Communication apparatus, slip ring device and computerized tomography device

Abstract

A communication apparatus, a slip ring device and a computerized tomography device, which relate to the technical field of optical communications. The communication apparatus comprises a first structure, a second structure, and an optical path structure that is disposed between the first structure and the second structure, wherein the first structure is provided with an electro-optical unit for converting an electrical signal, which is output by the first structure, into an optical signal; the second structure is provided with a photoelectric unit for converting the optical signal into an electrical signal; and the optical path structure is used for guiding the transmission of the optical signal to the photoelectric unit. By means of providing the optical path structure, the optical signal output by the electro-optical unit can be received by the photoelectric unit. Compared with an existing optical transmission solution in which the deployment of a plurality of light sources and / or a plurality of optical fibers is required, when the optical signal output by the electro-optical unit is transmitted under the guidance of the optical path structure and can be received by the photoelectric unit, the number of light sources and / or optical fibers can be reduced, thereby reducing the cost of the optical transmission solution.

Description

A communication device, a slip ring device, and a computed tomography (CT) scanner.

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411671920.6, filed on November 20, 2024, entitled "A Communication Device, a Slip Ring Device and a Computed Tomography Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of optical communication technology, and more specifically, to a communication device, a slip ring device, and a computed tomography (CT) scanner. Background Technology

[0003] A slip ring is an electrical component responsible for connecting, transmitting energy and signals to a rotating body. Slip rings are typically installed at the center of rotation of equipment and mainly consist of a rotor and a stator. The rotor connects to the rotating structure of the equipment and rotates with it, while the stator connects to the stationary structure of the equipment.

[0004] To meet the data transmission requirements of certain scenarios, slip rings need to enable data transmission between the rotor and stator. Taking slip rings used in computed tomography (CT) scans as an example, with the improvement of CT equipment performance, the amount of raw data generated in a single CT scan is increasing, and the data generation rate will exceed 10Gbps. Due to the large data volume, the slip ring needs to have high-speed communication capabilities. Currently, optical transmission schemes can be used to achieve the data transmission function of slip rings, but existing optical transmission schemes are costly. Therefore, how to reduce the cost of optical transmission schemes is an urgent technical problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication device, a slip ring device, and a computed tomography (CT) scanning device that can reduce the cost of optical transmission solutions.

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a first structure, a second structure, and an optical path structure disposed between the first structure and the second structure. The first structure is provided with a first electro-optical unit for converting a first electrical signal output from the first structure into a first optical signal, the second structure is provided with a first photoelectric unit for converting the first optical signal into a first electrical signal, and the optical path structure is used to guide the first optical signal to be transmitted to the first photoelectric unit.

[0007] By setting up an optical path structure, the optical signal output by the electro-optical unit can be guided and transmitted through the optical path structure to be received by the optoelectronic unit. Compared to existing optical transmission schemes that require the deployment of multiple light sources and / or multiple optical fibers (to ensure the probability of the optical signal being successfully received by the optoelectronic unit), when the optical signal output by the electro-optical unit is guided and transmitted through the optical path structure and then received by the optoelectronic unit, this can reduce the number of light sources and / or optical fibers, thereby reducing the cost of the optical transmission scheme.

[0008] In some implementations of the first aspect, the optical path structure includes a ring-shaped optical path structure, which constrains the transmission path of the first optical signal into a polygonal optical path. Thus, the optical path structure can be positioned within the gap formed between the first and second structures, thereby enabling the transmission of optical signals without altering the hardware structure or adding extra space.

[0009] In some implementations of the first aspect, the output direction of the first optical signal remains tangent to the circumference formed by the first structure during rotation. Thus, when the optical signal illuminates the annular optical path structure, the angle formed by the incident and exit directions of the optical signal is obtuse, which facilitates efficient transmission of the optical signal along the annular optical path structure.

[0010] In some implementations of the first aspect, the annular optical path structure includes at least one of the following: an annular reflective film, an annular reflective sticker, or an annular optical waveguide. This allows for constraining the transmission path of the optical signal into a polygonal optical path.

[0011] In some implementations of the first aspect, the second structure further includes a second photoelectric unit, with the first and second photoelectric units positioned at different locations. This allows for communication via multiple communication links, thereby increasing the communication rate. Furthermore, this also ensures that optical signals are received by at least one photoelectric unit during movement, thus improving the stability of the communication links.

