Rigid support member for a magnetoencephalography (MEG) apparatus

Abstract

Various embodiments disclosed herein comprise a Magnetoencephalography (MEG) apparatus. The MEG apparatus comprises MEG sensors and a rigid support member. The MEG sensors measure magnetic fields. The rigid support member stabilizes the MEG apparatus to maintain the location and orientation of the MEG sensors. In some examples, the MEG apparatus comprises an interior shell with sensor slots. The MEG sensors are mounted in the sensor slots and conform to a user's head. The rigid support member is coupled to the interior shell to stabilize the interior shell to maintain the locations and orientations of the MEG sensors when conformed to the head. In some examples, the MEG apparatus comprises sensor mounts that house the sensors and mount to the sensor slots of the interior shell. In some examples, the MEG apparatus comprises an exterior shell coupled to the rigid support member to conceal the internal components of the MEG apparatus.

Description

RIGID SUPPORT MEMBER FOR A MAGNETOENCEPHALOGRAPHY (MEG) APPARATUSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This U.S. Patent Application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 685,959 titled, “RIGID SUPPORT MEMBER FOR MAGNETOENCEPHALOGRAPHY (MEG) APPARATUS” which was filed on August 22nd, 2024. U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 685,959 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this U.S. Patent Application.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Various embodiments of the present technology relate to magnetic sensing systems, and more specifically, to rigid support members to provide structural stability in Magnetoencephalography (MEG) headgear.BACKGROUND

[0003] Magnetometer systems detect and characterize magnetic fields generated by a magnetic field source. The magnetometer systems measure metrics like the strength and direction of the magnetic fields to characterize the sensed fields. Magnetoencephalography (MEG) systems are a type of magnetometer system that measures magnetic fields generated by neural activity within a subject’s brain to map brain function. MEG systems image brain activity by detecting magnetic fields from neural currents using an array of magnetic sensors placed on or near the head of a subject and then computing the locations of the neural activity relative to the location of the sensors in a process referred to as source localization.Exemplary magnetic sensors used in MEG systems include Optically Pumped Magnetometers (OPMs), Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs), or Nitrogen Vacancy Centers (NVs), and the like. The data from the sensors along with each sensor location is used to calculate the locations of neural signal sources to form MEG images of brain activity. For the source localization calculations, in addition to the data from the sensors, it is typically necessary to know the location and orientation of each sensor in a shared coordinate system.

[0004] Some MEG systems have sensors that can move independently and conform to the size and shape of the head. These MEG systems are referred to as on-scalp or conformal MEG. Conformal MEG systems utilize wearable headgear like helmets or flexible caps toconform the magnetic field sensors to shape of the subject’s head. To effectively relate the measured magnetic fields to neuron activity, the location and orientation information for the sensor array is determined for every subject and every time the sensors are placed on the scalp to allow for accurate source localization of the neural activity in the brain. The MEG helmets are often constructed from lightweight materials like Three-Dimension (3D) printed plastic to increase the comfort of the wearer. However, these lightweight materials often lack sufficient strength to sufficiently immobilize the sensors mounted to the MEG helmet. Changes in the location / orientation of the sensors during magnetic sensing operations degrade the accuracy of the MEG imaging process. Unfortunately, conformal MEG systems do not efficiently or effectively immobilize the MEG sensors.OVERVIEW

[0005] This Overview is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] Various embodiments of the present technology relate to solutions for magnetic field sensing. Some embodiments comprise a Magnetoencephalography (MEG) apparatus. The MEG apparatus comprises MEG sensors and a rigid support member. The MEG sensors measure a magnetic field. The rigid support member stabilizes the MEG apparatus to maintain the location and orientation of each of the MEG sensors.

[0007] Some embodiments comprise a MEG helmet. The MEG helmet comprises an interior shell and a rigid support member. The interior shell comprises sensor slots that are configured to hold MEG sensors. The rigid support member is coupled to the interior shell and inhibits the interior shell from flexing and deforming to maintain the location and orientation of each of the MEG sensors. The rigid support member comprises a semi-circular brace, a circular brace, and a curved vertical brace. The semi-circular brace is coupled to the interior shell along a horizontal plane. The circular brace is coupled to the interior shell along the horizontal plane. The curved vertical brace coupled to the interior shell along a vertical plane.

[0008] Some embodiments comprise a method. The method comprises placing a MEG helmet on a user’s head. The MEG helmet comprises MEG sensors, an interior shell comprising slots to hold the MEG sensors, and a rigid support member. The rigid support member is coupled to the interior shell and inhibits the interior shell from flexing to maintainthe locations and orientations of the MEG sensors. The method further comprises moving the MEG sensors through the slots to be proximate to or in contact with the surface of the user’s head. The method further comprises utilizing the MEG sensors to measure a magnetic field generated by brain activity in the user’s head.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. While several embodiments are described in connection with these drawings, the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

[0010] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a Magnetoencephalography (MEG) system.

[0011] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a MEG apparatus.

[0012] Figure 3 illustrates an example of a MEG apparatus.

[0013] Figure 4 illustrates an example of a MEG apparatus.

[0014] Figure 5 illustrates an example of a MEG apparatus.

[0015] Figure 6 illustrates an example of a MEG apparatus.

[0016] Figure 7 illustrates an example of a MEG apparatus.

[0017] Figure 8 illustrates an example of a MEG apparatus.

[0018] Figure 9 illustrates an example of a MEG apparatus.

[0019] Figure 10 illustrates an example of a MEG apparatus.

[0020] Figure 11 illustrates an example of a MEG apparatus.

[0021] Figure 12 illustrates an example of a MEG apparatus.

[0022] Figure 13 illustrates an example operation of a MEG apparatus.

[0023] The drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale. Similarly, some components or operations may not be separated into different blocks or combined into a single block for the purposes of discussion of some of the embodiments of the present technology. Moreover, while the technology is amendable to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The intention, however, is not to limit the technology to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the technology is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the technology as defined by the appended claims.TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following description and associated figures teach the best mode of the invention. For the purpose of teaching inventive principles, some conventional aspects of the best mode may be simplified or omitted. The following claims specify the scope of the invention. Note that some aspects of the best mode may not fall within the scope of the invention as specified by the claims. Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate variations from the best mode that fall within the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features described below can be combined in various ways to form multiple variations of the invention. As a result, the invention is not limited to the specific examples described below, but only by the claims and their equivalents.

