SQUID Sensor Array Segmentation for Biomagnetic Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetism measuring apparatuses face challenges in increasing signal processing speed without compromising performance, particularly in biomagnetic field measurements.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a SQUID sensor array with a combination of triaxial and uniaxial sensors arranged in a matrix configuration, along with a signal processing unit that includes artifact removal and current source reconstruction units, to enhance processing speed and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor array of multiple superconducting magnetic sensors is used to measure biomagnetic fields, then measurement accuracy is improved, but signal processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is divided into multiple independent sensor units, each capable of measuring magnetic field components in different directions. This segmentation allows parallel processing of signals from different sensors, reducing overall processing time while maintaining measurement accuracy through the combined data from all sensor segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies artifact removal processing selectively to specific frequency ranges and time windows where artifacts are most prominent, rather than processing the entire signal spectrum. This partial action approach removes the most harmful artifacts while minimizing processing time, achieving a balance between accuracy improvement and time efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If triaxial SQUID sensors are arranged in many directions to form a dense sensor array, then measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each sensor unit in the array is designed with multi-functionality, capable of measuring magnetic field components in multiple directions (triaxial measurement). This universal design allows a single sensor type to provide comprehensive measurement coverage without requiring different specialized sensors for different directions, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from measuring only in the vertical direction to measuring in three-dimensional space by incorporating triaxial sensors. This dimensional expansion allows comprehensive coverage of magnetic field vectors without requiring a proportionally increased number of sensor locations, as each sensor now contributes data from multiple dimensions simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If artifact removal processing is applied to all frequency components, then signal quality is improved, but processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Artifact removal processing is applied locally to specific frequency bands and time segments where artifacts are most problematic, rather than uniformly across the entire signal. This localized approach concentrates processing resources on the most critical portions of the signal, improving signal quality where needed while maintaining faster processing speeds in regions where artifacts are minimal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts processing parameters such as filter bandwidth, time window length, and threshold values based on the characteristics of the input signal and the type of artifact present. These parameter changes allow the system to optimize the balance between signal quality improvement and processing speed for different measurement conditions, achieving high quality output without consistently sacrificing processing speed.
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 configuration improves signal processing speed while maintaining performance, allowing for more efficient detection and reconstruction of current sources within the body, and reduces the need for high sensor density, thereby lowering costs and processing time.
Implementation Method 1
a system using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) sensor array has been developed
Implementation Method 2
measuring a weak current generated in accordance with activities of nerves or muscles of a living body as magnetic fields outside the living body
Data Source
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AI summary
A magnetism measuring apparatus is provided. The magnetism measuring apparatus includes a sensor array configured to detect magnetic fields generated by a living body; a current source reconfiguration unit configured to reconstruct a current source of a current flowing inside of the living body based on a magnetic field signal obtained from the sensor array. The sensor array includes first sensors configured to detect magnetic field components of many directions and second sensors configured to detect magnetic field components of directions fewer than those of the first sensors.