Three-dimensional adjustable support device for sensors based on optically pumped magnetometers and measurement method

Abstract

This invention relates to a three-dimensional adjustable support device for a sensor based on an optically pumped magnetometer and its measurement method. Aimed at solving the problems of poor sensor fit and adaptability in existing magnetocardiography (MCC) detection systems, it provides a scalable, adjustable, and precise three-dimensional positioning solution. The support panel adopts a modular design and includes a three-dimensional positioning system that can adapt to the anterior chest curve of subjects of different body types, from adolescents to adults. The optically pumped magnetometer is installed in an independently adjustable insert that can slide along the normal direction within the support frame and is precisely locked by a self-locking mechanism. This design ensures the stability and repeatability of sensor positioning and minimizes mechanical errors, thereby ensuring the acquisition of high-quality magnetocardiographic signals.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of biomagnetic measurement and medical imaging equipment technology, and more specifically, to a three-dimensional adjustable support device and measurement method for a sensor based on an optically pumped magnetometer. Background Technology

[0002] Magnetocardiography (MCG) is a non-invasive, non-contact technique for assessing cardiac electrophysiological function. It provides diagnostic information by measuring the weak magnetic fields generated by cardiac activity. Compared to electrocardiography (ECG), MCG offers higher spatial resolution and penetration. Traditional superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) MCG systems require large magnetically shielded chambers and fixed detector arrays, making the equipment bulky and expensive. In recent years, advancements in optically pumped magnetometer (OPM) technology have made it possible to construct MCG systems that can operate in relatively loosely shielded environments and be placed close to the body surface, thus significantly enhancing signal strength.

[0003] However, due to the complex curvature of the human anterior thoracic cavity and significant differences in size and curvature between individuals, existing solutions either employ rigid fixed arrays, which cannot adapt to individual differences, resulting in gaps between some sensors and the skin and uneven signal quality; or require complex manual adjustments one by one, a cumbersome process with poor repeatability, making rapid deployment in clinical settings difficult. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a three-dimensional adjustable support solution that can quickly and accurately adapt to the individual thoracic cavity curvature and ensure normal alignment of all sensors. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is how to overcome the technical defects of existing optically pumped magnetometer detection magnetocardiography schemes, which cannot achieve rapid and accurate adaptation to the individual thoracic surface and cannot ensure that all sensors are in normal alignment. In order to overcome the above defects of the prior art, the present invention provides a three-dimensional adjustable support device for sensors based on optically pumped magnetometers and a measurement method.

[0005] This invention provides a three-dimensional adjustable support device for a sensor based on an optically pumped magnetometer, comprising: Support panel; Multiple sensor units are disposed on the support panel. Each sensor unit includes a support frame, a three-dimensional adjustment mechanism disposed on the support frame, a sensor plug disposed on the output of the three-dimensional adjustment mechanism, and an optically pumped magnetometer sensor and a locking mechanism mounted on the sensor plug. The three-dimensional adjustment mechanism is used to adjust the three-dimensional position of the sensor plug relative to the support panel and is provided with a control terminal for communicating with an external control device. The locking mechanism is configured to fix the position of the sensor plug after the position adjustment is completed, and to release the position fixation when the position of the sensor plug needs to be adjusted. Wearing fixation components disposed on the support panel are used to detachably fix the support panel to the front chest of the subject.

[0006] The three-dimensional adjustable support device for a sensor based on an optically pumped magnetometer disclosed in this invention adopts a modular insert and support frame combination design, and is equipped with a precise three-dimensional position adjustment and position locking system, namely a three-dimensional adjustment mechanism and a locking mechanism. The optically pumped magnetometer sensor is installed in an independent adjustable sensor plug-in, which can be translated in two horizontal directions along the guide groove on the support frame. XY Planar adjustment to accommodate different chest widths and heights), and an axial sliding direction perpendicular to the body surface (…). Z (Adjusting towards the normal direction to closely fit the curved surface). After sensor adjustment, a self-locking mechanism integrated into the sensor plug or bracket securely locks the sensor position, enabling rapid and accurate adaptation to the individual's thoracic surface and minimizing micro-movements during measurement. The panel's lightweight design, secured to the user with a wearing fastening component, achieves three-dimensional independent adjustment of the sensor position, particularly the crucial normal alignment adjustment, ensuring consistent signal sensitivity. It also boasts high adaptability, eliminating the need for custom-made panels for each subject and reducing operating costs. Furthermore, its ease of operation during measurement significantly shortens preparation and calibration time. High mechanical stability ensures data reliability over long-term measurements.