[0025] Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is the measurement of the magnetic component of electromagnetic fields generated by neural activity in the human brain. The measured magnetic fields are then plotted to map the neuron activity in the brain. MEG systems rely on sensors like magnetometers, Optically Pumped Magnetometers (OPMs), and the like to measure the magnetic fields. The MEG systems utilize wearable headgear like rigid MEG helmets or flexible MEG caps to mount the magnetic field sensors. To effectively relate the measured magnetic fields to neuron activity, the location and orientation of the MEG sensors must be known and should remain constant during the measurement process. The rigid MEG helmets are often constructed from lightweight materials like Three-Dimension (3D) printed plastic to increase the comfort of the wearer. However, these lightweight materials often lack sufficient strength to sufficiently immobilize the sensors mounted to the rigid helmet. For example, movements by the wearer may cause the locations / orientations of the sensors mounted to the rigid MEG helmet to change during magnetic field sensing. Additionally, the wearer may wear the MEG helmet while lying down, and the pressure exerted on the MEG helmet by the weight of their head may cause the MEG helmet to deform resulting in changes to the locations / orientations of the sensors. The resulting location / orientation changes, even when minimal, degrade the accuracy of the MEG imaging process.

[0026] To address the above-described problems in conventional MEG systems, various embodiments of the technology disclosed herein relate to MEG apparatuses with rigid support members. In some examples, the MEG apparatus comprises an interior shell, sensor mounts, MEG sensors, a rigid support member, and an exterior shell. The MEG apparatus may be representative of a MEG helmet or other type of MEG headgear. The interior shell comprises sensor slots. The sensor mounts are coupled to the interior shell via the sensorslots. The MEG sensors are mounted to the sensor mounts. The rigid support member is mechanically coupled to the interior shell and provides structural stability to the interior shell. The exterior shell is representative of a cover, an exterior surface, a casing, and / or the like. The exterior shell is mechanically coupled to the rigid support member and houses the interior shell, sensor mounts, MEG sensors, and portions of the rigid support member. In some examples, the exterior shell is omitted. The rigid support member inhibits the interior shell from flexing or otherwise deforming when worn by a subject. This in turn restricts or otherwise prevents the movement of the MEG sensors which increases the accuracy and quality of MEG images generated from the sensor measurements. The MEG sensors are restricted from moving with respect to one another (i.e., the user may move their head while wearing the MEG apparatus which changes the absolute locations of the MEG sensors, but the relative locations / orientations of the MEG sensors remain constant). The rigid support member maintains the positions and orientations of the sensors when the apparatus is placed under external forces (e.g., the weight of the wearer’s head) or internal forces (e.g., thermal expansion when the wearer is leaning or resting). For example, body heat of the wearer can heat the interior shell when the wearer is lying down which could deform the interior shell. To counter this, the rigid support member may inhibit the interior shell from flexing due to these external and internal forces by stabilizing the inner shell and bearing the weight of the head and the other components of the MEG apparatus to inhibit movement of the sensors relative to each other.

[0027] The rigid support member provides dimensional stability for the interior shell, a medium between the head / MEG system and an exterior surface, a connecting point for the MEG apparatus to be mounted to the exterior surface, protection for the other components of the MEG apparatus (e.g., MEG sensors), and bears the weight of the head. The rigid support member comprises rings / ribs that stabilize the interior shell by providing a firm brace for the interior shell to reduce deflection under load. The rigid support member may be constructed from materials like non-ferrous material, carbon fiber, fiberglass, aluminum, 3D printed plastic, and the like. Stabilizing the MEG apparatus interior shell facilitates the generation of accurate MEG images since the MEG apparatus shell holds the MEG sensors in place. By minimizing shell deflection, the MEG sensor positions are maintained with greater accuracy and confidence. The rigid support member enables the wearer to lay down on the helmet safely and comfortably. The rigid support member is curved to allow for a range of motion while the user is lying down. The rigid support member withstands the weight of MEG apparatus and the subject’s head to inhibit the MEG sensors or other components of the MEGapparatus from bearing weight. By permitting slight head and neck movement during an MEG scan, the rigid support member enhances the wearer’s comfort throughout the procedure.

[0028] The rigid support member enables operation in multiple configurations including a fixed / mounted configuration, rested upon configuration, free configuration, and the like. In each configuration, the MEG apparatus and sensors are immobilized with respect to the subject’s head. The distinction between the above listed configurations is whether or not the helmet is rigidly mounted, in contact with a surface, or free to move with the patient. In the fixed configuration, the MEG apparatus is fixed to the wearer’s head and a fixed structure. The rigid support member may be used as a connecting feature between the MEG apparatus and the fixed structure (e.g., a chair, bed, wall, etc.). In the resting configuration, the MEG apparatus is fixed to the subject’s head while allowing for contact and / or support with external structures or surfaces but not rigidly fixed to the environment. In the free configuration, the MEG apparatus is fixed to the subject’s head and there is no contact with any external mounts, supports or otherwise. The rigid support member provides a stable and secure platform and is useful for situations that require the MEG apparatus to be rigidly mounted. This rigid support member allows the MEG apparatus to be adapted to various MEG applications, offering versatility to meet a wide range of user needs. Now turning to the Figures.

[0029] Figure 1 illustrates an example of MEG system 100. MEG system 100 performs operations like detecting magnetic fields and relating the detected magnetic fields to neural activity for use in medical applications. Exemplary medical applications include identifying brain activity and diagnosing medical conditions like epilepsy, brain injuries, brain disorders, and / or other types of medical conditions relating to brain / neuron activity. MEG system 100 comprises MEG apparatus 110, sensor slots 111, sensor mounts 112, localization coils 113, sensors 120, cabling 130, and MEG controller 140. In other examples, MEG system 100 may include additional or different components than illustrated in Figure 1. In this example, the target magnetic field source of MEG system 100 comprises a magnetic field source in the human head, however the target magnetic field source may comprise any magnetic field source including non-biological magnetic field sources.

