Wireless ct data transmission

Abstract

To solve the problem that current optical solution is expensive custom hardware.SOLUTION: The current invention relates to an imaging system MIS having a wireless communication function, an arbitrary selective medical imaging system, and a related method. The imaging system is provided with a gantry RG rotatable around a rotary shaft. The gantry includes a detection device D capable of recording measurement data PAT related to a subject (such as a patient) to be imaged in a plurality of special positions. The system also includes a radio transmitter TX for generating directivity radio beam that can be propagated along a propagation shaft for transmitting the measurement data to a radio receiver RX. The radio transmitter TX is disposed on the rotary gantry so that the propagation direction crosses the rotary shaft, and operable in the place away from the rotary gantry.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging system having a wireless communication function, a method for wireless communication for an imaging system, a computer program element, and a computer-readable medium.

Background Art

[0002] In medical imaging, and imaging in general, computer tomography (CT) acquisitions can generate large amounts of data in a short time. This has become even more complex with the advent of spectral CT in recent years. Spectral CT generates even more data as, in some spectral imaging techniques, the detector is used with two or more sensors per image pixel.

[0003] Current solutions for the transfer of data between a moving gantry of a CT scanner and the stationary part of the CT scanner are based on optical communication via slip rings. Slip rings may also be used to supply power to the moving gantry.

[0004] The required data rate for non-spectral CT is currently on the order of 10 Gbit / s and is correspondingly higher for spectral CT, at approximately 100 Gbit / s.

[0005] Current optical solutions are expensive custom hardware.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for an alternative solution for data communication with respect to rotational imaging systems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The object of the present invention is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims, to which further embodiments are incorporated in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the aspects of the present invention described below equally apply to a method of wireless communication, a computer program element, and a computer-readable medium for an imaging system.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging system having a wireless communication function, the imaging system comprising: a gantry including a detection device capable of recording measurement data regarding an object (such as a patient) to be imaged at a plurality of spatial positions; at least one wireless transmitter for generating a directional wireless beam that can propagate along a propagation axis to transmit the measurement data to a wireless receiver; and the wireless transmitter is arranged and operable on the rotary gantry such that the propagation direction intersects the rotation axis in a region / location located away from the rotary gantry; the imaging system further comprises a receiver located in the location / region.

[0009] Specifically, the fact that the region / location is away from the gantry includes that any plane perpendicular to the rotation axis and intersecting either the rotary gantry or the stationary gantry of the imaging system cannot intersect the region / location.

[0010] In an embodiment, the system further comprises an examination table on which an object (such as a patient) to be imaged can be placed during imaging, and the location is located away from the table.

[0011] In an embodiment, the transmitter includes an array of antenna elements that cooperate to form a directional beam.

[0012] In an embodiment, there are a plurality of such transmitters disposed around the rotation axis and on the rotary gantry, and the respective propagation axes intersect at the region / point. As the rotary gantry rotates, the propagation axes trace a cone.

[0013] In another aspect, an imaging system having a wireless communication function is provided, and the imaging system includes a rotary gantry rotatable about a rotation axis within a fixed gantry, the rotary gantry including a detection device capable of recording measurement data regarding an object (such as a patient) to be imaged at a plurality of spatial positions, at least one wireless transmitter for generating a directional wireless beam with transmission energy to transmit the measurement data to a wireless receiver, switching logic capable of operating to switch the transmitter between two modes, a leisure mode and a duty mode, wherein the transmission energy in the duty mode is higher than the transmission energy in the leisure mode, and the at least one wireless transmitter is disposed on the gantry so as to be rotatable with the gantry, the wireless receiver can be disposed away from the gantry in a first fixed region, there is a definable communication path spatially extending from the first fixed region to a second fixed region, the at least one wireless transmitter can pass through the second fixed region during rotation of the rotary gantry, the control logic is operable to switch the wireless transmitter from the leisure mode to the duty mode only when the at least one wireless transmitter enters the second fixed region, and the at least one transmitter remains in the duty mode while passing through the second fixed region.

[0014] In an embodiment, a plurality of such wireless transmitters are disposed on the gantry.

[0015] In an embodiment, the at least one transmitter is operable at a frequency of at least about 1 GHz or higher.

[0016] The proposed communication system, for use in an imaging system, is suitable for high-speed and stable communication and can cope with a high-speed gantry rotation speed of about 4 revolutions per second and thus the resulting rapid change of the transmission channel (i.e., the direct path from the transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna), as well as reflections from outside the examination room where the imager is installed. Despite such a high-speed moving environment, the proposed communication system enables the use of high-throughput transmitter / receiver devices having (preferably, "large-scale") multiple-input / multiple-output (MIMO) and antenna array-based beamforming, such as those envisioned in 5G wireless technology or any other wireless scheme.

[0017] Placing the receiver indoors away from the imager increases the setup flexibility and enables easy implementation of an unobstructed path for examination tables and other equipment. Indoor placement of the receiver, as mainly envisioned herein (opposite to placement on the imager), facilitates maintenance (due to better accessibility) and also facilitates retrofitting an existing imager with a wireless communication function. The proposed setup, where the intersection is away from the gantry, enables data transmission / reception without intermediaries, thereby reducing the number of components and / or cost.

[0018] Furthermore, without the proposed system, it may be necessary to increase the transmission power and data redundancy in the form of additional error correction codes to reduce the error rate. However, this may conflict with the desire to achieve the required high data rate in a hospital environment where it is necessary to make the mobile radio cell as small as possible by limiting the allowable transmission power. Thanks to the proposed system, the required data rate can be achieved in such a situation.

[0019] In an embodiment, it is proposed to include a plurality of transmitters / antennas on the back of a CT scanner that can be switched during scanning to compensate for rotation. This communication path is such that the path between the transmit antenna and the receive antenna (array) remains substantially invariant to rotation. There are no abrupt changes in the transmit channel, and the antenna beam shaping can directly focus on the receiver. Both effects are beneficial for the achievable overall transmit rate. The control logic switches the transmitter between a duty mode or a leisure mode to select the transmit channel. In some embodiments, the control logic is configured to evaluate the background signal received by the receiver. Based on this evaluation, appropriate measures are taken to ensure a sufficient transfer rate.

