Mammography Dose Control via Pre-Exposure Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation imaging systems for breasts face challenges in accurately calculating the required irradiation dose due to varying breast thickness and density, leading to potential over-exposure or under-exposure, which affects image quality and the feasibility of main exposure modes.
Innovation Solution
A mammographic system that includes a control circuit to accurately calculate and adjust irradiation doses using a pre-exposure mode and main exposure mode, with a moving grid and dose detecting sensor, to ensure optimal radiation application based on breast thickness and density, preventing excessive radiation and irregularities in the image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a constant irradiation dose is applied in pre-exposure mode, then the radiation detection process is simplified, but the detection accuracy deteriorates due to varying breast thickness and density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the irradiation dose adjustable rather than constant. The control circuit dynamically adjusts the pre-exposure irradiation dose based on detected breast thickness and density, allowing the system to adapt to varying patient anatomies and maintain optimal detection accuracy across different breast types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the irradiation dose parameter based on measured breast characteristics. The system measures breast thickness and density, then modifies the pre-exposure dose parameter accordingly, transforming a fixed-parameter system into a variable-parameter system that optimizes detection accuracy for each patient.
2Measurement precision
If excessive radiation is applied in pre-exposure mode, then the radiation detector receives sufficient signal, but the breast receives unnecessary radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of breast thickness and density before applying the main irradiation dose. This preliminary action allows the system to calculate and set an optimal pre-exposure dose that is sufficient for detection purposes without exceeding necessary limits, thereby preventing excessive radiation exposure while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback by measuring breast characteristics, calculating the appropriate dose, applying the pre-exposure, detecting the transmitted radiation, and using this information to determine the main exposure parameters. This closed-loop feedback ensures that radiation exposure is optimized and minimized while achieving diagnostic quality images.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the irradiation dose is adjusted based on breast characteristics, then the radiation exposure is optimized, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit serves multiple functions: it controls the radiation source, processes detector signals, calculates breast thickness and density, determines optimal irradiation doses, and coordinates the imaging sequence. By making the control circuit multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated hardware for each function, thereby optimizing radiation exposure without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the dose calculation, control, and coordination functions into an integrated control circuit. Rather than having separate systems for each function, the control circuit combines multiple responsibilities, reducing overall system complexity while achieving optimized radiation exposure through intelligent dose adjustment.
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
The system achieves high-quality radiation imaging by accurately calculating irradiation doses, preventing excessive radiation and ensuring accurate detection, thereby maintaining image quality and enabling successful main exposure modes.
Implementation Method 1
apply a radiation emitted from a radiation source to a breast and detecting the radiation that has passed through the breast with a radiation detector
Implementation Method 2
a solid-state detector including a matrix of charge collecting electrodes formed on an insulating substrate and a radiation conductor disposed on the charge collecting electrodes for generating electric charges depending on the radiation that is applied to the radiation detector
Implementation Method 3
a radiation detector comprising a combination of amorphous silicon and a scintillator
Implementation Method 4
a stimulable phosphor panel which, when exposed to an applied radiation (X-rays, α-rays, β-rays, γ-rays, electron beams, ultraviolet radiation, or the like), stores part of the energy of the radiation, and, when subsequently exposed to applied stimulating light such as laser beam, visible light, or the like, emits photo-stimulated luminescence in proportion to the stored energy of the radiation
Data Source
AI summary
An irradiation dose calculator calculates a pre-exposure-mode-required irradiation dose using the thickness of a breast which measured by a thickness measuring unit, as a parameter, and the irradiation time of a pre-exposure mode is controlled to apply a radiation to the breast in the pre-exposure mode. According to the dose of the radiation detected by a dose detecting sensor in the pre-exposure mode, the irradiation dose calculator calculates a main-exposure-mode-required irradiation dose, and the irradiation time of a main exposure mode is controlled to apply the radiation to the breast in the main exposure mode, thereby capturing a radiation image of the breast.