Master-Slave Optical Display Link for MRI Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging apparatuses face challenges with robust and interference-free data transfer between computing units and displays, particularly in magnetic resonance imaging, due to issues with copper cables generating electric fields and the need for multiple dedicated fiber optic connections, which can lead to connection problems and time-consuming link training.
Innovation Solution
A medical imaging apparatus with a master-slave data connection system, utilizing a master unit connected to slave units via a data connection, such as an optical high-speed data connection, to enable secure and robust data transfer, eliminating the need for standard interfaces and signal transducers, and allowing displays to be quickly switched on and off without interfering with magnetic resonance scans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If copper cables are used for data transfer between control computer and display, then data transfer is achieved, but electric fields are generated that influence magnetic resonance imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical signal transmission system (copper cables) with an optical signal transmission system (fiber optic cables). This substitution eliminates the generation of electric fields by copper cables, thereby preventing interference with magnetic resonance imaging while maintaining reliable data transfer between the control computer and display units.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If dedicated fiber optic connections are used for each display, then interference-free data transfer is achieved, but connection problems occur and link training is time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dedicated fiber optic connections into a single shared fiber optic connection that serves multiple display units. This consolidation reduces the number of individual connections requiring link training, thereby decreasing the total time lost to connection establishment while maintaining interference-free data transfer through the use of fiber optic cables.
3Ease of operation
If displays are switched on frequently, then display operation is flexible, but fiber optic transducers and converters are susceptible to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a master unit as an intermediary component that manages the fiber optic connection to multiple display units. This master unit consolidates the fiber optic interface, reducing the number of transducers and converters that are susceptible to interference during frequent switching. The master unit acts as a stable mediator that maintains reliable connection despite frequent display on/off cycles.
4Reliability
If multiple dedicated fiber optic connections are used for each display, then data transfer is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dedicated fiber optic connections into a single shared fiber optic connection that serves multiple display units through a master unit. This consolidation significantly reduces the number of individual fiber optic connections and transducers required, thereby decreasing device complexity while maintaining reliable data transfer through the optimized single connection architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical imaging apparatus with a medical scanner unit and at least one display is described, as well as a method for actuating at least one display of a medical imaging apparatus. The techniques disclosed are based on a medical imaging apparatus with a medical scanner unit, a computing unit which is connected to a master unit, and at least one display. The at least one display may include a slave unit, and the master unit may be connected to the slave unit by means of a data connection.