Movable X-ray Source Array for Breast Tomosynthesis Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for digital breast tomosynthesis and mammography face challenges in achieving high-speed and high-quality image acquisition while minimizing diffuse radiation and efficiently guiding biopsy needles.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a combination of movable and stationary X-ray tubes with adjustable emission angles and a processing unit to optimize X-ray beam distribution, a biopsy device for precise needle trajectory, and a grid to reduce diffuse radiation, enabling rapid and accurate imaging and biopsy procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single X-ray source is used for both mammography and tomosynthesis, then device complexity is reduced, but imaging speed and image quality deteriorate due to the need to reposition the source between different examination types
Solution Approach 1:
The X-ray source system is segmented into multiple independent sources (first X-ray source and second X-ray source) that can operate simultaneously or independently. This allows mammography and tomosynthesis to be performed without requiring repositioning, as each source is dedicated to specific imaging angles or modes, thereby improving imaging speed while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic source selection and positioning capabilities where the system can dynamically switch between different X-ray sources and adjust their positions based on the examination type. The processing unit coordinates multiple sources to acquire images from different angles simultaneously, enabling rapid tomosynthesis acquisition without mechanical repositioning delays.
2Measurement precision
If the X-ray source is moved to acquire images from multiple angles for tomosynthesis, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but examination time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The examination protocol is segmented into parallel acquisition streams using multiple X-ray sources. While one source acquires images at certain angles, other sources simultaneously acquire images at different angles, allowing the complete set of angular projections needed for accurate tomosynthesis to be obtained much faster than sequential acquisition would permit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by having multiple X-ray sources operate simultaneously without interruption. Instead of stopping to reposition a single source between angle acquisitions, the system continuously acquires projection images from multiple angles in parallel, eliminating idle time and reducing total examination time while maintaining the angular coverage necessary for diagnostic accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If a grid is added to reduce diffuse radiation, then image quality is improved, but device complexity and radiation attenuation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful diffuse radiation is extracted and removed from the imaging path by introducing a grid structure between the patient and detector. The grid physically separates and blocks scattered photons while allowing primary radiation to pass through, thereby improving image quality by reducing noise from diffuse radiation without fundamentally changing the core imaging mechanism.
4Productivity
If multiple X-ray sources are used simultaneously, then imaging speed is improved, but coordination complexity and control system requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The processing unit implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the operational status, position, and imaging data from multiple X-ray sources. It dynamically adjusts acquisition parameters, coordinates timing and triggering of each source, and processes the combined data streams to produce coherent tomosynthesis reconstructions, thereby managing the complexity of simultaneous multi-source operation through intelligent real-time control.
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 solution allows for high-speed, high-quality imaging and precise biopsy guidance, reducing patient stress and improving diagnostic accuracy by minimizing image acquisition time and radiation noise.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus comprises a plurality of X-ray sources (4)
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus comprises a grid (7) for removing diffuse radiation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2
AI summary
An apparatus (1) for performing tomosynthesis and mammography of a breast (M) of a patient, comprises: an X-ray detector device (2), designed to receive and detect X-rays in a first, detection plane (3); a plurality of X-ray sources (4), which are positioned in a second plane (5) substantially at a right angle to the first plane (3) and which can be individually activated for emitting a corresponding X-ray beam (F) towards the first, detection plane (3), at least a first part (PP1) of the sources (4) being able to move relative to the detector device (2) and comprising a first source (4b) mobile in a first direction (Db) of movement parallel with the first, detection plane (3) for emitting X-rays from a plurality of operating positions along said first direction (Db) of movement; a region (R2) for positioning the breast (M); a processing and control unit (6), connected to the X-ray sources (4) for activating them individually and connected to the detector device (2) for receiving a signal (s1) relating to the X-rays which passed through the breast (M) and were detected by the detector device (2), the unit (6) being designed to derive from the signal (s1) at least one radiographic image representative of the internal structure of the patient's breast (M).