Method and system for transmitting data and power in EMI sensitive environment

Abstract

A method for transmitting data and power to minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI) in an EMI sensitive environment includes: (i) transmitting data and power from outside of the EMI sensitive environment via a first data and power transmission cable, where the first data and power transmission cable is not suitable for transmitting data and power within the EMI sensitive environment; (ii) receiving the transmitted data and power at a power and data converter; (iii) converting the received data and power into a fiber optic power supply (PoF) transport format by a power and data converter; (iv) transmitting the converted power and data into the EMI sensitive environment via a PoF cable (230); and (v) receiving the transmitted data and / or power by a device located within the EMI sensitive environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to methods and systems for simultaneously transmitting data and power in an electromagnetic interference (EMI) sensitive environment. Background Art

[0002] Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging modality that uses magnetic fields to create detailed images of a subject's internal structures. MRI has become a ubiquitous component of healthcare.

[0003] The MRI environment is a harsh environment. The magnetic field of an MRI system is extremely strong, so any ferromagnetic object within the MRI environment can become a high-speed airborne projectile. This includes surgical tools, monitors, and other medical devices commonly used on patients. It also includes consumer devices such as smartphones and watches. Therefore, all healthcare and consumer equipment, as well as personnel within the MRI environment, must be configured or otherwise prepared to withstand the MRI's magnetic field. Careful screening of personnel and objects entering the MRI environment is crucial. In addition to the magnetic field, MRI systems also generate radio frequency (RF) fields, which can cause other complications within the MRI environment. For example, RF fields can induce currents in any electrical wiring within the MRI environment and can severely interfere with communications within the MRI environment.

[0004] In addition to introducing external risks, the MRI environment and equipment are also susceptible to external risks and influences. For example, one risk to MRI equipment is electromagnetic interference. MRI systems are extremely sensitive to external electromagnetic noise, which can cause MRI image artifacts. This presents a significant challenge when designing systems operating near MRI systems. If this system generates excessive electromagnetic interference, it can affect the very sensitive MRI equipment and cause MRI image artifacts.

[0005] For example, power cables are typically made of materials such as copper, which carries risks associated with EMI. The power lines act as conduits for EMI from the outside into the MRI environment, posing a risk to MRI image quality. Consequently, most current solutions are limited to battery power. Communication with the MRI environment is wireless, and current solutions use a point-to-point approach. However, because wireless data is sent from within a highly shielded room, current communication methods have very low reliability.

[0006] Current solutions for powered devices that need to be in an MRI environment are limited to heavily filtered and shielded cables and / or batteries. High-power applications that cannot use batteries face additional challenges when trying to meet their power needs. Without heavy filtering and ferrites, it is not possible to bring current cables into the MRI environment, and feeding the cables through waveguides is impractical. The next best way to introduce power is through modifications to the penetration panel. This approach is costly and time consuming. Additionally, some older MRI spaces simply do not have AC plugs in the room, so there is no power. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, there remains a need for methods and systems capable of transmitting data and power in electromagnetic interference (EMI) sensitive environments, such as MRI environments.

[0008] The present disclosure relates to innovative methods and systems for simultaneously transmitting data and power in an electromagnetic interference (EMI)-sensitive environment. Various embodiments and implementations herein relate to a data and power transmission system. Data and power are transmitted from outside the EMI-sensitive environment via a first data and power transmission cable. Power over fiber (PoF) cables are then used to transmit the power and data into the EMI-sensitive environment. Devices within the EMI-sensitive environment then receive the transmitted data and / or power.

[0009] In general, in one aspect, a method for transmitting data and power to minimize EMI in an electromagnetic interference (EMI) sensitive environment is provided. The method includes: (i) transmitting data and power from outside the EMI sensitive environment via a first data and power transmission cable, wherein the first data and power transmission cable is not suitable for transmitting data and power within the EMI sensitive environment; (ii) receiving the transmitted data and power at a power and data converter; (iii) converting the received data and power to a power-over-fiber (PoF) transmission format via the power and data converter; (iv) transmitting the converted power and data from the converter into the EMI sensitive environment via the PoF cable; and (v) receiving the transmitted data and / or power by a device located within the EMI sensitive environment.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the EMI sensitive environment is an MRI environment.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the first data and power transmission cable is an Ethernet cable.

[0012] According to one embodiment, a portion of the converter is located within an EMI sensitive environment.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the converter is positioned outside of the most EMI sensitive portion of the EMI sensitive environment.

[0014] According to one embodiment, a device located within an EMI sensitive environment is configured to split received data and power.

