Inverse Scattering Imaging Using Voltage Ratio Measurements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging techniques for soft tissues lack effective methods to differentiate between benign and malignant tissues using electromagnetic and mechanical properties, and there is a gap in linking volume integral equations (VIE) to measurement quantities, especially in full-wave antenna models for inverse scattering applications.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining an incident field, using a volume integral equation (VIE) with a vector Green's function to predict voltage ratio measurements, collecting actual measurements, and comparing them to determine properties of the object, employing a full-wave antenna model to link field quantities to scalar voltage measurements, and using an inverse scattering algorithm to reconstruct object properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional imaging techniques (time-domain focusing or inverse scattering) are used for soft tissue imaging, then imaging capability is provided, but the ability to accurately differentiate between benign and malignant tissues is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from traditional single-point measurements to voltage ratio measurements across multiple frequencies. By measuring voltage ratios at multiple frequency points and analyzing the frequency-dependent scattering characteristics, the system achieves better tissue differentiation accuracy without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical scanning or complex multi-element array systems with a simplified antenna-based voltage ratio measurement system. By using full-wave antenna models and volume integral equations, the system achieves accurate tissue characterization through electrical field interactions rather than mechanical or optical methods
2Measurement precision
If volume integral equations (VIE) are used to model scattering, then field distribution can be calculated, but there is a gap in linking VIE to actual measurement quantities (voltage ratios)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary relationship between the volume integral equation field calculations and actual voltage ratio measurements. By using the full-wave antenna model to compute voltage ratios from the calculated field distributions, the system creates a direct quantitative link between theoretical VIE models and experimental measurements, enabling accurate inverse scattering reconstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where measured voltage ratios are compared with VIE-predicted voltage ratios, and the object properties are iteratively adjusted to minimize the difference. This feedback mechanism bridges the gap between theoretical modeling and experimental measurement, achieving accurate tissue property reconstruction
3Measurement precision
If full-wave antenna models are used to link field quantities to voltage measurements, then measurement accuracy improves, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses partial wave expansions and frequency-domain formulations that capture the essential physics of full-wave antenna interactions without requiring complete numerical integration over all spatial and temporal domains. By using voltage ratio measurements at discrete frequency points rather than continuous time-domain signals, the system achieves accurate results with reduced computational power requirements
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
This approach enables non-invasive imaging of tissue properties, improving diagnostic capabilities by accurately differentiating between benign and malignant tissues and providing a direct link between VIE and measurement quantities, enhancing the accuracy of soft tissue imaging.
Implementation Method 1
at least one transmitting antenna for transmitting probing field radiation towards a target object, at least one receiving antenna for receiving at least some of the radiation that is scattered by the target object
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system and method in which the system carries out the method which includes the steps of: (a) determining an incident field, (b) using the incident field and a volume integral equation (VIE) to determine a total field, (c) predicting voltage ratio measurement at a receiving antenna by using the volume integral equation (VIE), wherein the VIE includes a vector Green's function, (d) collecting voltage ratio measurements from one or more receiving antennas, and (e) comparing the predicted voltage ratio measurements to the collected voltage ratio measurements to determine one or more properties of the object being evaluated. An S-parameter based inverse scattering method using the vector Green's function and VIE as its core is also described.