EMERGENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC TOMOGRAPHY SOLUTIONS FOR SCANNING HEAD

Abstract

An electromagnetic tomography system for gathering measurement data pertaining to a human head includes an image chamber unit, a control system, and a housing. The image chamber unit includes an antenna assembly defining a horizontally-oriented imaging chamber and including an array of antennas arranged around the imaging chamber. The antennas include at least some transmitting antennas and some receiving antennas. The control system causes the transmitting antennas to transmit a low power electromagnetic field that is received by the receiving antennas after passing through a patient's head in the imaging chamber. A data tensor is produced that may be inversed to reconstruct a 3D distribution of dielectric properties within the head and to create an image. The housing at least partially contains the antenna assembly and has a front entry opening into the imaging chamber. The head is inserted horizontally through the front entry opening and into the imaging chamber.

Claims

1. A method of using an electromagnetic tomography (EMT) system to generate a data tensor for imaging a human head, compromising: (a) in response to an emergency report and request from or on behalf of a possible stroke patient, providing an ambulance equipped with a self-contained electromagnetic tomography (EMT) system for gathering measurement data pertaining to a human head of a human patient such as the possible stroke patient, the self-contained EMT system including: (i) a carriage supported on a floor of the ambulance, (ii) an imaging chamber unit, carried by, and attached to, the carriage, having an antenna assembly at least partially defining a horizontally-oriented imaging chamber, the horizontally-oriented imaging chamber being horizontally-oriented while the carriage is upright and resting on the floor of the ambulance rather than when tilted over, and including an array of antennas arranged around the imaging chamber, the array of antennas including at least some transmitting antennas and at least some receiving antennas, and the imaging chamber unit further having a housing, at least partially containing the antenna assembly, having a front entry opening into the imaging chamber, the front entry opening being front-facing while the carriage is upright and resting on the floor of the ambulance rather than when tilted over, and (iii) a control cabinet, carried by the carriage, that houses a control system; (b) positioning the stroke patient on his back on a horizontal patient support; (c) inserting the head of the patient horizontally through the front entry opening of the image chamber unit and into the imaging chamber; (d) using the control system: (i) causing the transmitting antennas to transmit a low power electromagnetic field that is received by the receiving antennas after passing through the patient's head in the imaging chamber and producing a data tensor from resulting signals, (ii) inversing the data tensor to reconstruct a 3D distribution of dielectric properties within the patient's head and thereby to create an image of the patient's head, and (iii) creating EMT image results for the patient's head based on the reconstructed 3D distribution of dielectric properties; and (e) providing the EMT image results to a medical practitioner for use in diagnosing or treating possible stroke in the patient.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of positioning the front entry opening in the housing and the patient's head at the same height when the patient is carried horizontally on a top surface of the horizontal patient support.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising a step of positioning and/or orienting the patient's head within the imagining chamber via an adjustable headrest.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the self-contained EMT system is separate from the horizontal patient support in the ambulance.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the carriage is integrated with the horizontal patient support, wherein the imaging chamber unit is disposed on top of the horizontal patient support, on one end thereof, and wherein the control system is carried beneath the patient support.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the horizontal patient support, integrated with the carriage, is a rolling horizontal patient support that is moved via wheels, wherein the method further comprises rolling the horizontal patient support onto and off of the ambulance and into a medical facility.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of generating, via the control system, an alert that the patient likely suffered a stroke, the generating step being based on the reconstructed 3D distribution of dielectric properties and/or the EMT image results.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of providing the EMT image results to a medical practitioner includes providing the EMT image results to a doctor or imaging specialist at a treatment center.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of providing the EMT image results to a practitioner includes providing the EMT image results to ambulance personnel.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of using the control system to inverse the data tensor and create EMT image results is carried out while transporting the patient in the ambulance.