[0012] In some implementations of the first aspect, the first structure further includes a second electro-optical unit, which converts the second electrical signal output by the first structure into a second optical signal. This allows communication through multiple communication links, thereby increasing the communication rate.

[0013] In some implementations of the first aspect, the wavelength of the first optical signal is different from the wavelength of the second optical signal. Thus, by increasing the diversity of optical signal wavelengths, it is possible to support transmission through multiple communication links corresponding to different wavelengths, thereby improving the transmission rate.

[0014] In some implementations of the first aspect, the angle between the first photoelectric unit and the second photoelectric unit centered on the second structure is greater than or equal to 10° and less than or equal to 90°. Thus, by distributing multiple photoelectric units, the optical signal can be received by at least one photoelectric unit during movement, thereby improving the stability of the communication link.

[0015] In some implementations of the first aspect, both the first electro-optic unit and the first optoelectronic unit are disposed within the gap formed between the first structure and the second structure. This saves space used for deploying the electro-optic unit and the optoelectronic unit.

[0016] In some implementations of the first aspect, the first electro-optic unit is disposed on the outer edge of the first structure, and the first photoelectric unit is disposed on the outer edge of the second structure. The communication device further includes a reflective structure for reflecting the first optical signal so as to output the first optical signal to the first photoelectric unit. Thus, the size of the electro-optic unit and the photoelectric unit is not limited, thereby ensuring communication performance.

[0017] In some implementations of the first aspect, the first structure is a rotor and the second structure is a stator.

[0018] In a second aspect, a slip ring device is provided, which includes the communication device described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0019] Thirdly, a computed tomography (CT) device is provided, which includes the slip ring device described in the second aspect.

[0020] For a description of the beneficial effects of the second and third aspects, please refer to the description of the beneficial effects of the first aspect, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the communication device 100.

[0022] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the electro-optic unit 1011.

[0023] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the photoelectric unit 1021.

[0024] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the optical path structure 103.

[0025] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the deployment of optical path structures 103, 101, and 102.

[0026] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the included angle between photoelectric unit 1021 and photoelectric unit 1022.

[0027] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the angle between electro-optic unit 1011 and electro-optic unit 1012.

[0028] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the deployment of the electro-optic unit 1011 and the optoelectronic unit 1021. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following points will be explained first.

[0030] 1. Unless otherwise stated, “at least one” means “one or more”.

[0031] 2. Unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions in different embodiments of this application are consistent and can be referenced in each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0032] III. The various numerical designations used in this application are merely for descriptive convenience and do not limit the scope of protection of this application. The magnitude of the serial numbers used in this application does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic. For example, the terms "first (1)", "second (2)", "third (3)" and other various terminology (if present) in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order. The data used in this way can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments described herein can be implemented in a sequence other than that illustrated or described herein.

[0033] Furthermore, any embodiment or design described in this application as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0034] IV. The terms “comprising” and “having” and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those units that are explicitly listed, but may include other units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such products or devices.

[0035] The technical solution of this application can be applied to fields such as optical communication, robotics, wind turbines, laser projection, imaging scenarios, laser television, laser beam shaping, laser processing, ultrafast laser pulse shaping, and optical tomography. Alternatively, the technical solution of this application can be applied to devices that utilize similar slip ring devices.

[0036] Referring to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of the communication device 100, the communication device 100 includes a structure 101, a structure 102, and an optical path structure 103. The optical path structure 103 is disposed between the structure 101 and the structure 102 and is used to guide the transmission of optical signals or to constrain the transmission path of optical signals.

[0037] In this embodiment of the application, structure 101 can be a rotating structure (without limitation on specific form), structure 102 can be a fixed structure (without limitation on specific form), or both structure 101 and structure 102 can be rotating structures (without limitation on specific form), and structure 101 and structure 102 can be connected (without limitation on connection method).

[0038] In this embodiment of the application, structure 101 is provided with an electro-optic unit 1011, and structure 102 is provided with a photoelectric unit 1021. The electro-optic unit 1011 is used to convert the electrical signal 1 output by structure 101 (which can be generated by structure 101 or other structures, and is not limited thereto) into an optical signal 1, and the photoelectric unit 1021 is used to convert the optical signal 1 into an electrical signal 1.

