Buried object detector

Abstract

A method and apparatus for locating buried objects comprising magnetic material and / or charge storage devices in a living animal. The apparatus can include a magnetic field generator (e.g., an electromagnetic field generator) configured to generate a magnetic field (e.g., an electromagnetic field). The apparatus can include a sensor configured to detect a change in the magnetic field and to generate a sensor signal indicative of the change in the magnetic field. The magnetic material and / or charge storage device of the buried object can cause a change in the magnetic field when the sensor is moved over the buried object. The apparatus can include a computer configured to use the sensor signal to detect the location of the buried object.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 327,566, filed Apr. 5, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002]

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure relates to devices and methods for detecting implants, including magnetic materials and / or charge storage devices, in living animals.

Background Art

[0003] <>

[0004] Description of the Background <000>

[0005] Implants such as sensors may be implanted within a living animal (e.g., a human). The implant may be able to detect the presence or amount of an analyte (e.g., glucose or oxygen) in a medium (e.g., blood or interstitial fluid) within the living animal. Some implants may be relatively small (e.g., capsules with a diameter of 2 mm to 4 mm) and may be implanted in the host's subcutaneous tissue. The implant may need to be detected (e.g., for removal of the implant). Due to the small size of the implant, it may be difficult to detect the implant and remove it from the host's subcutaneous tissue.

Summary of the Invention

[0004]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention can provide a device for detecting an implant containing a magnetic material. The device can include a magnetic field generator, a sensor, and a computer. The magnetic field generator can be configured to generate a magnetic field. The sensor can be configured to detect a change in the magnetic field and generate a sensor signal indicative of the change in the magnetic field. The magnetic material of the implant can cause a change in the magnetic field when the sensor is moved over the implant. The computer can be configured to use the sensor signal to detect the location of the implant.

[0005]

[0007] In some embodiments, the magnetic field generator may include a cylindrical magnet. In some embodiments, the cylindrical magnet may be hollow.

[0008] In some embodiments, the magnetic field generator may include one or more magnets. In some embodiments, the magnetic field generator may include two or more magnets. In some embodiments, the magnetic field generator may further include a housing configured to hold two or more magnets. In some embodiments, the magnetic field generator may include four magnets. In some embodiments, the magnetic field generator may include six magnets. In some embodiments, one or more magnets may include one or more permanent magnets. In some embodiments, one or more magnets may include one or more electromagnets.

[0006]

[0009] In some embodiments, the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator can be substantially uniform.

[0010] In some embodiments, the magnetic field can be substantially symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis at the center of the magnetic field generator. In some embodiments, the magnetic field can be non-uniform and / or asymmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis at the center of the magnetic field generator. In some embodiments, the sensor can be positioned along or off the longitudinal axis at the center of the magnetic field generator.

[0007]

[0011] In one embodiment, the computer can be configured to determine the edge of the magnetic material of a buried object based on the location of a bimodal peak in the change of the magnetic field as a sensor moves along the longitudinal axis of the buried object. In another embodiment, the computer can be configured to determine the edge of the buried object based on the determined edge of the magnetic material of the buried object and one or more deviations between the edge of the buried object and the edge of the magnetic material of the buried object. In another embodiment, the computer can be configured to determine the depth of the buried object based on the magnitude of the change of the magnetic field at a bimodal peak in the change of the magnetic field as a sensor moves along the longitudinal axis of the buried object. In another embodiment, the computer can be configured to determine the orientation of the buried object based on the difference between the magnitudes of the changes of the magnetic field at a bimodal peak in the change of the magnetic field as a sensor moves along the longitudinal axis of the buried object.

[0008]

[0012] In some embodiments, the computer can be configured to calculate the derivative of the change in the magnetic field and to use the calculated derivative to detect the location of the buried object. In some embodiments, the derivative of the change in the magnetic field may be relative to time (during the movement of the sensor along the longitudinal axis of the buried object). In some embodiments, the derivative of the change in the magnetic field may be relative to the position of the sensor (during the movement of the sensor along the longitudinal axis of the buried object). In some embodiments, the computer can be configured to determine the edge of the magnetic material of the buried object based on the location where the derivative of the change in the magnetic field during the movement of the sensor along the longitudinal axis of the buried object is equal to zero. In some embodiments, the computer can be configured to determine the depth of the buried object based on the magnitude of the change in the magnetic field at the location where the derivative of the change in the magnetic field during the movement of the sensor along the longitudinal axis of the buried object is equal to zero. In some embodiments, the computer can be configured to determine the orientation of the buried object based on the difference between the magnitudes of the changes in the magnetic field at the location where the derivative of the change in the magnetic field during the movement of the sensor along the longitudinal axis of the buried object is equal to zero. In one embodiment, the computer can be configured to determine the midline of the buried object based on the location where the derivative of the change in the magnetic field is equal to zero as a sensor moves across the longitudinal axis of the buried object. In one embodiment, the derivative of the change in the magnetic field may be relative to time or position (as the sensor is moved across the longitudinal axis of the buried object).

[0009]

[0013] In one embodiment, the computer can be further configured to use one or more sensor signals to detect the orientation of the buried object.

[0014] In some embodiments, the device may further include a display, and a computer may be configured to cause the display to show a representation of the location where the buried object was detected. In some embodiments, the display may be positioned above the sensor. In some embodiments, the representation of the location where the buried object was detected may include a buried object image, and the location of the buried object image on the display screen relative to a point on the display screen may correspond to the location where the buried object was detected relative to the sensor. In some embodiments, the buried object image may have an orientation corresponding to the orientation in which the buried object was detected.

[0010]

[0015] In one embodiment, the device may further include an incision marking tool configured to identify the site for incision to remove the embedded object.

[0016] In one embodiment, the diameter of the magnetic field generator may be equal to the length of the buried object.

[0011]

[0017] In some embodiments, the device may further include a position detector configured to generate a location signal indicating the location of a sensor on a skin surface. In some embodiments, the position detector may include a motion detector configured to detect movement of the sensor and generate a motion signal indicating the detected movement of the sensor, and the location signal may include a motion signal. In some embodiments, a computer may be configured to use the sensor signal and the location signal to generate a map of the sensor signal at different locations of the sensor on a skin surface.

[0012]

[0018] Another aspect of the present invention can provide a method for locating a buried object containing magnetic material. The method may include using a magnetic field generator to generate a magnetic field. The method may include using a sensor to detect changes in the magnetic field and to generate a sensor signal indicating the change in the magnetic field. The magnetic material of the buried object can cause changes in the magnetic field when the sensor is moved over the buried object. The method may include using a computer to detect the location of the buried object based on the sensor signal.

[0013]

[0019] In one embodiment, detecting the location of a buried object may include determining the edge of the magnetic material of the buried object based on the location of a bimodal peak in the change of the magnetic field as a sensor moves along the longitudinal axis of the buried object.

[0014]

[0020] A further aspect of the present invention can provide a method for locating a buried object containing magnetic material. The method may include moving a device including a magnetic field generator and a sensor across the longitudinal axis of the buried object. The magnetic material of the buried object may cause a change in the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator as the device is moved across the longitudinal axis of the buried object, and the sensor may detect the change in the magnetic field. The method may include determining the midline of the buried object based on the location where the change in the magnetic field is greatest as the device is moved across the longitudinal axis of the buried object. The method may include moving the device along the determined midline of the buried object. The method may include determining the edge of the magnetic material of the buried object based on the location of the bimodal peak in the change in the magnetic field as the device is moved along the determined midline of the buried object.

[0015]

[0021] In one embodiment, the method may further include using an incision marking tool of the device to mark the incision site for the removal of the buried object.

[0022] A further aspect of the present invention can provide an apparatus for locating buried objects, comprising a charge storage device. The apparatus may include an electromagnetic field generator, a sensor, and a computer. The electromagnetic field generator can be configured to generate an electromagnetic field. The sensor can be configured to detect changes in the electromagnetic field and to generate a sensor signal indicating the change in the electromagnetic field. The charge storage device in the buried object can cause a change in the electromagnetic field when the sensor is moved over the buried object. The computer can be configured to use the sensor signal to detect the location of the buried object.

[0016]

[0023] A further aspect of the present invention can provide a method for locating a buried object that includes a charge storage device. The method may include using an electromagnetic field generator to generate an electromagnetic field. The method may include using a sensor to detect changes in the electromagnetic field and to generate a sensor signal indicating the changes in the electromagnetic field. The charge storage device in the buried object can cause changes in the electromagnetic field when the sensor is moved over the buried object. The method may use a computer to detect the location of the buried object based on the sensor signal.

[0017]

[0024] A further aspect of the present invention can provide a method for locating a buried object that includes a charge storage device. The method may include moving a device including an electromagnetic field generator and a sensor across the longitudinal axis of the buried object. The charge storage device in the buried object can cause a change in the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic field generator as the device is moved across the longitudinal axis of the buried object, and the sensor can detect the change in the electromagnetic field. The method may include determining the midline of the buried object based on the location where the change in the electromagnetic field is greatest as the device is moved across the longitudinal axis of the buried object. The method may include moving the device along the determined midline of the buried object. The method may include determining the edge of the charge storage device in the buried object based on the location of the bimodal peak in the change in the electromagnetic field as the device is moved along the determined midline of the buried object.

[0018]

[0025] Other embodiments of the system and method described above are described in the following detailed description of the invention.

