Coil Array Eddy Current Imaging for Non-Contact Deep Tissue Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical imaging devices, such as ultrasound and bioelectrical impedance devices, are limited by the need for professional operation, require coupling agents that can cause allergic reactions, have high contact impedance issues, and are not suitable for long-term or personal use due to cost and depth limitations.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device utilizing a coil array with an eddy current measurement unit and imaging unit, capable of non-contact measurements, eliminating the need for coupling agents, and providing deep tissue imaging through adjustable frequencies and coil selection, suitable for personal and long-term use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasound devices are used for medical imaging, then image quality is improved, but the device requires professional operation and coupling agents that can cause allergic reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ultrasound imaging system with an electromagnetic sensing system using coil arrays. The eddy current sensing measurement unit generates electromagnetic signals that interact with conductive tissues, eliminating the need for mechanical contact and coupling agents. This substitution enables non-contact measurement while maintaining imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary between the sensing device and the body. Instead of direct mechanical contact with ultrasound waves, the coil array uses electromagnetic induction to sense tissue properties through eddy currents, serving as a non-contact intermediary that avoids skin contact issues.
2Reliability
If ultrasound coupling agents are applied to reduce acoustic impedance differences, then signal transmission is improved, but allergic reactions and image quality issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the coupling agent component from the imaging system. By using electromagnetic sensing through coil arrays, the system no longer requires any intermediary substance between the sensor and the body, completely removing the source of allergic reactions and coupling agent-related image quality problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the acoustic coupling mechanism with electromagnetic coupling. Instead of using coupling agents to bridge acoustic impedance gaps, the system uses electromagnetic fields that can penetrate and sense through the body without requiring physical or chemical intermediaries.
3Measurement precision
If electrodes are tightly adhered to reduce contact impedance, then signal quality is improved, but air gaps form on curved body surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical electrode-skin contact system with an electromagnetic sensing system. The coil array can be positioned near the body surface without requiring tight adhesion, as electromagnetic fields can penetrate through air gaps and still induce eddy currents in the underlying tissues for sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electromagnetic fields as an intermediary that can bridge air gaps between the sensing device and the body surface. Unlike electrical contact through electrodes that requires direct skin adherence, electromagnetic fields can couple through the air gap to sense tissue properties below.
4Ease of operation
If excitation current follows isotropic paths in high impedance body, then measurement is simplified, but deep tissue imaging is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the sensing system dynamic by using multiple coils that can be selectively activated and positioned. The coil array can dynamically adjust which coils are active and their configuration to optimize sensing at different depths and locations, enabling progressive penetration into deeper tissues through coordinated multi-coil operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sensing function across multiple coils arranged in an array. Each coil can target specific depth zones or tissue regions, and the combined data from multiple coils reconstructs deep tissue images. This segmentation allows the system to overcome the limited penetration depth of single-isotropic current paths.
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 non-contact, cost-effective, and deep tissue imaging suitable for personal and long-term monitoring without the need for professional operation, reducing interference and improving signal quality.
Implementation Method 1
an eddy current measurement unit configured to drive the plurality of coils to perform an eddy current sensing measurement
Implementation Method 2
drive the plurality of coils to perform an eddy current sensing measurement and acquire a plurality of eddy current sensing results
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an imaging device. The imaging device includes a coil array including a plurality of coils, and a control module coupled to the coil array. The control module includes an eddy current measurement unit and an imaging unit. The eddy current measurement unit is configured to drive the plurality of coils to perform an eddy current sensing measurement and acquire a plurality of eddy current sensing results. The imaging unit is configured to form an eddy current sensing image according to the plurality of eddy current sensing results.