Radiation Source Repositioning for Breast Imaging Contradictions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiography systems face challenges in capturing ultrasound images due to the radiation source obstructing the ultrasound probe, particularly in handheld setups, making it difficult to obtain clear ultrasound images.
Innovation Solution
A control device and system that repositions the radiation source to a non-facing position relative to the imaging table during continuous imaging, allowing the ultrasound probe to operate without interference, by adjusting the radiation source's location based on the type of imaging and the position of the ultrasound apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the radiation source is positioned at the imaging position to capture radiographic images, then radiographic imaging is achieved, but the radiation source obstructs the ultrasound probe and prevents clear ultrasound image capture
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation source is made movable between different positions (imaging position and non-facing position) depending on the imaging mode. The control device dynamically adjusts the radiation source position based on whether radiographic imaging or ultrasound imaging is being performed, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements without manual intervention.
2Ease of operation
If the radiation source is repositioned to a non-facing position to allow ultrasound probe operation, then ultrasound image capture is facilitated, but radiographic image quality may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation source position is dynamically adjusted based on the imaging mode. When radiographic imaging is required, the source returns to the imaging position to ensure optimal image quality. When ultrasound imaging is performed, the source moves to the non-facing position to avoid obstruction. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by ensuring each imaging mode operates under optimal conditions.
3Productivity
If continuous imaging is performed with the radiation source at the imaging position, then radiographic images are captured efficiently, but the ultrasound probe cannot operate due to radiation source obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation source periodically switches between imaging position and non-facing position according to the imaging sequence. During radiographic imaging phases, the source is at the imaging position for efficient capture. During ultrasound imaging phases, the source moves to the non-facing position. This periodic switching enables continuous multi-modal imaging without permanent compromise to either modality.
4Ease of operation
If the radiation source is moved to a non-facing position with larger inclination angle, then ultrasound probe accessibility is improved, but radiation beam geometry changes
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation source inclination angle is dynamically adjusted based on the imaging mode. At the imaging position, the source maintains the optimal inclination angle for radiographic imaging. When moving to the non-facing position, the source adopts a different inclination angle that provides adequate clearance for the ultrasound probe while still allowing subsequent radiographic imaging when the source returns to the imaging position. The control device manages these angular adjustments automatically.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device including: a control unit that, in a case in which continuous imaging that irradiates a breast of a subject with radiation emitted from a radiation source to capture a radiographic image in a compressed state in which the breast is compressed against an imaging table by a compression member and then captures an ultrasound image of the breast in the compressed state is performed, performs control to locate the radiation source at a non-facing position where the radiation source and the imaging table do not face each other.