Wireless Parametric Resonator for MRI-EEG Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI imaging systems face limitations in detection sensitivity and are prone to unwanted heating and electromagnetic interference, particularly when attempting to simultaneously acquire electrophysiological and MRI signals during MR measurements.
Innovation Solution
A wireless detection unit utilizing a parametric resonator circuit with multiple resonance modes, powered by a radio frequency (RF) pump signal, which operates below or above its oscillation threshold to amplify and modulate MRI and EEG signals respectively, eliminating the need for cables and external power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a coaxial cable is used to transmit MRI signals from the detection coil, then the detection sensitivity is improved, but unwanted heating occurs due to coupling of the RF field to the cable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the coaxial cable from the system by implementing a wireless signal transmission approach. The detection coil is coupled to a wireless transceiver that transmits MRI signals wirelessly, eliminating the physical cable that caused heating while maintaining signal transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical connection (coaxial cable) with an electromagnetic wireless transmission system. The wireless transceiver uses RF signals to transmit data without physical contact, substituting the cable-based mechanical system with an electromagnetic field-based system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a wireless device is used to transmit MRI signals without cables, then heating is avoided, but extra components are required to provide DC power source
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless transceiver is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides wireless signal transmission for MRI data, receives RF power wirelessly, and operates the detection coil. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate DC power source components, batteries, or cables, reducing overall system complexity despite the wireless requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless transceiver is self-powered by harvesting RF energy from the MRI system's RF field. The device extracts power from the same electromagnetic environment it operates in, eliminating the need for external power sources, batteries, or complex power management components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If EEG signals are recorded during MRI imaging, then multi-modal imaging is achieved, but electromagnetic interference from gradient and RF pulse signals contaminates the EEG detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts EEG signals from the contaminated RF bandwidth by using a wireless transceiver that can selectively receive and process different frequency components. The system separates EEG frequencies from the MRI RF pulse frequencies through frequency-selective reception and processing, removing the interference effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless transceiver performs preliminary frequency separation and signal isolation before the signals are affected by interference. By pre-configuring the reception bandwidth and filtering characteristics, the system prepares to reject MRI RF pulse frequencies while preserving EEG frequencies, preventing contamination before it occurs.
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 solution enhances detection sensitivity, reduces heating, and allows for simultaneous wireless transmission of MRI and EEG signals, enabling more effective multi-modal brain imaging with improved spatial resolution and reduced electromagnetic interference.
Implementation Method 1
the parametric resonator circuit is operated below its oscillation threshold and amplifies an input signal, which is provided due to a magnetic resonance (MR) measurement
Implementation Method 2
the parametric resonator circuit is operated above its oscillation threshold and generates an output signal, which is modulated with an input signal
Implementation Method 3
A broadband wireless system for multi-modal imaging, and wireless detection unit for use in MRI measurement... powered by a radio frequency (RF) pump signal
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The multi-modal imaging system, in particular for brain imaging, comprising a pump signal generator which emits at least one pump signal in the radio frequency (RF)-range with a first power P1 and a second power P2, a wireless detection unit, which comprises at least one parametric resonator circuit with multiple resonance modes, wherein the at least one parametric resonator circuit comprises at least two varactors, at least one capacitor and at least one inductance, wherein, in a first detection mode, the pump signal, having a first power P1, induces a first pump current in the at least one parametric resonator circuit, wherein the at least one parametric resonator circuit is operated below its oscillation threshold and generates a first output signal by amplifying a first input signal, which is provided due to a magnetic-resonance (MR) measurement, wherein an external receiving device receives the first output signal, wherein, in a second detection mode, the pump signal, having a second power P2, induces a second pump current in the at least one parametric resonator circuit, wherein the at least one parametric resonator circuit is operated above its oscillation threshold and generates a second output signal, wherein the second output signal is modulated with a second input signal, wherein the second input signal is provided by at least one neuronal probe device, connected to the at least one parametric resonator circuit, wherein the external receiving device receives the second output signal.