0044] Since the face mask 222 is movable between two positions (e.g., extended and retracted), the light source 214 also moves between two positions. Accordingly, one or more of the light sources 214 can be mounted on an articulator such that the light source 214 can be articulated. For example, articulating the light source 214 can include pivoting the light source 214 about one or more axes. In another example, articulating the light source 214 can include moving the light source 214 between two or more positions (e.g., within a linear and / or curvilinear range of motion). This enables the light source 214 to be directed to the same location on the support platform 208 in the extended position and the retracted position and at any position therebetween. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the light sources 214 can be collimated in order to be directed to a specific location on the support platform 208. This enables reduction and / or elimination of unwanted light distribution away from the support platform 208. For example, collimation of the light source 214 can include one or more optical lenses that reflect and / or refract the light beam in a desired or desired distribution pattern. One or more angled mirrors in the illumination assembly 200 can also effect collimation of the light source 214. In another example, collimated light can include a grid pattern illuminated on the upper surface 216 of the support surface 208 to assist a technician with patient breast placement.

[0045] Additionally, by collimating the light source 214, one or more position markers can be formed and directed on the support platform 208. The position markers are configured to assist a technician with more specifically positioning a patient's breast on the support platform 208 for compression. In one example, the light source 214 can emit position markers corresponding to the position of the X-ray receptor relative to the support platform 208. This enables the technician to obtain visual assistance to ensure that the patient's breast is positioned above the X-ray receptor. In another example, the emitted position markers can include target markers corresponding to target breast placement positions for one or more of a nipple line, a skin line, and an axillary tissue line. For example, the target marker can be a linear nipple line that a technician can use to align the patient's nipple on the support platform 208. The target marker can also be one or more lines, cross-hatch lines, and / or shapes (e.g., square, circle, triangle, etc.) that define an overall breast placement area on the support platform 208. The target marker can be a perimeter or partial perimeter contour of the breast shape to define a breast placement area on the support platform 208. In yet another example, the emitted position markers can correspond to an effective imaging area that can be at least partially based on the size, shape, and / or position of the compression paddle of the compression system 206. In any case, any light source 214 that provides assistance to the technician and enables the patient's breast to be positioned more accurately and quickly while reducing the need for re-compression of the patient's breast can be used in the illumination assembly 200.

[0046] On the one hand, the light source 214 can include a laser that emits a light beam towards the support platform 208 and forms a substantially linear line 224 (shown in Figure 2B ). In one example, the line 224 corresponds to the front edge of the X-ray receptor disposed within the platform 208 and is thus positioned towards the front portion of the upper surface 216 of the support platform 208. By identifying the front edge of the receptor, a technician can more easily position the patient's breast on the support platform 208 for compression. Additionally, when the patient is positioned on the platform 208, the line 224 can extend across the patient's chest wall such that the technician can visualize the portion of the breast within the X-ray image area. In this example, the light source 214 emits a position marker, the line 224, and the position marker can also provide general illumination of the support platform 208 to assist the technician in low light areas. In some examples, the laser can be colored (e.g., red, green, etc.). In other examples, the laser can be white light as needed or desired.

[0047] In an example, the light source 214 is disposed above the compression paddle on the support arm 220 such that it illuminates the support platform 208 from an upper position. In this position, the light source 214 enables light to be directed in an orientation that is at least partially aligned with the X-ray field of the X-ray tube head 212. Thereby, even when the tube head 212 is rotated out of the imaging position, the position of the patient within the X-ray field and between the tube head 212 and the support platform 208 can be easily determined. In an example where the light source 214 includes a projector, the projector can project any image (still or moving) that enables the illumination assembly 200 to function as described herein. For example, the projected image can be a white square on a black background that corresponds to the X-ray receptor position within the platform 208. The position and size of the box can be completely flexible within the image space, without the need for a mechanical shutter or other moving parts. The projector can project any desired shape, any size of shape, any color, and is easily positioned (e.g., on the left or right side of the imaging area). This allows the light source 214 to provide any type of visual aid to the technician. Additionally, the projector can project different patterns (e.g., a crosshair pattern for needle position) or targets (e.g., an arrow for a biopsy procedure) as needed or desired. Additionally or alternatively, the light source 214 can have its intensity (e.g., brightness) adjustable.

