Mammography Collimator for Small Breast Oblique Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mammography apparatuses using full-field sensors face challenges in efficiently imaging small breasts in oblique orientations due to edge interference and excessive useless radiation, leading to large image files and complex setup requirements.
Innovation Solution
A mammography apparatus with an adjustable collimator and control system that allows the X-ray beam to be collimated to a smaller size and directed non-centrally on the sensor, enabling easier positioning of small breasts and reducing unnecessary radiation, without the need for frequent changes in compression plates or increased apparatus complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a full-field sensor is used to image small breasts in oblique orientation, then the sensor edges and compression plate edges settle in the armpit making positioning difficult, but using a narrower beam to avoid this area results in incomplete breast coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The compression plate is made laterally movable along the sensor surface, allowing dynamic repositioning to accommodate different breast sizes and imaging orientations. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the plate to be positioned optimally for each specific imaging scenario rather than being fixed in a position that works for all cases.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression plate design with through-opening serves multiple functions: it allows lateral movement for positioning, provides compression surface area for breast compression, and the through-opening enables beam passage for imaging. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by integrating positioning and compression functions into a single adaptable component.
2Loss of energy
If a full-field sensor is used with oblique imaging, then large areas receive direct radiation creating useless image data and large file sizes, but limiting the beam narrows coverage area
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator is configured to extract and eliminate the harmful peripheral radiation areas from the beam, allowing only the necessary central portion to reach the breast and sensor. This resolves the contradiction by removing the useless radiation that would otherwise create large areas of meaningless data while preserving the essential imaging coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator creates a localized beam with concentrated quality appropriate for the specific imaging task, rather than a uniform full-field beam. This resolves the contradiction by providing precisely the radiation coverage needed for the compressed breast area while avoiding unnecessary radiation to surrounding regions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If compression plates are frequently changed to accommodate different breast sizes, then imaging versatility is improved, but device complexity and operation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compression plate with through-opening is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different breast sizes through lateral repositioning rather than requiring multiple specialized plates. This resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability through positioning flexibility while maintaining simple device architecture with a single plate type.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression plate's lateral movability provides dynamic adaptability to different imaging scenarios, replacing the need for static multiple plate sizes. This resolves the contradiction by enabling versatility through movement rather than through having multiple components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a large full-field sensor is used, then imaging capability for various breast sizes is improved, but apparatus cost and structure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The full-field sensor serves as a universal imaging surface that can capture images of breasts of any size when combined with the laterally movable compression plate. This resolves the contradiction by using the large sensor's full capability while the movable plate adapts the compression area to match the specific breast size being imaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic lateral movement of the compression plate allows the system to adapt the imaging configuration for different breast sizes using a single full-field sensor, resolving the contradiction by providing versatility through motion rather than through having multiple sensors or fixed configurations.
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
Enables clear imaging of small breasts in oblique positions with reduced unnecessary radiation and simplified setup, maintaining image quality while minimizing useless data and apparatus complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the radiation generated by the radiation source is limited to form a beam smaller than the surface area of the full-field sensor and of the compression plate having substantially the same width with it
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement and method in digital mammography imaging especially for use for imaging of small breasts. In the invention, a so-called full-field sensor and an upper compression plate substantially equal in width with this sensor are used. According to the invention, the beam is limited to a width narrower than the width of the sensor and the compression plate and directed for oblique imaging non-centrally relative to the center of said sensor and the upper compression plate, while the automatic exposure system of the imaging apparatus is caused to adapt itself for imaging in accordance with this imaging position non-central relative to the sensor and the upper compression plate.