Biomagnetic Measurement Marker Positioning With Passive Radiation Absorbers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biomagnetic field measurement devices are limited by the need for markers that transmit information by themselves, restricting their installation positions and increasing costs due to the requirement of additional components like driving units.

Innovation Solution

A biomagnetic field measurement device that uses marker parts that do not transmit information by themselves, utilizing radiation to image and calculate their positions relative to an irradiation unit and imaging unit, allowing for accurate position determination without the need for self-transmitting markers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If self-transmitting markers are used, then position information can be obtained directly from the marker, but the device complexity and cost increase due to additional components like driving units

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition information accuracyVSAvoidmarker component complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the information transmission function from the marker itself and transfers it to the imaging system. Instead of markers generating and transmitting signals, the system uses radiation imaging to capture marker positions, thereby eliminating complex self-transmitting marker components while maintaining position measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces radiation as an intermediary between the marker and the detection system. The marker passively absorbs radiation, and the imaging unit detects the radiation interaction to determine position, replacing the need for active signal generation and transmission components in the marker

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If self-transmitting markers are used, then position information can be obtained directly, but the installation position flexibility is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition information accuracyVSAvoidinstallation position flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the active transmission capability requirement from the marker, allowing passive markers to be placed in any position where radiation can reach. This extraction of the transmission function enables unrestricted installation positions while maintaining position information accuracy through radiation-based imaging detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If self-transmitting markers are used, then position information can be obtained directly, but the cost increases due to expensive components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition information accuracyVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive self-transmitting markers with simple passive markers that can be easily manufactured. These markers only need to absorb radiation and be detectable by the imaging unit, eliminating the need for costly driving units and active signal generation components while maintaining sufficient position information accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 flexible installation of marker parts and reduces costs by eliminating the need for expensive self-transmitting markers, while maintaining accurate position calculation and biological information output.

Implementation Method 1

an irradiation unit configured to irradiate a subject with radiation; an imaging unit having a light-receiving surface for receiving radiation, the imaging unit being configured to image the subject based on the radiation from the irradiation unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation: Radiation

Implementation Method 2

a marker part configured to absorb the radiation from the irradiation unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12472033B2Biomagnetic field measurement device, biomagnetic field measurement system, and biomagnetic field measurement method

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE TOKYO

AI summary

A biomagnetic field measurement device includes an irradiation unit configured to irradiate a subject with radiation; an imaging unit having a light-receiving surface for receiving radiation, the imaging unit being configured to image the subject based on the radiation from the irradiation unit; a marker part configured to absorb the radiation from the irradiation unit; and a processing circuit configured to output biological information based on third position information of the marker part and an imaged result of the subject by the imaging unit, the third position information of the marker part being calculated from first position information of the marker part, second position information of the irradiation unit, and a captured image of the marker part imaged by the imaging unit.