A four-channel time domain multiplexer: a cost-effective alternative to multiple receivers.
The concept of simultaneous image acquisition as originally conceived by Hyde has been implemented by Roemer et al. using a multiple receiver system. This article describes an alternative technique that uses time domain multiplexing (TDM) to acquire simultaneous images using a single receiver channel. This method requires few modifications to the existing receiver and has been shown to be equivalent to a true four channel receiver in most applications. The multiplexing technique was implemented and tested on a standard commercial scanner that has also been equipped with a four channel receiver. Signal-to-noise results demonstrate that four independent images can be multiplexed through a single receiver channel with no degradation in image quality. Additionally, spine images that were obtained from a normal volunteer with both a multiplexed single channel receiver and a true four channel receiver system are presented.
Porter
J R
JR
Department of Electrical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843-3128.
Wright
S M
SM
Famili
N
N
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008961:Models, Structural; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D013131:Spine / Q000033:anatomy & histology