Analog Mammography Digitalization via Optical Detector Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Analog mammography devices can only capture a single X-ray image before requiring manual replacement of the direct digital detector, which is complex and potentially damaging, and previous solutions either violate the original device design or require costly and invasive modifications.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a pulsed light source between the internal housing and the direct digital detector, with a light blocking element and a reflective surface, to simulate the removal of the detector after each image, allowing continuous operation without physically removing it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a direct digital detector is physically removed after each X-ray image to enable continuous operation, then the device can take multiple images, but the device complexity increases and potential damage to the detector occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copying to simulate the physical removal of the detector. A light source and photodetector create an optical signal that mimics the detector being absent, allowing the system to believe the detector has been removed without actual physical movement. This resolves the contradiction by enabling multiple images while avoiding the complexity and damage risks of physical detector manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system (light source, reflective surface, photodetector) between the actual detector and the control logic. This intermediary creates a deceptive signal that tricks the control system into thinking the detector has been physically removed, thereby enabling continuous operation without actual detector movement and avoiding the associated complexity and damage risks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If invasive modifications are made to transform an analog device to digital, then digital functionality is achieved, but the original design integrity is compromised and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the digital transformation into a separate, add-on optical module that operates independently from the original analog device structure. The light source, reflective surface, and photodetector form a distinct segment that interfaces with the existing system without requiring invasive modifications to the core device, thereby maintaining design integrity while achieving digital functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the digital functionality as a nested optical module within the existing analog device framework. The new optical components (light source, reflective surface, photodetector) are nested within the available space without disrupting the original device architecture, allowing digital transformation while preserving the original design and minimizing manufacturing complexity.
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 multiple X-ray images to be taken without damaging the device, maintaining the original design integrity and reducing costs by allowing digital transformation of existing analog devices without invasive modifications.
Implementation Method 1
an external pulsed light source, which is controlled to emit pulsed light
Implementation Method 2
a reflective surface part placeable on top of the direct digital detector, which reflective surface part is capable to reflect light originating from the external pulsed light source towards the photodetector
Implementation Method 3
an original photodetector of the apparatus is able to detect a lowering or rising edge of the received light signal originated from the external pulsed light source
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention comprises a digitalization arrangement for an analog mammography apparatus, which obtains a continuous operation principle based on introduced added elements. The digitalization has been achieved by placing a direct digital detector (22) instead of a analog image plate or film. A light blocking element (i.e. black tab) (31) is placed on top of an original LED (23). An external pulsed light source (32) is placed near the original LED (23), and its light will reflect from the surface of the direct digital detector (22). Thus, an original photodetector (24) is able to detect a lowering or rising edge of the received light signal originated from the external pulsed light source (32) after each taken X-ray exposure image from a patient, thus allowing the apparatus to take a next X-ray image without a need for further manoeuvres.