Wearable Breast Sensor Fusion for Long-Term Cancer Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current breast cancer detection methods, such as mammography, suffer from high false negative and false positive errors.
Innovation Solution
A wearable electrode-based sensor system that includes an electrode array, power source, signal generator, detector, and machine learning logic for semi-continuous detection of breast cancer by analyzing electrical signals from the skin, optionally combined with ultrasound and microwave sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mammography is used for breast cancer detection, then cancer can be detected, but false negative and false positive errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing modalities (electrode-based electrical impedance sensing, temperature sensing, microwave imaging, and ultrasound sensing) into a single wearable system. This multi-sensor fusion approach allows cross-validation of measurements and provides complementary information about tissue characteristics, thereby improving detection accuracy while reducing false positives and negatives that occur with single-modality mammography
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures multiple physiological parameters simultaneously (electrical impedance, temperature, acoustic signals, and image data) rather than relying on a single parameter. By monitoring changes in these parameters over time and analyzing their relationships, the system achieves more reliable cancer detection with reduced false alarm rates compared to traditional mammography
2Duration of action of moving object
If a wearable electrode-based sensor system is used for semi-continuous detection, then long-term monitoring is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable system integrates multiple sensing functions (electrical impedance measurement, temperature monitoring, acoustic detection, and imaging) into a single multi-functional device. This universal design achieves long-term continuous monitoring capability while managing complexity by consolidating multiple functions into one wearable unit rather than requiring separate devices for each measurement type
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes automated signal processing, noise filtering, and anomaly detection algorithms that operate independently to process the continuous stream of sensor data. The machine learning components automatically identify patterns and flag potential issues without requiring constant manual intervention, enabling long-term autonomous operation while managing the complexity of continuous monitoring
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
Provides accurate, long-term detection of breast cancer by analyzing electrical impedance and tissue characteristics, reducing false positives and negatives through machine learning algorithms.
Implementation Method 1
detect response electrical signals at one or more of the plurality of electrodes, the response electrical signals being responsive to the probe electrical signals
Implementation Method 2
a detector configured to detect electrical signals at one or more of the electrodes and to generate a digital signal output, the digital signal output being representative of a physiological state of a tissue of the user
Implementation Method 3
trained machine learning logic configured to detect a physiological state of the user that is indicative of breast cancer
Data Source
AI summary
A series of electrodes and a machine learning system are configured to detect changes in biological tissue over time. Specifically, the system may include a wearable device configured to detect changes in tissue response to an electrical signal that may be indicative of cancerous tissue, e.g., breast cancer and/or other types of cancer. The system optionally combines measurements from bioimpedance sensors, miniaturized ultrasound arrays, temperature sensors, and/or printed microwave planar antenna to detect changes in breast tissue composition and vascularity.