WO2020043548A1

WO2020043548A1 - Method for operating a nuclear magnetic resonance measuring device for measuring a characteristic of a fluid flowing through a body

Info

Publication number: WO2020043548A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/072227
Authority: WO
Inventors: Seda Tacer; Irene Dahl; Michael Stumber; Ralf Stein; Sanghmitra Gupta; Stephan Rittler; Tom Collins; Alan Halil
Original assignee: Robert Bosch Gmbh
Priority date: 2018-08-27
Filing date: 2019-08-20
Publication date: 2020-03-05
Also published as: DE102018214457B3

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a nuclear magnetic resonance measuring device (NMR measuring device), in particular a hand-held NMR measuring device, with which at least one characteristic of a fluid (14a) flowing through the body (16a) is measured in at least one method step. In at least one method step, at least one magnetic field (20a) is generated in order to at least partly polarize (19a) the fluid (14a) using a magnet device (18a; 18b; 18c) of the NMR measuring device. In at least one method step, a measurement signal for measuring (21a) the at least one characteristic of the fluid (14a) is detected at the at least partly polarized fluid (22a) in an active depolarization region (24a) of the NMR measuring device.

Description

description

METHOD FOR OPERATING A NUCLEAR FRONT MEASURING DEVICE FOR MEASURING ONE

KEY SIZE E

A FLUID THAT FLOWS THROUGH A BODY

State of the art

US 7,295,006 B2 describes a method for operating a

Nuclear magnetic resonance measuring device (NMR measuring device), in which at least one parameter of a fluid flowing through a body is measured at least in one method step, wherein in at least one method step, a magnetic field for at least partial polarization of the fluid by means of a magnetic device of the NMR measuring device is known.

Disclosure of the invention

The invention is based on a method for operating a, in particular hand-held, magnetic resonance measuring device (NMR measuring device), in which at least one parameter of a fluid flowing through a body is measured in at least one method step, in at least one

Method step using a magnetic device of the NMR measuring device generates at least one magnetic field for at least partial polarization of the fluid.

It is proposed that in at least one method step a measurement signal for measuring the at least one parameter of the fluid on the at least partially polarized fluid is recorded in an active depolarization area of the NMR measurement device. The NMR measuring device preferably comprises at least one

Magnet device for generating a static magnetic field and / or an alternating magnetic field, in particular in the radio frequency range. A static magnetic field is preferably generated in at least one method step by means of the magnetic device. A “static magnetic field” is to be understood here to mean in particular a magnetic field that is present in at least one

Method step with an amplitude different from zero Has amplitude fluctuation and / or an amplitude modulation of less than 10%. In particular, it is conceivable that the static magnetic field can be switched off and / or blocked in a further method step. The magnetic device preferably comprises, in particular for generating a static one

Magnetic field, at least one magnet unit. The magnet unit preferably comprises at least one permanent magnet element and / or at least one

Electromagnetic element. The magnetic device preferably comprises at least one, in particular for generating an alternating magnetic field

Magnetic coil unit. However, it is also conceivable that the NMR measuring device for generating an alternating magnetic field has a radio frequency horn, a current-carrying conductor section with an adapted geometry and / or another antenna element which seems useful to the person skilled in the art for generating, in particular emitting, an alternating magnetic field.

A magnetic one is preferably used in at least one method step

Alternating field generated with the magnetic device. The NMR measuring device preferably has at least one measuring unit for recording and / or evaluating a measuring signal. The measuring unit preferably comprises at least one

Receiver unit for acquiring a measurement signal, in particular for acquiring an electromagnetic wave, in particular an electromagnetic wave emanating from the fluid.

The magnetic coil unit is preferably formed in one piece with the receiving unit. In particular, the NMR measuring device has at least one

Antenna unit, which can be used both as a magnetic coil unit and as a receiving unit, in particular with a time delay and / or simultaneously. In at least one method step, a measurement signal recorded by means of the measurement unit is preferably evaluated with regard to the characteristic variable. The parameter preferably describes a composition of the fluid, in particular an absolute and / or relative proportion of an individual component, for example alcohol content, glucose content, proportion of organic acids, heavy metal proportion or the like.

The NMR measuring device preferably comprises an examination area in which the static magnetic field and / or the alternating magnetic field are generated. The examination area is preferably designed to receive the body with the fluid. A body to be examined, through which a fluid flows, preferably has channel elements in which the fluid flows, for example pipes, hoses, friction lines, arteries or the like. However, it is also conceivable that the body is porous and / or is otherwise fluid permeable.

Preferably, the NMR measuring device, in particular within the Examination area, at least one polarization area. In at least one method step, the static magnetic field in the

Polarization area generated to at least partially polarize the body located in the polarization area and / or the fluid. This means that “an element is at least partially polarized should in particular be understood to mean that the element has a magnetization which has at least more than 25%, preferably more than 50%, particularly preferably more than 75%, of a maximum, in particular temperature-dependent, magnetizability of the Elements corresponds. A partial polarization of the body and / or the fluid is preferably carried out in at least one method step by adjusting the activation time of the static

Magnetic field, in particular by adjusting the residence time of the body and / or the fluid within the static magnetic field.

Preferably, the NMR measuring device, in particular within the

Examination area, at least one active depolarization area.

