Digitized MR Signal Transmission via Air Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance systems face limitations in transmitting high-quality, digitized magnetic resonance signals from local coils to evaluation devices due to bandwidth constraints and the unreliability of plug connections, especially when using analog signal transmission methods.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic resonance system with a patient receptacle equipped with a signal conversion device containing an A/D converter, modulator, and transmitter that digitizes and modulates signals for transmission via a gigahertz link through an air gap, and a corresponding receiver and demodulator at the scanner for reliable digital signal processing, ensuring immunity to interference and precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic resonance signals are transmitted in analog form via air gap, then transmission without plug connections is achieved, but bandwidth is limited and signal quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the signal form from analog to digital, fundamentally altering the parameter of signal representation. This enables transmission of digitized magnetic resonance signals via air gap using electromagnetic coupling, achieving both reliable transmission without plug connections and sufficient bandwidth for high-quality signal transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical plug connection system with an electromagnetic field-based wireless transmission system. The signal conversion device uses electromagnetic coupling to transmit digitized signals across the air gap between patient receptacle and scanner, eliminating mechanical contact while maintaining reliable high-bandwidth transmission
2Loss of information
If multiple cables with plug connections are used to connect local coils to evaluation device, then high bandwidth digital signal transmission is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple cables and plug connections into a single wireless electromagnetic transmission system. The signal conversion device consolidates multiple signal paths and eliminates the need for physical connectors, reducing device complexity while maintaining high-bandwidth digital signal transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable and plug connection system with an electromagnetic field-based wireless transmission system. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple cables and connectors, significantly reducing device complexity and improving ease of operation while preserving high bandwidth for digital signal transmission
3Loss of information
If plug connections are used for digital signal transmission, then sufficient bandwidth is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to connection issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical plug connections with an electromagnetic field-based wireless transmission system. The signal conversion device uses electromagnetic coupling to transmit digitized signals across the air gap, eliminating mechanical contact points that are prone to connection issues while maintaining sufficient bandwidth for high-quality digital signal transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary medium for signal transmission. The signal conversion device modulates signals onto electromagnetic waves that propagate through the air gap between patient receptacle and scanner, providing a reliable transmission path that does not depend on mechanical connection stability
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 reliable and efficient transmission of digitized magnetic resonance signals, avoiding the need for plug connections and maintaining signal quality by filtering Larmor frequencies, thus improving the overall magnetic resonance signal processing and evaluation.
Implementation Method 1
The modulator modulates a carrier signal with the digitized magnetic resonance signal
Implementation Method 2
The transmitter transmits the modulated carrier signal via an air gap to a signal conversion device at the scanner housing
Implementation Method 3
The receiver receives a carrier signal transmitted via an air gap from a conversion device at the receptacle to the signal conversion device at the base body, this carrier signal being modulated with a digitized magnetic resonance signal
Implementation Method 4
The demodulator extracts the digitized magnetic resonance signal from the received, modulated carrier signal via demodulation
Implementation Method 5
The A/D converter receives a magnetic resonance signal acquired by the local coil and digitizes it
Implementation Method 6
the transmitter has a transmission amplifier and a transmission antenna, wherein the transmission amplifier is connected with the transmission antenna via a band-limited gigahertz transmission link
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance system has a patient receptacle and a base body. The patient receptacle has a subframe and a patient bed supported thereon so as to move a patient thereon through the base body. The base body has a basic field magnet system, a gradient system and an RF system that are operable to obtain an analog magnetic resonance signal from the patient. The patient receptacle has a signal conversion device composed of an A/D converter, a modulator, and a transmitter. The base body has a signal conversion device composed of a receiver and a demodulator. The A/D converter receives the magnetic resonance signal and digitizes it. The modulator modulates a carrier signal with the digitized magnetic resonance signal. The transmitter transmits the modulated carrier signal via an air gap to the receive. The receiver receives the transmitted carrier signal. The demodulator extracts the digitized magnetic resonance signal from the received carrier signal by demodulation and supplies it to an evaluation device for continuing evaluation.