[0020] The proposed communication system can be constructed with wireless communication devices envisioned for mobile phones and IoT communication. Latest generation wireless communication chips such as 5G devices provide an appropriate data rate, but other devices can also be used instead. Due to the expected large-scale manufacturing, the use of such devices in imaging equipment may be more commercially viable than current optical custom solutions.

[0021] In an embodiment, the imaging system is an X-ray imaging system.

[0022] In an embodiment, the imaging system is configured for a multi-energy X-ray imaging system.

[0023] In another aspect, a method of wireless communication for an imaging system is provided, the imaging system comprising at least one wireless transmitter for generating a directional wireless beam capable of propagating along a propagation direction to transmit measurement data recorded by a detector of the imaging system to a wireless receiver, the at least one wireless transmitter being arranged on the rotary gantry of the imaging system so as to be rotatable together with the rotary gantry relative to a fixed gantry, and a communication path being defined that extends from i) a first fixed region located away from the gantry to ii) a second fixed region in space, the method of wireless communication comprising: Switching the wireless transmitter from a leisure mode to a duty mode only when the wireless transmitter enters the second fixed region, and maintaining the duty mode while the wireless transmitter passes through the second fixed region, wherein the transmission energy in the duty mode is higher than the energy in the leisure mode.

[0024] As an alternative to the above-described embodiments and aspects, a "reversed" configuration is also envisioned, in which case one or more transmitters are disposed indoors away from the gantry, and one or more receivers are disposed at a position within or on the rotary gantry and rotate together with the rotary gantry.

[0025] Specifically, according to an alternative aspect, an imaging system having a wireless communication function is provided, the imaging system comprising: a gantry rotatable about a rotation axis and including a device having a function of processing data; at least one wireless receiver for receiving data from the wireless transmitter in a directional wireless beam capable of propagating along a propagation axis; and the wireless receiver is arranged and operable on the rotary gantry such that the propagation axis intersects the rotation axis at a location located away from the rotary gantry.

[0026] Here too, there are a plurality of such receivers disposed around the rotation axis and on the rotary gantry, each receiving data in a beam that can propagate along a respective propagation axis that intersects in the respective region.

[0027] In another embodiment, an imaging system having a wireless communication function is provided, the imaging system comprising: a rotary gantry rotatable about a rotation axis in a fixed gantry, the rotary gantry including a device capable of processing data; at least one wireless receiver for receiving data from a wireless transmitter in a directional radio beam of transmission energy; switching logic (SL) capable of operating to switch the transmitter between two modes, a leisure mode and a duty mode, wherein the transmission energy in the duty mode is higher than the transmission energy in the leisure mode; comprising; the at least one wireless receiver is disposed on the rotary gantry so as to be rotatable together with the rotary gantry; the wireless transmitter can be disposed away from the rotary gantry and the fixed gantry in a first fixed region; there is a definable communication path spatially extending from the first fixed region to a second fixed region; the at least one wireless receiver can pass through the second fixed region during rotation of the rotary gantry; the control logic is operable to switch the wireless transmitter from the leisure mode to the duty mode only when the wireless receiver enters the second fixed region, and the transmitter remains in the duty mode while the receiver passes through the second fixed region.

[0028] In yet another aspect, a method of wireless communication for an imaging system is provided, the imaging system comprising a wireless transmitter for generating a directional wireless beam propagable along a propagation direction for transmitting data to a wireless receiver, the wireless receiver being disposed on the rotary gantry of the imaging system so as to be rotatable together with the rotary gantry with respect to a fixed gantry, a communication path being defined from i) a first fixed region in space to ii) a second fixed region located away from the gantry where the transmitter is located, the method of wireless communication comprising: a step (S520) of switching at least one wireless transmitter from a leisure mode to a duty mode only when the wireless receiver enters the second fixed region, and maintaining the duty mode while the wireless receiver passes through the second fixed region, the transmission energy in the duty mode being higher than the transmission energy in the leisure mode.

[0029] The leisure mode may include a complete switch-off of any (or immeasurable) energy transmitted, but such hard switching is not necessarily required. A complete switch-off can save energy consumption. Simply reducing to a low (non-zero) energy level can make the switching circuit faster and potentially extend its lifespan.

[0030] In these "reverse" embodiments, the data processing / generation device may still be an X-ray detector, but other devices such as a control device, or any other data processing device, etc., can be added or included instead in or on the rotary gantry that needs to be supplied with data from a remote transmitter. For example, the transmitter can transmit control data / signals to a control circuit within the rotary gantry to control its rotation, or transmit control signals to a control circuit of the detector to set / reset specific detector settings.

[0031] In another aspect, a computer program element is provided, which is adapted to cause a processing unit to execute any one of the above-described methods when executed by at least one processing unit.

[0032] In another aspect, a computer-readable medium having a program element stored thereon is provided.

[0033] The imaged object can be a living organism, including a human or animal patient or a part thereof, or the object can be an article or luggage within a security screening system, or a sample object in non-destructive material testing.

[0034] The user refers to a person (e.g., a healthcare professional) who operates an imaging device and / or system for imaging an object.

[0035] As used herein, "region" includes the location of a point.

[0036] The transmitter / receiver / transceiver is defined as "disposed away from the gantry of the imaging system" in the embodiments contemplated herein as follows: 1) any virtual plane that passes through the point / location / region of the transmitter / receiver / transceiver and ii) is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the imaging system does not intersect the fixed and / or rotating gantry.