The active depolarization region is preferably in at least one

Method step provided to at least substantially completely shut off the body and / or the fluid within the active depolarization region

depolarize. The fact that “an element is at least essentially completely depolarized” should in particular be understood to mean that the element is a

Magnetization having at least less than 25%, preferably less than 10%, particularly preferably less than 5%, a maximum, in particular

temperature-dependent, magnetizability of the element corresponds. The fact that the “depolarization area is active” should in particular be understood to mean that the NMR measuring device uses energy to depolarize the body and / or the fluid in the active depolarization area. For example, the NMR measuring device floods the active depolarization region in one method step to depolarization with electromagnetic radiation with at least one at least substantially resonant frequency of the fluid and / or the body, in particular a nuclear spin within the fluid and / or the body, and / or a frequency band that includes at least the resonant frequency. For example, the NMR measuring device heats the active depolarization region as a whole via heating elements and / or locally, for example by focusing a laser, in a method step for depolarization. For example, the NMR measuring device induces depolarization in one process step

mechanical shocks, especially by means of ultrasound, within the active depolarization area. In at least one method step, a measurement signal, in particular an electromagnetic wave emanating from the fluid, is preferably detected in the active depolarization area. In at least one method step, at least one known, in particular spectroscopic, NMR measurement sequence is preferably carried out by means of the magnetic device for generating the measurement signal in the active depolarization region. An NMR measurement sequence for excitation of hydrogen, in particular a ¹ H isotope, is preferably carried out in at least one process step. In particular, it is also conceivable for different NMR measurement sequences in at least one method step

be performed.

“Handheld” is to be understood in particular to mean that the NMR measuring device without the aid of a transport machine and / or one

Holding device with the hands, in particular with one hand, transported and in particular can be operated to carry out a measurement. In particular, the mass of the measuring device is less than 10 kg, preferably less than 5 kg and particularly preferably less than 1 kg. It is also conceivable that the NMR measuring device has a holding device for a temporary and / or permanent arrangement on a fluid guide device of a technical system, for example a production system and / or a fuel recycling system, in particular for monitoring and / or regulating the technical system .

“Provided” is to be understood to mean, in particular, specially programmed, designed and / or equipped. The fact that an object is provided for a specific function should in particular be understood to mean that the object fulfills and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

With the configuration of the method according to the invention, a measurement can advantageously be carried out selectively on the partially polarized fluid, which flows in particular through the body from the polarization region into the active depolarization region. In particular, the parameter of the partially polarized fluid can have an advantageously low interference component due to an advantageously low residual polarization of the active depolarization region

located part of the body can be measured.

It is further proposed that in at least one method step, a magnetic pulse sequence should be essentially complete using the magnetic device

Depolarization of a part of the body within the active Depolarization area is generated. A “pulse sequence” is to be understood in particular as a defined sequence of electromagnetic pulses.

In particular, the sequence comprises at least one electromagnetic pulse.

Preferably, at least one electromagnetic pulse is generated by means of the

Magnetic device as an alternating magnetic field, especially in

Radio frequency range, realized with a specified time start point and a specified time end point. The pulse sequence is preferably generated by means of the magnetic coil unit. The pulse sequence is particularly preferably generated with the same magnetic coil unit with which, in particular in one

subsequent process step, an NMR measurement sequence is generated. However, it is also conceivable that the pulse sequence is generated by means of a further magnet coil unit of the magnet device. An envelope, in particular a temporal amplitude profile, of the pulse realized as an alternating magnetic field is preferably at least essentially rectangular, triangular and / or trapezoidal. “Essentially rectangular” is to be understood in particular to mean that an imaginary rectangle with the same area as an area enclosed by the envelope and the zero line from the starting point to the end point overlaps at least 75%, preferably more than 90%, with the enclosed area can be positioned. In particular, “essentially triangular” and “essentially trapezoidal” should be understood analogously. In particular, it is also possible for the envelope to have a smooth transition between a minimum value before the start point and / or after the end point and a maximum value during the pulse. In particular, the smooth transition is sinusoidal or

Gaussian bell-shaped. It is also conceivable that a pulse, in particular in addition to an at least substantially rectangular, triangular and / or trapezoidal basic shape, has an amplitude modulation. It is also conceivable that the magnetic alternating field is frequency and / or phase modulated during a pulse. The pulse sequence preferably comprises one and / or several, in particular identical, pulses. In particular, it is also conceivable that the pulse sequence comprises at least two differently designed pulses. For example, pulses differ in particular in amplitude, frequency, phase, polarization, shape of the envelope, duration of the transmission and / or direction of transmission.

The pulse sequence preferably comprises more than five, particularly preferably more than ten 90 ° pulses, in particular in a rapid sequence. Preferably, “in a rapid sequence of pulses” should be understood to mean a sequence of pulses with a minimum time interval between two successive pulses of less than 500 ms, preferably less than 100 ms, particularly preferably less than 50 ms. It is but it is also conceivable that the pulse sequence consists of a single uninterrupted, in particular resonant, pulse. By means of the configuration according to the invention, depolarization of a partial area can advantageously be carried out in a simple manner, in particular with already existing components of the NMR measuring device.

In particular, an NMR measuring device operated with the method can advantageously be made compact.

It is also proposed that in at least one method step a

Excitation pulse sequence for initiating the measurement is created in a controllable time window after depolarization. An “excitation pulse sequence” is to be understood in particular as a pulse sequence in which the polarization of the magnetic alternating field used is at least substantially perpendicular to the polarization of the static magnetic field and in which the frequency of the magnetic alternating field used is preferably selected to be at least one known nuclear spin transition . In particular, an excitation pulse sequence is provided to cause a phase-coherent nuclear spin transition of several nuclear spins of the fluid and / or the body. The expression “substantially perpendicular” is intended here to define in particular an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, the direction and the reference direction, viewed in particular in one plane, enclosing an angle of 90 ° and the angle a maximum deviation of in particular less than 8 °, advantageously less than 5 ° and particularly advantageously less than 2 °. Preferably follows the

Excitation pulse sequence a measurement phase for recording the measurement signal.

