Dielectric Tomography Imaging Using Microwave Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging technologies face limitations in providing high-resolution, non-invasive characterization of dielectric properties of biological tissues, particularly in distinguishing healthy from cancerous tissues and monitoring conditions like strokes and bone density, due to limitations in resolution and safety concerns with ionizing radiation.
Innovation Solution
A dielectric tomography system that uses microwave radiofrequency signals within the 10 MHz to 10 GHz range to image tissues by positioning objects under test within an electromagnetic field, determining permittivity information through phase and magnitude measurements, and computing images based on calibration and characterization data, allowing for three-dimensional imaging with improved resolution and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If X-rays are used for CT scans to achieve high-resolution imaging, then imaging resolution is improved, but ionizing radiation exposure increases causing safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of electromagnetic radiation type from ionizing X-rays to non-ionizing microwave radiation. This substitution maintains imaging capability while eliminating the harmful ionizing radiation effect, directly resolving the contradiction between imaging resolution and safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the X-ray imaging mechanism with a microwave-based dielectric tomography mechanism. Instead of using high-energy photons, the system uses microwave electromagnetic fields to probe tissue dielectric properties, achieving imaging through a different physical mechanism that is inherently safer
2Object-affected harmful factors
If microwave frequencies are used for dielectric tomography to ensure safety, then radiation safety is improved, but imaging resolution may be reduced compared to X-ray CT
Solution Approach 1:
The patent operates in the ultra-wideband microwave frequency range (300 MHz to 300 GHz), utilizing higher frequencies within the microwave spectrum. This frequency selection enables shorter wavelengths that support higher resolution imaging while maintaining the safety advantage of non-ionizing radiation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct density-based imaging (X-ray attenuation) with dielectric property-based imaging. By measuring complex permittivity (real and imaginary parts) of tissues, the system achieves contrast based on water content and molecular composition, providing functional and structural information with potentially higher effective resolution
3Measurement precision
If complex permittivity measurements are performed to differentiate tissue types, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but processing time and computational power increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs calibration measurements using electromagnetic scattering devices with known dielectric properties before actual tissue imaging. This preliminary calibration establishes reference data and system characteristics, enabling faster and more accurate reconstruction of tissue permittivity maps during actual imaging without requiring extensive real-time computation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses iterative reconstruction algorithms that incorporate feedback from measured scattering data to progressively refine the estimated tissue permittivity distribution. The system compares measured data with simulated data from current estimates and adjusts the model accordingly, converging to an accurate solution efficiently
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 accurate differentiation of healthy and cancerous tissues, effective monitoring of conditions like strokes and bone density, and reduces processing time and power required for image reconstruction, providing a safer and more efficient imaging modality compared to existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
at least one transmit antenna configured to transmit a radio frequency signal within a frequency range from approximately 10 MHz to 10 GHz
Implementation Method 2
determining permittivity information associated with the object under test based at least in part on phase and magnitude measurements of the one or more radio frequency signals received by the one or more receive antennas
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided for sensing, detecting, characterizing, and imaging dielectric objects using microwave signals. An example of a method for obtaining an image with a dielectric tomography system includes positioning an object in at least a portion of an electromagnetic field of a characterized sensor including at least one transmit antenna configured to transmit a radio frequency signal within 10 MHz and 10 GHz, positioning one or more receive antennas configured to receive one or more radio frequency signals scattered by the object, determining permittivity information associated with the object based at least in part on phase and magnitude measurements of the one or more radio frequency signals received by the one or more receive antennas, and computing one or more images based on the permittivity information and calibration information associated with the characterized sensor.