US 2026/0215727 A1 · ULTRA-WIDEBAND AND MULTI-ANGLE MICROWAVE IMAGING FOR EARLY DETECTION OF BREAST CANCER

Abstract

An apparatus and method for early detection of breast cancer uses ultra-wideband and multi-angle microwave imaging. The apparatus includes a matching dielectric layer and a conformal antenna array with antenna elements arranged in a hemispherical pattern. The method achieves high resolution and high signal-to-clutter ratio using synthesized focusing (SF) and specialized clutter rejection (SCR) algorithms. The improved performance of the method is demonstrated experimentally using a realistic, heterogeneous breast phantom composed of materials whose dielectric properties closely match those of skin, adipose, glandular, and tumorous breast tissue.

Claims22

Dependent claims

An apparatus for forming a microwave image for the purpose of detection of breast cancer in a patient, the apparatus comprising:

a matching dielectric layer having a first surface proximal to a breast of the patient and a second surface proximal to a conformal antenna array comprising a multiplicity of antenna elements;
an ultra-wideband (UWB) radar signal generator and an UWB radar receiver which are in electrical communication with the conformal antenna array;
a digital image processor in electrical communication with the radar receiver;
and
an output device for displaying image data provided by the digital image processor;
wherein each antenna element of the conformal antenna array is configured to transmit and/or to receive microwave signals over a predetermined range of microwave frequencies.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

19/143,533Filed 26 Dec 2023

Priority

26 Dec 2022

Published

30 Jul 2026

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification13 codes

A61B 5/4312
For evaluating the female reproductive systems, e.g. gynaecological evaluations: breast evaluation or disorder diagnosis
A61B 5/0507
Detecting, measuring or recording for diagnosis by means of electric currents or magnetic fields; Measuring using microwaves or radio waves: using…
A61B 5/704
Means for positioning the patient in relation to the detecting, measuring or recording means: tables
A61B 5/708
Means for positioning the patient in relation to the detecting, measuring or recording means: breast positioning means

Ultra-wideband and multi-angle microwave imaging for early detection of breast cancer

Life of this patent

Ultra-wideband and multi-angle microwave imaging for early detection of breast cancer

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22