The time window in which the excitation pulse sequence for initiating the measurement is generated can preferably be controlled, in particular by means of a control or regulating unit of the NMR measuring device. In particular, a start time of the time window can be controlled. In particular, an end time of the time window can be controlled. The start time and / or the end time are / are selected in at least one method step depending on a speed parameter of the fluid. A “speed parameter of the fluid” is to be understood in particular as a size and / or characteristic number which describes and / or characterizes a change in position of the fluid relative to the body. The speed parameter is, for example, as a volume flow, mass flow, as a duration, in particular in closed systems as a frequency and / or period, as an average

Speed or the like. Preferably in at least one

Method step the start time depending on a minimum distance of the active depolarization area, in particular a start of the active one Depolarization range, selected from the polarization range, in particular from a center point of the polarization range. In at least one method step, the start time is preferably dependent on a minimum distance between the active depolarization region, in particular an end of the active one

Depolarization range, selected from the polarization range, in particular from a center point of the polarization range. In at least one method step, the end time is preferably determined on the basis of an expected repolarization time of the body located in the active depolarization region. An expected repolarization time is, for example, stored in the table in the factory in a memory unit of the NMR measuring device for different materials and / or measuring situations, in particular a temperature of the body, a suitable value being selected by means of a user input and / or a sensor unit during operation of the NMR measuring device becomes. The configuration according to the invention can advantageously ensure that a measurement takes place while the at least partially polarized fluid is located in the at least substantially depolarized partial area of the body.

In particular, a time for the measurement can be selected such that an advantageously large proportion of the fluid located in the active depolarization region is at least partially polarized.

It is also proposed that a speed parameter of the fluid be determined in at least one method step using an NMR calibration measurement. A measurement parameter of the NMR measurement device is preferably adapted to a measurement object in the course of the NMR calibration measurement. The speed parameter of the fluid is preferably recorded in the course of the NMR calibration measurement. It is also conceivable that a material and / or a temperature of the body are / is recorded during the NMR calibration measurement, in particular to determine an expected repolarization time. At least two NMR measurement sequences with different measurement parameters are preferably carried out during the NMR calibration measurement. In particular, at least two NMR measurement sequences are carried out with a varying time window. A setting for the measurement parameter is preferably selected on the basis of a maximum contrast of the measurement signal. The one resulting from the measurement parameter is preferably used

Speed parameter output via an information interface, in particular a user interface, of the NMR measuring device and / or stored in a memory unit of the NMR measuring device. It is also conceivable that during the NMR calibration measurement a Speed detection unit of the NMR measuring device

Speed parameter is recorded. For example, the

Speed detection unit for performing magnetic resonance velocimetry (MRV) and / or for magnetic-inductive flow measurement (MID). The speed detection unit is preferably formed at least partially in one piece with the magnetic device. Through the

According to the embodiment of the invention, the speed parameter of the fluid can be recorded. In particular, a measurement can advantageously be tailored precisely to varying fluid velocities. An NMR measuring device operated with the method can advantageously be used universally and flexibly.

In particular, at least one warning can be issued that a

Fluid velocity unsuitable for measurement within a maximum

Range of values of the measurement parameters of the NMR measuring device is.

In addition, it is proposed that, at least in one method step before the measurement, the polarization of a partial area of the body located in the active depolarizing area generated by the magnetic device is canceled again. Preferably, in at least one method step after the polarization of the body located in the polarization region

Partial region of the body depolarized in the active depolarization region It is also conceivable that in at least one initialization step, in particular before polarization, a further depolarization of the body and / or the fluid is carried out. The configuration according to the invention can ensure that a residual polarization of one in the active

Depolarizing area located portion of the body is advantageously small. In particular, an advantageously low repolarization of a partial area of the body located in the active depolarization area in front of the body

Measurement can be achieved.

Furthermore, the invention is based on an NMR measuring device, in particular a hand-held NMR measuring device, with a measuring unit for measuring at least one parameter of a fluid flowing through a body, with a magnetic device for generating at least one magnetic field for at least partially polarizing the Fluids in a polarization range and with a control or regulating unit, in particular for carrying out a

inventive method. It is proposed that the NMR measuring device have an active depolarization region comprising the measuring unit having. The NMR measuring device preferably comprises at least one

Magnet device for generating a static magnetic field and / or an alternating magnetic field, in particular in the radio frequency range. The magnetic device preferably comprises, in particular for generating a static one

The magnetic coil unit is preferably provided to send out a pulse sequence for depolarization and / or for carrying out an NMR measurement sequence. But it is also conceivable that the magnetic device for the

Depolarization and the NMR measurement sequence has two magnet coil units formed separately from one another. The NMR measuring device preferably has at least one measuring unit for recording and / or evaluating a measuring signal. The measuring unit preferably comprises at least one receiving unit for acquiring a measurement signal, in particular for acquiring an electromagnetic wave, in particular an electromagnetic wave emanating from excited atomic nuclei contained in the fluid. The magnetic coil unit is preferably formed in one piece with the receiving unit. In particular, the NMR measuring device has at least one

