Patents by Inventor Juha Simola

Juha Simola has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20220003612
    Abstract: The invention relates to measuring climate inside a longitudinal cavity of a structure from two or more positions. The cavity has two ends that may be ends open to a surface of the structure, or closed ends inside the structure, or a building comprising the structure. The climate is measured by an arrangement inserted to the cavity. The arrangement comprises plurality of interconnectable sections. The sections comprise at least one sensor section and one or more extension sections. The at least one sensor section and one or more extension sections are interconnectable in a series for insertion inside the cavity. The at least one sensor section is configured to measure at least one quantity indicating the climate. The one or more extension sections are configured to position the at least one sensor section from at least one of the ends of the cavity to a measurement position within the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: Marko KYRÖLÄ, Timo REMES, Ilkka REIS, Samuel NIEMI, Arto KUIVANEN, Antti VIITANEN, Joonas GUSTAFSSON, Juha SIMOLA
  • Patent number: 10307105
    Abstract: The present invention introduces a method, device and a computer program for removing artifacts present in individual channels of a multichannel measurement device. At first, a basis is generated defining an n-dimensional subspace of the N-dimensional signal space, where n is smaller than N, where using in the definition of the n-dimensional basis a physical model of a Signal Space Separation method, or a statistical model based on the statistics of recorded N-dimensional signals. Thereafter, a combined (n+m)-dimensional basis is formed by adding m signal vectors to the n-dimensional basis, each of these m signal vectors representing a signal present only in a single channel of the N-channel device. After this the recorded N-dimensional signal vector is decomposed into n+m components in the combined basis, and finally, components corresponding to the m added vectors in the combined basis are subtracted from the recorded N-dimensional signal vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Elekta AB
    Inventors: Samu Taulu, Matti Kajola, Juha Simola
  • Patent number: 9977764
    Abstract: The present invention introduces a method, apparatus and computer program for magnetic resonance imaging or magnetoencephalography applications in order to control currents of a coil assembly (20), and thus achieving desired magnetic fields precisely in the measuring volume (21). The approach is an algebraic method where a field vector is generated for the test currents of each coil (20). Vector and matrix algebra is applied and a linear set of equations is formed. Field components and their derivatives up to the desired order can be taken into account. Principal component analysis or independent component analysis can be applied for determination of the dominant external interference components. By checking the condition value for the matrix (33, 45), it is possible to investigate whether a reasonable solution of currents for desired magnetic fields is possible to achieve. Finally, solved currents can be installed into a current supply unit (29) feeding the coils of the assembly (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Elekta AB (publ).
    Inventors: Juha Simola, Samu Taulu
  • Patent number: 9642554
    Abstract: The present invention introduces a method for adjusting interference signal estimates provided by multichannel biomagnetic field measurements. A so-called Signal Space Separation method (SSS) is applied in the calculatory analysis of the measurement signals, providing for the division of the sources causing the fields in objects of interest and external interferences. When the signal basis representing the interferences has been estimated, this interference signal estimate is adjusted by measuring the fields without the object to be measured and without changing the sensor assembly. Interference components obtained in this manner are analyzed in such a way as to include only the most significant interference components. An adjusted interference subspace is formed, by means of which signal processing and the analysis of the useful signals can be continued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Elekta AB (publ)
    Inventors: Juha Simola, Samu Taulu
  • Publication number: 20140343882
    Abstract: The present invention introduces a method, device and a computer program for removing artifacts present in individual channels of a multichannel measurement device. At first, a basis is generated defining an n-dimensional subspace of the N-dimensional signal space, where n is smaller than N, where using in the definition of the n-dimensional basis a physical model of a Signal Space Separation method, or a statistical model based on the statistics of recorded N-dimensional signals. Thereafter, a combined (n+m)-dimensional basis is formed by adding m signal vectors to the n-dimensional basis, each of these m signal vectors representing a signal present only in a single channel of the N-channel device. After this the recorded N-dimensional signal vector is decomposed into n+m components in the combined basis, and finally, components corresponding to the m added vectors in the combined basis are subtracted from the recorded N-dimensional signal vector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Samu Taulu, Matti Kajola, Juha Simola