[0037] Next, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, which are not to scale.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0038]

Figure 1

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 2C

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic perspective front view of an image system MIS is shown. A widely common use of such an image system is a medical image system or a baggage screening security system. The image system is preferably a rotational X-ray imaging system such as a CT scanner. Other rotational imaging modalities such as C- or U-arm X-ray imaging systems are also contemplated herein. In general, any rotational system having an imaging unit such as a linear accelerator with imaging options, etc. is contemplated herein.

[0040] The imaging system MIS comprises a fixed gantry NG installed in the examination room. This fixed gantry NG carries a rotary gantry RG that can rotate around the examination area A on a rotation axis Z passing through the examination area. The rotary gantry is in the shape of a donut, and the examination area A is formed as an opening inside it. The examination table TB can be made to extend at least partially into the examination area along the rotation axis Z, which may also be referred to as the imaging axis Z in this specification. The patient PAT, or the object to be imaged, is on the examination table. The table TB with the patient PAT or the object is advanced along the imaging axis Z so that the region of interest is located within the examination area A. The examination table is optional.

[0041] The rotary gantry includes a detector module D capable of detecting X-rays. The rotary gantry RG may further include an X-ray source XS. The source XS is disposed on the rotary gantry RG across the examination area A in a spatial relationship facing the detector D. However, it is not necessarily the case that the X-ray source XS is mounted on or integrated with the rotary gantry RG in all embodiments. For example, in an embodiment, the source XR may be arranged as a ring around the examination area outside the rotary gantry and on the stationary gantry NG. Such a stationary X-ray source unit may comprise, for example, a number of individual sub-X-ray sources or a single integrated source forming the ring.

[0042] During imaging, X-ray radiation is emitted from the X-ray source XS, interacts with the patient's tissue, and then appears from the distal end of the patient and impinges on the detector D. The impinging radiation is converted by the detector D into (projection) measurement data (which may also be called detector raw data). The measurement data collected by the detector D includes intensity values. During imaging, the rotary gantry rotates, and accordingly the detector rotates, and in certain embodiments, the X-ray source also rotates.

[0043] Upon rotation, the rotation detector can receive X-ray radiation from multiple spatial directions and acquire measurement data from a number of different spatial directions p with respect to the patient. In some imaging protocols, the table TB moves along the imaging axis Z to collect measurement data at different locations. The image plane (or "image domain"), from which image data can be reconstructed from the measurement data, is schematically shown by directions X, Y, and each image plane is perpendicular to the imaging axis Z. Such parallel image planes exist one by one at each location on the Z axis, each being different. An external power source or an on-board power source (not shown) supplies power to the rotating gantry RG (and / or components thereon) via a slip ring arrangement. An operator console (not shown) can enable a user (such as a medical practitioner) to control the imaging operation. The user may use the operator console to issue imaging control signals, such as signals for controlling X-ray source settings, detector settings, or the speed of rotation, the movement of the table TB, and others.

[0044] The rotational imaging system is configured for wireless communication. For this purpose, the system includes a wireless communication system CS as part of it. Generally speaking, in embodiments, it can communicate via the wireless communication system CS with one or more intended recipients at a remote location, such as an image processing system IPS, in particular the measurement data collected by the detector D.

[0045] The image processing system IPS may be arranged as a computer system that executes imaging software such as an image reconstruction algorithm that enables conversion of (projection) measurement data from a projection area into cross-sectional images within the image domain X, Y. A number of cross-sectional images that can be assembled into a 3D image volume may be acquired along the imaging axis Z. Other tasks may be performed by the image processing system IPS. The image processing system IPS may exist on a single or multiple computers, such as within a "cloud" environment or other distributed architecture. Instead of, or in addition to, providing measurement data to the image processing system, the measurement data may be transferred for storage in a database DB (such as a PACS of a HIS) or other memory. The reconstructed image or measurement data may be visualized on a display device MT or otherwise processed.

[0046] In an embodiment, data other than the (projection) measurement data needs to be transmitted additionally or instead via the communication system CS. For example, the image processing system may be integrated into a mobile gantry RG, and what may need to be transmitted to a remote recipient via the communication system CS may be the reconstructed image output by the image processing system.

[0047] Generally, the main data flow in this specification is from the rotary gantry RG to the outside of the rotary gantry RG, and in some cases, from the imaging system MIS to a remote recipient. In other embodiments, an opposite (reverse) flow returning from outside the gantry or from a remote location of the imaging system to the rotary gantry RG (or components therein or thereon) is assumed instead of or in addition. Examples of such "reverse flow" data are imaging control signals from an operator console or any data that can be received within a component integrated into the rotary gantry RG.

[0048] To describe the wireless communication system CS in more detail, reference is made to the schematic block diagram of FIG. 2. As understood in this specification, "wireless communication" includes communicating information (such as measurement data or other data) over the air using electromagnetic radiation in an appropriate frequency band of the spectrum. The electromagnetic waves within a given spectrum are modified by modulation so that they can carry information over the air.

[0049] Broadly speaking, the communication system CS includes one or more transmitters TX or one or more receivers RX. The operation of the communication system will be described with reference to the transmission data, which is the measurement data collected by the detector, but this does not limit the principles disclosed in this specification as any other data can be transmitted in either direction.

[0050] The transmitter TX (understanding that there can be one or more, and often referred to as the "transmitter" in this specification) is configured to transmit the measurement data received from the detector on the rotary gantry over the air to the receiver RX (again, understanding that there can be more than one, and often referred to as the "receiver RX" in this specification).

[0051] As will be described in more detail below, the transmitter TX is disposed on or within the rotary gantry, while the receiver RX is disposed in the examination room, spatially separated and away from the rotary gantry RG and / or the stationary gantry NG. For example, the receiver RX can be mounted on the ceiling, wall or floor, or suspended in the room, or otherwise disposed in the room. The receiver RX is disposed on the wall behind the non-rotary / rotary gantry. Preferably, but not necessarily, the receiver is disposed in the same room where the imaging system MIS is installed.

[0052] FIGS. 2B and 2C respectively show schematic block diagrams of the receiver RX and the transmitter TX.

