Microwave Breast Imaging via Surface Impedance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current breast cancer imaging methods, such as X-ray mammography, pose risks due to ionizing radiation, are painful, limited in detecting tumors close to the rib cage, and ineffective for smaller tumors, with no suitable alternatives available.
Innovation Solution
A breast cancer imaging device using continuous microwave electromagnetic waves to estimate surface impedance through mechanical scanning with fewer antennas, eliminating the need for compression and enabling non-invasive detection of tumors by analyzing scattered electric fields and dielectric parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If X-ray mammography is used for breast tumor diagnosis, then imaging capability is provided, but ionizing radiation exposure occurs which may cause cancer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of electromagnetic radiation type from ionizing (X-ray) to non-ionizing (microwave). By operating in the microwave frequency band (typically 1-10 GHz), the system provides imaging capability without the harmful ionizing effects of X-rays, thus resolving the contradiction between imaging reliability and radiation safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful ionizing radiation approach into a beneficial non-ionizing microwave approach. Instead of using high-energy X-rays that can cause cancer, the system uses low-energy microwave radiation that is safe for repeated exposure, turning a harmful diagnostic method into a safe one while maintaining tumor detection capability
2Measurement precision
If breast compression is applied during mammography, then imaging quality is improved, but patient pain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical compression system with an electromagnetic field-based measurement system. Instead of physically compressing the breast between plates to improve imaging, the system uses microwave electromagnetic waves to penetrate and image the breast tissue in its natural state, eliminating patient pain while maintaining imaging quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the imaging parameter from mechanical compression to electromagnetic wave interaction. By measuring the scattering parameters (S-parameters) of microwave waves as they interact with breast tissue, the system obtains imaging data without any mechanical force applied to the patient, thus resolving the contradiction between imaging quality and patient comfort
3Ease of operation
If breast compression is performed before imaging, then tumors near rib cage become accessible, but detection accuracy for compressed areas decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical compression with electromagnetic wave scattering measurement. Since the system uses microwave waves to probe the breast tissue without physical contact or compression, tumors near the rib cage remain in their natural positions and can be accurately detected through their electromagnetic scattering characteristics, resolving both accessibility and detection accuracy
4Area of stationary object
If multiple antennas are used for scanning, then measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into multiple frequency points and scanning positions rather than using numerous simultaneous antennas. By mechanically or electronically scanning a smaller number of antennas across different positions and frequencies, the system achieves comprehensive measurement coverage while keeping the antenna array size manageable, thus resolving the contradiction between coverage and complexity
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 safe, pain-free, and accurate detection of tumors of various sizes, including smaller ones near the rib cage, without ionizing radiation, using harmless microwave frequencies and advanced imaging algorithms for malignancy classification.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the electric field due to the scattering of the electromagnetic waves excited by antennas moving mechanically on a hemispherical surface
Implementation Method 2
uses electromagnetic waves in microwave band
Implementation Method 3
estimate surface impedance on breast surface by measuring the electric field due to the scattering of the electromagnetic waves
Data Source
AI summary
A breast cancer imaging device with microwave surface impedance is a device which is used for imaging tumors in breast tissue using harmless electromagnetic waves in microwave band. It performs this function by using harmless electromagnetic waves without using X-ray. Thus, it can be performed in desired frequency, as many times as desired. Since compressing the breasts is no longer required, it is not a painful imaging process for the patient; moreover, it does not fail to detect the tumors that are close to the rib cage.