Sequential Microwave Antenna Arrays for Medical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical systems for diagnosing diseases like colorectal cancer rely heavily on optical imaging, which is laborious and requires specific training, while existing microwave imaging systems lack the use of sequential antenna arrays for precise energy transmission and detection.
Innovation Solution
A medical system utilizing two arrays of N transmitter and N receiver antennas with feeding and multiplexing means for continuous sequential selection, allowing for precise microwave signal transmission and detection within the body, coupled with an external computing unit for image conversion and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If optical imaging is used for disease diagnosis, then image quality is improved, but scanning time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical imaging mechanisms with microwave imaging technology. The microwave system uses electromagnetic waves in the microwave frequency range to penetrate tissues and detect dielectric property variations, eliminating the need for complex optical imaging systems and reducing scanning time while maintaining diagnostic capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the imaging parameter from optical frequency to microwave frequency. By operating in the microwave range (typically 1-10 GHz), the system achieves deeper tissue penetration and faster scanning speeds compared to optical methods, while the dielectric contrast provides sufficient image quality for disease detection
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical imaging with multiple functions is used, then diagnostic capability is improved, but device complexity and training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The microwave imaging system provides multiple diagnostic functions through a single unified platform. The same microwave antenna array and signal processing system can detect various tissue pathologies by analyzing dielectric property variations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized optical imaging devices and reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex optical imaging systems with a simpler microwave-based system. The microwave technology uses basic electromagnetic radiation and detection principles that are easier to implement and operate compared to sophisticated optical systems requiring chromoendoscopy, narrow band imaging, and other complementary functions
3Object-affected harmful factors
If microwave imaging is used for disease detection, then safety and cost are improved, but measurement precision may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent operates in the microwave frequency range where electromagnetic radiation is non-ionizing and safe for biological tissues. By carefully selecting the microwave frequency and power levels, the system achieves both safety requirements and sufficient measurement precision for detecting dielectric property variations associated with diseases
Solution Approach 2:
The microwave imaging system uses sophisticated signal processing and image reconstruction algorithms that incorporate feedback mechanisms. The system continuously refines the imaging process by analyzing scattered microwave signals and adjusting processing parameters to maximize detection precision while maintaining safety standards
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 more precise and efficient prevention and diagnosis of diseases like colorectal cancer using microwave technology, reducing reliance on optical imaging and improving scanning efficiency with non-invasive, low-power radiation.
Implementation Method 1
two arrays of N transmitter and N receiver antennas which, in use, are configured to emit a first microwave signal to one or more body tissues and to detect a second microwave signal scattered by said one or more tissues
Implementation Method 2
feeding and multiplexing means in connection with said N transmitter and N receiver antennas and with an external computing unit, for providing, under the control of a controller located in said external computing unit, a continuous sequential selection of different pairs of transmitter and receiver antennas to perform the transmission of the microwave signal and the detection of the scattered microwave signal
Data Source
AI summary
The system comprising an internal unit (10) comprising two arrays of N transmitter and N receiver antennas (11R, 11T) for transmitting a microwave signal(s) to one or more body tissues of a patient and for detecting a scattered microwave signal(s) by said one or more body tissues; feeding and multiplexing means (12) in connection with said N transmitter and N receiver antennas (11T, 11R) and with an external computing unit (20) configured to receive said scattered microwave signal(s) and convert it/them into an image, wherein the feeding and multiplexing means (12) provide, under the control of a controller (21) of the external computing unit (20), a continuous sequential selection of different pairs of transmitter and receiver antennas (11T, 11R) to perform the transmission of the microwave signal(s) and the detection of the scattered microwave signal(s).