Reconfigurable Multi-Modality Brain Imaging Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging technologies for brain activity are limited by their inability to simultaneously operate multiple imaging modalities on the same subject, making it difficult to study complex brain functions and diseases like epilepsy.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable detecting apparatus that allows multiple sensors to be positioned independently on a subject, enabling simultaneous operation of different imaging modalities such as fMRI, ultrasound, and optical imaging on the same animal during the same functional event.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple imaging modalities are operated independently on different subjects, then each modality can be optimized for its specific function, but it becomes impossible to simultaneously acquire multiple parameters from the same subject during the same functional event
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent imaging modalities (fMRI, optical imaging, ultrasound) into a single integrated detecting apparatus that can simultaneously acquire multiple brain activity parameters from the same subject during the same functional event, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The detecting apparatus is designed with multi-functional capabilities to perform various imaging modalities (fMRI, optical imaging, ultrasound) using a single device platform, enabling simultaneous operation of different imaging techniques on the same subject without requiring separate independent systems
2Reliability
If a fixed imaging system is used for a specific functional event, then the system can be optimized for that specific application, but it cannot be easily reconfigured for different functional events or experimental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The detecting apparatus incorporates dynamic and reconfigurable elements that allow the system to be adjusted and reconfigured for different functional events and experimental conditions while maintaining reliable operation, enabling both application-specific optimization and experimental flexibility
3Quantity of substance
If experiments are repeated on 'almost the same' functional events with independent modalities, then each parameter can be independently acquired, but the time and resources required for post-processing increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated detecting apparatus enables continuous simultaneous acquisition of multiple brain activity parameters during the same functional event, eliminating the need for repeated separate experiments and significantly reducing post-processing time while maintaining complete parameter coverage
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a detecting apparatus (12) comprising: - at least two sensors (24, 26, 28), with at least one sensor (24) being an ultrasound transducer adapted to produce ultrasound waves, and - a positioning device (16) defining several compartments (22), each compartment (22) being adapted to hold a sensor (24, 26, 28) and each compartment (22) being located at predetermined location, the positioning device (16) comprising a holder adapted to be fixed on the skull of a subject, the positioning device (16) being adapted to be maintained on the head of the subject using the holder.