Patent Application
20060074287
This invention relates generally to mammography imaging system, and more particularly to higher detective quantum efficiency images.
The use of X-ray technology for providing two-dimensional images of breast tissue for diagnosis of carcinoma or other abnormalities is in wide use. However, X-ray imaging of breast tissue has the inherent limitation in that a mammogram provides only a planar image of a three-dimensional object.
The detective quantum efficiency (“DQE”) of an image is the conventional measure of X-ray image quality. In simpler terms, the DQE is the resolution of the detector. DQE is constant across an image for a given detector and dose technique.
When a potential area of medical concern is indicated on a mammogram, the elevation or depth of the subject area within the two-dimensional image of the breast may be uncertain. Present digital X-ray imagers provide full field or nearly full field imaging. Alternate means or complementary imaging techniques and diagnosis such as biopsy may be needed to complete the diagnosis.
The main complementary imaging techniques to mammography are ultrasound and magnetic imaging resonance (MRI), which both have the advantage of not using ionizing radiation. The main advantages of ultrasound are that ultrasound imaging is relatively inexpensive and that ultrasound imaging works well also for dense breasts where mammography has difficulties. Ultrasound imaging also plays an important role as guidance for needle biopsy. A MRI system is useful for contrast enhanced dynamic study due to its sensitivity. However, much of the hardware, such as computer and display, are duplicated because the systems are built and sold separately.
For the reasons stated above, and for other reasons stated below which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for a means to examine detailed areas of a breast without a biopsy. There is also a need for improved complementary imaging techniques such as ultrasound that is capable of using existing mammography hardware and software. Further, there is a need in the art for a mammography system for generating tomosynthesis images from ultrasound data.
The above-mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems are addressed herein, which will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.
In one aspect, a mammography system having an X-ray source, a breast compression plate, and a digital image receptor, the receptor comprising movement mechanism coupled to a first detector and a second detector for positioning said first and second detectors within said image receptor, a first detector operable to receive energy from said X-ray source and for providing roadmap data and X-ray source data, and, a second detector operable to receive X-ray source energy and for providing X-ray source data.
Another aspect, a mammography system having an X-ray source, a breast compression plate, and a digital image receptor, the receptor comprising a first detector receiving energy from said X-ray source and for providing X-ray source data, and an electrical connector capable of coupling at least one external device.
In yet another aspect, mammography system having an X-ray source, a breast compression plate, and a digital image receptor. The receptor having a detector receiving energy from said X-ray source and for providing X-ray source data. Additionally, the receptor has at least one ultrasonic detector and ultrasonic transmitter externally coupled to the receptor wherein ultrasonic measurements from the ultrasonic transmitter and ultrasonic detector are used in constructing an image of a patient's breast by the mammography system.
One aspect is to a mammography imaging system having an X-ray mammography imaging subsystem adapted to image a breast and an ultrasound mammography imaging subsystem adapted to image a breast. Further, the system recites a selector switch for selecting between the X-ray mammography imaging subsystem and ultrasound mammography imaging subsystem for imaging a breast. a display device configured to displaying at least one image obtained or stored by said device.
In another aspect, an apparatus for generating a three-dimensional ultrasound image describe comprising an ultrasound probe for generating ultrasound image data through spatial registration, a motion control system for movement of the probe in relation to the breast and for sensing the probe's position, the motion control system including a first-axis control, a second-axis control, a third-axis control, and a fourth axis control for movement of the probe. Further, a computer for generating the three-dimensional ultrasound image from the ultrasound image data and from information regarding the spatial registration.
In yet another aspect, an ultrasound system having an ultrasound probe; the ultrasound probe comprising: having a sensor capable of providing signals that represent position and orientation; and a device capable of correcting the position and orientation signals and capable of generating signals that represent the actual position and orientation of the ultrasound probe relative to an object.
