Asymmetrical Bus Interface for Local Coil Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) systems face challenges in real-time transmission of additional data from local coils, such as safety and imaging-related signals, due to limitations in existing control buses like I2C, which are not sufficient for the required data quantities and real-time processing.
Innovation Solution
A local coil system with a data source and signal output that enables real-time transmission of multiple data items, using a radio-frequency source and modulator to modulate data onto a carrier frequency, allowing for high-speed data transmission without disrupting magnetic resonance signals, and incorporating sensors for ambient condition monitoring like SAR exposure and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional control buses like I2C are used for data transmission from local coils, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is maintained, but data transmission speed and real-time capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple data transmission functions (control signals, sensor data, synchronization) into a single bidirectional bus interface. The bus integrates both request/response communication and real-time data streaming capabilities, eliminating the need for separate dedicated channels for each function while achieving high-speed transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The bus interface implements dynamic operation modes, switching between different transmission protocols and data formats based on real-time requirements. The system can adaptively change between master-initiated requests and continuous data streaming, optimizing performance for different operational phases without requiring multiple static interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional signal lines are added for transmitting sensor data, then data transmission capability is improved, but device complexity and connection requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional bus serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits control commands from the control unit to the local coil, receives sensor data from the local coil, provides synchronization signals, and enables real-time monitoring. This single universal interface replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated signal lines for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The bus interface acts as an intermediary layer between the control unit and various data sources (sensors, coil elements). It provides protocol conversion, data formatting, and timing synchronization, allowing diverse data types to be transmitted through a standardized interface without requiring separate physical connections for each data source.
3Productivity
If real-time data transmission is implemented, then productivity and response time are improved, but the requirement for permanent synchronization increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic data sampling and transmission cycles, where the control unit periodically requests data from the local coil at predetermined intervals. This periodic operation provides natural synchronization points, eliminating the need for continuous complex synchronization mechanisms while maintaining real-time data flow for critical parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The local coil includes an integrated buffer memory that automatically stores incoming sensor data and manages data Queues without requiring constant control unit intervention. The buffer self-regulates data flow, performing local preprocessing and formatting, which reduces the synchronization burden on the main control system while enabling continuous real-time transmission.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the simultaneous and real-time transmission of additional data relevant for safety and imaging without additional signal lines, improving the signal-to-noise ratio and reducing the need for permanent data reception synchronization, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of MRT systems.
Implementation Method 1
The signal output includes a radio-frequency source
Implementation Method 2
The signal output is configured to modulate the data from the data source onto a carrier frequency from the radio-frequency source by the modulator
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a local coil as well as a system including a magnetic resonance tomography system with a local coil. The local coil includes a data source and a signal output in signal communication with the data source for outputting data from the data source. The data source is configured to transmit a plurality of data items via the signal output. To this end, the signal output includes a radio-frequency source and a modulator and is configured to modulate to transmit the data from the data source onto a carrier frequency of the radio-frequency source by the modulator.