Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Coil Positioning Using Optical Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transcranial magnetic stimulation systems are complex, costly, and require skilled operation, making them unsuitable for routine use at home or in small clinics, imposing a financial burden and space constraints on patients.
Innovation Solution
A compact transcranial magnetic stimulation system that uses reference markings on the patient's ears, such as the tragus, with cameras and optical devices for alignment, and a moving mechanism to automatically position the stimulation coil, allowing for easy operation by non-experts in a smaller space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional transcranial magnetic stimulation systems are used, then positioning precision and therapy effectiveness are improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical markers as simplified copies or representations of anatomical landmarks. Instead of complex 3D imaging and registration systems, the invention places physical markers (reflective or active) at predetermined anatomical locations that directly represent target stimulation sites. The tracking system only needs to detect these marker positions rather than reconstructing full head geometry, dramatically reducing system complexity while maintaining positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical markers as intermediary objects between the anatomical structure and the tracking system. These markers serve as mediators that convert complex anatomical positioning into simple 2D image coordinate detection. The markers are attached at predetermined locations that correspond to optimal stimulation targets, allowing the system to achieve precise positioning through straightforward marker tracking rather than complex anatomical analysis.
2Measurement precision
If conventional transcranial magnetic stimulation systems are used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex anatomical landmark identification with simple marker detection. Users attach pre-positioned markers at anatomical locations determined in advance, then the system automatically tracks these markers using 2D camera images. This converts a difficult skill-based task (anatomical landmark identification) into a simple procedural task (marker attachment and detection), significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to perform positioning themselves without requiring specialized training or expert intervention. The predetermined marker locations and automatic image-based tracking allow patients or caregivers to position the coil accurately on their own heads, transforming a previously expert-only procedure into a self-service capability.
3Reliability
If conventional transcranial magnetic stimulation systems are used, then therapy effectiveness is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive 3D imaging systems and complex electromagnetic field modeling with simple 2D optical marker tracking. The markers can be detected using standard 2D cameras, and positioning is achieved through image coordinate analysis rather than full 3D reconstruction. This dramatically reduces hardware costs while maintaining the ability to achieve effective positioning for therapy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses inexpensive optical markers that can be disposable or easily replaceable. These markers are much cheaper than the alternative 3D imaging equipment, electromagnetic sensors, or robotic positioning systems. The markers can be attached temporarily for each session and discarded or reused a limited number of times, providing a cost-effective solution that maintains therapy effectiveness.
4Measurement precision
If conventional transcranial magnetic stimulation systems are used, then positioning precision is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses 2D images as copies or representations of the 3D positioning problem. By capturing the head and markers in 2D images and analyzing marker positions in the image plane, the system achieves accurate positioning without requiring 3D cameras, laser scanners, or robotic arms. This 2D image-based approach significantly reduces the space and equipment needed compared to 3D imaging systems.
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 patients and their families to perform transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy regularly and economically at home or in small clinics, reducing the need for frequent hospital visits and minimizing space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
applying electric current to a coil mounted on or above the scalp of patient to generate local weak magnetic pulses, causing intracranical eddy current by electromagnetic induction
Implementation Method 2
positioning the stimulation coils against the patient heads by using, for example, an optical tracking system using infrared ray
Data Source
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AI summary
A compact and economical transcranial magnetic stimulation system is provided which allows patient to carry out transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy routinely and repeatedly in, for example, his or her house or a neighborhood primary-care medical facility. The system 1 has a magnetic field generating means for generating a magnetic field to be used for providing magnetic stimulation to the head of patient M. The magnetic field generating means has a magnetic coil 2 for generating a variable magnetic field and a holder 10 for holding the magnetic coil 2. The holder 10 has positioning portions 12, 14 for positioning the holder 10 against respective markings 32, 34 on the head of patient M. The coil 2 is placed into a suitable posture against certain position by aligning the positioning portions 12, 14 with the markings 32, 34 on the head of patient.