Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Motion Assessment and Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patient motion during digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) scans leads to image blurring and distortion, making it difficult to detect small objects and potentially delaying diagnosis, as existing systems only provide binary motion feedback without detailed information on motion location, magnitude, and direction.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system that generates and processes a time series of images to detect and quantify motion by comparing actual and expected object locations, displaying a motion marker indicating the magnitude and direction of motion directly on the images, allowing operators to make informed decisions during the scan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If motion detection is performed using binary feedback (OK/not OK), then the system complexity is reduced, but the information provided to the operator is insufficient for making informed decisions
Solution Approach 1:
The motion detection system segments the motion analysis into multiple independent components: detection of motion occurrence, measurement of motion magnitude, determination of motion direction, and identification of affected image regions. Each component can be processed and displayed separately, allowing comprehensive motion information to be provided without requiring a monolithic complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from binary (one-dimensional) feedback to multi-dimensional motion information by adding dimensions of magnitude, direction, and spatial location. This is achieved through vector-based motion representation and multi-channel display mechanisms that present motion data along multiple independent axes simultaneously.
2Loss of information
If detailed motion information is provided to the operator, then informed decision-making is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motion detection system is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple types of motion analysis (detection, quantification, directional analysis, spatial mapping) within a single integrated framework. The display mechanism similarly serves multiple functions by presenting various motion parameters simultaneously through a unified interface, reducing the need for separate specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary processing layer that transforms raw motion detection data into standardized motion vectors and spatial maps. This intermediary representation serves as a common language between the detection algorithms and the display interface, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling comprehensive motion information presentation.
3Manufacturing precision
If motion is detected after the scan is complete, then image reconstruction can be corrected, but the patient must be recalled for re-acquisition in case of severe blurring
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs motion detection and analysis during the image acquisition process itself, rather than waiting until after reconstruction. This preliminary detection allows the operator to observe motion patterns in real-time and make immediate decisions about whether to continue or repeat the scan, preventing the need for patient recall.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback mechanisms where motion information is continuously monitored and presented to the operator during the scan. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of scanning parameters or immediate termination and re-acquisition if excessive motion is detected, rather than discovering quality issues only after the scan is complete.
4Ease of operation
If the operator receives only binary motion feedback, then the operation is simple, but the operator cannot make informed decisions about additional images needed
Solution Approach 1:
The display system presents motion information with local quality by highlighting specific regions of the image where motion has occurred, rather than providing uniform information across the entire image. This allows the operator to quickly identify affected areas and make localized decisions about which images may need re-acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares and presents motion information in advance of the operator's decision-making moment, showing motion patterns and affected regions before the operator needs to determine whether additional images are required. This preliminary presentation of detailed motion data enables informed decisions without adding operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system, such as a DBT system, capable of providing an operator of the system with information concerning the location, magnitude and direction of motion detected by the system during performance of the scan to enhance image processing. The imaging system provides the motion information to the operator directly in conjunction with the images processed by the imaging system thereby providing the operator with sufficient information for decisions regarding the need for additional images for completing the scan with the imaging system before the patient is discharged, or even before the breast is decompressed.