Functional Microwave Imagining System based on Cognitive Scanning for Brain Activities Monitoring: A Feasibility Study

Abstract : In cognitive systems we need to make a supplementary link between architecture and supporting algorithms to exchange information and manage the extracted data. This paper presents a new concept of cognitive scanning using hybrid MIMO-phased array radar (HMPAR) for functional near-field imaging of brain activity in the framework of algorithm/architecture co-design. In the proposed paradigm, the communication challenges of cognitive scanning are concurrently searching, detecting and tracking the activated brain regions. The proposed system model is a HMPAR approach including MIMO array for target detection and MIMO-phased sub-array for tracking the detected targets in the allocated subarrays. In the current paper, we assess the feasibility of using a waveform and pattern (beam-forming and beam-steering) diversities for developing the proposed framework. In order to improve the resolution, contrast and accuracy of a characteristics target inside a biological phantom, some initial methods are employed for 1D time domain reflectometry and 2D visualization. Simulated results show that the proposed framework could be feasible for functional microwave imaging application.