MEG Dewar Positioning via Single Camera Reference Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetoencephalography (MEG) systems face challenges in accurately measuring brain neural activity due to difficulties in determining the positional relationship between the dewar and the subject's head, particularly when the subject moves, leading to measurement errors and discomfort from tight fittings, and the use of multiple cameras increases depth measurement errors.
Innovation Solution
A biological information measurement system utilizing a helmet-shaped dewar with a single imaging device and a hardware processor to capture images of reference points on the subject's head, allowing for real-time determination of positional relationships and simultaneous measurement of brain neural activity across the whole head without reducing depth accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a helmet-shaped dewar is used to cover the subject's head, then real-time positional relationship determination is enabled, but the subject's head is hidden behind the dewar requiring reduced camera distance which increases depth measurement error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reference points (markers) as intermediary objects attached to the subject's head. These reference points are visible through the transparent dewar and serve as mediators for the imaging device to capture and determine positional relationships, eliminating the need for close camera positioning while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from direct depth measurement (which requires close proximity) to two-dimensional image plane measurement. By capturing images of reference points on the subject's head through the transparent dewar and analyzing their positions in the image plane, the system determines three-dimensional positional relationships without being constrained by camera-to-subject distance
2Adaptability or versatility
If a frame is stretched to accommodate different head shapes, then adaptability is improved, but the head becomes tightened causing discomfort and disturbing signals for brain neural activity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tight fitting function from the dewar structure itself. Instead of relying on a tight frame to hold the dewar in position, the system uses external reference points and imaging technology to determine positional relationships, allowing the dewar to be loosely fitted without compromising measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical tight-fitting system with an optical measurement system. Rather than using physical constraints to maintain positional accuracy, the system uses imaging devices to capture reference points and computationally determine spatial relationships, eliminating the need for mechanical tightening
3Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are used for imaging, then coverage is improved, but depth measurement error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single imaging device to capture images of reference points at multiple positions and angles. By analyzing the positions of reference points across multiple captured images, the system reconstructs three-dimensional spatial relationships without requiring multiple simultaneous camera views, thereby avoiding depth measurement errors associated with multi-camera systems
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 accurate and comfortable real-time measurement of brain neural activity across the entire head, reducing measurement errors and improving positional accuracy by using a single imaging device and processor to re-determine positional relationships based on acquired images.
Implementation Method 1
a single imaging device 51 to acquire an image in which three or more reference points and the dewar 2 are captured
Implementation Method 2
measuring and analyzing weak bio-magnetic fields that are generated in accordance with human brain neural activity
Data Source
AI summary
A biological information measurement system includes a dewar, a single imaging device, and a hardware processor. The dewar covers a head of a subject and contains sensors that are arranged for detecting biological signals. The single imaging device acquires an image in which three or more reference points and the dewar are captured, the reference points being set in relation to the subject. The hardware processor is configured to: measure brain neural activity of the subject based on the biological signals detected by the sensors; determine positional relationships between the reference points of the subject and the sensors based on the reference points and positional relationship data of the dewar; and re-determine the positional relationships between the reference point of the subject and the sensors, based on images that are acquired by the single imaging device at different times.