[0030] Various examples of system operation and configuration are described herein. In some examples, MEG apparatus 110 is placed on the target’s head. Sensor mounts 112 are adjusted (either automatically or by a human operator) to move sensors 120 through sensor slots 111 to locations proximate or in contact with the target’s head. This conforms sensors120 to the shape of the target’s head. MEG controller 140 transfers signaling to localization coils 113 and sensors 120 over cabling 130 to perform a sensor localization process. Localization coils 113 generate coil magnetic fields. Sensors 120 measure the coil magnetic fields and report the measurements to MEG controller 140. MEG controller 140 correlates the reported coil magnetic field measurements and physical constraints placed on sensors 120 be sensor slots 111 and sensor mounts 112 to the locations of sensors 120. In other examples, localization coils 113 may be omitted and MEG system 100 may use a different localization process (e.g., optical scanning, physical measuring, etc.). MEG controller 140 plots the locations of sensors 120 in a shared coordinate system. MEG controller 140 directs sensors 120 to measure the magnetic field generated by the brain activity of the target. Sensors 120 measure the magnetic field generated by the target’s brain activity and report the measurements to MEG controller 140. MEG controller 140 performs a source localization process based on the reported measurements of the target’s magnetic field and the locations of sensors 120 to generate a MEG image. The MEG image depicts the brain activity of the target. MEG apparatus 110 comprises a rigid support member that stabilizes the components of MEG apparatus 110. The rigid support member may inhibit MEG apparatus 110 from flexing, twisting, and deforming when worn by the target. While sensors 120 are measuring the coil magnetic fields and the target magnetic field, the rigid support member inhibits changes to the orientations and locations of sensors 120 to facilitate accurate and consistent magnetic field measurements.

[0031] Advantageously, MEG system 100 effectively and efficiently measures magnetic fields generated by the target’s brain activity. Moreover, the rigid support member of MEG apparatus 110 stabilizes MEG apparatus 110 to inhibit the locations and orientations of sensors 120 from changing when measuring magnetic fields. The static lo cations / orientations of sensors 120 facilitate accurate and consistent magnetic field sensing to enhance the overall quality of the resulting MEG images.

[0032] MEG apparatus 110 is representative of a conformal MEG apparatus. MEG apparatus 110 comprises wearable headgear that is shaped to fit around the head of the target and conform sensors 120 to the shape of target. For example, MEG apparatus 110 may securely adhere sensors 120 to the scalp of the target using mechanical constraints. In this example, MEG apparatus 110 comprises a rigid helmet / headgear that comprises a three-piece construction of an inner shell, a rigid support member, and an outer shell, however the inner shell, rigid support member, and outer shell are omitted for clarity. The inner shell holds sensors 120 using sensor slots 111 and sensor mounts 112. The rigid support memberprovides structural support to the inner shell to inhibit the inner shell from deforming and inhibit changes to the orientations / locations of sensors 120 during magnetic sensing. The outer shell covers the rigid support member and the inner shell. The outer shell may cover, encase, enclose, shield, and / or otherwise conceal the other components of MEG system 100 (e.g., sensors 120 and cabling 130). In other examples, MEG apparatus 110 may comprise a single piece construction (i.e., the inner shell, the rigid support member, and the outer shell are combined). For example, the inner shell, rigid support member, and the outer shell may be 3D printed as a single piece. Alternatively, MEG apparatus 110 may comprise a different multi-piece construction (e.g., a two-piece construction, four-piece construction, etc.). In the multi-piece constructions, the components (i.e., the inner shell, rigid support member, and outer shell) of MEG apparatus 110 are typically detachably coupled (e.g., via screws, snap connections, etc.) to each other. MEG apparatus 110 may be constructed from rigid plastic, carbon fiber, polymer, 3D printed plastic, injection molded plastic, aluminum, and / or other types of non-ferrous materials that provide structural support to MEG apparatus 110 and that do not interfere in the magnetic sensing operations of sensors 120.

[0033] Sensor slots 111 form channels that control the position and orientation of sensors 120. For example, sensor slots 111 may be shaped to constrain the three orientational degrees of freedom for each of sensors 120 and two of the three locational degrees of freedom for each of sensors 120 allowing for each of sensors 120 to move along a single axis of motion. MEG apparatus 110 may comprise support elements like padding, straps, cushions, and / or some other type of support system to support and position the head of the target within MEG apparatus 110. In some examples, MEG apparatus 110 is worn by the target. In alternate examples, MEG apparatus 110 is stationary (e.g., fixed to an external mounting structure), and the target’s head is instead positioned within a magnetic field detection zone of sensors 120.

[0034] Sensor mounts 112 couple sensors 120 to MEG apparatus 110 in sensor slots 111. For example, sensor mounts 112 may couple sensors 120 to the inner shell of MEG apparatus 110. Sensor mounts 112 provide additional control to the position and orientation of sensors 120. Sensor mounts 112 may comprise clamps, compression elements, ratchets, set screws, springs, pistons, pneumatics, electric actuators, and the like. As stated above, sensor slots 111 are shaped to constrain the three orientational degrees of freedom and two of the three locational degrees of freedom for each of sensors 120. In this example, sensor mounts 112 control the last locational degree of freedom for each of sensors 120 to move each of sensors 120 through sensor slots 111 along their respective axes of motion to desired locations.When MEG apparatus 110 is placed on the target’s head, sensors 120 are propelled through their respective ones of sensor slots 111 to their desired locations. For example, set screws in sensor mounts 112 may be tightened to move sensors 120. Once at the desired location (e.g., in contact with the target’s head), sensor mounts 112 are locked to secure sensors 120 at their desired locations. Once locked, all six of the orientational and positional degrees of freedom for sensors 120 are fixed. The rigid support member of MEG apparatus 110 inhibits MEG apparatus 110 from deforming when worn by the target to ensure that every orientational and positional degree of freedom for sensors 120 remains fixed with respect to each other and the target. For example, the target may move changing the actual physical locations / orientations of sensors 120, however the relative locations / orientations of sensors 120 remain fixed with respect to each other and the target.