11. A method of using an electromagnetic tomography (EMT) system to generate a data tensor for imaging a human head, compromising: (a) in response to an emergency report and request from or on behalf of a possible stroke patient, providing an ambulance equipped with a self-contained electromagnetic tomography (EMT) system for gathering measurement data pertaining to a human head of a human patient such as the possible stroke patient, the self-contained EMT system including: (i) a carriage supported on a floor of the ambulance, (ii) a horizontal patient support carried by, and attached to, the carriage, (iii) an imaging chamber unit, carried by, and attached to, the carriage, having an antenna assembly at least partially defining a horizontally-oriented imaging chamber, the horizontally-oriented imaging chamber being horizontally-oriented while the carriage is upright and resting on the floor of the ambulance rather than when tilted over, and including an array of antennas arranged around the imaging chamber, the array of antennas including at least some transmitting antennas and at least some receiving antennas, and the imaging chamber unit further having a housing, at least partially containing the antenna assembly, having a front entry opening into the imaging chamber, the front entry opening being front-facing while the carriage is upright and resting on the floor of the ambulance rather than when tilted over, and (iii) a control cabinet, carried by the carriage, that houses a control system; (b) positioning the stroke patient on his back on the horizontal patient support; (c) inserting the head of the patient horizontally through the front entry opening of the image chamber unit and into the imaging chamber; (d) using the control system: (i) causing the transmitting antennas to transmit a low power electromagnetic field that is received by the receiving antennas after passing through the patient's head in the imaging chamber and producing a data tensor from resulting signals, (ii) inversing the data tensor to reconstruct a 3D distribution of dielectric properties within the patient's head and thereby to create an image of the patient's head, and (iii) creating EMT image results for the patient's head based on the reconstructed 3D distribution of dielectric properties; and (e) providing the EMT image results to a medical practitioner for use in diagnosing or treating possible stroke in the patient.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising a step of positioning the front entry opening in the housing and the patient's head at the same height when the patient is carried horizontally on a top surface of the horizontal patient support.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising a step of positioning and/or orienting the patient's head within the imagining chamber via an adjustable headrest.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising a step of rolling the carriage onto the ambulance with the horizontal patient support, imaging chamber unit, and control cabinet carried thereon.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the imaging chamber unit is disposed on top of the horizontal patient support, on one end thereof, and wherein the control system is carried beneath the patient support.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the horizontal patient support, integrated with the carriage, is a rolling horizontal patient support that is moved via wheels, wherein the method further comprises rolling the horizontal patient support onto and off of the ambulance and into a medical facility.

17. The method of claim 11, further comprising a step of generating, via the control system, an alert that the patient likely suffered a stroke, the generating step being based on the reconstructed 3D distribution of dielectric properties and/or the EMT image results.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of providing the EMT image results to a medical practitioner includes providing the EMT image results to a doctor or imaging specialist at a treatment center.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of providing the EMT image results to a practitioner includes providing the EMT image results to ambulance personnel.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of using the control system to inverse the data tensor and create EMT image results is carried out while transporting the patient in the ambulance.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, wherein:

[0062] FIG. 1 is a graphical illustration of the principle of electromagnetic tomography (EMT);

[0063] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a prior art EM field tomographic spectroscopic system;

[0064] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the system of FIG. 1 in a two-dimensional context;

[0065] FIGS. 4 and 5 are schematic illustrations of two three-dimensional settings for the system of FIG. 2;

[0066] FIG. 6 is a front isometric view of an EMT system for imaging a human head in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention;

[0067] FIG. 7 is a front plan view of the EMT system of FIG. 6;

[0068] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the EMT system of FIG. 6;

[0069] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional, partially schematic, right side view of the image chamber unit of FIG. 7, taken along line 9-9;

[0070] FIG. 10 is a view of the image chamber unit similar to that of FIG. 9, but shown with a patient support and a catch basin in place adjacent the unit;

[0071] FIG. 11 is a view of the image chamber unit similar to that of FIG. 10, but shown with an upper portion of a patient's head inserted into the entry opening;

[0072] FIGS. 12 and 13 are a rear isometric view and a rear plan view, respectively, of the membrane of the image chamber unit of FIG. 6;

[0073] FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the membrane of FIG. 13, taken along line 14-14;

[0074] FIG. 15 is a view of the image chamber unit similar to that of FIG. 11, but shown with a fluid disposed within the working chamber on the opposite side of the membrane from the patient's head;

[0075] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of the hydraulic system of FIG. 8;

[0076] FIG. 17 is a left front isometric view of portions of the disk assembly of FIG. 9;

[0077] FIG. 18 is a schematic representation of concentric rings of antennas;

[0078] FIG. 19 is a top cross-sectional view of the disk assembly of FIG. 17, taken along line 19-19;

[0079] FIG. 20 is a front view of one of the antenna disks of FIG. 19;

[0080] FIG. 21 is a top cross-sectional view of the antenna disk of FIG. 20;

