Movable Pinhole Collimator for Gamma Breast Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gamma radiation imaging apparatuses suffer from insufficient accuracy, leading to high rates of false positive tumor detections, unnecessary biopsies, and undetected tumors due to suboptimal resolution and noise properties.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a pinhole collimator that is movable in a plane, allowing it to be positioned very close to the tissue, with the collimator moving in a zig-zag or spiral pattern to maximize resolution and sensitivity, and includes a system for compressing the object between two plates to maintain a consistent and minimized distance for improved imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a gamma camera is used to image breast tissue, then tumor detection is enabled, but image resolution and accuracy are insufficient leading to false positives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional 2D planar imaging to 3D volumetric imaging by moving the collimator in multiple directions (x, y, and z dimensions) to acquire projection images from multiple angles and depths. This three-dimensional approach enables more accurate tumor localization and reduces false positives by providing spatial context that 2D imaging cannot capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and orientation relative to the breast tissue. The collimator can move in x and y directions parallel to the detector surface and in z direction perpendicular to it, enabling adaptive optimization of imaging geometry for different tissue depths and improving overall detection accuracy.
2Manufacturing precision
If the collimator is positioned close to the tissue, then resolution is improved, but the distance between collimator and detector becomes constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic positioning where the collimator can move independently in x, y, and z directions. This allows the collimator to be positioned optimally close to the tissue for high-resolution imaging while the detector remains stationary at its optimal distance. The movable collimator design decouples the distance constraints between collimator-tissue and collimator-detector.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is segmented into independently movable components: the collimator can move separately from the detector assembly. This segmentation allows optimal positioning of each component - the collimator close to the tissue for resolution and the detector at its optimal detection distance - without mutual constraint.
3Measurement precision
If multiple projection images are acquired from different angles, then resolution is improved, but the arithmetic complexity and data completeness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system acquires projection images from multiple angles and positions (excessive action) but uses iterative reconstruction algorithms that can work with incomplete data sets (partial action). The reconstruction process can tolerate missing angular information and progressively improves resolution by incorporating data from available projections, balancing data collection effort with processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring complete 180-degree angular coverage, the system uses multiple partial projections from different collimator positions to reconstruct the image. Each projection provides partial information that is combined through iterative reconstruction, effectively copying and combining partial views to build the complete image without requiring all possible angles.
4Measurement precision
If the breast is compressed between plates, then imaging distance is minimized, but patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression plates are made movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of compression force and plate positioning. The system can apply minimal compression sufficient to stabilize the breast for imaging while allowing natural tissue contours, reducing discomfort. The movable design enables adaptation to different patient anatomies and comfort levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of plate positioning from fixed to adjustable, allowing optimization of the distance between plates and tissue. By dynamically adjusting plate positions and compression forces, the system minimizes imaging distance for resolution while maintaining patient comfort through reduced and adaptable compression.
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
This configuration enhances image resolution and sensitivity, reducing false positives and improving detection accuracy, allowing for more reliable imaging and minimizing unnecessary procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a gamma camera positioned to image a volume in said imaging space
Implementation Method 2
this apparatus uses the strategy to bring pinhole(s) very close to the relevant tissue
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A gamma radiation imaging apparatus, in particular a gamma radiation breast imaging apparatus, comprising an object positioning device (10), defining an imaging space for the object to be imaged (v), and a gamma camera positioned to image a volume in said imaging space, wherein the object positioning device comprises a frame having at least two plates (12), with the imaging space there between, wherein at least one of the plates is movably mounted to said frame in a direction substantially towards another plate of the at least two plates, and wherein the plates are arranged to contact the object (30) when positioned between said plates, and wherein the gamma camera comprises a collimator (21) with at least one pinhole, and a gamma sensitive detector arranged to receive images from the collimator, wherein the collimator is positioned in a plane substantially parallel to one of the plates and is movable in said plane, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a collimator mover means (26) arranged to controllably move the collimator in said plane.