Mammography Evaluation Phantom Using Solid Contrast Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional contrast imaging phantoms for mammography apparatuses are cumbersome for users due to the need to handle liquid contrast media, necessitating improved convenience in evaluating the contrast imaging function.
Innovation Solution
A radiographic image capturing system and phantom system that uses a solid material with a k absorption edge between 22 keV and 49 keV, simulating a contrast medium, to simplify the evaluation process by eliminating the need for liquid contrast media, and includes additional image evaluation patterns for various quality assessments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a liquid contrast medium is used in the phantom, then the contrast imaging function can be evaluated, but the handling becomes troublesome and inconvenient for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the contrast medium from liquid to solid form. The solid material contains elements with k absorption edges matching iodine (48-50 keV) to simulate contrast medium behavior while eliminating the handling inconveniences of liquid contrast media. This parameter change maintains the essential imaging function while dramatically improving ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple evaluation patterns are integrated into a single phantom, then broader quality assessment is achieved, but the phantom structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple evaluation patterns (contrast medium simulation, resolution assessment, uniformity check) into a single integrated phantom structure. The solid material with appropriate atomic number is configured to simultaneously provide contrast imaging evaluation and other quality assessments, reducing the need for multiple separate phantoms while maintaining comprehensive evaluation capability.
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
Enhances convenience in evaluating the contrast imaging function of mammography apparatuses by simplifying the handling of contrast media and allowing for a broader range of image quality evaluations with a single phantom.
Implementation Method 1
a solid material containing at least one element, which has a value of a k absorption edge that is equal to or greater than the first energy and equal to or less than the second energy
Data Source
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AI summary
A radiographic image capturing system includes: a mammography apparatus that emits radiation having a first energy to a subject and captures a first radiographic image with a radiation detector and emits radiation having a second energy greater than the first energy to the subject and captures a second radiographic image with the radiation detector and that captures the first radiographic image and the second radiographic image with a breast in a state in which a contrast medium using iodine is administered. In addition, the radiographic image capturing system includes a phantom for evaluation of the mammography apparatus that has a solid material containing at least one element, which has a value of a k absorption edge that is equal to or greater than the first energy and equal to or less than the second energy, as an image evaluation pattern simulating the contrast medium. There are provided a radiographic image capturing system, a phantom, and an evaluation method that can improve the convenience in evaluating the contrast imaging function of the mammography apparatus.