Breast Positioning Light Field for Tomosynthesis Irradiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tomosynthesis methods for breast radiography face challenges in ensuring that the entire breast is irradiated during image acquisition, leading to incomplete data and artifacts in 3D image reconstruction, especially for breasts of varying thicknesses, as the X-ray source illuminates different portions of the breast at different positions, resulting in inadequate information for accurate volume representation.
Innovation Solution
A method for assisted positioning of the breast using a light source to illuminate the platform, determining a positioning limit based on the distance between the platform and compression paddle, and the position of the light source relative to the detector, providing a visual aid for operators to ensure the breast is positioned within the optimal or nominal illumination field, thereby minimizing artifacts and ensuring complete irradiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the breast is positioned using conventional 2D mammography methods, then the positioning is simple and quick, but the entire breast cannot be ensured to be irradiated at all X-ray source positions, leading to incomplete data for 3D reconstruction
Solution Approach 1:
A light source is introduced as an intermediary tool to project the illumination field onto the breast platform, serving as a visual guide for positioning. This light field acts as a mediator between the operator and the breast, indicating the optimal positioning area without requiring complex measurements or calculations, thus maintaining ease of operation while ensuring complete irradiation coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual illumination (light field) to indicate the positioning area on the breast platform. The illuminated region provides a clear visual distinction between the area that will be irradiated and the area that will not, allowing operators to position the breast correctly within the illumination field. This visual feedback mechanism ensures complete breast coverage without complicating the positioning process
2Reliability
If the X-ray source illuminates the entire breast at all positions, then complete 3D reconstruction data is obtained, but the illumination cone may project too far beyond the detector, causing unnecessary patient irradiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a localized illumination field that precisely defines the area to be irradiated. The light source projects an illumination cone that is confined to the detector's active area, ensuring that only the necessary portion of the breast is irradiated. This localized approach maintains complete breast coverage for 3D reconstruction while preventing unnecessary irradiation beyond the detector boundaries
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination field serves as a real-time feedback mechanism, visually indicating to the operator whether the breast is positioned correctly within the irradiation field. By observing the illuminated area on the breast platform, the operator can adjust the positioning to ensure complete breast coverage while maintaining the illumination cone within detector boundaries, thus preventing unnecessary irradiation
3Adaptability or versatility
If the breast thickness varies, then different portions of the breast are illuminated at different source positions, but conventional positioning methods cannot adapt, resulting in artifacts in 3D reconstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination field is designed to be dynamic and adaptable to different breast thicknesses. The light source projects an illumination cone that automatically adjusts to cover the entire breast regardless of its thickness. The illuminated area on the platform changes based on the breast positioning, providing real-time visual feedback that adapts to varying breast dimensions, ensuring complete coverage for accurate 3D reconstruction without artifacts
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 allows for accurate positioning of the breast within the optimal or nominal illumination field, reducing artifacts and ensuring complete irradiation, leading to improved quality and reliability of 3D breast radiography images without requiring significant modifications to the existing acquisition system.
Implementation Method 1
illumining the platform with a light source of the acquisition system to assist the positioning of the organ on the platform
Implementation Method 2
a radiation source for irradiating the organ is moved over different successive positions with respect to the detector
Data Source
AI summary
A method for assisted positioning of an organ is provided. An acquisition system comprises a platform underneath which a detector is placed for the acquisition of radiographic medical images, during which a radiation source is moved over different successive positions with respect to the detector, wherein at least one medical image is acquired at each position of the radiation source. The method comprises illuminating the platform with a light source of the acquisition system to assist the positioning of the organ on the platform; and determining, with a drive unit of the acquisition system, a positioning limit on the platform based on the distance separating the platform and a compression paddle used to compress the organ and based on the position of the light source relative to the detector, wherein the positioning limit on the platform is a limit beyond which the organ must not lie.