X-ray Imaging Component Communication Protocol
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray imaging systems face challenges with increased complexity and cost due to the need for complex translation units and software to accommodate different communication protocols between various components, leading to processing delays and inefficiencies in data handling.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a flexible communication protocol and bus that allows X-ray imaging system components to communicate using a unified protocol, reducing the need for translation units and enabling encrypted and unencrypted message transmission, thereby enhancing reliability and consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different communication protocols are used between various X-ray imaging components, then compatibility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to the need for translation units and software
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication bus (CAN bus) that serves as a common communication infrastructure for all X-ray imaging components including the X-ray tube, detector, gantry, and control systems. This single bus architecture replaces multiple protocol-specific communication channels, eliminating the need for translation units while maintaining compatibility across diverse components through standardized message formats and protocols
2Adaptability or versatility
If translation units are implemented to handle different communication protocols, then protocol compatibility is improved, but processing delays and inefficiencies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the translation unit layer from the communication architecture by implementing a unified CAN bus protocol that all components natively support. This removes the intermediate translation step that caused processing delays, allowing direct communication between components while maintaining protocol compatibility through standardized interfaces
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex translation software is used to accommodate different communication protocols, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes homogeneous communication standards across all X-ray imaging components by implementing a unified CAN bus protocol. All components use the same message formats, communication rules, and data structures, eliminating the need for complex translation software while maintaining full adaptability. This homogenization reduces software complexity and development costs
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method of communicating between imaging components of an X-ray imaging system may include determining, by an initiator imaging component, whether a target imaging component is a primary manufacturer imaging component (PMIC). Responsive to the target imaging component not being the PMIC, the method may include generating a communication message including a communication packet according to a packet protocol. Responsive to the target imaging component not being the PMIC, the method may also include sending the communication message to the target imaging component as a secondary manufacturer imaging component. Responsive to the target imaging component being the PMIC, the method may include generating a message including a header packet and one or more data packets according to a message protocol. Responsive to the target imaging component being the PMIC, the method may also include sending the message to the target imaging component as the primary manufacturer imaging component.