Efficient data transmission over multiple transmission channels

Abstract

data transmission system, - wherein the data transmission system comprises a number of first data sources (1), a number of first data sinks (2), a first and a second transmitting circuit (3, 6), a first and a second transmission channel (5, 8) and a first and a second receiving circuit (4, 7), - wherein the first data sources (1) are programmed with the first instructions of a computer program, - wherein the first transmitting circuit (3) is programmed with the second commands of the computer program, - wherein the second transmitting circuit (6) is programmed with the third commands of the computer program, - wherein the second receiving circuit (7) is programmed with the fourth instructions of the computer program, - wherein the first receiving circuit (4) is programmed with the fifth instructions of the computer program, - so that the first data sources (1), the first data sinks (2), the first and a second transmitting circuit (3, 6), the first and the second transmission channel (5, 8) and the first and a second receiving circuit (4, 7) interact according to a method for data transmission.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a data transmission system.

[0002] Data transmission systems for performing data transmission procedures are well known. They are used, for example—but not exclusively—in CT systems for data transmission between the stationary and rotating parts of the CT system.

[0003] In many cases, data transmission is required between components of systems that cannot be directly connected to one another. Such a connection is particularly not possible if one of the two components is stationary and the other component is to be arranged so as to be movable relative to it. A typical example is data transmission from X-ray detectors (an example of data sources within the meaning of the present invention) on the rotatable and thus movable gantry of a CT system to an evaluation device not arranged on the gantry (an example of a data sink within the meaning of the present invention).

[0004] In such systems, data is typically transmitted via a wired connection from the respective data source to a respective transmitting circuit, and data is also transmitted via a wired connection from a respective receiving circuit to a respective data sink. A transmission channel is established between the respective transmitting circuit and the respective receiving circuit. This transmission channel has at least one contactless section and is implemented, for example, using RF technology, capacitive coupling, dielectric coupling, or leaky waveguides.

[0005] To optimize costs, the transmit and receive circuits are often shared by multiple data sources or sinks. Depending on the number of connected components, the amount of data to be transmitted, and the bandwidth of a single transmission channel, multiple transmission channels may be required in some cases.

[0006] The current state of the art uses a rigid assignment. With a rigid assignment, a specific data source transmits its respective sequence of data packets to a specific transmitting circuit. This transmitting circuit feeds the data packets into its assigned transmission channel. The associated receiving circuit coupled to the transmission channel receives the data packets and transmits them to the corresponding data sink. Depending on the operating state of the overall system, this can lead to uneven – possibly even significantly uneven – loading of the individual transmission channels. In extreme cases, this can lead to data transmission via a specific transmission channel taking a significant amount of time due to high utilization, while at the same time another transmission channel is not used or is used only insignificantly.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to create possibilities by means of which the bandwidth available over several transmission channels can be used as well as possible in a simple and efficient manner.

[0008] The object is achieved by a data transmission system having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the data transmission system are the subject of dependent claims 2 to 8.

[0009] The data transmission system according to the invention comprises a number of first data sources (1), a number of first data sinks (2), a first and a second transmitting circuit (3, 6), a first and a second transmission channel (5, 8) and a first and a second receiving circuit (4, 7), - wherein the first data sources (1) are programmed with the first instructions of a computer program, - wherein the first transmitting circuit (3) is programmed with the second commands of the computer program, - wherein the second transmitting circuit (6) is programmed with the third commands of the computer program, - wherein the second receiving circuit (7) is programmed with the fourth instructions of the computer program, - wherein the first receiving circuit (4) is programmed with the fifth instructions of the computer program, - so that the first data sources (1), the first data sinks (2), the first and a second transmitting circuit (3, 6), the first and the second transmission channel (5, 8) and the first and a second receiving circuit (4, 7) interact according to a method for data transmission.

[0010] Advantageously, the data transmission system of this type is designed - that the first transmission circuit divides the first data packets disjointly into second and third data packets depending on the utilization of the first and second transmission channels, - that the first transmitting circuit transmits the third data packets to the second transmitting circuit and the second receiving circuit transmits the third data packets received by it to the first receiving circuit and - that the first receiving circuit transmits the second data packets and the third data packets to the respective first data sink according to their sequence within the respective sequence of first data packets.

[0011] This means that - depending on the load on the first, the second and possibly other transmission channels - part of the first data packets can be transmitted via the second transmission channel.