[0039] Referring to Figure 2, which is a schematic diagram of the electro-optic unit 1011. As shown in Figure 2(a), the electro-optic unit 1011 includes: a driving circuit, a bias circuit (including a capacitor and an inductor), a light source, and a collimating lens. As shown in Figure 2(b), the electro-optic unit 1011 includes: a driving circuit, a bias circuit, a light source array (including at least two light sources), and a collimating lens.

[0040] In Figure 2, the light source can be a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), a photonic crystal surface-emitting laser (PCSEL), or a distributed-feedback laser (DFB). The driving circuit provides a first electrical signal to the light source, which modulates the intensity of the laser carrier, causing the light source to output an optical signal. A capacitor and an inductor form a bias circuit; the capacitor isolates the DC signal and passes the first electrical signal, while the inductor isolates the AC signal and passes the DC signal, providing a bias voltage to the light source. A collimating lens is used to collimate the optical signal output from the light source. The specific working principle of the electro-optic unit 1011 is not detailed here.

[0041] Referring to Figure 3, which is a schematic diagram of the optoelectronic unit 1021, as shown in Figure 3(a), the optoelectronic unit 1021 includes multiple photoelectric diodes (PDs) and multiple trans-impedance amplifiers (TIAs). A combination of one PD and one TIA can output one electrical signal, while multiple PDs and multiple TIAs can output multiple electrical signals, which are then combined into one signal by a combiner. As shown in Figure 3(b), the optoelectronic unit 1021 includes multiple PDs and one TIA. The electrical signal output by the PDs is amplified by the TIA and then output. The specific working principle of the optoelectronic unit 1021 will not be elaborated further.

[0042] In order to transmit the optical signal output by the electro-optic unit to the photoelectric unit, the optical path structure 103 constrains the transmission path of the optical signal output by the electro-optic unit. That is, the optical path structure 103 is used to guide the optical signal 1 output by the electro-optic unit 1011 to be transmitted to the photoelectric unit 1021, or the optical signal 1 output by the electro-optic unit 1011 can be received by the photoelectric unit 1021 after being transmitted through the optical path structure 1, or the optical path structure 103 constrains the transmission path of the optical signal 1 output by the electro-optic unit 1011 so as to guide the optical signal 1 output by the electro-optic unit 1011 to be transmitted to the photoelectric unit 1021.

[0043] In this embodiment, the optical path structure 103 can take various forms, such as a square optical path structure, a polygonal optical path structure, a circular optical path structure, or a ring-shaped optical path structure. A description of the optical path structure 103 can be found in Figure 4.

[0044] Referring to Figure 4, which is a schematic diagram of the optical path structure 103, as shown in Figure 4(a), the optical path structure 103 is a square optical path structure, and the optical signal 1 reaches the photoelectric unit 1021 after two reflections through the square optical path structure. As shown in Figure 4(b), the optical path structure 103 is a ring-shaped optical path structure, and the optical signal 1 reaches the photoelectric unit 1021 after multiple reflections through the ring-shaped optical path structure.

[0045] One possible implementation is that the optical path structure 103 is a ring-shaped optical path structure, which is used to constrain the transmission path of the optical signal 1 into a polygonal optical path. In this way, the optical path structure 103 can be disposed within the gap formed between the structure 101 and the structure 102, thereby enabling the transmission of optical signals without changing the hardware structure or adding extra space.

[0046] For a description of the deployment of optical path structures 103, 101, and 102, please refer to Figure 5.

[0047] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the deployment of optical path structures 103, 101, and 102. As shown in Figure 5(a), structures 101 and 102 are both square structures, and optical path structure 103 is a circular optical path structure located within the gap formed between structures 101 and 102. As shown in Figure 5(b), structure 102 is a ring structure, optical path structure 103 is a circular optical path structure, structure 101 is a circular structure, and optical path structure 103 is located within the gap formed between structures 101 and 102.

[0048] One possible implementation is that the annular optical path structure includes at least one of the following:

[0049] Circular reflective film, circular reflective sticker, or circular waveguide.

[0050] This allows the transmission path of optical signal 1 to be constrained as a polygonal optical path.

[0051] In this embodiment of the application, when the annular optical path structure is the aforementioned annular reflective film, annular reflective sticker or annular optical waveguide, the annular optical path structure can be disposed on the inner wall of structure 102 or other positions, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0052] One possible implementation is that the output direction of the optical signal 1 output by the electro-optic unit 1011 is tangent to the circumference formed by the structure 101 during rotation. In this way, when the optical signal 1 illuminates the annular optical path structure, the angle formed between the incident direction and the exit direction of the optical signal 1 is an obtuse angle, which is beneficial for the efficient transmission of the optical signal 1 along the annular optical path structure.