  • Patent number: 8838225
    Abstract: The present invention introduces a method for processing multichannel measurement data achieved especially in MEG and EEG measurements. The method uses a signal space separation (SSS) method and the orthogonality of lead fields in order to calculate linear transformation from physical measurement channels to virtual channels. The geometry related to the measurement arrangement is dissipated and the number of virtual channels is clearly lower than the number of physical sensors. The concept of total information can be applied for such transformed measurement data due to orthogonality. The method offers simplified post-processing of the biomagnetic data, such as for source modelling. The total information can also be interpreted as a robust quantity describing the physiological state of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Elekta AB (publ)
    Inventors: Antti Ahonen, Matti Kajola, Jukka Nenonen, Juha Simola, Samu Taulu
  • Publication number: 20130197838
    Abstract: The present invention introduces a method, apparatus and computer program for magnetic resonance imaging or magnetoencephalography applications in order to control currents of a coil assembly (20), and thus achieving desired magnetic fields precisely in the measuring volume (21). The approach is an algebraic method where a field vector is generated for the test currents of each coil (20). Vector and matrix algebra is applied and a linear set of equations is formed. Field components and their derivatives up to the desired order can be taken into account. Principal component analysis or independent component analysis can be applied for determination of the dominant external interference components. By checking the condition value for the matrix (33, 45), it is possible to investigate whether a reasonable solution of currents for desired magnetic fields is possible to achieve. Finally, solved currents can be installed into a current supply unit (29) feeding the coils of the assembly (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: ELEKTA AB
    Inventors: Juha Simola, Samu Taulu
  • Publication number: 20130109954
    Abstract: The present invention introduces a method for adjusting interference signal estimates provided by multi-channel biomagnetic field measurements. A so-called Signal Space Separation method (SSS) is applied in the calculatory analysis of the measurement signals, providing for the division of the sources causing the fields in objects of interest and external interferences. When the signal basis representing the interferences has been estimated, this interference signal estimate is adjusted by measuring the fields without the object to be measured and without changing the sensor assembly. Interference components obtained in this manner are analyzed in such a way as to include only the most significant interference components. In addition, it is taken into account that only those forms of interference of the measured interference components are included which are not yet present in the calculated SSS model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: ELEKTA AB (PUBL).
    Inventors: Juha Simola, Samu Taulu
  • Patent number: 8253036
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a joint structure between the wall elements of a light-weight magnetically shielded room. In the joint structure, the end of the aluminum plate of the element is stepped and its surface roughened. In addition to this, the aluminum plate is coated, for example, with tin to improve the electrical contact. The joint includes ? metal plates which are used to make a magnetic contact between the ? metal plates of the elements. The compression force achieved by means of bolts is transmitted to the joint by means of an aluminum moulding. The non-continuous compression force is balanced over the entire joint area by using presser rubbers. The joint structure is protected by means of supporting profiles which are used to electrically couple the thinner aluminum plate of the sandwich type wall element to the thinner aluminum plate of an adjacent element. The thinner aluminum plate and the supporting profile can also be coated, for example, with tin to improve the contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Elekta AB (Publ)
    Inventors: Juha Simola, Petteri Laine, Heikki Rakkolainen
  • Patent number: 7933727
    Abstract: The present invention recognises and eliminates from a biomagnetic measurement signal interferences whose source is disposed in the direct vicinity of an object being measured. The invention utilises the SSS method that can be used to separate from one another the signals associated with the internal and external sources of a set of measurement sensors by calculating two series developments. The sources to be examined in the invention and disposed in the so-called intermediate space produce a component to both of the developments, and can, therefore, be detected by means of an analysis to be performed in a time domain. This division into components can be made using the Principal Component Analysis (PCA), the Independent Component Analysis (ICA) or the Singular Value Decomposition. Finally, the clarified interferences in the intermediate space can be eliminated from the measured signal using, for example, the linear algebraic orthogonal projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Elekta AB (Publ)