Another aspect is method for generating a three-dimensional ultrasound image by the steps of storing an imaging schedule defined by location and orientation of an ultrasound probe; moving the ultrasound probe to a position that is defined by a location and an orientation; generating at least one ultrasound image with an indicia indicating location and orientation; storing the indicia that are indicative of location and orientation of the ultrasound image; storing the generate ultrasound image with an indicia indicating location and orientation; comparing the stored indicia and the stored imaging schedule; generating an indication of completion based on the comparison of the stored indicia and the stored imaging schedule; and, generating a three-dimensional ultrasound image from the store ultrasound image upon the indication of completion.
In yet another aspect, mammography method is performed by a mammography system having a breast shaped chamber for constraining a breast, the breast is positioned in a chamber; the ultrasound probe is moved to a desired location and ultrasound energy is applied to the breast; data is obtained from the reflected ultrasound energy; image representation is created from the obtained data; the image representation from the reflected ultrasound energy is stored for displaying.
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments which may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, electrical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
The detailed description is divided into five sections. In the first section, a system level overview is described. In the second section, methods of embodiments are described. In the third section, the hardware and the operating environment in conjunction with which embodiments may be practiced are described. In the fourth section, particular implementations are described. Finally, in the fifth section, a conclusion of the detailed description is provided.
In
Returning to the computed tomography of
Detector elements of the array produce electrical signals that represent the intensity of the incident X-ray beam. These signals are acquired and processed to reconstruct an image of the features within the subject. Source 102 is controlled by a system controller 124 which furnishes both power and control signals for CT examination sequences. Moreover, detector 112 is coupled to the system controller 124, which commands acquisition of the signals generated in the detector 112. The system controller 124 may also execute various signal processing and filtration functions, such as for initial adjustment of dynamic ranges, interleaving of digital image data, and so forth. In general, system controller 124 commands operation of the imaging system to execute examination protocols and to process acquired data. In the present context, system controller 124 also includes signal processing circuitry, typically based upon a general purpose or application-specific digital computer, associated memory circuitry for storing programs and routines executed by the computer, as well as configuration parameters and image data, interface circuits, and so forth.
In the arrangement illustrated in
The linear positioning subsystem 114 enables the region to be imaged to be displaced linearly, allowing images to be generated of particular areas of the patient 108.
Additionally, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the source of radiation may be controlled by an X-ray controller 118 disposed within the system controller 124. Particularly, the X-ray controller 118 is configured to provide power and timing signals to the X-ray source 102. Those of ordinary skill in the art understand that the source 102, detector array 112, and X-ray controller 118 comprise suitable analog circuitry for performing their operations.
A motor controller 120 may be utilized to control the movement of the rotational subsystem 116 and the linear positioning subsystem 114. Further, the system controller 124 is also illustrated comprising a data acquisition system 122. In this arrangement, the detector 112 is coupled to the system controller 124, and more particularly to the data acquisition system 122. The data acquisition system 122 receives data collected by readout electronics of the detector 112. The data acquisition system 122 typically receives sampled analog signals from the detector 112 and coverts the data to digital signals for subsequent processing by a computer 128 through a data interchange device 126 such as a LAN, WAN, or Internet. The data acquisition 122 can be performed at the detector 122 level without departing from the concept of the invention.
The computer 128 is typically coupled to the system controller 124. The data collected by the data acquisition system 122 may be transmitted to the computer 128 and moreover, to a memory 1006, 1008, 1010. It should be understood that any type of memory to store a large amount of data may be utilized by such an exemplary system 100. Also the computer 128 is configured to receive commands and scanning parameters from an operator via an operator workstation 130 typically equipped with a keyboard and other input devices. An operator may control the system 100 via the input devices. Thus, the operator may observe the reconstructed image and other data relevant to the system from computer 128, initiate imaging, and so forth.