[0035] Localization coils 113 comprise loops of metallic wiring that generate an electromagnetic field in response to receiving electric current. Localization coils 113 may comprise single or multiple loops of any shape and size. Localization coils 113 may comprise sets of separated coils with differing loops of varying shapes, sizes, and orientations. The orientations and spatial configuration of localization coils 113 may vary. Localization coils 113 are embedded into the surface of the inner shell of MEG apparatus 110. Localization coils 113 are stationary with respect to each other. Individual ones of localization coils 113 correspond to individual ones of sensors 120 on a one-to-one basis. In other examples, multiple ones of localization coils 113 may correspond to a single one of sensors 120 on a many-to-one basis. In other examples, individual ones of localization coils 113 may correspond to multiple ones of sensors 120 on a one-to-many basis. When exposed to an electric potential, localization coils 113 generate magnetic waves that form coil magnetic fields. Sensors 120 may measure the coil magnetic fields and report the field strength to MEG controller 140. MEG controller 140 may determine the location of sensors 120 based on the reported field strengths, the orientational and locational constraints placed on sensors 120, and the locations of localization coils 113. Although localization coils 113 are illustrated embedded in MEG apparatus 110, in other examples some or all of localization coils 113 may reside at external locations (e.g., a wall).

[0036] Sensors 120 comprise magnetometers that sense magnetic fields generated by a magnetic field source in the target, coil magnetic fields generated by localization coils 113, and / or other magnetic fields (e.g., background magnetic noise). Sensors 120 generate signals that characterize the strength of the detected magnetic fields. In this example, the magnetic field source comprises the brain of the target. The neural activity in the brain of the targetcomprises intercellular electromagnetic signals. Sensors 120 sense the magnetic component of the electromagnetic signals to detect neural activity. Sensors 120 form a sensor array that is contoured to the head of the target by MEG apparatus 110. Exemplary MEG sensors include magnetometers, OPMs, atomic magnetometers, gradiometers, nitrogen vacancy centers, high-temperature Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs), and the like.

[0037] Sensors 120 are coupled to MEG controller 140 over cabling 130. Cabling 130 comprises sheathed metallic wires. Sensors 120 receive control signaling over cabling 130 from MEG controller 140 that drives the operation of sensors 120. Sensors 120 transfer signaling that characterizes the sensed magnetic field to MEG controller 140 over cabling 130. In some examples, cabling 130 may be replaced with, or used in addition with, a wireless transceiver system (e.g., antennas) to transfer communications between MEG controller 140 and sensors 120 using a wireless networking protocol like Wifi or bluetooth.

[0038] MEG controller 140 is representative of one or more computing devices configured to drive the operation of sensors 120 and localization coils 113, localize sensors 120, perform source localization, and generate MEG images that depict the measured neural activity in the target. The one or more computing devices comprise processors, memories, and transceivers that are connected over bus circuitry. The processors may comprise Central Processing Units (CPUs), Graphical Processing Units (GPUs), Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), and the like. The memories may comprise Random Access Memory (RAM), flash circuitry, Solid States Drives (SSDs), Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) SSDs, and the like. The memory stores software like operating systems, MEG applications, localization applications, sensor data, and the like. The processors retrieve and execute the software from the memory to drive the operation of MEG controller 140.

[0039] Although the above examples are discussed with relation to MEG, other magnetic and electric imaging modalities are contemplated herein. For example, MEG system 100 may instead comprise an Electroencephalography (EEG) system, a Magnetocardiography (MCG) system, a Magnetogastrography (MGG) system, a Magnetomyography (MMG) system, or another type of anatomical magnetic or electric sensing technology. It should be appreciated that the shape of MEG apparatus 110 would change when the magnetic imaging modality changes. For example, if MEG apparatus 110 instead comprises an EEG system, MEG apparatus 110 may comprise an EEG apparatus and be shaped to fit and conformsensors 120 to the target’s head. For example, if MEG apparatus 110 instead comprises an MCG system, MEG apparatus 110 may comprise an MCG apparatus and be shaped to fit and conform sensors 120 to the target’s chest. For example, if MEG apparatus 110 instead comprises an MGG system, MEG apparatus 110 may comprise a MGG apparatus and be shaped to fit and conform sensors 120 to the target’s abdomen. For example, if MEG apparatus 110 instead comprises an MMG system, MEG apparatus 110 may comprise a MMG apparatus and be shaped to fit and conform sensors 120 to the target’s arm or leg. It should be appreciated that in all of the above described magnetic and electric imaging modalities, the rigid support member of the MEG, EEG, MCG, MGG, and MMG apparatuses inhibits these apparatuses from flexing / deforming to inhibit the relative or absolute orientations / locations of sensors 120 from changing when in use.

[0040] Figures 2-12 illustrate examples of MEG apparatus 200. MEG apparatus 200 comprises an example of MEG apparatus 110 illustrated in Figure 1, however MEG apparatus 110 may differ. MEG apparatus 200 is an example of a MEG helmet, however MEG apparatus 200 may comprise a different type of MEG headgear in other examples. In some examples, MEG apparatus 200 comprises interior shell 210, rigid support member 220, sensor mounts 230, MEG sensors 240, exterior shell 250, and fixed structure 260. MEG apparatus 200 may also comprise localization coils coupled to interior shell 210, however the localization coils are omitted for clarity. In other examples, MEG apparatus 200 may comprise fewer, additional, or different components than those illustrated in Figures 2-12.

[0041] Figure 2 illustrates an example of interior shell 210 of MEG apparatus 200. In some examples, interior shell 210 comprises sensor slots 211 and connection points 212. In other examples, interior shell 210 may differ. Interior shell 210 may be constructed from a rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible material. For example, interior shell 210 may comprise a plastic piece, a carbon fiber piece, a polymer piece, a 3D printed plastic piece, an injection molded plastic piece, a machined aluminum piece, a_rubber cap, a fabric cap, a canvas cap, a mesh cap, rigid (e.g., plastic) segments interconnected by elastic couplers in the shape of the head, and / or or some other type of non-ferrous material shaped to fit around the human head (e.g., a hemispherical shape). Interior shell 210 typically comprises a non-ferrous material. Interior shell 210 forms the innermost layer of MEG apparatus 200. Sensor slots 211 comprise holes in the surface of interior shell 210 and couple to sensor mounts 230. MEG sensors 240 may attach to sensor mounts 230 and may pass through sensor slots 211 and sensor mounts 230 to contact the targets head. Interior shell 210 may provide some mechanical support to MEG sensors 240 to inhibit changes to the orientation / position of MEG sensors 240 (e.g., whenconstructed from a rigid or semi-rigid material) but is reinforced by rigid support member 220. While sensor slots 211 are illustrated as rectangular shaped holes in Figure 2, the shape of sensor slots 211 may differ in other examples (e.g., to match the shape of MEG sensors 240).

