CT Scanner Rotating Data Link With Dynamic Modem Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional data transmission methods in computed tomography scanners are reaching their limits as the volume of data to be transferred increases, necessitating a need to enhance data rates within a given bandwidth.

Innovation Solution

An operating method that dynamically sets the switching state of a switching matrix between modems and coupling elements to ensure consistent data transmission between the same modems during the rotation of scanner parts, using quadrature amplitude modulation and distortion devices adjusted based on the rotation angle to maintain high-quality data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional data transmission methods are used in CT scanners, then the system structure remains simple, but the data transmission rate cannot meet the increasing data volume requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidtransmission system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission system is divided into multiple independent modem pairs, each handling a specific angular range. Multiple first coupling elements and second coupling elements are arranged to cover different angular sectors, with each segment operating independently to transmit data at high rates without interfering with others

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A dynamic switching matrix is introduced that continuously adjusts its switching state based on the rotation angle of the gantry. This dynamic adaptation ensures that data is always transmitted through the optimal modem pair, maintaining consistent connection quality and maximizing transmission rate throughout the rotation cycle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If multiple coupling elements are used to increase data transmission capacity, then the data rate increases, but the device complexity and difficulty of detection increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidcoupling element alignment detection
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a setting device that receives feedback about the gantry's rotation angle and dynamically adjusts the switching matrix state accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the system automatically compensates for angular changes, maintaining optimal coupling element alignment without requiring complex real-time detection of coupling conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If dynamic switching is implemented to maintain consistent modem connections during rotation, then data transmission quality improves, but the switching control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission qualityVSAvoidswitching control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switching matrix operates in a periodic manner synchronized with the gantry's rotation. The switching state changes at regular angular intervals, with each modem pair being activated for its designated angular range. This periodic operation simplifies control logic compared to continuous dynamic adjustment, while still maintaining consistent connection quality throughout the rotation cycle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 high-quality data reconstruction with transmission rates of several gigabits per second, maintaining data integrity and quality despite the rotating components, suitable for existing scanners with minimal retrofitting.

Implementation Method 1

first data is transmitted between a plurality of first modems arranged on the first part and a plurality of second modems arranged on the second part via a plurality of first coupling elements arranged on the first part and a plurality of second coupling elements arranged on the second part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4527300B1Computed tomography apparatus with improved data transmission
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG
  • EP4527300B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4527300B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP4527300B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

During rotation of a first part (3) of a computed tomography scanner (1) relative to a second part (2) of the computed tomography scanner (1) about an axis of rotation (4), data is transmitted between first modems (12) located on the first part (3) and second modems (16) located on the second part (2) via first coupling elements (13) located on the first part (3) and second coupling elements (14) located on the second part (2). The first coupling elements (13) extend circumferentially around the axis of rotation (4) over a first angular range. These angular ranges are disjoint from one first coupling element (13) to the next and, when viewed as a whole, form a full circle around the axis of rotation (4) over the entirety of the first coupling elements (13). The second coupling elements (14) extend around the axis of rotation (4) over a second angular range.The second angular ranges are disjoint and spaced apart from each other when viewed around the axis of rotation (4). Thus, the second coupling elements (14) each couple with the first coupling element (13) in whose first angular range the second angular range of the respective second coupling element (14) is located. A switching state of a switching matrix (15) arranged between the second coupling elements (14) and the second modems (16) is dynamically set by a setting device (18) such that the first data is always transmitted between the same first and second modems (12, 16).