Wearable RF Differential Imaging for Low-Complexity Organ Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging technologies, such as MRI and CT, are costly and require expert operators, limiting their availability for non-invasive imaging of internal organs, especially in home or outpatient settings.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus utilizing radiofrequency data from wearable antennas to generate spatial or spatiotemporal images of a region of interest, leveraging differential radiofrequency data to create accurate images with low computational resources, allowing for easy and affordable imaging in various environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If MRI or CT devices are used for non-invasive imaging of internal organs, then imaging accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical imaging systems (MRI, CT) with a radiofrequency-based measurement system using simple antennas and signal processing. The mechanical and electromagnetic complexity of traditional imaging devices is substituted with RF signal transmission, reception, and computational imaging algorithms, achieving organ imaging with much simpler hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a computational model that copies or replicates the imaging functionality of complex MRI/CT systems using simple RF antennas. By measuring RF signal changes and computationally reconstructing organ images, the system replicates the imaging capability of expensive devices without their complexity.
2Measurement precision
If expert operators are used to interpret imaging results, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service imaging by enabling users to perform organ imaging and obtain results without requiring expert operators. The system automatically captures RF signals, processes the data, and generates diagnostic images, making the previously expert-dependent process accessible to ordinary users in home or outpatient settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for expert human operators with automated computational processing. Complex diagnostic interpretation tasks previously requiring expert knowledge are substituted with algorithmic signal processing and image reconstruction, enabling ease of operation while maintaining diagnostic capability.
3Reliability
If extensive imaging devices are deployed, then imaging capability is improved, but loss of time and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging function into simple RF antenna components that can be distributed and used independently. Instead of requiring access to large centralized imaging facilities, the imaging capability is divided into portable, simple units that can be used anywhere, eliminating travel time and improving accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent copies the essential imaging functionality into simple, portable RF-based devices that can be used in home or outpatient settings. This replication of imaging capability in simplified form eliminates the need to travel to specialized facilities, reducing time loss and improving accessibility while maintaining reliable 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 affordable, easy, and reliable medical imaging that can be performed in home or outpatient settings using simple radiofrequency antennas integrated into wearable assets, providing accurate images of organ changes over time.
Implementation Method 1
the radiofrequency data are indicative of scatterings of radiofrequency radiation between one or more radiofrequency antennas
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The invention refers to an apparatus 110 for generating a spatial or spatiotemporal image, in particular medical image, of a region of interest within a subject 131. The apparatus comprises a) a radiofrequency data providing unit 111 for providing measured differential radiofrequency data, wherein the measured differential radiofrequency data are indicative of radiofrequency data of different states of the region of interest, wherein the radiofrequency data are indicative of scatterings of radiofrequency radiation between one or more radiofrequency antennas 121, and b) an image generation unit 112 for generating a spatial or spatiotemporal image of the region of interest within the subject based on the differential radiofrequency data. This provides a medical imaging that allows for a low cost, easy, and comfortable imaging of the organs of a subject and even facilitates medical imaging in a home or outpatient environment.