DE102013224415A1 - Mammography device with curved detector - Google Patents

Abstract

A detector (110) for a mammography device (100) has a curved outer surface (111). The outer surface (111) faces a compression device (120) of the mammographic device (100). The compression device (120) and the detector (110) fix an examination object (200).

Description

Conventional mammography is a two-dimensional imaging projection technique in which an examination subject, in particular a female breast, is X-rayed. This radiation is emitted by an X-ray emitter. When transmitted through the examination subject, the radiation is attenuated. The attenuated radiation is subsequently detected by a detector and the thus recorded projection image is evaluated. Typically, soft x-ray radiation in the range of about 25 to 35 keV is used in mammography.

More recently, digital tomosynthesis has been introduced, in which it is possible to reconstruct slices of the examination subject. A limitation of conventional mammography, namely the limited sensitivity and specificity due to the overlapping in the third dimension tissue can thus be substantially overcome, since sectional images of the object can be represented.

In such or similar imaging techniques, the subject of the examination is usually positioned between the detector and a compression device. Usually, the detector and the compression device are flat, i. planar, formed. Such detectors may typically include a two-dimensional, planar matrix of detector elements to provide spatial resolution upon detection of the radiation. Typical spatial resolutions may be in the range of about 0.1 mm or less. Typical techniques or physical effects used to detect X-radiation in the detectors are e.g. Semiconductor detectors with scintillator or direct converter material. In particular, semiconductor detectors are usually fabricated on substrates that are flat and stiff, e.g. on silicon wafers or gallium arsenide wafers or comparable semiconductor materials or even glass. This can limit the flexibility in the geometric design of the detector.

However, such mammography devices with planar detectors have various limitations and / or disadvantages. Thus, it may be necessary to exert a comparatively high compressive force by the compression device on the examination subject in order to avoid or reduce unwanted movements of the examination subject during the acquisition of an X-ray image. Furthermore, a high compressive force may be necessary to reduce stray radiation of X-rays which may occur when transmitted through the tissue of the examination subject. Furthermore, a high compressive force can be used to push apart the tissue of the examination object as possible, so as to obtain a small amount of superimposed tissue in the beam path of the X-rays - such a meaningfulness of the obtained X-ray image can be increased and the subsequent medical diagnosis can more reliable be performed. However, such increased compressive force can often be perceived as uncomfortable by a patient and result in pain.

Therefore, it may be desirable to provide a mammography device in which a comparatively low compression force must be applied by the compression device to the examination subject, while achieving reliable and meaningful imaging.

This object is solved by the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims define embodiments.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a mammography device having a compression device and a detector. The detector is set up to detect radiation transmitted through an examination subject. The compression device and the detector are arranged to cooperate in such a way that the object to be examined is fixed between them. An outer surface of the detector facing the compression device has a curvature.

For example, the radiation may be soft X-radiation. The mammography device may further be configured to provide one or more x-ray images during a capture phase based on the detected transmitted radiation. The X-ray image may e.g. depict the examination subject and used for subsequent medical diagnostic purposes.

The curvature may mean: no flat, planar shape of the detector, i. a finite radius of curvature. The radius of curvature may be location dependent, i. There may be different radii of curvature.

For example, the compression device may be configured as a compression plate. In particular, it may be possible for the compression device to be brought into direct contact with the examination subject, and thus to exert a compressive force on the examination subject. For example, the detector may include an outer plate facing the compression device and it may be possible for the examination object to be fixed between the compression device and the outer plate of the imaging detector. Fixing the examination object may mean: immobilizing the examination subject for at least a period corresponding to approximately an integration time of the detector for creating the X-ray image or the acquisition phase, the immobilization taking place on a length scale which is on the order of or smaller than a pixel of the X-ray image , Residual, slight movements of the examination object during the creation of the X-ray image can thus have no or only a slight influence on the X-ray image; In particular, it may be possible to predominantly suppress movement artifacts in the X-ray image by fixing the examination subject.

For example, the examination subject may be a female breast. It would be possible for the curvature of the detector to be matched to a typical or expected anatomy of the examination subject. For example, For example, the curvature of the detector may be substantially similar to a curvature of the female breast.