[0012] The utilization of the transmission channels can be known to the first transmission circuit or to a control device higher-level than the first transmission circuit, for example due to an operating mode of a higher-level system, the components of which include, among others, the first data sources.

[0013] The utilization of the transmission channels is still not static, but dynamic. It is therefore possible that at a certain point in time many (in the extreme case all) first data packets are classified as second data packets and at a later point in time many (in the extreme case almost all) first data packets are classified as third data packets. Furthermore, the division of the first data packets into second and third data packets is disjoint. However, disjoint simply means that a given first data packet cannot be both a second data packet and a third data packet at the same time. However, it is not absolutely necessary that the division into second and third data packets is complementary, i.e. that a given first data packet is either a second data packet or a third data packet.Rather, depending on the number of transmission channels and the utilization of the transmission channels, it may also be possible to divide the first data records into more than two groups of data records, with each group of data records being transmitted via a single transmission channel.

[0014] In the simplest case, there is only a single first data source. However, it is also entirely possible for the number of first data sources to be greater than one. In this case, with the exception of a maximum of a single sequence of first data packets, the data packets of the sequences of first data packets are preferably transmitted either completely or not at all via the second transmission channel. If, for example, there are a total of four first data sources, it may well be the case that the first data packets of k sequences of first data packets are transmitted via the first transmission channel and the first data packets of 4-k sequences of first data packets are transmitted via the second transmission channel. In this case, k can take on the values ​​1, 2, 3 and 4.It is also possible for the first data packets of k sequences of first data packets to be transmitted via the first transmission channel, and for the first data packets of 3-k sequences of first data packets to be transmitted via the second transmission channel, and for the fourth sequence of first data packets to be divided so that a portion of the first data packets of the fourth sequence is transmitted via the first transmission channel, and a portion of the first data packets of the fourth sequence is transmitted via the second transmission channel. However, the case where two or more sequences of first data packets are divided into a portion transmitted via the first transmission channel and a portion transmitted via the second transmission channel is excluded.The restriction to the exception of a maximum of one single sequence of first data packets leads to simplified handling of the data packets on both the side of the first transmitting circuit and the side of the first receiving circuit.

[0015] Preferably, it is provided that the first receiving circuit, upon receipt of a second data packet or transmission of a third data packet, discards the received or transmitted data packet if it has already transmitted a subsequent data packet with respect to the associated sequence of first data packets to the respective first data sink, and otherwise transmits the received or transmitted data packet to the respective first data sink.

[0016] This makes it easy to take into account the fact that the data packets transmitted via the various transmission channels may have different propagation times and therefore may not be fully synchronized.

[0017] In this case, a gap arises with regard to the data packets transmitted to the associated first data sink. However, this gap can be easily detected by the data sink, so that the associated first data sink is able to request the missing first data packets from the corresponding first data source again. This procedure, which is known per se, is not part of the present invention, but is assumed.

[0018] Preferably, it is further provided that the first receiving circuit transmits the received or transmitted data packet immediately if it has already transmitted the immediately preceding data packet of the associated sequence of first data packets to the respective first data sink, and otherwise transmits it as soon as a predetermined waiting time has elapsed since the transmission of the last first data packet of the associated sequence of first data packets transmitted to the respective first data sink. This ensures that, even if individual data packets do not arrive properly on the first receiving circuit side, proper forwarding of the data packets to the associated first data sink is still ensured.

[0019] Transmission even after the waiting time has elapsed does result in a gap in the data packets transmitted to the associated first data sink. However, this gap can be easily detected by the data sink—as before—so that the associated first data sink is able to request the missing first data packets from the corresponding first data source again. This procedure, which is known per se, is not part of the present invention, but is assumed.

[0020] In very rare cases, it may be possible that the second transmission channel is not used for any other purpose, but is available for standby or redundancy. However, it is generally intended that - that a number of second data sources transmit a respective sequence of fourth data packets to the second transmission circuit, - that the second transmission circuit feeds the fourth data packets into the second transmission channel and - that the second receiving circuit transmits the fourth data packets to a respective second data sink according to their sequence within the respective sequence of fourth data packets.

[0021] In particular, this can cause the “independent” utilization of the second transmission channel caused by the fourth data packets to vary significantly.

[0022] Analogous to the first data sources, the number of second data sources can also be greater than one.

[0023] Advantageously, the computer program comprises respective instructions for the various components of the data transmission system which, when executed by the respective component, cause the respective component to carry out its part of the data transmission method.