A display 1022 coupled to the operator workstation 130 or computer 128 may be utilized to observe the reconstructed image and to control imaging. For example, the General Electric SENOGRAPH® 2000D workstation. Additionally, the scanned image may also be printed on to a printer which may be coupled to the computer 128 and the operator workstation 130. Further, the operator workstation 130 may also be coupled to a picture archiving and communications system through appropriately programmed ports. It should be noted that picture archiving and communications system may be coupled to a remote system 1014, radiology department information system, and hospital information system or to an internal or external network, so that others at different locations may gain access to the image and to the image data as disclosed in
It should be further noted that the computer 128 and operator workstation 130 may be coupled to other output devices which may include standard or special purpose computer monitors and associated processing circuitry. One or more operator workstations 130 may be further linked in the system for outputting system parameters, requesting examinations, viewing images, and so forth. In general, displays, printers, workstations, and similar devices supplied within the system may be local to the data acquisition components, or may be remote from these components, such as elsewhere within an institution or hospital, or, in an entirely different location, linked to the image acquisition system via one or more configurable networks, such as the Internet, virtual private networks, and so forth.
In
In
In
The subsystem includes an ultrasound probe 400, a motion mechanism 508-514, and chamber 504 for holding a part of a patient's anatomy 502 such as a breast. The purpose of the chamber 504 is to constraint the breast 502 by using a partial vacuum to ensure complete contact of the breast 502 with the chamber 504 surface. A selection of alternative chambers 504 or a chamber 504 with adjustable geometry would be used to provide a close match to individual patient's anatomy 502. If means other than the chamber 504 are used to constraint the patient's anatomy 502 the position of the ultrasound probe 400 could be accomplished by other methods, including manually, if sufficiently accurate data were available about the location (x, y, z coordinates in space) and orientation (angles of the beam relative to the spatial coordinate frame of reference) of the ultrasound probe at all times during the image acquisition.
The motion mechanism has subassembly 508 for moving the ultrasound probe 400 radially along the contour of chamber 504. Additionally, subassembly 510 moves the ultrasound probe 400 axially or inwardly in the direction of the chamber. The full rotation (360 degrees) of the ultrasound probe 400 is accomplished by subassemblies 512 and 514. The four degrees of freedom, respectively, would be: one azimuthal, for the 360 degrees of rotation of the probe around the breast for each tomography slice or set of slices; one linear, along the rotation axis; one radial from the center of rotation, to keep the ultrasound probe in contact with the exterior of the chamber; and one angular, relating probe angle to the rotational axis of the mechanism. Since the ultrasound probe 400 is following the contour of the chamber 504 that substantially is the shape of the anatomy 502 the position of the probe is known for each tomography slice. In the event that other means are used to constraint the anatomy or breast 502 then the position and orientation of the ultrasound probe 400 can be determined by technique described in
In order to eliminate air pockets between the patient's anatomy 502 and the chamber an ultrasound gel is applied at 506. Ultrasound gel would also be used on the exterior of the chamber 504, and the material of the chamber wall would be selected for appropriate acoustic properties, to minimize attenuation, reflection, or scattering of the beam as it transits the material and interface surfaces. Since the present ultrasound probes 400 are capable of wide fan beam acquisition, data for many computer tomography slices could be acquired in parallel, resulting in only a few axial positions being needed.
The position and orientation sensor 612 is a either magnetic or optical sensing based on passive or active device attached to or embedded in the device 600 being manipulated, and a set of sensors (not shown), antennae or optical sensors, to determine the location of the device in space relative to the frame of reference of the sensors. The frame of reference for orientation could be a suitable receptacle on the positioner of the breast that would act as a beacon for the ultrasound probe and a holder upon completion of an examination. In general, the sensor probe (612) that monitors the movement of the transducer probe 600 in six degrees of freedom with respect to a transmitter. As shown in
To determine the position and orientation of the image plane 604 from the position and orientation of the sensor 612, position and orientation sensor calibration data is used to transform the position and orientation of the sensor 612 to the position and orientation of the image plane 604. Accordingly, if the sensor has the same orientation as the image plane, the position and orientation calibration data may not contain any orientation calibration data. Similarly, as shown in
The ultrasonic probe 600 for optimal operations requires that the part of the anatomy remains fixed in order to determine the location and orientation of the probe relative to the imaging area. When performing mammography or imaging of the breast, the chamber 504 described in
The X-ray mammography imaging subsystem 702 may comprise any X-ray imaging system, including a 2D X-ray mammography system which uses a digital detector, a 3D X-ray tomosynthesis system, in which the X-ray tube is scanned and a plurality of projection radiographs are acquired from different angles with respect to a stationary breast, or a 3D X-ray CT system in which the X-ray tube is angularly scanned 360 degrees. Likewise, the ultrasound mammography imaging subsystem 704 may comprise any ultrasound imaging system existing or any later developed ultrasound imaging system. Any combination of the above subsystems may comprise the multi modality system 1, including 3D X-ray with 3D ultrasound imaging, 3D X-ray with 2D ultrasound imaging, 2D X-ray with 3D ultrasound imaging, and 2D X-ray with 2D ultrasound imaging.
