Magnetic Particle Imaging with Gradient Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light tomography methods provide limited depth penetration and two-dimensional imaging, making them inadequate for non-destructive, high-resolution examination of biological tissues, especially in cancer diagnosis where reliable imaging beyond surface regions is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing magnetic particles and a spatially inhomogeneous magnetic field with a gradient coil arrangement to create areas of varying magnetic field strengths, allowing for the detection of magnetization changes and spatial distribution of particles, combined with electromagnetic radiation to achieve three-dimensional imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If light tomography methods are used to examine biological tissue, then gentle non-destructive examination is achieved, but depth penetration is limited and only two-dimensional imaging is obtained
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic particles are introduced as intermediary agents into the biological tissue. These particles serve as mediators that enhance the interaction between the external magnetic field and the tissue, enabling indirect detection of tissue properties through magnetic signal modulation while maintaining non-destructive examination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies spatially varying magnetic field strengths to modulate the magnetization state of particles at different depths. By changing magnetic field parameters (strength, gradient) and detecting resulting signal variations, three-dimensional spatial information is obtained without increasing physical penetration depth of the imaging method itself
2Reliability
If magnetic particles with high saturation magnetization are used, then signal strength is improved, but spatial resolution deteriorates due to larger field strength requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local variations in magnetic field strength through gradient coils, generating regions with different field characteristics. This allows different spatial zones to have optimized conditions: strong fields for signal generation in some regions, and weaker fields for maintaining spatial resolution in others
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts magnetic field parameters including strength, gradient, and temporal variation. By making the magnetic field configurable and time-dependent, the system can optimize the balance between signal strength and spatial resolution for different examination conditions and depths
3Measurement precision
If complex examination methods like computer tomography are combined with light tomography, then reliable imaging is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges magnetic particle imaging with optical detection methods into a unified system. By combining the contrast enhancement capability of magnetic particles with the gentle non-destructive optical detection, reliable three-dimensional imaging is achieved without requiring separate complex tomography systems
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic particle imaging system serves multiple functions: it provides three-dimensional spatial resolution, enables deep tissue examination, maintains non-destructive characteristics, and can potentially integrate with existing optical detection infrastructure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized devices
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 non-destructive, high-resolution three-dimensional imaging of tissues with improved depth penetration and surface-to-deep tissue analysis, avoiding damage to the examined tissue and simplifying the imaging process.
Implementation Method 1
a) at least one device for generating a magnetic gradient field in at least one examination area of the examination object, said device comprising a means for generating a magnetic field with a spatial profile of the magnetic field strength
Implementation Method 2
generating a superposed oscillating or rotating magnetic field at least partially in the first part-area having a low magnetic field strength, so that at least some of these magnetic particles oscillate or rotate
Implementation Method 3
irradiating electromagnetic radiation into the examination area by means of at least one radiation source
Implementation Method 4
detecting the reflected and/or scattered electromagnetic radiation by means of at least one detector and determining the intensity, absorption and/or polarization of the reflected and/or scattered electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Examining an object wherein magnetic particles are introduced into at least part of a target area of the object under examination, the target area having a first part with a magnetic field strength that keeps magnetic particles in a non-saturated state, and a second part with a second magnetic field strength that keeps the magnetic particles in a saturated state. A superposed oscillating or rotating magnetic field is generated at least partially in the first part-area to cause at least some magnetic particles to oscillate or rotate. The target area is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation and detected radiation includes reflected or scattered electromagnetic radiation, which is modulated by interaction with rotating or oscillating magnetic particles in the target area. The intensity, absorption or polarization of the detected electromagnetic radiation is determined as a function of change in rotation or oscillation of the magnetic particles due to modulation.