Contactless communication signal transfer

#The present application relates to the transference of information over an air-gap separating a receiver from a transmitter. It finds particular application in the context of computed tomography imaging modalities, where at least one of the transmitter and the receiver is located on a rotating gantry and an airgap separating an input coupler (e.g., for transmitting information) and an output coupler (e.g., for receiving the transmitted information) is small (e.g., 20 mm or less). However, it may also apply to others applications, such as explosive detection machines, radar antennas, etc. where communication signals are wirelessly transferred between a transmitter and a receiver.

#Computed tomography (CT) imaging modalities are configured to generate volumetric data corresponding to an object under examination. In this way, three-dimensional images may be generated that allow personnel to identify security threats, determine the orientation/position of a tumor in a body, etc. To generate such data, the computed tomography imaging modality is typically configured to rotate a radiation source and detector array about the object under examination (e.g., causing the object to be viewed from a plurality of angles). For example, the radiation source and/or detector array may be mounted to a rotating gantry configured for rotation relative to a stationary unit configured to support the rotating gantry.

#When an object is to be examined, the object is positioned in a bore of the rotating gantry (e.g., between the radiation source and the detector array) and radiation is emitted. Based upon the amount of radiation absorbed and/or attenuated by the object, one or more images of the object may be formed. For example, highly dense aspects of the object typically absorb and/or attenuate more radiation than less dense aspects, and thus an aspect having a higher density, such as a bone or metal, for example, will be apparent in an image when surrounded by less dense aspects, such as muscle or clothing.

#The application is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:

#FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example environment where an air-gap transmission system such as described herein may be implemented.

#FIG. 2 illustrates a circuit schematic of an example air-gap transmission system.

#The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are generally used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are illustrated in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the claimed subject matter.

#The present disclosure relates to a serial point-to-point communication link for transferring signals (e.g., communication information) between a transmitter and a receiver separated by an airgap. The communication link is intended to substantially emulate a wired connection and to perform low latency transfers of asynchronous digital signals (e.g., although synchronous transfers of signals are also contemplated). The communication link comprises two transmissions lines, one of which serves as an input coupler and the other which serves as an output coupler. Respective transmission lines (e.g., also referred to herein as elements or wires) are placed in a channel or groove of an electrically conductive member (e.g., or a substantially dielectric member that comprises as least some electrically conductive portion). The proximity of respective transmission lines to their respective electrically conductive member may cause a capacitance of respective transmission lines to their members to be relatively large. Moreover, respective electrically conductive members may act as a shield for their respective transmission lines, reducing an effective inductance of the transmission lines. Given the high capacitance and the reduced inductance of respective transition lines, the lines may also have a low characteristic impedance (e.g., preferably less than 100 Ohms), for example.

#Digital data is converted to a direct current (DC) analog signal (e.g., where a voltage characteristic of the signal is indicative of the data) at a transmitter and at least a portion of the analog signal is feed through a first transmission line (e.g., input coupler). When a first transmission line is placed approximate a second transmission line (e.g., output coupler) (e.g., such that the input coupler is facing the output coupler and vice-versa), a current of the signal flowing through the first transmission line may induce a current, in the second transmission line. The voltage characteristic of the signal feed through the first transmission line may be substantially the same as a voltage characteristic of the induced electric signal and may be used to reconstruct the digital input from which the first signal was yielded. Moreover, the coupling between the two transmission lines may be substantially independent of frequency and is mostly insensitive to external electromagnetic waves. In this way, there may be little to no compensation for frequency variability in signals transmitted between the transmission lines, for example.