Antenna unit, which can be used both as a magnetic coil unit and as a receiving unit, in particular with a time delay and / or simultaneously. The NMR measuring device preferably comprises an examination area in which the static magnetic field and / or the alternating magnetic field are generated. The examination area is preferably designed to receive the body with the fluid. Preferably, the NMR measuring device, in particular within the

Examination area, at least one polarization area, in particular for at least partial polarization of a partial area of the body and / or fluid located in the polarization area. Preferably, the NMR measuring device, in particular within the examination area, has at least one active depolarization area, in particular for an essentially complete depolarization of a partial area of the body and / or the fluid located in the active depolarization area. Preferably, the NMR measuring device on a control or regulating unit. A “control or regulating unit” is to be understood in particular as a unit with at least one control electronics. Under "control electronics" in particular a unit with a processor unit and with a storage unit and with one in the

Storage unit stored operating program can be understood. The NMR measuring device preferably comprises at least one housing, in particular for

Recording at least the control or regulating unit. The NMR measuring device preferably comprises at least one information interface, in particular one

User interface, in particular for outputting the measurement signal and / or the parameter determined from the measurement signal and / or for entering measurement parameters. The NMR measuring device preferably comprises a

Speed detection unit for determining a speed parameter of the fluid. Due to the configuration of the NMR measuring device according to the invention, a measurement can advantageously be carried out selectively on the partially polarized fluid, which flows in particular through the body from the polarization region into the active depolarization region. In particular, the

Characteristic of the partially polarized fluid with an advantageously low interference component due to an advantageously low residual polarization of the active

Depolarizing area located part of the body can be measured.

It is also proposed that the polarization region be formed at least partially without overlap from the active depolarization region. At least part of the body located in the polarization region and / or the fluid is preferably within the active one before depolarization

Depolarization area protected. The active one is preferably located

Depolarization range at least partially within the polarization range. The measuring unit is preferably arranged within the overlap region. It is particularly conceivable that the magnetic device in the active

Depolarization area has a further magnet unit for generating a further static magnetic field, so that the polarization area comprises at least two spatially spaced sub-areas. The sub-area free of overlap with the active depolarization area is preferably provided primarily for polarizing the body and / or the fluid. The area overlapping with the active depolarization area is preferably provided primarily for measurement by means of the measuring unit. By the invention

Design can advantageously be ensured that at least part of the partially polarized fluid remains at least partially polarized during depolarization.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the NMR measuring device be a

Guide unit for specifying a flow direction of the fluid with at least one inlet opening into the polarization region and one into the active one

Depolarizing area has an outlet. A “guide unit” is to be understood in particular as a component which is provided for arranging the NMR measuring device on the body. Preferably centers the

Leadership unit the body within the examination area. The guide unit preferably comprises a receiving element, in particular tubular and / or ring-shaped, for receiving the body, which leads in and / or through a housing of the NMR measuring device. Preferably, the

Magnetic coil unit arranged around the receiving element. But it is also conceivable that the guide unit has a curved profile

in particular an arcuate and / or flat contact element on one

Outside of the housing of the NMR measuring device comprises. In particular, it is also conceivable that the guide unit, in particular in the case of a contactless measurement, comprises marking elements in order to identify the examination area. The guide unit is preferably provided for a

To determine the flow direction of the fluid through the examination area, and in particular to adapt a spatial orientation of the examination area to a flow direction of the fluid. The guide unit preferably has an entrance to an inlet of the fluid into the examination region, in particular into the polarization region. The guide unit preferably has an outlet to an outlet of the fluid from the examination area, in particular from the active depolarization area. By the invention

Design can advantageously reliably reliable a spatial orientation of the NMR measuring device to the body and / or the fluid required for the measurement

be guaranteed.

It is also proposed that the NMR measuring device have at least one

Alignment unit for adapting and / or fixing a spatial

Arrangement of the polarization area and the active depolarization area to each other. The alignment unit is preferably provided for a minimum distance, in particular along the flow direction, between the polarization region, in particular a center point of the polarization region, and to adapt and / or fix the active depolarization area, in particular a start of the active depolarization area. For example, the NMR measuring device has a removable depolarization module and / or a removable polarization module, which are / are in particular freely movable against a housing of the NMR measuring device and, in particular wirelessly, communicate with the control or regulating unit arranged in the housing. For example, the NM R measuring device has a movably mounted depolarization module and / or a movably mounted polarization module, which / can be displaced in particular along an alignment unit designed as a guide rail. For example, the alignment unit is designed as an extendable telescopic rod, on which the magnet unit is mounted, in particular a

Adjust the extent of the polarization range. For example, the magnetic coil unit has displaceable taps, in particular to adapt an active depolarization area. A shift is preferably implemented automatically by means of a drive unit, for example an electric motor and / or an actuator. In particular, a distance can be set by means of the control or regulating unit as a function of the determined velocity parameter of the fluid. Due to the configuration according to the invention, the

Examination area can be advantageously adapted to the speed parameter of the fluid. An NMR measuring device operated with the method can advantageously be used universally and flexibly.

A blood measuring device for the non-invasive detection of a blood parameter, in particular blood sugar, with an NMR measuring device according to the invention and / or with an NMR measuring device with a control or regulating unit for carrying out a method according to the invention is proposed. The blood parameter preferably describes a composition of blood in a human and / or animal body, in particular an absolute and / or relative proportion of an individual component, in particular a blood sugar concentration and / or a blood alcohol concentration. The blood measuring device preferably comprises at least one user interface for outputting the blood parameter. The user interface preferably comprises at least one display for outputting the blood parameter. However, it is also conceivable for the user interface to be more visual

Output elements, such as control lights, acoustic output elements, in particular loudspeakers, and / or haptic output elements, for example a vibration element. The blood measuring device preferably has at least one actuating element for activating a measurement. By the invention A blood parameter can advantageously be recorded in vivo in the embodiment of the blood measuring device. In particular, a blood measuring device can be made available that can be operated hygienically and advantageously conveniently due to the non-invasive detection of the blood parameter.