In this way it may be possible to achieve a comparatively high degree of fixation of the examination object while limiting the necessary compression force. Thus, the effect of suppressing motion artifacts in the X-ray image can be achieved, while at the same time avoiding a high compression force unpleasant for a patient. The comfort for the patient may increase.

It would be possible for the detector to comprise a matrix of detector elements for detecting the radiation and an outer plate. The outer plate may form the outer surface of the detector. The matrix of detector elements and the outer plate may have the curvature.

It would be possible for the X-ray detector or the detector elements to be designed as an organic X-ray converter or an organic photodiode. Other materials such as indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) that can be applied to curved and / or flexible substrates such as glass or plastic and / or printed would also be possible. Such techniques are known to those skilled in principle, for example S. Tedde et al. "Active Pixel Concept Combined With Organic Photodiode for Imaging Devices" in IEEE Electron Device Lett. 28 (2007) 893-895 , Therefore, there is no need to explain further details of the basic technical implementation of curved detector elements in this context.

The outer panel may e.g. be set up to be in direct contact with the examination object. In other words, therefore, the outer plate of the detector and the compression device can detect the examination object from opposite sides - e.g. with respect to a ray path of radiation - grab and fix between them.

By means of the above-mentioned techniques, it may thus be possible for both the outer plate of the detector and the matrix of detector elements to have the curvature. In addition to the above-described effect of a reduced compression force with the same quality of fixation of the examination object, such a further effect can be achieved in this way. be possible that the curvature of the matrix of detector elements is tuned to the beam path of the radiation and thus the detected X-ray image may have improved image quality. In particular, it may generally be possible for a radius of curvature of the curvature of the array of detector elements to be different than a radius of curvature of the curvature of the outer plate, i. has different values and / or a different sign. Then, in particular, it may be possible that the radius of curvature of the curvature of the array of detector elements is adjusted with respect to improved imaging properties, whereas the radius of curvature of the curvature of the outer plate may be adapted with respect to an improved fixation of the examination subject.

However, it is also possible that the radius of curvature of the curvature of the array of detector elements is substantially equal to a radius of curvature of the curvature of the outer plate. Substantially the same may be used here, e.g. a deviation of less than 20%, preferably less than 10%, particularly preferably less than 3% relative to each other. This can e.g. a particularly simple production and / or a particularly well adapted to the examination object shape. In particular, it would be e.g. in such a case, it is possible for the outer plate of the detector to form part of a housing of the detector, the housing accommodating the matrix of detector elements. The housing may e.g. protect the array of detector elements from external influences, such as dust, water, etc. In such a case, e.g. be possible to form the detector in one piece, so that a particularly simple maintenance and / or high robustness of the mammography device can be achieved.

It would also be possible for the radius of curvature of the curvature of the array of detector elements to be greater than a radius of curvature of the detector Curvature of the outer plate of the detector is. In other words, this may mean that the curvature of the array of detector elements deviates less from the planar planar shape than the curvature of the outer plate of the detector.

For example, a source of radiation may be rotatable about a point of rotation. For example, Thus, the X-ray emitter can be rotatable together with a focal point of the radiation about the point of rotation. Thus, the mammography machine can be used e.g. be used for tomosynthesis by multiple X-ray images are taken during a tomosynthesis scan under different poses with respect to the examination subject and, based on the X-ray images, a three-dimensional view of the examination subject is generated.

In addition, the matrix of detector elements for detecting the transmitted radiation may be rotatable about a point of rotation, for example about the same rotation point about which the source of the radiation is rotatable, or about another point of rotation. Thus, the point of rotation and the further point of rotation may be coincident or close to one another, eg with respect to a characteristic length scale such as the focus-detector distance with a deviation of less than 20%, preferably less than 10%, most preferably less than 3% For example, a structural separation of the outer plate of the detector from the matrix of the detector elements may be present such that the matrix of detector elements is movable with respect to the examination object fixed by the outer plate, eg, in particular rotatable about the point of rotation. The point of rotation can correlate with a source of radiation. Such techniques are basically from the published patent application DE 103 53 611 A1 known, so that in this context no further details for the structural separation of the cover plate and the matrix of detector elements must be explained.

