MRI Coil Wireless Transceiver Layout for Stable Image Data Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems face challenges in maintaining high-quality wireless communication between RF coils and control units due to interference from static and radio frequency fields, leading to deteriorated image quality, especially with increased channels and signal lines.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus with sliding top plates equipped with multiple wireless transceivers at various positions, allowing a controller to automatically select the optimal transceiver for high-quality wireless communication, reducing user intervention and cable interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a wireless transceiver is provided only at one end part of the top plate, then the device complexity is reduced, but the wireless communication quality deteriorates due to interference from static magnetic fields and radio frequency irradiation
Solution Approach 1:
The top plate is divided into multiple segments along the longitudinal direction, with each segment equipped with its own wireless transceiver. This segmentation allows the system to distribute transceivers at multiple positions (first, second, and third positions) rather than concentrating them at a single location, thereby reducing the impact of magnetic field interference on overall communication quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the top plate are equipped with wireless transceivers based on their specific communication requirements and interference environments. The controller selectively activates transceivers at optimal positions depending on the imaging task and interference conditions, ensuring that each transceiver operates in its most favorable local environment.
2Reliability
If multiple wireless transceivers are provided at different positions on the top plate, then the wireless communication quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects and activates specific wireless transceivers based on real-time communication quality assessment and interference conditions. The controller monitors the performance of multiple transceivers and switches between them as needed, making the system adaptable to changing environmental conditions without requiring all transceivers to operate simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller automatically evaluates communication quality and selects the optimal transceiver without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages the complexity of having multiple transceivers by implementing automated selection and switching logic, thereby reducing the operational burden on users despite the increased hardware complexity.
3Reliability
If physical cables are used to connect RF coils to the control unit, then the connection is stable, but the cable diameter increases and cost increases as the number of channels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless communication system. Instead of using physical cables to transmit signals from RF coils to the control unit, the system uses electromagnetic waves for data transmission. This substitution eliminates the need for large-diameter cables while maintaining connection stability through reliable wireless protocols and error correction mechanisms.
4Device complexity
If analog/digital conversion and electrical signal/optical signal conversion are performed in the vicinity of the RF coil, then the number of signal lines is reduced, but the conversion is easily affected by static magnetic fields, radio frequency irradiation, and gradient magnetic fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the signal conversion functions (analog/digital conversion and electrical signal/optical signal conversion) from the vicinity of the RF coil and relocates them to a safer location away from the magnetic field interference zone. By separating the conversion components from the RF coil environment, the system maintains signal line reduction benefits while avoiding the harmful effects of static magnetic fields, radio frequency irradiation, and gradient magnetic fields on sensitive conversion circuits.
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 high-quality wireless communication by selecting the best transceiver based on factors like distance, interference, and placement, thereby improving image quality and reducing user burden.
Implementation Method 1
a technique of performing wireless communication between the RF coil and a control unit has been developed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus capable of acquiring a magnetic resonance image through high-quality wireless communication. A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a top plate (210) on which a subject is placed, the top plate being slidable in a longitudinal direction; a plurality of first wireless transceivers (200A, 200B0 connected to a receive coil (110A) for capturing a magnetic resonance image of the subject, the plurality of first wireless transceivers being provided at a plurality of positions of the top plate in the longitudinal direction and moving in the longitudinal direction as the top plate slides; a second wireless transceiver (310A, 310B); and a controller (400) that selects at least one of the plurality of first wireless transceivers and performs wireless communication using the selected first wireless transceiver and the second wireless transceiver.