[0081] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of the EMT system of FIG. 6;

[0082] FIG. 23 is a schematic representation of the operation of the rings of antennas around the imaging domain;

[0083] FIGS. 24A and 24B are a more detailed schematic diagram of the control system of FIG. 22;

[0084] FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram of one of the transmitting/receiving switch units of FIG. 22;

[0085] FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram of one of the receiving switch units of FIG. 22;

[0086] FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram of the power unit of FIG. 22;

[0087] FIG. 28 is a schematic block diagram of additional or alternative details of a control system for the EMT system;

[0088] FIGS. 29 and 30 are a top front perspective view and a bottom rear perspective view, respectively, of another EMT system for imaging a human head in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention;

[0089] FIG. 31 is a top plan view of the system in use in an ambulance;

[0090] FIG. 32 is a side perspective view of a cap serving as a wearable image chamber unit in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention; and

[0091] FIG. 33 is a pictorial illustration of a timeline for use of an EMT system, including the cap of FIG. 32, for imaging a human head in response to the onset of stroke symptoms in a patient.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0092] As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0093] Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

[0094] Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

[0095] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.

[0096] Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6, no claim element is intended to be read in accordance with this statutory provision unless the explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to apply in the interpretation of such claim element.

[0097] Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.”

[0098] When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers,” “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese,” and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.”

[0099] Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like components throughout the several views, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0100] FIG. 6 is a front isometric view of an EMT system 110 for imaging a human head 19 in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a front plan view of the EMT system 110 of FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the EMT system 110 of FIG. 6. As shown therein, the system 110 includes an image chamber unit 131, a control cabinet 135, a hydraulic system 140 for supplying, circulating, and otherwise managing a matching fluid to the image chamber unit 131, and a rolling carriage 132. In at least some embodiments, the image chamber unit 131 and the control cabinet 135 are housed together in a single enclosure 134 and are supported on a rolling carriage 132. Furthermore, in at least some embodiments, some or all of the hydraulic system 140 is supported on the rolling carriage 132 as well. However, in some embodiments, the image chamber unit 131 and control cabinet 135 are separate from each other and each may or may not be carried on its own rolling carriage. In some of these embodiments, the image chamber unit 131 and control cabinet 135 are not located in the same room. Although not illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, the system 110 also includes a user interface computer 208, described elsewhere herein, which may be connected to the rest of the system 110 via Ethernet or other port 136 located on the side of the control cabinet 131.

[0101] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional, partially schematic, right side view of the image chamber unit 131 of FIG. 7, taken along line 9-9. As shown therein, the image chamber unit 131 includes a disk assembly 126, a membrane 133, and fluid inlets 167,168. The disk assembly 126 includes a plurality of antenna disks 170 and a back disk 183, wherein at least the antenna disks 170 are open in their centers. The center openings of the antenna disks 170 together with the back disk 183 at least partially define a “working” chamber or “imaging” chamber 122. In at least some embodiments, the antenna disk center openings are circular, and the circular openings thus define a cylindrical portion of the working chamber 122 (perhaps best seen in FIG. 17), which simplifies the operation of the tomography somewhat, but in other embodiments the center openings and working chamber 122 may take on other shapes. In at least some embodiments, the volume of the working chamber 122 is approximately 12 liters.

[0102] The center opening of the frontmost antenna disk 170 defines an entry opening 169 for receiving a patient. The entry opening 169 is preferably surrounded by a protective ring 182 (shown in FIGS. 6 and 7) covering the surfaces of the antenna disk 170 and other portions of the working chamber 122. FIG. 10 is a view of the image chamber unit 131 similar to that of FIG. 9, but with a patient support 120 and a catch basin 165 in place adjacent the unit 131, and FIG. 11 is a view of the image chamber unit 131 similar to that of FIG. 10 but shown with an upper portion of a patient's head 19 inserted into the entry opening. For comfort and convenience, the patient may be positioned on the patient support 120, which may be a gurney, cart, table, stretcher, or the like. In at least some embodiments of the present invention, a headrest 118 extends from the end of the patient support 120. The headrest 118 is preferably padded and adjustable. Adjustability of the headrest 118 may be provided in one or more of the longitudinal direction (toward or away from the end of the patient support 120), the vertical direction (up or down relative to the patient support 120), and rotationally (for example, about an axis that is parallel with the end of the patient support 120). In the illustrated embodiment, the entry opening and the working chamber 122 are sized to correspond specifically to a human head, but it will be appreciated that other dimensions may be utilized for other body parts or to accommodate the entirety of a human body. The entry opening is substantially liquid-sealed by the membrane 133 such that the front of the working chamber 122 is separated by the membrane 133 from the rear of the chamber 122. Fluid leaks through the front of the working chamber 122, such as around or through the membrane 133, may be captured in the catch basin 165 disposed in front of the unit 131. It is contemplated that the catch basin 165 can be integral with or otherwise part of the image chamber unit 131.

