Mammography Console Compression Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mammography imaging failures due to inadequate breast compression, which is challenging due to individual differences in breast size, thickness, shape, and elasticity, often requiring skilled technicians and leading to increased re-imaging burdens.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and program that acquire and estimate optimal compression force and thickness for one breast based on measurements from the other breast, using a learned model to provide recommendations for proper positioning, displayed to assist radiology technicians.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If breast compression is performed to prevent imaging failures, then imaging quality is improved, but it becomes difficult to find appropriate compression conditions due to individual differences in breast characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines appropriate compression conditions by having the breast itself provide measurement data (thickness and compression force) during positioning, which are then used by the determination unit to assess whether proper compression is achieved, eliminating the need for technician expertise in judging compression adequacy
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback to the technician through the display unit, showing whether the current compression conditions are appropriate based on measured thickness and force data, allowing immediate adjustment without requiring advanced skill to evaluate compression quality
2Reliability
If skilled radiology technicians perform breast positioning, then appropriate compression conditions are achieved, but the system requires highly skilled operators and increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical skill-based judgment of experienced technicians with an automated determination unit that objectively measures breast thickness and compression force, and uses stored reference data to automatically determine whether appropriate compression is achieved, substituting human expertise with automated measurement and comparison
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces measurement units (thickness measurement unit and compression force measurement unit) as intermediaries between the breast and the technician, providing objective quantitative data that mediates the compression process and eliminates the need for subjective skill-based assessment
3Reliability
If re-imaging is performed due to positioning errors, then diagnostic accuracy is maintained, but the burden on the subject increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary determination of compression adequacy using the determination unit before final imaging is completed, identifying positioning errors early in the process and allowing correction before the imaging sequence is finalized, preventing the need for complete re-imaging and reducing overall procedure time
Data Source
AI summary
A console (information processing apparatus) of a mammography apparatus includes: a compression conditions acquisition unit that acquires a compression force and a compression thickness measured in the imaging of a first breast that is one of a right breast and a left breast; a compression conditions estimation unit that, in the case of imaging a second breast that is the other one of the right breast and the left breast, estimates a compression force and a compression thickness of the second breast using the compression force and the compression thickness of the first breast; and a display unit that displays the compression force and the compression thickness estimated by the compression conditions estimation unit at least in imaging of the second breast.