[0026] Various non-limiting embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings incorporated herein and forming part of this specification. In the drawings, similar reference numerals indicate identical or functionally similar elements. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1]

[0027] A block diagram showing non-limiting examples of buried objects and buried object detectors embodying aspects of the present invention. [Figure 2A]

[0028] A cross-sectional side view showing non-limiting examples of buried objects and buried object detectors embodying aspects of the present invention. [Figure 2B]

[0029] A cross-sectional top view showing a non-limiting example of a buried object detector embodying aspects of the present invention. [Figure 2C]

[0030] A two-dimensional contour plot slice in the XY plane showing the magnitude of the magnetic field generated by a non-limiting example of a hollow cylindrical magnetic field generator embodying aspects of the present invention. [Figure 2D] A two-dimensional contour plot slice in the ZY plane showing the magnitude of the magnetic field generated by a non-limiting example of a hollow cylindrical magnetic field generator embodying aspects of the present invention. [Figure 2E]

[0031] A cross-sectional top view showing a non-limiting example of a buried object detector embodying aspects of the present invention. [Figure 2F]

[0032] A two-dimensional contour plot slice in the XY plane showing the magnitude and vector of the magnetic field generated by a non-limiting example of a magnetic field generator including six magnets embodying aspects of the present invention. [Figure 2G] A two-dimensional contour plot slice in the ZY plane showing the magnitude and vector of the magnetic field generated by a non-limiting example of a magnetic field generator including six magnets embodying aspects of the present invention. [Figure 2H]

[0033] A diagram showing a two-dimensional contour plot slice in the XY plane showing the magnitude and vector of the magnetic field generated by a non-limiting example of a magnetic field generator including four magnets embodying aspects of the present invention. [Figure 2I] A diagram showing a two-dimensional contour plot slice in the ZY plane showing the magnitude and vector of the magnetic field generated by a non-limiting example of a magnetic field generator including four magnets embodying aspects of the present invention. [Figure 3A]

[0034] This is a cross-sectional side view showing a non-limiting embodiment of a buried object and a buried object detector that embodies an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 3B]

[0035] This is a two-dimensional contour plot slice in the XY plane showing the magnitude and vector of the magnetic field generated by a non-limiting embodiment of a cylindrical magnetic field generator that embodies aspects of the present invention. [Figure 3C] This is a two-dimensional contour plot slice in the ZY plane showing the magnitude and vector of the magnetic field generated by a non-limiting embodiment of a cylindrical magnetic field generator that embodies aspects of the present invention. [Figure 4A]

[0036] This figure shows a non-limiting embodiment of a magnetometer including a sensor for a buried object detector, which embodies an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 4B] This figure shows a non-limiting embodiment of a magnetometer including a sensor for a buried object detector, which embodies an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 5A]

[0037] This is a perspective view showing non-limiting embodiments of buried objects and buried object detectors that embody aspects of the present invention. [Figure 5B] This is a perspective view showing non-limiting embodiments of buried objects and buried object detectors that embody aspects of the present invention. [Figure 5C]

[0038] This is a perspective view showing non-limiting embodiments of buried objects and buried object detectors that embody aspects of the present invention. [Figure 5D]

[0039] This is a perspective view showing a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, including a buried object and a magnetic field generator and sensor of a buried object detector. [Figure 5E] This is a top view showing a non-limiting embodiment of a buried object and a magnetic field generator and sensor of a buried object detector, which embody an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 5F]

[0040] This is a perspective view showing a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, including a buried object and a magnetic field generator and sensor of a buried object detector. [Figure 6]

[0041] This is a block diagram showing a non-limiting embodiment of a computer for a buried object detector that embodies an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 7A]

[0042] This is a cross-sectional side view showing a non-limiting embodiment of a buried object and a buried object detector that embodies an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 7B]

[0043] This figure shows a non-limiting embodiment of a display screen for the user interface of a buried object detector, which embodies an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 7C] This figure shows a non-limiting embodiment of a display screen for the user interface of a buried object detector, which embodies an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 7D] This figure shows a non-limiting embodiment of a display screen for the user interface of a buried object detector, which embodies an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 7E] This figure shows a non-limiting embodiment of a display screen for the user interface of a buried object detector, which embodies an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 7F] This figure shows a non-limiting embodiment of a display screen for the user interface of a buried object detector, which embodies an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 8A]

[0044] This is a perspective view showing a non-limiting embodiment of a buried material that embodies aspects of the present invention. [Figure 8B] This is a perspective view showing a non-limiting embodiment of a buried material that embodies aspects of the present invention. [Figure 9A]

[0045] This figure illustrates the movement of a buried object detector across the longitudinal axis of a buried object that is not inclined relative to the skin surface, embodying an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 9B] This figure illustrates an embodiment of the present invention, showing the magnitude of the change applied to the magnetic field during the above-mentioned movement. [Figure 9C]

[0046] This figure illustrates the movement of a buried object detector along the longitudinal axis of a buried object that is not inclined relative to the skin surface, embodying an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 9D]This figure illustrates an embodiment of the present invention, showing the magnitude of the change applied to the magnetic field during the above-mentioned movement. [Figure 9E]

[0047] This figure illustrates an embodiment of the present invention, showing a specified buried object margin and a marked incision site. [Figure 10A]

[0048] This figure illustrates the movement of a buried object detector traversing the longitudinal axis of a downwardly inclined buried object, embodying an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 10B] This figure illustrates an embodiment of the present invention, showing the magnitude of the change applied to the moving magnetic field. [Figure 10C]

[0049] This figure illustrates the movement of a buried object detector traversing the longitudinal axis of a downwardly inclined buried object, embodying an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 10D] This figure illustrates an embodiment of the present invention, showing the magnitude of the change applied to the moving magnetic field. [Figure 10E]

[0050] This figure illustrates an embodiment of the present invention, showing a specified buried object margin and a marked incision site. [Figure 11A]

[0051] This figure illustrates the movement of a buried object detector across the longitudinal axis of a buried object, embodying an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 11B] This figure illustrates an aspect of the present invention, showing the magnitude of the change applied to the moving magnetic field for different distances between the sensor and the buried object. [Figure 12A]

[0052] This figure illustrates the movement of a buried object detector along the longitudinal axis of a buried object, embodying an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 12B] This figure illustrates an aspect of the present invention, showing the magnitude of the change applied to the magnetic field during the above-mentioned movement for different distances between the sensor and the buried object. [Figure 13A]

[0053] This figure illustrates the movement of a buried object detector in an oblique direction relative to the longitudinal axis of a buried object, embodying an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 13B]This figure illustrates an embodiment of the present invention, showing the magnitude of the change applied to the magnetic field during the above-mentioned movement. [Figure 13C]

[0054] This figure shows the X component of the magnetic field change when a buried object detector, embodying an aspect of the present invention, is moved obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of a buried object. [Figure 13D] This figure shows the Y component of the magnetic field change when a buried object detector, embodying an aspect of the present invention, is moved obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of a buried object. [Figure 13E] This figure shows the Z component of the magnetic field change when a buried object detector, embodying an aspect of the present invention, is moved obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of a buried object. [Figure 14A]

[0055] This figure illustrates an embodiment of the present invention: a buried object twisted out of plane. [Figure 14B] Figure 14A, which embodies an aspect of the present invention, shows the changes applied to the magnetic field while the buried object detector is moving along its longitudinal axis. [Figure 14C] This figure shows the changes applied to the magnetic field during the movement of the buried object detector along the longitudinal axis of the buried object in 14A, which embodies an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 15]

[0056] Figure 15A shows the movement of a buried object detector for determining the orientation of a buried object, embodying an aspect of the present invention. Figure 15B shows the movement of a buried object detector along the longitudinal axis of a buried object, embodying an aspect of the present invention. Figure 15C shows the identified buried object edge and marked incision site, embodying an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 16]

[0057] Figure 16A shows the approximate location of a buried object, embodying an aspect of the present invention. Figure 16B shows marks indicating the movement course of the buried object detector in Figure 16A, embodying an aspect of the present invention. Figure 16C shows the identification of the buried object's edge and the cutting coordinates in Figure 16A, embodying an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 17]

[0058] This flowchart shows a non-limiting embodiment of a process for searching for buried objects containing magnetic materials, which embodies an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 18]

[0059] This flowchart shows a non-limiting embodiment of a process for searching for buried objects containing magnetic materials, which embodies an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 19]

[0060] This is a side view showing a non-limiting embodiment of a buried object that embodies an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 20]

[0061] This is a block diagram showing a non-limiting embodiment of a buried object and a buried object detector that embodies an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 21A]

[0062] This is a cross-sectional side view showing a non-limiting embodiment of a buried object and a buried object detector that embodies an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 21B]

[0063] This is a cross-sectional top view showing a non-limiting embodiment of a buried object detector that implements the present invention. [Figure 21C]

[0064] This is a perspective view showing a non-limiting embodiment of a buried object and a buried object detector that embodies an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 22]

[0065] A flowchart illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, showing a process for searching for buried objects including a charge storage device. [Figure 23]

[0066] A flowchart illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, showing a process for searching for buried objects including a charge storage device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020]

[0067] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a buried object 100 and a buried object detector 101 embodying an aspect of the present invention. In one aspect, the buried object detector 101 may be used to locate a buried object 100 that may be embedded in the tissue beneath the surface of the skin of a living animal. In one aspect, as shown in Figure 1, the buried object 100 may include a magnetic material 124 (e.g., a magnetic core). In one aspect, the magnetic material 124 may include, for example, a ferromagnetic material (e.g., iron) or a ferrimagnetic material (e.g., ferrite), but is not limited to these.

[0021]

[0068] In some embodiments, the buried object detector 101 may include a magnetic field generator 103, a sensor 105, a computer 106, a battery 117, a wireless communication integrated circuit (IC) 119, a connector 121 and a connector IC 123, a charger IC 125, a user interface 127, and / or a position detector 137. In some embodiments, the user interface 127 of the buried object detector 101 may include a display 129 (for example, an optical display such as a light-emitting diode (LED) display), a speaker 131, a vibration motor 133, and / or a user input 135.

[0022]

[0069] In one embodiment, the magnetic field generator 103 can be configured to generate a magnetic field. In one embodiment, the sensor 105 can be configured to detect changes in the magnetic field and to generate a sensor signal indicating the change in the magnetic field. In one embodiment, the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100 can cause a change in the magnetic field when the sensor 105 is moved over the buried object 100. In one embodiment, the computer 106 can be configured to use the sensor signal to detect the location of the buried object 100.

[0023]

[0070] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 2A, 2B, 2E, and 3A, the magnetic field generator 103 may include one or more magnets 109. In some embodiments, the one or more magnets 109 may be, for example, permanent magnets and / or electromagnets (e.g., coils of wire wound around a magnetic core made of a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material). In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 5A to 5C, the magnetic field generator 103 may include a housing 107, which can be configured to hold one or more magnets 109. However, the housing 107 is not mandatory, and in some other embodiments (e.g., some embodiments in which the magnetic field generator 103 consists of only a single magnet 109), the magnetic field generator 103 does not include a housing 107.

[0024]

[0071] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 2A, 2B, and 2E, the sensor 105 can be positioned on the longitudinal axis at the center of the magnetic field generator 103. However, this is not mandatory, and in another embodiment, the sensor 105 is not positioned on the longitudinal axis at the center of the magnetic field generator 103. For example, as shown in Figure 3A, the sensor 105 may be positioned adjacent to the magnets 109 of the magnetic field generator 103 (rather than at the center of one or more magnets 109 of the magnetic field generator 103).

[0025]

[0072] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 2B, the magnetic field generator 103 may include a hollow cylindrical magnet 109. In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 2E, the magnetic field generator 103 may include two or more magnets 109 (for example, four or six magnets). In yet another embodiment, as shown in Figure 3A, the magnetic field generator 103 may include a solid cylindrical magnet 109.