[0103] FIGS. 12 and 13 are a rear isometric view and a rear plan view, respectively, of the membrane 133 of the image chamber unit 131 of FIG. 6, and FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the membrane 133 of FIG. 13, taken along line 14-14. The membrane 133 is preferably somewhat hat-shaped, with a center crown portion 127 extending “upward” or “inward” from an outer brim portion 128. The brim portion 128 is shaped to be fastened to the antenna disks 170 and may include apertures 129 for this purpose. As shown in FIG. 14, the crown portion 127 may be thinner than the brim portion 128 and is preferably flexible enough to wrap snugly around the patient's head 19, as shown in FIG. 11. In at least some embodiments, the membrane 133 is made of latex or similar material.

[0104] FIG. 15 is a view of the image chamber unit 131 similar to that of FIG. 11 but shown with a fluid disposed within the working chamber 122 on the opposite side of the membrane 133 from the patient's head 19. The fluid may be supplied to or from the working chamber 122 via the inlets 167,168, which may be arranged in or on the back disk 183. The fluid itself is a “matching” fluid that is chosen for its properties so as to enhance the tomographic process. Flow and other movement of the fluid is controlled by the hydraulic system 140.

[0105] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of the hydraulic system 140 of FIG. 8. As shown therein, the hydraulic system 140 includes an external tank 141, a bi-directional pump 142, a valve 159, backflow valve 160, a check (directional) valve 161, an inner upper tank 146, one or more liquid sensors 147, a lighter 148, one or more temperature sensors 149,150, and a variety of hoses, tubes, fittings, and the like, some of which are described herein. The external tank 141 holds a quantity of a matching fluid. A hose 151 connects the external tank 141 to the pump 142, and another hose 152 connects the pump 142 to a fitting 153 on the enclosure 134. In at least some embodiments, the pump hoses 151,152 are ¾″ flexible tube hoses, and the hose fitting 153 is a quick release fitting.

[0106] The pump 142 is used to supply matching fluid from the external tank 141 to the working (image) chamber of the image chamber unit 131. The matching fluid is a solution or gel that is needed or useful inside the imaging chamber when the object 19 is being measured inside it to address electromagnetic body-matching problems. In at least some embodiments, the matching liquid is a mixture of glycerol (Ph. Eur.), water and brine. In at least some embodiments, the pump 142 is connected by cable 154 to a standard power supply, such as a 220V electrical source, which may be provided from the control cabinet 135 via an outlet 137, preferably located on the outer surface of the enclosure 134, and a corresponding water proof socket 155. Direction, speed, and other control of the pump 142 may be provided by remote control 156. One pump 142 suitable for use in at least some preferred embodiments is a Watson Marlow 620 RE IP66 pump.

[0107] Inside the image chamber unit 131, another hose 157 is connected between the external fitting 153 and a first inlet 167 to the working chamber, and still another hose 158 is connected between a second inlet 168 to the working chamber and the inner upper tank 146. In at least some embodiments, the hose 157 is a ¾″ flexible tube hose. An inline valve 159 may optionally be provided in the hose 157 from the pump 134, while a backflow valve 160 and check (directional) valve 161 may be provided in the hose 158 to the inner upper tank 146. The backflow valve 160 provides at least two functions. First, when it is closed, the pump 142 may be used to generate an under-pressure, thereby denting in the membrane 133 (as seen from outside the image chamber unit 131) and readying the unit 131 for a patient's head to be inserted therein. Second, when the patient's head is positioned inside the membrane 133, opening the backflow valve 160 allows the matching fluid to flow from the reservoir 146 back to the imaging chamber, which in turn causes the patient's head to be slowly enclosed by the membrane 133 and the liquid. The check valve 161, on the other hand, performs a safety function by avoiding the buildup of an overpressure if the backflow valve 160 is closed. The check valve 161 includes a manual control lever 181, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0108] The temperature sensors 149,150 may be used to determine the temperature of the matching fluid inside the working chamber, or in close proximity thereto. If the temperature becomes uncomfortably cool, the lamp or lighter 148 may be utilized to trigger heating of the inner upper tank 146. Unintentional heating of an empty tank 146 may be avoided by using the liquid sensors 147 to verify that sufficient liquid is present in the tank.

