Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing biomagnetic imaging to determine the location and intensity of current sources within a subject includes a sensor unit for sensing the magnetic field within the subject and for providing sensing signals. A signal processor defines a grid having multiple grid points and performs inverse estimation to determine the distribution of current sources on the defined grid based on the sensing signals. The signal processor then modifies the grid to improve the resolution of the current sources distributed on the grid. A control unit controls the operation of the signal processor and processes image data to provide magnified and non-magnified displays on a display unit. The biomagnetic imaging method and apparatus can be combined with a system for providing magnetic resonance imaging data so as to produce a superimposed display including an MRI image and a biomagnetic image.

Abstract: An acoustic ranging and detection system comprises an acoustic transmitter for producing an acoustic ranging signal and first and second acoustic receivers positioned on either side of the acoustic transmitter. A support mounts the acoustic transmitter and both acoustic receivers for concurrent rotation about a central axis passing through the acoustic transmitter. A first motor is connected to the first acoustic receiver and is adapted to impart independent rotative movement thereto. A second motor is connected to the second acoustic receiver and is adapted to impart independent rotative movement thereto. A control system is responsive to echo signals from a target that are received by the first and second acoustic receivers to rotate the support to point the transmitter at the target and further operates the first and second motors to cause the respective acoustic receivers to be repositioned so as to manifest receiving beam patterns which exhibit central axes that intersect in the region of the target.