Digital Processing Circuit Inside MRI Patient Bed for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI systems face challenges in minimizing noise interference in MR signals during transmission, which affects imaging quality, particularly when using local RF coil devices connected to the MRI apparatus.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a digital processing circuit within the MRI apparatus that digitizes analogue MR signals from RF coils using a direct sampling method, allowing for wireless transmission and reception of digitized signals, thereby reducing noise contamination and simplifying the device configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If MR signals are transmitted using wired or radio methods, then the signals can be transmitted to the control side, but noise mixes into the MR signals during transmission, degrading imaging quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing A/D conversion of MR signals at the bedside before transmission. This early digitization converts analog signals to digital form at the source, preventing noise contamination that would occur during analog transmission through wires or radio channels. The digital signals are then transmitted with immunity to noise interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical analog signal transmission system with a digital signal processing system. By substituting analog transmission with digital transmission, the system eliminates the susceptibility to noise that plagues analog systems while maintaining signal integrity throughout the transmission path.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a digital processing circuit is disposed inside the bed to perform A/D conversion, then noise mixing is suppressed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the MRI system into distinct functional modules: a digital processing circuit disposed inside the bed for A/D conversion, a separate transmission unit for sending digital signals, and a control side for receiving and processing. This modular segmentation allows the digital processing function to be added without complicating the overall system architecture, as each module operates independently with well-defined interfaces.
3Loss of information
If wired transmission method is used to transmit MR signals, then signal transmission is achieved, but noise mixes into the signals during transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired transmission system with a digital communication system. Instead of transmitting analog signals through physical wires where noise can be induced, the system transmits digital data packets that are immune to electromagnetic interference and noise contamination during transmission.
4Ease of operation
If radio transmission method is used to transmit MR signals, then wireless transmission is achieved, but noise mixes into the signals during transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by converting signals to digital form before wireless transmission. This early A/D conversion at the bedside ensures that only digital signals are transmitted radio-frequency wise, making the wireless transmission immune to noise contamination while maintaining the ease of operation benefits of wireless capability.
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 approach effectively suppresses noise in MR signals, enhancing imaging quality by digitizing signals early in the transmission process and allowing for efficient wireless communication of MR data, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a digital processing circuit disposed inside the bed to acquire analogue nuclear magnetic resonance signals from an RF coil which receives nuclear magnetic resonance signals emitted from the object, and to digitize the analogue nuclear magnetic resonance signals
Implementation Method 2
a first antenna; first radio communication circuitry configured to wirelessly transmit nuclear magnetic resonance signals digitized by the digital processing circuit, by using the first antenna
Implementation Method 3
a second antenna; second radio communication circuitry configured to receive digitized nuclear magnetic resonance signals wirelessly transmitted from the first antenna, by using the second antenna
Implementation Method 4
MRI is an imaging method which magnetically excites nuclear spin of an object (a patient) placed in a static magnetic field with an RF pulse having the Larmor frequency and reconstructs an image based on MR signals generated due to the excitation
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an MRI apparatus includes a bed, a digital processing circuit, a first antenna, first radio communication circuitry, a second antenna, second radio communication circuitry, and an image reconstruction circuit. An object is loaded on the bed. The digital processing circuit is disposed inside the bed, acquires analogue MR signals from an RF coil which receives MR signals emitted from the object, and digitizes the acquired MR signals. The first radio communication circuitry wirelessly transmits the MR signals digitized by the digital processing circuit, by using the first antenna. The second radio communication circuitry wirelessly receives the MR signals wirelessly transmitted from the first antenna, by using the second antenna. The image reconstruction circuit reconstructs image data based on the MR signals received by the second radio communication circuitry.