[0053] Now, first looking at the transmitter TX in FIG. 2C, it includes an input port IN to which data to be transmitted (such as measurement data) is received. The transmitter TX component includes a digital signal processor DSP for processing or otherwise conditioning the data to be transmitted (the "payload"). The encoder component ENC encodes the data appropriately. Preferably, as assumed herein, the transmitter TX has a beamforming function. The transmitter can direct a radio beam in a desired spatial direction q. The radio beam has a payload modulated therein by a modulator including a directional antenna driver component DD. The directional driver component DD receives the encoded data from the encoder and drives a set of one or more exemplary antenna elements shown as α1 to α4 to generate a directional beam that conveys information in the air along a preselected direction q. Each antenna element causes its own radio wavelet, but their phases are adjusted by the driver DD such that the wavelets constructively interfere at some positions and destructively interfere at other positions to produce a directional radio beam (e.g., the main lobe). The transmitter TX is further coupled to an external or on-board power source (not shown) to supply energy. This energy is used to transmit the beam with a specific transmission energy. The energy is adjustable, and so is the direction of the beam q. The adjustment is performed by the user or via an interface with other devices such as using control logic CL as described in more detail below.

[0054] The receiver RX components of FIG. 2B have a similar structure to the transmitter TX and include a set of receiver antenna elements α'1-α'4 in which incoming data beams (previously transmitted by the transmitter TX) are registered. The directional driver or tuner DD' of the receiver RX is used to adjust the receiver antenna elements α'1-α'4 so as to be receptive to signals in a specific spatial direction q corresponding to the direction q in which data was sent by the transmitter TX. The decoder component DEC decodes the received data to recover the previously transmitted data. The recovered data is then processed by an optional signal processor DSP for error correction or other purposes. The payload is then output via the output interface OUT and then transferred via another wireless or wired connection to its destination, e.g., an image processor IPS, data storage, or any other suitable signal recipient, etc. One or each of the transmitter TX and the receiver RX includes an on-board storage element (not shown) for buffering at least a portion of the data to be sent or received data.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the transmitter TX and / or the receiver module RX has a MIMO, particularly "large-scale" MIMO, architecture to enable or at least facilitate parallel data processing during reception and / or transmission.

[0056] Regarding the transmitter TX and the receiver module RX, in a MIMO setup with beamforming using an array of antenna elements (phased antenna array), this has been described above, but this is not necessarily the case in all embodiments. Instead, more conventional modules TX, RX are used with a single or a small number (e.g., less than 5 or 10) of antenna elements. In particular, the receiver RX does not necessarily have to have a phased array of antenna elements. A single or a small number of antenna elements is sufficient. Also, the antenna elements are receptive to signals from different directions. The TX, RX modules with (large-scale) MIMO and phased array antennas, as mainly envisioned herein, have two-digit numbers of antenna elements, e.g., exceeding 10, 20, or 50, or even exceeding three-digit numbers. The operating frequency is in the GHz range, and millimeter waves are envisioned. Mobile phones, WIFI, or other wireless technologies may be used as is or appropriately adapted as needed.

[0057] The receiver function and the transmitter function can be combined into a single unit to form a transceiver TX / RX. It is understood that either or both of the transmitter TX and the receiver RX may be arranged as a transceiver TX / RX. A transceiver is preferred, but this is not necessarily required in all embodiments considered herein. In other words, in an embodiment, the transmitter TX is configured for transmission only and / or the receiver RX is configured for receiving signals only. In the following, any reference to the transmitter TX or the receiver RX is understood to include a reference to the "transceiver", and thus everything described below also applies to the transceiver.

[0058] Returning to the block diagram of FIG. 2A, the operation of the communication system CS will now be described in more detail. The proposed wireless communication system CS is configured to address the problem of reliably transmitting measurement data, in particular, from a rotating transmitter TX to a receiver RX with a high data throughput. The receiver RX is assumed to remain stationary at a single location, at least during transmission. Due to the very high rotational speed of approximately 4 revolutions per second achievable by the rotary gantry and thus the detector, without rotation compensation, it would not be possible to achieve a sufficient data throughput with the desired quality.

[0059] The proposed communication system CS is equipped with such a motion compensation scheme. More specifically, the wireless communication system CS is configured to form a communication path CC that is completely or partially spatially invariant and stationary, schematically shown as a cylinder by a dashed line in FIG. 2A. The path CC defines a portion within the space where data can be transmitted along the direction q.

[0060] One end of the path CC (the "take-off region" TOR) includes the transmitter TX, and the other end (the "target region" TAR) includes the receiver RX. Despite the rotation of the transmitter, the communication path CC itself is, in the embodiment, completely spatially invariant and remains fixed in a given pose within the space. This spatial invariance of the path CC with respect to the TX rotation is achieved by including in the communication system CS a tracker TR component that communicates with the switch logic CL. The size, cross-section, or shape of the target region TAR depends on the number of receivers to be arranged and / or the width / cross-section or directional characteristics of the radio beam reaching from the transmitter TX.

[0061] Switch logic CL switches the transmitter TX on and off in synchronization with the rotational position of the rotary gantry RG tracked by the tracker TR. The transmitter (or, if there are multiple such transmitters, any one of the transmitters) is energized to transmit data only when it passes through the take-off area. However, when the transmitter TX leaves the take-off area due to rotation, it is switched back off again. When the next transmitter enters the take-off area or the same transmitter re-enters, each TX is (again) switched on and the following synchronization occurs. The tracker TK is in communication (preferably via a wired connection) with the encoding system of the motor device that drives the rotary gantry. The encoder system provides a numerical definition of the angular position of the rotary gantry relative to a reference position, such as the upright 12 o'clock position, for example. Based on the tracker information from the tracker TR, the control logic CL then switches one or more transceivers on or off synchronously. Specifically, when a known TX position on the rotary gantry passes through a predefined angular range, each transmitter TX is switched on. The take-off area includes this predefined angular range. This range is defined very narrowly so that at any one time only a single transmitter TX can be present within it. Alternatively, and preferably, a wider angular range segment is used as the take-off area so that multiple transmitters TX can be present within it simultaneously, some or all of which are switched on, transmission is permitted, and thus the data throughput is increased. Preferably, the passage CC is defined within the space so as not to intersect obstacles such as patients, examination tables TB, or other equipment or components of the imager MIS. The tracker TR and the switch control logic CL may be integrated into a single control module. The tracker TR and / or the control logic CL may be mounted on the rotary gantry RG or integrated into the rotary gantry RG.