Motion controller 804 can be a suitably programmed microprocessor that in combination with position sensor 806 can placed the ultrasound probe in a desired location to perform a tomography slice or set of slices. The motion controller 804 can in combination with an operator position the ultrasound probe 802 at a desired location for imaging.
Mammography imaging system 900 includes a first storage 910, second storage 712, and comparator 714 units for tracking a schedule of images needed for a particular analysis. The analysis could be for the purposes of reconstruction, tomosynthesis, fusion of images, or any other technique that requires a set of images regardless of the modality employed. The first storage 910 has a schedule of images needed for a session by the operator. The session can be based on position and orientation data. For example, a session can be that images from a given location and orientation are desired for a particular analysis or diagnoses. The session, should be understood, can be completed at any point in time or can be delayed until other tests are performed. The second storage 912 would be a collection of images for a given session that have at a minimum an indicia indication location and orientation. For example, an image would indicate the parameters that define the location of imaging space and the orientation of the ultrasound probe 902 relative to the imaging space. Of with probe locations and orientations known for a set of image data taken over a sufficient set of orientations, tomography image reconstructions can be computed to provide tomography images and/or 3-D images from this data set. In this arrangement, the operator manipulating the ultrasound probe effectively substitutes for the CT gantry, moving the probe in a manner so as to obtain a sufficient set of data to perform the image reconstructions to the desired level of image quality. A comparator 914 using the schedule data in the first storage 710 and the imaged information in the second storage 912 can track the locations and orientations already covered by the probe. The comparator 914 can be physical circuit or it can be software that could cue the operator as to what locations and orientations of the probe remain needed to provide sufficient data to complete the image reconstructions, thus guiding the operator's manipulations of the probe. In this way the manual skill of the human operator, who is good at maintaining the contact of the probe to the patient without excess pressure or discomfort to the patient, can be combined with the thoroughness of a computer, to enable sufficient data acquisition as required by the computer to successfully complete tomography reconstruction and/or 3-D image synthesis from the data.
In the previous section, a system level overview of the operation of an embodiment was described. In this section, the particular methods performed by the server and the clients 128 and 130 of such an embodiment are described by reference to a series of flowcharts. Describing the methods by reference to a flowchart enables one skilled in the art to develop such programs, firmware, or hardware, including such instructions to carry out the methods on suitable computerized clients the processor of the clients executing the instructions from computer-readable media. Similarly, the methods performed by the server computer programs, firmware, or hardware are also composed of computer-executable instructions. Methods 1100-150000 are performed by a client program executing on, or performed by firmware or hardware that is a part of a computer, a microprocessor, or controller and is inclusive of the acts required to be taken by the computer 128 or workstation 130.
The method begins with action 1102. In action 1102 the mammography system is commanded to irradiate a breast with X-rays for a certain period of time. Additionally, action 1102 read the output of the detector in receptacle 112 so as to form an image of the breast. In addition to reading the impinging X-rays on the detector, action acquires additional information such as region of interest, position of the detector within the receptacle, and the depth of tissue that may require further analysis. The position of the detector is known as road map data and the purpose is to define the location of a first detector within the receptacle as described by different degrees of freedom. The degree of freedom can be left or right from a given marking, up or down from a given marking, or outward or inward from a defined level. More formally an arbitrary space within the receptacle can be defined by Cartesian coordinates such as X, Y, Z, which leads to six (6) degrees of freedom. Further, an arrangement with fewer degrees of freedom, for example 2, can still be used to position a second sensor. Control passes to action 1104.
