Universal Interface System for MRI Device Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI technologies lack an efficient method to interface and synchronize various devices, such as response systems, auditory and visual stimulation tools, and eye tracking equipment from different vendors within the MRI magnet room, making it difficult to perform complex tasks like creating virtual reality environments and recording patient movements during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A 3D display system using FPR technology with MRI-compatible LCD TVs and goggles, along with a universal interface system employing FPGA technology and Wi-Fi networks, allows for the integration of multiple devices and signal protocols, enabling synchronized operation within the MRI environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vendor products are used for different fMRI tasks (visual stimulation, auditory stimulation, eye tracking, response recording), then the functional versatility is improved, but the device complexity and synchronization difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal interface system that can connect and control multiple types of devices (visual stimulators, auditory stimulators, eye trackers, response recorders) through a single standardized interface. The system uses a common communication protocol and synchronization mechanism that works across all device types, eliminating the need for separate vendor-specific control systems for each task modality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple previously separate control systems into a single integrated platform. The universal interface merges the control of visual stimulation, auditory stimulation, eye tracking, and response recording into one coordinated system, reducing the overall complexity by consolidating control functions rather than managing multiple independent systems.
2Measurement precision
If multiple vendor products are integrated for comprehensive fMRI tasks, then the measurement capability is improved, but the synchronization difficulty and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based synchronization mechanism where the universal interface continuously monitors the operational state of each connected device and adjusts timing signals accordingly. The system receives feedback from each device about its current state and uses this information to coordinate actions across all devices, ensuring precise temporal alignment without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary configuration and calibration of all devices through the universal interface before the actual fMRI experiment begins. The system pre-synchronizes timing parameters, pre-loads stimulus protocols, and pre-configures response recording settings, so that during the actual experiment, all devices are already coordinated and ready to operate simultaneously without requiring time-consuming adjustments during the procedure.
3Reliability
If vendor-specific devices are used for different tasks, then the task-specific performance is improved, but the ease of operation and integration simplicity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a universal interface as an intermediary layer between the operator and the various vendor-specific devices. This intermediary handles all the complex integration, protocol translation, and coordination tasks, allowing the operator to interact with a simplified, unified control system while the universal interface manages the complexity of connecting to and coordinating multiple different device types in the background.
Data Source
AI summary
An interface system for providing a signal interface between devices in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) magnet room and devices in the outside environment to the magnet room. An exemplary embodiment includes a signal transmission link between the MRI magnet room and the outside environment, the link including a wireless local area network. A controller system is located in the outside environment and connected to the devices in the outside environment. A transducer system is located in the MRI magnet room and connected to the devices in the MRI magnet room.