Backscattered NIR Brain Abnormality Detection With RF Modulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical diagnostic methods for brain abnormalities, such as CT scans, expose patients to unnecessary radiation and are time-consuming, while portable ultrasound devices lack accuracy and require expert training, and backscatter radiation detectors using X-rays pose risks to brain tissue.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing backscattered near-infrared light with RF electromagnetic fields to modulate brain tissue properties, calculating insertion loss and phase difference, and employing deep learning models for accurate brain abnormality detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CT scan is used to detect brain abnormalities, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/X-ray based CT scan system with an optical system using near-infrared light. The light source and detector system measures backscattered light from brain tissue, eliminating ionizing radiation while maintaining diagnostic capability through optical property measurements of hemoglobin and tissue structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces near-infrared light as an intermediary substance to probe brain tissue. Instead of using penetrating X-rays, the system uses NIR light that interacts with hemoglobin and tissue structures, allowing detection of brain abnormalities through optical absorption and scattering measurements without harmful radiation exposure.
2Measurement precision
If CT scan is used to detect brain abnormalities, then diagnostic capability is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex, time-consuming CT scan mechanical system with a portable optical measurement system. The lightweight device with integrated light sources and detectors can be rapidly positioned and operated, providing quick measurements without the lengthy setup and scanning procedures required by CT equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated measurement and analysis capabilities where the device performs multiple measurements and uses algorithms to automatically detect abnormalities. This self-service approach eliminates the need for lengthy manual interpretation and speeds up the diagnostic process.
3Ease of operation
If ultrasound device is used to detect brain abnormalities, then portability is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the ultrasound mechanical system with an optical measurement system using near-infrared light. This substitution maintains the portability advantage of ultrasound while achieving superior measurement accuracy for brain tissue characterization through optical property measurements that are more sensitive to tissue composition and structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures multiple optical parameters including absorption coefficient, scattering coefficient, and hemoglobin concentration. By measuring these multiple parameters simultaneously and using advanced analysis algorithms, the system achieves high measurement accuracy that surpasses single-parameter ultrasound while maintaining portability.
4Measurement precision
If backscatter radiation detector using X-rays is used, then imaging capability is improved, but tissue safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the X-ray backscatter detection system with a near-infrared optical system. The light-based measurement approach provides imaging capability through detection of backscattered and absorbed light, maintaining diagnostic sensitivity while completely eliminating the ionizing radiation hazards associated with X-ray methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses near-infrared light as a safe intermediary to probe brain tissue. The NIR light interacts with tissue through absorption and scattering without causing ionization or damage, unlike X-rays. The light serves as a benign mediator that provides imaging information while preserving tissue safety.
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
Provides a safe, cost-effective, and user-friendly method for detecting brain abnormalities with high sensitivity and specificity, reducing radiation exposure and improving diagnostic speed.
Implementation Method 1
The backscatter pattern is dependent on the material property and is good for imaging organic material
Implementation Method 2
The characteristics of the tissues between them... calculating an insertion loss (IL) and an insertion phase difference (IPD) of the at least one backscattered beam of light
Implementation Method 3
applying an RF electromagnetic field toward the portion of the brain of the patient... the modulation of the brain tissue dielectric properties can reduce scattering and absorption losses of photons of the near infrared light in the brain tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A method of detecting brain abnormalities in a brain of a patient using backscattered light, the method can include: generating at least one pulsed incident beam of light with at least one light source; directing the at least one pulsed incident beam of light toward a portion of the brain of the patient; applying an RF electromagnetic field toward the portion of the brain of the patient; receiving at least one backscattered beam of light from the portion of the brain of the patient; calculating an insertion loss (IL) and an insertion phase difference (IPD) of the at least one backscattered beam of light; and determining if the patient has a brain abnormality based on the calculated insertion loss and the calculated insertion phase difference.