Common Time Base for PET MRI Interference Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Simultaneous operation of PET and MRI subsystems in hybrid imaging systems poses interoperability risks due to potential interference from PET digital sampling and data processing with MRI receivers, particularly at spin frequencies, necessitating minimization of interconnect distance and use of shielding.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a common clock source for both PET and MRI subsystems, with PET digital sampling and data processing equipment placed within the MRI RF cabin, using a common time base to synchronize timing signals and minimize interference, and employing hardware such as FPGAs or ASICs for real-time processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If PET digital sampling and data processing equipment is placed within the MRI RF cabin, then interconnect distance is minimized and system integration is improved, but noise interference with MRI receivers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the PET digital sampling and data processing equipment directly into the MRI RF cabin, eliminating separate housing and minimizing interconnect distance. This integration allows both subsystems to share the same physical space and timing infrastructure, reducing interference points while maintaining compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a common clock source as an intermediary timing reference that both PET and MRI subsystems use. This shared time base synchronizes digital sampling across both modalities, preventing timing-related interference and enabling coherent operation within the same RF environment.
2Reliability
If a common clock source is used for both PET and MRI subsystems, then timing synchronization is improved and interference is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The common clock source serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides timing synchronization for PET digital sampling, coordinates MRI pulse sequences, and establishes a unified time base for both subsystems. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate timing circuits and simplifies overall system architecture.
3Productivity
If PET subsystem operates simultaneously with MRI subsystem, then imaging productivity is improved, but interference with MRI receivers occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic timing patterns where PET digital sampling is synchronized to occur during specific windows within the MRI pulse sequence cycle. By coordinating the periodic operation of both subsystems around the common clock source, digital sampling is performed when MRI receivers are less susceptible to interference, enabling simultaneous operation without compromising image quality.
Data Source
AI summary
Timing in a medical imaging system. The system comprises a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) subsystem and a non-MRI subsystem. Operation of the non-MRI subsystem involves a timing signal within a radio frequency (RF) cabin of the MRI subsystem. Basing each non-MRI subsystem timing signal on a time base common between the MRI subsystem and the non-MRI subsystem. The non-MRI subsystem can be a medical imaging subsystem. The non-MRI medical imaging subsystem can be a positron emission tomography (PET) subsystem. Each non-MRI subsystem timing signal that based on the common time base can be created using the same model of equipment used for creating timing signals in the MRI subsystem. At least one stage of the non-MRI subsystem timing signal based on the common time base can be created using the same equipment used for creating timing signals in the MRI subsystem.