Mammography Foreign Object Detection Before Radiation Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiography systems fail to accurately detect foreign objects within the irradiation region, leading to the need for re-imaging when subjects move or parts other than the intended object enter the radiation field.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device equipped with a processor and memory, utilizing a TOF camera or visible light camera to capture images, detects foreign objects by analyzing distance or visible light images, and derives detection regions to identify and prevent emission of radiation when foreign objects are present.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visible light is used to indicate the irradiation field, then the user can check positioning, but the system cannot detect foreign objects that enter the irradiation region after positioning is confirmed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing an image before radiation emission to check for foreign objects. The processor captures an image using the imaging device before the radiation source emits radiation, allowing detection of foreign objects in advance and preventing erroneous radiation emission.
2Measurement precision
If the system waits for user checking of irradiation range, then positioning can be verified, but re-imaging is required when subjects move or parts enter the irradiation region
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting foreign objects and determining whether to emit radiation without requiring continuous user verification. The processor automatically captures images, detects foreign objects, and controls radiation emission, eliminating the need for repeated manual checking and re-imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the irradiation region for foreign objects before each radiation emission. The processor captures images, analyzes them for foreign objects, and uses this feedback to control whether to emit radiation or require repositioning, creating a closed-loop control system.
3Reliability
If the imaging device captures images continuously, then foreign objects can be detected, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing an image before radiation emission to check for foreign objects. The processor captures an image using the imaging device before the radiation source emits radiation, allowing detection of foreign objects in advance and preventing erroneous radiation emission.
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
Accurately detects foreign objects in the irradiation region, preventing unnecessary re-imaging and ensuring proper radiation exposure by inhibiting radiation emission when foreign objects are detected.
Implementation Method 1
the imaging device is a distance image capture device that captures a distance image indicating a distance to the object to be imaged
Implementation Method 2
the imaging device may be a visible light image capture device that captures a visible light image of the object to be imaged
Data Source
AI summary
A CPU acquires a distance image or a visible light image captured by a TOF camera or a visible light camera that has, as an imageable region, a region including an irradiation region which is a space in which a breast of a subject imaged by a mammography apparatus is irradiated with radiation emitted from a radiation source and detects whether or not a foreign object other than an object to be imaged is present in the irradiation region on the basis of the distance image or the visible light image.