[0024] According to the invention, the data transmission system comprises the various components required to execute the data transmission method. The components are programmed with the respective commands of the computer program, so that the various components of the data transmission system interact according to the data transmission method.

[0025] A typical application of the present invention is that the first data sources and the first and second transmit circuits are arranged on the rotating part of a CT system, and the first and second receive circuits are arranged on the stationary part of the CT system. The first data sinks (and possibly also the second data sinks) are generally arranged in a fixed location, but outside the CT system. The data sinks can, for example, be evaluation devices that evaluate X-ray data transmitted via the first and possibly fourth data packets.

[0026] In a typical embodiment, the first and second transmission channels comprise ring-shaped transmission structures. The transmission structures can be arranged on the rotating part of the CT system. In this case, the first and second receiving circuits are wirelessly coupled to the transmission structures. Alternatively, the transmission structures can be arranged on the stationary part of the CT system. In this case, the first and second transmitting circuits are wirelessly coupled to the transmission structures.

[0027] The above-described properties, features, and advantages of this invention, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and more readily understood in connection with the following description of the embodiments, which are explained in more detail in conjunction with the drawings. Herein, in schematic representation: Fig. 1 a data transmission system, Fig. 2 to 4 flow charts and Fig. 5 a CT system.

[0028] According to Fig. 1, a data transmission system has a number of first data sources 1 and a number of first data sinks 2. Both the number of first data sources 1 and the number of first data sinks 2 can be greater than one. The illustrated numbers of four first data sources 1 and two first data sinks 2 are purely exemplary. The first data sources 1 are connected to a first transmitting circuit 3. The first data sinks 2 are connected to a first receiving circuit 4. The first transmitting circuit 3 and the first receiving circuit 4 are coupled to a first transmission channel 5. The first transmitting circuit 3 is thus able to feed data into the first transmission channel 5. Likewise, the first receiving circuit 4 is thus able to receive data fed into the first transmission channel 5.

[0029] The data transmission system further comprises a second transmitting circuit 6 and a second receiving circuit 7. The second transmitting circuit 6 and the second receiving circuit 7 are coupled to a second transmission channel 8. The second transmitting circuit 6 is thus capable of feeding data into the second transmission channel 8. Likewise, the second receiving circuit 7 is thus capable of receiving data fed into the second transmission channel 8.

[0030] As a rule, the data transmission system according to Fig. 1 also includes a number of second data sources 9 and a number of second data sinks 10. The second data sources 9 are connected to the second transmitting circuit 6. The second data sinks 10 are connected to the second receiving circuit 7. Analogous to the first data sources 1, the number of second data sources 9 can also be greater than one. The same applies to the number of second data sinks 10. The illustrated numbers of three second data sources 9 and two second data sinks 10 are purely exemplary.

[0031] As a result, data should be transferred from the first data sources 1 to the first data sinks 2 and usually also data from the second data sources 9 to the second data sinks 10. The data transfers are in Fig. 1 are indicated by a solid arrow and in one case by a splitting dashed arrow.

[0032] The transmission of data from the first data sources 1 to the first data sinks 2 takes place per first data source 1 in a respective sequence of data packets DP. In Fig. 1, only one of the data packets DP is shown. It can be seen that a specific sequence of data packets DP of a respective first data source 1 is either transmitted completely via the first transmission channel 5 or split between the first and second transmission channels 5, 8. In this case, Fig. 1 only a single sequence of data packets DP is transmitted partly via the first transmission channel 5 and partly via the second transmission channel 8. Likewise, the transmission of data from the second data sources 9 to the second data sinks 10 per second data source 9 takes place in a respective sequence of data packets DP. Here too, Fig. 1 only one of the data packets DP is shown.

[0033] As far as the data packets DP transmitted from the first data sources 1 to the first data sinks 2 are concerned, various embodiments and modifications of this procedure are possible. However, with regard to the second transmission channel 8—that is, the transmission channel in which, for transmission on the transmitting circuits 3, 6 side, a transmission of the respective data packet DP must take place from the first transmitting circuit 3 to the second transmitting circuit 6, and on the receiving circuits 4, 7 side, a transmission of the respective data packet DP must take place from the second receiving circuit 7 to the first receiving circuit 4—it always applies that, with the exception of a maximum of a single sequence of data packets DP, the data packets DP of the sequences of data packets DP are either transmitted in full or not at all via this transmission channel 8.