For example, the point of rotation and / or the radius of curvature of the curvature of the array of detector elements may be tuned to a source of radiation and / or the object under examination. It would be e.g. it is possible for the radius of curvature of the curvature of the matrix of detector elements to be designed such that it describes or runs along a rotation trajectory of the rotation. In other words, therefore, the radius of curvature of the matrix of detector elements can be defined by the rotation point of the rotation. However, it would alternatively or additionally also be possible for the radius of curvature of the matrix of detector elements to be defined by a distance between a focal point of the radiation and the matrix of detector elements.

It would be e.g. it is possible for the detector to be tracked during the tomosynthesis scan on a rotation trajectory having substantially the same radius of curvature as the curvature of the matrix of detector elements and / or coincident with it. The detector could also be tracked on a rotation trajectory that correlates with a rotation trajectory of the focal point. Alternatively or additionally, it may be possible for the detector to align with a source of radiation during the tomosynthesis scan.

During the tomosynthesis scan, it may be possible to keep the compression device and / or the outer panel of the detector stationary. In this way, an image field of the imaging can be increased by the detector rotating during the tomosynthesis scan. Thus, e.g. Alternatively or additionally be achieved that detector elements are oriented substantially perpendicular to the beam path of the radiation, while at the same time a reliable fixation of the examination object can be achieved during the Tomosynthesescans.

For example, a source of the detected radiation may be rotatable about the point of rotation. It would be possible for the radius of curvature of the curvature of the array of detector elements and a distance between the source and the array of detector elements to be less than 20%, preferably less than 10%, more preferably less than 5%. It would thus be possible for the radius of curvature of the curvature of the array of detector elements and a distance between the source and the matrix of detector elements to be substantially the same or the same.

The source and matrix of detector elements may then be e.g. be correlated with each other as part of a tomosynthesis scan. Thus it can be e.g. be possible that the detector elements of the matrix of detector elements - are oriented perpendicular to a beam path of the radiation - substantially independent of the rotational position.

Preferably, the point of rotation of the rotation of the array of detector elements is near or in the object under examination, e.g. for an X-ray image that is at a medium projection, i. symmetrical, centered alignment of the array of detector elements with respect to the examination object or the compression device is obtained; this X-ray image may comprise a central ray of the radiation. For example, For example, the point of rotation may be near a geometric and / or anatomical center of the examination subject.

In other words, therefore, the radius of curvature of the curvature of the matrix of detector elements can be adapted to the beam path of the radiation, in particular taking into account the conical beam path. At the same time, a rotation trajectory of the array of detector elements and a rotation trajectory of the source of the radiation may be matched to each other. In this way, improved characteristics of the acquired X-ray images can be achieved in the context of a tomosynthesis scan.

For example, the curvature may be concave with respect to the source of the detected radiation. It may therefore be possible for the detector, e.g. buckle the outer panel and / or matrix of detector elements inwardly and toward the source of detected radiation. For example, the source of the detected radiation may designate a respective focal point of the radiation. It would also be possible for the source of the radiation to designate an X-ray emitter or an anode of the X-ray emitter.

In general, it is possible that the radius of curvature of the curvature of the detector, i. the matrix of detector elements and / or the outer plate is substantially constant, i. varies not or not significantly along the detector surfaces. It can therefore be a uniform curvature. Such a detector may e.g. be particularly easy to manufacture.

However, it is also possible that the curvature has a location-dependent radius of curvature, i. the matrix of detector elements and / or the outer plate have a different radius of curvature at different spatial points. Thus it can be e.g. be possible to adapt the curvature particularly accurate to an anatomy of the examination subject and / or the beam path of the radiation and to obtain such particularly improved properties of the mammography device.