[0042] Referring now to Figures 3-6, Figures 3-6 illustrate examples of interior shell 210 and rigid support member 220 of MEG apparatus 200 from a front (Figure 3), rear (Figure 4), top (Figure 5), and side perspective (Figure 6). In some examples, rigid support member 220 comprises vertical brace 221, ring brace 222, horseshoe brace 223, and screw ports 224. In other examples, rigid support member 220 may differ. Vertical brace 221, ring brace 222, and horseshoe brace 223 comprise support ribs fixed to the exterior of interior shell 210 that form a brace to increase the structural stability (e.g., the rigidity) of interior shell 210. Horseshoe brace 223 is semi-circular shaped and mechanically coupled to interior shell 210 along a horizontal axis at the base of interior shell 210. Horseshoe brace 223 is shaped to conform to the posterior of the human head along the axial anatomical plane. Ring brace 222 is mechanically coupled to interior shell 210 along the horizontal axis at, or approximately at, the vertical midpoint of interior shell 210. Ring brace 222 is circular and shaped to encircle the human head along the axial anatomical plane. Vertical brace 221 is mechanically coupled to interior shell 210 along the central (or approximately central) vertical axis of the rear of interior shell 210. Vertical brace 221 is curved and shaped to conform to the posterior of the human head along the sagittal anatomical plane. In other examples, braces 221-223 may be shaped differently or attach to interior shell 210 at different locations. While rigid support member 220 is illustrated as comprising three braces, in other examples, rigid support member 220 may comprise a different number of braces or braces 221-223 may be combined.

[0043] Screw ports 224 on braces 221-223 allow support member 220 to be mounted to a fixed structure like a bed, chair, or other static object to immobilize MEG apparatus 200 as well as to interior shell 210 via connection points 212. Immobilizing MEG apparatus 200 provides additional stability to inhibit locations / orientation changes of MEG sensors 240 when in use. Braces 221-223 attach to interior shell 210 via connection points 212.Connection points 212 may comprise snap-and-lock connections, male / female sockets, screws, hook-and-loop fasteners, welds, epoxy, and the like. In this example, connection points 212 comprise screw ports compatible with screw ports 224 that allow rigid support member 220 to be screwed to interior shell 210 (i.e., rigid support member 220 is detachably coupled to interior shell 210). In other examples, rigid support member 220 may detachably couple to interior shell 210 using different or additional mechanisms like snap connections,male / female sockets, and the like. In some examples, interior shell 210 and rigid support member 220 may comprise a single piece construction. For example, rigid support member 220 may be fused, welded, 3D printed as a single piece with interior shell 210, or otherwise irreversibly attached to interior shell 210.

[0044] Rigid support member 220 may be constructed from 3D printed plastic, carbon fiber, fiberglass, aluminum, and / or another type of non-ferrous material with sufficient strength to inhibit interior shell 210 from flexing / deforming from internal / external forces and that does not interfere in the magnetic sensing operations of MEG sensors 240. Rigid support member 220 enhances the dimensional stability of MEG apparatus 200. Rigid support member 220 provides support to inhibit the head of the wearer from crushing or otherwise deforming the other parts of MEG apparatus 200. Rigid support member 220 maintains the positions and orientations of MEG sensors 240 when interior shell 210 experiences external forces like the weight of the human head and internal forces like deformation caused by the wearer’s body heat. It should be appreciated that interior shell 210 itself is typically a rigid structure. However, interior shell 210 may deform (i.e., flex) during certain situations / loading conditions when worn by the user and rigid support member 220 is not in use. These deformations change the relative locations / orientations of MEG sensors 240 which degrades the quality of any resulting MEG images. Advantageously, rigid support member 220 inhibits the shape of interior shell 210 from changing thereby increasing the stability of the locations / orientations of MEG sensors 240. The increased stability in turn increases the quality of MEG images generated based on the measurements by MEG sensors 240.

[0045] When MEG apparatus 200 is worn by a user, the user may lay down and rest their head on a surface (e.g., a bed). Rigid support member 220 supports the weight of the head to protect MEG sensors 240 when used in this configuration. Braces 221-223 of rigid support member 220 extend out from the rear and sides of interior shell 210 to elevate the subject’s head when the apparatus is worn by the subject lying in a supine position (e.g., on their back). Ring brace 222 contracts towards interior shell 210 at the front of interior shell 210 to reduce the weight of rigid support member 220 and further increase the comfort of the user. Rigid support member 220 is curved to allow movement (e.g., rolling) of the human head when the apparatus is worn by the subject lying in the supine position. For example, the curved shape of braces 221-223 allow the head of the wearer to move laterally (e.g., side-to-side) as depicted in Figure 5 and in a nodding motion as depicted in Figure 6 when the user is lying on their back to increase the comfort of the user. In other examples, rigid support member220 may comprise a different shape (e.g., hexagonal, octagonal, conical, spherical, etc.) that still allows for head movement of the user when lying down.

[0046] Rigid support member 220 forms a full seamless ring around the perimeter of interior shell 210 to increase the rigidity of MEG apparatus 200. However, some materials that may be used to construct rigid support member 220 are electrically conductive. A ring shaped electrically conductive material like aluminum or carbon fiber may allow a conductive loop to form. As such, rigid support member 220 includes one or more slits to inhibit conductive loops. For example, ring brace 222 may comprise a slit, break, and / or other type of partition to inhibit current from circling ring brace 222. It should be appreciated that MEG sensors 240 (and localization coils if included on inner interior shell 210) receive electric current when in use. The slit(s) in rigid support member 220 breaks the conductive loop. This inhibits current from transferring to rigid support member 220 and interfering in the operation of MEG sensors 240 or causing discomfort to the user. Rigid support member 220 may include additional elements like insulators to further reduce the conductivity of rigid support member 220.