[0015] According to another aspect, a system for transmitting data and power to minimize EMI in an electromagnetic interference (EMI) sensitive environment is provided. The system includes: a PoF cable; a first data and power transmission cable configured to transmit data and power from a source located outside the EMI sensitive environment, wherein the first data and power transmission cable is not suitable for transmitting data and power within the EMI sensitive environment; a power and data converter configured to: (i) receive the transmitted data and power; (ii) convert the received data and power to a power-over-fiber (PoF) transmission format; and (iii) transmit the converted power and data via the PoF cable into the EMI sensitive environment; and a device located within the EMI sensitive environment configured to receive the transmitted data and / or power via the PoF cable.

[0016] It should be understood that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed herein (as long as these concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. Specifically, all combinations of the claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are considered part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.

[0017] These and other aspects and embodiments will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In the drawings, like reference numerals generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

[0019] Figure 1 is a flow chart of a method for transmitting data and power in an EMI-sensitive environment according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a data and power transmission system according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a PoF cable for transmitting data and power in an EMI-sensitive environment according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The present disclosure describes various embodiments of data and power transmission systems. More generally, applicants have recognized and appreciated that it would be beneficial to provide methods and systems for transmitting data and power in EMI-sensitive environments. For example, a data and power transmission system as described herein or otherwise contemplated includes components that enable such transmission. Data and power are transmitted from outside an EMI-sensitive environment via a first data and power transmission cable. The data and power are received by a power and data converter that converts the power and data into a power-over-fiber (PoF) transmission format. The power and data are then transmitted into the EMI-sensitive environment using the PoF cable. A device located within the EMI-sensitive environment then receives the transmitted data and / or power.

[0023] According to one embodiment, various methods and systems described herein or otherwise contemplated utilize Power over Fiber (PoF) to deliver continuous power to EMI-sensitive environments while circumventing the limitations of traditional power solutions. These methods and systems offer significant improvements to the infrastructure requirements of EMI-sensitive environments because, for example, the need to cut waveguides is eliminated. Consequently, the cost and time to implement the new solutions are significantly reduced.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the methods and systems described herein or otherwise contemplated, implemented in an MRI room, the present invention also improves data communication between the MRI room and the control room. Traditional solutions use wireless solutions to communicate from inside the room to the outside. However, MRI rooms are heavily shielded, resulting in low data reliability. Because fiber optic technology uses light, it is not affected by EMI. Therefore, PoF cables can be paired with fiber optic data to provide power and data to devices in the MRI room over the same cable.

[0025] According to one embodiment, PoF technology offers significant advantages in overcoming harsh environments, namely MRI environments. The technology's EMI immunity properties provide EMI immunity. When paired with fiber optic technology used in today's networks to provide high-speed duplex communication, the methods and systems described herein or otherwise contemplated provide a complete solution for patient monitoring in MRI environments.

[0026] Reference Figure 1 In one embodiment, Figure 1 1 is a flow chart of a method 100 for transmitting data and power using a data and power transmission system to minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI) in an EMI-sensitive environment. The method described in relation to the accompanying figures is provided by way of example only and should not be understood to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The data and power transmission system may be any system described herein or otherwise contemplated. The data and power transmission system may be a single system or multiple distinct systems.

[0027] At step 110 of the method, a data and power transmission system 200 is provided. Figure 2 The embodiment of the data and power transmission system 200 shown, for example, includes one or more of a first data and power transmission cable 210, a power and data converter 220, a power over fiber (PoF) cable 230, and a device 240 located within an EMI sensitive environment 260. It should be understood that Figure 2 In some aspects, an abstract concept is formed, and the actual organization of the components of system 200 can be different and more complex than shown. In addition, data and power transmission system 200 can be any system described or otherwise contemplated herein. Other elements and components of system 200 are disclosed and / or contemplated elsewhere herein.

[0028] At step 120 of the method, the data and power transmission system transmits data and power from a source 270 to a power and data converter 220 using a first data and power transmission cable 210. The source can be any data and power source, such as a computer or other power and data source. The source can be one or more sources. The data being transmitted can be any data capable of being transmitted via a cable.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the first data and power transmission cable 210 can be any cable capable of transmitting data and power. According to one embodiment, the first data and power transmission cable is not suitable for transmitting data and power in an EMI-sensitive environment. For example, the first data and power transmission cable may include one or more current components, such as metal wires, which may act as antennas or conduits for EMI entering the EMI-sensitive environment. According to only one embodiment, the first data and power transmission cable 210 can be an Ethernet cable or a similar cable or structure.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the power transmitted can be any power that can be transmitted through the first data and power transmission cable 210. The power transmitted will depend on the parameters and limitations of the first data and power transmission cable. In embodiments where the first data and power transmission cable is an Ethernet cable, a range of power levels are possible. For example, standard Ethernet power may be approximately 15W, while other newer Ethernet cables may be 30W, 60W, 90W, or various other power levels.

