Visible Light Communication in MRI Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance devices face challenges in reliable and efficient communication between the main device and a mobile patient-side communication device due to noise interference and complex pneumatic systems, with existing radio-based solutions causing approval and interference issues.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a visible light communication (VLC) method using LEDs as a transmission medium, where the brightness of the LEDs is modulated with a carrier signal to transmit useful signals from the main device to the patient-side device, allowing for bidirectional communication with minimal interference and no need for radio licenses or antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pneumatic transmission with air pressure modulation is used, then communication can be established in the magnetic resonance device, but the transmission quality is poor and the system becomes complex with compressed-air hoses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pneumatic transmission system with an optical communication system using LEDs and photodetectors. This substitution eliminates the need for compressed-air hoses and complex pneumatic components while achieving reliable signal transmission through light modulation, directly resolving the contradiction between communication reliability and system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If radio signals are used for communication, then bidirectional communication is possible, but approval issues and interference/distortions in the magnetic resonance device occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes radio frequency electromagnetic waves with optical waves in the visible spectrum. This substitution eliminates radio frequency interference with the magnetic resonance imaging process while maintaining bidirectional communication capabilities through optical modulation and detection, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and harmful interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses light as an intermediary medium for signal transmission between the control room and patient area. By modulating LED brightness with communication signals and detecting them with photodetectors, the system achieves reliable bidirectional communication without radio frequency interference, as light serves as a clean intermediary that does not disrupt the magnetic field.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing illuminating devices with LEDs are used for communication, then implementation is easy and energy efficient, but the transmission medium must be modulated with carrier signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing illuminating LED devices serve dual functions: providing illumination for the patient area and transmitting communication signals through brightness modulation. This multi-functionality approach leverages already-installed components, eliminating the need for separate communication hardware while achieving reliable signal transmission through appropriate modulation techniques.
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 approach provides a reliable, easy-to-implement, and interference-free communication method that utilizes existing lighting in magnetic resonance devices, ensuring high signal quality and compatibility with magnetic resonance imaging without disrupting the imaging process.
Implementation Method 1
a communication technology that uses visible light as the transmission medium is used, in particular with the use of at least one LED (light-emitting diode)
Implementation Method 2
a light receiving device using a photodetector
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for communicating between a first communication device of a magnetic resonance apparatus and a second communication device, in particular one that is mobile and on the patient side, of the magnetic resonance apparatus, a communication technology using visible light is used as the transmission medium for transmission of a useful signal from at least one of the communication devices to the other communication device, in particular from the first communication device to the second communication device.