Acoustic Wave Neural Activity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting active sites in the brain, such as those related to mental activity, face challenges in position resolution and are costly, as they either indirectly measure neural activity through metabolism changes or weak magnetic fields, failing to provide sufficient detail for disease therapy.
Innovation Solution
A method using acoustically induced electromagnetic waves to measure changes in charged particle properties, allowing for direct detection of neuron activity by irradiating the object with acoustic waves and analyzing the resulting electromagnetic waves for intensity, phase, and frequency characteristics, enabling high-resolution identification of active sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If noninvasive methods like PET, fMRI, or near infrared topography are used to detect neural activity, then the measurement can be performed without harming the body, but the position resolution is insufficient and the apparatus cost is extremely high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electromagnetic measurement systems (PET, fMRI) with an acoustic wave-based system. Acoustic waves are introduced into the body to interact with charged particles in neural tissue, generating detectable electromagnetic signals that provide high-resolution neural activity mapping without the need for expensive cyclotrons or high-field magnets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from detecting metabolism changes or weak magnetic fields to detecting electromagnetic waves generated by acoustically-induced charged particle oscillations. This parameter change enables direct measurement of neural electrical signals with high position resolution while maintaining noninvasive operation.
2Loss of time
If magneto-encephalography is used to detect weak magnetic fields from intracellular currents, then time resolution is improved, but position resolution remains insufficient and detection of deep brain sites is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetic field detection system with an acoustic wave system that directly interacts with charged particles. By introducing acoustic waves that resonate with neural tissue, the system generates electromagnetic signals that can be localized with high spatial precision while maintaining excellent temporal resolution for tracking neural dynamics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary between the neural tissue and the detection system. These acoustic waves serve as a mediator that transfers energy to charged particles in the brain, inducing electromagnetic wave generation that can be detected and localized, thereby solving both the time resolution and position resolution limitations.
3Measurement precision
If direct electrode insertion is used to measure action potentials, then the most direct neural activity information is obtained, but the method cannot be applied to the human body due to invasiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical electrode insertion method with a noninvasive acoustic wave system. Acoustic waves are introduced through the body to interact with neural charged particles, inducing electromagnetic wave generation that can be detected from outside the body, thereby providing direct neural activity measurement without surgical intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses acoustic waves as an intermediary to bridge the gap between external measurement and internal neural activity. These acoustic waves penetrate the body to reach neural tissue, transfer energy to charged particles, and induce electromagnetic signals that can be detected externally, eliminating the need for direct electrode contact.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables precise identification of active sites in the brain with high position resolution and cost-effectiveness by directly measuring changes in charged particle properties, overcoming the limitations of existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
a method of and an apparatus for measuring properties of an object of every sort, including a human body, which when acoustically vibrated may be capable of emitting electromagnetic waves, from such electromagnetic waves induced by applicable sound waves
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring method and apparatus in which a measurable object (23) is irradiated with acoustic waves to measure a change in property value of charged particles in the object from electromagnetic waves induced thereby. A part (2) of the measurable object irradiated with an acoustic focused beam (1) is in a charge distribution state in which positive charged particles (3) are greater in number in the part (2) where electromagnetic waves induced by positive charged particles (3) are not canceled by those induced by negative charged particles (4) and where net electromagnetic waves (6) are induced. Since a change in concentration of positive charged particles (3) and/or negative charged particles (4) changes the intensity of electromagnetic waves (6), it is possible to know such a change in concentration of the charged particles from a change in intensity of electromagnetic waves (6).