A system for controlling the movement of at least one motorized component of a radiation device using the system.

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a system for controlling the movement of at least one motorized component of a radiation device using the system. The system (100) is used to control the movement of at least one motorized component of a radiation device (1000) and includes a device (110) having a control lever (114), a first end of which is constrained to a base (112) to allow at least some tilting relative to the base (112) and is adapted to be manipulated by an operator by holding its handle; a first electrical sensor (116) and a second electrical sensor (118) are associated with the handle of the control lever (114); the first electrical sensor (116) is located at a first point (117) on the handle of the control lever (114) and is adapted to detect the presence of at least one finger of the hand at the first point (117).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on October 10, 2018, with application number 201880066059.7 and invention title "System for controlling the movement of at least one moving part of a radiation device using the system". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a system for controlling the movement of at least one motor component of a radiation device, and a radiation device using the system. Background Technology

[0003] Modern radiology equipment has various motorized components (e.g., patient table, head with radiation tube, support column, etc.) that interact with the patient and / or operator and / or environment, and is equipped with a system for controlling the movement of these motorized components.

[0004] One solution employed in such a control system is the so-called "joystick," which is a lever whose one end is constrained to a base and is adapted to be manipulated by an operator who is usually located at the other end; and the movement of the components varies with the position of the lever.

[0005] It is possible for the lever to be accidentally manipulated by the operator or moved by an object. In these cases, the component will move even if the operator does not need or expect it.

[0006] There is a risk that such movement could cause harm to the equipment and / or the patient.

[0007] It is well known that radiation equipment also presents other risks. For many years, the strongest demand has been related to the accidental emission of X-rays (i.e., emission not intended by the operator). This risk is addressed, for example, by the solutions described and illustrated in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 128030A1. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The overall objective of this invention is to improve existing radiation equipment from a safety perspective.

[0009] This purpose is substantially achieved by the content expressed in the appended claims that form part of this specification.

[0010] The underlying idea of ​​this invention is to associate at least two electrical sensors (particularly two capacitive sensors) with a control lever for the movement of one or more motorized components, the control lever being adapted to enable / disable movement. As will be understood from the detailed embodiments below, various strategies can be employed based on the detection results of the two sensors to reduce the risk of accidental movement.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment, the control system includes a device having a control lever, a first end of which is constrained to a base to allow at least tilting of the control lever relative to the base and is adapted to be manipulated by an operator by gripping the handle of the control lever; at least a first electrical sensor and a second electrical sensor are associated with the handle of the control lever; the first electrical sensor is located at a first point on the handle of the control lever and is adapted to detect the presence of at least one finger of the operator's hand at the first point; the second electrical sensor is located at a second point on the handle of the control lever and is adapted to detect the presence of at least one finger of the operator's hand at the second point; at least one additional electrical sensor is associated with the base and is adapted to detect the positioning of the control lever relative to the base, particularly the degree of tilt and possible direction of tilt; the control system also includes an electronic unit electrically connected to the electrical sensors and adapted to induce movement based on the positioning of the control lever only when the first electrical sensor detects the presence (typically, the presence of at least one finger of the operator's hand) and / or only when the second electrical sensor detects the presence (typically, the presence of at least one finger of the operator's hand). Attached Figure Description

[0012] The present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0013] Figure 1 An embodiment of the control system according to the present invention is shown very schematically, and

[0014] Figure 2 A general block diagram of the radiation device according to the present invention is shown.

[0015] As will be readily understood, there are various practical ways of implementing the invention, which are defined in the main advantageous aspects of the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Figure 1 An embodiment of the control system 100 according to the invention is shown in a very schematic manner; it is basically divided into a control device 110 and an electronic unit 120, which are electrically connected to each other via a cable 140.

[0017] In general, system 100 may include various control devices that are the same as or similar to the device 110 electrically connected to unit 120.

[0018] Generally, the electronic unit 120, typically of a computerized type, is suitable for performing operations in cooperation with the device 110, as well as other operations; therefore, the electronic unit 120 can be considered part of the control system according to the present invention, but it can also be considered part of other systems. For this reason, in Figure 2 In the diagram, system 100 is represented by a rectangle with dashed lines, and unit 120 is placed within this rectangle.

[0019] Figure 2 A general block diagram of a radiation device 1000 according to the present invention is shown; it includes a control system 100, a motor component 200 (and generally other components), and other components 300, 400, and 500 of the radiation device 1000, for example. For example, two cables extend from unit 120 and then enter the motor component 200; these cables transmit electrical motion drive signals. Other cables then enter and exit unit 120 to perform other operations.

