Mammography De-scattering Algorithm for Dosage Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mammography systems use anti-scatter grids to filter out scattered X-rays, but this increases the patient's absorption dosage due to increased grayscale attenuation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for mammography that removes scatter in mammographic images without using anti-scatter grids, by obtaining pre-exposure images of phantoms with varying compression thickness and component composition, determining a relationship between target grayscale, compression thickness, and component composition through de-scattering processing, and calculating a target dosage for the breast based on this relationship.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If anti-scatter grids are used to filter scattered X-rays, then scatter removal is improved, but patient absorption dosage increases due to grayscale attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the scattering component from the mammographic image through computational algorithms rather than using physical anti-scatter grids. The de-scattering processing separates scattered rays from primary beams by analyzing image characteristics and applying mathematical operations to eliminate scatter while preserving diagnostic information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical anti-scatter grid system with a computational image processing approach. Instead of using physical grids that attenuate both scattered and primary X-rays, the system uses algorithms to identify and remove scatter components digitally, eliminating the need for physical intervention that causes dosage increase.
2Manufacturing precision
If anti-scatter grids are used to achieve same grayscale, then image quality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical anti-scatter grid systems with computational algorithms implemented in software. The de-scattering processing uses mathematical operations and image analysis techniques to achieve grayscale control without requiring additional physical components, thereby simplifying the overall system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a computational model of the scattering process and uses this model to generate corrected images. By simulating and reversing the scattering effects through algorithms, the system achieves the desired grayscale control without needing physical anti-scatter grids, reducing both device complexity and manufacturing cost.
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 reduces patient dosage by eliminating the need for anti-scatter grids, improves image quality by effectively removing scatter, and allows for miniaturization and cost reduction of the mammography system.
Implementation Method 1
X-rays from the mammography system irradiate and penetrate the object to be imaged
Implementation Method 2
Compton scattering occurs in the process of irradiating and penetrating the object to be imaged by X-rays from the mammography system, so that scattered X-rays are generated
Data Source
AI summary
A mammography system and a method for imaging at least part of a breast with the mammography system are disclosed. The method includes: obtaining pre-exposure images respectively corresponding to a plurality of phantoms by performing pre-exposure for each of the plurality of phantoms with a respective predetermined dosage, each phantom having its respective compression thickness and component composition; determining a relationship among a target grayscale, the compression thickness and the component composition by performing de-scattering processing on each pre-exposure image based on the compression thickness and the component composition of the phantom corresponding to the pre-exposure image; determining a target dosage for a target breast based on a compression thickness and a component composition of the target breast, and the relationship; and acquiring a main exposure image by performing exposure for the target breast based on the target dosage.