Action 1104 acquires a first dataset. The first dataset contains signals such as intensity of X-rays, depth signals, and roadmap signals. Control passes to action 1106 for further processing.
In action 1106 information is derived. The derived information concerns depth of tissue, roadmap or the location to position a second detector for a higher DQE image, and conversion of intensity to an image viewable on a display with adequate resolution. Control then passes to action 1108.
In action 1108 irradiation and detection is undertaken. In actions 1104 and 1106 or by a user, for example a doctor or mammography technician, a region was identified for further analyses with a more superior image then the one derived from the first detector. Using the road map data the computer or the operator can position the second detector for taking the second image. The X-ray source is use to irradiate the breast and the second detector measures the intensity of the transmitted X-rays. Control then passes to action 1110.
In action 1110 the second dataset is acquired. The acquired dataset is processed by the computer 128 or workstation 130 an image of the irradiated region is produced. Control then passes to action 1112 for further processing.
In action 1112 the datasets are visualize on a high resolution display. The images can be viewed individually or combined together into a single display. In the alternative, a workstation with dual monitor could be used to view the images in different screens.
The method begins with action 1202 with selection of modality. As noted earlier with reference to switch 706, the modality may be selected by a software trigger or by the activation of a physical switch at the console of the mammography system 700. The software trigger could be based on statistical analysis based prior uses, activation switch at the ultrasound probe, or a myriad of other possibilities. After the modality has been selected control passes to action 1204.
In action 1204 the ultrasound modality is determined. Action 1204 decides whether or not the ultrasound modality was selected in action 1202. It should be understood that action 1204 could have as easily tried to determine if an X-ray modality was selected. If an ultrasound modality was selected then control passes to action 1206 or control passes to action 1208.
In action 1206 ultrasound data is acquired. The ultrasound data can be acquired by following methods 1300, 1400, or 1500. If the modality selected had been X-ray then the data would be acquired by the known methods for acquiring X-ray data or by method 1100. Once the data is acquired, X-ray or ultrasound data, control passes to action 1210.
In action 1210 an image is created. The created image can be an X-ray image or ultrasound image. Further, note that action 1210 realizes that notwithstanding the modality the rest of the electronics in the imaging receptor and imaging acquisition electronics (ref-reg board, detector control board, and imaging detector circuit (IDC)) can be used commonly by both modalities. Control then passes to action 1212.
In action 1212 the created image is stored. The image can be preserved in long term and short term storage. The conventional size for an image is 8 MB and normally there are eight images per session (64 MB) so short term memory could be RAM, ZIP drive, or hard drive at the computer 128 or workstation 130. Long term storage could be accomplished through picture archiving and communication system (PACS) that is well known to those in the art. After the image is stored control passes to action 1214 for further processing.
In action 1214 the image is displayed. The images should be displayed with a grey scale that is near optimal requiring minimal manipulation. Different workstations have different capacities in this respect. The General Electric review workstation can display 8 bits, which means 256 levels of grey. The eye can perceive only about 150 levels of grey. The problem is then not the number of grey levels presented, but to see that they contain the information that is needed for the imaging task. If a 14 bit digital image is compressed to a 10-bit representation, only 1/16 of the full grey scale can be seen in one presentation with full grey scale resolution. With an 8-bit representation, only 1/64 of the full grey scale can be seen correspondingly. It is therefore necessary to extract the information to be presented very carefully. One possible solution as for the General electric review workstation is the use of several different window levels that can be quickly selected on a special keyboard.
The method begins with action 1302 of positioning the anatomy in the chamber. As noted earlier with reference to
In action 1304 the contour of the chamber is scan by the use of an ultrasound probe. A moving mechanism that can be servo or manually controlled follows the contour of the chamber. At a minimum the movement should follow four degrees of freedom based on azimuthal for the 360 degrees of rotation for each set of slices, linear along the rotational axis, radial from the center of rotation, and angular relating probe angle to the rotational axis of the moving mechanism. After the mechanism has performed its gyrations around the chamber the acquired data is assembled into ultrasound data ready to be converted to an image in action 1306.
