WP1 : We have performed a tailored market analysis by defining, understanding, and targeting the precise needs and technical specifications of potential customers and users. The objective was to prospect, obtain information, details, and initiate communication with MRI experts.
To complete the market study, a list of competitors in the MRI acoustic noise reduction market has been drawn up. In addition to acoustic shielding, many noise cancellation techniques exist to attempt to solve the problem of acoustic noise in MRI: we identified which ones are on the market and how to challenge them. To meet our goals, we have implemented an analysis of the market trends and defined the market shares and business segments to be targeted.
We have also established a marketing strategy to stand out in the market. We are setting a price for the device that is realistic in relation to the market, attractive and profitable for Multiwave Technologies. We also anticipated the regulation milestones or approvals needed for a potential commercialization such as CE marking (to determine the class category of a medical device).
Finally, we have implemented the communication process by creating a striking logo to give a visual identity to our device, as well as a webpage, in order to facilitate interactions to do business.
WP2: To reach our goal, the first step was to define and elaborate the type of experiment needed to measure the acoustic noise (in dB level, Sound Pressure Level (SPL), spectrum, etc.), for different MRI scanners types, configurations, sequences. This was followed by contacting laboratories / clinics where it was possible to perform these tests. We explored several possibilities, such as at the CNRS in Lille, France, or in a private clinic in Turin, Italy. But the most suitable one, the one we finally opted for, was at the CRMBM laboratory, located at La Timone hospital in Marseille, France.
Through teamwork, we benefited from the help of all partners, especially PoliTo who provided us with their expertise and acoustic measurement equipment to carry out this experiment. Using mainly two ½" pre-polarized free-field microphones (Type 4189 from B&K) for the measurement of the SPL generated in the MRI scanners, we performed several measurements of acoustic noise, on 1.5T 3T and 7T MRI, according to the specificities we had defined. The details of these measurements and the results obtained are described below in section 1.2.2.
As already mentioned, this will greatly help later in BOHEME, to find the specifications of the metamaterial to be designed to cancel the acoustic noise.
Main results achieved:
1- Study of the MRI acoustic noise reduction market: addressable market, growth rate, present and future market segmentation.
2- Analysis of the competition: detailed inspection of the existing solutions offered by competitors, their costs, benefits, and limitations.
3- Establishment of a marketing strategy by outlining how to position ourselves and stand out in the market, and by setting up the price of the MRI acoustic noise reduction device.
4- Creation of visual identity of the device: relevant logo and website.
5- Acoustic noise measurements in real MRI room (1.5 3T and 7T), to help in the design of the material solution that will continue to be developed in BOHEME FET-OPEN project (grant n°863179) to solve the noise problem.
