Patent ID: 7863896

Claim:
A calibration method comprising the steps of: providing a contrast signal simulation device that is configured for generating one or more pre-determined contrast simulation signals selected from a group consisting of BOLD and BOSS contrast simulation signals, said one or more pre-determined contrast simulation signals simulating at least one contrast signal generated by living tissue of a subject; positioning said contrast signal simulation device adjacent to said subject; using an imaging instrument to take a first data set from said subject's tissue while: (A) said contrast signal simulation device is disposed adjacent to said subject, and (B) said contrast signal simulation device is generating said one or more pre-determined contrast simulation signals; using said imaging instrument to take a second data set from said subject's tissue while said contrast signal simulation device is not generating said one or more pre-determined contrast simulation signals; and using said first and second data sets to determine at least one figure of merit of at least one of said imaging instrument, said contrast simulation device, or said living tissue.