METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TACTILE IMAGING FOR BREAST CANCER EXAMINATION AND DETECTION OF PROSTATE CANCER

摘要

A cancerous type of growth in a human is sensed by placing a tactile array sensor in contact with a portion of the human's body, to generate data signals corresponding to pressure gradients. The data signals are processed to develop a computerized display showing the portion of the human's body and a size and location of any structural abnormalities that may be present. In training a trainee in breast cancer examination procedures a breast model having anouter surface of simulated tissue texture is placed on a six-axis force-torque sensor, where the breast model has one or more embedded tumor-like members. Data signals are generated by having the trainee palpate the breast model with at least his or her finger. The data signals represent a contact location of the finger and the force level applied by the trainee's finger. The data signals are then processed to develop a computerized display showing the breast model and the location and size of the embedded tumor members.