[0047] Figure 7 illustrates an example of sensor mounts 230 and MEG sensors 240 in MEG apparatus 200. In some examples, MEG sensors 240 may comprise OPMs or any other type of magnetic field sensing device. Alternatively, MEG sensors 240 may instead or additionally comprise EEG electrodes or other electric sensing devices. Sensor mounts 230 comprise rectangular brackets that attach to interior shell 210 at sensor slots 211 and mount MEG sensors 240. For example, sensor mounts 210 may snap-connect into sensor slots 211. Sensor mounts 230 are shaped to conform to MEG sensors 240 and sensor slots 211 of interior shell 210. Sensor mounts 230 may be constructed from 3D printed plastic, injection molded plastic, and / or another type of non-ferrous material. MEG sensors 240 may slide through sensors mounts 230 until they are in contact with the scalp of the subject or until MEG sensors 240 are in some other desired location (e.g., proximate to the scalp). Once in place, sensor mounts 230 lock to secure the position and orientation or MEG sensors 240. Sensors mounts 230 may comprise clamps, ratchets, screws, twist locks, male / female socket connections, snap connections, and the like to reversibly lock the position and orientation of MEG sensors 240.

[0048] It should be appreciated that while sensor mounts 230 lock the position / orientation of MEG sensors 240, interior shell 210 may flex / deform from intemal / external forces when worn by a user. This would result in changes to the relative position / orientation of MEG sensors 240 even when locked by sensor mounts 230. Since sensor mounts 230 are coupledto interior shell 210 in sensor slots 211, the flexing / deforming of interior shell 210 may cause sensor mounts 230 to move thereby altering the position / orientation of MEG sensors 240. The support provided by rigid support member 220 to interior shell 210 inhibits interior shell 210 from flexing / deforming which immobilizes sensor mounts 230 when locking MEG sensors 240.

[0049] Figure 8 illustrates an example of interior shell 210, rigid support member 220, sensor mounts 230, and MEG sensors 240 in MEG apparatus 200 when worn by the user. In some examples, sensor mounts 230 are inserted into sensor slots 211. Sensor mounts 230 may comprise clips, hooks, snap-connects, and / or another mechanism to couple to sensor slots 211. MEG sensors 240 are mounted in sensor mounts 230 and pushed through sensor mounts 230 until in contact with the scalp of the user. Sensor mounts 230 lock MEG sensors 240 to fix the orientation and position of MEG sensors 240. This conforms MEG sensors 240 to the scalp of the user. Conforming MEG sensors 240 decreases the distance between MEG sensors 240 and the magnetic field source in the head of the user which improves measured signal strength and the resulting MEG image. As illustrated in Figure 8, MEG sensors 240 fully surround the scalp of the user. This allows MEG sensors 240 to measure magnetic fields produced in every region of the brain of the user. In other examples, a portion of MEG sensors 240 are omitted (e.g., to target measuring magnetic fields generated in a specific region of the brain of the user). Vertical brace 221, ring brace 222, and horseshoe brace 223 of rigid support member 220 extend past sensor mounts 230. By extending past sensor mounts 230, rigid support member 220 inhibits sensor mounts 230 and MEG sensors 240 from touching a surface when the user is lying on their back. This allows rigid support member 220 to bear the weight of MEG apparatus 200 and the head of the user to protect interior shell 210, sensor mounts 230, MEG sensors 240.

[0050] Figure 9 illustrates an example of exterior shell 250, MEG sensors 240, and rigid support member 220 in MEG apparatus 200. In some examples, exterior shell 250 comprises a cleanable surface and protects / conceals the electronics of MEG apparatus 200. Exterior shell 250 connects braces 221-223 of rigid support member 220 to increase the rigidity of MEG apparatus 200 to further stabilize MEG sensors 240. Exterior shell 250 conceals interior shell 210, portions of rigid support member 220, sensor mounts 230, and MEG sensors 240. Typically, the outer edge of rigid support member 220 is exposed past the perimeter of exterior shell to allow rigid support member 220 to bear the weight of the head when the user is lying down and protect the other components of MEG apparatus 200. Additionally, the exposed outer edge of rigid support member 220 allows rigid supportmember to be attached to fixed structure 260 via screw ports 224. Additionally, exterior shell 250 may conceal and any communication and power cables (not illustrated) coupled to MEG sensors 240. The communication and power cables may be coupled to a MEG controller (e.g., an FPGA powered computing device) to drive the operation of MEG sensors 240. Exterior shell 250 comprises a number of slots that provides finger space to remove / adjust MEG sensors 240 and to lock sensor mounts 230. Exterior shell 250 may be constructed from plastic, carbon fiber, fiberglass, aluminum, 3D printed plastic, or injection molded plastic, and / or another type of non-ferrous material. In some examples, interior shell 210, rigid support member 220, sensor mounts 230, and / or exterior shell 250 may comprise a single piece construction. As stated above, exterior shell 250 comprises a cleanable or otherwise sanitizable material. For example, an operator may apply a disinfectant to exterior shell 250 to sanitize MEG apparatus 200 for use by a subject.

[0051] Figure 10 illustrates an example of interior shell 210, rigid support member 220, sensor mounts 230, and MEG sensors 240 in MEG apparatus 200. As illustrated in Figure 12, one of MEG sensors 240 is in contact with the surface of the user and locked in place by the corresponding one of sensor mounts 230. MEG sensors 240 are moved to contact the subject to facilitate magnetic field sensing. Typically, all of MEG sensors 240 are in contact with the surface of the target subject during measurement operations (e.g., as illustrated in Figure 8). MEG sensors 240 may be manually, electronically, or pneumatically moved through sensor mounts 230 to contact the subject.

[0052] Figure 11 illustrates an example of MEG apparatus 200 in a free configuration and an immobilized configuration when worn by a user lying down. In some examples, the user may lie on a bed and wear MEG apparatus 200. In the free configuration, MEG apparatus 200 is not attached to fixed structure 260. This allows the user to move their head (e.g., shake, nod, role, etc.) while wearing MEG apparatus 200. The curved shape of rigid support member 220 allows MEG apparatus 200 to move with the user. Moreover, since the outer edge of rigid support member 220 extends past exterior shell 250, rigid support member 220 supports the weight of the user’ s head to protect the other components of MEG apparatus 200. While illustrated as lying down on the bed, the user may wear MEG apparatus 200 in the free configuration while sitting / lying in a chair, seat, recliner, or another type of furniture. Alternatively, the user may wear MEG apparatus in the free configuration while standing up.