[0062] Instead of a hard-switching scheme where the energy supply to the transmitter TX switches on and off, a "soft" switching scheme is also envisioned. In soft switching, the transmitter TX switches from a low-energy transmission mode to a high-energy transmission mode where radiation is transmitted at a higher energy than in the low-energy transmission mode. In other words, the control logic CL switches each of the transmitters TX between a duty mode and a leisure mode (or state) in synchronization with the angular position of the rotary gantry. As used herein, "leisure mode or state" includes a complete switch-off or a switch-down to lower energy transmission, while "duty mode or state" includes switching on or at least switching up to transmit at a transmission energy higher than the transmission energy in the leisure mode.

[0063] The spatially invariant passageway CC is defined by the switching operation of the logic CL that synchronizes the angular position of the transmitters on the rotary gantry RG with the switching between the duty mode and the leisure mode. The spatially invariant passageway CC is a part of the space that encloses the communication path and is envisioned to be cylindrical or any other arbitrary geometric shape that extends from the take-off region through which the transmitter TX passes to, preferably, the target region where the stationary receiver RX is present. The switching logic CL enables substantially angle-position-synchronized channel hopping, thereby maintaining the spatial invariance of the communication passageway CC.

[0064] In an embodiment, the switching logic CL may be configured not only to simply switch TX between a duty mode and a leisure mode, but also to further select an appropriate frequency transmission channel. Further, in an embodiment, the control logic CL is configured to evaluate background signals such as noise or signal reflection received by the receiver RX in order to take appropriate measures to ensure a sufficient transfer rate. These measures include channel equalization or other filtering methods for removing the contribution of the double phase shift signal. In order to obtain a stable and high-throughput transmission result, it is useful to switch channels during communication based not only on the gantry position but also on background signals such as noise and reflection. A signal processor such as a DSP may be arranged in the receiver RX to estimate the noise level and predict the signal contribution resulting from reflection. In order to obtain the maximum throughput, it is also useful to communicate on multiple channels simultaneously. This multi-channel transmission protocol can be implemented by selecting a take-off area wide enough to accommodate more than any one temporary transmitter TX as described above.

[0065] It should be understood that while the payload (measurement data, etc.) is transferred from the on-movable-gantry-transmitter TX to the stationary in-room receiver RX above, the reverse data flow is also assumed. When using a transceiver, data such as imaging control signals and other data can be transferred from the stationary in-room transceiver TX / RX to the on-movable-gantry-transmitter TX.

[0066] Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, which illustrate different communication channel CC arrangements as contemplated herein in an embodiment. The channels are defined by the above-described interaction between the tracker TR and the switching logic CL in FIGS. 3 and 4, and by a specific geometric arrangement in FIG. 5.

[0067] First, referring to FIG. 3, this shows in FIG. 3A a front view of the (X, Y) plane from the back of the imaging system as viewed along the -Z direction. Transmitters TX1~n are arranged in a regular and equidistant angular pattern on the back of the rotary gantry RG. In this embodiment, 16 transmitters are evenly spread over 360° in segments of 22.5° width. The takeoff region of the passage is defined at the 12 o'clock position with a width of approximately 45° to accommodate three transmitters TX in the duty mode. The pattern in FIG. 3A is an example, and other transmitter distributions regarding position and number, and other angular positions / widths of the takeoff region are also envisioned. The selection of the appropriate position and width of the takeoff region depends on local obstacles present in the examination room. The size of the takeoff region can be predefined and programmed into the switching logic CL of the communication system CS. In FIG. 3, the takeoff region accommodates only three transmitters TX1~3 out of the total number of transmitters at any point during rotation. When entering and staying in the takeoff region of the communication passage, only three transmitters TX are switched to the duty mode at a time. All the remaining transmitters TX4~n outside the takeoff region are switched to the leisure mode by the operation of the switching logic CL.

[0068] Although multiple transmitters TX are used in the design of FIG. 3, it is also envisioned that a single transmitter may be used in an embodiment. The size of the takeoff region is defined for a single transmitter or for multiple transmitters, such as two, three, or four or more. However, narrowing the takeoff region sacrifices data throughput. It is desirable for the takeoff region to accommodate multiple transmitters so that data can be transmitted simultaneously via multiple transmitters.

[0069] Figure 3B shows the arrangement of Figure 3A in a plan view on the (Y, Z) plane. This shows the communication passage CC formed as a cylinder in this embodiment in more detail, and the target area includes at least one, or in this exemplary embodiment, three receivers RX1 to RX3. The receivers RX1 to RX3 are arranged away from the gantries NG, RG. More specifically, the arrangement of the receivers RX is such that a virtual plane passing through the receiver RX position and perpendicular to the imaging axis Z does not intersect the gantry NG or RG and the inspection table TB. As shown in Figure 3B, the three transmitters TX1 to TX3 are currently in the duty mode as they pass through the takeoff area of the passage CC.

[0070] One or more receivers RX are preferably mounted on the wall at approximately the same height as the takeoff area. However, due to having beamforming capabilities, the receivers can be anywhere in the space. The receiver RX can be wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, suspended from the ceiling, or mounted on the floor. In an embodiment, instead of fixedly installing the receiver RX, it may be mounted on a wheeled dolly or any other portable device so that the receiver can be moved to any desired position indoors to provide more flexibility. In this embodiment, the directivity drivers DD of the transmitter TX and the receivers RX have to be reset and adjusted to the new spatial positions of the receivers RX1 to RX3. However, it is preferable to fixedly mount the receiver RX at a single position indoors. When the transmitter TX includes vertically shaped directivity antenna elements, it is desirable that the longitudinal axis of each of those antenna elements is parallel to the imaging axis Z. This enables a more streamlined and compact design.