    Inventors: Samu Taulu, Juha Simola
  • Patent number: 7649351
    Abstract: The present invention describes a method enabling one to shield a device that measures weak biomagnetic signals from strong magnetic interference fields. The measurement sensors are provided with a feedback compensation loop, the difference signal of which is obtained from the measurement sensors themselves. As the actuator of the feedback function, one or more coils are responsible for eliminating, the external interference fields in the region of the sensors. Difference signals can be generated as a linear combination from the signals of two or more sensors. In the control logic, the SSS method can be used to numerically separate the biomagnetic signal being measured from the signals produced by the sources—compensation coils and interference sources—disposed outside the measurement region. The interference suppression can be enhanced by placing the assembly of sensors and the actuators within a magnetically shielding room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Elekta AB (publ)
    Inventors: Matti Kajola, Lauri Parkkonen, Juha Simola, Samu Taulu
  • Publication number: 20090184709
    Abstract: The present invention describes a method enabling one to shield a device that measures weak biomagnetic signals from strong magnetic interference fields. The measurement sensors are provided with a feedback compensation loop, the difference signal of which is obtained from the measurement sensors themselves. As the actuator of the feedback function, one or more coils are responsible for eliminating, the external interference fields in the region of the sensors. Difference signals can be generated as a linear combination from the signals of two or more sensors. In the control logic, the SSS method can be used to numerically separate the biomagnetic signal being measured from the signals produced by the sources—compensation coils and interference sources—disposed outside the measurement region. The interference suppression can be enhanced by placing the assembly of sensors and the actuators within a magnetically shielding room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: Elekta AB (publ)
    Inventors: Matti Kajola, Lauri Parkkonen, Juha Simola, Samu Taulu
  • Publication number: 20090069661
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel manner of measuring DC fields using a multi-channel MEG or MKG measuring instrument; and on the other hand, to a manner of eliminating from the measurement result the interference signals caused by the DC currents. The invention combines the monitoring system of a testee's movement and the method for motion correction of the measured signals so that the signals produced by the DC currents of a moving testee's are visible in the final measurement result as a static signal component in a conventional MEG or MKG measurement. In that case, in the measurement, it is not necessary to beforehand prepare oneself for measuring the DC fields.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: ELEKTA AB (publ)
    Inventors: Samu Taulu, Matti Kajola, Juha Simola
  • Patent number: 7463024
    Abstract: A method and device by means of which an irrotational, sourceless vector field can be expressed by a number of physically reasonable basis vectors. In the method and device for processing a multi-channel measurement of magnetic fields of the present invention, measured signals can be unambiguously divided into signals of the irrotational, sourceless vector field that are caused by an interesting object or external interferences, as well as into a signal caused by the nonideality of the measuring device. The invention is based on the combining of two very fundamental mathematical regularities and applying in the processing of signal vectors of a multi-channel measuring device that measures an irrotational, sourceless vector field. The invention is based on the Maxwell's equations of an irrotational, sourceless vector field, as well as on the convergence characteristics of series developments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Elekta Neuromag Oy
    Inventors: Juha Simola, Matti Kajola, Samu Taulu
  • Publication number: 20080294386
    Abstract: The present invention recognises and eliminates from a biomagnetic measurement signal interferences whose source is disposed in the direct vicinity of an object being measured. The invention utilises the SSS method that can be used to separate from one another the signals associated with the internal and external sources of a set of measurement sensors by calculating two series developments. The sources to be examined in the invention and disposed in the so-called intermediate space produce a component to both of the developments, and can, therefore, be detected by means of an analysis to be performed in a time domain. This division into components can be made using the Principal Component Analysis (PCA), the Independent Component Analysis (ICA) or the Singular Value Decomposition. Finally, the clarified interferences in the intermediate space can be eliminated from the measured signal using, for example, the linear algebraic orthogonal projection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: ELEKTA AB (PUBL.)
