Contactless EIT Imaging via Magnetic Field Sensing

Solution Overview

Problem

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) measurements require the operation of attaching multiple electrodes to a body surface, which imposes a significant burden on both the operator and the measurement subject, and can be physically demanding.

Innovation Solution

An image generation apparatus using a plurality of electrodes and sensor cells that acquire the intensity of a magnetic field generated by an alternating current, allowing for non-direct contact with the measurement object and reducing the physical burden by using a base member with electrodes and sensors arranged in an annular shape that can move, along with a controller to generate a tomographic image based on the magnetic field intensity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple electrodes are attached to the body surface for EIT measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to significant operational burden on the operator

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical attachment system (electrodes physically attached to body surface) with a magnetic field-based sensing system. Magnetic sensors detect the magnetic field generated by current flow through the object without requiring physical contact, thereby eliminating the operational burden of attaching multiple electrodes while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic field as an intermediary between the current source and the measurement system. Instead of directly measuring electrical parameters through attached electrodes, the system measures the magnetic field generated by current flow, which serves as an indirect but contactless mediator for obtaining measurement data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple electrodes are attached to the body surface for EIT measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but the physical burden on the measurement subject increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidphysical burden

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical attachment system (electrodes physically attached to body surface) with a magnetic field-based sensing system. Magnetic sensors detect the magnetic field generated by current flow through the object without requiring physical contact, thereby eliminating the operational burden of attaching multiple electrodes while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If electrodes are attached directly to the body surface, then signal acquisition is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to contact variations and errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal acquisitionVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces magnetic field as an intermediary between the current source and the measurement system. Instead of directly measuring electrical parameters through attached electrodes, the system measures the magnetic field generated by current flow, which serves as an indirect but contactless mediator for obtaining measurement data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical attachment system (electrodes physically attached to body surface) with a magnetic field-based sensing system. Magnetic sensors detect the magnetic field generated by current flow through the object without requiring physical contact, thereby eliminating the operational burden of attaching multiple electrodes while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 easier and more precise acquisition of a measurement object's state by reducing the physical and operational burdens associated with traditional EIT methods, allowing for non-contact imaging and minimizing errors due to surface contact variations.

Implementation Method 1

an intensity of a magnetic field generated by an alternating current supplied via the plurality of electrodes, the intensity of the magnetic field being acquired via the plurality of sensor cells

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation by alternating current: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3785624B1Image generation apparatus, conductivity acquisition apparatus, image generation method, and program

Publication Date: 2024.10.09 THE KITASATO INSTITUTE

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AI summary

An image generation apparatus (1) includes a plurality of electrodes, a plurality of sensor cells, and a controller (10) configured to provide a tomographic image of a measurement object on the basis of an intensity of a magnetic field generated by an alternating current supplied via the plurality of electrodes. The controller (10) acquires the intensity of the magnetic field via the plurality of sensor cells.