Distributed Antenna System for Radiographic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless medical imaging systems face interference from physical obstacles and active signal sources, and struggle with reliable high-speed data transfer and security, especially in environments like trauma centers and operating rooms where patient positioning is challenging and large amounts of data need to be transmitted efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A radiographic imaging apparatus with a distributed antenna system that includes multiple antennas positioned within the console to create a focused communication field within a usable patient area, optimizing wireless communication between the DR sensor and the mobile unit by minimizing interference and maximizing signal strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless communication is used between DR sensor and mobile unit, then positioning freedom is improved, but interference from physical obstacles and active signal sources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the wireless communication function into multiple distributed antennas (at least three) positioned at different locations on the mobile unit. Each antenna serves a specific spatial sector, allowing the system to segment the coverage area and reduce interference from any single direction while maintaining positioning freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements directional communication by orienting antennas to face specific directions (e.g., front, rear, sides) and using beamforming techniques to concentrate signal energy in particular spatial sectors. This local quality approach ensures that communication signals are focused toward the patient area while minimizing interference from other directions.
2Measurement precision
If directional antennas are positioned on x-ray tube and detector, then targeted placement assistance is improved, but patient positioning flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single directional antenna system, the patent segments the antenna array into multiple distributed elements positioned around the mobile unit. This segmentation allows the system to maintain targeted communication capability while adapting to various patient positions by selecting or combining signals from different antenna sectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts antenna beam directions and signal processing based on the detected position of the DR sensor and patient setup. The controller modifies communication parameters in real-time to maintain optimal signal strength and directional accuracy regardless of patient positioning, thus preserving both measurement precision and adaptability.
3Reliability
If multiple antennas are distributed within console, then communication reliability in interfered environments is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple distributed antennas into a unified antenna system controlled by a single controller that coordinates signal transmission and reception across all antenna elements. This merging approach maintains communication reliability through spatial diversity while managing complexity through centralized control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed antenna system serves multiple functions: it provides directional communication, enables interference mitigation through spatial diversity, supports positioning detection, and facilitates secure data transfer. This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by delivering comprehensive performance improvements across multiple operational dimensions.
4Power
If antenna radiation is concentrated towards patient area, then signal strength and sensitivity are improved, but coverage area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the total coverage area into multiple directional sectors, each served by a specific antenna or antenna combination. By concentrating signal energy in each sector rather than spreading it uniformly in all directions, the system achieves high signal strength in targeted areas while collectively covering the entire patient area through the combined effort of multiple segmented sectors.
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 reliable and secure high-speed data transfer of medical images, even in environments with high interference, by concentrating antenna radiation patterns towards the patient area, increasing sensitivity and reducing power consumption, thus enabling effective imaging operations.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless communication system that includes a plurality of antennas... the antennas transmit control signals from the console to the radiation detector or receive image signals from the radiation detector
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation imaging apparatus includes a console that houses control circuitry and a computer; a radiation source attached to a movable arm, the movable arm being attached orthogonally to a column disposed adjacent to the console; and a wireless communication system that can communicate with a wireless radiation detector. The wireless communication system includes a plurality of antennas each of which is disposed within a predetermined distance from each other; the computer controls the communications system and the radiation detector so that the antennas transmit control signals from the console to the radiation detector or receive image signals from the radiation detector, and the antennas are positioned either within console immediately below a housing thereof or around the column so as to face a usable patient area, the usable patient area being an area surrounding the console where the radiation detector is positioned during an imaging operation.