Scattered-Wave Imaging Arrays for Precise Object Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging an object in a measurement area using measurement data of scattered waves is challenging, particularly when multiple transmitters and receivers coordinate, leading to coarse granularity of information and difficulty in accurately imaging the object.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device utilizing transmitter and receiver arrays that operate in conjunction, with an information processing circuit deriving scattering field and imaging functions to efficiently image the object using measurement data, allowing for coordinated transmission and reception of waves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple transmitters and receivers are used to transmit and receive waves in coordination, then the coverage and detection capability are improved, but the granularity of information becomes coarse and imaging accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement area into multiple pixel regions and processes scattering field data for each pixel separately. By segmenting the imaging space and applying focused backprojection to each segment, the system achieves high imaging accuracy without requiring an excessive number of transmitters and receivers, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension by using pulsed wave transmission and time-resolved scattering field measurement. This allows the system to achieve three-dimensional imaging capability (spatial distribution) using wave propagation in four dimensions (three spatial + time), reducing the need for additional spatial transmitters and receivers while maintaining high imaging accuracy.
2Loss of information
If multiple transmitters and receivers operate in coordination, then the information coverage is improved, but the computational complexity and processing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores the Green's function (scattering field response) for each pixel position before actual imaging. This preliminary computation allows the system to quickly reconstruct images by simply combining pre-computed data with measured scattering fields, significantly reducing real-time computational complexity while maintaining complete information coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a focused backprojection algorithm that automatically utilizes the measured scattering field data from all transmitter-receiver pairs to reconstruct the dielectric constant distribution. The algorithm self-organizes the computational process by iterating through each pixel and accumulating contributions from all measurement channels, efficiently utilizing the complete information set without requiring complex external processing.
3Measurement precision
If a plurality of transmitters and receivers are arranged to image objects, then the imaging capability is improved, but the arrangement complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the transmitter and receiver arrays to be multi-functional: the same array configuration can image objects at different depths and positions by adjusting the focal depth parameter in the backprojection algorithm. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized array configurations, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining high imaging capability across different scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves different imaging capabilities by changing software parameters (such as focal depth, frequency, and pulse timing) rather than physically reconfiguring the transmitter and receiver arrays. This parameter-based control allows a single fixed array arrangement to perform multiple imaging functions, significantly reducing the complexity and cost of physical arrangement while preserving full imaging capability.
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 efficient and accurate imaging of objects by deriving scattering field and imaging functions from measurement data, reducing the need for multiple arrays and simplifying arrangement and computation, thereby enhancing imaging precision and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
one or more transmitter arrays each of which includes a plurality of transmitters that are connected in a first direction and operate in conjunction with each other and transmits a wave to a measurement area via the plurality of transmitters; one or more receiver arrays each of which includes a plurality of receivers that are connected in a second direction different from the first direction and operate in conjunction with each other and receives a scattered wave of the wave from the measurement area
Implementation Method 2
derives, using the measurement data, a scattering field function that receives a transmission position of the wave and a reception position of the scattered wave as input and outputs an amount of the scattered wave at the reception position
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging device (100) includes: one or more transmitter arrays (111) each of which transmits a wave to a measurement area via a plurality of transmitters (101) that are connected in a first direction and operate in conjunction with each other; one or more receiver arrays (112) each of which receives a scattered wave of the wave from the measurement area via a plurality of receivers (102) that are connected in a second direction different from the first direction and operate in conjunction with each other; and an information processing circuit (130) that images an object in the measurement area using measurement data of the scattered wave. The information processing circuit (130) derives a scattering field function using the measurement data, derives an imaging function using the scattering field function, and images the object using the imaging function.