MRI Interface Unit Digitizing Signals to Reduce Cabling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic resonance imaging systems are hindered by the complexity, expense, and reliability issues associated with a large number of coaxial cables required for radio frequency channels, which complicate the handling and design around the examination zone.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an interface unit located in or near the examination zone to digitize spin resonance signals, allowing for transmission to a remote signal-processing unit via a single digital connection, reducing the need for multiple coaxial cables and enabling a more flexible and cost-effective system design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of radio frequency channels are used, then the imaging quality and signal reception capability are improved, but the number of coaxial cables increases leading to system complexity and handling difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple coaxial cable connections into a single digital data bus connection by implementing an analog-to-digital converter in the examination zone that aggregates signals from multiple receive coils. This merging reduces the number of cables from multiple coaxial connections (one per channel) to a single digital data connection, thereby maintaining signal reception capability while dramatically reducing cable handling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/coaxial cable system with a digital data transmission system. Instead of using multiple coaxial cables to transmit analog RF signals, the system converts these signals to digital format and transmits them through a digital data bus, eliminating the need for complex coaxial cable routing and handling while preserving signal integrity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple coaxial cables are routed through dynamically moving areas, then signal transmission is maintained, but system reliability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the vulnerable coaxial cable system in dynamically moving areas with a digital data transmission system. The analog-to-digital converter located in the examination zone converts RF signals to digital format before transmission, allowing the use of more reliable digital connections that are less susceptible to interference and mechanical stress in moving areas, thereby maintaining signal transmission while improving system reliability.
3Productivity
If receive coils are integrated with electronic components, then signal processing capability is improved, but design freedom and patient adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing functions by separating the analog-to-digital conversion function from the receive coils. The converter is placed in the examination zone while the receive coils remain as simple sensing elements without integrated electronics. This segmentation allows the coils to be freely positioned and configured for optimal patient coverage while the conversion and processing functions are handled by dedicated components, thereby maintaining signal processing capability while maximizing design freedom and adaptability.
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 solution significantly reduces cabling, enhances system reliability, and allows for optimal antenna layout and patient adaptability by eliminating unnecessary electronic components from the receive coils, resulting in a cheaper and more reliable magnetic resonance imaging system.
Implementation Method 1
an interface unit comprising a receiver for receiving the spin resonance signals, an analog to digital converter arranged to generate a digital signal in response to the received spin resonance signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging system, to a magnetic resonance imaging method for operating a magnetic resonance imaging system and to a computer program for operating a magnetic resonance imaging system. In order to considerably reduce the number of cabling in a magnetic resonance imaging system a magnetic resonance imaging system (1) is suggested, the system comprising: an examination zone (5) arranged to receive a body for examination; magnetic field generating means (9, 10, 24) for generating a magnetic field in the examination zone (5); a receiving unit (14) located in the examination zone (5) or in the vicinity of the examination zone (5); an interface unit (17) located in the examination zone (5) or in the vicinity of the examination zone (5), and arranged separately from the receiving unit (14); and a signal processing unit (21) disposed at a location (2) remote from the receiving unit (14) and the interface unit (17); wherein the receiving unit (14) comprising a receiver (15) adapted to receive a spin resonance signal generated in the examination zone (5), and a transmitter (16) adapted to transmit the spin resonance signal to the interface unit (17); and wherein the interface unit (17) comprises a receiver (20) for receiving the spin resonance signals, an analog to digital converter (19) adapted to generate a digital signal in response to the received spin resonance signal, and a transmitter (20) for transmitting the digitized signal to the signal processing unit (21).