LiFi System for MRI Optical Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication methods in MRI environments face challenges due to RF shielding constraints, which attenuate wider frequency ranges, leading to signal interference and require costly cabling solutions, while existing optical approaches like LiFi are not MRI-compatible and suffer from bandwidth limitations and interference issues.
Innovation Solution
A novel LiFi system with paired modules on either side of the MRI observation window, integrating LiFi optical hardware and communications electronics, designed to mitigate magnetic and RF risks, prevent signal crosstalk, and ensure optimal data throughput by using angled transmitters and receivers, optical channel isolation, and securement mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RF shielding is used to protect MRI scanner from signal interference, then imaging quality is improved, but wireless communication capability deteriorates due to attenuation of wider frequency ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light) to transfer data across the RF shielded barrier. Optical transmitters convert electrical signals to optical signals that pass through the RF shield, and optical receivers convert them back, avoiding direct RF transmission through the barrier while maintaining communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional RF electromagnetic wave transmission mechanism with optical transmission through the RF barrier. This substitution allows data communication without relying on RF frequencies that are attenuated by the shielding, thus resolving the contradiction between shielding effectiveness and wireless communication.
2Reliability
If filtered cables or optical fibers are used for communications across RF barrier, then signal integrity is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical cable connections (filtered cables or optical fibers) with wireless optical transmission through the barrier. This eliminates the need for complex cabling infrastructure while maintaining signal integrity through the use of optical transmitters and receivers that communicate through the RF shield.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the communication function from the physical cable infrastructure and implements it through wireless optical transmission. By removing the cables and using light-based transmission through the barrier, the system achieves signal integrity without the complexity of installed cabling systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If RF wireless communication is used above 2 GHz to avoid MRI frequency interference, then frequency interference is reduced, but RF shielding attenuation increases signal loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical signals as an intermediary to carry data across the RF barrier. The optical transmitters convert RF or digital signals to optical signals that are not affected by RF shielding attenuation, and optical receivers convert them back, eliminating the energy loss associated with RF transmission through shields.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission parameter from RF electromagnetic waves to optical waves. This parameter change allows transmission through the RF barrier without suffering from the frequency-dependent attenuation that plagues RF wireless communication, as optical frequencies are not attenuated by RF shields designed for lower frequencies.
4Reliability
If licensed microwave frequencies are used for wireless communication, then communication reliability is improved, but frequency availability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical transmission system universal by using visible light or infrared wavelengths that are not subject to licensing requirements. This allows the system to function across multiple frequency bands and applications without being constrained by licensed microwave frequency allocations, enhancing adaptability while maintaining reliability.
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 bi-directional, high-throughput wireless optical communications across RF-shielded MRI rooms, reducing interference and maintaining data integrity while avoiding the limitations of existing RF-based and optical communication methods.
Implementation Method 1
LiFi transmits data at extremely high rates (currently, researchers have achieved over 224 Gbits/second) over visible light, ultraviolet, and infrared spectrums using active lighting means (e.g., LED lamps)
Implementation Method 2
LiFi transmits data at extremely high rates (currently, researchers have achieved over 224 Gbits/second) over visible light, ultraviolet, and infrared spectrums using active lighting means (e.g., LED lamps)
Data Source
AI summary
A system for wirelessly communicating data across a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) observation window, comprising a pair of Light Fidelity (LiFi) modules with a case, wherein each case comprises a window-interfacing-side that is placeable on opposing sides of the observation window, wherein each case further comprises a LiFi transmitter and a LiFi receiver for transmission of control instructions and return information across the observation window.