Scalp Magnetic Field Sensing for Precise Brain Activity Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing brain function measurement technologies suffer from low spatial and temporal resolution, discomfort to the subject, potential harm to sensory organs, and difficulty in accurately determining active brain sites due to interference from external magnetic fields.

Innovation Solution

A brain function measurement apparatus and method using a magnet disposed on the scalp to generate a magnetic field that loops through the cerebral cortex, combined with a magnetic field sensor on the scalp to detect changes in the magnetic field, utilizing a rotatable and shielded setup to enhance accuracy and reduce interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a light source and optical receiver are disposed on the same scalp to measure brain activity, then the measurement can be performed non-invasively, but the spatial resolution is low and only shallow brain regions can be measured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial resolutionVSAvoiddisposal complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the optical measurement system (light source and optical receiver) with a magnetic field-based measurement system. A magnet is disposed in the oral cavity to generate a magnetic field that passes through the brain, and a magnetic field sensor on the scalp detects the transmitted field. This substitution enables high spatial resolution measurement of deep brain regions without the limitations of optical methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If a light source is disposed in the oral cavity to measure deep brain activity, then spatial resolution is improved, but the subject experiences discomfort and the measurement operation becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial resolutionVSAvoidmeasurement operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the light source system with a magnetic field generating system. Instead of inserting a light source into the oral cavity, a magnet is disposed there to generate a magnetic field. This eliminates the need for complex optical coupling and power supply arrangements while maintaining the ability to measure deep brain activity with high spatial resolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If near-infrared light is used to measure brain activity, then non-invasive measurement is achieved, but the temporal resolution is low with changes detected only on the order of seconds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemporal resolutionVSAvoidenergy absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the near-infrared light-based measurement system with a magnetic field-based system. The magnet generates a magnetic field that passes through the brain, and the magnetic field sensor detects changes in the transmitted field. This substitution enables measurement of brain activity with high temporal resolution, capturing rapid neural dynamics that occur on millisecond timescales rather than seconds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If a magnetic field source is disposed in the oral cavity to measure brain activity, then deep brain measurement is enabled, but external magnetic fields interfere with measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidexternal magnetic field interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the magnetic field source from the oral cavity and relocates it to the scalp. The magnet is disposed on the scalp to generate a magnetic field that passes through the brain, and the magnetic field sensor also on the scalp detects the transmitted field. This extraction eliminates the interference from external magnetic fields while maintaining the ability to measure deep brain activity with high accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 non-invasive, high-accuracy measurement of brain activity with improved spatial resolution and reduced sensitivity to external magnetic fields, allowing for precise determination of active brain sites without discomfort or harm.

Implementation Method 1

magnetic field generating means that is disposed on a scalp of a subject and generates a magnetic field which is radiated from a north pole, passes through a cerebral cortex of the subject and returns to a south pole in a loop path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

magnetic field detecting means disposed on the scalp that detects a change in the magnetic field as a signal reflecting an activity status of the cerebral cortex

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS12527488B2Brain function measurement device and brain function measurement method

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 HIROSHIMA CITY UNIVERSITY

AI summary

Magnetic field generating means (2) is disposed on a scalp (1) of a subject (P) and generates a magnetic field that is radiated from a north pole, passes through a cerebral cortex (3) of the subject (P) and returns to a south pole in a loop path. Magnetic field detecting means (5) is disposed on the scalp (1) and detects a change in the magnetic field (4) as a signal reflecting an activity status of the cerebral cortex (3).