It is possible that the radius of curvature of the curvature of the detector is adjustable. Preferably, it would be possible for the radius of curvature of the curvature of the detector to be adjustable in a location-dependent manner. Adjustable can e.g. mean: adjustable immediately before exposure, e.g. based on the specific anatomy of the examination subject. For example, namely, a support plate and / or the outer plate of the detector comprises a flexibly adjustable material, so that depending on a certain parameter, the radius of curvature can be set variable or spatially variable. Thus, e.g. a situation-specific adaptation to conditions of the anatomy of the examination object can be achieved, so that a particularly improved property of the mammographic device with respect to the required compression force can be obtained as explained above.

In general, the radius of curvature of the detector's curvature may be such that substantially all detector elements of the array of detector elements of the detector are oriented perpendicular to a beam path of the radiation. This can e.g. mean that the radiation hits locally substantially perpendicular to each detector element. The beam path of the X-rays may have a global conical configuration. This may mean that different rays of the beam path of the radiation diverge for increasing distances to a source of X-rays. Then it may be possible to arrange the various detector elements so that each beam of the beam path of the radiation impinges vertically. For example, For example, the various detector elements may be facing the source of the radiation. As already explained above, such a particularly high sensitivity of the detector can be obtained in the imaging. In addition, distortions or other image artifacts can be reduced.

The compression device and the detector may be configured to cooperate such that a female breast is fixed between them. The curve may extend along a direction between the thoracic wall and nipple of the breast, which curve may have a radius of curvature that is smaller for proximal positions of the breast than for distal positions of the breast.

In other words, the curvature may increase towards the nipple of the female breast. This can e.g. be defined in relation to a conventional arrangement of the female breast with respect to the mammography device. Thus it can be e.g. be possible to achieve a particularly good fixation with limited compression force, while still a good adaptation to the anatomical conditions of the female breast can be guaranteed. Thus, comfort during imaging for the patient can be improved.

It would alternatively or additionally also be possible for the compression device and the detector to be arranged to cooperate such that a female breast is fixed between them, the curvature extending in the medial-lateral direction of the breast.

The medial-lateral direction may also be referred to as a left-to-right direction and may be e.g. essentially perpendicular to the direction between the thoracic wall and the nipple.

The detector may further comprise a scattered grid having a curvature. A radius of curvature of the curvature of the scattergram can correlate with a distance between a source of the radiation, eg a focal point of the radiation, and the detector.

For example, the scattered grid may be disposed between the outer panel of the detector and the matrix of detector elements. The scattered grid may e.g. denote a periodic grating whose periodicity is on the order of 30 fins per cm of radiation. In particular, the use of a scattered grid can improve an image quality of the acquired X-ray images. In the field of mammography, it may be possible to move or rotate the scattered grid together with the matrix of detector elements, while the outer plate of the detector - as described above - can remain stationary. In principle, techniques for the use of a scattered grid are known to the person skilled in the art, so that no further details need to be explained here.

It would also be possible for an outer surface of the compression device facing the detector to have a further curvature. The further curvature may be convex with respect to an origin of the detected radiation.

In other words, it may thus be possible for the curvatures of the compression device and of the detector to have opposite signs or to be configured complementary to one another. In this way, it may be possible to effectively grasp the examination subject and to ensure improved fixation with simultaneously limited compression force. In general, techniques for providing a compression device with a curvature are known to the person skilled in the art, for example from the published patent application DE 10 2008 055 737 A1 , Therefore, there is no need to explain more details in this regard.

According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a detector for a mammography device for detecting X-ray radiation. An outer surface of the detector has a curvature. The outer surface of the detector is arranged to be in contact with an examination subject.

It is possible that the detector according to the presently discussed aspect is arranged and / or has features as explained above in relation to the mammography device according to a further aspect of the present invention. Therefore, for the detector according to the currently discussed aspect, effects comparable to those achievable for the mammography apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention can be achieved.

The features and features set out above, which are described below, can be used not only in the corresponding combinations explicitly set out, but also in other combinations or isolated, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The above-described characteristics, features, and advantages of this invention, as well as the manner in which they will be achieved, will become clearer and more clearly understood in connection with the following description of the embodiments, which will be described in detail in conjunction with the drawings.

1 is a schematic view of a mammography device.

