MRI Optical Link Positioning for Cable-Free Receive Coils
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing wireless optical communication systems for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) receive coil units face challenges in accommodating different types of RF coil components and require multiple physical communication cables, which hinder workflow and increase device size and cost.
Innovation Solution
A wireless optical communication system with arm mechanisms on opposite walls of the MRI examination room, allowing movement of optical communication devices to optimal positions for seamless communication with the receive coil unit, regardless of its type, using processors to control these mechanisms and execute link-up checks before scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple physical communication cables are used to connect receive coil units with increasing number of channels, then the number of signals increases, but the number of coaxial cables increases leading to increase in device size and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless electromagnetic communication system. The receive coil unit and imaging device communicate via electromagnetic waves without physical coaxial cables, thereby maintaining the ability to transmit multiple signal channels while eliminating the proportional increase in cable quantity and associated complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple physical communication cables are connected to receive coil unit, then communication capability is ensured, but the communication cable hinders the workflow of operator's setting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication function from the physical cable connection and implements it through wireless electromagnetic communication. This removes the cable from the operational environment, eliminating the hindrance to operator workflow while preserving reliable communication between the receive coil unit and imaging device through wireless signal transmission.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transmitter/receiver modules are attached to each RF coil element for optical communication, then wireless communication is achieved, but it is difficult to use the optical receivers/transmitters in common for multiple types of RF coil components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal wireless communication architecture where the imaging device's transmission unit can communicate with various types of receive coil units (head coils, spine coils, abdominal coils, joint coils) without requiring type-specific configuration. The system uses a standardized electromagnetic communication protocol that works across different RF coil component types and channel configurations, eliminating the need for separate optical receiver/transmitter setups for each coil type.
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 efficient optical communication during MRI scanning, simplifying setup and reducing hardware complexity by eliminating the need for multiple physical cables, thus improving workflow and reducing device size and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical communication device that is connected to a receive coil unit attached to a subject... second optical communication devices that are disposed at the first arm distal end and the second arm distal end, respectively, and are capable of performing wireless optical communication with the first optical communication device
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless optical communication system includes: a first optical communication device of an optical wireless module that is connected to a receive coil unit attached to a subject; and first and second arm mechanisms that are provided on a pair of a first wall and a second wall of an examination room, respectively, and are capable of moving second optical communication devices to a front position or a rear position of a bore of a gantry. A processor acquires link-up check information indicating either the front position or the rear position of the bore as a position of the second optical communication device during main scanning and controls the first arm mechanism or the second arm mechanism based on the link-up check information such that the second optical communication device is moved to the selected front position or rear position.