[0053] In summary, compared to existing optical transmission schemes that require the deployment of multiple light sources and optical fibers (to ensure the probability of successful reception of optical signals by the optoelectronic unit), the optical signals output by the electro-optical unit can be guided and transmitted through the optical path structure and then received by the optoelectronic unit. This reduces the number of light sources and optical fibers that need to be deployed, thereby reducing the cost of the optical transmission scheme.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the communication device 100 may further include a data acquisition unit (not shown in Figure 1), which is used to output an electrical signal 1 to the electro-optic unit 1011. The data acquisition unit may be located in or independent of the structure 101, and is not limited thereto.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the communication device 100 may further include a data processing unit (not shown in FIG1) for processing the electrical signal 1 output by the photoelectric unit 1021. The data processing unit may be disposed in the structure 102 or independent of the structure 102, and is not limited thereto.

[0056] In one possible implementation, structure 102 further includes a photoelectric unit 1022 (not shown in Figure 1), with photoelectric units 1021 and 1022 positioned at different locations. This allows for communication via multiple communication links, thereby increasing the communication rate. Additionally, this also ensures that optical signals are received by at least one photoelectric unit during movement, thus improving the stability of the communication links.

[0057] In one possible implementation, structure 101 is further provided with an electro-optic unit 1012 (not shown in Figure 1), which is used to convert the electrical signal 2 output by structure 101 into an optical signal 2. In this way, communication can be carried out through multiple communication links, thereby improving the communication rate.

[0058] One possible implementation is that the wavelength of optical signal 1 is different from the wavelength of optical signal 2. In this way, by increasing the diversity of optical signal wavelengths, it is possible to support transmission through multiple communication links corresponding to different wavelengths, thereby improving the transmission rate.

[0059] One possible implementation is that the angle formed by photoelectric unit 1021 and photoelectric unit 1022 with respect to structure 102 is greater than or equal to 10° and less than or equal to 90°. Thus, by distributing multiple photoelectric units, the optical signal can be received by at least one photoelectric unit during movement, thereby improving the stability of the communication link.

[0060] Specifically, when structure 102 is provided with multiple photoelectric units, these multiple photoelectric units are distributed in different positions of structure 102, which allows the optical signal to be received by at least one photoelectric unit during movement, thereby improving the stability of the communication link.

[0061] For example, structure 102 is provided with two photoelectric units, and the angle between the two photoelectric units and structure 102 is between 10° and 90°. For example, the angle between the two photoelectric units and structure 102 is 10°, or 30°, or 90°, etc.; or structure 102 is provided with three photoelectric units, and the angle between the three photoelectric units and structure 102 is 120°; or structure 102 is provided with four photoelectric units, and the angle between the four photoelectric units and structure 102 is 90°.

[0062] For a description of the angle between photoelectric unit 1021 and photoelectric unit 1022, please refer to Figure 6.

[0063] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the included angle between photoelectric unit 1021 and photoelectric unit 1022. As shown in Figure 6, photoelectric unit 1021 and photoelectric unit 1022 are deployed on the left and lower sides of structure 102, respectively, and the included angle between photoelectric unit 1021 and photoelectric unit 1022 and structure 102 is 90°.

[0064] One possible implementation is that the angle formed by electro-optic units 1011 and 1012 with respect to structure 101 is greater than or equal to 10° and less than or equal to 90°. Thus, by distributing multiple electro-optic units, multiple communication links can be constructed, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0065] Specifically, when structure 101 is provided with multiple electro-optical units, these multiple electro-optical units are distributed in different positions of structure 101, which can realize communication through multiple communication links, thereby improving the communication rate.

[0066] For example, structure 101 may have two electro-optic units, with the angle between the two electro-optic units and structure 101 being 10° to 180°; or structure 101 may have three electro-optic units, with the angle between the three electro-optic units and structure 101 being 120°; or structure 101 may have four electro-optic units, with the angle between the four electro-optic units and structure 101 being 90°.

[0067] For a description of the angle between electro-optic unit 1011 and electro-optic unit 1012, please refer to Figure 7.