[0031] At step 130 of the method, the power and data converter 220 located at the other end of the first data and power transmission cable 210 receives the transmitted data and power. Once received, the data and power can be converted and transmitted immediately, or can be stored for future transmission. The converter can be any device capable of converting received data and power into transmitted data and power, as described herein or otherwise contemplated. Part or all of the converter can be located within the EMI-sensitive environment. According to one embodiment, the converter is completely located outside the most EMI-sensitive portion of the EMI-sensitive environment. According to another embodiment, the converter is partially located outside the most EMI-sensitive portion of the EMI-sensitive environment and partially located inside the most EMI-sensitive portion of the EMI-sensitive environment.

[0032] At step 140 of the method, the power and data converter 220 converts the received data and power from the first format to a power-over-fiber (PoF) transmission format. The converter may convert the data and power to the PoF transmission format using any method for such conversion. According to one embodiment, the converter converts the received data into a modulated optical transmission. According to one embodiment, the converter converts the received power into power for transmission over a fiber optic cable using a laser diode.

[0033] At step 150 of the method, the power and data converter 220 transmits the converted power and data via a power-over-fiber (PoF) cable 230. The PoF cable can be any cable capable of transmitting power over fiber, including but not limited to a fiber optic cable. According to one embodiment, the converted power and data are transmitted within or into an EMI-sensitive environment via the PoF cable. In embodiments where the converter is completely outside the most EMI-sensitive portion of the EMI-sensitive environment, the converted power and data are transmitted from outside the EMI-sensitive environment to inside the EMI-sensitive environment via the PoF cable. In embodiments where the converter is partially outside and partially inside the most EMI-sensitive portion of the EMI-sensitive environment, the converted power and data are transmitted from outside or inside the EMI-sensitive environment via the PoF cable, depending on the arrangement of the converter and the PoF cable. In embodiments where the converter is inside the most EMI-sensitive portion of the EMI-sensitive environment, the converted power and data are transmitted within the EMI-sensitive environment via the PoF cable.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the EMI-sensitive environment is an MRI environment. The most EMI-sensitive portion of the MRI environment may be, for example, Area 3 and / or Area 4 of a medical facility, which in this embodiment is referred to as the MRI environment. According to another embodiment, the EMI-sensitive environment is another space or environment that utilizes EMI isolation between an RF-shielded EMI room and the external environment. The method and system provide a novel way to transmit power and data between the two environments while providing a high degree of isolation and a high level of EMI immunity between the two environments.

[0035] Reference Figure 2 In one embodiment, the EMI sensitive environment may be a portion of environment 290 , such as portion 260 .

[0036] According to one embodiment, the EMI sensitive portion 260 of the environment 290 can be isolated by an RF shield 255. The RF shield can be any shield capable of blocking, filtering, or minimizing electromagnetic interference. The RF shield can include a portal to allow the PoF cable 230 to pass through the RF shield without allowing RF leakage.

[0037] At step 160 of the method, a device 240 located within an EMI-sensitive environment (e.g., within the most EMI-sensitive portion of the MRI environment) receives the transmitted data and / or power. The device can be any device, system, component, or other element within the EMI-sensitive environment that requires data and / or power transmitted by the system. For example, the device can be a device that requires power to operate. As another example, the device can receive and use or store the transmitted data.

[0038] The device may include or communicate with a PoF data and power receiver configured to receive and optionally convert, divide, and / or direct the transmitted data and power. For example, the PoF data and power receiver may divide the transmitted power and direct it to a device or portion thereof, and may divide the transmitted data and direct it to a device or portion thereof. Many other options are also possible.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the PoF cable 230 can include multiple bundled cables, which can provide more power. For example, if a single cable can transmit 0.5W of power, six parallel cables can provide 3W of power. In addition, the single optical fiber in the PoF cable used for data can provide full-duplex communication for devices / products in EMI-sensitive spaces. Therefore, the methods and systems described herein or otherwise contemplated are malleable and scalable. Many different form factors are possible, such as using different types of cables or structures. The methods and systems can be expanded to meet the applications they are intended to serve by increasing the number of optical fiber cables to provide more power per cable or providing more cables to provide power and data to multiple endpoints.