In action 1308 and image is created. In action 1308 the data points acquired are converted to an image. Control then passes to action 1310.
In action 1310 a determination is made as to completion of imaging for the particular session. If imaging is not completed then control passes to action 1304 for further processing. If imaging is completed then the image or images are stored for further analysis or viewing.
In action 1312 the created image or images are stored. The storage of the images is either in long or short term storage as noted in earlier descriptions of methods 1100 and 1200. After the action of storage is completed control passes to action 1314 for further processing.
In action 1314 the image or images of the breast are display on a suitable display for analysis.
Method 1400 begins with action 1402. In action 402, sensors in probe 600 acquire the location and orientation of the ultrasound probe relative to the breast being inspected. After these signals are acquired control passes to action 1404 for further processing.
In action 1404, the acquired location and orientation signals are corrected. The correction can be performed by either table lookup, mathematical manipulation of the signals, filtering, or any known or future techniques for correcting signals. Further, both the acquiring of the signals and the correcting of the signals can reside in the ultrasound probe 600. In the alternative the correcting can be performed by appropriate circuitry or software in the mammography system. After the signal is corrected control passes to action 1408 for further processing.
In action 1406 the corrected signal is obtained and processed to create an ultrasound image. When the dataset has been acquired control passes to action 1408.
In action 1410 the created image or images are stored. The storage of the images is either in long or short term storage as noted in earlier descriptions of methods 1100 and 1200. After the action of storage is completed control passes to action 1412 for further processing.
In action 1412 a determination is made as to completion of imaging for the particular session. If imaging is not completed then control passes to action 1402 for further processing. If imaging is completed then control passes to action 1414 for further processing.
In action 1414 the image or images of the breast are display on a suitable display for analysis.
The method begins with action 1502. In action 1502 the operator, user, or computer system enters a schedule of images needed to acquire a three dimensional representation of the breast. The schedule as used here can include the sequence by which the images have to be taken or it can additionally be defined based on location and orientation of the probe relative to the breast. Once the schedule has been received control then passes to action 1504.
In action 1504, imaging is conducted by the mammography system following any of the preceding methods such as 1100, 1200, 1300, or 1400. Once the image has been acquired then control passes to action 1506.
In action 1506 and indicia is applied to the image. The indicia can be any label that facilitates comparison with the schedule enumerated in action 1502. For example, the indicia could be based on location and orientation of an ultrasonic probe or the indicia could be an alphanumeric sequence that can be compared against the schedule. After indicia is affixed to the image control passes to action 1508.
In action 1508 a comparison is made of the imaging schedule and the indicia of the images that have been performed. If there is an indication that other images need to be taken then actions 1504, 1506, and 1508 are repeated until all the items in the imaging schedule match the indicia applied to exposed images. The indication can be done by maintaining a buffer, table, or list that is either removed or flagged for completion by the system.
In action 1510 a 3-D representation of the breast is visualize on a suitable display for analysis.
In some embodiments, methods 1100-1500 are implemented as a computer data signal embodied in a carrier wave, that represents a sequence of instructions which, when executed by a processor, such as processor 1004 in
Computer 1002 includes a processor 1004, commercially available from Intel, Motorola, Cyrix and others. Computer 1002 also includes random-access memory (RAM) 1006, read-only memory (ROM) 1008, and one or more mass storage devices 1010, and a system bus 10102, that operatively couples various system components to the processing unit 1004. The memory 1006, 1008, and mass storage devices, 1010, are types of computer-accessible media. Mass storage devices 1010 are more specifically types of nonvolatile computer-accessible media and can include one or more hard disk drives, floppy disk drives, optical disk drives, and tape cartridge drives. The processor 1004 executes computer programs stored on the computer-accessible media.
Computer 1002 can be communicatively connected to the Internet 1014 via a communication device 1016. Internet 1014 connectivity is well known within the art. In one embodiment, a communication device 1016 is a modem that responds to communication drivers to connect to the Internet via what is known in the art as a “dial-up connection.” In another embodiment, a communication device 1016 is an Ethernet® or similar hardware network card connected to a local-area network (LAN) that itself is connected to the Internet via what is known in the art as a “direct connection” (e.g., T1 line, etc.).
