UWB Microwave Imaging Calibration for Breast Cancer Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microwave imaging for breast cancer detection faces challenges due to low contrast conditions between malignant and glandular tissues, resulting in weak signal differences overwhelmed by noise signals, and conventional calibration methods are impractical for clinical use.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that calibrate microwave signals by transmitting and receiving signals at multiple positions on the breast tissue, using transducers operating within the 2-8 GHz frequency range, to enhance signal processing and improve tumor detection sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional calibration methods are used to improve signal-to-noise ratio, then noise is eliminated, but the method is not practical for real clinical diagnosis since reference signal is not generally available
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by using the received signal itself to determine calibration parameters, eliminating the need for external reference signals or manual calibration procedures. The processor automatically extracts calibration information from the received signal characteristics, making the system practical for clinical use while maintaining high measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automatic calibration mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the received signal and the image reconstruction process. This calibration module processes the received signal to extract reference information and apply corrections, bridging the gap between raw signal acquisition and diagnostic image generation without requiring external reference signals
2Reliability
If the dielectric property difference between malignant and glandular tissue is small (not more than 10%), then the reflected/scattered signal from tumor is very weak, but this results in low contrast for tumor detection
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the measurement parameters by using wideband microwave signals across multiple frequencies (2-8 GHz) and multiple incident angles. This multi-parameter approach allows the system to detect subtle dielectric property differences that would be imperceptible at single frequencies, thereby improving both detection reliability and signal contrast
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds dimensional complexity by measuring signals from multiple transducers at different positions and angles around the breast. This multi-dimensional measurement approach transforms the weak one-dimensional signal into a rich multi-dimensional dataset, enabling better tumor detection through spatial and angular signal variations
3Quantity of substance
If skin backscatter and antenna coupling signals are present, then the received signals are comparatively much stronger, but the desired signal from tumor is typically immersed in various noise signals
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the received signal into distinct components (skin backscatter, antenna coupling, and tumor signal) by measuring at multiple positions and angles. Each transducer receives a unique combination of these components, allowing the processor to separate and isolate the tumor signal from the stronger noise components through mathematical processing
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the received signals from multiple transducers are continuously processed to update the calibration parameters and improve signal separation. The processor uses the measured signals to refine the calibration model, which in turn improves the separation of tumor signal from noise in subsequent measurements
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 calibration method effectively isolates the tumor signal from noise, improving the signal-to-noise ratio and enabling more accurate breast cancer detection without the need for contrast agents.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a first microwave frequency signal to and receiving a first total signal from the tissue
Implementation Method 2
the expected reflected/scattered signal from the malignant tumor
Implementation Method 3
the expected reflected/scattered signal from the malignant tumor
Implementation Method 4
The first total signal is calibrated with respect to the second total signal
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for imaging a tissue. The method includes transmitting a first microwave frequency signal to and receiving a first total signal from the tissue at a first position. A second microwave frequency signal is transmitted to and a second total signal received from the tissue at a second position. The first total signal is calibrated with respect to the second total signal and an image is constructed from the calibrated signal.