[0053] In the immobilized configuration, MEG apparatus 200 is coupled to fixed structure 260 attached to the bed the user is lying on. Fixed structure 260 may comprise a rigid plastic or metallic structure with screw ports that are compatible with screw ports 224 ofrigid support member 220. For example, fixed structure 260 may comprise two or more plates spaced to snuggly sandwich (e.g., approximately 1mm of clearance) the exposed edge of rigid support member 220. Screws are screwed through screw ports in fixed structure 260 and screw ports 224 to attach MEG apparatus 200 to fixed structure 260. The attachment immobilizes MEG apparatus 200 and inhibits the user from moving their head while wearing MEG apparatus 200. Fixed structure 260 increases the rigidity of MEG apparatus 200 to further stabilize interior shell 210 to inhibit changes in the locations and orientations of MEG sensors 240. While illustrated as lying down on the bed, the user may wear MEG apparatus 200 in the immobilized configuration while sitting / lying in a chair, seat, recliner, or another type of furniture with fixed structure 260.

[0054] Figure 12 illustrates an example of MEG apparatus 200 in an immobilized configuration when worn by a user lying down. In some examples, fixed structure 260 is mounted to a surface near or on where the user is lying down or sitting. Fixed structure 260 is immovable when MEG apparatus 200 is in use. Fixed structure 260 comprises two sets of plates arranged perpendicular to each other. One set of the plates corresponds to vertical brace 221 and the other set of the plates corresponds to horseshoe brace 223. In other examples, fixed structure 260 may comprise additional sets of plates (e.g., to mount to ring brace 222). The plates are curved to align with the curvature of vertical brace 221 and horseshoe brace 223. The plates are spaced at a width that corresponds to the thickness of vertical brace 221 and horseshoe brace 223. Vertical brace 221 and horseshoe brace 223 extend past the perimeter of exterior shell 250 and insert into the plates of fixed structure 260. The plates of fixed structure 260 comprise screw ports that align with screw ports 224 on vertical brace 221 and horseshoe brace 223. Screws are driven through the screw holes of fixed structure 260 and screw ports 224 of vertical brace 221 and horseshoe brace 223 to couple rigid support member 220 to fixed structure 260. This coupling immobilizes MEG apparatus 200 which adds rigidity to interior shell 210 to inhibit the positions and orientations of MEG sensors 240 from changing when MEG apparatus is in use.

[0055] Figure 13 illustrates process 1300. Process 1300 comprises an exemplary operation of a MEG system to measure a target magnetic field using a MEG helmet that includes a rigid support member. Process 1300 may vary in other examples. In some examples, the operations of process 1300 comprise placing a MEG helmet on a human head, the MEG helmet comprising MEG sensors, an interior shell comprising slots to hold the MEG sensors, and a rigid support member coupled to the interior shell to inhibit the interior shell from flexing to maintain the locations and orientations of the MEG sensors (step 1301).The operations further comprise moving the MEG sensors through the slots to be proximate or in contact with the surface of the human head (step 1302). The operations further comprise utilizing the MEG sensors to measure a magnetic field generated by brain activity in the human head (step 1303).

[0056] Referring back to Figures 2-12, MEG apparatus 200 includes a brief example of process 1300 as employed by the various components of MEG apparatus 200. In some examples, MEG apparatus 200 is placed on the head of the user (step 1301). Rigid support member 220 may be attached to fixed structure 260 to use MEG apparatus 200 in an immobilized configuration or MEG apparatus may be used in a free (unattached) configuration. An operator accesses MEG sensors 240 through the slots in exterior shell 250 and pushes MEG sensors 240 through their respective ones of sensor mounts 230 and sensor slots 211 until in contact with the target (step 1302). Once in contact, the operator locks sensor mounts 230 to fix the position and orientation of MEG sensors 240. A MEG controller receives a user input to begin the MEG imaging process. The MEG controller implements a sensor localization process using coils embedded in interior shell 210 or via another localization process to plot the locations of MEG sensors 240 in a shared coordinate space. For example, the MEG controller may sequentially activate the localization coils and MEG sensors 240 may measure the coil magnetic fields produced by the localization coils. MEG sensors 240 may report the measured field strengths to the MEG controller which then correlates the measured strengths, the known locations of localization coils, and the positional / orientational constraints on placed on MEG sensors 240 by sensor slots 211 and sensors mounts 230 to the locations / orientations of MEG sensors 240.

[0057] Once MEG sensors 240 are located, the MEG controller transfers control signaling to MEG sensors 240 that drives MEG sensors 240 to measure the magnetic field generated by neural activity in the brain of the user. MEG sensors 240 operate in response to the control signaling and measure the magnetic field produced by the brain of the user (step 1303). MEG sensors 240 report the magnetic field measurements to the MEG controller. The MEG controller executes an MEG application that performs source localization to generate a MEG image based on the measured field strengths and the locations of MEG sensors 240. The MEG image depicts the magnetic fields detected by MEG sensors 240 in three dimensions to illustrate the neural activity in the brain of the target. While MEG sensors 240 are measuring the magnetic fields, vertical brace 221, ring brace 222, and horseshoe brace 223 of rigid support member 220 stabilize interior shell 210. Vertical brace 221, ring brace 222, and horseshoe brace 223 prevent interior shell 210 from flexing due toexternal forces like the weight of the user’ s head, user movements, and the weight of the other components of MEG apparatus 200. For example, rigid support member 220 may transfer the weight of the head and MEG apparatus 200 into a surface (i.e., when the user is lying down) and / or to mounting structure 260 to inhibit the other components (e.g., MEG sensors 240) of MEG apparatus 200 from bearing weight. Vertical brace 221, ring brace 222, and horseshoe brace 223 prevent interior shell 210 from flexing due to internal forces like heating caused by body heat emanating from the head of the user. By preventing interior shell 210 from flexing and / or deforming, vertical brace 221, ring brace 222, and horseshoe brace 223 prevent, minimize, or otherwise resist changes in the relative location and orientation of MEG sensors 240 while MEG sensors 240 are measuring the magnetic fields.