[0007] In one possible implementation, multiple sensor units are arranged at equal intervals on the support panel, forming a matrix structure extending laterally and longitudinally along the support panel. This effectively covers the main projection area of ​​the cardiac magnetic field signal, further improving the accuracy of the acquired images.

[0008] In one possible implementation, a flexible cushioning layer is provided on the side of the sensor insert closest to the subject's skin. This improves wearing comfort and reduces localized pressure.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the three-dimensional adjustment mechanism includes: A first guide structure is provided on the support frame for adjusting the lateral position of the sensor plug on the support panel surface; The second guide structure is connected to the output of the first guide structure and is used to perform longitudinal position adjustment of the sensor plug on the support panel surface; An axial adjustment structure, connected to the output of the second guide structure, is used to adjust the normal position of the sensor plug on the support panel surface.

[0010] The three-dimensional adjustment mechanism with the above structure and functions combines coarse adjustment of the axial adjustment mechanism with fine adjustment of the first and second guides in the axial direction. While realizing the three-dimensional position adjustment of the sensor, it also enables the sensor support panel to adapt to the changes in the anterior thoracic curvature of subjects of different body types without the need for individual customization of the support panel.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the locking mechanism is a miniature screw locking structure, a friction locking structure, a ratchet-stop self-locking structure, or an elastic compression locking structure. This achieves position locking while also preventing sensor position changes due to breathing or body movement during magnetocardiography measurement.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the wearing and securing component is a flexible strap, a vest-style securing structure, or a shoulder strap structure. This allows it to be secured to the torso via the flexible strap or supporting vest, and can be integrated with a quick-release mechanism for emergency situations.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the sensor plug and / or support frame are provided with heat dissipation channels or ventilation structures to reduce heat accumulation during operation of the optical pump magnetometer sensor.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the support panel is provided with multiple position reference marks. The establishment of multiple fixed reference points can be used to achieve spatial registration between the sensor array coordinate system and the subject's anatomical coordinate system.

[0015] Another technical solution of the present invention is to provide a magnetocardiogram measurement method based on a three-dimensional adjustable support device for a sensor using an optically pumped magnetometer, the method comprising: Wearing procedure: Use the wearing fixation component to fix the support panel with the optical pump magnetometer sensor on the front of the subject's chest; Adjustment steps: For each sensor unit, drive signals are sent through an external control device to drive the three-dimensional adjustment mechanism, so that the sensor plug can move independently in the horizontal, vertical and normal directions relative to the support panel, so that the sensitive axis of the optical pump magnetometer sensor is consistent with the normal direction of the local body surface of the subject and closely fits the anterior chest curve of the subject. Locking procedure: After the sensor plug position is adjusted, activate the locking mechanism to reliably fix the position of the sensor plug. Measurement steps: Start the optical pump magnetometer sensor to collect the magnetocardiogram signal.

[0016] The method disclosed in this invention, through the combination of wearing, adjustment, locking, and measurement steps, achieves three-dimensional independent adjustment of the sensor position during the measurement process. In particular, the crucial normal alignment adjustment ensures consistent signal sensitivity. Furthermore, it possesses high adaptability, eliminating the need for customized panels for each subject and reducing usage costs. Moreover, it is easy to operate during measurement, significantly shortening preparation and calibration time. High mechanical stability ensures the reliability of data during long-term measurements.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the following needs to be performed after the locking step and before the measurement step: Spatial registration steps: Identify the positional relationship between the positional reference marks on the support panel and the anatomical landmarks on the subject's body surface, and establish the mapping relationship between the sensor array coordinate system and the subject's anatomical coordinate system. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a three-dimensional adjustable support device for a sensor based on an optically pumped magnetometer, as disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the structure of a single sensor unit disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 The sensor plug-in normal disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention ( X (Direction) Adjustment diagram; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the sensor plug-in normal (Y-axis) adjustment disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention; Figure 5 The sensor plug-in normal disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention ( Z (Direction) Adjustment diagram; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the support panel worn on the chest of the subject as disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Support panel; 2. Sensor unit; 21. Sensor plug-in; 22. Support frame; 3. Wearing and fixing components. 21. Sensor plug-in; 211. Optical pump magnetometer sensor; 22. Support frame; 23. Three-dimensional adjustment mechanism; 231. First guide structure; 232. Second guide structure; 233. Axial adjustment structure; 24. Locking mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0020] First, those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely used to explain the technical principles of the embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific application scenarios.

