MRI Patient Table Optical Wireless Layout for Stable Coil Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing MRI systems face challenges in maintaining stable optical wireless communication due to the movement of the patient table within the MRI apparatus, leading to noise interference and signal loss during signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
The patient table is equipped with an optical wireless unit that digitizes signals inside the top plate, converts them into optical signals, and transmits them via optical cables and wireless communication, with the optical wireless unit positioned outside the movement range of the top plate to ensure stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the patient table moves the top plate to move the subject into a bore while performing imaging, then the imaging process can be completed, but the optical link becomes unstable due to the movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the optical wireless communication function into a dedicated optical wireless unit that is distinct from the moving top plate components. This segmentation allows the communication function to be positioned optimally for stability while the top plate performs its imaging movement function.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical cable is introduced as an intermediary component that connects the receive coil unit to the optical wireless unit. This intermediary allows the signal to be transmitted through a stable wired connection to the optical conversion unit, which then transmits data wirelessly to the external device, isolating the wireless communication from the mechanical movement.
2Loss of information
If signals are transmitted via electrical cables, then signal transmission can be achieved, but noise interference and signal loss occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces electrical cable transmission with optical wireless transmission. The electrical signals from the receive coil unit are converted to optical signals by the optical wireless unit, which then transmits the data wirelessly using light-based communication. This substitution eliminates the noise interference and signal loss associated with electrical cable transmission in the MRI environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the transmission medium parameter from electrical signals through copper cables to optical signals through wireless light transmission. This parameter change fundamentally alters the transmission characteristics, avoiding the electromagnetic interference issues that plague electrical cable transmission in the strong magnetic field and RF environment of MRI.
3Device complexity
If the optical wireless unit is positioned on the moving top plate, then integration is achieved, but communication stability deteriorates due to movement
Solution Approach 1:
The optical wireless unit is extracted from the moving top plate assembly and positioned separately in a fixed location. This extraction allows the optical wireless unit to remain stationary and maintain stable optical wireless communication with the external device, while still receiving data from the receive coil unit through the optical cable connection.
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 configuration suppresses noise interference and signal loss, enabling stable optical wireless communication and high-quality image acquisition in MRI systems.
Implementation Method 1
a signal conversion unit that is disposed inside the top plate and that is connected to a receive coil unit which receives a signal generated by the subject, the signal conversion unit including an A/D converter that converts the signal obtained from the receive coil unit into a digital signal
Implementation Method 2
an electrical-to-optical converter that converts the digital signal into an optical signal
Implementation Method 3
an optical cable that is disposed inside the top plate and the leg portion and that transmits the optical signal output from the signal conversion unit
Implementation Method 4
an optical wireless unit that is disposed on the leg portion at a position outside a movement range of the top plate, that is connected to the optical cable, and that transmits the optical signal via optical wireless communication
Data Source
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AI summary
A patient table includes: a top plate (130) that moves with a subject (102) placed thereon; a leg portion(130B) that supports the top plate; a signal conversion unit (134) that is disposed inside the top plate and that is connected to a receive coil unit which receives a signal generated by the subject, the signal conversion unit including an A/D converter (160) that converts the signal obtained from the receive coil unit into a digital signal, and an electrical-to-optical converter (164) that converts the digital signal into an optical signal; an optical cable (136) that is disposed inside the top plate and the leg portion and that transmits the optical signal output from the signal conversion unit; and an optical wireless unit (46) that is disposed on the leg portion at a position outside a movement range of the top plate, is connected to the optical cable, and transmits the optical signal via optical wireless communication.