[0058] Advantageously, MEG apparatus 200 efficiently and effectively uses rigid support member 220 to inhibit interior shell 210 from flexing / deforming to immobilize MEG sensors 240 with respect to each other and the head of the user. By immobilizing MEG sensors 240, the quality and accuracy of the sensor localization and MEG imaging performed by the MEG controller is increased which improves the overall user experience. Moreover, rigid support member 220 provides a mounting surface to couple MEG apparatus 200 to fixed structure 260 to further increase the rigidity of interior shell 210.

[0059] The above Technical Description of examples of the technology is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise form disclosed above. While specific examples for the technology are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the technology, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while processes or elements are presented in a given order, alternative implementations may perform operations, or employ systems having elements, in a different order, and some processes or elements may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and / or modified to provide alternative or subcombinations. Each of these processes or elements may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or elements are at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or elements may instead be performed or implemented in parallel or may be performed at different times. Further any specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing values or ranges.

[0060] The teachings of the technology provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various examples described above can be combined to provide further implementations of the technology.Some alternative implementations of the technology may include not only additional elements to those implementations noted above, but also may include fewer elements.

[0061] These and other changes can be made to the technology in light of the above Detailed Description. While the above description describes certain examples of the technology, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the technology can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its specific implementation, while still being encompassed by the technology disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the technology should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the technology to the specific examples disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the technology encompasses not only the disclosed examples, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the technology under the claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A Magnetoencephalography (MEG) apparatus, the MEG apparatus comprising: MEG sensors configured to measure a magnetic field; and a rigid support member configured to stabilize the MEG apparatus to maintain a location and orientation of each of the MEG sensors.

2. The MEG apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rigid support member is configured to support a combined weight of the MEG apparatus and a human head to stabilize the MEG apparatus to maintain the location and orientation of each of the MEG sensors.

3. The MEG apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rigid support member comprises one or more of a non-ferrous material, plastic, carbon fiber, fiberglass, aluminum, Three- Dimensional (3D) printed plastic, or injection molded plastic.

4. The MEG apparatus of claim 1 wherein the MEG sensors comprise one or more of magnetometers, atomic magnetometers, Optically Pumped Magnetometers (OPMs), gradiometers, nitrogen vacancy centers, and high-temperature Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs).

5. The MEG apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an interior shell; and wherein: the interior shell comprises sensor slots; the MEG sensors are mounted in the sensor slots; the MEG sensors are positioned to conform to a surface of a head; and the rigid support member comprises one or more braces coupled to the interior shell and configured to stabilize the interior shell to maintain the locations and orientations of the MEG sensors when conformed to the surface of the head.

6. The MEG apparatus of claim 5 wherein: the rigid support member extends out from the interior shell and is configured to maintain the locations and the orientations of the MEG sensors when the apparatus is worn by a human lying in a supine position; and the rigid support member is shaped to allow movement of the human’s head when the apparatus is worn by the human lying in the supine position.

7. The MEG apparatus of claim 5 wherein the interior shell comprises one or more of a non-ferrous material, plastic, carbon fiber, fiberglass, aluminum, Three-Dimensional (3D) printed plastic, injection molded plastic, rubber, canvas, elastic couplers, or fabric.

8. The MEG apparatus of claim 5 further comprising sensor mounts; and wherein: the sensor mounts are configured to: house the MEG sensors; mechanically couple to the sensor slots; allow each of the MEG sensors to move along an axis-of-motion; and lock the locations and orientations of the MEG sensors when conformed to the surface of the head.

9. The MEG apparatus of claim 8 wherein the MEG sensors are configured to move through the sensor mounts along their respective axes-of-motion to conform to the surface of the head.

10. The MEG apparatus of claim 8 wherein the sensor mounts comprise one or more of a non-ferrous material, plastic, carbon fiber, fiberglass, aluminum, Three-Dimensional (3D) printed plastic, or injection molded plastic.

11. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising an exterior shell mechanically coupled to the rigid support member; and wherein: the exterior shell is configured to conceal the MEG sensors, the sensor mounts, the interior shell, at least a portion of the rigid support member, and cables attached to the MEG sensors that communicatively couple the MEG sensors to a MEG controller; the exterior shell comprises one or more of a non-ferrous material, plastic, carbon fiber, fiberglass, aluminum, Three-Dimensional (3D) printed plastic, or injection molded plastic; and the exterior comprises a sanitizable material.

12. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising localization coils mechanically coupled to the interior shell and configured to generate magnetic fields for MEG sensor localization.

13. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the rigid support member and the interior shell comprise a single piece.

14. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the rigid support member is detachably coupled to the interior shell.

15. The MEG apparatus of claim 1 wherein the MEG apparatus is wearable by a subject without external support.

16. The MEG apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rigid support member is configured to mechanically couple to a mounting structure.

17. A Magnetoencephalography (MEG) helmet comprising: an interior shell comprising sensor slots configured to hold MEG sensors; and a rigid support member coupled to the interior shell and configured to inhibit the interior shell from flexing and deforming to maintain a location and orientation of each of the MEG sensors, wherein the rigid support member comprises: a semi-circular brace coupled to the interior shell along a horizontal plane; a circular brace coupled to the interior shell along the horizontal plane; and a curved vertical brace coupled to the interior shell along a vertical plane.

18. The MEG helmet of claim 17 further comprising MEG sensors configured to: move through the sensor slots; conform to a human head; and measure a magnetic field generated by neural activity.

19. The MEG helmet of claim 17 further comprising sensor mounts configured to: house the MEG sensors; couple to the sensor slots; allow the MEG sensors to move to conform to a human head; and lock the locations and orientations of the MEG sensors when the MEG sensors are conformed to the human head.

20. The MEG helmet of claim 17 further comprising localization coils coupled to the interior shell configured to generate magnetic fields for MEG sensor localization.

21. The MEG helmet of claim 17 further comprising an exterior shell configured to enclose internal components of the MEG helmet.

22. A method comprising: placing a MEG helmet on a user’s head, wherein the MEG helmet comprises MEG sensors, an interior shell comprising slots to hold the MEG sensors, and a rigid support member coupled to the interior shell configured to inhibit the interior shell from flexing to maintain locations and orientations of the MEG sensors; moving the MEG sensors through the slots to be proximate to or in contact with a surface of the user’s head; and utilizing the MEG sensors to measure a magnetic field generated by brain activity in the user’s head.

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