Electromagnetic Tissue Imaging Using Multi-Frequency Scattering Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging technologies are expensive, bulky, and not suitable for rapid, portable, or frequent monitoring, especially in emergency situations, and existing electromagnetic imaging methods suffer from non-unique solutions and inaccurate processing due to multi-reflections and refractions in the human body.
Innovation Solution
A process involving multi-static electromagnetic measurements, data processing, and machine learning to generate rapid images of internal tissues by calculating electric field power values and iteratively updating tissue models based on comparison with generated images, using antenna arrays and signal processing to minimize clutter and reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional medical imaging technologies (ultrasound, CT, MRI) are used, then imaging capability is provided, but cost and accessibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a portable electromagnetic imaging system using inexpensive antenna arrays and standard signal processing equipment instead of expensive MRI/CT scanners. The system uses disposable or reusable electrode patches with integrated antennas that can be applied directly to the patient's head, eliminating the need for costly permanent installation infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces bulky mechanical imaging systems (MRI scanners, CT scanners) with an electromagnetic field-based system using antenna arrays. The imaging is achieved through wireless electromagnetic signal transmission and reception, substituting mechanical moving parts and large magnetic field generation equipment with compact electronic components.
2Reliability
If conventional medical imaging technologies are used, then diagnostic imaging is provided, but portability and rapid deployment are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into separate modular components: antenna arrays that can be independently positioned on the patient's head, a portable signal receiver, and a processing unit. This segmentation allows the system to be transported in small parts and assembled at the point of care, enabling rapid deployment in emergency situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a dynamic, adaptable antenna array configuration that can be repositioned and reconfigured for different patients and imaging scenarios. The system transitions from static hospital-based imaging to a mobile, flexible platform that can be deployed anywhere, including rural clinics and emergency scenes.
3Productivity
If ionizing radiation-based imaging (CT, X-ray) is used, then rapid imaging is provided, but safety and repeated monitoring are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental imaging parameter from ionizing radiation (X-rays, gamma rays) to non-ionizing electromagnetic waves in the microwave/radio frequency range. This parameter change maintains imaging speed while eliminating radiation exposure, enabling safe repeated monitoring of patients over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful ionizing radiation into beneficial non-ionizing electromagnetic waves. By using microwave frequencies that are safe for repeated exposure, the system transforms a harmful imaging modality into a safe one, particularly beneficial for monitoring brain injuries and strokes over time.
4Measurement precision
If tomography-based imaging techniques are used, then detailed tissue property estimation is provided, but processing time and computational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and storing electromagnetic propagation models for different tissue types and anatomical structures. During actual imaging, the system retrieves and applies these pre-computed models rather than performing full tomographic reconstruction, dramatically reducing processing time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent focuses computational resources on estimating tissue properties only in regions of interest or abnormal areas identified during scanning, rather than uniformly processing the entire imaging volume. This localized approach reduces overall processing time while maintaining precision where it matters most for diagnosis.
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 rapid, safe, and cost-effective imaging of internal structures, particularly brain injuries, with improved accuracy and suitability for emergency diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
receiving scattering data representing mono-static or multi-static measurements of scattering of electromagnetic signals from tissues
Implementation Method 2
an injured tissue has different values of the dielectric properties permittivity and conductivity compared to healthy tissues
Data Source
AI summary
A process for medical imaging, the process including:(i) receiving scattering data representing mono-static or multi-static measurements of scattering of electromagnetic signals from tissues of a body part of a subject at a plurality of different signal frequencies, wherein electromagnetic signals are emitted from one or more antennas and the corresponding scattered signals are measured by the one or more antennas;(ii) processing the scattering data to calculate electric field power values at each of a plurality of scattering locations of the subject's tissues within the body part and for each of the plurality of frequencies;(iii) for each of the scattering locations, summing the calculated electric field power values at the scattering location over the plurality of frequencies and the plurality of antennas to generate an image of the tissues within the body part; and(iv) iteratively updating a model of the tissues within the body part based on a comparison of the model with the generated image until a termination criterion is satisfied, wherein the updated model is output as an image of the subject's tissues within the body part.