The method according to the invention, the NMR measuring device according to the invention and / or the blood measuring device according to the invention should / should not be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the method according to the invention, the NMR measuring device according to the invention and / or the blood measuring device according to the invention can have a number which differs from a number of individual elements, components and units as well as method steps mentioned in order to fulfill a function described herein. In addition, those stated in this disclosure are intended to be

Values also lie within the stated limits as disclosed and can be used as desired.

drawings

Further advantages result from the following description of the drawing. In the drawings, three exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The

Drawings, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

Show it:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an inventive

Blood measuring device,

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of an inventive

Nuclear magnetic resonance measuring device (NMR measuring device) of the blood measuring device according to the invention,

3 shows a flow diagram of a method according to the invention,

Fig. 4 is an illustration of a starting position of the invention

Process,

Fig. 5 is an illustration of a polarization phase of the invention

Process, 6 shows a further illustration of the polarization phase of the method according to the invention,

7 shows an illustration of a starting position for the depolarization phase of the method according to the invention,

8 is an illustration of the depolarization phase of the invention

Process,

9 is an illustration of an effect of the depolarization phase of the

method according to the invention,

10 is an illustration of a measurement phase of the invention

Process,

11 shows a schematic illustration of an alternative according to the invention

NMR measuring device,

Fig. 12 is a schematic representation of another invention

Blood measuring device,

13 is a schematic representation of a longitudinal section of a further NMR measuring device according to the invention

Blood measuring device and

Fig. 14 is a schematic representation of a cross section of the other

NMR measuring device according to the invention.

Description of the embodiments

FIG. 1 shows a blood measuring device 44a for the non-invasive detection of a blood parameter, in particular of blood sugar. The blood measuring device 44a is preferably as

hand-held blood measuring device 44a. The blood measuring device 44a has a nuclear magnetic resonance measuring device (NMR measuring device) shown in more detail in FIG.

12a. The NMR measuring device 12a is preferably designed as a hand-held NMR measuring device 12a, in particular as a result of an arrangement of the N M R measuring device 12a on, preferably in, a device housing 46a of the blood measuring device 44a. The blood measuring device 44a is preferably with the NMR measuring device 12a

handheld. The N M R measuring device 12a comprises a measuring unit 28a for a measurement 21a of at least one parameter of a fluid 14a (cf. FIGS. 4 to 10) which flows through a body 16a. The NMR measuring device 12a comprises a magnetic device 18a for generating at least one magnetic field 20a. The

Magnetic field 20a is provided for at least partial polarization 19a of the fluid 14a in a polarization region 30a. The NMR measuring device 12a includes one Control or regulating unit 32a, in particular for carrying out a method 10a shown in FIGS. 3 to 10. The NMR measuring device 12a has an active depolarization region 24a comprising the measuring unit 28a. The blood measuring device 44a preferably has the device housing 46a. It is particularly conceivable that the device housing 46a can be designed to be disassembled and / or opened in a further embodiment for a simple arrangement of the body 16a in the polarization region 30a and / or the depolarization region 24a in at least two housing shells, in particular without tools. It is also conceivable for the device housing 46a to be configured in a simple manner on the body 16a from a flexible material, in particular as a sleeve.

The device housing 46a preferably has a holding area 47a for holding the blood measuring device 44a with one hand in a comfortable and slip-proof manner.

The blood measuring device 44a preferably has a user interface 48a, which is in particular embedded in the device housing 46a. Preferably, the

User interface 48a designed as a display, in particular as a touchscreen. The NMR measuring device 12a preferably has a housing 50a, in particular for fixing a spatial arrangement of the magnetic device 18a and the measuring unit 28a and / or for protecting the control or regulating unit 32a.

The housing 50a is preferably in one piece with the device housing 46a

educated. However, it is also conceivable that the NMR measuring device 12a is of modular design and in particular comprises an independent housing in order to remove the NMR measuring device 12a from the blood measuring device 44a and / or another device with a few hand movements and / or into the blood measuring device 44a and / or to install in another device in a few simple steps. The N M R measuring device 12a comprises a guide unit 34a for specifying a flow direction 36a of the fluid 14a, in particular blood, with at least one inlet 38a opening into a polarization region 30a and with an outlet 40a opening into an active depolarization region 24a. The guide unit 34a preferably extends through the housing 50a. In particular, the polarization region 30a and / or the active depolarization region 24a are arranged within the housing 50a.

In particular, the guide unit 34a is provided for receiving the body 16a, for example a finger, and in particular in the

Center polarization region 30a and / or the active depolarization region 24a. The guide unit 34a preferably has a straight longitudinal axis 52a, which extends from the inlet 38a to the outlet 40a. The guide unit 34a is preferably rotationally symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis 52a,

in particular designed as a hollow cylinder. Preferably in at least one Operating state for a measurement 21a, the NMR measuring device 12a, in particular the guide unit 34a, from which the fluid 14a flows essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis 52a from the input 38 through the polarization region 30a and through the active depolarization region 24a to the output 40a.