[0034] The first and second data sources 1, 9 are, as far as data transmission is concerned, each connected exclusively to their respective transmitting circuit 3, 6. They therefore always transmit their data to their respective transmitting circuit 3, 6. In a similar manner, the first and second data sinks 2, 10 are, as far as data transmission is concerned, each connected exclusively to their respective receiving circuit 4, 7. As a rule - in Fig. 1 - indicated by the solid lines - the data is transmitted entirely directly. Such a direct transmission - this procedure is state of the art - is explained below using the example of a data transmission from one of the first data sources 1 to one of the first data sinks 2.

[0035] The respective first data source 1 transmits a respective sequence of data packets DP to the first transmitting circuit 3. The data packets DP have a respective number in their header, which identifies their position within the respective sequence of data packets DP. This number is referred to below as n, insofar as this is necessary to distinguish the individual data packets DP from one another. The number n refers only to the sequence of data packets DP of the respective first data source 1. The first transmitting circuit 3 feeds the corresponding data packets DP into the first transmission channel 5. The first receiving circuit 4 receives the corresponding data packets DP and transmits them to the respective first data sink 2 according to their sequence within the respective sequence of data packets DP.

[0036] Analogous embodiments apply to a direct transmission of data packets DP from one of the second data sources 9 to one of the second data sinks 10 via the second transmitting circuit 3, the second transmission channel 8 and the second receiving circuit 7.

[0037] As far as complete direct transmissions are carried out in this case, the procedure is unchanged compared to the prior art. However, in this case, a control device 11 is present. The control device 11 is Fig. 2, in a step S1, a respective utilization A1, A2 of the first and second transmission channels 5, 8 is known. Depending on the utilizations A1, A2, the control device 11 determines in a step S2, at least for the first transmission circuit 3, whether and, if so, to what extent the first transmission circuit 3 should transmit data packets DP, which are transmitted to it from the first data sources 1, to the first reception circuit 4 not via its own first transmission channel 5, but via a different transmission path, in this case specifically via the second transmission circuit 6, the second transmission channel 8 and the second reception circuit 7. As a rule, a corresponding determination is also made for the second transmission circuit 6 in step S2. The control device 11 specifies the corresponding distributions D1, D2 to the two transmission circuits 3, 6 in a step S3.The control device 11 can execute steps S1 to S3 repeatedly, either permanently or upon a change in the operating mode. The determination of the distributions D1, D2 can thus be dynamic.

[0038] The two divisions D1, D2 can, for example, each have a value above 0 and up to 1. The - purely theoretical - value 0 can mean that the respective transmitting circuit 3, 6 transmits none of its data packets DP via its transmission channel 5, 8 to the corresponding receiving circuit 4, 7. The value 1 can mean that the respective transmitting circuit 3, 6 transmits all of its data packets DP via its transmission channel 5, 8 to the corresponding receiving circuit 4, 7. Even if it is theoretically conceivable that both divisions D1, D2 have a value below 1, it is possible that this is not useful in practice. Rather, one of the two divisions D1, D2 usually has the value 1. The other of the two divisions D1, D2 can have a value above 0 and up to 1.In the following, it is assumed, without loss of generality, that the division D2 has the value 1 and the division D1 has a value below 1. The communication of the second data sources 9 with the second data sinks 10 thus takes place - as in the prior art - directly via the second transmitting circuit 6, the second transmission channel 8, and the second receiving circuit 7.

[0039] The first transmitting circuit 3 carries out a process described below in connection with Fig. 3 explained procedure.

[0040] According to Fig. 3, the first transmission circuit 3 receives its associated division D1 from the control device 11 in a step S11. In a step S12, the first transmission circuit 3 checks whether the division D1 specified to it has the value 1. If this is the case, the first transmission circuit 3 proceeds to steps S13 and S14. In step S13, the first transmission circuit 3 receives a data packet DP. This applies regardless of whether the corresponding data packet DP was specified for the first transmission circuit 3 by one of the first data sources 1 or by another means—in particular by the second transmission circuit 6. In step S14, the first transmission circuit 3 feeds the data packet DP received in step S13 into the first transmission channel 5. The first transmission circuit 3 then returns to step S11.

[0041] If, however, the distribution D1 has a value below 1, the first transmission circuit 3 proceeds to step S15. In step S15, the first transmission circuit 3 receives a data packet DP—analogously to step S13. Due to the fact that the distribution D1 has a value below 1, the corresponding data packet DP originates from one of the first data sources 1.

