Patent ID: 6620115
Filing Date: 2003-09-16
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A breast examination device comprising:a scanning housing receiving a breast; a linear pressure sensor array formed of a plurality of first sensors and a two-dimensional pressure sensor array formed of a plurality of second sensors, each of said first sensors and said second sensors producing a signal in response to pressure imposed on said respective sensor as said first sensors and said second sensors are pressed and moved against the breast tissue in a predetermined manner, said linear pressure sensor array and said two dimensional pressure array being coupled to said scanning housing; a robotic positioning system coupled to said scanning housing for positioning said linear pressure sensor array integrated with a compression mechanism for mechanical compression and a scanning unit for scanning of the breast located inside said scanning housing; a positioning system for linear and rotary displacement of said scanning housing; and an electronic unit for providing acquisition, scanning, processing and displaying of mechanical imaging data from said first sensors and said second sensors, wherein said linear pressure sensor array comprises plurality of flexing diaphragms positioned in a cylinder filled with an elastic compound and strain gages bonded to an inner side of said flexing diaphragms.