Dynamic Wireless Interface Allocation in X-ray Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
In medical imaging environments, wireless connections for X-ray sensors face challenges due to shared frequency channels, interference from metallic accessories, and variable RF environments, leading to unreliable and unpredictable signal strength and bandwidth, which can result in data loss and inefficiencies when moving the device between locations.
Innovation Solution
A portable X-ray detector panel with multiple wireless communication modules, each coupled to antennas in different regions, dynamically allocates wireless functions based on real-time performance metrics such as signal strength and data transfer rate to optimize connectivity, ensuring robust and efficient data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single wireless communication module is used in the X-ray imaging device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of wireless communication deteriorates due to shared frequency channels and interference from metallic accessories
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wireless communication system into multiple independent modules (first wireless communication module and second wireless communication module), each with separate antennas. This segmentation allows the system to operate multiple wireless channels simultaneously, reducing interference and improving reliability in environments with metallic accessories and shared frequency channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes operational parameters by selecting different wireless communication modules based on real-time performance metrics. The system monitors signal strength, data transfer rate, and packet error rate, then switches between modules to optimize communication reliability, effectively adapting to changing environmental conditions.
2Reliability
If multiple wireless communication modules are deployed in different regions of the device, then the reliability and adaptability of wireless communication are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic module selection where the controller automatically switches between wireless communication modules based on real-time performance monitoring. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions without requiring manual intervention, maintaining reliability while managing complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors wireless communication performance metrics (signal strength, data transfer rate, packet error rate) and uses this feedback to determine which module should be active. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures optimal communication reliability while automatically managing the complexity of having multiple modules.
3Productivity
If wireless communication modules are dynamically allocated based on performance metrics, then the productivity and efficiency of data transfer are improved, but the measurement and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring wireless performance metrics before actual data transfer occurs. The system proactively identifies the optimal wireless module based on current conditions, ensuring that data transfer begins with the best possible connection, thereby maximizing productivity without requiring complex real-time switching during active transfer.
4Ease of operation
If the X-ray imaging device is made fully portable with wireless communication, then the ease of operation and mobility are improved, but the reliability of data transfer deteriorates due to variable RF environments and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless communication capability into multiple independent modules with different antennas positioned in various regions of the portable device. This segmentation ensures that at least one module maintains reliable communication regardless of the device's orientation or position in the variable RF environment, preserving both portability and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray imaging device includes a first wireless communication module coupled to a first set of antennas; a second wireless communication module coupled to a second set of antennas; and a controller that is coupled to the first wireless communication module and the second wireless communication module. The controller is configured to receive a first value for a wireless performance metric for the first wireless communication module while the X-ray imaging device, receive a second value for the wireless performance metric for the second wireless communication module while the X-ray imaging device, based on the first value and the second value, determine a first wireless communication function to be performed by the first wireless communication module, and cause the first wireless communication module to perform the first wireless communication function.