Breast Tissue Thermal Imaging for Abnormal Tissue Depth Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting breast cancer, such as mammography, are ineffective for younger women with dense breasts and fail to accurately determine the location and depth of abnormal tissue, and existing technologies do not provide precise location and depth information necessary for diagnosis and treatment.
Innovation Solution
A prediction system using thermal sensors to generate two-dimensional and three-dimensional thermal images of the breast based on temperature values, estimating intermediate values through patterns and thermal conductivity, allowing for the precise prediction of abnormal tissue location and depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mammography is used for breast cancer screening, then detection capability is improved, but it is ineffective for younger women with dense breasts and fails to provide accurate location and depth information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/X-ray based mammography system with a thermal sensing system that measures temperature distribution. Thermal sensors detect temperature variations caused by abnormal tissue metabolism, providing effective detection for dense breasts without radiation, while also enabling precise location and depth determination through thermal image analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from structural imaging (mammography) to thermal parameter measurement. By monitoring temperature distribution and thermal conductivity variations, the system identifies abnormal tissue through metabolic heat differences, achieving both improved detection reliability for dense breasts and accurate location/depth information.
2Loss of information
If existing detection methods are used, then screening can be performed, but exact location and depth of abnormal tissue are not disclosed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional mammography images to three-dimensional thermal imaging with depth information. By using multiple thermal sensors at different positions and analyzing temperature gradients, the system reconstructs 3D thermal images that reveal both location and depth of abnormal tissue, eliminating information loss while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If thermal sensors are used to detect temperature differences, then early detection without radiation is achieved, but intermediate temperature values within tissue must be estimated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate temperature value estimation as a computational mediator between surface thermal sensor measurements and internal tissue temperature distribution. By using thermal conductivity models and heat transfer equations, the system calculates intermediate temperature values that represent internal tissue conditions, enabling accurate detection without direct internal measurement or radiation exposure.
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
Enables early detection of breast cancer without radiation exposure, providing accurate location and depth information for diagnosis and treatment, improving detection accuracy for younger women with dense breasts.
Implementation Method 1
Tumor emit more heat than their surrounding tissues and it is measurable with sensitive and accurate thermal sensors. Therefore, thermography, as an alternate method, is gaining increased importance.
Implementation Method 2
Detecting this temperature difference with high accuracy helps early detection of breast cancer. Tumor emit more heat than their surrounding tissues and it is measurable with sensitive and accurate thermal sensors.
Implementation Method 3
estimating a plurality of intermediate temperature values, within the plurality of temperature values, based on at least one of triangular patterns and rectangular patterns formed on a pre-defined model of the breast of the subject, thermal conductivity of the breast tissue
Implementation Method 4
When breast tissue is cooled, blood vessels of normal tissue respond by constricting to conserve heat, while tumor tissue remains hot.
Implementation Method 5
When breast tissue is cooled, blood vessels of normal tissue respond by constricting to conserve heat
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to method for predicting location and depth of abnormal tissue in breast tissue by prediction system. The prediction system predicts location based on 2D thermal image generated based on temperature values and intermediate temperature values. The intermediate temperature values are estimated using triangular and rectangular patterns formed on pre-defined model of breast, thermal conductivity of breast tissue, 2D coordinates on one of triangular and rectangular patterns and temperature values at steady state of breast tissue. The depth is predicted based on 3D thermal image of breast tissue generated using temperature values and intermediate temperature values and error parameter. The intermediate temperature values are estimated based on one of tetrahedral and hexahedral patterns formed on predefined model of breast, density value, thermal conductivity of tissue, blood perfusion rate, specific heat capacity of blood, 3D coordinates, arterial temperature and metabolic heat generation value in normal and abnormal tissue.