[0020] The device 110 includes a fixed base 112 and a movable control lever 114; the lever 114 has a first end that is constrained to the base 112 and is adapted to be manipulated by the operator's hand (specifically, via a handle of the lever 114) by changing the angle of inclination of the lever 114. Figure 1 For example, the rod 114 has at least one element at its first end that allows the rod 114 to rotate (which may be referred to as a “two-dimensional hinge”), in particular an amplifier (e.g., housed in the base of the base 112).

[0021] according to Figure 1 In the example, the dashed line separates the adjacent and directly joined amplifier and handle; alternatively, the two elements may be constructed differently and / or spaced apart and joined by another element. In any case, the handle extends in one direction and may be conceptually divided into three regions: a first end region near the base, a second end region away from the base, and a third intermediate region located between the first and second regions.

[0022] A first electrical sensor 116 and a second electrical sensor 118 are associated with the lever 114 (specifically, with the handle); the first electrical sensor 116 is located at a first point 117 of the lever 114 (specifically, with the handle), for example in a second or third zone, and is adapted to detect the presence of at least one finger of the operator's hand holding the handle at the first point 117; the second electrical sensor 118 is located at a second point 119 of the lever 114 (specifically, with the handle), for example in a third zone or in the first zone, and is adapted to detect the presence of at least one finger of the operator's hand holding the handle at the second point 119. The distance between the second point 119 and the base 112 (along the extension direction of the handle of the lever 114) is less than the distance between the first point 117 and the base 112 (along the extension direction of the handle of the lever 114).

[0023] It should be noted that the electrical sensors on the handle of the control system according to the invention are designed to detect the presence of a part of the human body; therefore, they are located on the handle and typically detect the presence of one or two fingers of the hand; however, they can come into contact with other parts of the human body (e.g., the hand or arm) and detect such presence.

[0024] There is at least one additional electrical sensor associated with the base 112 and adapted to detect the position of the lever 114—this is known in the “joystick” section, so no details will be provided (generally, the lever can tilt in any direction, can rotate about its axis, and can translate slightly along its axis; it may also have one or more buttons); Figure 1 For example, two other electrical sensors, 113A and 113B, are shown for detecting any tilt of the rod.

[0025] In common technical terms, an "electric sensor" refers to an electrical component that has no moving mechanical parts and therefore does not correspond to an electric button, electric switch, or miniature electric switch.

[0026] The electronic device can, for example and advantageously, be subdivided into three parts: rod 114 (circuit system 115), base 112 (circuit system 111) and electronic unit 120.

[0027] Sensor 116 is electrically connected to circuit system 115, for example, via two electrical conductors. Sensor 118 is electrically connected to circuit system 115, for example, via two electrical conductors; sensor 113A is electrically connected to circuit system 111, for example, via two electrical conductors; sensor 113B is electrically connected to circuit system 111, for example, via two electrical conductors; circuit system 115 is connected to circuit system 111, for example and advantageously, via three electrical conductors (or alternatively two or four) (first conductor 131, second conductor 132, and third conductor 133); circuit system 111 is connected to unit 120 via cable 140 formed of a number of conductors.

[0028] The electrical signals generated based on the detection results of sensors 116 and 118 are received at circuit system 115, processed by circuit system 115, and sent to circuit system 111. The electrical signals generated based on the detection results of sensors 113A and 113B are received at circuit system 111, and processed by circuit system 111. Circuit system 111 sends the signals processed by sensors 116, 118, 113A, and 113B to electronic unit 120.

[0029] Among other things, the electronic unit 120 is particularly suitable for causing movement of the component 200 based on signals received from the circuit system 115 (results of detections performed by sensors 116, 118, 113A and 113B), particularly for causing movement of the component 200 based on the positioning of the lever 114.

[0030] According to an alternative embodiment, there is no electronic circuitry in the control lever; that is, the electronics are divided into two parts instead of three. In this case, the functions of circuitry 115 and circuitry 111 will be performed by a single circuitry in the base 112.

[0031] Generally, according to the invention, the electronic unit 120 is adapted to cause one (or more) movements based on the positioning of the lever 114 (specifically, its degree of tilt and possibly its direction of tilt) only when the sensor 116 on the handle detects the presence (typically the presence of fingers of the hand holding the handle of the lever 114) and / or the sensor 118 on the handle detects the presence (typically the presence of fingers of the hand holding the handle of the lever 114).

[0032] The use of dual sensors on the handle prevents accidental movement of components of the radiation device. As can be understood below, various strategies can be employed based on the detection results of the dual sensors to reduce the risk of accidental movement. In any case, choosing a handle with a lever that has an electrical sensor (especially a capacitive sensor) instead of a button or switch reduces this risk; in fact, contact between many objects and sensors can be distinguished from contact between a finger and a sensor.

[0033] According to the first possibility, the movement depends only on the detection results of a portion of either of the two sensors.

