Dynamic Compression Force Adjustment in Mammography Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiography systems cause prolonged pain for subjects due to sustained breast compression during simultaneous radiographic and ultrasound imaging, as the techniques disclosed in JP2009-028381A and JP2012-170718A do not effectively alleviate discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A control device that adjusts the compression force of the breast compression member from a first force used for radiographic imaging to a second, lower force during ultrasound imaging, while maintaining the compressed state, to reduce subject discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the breast is compressed by a compression member to capture both radiographic and ultrasound images continuously, then imaging capability is improved, but the subject feels pain for a longer duration
Solution Approach 1:
The compression force is dynamically adjusted based on the imaging modality: a first compression force is applied during radiographic imaging, and a second, lower compression force is applied during ultrasound imaging. This dynamic adjustment reduces the overall compression duration and intensity, thereby reducing subject pain while maintaining continuous imaging capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the compression force is reduced to relieve subject pain, then subject comfort is improved, but the imaging quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Different compression forces are applied for different imaging modalities: a higher first compression force is used for radiographic imaging to ensure image quality, and a lower second compression force is used for ultrasound imaging to reduce subject pain. This localized quality adjustment ensures that each imaging modality receives appropriate compression force for its specific requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression force parameter is changed based on the imaging modality being performed. By switching between a first compression force (for radiography) and a second, lower compression force (for ultrasound), the system optimizes both imaging quality and subject comfort for each specific imaging task.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the compression force is continuously reduced from the first force to the second force, then subject comfort is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression force is adjusted in periodic stages corresponding to the imaging sequence: a first compression force is applied during radiographic imaging, then reduced to a second compression force during ultrasound imaging. This periodic adjustment pattern simplifies control by following the natural rhythm of the imaging process rather than requiring continuous complex monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
A mammography apparatus includes a compression control unit that, in a case in which continuous imaging that captures a radiographic image of the breast compressed by a compression plate and then captures an ultrasound image of the breast while maintaining the compressed state is performed, performs control to set a force of the compression plate compressing the breast to a first force in the capture of the radiographic image and to change the force of the compression plate compressing the breast from the first force to a second force lower than the first force in the capture of the ultrasound image.