Mammography Control Device Optimizing Contrast Imaging Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current contrast imaging techniques that combine normal imaging and tomosynthesis imaging in a compressed breast state require longer overall times, as seen in existing mammography apparatuses like those disclosed in JP2014-507250A, which can prolong the imaging process.
Innovation Solution
A control device and method that control a mammography apparatus to capture normal radiographic images and tomosynthesis images using different energy levels at various angles, with the processor managing the radiation source to emit first energy for normal imaging and higher energy for tomosynthesis imaging, including at a 0-degree angle, to reduce overall imaging time by optimizing the capture of low-energy and high-energy projection images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If normal imaging and tomosynthesis imaging are continuously performed as contrast imaging, then complete imaging data is obtained, but the overall time of contrast imaging becomes relatively long
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging process is segmented into two distinct modes: normal imaging mode and tomosynthesis imaging mode. By dividing the imaging sequence into separate phases with different radiation energy levels and acquisition protocols, the system can optimize each mode independently while maintaining overall efficiency. The normal imaging captures comprehensive data at 0 degrees, while tomosynthesis acquires additional angular data, together providing complete imaging information without unnecessary redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The mammography apparatus alternates between normal imaging and tomosynthesis imaging in a periodic manner. The control device switches between these two imaging modes systematically, performing normal imaging first to establish baseline data, then transitioning to tomosynthesis imaging for supplementary angular views. This periodic alternation ensures complete data acquisition while preventing continuous operation in a single mode that would extend total imaging time.
2Manufacturing precision
If normal imaging and tomosynthesis imaging are performed in a compressed breast state, then image quality of mammary glands is improved, but the complexity of the imaging process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts imaging parameters including radiation energy levels, compression force, and acquisition protocols based on the imaging mode. During normal imaging, one set of parameters is applied, while during tomosynthesis imaging, different parameters are automatically selected. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal image quality for mammary glands in compressed state while managing process complexity through automated parameter switching controlled by the control device.
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 approach significantly reduces the overall time required for contrast imaging by efficiently generating difference images and tomographic images, enhancing imaging efficiency while maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
irradiates a breast, into which a contrast medium is injected and which is compressed by a compression member, with radiation from a radiation source to capture a radiographic image of the breast
Data Source
AI summary
A control device including: wherein the processor controls a mammography apparatus that a breast, with radiation from a radiation source to capture a radiographic image of the breast such that normal imaging which emits the radiation with first energy from an irradiation position where an irradiation angle is 0 degrees to capture a normal radiographic image and tomosynthesis imaging which emits the radiation with either the first energy or second energy higher than the first energy at each of a plurality of irradiation positions having different irradiation angles and emits the radiation with the second energy at the irradiation position where the irradiation angle is 0 degrees to capture a plurality of low-energy projection images and a plurality of high-energy projection images are performed in a state in which the breast is compressed by the compression member.