FIG. 2 shows the NMR measuring device 12a in a section along the longitudinal axis 52a. The magnet device 18a preferably comprises at least one magnet unit 54a, in particular for generating a static magnetic field 20a. The magnet unit 54a preferably comprises at least one permanent magnet element 56a, 58a. The magnetic device 18a preferably comprises at least one magnetic coil unit 60a, in particular for generating an alternating magnetic field. The measuring unit 28a preferably comprises at least one receiving unit 62a for detecting a measurement signal, in particular for detecting an electromagnetic wave, in particular an electromagnetic wave emanating from the fluid 14a. The magnetic coil unit 60a is preferably formed in one piece with the receiving unit 62a. The measuring unit 28a preferably comprises an alternating field processing unit 68a for generating

Gain and / or feed into the magnet coil unit 60a

electromagnetic alternating field and / or for processing, in particular filtering and / or digitization, of one received with the receiving unit 62a

Measurement signal. The measuring unit 28a preferably comprises an evaluation unit 70a for determining the parameter of the fluid 14a from the, in particular by the

AC field processing unit 68a prepared, measurement signal. The N M R measuring device 12a preferably comprises an examination area 64a, in which the static magnetic field 20a and / or the alternating magnetic field are generated. In particular, the examination area 64a is essentially congruent with an interior of the guide unit 34a for receiving the body 16a.

The examination area 64a preferably comprises the polarization area 30a, in particular to an at least partial polarization 19a of a fluid 14a located in the polarization area 30a. Preferably, the

Examination area 64a, the active depolarization area 24a, in particular for an essentially complete depolarization 23a of a partial area 26a of the body 16a located in the active depolarization area 24a. The polarization region 30a is formed at least partially without overlap from the active depolarization region 24a. In particular, a maximum extension of the active depolarization region 24a along the longitudinal axis 52a is im

Essentially limited by the maximum extent along the longitudinal axis 52a of the solenoid unit 60a. In particular, there is a maximum extension of the polarization region 30a along the longitudinal axis 52a is essentially limited by the maximum extent of the magnet unit 54a along the longitudinal axis 52a. The NMR measuring device 12a preferably comprises at least one information interface 66a, in particular for outputting the measurement signal and / or the parameter determined from the measurement signal and / or for inputting

Measurement parameters. The information interface 11 e 66a is preferably designed as a bus and in particular connected to the user interface 48a. In particular, it is also conceivable that the information interface 66a for

Energy transfer to the NMR measuring device 12a is provided. Alternatively, the NMR measuring device 12a has a separately designed one

Power supply interface and / or an internal power supply unit, in particular a battery unit.

FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram of the method 10a for operating the, in particular hand-held, NMR measuring device 12a, in which at least one

The method step measures at least one parameter of the fluid 14a flowing through the body 16a. Preferably, a single determination of the parameter of the fluid 14a consists of at least three phases, namely the partial polarization 19a of the fluid 14a, the essentially complete depolarization 23a of a partial area 26a of the body 16a, followed by the measurement 21a with an NMR known per se. Measurement sequence. Optionally, an NMR calibration measurement 25a can be carried out before the polarization 19a, in particular for a

Increase accuracy of measurement 21a. In at least one method step, a magnetic field 20a for at least partial polarization 19a of the fluid 14a is generated by means of a magnetic device 18a of the NMR measuring device 12a, cf. 4 to 6 in particular. In at least one method step, a measurement signal for a measurement 21a of the at least one parameter of the fluid 14a on the at least partially polarized fluid 22a is recorded in an active depolarization region 24a of the NMR measurement device 12a, see in particular FIG. 10. At least in one method step before the measurement 21a, the polarization of the partial region 26a generated by the magnetic device 18a becomes active

Depolarizing region 24a of the body 16a located again, cf.

7 to 9 in particular. In at least one method step, the magnetic device 18a generates a pulse sequence for an essentially complete depolarization 23a of the partial area 26a of the body 16a within the active depolarization area 24a, cf. 8 in particular. In at least one method step, an excitation pulse sequence for initiating measurement 21a in created a controllable time window after depolarization 23a, see in particular FIGS. 9 and 10. In order to increase the accuracy of the measurement 21a in particular, a speed characteristic of the fluid 14a is determined in at least one method step using the NMR calibration measurement 25a. At least one measurement parameter, in particular a timing of the polarization 19a, the depolarization 23a and / or the measurement 21a, is preferably adapted on the basis of the determined speed parameter.

FIGS. 4 to 10 show an illustration of the method 10a described in FIG. 3:

FIG. 4 shows the body 16a with the fluid 14a before the polarization 19a.

The fluid 14a preferably flows through the body 16a in the flow direction 36a. The body 16a preferably has a channel element 71a, for example an artery or a fuel line, through which the fluid 14a flows within the body 16a. The body 16a and the fluid 14a are preferably essentially completely depolarized, here represented by the arrows pointing in a random direction within the body 16a and / or the fluid 14a, or have a random polarization in some areas.

FIG. 5 shows a start of polarization 19a. Preferably in the

Polarization region 30a generates the static magnetic field 20a and / or the body 16a moves into the polarization region 30a with the already existing magnetic field 20a. The body 16a is preferably at least substantially stationary during the polarization 19a, the depolarization 23a and the measurement 21a relative to the N M R measuring device 12a. It is particularly conceivable that the

Guide unit 34a has a fixing element, for example a clamp, for temporarily fixing the body 16a within the guide unit 34a. The magnetic field 20a is preferably generated in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to the flow direction 36a and / or to the longitudinal axis 52a.