2 shows a schematic anterior-posterior view of a compression device and a detector comprising an outer plate and a matrix of detector elements and having a curvature.

3 shows a schematic lateral view of the compression device and the detector.

4 shows an embodiment of the detector.

5 shows the detector in greater detail, in particular the matrix of detector elements on a support plate with a curvature having a certain radius of curvature.

6 illustrates the radius of curvature in greater detail schematically.

7 shows a position of the detector during a tomosynthesis scan.

8th shows another position of the detector during a tomosynthesis scan.

9 illustrates rotation trajectories and a curvature of the detector for a tomosynthesis scan.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the figures, like reference numerals designate same or similar elements. The figures are schematic representations of various embodiments of the invention. Elements shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Rather, the various elements shown in the figures are reproduced in such a way that their function and general purpose will be understood by those skilled in the art. Connections and couplings between functional units and elements illustrated in the figures may also be implemented as an indirect connection or coupling. A connection or coupling may be implemented by wire or wireless. Functional units can be implemented as hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software.

In the following, techniques are explained in which a detector and optionally a compression device of a mammography device have a curvature. In this case, both an outer surface of the detector, which is in contact with an examination subject during imaging, and a matrix of detector elements of the detector, which detect radiation during imaging, exhibit the curvature. It is possible that the outer surface and the matrix of detector elements of the detector have the same or different radii of curvature. Preferably, the detector is concavely curved with respect to a source of radiation, that is, toward it. If the compression device also has a curvature, the corresponding radius of curvature is preferably designed to be complementary to the radius of curvature of the detector, e.g. convex in relation to the source.

Through such techniques, various effects can be achieved. First, a compression force applied to the examination subject for fixation thereof can be reduced. Second, it may be possible to improve the quality of X-ray images obtained with the mammography device, since the matrix of detector elements can be better adapted to the beam path of the radiation.

Such techniques can be used in both conventional mammography, i. two-dimensional imaging, as well as in tomosynthesis. In tomosynthesis, the focal point of the radiation and / or the detector can be moved in order to capture X-ray images of the examination object from different perspectives. In general, the examination subject is a female breast.

In 1 is a mammography device 100 shown, which is an X-ray emitter 105 and a detector 110 includes. Furthermore, the mammography device includes 100 an arithmetic unit 220 and a control unit 221 , The arithmetic unit 220 undertakes various tasks in connection with the control of imaging and the acquisition and / or evaluation of X-ray images obtained by means of the detector 110 were detected. The operating unit 221 allows input and output of information to and from a user. About the control unit 221 a user can use operating parameters of the mammography device 100 set and make a control of the operation.

Furthermore, in 1 a conical beam path 150 the radiation coming from a focal point 160 that is related to the x-ray emitter 105 is arranged, goes out (in 1 shown with a dashed line). The rays of the beam path 150 So run for increasing distances to the focal point 160 apart. A central beam 150a denotes the beam extending along the central axis of the cone of the conical beam path. How out 1 is apparent, is a size of the detector 110 matched to a diameter of the beam path 150 , For X-ray imaging, an examination object, for example a female breast, in the beam path 150 be arranged (in 1 Not shown). Then the transmitted radiation through the detector 110 can be detected and the X-ray images thus obtained can be used for subsequent medical diagnostics.

While 1 essentially functional characteristics of the various components of the mammography device 100 illustrated, shows 2 geometric properties of the same. In 2 is shown that the detector 110 an outer panel 111 and a matrix 112 of detector elements. The mammography device 100 further comprises a compression device 120 in the in 2 illustrated embodiment in the form of a compression plate. Between the compression device 120 and the outer panel 111 of the detector 110 there is a research object 200 , eg a female breast (in 2 shown hatched filled).

