Microwave Imaging System Tissue Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging techniques require biopsies for tissue identification, which can be invasive and unnecessary, as they lack the ability to provide sufficient information about tissue types without further testing.
Innovation Solution
A microwave imaging system with a transmitting antenna array and receiving antennas that process scattering parameters across a range of frequencies to classify tissue types as malignant or benign, reducing the need for biopsies by generating an output indicative of internal body structures and analyzing changes in scattering parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional medical imaging techniques are used, then tissue identification can be performed, but biopsies are required which are invasive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces microwave signals as an intermediary to probe tissue properties indirectly. Instead of directly examining tissue through biopsy, the system transmits microwave signals through the tissue and analyzes the scattered signals to infer tissue characteristics, thereby avoiding invasive procedures while maintaining diagnostic accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical biopsy procedure with a non-invasive electromagnetic field-based measurement system. The microwave imaging system uses electromagnetic waves to interact with tissue and extract diagnostic information, substituting the mechanical extraction and physical examination of tissue samples
2Reliability
If biopsies are performed for tissue identification, then definitive diagnosis can be obtained, but patient discomfort and additional testing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the natural scattering properties of different tissue types when exposed to microwave signals. The way tissue scatters microwave energy - a natural physical phenomenon - becomes a diagnostic advantage, allowing differentiation between benign and malignant tissues based on their unique scattering signatures without causing harm to the patient
3Measurement precision
If scattering parameters are analyzed across multiple frequencies, then tissue classification accuracy improves, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex scattering parameter data into distinct frequency ranges (first and second frequency ranges). By dividing the frequency spectrum into separate bands and analyzing scattering parameters independently in each range, the system simplifies the processing of multi-frequency data while maintaining the ability to accurately classify tissue types based on the combined information
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 non-invasive tissue classification by projecting scattering parameters into a reference coordinate space, allowing for accurate identification and classification of tissue types, potentially eliminating the need for biopsies in certain cases.
Implementation Method 1
the receiving antennas are configured to receive the microwave signals following scattering within the body part and acquire data representing the received microwave signals affected by scattering arising from objects within the body part
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed a microwave imaging system comprising a microwave antenna array comprising a transmitting antenna and a plurality of receiving antennas, wherein the transmitting antenna is configured to transmit microwave signals over a range of frequencies so as to illuminate a body part of a patient and the receiving antennas are configured to receive the microwave signals following scattering within the body part. A processor is configured to obtain a set of scattering parameters for the microwave signals over the range of frequencies and, using the scattering parameters, generate an output indicative of the internal structure of the body part to identify a region of interest within the body part. The processor is further configured to classify the region of interest based on a type of tissue therein by analysing the change of the scattering parameters for the region of interest over the range of frequencies.