[0042] In step S16, the first transmission circuit 3 checks whether the corresponding data packet DP should be transmitted via the first transmission channel 5. The check is performed taking into account the predefined division D1. If the corresponding data packet DP should be transmitted via the first transmission channel 5, the first transmission circuit 3 proceeds to step S14. Otherwise, the first transmission circuit 3 proceeds to step S17. In step S17, the first transmission circuit 3 transmits the corresponding data packet DP to the second transmission circuit 6.

[0043] As a result, the first transmission circuit 3 divides the data packets DP into two groups of data packets DP depending on the load A1, A2 of the first and second transmission channels 5, 8. The data packets DP of one group are transmitted via the first transmission channel 5, while the data packets DP of the other group are transmitted via the second transmission channel 8. The division is disjoint. A specific data packet DP is therefore transmitted either via the first transmission channel 5 or via the second transmission channel 8, but not via both transmission channels 5, 8.

[0044] The second transmission circuit 6 essentially performs the same procedure. The only difference is that the distribution D2 has a value of 1, and the second transmission circuit 6 therefore feeds all data packets DP that are supplied to it into the second transmission channel 8.

[0045] The first receiving circuit 4 carries out a process described below in connection with Fig. 4 explained procedure.

[0046] According to Fig. 4, the first receiving circuit 4 checks in a step S21 whether a data packet DP is being fed to it via the first transmission channel 5. If this is the case, the first receiving circuit 4 receives the corresponding data packet DP in a step S22 and stores it internally. In a subsequent step S23, the first receiving circuit 4 checks whether the internally stored data packet DP originates from one of the second data sources 9 or is intended for one of the second data sinks 10. If the internally stored data packet DP originates from one of the second data sources 9 or is intended for one of the second data sinks 10, the first receiving circuit 4 transmits the corresponding data packet DP to the second receiving circuit 7 in a step S24. The first receiving circuit 4 then deletes the corresponding data packet DP from its internal memory in a step S25.

[0047] In a step S26, the first receiving circuit 4 checks whether a data packet DP is being supplied to it from the second receiving circuit 7. If this is the case, the first receiving circuit 4 receives the corresponding data packet DP in a step S27 and stores it internally.

[0048] It is possible that the first receiving circuit 4 has neither received a data packet DP via the first transmission channel 5 nor has a data packet DP been transmitted by the second receiving circuit 7. It is also possible that the first receiving circuit 4 has received a data packet DP via the first transmission channel 5, but transmitted the data packet DP to the second receiving circuit 7 in step S24. The first receiving circuit 4 therefore checks in step S28 whether it has stored at least one data packet DP internally. If this is not the case, the first receiving circuit 4 returns to step S21. Otherwise, the first receiving circuit 4 continues with step S29.

[0049] In step S29, the first receiving circuit 4 checks whether it has already transmitted a subsequent data packet DP to the respective first data sink 2 with regard to the associated sequence of first data packets DP. For this purpose, the first receiving circuit 4 compares the number n of the internally stored data packet DP with the number n' of the data packet DP last transmitted to the corresponding first data sink 2. If the number n is smaller than the number n', the first receiving circuit 4 has already transmitted a corresponding data packet DP with a higher number n' to the corresponding first data sink 2. In this case, the first receiving circuit 4 deletes the internally stored data packet DP from its internal memory in a step S30. Transmission to the corresponding first data sink 2 does not occur. This applies regardless of whether the internally stored data packet DP was stored in step S22 or in step S27.

[0050] Otherwise, i.e. if the number n is greater than the number n', the first receiving circuit 4 transmits the internally stored data packet DP to the respective first data sink 2. This is preferably done as explained below in connection with steps S31 to S35.

[0051] In step S31, the first receiving circuit 4 checks whether the data packet DP that it received immediately before the last internally stored data packet DP is the data packet DP that immediately precedes the internally stored data packet DP. As a result, the first receiving circuit 3 compares the number n of the corresponding internally stored data packet DP with the number n'' of the immediately previously received data packet DP. If the difference is 1, the condition is met. If this is the case, the first transmitting circuit 3 proceeds to step S32. In step S32, the first receiving circuit 4 checks whether the data packet DP that it received immediately before the last stored data packet DP has already been transmitted to the corresponding first data sink 2. If this is the case, the first receiving circuit 4 transmits the internally stored data packet DP to the corresponding first data sink 2 in step S33.Then, in a step S34, the first receiving circuit 4 updates the number n'. Specifically, it sets the number n' to the value n.