[0048] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an imaging system 302 that includes a different illumination assembly 300. As described above, the imaging system 302 includes a gantry 304 that rotatably supports a compression system 306 having a support platform 308 and a compression paddle 310. Additionally, the gantry 304 also rotatably supports an X-ray tube head (not shown for clarity but located at the top of the rotatable support arm 311). As Figure 3As shown, the compression system 306 can be rotated to the MLO imaging process angle. The illumination assembly 300 is coupled to the support arm 312 of the compression system 306 such that the illumination assembly 300 can rotate with it relative to the gantry 304 and is located above the compression paddle 310. The illumination assembly 300 includes one or more light sources (not shown, but disposed on the illumination structure 318), which are directed to direct a light beam to the upper surface 314 of the support platform 308 as described above. The light source can be an LED, a laser light, a projector system, or any other lighting device as needed or desired. However, in this example, the illumination assembly 300 includes a face mask 316 and a separate illumination structure 318, each independently coupled to the cantilever support 320.

[0049] The cantilever support 320 can be linearly moved along the support arm 312 by L such that the height of the illumination assembly 300 is adjustable, as measured from the support platform 308. Additionally, as described above, the face mask 316 can be laterally moved along the cantilever support 320 between an extended position and a retracted position by T. However, in this example, the illumination structure 318 is disposed above the face mask 316 and fixed to the free end of the cantilever support 320 such that the illumination structure 318 remains fixed during the movement of the face mask 316. This configuration of the illumination assembly 300 enables one or more light sources disposed on the illumination structure 318 to maintain a position above the support platform 308 regardless of the position of the face mask 316. Thereby, the upper surface 314 of the support platform 308 is uniformly illuminated, and thus technicians can work around the compression system 306 more easily.

[0050] In the example, the illumination structure 318 can be substantially annular, with an opening 322 defined therein. The ring can be substantially D-shaped (as Figure 3 shown), where the long straight edge is coupled to the cantilever support 320. In other examples, the ring can have any other shape as needed or desired, such as, elliptical, circular, etc. The size and shape of the opening 322 are adjusted such that when an X-ray beam is emitted from the X-ray tube head, the X-ray beam passes through the opening 322 such that the illumination structure 318 is not in the field of view of the formed X-ray image. The size of the ring is also large such that the illumination structure 318 is not in the field of view of the X-ray image regardless of its position L along the support arm 312. This enables the illumination structure 318 to maintain its position above the support platform 308 during any imaging mode as needed or desired without forming an undesired artifact in the X-ray image.

[0051] The illumination structure 318 can at least partially correspond to the peripheral shape of the top end of the face mask 316. That is, as Figure 3As shown, when the face mask 316 is in its extended position, the illumination structure 318 is aligned with the face mask 316 as if the illumination structure 318 and the face mask 316 were integrated. This enables the ring and the opening 322 to be configured to not interfere with the X-ray beam during the imaging process, as is the case with the face mask 316. Additionally, by aligning the illumination structure 318 and the face mask 316, contact between the patient and the illumination structure 318 is reduced or eliminated.

[0052] One or more light sources on the illumination structure 318 can be disposed on the bottom surface of the ring such that they face the upper surface 314 of the support platform 308. In other examples, one or more light sources can be disposed on the inner surface of the ring and angled with respect to the upper surface 314. As described above, the light sources can be LED lights, incandescent lights, lasers, projectors, etc., which emit white light, colored light, or any other light as needed or desired. The light sources can also be articulated and / or collimated to direct the light to a predetermined area on the support platform 308. In an example, the upper surface of the ring can be configured as a heat sink to remove heat from the light sources. The light sources can provide general working lights for the technician and assist in positioning and / or compressing the patient's breast. Additionally or alternatively, the light sources can provide position markers (e.g., (one or more) lines, (one or more) hashes, (one or more) dots, (one or more) contours, (one or more) grids, etc.) for the technician and assist in more specifically aligning the patient's breast for compression. This additional illumination generated by the illumination assembly 300 increases the patient's comfort during the imaging process as the technician can work faster and more efficiently.

