Patent ID: 8035377

Claim:
A method for excluding objects from proximity to an MRI instrument, said method comprising: providing an array of sensors adapted to detect a magnetic field of an object, said sensor array being provided as at least two sensor sub-arrays; mounting a first said sensor sub-array on a movable horizontal member on a portal structure; mounting a second said sensor sub-array on at least one vertical member on said portal structure; passing said recumbent patient through said portal structure, beneath said horizontal member, to accomplish positioning of the entirety of said first sensor sub-array to scan all portions of said recumbent human subject; processing signals from said first sensor sub-array to detect said object; moving said horizontal member to clear a passageway through said portal structure for an upright human subject, said passageway being adjacent to said at least one vertical member; passing said upright human subject through said passageway, adjacent to said at least one vertical member, to accomplish positioning of the entirety of said second sensor sub-array to scan all portions of said upright human subject; and processing signals from said second sensor sub-array to detect said object.