In 2 Furthermore, different directions A, B are illustrated. Here, the direction A denotes a direction parallel to the central beam 150a of the beam path 150 , The direction B is in relation to anatomical properties of the breast 200 Are defined. The direction B extends in the medial-lateral direction. In 3 is a corresponding view along the direction C, between thoracic wall and nipple of the breast 200 represented. The curvature in 3 is optional. From a comparison of 2 and 3 it can be seen that both the compression device 120 , as well as the outer panel 111 and the matrix 112 of detector elements of detector 110 have a curvature, that is not flat and planar designed. Alternatively, it would also be possible for only the outer panel 111 and / or the matrix 112 of detector elements of the detector 110 have a curvature; For example, alternatively or additionally, the compression device could 120 be planar and planar. It would also be possible for the compression device 120 and / or the detector 110 only along one of the two directions B, C have the curvature. It is therefore not necessary for there to be a curvature along all or several spatial directions. In general, a curvature can exist only along one spatial direction.

It is thus generally possible to configure the curvature in a variety of ways: with regard to the components having the curvature, such as compression device 120 and / or outer panel 111 and / or matrix 112 of detector elements, in terms of the radius of curvature, both in sign and in actual value, with respect to the spatial axes along which the curvature is present and with regard to whether the curvature has location-dependent values of the radius of curvature.

From a comparison of 2 and 3 For example, it is also apparent, for example, that the compression device 120 and the outer plate 111 and the matrix 112 of detector elements of the detector 110 along the direction B have different radii of curvature, wherein the radii of curvature have no location dependence. In particular, the compression device 120 in terms of the focal point 160 a convex curvature on, while the outer plate 111 and the matrix 112 from the detector elements of the detector 110 in terms of the focal point 160 have a concave curvature. By providing the compression device 120 and the outer panel 111 with opposite or complementary curvatures can be a particularly efficient fixation of the breast 200 respectively. The same applies to the curvature along the direction C (see 3 ). In 3 It can also be seen that the curvature of the compression device 120 and the outer panel 111 is location dependent. In particular, for proximal (lateral) points, ie farther from (closer to) the thorax wall, the curvature has a smaller (larger) amount of the radius of curvature.

In general, it is possible, for example, that the radius of curvature of the curvature of the compression device 120 and / or the outer panel 111 and / or the matrix 112 of detector elements of the detector 110 is adjustable, preferably location-dependent adjustable. This can be a particularly good adaptation to the anatomy of the breast 200 respectively. Fixation of the breast 200 This can be made efficient, while the required compression force can be limited.

It would also be possible for the detector 110 includes a scattered grid (in 2 and 3 Not shown). For example, the scattered grid can be between the outer panel 111 and the matrix 112 of detector elements of the detector 110 along the beam path 150 be arranged and have a curvature. The radius of curvature of the curvature of the scattered-light grid can be adapted, for example, to the radius of curvature of the curvature of the outer panel 111 and / or the matrix 112 of detector elements. It would alternatively or additionally also be possible for the radius of curvature of the curvature of the scattered-light grid to be at a distance between the focal point 160 and the detector 110 , in particular the scattered grid, correlates.

In the 2 and 3 each shows a scenario in which the radius of curvature of the curvature of the matrix 112 of detector elements greater than a radius of curvature of the curvature of the outer plate 111 of the detector 110 is where the matrix is 112 of detector elements is less curved than the outer plate 111 , This may be desirable in particular if the radius of curvature of the matrix 112 the detector elements of the detector 110 in relation to the beam path 150 is adapted to the radiation, while the radius of curvature of the curvature of the outer plate 111 of the detector 110 in terms of the anatomy of the breast 200 is adjusted. Furthermore, such a different embodiment of the matrix 112 of detector elements of the detector 110 and the outer panel 111 be desirable in terms of techniques of tomosynthesis, in which, for example, a structural separation of the outer panel 111 and the matrix 112 can be done by detector elements.

In general, it is also possible that the curvature of the outer panel 111 and the curvature of the matrix 112 of detector elements of the detector 110 have a substantially same radius of curvature (see 4 ). For example, it may be possible for the outer panel 111 an outer surface of a housing of the detector 110 forms, with the housing of the detector 110 the matrix 112 receives or surrounds detector elements. In particular, it may be possible in such an embodiment that the detector 110 is integrally formed. In the embodiment of the 4 can the curvature of the outer panel 111 and the matrix 112 of detector elements of the detector 110 especially to the anatomy of the breast 200 be adjusted.