[0068] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the included angle between electro-optic unit 1011 and electro-optic unit 1012. As shown in Figure 7, electro-optic unit 1011 and electro-optic unit 1012 are deployed on the right side and the top of structure 101, respectively, and the included angle between electro-optic unit 1011 and electro-optic unit 1012 and structure 101 is 90°.

[0069] In one possible implementation, both the electro-optic unit 1011 and the photoelectric unit 1021 are disposed within the gap formed between structure 101 and structure 102. This saves space used for deploying the electro-optic unit 1011 and the photoelectric unit 1021.

[0070] In one possible implementation, the electro-optic unit 1011 is disposed on the outer edge of structure 101, and the photoelectric unit 1021 is disposed on the outer edge of structure 102. The communication device 100 also includes a reflective structure for reflecting the optical signal 1 so as to output the optical signal 1 to the photoelectric unit 1021. In this way, the size of the electro-optic unit 1011 and the photoelectric unit 1021 is not limited, thereby ensuring communication performance.

[0071] For a description of the two deployment methods mentioned above, please refer to Figure 7.

[0072] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the deployment of the electro-optic unit 1011 and the photoelectric unit 1021. Example:

[0073] As shown in Figure 8(a), taking structure 101 as the rotor and structure 102 as the stator as an example, the electro-optic unit 1011 and the photoelectric unit 1021 are both arranged in the gap formed between structure 101 and structure 102.

[0074] As shown in Figure 8(b), taking structure 101 as the rotor and structure 102 as the stator as an example, the electro-optic unit 1011 is disposed on the outer edge of structure 101, and the photoelectric unit 1021 is disposed on the outer edge of structure 102. The communication device 100 also includes a prism (the aforementioned reflection structure). When the electro-optic unit 1011 outputs optical signal 1, the optical signal 1 is transmitted through the optical path structure 103 and can be received by the photoelectric unit 1021 through the reflection of the prism.

[0075] Based on the communication device 100 shown in Figures 1 to 8, this application also provides a slip ring device including the communication device 100. The slip ring device can be applied to multiple scenarios. For example, the slip ring device can be a device in a wind turbine or a device in a CT scanner, etc., and is not limited thereto.

[0076] In summary, those skilled in the art will recognize that the units of the various examples described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0077] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed communication device can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of the structure is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple structures or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices, or modules, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0078] The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed in multiple places. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of the embodiments of this application, depending on actual needs.

[0079] In addition, the functional modules in the embodiments of this application can be integrated into one unit, or each module can exist physically separately, or two or more modules can be integrated into one module.

[0080] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A first structure, a second structure, and an optical path structure, wherein the optical path structure is disposed between the first structure and the second structure; The first structure is provided with a first electro-optic unit, which is used to convert the first electrical signal output by the first structure into a first optical signal; The second structure is provided with a first photoelectric unit, which is used to convert the first optical signal into the first electrical signal; The optical path structure is used to guide the first optical signal to the first photoelectric unit.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical path structure includes a circular optical path structure, which is used to constrain the transmission path of the first optical signal into a polygonal optical path.

3. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The output direction of the first optical signal is tangent to the circumference formed by the first structure during rotation.

4. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The second structure also includes a second photoelectric unit, with the first photoelectric unit and the second photoelectric unit respectively located at different positions.

5. The communication device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The angle formed by the first photoelectric unit and the second photoelectric unit with the second structure as the center is greater than or equal to 10° and less than or equal to 90°.

6. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first structure is further provided with a second electro-optic unit, which is used to convert the second electrical signal output by the first structure into a second optical signal.

7. The communication device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The wavelength of the first optical signal is different from the wavelength of the second optical signal.

8. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Both the first electro-optical unit and the first photoelectric unit are disposed in the gap formed between the first structure and the second structure.

9. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first electro-optic unit is disposed on the outer edge of the first structure, the first photoelectric unit is disposed on the outer edge of the second structure, and the communication device further includes a reflective structure for reflecting the first optical signal so as to output the first optical signal to the first photoelectric unit.

10. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The first structure includes a rotor, and the second structure includes a stator.

11. The communication device according to any one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that, The annular optical path structure includes at least one of the following: Circular reflective film, circular reflective sticker, or circular waveguide.

12. A slip ring device, characterized in that, The slip ring device includes the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A computed tomography (CT) scanner, characterized in that, The computed tomography (CT) device includes the slip ring device as described in claim 12.

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