Breast Compression Paddle Motion Mapping for Tomosynthesis Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging technologies face challenges in preventing patient motion during radiation-based procedures, which leads to anatomical distortions and artifacts, increased radiation exposure, and potential revocation of licenses due to poor image quality, necessitating improved techniques for motion detection and correction.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system incorporating force sensors, optical, infrared, or ultrasound sensors to detect patient movement, generating motion and contact maps, and using image correction algorithms to adjust imaging protocols and minimize radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If motion detection and correction techniques are implemented, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments motion detection into multiple independent sensor types (force sensors in compression paddle, optical sensors, infrared sensors, ultrasound sensors), each detecting different aspects of patient motion. This modular segmentation allows the system to address image quality issues through targeted correction while managing overall system complexity through functional division.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary motion detection using multiple sensors before image acquisition, generating motion maps that predict potential artifacts. Correction algorithms are pre-programmed to automatically apply appropriate corrections based on detected motion patterns, preventing image quality degradation before it occurs rather than requiring complex post-processing.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used for motion detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges data from multiple independent sensor types (force sensors, optical sensors, infrared sensors, ultrasound sensors) into a unified motion detection framework. By combining these sensors that detect different physical phenomena, the system achieves comprehensive motion measurement precision while managing complexity through integrated data processing and unified correction algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression paddle is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both imaging function and force sensing function. The paddle serves as both the compression element for mammography and the mounting platform for force sensors, eliminating the need for separate sensor housings and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If real-time correction is applied, then image quality is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Correction algorithms are pre-programmed with various motion correction strategies corresponding to different detected motion patterns. When motion is detected during imaging, the system immediately applies the appropriate pre-configured correction from the motion map, eliminating the need for time-consuming real-time calculation and enabling rapid image quality restoration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements prioritized processing that skips non-critical correction steps when minor motion is detected, rushing through only the essential corrections needed to maintain diagnostic image quality. This selective approach reduces processing time while still achieving the necessary image quality improvement for clinical use.
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
Enhances image quality, reduces patient radiation exposure, and maintains compliance with regulatory standards by accurately detecting and correcting motion artifacts in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
a force sensor may generate a force signal indicating a measure of force applied to the breast
Implementation Method 2
other sensors may be used. For example, one or more ultrasound sensors, optical and/or infrared sensors may be used
Implementation Method 3
one or more ultrasound sensors, optical and/or infrared sensors may be used
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for imaging. For example, a system may include a breast compression paddle, an imaging detector, at least one sensor incorporated into at least one of the breast compression paddle or the imaging detector. The system performs operations including generating, at a first time point, first spatial data of the breast based on data captured by the at least one sensor; generating, at a second time point, second spatial data of the breast based on data captured by the at least one sensor; based on the first spatial data and the second spatial data, determining an amount of motion of the breast that occurred; and based on the determined amount of motion performing at least one of: generating a motion map for the breast; discarding one or more acquired projections for use in generating a tomosynthesis reconstruction; or correcting a medical image acquired the second time point.