Magnetic Field Modulation Screen for Single-Sensor Field Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack the capability to visualize low-level or static magnetic fields generated by humans or equipment effectively, as they require expensive, bulky sensor arrays and are not suitable for imaging moving objects or fields with very low frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A compact system utilizing a high-sensitivity magnetometer, such as an atomic magnetometer, in combination with a magnetic field modulation screen featuring an array of magnetic field-generating pixel elements, enables visualization of low-level magnetic fields using compressive sensing techniques to reduce data requirements and enhance sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large array of coil-based magnetometers is utilized to create an image in magnetic resonance imaging, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the magnetic field sensing task into multiple temporal segments by sequentially activating different pixel elements in the modulation screen. Instead of using a spatial array of sensors, a single sensor collects data over time as each pixel is individually modulated, transforming a spatial segmentation problem into a temporal one.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field modulation screen as an intermediary component between the magnetic field source and the single sensor. This screen actively modulates the magnetic field from each pixel element, enabling the single sensor to distinguish and measure fields from different spatial locations through temporal modulation rather than requiring a sensor array.
2Measurement precision
If a large array of coil-based magnetometers is utilized to create an image in magnetic resonance imaging, then measurement precision is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple sensors into a single sensor by combining temporal modulation (through the modulation screen) with sequential measurement. The single sensor performs the work of what would traditionally require many sensors, reducing system volume while maintaining measurement precision through the addition of temporal dimension to the measurement process.
3Measurement precision
If traditional magnetic field mapping methods are used, then static fields can be visualized, but moving objects cannot be imaged effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static modulation screen into a dynamic system that can adapt to moving objects. By sequentially modulating different pixel elements and collecting temporal data, the system can track and image moving objects, as the modulation pattern can be updated to follow or anticipate object motion, making the system versatile for both static and dynamic scenarios.
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 the visualization of low-level magnetic fields, including those generated by moving objects, with improved sensitivity and cost-effectiveness, allowing for the discrimination of specific sources amidst background fields using a single sensor.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic field sensor may be a shielded total-field sensor or a directional/vector sensor
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic field modulation screen includes a multiplicity of magnetic field-generating pixel elements (e.g., current-carrying loops made of magnetic field-generating material)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing a visualization capability to map magnetic fields. The system utilizes a high-sensitivity magnetic field sensor (6) (e.g., a magnetometer (12) inside a tube (16) made of magnetic shielding material) disposed on one side of a magnetic field modulation screen (2) to acquire measurement data representing an image of a magnetic field. The magnetic field modulation screen includes a multiplicity of magnetic field-generating pixel elements (34) (e.g., current-carrying loops (20) made of electrically conductive material). Optionally, the system also uses compressive sensing techniques to reduce the amount of measurement data required to reconstruct an image of the original magnetic field. Compressive sensing is enabled by not supplying current to a different selected individual magnetic field-generating pixel element of the magnetic field modulation screen at successive sampling times.