A user enters commands and information into the computer 1002 through input devices such as a keyboard 10110 or a pointing device 1020. The keyboard 10110 permits entry of textual information into computer 1002, as known within the art, and embodiments are not limited to any particular type of keyboard. Pointing device 1020 permits the control of the screen pointer provided by a graphical user interface (GUI) of operating systems such as versions of Microsoft Windows®. Embodiments are not limited to any particular pointing device 1020. Such pointing devices include mice, touch pads, trackballs, remote controls and point sticks. Other input devices (not shown) can include a microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like.
In some embodiments, computer 1002 is operatively coupled to a display device 1022. Display device 1022 is connected to the system bus 1012. Display device 1022 permits the display of information, including computer, video and other information, for viewing by a user of the computer. Embodiments are not limited to any particular display device 1022. Such display devices include cathode ray tube (CRT) displays (monitors), as well as flat panel displays such as liquid crystal displays (LCD's). In addition to a monitor, computers typically include other peripheral input/output devices such as printers (not shown). Speakers 1024 and 1026 provide audio output of signals. Speakers 1024 and 1026 are also connected to the system bus 1012.
Computer 1002 also includes an operating system (not shown) that is stored on the computer-accessible media RAM 1006, ROM 1008, and mass storage device 1010, and is and executed by the processor 1004. Examples of operating systems include Microsoft Windows®, Apple MacOS®, Linux®, UNIX®. Examples are not limited to any particular operating system, however, and the construction and use of such operating systems are well known within the art.
Embodiments of computer 1002 are not limited to any type of computer 1002. In varying embodiments, computer 1002 comprises a PC-compatible computer, a MacOS®-compatible computer, a Linux®-compatible computer, or a UNIX®-compatible computer. The construction and operation of such computers are well known within the art.
Computer 1002 can be operated using at least one operating system to provide a graphical user interface (GUI) including a user-controllable pointer. Computer 1002 can have at least one web browser application program executing within at least one operating system, to permit users of computer 1002 to access intranet or Internet world-wide-web pages as addressed by Universal Resource Locator (URL) addresses. Examples of browser application programs include Netscape Navigator® and Microsoft Internet Explorer®.
The computer 128 can operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as remote computer 130. These logical connections are achieved by a communication device coupled to, or a part of, the computer 128. Embodiments are not limited to a particular type of communications device. The remote computer 130 can be another computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a client, a peer device or other common network node. The logical connections depicted in
When used in a LAN-networking environment, the computer 128 and remote computer 130 are connected to the local network 1030 through network interfaces or adapters 1034, which is one type of communications device 1016. Remote computer 130 also includes a network device 1036. When used in a conventional WAN-networking environment, the computer 128 and remote computer 130 communicate with a WAN 1032 through modems (not shown). The modem, which can be internal or external, is connected to the system bus 10102. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 1002, or portions thereof, can be stored in the remote computer 130.
Computer 128 also includes power supply 1038. Each power supply can be a battery.
More specifically, in the computer-readable program embodiment, the programs can be structured in an object-orientation using an object-oriented language such as Java, Smalltalk or C++, and the programs can be structured in a procedural-orientation using a procedural language such as COBOL or C. The software components communicate in any of a number of means that are well-known to those skilled in the art, such as application program interfaces (API) or interprocess communication techniques such as remote procedure call (RPC), common object request broker architecture (CORBA), Component Object Model (COM), Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM), Distributed System Object Model (DSOM) and Remote Method Invocation (RMI). The components execute on as few as one computer as in computer 128 in
A mammography system and method has been described. Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations.
In particular, one of skill in the art will readily appreciate that the names of the methods and apparatus are not intended to limit embodiments. Furthermore, additional methods and apparatus can be added to the components, functions can be rearranged among the components, and new components to correspond to future enhancements and physical devices used in embodiments can be introduced without departing from the scope of embodiments. One of skill in the art will readily recognize that embodiments are applicable to future communication devices, different file systems, and new data types.