[0026]

[0073] In one embodiment, one or more magnets 109 of the magnetic field generator 103 can generate a substantially uniform magnetic field. In one embodiment, the hollow cylindrical magnet 109 of the magnetic field generator 103 shown in Figure 2B can generate a magnetic field having the magnitude shown in the two-dimensional contour map slices of Figures 2C and 2D. In one embodiment, the six magnets 109 of the magnetic field generator 103 shown in Figure 2E can generate a magnetic field having the magnitude shown in the two-dimensional contour map slices of Figures 2F and 2G. In one embodiment, the magnetic field generator 103 may include four magnets 109, and the four magnets 109 can generate a magnetic field having the magnitude shown in the two-dimensional contour map slices of Figures 2H and 2I. In one embodiment, the solid cylindrical magnet 109 of the magnetic field generator 103 shown in Figure 3A can generate a magnetic field having the magnitude shown in the two-dimensional contour map slices of Figures 3B and 3C. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 2C, 2D, 2F-2I, 3B, and 3C, the magnetic field generated by one or more magnets 109 of the magnetic field generator 103 can be substantially symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis at the center of the magnetic field generator 103. However, this is not mandatory, and in some other embodiments, the magnetic field may have a different profile (for example, the magnetic field may be non-uniform and / or asymmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis at the center of the magnetic field generator). In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 2A, 2B, and 2E, the sensor 105 can be positioned on the longitudinal axis at the center of the magnetic field generator 103.

[0027]

[0074] In some embodiments, sensor 105 may be a magnetic field sensor. In some embodiments, sensor 105 may be a tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) magnetic field sensor (e.g., a TMR full-bridge magnetic field sensor) or a Hall sensor (e.g., a high-field Hall sensor). In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, sensor 105 may be part of a magnetometer 400 (e.g., an axial low-field magnetometer). In some embodiments, the magnetometer 400 may include sensor 105 and a probe 402 (e.g., a rigid probe), a cable 404 (e.g., a flexible cable), data acquisition electronics 406 and / or a connector 408 (e.g., a USB connector). In some embodiments, the connector 408 of the magnetometer 400 may be connected to a computer 106 of a buried object detector 101.

[0028]

[0075] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 5A to 5F, the buried object detector 101 may include a magnetic field generator 103 and a sensor 105. In some embodiments, the sensor 105 can be positioned on the longitudinal axis at the center of the magnetic field generator 103. In some embodiments, the magnetic field generator 103 may include a housing 107. In some embodiments, the housing 107 may include a housing body 115 (e.g., a polymer body). In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 5C to 5F, the magnetic field generator 103 may include one or more magnets 109. In some embodiments, the housing 107 may be configured to house one or more magnets 109. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 5C to 5F, the magnetic field generator 103 may include six magnets 109. However, in some other embodiments, the magnetic field generator 103 may include a different number of magnets 109 (e.g., 10, 9, 8, 7, 5, 4, 3 or 2 magnets, or a single magnet such as a hollow cylindrical magnet). In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 5E, the diameter or width of the magnetic field generator 103 may be equal to the length of the buried object 100. However, this is not mandatory, and in another embodiment, the magnetic field generator 103 may have different dimensions (for example, a diameter or width smaller or larger than the length of the buried object 100).

[0029]

[0076] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 5A to 5C, the buried object detector 101 may include a handle 111. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 5A to 5C, the buried object detector 101 may include an incision marking tool 113. In some embodiments, the incision marking tool 113 can be configured to be used by a user to mark a suitable location on the skin surface 154 for an incision that will allow the removal of the buried object 100. In some embodiments, the user can use the incision marking tool 113 to mark the incision location once the buried object detector 101 is placed over the buried object 100. In some embodiments, the incision marking tool 113 can be configured to mark the upper skin surface 154 of the determined edge of the buried object 100, the determined center of the buried object 100, the determined edge of the magnetic material 124, or the determined center of the magnetic material 124. In one alternative embodiment, the incision marking tool 113 can be configured to mark the determined edge of the embedded object 100, the determined center of the embedded object 100, the determined edge of the magnetic material 124, and / or the skin surface 154 above the determined center of the magnetic material 124. In another alternative embodiment, the incision marking tool 113 can be configured to mark the skin surface along the longitudinal axis at the center of the magnetic field generator 103.

[0030]

[0077] In one embodiment, the buried object detector 101 includes a connector 121, which may be, for example, a micro universal serial bus (USB) connector. In one embodiment, the connector 121 may be configured to allow a wired connection to an external device such as a personal computer or display device. In one embodiment, the buried object detector 101 may exchange data with an external device via the connector 121 and / or receive power via the connector 121. In one embodiment, the connector IC 123 may be a USB-IC capable of controlling the transmission and reception of data via the connector 121.

[0031]

[0078] In one embodiment, the buried object detector 101 includes a battery 117, which can supply operating power to the buried object detector 101. In one embodiment, the battery 117 may be a rechargeable battery. In one embodiment, the battery 117 may be a lithium-polymer battery, for example, but not limited to this. In one embodiment, the battery 117 may have a short charging time and / or be small in size. In one embodiment, the display device 105 includes a charger IC 125, which can receive power via the connector 121 and charge the battery 117.

[0032]

[0079] In some embodiments, the buried object detector 101 includes a wireless communication IC 119, which can enable wireless communication with one or more external devices, such as one or more personal computers and / or one or more other display devices (e.g., smartphones or tablets running applications). In some embodiments, the wireless communication IC 119 can employ one or more wireless communication standards to transmit data wirelessly. The wireless communication standards employed can be appropriate wireless communication standards such as the IEEE 802.11 standard, the ANT standard, the Bluetooth standard, or the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) standard (e.g., BLE 4.0). In some embodiments, the wireless communication IC 119 can include antennas (e.g., Bluetooth antennas, Wi-Fi antennas, and / or one or more cellular antennas). In some embodiments, the antennas of the wireless communication IC 119 can be fully housed within the housing of the buried object detector 101 (e.g., housing 107). However, this is not mandatory, and in other embodiments, all or part of the antennas of the wireless communication IC 119 may be outside the housing of the buried object detector 101.

[0033]

[0080] In one embodiment, the buried object detector 101 includes a position detector 137, which can be configured to generate a location signal indicating the location of the sensor on the skin surface 154. In one embodiment, the position detector 137 may include a motion detector configured to detect the movement of the sensor 105 (and / or the buried object detector 101) relative to the skin surface 154, and to generate a motion signal indicating the detected movement of the sensor 105, and the location signal may include the motion signal. In one embodiment, the motion detector may include a mechanical motion detector (e.g., utilizing the motion of a ball inside a mechanical motion detector) and / or an optical motion detector (e.g., using light to detect the movement of the sensor 105).

[0034]

[0081] In some embodiments of the buried object detector 101, which includes a user interface 127, the user interface 127 may include one or more of a display 129 and user inputs 135. In some embodiments, the display 129 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and / or a light-emitting diode (LED) display. In some embodiments, the user inputs 135 may include one or more buttons, a keyboard, a keypad, and / or a touchscreen. In some embodiments, the user interface 127 may include one or more of a speaker 131 (e.g., a beeper) and a vibration motor 133 that can be activated, for example, when certain conditions are met (e.g., detection of the edge of the buried object 100 and / or detection of the midline of the buried object 100).

[0035]

[0082] In some embodiments of the buried object detector 101, the computer 106 can control the overall operation of the buried object detector 101. For example, the buried object detector 101 can control a wireless communication IC 119, a controller IC 123, a charger IC 125, a position detector 137, a magnetic field generator 103, a sensor 105, and / or a user interface 127. In some embodiments, the computer 106 can receive and / or process data from the sensor 105, the position detector 137, and / or user input 135 of the user interface 127. For example, in some embodiments, the computer 106 can be configured to use a sensor signal generated by the sensor 105 to detect the location of the buried object 100. In some embodiments, the computer 106 can be configured to use a sensor signal generated by the sensor 105 and a position signal generated by the position detector 137 to generate a map of the sensor signal at different locations on the sensor 105 on the skin surface 154. In some embodiments, the computer 106 may, in addition to or instead of the above, control the display 129, speaker 131, and / or vibration motor 135 to provide information regarding the detected location of the buried object 100. For example, in some embodiments, when the computer 106 detects the edge and / or midline of the buried object 100, the computer 106 may cause the display 129 to display a notification (e.g., one or more light displays generated by one or more LEDs), the speaker 131 to beep, and / or the vibration motor 135 to vibrate. In some embodiments, the computer 106 may, in addition to or instead of the above, configure the display 129 to screen a display showing the detected location of the buried object 100.

[0036]

[0083] Figure 6 is a block diagram of the computer 106 of a buried object detector 101 in one embodiment. In one embodiment, the computer 106 can be adapted to perform any of the methods, processes, or steps disclosed herein. As shown in Figure 6, the computer 106 may include a processing circuit (PC) 302 which may include one or more processors (P) 355 (for example, one or more general-purpose microprocessors and / or one or more other processors such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)).

[0037]

[0084] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the computer 106 may include one or more storage units (also called “data storage systems”) 308, which may be located in the same place or geographically distributed and may include one or more non-volatile storage devices and / or one or more volatile storage devices. In some embodiments, where the PC 302 includes a programmable processor, one or more storage units may include a computer program product (CPP) 341. In some embodiments, the CPP 341 may include a computer-readable medium (CRM) 342 that stores a computer program (CP) 343, which includes computer-readable instructions (CRI) 344. In some embodiments, the CRM 342 may be a non-transient computer-readable medium such as a magnetic medium (e.g., a hard disk), an optical medium, or a memory device (e.g., random-access memory, flash memory). In some embodiments, the CRI 344 of the computer program 343 is configured such that, when executed by the PC 302, the CRI 344 causes the computer 106 to perform the steps described herein (e.g., steps described herein with reference to a flowchart). In other embodiments, the computer 106 may be configured to perform the steps described herein without requiring code. That is, for example, the PC 302 may consist of only one or more ASICs. Thus, the mechanisms of the embodiments described herein can be implemented in hardware and / or software.

[0038]

[0085] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 7A, the display 129 of the user interface 127 of the buried object detector 101 can be positioned above the sensor 105. In one embodiment, the magnetic field generator 103 can be configured to hold the display 129 in a predetermined position at the top of the buried object detector 101. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 7A, the housing 107 of the magnetic field generator 103 can be configured to house one or more magnets 109, a computer 106, and / or the display 129 of the magnetic field generator 103. However, this is not mandatory, and in one other embodiment, the display 129 may be positioned above the magnetic field generator 103.

[0039]

[0086] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 7B to 7F, the display 129 of the user interface 127 may include a display screen 702. In some embodiments (for example, some embodiments in which the display 129 is positioned above the sensor 105 and the computer 106 is configured to cause the display 129 to display a display of the detected location of the buried object 100), the display of the detected location of the buried object 100 may include a buried object image 704, where the location of the buried object image 704 on the screen 702 of the display 129 relative to a point on the screen 702 of the display 129 (for example, its center) may correspond to the detected location of the buried object 100 relative to the sensor 105. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 7B to 7E, the buried object image 704 may have an orientation corresponding to the orientation of the buried object 100 detected by the computer 106 using the sensor signal generated by the sensor 105.

