Microwave Breast Imaging Surface Location Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microwave breast imaging techniques face challenges in accurately determining the breast surface location relative to the antennas, which is unknown a priori and varies among patients, affecting the detection and localization of tumors.
Innovation Solution
A system using a plurality of antennas and a processor processes received microwave signals to estimate the breast surface location based on geometric principles and significant backscatter, determining propagation time to each antenna and fitting tangent points to define the surface curve, enabling accurate imaging algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If microwave signals are used for breast imaging, then ionizing radiation exposure is eliminated, but the breast surface location relative to antennas becomes unknown and variable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by estimating the breast surface location before performing tumor detection and localization. The system uses geometric principles and backscatter signal analysis to determine surface position in advance, which then enables accurate subsequent imaging operations. This preliminary estimation resolves the measurement precision problem by establishing a reference frame before the main imaging task.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the microwave backscatter signals themselves to determine breast surface location, rather than requiring separate measurement tools or a priori knowledge. The reflected signals contain embedded information about surface position that the system extracts and uses to calibrate its own operation, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for external reference measurements.
2Reliability
If the breast surface location is not accurately determined, then tumor detection algorithms cannot account for propagation effects, but acquiring surface location information requires additional measurement complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the microwave antenna system multi-functional by using the same antennas that transmit imaging signals also to receive backscatter signals for surface location estimation. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate measurement devices while improving tumor detection reliability through accurate propagation effect compensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces geometric principles and signal processing algorithms as intermediaries that connect the raw backscatter signals to the breast surface location information. These computational mediaries extract surface position data from the reflected signals without requiring additional physical measurement hardware, thus avoiding increased device complexity while improving detection accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If breast surface location varies from patient to patient and antenna to antenna, then standardized imaging protocols become ineffective, but adaptive surface estimation requires complex geometric calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by estimating the breast surface location independently for each antenna position rather than assuming a uniform surface model. The system calculates tangent points and propagation paths specific to each antenna-breast interface, adapting to local variations in patient anatomy and antenna placement while using systematic geometric methods to manage the 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
This approach allows for precise breast surface location determination, enhancing the detection and localization of tumors by accounting for propagation effects and minimizing clutter, thereby improving the resolution and accuracy of microwave breast imaging.
Implementation Method 1
the reflection from the breast surface dominates the initial portion of the received signal and should be removed to allow for the detection and for the location of tumors within the breast tissue
Implementation Method 2
account for propagation effects in the design of high-performance lesion detection and imaging algorithms
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system of determining a surface location defining an interface between an object to image and an antenna is provided. The method uses geometric principles and the fact that an impedance mismatch at the interface results in significant reflection. A propagation time from the surface to each antenna of a plurality of antennas is estimated. The propagation time locates the surface on a circle centered at each antenna and having a radius calculated using the propagation time. A tangent line connects the intersection of adjacent circles with the surface. The surface is estimated to be located at the tangent point where the circle and the shared tangent line between adjacent antennas intersect. Multiple tangent points may be averaged for each interior antenna. A curve is fit to the set of tangent points to provide an estimate of the surface location.