    Inventors: Samu Taulu, Juha Simola
  • Publication number: 20080274726
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method, system and computer program for testing a wireless messaging device in a mobile communication system. The invention comprises generating test signal which contains physical time-slots, at least one of which is allocated for transmission of system information from a base transceiver station of the mobile communication system to the messaging device; and positioning a synchronization sequence supported by the mobile communication system in a time-slot allocated for transmission of system information. The presented solution increases the average power of the signal part used in synchronization, shortening the time used for the synchronization and thus improving the performance of the test line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Juha Simola
  • Publication number: 20080161714
    Abstract: The present invention introduces a method for processing multichannel measurement data achieved especially in MEG and EEG measurements. The method uses a signal space separation (SSS) method and the orthogonality of lead fields in order to calculate linear transformation from physical measurement channels to virtual channels. The geometry related to the measurement arrangement is dissipated and the number of virtual channels is clearly lower than the number of physical sensors. The concept of total information can be applied for such transformed measurement data due to orthogonality. The method offers simplified post-processing of the biomagnetic data, such as for source modelling. The total information can also be interpreted as a robust quantity describing the physiological state of a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Antti Ahonen, Matti Kajola, Jukka Nenonen, Juha Simola, Samu Taulu
  • Patent number: 7342396
    Abstract: The device for sensing a magnetic field comprises a closed superconducting pick-up loop (1) having a path width (d) etched out of a single layer superconducting thin film and provided with a constriction (15) having a width (w) of narrow dimension smaller than the path width (d). The closed superconducting pick-up loop (1) constitutes a flux-to-field transformer (FFDT). At least one magnetoresistive element (2) is placed on top of or below the superconducting thin film, is isolated from the superconducting thin film by a thin insulating layer and is located so that an active part of the magnetoresistive element (2) is at the location of the constriction (15) and has a width equal to or less than the width of the constriction (15). The active part of the magnetoresistive element (2) is oriented so that the bias current in this active part is directed essentially along the constriction (15), orthogonally to the width of narrow dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignees: Commissariat Energie Atomique, Elekta Neuromag Oy
    Inventors: Myriam Pannetier, Claude Fermon, Juha Simola
  • Publication number: 20080050172
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a joint structure between the wall elements of a light-weight magnetically shielded room. In the joint structure, the end of the aluminum plate of the element is stepped and its surface roughened. In addition to this, the aluminum plate is coated, for example, with tin to improve the electrical contact. The joint includes ? metal plates which are used to make a magnetic contact between the ? metal plates of the elements. The compression force achieved by means of bolts is transmitted to the joint by means of an aluminum moulding. The non-continuous compression force is balanced over the entire joint area by using presser rubbers. The joint structure is protected by means of supporting profiles which are used to electrically couple the thinner aluminum plate of the sandwich type wall element to the thinner aluminum plate of an adjacent element. The thinner aluminum plate and the supporting profile can also be coated, for example, with tin to improve the contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicants: ELEKTA AB (publ), ETS-LINDGREN EUROSHIELD OY
    Inventors: Juha Simola, Petteri Laine, Heikki Rakkolainen
  • Patent number: 7335838
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wall element for a magnetically shielded room and to a magnetically shielded room. The wall element comprises at least one first layer (1) which is formed of metal plate having a high electrical conductivity, and at least two layers, a second layer (2) and a third layer (3), which consist of metal plates having a high magnetic permeability. The layers (1, 2, 3) are superimposed one on top of another in surface contact with each other without any separating air gaps, so that each first layer (1) having a high electrical conductivity lies between each second (2) and third layers (3) having a high permeability substantially in surface contact with the second and third layers, the layers together forming a compact structure in which the product (?×?) of electrical conductivity (?) and permeability (?) is maximized so as to minimize the penetration depth of magnetic interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Elekta AB (PUBL)
    Inventor: Juha Simola