Magnetic Sensor Array for High-Precision Current Distribution Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for acquiring tomographic images of living bodies, such as electro-impedance tomography, face challenges in accurately measuring the distribution of electrical conductivity and magnetic fields, which limits the precision of cross-sectional imaging and current estimation in living bodies.
Innovation Solution
A measuring apparatus that applies a current to a living body and uses a magnetic sensor array with magnetoresistive elements and magnetic flux concentrators to detect and process the magnetic field, allowing for the estimation of current distribution by separating the magnetic field into its components and suppressing disturbance fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional electro-impedance tomography methods are used to measure electrical conductivity distribution, then the measurement can be performed, but the measurement precision and accuracy of cross-sectional imaging and current estimation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical conductivity measurement approach with a magnetic field-based measurement system. Magnetic sensors detect magnetic fields generated by current flow in the living body, substituting the conventional electro-impedance method. This substitution enables non-contact measurement and improves both precision and accuracy by directly measuring magnetic field distributions without the limitations of electrical conductivity modeling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the current flow in the living body and the measurement system. By detecting magnetic fields generated by current flow, the system obtains direct information about current distribution without requiring direct electrical contact or complex conductivity modeling, thereby improving measurement precision and reliability.
2Measurement precision
If magnetic fields are detected to estimate current distribution, then measurement accuracy can be improved, but the ability to suppress disturbance fields and separate magnetic field components becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the magnetic field detection system into multiple magnetic sensors arranged in specific patterns, with each sensor detecting magnetic field components in different directions. This segmentation allows the system to separately measure and process different magnetic field components, enabling effective suppression of disturbance fields and accurate estimation of current distribution through component separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the measurement system from single-point detection to multi-dimensional spatial distribution measurement by arranging magnetic sensors in three-dimensional space. This dimensional expansion enables the system to capture magnetic field vectors in multiple directions simultaneously, providing the necessary data for separating disturbance fields from signal fields and improving overall measurement 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
The apparatus achieves high sensitivity and accuracy in detecting weak magnetic fields, enabling precise cross-sectional imaging and current estimation in living bodies, improving the resolution and accuracy of measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic sensor array 210 having a plurality of magnetic sensor cells 220... each of the plurality of magnetic sensor cells 220 including a magnetoresistive element
Implementation Method 2
magnetic sensor cells 220... including a magnetoresistive element and a magnetic flux concentrator
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement in a high accuracy is performed when acquiring a tomographic image or the like. Provided is a measuring apparatus, including an electrode unit including a plurality of electrodes in contact with a living body; a magnetic sensor array, including a plurality of magnetic sensor cells, capable of detecting input magnetic fields in three axial directions in a plurality of positions in a three-dimensional space; a current applying section configured to apply a current flowing in the living body by at least one electrode pair of the plurality of electrodes; a measurement data acquiring section configured to acquire measurement data based on the input magnetic field. Which is detected from the living body by the magnetic sensor array during a current flows in the living body; and an estimation section configured to estimate a current flowing in the living body based on the measurement data.