Scattering Tomography With Multi-Day Imaging for Persistent Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Generating a reconstructed image showing elements inside an object using scattered waves of radio waves, particularly identifying persistent elements such as malignant tumors, is challenging due to the difficulty in solving the inverse problem when measurement data is known.
Innovation Solution
A scattering tomography device utilizing a transmitting antenna, receiving antenna, and an information processing circuit that generates a reconstructed image by calculating scattering field functions and visualization functions based on multiple measurements over time, employing logical conjunctions to identify persistent elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If scattered waves are used to generate reconstructed images of elements inside an object, then non-invasive imaging is achieved, but the ability to identify persistent elements such as malignant tumors is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by conducting multiple measurements over time before final image generation. Intermediate images are generated from each measurement, and then logical conjunction is applied to these intermediate images to produce the final reconstructed image showing only persistent elements. This preliminary multi-measurement approach resolves the technical contradiction by preparing data in advance that enables reliable persistent element identification while managing the complexity of the inverse problem through staged processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by repeatedly measuring scattered waves at different time points. Multiple measurements are taken periodically, with each measurement generating an intermediate image. The final reconstructed image is obtained by applying logical conjunction to these periodically obtained intermediate images, thereby identifying elements that persist across all measurement periods. This periodic measurement strategy improves identification reliability while systematically managing computational complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple measurements are taken over time to identify persistent elements, then identification reliability is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing measurements at discrete time points rather than continuous monitoring. The number of measurements is sufficient to identify persistent elements through logical conjunction but not excessive. Each measurement produces an intermediate image, and the logical conjunction operation efficiently combines these partial results to reveal persistent elements, achieving reliable identification without unnecessary time expenditure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by generating intermediate images from each measurement that replicate the measurement data in visual form. These intermediate images serve as copies of the scattered wave information at different time points. By copying the essential information into intermediate image form, the system enables efficient logical conjunction operations to identify persistent elements, reducing the time required for final analysis while maintaining high identification reliability.
3Loss of information
If scattered wave data is processed to show all elements, then complete imaging is achieved, but persistent elements cannot be distinguished from transient elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the image generation process into distinct stages: first generating intermediate images from individual measurements, then applying logical conjunction to these segmented intermediate images to produce the final reconstructed image. This segmentation separates transient elements (which appear in only some intermediate images) from persistent elements (which appear in all intermediate images), thereby preserving information about element persistence while managing processing complexity through modular steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inversion by applying logical conjunction (finding common elements) rather than logical disjunction (finding all elements). Instead of displaying all elements that appear in any measurement, the method inverts the approach to display only elements that appear in all measurements. This inverted logic effectively filters out transient elements while preserving persistent element information, reducing information loss while keeping processing complexity manageable through standard logical operations.
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 the generation of a reconstructed image showing persistent elements, allowing for the identification of malignant tumors or other stable cells within the human body using scattered waves of radio waves.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitting antenna that transmits radio waves into an interior of an object from outside the object; a receiving antenna that receives, outside the object, scattered waves of the radio waves transmitted into the interior of the object
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A scattering tomography device (100) includes: a transmitting antenna (101) that transmits radio waves into an interior of an object; a receiving antenna (102) that receives, outside the object, scattered waves of the radio waves; and an information processing circuit (103) that obtains measurement results over a plurality of days and generates a reconstructed image showing a persistent element inside the object based on the measurement results. The information processing circuit (103) calculates a scattering field function for each of the measurement results, calculates a visualization function for each of the measurement results, generates intermediate images for the measurement results, and generates a reconstructed image by calculating a minimum value of an image intensity at each position in the intermediate images using a logical conjunction.