Microwave Tomographic Imaging for Low-Cost First-Level Tumor Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current imaging techniques for diagnosing intracranial arachnoid cysts and tumors, such as CT and NMR, are limited by high operational costs, the need for specialized environments, and the use of ionizing radiation, making them unsuitable for first-level assessments in small medical practices and hospitals.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus using microwaves for tomographic imaging, employing electromagnetic waves between 0.3 and 110 GHz to detect tumors and cysts, which does not require ionizing radiation and specialized environments, utilizing a system of antennas and signal processing to reconstruct images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If CT or NMR machines are used for imaging, then diagnostic capability is improved, but operational cost and structure complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical imaging systems (CT/NMR) with a microwave-based electromagnetic field system. The apparatus uses microwave antennas to transmit electromagnetic waves through the body and detect reflected signals, eliminating the need for complex mechanical scanning mechanisms and heavy shielding structures required by CT and NMR machines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental imaging parameter from ionizing radiation (CT) or strong magnetic fields (NMR) to microwave electromagnetic waves. This parameter change enables the system to achieve diagnostic capability while reducing structural complexity and operational costs, as microwaves do not require specialized shielding or complex field generation systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If CT machines are used, then imaging capability is improved, but ionizing radiation risk to patient increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidionizing radiation risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the non-ionizing nature of microwave radiation from a potential limitation into a beneficial feature. By using microwave electromagnetic waves instead of ionizing radiation, the system achieves imaging capability while eliminating radiation risk to the patient, turning a safety constraint into a therapeutic advantage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Measurement precision

If CT or NMR machines are used, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but operational cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidoperational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a simplified apparatus design that can be manufactured at lower cost compared to expensive CT and NMR machines. The system uses standard electromagnetic wave generation components and signal processing equipment, reducing manufacturing and operational costs while maintaining diagnostic accuracy for detecting intracranial arachnoid cysts and tumors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Measurement precision

If specialized environments are used for CT and NMR, then imaging quality is improved, but device portability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging qualityVSAvoiddevice portability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential imaging function from the complex environmental requirements of CT and NMR machines. By using microwave electromagnetic waves that do not require specialized shielding or controlled environments, the system achieves imaging quality while eliminating the need for dedicated facility infrastructure, thereby enabling portability and deployment in various medical settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 microwave-based apparatus provides cost-effective, rapid, and accurate diagnostic imaging, reducing costs by 10 to 1000 times compared to CT and MRI, enabling first-level diagnoses in small practices and eliminating the need for specialized environments.

Implementation Method 1

The invention consists of an apparatus for carrying out tomographies by means of microwaves, in order to detect any tumour masses and/or cysts in a subject early on

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave transmission and reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The invention also consists of a protocol for using this apparatus and a system which links the data acquired by a multiplicity of apparatuses as described below

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrowave radiation interaction with tissue: Microwave Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS12481077B2Apparatus and method for acquiring tomographic images using microwaves

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 ISTITUTO NAZIONALE DI FISICA NUCLEARE

AI summary

The invention consists of an apparatus and method for first level detection of tumour masses, pleural effusions and cysts, using time-of-flight reflectometry and dielectric spectroscopy, with the advantage of speeding up the diagnosis of these pathologies compared to the use of Computerized Tomography (CT) and/or Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR).