Mammography Detector Segmentation for In-Device Sample Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mammography systems require patients to be repositioned or additional x-ray apparatuses to be used for examining biopsy samples, leading to increased radiation exposure and costs, respectively.
Innovation Solution
A device with an integrated x-ray source and digital detector allows for digital x-ray imaging of biopsy samples within the mammography device, using a collimator to focus x-rays on the sample and a support plate to absorb unnecessary radiation, enabling in-device examination without repositioning the patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the patient is repositioned in the mammography apparatus for sample examination, then the sample can be examined with the same apparatus, but the radiation exposure increases and the examination time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is divided into a first detection region for patient imaging and a second detection region for sample imaging. This spatial segmentation allows simultaneous or sequential examination of both the patient and sample without repositioning, thereby reducing radiation exposure and examination time while maintaining the versatility to handle both imaging tasks with a single apparatus.
2Ease of operation
If an additional x-ray apparatus is provided for sample examination, then the sample can be examined without repositioning the patient, but the costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mammography apparatus is designed with a multi-functional detector that can detect both patient images and sample images. The detector's multiple detection regions enable it to perform multiple imaging functions within a single device, eliminating the need for additional separate x-ray apparatuses and reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining ease of operation for sample examination.
3Measurement precision
If the entire detector is used for sample imaging, then the sample image quality is improved, but the patient imaging capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is segmented into distinct first and second detection regions, where the first region is dedicated to patient imaging and the second region is dedicated to sample imaging. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific imaging task, ensuring high image quality for samples using the second region while preserving the patient imaging capability through the first region, thereby maintaining dual imaging versatility.
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 efficient and safe digital x-ray imaging of biopsy samples within the mammography device, reducing radiation exposure and costs by allowing continued examination without repositioning the patient or additional equipment.
Implementation Method 1
the support plate, in the region which is not required for x-ray examination of the sample, absorbs x-ray radiation
Implementation Method 2
A first digital x-ray image of the sample is generated with a partial region of the digital x-ray detector
Data Source
AI summary
In a device and an associated method, an x-ray source and a digital x-ray detector to generate digital x-ray images of an examination subject or of a sample. A partial region of the digital x-ray detector is used to generate an x-ray image of the sample. The examination subject thus remains in the device. This has the advantage that the sample can be examined while the examination subject, for example a female breast, remains in an unchanged position.