Compression Plate Height Measurement Using Visible Light Marker Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mammography systems struggle to accurately measure breast thickness due to the influence of compression plate inclination or deflection, as they typically measure the height of the plate's end part, which can lead to inaccurate imaging conditions.
Innovation Solution
A radiographic system that includes a compression plate with a two-dimensional marker, a radiation source, and a camera capturing visible light images, where the height information derivation unit calculates the compression plate's height based on the marker's image, considering the plate's inclination or deflection by using the ratio of the marker's image length changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the marker is disposed at an end part of the compression plate to prevent overlap with the breast image, then the marker image does not interfere with diagnosis, but the measured height is only that of the end part and cannot accurately reflect the actual breast thickness when the plate is inclined or deflected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from measuring only the end part height (one-dimensional measurement) to measuring height at multiple positions across the compression plate (multi-dimensional measurement). By capturing images of markers at multiple positions and calculating height information for each position, the system obtains a comprehensive view of the compression plate's height distribution, enabling accurate breast thickness measurement even when the plate is inclined or deflected.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the compression plate is inclined or deflected during compression, then the breast can be compressed to fit the imaging area, but the height of the end part of the compression plate no longer accurately represents the actual breast thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the compression plate into multiple measurement positions, each with its own marker. Instead of relying on a single end-part measurement, the system segments the measurement process into multiple discrete points across the plate surface. This segmentation allows the system to capture the height profile of the compression plate, identifying the maximum height value that accurately represents the actual breast thickness even when the plate is inclined or deflected.
3Measurement precision
If the marker image is included in the radiation image, then the height measurement can be obtained, but the marker image interferes with the diagnosis of the breast
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device to capture images of the markers on the compression plate. Instead of relying solely on radiation images to obtain height information, the camera provides a separate optical measurement channel. This intermediary approach allows height measurement to be performed without requiring the marker image to be present in the diagnostic radiation image, thereby eliminating the interference problem while maintaining measurement capability.
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 measurement of breast thickness, even when the compression plate is inclined or deflected, improving imaging conditions and diagnostic accuracy by deriving the height information of the compression plate relative to the exposure table.
Implementation Method 1
a camera that captures a visible light image including the marker
Implementation Method 2
a radiation source that irradiates the compressed breast with radiation
Data Source
AI summary
The radiographic system includes an exposure table on which a breast of a subject is placed, a compression plate that compresses the breast placed on the exposure table, a marker having a two-dimensional pattern provided on the compression plate, a radiation source that irradiates the compressed breast with radiation, a camera that captures a visible light image including the marker, and a processor that derives height information of the compression plate with respect to the exposure table based on a marker image showing the marker reflected in the visible light image.