CT Scanner Raw Data Backup Memory for Transmission Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing CT scanning systems lack redundancy in data transmission, leading to issues such as data loss and image quality degradation due to interference or hardware failures, requiring re-scanning and exposing patients to additional radiation.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating raw data backup memories on the rotational part of the gantry to store and retransmit data, enabling error correction and continuous scanning even in the presence of failures, and allowing for flexible data management and power-efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If raw data is transmitted without backup redundancy, then device complexity is reduced, but data reliability deteriorates due to potential data loss from interference or hardware failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoiddata transmission system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by storing raw data in backup memories on the rotational part of the gantry before transmission occurs. This advance preparation ensures that if data loss occurs during transmission, the original data is already preserved and can be retransmitted without requiring a repeat scan, thus improving reliability without significantly increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the copying principle by creating duplicate copies of raw data in backup memories located on the rotational part. These copies serve as redundant storage that can be used for retransmission if the original transmission fails, thereby enhancing data reliability while maintaining a relatively simple system architecture through efficient use of existing memory resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Manufacturing precision

If data is retransmitted from backup memories, then image quality is improved by correcting data errors, but loss of time occurs due to the additional data handling process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage reconstruction qualityVSAvoiddata processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by automatically detecting data errors during transmission and initiating retransmission from backup memories without requiring external intervention or manual correction. This automated process improves image reconstruction quality by ensuring data accuracy while minimizing time loss through efficient error handling that occurs seamlessly during the scanning workflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors transmitted data for errors and automatically triggers retransmission from backup memories when data quality issues are detected. This closed-loop approach ensures high image reconstruction quality by correcting errors in real-time while managing processing time efficiently through intelligent error detection and selective retransmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If continuous scanning is maintained despite power supply issues, then productivity is improved by avoiding re-scans, but use of energy increases to maintain scanning continuity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption for continuous operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by storing raw data in backup memories during the scanning process before power supply issues can disrupt operation. This advance data preservation allows the system to maintain scanning continuity even during power fluctuations, improving productivity by avoiding the need to abort and restart scans, while managing energy consumption through efficient memory utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements beforehand cushioning by creating redundant data storage in backup memories that acts as a buffer against power supply disruptions. This protective measure enables continuous scanning operation despite power issues, enhancing productivity by preventing scan interruptions, while the energy cost is offset by avoiding the much higher energy consumption that would result from repeated re-scanning of the same subject.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

This solution ensures high-quality image reconstruction by correcting data errors and preventing scan abortion, reducing radiation exposure and operational costs by maintaining scanning continuity even with unstable power supplies.

Implementation Method 1

X-ray data acquired by the detector is converted to light, then to electrical signals in the detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray detection and conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

the optical transmitter converts the electric signal to light signal, which is sent to the RF transmitter by optical fiber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectro-optic conversion: Electro-Optic Effects

Implementation Method 3

The RF transmitter transmits the signal to the RF receiver on the stationary part side of the gantry

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9342398B2CT scanning system and a method for receiving and transmitting raw data therein
Publication Date: 2016.05.17 GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY CO LLC
  • US9342398B2 patent drawing
  • US9342398B2 patent drawing
  • US9342398B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of transmitting raw data by a data acquisition system in a CT scanning system, wherein the CT scanning system comprises a rotational part of a gantry with at least one raw data backup memory, and wherein the data acquisition system is configured to adopt the at least one backup memory for storing a backup of the raw data. The method comprising: generating the raw data as scanned; storing generated raw data in the at least one backup memory; transmitting the raw data to an operation console in the CT scanning system; and repeating generating, storing, and transmitting of the raw data in the case of an unfinished scan, until the unfinished scan is finished.