EPR Particle Distribution Reconstruction Using Numerical Inverse Models

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for quantitatively imaging and spatially reconstructing magnetic nanoparticles using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) measurements lack accuracy and efficiency, failing to provide reliable concentration distribution data essential for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilize a numerical inverse model to process EPR measurement data, applying a linear model with a system matrix to derive and refine particle distribution, incorporating a quality control mechanism to optimize the reconstruction process through singular value decomposition and additional measurements, allowing for accurate concentration profile determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a numerical inverse model is applied to solve the inverse problem of deriving particle distribution from EPR measurement data, then the spatial reconstruction accuracy is improved, but the computational complexity and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial reconstruction accuracyVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the system matrix (Leadfield matrix) that relates particle distributions to EPR measurements. This matrix is computed beforehand based on the measurement geometry and EPR physics, allowing the inverse problem to be solved more efficiently during actual reconstruction without repeating complex forward calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through an iterative reconstruction process where the solution is refined by comparing estimated measurements (from the forward model applied to the current particle distribution estimate) with actual EPR measurements. The reconstruction is updated iteratively based on the difference between estimated and measured data, improving accuracy while managing computational load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If additional measurements are taken to improve the quality of particle distribution reconstruction, then the measurement precision increases, but the measurement time and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereconstruction qualityVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by selecting only the most informative measurements for the reconstruction process. Through singular value decomposition of the system matrix, the method identifies and utilizes only the significant singular values and corresponding measurements that contribute meaningfully to reconstruction quality, avoiding the need to process all possible measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes parameters by adjusting the number and configuration of measurement points, the spatial resolution of the reconstruction grid, and the cutoff threshold for singular values in the decomposition. These parameter optimizations allow achieving acceptable reconstruction quality with fewer measurements, reducing measurement time while maintaining essential accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If singular value decomposition is used to optimize the reconstruction by selecting optimal singular values, then the reconstruction accuracy is improved, but the computational processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereconstruction accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential information from the full measurement dataset by performing singular value decomposition and retaining only the significant singular values above a certain threshold. This extraction process separates the meaningful signal from noise and redundant information, improving reconstruction accuracy while reducing the computational burden of processing all data components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Measurement precision

If the system matrix is extended with additional measurements to increase the size of singular values, then the reconstruction quality is improved, but the device complexity and data processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesingular value magnitudeVSAvoidsystem matrix complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves universality by designing a flexible system matrix framework that can accommodate different measurement configurations, geometries, and particle distributions within a unified reconstruction approach. The same inverse problem-solving methodology and singular value decomposition technique apply regardless of the specific measurement setup, reducing the need for specialized processing for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 precise spatial reconstruction and concentration profiling of magnetic nanoparticles, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of particle distribution data, thereby improving the suitability and safety of magnetic nanoparticle-based therapies and diagnostics.

Implementation Method 1

electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurement data of the object under study

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectron paramagnetic resonance: Electron Paramagnetic Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP2901141B1Methods and systems for determining a particle distribution by means of electron paramagnetic resonance data
Publication Date: 2022.11.02 PEPRIC
  • EP2901141B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2901141B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2901141B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Methods and systems for determining a particle distribution A system (100) for determining a reconstruction of a particle distribution in an object based on electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurement data of the object comprising the distribution of particles is described. The system (100) comprises a data obtaining means (110) for obtaining electron paramagnetic resonance measurement data of the object under study. The system also comprises a processor (120) for processing the obtained data by applying a numerical model for solving a numerical inverse problem of deriving from the electron paramagnetic resonance measurement data a reconstruction of the particle distribution. The system furthermore comprises an output means (130) for outputting data based on the derived reconstruction of the particle distribution.