[0052] Otherwise, if the first receiving circuit 4 has not yet transmitted the data packet DP that it received immediately before the last stored data packet DP to the corresponding first data sink 2, the first receiving circuit transmits all data packets DP that have a number less than n to the corresponding first data sink 2 in a step S35 before executing step S32, according to their order.

[0053] If the check in step S31 is negative, i.e., the data packet DP that it received immediately before the last internally stored data packet DP is not the data packet DP immediately preceding the internally stored data packet DP, the first receiving circuit 4 proceeds to step S36. In step S36, the first receiving circuit 4 checks whether a predetermined waiting time T has elapsed since the transmission of the last data packet DP of the associated sequence of data packets DP transmitted to the respective first data sink 2. If this is not the case, the first receiving circuit 4 returns to step S21. Otherwise, it proceeds to step S32.

[0054] Regardless of whether the first receiving circuit 4 has received a specific data packet DP directly via the first transmission channel 5 or whether it was supplied to it by the second receiving circuit 7, the first receiving circuit 4 thus transmits the data packets DP to the respective first data sink 2 according to their sequence within the respective sequence of first data packets DP.

[0055] The second receiving circuit 7 essentially performs the same procedure. Steps S21 to S25 ensure that the second receiving circuit 7 transmits those data packets DP that it receives via the second transmission channel 8 and that are intended for the first receiving circuit 6 to the first receiving circuit 6.

[0056] The present invention is preferably used in conjunction with a CT system 12. The CT system 12 has, as shown in Fig. 5 has a rotating part 13 (usually referred to as a gantry) and a fixed part 14. According to Fig. 5, the first data sources 1 and the first and second transmitting circuits 3, 6 (and also the second data sources 9) are arranged on the rotating part 13. The first and second receiving circuits 4, 7, however, are arranged on the stationary part 14. In Fig. 5, only elements 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7 are shown as such. The data connections between elements 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7 are not shown. The first and second data sinks 2, 10 can be located outside the CT system 12. They are shown in Fig. 5 is also not shown.

[0057] According to the presentation in Fig.5, the first and second transmission channels 5, 8 comprise ring-shaped transmission structures 15. Possible configurations of the transmission structures 15 are generally known to those skilled in the art. The transmission structures 15 can be arranged on the rotating part 13 or on the stationary part 14, as required. In both cases, both the first and second transmitting circuits 3, 6 and the first and second receiving circuits 4, 7 are coupled to the transmission structures 15 of the respective transmission channel 5, 8.

[0058] If the transmission structures 15 are arranged on the rotating part 13 and consequently the transmission structures 15 move along the first and second receiving circuits 4, 7 during operation of the CT systems, at least the first and second receiving circuits 4, 7 are wirelessly coupled to the transmission structures 15. Conversely, if the transmission structures 15 are arranged on the stationary part 14 and consequently the transmission structures 15 move along the first and second transmitting circuits 3, 6 during operation of the CT systems, at least the first and second transmitting circuits 3, 6 are wirelessly coupled to the transmission structures 15.

[0059] The present invention has many advantages. Firstly, an automatic and even dynamic distribution of the incoming data traffic across the existing transmission channels 5, 8 is possible. From the perspective of the data sources 1, 9 and the data sinks 2, 10, this distribution is transparent. The data sources 1, 9 therefore continue to transmit all their data packets DP to their respective transmit circuits 3, 6, and the data sinks 2, 10 receive all their data packets DP from their respective receive circuits 4, 7. Any time delays caused by transmission over different transmission channels 5, 8 are at least largely compensated for, in particular by waiting for the waiting time T.

[0060] Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, persons with male, female or other gender identity are included.