[0021] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0022] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "electrical connection" and "electrical connection relationship" should be interpreted broadly, referring to a connection method with an electrical relationship. For example, it can be a circuit connection achieved through conductive wires, an electrical connection achieved through a radio signal channel, or a combination of both. Furthermore, "electrical connection" and "electrical connection relationship" can be based on a mechanical connection (such as conductive wires being placed within a connecting key); it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0023] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0024] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0025] See Figures 1-6 This application discloses a three-dimensional adjustable support device for a sensor based on an optically pumped magnetometer. A schematic diagram of the device is shown below. Figure 1As shown, the device includes a support panel 1 on which multiple sensor units 2 are mounted for synchronous acquisition of multi-channel magnetocardiogram signals. Each sensor unit 2 includes a sensor insert 21, a support frame 22, a three-dimensional adjustment mechanism 23, and a locking mechanism 24. The sensor insert 21 is used to mount an optically pumped magnetometer sensor 211, and its interior has a mounting cavity adapted to the shape of the sensor to ensure the positioning accuracy of the sensor within the insert. The support frame 22 is fixed to the support panel 1 and serves as the mounting base for the three-dimensional adjustment mechanism 23. The three-dimensional adjustment mechanism 23 is located between the sensor insert 21 and the support frame 22, and is used to enable independent adjustment of the sensor insert 21 in the left-right direction (X-axis), up-down direction (Y-axis), and normal direction (Z-axis) of the support panel 1.

[0026] Specifically, see Figure 2~ Figure 5 The three-dimensional adjustment mechanism 23 includes a first guide structure 231, a second guide structure 232, and an axial adjustment structure 233. The first guide structure 231 uses a sliding rail and slider mechanism to adjust the position of the sensor insert 21 in the width direction (left-right direction) of the support panel 1. The second guide structure 232 is perpendicular to the first guide structure 231 and also uses a sliding rail and slider mechanism to adjust the position of the sensor insert 21 in the height direction (up-down direction) of the support panel 1. The axial adjustment structure 233 uses a screw-nut transmission structure. By rotating the adjusting screw, the sensor insert 21 is driven to extend and retract along the normal direction Z, which is basically perpendicular to the subject's body surface. This adapts to the curvature changes of different subjects' chests, ensuring that the sensitive axis of the optical pump magnetometer sensor 211 remains consistent with the local body surface normal direction.

[0027] See Figure 2 The locking mechanism 24 can be a miniature screw locking structure, a friction locking structure, a ratchet-stop self-locking structure, or an elastic compression locking structure. In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 24 is a miniature screw locking structure, so that after the three-dimensional adjustment is completed, the fixing screw is tightened by operating the motor, so that sufficient friction is generated on the contact surface between the support frame 22 and the sensor plug 21, thereby reliably fixing the position of the sensor plug 21. This locking mechanism 24 can effectively prevent the sensor from shifting position due to the subject's breathing or body movement during magnetocardiography measurement.

[0028] In this embodiment, the support panel 1 is made of lightweight carbon fiber material, such as polyamide 12 (PA12), carbon fiber composite material, or equivalent materials. This material ensures structural strength while reducing overall weight, thus improving the wearing comfort of the subject.

[0029] In this embodiment, multiple reference points are provided on the main frame for spatial registration with the subject's anatomical landmarks (such as the sternal angle and xiphoid process), establishing a mapping relationship between the sensor array coordinate system and the subject's anatomical coordinate system. The geometric relationships between the reference points and each sensor are pre-calibrated and fixed. By obtaining the positional relationship of the reference points relative to the subject's anatomical landmarks, spatial registration between the support panel coordinate system and the subject's anatomical coordinate system can be achieved, thus providing a foundation for the spatial localization of the magnetocardiogram signal and subsequent data analysis.

