Mammography Dual-Surface Projection With Compression-Plate Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mammography apparatuses face challenges in projecting information onto surfaces with different projection distances without complicating the configuration, such as using focus adjustment mechanisms or multiple projectors, which leads to complexity and reduced visibility.
Innovation Solution
A mammography apparatus with a movable compression plate and a single projector that adjusts focus and displays information sizes and positions independently on surfaces with different projection distances, using a processor to control the display and projection optical system to maintain visibility and simplify the configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a focus adjustment mechanism is provided depending on the place where the image is projected or different projectors are used for each place, then appropriate projection onto surfaces with different projection distances is achieved, but the configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The single projector is designed to perform multiple functions: projecting images onto both the compression plate and the detection surface simultaneously. The projector unit serves as a universal device that adapts to different projection distances and surfaces through software control rather than requiring separate projectors or mechanical focus adjustment mechanisms for each surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes projection parameters (magnification, display size, display position) based on the target surface and compression plate position. The processor dynamically adjusts these parameters to maintain appropriate image quality and visibility on different surfaces without requiring physical focus adjustment mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall configuration.
2Loss of information
If different information is displayed on each of the compression plate and the detection surface, then useful information is provided to users, but the projection system becomes more complex due to different projection distances
Solution Approach 1:
Different types of information are projected onto different surfaces based on their specific characteristics and usage requirements. The skin line (positioning information) is projected onto the detection surface where it serves its positioning function, while imaging condition information is projected onto the compression plate where it is easily visible to operators during the imaging process. This local optimization of information display avoids the need for a complex unified projection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection system dynamically adjusts display parameters (size, position, magnification) based on the compression plate position and the type of information being projected. This dynamic adaptation allows the single projector to effectively display different information on different surfaces without requiring separate projection systems, maintaining simplicity while achieving comprehensive information visibility.
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 appropriate projection onto two surfaces with different distances while simplifying the apparatus configuration, ensuring clear visibility of both skin line and imaging conditions without the need for additional projectors or complex adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a projection optical system projecting the image toward the first surface and the second surface, in which a focus of the projection optical system is adjusted in accordance with a projection distance to the first surface
Data Source
AI summary
A mammography apparatus includes: an imaging table; a radiation source; a compression plate that compresses the breast and is movable between the radiation source and the imaging table; a projector that includes a display displaying an image including first information projected onto a first surface facing the radiation source on the imaging table and second information projected onto a second surface facing the radiation source on the compression plate, and a projection optical system, in which a focus of the projection optical system is adjusted in accordance with a projection distance to the first surface; and a processor that is configured to control the display and change at least one of a display size or a display position of the second information in the image on an image display surface of the display in accordance with movement of the compression plate having the second surface independently of the first information.