[0040]

[0087] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 7C, the buried object image 704 may be a partial buried object image depending on the location of the buried object 100 relative to the sensor 105. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 7B-7F, a mark 706 can be used to identify a point on the screen 702 corresponding to the location of the sensor 105. In some embodiments (for example, in some embodiments where the screen 702 of the display 129 is larger than the magnetic field generator 103 and / or extends beyond the magnetic field generator 103), as shown in Figure 7E, the computer 106 can cause the display 129 to display a magnetic field generator image 708 indicating the location of the outer perimeter of the magnetic field generator 103. In some embodiments, the location of the buried object image 704 relative to the magnetic field generator image 708 may correspond to the detected location of the buried object 100 relative to the location of the magnetic field generator 103. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 7F, the computer 106 can cause the target area 710 to be displayed on the display 129, and the buried object detector 101 can be positioned appropriately over the buried object 100 so that when a buried object image 704 is detected within the target area 710, the incision site can be marked (for example, using the incision marking tool 113).

[0041]

[0088] Figures 8A and 8B show non-limiting embodiments of a buried object 100 detectable by the buried object detector 101. In one embodiment, the buried object 100 may be a small, fully subcutaneous implantable sensor that measures the amount or concentration of an analyte (e.g., glucose) in a medium (e.g., interstitial fluid) of a living animal (e.g., a human organism). In another embodiment, the buried object 100 may not be a sensor, but instead a different type of implantable device, such as, but not limited to, a tag, insulin pump, pacemaker, or electrotherapy device.

[0042]

[0089] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 8A, the embedded object 100 may be embedded in the tissue 150 (e.g., subcutaneous tissue) of a living animal, in which case the embedded object 100 can be placed in a pocket 152 in the tissue 150 beneath the skin surface 154, and the pocket 152 can surround the embedded object 100. In one embodiment, the pocket 152 can be formed by tissue dissection instruments or tools before the embedding of the embedded object 100, or by the embedding process.

[0043]

[0090] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 8A, the embedded material 100 may include a housing 102 and one or more analyte indicators 104 coated, acidified, bonded, embedded, or grown on or inside at least a portion of the outer surface of the housing 102. In some embodiments, the one or more analyte indicators 104 of the embedded material 100 (e.g., polymer grafts or hydrogels) may include one or more indicator molecules (e.g., fluorescent indicator molecules). In some embodiments, the indicator molecules may produce (e.g., exhibit) one or more detectable properties (e.g., optical properties) that vary depending on the amount or concentration of analyte in the vicinity of the analyte indicator 104. In some embodiments, the indicator molecules may emit an amount of light (e.g., fluorescence) that varies depending on the amount or concentration of analyte in the vicinity of the analyte indicator 104.

[0044]

[0091] In some embodiments, the embedded material 100 may include a substrate 110 (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB) or a flexible PCB), one or more light sources 111 mounted on or fabricated within the substrate 110, and one or more photodetectors 112, 114, and 116 (e.g., photodiodes, phototransistors, photoresistors, or other photosensitive elements) mounted on or fabricated within the substrate 110. In some embodiments, the light sources 111 can be configured to emit excitation light across an excitation wavelength range that interacts with one or more indicator molecules in the analyte indicator 104. In some embodiments, one or more of the photodetectors 112, 114, and 116 may output a signal indicating the amount of light received by the photodetector. In some embodiments, the signals output by one or more of the photodetectors 112, 114, and 116 may indicate the amount or concentration of analyte in the medium near the analyte indicator 104.

[0045]

[0092] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the embedded device 100 may include an inductor 120, which may be, for example, a ferrite-based microantenna. In some embodiments, the inductor 120 may include a conductor 122 in the form of a coil and a magnetic material 124 in the form of a magnetic core 124. In some embodiments, the magnetic core 124 may be, for example, a ferrite magnetic core. In some embodiments, the inductor 120 may be connected to the circuitry of the embedded device 100 (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)). In some embodiments, the inductor 120 may communicate with an external device (not shown) by passive telemetry (e.g., short-range wireless communication) so that power and / or data are transmitted between the embedded device 100 and the external device.

[0046]

[0093] In some embodiments, the buried object detector 101 can be used to locate a buried object 100 (for example, a buried object 100 embedded in tissue 150 beneath the skin surface 154 of a living animal). In some embodiments, a first process for searching for the buried object 100 may include a first step of determining the midline of the buried object 100. In some embodiments, determining the midline of the buried object 100 may include moving the buried object detector 101 across the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100 (for example, transversely to the longitudinal axis), as shown in Figures 9A, 10A, and 11A. Figures 9A and 10A show the movement of the buried object detector 101 across the longitudinal axis of a buried object 100 that is not inclined relative to the skin surface, and the movement of the buried object detector 101 across the longitudinal axis of a buried object 100 that is inclined downward, respectively. In one embodiment, the orientation of the buried object 100 can be assumed (for example, the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100 embedded in the arm of a living animal can be assumed to be approximately aligned with the long axis of the arm), and the movement of the buried object detector 101 across the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100 can be transverse with respect to the assumed orientation of the buried object 100. In another embodiment, the orientation of the buried object 100 can be determined using records relating to the embedding of the buried object 100, and the movement of the buried object detector 101 across the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100 can be transverse with respect to the orientation of the buried object 100 determined using the embedding records.

[0047]

[0094] In some embodiments, the search for the buried object 100 may include using embedding information of the buried object 100. In some embodiments, the embedding information may include embedding location information that identifies the location where the buried object 100 is embedded, and the embedding location information can be used to identify and / or limit the initial search area of ​​the buried object 100. In some embodiments, the embedding information may, in addition to or instead of the above, include embedding depth information that identifies the depth to which the buried object is embedded, and the embedding depth information can be used to estimate the expected signal distance. In embodiments where there is a displacement between the center of the magnetic material 124 and the center of the buried object 100, the embedding information may, in addition to or instead of the above, include displacement direction information that identifies the direction of the displacement of the center of the magnetic material 124 relative to the center of the buried object 100, and this can be used to identify the edges of the buried object 100 and / or the incision site.

[0048]

[0095] In one embodiment, the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100 can cause a change in the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator 103 of the buried object detector 101 when the buried object detector 101 is moved across the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100, and the sensor 105 of the buried object detector 101 can detect this magnetic field. Figure 9B shows, in one embodiment, a change in the magnetic field caused by the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100 that is not tilted relative to the skin surface, as detected by the sensor 105 during movement across the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100. Figures 10B and 14B show, in one embodiment, a change in the magnetic field caused by the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100 that is tilted out of plane or downward, as detected by the sensor 105 during movement across the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100. In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 9B, 10B, and 14B, the change in the magnetic field when the buried object detector 101 is moved across the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100 may be greatest at the midline of the buried object 100.

[0049]

[0096] In one embodiment, the buried object detector 101 (for example, the computer 106 of the buried object detector 101) can be configured to determine the midline of the buried object 100 based on the location where the change in the magnetic field is greatest as the buried object detector 101 is moved across the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100. In one embodiment, the computer 106 of the buried object detector 101 can be configured to calculate the derivative of the detected change in the magnetic field, and the computer 106 can be configured to determine the midline of the buried object 100 (and the location where the change in the magnetic field is greatest) based on the location where the derivative of the change in the magnetic field is equal to zero as the sensor 105 moves across the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100. In one embodiment, the derivative of the change in the magnetic field may be relative to time (as the sensor 105 is moved across the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100). In another embodiment, the derivative of the change in the magnetic field may be relative to the position of the sensor (when the sensor 105 is moved across the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100).

[0050]

[0097] In one embodiment, the buried object detector 101 (e.g., the computer 106 of the buried object detector 101) can cause the user interface 127 to indicate the time when the buried object detector 101 (e.g., the computer 106) has detected the midline of the buried object 100 (e.g., the time when the computer 106 determines that the derivative of the change in the magnetic field is equal to zero as the sensor 105 crosses the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100). In one embodiment, the user interface 127 may indicate the detection of the midline using one or more of the following: a display 129 (e.g., by displaying a visual indicator indicating midline detection), a speaker 131 (e.g., by emitting an audible sound such as a beep, but not limited to this), and a vibration motor 133 (e.g., by vibrating).

[0051]

[0098] Figure 11B shows the change in the detected magnetic field when the buried object detector 101 is moved across the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100 to locate the buried object 100 at different heights of the sensor 105 of the buried object detector 101 relative to the buried object 100. As shown in Figure 11B, the magnitude of the change in the detected magnetic field increases as the height decreases. Therefore, the buried object detector 101 (e.g., the computer 106 of the buried object detector 101) can be configured to use the magnitude of the change in the detected magnetic field at the midline (e.g., the maximum change in the detected magnetic field while the sensor 105 is moving across the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100) to determine the depth of the buried object 100 within the tissue 150.

[0052]

[0099] In some embodiments, a first process for searching for a buried object 100 may include a second step of determining one or more edges and / or the center of the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100. In some embodiments, determining the edges and / or center of the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100 may include moving a buried object detector 101 along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100, as shown in Figures 9C, 10C, 12A, and 14A. Figure 9C shows the movement of the buried object detector 101 along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100 that is not inclined relative to the skin surface. Figures 10C and 14A show the movement of the buried object detector 101 along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100 that is inclined downward or out of plane. In some embodiments, the determined midline can be used to move the buried object detector 101 along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100. For example, in one embodiment, moving the buried object detector 101 along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100 may include moving the buried object detector 101 along the determined midline of the buried object 100 on the skin surface 154. In one embodiment, the movement along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100 may be parallel to the assumed orientation of the buried object 100. In one embodiment, the movement along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100 may be parallel to the orientation of the buried object 100 determined using the implantation record.

[0053]

[0100] In one embodiment, the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100 can cause a change in the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator 103 of the buried object detector 101 when the buried object detector 101 is moved along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100, and the sensor 105 of the buried object detector 101 can detect the change in the magnetic field. Figure 9D shows, in one embodiment, a change in the magnetic field caused by the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100 that is not tilted relative to the skin surface, as detected by the sensor 105 while the buried object 100 is moving along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100. Figures 10D and 14C show, in one embodiment, a change in the magnetic field caused by the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100 that is tilted out of plane or downward, as detected by the sensor 105 while the buried object 100 is moving along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 9D, 10D, and 14C, the detected change in the magnetic field when the buried object detector 101 is moved along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100 may include a bimodal peak (e.g., a local maximum) at the location of the edge of the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 9D, 10D, and 14C, the change in the magnetic field may include a local minimum between the bimodal peaks at the location of the center of the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100.

[0054]

[0101] In one embodiment, the buried object detector 101 (for example, the computer 106 of the buried object detector 101) can be configured to determine the edge of the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100 based on the location of the bimodal peak in the change of the magnetic field. In another embodiment, the computer 106 of the buried object detector 101 can be configured to calculate the derivative of the detected change of the magnetic field, and the computer 106 can be configured to determine the edge of the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100 (and the location of the bimodal peak in the change of the magnetic field) based on the location where the derivative of the change of the magnetic field is equal to zero as the sensor 105 moves along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100. In one embodiment, the derivative of the change of the magnetic field may be relative to time (as the sensor 105 is moved along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100). In another embodiment, the derivative of the change of the magnetic field may be relative to the position of the sensor (as the sensor 105 is moved along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100). In some embodiments, the edges of the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100 may be offset from the edges of the buried object 100. For example, the edges of the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100 may be offset from the edges of the buried object 100. In some embodiments where the edges of the magnetic material 124 are offset from the edges of the buried object 100, the buried object detector 101 (for example, the computer 106 of the buried object detector 101) can be configured to determine one or more edges of the buried object 100 using one or more determined edges and offsets of the magnetic material 124.