[0040] Reference Figure 3 In one embodiment, Figure 3 3 is a data and power transmission system 300. The data and power transmission system includes a source 370, such as a computer, server, or other data and power source, which transmits data and power via a first data and power transmission cable 310 (e.g., an Ethernet cable). The transmitted data and power are received by a converter 320 (Power over Ethernet (PoE) to PoF converter), which converts the data and power to a PoF transmission format. The converted data and power are then transmitted to a device 340 or 342 via a PoF cable 330. For example, device 340 may require power transmitted via a PoF cable and received by a system in an EMI sensitive environment, while device 343 may require data transmitted via a PoF cable and received by a system in an EMI sensitive environment. Figure 3 As shown, PoF cable 330 may include a data fiber 334, which in this example is located at the center of the cable, and may include one or more power fibers 332, which in this example include multiple power fibers positioned around the data fiber. Many other configurations are possible.

[0041] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0042] The indefinite articles "a" and "an" as used herein in the specification and claims, unless expressly stated otherwise, should be understood to mean "at least one".

[0043] As used herein in the specification and claims, the term "and / or" should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined (i.e., elements that are present in conjunction in some cases and separately in other cases). Multiple elements listed with "and / or" should be interpreted in the same manner, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined. In addition to the elements specifically identified by the "and / or" clause, other elements may optionally be present, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

[0044] As used herein in the specification and claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and / or" should be interpreted as inclusive, that is, the inclusion of at least one of a plurality of elements or a list of elements, but also more than one, and optionally including additional unlisted items. Only when the opposite term is clearly indicated, such as "only one of..." or "exactly one of...", or when used in the claims, "consisting of...", will it refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a plurality of elements or a list of elements. Generally, the term "or" as used herein, when following an exclusive term (e.g., "select one of...", "one of...", "only one of..." or "exactly one of..."), should only be interpreted as indicating an exclusive alternative (i.e., "one or the other but not both")

[0045] As used herein in the specification and claims, the term "at least one" when referring to a list of one or more elements should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but does not necessarily include each and every element specifically listed in the list of elements, and does not exclude any combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present in addition to the elements specifically identified in the list of elements to which the term "at least one" refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

[0046] It should also be understood that in any method claimed herein that includes more than one step or action, the order of the method steps or actions is not necessarily limited to the order of the method steps or actions as recited unless clearly stated to the contrary.

[0047] In the claims and the foregoing description, all transitional phrases, such as "comprises," "comprising," "with," "having," "containing," "involving," "having," "composed of," and the like, are to be construed as open-ended, i.e., meaning including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" are to be considered closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in Section 2111.03 of the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures.

[0048] Although a number of inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate a variety of other devices and / or structures for performing the functions described herein and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more advantages described herein, and each of such variations and / or modifications is considered to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are exemplary, and that actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend on one or more specific applications in which the inventive teachings are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to determine many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein using only routine experimentation. Therefore, it should be understood that the foregoing examples are presented by way of example only, and within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, these inventive embodiments may be practiced in a manner different from that specifically described and claimed. The inventive embodiments of the present disclosure relate to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits and / or methods is also included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent.

Claims

1. A method for transmitting data and power to minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI) in an EMI sensitive environment, comprising: transmitting data and power from outside the EMI sensitive environment via a first data and power transmission cable, wherein the first data and power transmission cable is not suitable for transmitting data and power within the EMI sensitive environment; receiving the transmitted data and power at a power and data converter; converting the received data and power into a power-over-fiber (PoF) transmission format by the power and data converter; transmitting the converted power and data from the converter to the EMI sensitive environment via a PoF cable; as well as The transmitted data and / or power is received by a device located within the EMI sensitive environment.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The EMI sensitive environment is an MRI environment.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first data and power transmission cable is an Ethernet cable.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: A portion of the converter is located within the EMI sensitive environment.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The converter is positioned outside of a most EMI sensitive portion of the EMI sensitive environment.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The device located within the EMI sensitive environment is configured to separate the received data and power.

7. A system for transmitting data and power to minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI) in an EMI sensitive environment, comprising: PoF cable; a first data and power transmission cable configured for transmitting data and power from a source located external to the EMI sensitive environment, wherein the first data and power transmission cable is not suitable for transmitting data and power within the EMI sensitive environment; A power and data converter configured to: (i) receive the transmitted data and power; (ii) convert the received data and power into a power-over-fiber (PoF) transmission format; and (iii) transmitting the converted power and data to the EMI sensitive environment via the PoF cable; as well as A device located within the EMI sensitive environment is configured to receive the data and / or power transmitted via the PoF cable.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein: The EMI sensitive environment is an MRI environment.

9. The system according to claim 7, wherein: The first data and power transmission cable is an Ethernet cable.

10. The system according to claim 7, wherein: A portion of the converter is located within the EMI sensitive environment.

11. The system according to claim 7, wherein: The converter is positioned outside of a most EMI sensitive portion of the EMI sensitive environment.

12. The system according to claim 7, wherein: The device located within the EMI sensitive environment is configured to separate the received data and power.

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