[0109] An overfill path may be provided between the inner upper tank 146 and the external tank 141 so as to return any excess matching liquid to the external tank 141. The overfill path may include an internal hose 162, an external hose 163, and a fitting 164 on the exterior of the enclosure 134, wherein the internal hose 162 is connected between the inner upper tank 146 and the fitting 164 and the external hose is connected between the fitting 164 and the external tank 141. Generally, the overfill path is only utilized if the reservoir 146 is accidentally overfilled, in which case the overfill path allows the excess liquid to return to the external tank 141. In at least some embodiments, the overfill path hoses 162,163 are ¾″ flexible tube hoses, and the hose fitting 164 is a quick release fitting.

[0110] A leakage path may also be provided. The leakage path may include a catch basin 165 and a drain hose or tube 166. The catch basin 165 may be disposed adjacent the working chamber so as to receive fluid escaping therefrom, such as during dismantling of the system 110. In some embodiments, the drain hose 166 connects the catch basin 165 to the external tank, such as by the overflow path, while in others the drain hose 166 is routed to a waste tank (not shown) and/or is left open or unconnected.

[0111] FIG. 17 is a left front isometric view of portions of the disk assembly 126 of FIG. 9. As shown therein, the disk assembly 126 includes a plurality of antenna disks 170 arranged concentrically such that their center openings define the interior of the working chamber 122, as described previously. Notably, whereas traditional EMT systems have used rings of transmitters/receivers/sensors that have been oriented in a horizontal plane to define a vertical working chamber, the rings of transmitter/receivers and receivers of the present invention are each oriented vertically so as to define a horizontal working chamber. Each antenna disk 170 includes a multitude of antennas 173 arranged in a ring around the working chamber 122. FIG. 18 is a schematic representation of these concentric rings 180 of antennas 173. Although other numbers of disks 170 and rings 180 may be utilized, five antenna disks 170 and thus five antenna rings 180 are present in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. Furthermore, although other numbers of antennas 173 may be utilized, 32 antennas 173 are present in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, and thus a total of 160 antennas 173 are utilized. In one embodiment, preferred for its simplicity, the antennas 173 in the middle ring 180 are both transmitting and receiving antennas, while the antennas 173 on the other four rings 180 are receiving antennas only. In one contemplated embodiment, the rings 180 (i.e., the center openings of the antenna disks 170) are 285 mm in diameter. In FIG. 17, transmitting/receiving antenna “9” on ring “C” is shown as transmitting an electromagnetic field or signal, all or some of which is received at each of various transmitting/receiving antennas on ring “C” and at each of various receiving antennas on rings “A”, “B”, “D”, and “E”. It will be appreciated, however, that any or all of the transmitting/receiving antennas on ring “C” and/or any or all of the receiving antennas on any or all of the other rings may receive the transmitted field or signal and thus may be incorporated into the tomographic process.

[0112] FIG. 19 is a top cross-sectional view of the disk assembly 126 of FIG. 17, taken along line 19-19; FIG. 20 is a front view of one of the antenna disks 170 of FIG. 19, and FIG. 21 is a top cross-sectional view of the antenna disk 170 of FIG. 20. Notably, some visual detail regarding the electrical connections for the antennas has been omitted in FIG. 17; however, much of the omitted visual detail is shown in FIG. 20. Each antenna disk 170 includes two mating rings 171,172, the antennas 173 themselves, a corner element 174 for each antenna 173, a cable plate 175, and a cable assembly 176 for each antenna 173. Each cable assembly 176 includes a cable and/or conduit with an appropriate terminator 177,178 on each end. Screws or other cable positioners 179 are provided to hold the cable assemblies 176 in place.

