Brain Function Imaging for Intuitive Correlation Change Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brain function measurement devices struggle to intuitively convey changes in functional connections between brain regions before and after task presentation, making it difficult for non-experts to understand these changes.
Innovation Solution
A brain function measurement device that includes a brain blood flow information acquisition unit, a brain function information acquisition unit, and a brain function image generation unit to create visually recognizable images showing relative changes in brain function correlations and positions, using near-infrared spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging to generate first and second brain function images for intuitive understanding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a matrix diagram with names of brain regions is used to show functional connections, then the correlation data can be displayed systematically, but it becomes difficult for non-experts to intuitively understand which brain regions are changing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the actual brain structure (using brain images from MRI or similar imaging) and overlays the correlation data directly onto this anatomical copy. This allows non-experts to intuitively understand which brain regions are changing because the data is displayed in the context of recognizable brain anatomy rather than abstract matrix coordinates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the data representation from a two-dimensional matrix diagram (with regions identified by names or codes) to a three-dimensional visual representation overlaid on brain images. This dimensional change allows simultaneous display of spatial location and correlation strength, making the information both systematic and intuitively understandable
2Loss of information
If detailed correlation data between multiple brain regions is displayed, then complete functional connection information is provided, but the position of changing brain regions becomes difficult to identify
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different visual properties (such as color intensity, transparency, or highlight effects) to different regions of the brain image based on their correlation changes. Regions with significant correlation changes are visually distinguished from those without changes, allowing simultaneous display of complete data and easy identification of changing regions through localized visual cues
3Measurement precision
If brain blood flow information is measured before and after task presentation, then functional changes can be detected, but the results require complex interpretation that non-experts cannot easily understand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color coding to represent different levels of correlation strength or change in brain regions. By mapping quantitative blood flow data to visual color scales overlaid on brain images, the system transforms complex measurement data into an intuitive visual format that non-experts can immediately interpret without requiring knowledge of the underlying measurement techniques
Data Source
AI summary
This brain function measurement device (100) includes a brain blood flow information acquisition unit (1) that acquires brain blood flow information (d1) of a subject (P), a brain function information acquisition unit (30) that acquires brain function correlation information (d3) indicating a relative change in a correlation between respective portions of the brain acquired on the basis of the brain blood flow information measured in a plurality of portions of a brain before and after a task is presented, and a brain function image generation unit (7) that generates a first brain function image (20) in which a relative position of each measurement position (23) for the brain blood flow information and the measurement position at which the correlation acquired on the basis of the brain function correlation information has changed are visually recognizable.