PATIENT TABLE AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS

Smart overview of the Invention

The patient table designed for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus features a top plate that moves with the subject placed on it. Supporting the top plate is a leg portion that integrates a signal conversion unit. This unit connects to a receive coil unit, which captures signals generated by the subject. The conversion unit includes an A/D converter to digitize the signals and an electrical-to-optical converter to transform these digital signals into optical signals. These signals are transmitted via an optical cable that runs through both the top plate and the leg portion, facilitating optical wireless communication.

Technical Background

Traditionally, MRI apparatuses have transmitted weak magnetic resonance signals via electrical cables, which are then digitized away from the gantry. This method is prone to noise interference and signal loss. Recent advancements propose digitizing signals closer to the receive coil unit to mitigate these issues. Furthermore, employing optical wireless communication, particularly at frequencies different from those used in RF irradiation, helps avoid interference with MRI operations. The innovation focuses on converting digitized signals into optical wireless signals within the top plate to maintain signal integrity.

Design Considerations

Positioning optical wireless transmitters and receivers is crucial due to the movement of the top plate during imaging. The optical wireless unit must be placed outside the top plate's movement range to ensure stable communication. This strategic placement prevents shading by the top plate, thus maintaining a consistent optical link. The design aims to minimize noise interference and signal loss, ensuring reliable data transmission.

Key Features

• Signal Conversion: The signal conversion unit digitizes and converts signals to optical form within the top plate, enhancing transmission reliability.
• Optical Wireless Communication: The optical wireless unit is strategically placed on the leg portion to avoid movement interference, ensuring stable communication.
• Flexible Configurations: Various configurations are possible, such as positioning the optical wireless unit on the leg's end or side and providing multiple coil ports and signal conversion units.

Additional Aspects

The system can include multiple signal conversion units and optical cables, with the optical wireless unit featuring a switch for selecting active signals. The digital processing circuit within the signal conversion unit may include decimators and encoders for data processing. Moreover, the optical wireless unit can connect to external optical communication devices, enhancing system flexibility. The MRI apparatus integrates this patient table with a gantry for generating magnetic fields and an image reconstruction unit for processing the acquired nuclear magnetic resonance signals.