[0055]

[0102] In one embodiment, the buried object detector 101 (for example, the computer 106 of the buried object detector 101) can be configured to determine the center of the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100 based on the location of the local minimum in the magnetic field change between bimodal peaks in the magnetic field change. In one embodiment, the computer 106 of the buried object detector 101 can be configured to calculate the derivative of the detected magnetic field change, and the computer 106 can be configured to determine the center of the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100 (and the local minimum between bimodal peaks in the magnetic field change) based on the location where the derivative of the magnetic field change is equal to zero as the sensor 105 moves along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100. In one embodiment, the center of the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100 may be offset from the center of the buried object 100 (i.e., the center of the magnetic material 124 may be different from the center of the buried object 100). For example, in the buried object 100 shown in Figure 8A, the center of the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100 is offset from the center of the buried object 100 (for example, by only 2.5 mm). In one embodiment where the magnetic material 124 is offset from the center of the buried object 100, the buried object detector 101 (for example, the computer 106 of the buried object detector 101) can be configured to determine the center of the buried object 100 using the determined center and offset of the magnetic material 124. In one embodiment, the direction of the offset of the center of the magnetic material 124 relative to the center of the buried object 100 can be assumed (for example, the center of the magnetic material 124 can be assumed to be higher than the center of the buried object 100 along the long axis of the arm). In some embodiments, in addition to or instead of the above, the direction of the displacement of the center of the magnetic material 124 relative to the center of the buried object 100 can be confirmed or determined (for example, by using a detected magnetic field change generated by a metal and / or circuit on and / or within a substrate 110 which may extend from one side of the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B).

[0056]

[0103] In one embodiment, the buried object detector 101 (e.g., the computer 106 of the buried object detector 101) may cause the user interface 127 to indicate the time when the buried object detector 101 (e.g., the computer 106 of the buried object detector 101) has detected the edge and / or center of the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100 (e.g., the time when the computer 106 determines that the derivative of the change in the magnetic field as the sensor 105 moves along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100 is equal to zero). In one embodiment, the user interface 127 may indicate the detection of the edge and / or center using one or more of the following: a display 129 (e.g., by displaying a visual indicator indicating edge and / or center detection), a speaker 131 (e.g., by emitting an audible sound such as a beep, for example), and a vibration motor 133 (e.g., by vibrating).

[0057]

[0104] Figure 12B shows the detected magnetic field changes as the buried object detector 101 is moved along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100 to locate the buried object 100 at different heights of the sensor 105 of the buried object detector 101 relative to the buried object 100. As shown in Figure 12B, the magnitude of the detected magnetic field change at the bimodal peaks increases as the height decreases. Therefore, the buried object detector 101 (e.g., the computer 106 of the buried object detector 101) can be configured to use the magnitude of the detected magnetic field change at one or more of the bimodal peaks (e.g., the local maximum value of the detected magnetic field change as the sensor 105 moves along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100) to determine the depth of the buried object 100 in the tissue 150. In some embodiments, the buried object detector 101 may, in addition to or instead, use the magnitude of the magnetic field change at the midline of the buried object 100 to determine the depth of the buried object 100 in the tissue 150.

[0058]

[0105] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 9D, for a buried object 100 that is not inclined relative to the skin surface and has a longitudinal axis extending parallel to the skin surface 154, the magnitudes of the magnetic field changes at the bimodal peaks may be equal (or approximately equal, for example, within 2 or 3 oorsted (Oe)). In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 10D and 14C, the magnitudes of the magnetic field changes at the bimodal peaks may differ for a buried object 100 that has a longitudinal axis not parallel to the skin surface 154 (for example, a buried object 100 that is inclined downwards). In some embodiments, a buried object detector 101 (e.g., the computer 106 of the buried object detector 101) can use the magnitudes of the magnetic field changes at the bimodal peaks to determine the orientation of the buried object 100. In some embodiments, determining the orientation may include calculating the difference between the magnitudes of the magnetic field changes at the bimodal peaks and calculating the angle of the buried object 100 relative to the skin surface 154 based on the calculated difference. In one embodiment, determining the orientation of the buried object 100 may, in addition to or instead of the above, include using the magnitude of the magnetic field change at bimodal peaks to calculate the depth of the edge of the magnetic material 124 (and / or the edge of the buried object 100).

[0059]

[0106] In some embodiments, the buried object detector 101 (e.g., the computer 106 of the buried object detector 101) can be configured to cause the user interface 127 (e.g., the display 129 of the user interface 127) to provide information indicating the location and / or orientation of the buried object 100. In some embodiments, the information indicating the location and / or orientation of the buried object 100 may include information indicating the midline of the buried object 100, one or more edges of the magnetic material 124, one or more edges of the buried object 100, the center of the magnetic material 124, the center of the buried object 100, the depth of the buried object 100 within the tissue 150, the orientation of the buried object 100, and / or the location of the incision for removal of the buried object 100. In some embodiments, the information indicating the orientation of the buried object 100 may include the angle of the buried object 100, the depth of the edge of the magnetic material 124, and / or an indication of the depth of the edge of the buried object 100. In some embodiments, information indicating the location and / or orientation of the buried object 100 may include a buried object image 704 (for example, as shown in Figures 7B to 7F). In some embodiments, information indicating the location and / or orientation of the buried object 100 may include one or more plots of changes in the magnetic field during movement / sweeping of the buried object detector 101 (for example, the plots shown in Figures 9B, 9D, 10B, 10D, 13B to 13E, 14B, and 14C). In some embodiments, the plots may show one or more peaks in the changes in the magnetic field (for example, depending on whether the movement is transverse, along, or oblique to the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100).

[0060]

[0107] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 9E and 10E, the first process for locating the buried object 100 may include a third step of marking the location of an incision to remove the buried object 100. In some embodiments, the location of the incision may be marked using the incision marking tool 113 of the buried object detector 101 (for example, when the sensor 105 of the buried object detector 101 is positioned over the center of the buried object 100, over the center of the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100, and / or with the edge of the magnetic field generator 103 positioned over the edge of the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100).

[0061]

[0108] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 13A, the buried object detector 101 may be moved obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100 (for example, at an angle of 45 degrees, or at smaller angles such as 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, or 30 degrees, but not limited to these), for example, when a user is attempting to locate a buried object 100 and / or when a user accidentally attempts to move the buried object detector 101 along its longitudinal axis. Figure 13B shows the change in the detected magnetic field when the buried object detector 101 is moved obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100. Figures 13C to 13E show the X, Y, and Z components of the change in the magnetic field when the buried object detector 101 is moved obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100. In some embodiments, the location of the greatest magnitude of the change in the magnetic field can be used to determine the midline of the buried object 100. In one embodiment, the movement / scanning direction of the buried object detector 101 can be changed until the orientation of the buried object 100 (for example, the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100) is found.

[0062]

[0109] In one embodiment, the buried object detector 101 (e.g., the computer 106 of the buried object detector 101) can be configured to control a user interface 127 (e.g., a display 129) to output information indicating a sensor signal generated by the sensor 105 (and thus indicating a detected change in the magnetic field generated by the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100). In one embodiment, a user (e.g., a clinician) can simultaneously use the information indicating the sensor signal to determine the approximate location of the buried object 100.

[0063]

[0110] In some embodiments, a second process can be used to locate the buried object 100. In some embodiments, the second process can be used if the first process (described with respect to Figures 9A to 10E) does not reveal a bimodal peak pattern present when the buried object detector 101 is moved along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100. In some embodiments, the second process may include a first step of finding the "best" orientation of the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 15A, the first step may include moving the buried object detector 101 at different angles (for example, progressive angles of 15 degrees each) until a bimodal peak pattern is identified.

[0064]

[0111] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 15B, the second process may include a second step of identifying the center of the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100. In some embodiments, the second step may include moving the buried object detector 101 along the longitudinal axis identified in the first step. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 9D, 10D, and 14C, the change in the magnetic field detected when the buried object detector 101 is moved along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100 may include a bimodal peak (e.g., a local maximum) at the location of the edge of the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100. In some embodiments, the center of the magnetic material 124 can be identified by finding the local maximum of the change in the magnetic field between the bimodal peaks in the change in the magnetic field. In one embodiment, the computer 106 of the buried object detector 101 can be configured to calculate the derivative of the detected change in the magnetic field, and the computer 106 can be configured to determine the center of the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100 (and the location of the local minimum between the two peaks of the change in the magnetic field) based on the location where the derivative of the change in the magnetic field is equal to zero as the sensor 105 moves along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100. In one embodiment, the buried object detector 101 (e.g., the computer 106 of the buried object detector 101) can be configured to have the user interface 127 provide a display of the center of the magnetic material 124. In one embodiment, the display of the center of the magnetic material 124 may include a plot of the change in the magnetic field during a sweep, and / or a visual (e.g., flashing light), auditory (e.g., beeping), or vibrational display when the derivative of the magnitude of the change in the magnetic field is zero between the two peaks.

[0065]

[0112] In some embodiments, the second process may include a third step in which the buried object detector 101 (e.g., the computer 106 of the buried object detector 101) calculates the depth and / or orientation (e.g., downward angulation) of the buried object 100. In some embodiments, the buried object detector 101 may calculate the depth and / or orientation of the buried object 100 using the magnitude of the magnetic field change at bimodal peaks and / or the difference between the magnitudes of the magnetic field change at bimodal peaks. In some embodiments, the buried object detector 101 may calculate the depth and / or orientation of the buried object 100 in response to a user input (e.g., a button press) received via a user input 135 of the user interface 127. In some embodiments, the buried object detector 101 may have the user interface 127 (e.g., the display 129 of the user interface 127) provide the calculated depth and / or orientation of the buried object 100 to the user (e.g., a clinician).

[0066]

[0113] In one embodiment, the buried object detector 101 (e.g., the computer 106 of the buried object detector 101) can use a data library to calculate the depth and / or orientation (e.g., downward angulation) of the buried object 100 in order to map the sensor signals generated by the sensor 105 during one or more moves / sweeps of the buried object detector 101 to depth and / or orientation. In one embodiment, the library can include sensor signal curve characteristics for a particular orientation of the buried object 100. In one embodiment, the characteristic curve may be determined experimentally. In one embodiment, the buried object detector 101 (e.g., the computer 106 of the buried object detector 101) can compare the sensor signals generated by the sensor 105 during one or more moves / sweeps of the buried object detector 101 to a specific curve. In one embodiment, the buried object detector 101 can determine that the buried object 100 has a buried object orientation (e.g., in-plane and / or out-of-plane angulation) associated with the characteristic curve that most closely resembles the generated sensor signal. In one embodiment, the buried object detector 101 (e.g., the computer 106 of the buried object detector 101) can use the magnitude of the sensor signal generated during movement / sweeping (e.g., at one or more of its peaks) to calculate the depth (or estimated depth range).

