Digital Channel Selection for MRI Signal Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance tomography systems face challenges with large-scale analog switch matrices, which become impractical due to increased capacity loads at high frequencies and limited space for fiber-optic connections, leading to inefficiencies in signal processing and spatial arrangement.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a digital channel selection unit at the patient table to digitize signals from local coils, combining multiple data flows into one, and using optical connectors for reduced component count and efficient data transmission, allowing for selective channel preselection and decimation to optimize data flow and reduce connection system costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large-scale analog switch matrix is used to handle signals from multiple local coils, then all channels can be routed, but the capacity load increases and space requirements grow at high frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the channel selection process into two stages: analog channel selection at the patient table level and digital channel selection at the central evaluation unit. This segmentation reduces the scale of any single switch matrix by handling only local channels at the patient table, while digital processing handles the remaining routing complexity centrally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional all-analog switch matrix with a hybrid system that incorporates digital signal processing. By digitizing signals at the patient table and using digital channel selection, the system substitutes mechanical/analog switching with electronic/digital switching, reducing capacity load and improving routing efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more antenna elements are connected than receive signal processing elements available, then channel flexibility increases, but the switch matrix capacity load becomes unmanageable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local channel selection at the patient table before signals are transmitted to the central evaluation unit. This segmentation allows flexible routing of antenna elements to receive signal processing elements in distributed stages, reducing the capacity load on any single switch matrix while maintaining overall channel flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary channel selection at the patient table using analog switch matrices that route only the necessary local channels to the digital conversion stage. This preliminary action reduces the number of channels that need to be handled by the central switch matrix, thereby reducing capacity load while preserving flexibility.
3Device complexity
If analog channel selection is performed without prior digital processing, then signal routing is simple, but data transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pure analog signal processing with a hybrid analog-digital architecture. By digitizing signals at the patient table and transmitting digital data, the system improves data transmission efficiency while keeping the analog channel selection stage for simple routing. This substitution eliminates the inefficiencies of transmitting high-frequency analog signals over long distances.
4Adaptability or versatility
If fiber-optic connections are increased to handle more channels, then channel capacity increases, but available space for connections is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing architecture into distributed patient table units and a central evaluation unit. Each patient table handles local channel selection and digitization, requiring fewer fiber-optic connections to the central unit. This segmentation reduces the total number of connections needed while maintaining high channel capacity through efficient digital data transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance tomography system includes a plurality of MRT plugs for connection of antenna elements, respectively, of one of a plurality of local coils. Due to at least one analog switch matrix, antenna elements respectively connected to fewer than all of the MRT plugs may be connected in an analog fashion to receive signal processing elements of one of a plurality of receive signal processing element blocks respectively having a plurality of receive signal processing elements. Between outputs of receive signal processing element blocks and an evaluation device of the magnetic resonance tomography system, a digital channel selection unit is provided. On an input side of the digital channel selection unit, the digital channel selection unit may be connected to antenna elements. Signals from fewer antenna elements are present at the output of the digital channel selection unit than at an input of the digital channel selection unit.