Adaptive Scattering Tomography for Curved Object Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging methods, such as X-ray CT and MRI, face challenges in efficiently and accurately imaging internal information of objects with flexible or curved shapes, particularly in medical applications like mammography, due to the need for repeated data acquisition and correction, and the limitations of X-ray imaging in distinguishing breast cancer tissue from other tissues.
Innovation Solution
A monostatic scattering tomography method using a probe with a transmitting and receiving antenna element, where the antenna elements are moved freely on the object, sets up a partial differential equation to image internal information in three dimensions, allowing for high-speed and accurate imaging of objects with complex shapes by solving the equation and integrating the imaging function with rotation angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If linear multi-array antenna or array antenna with constant shape model is used, then imaging can be performed with simple apparatus structure, but data must be acquired again or corrected when object shape changes, causing delay in computation speed and requiring large memory volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the analysis model adaptable to different object shapes through parameter adjustment. Instead of using a fixed constant-shape model, the system dynamically adjusts the analysis model parameters to match the actual object shape, eliminating the need to acquire data again or perform complex corrections when shapes change.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters of the analysis model to accommodate different object shapes. By adjusting model parameters rather than changing the entire model structure or acquiring new data, the system maintains simple apparatus structure while achieving fast computation and accurate imaging for various shapes including curved surfaces.
2Measurement precision
If X-ray mammography is used for high-density breasts, then imaging can be performed, but cancer tissue cannot be directly identified from other tissues as calcium carbonate is imaged indirectly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes X-ray imaging with electromagnetic wave scattering imaging. Instead of using ionizing radiation that indirectly images calcium carbonate, the system uses non-ionizing electromagnetic waves to directly detect scattering properties of cancer tissue, enabling direct identification of cancer tissue from other tissues through analysis of scattering wave characteristics.
3Measurement precision
If high-luminance X-rays are used to measure scattered light, then accurate diagnosis can be achieved, but the intensity of X-rays must be increased which raises concerns about influence on living body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the imaging parameter from X-ray to electromagnetic wave scattering imaging. This parameter change allows achieving accurate diagnosis through scattering wave measurement without requiring high-intensity ionizing radiation, thereby eliminating the harmful effects of high-dose X-rays on living bodies while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
4Reliability
If data is acquired repeatedly with parameter correction for changing object shapes, then imaging can be performed, but there is delay in computation speed and large memory volume is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing an adaptive analysis model that automatically adjusts to different object shapes. This dynamic approach eliminates the need for repeated data acquisition and complex parameter corrections, significantly reducing computation time and memory requirements while maintaining imaging accuracy for various shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-configuring an adaptive analysis model that can handle different object shapes. This preliminary setup allows the system to directly process new data without requiring repeated acquisition or correction steps, thereby reducing computation time and memory usage while ensuring reliable imaging results.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables versatile and high-speed imaging of internal information for objects with various curved shapes, improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing radiation exposure, while being cost-effective and minimally invasive.
Implementation Method 1
a wave u such as an electromagnetic wave or an ultrasonic wave is radiated to an object O, scattered waves p which are scattered from the object O at a plurality of locations around the object O are observed
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging method includes a step of radiating a wave to a target object (10), a step of receiving a scattered wave as a result of the wave being scattered at the target object (10), and a step of reconstructing an image regarding internal information of the target object (10) on the basis of scattered wave data indicating the scattered wave. In the step of reconstructing the image, a reconstruction function is derived by solving a partial differential equation by using the scattered wave data and an analysis model indicating a shape, and the image regarding the internal information of the target object (10) is reconstructed by using the reconstruction function. Here, the partial differential equation is an equation satisfied by the reconstruction function for reconstructing the image regarding the internal information of the target object (10).