Figure 6 shows an effect of polarization 19a. After a polarization period, the fluid 14a and the body 16a are preferably within the

Polarization region 30a is at least partially polarized, here represented by the at least substantially parallel arrows. Preferably, the polarization period is shorter than a crossing period that a fixed volume of fluid requires to cross the polarization region 30a. It is special it is conceivable that during the NM R calibration measurement 25a the polarization duration is detected, for example, and by connecting or disconnecting others

Magnet units is adjustable along the longitudinal axis 52a. In particular, due to the fluid flow, a polarized fluid portion 72a has flowed out of the polarization region 30a within the polarization period. In particular, due to the fluid flow, a depolarized fluid portion 74a has flowed into the polarization region 30a within the polarization period.

FIG. 7 shows a state before depolarization 23a. The active depolarization region 24a preferably lies at least partially within the

Polarization area 30a. In particular, a partially polarized partial area 26a of the body 16a is located within the polarizing area 30a.

FIG. 8 essentially shows the feeding of a pulse sequence

complete depolarization 23a of the partial region 26 of the body 16a.

FIG. 9 shows the result of the pulse sequence for the essentially complete one

Depolarization 23a of partial area 26a of body 16a. In particular, the body 16a is essentially completely depolarized within the active depolarization region 24a, repolarization of the partial region 26a in particular starting due to the magnetic field 20a. In particular, the depolarization 23a generates a depolarized amount of fluid 92a of the fluid 14a.

FIG. 10 shows the start of measurement 21a. Preferably, due to the flow of the depolarized fluid quantity 92a located in the partial region 26a, it has been replaced by at least partially polarized fluid 22a from the polarization region 30a. Preferably, a duration for replacement with the partially polarized fluid 22a within the active depolarization region 24a is shorter than one

Repolarization time. During the measurement 21a, the partially polarized fluid 14a within the active depolarization region 24a is preferably surrounded by the still substantially depolarized subregion 26a of the body 16a.

FIGS. 11 to 14 show two further exemplary embodiments of the invention. The following descriptions and the drawings are limited to

Essentially on the differences between the exemplary embodiments, with respect to components with the same designation, in particular with regard to components with the same reference numbers, in principle also to the drawings and / or Description of the other embodiments, in particular Figures 1 to 10, can be referenced. To differentiate the exemplary embodiments, the

Letter a after the reference numerals of the embodiment in Figures 1 to 10. In the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 11 to 14, the letter a is replaced by the letters b and c.

FIG. 11 shows an, in particular hand-held, N M R measuring device 12b. The NMR measuring device 12b comprises a measuring unit 28b for measuring at least one parameter of a fluid flowing through a body. The NMR measuring device 12b comprises a magnetic device 18b for generating at least one magnetic field. The magnetic field is provided for at least partial polarization of the fluid in a polarization region 30b. The NMR measuring device 12b comprises a control or regulating unit 32b, in particular for carrying out a method which is analogous to the method 10a shown in FIGS. 3 to 10. The NMR measuring device 12b has an active depolarization region 24b comprising the measuring unit 28b. The NMR measuring device 12b has at least one alignment unit 42b for adapting and / or fixing a spatial arrangement of the polarization region 30b and the active depolarization region 24b to one another. The alignment unit 42b preferably comprises at least one guide rail 76b, 78b, which in particular is arranged at least substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis 52b. Preferably, the

Alignment unit 42b a guide carriage 80b for movement 82b along a guide unit 34b. A magnetic coil unit 60b is preferably at least partially mounted on the guide carriage 80b, which is electrically and / or in particular via sliding contacts and / or induction elements 84b, 86b

is connected to an AC field processing unit 68a in terms of measurement signals. There is preferably at least one other on the guide carriage 80b

Permanent magnet element 88b, 90b of the magnet unit 54b mounted to generate a, in particular local, static magnetic field. The active depolarization region 24b can preferably be moved against the polarization region 30b, in particular for adaptation to the parameter of the fluid, in particular during an N M R calibration measurement. With regard to further features and / or functions of the NMR measuring device 12b, reference may be made in particular to the description of FIGS. 1 to 10.

FIG. 12 shows a blood measuring device 44c for the non-invasive detection of a

Blood parameter, especially of blood sugar. The blood measuring device 44c is preferred designed as a handheld blood measuring device 44c. The blood measuring device 44c has a nuclear magnetic resonance measuring device (NMR measuring device) 12c shown in more detail in FIGS. 13 and 14. The NMR measuring device 12c comprises a measuring unit 28c for measuring at least one parameter of a fluid flowing through a body. The NMR measuring device 12c comprises a magnetic device 18c for generating at least one magnetic field. The magnetic field is provided for at least partial polarization of the fluid in a polarization region 30b. The NMR measuring device 12c comprises a control or regulating unit 32c, in particular for carrying out a method which is analogous to that in FIGS. 3 to 10

illustrated method 10a. The NMR measuring device 12c has a

Measuring unit 28c comprising active depolarization region 24c. An examination area 64c of the NMR measuring device 12c, in particular the polarization area 30b and / or the depolarization area 24c, is preferably arranged outside a device housing 46c of the blood measurement device 44c. The NMR measuring device 12c preferably has a guide unit 34c for specifying a

Flow direction 36c of the fluid with at least one inlet 40c opening into the polarization region 30c and one outlet 40c opening into the active depolarization region 24c. In particular, the guide unit 34c is provided for application to the body. In particular, the guide unit 34c is embedded in a housing 50c of the NMR device 12c and / or the device housing 46c and / or is formed in one piece with the housing 50c and / or the device housing 46c.

