Tomosynthesis Projection Quality Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mammography tomosynthesis systems do not provide users with information on the quality of three-dimensional data reconstruction, as the information used may be incomplete outside the volume determined by the acquisition geometry, leading to potential degradation in reconstructed data quality.
Innovation Solution
A medical imaging device and method that determines the effective number of projections contributing to three-dimensional data reconstruction for each point in a plane above or at the object support surface, providing users with information on the zones where the quality of reconstructed data does not degrade below a predetermined threshold, and displaying this information through visualization means such as markers or color codes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a limited number of radiographic projections are acquired at different angles for tomosynthesis, then three-dimensional data can be reconstructed, but the information used for reconstruction may be incomplete outside the volume determined by the acquisition geometry, leading to degradation in reconstructed data quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of the effective number of projections for each point in the imaged volume before reconstruction. This allows the user to know in advance which regions will have sufficient reconstruction quality, enabling them to adjust the acquisition geometry or number of projections beforehand to ensure complete information coverage for all regions of interest.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the user by displaying a map of the effective number of projections for each region. This feedback mechanism allows the user to identify regions with insufficient projection data and adjust the acquisition parameters accordingly, ensuring that complete information is obtained for accurate reconstruction of the entire volume.
2Measurement precision
If additional radiation exposures are performed to improve reconstruction quality in all regions, then complete information can be obtained, but the radiation dose to the patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates and displays the effective number of projections for each local region independently, allowing different quality assessments for different parts of the imaged volume. This enables targeted optimization where additional projections are only acquired in regions that require them, rather than uniformly increasing the radiation dose across the entire field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of acquisition parameters based on the calculated effective projection numbers. If certain regions have insufficient projections, the system can modify the acquisition geometry or add specific projections for those regions only, optimizing the balance between reconstruction quality and radiation dose by changing parameters locally rather than globally.
3Loss of information
If the acquisition geometry is adjusted to cover the entire volume, then complete information can be obtained, but the device complexity and acquisition time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of projection effectiveness for each region before the actual tomography acquisition. This allows the user to plan the acquisition strategy in advance, determining the minimum necessary geometry and number of projections required to achieve sufficient reconstruction quality for all regions of interest, thereby avoiding unnecessary complexity.
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
Enables users to identify regions with sufficient projection quality for accurate diagnosis by highlighting areas with adequate projection numbers, ensuring high-quality three-dimensional data and reducing the need for additional acquisitions, thus improving diagnostic confidence and limiting radiation dose.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation source 14 capable of emitting radiation, a radiation detector 17 capable of receiving the radiation
Implementation Method 2
The breast 16 is placed on the object support surface 26 so that the detector 17 can receive radiation which has passed through the inner structures of the breast 16
Data Source
AI summary
A medical imaging device capable of determining the number of projections in which at least one point located above or at the level of the object support surface is present.