Interactive Visual Interface for Breast Imaging System Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current breast imaging systems require medical professionals to manually select and navigate through lists of image types, which is inefficient and burdensome, often necessitating excessive radiation due to imaging errors from improper positioning and orientation.
Innovation Solution
A user interface that displays a visual representation of a breast and a medical imaging system, allowing for intuitive positioning and orientation of the imaging system components relative to the breast, automatically determining the image type based on these settings and adjusting the system accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual selection and navigation through lists of image types is used, then the system provides comprehensive image type options, but the operation becomes inefficient and burdensome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the breast anatomy on the display screen that mirrors the actual patient anatomy. This visual model allows the technologist to interact with a simplified representation rather than navigating complex lists, while still accessing all necessary image types through the visual interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction of manually selecting from lists with an intuitive visual drag-and-drop interface. The imaging system components are visually positioned on the breast model, and the system automatically determines the corresponding image type, substituting manual list navigation with automated recognition based on visual positioning.
2Measurement precision
If manual positioning and orientation adjustments are made, then the imaging system can achieve precise positioning, but errors occur due to improper positioning and orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements visual feedback by displaying the positioning of imaging components relative to the breast model in real-time. The system provides immediate visual confirmation of component placement, allowing the technologist to see whether the positioning corresponds to the desired image type before actually acquiring the image, thereby preventing errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary determination of the image type based on the visual positioning of components before the actual imaging process. The system calculates and identifies the appropriate image type in advance, allowing verification and correction before radiation is applied, thus preventing improper imaging.
3Reliability
If multiple images are taken to ensure proper imaging, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but the patient is exposed to excess radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary determination of the correct image type and positioning before actual image acquisition. By using the visual model to pre-calculate and identify the appropriate imaging parameters, the system ensures that the first actual image taken is correct, eliminating the need for multiple corrective images and reducing radiation exposure.
4Ease of operation
If a simplified visual interface is used, then ease of operation improves, but the system must automatically determine image types based on positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the imaging system to determine the image type automatically based on the visual positioning of components on the breast model. The system serves itself by calculating the appropriate image type from the spatial relationships visible in the visual interface, without requiring manual input or complex configuration by the technologist.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach simplifies the selection of image types, reduces errors, and minimizes radiation exposure by providing a more intuitive and efficient method for positioning the imaging system, thereby enhancing the accuracy and safety of breast imaging procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an x-ray source capable of selectively moving relative to a breast; an x-ray detector
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for determining an image type are disclosed. A user interface includes a visual representation of a breast and a visual representation of a medical imaging system. The visual representation of the medical imaging system includes a visual representation of a detector and either a source or a compression paddle. The visual representation of the medical imaging system may be rotatable and positionable relative to the visual representation of the breast. Based on the relative position and orientation of the visual representation of the medical imaging system relative to the visual representation of the breast, an image type is determined. The image type may be displayed at the user interface.