[0030] See Figure 1 and Figure 6 The wearing and fixing component 3 is a flexible strap, vest-style fixing structure, or shoulder strap structure. For example... Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the wearing fixation component 3 adopts a shoulder strap structure composed of flexible straps and a quick-release mechanism to fix the support panel 1 to the subject's chest. In an emergency, the strap connection can be quickly released by triggering the quick-release mechanism to ensure the subject's safety. At the same time, the sensor plug-in 21 and the support frame 22 are provided with heat dissipation channels to reduce the heat accumulation of the optical pump magnetometer sensor 211 during operation and avoid discomfort to the subject's skin.

[0031] The following embodiment further discloses a magnetocardiogram measurement method based on the above-mentioned support panel, which includes the following steps: Wearing procedure: Use the wearing fixation component 3 to fix the support panel 1, which is equipped with the optical pump magnetometer sensor 211, to the front chest of the subject, and initially adjust the position of the main frame to cover the main projection area of ​​the heart magnetic field signal.

[0032] Adjustment steps: For each sensor unit 2, firstly, adjust the position of the sensor plug-in 21 on the first guide structure 231 according to the subject's chest width; secondly, adjust the position of the sensor plug-in 21 on the second guide structure 232 according to the longitudinal projection position of the subject's heart; finally, according to the local chest curvature, drive the axial adjustment structure 233 to make the sensor plug-in 21 extend and retract along the normal direction Z until the optical pump magnetometer sensor 211 is in close contact with the skin surface, eliminating gaps.

[0033] Locking procedure: After the position of sensor plug 21 is adjusted, activate the locking mechanism 24 and tighten the fastening screws to reliably fix the position of sensor plug 21 and prevent displacement during measurement.

[0034] Spatial registration steps: Identify the relative positions of the reference points on the support panel 1 and the anatomical landmarks on the subject's body surface, and use a three-dimensional positioning system to establish the mapping relationship between the sensor array coordinate system and the subject's anatomical coordinate system, providing a spatial basis for subsequent source localization analysis of the magnetic field signals.

[0035] Measurement Procedure: Activate all optically pumped magnetometer sensors 211 to simultaneously acquire magnetocardiogram signals. During the measurement process, continuous air convection occurs through the heat dissipation channels to lower the sensor operating temperature. If the subject experiences discomfort, immediately execute the emergency release procedure, triggering the rapid release mechanism to disconnect the support panel from the subject.

[0036] Through the above-described embodiments, the device disclosed in this invention can achieve precise adjustment and stable fixation of the sensor in three-dimensional space, adapting to the thoracic surface characteristics of subjects with different body types, and improving the accuracy and repeatability of magnetocardiography (MCG) measurements. Simultaneously, the modular design of the sensor unit 2 facilitates maintenance and replacement, enhancing the practicality and reliability of the device. This device disclosed in this embodiment is particularly suitable for wearable magnetocardiography (MCG) measurement systems that require high sensor fit accuracy, spatial stability, and array consistency. As a key mechanical carrier for achieving precise matching of the sensor-human interface in the OPM-MCG system, this device is a core structural component ensuring high signal-to-noise ratio acquisition and accurate spatial positioning of magnetocardiographic signals. By achieving independent three-dimensional adjustment of each sensor unit, especially precise fit and reliable locking in the normal direction, the adaptability, consistency, and repeatability of large-scale sensor arrays on subjects with different body types can be significantly improved. The OPM-MCG system using this support panel can achieve rapid deployment and long-term stable measurement without individualized customization, providing crucial engineering foundation support for the optically pumped magnetometer magnetocardiography technology to move from laboratory research to clinical application and large-scale industrialization.