[0071] Referring now to FIG. 4, these again show a rear view of the scanner MIS along the -Z direction in FIG. 4A and a plan view in FIG. 4B. The arrangement in FIG. 4 is similar to the arrangement previously considered in FIG. 3. However, in FIG. 4, the transmitter TX and / or receiver RX includes a phased array shown in the drawing as a small square area. In this particular embodiment, four transmitters TX having phased transmitter arrays are arranged in an equidistant angular pattern. At any given time, only a single transmitter, e.g., TX1, is in the takeoff region of the passage CC, so it is in a duty mode. In FIG. 4, the takeoff region is again shown at the 12 o'clock position. Here too, as before, this is illustrative and other angular positions of the takeoff region are also contemplated. In alternative embodiments, fewer than four phased array transmitters TX, or five or more transmitters TX, may be used.

[0072] Referring now to FIG. 5, this figure shows an embodiment in which an at least partially spatially invariant communication passage CC is realized not via the synchronous switching in FIGS. 3 and 4, but by a geometric arrangement. That is, the embodiment in FIG. 5 is realized without switching logic CL and tracker TR, and the receiver RX is receptive to signals coming in along each of the different propagation axes q1, q2.

[0073] The invariant communication passage CC is formed or defined by arranging receivers RX1 - 3 at spatial locations away from the gantry RG / NG and on the rotation axis Z. FIG. 5 is a view of this configuration along the direction Y in a side view.

[0074] Here too, as in FIGS. 3 and 4, the receiver RX is spatially separated from the gantries NG, RG, and as a result, a plane (not shown) passing through the position of the receiver RX and perpendicular to the rotation axis Z does not intersect the gantry RG / NG and / or the table TB.

[0075] The transmitter TX may be physically mounted so as to be inclined towards the locations of the receivers RX1 to RX3 on the rotation axis Z and focused thereon. Each receiver propagates data packets along different directions q1, q2. The propagation directions q1, q2 intersect the locations at the intersection (or region) where the receivers RX1 to RX3 are arranged on the rotation axis Z. However, if the transmitter has a beamforming function, such a physical inclination is not necessary. In such an embodiment, the transmitter TX can be mounted flat on the gantry RG, but its directional driver DD is configured to direct the radio beam along the required propagation directions q1, q2 so as to intersect on the rotation axis Z in the target area where the receiver RX is mounted.

[0076] Preferably, the intersection q1 ∩ q2 ∩ Z is placed such that the imaging system MIS images the wall of the inspection room where it is set up and the rotation axis Z passes through. The receiver may then be conveniently mounted on the wall at said location. Arranging the receiver RX at a location on the rotation axis can be done in any of the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0077] This "geometric" embodiment of FIG. 5 differs from the switching-based embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4 in that the invariance requirement on the communication path CC is relaxed and a cone is formed in space. Specifically, in this spatially semi-invariant embodiment, while the take-off area rotates, the target area of the communication path remains stationary. All transmitters TX can continuously transmit information throughout the rotation, while the target area of the receiver RX remains stationary in the space on the fixed rotation axis.

[0078] The transmitter TX can also be arranged here, as shown in the figure, in an angular pattern at equal distances around the rotary gantry. A single transmitter TX, two transmitters arranged opposite each other (as shown in FIG. 5), or a plurality such as three or four, or even more, can be arranged in a regular (angularly equidistant) pattern or an irregular pattern. Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the transmitter TX is attached to the back of the rotary gantry, and the radio beam is emitted therefrom and propagates in the free space pointed by the imaging axis Z to avoid any obstacle caused by the table TB. However, as in FIGS. 3 and 4, an embodiment having a transmitter TX mounted on the front of the rotary gantry RG is not excluded herein.

[0079] In an alternative embodiment of FIG. 5, the switching logic CL can still be used, as described above in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4 as an option, in which case the communication path is no longer convex but non-convex here. When the switching logic is used and there are two or more transmitters, the path is divided into the sides of a triangle (for two transmitters TX) or the lateral sides of a pyramid (for three or more transmitters TX), and the intersection q1∩q2∩...∩qi∩Z forms, for example, the apex of the pyramid.

[0080] As can be understood with reference to all of the above-described embodiments, arranging the receiver(s) RX in a space away from the gantry enables a commercially viable way of flexibility, easy access for maintenance, and retrofitting an existing imager having a wireless communication function.

[0081] In the above-described embodiment, as described above, it is assumed that the transmitter TX is disposed on the rotary gantry. The transmitter TX is preferably above the rotary gantry RG, but is mounted outside away from the detector D. This is a preferred embodiment. Alternatively, in other embodiments, it is assumed that the transmitter is integrated with the detector housing. By integrating the transmitter TX into the detector module, additional connection circuits can be saved. However, when the transmitter TX is disposed outside the detector module on the gantry RG, a potentially intervening structure such as a metal detector housing may interfere with the data path, so the transmission throughput and signal quality can be improved. Disposing the transmitter TX outside the detector D on the gantry RG, preferably at the same angular position as the detector, results in an improved spatial relationship. The communication between the transmitter TX and the detector D may also be wireless here, but preferably, a line is stretched from the transmitter TX input interface to the detector port coupled to the read line of the detector module D to make it wired.

[0082] The proposed communication system CS can be used with any wireless standard, general-purpose (e.g., for mobile phone communication) or dedicated. In particular, an operating frequency in the GHz range (e.g., 1 GHz or higher, e.g., +5 GHz or higher) is assumed, and a throughput rate of about 10 gigabits per second, and even 100 gigabits per second or higher is achieved.