[0067]

[0114] In one embodiment, if the buried object detector 101 determines that the sensor signal generated by the sensor 105 during the movement of the buried object detector 101 indicates in-plane angulation (for example, that the movement / sweep direction is oblique to the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100), the third step of the second process may include the buried object detector 101 (e.g., the computer 106 of the buried object detector 101) determining a suggested correction to the movement / sweep direction. In one embodiment, the suggested correction may be a specific angle with respect to a set direction (e.g., the long axis of the arm) or an angle change with respect to the current / recent movement direction (e.g., +5° or -15°). In one embodiment, the buried object detector 101 may have the user interface 127 (e.g., the display 129 of the user interface 127) provide the user with a suggested correction to the movement / sweep direction. In one embodiment, the movement / sweep direction may be adjusted until the generated sensor signal appears as close as possible to the baseline. In some embodiments, if a single peak still exists in the generated sensor signal, that peak is likely due to out-of-plane angulation, which cannot be corrected by adjusting the sweep direction.

[0068]

[0115] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 15C, the third step of the second process may include marking the edge of the embedded object (for example, using an instrument attached to the outer edge of the magnetic field generator 103) and / or marking the incision site (for example, using the incision marking tool 113).

[0069]

[0116] In some embodiments, a third process can be used to locate the buried object 100. In some embodiments, the third process may include a first step of finding the approximate location of the buried object 100 along its longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 16A, the first step may include moving the buried object detector 101 along the skin surface 154 and searching for any signals. In some embodiments, the buried object 100 may be located in the area where the signals are found.

[0070]

[0117] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 16B, the third process may include a second step in which a template 1601 (e.g., a template sticker) is placed over the area where the signal was found. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 16B, the template 1601 may include marks (e.g., numbers) that serve as waypoints to identify the course of movement / sweeping of the buried object detector 101. For example, in one embodiment, the template 1601 may identify the course from waypoints 9 to 3, 4 to 10, 11 to 5, 6 to 12, 1 to 7, and 8 to 2, for example. In one embodiment, the buried object detector 101 (e.g., the computer 106 of the buried object detector 101) may cause the user interface 127 (e.g., the display 129) to provide instructions for the course of movement / sweeping of the buried object detector 101 using the template 1601. In one embodiment, the second step of the third process may include moving the buried object detector 101 along a course identified by the template 1601. In another embodiment, the second step of the third process may end with moving the buried object detector 101 to its final position on the template 1601.

[0071]

[0118] In one embodiment, the third process may include a third step in which the buried object detector 101 (e.g., the computer 106 of the buried object detector 101) calculates the depth and / or orientation of the buried object 100 (e.g., in-plane angulation and / or out-of-plane angulation). In one embodiment, the buried object detector 101 may calculate the depth and / or orientation of the buried object 100 using sensor signals generated by a sensor 105 that indicates changes in the magnetic field caused by the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100 as the buried object detector 101 is moved along a course identified by the template 1601. In one embodiment, the buried object detector 101 (e.g., the computer 106 of the buried object detector 101) can calculate the depth and / or orientation of the buried object 100 by using a data library to map sensor signals generated by the sensor 105 to depth and / or orientation as the buried object detector 101 is moved along a course identified by the template 1601. In another embodiment, the buried object detector 101 can calculate the depth and / or orientation of the buried object 100 in response to user input (e.g., a button press) received via user input 135 of the user interface 127. In another embodiment, the buried object detector 101 can provide the user (e.g., a clinician) with the calculated depth and / or orientation of the buried object 100 on the user interface 127 (e.g., the display 129 of the user interface 127).

[0072]

[0119] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 16C, the buried object detector 101 may display a buried object image 704 and / or a template image 1603 on the screen 702 of the display 129. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 16C, the location of the buried object image 704 relative to the template image 1603 on the screen 704 of the display 129 may correspond to the detected location of the buried object 100 relative to the template 1601. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 16C, the buried object image 704 may have an orientation corresponding to the calculated orientation of the buried object 100. In some embodiments, the buried object image 704 may show the in-plane angulation and / or out-of-plane (e.g., downward) angulation of the calculated orientation. In some embodiments, the buried object image 704 may, in addition to or instead of the above, show the calculated depth.

[0073]

[0120] In some embodiments, the third step of the third process may, in addition to or instead of the above, include the buried object detector 101 (e.g., the computer 106 of the buried object detector 101) calculating one or more edges of the buried object 100, the center of the buried object 100 and / or cut locations. In some embodiments, the buried object detector 101 may calculate one or more edges of the buried object, the center of the buried object and / or cut locations using sensor signals generated by sensor 105, which indicate changes in the magnetic field caused by the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100 as the buried object detector 101 is moved along a course identified by template 1601. In some embodiments, the buried object detector 101 may calculate one or more edges of the buried object and / or cut locations using the calculated depth and / or orientation of the buried object 100. In one embodiment, the buried object detector 101 can provide the user (e.g., a clinician) with one or more calculated buried object margins, buried object centers, and / or incision locations on the user interface 127 (e.g., the display 129 of the user interface 127). In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 16C, the buried object detector 101 can display the one or more calculated buried object margins, buried object centers, and / or incision locations as coordinates on the screen 702 of the display 129.

[0074]

[0121] Figure 17 is a flowchart of a process 1700 for searching for a buried object 100 containing a magnetic material 124, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the process 1700 may include a step 1702 in which a magnetic field generator 103 is used to generate a magnetic field. In one embodiment, the magnetic field generator 103 may include one or more magnets 109. In one embodiment, the magnetic field generator 103 may include cylindrical magnets 109 (e.g., hollow cylindrical magnets). In one embodiment, the magnetic field generator 103 may include two or more magnets 109 (e.g., four or six magnets). In one embodiment, the magnetic field generator 103 may include a housing 107 configured to house two or more magnets 109. In one embodiment, the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator 103 may be a substantially uniform magnetic field.

[0075]

[0122] In some embodiments, process 1700 may include step 1704 of using sensor 105 to detect changes in the magnetic field and to generate a sensor signal indicating the changes in the magnetic field. In some embodiments, as sensor 105 is moved over the buried object 100, the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100 may cause a change in the magnetic field. In some embodiments, the magnetic field may be substantially symmetric with respect to the longitudinal axis at the center of the magnetic field generator 103. In some embodiments, sensor 105 may be positioned along or off-center from the longitudinal axis at the center of the magnetic field generator 103.

[0076]

[0123] In one embodiment, process 1700 may include step 1706, which uses a computer 106 to detect the location of the buried object 100 based on a sensor signal. In one embodiment, step 1706 may include causing the computer 106 to cause a user interface 127 to provide an output indicating the sensor signal. In one embodiment, a user (e.g., a clinician) may use the output sensor signal to detect the location of the buried object 100. In one embodiment, step 1706 may cause the computer 106 to cause the user interface 127 to provide a display indicating the point in time when the derivative of the change in the magnetic field of the sensor 105 moving across the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100 is equal to zero. In one embodiment, the display indicating that the derivative of the change in the magnetic field of the sensor 105 moving across the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100 is equal to zero may indicate the location of the buried object 100.

[0077]

[0124] In some embodiments, step 1706 may, in addition to or instead of the above, include the computer 106 determining the edge of the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100 based on the location of a bimodal peak in the change of the magnetic field as the sensor 105 moves along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100. In some embodiments, the computer 106 may determine the edge of the buried object 100 based on the determined edge of the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100 and one or more deviations between the edge of the buried object 100 and the edge of the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100. In some embodiments, the computer 106 may be configured to calculate the derivative of the change of the magnetic field and to use the calculated derivative to detect the location of the buried object 100. In some embodiments, the computer 106 may be configured to determine the edge of the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100 based on the location where the derivative of the change of the magnetic field as the sensor 105 moves along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100 is equal to zero.

[0078]

[0125] In one embodiment, step 1706 may include, in addition to or instead of the above, the computer 106 determining the midline of the buried object 100. In one embodiment, the computer 106 may be configured to determine the midline based on the location where the derivative of the change in the magnetic field of the sensor 105 moving across the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100 is equal to zero.

[0079]

[0126] In one embodiment, process 1700 may include the step of a computer 106 determining the depth of the buried object 100 based on the magnitude of the change in the magnetic field at a bimodal peak in the change in the magnetic field as the sensor 105 moves along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100. In one embodiment, the computer 106 may determine the depth of the buried object 100 based on the magnitude of the change in the magnetic field at a location where the derivative of the change in the magnetic field as the sensor 105 moves along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100 is equal to zero.

[0080]

[0127] In some embodiments, process 1700 may include, in addition to or instead of the above, a step in which the computer 106 determines the orientation of the buried object 100. In some embodiments, the computer 106 may determine the orientation based on the difference between the magnitudes of the change in the magnetic field at bimodal peaks in the change in the magnetic field as the sensor 105 moves along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100. In some embodiments, the computer 106 may determine the orientation of the buried object 100 based on the difference between the magnitudes of the change in the magnetic field at locations where the derivative of the change in the magnetic field as the sensor 105 moves along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100 is equal to zero.

[0081]

[0128] In some embodiments, process 1700 may, in addition to or instead of the above, include causing computer 106 to display on display 129 a display indicating the location of the detected buried object 100. In some embodiments, the display of the detected location of the buried object 100 may include a buried object image 704, where the location of the buried object image 704 on screen 702 of display 129 relative to point 706 on screen 702 of display 129 may correspond to the location of the detected buried object 100 relative to sensor 105. In some embodiments, the buried object image 704 may have an orientation corresponding to the detected orientation of the buried object 100.

[0082]

[0129] In one embodiment, the buried object detector 101 includes a position detector 137 configured to generate a location signal indicating the location of the sensor 105, the process 1700 may, in addition to or instead of the above, include the step of the computer 106 using the sensor signal and the location signal (for example, a motion signal generated by the motion detector of the position detector 137 indicating the movement of the sensor 105) to generate a map of the sensor signal at different locations of the sensor 105. In one embodiment, generating a map of the sensor signal at different locations of the sensor may include, for example, measuring the sensor signal at each of two or more different locations of the sensor 105 and storing the measured sensor signal along with identification information of the location where the sensor signal was measured. In one embodiment, generating a map of the sensor signal at different locations of the sensor 105 may include generating a visualization of the measured sensor signal at different locations of the sensor 105.

[0083]

[0130] In some embodiments, process 1700 may include an optional step of removing the buried object 100. In some embodiments, removing the buried object 100 may include making an incision at a specified edge of the buried object 100. In some embodiments, removing the buried object 100 may include grasping the buried object 100 (for example using forceps) and pulling the buried object 100 out of the body through the incision.