[0037] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the terms "inner" and "outer" and other terms indicating direction or positional relationship are based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the drawings. This is only for the convenience of description and does not indicate or imply that the device or component must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0038] In the description of this application, the references to terms such as "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "in this embodiment," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0039] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A three-dimensional adjustable support device for a sensor based on an optically pumped magnetometer, characterized in that, include: Support panel (1); Multiple sensor units (2) are disposed on the support panel (1). Each sensor unit (2) includes a support frame (22), a three-dimensional adjustment mechanism (23) disposed on the support frame (22), a sensor plug (21) disposed on the output of the three-dimensional adjustment mechanism (23), and an optical pump magnetometer sensor (211) and a locking mechanism (24) mounted on the sensor plug (21). The three-dimensional adjustment mechanism (23) is used to adjust the three-dimensional position of the sensor plug (21) relative to the support panel (1) and is provided with a control terminal for communicating with an external control device. The locking mechanism (24) is configured to fix the position of the sensor plug (21) after the position adjustment is completed, and to release the position fixation when the position of the sensor plug (21) needs to be adjusted. Wearing fixation component (3) is provided on the support panel (1) for detachably fixing the support panel (1) to the front chest of the subject.

2. The three-dimensional adjustable support device for a sensor based on an optically pumped magnetometer according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple sensor units (2) are arranged at equal intervals on the support panel (1) and form a matrix structure extending laterally and longitudinally along the support panel (1).

3. The three-dimensional adjustable support device for the sensor based on an optically pumped magnetometer according to claim 1, characterized in that, A flexible buffer layer is provided on the side of the sensor plug (21) near the subject's body surface.

4. The three-dimensional adjustable support device for the sensor based on an optically pumped magnetometer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The three-dimensional adjustment mechanism (23) includes: A first guide structure (231) is provided on the support frame (22) for performing lateral position adjustment of the sensor plug (21) on the support panel (1); The second guide structure (232) is connected to the output of the first guide structure (231) and is used to perform longitudinal position adjustment of the sensor plug (21) on the support panel (1); An axial adjustment structure (233) is connected to the output of the second guide structure (232) for performing normal position adjustment of the sensor plug (21) on the support panel (1).

5. The three-dimensional adjustable support device for a sensor based on an optically pumped magnetometer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking mechanism (24) is a micro screw locking structure, a friction locking structure, a ratchet-stop self-locking structure, or an elastic compression locking structure.

6. The three-dimensional adjustable support device for a sensor based on an optically pumped magnetometer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The wearing fixation component (3) is a flexible strap, a vest-style fixation structure, or a shoulder strap structure.

7. The three-dimensional adjustable support device for a sensor based on an optically pumped magnetometer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor plug (21) and / or support frame (22) are provided with heat dissipation channels or ventilation structures to reduce heat accumulation when the optical pump magnetometer sensor (211) is working.

8. The three-dimensional adjustable support device for a sensor based on an optically pumped magnetometer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support panel (1) is provided with multiple position reference marks.

9. A method for measuring magnetocardiography using a sensor with a three-dimensional adjustable support device based on an optically pumped magnetometer, characterized in that, The three-dimensional adjustable support device for the sensor based on the optically pumped magnetometer as described in any one of claims 1-8 includes: Wearing procedure: Use the wearing fixation component (3) to fix the support panel (1) with the optical pump magnetometer sensor (211) installed on the front chest of the subject; Adjustment steps: For each sensor unit (2), drive signals are sent through an external control device to drive the three-dimensional adjustment mechanism (23), so that the sensor plug (21) moves independently in the horizontal, vertical and normal directions relative to the support panel (1), so that the sensitive axis of the optical pump magnetometer sensor (211) is consistent with the normal direction of the local body surface of the subject and fits closely to the front chest curve of the subject. Locking step: After the position of the sensor plug (21) is adjusted, the locking mechanism (24) is activated to reliably fix the position of the sensor plug (21); Measurement steps: Start the optical pump magnetometer sensor (211) to collect the magnetocardiogram signal.

10. The magnetocardiogram measurement method of the sensor three-dimensional adjustable support device based on an optically pumped magnetometer according to claim 9, characterized in that, The following must be performed after the locking step and before the measurement step: Spatial registration steps: Identify the positional relationship between the positional reference marks on the support panel (1) and the anatomical landmarks on the subject's body surface, and establish the mapping relationship between the sensor array coordinate system and the subject's anatomical coordinate system.

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