[0053] In some examples, the illumination structure can be configured to direct light towards the support platform 308 corresponding to an image receptor area corresponding to the imaging area. In other examples, the illumination structure 318 can be configured to direct light towards the support platform 308 corresponding to an active imaging area. For example, the active imaging area can be at least partially based on the size, shape, and / or position of the compression 310 on the compression system 306 and is generally a sub-region of a larger imaging area. Thereby, the light source can illuminate at least two portions of the active imaging area, preferably two sides. The illumination structure 318 enables such illumination even when the X-ray tube head is moved to facilitate patient positioning, such as during MLO positioning described further below.

[0054] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a front view of an imaging system 400 having tube heads 402 at multiple positions. Generally described simultaneously Figure 4A - 4B。The tube head 402 is rotatably coupled to the gantry 404 via a support arm 406. The imaging system 400 also includes a compression system 408 rotatably coupled to the gantry 404. The compression system 408 includes a breast support platform 410 and a compression paddle 412 that can move relative to (e.g., toward or away from) the support platform 410. Both the compression system 408 and the tube head 402 are configured to rotate independently of each other. Figure 4A and Figure 4B depicts the compression system 408 in an angled position commonly used for MLO mammography, but the imaging system 400 can also be used in conjunction with tomosynthesis scanning as needed or desired.

[0055] In particular, prior to the MLO imaging process, one of the challenges associated with positioning a patient's breast is that the tube head 402 obstructs the technician from positioning the breast. For example and with reference to Figure 4B , in some known prior art imaging systems, positioning light can be emitted from the tube head 402 to mark the imaging area on the support platform 410. However, since the technician typically stands on one side S of the gantry 404 to position the breast for compression, the position of the tube head 402 typically requires the technician to lie prone or squat under the tube head 402 in order to position the breast between the support platform 410 and the compression paddle 412. This makes it difficult to position the breast relative to the imaging area because when the tube head 402 rotates away from the compression system 408, the positioning light is no longer aligned with the imaging area.

[0056] Now referring to Figure 4A , the imaging system 400 includes a tube head emitter 414 disposed on or within the tube head 402. In some examples, the emitter 414 can be aligned with the X-ray beam source, while in other examples, the emitter 414 can be offset from the X-ray beam source. The tube head emitter 414 is coupled to a mechanism 416 configured to articulate the direction of the tube head emitter 414. Thus, even when the tube head 402 is not directly aligned with the support platform 410, the techniques described herein allow the imaging area (labeled I in Figure 4A ) to be correctly marked. To determine the position of the imaging area I, a position encoder associated with an X-ray receiver disposed below the support platform 410 can transmit its position to a remote or local controller of the tube head emitter 414.

[0057] In an example, the tube emitter 414 emits visible or invisible light 418 that becomes visible when it strikes the support surface 420 of the support platform 410 to mark the image region I. Thus, the tube emitter 414 visually more clearly identifies the imaging region I for the technician to more efficiently position and compress the patient's breast while still allowing the technician access to the compression system 408. The light 418 can form a position marker on the support platform 410 to depict the position of the imaging region I during the imaging process. The position marker can correspond to the position of the X-ray receptor relative to the support platform 410. In another example, the position marker can include target markers (e.g., one or more lines, one or more hashes, one or more points, one or more contours, one or more grids, etc.) for aligning with at least a portion of the patient's breast. For example, the target marker can correspond to a nipple line, a skin line, or an axillary tissue line and assist in positioning the patient's breast. In some examples, the emitter 414 can emit a laser or a projection onto the support surface 420 to form the position marker. In other examples, collimated light rather than a laser can be emitted to form the position marker. In yet another example, the emitted position marker can correspond to an active imaging region that can be at least partially based on the size, shape, and / or position of the compression paddle 412.