[0084]

[0131] Figure 18 is a flowchart of a process 1800 for searching for a buried object 100 containing magnetic material 124, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the process 1800 may include a step 1802 of moving a device (e.g., a buried object detector 101) including a magnetic field generator 103 and a sensor 105 across the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100. In one embodiment, as the device is moved across the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100, the magnetic material 124 of the buried object 100 may cause a change in the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator 103, and the sensor 105 may detect the change in the magnetic field. In one embodiment, the process 1800 may include a step 1804 of determining the midline of the buried object 100 based on the location where the change in the magnetic field is greatest as the device is moved across the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100. In one embodiment, the process 1800 may include a step 1806 of moving the device along the determined midline of the buried object 100. In some embodiments, process 1800 may include step 1808 of determining the edge of the magnetic material 124 of the embedded object 100 based on the location of the bimodal peak in the change in the magnetic field. In some embodiments, process 1800 may include an action step of using the device's incision marking tool 1113 to mark the incision site for removing the embedded object 100. In some embodiments, process 1800 may include an optional step of removing the embedded object 100. In some embodiments, removing the embedded object 100 may include grasping the embedded object 100 (e.g., using forceps) and pulling the embedded object 100 out of the body through the incision.

[0085]

[0132] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 19, the buried object 100 may include a plurality of analyte indicators 104 (e.g., a first analyte indicator 104a and a second analyte indicator 104b). In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 19, the buried object 100 may include a charge storage device 202 (e.g., a battery). In some embodiments, the charge storage device 202 may be a battery having a metal housing (e.g., a titanium housing). In some embodiments, the charge storage device 202 may be mounted on the housing 102. In some embodiments, a coupler 324 may be mounted on the housing 102 and the charge storage device 202. In some embodiments, the coupler 324 may be located between the housing 102 and the charge storage device 202. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 19, the coupler 324 may include one or more supports 232 (e.g., reinforcing rods, bars, or beams) that can be mounted on and / or integrated with the coupler 324. In some embodiments, the buried object 100 may include first and second conductive connectors that connect the positive and negative electrodes of the charge storage device 202 to the circuit of the buried object 100. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 19, the circuit of the buried object 100 may extend away from the charge storage device 202 along the longitudinal axis of the charge storage device 202. In some embodiments, the circuit of the buried object 100 may include an inductor 120 which may include a conductor 122 and a magnetic material 124 in the form of a magnetic core. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 19, the charge storage device 202 may include a first edge at one end of the buried object 100 and a second edge adjacent to the coupler 324 and / or housing 102. In some embodiments, the second edge of the charge storage device 202 may be located in the central region of the buried object 100.

[0086]

[0133] In some embodiments, the implant 100 may include one or more drug-eluting polymer matrices 730 and 732. In some embodiments, one or more drug-eluting polymer matrices 730 and 732 may be located within or on part of the outer surface of the housing 102 of the implant 100. In some embodiments, one or more therapeutic agents may be dispersed within one or more drug-eluting polymer matrices 730 and 732. In some embodiments, one or more therapeutic agents may reduce or prevent the influx of neutrophil migration into the space in which the implant is embedded, and thus reduce or prevent the formation of hydrogen peroxide and fibrous encapsulation. Thus, in some embodiments, one or more therapeutic agents may reduce the degradation of one or more analyte indicators 104 (e.g., a first analyte indicator 104a and a second analyte indicator 104b). In some embodiments, one or more therapeutic agents are dispersible within one or more drug-eluting polymer matrices 730 and 732 and may include one or more anti-inflammatory agents, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and / or isobutylphenylpropanoic acid (ibuprofen)). In some embodiments, one or more therapeutic agents dispersed within one or more drug-eluting polymer matrices 730 and 732 may include one or more glucocorticoids. In some embodiments, one or more therapeutic agents may include one or more of dexamethasone, triamcinolone, betamethasone, methylprednisolone, beclomethasone, fludrocortisone, derivatives thereof, and analogs thereof. In some embodiments, one or more therapeutic agents can reduce the production of hydrogen peroxide by neutrophils and macrophages.

[0087]

[0134] In some embodiments (for example, in some embodiments where the buried object 100 includes a charge storage device 202), the magnetic field generator 103 of the buried object detector 101 may be an electromagnetic field generator 103' configured to generate an electromagnetic field, as shown in Figure 20. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic field may include low frequencies (e.g., very low frequency (VLF) waves). In some embodiments, the low frequencies may have frequencies in the range between 3 kHz and 30 kHz, for example, but not limited to these. In some embodiments, the low frequencies may have frequencies in the range between 5 kHz and 15 kHz, for example, but not limited to these. In some embodiments, the sensor 105 of the buried object detector 101 may be configured to detect changes in the electromagnetic field and to generate a sensor signal indicating changes in the electromagnetic field. In some embodiments, at least the charge storage device 202 of the buried object 100 may cause changes in the electromagnetic field when the sensor 105 is moved over the buried object 100. In one embodiment, the computer 106 of the buried object detector 101 can be configured to use sensor signals to detect the location of the buried object 100.

[0088]

[0135] In some electromagnetic field configurations, as shown in Figures 21A and 21B, the electromagnetic field generator 103' may include one or more electromagnets 109'. In some configurations, one or more electromagnets 109' may be, for example, but not limited to, coils of wire wound around a magnetic core made of a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material. In some configurations, the electromagnetic field generator 103' may supply alternating current to one or more electromagnets 109'. The alternating current may have a frequency in the range of 3 kHz to 30 kHz, or more specifically, in the range of 5 kHz to 15 kHz, for example, but not limited to. In some configurations, as shown in Figure 21C, the electromagnetic field generator 103' may include a housing 107, which can be configured to hold one or more electromagnets 109'. However, the housing 107 is not mandatory, and in some other configurations (for example, some configurations in which the electromagnetic field generator 103' consists of only a single electromagnet 109'), the electromagnetic field generator 103' may not include a housing 107. In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 21A and 21B, the sensor 105 can be positioned on the longitudinal axis at the center of the electromagnetic field generator 103'. However, this is not mandatory, and in another embodiment, the sensor 105 is not positioned on the longitudinal axis at the center of the electromagnetic field generator 103'. For example, the sensor 105 may be positioned adjacent to the electromagnets 109' of the electromagnetic field generator 103' (rather than at the center of one or more electromagnets 109' of the electromagnetic field generator 103'). See Figure 3A.

[0089]

[0136] Figure 22 is a flowchart of a process 2200 for locating a buried object 100 containing a charge storage device 202, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the process 2200 may include a step 2202 in which an electromagnetic field generator 103' is used to generate an electromagnetic field. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic field generator 103' may include one or more electromagnets 109'. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic field generator 103' may include cylindrical electromagnets 109' (e.g., hollow cylindrical electromagnets). In another embodiment, the electromagnetic field generator 103' may include two or more electromagnets 109' (e.g., four or six electromagnets). In one embodiment, the electromagnetic field generator 103' may include a housing 107 configured to house one or more electromagnets 109'.

[0090]

[0137] In some embodiments, process 2200 may include step 2204 of using sensor 105 to detect changes in the electromagnetic field and to generate a sensor signal indicating the changes in the electromagnetic field. In some embodiments, at least charge storage device 202 of the buried object 100 may cause changes in the electromagnetic field when sensor 105 is moved over the buried object 100. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic field may be substantially symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis at the center of the electromagnetic field generator 103'. In some embodiments, sensor 105 may be positioned along or off-center from the longitudinal axis at the center of the electromagnetic field generator 103'.

[0091]

[0138] In one embodiment, process 2200 may include step 2206, which uses a computer 106 to detect the location of the buried object 100 based on a sensor signal. In one embodiment, step 2206 may include causing the computer 106 to cause a user interface 127 to provide an output indicating the sensor signal. In one embodiment, a user (e.g., a clinician) may use the output sensor signal to detect the location of the buried object 100. In one embodiment, step 2206 may include causing the computer 106 to cause the user interface 127 to provide a display indicating the point in time when the derivative of the change in the electromagnetic field of the sensor 105 moving across the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100 is equal to zero. In one embodiment, the display indicating that the derivative of the change in the electromagnetic field of the sensor 105 moving across the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100 is equal to zero may indicate the location of the buried object 100.

[0092]

[0139] In some embodiments, step 2206 may, in addition to or instead of the above, include the computer 106 determining the edge of the charge storage device 202 of the buried object 100 based on the location of the bimodal peak in the change of the electromagnetic field as the sensor 105 moves along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100. In some embodiments, the computer 106 may determine one or more edges of the buried object 100 based on the determined edge of the charge storage device 202 of the buried object 100. In some embodiments, the computer 106 may be configured to calculate the derivative of the change of the electromagnetic field and to use the calculated derivative to detect the location of the buried object 100. In some embodiments, the computer 106 may be configured to determine the edge of the charge storage device 202 of the buried object 100 based on the location where the derivative of the change of the magnetic field as the sensor 105 moves along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100 is equal to zero.

[0093]

[0140] In some embodiments, the magnitude of the bimodal peak in the electromagnetic field change at the first edge of the charge storage device 202 located on the edge of the buried object 100 may be greater than the magnitude of the bimodal peak in the electromagnetic field change at the second edge of the charge storage device 202 adjacent to the coupler 324 and / or housing 102. In some embodiments, the magnetic material 124 within the housing 102 of the buried object 100 can cause the magnitude of the bimodal peak in the electromagnetic field change at the second edge of the charge storage device 202 to be lower than the magnitude of the bimodal peak in the electromagnetic field change at the first edge of the charge storage device 202. In some embodiments, the computer 106 can be configured to determine which of the bimodal peaks in the electromagnetic field change has a larger magnitude. In some embodiments, the computer 106 can be configured to determine that the first edge of the charge storage device 202 is located at the location of the bimodal peak with the larger magnitude. In some embodiments, the computer 106 can determine that one edge of the buried object 100 is located at the first edge of the charge storage device 202. In one embodiment, the incision site for removing the embedded object 100 may be located at or near the location of a bimodal peak in the electromagnetic field change having a larger magnitude.

[0094]

[0141] In some embodiments, the computer 106 may be configured to determine a second edge of the buried object 100 in addition to or instead of the above. In some embodiments, the computer 106 may determine the second edge of the buried object 100 using the location of the second edge of the charge storage device 202 (for example, the location of the bimodal peak in the electromagnetic field change having a smaller magnitude) and the displacement between the second edge of the charge storage device 202 and one end of the housing 102. In some embodiments, the second edge of the charge storage device 202 may be the edge of the charge storage device 202 adjacent to the coupler 324 and / or the housing 102.

[0095]

[0142] In some embodiments, step 2206 may include, in addition to or instead of the above, the computer 106 determining the midline of the buried object 100. In some embodiments, the computer 106 may be configured to determine the midline based on the location where the derivative of the change in the magnetic field of the sensor 105 moving across the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100 is equal to zero.

