Head EMT Scanner Calibration for Bone-Shielded Brain Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electromagnetic tomography (EMT) systems face challenges in accurately imaging high dielectric contrast objects, such as the human brain, due to the complexity of electromagnetic field distribution within the imaging domain and the shielding effect of bone structures.
Innovation Solution
The proposed electromagnetic tomographic system includes a base, an imaging chamber, multiple rings of antennas, dedicated antenna controllers with superheterodyne technology-based architecture, and an image processing computer system. This system employs improved matching media formulations, localized antenna control, simultaneous data measurements, enhanced EM fields calibration, and normalization techniques to overcome the challenges of high dielectric contrast imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electromagnetic tomography systems use conventional imaging methods, then the system structure is simpler, but the imaging accuracy of high dielectric contrast objects deteriorates due to bone shielding effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the electromagnetic signal processing into multiple stages: signal transmission through antennas, superheterodyne conversion in dedicated controllers, and image reconstruction through algorithms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, achieving high imaging accuracy through sophisticated signal processing while managing overall system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces superheterodyne technology as an intermediary mechanism between the electromagnetic field interaction and the final image reconstruction. Dedicated antenna controllers with superheterodyne converters act as mediators that transform the complex electromagnetic signals into processable data, enabling accurate imaging of high dielectric contrast objects without requiring overly complex direct measurement systems.
2Measurement precision
If the system uses dedicated antenna controllers with superheterodyne technology for each antenna, then the signal generation and measurement accuracy improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each antenna is equipped with its own dedicated controller containing superheterodyne conversion circuitry, segmenting the signal processing function across multiple identical modular units. This segmentation enables standardized manufacturing of controller modules that can be mass-produced and assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the sophisticated functionality of each individual controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of each antenna controller to operate at standardized frequencies and conversion stages. By establishing uniform operating parameters across all dedicated controllers, the system enables consistent manufacturing specifications and simplifies quality control, making the complex system easier to manufacture while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Productivity
If simultaneous data measurements are implemented across multiple antennas, then the imaging speed and productivity improves, but the data processing complexity and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic transmission and measurement cycles where antennas are activated in coordinated sequences. This periodic operation allows simultaneous measurements to be conducted in structured time slots, enabling high imaging speed through parallel data acquisition while managing energy consumption by keeping antennas in low-power states between measurement cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous imaging operation by implementing overlapping measurement cycles where data acquisition from multiple antennas occurs simultaneously and continuously. This continuity enables high productivity through uninterrupted data flow while optimizing energy usage by maintaining steady-state operation of the superheterodyne converters rather than frequent startup and shutdown cycles.
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
The system achieves improved accuracy and precision in generating and communicating electromagnetic signals, enabling effective imaging of high dielectric contrast objects like the human brain, even when shielded by bone structures.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of transmitters located at various points around the object and measured on a plurality of receivers located at various points around the object
Implementation Method 2
each antenna controller includes radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry having a transmit side and a receive side that are alternately connected to the antenna using an RF switch
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic tomographic scanner, for use in imaging a live human body part, includes an imaging chamber, a plurality of antennas, a controller, a lid, and a quantity of matching media. The imaging chamber is supported on the base, defines an imaging domain in that receives the head, and has an open end. The antennas are supported by the imaging chamber and encircle the imaging domain. The controller controls one or more antenna. The lid is attachable to the open end and includes a hollow boundary model that mimics a part of human anatomy that is outside the imaging domain. The matching media fills the interior of the model while an empty field measurement is carried out. Various tensors may be produced.