MEG Sensor Localization Using Coil Fields and Mount Constraints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conformal Magnetoencephalography (MEG) systems face challenges in efficiently and accurately localizing magnetic field sensors due to variations in head shape and size among subjects, making the relocation and identification of sensor locations difficult and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing a coil set to generate magnetic fields with specific characteristics, allowing sensors to measure these fields, and a controller to determine sensor locations based on measured strengths and directions, constrained by mechanical positioning, enabling quick and precise sensor localization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conformal MEG systems use movable sensors to conform to head shape and size variations, then the system can adapt to different subjects, but the process of relocating and identifying sensor locations becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different head shapes and sizesVSAvoidtime required for sensor relocation and localization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically localizing sensor positions and orientations immediately after each sensor is placed on the subject's head, using magnetic field measurements from localization coils. This automated preliminary localization eliminates the need for manual repositioning and identification procedures between subjects, resolving the contradiction by making the adaptation process quick and efficient rather than time-consuming

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical procedures (physical relocation and identification of sensors) with an automated electromagnetic field-based measurement system. The localization coils generate magnetic fields that are measured by the sensors to automatically determine their positions and orientations, substituting the time-consuming mechanical process with a rapid electromagnetic measurement process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If manual methods are used to relocate and identify sensor locations for each subject, then sensor positions can be determined, but the process becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of sensor location identificationVSAvoidefficiency of sensor localization process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical localization methods with an automated electromagnetic field measurement system. Localization coils generate known magnetic field patterns that sensors measure to automatically calculate their precise positions and orientations. This substitution maintains high measurement precision while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating manual procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service by enabling sensors to automatically determine their own positions and orientations through measuring magnetic fields from localization coils. Each sensor autonomously localizes itself without requiring manual intervention, maintaining precision while improving efficiency through automated self-determination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 reduces the time required for sensor localization and enhances the accuracy of MEG imaging by correlating magnetic field sources with sensor positions, improving the precision and efficiency of brain activity mapping.

Implementation Method 1

supplying electric current to a coil set comprising one or more coils generates magnetic waves that form at least one coil magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The magnetic field sensor measures a strength of the coil magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetometer

Data Source

PatentUS12564331B2Sensor localization in a magnetoencephalography (MEG) system

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 FIELDLINE INC

AI summary

Various embodiments disclosed herein comprise systems and methods to locate magnetic field sensors. In some examples, a system comprises a controller, a sensor mount, a coil set comprising one or more coils, and a magnetic field sensor. The sensor mount mounts the magnetic field sensor and constrains at least one degree of freedom of the magnetic field sensor in position or orientation. The controller supplies electric current to the coil set. The coil set generates magnetic waves that form at least one coil magnetic field in response to receiving the current. The magnetic field sensor measures the strength of the coil magnetic field. The controller locates the magnetic field sensor based on the constraint and the measured strength of the coil magnetic field.