Compact Mammograph Using Parallel X-ray Beam Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art mammographs face challenges in achieving compactness while maintaining image quality, as they struggle to reconcile the need for a sufficient distance between the X-ray source and detector with the resulting blurring and truncation of breast images, especially affecting the visibility of micro-calcifications, and require a protective cover that discomforts patients and reduces the breast area imaged.
Innovation Solution
The use of an optic control device that configures X-rays to be substantially parallel, allowing for a reduced distance between the X-ray source and detector without image truncation, enabling a compact design and improved image quality by controlling the direction of X-rays emitted, which are transformed from a conical to a parallel beam using layers of materials with alternating refractive indices and incurved regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the distance between the X-ray source and detector is reduced to achieve compactness, then the device size is reduced, but image quality degrades due to blurring and truncation of breast images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the X-ray beam from divergent (conical) to parallel by introducing an optic control device. This parameter change allows the system to maintain compact dimensions while preserving image quality, as parallel beams eliminate the geometric magnification and blurring effects that normally occur with reduced source-detector distance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optic control device as an intermediary component between the X-ray source and detector. This device, comprising layers of materials with alternating refractive indices and incurved regions, collimates the divergent X-ray beams into parallel beams, thereby enabling compact design without sacrificing image quality
2Productivity
If a large-sized emission focal spot is used to increase X-ray quantity and reduce acquisition time, then productivity is improved, but image quality degrades due to blurring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the beam geometry parameter from divergent to parallel, which allows the use of a larger emission focal spot without the usual penalty of geometric blurring. The parallel beam configuration ensures that even with a larger focal spot, the X-rays remain collimated and do not converge or diverge, thereby maintaining image sharpness while enabling higher X-ray flux for faster acquisition
3Device complexity
If the source is placed above the patient's head to achieve compact vertical arrangement, then device layout is simplified, but patient comfort deteriorates and breast imaging area is reduced due to the need for a protective cover
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the X-ray source from a vertical arrangement (above the patient's head) to a horizontal arrangement (adjacent to the detector). This dimensional change in the source-detector configuration eliminates the need for a protective cover over the patient's head, thereby improving patient comfort and allowing full breast imaging without restriction, while the parallel beam geometry maintains system compactness
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 solution allows for a compact mammograph that can image the entire breast without truncation, reduces patient discomfort by eliminating the need for a protective cover, and enhances image quality by maintaining a high X-ray flux and intensity, while also enabling tomosynthesis and three-dimensional imaging.
Implementation Method 1
transformed from a conical to a parallel beam using layers of materials with alternating refractive indices and incurved regions
Data Source
AI summary
A mammograph is provided. The mammograph includes a source of X-rays; a detector of X-rays, the source being configured to emit at least one beam of X-rays to the detector; and an optic control device configured to control the direction of X-rays emitted by the source such that the X-rays emitted by the source are substantially parallel to one another.