Magnetic Field Modeling Using Local Dipole Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for modeling magnetic fields generated by radiators in medical procedures are computationally heavy due to the need to account for deviations from simple dipole models, leading to errors in tracking objects within the body.
Innovation Solution
A method that assumes radiators behave as simple dipoles with dipole moments varying by location, allowing for simplified computation of magnetic fields by calculating averages of dipole moments at vertices within a volume, resulting in an efficient, fast, and accurate model of the magnetic field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex mathematical procedures (spherical harmonics) are used to account for radiator deviations, then measurement precision is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The volume is divided into multiple smaller sub-volumes, and the magnetic field is calculated separately for each sub-volume using simple dipole assumptions. This segmentation allows the use of computationally simple local models while achieving accurate global field representation through aggregation of multiple local calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex spherical harmonics to model the entire radiator system, the patent creates simplified dipole moment copies at each vertex that replicate the magnetic field effect. These dipole copies are computationally much simpler than the original complex radiator model but produce equivalent field values at measurement points.
2Productivity
If simple dipole model is used for radiators, then computational speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different modeling approaches at different locations: simple dipole models are used at each local vertex position, while the overall system behavior is captured by aggregating contributions from all vertices. This local quality approach allows computationally simple local calculations to combine into an accurate global representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from modeling the radiators directly in global coordinates to representing the field through dipole moments defined at discrete vertex positions throughout the volume. This dimensional transformation from continuous radiator modeling to discrete vertex-based dipole representation enables both computational efficiency and accuracy.
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 provides a continuous and accurate magnetic field model without reducing accuracy, enabling precise tracking of objects within the body during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
generating a magnetic field in a region from a first magnetic field radiator located at a first position and a second magnetic field radiator located at a second position
Implementation Method 2
the first magnetic field radiator and the second magnetic field radiator respectively transmit a first alternating magnetic field at a first frequency and a second alternating magnetic field at a second frequency different from the first frequency
Implementation Method 3
measuring respective values of the magnetic field at the multiplicity of vertices
Implementation Method 4
in response to the respective values, assigning respective first dipole moments to the first magnetic field radiator and assigning respective second dipole moments to the second magnetic field radiator
Implementation Method 5
calculating the value of the magnetic field includes the first and second magnetic radiators operating as simple dipoles having poles obeying an inverse square law
Implementation Method 6
the first and second averages are respective linear weighted averages calculated in terms of a location of the point within the volume
Data Source
AI summary
A method, including generating a magnetic field in a region from a first magnetic field radiator located at a first position and a second magnetic field radiator located at a second position. A volume having a multiplicity of vertices is delineated within the region, and respective values of the magnetic field at the multiplicity of vertices are measured. In response to the respective values, respective first dipole moments to the first magnetic field radiator and respective second dipole moments to the second magnetic field radiator are assigned. A value of the magnetic field within the volume is calculated in terms of the first dipole moments and the second dipole moments.