SQUID Magnetic Field Signal Decimation for Lower Data Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic field measuring apparatuses with digital FLL circuits face high processing loads due to large digital data sizes from sampling biological magnetic field signals, which can overwhelm information processing devices like personal computers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an A/D conversion unit for sampling at a predetermined frequency, an integration unit for obtaining biological magnetic field signals, and a post-processing unit for decimation processing to reduce the data load, specifically using a digital filter to downsample and reduce the sampling frequency, thereby alleviating the processing burden on subsequent analysis systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sampling frequency is increased to detect biological magnetic field signal band, then measurement precision is improved, but data size increases leading to higher processing load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the processing into two stages: first, the SQUID system performs high-frequency sampling to capture complete signal information; second, a decimation unit segments and reduces the data rate by selecting only necessary samples. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high measurement precision while reducing the processing load on subsequent information processing apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The decimation processing is performed preliminarily within the SQUID system before data is transferred to external information processing apparatus. By pre-reducing the data rate and performing preliminary filtering, the system prepares optimized data in advance, preventing the downstream apparatus from being overwhelmed by excessive data volumes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If digital data is obtained through sampling at high frequency, then signal band coverage is improved, but data volume increases causing high processing load
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the sampling frequency parameter based on the required signal band. The decimation unit adjusts the output data rate according to the specific measurement requirements, allowing the system to adapt to different signal bands while maintaining optimal processing efficiency. This parameter adjustment occurs within the SQUID system itself, preventing downstream bottlenecks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple channels are used for biological magnetic field measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The decimation unit and signal processing architecture are designed to handle multiple channels simultaneously with a unified processing framework. By implementing channel-independent decimation logic and shared processing resources, the system achieves multi-channel measurement capability without proportionally increasing system complexity or cost. Each channel benefits from the same efficient decimation processing.
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 significantly reduces the processing load on later-stage systems by downsampling and filtering the data, making it more manageable and efficient for analysis, while maintaining the necessary signal integrity for various applications like MEG, MCG, and MSG measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID), which is a superconducting ring having a Josephson junction
Implementation Method 2
a superconducting ring having a Josephson junction
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic field measuring apparatus includes an A/D conversion unit, an integration unit, and a post-processing unit. The A/D conversion unit is configured to sample a signal at a predetermined sampling frequency and perform conversion into digital data, the signal being based on an output voltage from a superconducting quantum interference device configure to detect a magnetic field emanating from a living organism. The integration unit is configured to obtain a biological magnetic field signal based on a value obtained by integrating the digital data, the biological magnetic field signal indicating a magnetic field emanating from the living organism. The post-processing unit is configured to perform decimation processing on the biological magnetic field signal output from the integration unit.