Millimeter Wave 3-D Breast Imaging System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting tumors, such as backscatter radar and microwave dielectric spectroscopy, face limitations in accuracy, resolution, and sensitivity to environmental conditions, particularly in distinguishing between normal and malignant tissues due to their limitations in frequency range and sample size considerations.
Innovation Solution
A millimeter wave 3-D imaging system utilizing a quasi-optical millimeter wave spectrometer with a backward-wave oscillator (BWO) providing high-power radiation from 30 to 120 GHz, modulated by a ferrite modulator and transmitted through dielectric compression plates to achieve high-resolution imaging with reduced scattering and computational load, processing data using Total Variation or Tikhonov regularization for enhanced image reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If microwave signals are used for tissue imaging, then penetration depth is improved, but resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from microwave frequency range to millimeter wave frequency range, changing the electromagnetic parameter to achieve both adequate penetration depth and high resolution simultaneously. The millimeter wave system operates at frequencies that provide shorter wavelengths for better resolution while maintaining sufficient tissue penetration capability.
2Measurement precision
If millimeter wave signals are used for tissue imaging, then resolution is improved, but penetration depth deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses high-power millimeter wave signals that can penetrate deeper into tissue by increasing the energy density, effectively 'rushing through' the tissue to achieve both high resolution and adequate penetration depth that would not be possible with conventional low-power millimeter wave systems.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If backscatter radar techniques are used for tumor detection, then detection capability is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes the natural dielectric contrast between cancerous and normal tissues at millimeter wave frequencies, eliminating the need for complex backscatter radar algorithms. By directly measuring dielectric properties through transmission, the system achieves tumor detection with significantly reduced computational complexity.
4Measurement precision
If microwave dielectric spectroscopy is used for cancer detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but sensitivity to environmental conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based microwave probe measurements with non-contact millimeter wave transmission measurements through compression plates. This substitution eliminates the mechanical interface between probe and tissue, removing the primary source of environmental sensitivity while preserving dielectric spectroscopy accuracy.
5Length of moving object
If high power is used for deeper tissue penetration, then penetration depth is improved, but scattering increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies compression plates to flatten and compress the breast tissue before millimeter wave transmission, creating a more uniform propagation path. This preliminary action reduces scattering centers in the tissue, allowing high-power signals to penetrate deeper without excessive scattering, thereby achieving both deep penetration and clear imaging.
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 system achieves higher power and resolution for deeper tissue penetration, effectively differentiating between normal and cancerous tissues based on dielectric properties, offering improved accuracy and reduced noise in imaging, enabling clear 3-D breast tissue imaging.
Implementation Method 1
Higher power backward wave oscillators can provide higher power and stable millimeter wave matching this requirement
Implementation Method 2
modulating the radiation using a ferrite modulator
Implementation Method 3
compressing the tissue between a pair of dielectric compression plates
Implementation Method 4
transmitting the modulated radiation into a paraxial Gaussian beam through the compressed tissue
Implementation Method 5
detecting tissue image amplitude and in phase data as a function of frequency
Implementation Method 6
There is a great difference in dielectric properties between cancerous tissue and normal tissue in microwave frequencies
Implementation Method 7
processing data using Total Variation or Tikhonov regularization for enhanced image reconstruction
Data Source
AI summary
A system for imaging tissue includes a millimeter wave Quasi-optical backward wave oscillator. Tumorous tissue is detected in a reconstructed image using solvable inverse image reconstruction techniques. In one embodiment, three-dimensional breast imaging is enabled by providing radiation as a focused energy beam over a wide frequency range and at power levels to penetrate breast tissue disposed within dielectric compression plates.