[0058] In another example, an emitter 422 configured to emit visual position markers as described above can be coupled to the compression system 408. The emitter 422 can include the illumination assemblies 200, 300 described above, or can be an emitter 414 disposed at different locations only on the imaging system 400. In either example, the emitter 422 can more clearly identify the imaging region I to enable the technician to more efficiently position and compress the patient's breast. By positioning the emitter 422 on the compression system 408, it is easier to determine the orientation of the position marker since the emitter 422 rotates with the compression system 408 and aligns with the support platform 410. In another example, the emitter 422 can be coupled to the compression arm to which the compression paddle 412 is fixed. The emitter 422 can illuminate a general imaging region, such as the region defined by the X-ray receptor, illuminate a more specific active imaging region, such as the region defined by the compression paddle 412, or illuminate target markers for more precisely placing the breast as needed or desired. Figure 2A - 3

[0059] Figure 5Depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method 500 for compressing a breast for an imaging process. In the example, method 500 begins at operation 502 by illuminating a support platform of an imaging system with one or more light sources disposed on an illumination assembly. The illumination assembly may be coupled to a compression system of the imaging system. By illuminating the support platform, a technician can work more efficiently with a patient and manipulate the patient's breast. As described herein, the support platform may also be illuminated by a laser or projector that projects one or more images toward the support platform. At operation 502, the patient's breast is positioned on the support platform. At operation 506, based on the position of the patient's breast, a compression paddle is advanced toward the support platform. Then, at operation 508, the patient's breast may be contacted with the compression paddle to immobilize the breast for the imaging process. In some examples, method 500 may also include moving a face mask of the illumination assembly to a retracted position at operation 510. The face mask may be movable relative to one or more light sources.

[0060] Generally, method 500 contemplates using light sources to illuminate the support platform to help improve a technician's efficiency and enhance the patient experience. In some examples, the illumination may be general task lighting that illuminates the technician's work area (e.g., the support platform and the compression paddle). In other examples, the illumination may be more targeted such that specific regions of the support platform (e.g., an imaging region or an active imaging region) are identified to efficiently assist the technician in positioning the patient's breast on the support platform and performing compression of the breast for a subsequent imaging process. For example, at operation 512, illuminating the support platform (operation 502) may also include emitting position markers from one or more light sources such that the emitted position markers substantially visually identify the location of the imaging region on the support platform. In one aspect, the emitted position markers may include a substantially linear line corresponding to a front edge of an X-ray receptor. In another example, illuminating the support platform may include aligning the illumination with an X-ray field of an X-ray tube head such that the technician can verify that the patient is not within the X-ray field. For example, verifying that the patient's hair is not within the X-ray field.

[0061] To determine the imaging area on the imaging system, data obtained from various sensors on the imaging system can be compared with known data from a previously compressed, similar breast, or similar procedure to identify appropriate location markers. Thereby, method 500 helps to improve the efficiency of the technician during the breast fixation process, thus increasing patient comfort. In one example, the emitted location marker can correspond to the position of the X-ray receptor relative to the support platform, such that the patient's breast can be properly positioned above the X-ray receptor. In another example, the emitted location marker can include a target marker that identifies the target breast placement position of the patient's breast. The target marker can be associated with a desired or expected breast placement position on the support platform. This can include, for example, nipple placement, skin contour, axillary tissue line, scar placement, mole placement, etc. Thereby, operation 514, positioning the patient's breast (operation 504) can include aligning at least a portion of the breast with the location marker. In yet another example, the emitted location marker can correspond to an active imaging area that can be at least partially based on the size, shape, and / or position of the compression paddle of the compression system.

[0062] Additionally or alternatively, the location marker can not only indicate the initial breast position area to assist the technician in placing the breast on the support platform, but can also be used to indicate the desired or expected compressed breast position. For example, the location marker can include a first marker indicating the position of the uncompressed patient breast on the support platform and a corresponding second marker indicating the position of the compressed patient breast on the support platform. Once the second marker reaches (e.g., aligns with) at least a portion of the breast, this indication can prompt the technician to stop breast compression. This will also increase patient comfort as it enhances the technician's ability to not only position the breast but also compress the breast to a comfortable and clinically relevant compression level. The precise image area details provided by the light source generally have a higher accuracy in both positioning and compression, enabling the technician to provide reassurance and comfort to the patient during a medical procedure that often causes anxiety. Thereafter, the compressed breast can be imaged.

[0063] Figure 6Depicts a flowchart of method 600 for identifying the imaging region of an imaging system. Generally speaking, method 600 contemplates identifying the region on the imaging receptor for imaging, which may be useful for correctly positioning the breast in the imaging system. This method 600 may be particularly useful when setting the tube head of the imaging system outside the typical imaging position makes the correct positioning of the breast more challenging for the technician. The imaging system can be a breast imaging system such as described herein, which includes a gantry and a compression system that includes a compression paddle, a support platform, and an X-ray receptor disposed below the support platform. The imaging system also includes an X-ray tube head that is independently rotatable to the gantry and the compression system, and the compression system is also rotatable relative to the gantry. Method 600 begins by rotating the compression system to the compression position, operation 602. This can be, for example, the position depicted in Figure 4A In operation 604, again as shown in Figure 4A , the X-ray tube head is rotated to the proximity position. When in the proximity position, the X-ray tube head is set at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the breast platform. A position marker is emitted from a transmitter disposed on the X-ray tube head towards the breast platform, operation 606. The emitted position marker substantially visually depicts the position of the X-ray receptor during the imaging process. This enables the technician to correctly position the breast without having to lie prone or squat under the X-ray tube head. Once the breast is correctly positioned, the X-ray source tube head is rotated to the imaging position, operation 608. The imaging position of the tube head is as shown in Figure 4B . Thereafter, the imaging process can be performed, operation 610.

[0064] As described above, in one example, the emitted position marker can correspond to the position of the X-ray receptor relative to the support platform, such that the patient's breast can be properly positioned above the X-ray receptor. In another example, the emitted position marker can include a target marker that identifies the target breast placement position of the patient's breast. The target marker can be associated with the desired or expected breast placement position on the support platform. For example, this can include nipple placement, skin contour, axillary tissue line, scar placement, mole placement, etc. These markers can improve the accuracy of patient breast positioning, thus enabling the technician to be more efficient during the compression process.

[0065] Method 600 may also include articulating the transmitter relative to the X-ray tube head before emitting the position marker, operation 612, such that the rotational offset between the compression system and the X-ray tube head is taken into account. In another example, method 600 may include collimating the emitted position marker, operation 614, in order to reduce light scattering away from the support platform. Additionally, when rotating the X-ray tube head to the proximity position, method 600 may include rotating the X-ray tube head relative to the compression paddle such that the compression paddle is not in the field of view of the transmitter, operation 616. This ensures that the light emission can reach the support platform without being blocked by the compression paddle.

[0066] Figure 7 depicts a flow chart of a method 700 for illuminating an active imaging region of an imaging system as illustrated. Generally, method 700 contemplates illuminating the active region, for example, at least in part based on the size, shape, and / or position of the compression paddle, which may be useful for correctly positioning the breast in the imaging system. Method 700 may be particularly useful when the tube head of the imaging system is set outside of typical imaging positions such that correct positioning of the breast is more challenging for the technician. The imaging system may be a breast imaging system such as described herein, which includes a gantry and a compression system that includes a compression paddle, a support platform, and an X-ray receptor disposed below the support platform. The imaging system also includes an X-ray tube head that is independently rotatable to the gantry and the compression system, and the compression system is also rotatable relative to the gantry. Method 700 begins by rotating the compression system to a first rotational position, operation 702. This may be, for example, the position depicted in Figure 4A and corresponds to the MLO imaging procedure. In operation 704, again as shown in Figure 4A , the X-ray tube head is rotated to a second rotational position. When in the second rotational position, the X-ray tube head is set in a non-imaging position that is also non-orthogonal to the breast platform. A position marker is emitted from a light source disposed on the compression system towards the breast platform, operation 706. The emitted position marker substantially visually depicts the position of the active image region. This enables the technician to correctly position the breast without having to lie prone or crouch under the X-ray tube head. Once the breast is correctly positioned, the X-ray source tube head is rotated to the imaging position, operation 708. The imaging position of the tube head is as shown in Figure 4B . Thereafter, the imaging procedure may be performed, operation 710.

