Magnetometer Sensor Layout for MEG Resource Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Magnetoencephalography (MEG) systems inefficiently allocate measurement resources as they use three-axis magnetometers at all locations, leading to excessive tangential measurement components and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A sensor layout for magnetometer systems is proposed, where sensors measure two orthogonal magnetic field components. The sensors are arranged on a sensor holder such that neighboring magnetometers measure different tangential components, optimizing the distribution of normal and tangential measurement channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If three-axis magnetometers are used at all locations on the sensor holder, then complete magnetic field measurement is achieved, but measurement resource allocation becomes inefficient and system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor holder into different regions with different magnetometer configurations. Instead of uniformly deploying three-axis magnetometers everywhere, the system divides the measurement task into normal component measurements (using single-axis magnetometers) and tangential component measurements (using three-axis magnetometers only where needed). This segmentation optimizes resource allocation by applying the most sophisticated sensors only to critical measurement locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by making different parts of the sensor holder have different measurement capabilities. At locations where normal component measurement is primary, single-axis magnetometers are used. At locations where complete magnetic field characterization is needed, three-axis magnetometers are deployed. This non-uniform distribution of sensor capabilities matches the actual measurement requirements at different locations on the head.
2Measurement precision
If three-axis magnetometers are used at all locations, then all magnetic field components are measured, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using three-axis magnetometers only partially - specifically at locations where tangential component measurement is required, rather than at all locations. Single-axis magnetometers suffice for normal component measurements at other locations. This partial deployment of the more expensive three-axis sensors achieves the necessary measurement precision while reducing overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses cheaper single-axis magnetometers for the majority of measurement locations where complete field characterization is not needed, reserving the more expensive three-axis magnetometers for specific critical locations. This strategy replaces the need for expensive sensors throughout the entire system with a mix of inexpensive and expensive sensors deployed only where necessary.
3Ease of manufacture
If single-axis magnetometers measure only normal component, then measurement cost is reduced, but tangential component measurement capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement function into two types: normal component measurement (performed by single-axis magnetometers) and tangential component measurement (performed by three-axis magnetometers). This segmentation allows the system to use cheaper single-axis sensors for the majority of measurements while reserving three-axis sensors for tangential measurements where they provide the necessary precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the three-axis magnetometers multi-functional by using them both for normal component measurement and for tangential component measurement. These sensors serve dual purposes, providing complete magnetic field characterization at their locations while also contributing to the overall measurement budget. This multi-functionality justifies their higher cost at the locations where they are deployed.
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 efficiently allocates measurement resources, achieving similar magnetic imaging results to three-axis systems at a reduced cost, while effectively sampling both target and ambient magnetic fields.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetometer systems detect and characterize magnetic fields generated by a magnetic field source. The magnetometer systems measure the field strength and/or direction of the magnetic fields
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments disclosed herein comprise systems and methods to arrange magnetic field sensors. In some examples a magnetic field detection system comprises a sensor holder and magnetometers. The sensor holder mounts the magnetometers proximate to a magnetic field source that generates a magnetic field. The magnetometers measure the magnetic field in multiple directions. A first portion of the magnetometers measures a normal component of the magnetic field and a first tangential component of the magnetic field, and a second portion of the magnetometers measures the normal component of the magnetic field and a second tangential component of the magnetic field. The sensor holder distributes the first portion of the magnetometers and the second portion of the magnetometers, so the tangential components measured by neighboring ones of the magnetometers mounted to the sensor holder are orthogonal.