Tomosynthesis Radiation Source Focus Load Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Tomosynthesis imaging apparatuses with a radiation source having multiple focuses face issues with load concentration on a single focus during pre-imaging, leading to faster deterioration of that focus's performance compared to others.
Innovation Solution
A tomosynthesis imaging apparatus with a radiation source having multiple focuses, where a control unit selects a different focus for pre-imaging based on preset conditions to distribute the load evenly, such as changing the focus after a set number of uses or when a cumulative dose exceeds a threshold, ensuring that each focus is used alternately to prevent overburdening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If one focus is used for both pre-imaging and tomosynthesis imaging, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to faster deterioration of that focus's performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process into two distinct phases: pre-imaging phase using a dedicated pre-imaging focus, and tomosynthesis imaging phase using tomosynthesis focuses. This segmentation prevents load concentration on a single focus, thereby maintaining reliability while keeping the device complexity manageable through shared hardware resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by allowing the radiation source to serve dual purposes: a pre-imaging focus handles pre-imaging operations, while multiple tomosynthesis focuses handle tomosynthesis imaging. This universal design enables the system to perform both functions with a single radiation source assembly, avoiding the need for completely separate systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If pre-imaging is performed before tomosynthesis imaging, then the manufacturing precision is improved by setting irradiation conditions, but the loss of time increases due to the additional imaging step
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing pre-imaging before the actual tomosynthesis imaging to determine optimal irradiation conditions such as tube voltage and tube current. This preliminary step ensures that the main imaging is performed under optimized conditions, improving manufacturing precision while the time loss is minimized through efficient condition setting.
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 approach prevents the concentration of load on a single focus, thereby reducing the faster deterioration of that focus's performance and extending its lifespan, while also simplifying the pre-imaging process and reducing part costs by not requiring a separate focus for pre-imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation source having a plurality of focuses of the radiation disposed at a plurality of positions where the radiation is emitted to the imaging surface at different irradiation angles
Implementation Method 2
a radiation detector that detects radiation transmitted through an object and has an imaging surface capturing a projection image of the object
Data Source
AI summary
A pre-imaging control unit of a mammography apparatus selects one pre-imaging focus from plural focuses of a radiation source according to selection conditions which are preset in order to prevent the concentration of load on one of the focuses. Pre-imaging for setting the irradiation conditions of radiation in tomosynthesis imaging is performed using the selected pre-imaging focus. For example, the selection conditions indicate that the pre-imaging focus is changed in each pre-imaging operation and the focus of a radiation tube adjacent to the radiation tube whose focus has been used in the previous pre-imaging is selected as the pre-imaging focus.