Again referring to the 2 and 3 For a specific choice of the radius of curvature, it may be the curvature of the matrix 112 from Detector elements of the X-ray detector 110 be possible, this to the beam path 150 to adapt to the radiation. For example, the radius of curvature may be the curvature of the matrix 112 of detector elements of the detector 110 be configured so that substantially all the detector elements of the detector 110 perpendicular to the beam path 150 the radiation are oriented. For example, a sensitivity of the detector 110 can be increased and image artifacts such as distortions can be suppressed or reduced.

In 5 is a perspective view of the matrix 112 of detector elements 310 of the detector 110 shown. The detector elements 310 are on a flexible substrate 320 applied. The flexible substrate 320 can have different curvatures along different spatial directions. In this way, it may be possible to choose the radius of curvature as a function of location or to design it differently along the directions B, C (cf. 2 and 3 ). The substrate can be stiffened, for example, so that a subsequent change in the radius of curvature is not possible or only to a limited extent. But it would also be possible that the substrate remains flexible and so the radius of curvature can be adjusted, for example, can be set depending on location.

In 6 is the curvature 400 schematically illustrated. The curvature 400 is characterized by the radius of curvature 405 in the embodiment of the 6 along the detector 110 takes constant values and in relation to a midpoint 410 is defined. In the case of a location-dependent curvature 400 could be the radius of curvature 405 for different positions along the detector 110 assume different values.

In the event that the radius of curvature 405 the curvature 400 the matrix 112 of detector elements 310 is configured such that substantially all the detector elements 310 of the detector 110 perpendicular to the beam path 150 Radiation oriented, in other words the center 410 the curvature 400 essentially coincident with the focal point 160 be.

In terms of tomosynthesis techniques, it may be possible to use the detector 110 and / or the X-ray emitter 105 with focus point 160 to rotate around a point of rotation (cf. 7 and 8th ). For example, the point of rotation may be close to or coincident with a geometric / anatomical center of the examination subject.

Out 7 and 8th it can be seen that a rotation of the matrix 112 of detector elements 310 around the rotation point and / or the focus point 160 possible (indicated by the arrows) while the outer panel 111 of the detector 110 remains stationary. Thus, during a tomosynthesis scan, a continuous fixation of the breast 200 by means of the compression device 412 (in 7 and 8th not shown) and the outer panel 111 be ensured. At the same time, an enlarged imaging area for the 3D view of the breast 200 by moving the matrix 112 from the detector elements 310 be achieved.

In 9 is the ratio of the rotation trajectories of the rotation of the focal point 160 and the matrix 112 of detector elements 310 illustrated. Here are in 9 the rotation trajectories of the focal point 160 (in 9 outside) and a center of the matrix 112 of detector elements 310 (in 9 inside) shown as dashed circles. How out 9 is apparent, the corresponding rotation centers are coincident. In general, however, it would also be possible for the two centers of rotation to be spaced apart.

Furthermore, it is off 9 you can see that the curvature 400 the matrix 112 of detector elements 310 adapted such that the beam path 150 the radiation impinges vertically. This is the case because of the radius of curvature 405 equal to the distance between the focus point 160 and the matrix 112 of detector elements 310 of the detector 110 is - eg with respect to a center of the detector 110 or the matrix 112 of detector elements 112 ,

Instead of circular orbits, focus and detector can also move on other paths, both in shape and dimensions.

Of course, the features of the previously described embodiments and aspects of the invention may be combined. In particular, the features may be used not only in the described combinations but also in other combinations or per se, without departing from the scope of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

mammography

105

X-ray emitter

110

detector

111

outer plate

112

Matrix of detector elements

120

compression device

150

beam path

150a

central beam

160

focus point

200

object of investigation

220

computer unit

221

operating unit

310

detector elements

320

substratum

400

curvature

405

radius of curvature

410

Focus

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10353611 A1 [0020]
• DE 102008055737 A1 [0040]

