Tomography System

Abstract

A measurement system is presented. The measurement system includes a source and a detector located a selected distance from the source with the source and the detector movable about a point, an axis or about a plane located proximate the detector.

1 . A measurement system comprising:
 a detector movable about a selected point located proximate a plane in which the detector lies which the point corresponding to one of: a pivot point, an axis or a plane; a source disposed a predetermined distance from said detector and arrange to emit a signal toward said detector with the source movable about the same point as the detector and with the source and detector adapted to maintain a spatial relationship which allows collection of tomographic data.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a support arm coupled to said source and said detector in wherein said arm is movable about the selected point. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said source and said detector are coupled such that movement of said source results in a corresponding movement of said detector. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a support element disposed to hold an object to be imaged in a fixed position. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4  wherein said support element comprises:
 a first plate; and   a second plate spaced a predetermined distance from and generally parallel to said first plate, and wherein the object to be imaged is supported between said first plate and said second plate.   
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said detector and said source are coupled via a control system such that movement of a first one of said source and said detector results in a corresponding movement of a second one of said source and said detector to maintain the source and detection in a spatial relationship which allows collection of tomographic data. 
     
     
         7 . A breast tomography system comprising:
 a detector movable about a selected point located proximate a plane in which the detector lies which the point corresponding to one of: a pivot point, an axis or a plane; a source disposed a predetermined distance from said detector and arrange to emit a signal toward said detector with the source movable about the same point as the detector and with the source and detector adapted to maintain a spatial relationship which allows collection of tomographic data. A support element disposed between said source and said detector.   
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7  wherein the point corresponds to an axis about which the source and detector move and wherein the location of the axis is selected from the group consisting of: a location coincident with said detector; a location below said detector and a location proximate to and above said detector. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8  wherein movement of said source and movement of said detector are synchronized to maintain approximately a same distance between said source and said detector. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 7  wherein said support element comprises:
 a first plate; and   a second plate spaced a predetermined distance from and generally parallel to said first plate, with the first and second plates adapted to support a breast.   
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 7  further comprising a support arm having a first end coupled to said source and a second end coupled to said detector. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11  wherein said support arm is provided having a generally U-shape. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12  wherein said source comprises an X-ray source. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13  wherein said detector comprises an X-ray detector.