Laser Surface Estimation for Microwave Breast Imaging Systems

Microwave breast imaging techniques involve collecting measurements from a breast that is positioned in a scanner. While the patient interface typically includes a hole through which the breast is placed when the patient lies in the prone position, the exact location and shape of breast are not known. In this paper, we explore the addition of a laser sensor and associated algorithms in order to provide a rapid and accurate estimate of the breast surface location. We demonstrate that the laser is capable of estimating surfaces with improved accuracy compared to microwave measurements. The impact of accurate surface estimation on images is shown, and results obtained from human scans are presented.