[0096]

[0143] In one embodiment, process 2200 may include the step of a computer 106 determining the depth of the buried object 100 based on the magnitude of the change in the electromagnetic field at a bimodal peak in the change in the magnetic field as the sensor 105 moves along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100. In one embodiment, the computer 106 may determine the depth of the buried object 100 based on the magnitude of the change in the electromagnetic field at a location where the derivative of the change in the electromagnetic field as the sensor 105 moves along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100 is equal to zero.

[0097]

[0144] In some embodiments, process 2200 may include, in addition to or instead of the above, a step in which the computer 106 determines the orientation of the buried object 100. In some embodiments, the computer 106 may determine the orientation based on the difference in magnitude between the bimodal peaks in the change of the electromagnetic field as the sensor 105 moves along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100 (after taking into account, for example, the expected difference in magnitude between the bimodal peaks in the change of the electromagnetic field at the second edge of the charge storage device 202, which may result from the second edge of the charge storage device 202 being closer to the magnetic material 124 within the housing 102). In some embodiments, the computer 106 may determine the orientation of the buried object 100 based on the difference in magnitude between the change of the electromagnetic field at locations where the derivative of the change of the electromagnetic field as the sensor 105 moves along the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100 is equal to zero (after taking into account, for example, the reduction in magnitude of the bimodal peaks in the change of the electromagnetic field at the second edge of the charge storage device 202, which may result from the second edge of the charge storage device 202 being in proximity to the magnetic material 124).

[0098]

[0145] In some embodiments, process 2200 may, in addition to or instead of the above, include causing computer 106 to display on display 129 a display of the detected location of the buried object 100. See, for example, Figures 1 and 7A to 7F. In some embodiments, the display of the detected location of the buried object 100 may include a buried object image 704, where the location of the buried object image 704 on screen 702 of display 129 relative to point 706 on screen 702 of display 129 may correspond to the detected location of the buried object 100 relative to sensor 105. In some embodiments, the buried object image 704 may have an orientation corresponding to the detected orientation of the buried object 100.

[0099]

[0146] In one embodiment, the buried object detector 101 includes a position detector 137 configured to generate a location signal indicating the location of the sensor 105, the process 2200 may, in addition to or instead of the above, include the step of the computer 106 using the sensor signal and the location signal (for example, a motion signal generated by the motion detector of the position detector 137 indicating the movement of the sensor 105) to generate a map of the sensor signal at different locations of the sensor 105. In one embodiment, generating a map of the sensor signal at different locations of the sensor may include, for example, measuring the sensor signal at each of two or more different locations of the sensor 105 and storing the measured sensor signal together with identification information of the location where the sensor signal was measured. In one embodiment, generating a map of the sensor signal at different locations of the sensor 105 may include generating a visualization representation of the measured sensor signal at different locations of the sensor 105.

[0100]

[0147] In some embodiments, process 2200 may include an optional step of removing the embedded object 100. In some embodiments, removing the embedded object 100 may include forming an incision at a specified edge of the charge storage device 202. In some embodiments, removing the embedded object 100 may include grasping the charge storage device 202 of the embedded object 100 (for example, using forceps) which may be stronger than the housing 102 of the embedded object 100, and pulling the embedded object 100 out of the body through the incision.

[0101]

[0148] Figure 23 is a flowchart of a process 2300 for searching for a buried object 100 including a charge storage device 202, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the process 2300 may include a step 2302 of moving a device (e.g., a buried object detector 101) including an electromagnetic field generator 103' and a sensor 105 across the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100. In one embodiment, at least the charge storage device 202 of the buried object 100 may cause a change in the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic field generator 103' as the device is moved across the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100, and the sensor 105 may detect the change in the electromagnetic field. In one embodiment, the process 2300 may include a step 2304 of determining the midline of the buried object 100 based on the location where the change in the electromagnetic field is greatest as the device is moved across the longitudinal axis of the buried object 100. In some embodiments, process 2300 may include step 2306 of moving the device along the determined midline of the embedded object 100. In some embodiments, process 2300 may include step 2308 of determining the edge of the charge storage device 202 of the embedded object 100 based on the location of the bimodal peak in the electromagnetic field variation. In some embodiments, process 2300 may include an optional step of using the device's incision marking tool 113 to mark an incision site for removing the embedded object 100. In some embodiments, the incision site may be the location of or near the bimodal peak in the electromagnetic field variation having a larger magnitude. In some embodiments, process 2300 may include an optional step of removing the embedded object 100. In some embodiments, removing the embedded object 100 may include marking the incision site. In one embodiment, removal of the embedded object 100 may include grasping (using forceps) the charge storage device 202 of the embedded object 100, which may be stronger than the housing 102 of the embedded object 100, and pulling the embedded object 100 out of the body through the incision.

[0102]

[0149] While the subject matter of this disclosure has been described and illustrated in considerable detail with reference to certain exemplary embodiments, including various combinations or partial combinations of features, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments and their variations and modifications are also included within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the descriptions of such embodiments, combinations, and partial combinations are not intended to suggest that the claimed subject matter requires features or combinations of features other than those expressly described in the claims. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is intended to include all modifications and variations that are included within the idea and scope of the claims appended below.

Claims

1. A device for searching for buried objects containing magnetic materials in living animals, A magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic field, A sensor configured to detect the change in the magnetic field and to generate a sensor signal indicating the change in the magnetic field, wherein the magnetic material of the buried object causes a change in the magnetic field when the sensor is moved over the buried object. Includes a computer configured to use the sensor signals to detect the location of the buried object, An apparatus in which, in detecting the location of the buried object, the computer is configured to determine the edge of the magnetic material of the buried object based on the location of the bimodal peak in the change of the electromagnetic field as the sensor moves along the longitudinal axis of the buried object.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, The apparatus includes a cylindrical magnet as the magnetic field generator.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, A device in which the cylindrical magnet is hollow.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, The apparatus includes two or more magnets as the magnetic field generator.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, The apparatus further includes a housing configured to hold the two or more magnets, wherein the magnetic field generator is configured to hold the two or more magnets.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, The aforementioned magnetic field generator is an apparatus that includes four magnets.

7. The apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, The aforementioned magnetic field generator is an apparatus that includes six magnets.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The apparatus includes one or more permanent magnets in the magnetic field generator.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The apparatus includes one or more electromagnets as the magnetic field generator.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, An apparatus wherein the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator is substantially uniform.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, An apparatus wherein the magnetic field is substantially symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis at the center of the magnetic field generator.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, An apparatus wherein the magnetic field is non-uniform and / or asymmetric with respect to the longitudinal axis at the center of the magnetic field generator.

13. The apparatus according to claim 11, An apparatus in which the sensor is positioned along the longitudinal axis at the center of the magnetic field generator, or offset from the longitudinal axis.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, The device is configured such that the computer determines the edge of the buried object based on the determined edge of the magnetic material of the buried object and one or more deviations between the edge of the buried object and the edge of the magnetic material of the buried object.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1, The device is configured such that the computer determines the depth of the buried object based on the magnitude of the change in the magnetic field at the bimodal peak in the change in the magnetic field during the movement of the sensor along the longitudinal axis of the buried object.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1, The device is configured such that the computer determines the orientation of the buried object based on the difference between the magnitudes of the change in the magnetic field at the bimodal peaks in the change in the magnetic field during the movement of the sensor along the longitudinal axis of the buried object.

17. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, An apparatus in which the computer is configured to calculate the derivative of the change in the magnetic field and to use the calculated derivative to detect the location of the buried object.

18. A device for searching for buried objects containing magnetic material in a living animal, A magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic field, A sensor configured to detect the change in the magnetic field and to generate a sensor signal indicating the change in the magnetic field, wherein the magnetic material of the buried object causes a change in the magnetic field when the sensor is moved over the buried object. A computer configured to use the sensor signal to calculate the derivative of the change in the magnetic field, and to use the calculated derivative to detect the location of the buried object, The apparatus is configured such that the computer determines the edge of the magnetic material of the buried object based on the location where the derivative of the change in the magnetic field during the movement of the sensor along the longitudinal axis of the buried object is equal to zero.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, The device is configured such that the computer determines the depth of the buried object based on the magnitude of the change in the magnetic field at a location where the derivative of the change in the magnetic field during the movement of the sensor along the longitudinal axis of the buried object is equal to zero.

20. The apparatus according to claim 18, The device is configured such that the computer determines the orientation of the buried object based on the difference between the magnitude of the change in the magnetic field at locations where the derivative of the change in the magnetic field during the movement of the sensor along the longitudinal axis of the buried object is equal to zero.

21. A device for searching for buried objects containing magnetic material in a living animal, A magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic field, A sensor configured to detect the change in the magnetic field and to generate a sensor signal indicating the change in the magnetic field, wherein the magnetic material of the buried object causes a change in the magnetic field when the sensor is moved over the buried object. A computer configured to use the sensor signal to calculate the derivative of the change in the magnetic field, and to use the calculated derivative to detect the location of the buried object, The apparatus is configured such that the computer determines the midline of the buried object based on the location where the derivative of the change in the magnetic field is equal to zero as the sensor moves across the longitudinal axis of the buried object.

22. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The apparatus further comprises a computer configured to use one or more sensor signals to detect the orientation of the buried object.

23. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, An apparatus further comprising a display, wherein the computer is configured to cause the display to show a representation of the location where the buried object was detected.

24. The apparatus according to claim 23, A device in which the display is positioned above the sensor.

25. The apparatus according to claim 23, An apparatus in which the display of the location where the buried object was detected includes an image of the buried object, and the location of the image of the buried object on the screen of the display relative to a point on the screen of the display corresponds to the location where the buried object was detected relative to the sensor.

26. The apparatus according to claim 25, The apparatus wherein the buried object image has an orientation corresponding to the detected orientation of the buried object.

27. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The apparatus further includes an incision marking tool configured to identify the site for incision for the removal of the buried object.

28. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, An apparatus in which the diameter of the magnetic field generator is equal to the length of the buried object.

29. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The apparatus further includes a position detector configured to generate a location signal indicating the location of the sensor on the skin surface.

30. The apparatus according to claim 29, The apparatus includes a motion detector configured to detect the movement of the sensor and to generate a motion signal indicating the detected movement of the sensor, wherein the location signal includes the motion signal.

31. The apparatus according to claim 29, An apparatus in which the computer is configured to use the sensor signal and the location signal to generate a map of sensor signals at different locations on the skin surface.

32. A device for searching for buried objects containing charge storage devices in living animals, An electromagnetic field generator configured to generate an electromagnetic field, A sensor configured to detect a change in the electromagnetic field and to generate a sensor signal indicating the change in the electromagnetic field, wherein at least the charge storage device of the buried object causes a change in the electromagnetic field when the sensor is moved over the buried object, Includes a computer configured to use the sensor signals to detect the location of the buried object, An apparatus in which, in detecting the location of the buried object, the computer is configured to determine the edge of the charge storage device of the buried object based on the location of the bimodal peak in the change of the electromagnetic field as the sensor moves along the longitudinal axis of the buried object.

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