[0083] The proposed wireless communication system is particularly suitable for spectral or x-ray energy resolved imaging systems. This type of imaging system includes a specially designed detector D that can resolve the incident radiation into energy ranges. Such detectors include double-decker detectors or those equipped with photon-counting circuitry. These types of detectors, or other detectors with multi-energy detection capabilities, generate large amounts of data per image pixel that need to be transmitted as measurement data. In particular, spectral CT can benefit from the high throughput rates achievable with the proposed communication system.

[0084] For any one of the above-described embodiments FIGS. 1-5, a reverse configuration is also envisioned, in which case one or more receivers RX are mounted on or within the rotating gantry, while the transmitter TX is mounted in a room away from the RG, NG gantry. The passage CC then exchanges the target area and the takeoff area and performs the reverse. This reverse configuration can be used when a reverse flow of data is required. In this reverse configuration, what is transmitted is not detector measurement data, but rather other payload data, including, for example, control signals for the detector D or the rotating gantry RG itself, or data for other components that consume data within or mounted on the rotating gantry RG. In an embodiment of the reverse configuration, the transmitter TX is arranged at a fixed indoor takeoff location / area TOR at the intersection of the propagation axes extending to the receiver RX on the rotating gantry, and still, using the switching logic CL, it is possible to guarantee that data is transmitted to the fixed target area TAR, especially when a single transmitter is used. Alternatively, preferably, a plurality of transmitters TX1, TX2 are arranged at the intersection location TAR, each configured to propagate along a different one of the propagation axes q1, q2, such that as a result, the data is transmitted within a wireless beam that forms a cone CC. In this case as well, switching logic CL is not required.

[0085] Referring now to FIG. 6, this figure is a flowchart of a method for supporting wireless communication for an X-ray based imaging system, particularly having a rotary X-ray detector and / or a radiation source.

[0086] In step S610, the angular position of a transmitter mounted on a rotary gantry of an X-ray imaging system is tracked. When the transmitter enters a predefined take-off region, a control signal or a tracking signal is issued.

[0087] In step S620, based on the control signal or the tracking signal, the transmitter is switched from a leisure mode to a duty mode to transmit a payload to a stationary receiver disposed away from the gantry. The transmitter TX enters and stays in a take-off region TAR which is a predefined angular region and remains in the duty mode, and is returned to the leisure mode when exiting from the predefined angular region. The switching cycle is repeated for each transmitter upon re-entry etc. In this way, at least partially (particularly, completely) spatially invariant communication paths can be achieved between one or more transmitters and one or more receivers for receiving data transmitted from the transmitter.

[0088] In one embodiment, at least one end of the path remains fixed in space, while in other embodiments, during rotation of one or more transmitters, both ends of the path, i.e., the take-off region and the target region, remain stationary and invariant in space.

[0089] This method can be applied to a single transmitter or multiple transmitters, and each of the respective transmitters entering a predefined angular region due to rotation can be switched from the leisure to the duty model each time.

[0090] As described above, the duty mode and the leisure mode can be defined as either a complete switch-on or switch-off, or in a soft-switching scheme where the energy is reduced with a higher transmitter energy in the duty mode than in the leisure mode.

[0091] The components of the communication system CS may be implemented as software modules or routines within a single software suite, or may be executed on a general-purpose computing unit PU such as a server computer associated with the imager MIS or a group of imagers. Alternatively, the components of the image processing system IPS may be arranged in a distributed architecture and connected within a suitable communication network.

[0092] In the reverse configuration, S610 is for the receiver to track, and the switching at S620 is performed depending on the receiver entering and exiting the designated area (the target area TAR in this embodiment).

[0093] Some or all of the components of the system CS are arranged within hardware such as a suitably programmed FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or as a hard-wired IC chip. Some components of the system CS, particularly the switch logic CL, are arranged in software, hardware, or both. The switching logic CL and / or the tracker TR may be arranged as one or more microcontrollers.

[0094] One or more features disclosed herein are configured as, or implemented as, circuits encoded within a computer-readable medium and / or combinations thereof. Examples of circuits include discrete circuits and / or integrated circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), system-on-chips (SOCs), machines, computer systems, processors and memories, computer programs, and combinations thereof.

[0095] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a computer program or computer program element, characterized in that a method step of a method according to one of the preceding embodiments is adapted to be executed on a suitable system.

[0096] Thus, this computer program element may also be stored in a computing unit, which is also part of an embodiment of the present invention. This computing unit is adapted to perform or induce the performance of a method step of the method described above. It may also be adapted to operate the components of the device described above. The computing unit can be adapted to operate automatically and / or execute user instructions. The computer program may be loaded into the working memory of a data processor. In this way, the data processor is equipped to execute the method of the present invention.

[0097] This exemplary embodiment of the present invention encompasses both a computer program that uses the present invention from the start and a computer program that converts an existing program into a program that uses the present invention by means of an update.

[0098] Furthermore, this computer program element may be able to provide all the steps necessary to carry out the procedure of an exemplary embodiment of the method as described above.

[0099] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a computer-readable medium such as a CD-ROM is presented, in which case the computer-readable medium has a computer program element stored thereon, and the computer program element is as described in the previous section.

[0100] A computer program is stored and / or distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium, which may be supplied together with other hardware or as part of other hardware, in particular, but not necessarily, a non-transitory medium. However, it may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless electrical communication systems.

[0101] However, a computer program can be presented via a network such as the World Wide Web and downloaded from such a network into the working memory of a data processor. According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a medium for enabling the download of computer program elements is provided, and these computer program elements are arranged to implement the method according to one of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention.

[0102] It should be noted that the embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to different subject matters. In particular, some embodiments are described with reference to method-type claims, while other embodiments are described with reference to device-type claims. However, those skilled in the art will recognize from the above and the following description that, unless otherwise notified, any combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter, as well as any combination between features related to different subject matters, is considered to be disclosed together with this application. However, not all functions can provide a synergistic effect greater than the simple sum of the functions when combined.