The guide unit 34c preferably comprises at least one marking element 94c for identifying the polarization region 30c. The guide unit 34c preferably comprises at least one further marking element 96c

Identification of the depolarization area 24c. Preferably that is

Marking element 94c and / or the further marking element 96c is designed as a colored marking. However, it is also conceivable that the marking element 94c and / or the further marking element 96c is designed as a structural element, for example as a groove, rib, bulge or the like. It is particularly conceivable that the marking element 94c and / or the further marking element 96c is designed as an anti-slip element and has a surface provided with knobs, lamellae or the like. The blood measuring device 44c preferably comprises at least one fixing unit 98c, for a temporary fixing of the body in the

Examination area 64c, in particular for a temporary fixation of the body on the guide unit 34c. The fixing unit 98c preferably has at least one, in particular extendable and / or elastic, belt unit 100c, which in particular has a fastening element, not shown here, such as a Velcro fastener Has snap lock or the like. The fixing unit 98c preferably comprises a deflection element 102, via which the belt unit 100c can be lashed down.

FIG. 13 shows a longitudinal section of the NMR measuring device 12c and FIG. 14 shows a cross section of the NMR measuring device 12c. The polarization region 30c is preferably formed at a distance from a center of symmetry of a magnet unit 54c. In particular, the magnet unit 54c generates at least during one operation of the NMR measuring device 12c in at least one method step in the

Polarization region 30c an inhomogeneous static magnetic field. A gradient of the inhomogeneous static magnetic field is preferably at least substantially perpendicular to the predetermined flow direction 36c. The gradient of the inhomogeneous static magnetic field is preferably at least substantially perpendicular to a wall of the housing 50c, in particular to a wall of the housing 50c, on which the guide unit 34c is arranged. Preferably one is

Axis of symmetry of the magnetic coil unit 60c at least substantially perpendicular to a wall of the housing 50c, in particular to the wall of the housing 50c, on which the guide unit 34c is arranged. The axis of symmetry of the magnetic coil unit 60c is preferably at least substantially perpendicular to the predetermined flow direction 36c. The axis of symmetry is preferably the

Magnetic coil unit 60c at least substantially parallel to the gradient of the static magnetic field. A frequency is preferably one by means of a

Magnetic coil unit 60c adjustable in the depolarization area 24c feedable electromagnetic pulse. In particular, is about the adjustable

Frequency is a minimal distance from a geometric center of the

Depolarization range, in particular a measurement location of an NMR measurement sequence, can be set along the axis of symmetry of the magnetic coil unit 60c. With regard to further features and / or functions of the blood measuring device 44c and / or the NMR measuring device 12c, reference may be made to the description of FIGS. 1 to 11.

Claims

Expectations

1. Method for operating a, in particular hand-held, magnetic resonance measuring device (NMR measuring device), in which at least one

Method step at least one parameter of a fluid (14a) flowing through a body (16a) is measured, in at least one

Method step using a magnetic device (18a; 18b; 18c) of the NMR measuring device generates at least one magnetic field (20a) for at least partial polarization (19a) of the fluid (14a), characterized in that in at least one method step a measurement signal for a measurement ( 21a) the at least one parameter of the fluid (14a) on the at least partially polarized fluid (22a) is recorded in an active depolarization region (24a) of the NMR measuring device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that in at least one method step by means of the magnetic device (18a; 18b; 18c) a pulse sequence for an essentially complete depolarization (23a) of a partial area (26a) of the body (16a) within the active

Depolarization region (24a; 24b; 24c) is generated.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in

at least one process step, an excitation pulse sequence for initiating the measurement (21a) is created in a controllable time window after depolarization (23a).

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that a speed parameter of the fluid (14a) is determined in at least one method step by means of an NMR calibration measurement (25a).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that, at least in one method step before the measurement (21a), the polarization of a partial region (26a) of the body (16a) located in the active depolarization region (24a; 24b; 24c) is generated again by means of the magnetic device (18a; 18b; 18c) will be annulled.

6. NMR measuring device, in particular hand-held NMR measuring device, with a measuring unit (28a; 28b; 28c) for a measurement (21a) of at least one parameter of a fluid (14a) flowing through a body (16a) with a magnetic device ( 18a; 18b; 18c) for generating at least one

Magnetic field (20a) for at least partial polarization (19a) of the fluid (14a) in a polarization area (30a; 30b; 30c) and with a control or regulating unit (32a; 32b; 32c), in particular for carrying out a

Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an active depolarization region (24a; 24b; 24c) comprising the measuring unit (28a; 28b; 28c).

7. NMR measuring device according to claim 6, characterized in that the polarization region (30a; 30b; 30c) is formed at least partially without overlap from the active depolarization region (24a; 24b; 24c).

8. NMR measuring device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by a guide unit (34a; 34b; 34c) for specifying a flow direction (36a; 36b; 36c) of the fluid (14a) with at least one in the polarization region (30a; 30b; 30c ) opening (38a; 38b; 38c) and one into the active

Depolarization region (24a; 24b; 24c) opening (40a; 40b; 40c).

9. NMR measuring device according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized by at least one alignment unit (42b) for adapting and / or fixing a spatial arrangement of the polarization region (30b) and the active depolarization region (24b) to one another.

10. Blood measuring device for the non-invasive detection of a blood parameter, in particular blood sugar, with an NM R measuring device according to one of claims 6 to 9 and / or with an NMR measuring device with a control or regulating unit (32a; 32b; 32c) for implementation of a method according to one of claims 1 to 5.