Handheld UWB Scanner for Non-Ionizing Mammography Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cancer detection methods for breast cancer, such as mammography, often require patient contact, expose patients to ionizing radiation, and are costly, bulky, and prone to false positives, lacking a portable, low-cost, and non-invasive solution for early detection.
Innovation Solution
A handheld, ultra-wideband (UWB) sensor system using wafer scale antenna arrays that operates at non-ionizing frequencies, employing polarized sensors and beam forming techniques for high-resolution imaging without patient contact, capable of detecting cancerous cells in dense breast tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mammography systems are used, then cancer detection capability is achieved, but the systems are bulky and not portable
Solution Approach 1:
The mammography system is segmented into a handheld scanner unit that can be separated from the main processing system. The scanner contains the antenna array and basic sensing components, while image processing and analysis are performed remotely, enabling portability without sacrificing detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical compression and contact-based imaging mechanisms with a non-contact microwave scanning system using antenna arrays. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky mechanical compression devices while maintaining effective breast tissue imaging through electromagnetic wave interaction.
2Reliability
If x-ray mammography is used, then cancer detection is achieved, but patients are exposed to ionizing radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of imaging from ionizing x-ray radiation to non-ionizing microwave radiation. This parameter change maintains the ability to detect cancerous tissue through dielectric property differences while eliminating harmful ionizing radiation exposure to patients.
3Reliability
If conventional mammography systems are used, then cancer detection is achieved, but the systems are expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive printed circuit board (PCB) antenna arrays instead of costly specialized imaging components. These PCB-based antennas can be manufactured at low cost using standard fabrication processes, making the system economically viable for widespread deployment while maintaining effective cancer detection capability.
4Measurement precision
If high resolution imaging is pursued, then detection accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves high-resolution imaging by transitioning from traditional 2D planar antenna arrays to 3D volumetric scanning capabilities. The handheld scanner moves in three-dimensional space around the breast, collecting data from multiple angles and depths, which enables high-resolution 3D reconstruction without requiring an excessively large or complex static antenna array.
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 system provides a portable, low-cost, and safe means for early cancer detection with high resolution and depth penetration, reducing false positives and the need for ionizing radiation, suitable for use in primary care settings, and capable of detecting cancerous cells not identified by conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
A handheld, ultra-wideband (UWB) sensor system using wafer scale antenna arrays that operates at non-ionizing frequencies
Implementation Method 2
employing polarized sensors and beam forming techniques for high-resolution imaging without patient contact, capable of detecting cancerous cells in dense breast tissue
Implementation Method 3
employing polarized sensors and beam forming techniques for high-resolution imaging
Implementation Method 4
employing polarized sensors and beam forming techniques for high-resolution imaging
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems provide a non-ionizing alternative to conventional mammography X-ray techniques, which expose patients to ionizing radiation, for breast cancer tumor detection, using a miniaturized (wafer scale) array of ultra wide band (UWB) radio frequency (RF) sensors operating at 60 GHz (non-ionizing—no X-ray type accumulative radiations) that have capability to use both linear and polarized sensors, tomography, and suppression of scattering for improved imaging. Coding techniques provide significant processing gain that is essential for the large attenuation of transmitted signals in breast tissue operating at these high frequencies. The increased bandwidth of UWB RF detection provides better depth resolution of breast and body tissue. Using polarization improves detection of abnormal tissues. An extremely miniaturized (wafer scale) cluster of transmitter and receiver antenna elements improves detection at deeper parts of the breast and can detect cancerous cells in dense breasts often not picked up by mammography.