Wearable Electromagnetic Tomography via Segmented Boundary and Hub
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electromagnetic tomography (EMT) technologies are cumbersome, uncomfortable, and difficult to use, especially in non-clinical settings, and lack the capability for on-demand, real-time screening and diagnosis, making them unsuitable for everyday applications.
Innovation Solution
A wearable/man-portable electromagnetic tomographic imaging system featuring a boundary apparatus with electromagnetic windows and microgates that control the entry and exit of electromagnetic fields, combined with a position determination system and a hub computer for image reconstruction, allowing for portable and convenient imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional electromagnetic tomography systems are used, then imaging capability is achieved, but device complexity and portability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components: a wearable boundary apparatus with electromagnetic windows, separate transmitting/receiving hardware, and a hub computer system. This segmentation allows the imaging function to be distributed across portable elements while maintaining full system capability, resolving the contradiction between portability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The boundary apparatus serves multiple functions: it defines the imaging domain, provides electromagnetic window control via microgates, and integrates position determination. The transmitting/receiving hardware performs both signal generation and detection. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, enhancing portability without sacrificing capability.
2Ease of operation
If traditional electromagnetic tomography systems are used, then imaging capability is achieved, but comfort and usability in non-clinical settings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The boundary apparatus is designed as a flexible, wearable structure that can conform to the user's body (head, torso, etc.). This flexible shell approach replaces rigid traditional imaging chambers, significantly improving comfort for wearables applications while maintaining the necessary electromagnetic field containment and window control functions for reliable imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic microgates that can open and close electromagnetic windows in real-time based on imaging requirements. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to different imaging scenarios and maintain reliability while the flexible wearable design ensures comfort during extended use in non-clinical settings.
3Productivity
If real-time imaging is implemented, then diagnostic capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning the boundary apparatus and microgates, and by pre-processing electromagnetic signals through the hub computer system. Position determination is continuously tracked in advance, and image reconstruction algorithms are prepared to process incoming data streams in real-time, reducing the computational burden during actual imaging and enabling real-time diagnostic capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub computer system acts as an intermediary between the wearable boundary apparatus and the final image output. It handles the complex real-time processing, signal reconstruction, and image generation, while the wearable components remain relatively simple. This intermediary approach distributes complexity away from the wearable device, making the system more manageable while maintaining real-time imaging capability.
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 comfortable, cost-effective, and real-time electromagnetic tomographic imaging in various settings, providing safe and efficient diagnostic capabilities beyond traditional clinical environments.
Implementation Method 1
electromagnetic transmitting/receiving hardware that collectively generates an electromagnetic field that passes into the boundary apparatus and receives the electromagnetic field after being scattered/interferenced by the biological object within
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for wearable/man-portable electromagnetic tomographic imaging includes a wearable/man-portable boundary apparatus adapted to receive a biological object within, a position determination system, electromagnetic transmitting/receiving hardware, and a hub computer system. The electromagnetic transmitting/receiving hardware collectively generates an electromagnetic field that passes into the boundary apparatus and receives the electromagnetic field after being scattered/interferenced by the biological object within. The hub computer system performs electromagnetic tomographic imaging based on the received electromagnetic field.