[0113] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of the EMT system 110 of FIG. 6. As shown therein, the EMT system 110 includes the image chamber unit 131 (including the working chamber 122), the hydraulic system 140, the patient support 120, and a control system 200. The control system 200 includes two 16-channel transmitting/receiving switch units 201 for the transmitting/receiving antenna disk 170, two 16-channel receiving switch units 202 for each of the receiving antenna disks 170, a control unit 203, a network analyzer 204, a power unit 205, one or more fan units 206, a hub 207, and a user interface computer 208. In at least some embodiments, the switch units 201,202, control unit 203, network analyzer 204, power unit 205, fan units 206, and hub 207 are supported on a rack 209 in the control cabinet 135. The user interface computer 208 may be supported on or in the enclosure 134 or may be supported elsewhere, such as on a nearby desk, a user's lap, or in some cases even outside the room.

[0114] FIG. 23 is a schematic representation of the operation of the rings 180 of antennas 173 around the imaging domain, which is defined by the imaging chamber. The general task is to make complex Si,j,k parameters matrix measurement, where i is the transmitting antenna (i=1 . . . 32), j is the receiving antenna (j=1 . . . 31), and k is the ring of the receiving antenna (k=1 . . . 5). The more practical case for the number of receiving antennas that are measured for each transmitting antenna may be between 12 and 20 (i.e., only receivers generally opposite the transmitting antenna), and the most practical case may be for 17 receiving antennas to be measured for each transmitting antenna, but other numbers are also viable. Typical attenuations may be ˜90 dB to ˜130 dB. In at least some embodiments, frequencies may be 0.8-1.5 GHz, step 50 MHz. In at least some embodiments, channel-to-channel isolation may be ˜80 dB to ˜100 dB. In at least some embodiments, maximum power output may be +20 dBm (100 mW). In at least some embodiments, single frame data acquisition time may be less than 60 mSec (“frame” being defined as the full cycle of S matrix measurements). In at least some embodiments, the number of acquired frames may be from 1 to 1000. In at least some embodiments, the dielectric properties of the matching media between antennas and object may be ˜(30-to-60)+j(15-to-25).

[0115] FIGS. 24A and 24B are a more detailed schematic diagram of the control system 200 of FIG. 22. As shown therein, the hub 207, which may provide both wireless and wired connections, communicatively connects the control unit 203, the network analyzer 204, and the user interface computer 208. The control unit 203 includes a host controller that interfaces with the hub 207 as well as provides a trigger input to the network analyzer 204 and receives “ready for trigger” and/or “busy” signals from the network analyzer 204. The host controller also receives an ECG input and controls drivers for MW switches. The control unit 203 also includes various circuitry, including amplifiers, multiplexers, and the like, to generate input signals for the ports of the network analyzer 204, which may be a ZVA 4 port vector network analyzer available from Rohde & Schwarz. The network analyzer 204 is also communicatively connected to the hub 207, preferably via a LAN, and operations of the control unit 203 and network analyzer 204 are under the control of the user interface computer 208. Power is supplied by a power converter which may receive 24V power from the power unit 205 as described elsewhere herein.

[0116] FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram of one of the transmitting/receiving switch units 201 of FIG. 22, and FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram of one of the receiving switch units 202 of FIG. 22. FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram of the power unit 205 of FIG. 22. As shown therein, the AC line input is converted into power for the hub 207, the network analyzer (VNA) 204, and for 24V AC/DC converters used to power the control unit 203 and transmitter/receiver and receiver switch units 201,202. FIG. 28 is a schematic block diagram of additional or alternative details of a control system for the EMT system 110.

[0117] In operation, a patient 15 is placed on his back on a patient support 120 and transported to the image chamber unit 131, shown in FIG. 9, or the image chamber unit 131 is transported to the location of the patient 15. For sanitary purposes, a single-use protective cap (not shown) may be placed over the patient's head 19. Such a protective cap may be made of plastic, latex, or the like. The patient's head 19 is then inserted into the entry opening 169 in the working chamber 122 as shown in FIG. 11. The headrest 118 may be adjusted as necessary or desired to arrange the patient's head in the desired position and orientation within the working chamber 122. The patient's head 19 bears against the membrane 133, which then conforms to the shape of the patient's head 19. With the patient's head 19 properly arranged, a technician fills the working chamber with a quantity of the prepared matching liquid. Filling may be carried out using the remote control of the pump, which in at least some embodiments has toggle switches to start and stop the pump, control the direction of flow (in or out), and flow rate. Filling is preferably initiated at a low flow rate to avoid splashing of matching liquid. Matching liquid is pumped into the working chamber until it is full, as shown in FIG. 15.