[0067] This disclosure describes some examples of the technology with reference to the accompanying drawings, where only some possible examples are shown. However, other aspects may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein. Instead, these examples are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of possible examples to those skilled in the art. Any number of features of the different examples described herein may be combined into a single example, and alternative examples with fewer or more than all of the features described herein are possible. It should be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. It must be noted that, as used in this specification, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0068] Although specific examples are described herein, the scope of the technology is not limited to those specific examples. Those skilled in the art will recognize other examples or improvements within the scope of the technology. Accordingly, specific structures, acts, or media are disclosed only as illustrative examples. Unless otherwise stated herein, elements or components that are generally disclosed but not explicitly combinatorially exemplified may also be combined according to examples of the technology. The scope of the technology is defined by the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A method for identifying an imaging area for an imaging system, the imaging system comprising: (a) A gantry, (b) a compression system including a compression paddle, a support platform, and an X-ray receptor disposed below the support platform, wherein the compression system is capable of rotating relative to the gantry, and (c) an X-ray tube head capable of rotating independently of the gantry and the compression system, the method comprising: Rotating the compression system to a compression position; Rotating the X-ray tube head to a proximity position, wherein when in the proximity position, the X-ray tube head is set at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the support platform; Emitting a position marker from a transmitter disposed on the X-ray tube head to the support platform, wherein the emitted position marker substantially visually depicts the position of the imaging area during the imaging process; Rotating the X-ray source tube head to an imaging position different from the proximity position; and Performing an imaging process.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the emitted position marker corresponds to the position of the X-ray receptor relative to the support platform.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the emitted position marker includes at least one target marker that identifies the target breast placement position of the patient's breast on the support platform.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the at least one target marker corresponds to the target breast placement position for one or more of the nipple line, skin line, and axillary tissue line of the patient's breast.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising articulating the transmitter relative to the X-ray tube head before emitting the position marker.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising collimating the emitted position marker.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein rotating the X-ray tube head to the proximity position includes rotating the X-ray tube head relative to the compression paddle such that the compression paddle is not in the field of view of the transmitter.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the compression position is the medial-lateral oblique MLO position of the compression system.

9. An imaging system, comprising: A gantry; A compression system rotatably coupled to the gantry, the compression system including a compression paddle, a support platform having a support surface, and an X-ray receptor disposed below the support platform opposite the support surface; An X-ray tube head rotatably coupled to the gantry, wherein the X-ray tube head is capable of rotating independently relative to the gantry and the compression system; And A transmitter disposed on the X-ray tube head, the transmitter being configured to emit a position marker onto the support platform, the position marker visually depicting the position of the imaging area of the patient's breast for imaging, and wherein the position marker is emitted when the X-ray tube head is in a proximity position relative to the support platform and at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the support platform.

10. The imaging system according to claim 9, wherein the imaging area corresponds to the position of the X-ray receptor below the support platform.

11. The imaging system according to claim 10, further comprising a position encoder associated with the X-ray receptor, the position encoder being configured to determine the position of the X-ray receptor.

12. The imaging system according to claim 9, wherein, The emitted position marker includes at least one target marker that identifies the target breast placement position of the patient's breast on the support platform.

13. The imaging system according to claim 12, wherein, The at least one target marker corresponds to a target breast placement location for one or more of a nipple line, a skin line, and an axillary tissue line of a patient's breast.

14. The imaging system according to claim 9, wherein the emitter is offset from an X-ray beam source of the X-ray tube head, and the emitter further includes a hinge drive configured to drive the orientation of the emitter relative to the support platform.

15. The imaging system according to claim 9, wherein the emitter is aligned with an X-ray beam source of the X-ray tube head, and the X-ray tube head further includes a collimator configured to collimate a position marker of an emission from the emitter.

16. The imaging system according to claim 9, wherein the emitter is a light source including at least one of a light emitting diode (LED), a laser, and a projector.

17. A method of illuminating an active imaging area for an imaging system, the imaging system comprising: (a) A gantry, (b) a compression system including a compression paddle, a support platform, and an X-ray receptor disposed below the support platform, wherein the compression system is rotatable relative to the gantry, and (c) an X-ray tube head capable of rotating independently of the gantry and the compression system, the method including: Rotating the compression system to a first rotational position; Rotating the X-ray tube head to a second rotational position, wherein when in the second rotational position, the X-ray tube head is disposed in a non-imaging position relative to the support platform; Emitting a position marker from a light source disposed on the compression system toward the support platform, wherein the emitted position marker substantially visually depicts the location of an active imaging region; Rotating the X-ray source tube head to an imaging position; and Performing an imaging process.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the first rotational position is a MLO imaging position.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein the second rotational position is at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the support platform.

20. The method according to claim 17, wherein the active imaging region is at least partially based on the size, shape, and / or position of the compression paddle.

Images