MRI AV/IP Gateway for Bore Audio Video Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic resonance imaging systems face challenges in efficiently integrating and synergistically utilizing audio and video systems for patient communication and entertainment within the confined and electromagnetically shielded environment of the patient bore, while also requiring effective inter-component communication using internet protocol (IP) systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an audio and/or video/internet protocol (AV/IP) gateway device that converts between non-IP and IP-based protocols, allowing central distribution and combination of AV data across different locations and components within the MRI system, including patient infotainment systems and remote expert communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate audio/video systems and IP communication systems are provided independently in MRI systems, then each system can function on its own, but the systems cannot exploit synergies for patient communication and remote expert communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate audio/video systems and IP communication systems into a unified architecture where the infotainment server and video conferencing server share common hardware resources (CPU, memory, storage, network interfaces) and communicate through a unified IP-based network infrastructure, enabling synergistic patient entertainment and remote expert communication capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The infotainment server and video conferencing server are designed to perform multiple functions: patient entertainment during MRI scans, remote expert consultation, real-time imaging data visualization, and communication coordination, allowing a single system to serve multiple purposes rather than requiring separate dedicated systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate manufacturers provide audio/video equipment for MRI systems, then device selection is flexible, but integration and synergistic use of resources becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central IP communication network and standardized protocol interfaces as intermediaries between equipment from different manufacturers. The infotainment server and video conferencing server use universal IP-based communication protocols to interface with various audio/video devices, enabling seamless integration of multi-manufacturer equipment through a common communication language
3Reliability
If IP communication systems are implemented in MRI systems, then inter-component communication is enabled, but integration of third-party AV equipment with IP-based communication remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication architecture into distinct functional modules: the infotainment server handling patient entertainment, the video conferencing server managing remote expert communication, and a shared IP network infrastructure. Each module can independently integrate with different AV equipment while maintaining reliable IP-based communication through standardized interfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes an internet protocol (IP) communication system for communicating IP-based communication data, an audio/video output, and an audio/video source. The MRI system also includes an audio/video/IP gateway device with multiple non-IP interfaces operable to receive and output audio/video data. The non-IP interfaces use non-IP protocols, while an IP interface connected to the communication system uses a predefined audio/video IP protocol. A controller is operable to convert received audio/video data between the non-IP and IP protocols, output converted audio/video data via the IP interface in IP protocol, and output converted audio/video data via the non-IP interfaces using the corresponding non-IP protocol.