Contactless Brain Scanning Using Electromagnetic Noise Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing EEG systems require direct contact with the scalp for sensing, which is invasive and limits accessibility and temporal resolution.
Innovation Solution
A brain scanning system that uses a stimulus generator to present auditory or visual stimuli and one or more noise generators to create an electromagnetic noise field interacting with the brain's electromagnetic field, generating an interfered noise signal for non-invasive detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct contact EEG sensors are used to measure brain activity, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to invasive scalp contact requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based EEG sensor system with a contactless electromagnetic field-based measurement system. Instead of using conductive electrodes that physically touch the scalp, the invention uses electromagnetic signals to detect brain activity, thereby eliminating the need for direct scalp contact while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium between the measurement system and the brain. The electromagnetic field acts as a mediator that can penetrate through the scalp and skull to interact with neural activity without requiring direct physical contact between the sensor and the scalp surface
2Measurement precision
If magnetic resonance imaging is used to obtain brain information, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to resource intensity and lack of temporal resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental measurement parameters from the static, low-temporal-resolution magnetic resonance imaging approach to a dynamic, high-temporal-resolution electromagnetic field measurement approach. By measuring electromagnetic field variations over time rather than structural snapshots, the system achieves both accuracy and high temporal resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic auditory stimulation as a trigger for brain responses, allowing repeated measurements at high temporal resolution. The periodic nature of the stimulation enables tracking of brain activity dynamics over time, achieving the temporal resolution that MRI lacks
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
Enables high-temporal resolution brain activity measurement without direct scalp contact, providing accurate brain state identification and medical information through pattern recognition.
Implementation Method 1
one or more noise generators configured to generate an electromagnetic noise field, wherein during operation of the brain scanning system the generated electromagnetic noise field interacts with the brain's electromagnetic field, resulting in an interfered noise signal
Data Source
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AI summary
Some embodiments are directed to a brain scanning system including one or more noise generators configured to generate an electromagnetic noise field, the noise generator being arranged for positioning in proximity to the subject's head, wherein during operation of the brain scanning system the generated electromagnetic noise field interacts with the brain's electromagnetic field, resulting in an interfered noise signal.