[0118] In addition to filling the working chamber with the matching liquid, the technician may also power on the various electronic components, including the control unit, the network analyzer, transmitter and receiver units, and the like. Using the user interface computer, software may then be utilized to calibrate and operate the system. Functionally, much of the operation of the EMT system 110 may be similar to that described in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 7,239,731, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0010493 A1 (U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/173,078), and/or U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0276012 A1 (U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/894,395), but various particular embodiments and features thereof may be described herein. Measurements are taken, a matrix of complex data is generated, and various algorithms are used to transform such data into tomographic images of the interior of the patient's head 19.

[0119] Other embodiments of the present invention are likewise possible. In particular, EMT systems having components that are more easily transported than those of the system 110 described hereinabove are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. In this regard, FIGS. 29 and 30 are a top front perspective view and a bottom rear perspective view, respectively, of another EMT system 210 for imaging a human head 19 in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention. The system 210 includes an image chamber unit 231, a control cabinet 235, and a hydraulic system 240 for supplying, circulating, and otherwise managing a matching fluid to the image chamber unit 231. The entire system 210 may be carried on a patient support 220, which again may be a gurney, cart, table, stretcher, or the like. In particular, the image chamber unit 231, which includes a built-in headrest 218, is carried on a top surface of the patient support 220, near one end, and the control cabinet 235 is carried beneath the patient support 220. Such a system 210 may be more conveniently transported, and in particular, the system 210 may be rolled with the patient support 220 onto and off of an ambulance and into a medical facility. In this regard, FIG. 31 is a top plan view of the system 210 in use in an ambulance 211.

[0120] In at least some embodiments, an image chamber unit of a type described herein is man-portable. As used herein, “man-portable” means cable of being carried or borne by one human. In particular, an image chamber unit of a type described herein may take the form of a wearable hat, helmet, cap, or the like. FIG. 32 is a side perspective view of a cap serving as a wearable image chamber unit in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention. Aspects of such wearable apparatuses may be described, for example, in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/894,395.

[0121] At least some embodiments of the EMT systems presented herein, including without limitation the mobile embodiments such as the one presented in FIGS. 29-31 and the wearable cap of FIG. 32, may be utilized advantageously outside of the clinical setting. FIG. 33 is a pictorial illustration of a timeline for use of an EMT system, including the cap of FIG. 32, for imaging a human head in response to the onset of stroke symptoms in a patient. As shown therein, at 8:00 pm, a patient may be resting at home when he experiences the onset of stroke-like symptoms, such as disorientation and weakness in the face and arms. In response, he or a family member or friend contacts a medical provider, and an ambulance is dispatched. Meanwhile, a doctor or other medical practitioner is contacted and updated on the situation. The patient's head is placed in a mobile imaging unit, and scanning begins as shown around 8:25 pm. (In FIG. 33, the mobile image chamber unit is the cap of FIG. 32, but it will be appreciated that the unit of FIGS. 29-31 may be used instead.) Resulting data may be provided to the doctor, ambulance staff, imaging specialists, and other personnel. Some of the data may be used directly for diagnosis, treatment, or the like, while complex image-related data may be processed according to the systems and methods of the present invention to reconstruct images from which further diagnosis, treatment, or the like may be triggered. In at least some embodiments, such processing may generate an automatic alert that the data indicates that a potential stroke is likely. Notably, in at least some embodiments, such processing is carried out by a third party service provider who specializes in reconstruction of images according to the systems and methods of the present invention. During transport, from approximately 8:45 pm to 9:00 pm, the cap 331 continues to provide data regarding the patient's condition, and the local hospital staff is further updated and arranges and prepares for further treatment. Once the patient arrives at the hospital or other treatment center, the images and data may be used in providing timely, accurate information about the status of the stroke injury, and appropriate treatment and follow-up may be administered. Such a system could be utilized to provide the desired “under 3 hour” treatment that can make a major difference in the final outcome of the stroke injury and its affect on the patient.

[0122] It will be appreciated that in at least some embodiments, the systems, apparatuses and methods presented hereinabove may be incorporated into a 4D EMT differential (dynamic) fused imaging system. 4D EMT differential (dynamic) fused imaging system suitable for use with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in the '078 Application.

[0123] Based on the foregoing information, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention.

[0124] Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements; the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.