[0103] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such illustrations and descriptions should be considered to be illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. The present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and brought about by those skilled in the art when implementing the claimed invention from the study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the dependent claims.

[0104] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the singular form does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may perform the functions of several items recited in the claims. Merely because certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously. Reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. An imaging system having a wireless communication function, the imaging system comprising: - a rotating gantry rotatable about an axis of rotation, said rotating gantry including a detection device capable of recording measurement data relating to a patient to be imaged at a plurality of spatial positions; at least one radio transmitter for generating a directional radio beam propagable along a propagation axis for transmitting said measurement data to a radio receiver; the wireless transmitter is operatively disposed on the rotating gantry such that an axis of propagation intersects an axis of rotation at a location spaced apart from the rotating gantry; The imaging system further comprising a receiver located at the location.

2. 10. The imaging system of claim 1, further comprising an examination table on which an object to be imaged can be placed during imaging, said location being located remotely from said table.

3. 3. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the transmitter comprises an array of antenna elements that cooperate to form a directional beam.

4. 4. The imaging system of claim 1, comprising a plurality of transmitters disposed about the axis of rotation and on the rotating gantry, the respective propagation axes intersecting at the location.

5. An imaging system having a wireless communication function, the imaging system comprising: a gantry rotatable about an axis of rotation, the gantry including a device capable of processing data; at least one radio receiver for receiving data from a radio transmitter within a directional radio beam propagating along a propagation axis; An imaging system, wherein the wireless receiver is operatively disposed on the rotating gantry such that an axis of propagation intersects an axis of rotation at a location spaced apart from the rotating gantry.

6. An imaging system having a wireless communication function, the imaging system comprising: - a rotating gantry rotatable about an axis of rotation within a fixed gantry, said rotating gantry including a detection device capable of recording measurement data relating to an object to be imaged at a plurality of spatial positions; at least one radio transmitter for generating a directional radio beam of transmission energy for transmitting said measurement data to a radio receiver; switching logic operable to switch the transmitter between two modes, a leisure mode and a duty mode, the transmission energy in the duty mode being higher than the transmission energy in the leisure mode; the at least one wireless transmitter is disposed on the rotating gantry so as to be rotatable therewith; the wireless receiver is disposed in a first fixed area spaced apart from the rotating gantry and the fixed gantry; a definable communication path extending spatially from the first fixation area to the second fixation area; the at least one wireless transmitter is capable of passing through the second fixed region during a rotation of the rotating gantry; and control logic is operable to switch the at least one wireless transmitter from the leisure mode to the duty mode only when the at least one wireless transmitter enters the second fixed region, and the at least one transmitter remains in the duty mode while the at least one transmitter passes through the second fixed region.

7. The imaging system of claim 6 , wherein a plurality of said transmitters are disposed on said rotating gantry.

8. 8. The imaging system of claim 6 or 7, wherein the at least one radio transmitter is operable at a frequency of at least 1 GHz.

9. The imaging system of claim 1 , wherein the imaging system is an X-ray imaging system.

10. An imaging system having a wireless communication function, the imaging system comprising: a rotating gantry rotatable about an axis of rotation at the fixed gantry, the rotating gantry including a device capable of processing data; at least one radio receiver for receiving data from a radio transmitter in a directional radio beam of transmitted energy; switching logic operable to switch the wireless transmitter between two modes, leisure mode and duty mode, the transmission energy in the duty mode being higher than the transmission energy in the leisure mode; the at least one wireless receiver is disposed on the rotating gantry so as to be rotatable therewith; the wireless transmitter is disposed at a first fixed region away from the rotating gantry and the fixed gantry; a definable communication path exists that spatially extends from the first fixation region to the second fixation region; the at least one wireless receiver is capable of passing through the second fixed region during a rotation of the rotating gantry; and control logic operable to switch at least one of the wireless transmitters from the leisure mode to the duty mode only when the at least one wireless receiver enters the second fixed region, the transmitter remaining in the duty mode while the at least one wireless receiver passes through the second fixed region.

11. A method of wireless communication for an imaging system, said imaging system comprising at least one radio transmitter for generating a directional radio beam propagable along a propagation direction for transmitting measurement data recorded by a detector of said imaging system to a radio receiver, the at least one wireless transmitter is disposed on a rotating gantry of the imaging system such that the wireless transmitter is rotatable therewith relative to a fixed gantry; A communication path is defined that extends spatially from i) a first fixed area, located away from the gantries, to ii) a second fixed area, the second fixed area being located away from the gantries, the method of wireless communication comprising: a step of switching the at least one wireless transmitter from a leisure mode to a duty mode only when the wireless transmitter enters the second fixed region, the duty mode being maintained while the wireless transmitter passes through the second fixed region, the method comprising the step of: switching the at least one wireless transmitter from a leisure mode to a duty mode only when the wireless transmitter enters the second fixed region, the duty mode being maintained while the wireless transmitter passes through the second fixed region, the transmission energy in the duty mode being higher than the energy in the leisure mode.

12. 1. A method of wireless communication for an imaging system, the imaging system comprising a radio transmitter for generating a directional radio beam propagable along a propagation direction for transmitting data to a radio receiver, the radio receiver being disposed on a rotating gantry of the imaging system such that the radio receiver is rotatable together with the rotating gantry with respect to a fixed gantry; a communication path is defined, the communication path extending spatially from i) a first fixed area located away from the gantry, in which the wireless transmitter is located, to ii) a second fixed area, the second fixed area being located away from the gantry, the method of wireless communication comprising: A method comprising the steps of switching at least one wireless transmitter from leisure mode to duty mode only when the wireless receiver enters the second fixed region, and maintaining the duty mode while the wireless receiver passes through the second fixed region, wherein a transmission energy in the duty mode is higher than a transmission energy in the leisure mode.

13. A computer program which, when executed by at least one processing unit, causes the processing unit to carry out the method according to claim 11 or 12.

14. A computer readable medium having stored thereon the computer program of claim 13.

Images