Claims

[1] Data transmission system, - wherein the data transmission system comprises a number of first data sources (1), a number of first data sinks (2), a first and a second transmitting circuit (3, 6), a first and a second transmission channel (5, 8) and a first and a second receiving circuit (4, 7), - wherein the first data sources (1) are programmed with the first instructions of a computer program, - wherein the first transmitting circuit (3) is programmed with the second commands of the computer program, - wherein the second transmitting circuit (6) is programmed with the third commands of the computer program, - wherein the second receiving circuit (7) is programmed with the fourth instructions of the computer program, - wherein the first receiving circuit (4) is programmed with the fifth instructions of the computer program, - so that the first data sources (1), the first data sinks (2), the first and a second transmitting circuit (3, 6), the first and the second transmission channel (5, 8) and the first and a second receiving circuit (4, 7) interact according to a method for data transmission. [2] Data transmission system according to claim 1, characterized by in that the data transmission system has a number of second data sources (9) and that the second data sources (9) are programmed with the sixth instructions of the computer program, so that the first and second data sources (1, 9), the first data sinks (2), the first and a second transmitting circuit (3, 6), the first and the second transmission channel (5, 8) and the first and a second receiving circuit (4, 7) cooperate according to a method for data transmission. [3] Data transmission system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the number of first data sources (1) is greater than one. [4] Data transmission system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first data sources (1) and the first and second transmitting circuits (3, 6) are arranged on the rotating part (13) of a CT system (12) and that the first and second receiving circuits (4, 7) are arranged on the fixed part (14) of the CT system (12). [5] Data transmission system according to claim 4, characterized by that the first and the second transmission channel (5, 8) comprise ring-like encircling transmission structures (15) arranged on the rotating part (13) of the CT system (12), to which the first and second receiving circuits (4, 7) are wirelessly coupled, or that the first and the second transmission channel (5, 8) comprise ring-like encircling transmission structures (15) arranged on the fixed part (14) of the CT system (12), to which the first and second transmitting circuits (3, 6) are wirelessly coupled. [6] Data transmission system according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the computer program comprises first instructions which, when executed by first data sources (1), cause the first data sources (1) to transmit a respective sequence of first data packets (DP) to a first transmission circuit (3), - wherein the computer program comprises second instructions which, when executed by a first transmission circuit (3), cause the first transmission circuit (3) to divide the first data packets (DP) disjointly into second and third data packets (DP, DP) depending on a load (A1, A2) of a first and a second transmission channel (5, 8), to feed the second data packets (DP) into the first transmission channel (5) and to transmit the third data packets (DP) to a second transmission circuit (6), - wherein the computer program comprises third instructions which, when executed by the second transmission circuit (6), cause the second transmission circuit (6) to feed the third data packets (DP) into a second transmission channel (8), - wherein the computer program comprises fourth instructions which, when executed by a second receiving circuit (7) coupled to the second transmission channel (8), cause the second receiving circuit (7) to receive the third data packets (DP) and to transmit them to the first receiving circuit (4), - wherein the computer program comprises fifth instructions which, when executed by a first receiving circuit (4) coupled to the first transmission channel (5), cause the first receiving circuit (4) to receive the second data packets (DP) and to transmit the second data packets (DP) and the third data packets (DP) to the respective first data sink (2) in accordance with their sequence within the respective sequence of first data packets (DP). [7] Data transmission system according to claim 6, characterized by , - that the second commands, when executed by the first transmitting circuit (3), cause the first transmitting circuit (3) to transmit the data packets (DP) of the sequences of first data packets (DP) either completely or not at all via the second transmission channel (8), with the exception of a maximum of one single sequence of first data packets (DP), and / or - that the fifth commands, when executed by the first receiving circuit (4), cause the first receiving circuit (4) to discard the received or transmitted data packet (DP) upon receipt of a second data packet (DP) or transmission of a third data packet (DP) if it has already transmitted a subsequent data packet (DP) with respect to the associated sequence of first data packets (DP) to the respective first data sink (2), and otherwise to transmit the received or transmitted data packet (DP) to the respective first data sink (2) and / or - that the fifth commands, when executed by the first receiving circuit (4), cause the first receiving circuit (4) to transmit the received or transmitted data packet (DP) immediately if it has already transmitted the immediately preceding data packet (DP) of the associated sequence of first data packets (DP) to the respective first data sink (2), and otherwise to transmit it as soon as a predetermined waiting time (T) has elapsed since the transmission of the first data packet (DP) of the associated sequence of first data packets (DP) last transmitted to the respective first data sink (2). [8] Data transmission system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by , - that the computer program comprises sixth instructions which, when executed by a number of second data sources (9), cause the second data sources (9) to transmit a respective sequence of fourth data packets (DP) to the second transmission circuit (6), - that the third commands cause the second transmitting circuit (6) to feed the fourth data packets (DP) into the second transmission channel (8) and - that fourth commands cause the second receiving circuit (7) to transmit the fourth data packets (DP) to a respective second data sink (10) according to their sequence within the respective sequence of fourth data packets (DP).

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