Head EMT Scanner Matching Media for Bone Shielding
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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 development of an electromagnetic tomographic system that includes a base, an imaging chamber, multiple rings of antennas, dedicated antenna controllers with RF transceiver circuitry, and an image processing computer system. This system employs improved matching media formulations, localized antenna control circuitry, simultaneous data measurements, enhanced EM fields calibration, and advanced normalization techniques to enhance imaging accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electromagnetic tomography is used to image high dielectric contrast objects like the human brain, then imaging capability is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to bone shielding and complex field distributions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces matching media as an intermediary substance placed in the imaging chamber to compensate for the shielding effect of bone structures. The matching media has dielectric properties that intermediate between air and brain tissue, allowing electromagnetic fields to penetrate more uniformly through the imaging domain and reducing the harmful shielding effect of the skull.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs advanced normalization techniques that dynamically adjust measurement parameters to account for variations in electromagnetic field distribution caused by high dielectric contrast objects. By changing the normalization parameters based on measured field characteristics, the system compensates for bone shielding effects and improves imaging precision.
2Measurement precision
If multiple rings of antennas are used to improve imaging coverage, then imaging completeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple independent rings, each with its own dedicated control circuitry. This segmentation allows each ring to be controlled and calibrated independently, simplifying the overall system management while achieving complete imaging coverage through the combination of multiple rings' data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the antenna rings with universal control architecture where each ring can function both as a transmitting array and a receiving array. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate transmit and receive systems, thereby improving imaging completeness while controlling device complexity through shared hardware resources.
3Productivity
If simultaneous data measurements are performed by multiple antennas, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements time-division multiplexing where antennas transmit and receive in periodic cycles rather than simultaneously. Each antenna transmits for a brief period, then listens for responses, creating a periodic pattern of transmission and reception that allows high-speed data acquisition while preventing signal interference through temporal separation.
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 precision in imaging high dielectric contrast objects by accurately measuring and processing electromagnetic field signals, effectively overcoming the challenges posed by bone shielding and complex field distributions.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of antennas, arranged in at least one ring, that are supported by the imaging chamber and encircle the imaging domain
Implementation Method 2
Using EMT, objects such as biological tissues are differentiated and, consequentially, can be imaged based on the differences in the dielectric properties of such objects
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.