Magnetic Field Modulation Screen for Single-Sensor Field Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack the capability to visualize low-level or static magnetic fields generated by sources such as humans or equipment without requiring expensive, bulky sensor arrays and active illumination sources, making it difficult to map these fields effectively, especially for moving objects.
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 individually addressable magnetic field-generating elements and compressive sensing techniques to acquire and reconstruct images of low-level magnetic fields without the need for active illumination, allowing for visualization of fields smaller than the Earth's magnetic field by a factor of 1,000 to 10,000.
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
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the magnetic field measurement task by using a single magnetometer that sequentially measures different spatial regions through mechanical scanning or electronic beam steering, rather than using a large array of simultaneous sensors. This divides the measurement function across time and space, achieving comprehensive field mapping with minimal sensor hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The single magnetometer serves multiple functions: it detects magnetic fields at different spatial locations, measures varying field strengths, and reconstructs complete two-dimensional or three-dimensional field distributions through computational algorithms. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for multiple specialized sensors.
2Measurement precision
If RF magnetic illumination sources are used to generate large-amplitude fields for imaging, then measurement precision is improved, but harmful factors increase due to high energy exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical RF illumination system with a computational approach. Instead of physically illuminating the target with high-energy RF fields, the system uses a single magnetometer to detect naturally occurring or passively generated magnetic fields, and then applies computational reconstruction algorithms to build images from these low-energy measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the weakness of measuring weak, naturally occurring magnetic fields into an advantage by eliminating the need for harmful high-energy illumination. The system benefits from measuring fields in their natural state without contamination from strong artificial illumination sources, thereby protecting the measured object from energy exposure while still achieving imaging capability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are used in magnetoencephalography to create three-dimensional images, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the three-dimensional space into multiple measurement planes or layers, with the single magnetometer sequentially sampling each plane. By combining these segmented spatial measurements through computational reconstruction, the system achieves three-dimensional field visualization without requiring a complex multi-plane electrode array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the time dimension to the measurement process, using temporal sequencing of single-sensor measurements to capture spatial information that would otherwise require multiple simultaneous sensors. The time-varying measurement sequence is transformed into spatial resolution through algorithmic reconstruction, effectively trading temporal sampling for spatial multiplexing.
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 with a single detector, effectively distinguishing the signature of a particular source from background noise, achieving high sensitivity and resolution while reducing the amount of measurement data needed through compressive sensing, thereby providing a cost-effective and compact solution for mapping magnetic fields.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetometer with sensitivity greater than 1 pT/Hz1/2, such as an atomic magnetometer. An atomic magnetometer can detect fields anywhere from constant (direct current) up to several hundred hertz (alternating magnetic amplitude).
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
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing a visualization capability to map magnetic fields. The system utilizes a high-sensitivity magnetic field sensor (e.g., a magnetometer inside a tube made of magnetic shielding material) disposed on one side of a magnetic field modulation screen 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 (e.g., current-carrying loops 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.