Cited non-patent literature

• S. Tedde et al. "Active Pixel Concept Combined With Organic Photodiode for Imaging Devices" in IEEE Electron Device Lett. 28 (2007) 893-895 [0014]

Claims (15)

Mammography device ( 100 ) with a compression device ( 120 ) and a detector ( 110 ), which is set up to move through an examination object ( 200 ) to detect transmitted radiation, wherein the compression device ( 120 ) and the detector ( 110 ) are set up in such a way that the object to be examined ( 200 ) is fixed between them, wherein an outer surface of the detector ( 100 ), the compression device ( 120 ), a curvature ( 400 ) having. Mammography device ( 100 ) according to claim 1, wherein the detector ( 100 ) a matrix ( 112 ) of detector elements ( 310 ) for detecting the radiation and an outer plate ( 111 ), wherein the outer plate ( 111 ) forms the outer surface, the matrix ( 112 ) of detector elements ( 310 ) and the outer plate ( 111 ) the curvature ( 400 ) exhibit. Mammography device ( 100 ) according to claim 2, wherein a radius of curvature ( 405 ) of curvature ( 400 ) of the matrix ( 112 ) of detector elements ( 310 ) is substantially equal to a radius of curvature ( 405 ) of curvature ( 400 ) of the outer panel ( 111 ). Mammography device ( 100 ) according to claim 2, wherein a radius of curvature ( 405 ) of curvature ( 400 ) of the matrix ( 112 ) of detector elements ( 310 ) greater than a radius of curvature ( 405 ) of curvature ( 400 ) of the outer panel ( 111 ). Mammography device ( 100 ) according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein a source ( 105 . 160 ) of the detected radiation is rotatable about a point of rotation. Mammography device ( 100 ) according to claim 5, wherein the matrix ( 112 ) of detector elements ( 310 ) is rotatable for detecting the transmitted radiation about the point of rotation, the radius of curvature ( 405 ) of curvature ( 400 ) of the matrix ( 112 ) of detector elements on the one hand and a distance between the source ( 105 . 160 ) and the matrix ( 112 on the other hand differ less than 20% of detector elements, preferably less than 10%, particularly preferably less than 3%. Mammography device ( 100 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the curvature ( 400 ) in relation to a source ( 105 . 160 ) of the detected radiation is concave. Mammography device ( 100 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the curvature ( 400 ) a location-dependent radius of curvature ( 405 ) having. Mammography device ( 100 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a radius of curvature ( 405 ) of curvature ( 400 ) of the detector ( 110 ) is adjustable, preferably is location-dependent adjustable. Mammography device ( 100 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a radius of curvature ( 405 ) of curvature ( 400 ) of the detector ( 110 ) is configured such that essentially all the detector elements ( 310 ) of the detector ( 110 ) perpendicular to a beam path ( 150 ) of the radiation are oriented. Mammography device ( 100 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compression device ( 120 ) and the detector ( 110 ) are arranged to cooperate in such a way that a female breast ( 200 ) is fixed between them, the curvature ( 400 ) along a direction (C) between thoracic wall and nipple of the breast ( 200 ), the curvature ( 400 ) has a radius of curvature which is suitable for proximal positions of the breast ( 200 ) is smaller than for distal positions of the breast. Mammography device ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the compression device ( 120 ) and the detector ( 110 ) are arranged to cooperate in such a way that a female breast ( 200 ) is fixed between them, the curvature ( 400 ) in the medial-lateral direction (B) of the breast ( 200 ) runs. Mammography device ( 100 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detector ( 110 ) further comprises a scattered grid, wherein the scattered grid has a curvature ( 400 ), wherein a radius of curvature of the curvature ( 400 ) of the scattered grid with a distance between a source ( 105 . 160 ) of the radiation and the detector ( 110 ) correlates. Mammography device ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an outer surface of the compression device ( 120 ), the detector ( 110 ), another curvature ( 400 ), wherein the further curvature ( 400 ) is convex with respect to an origin of the detected radiation. Detector ( 100 ) for a mammography device ( 100 ) and for detecting X-radiation, wherein an outer surface of the detector ( 100 ), the is arranged to be in contact with an examination object having a curvature.

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