Portable RF Brain Imaging Using UWB Transceivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging technologies, such as CT and MRI, are limited by their accessibility, high costs, and potential harmful effects, making it difficult to provide frequent imaging for conditions like Alzheimer's treatment, especially outside of medical facilities.
Innovation Solution
A portable medical imaging device using a radio frequency (RF) array with ultra-wide band (UWB) transceivers, housed in a helmet or blanket configuration, that directs RF signals towards the patient's head or body to generate medical images without ionizing radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CT and MRI imaging are used to obtain high-resolution medical images, then image quality and diagnostic accuracy are improved, but accessibility and availability are worsened due to limited facility access and high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical and electromagnetic systems of CT and MRI machines with a portable RF imaging system using ultra-wideband antennas and signal processing algorithms. This substitution enables high-resolution imaging without requiring large facility infrastructure, thereby improving accessibility while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using ultra-wideband RF signals (3-10 GHz) instead of the higher frequency electromagnetic waves used in CT and MRI. This parameter change allows for portable device design while achieving millimetric resolution through advanced signal processing and multiple antenna arrays
2Speed
If CT imaging is used for rapid diagnosis, then imaging speed is improved, but harmful effects are worsened due to ionizing radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes ionizing radiation with non-ionizing RF electromagnetic fields for tissue imaging. The ultra-wideband RF system achieves rapid imaging through electronic signal processing and multiple antenna arrays, maintaining imaging speed while eliminating harmful radiation exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of electromagnetic exposure into a benefit by using low-power RF signals that are non-ionizing and safe for repeated patient exposure, while still achieving diagnostic-quality images through advanced signal processing techniques
3Measurement precision
If MRI imaging is used for detailed brain imaging, then measurement precision is improved, but harmful factors are worsened due to high power radio frequency and magnetic fields incompatible with metal implants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the high-power magnetic field system of MRI with a portable RF imaging system using ultra-wideband antennas. This substitution maintains brain imaging precision through multiple antenna arrays and signal processing while eliminating magnetic field incompatibility issues for patients with metal implants
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electromagnetic field parameters by using ultra-wideband RF signals at lower power levels compared to MRI. This parameter change enables detailed brain imaging without the high magnetic fields that cause incompatibility with metal implants and medical devices
4Reliability
If frequent MRI scans are performed for Alzheimer's monitoring, then diagnostic capability is improved, but cost and accessibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex MRI systems with a portable RF imaging device that can be deployed in various settings including home environments. This substitution enables frequent Alzheimer's monitoring through simplified device architecture and wireless data transmission, improving reliability while reducing the practical complexity barriers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal imaging platform that can perform multiple diagnostic functions including Alzheimer's monitoring, stroke detection, and tumor imaging. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable disease monitoring capabilities
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 portable device provides safe, frequent, and cost-effective medical imaging with millimetric resolution, enabling early detection and monitoring of diseases like Alzheimer's, and can be used in emergency situations or outside of medical facilities.
Implementation Method 1
a radio frequency array including a plurality of ultra-wide band (UWB) transceivers distributed in the radio frequency absorbing material configured to direct radio frequency signals towards the patient's head and to detect radio frequency signals emitted by other transceivers
Implementation Method 2
a radio frequency absorbing material positioned in the interior cavity of the housing
Implementation Method 3
a radio frequency matching liquid configured to be positioned between the radio frequency absorbing material and the patient's head received within the cavity of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A portable medical imaging device includes a housing defining an interior cavity sized to receive a head of a patient. The device also includes a radio frequency absorbing material positioned in the interior cavity of the housing and a matching liquid configured to be positioned between the radio frequency absorbing material and the patient's head received within the cavity of the housing. The device also includes a radio frequency array including a plurality of ultra-wide band (UWB) transceivers distributed in the radio frequency absorbing material configured to direct radio frequency signals towards the patient's head and to detect radio frequency signals emitted by other transceivers of the plurality of UWB transceivers; and at least one controller. The at least one controller is configured to receive and process information about the radio frequency signals detected by the plurality of UWB transceivers for generation of medical images of the patient's head.