[0034] According to the second possibility, movement depends solely on the detection result of one of the two sensors located at the end area of ​​the lever's handle; this solution is advantageous if it is believed that the other sensor may signal for detection, but the operator has not yet initiated such detection.

[0035] According to the third possibility, movement depends solely on the detection result of one of the two sensors located in the middle area of ​​the lever's handle; this solution is advantageous if it is believed that the other sensor may signal for detection, but the operator has not yet initiated such detection.

[0036] According to the fourth possibility, the movement depends on the detection results of both the first of the two sensors (e.g., sensor 116) and the second of the two sensors (e.g., sensor 118); this solution is very safe because it is unlikely that an operator or object would involuntarily touch the two sensors and involuntarily tilt the rod.

[0037] According to the fifth possibility, electronic unit 120 is suitable for:

[0038] -If sensor 116 detects the presence (in particular the presence of a finger) or sensor 118 detects the presence (in particular the presence of a finger), then movement is caused at a first velocity based on the positioning of rod 114;

[0039] -If sensor 116 detects the presence (in particular the presence of a finger) and sensor 118 detects the presence (in particular the presence of a finger), then movement is caused at a second speed according to the positioning of rod 114;

[0040] Preferably, the second speed is higher than the first speed.

[0041] In this way, any accidental activation will cause a slowed movement, thus reducing the danger.

[0042] Preferably, the sensor in the control lever is capacitive.

[0043] The number of sensors in the control lever can also be greater than two; however, using two sensors is a good trade-off between safety and simplicity.

[0044] The sensor's position on the control stick is selected based on the control stick and the application. Figure 1 The locations shown are for illustrative purposes only.

[0045] According to embodiments of the present invention, the electrical signals processed by various electronic circuits are of analog type.

[0046] Typically, the electrical signal emitted from an electrical sensor (in...) Figure 1 (Indicated by 116, 118, 113A and 113B) are analog types.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the signal emitted from the circuit system 115 is of analog type.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the invention, the signal emitted from the circuit system 111 (i.e., from the device 110) is of analog type.

[0049] The rod 114 (in particular its circuit system 115) is electrically connected to the base 112 (in particular its circuit system 111) by a limited number of electrical conductors (preferably two or three); this is advantageous for facilitating the movement of the rod 114 relative to the base 112.

[0050] There may be only two of these conductors; in this case, circuit system 115 must be able to superimpose the sensor's detection results with the power supply from circuit system 111.

[0051] These conductors can have three (e.g., ... Figure 1(as shown in the diagram); in this case, the first conductor 131 is used to transmit the ground voltage, the second conductor 132 is used to transmit the power supply voltage, and the third conductor 133 is used to transmit the detection results of sensors 116 and 118.

[0052] If three electrical conductors and an analog signal are used for the connection between circuit system 115 and circuit system 111, then it is advantageous that:

[0053] - The first analog level indicates that no electrical sensor has detected the presence (especially the presence of a finger), preferably corresponding to the power supply voltage;

[0054] - The second analog level indicates that the presence (specifically, the presence of a finger) is only detected by sensor 116;

[0055] - The third analog level indicator is only detected by sensor 118 (specifically, the presence of a finger);

[0056] - The fourth analog level indicator sensor 116 detects the presence (in particular the presence of a finger) and sensor 118 detects the presence (in particular the presence of a finger);

[0057] The fault condition of the fifth analog level indicator 110 (especially the rod 114) preferably corresponds to the ground voltage.

Claims

1. A system (100) for controlling the movement of at least one component of a radiation device (1000), said component being motorized and adapted to interact with a patient and / or operator and / or environment, said system comprising a device (110) having a control lever (114), a first end of the control lever (114) being constrained to a base (112) to at least allow the control lever (114) to tilt relative to the base (112) and adapted to be operated by an operator by hand by gripping a handle of the control lever (114); At least one first electrical sensor and one second electrical sensor are associated with the handle of the control lever (114); The first electrical sensor is located at a first point (117) of the handle of the control lever (114) and is adapted to detect the presence of at least one finger of the hand at the first point (117); The second electrical sensor is located at a second point (119) of the handle of the control lever (114) and is adapted to detect the presence of at least one finger of the hand at the second point (119); At least one other electrical sensor is associated with the base (112) and is adapted to detect the positioning of the control lever (114) relative to the base (112); The system (100) also includes an electronic unit (120) which is electrically connected (140) to an electrical sensor; Its features are, The electronic unit (120) is adapted to cause the movement based on the positioning of the control lever (114) only when the first electrical sensor detects its presence and / or only when the second electrical sensor detects its presence. The electronic unit (120) and the device (110) are adapted to exchange analog-type electrical signals to transmit the detection results of the electrical sensor. Only three electrical conductors connect the control rod (114) to the base (112): the first conductor transmits the ground voltage, the second conductor transmits the power supply voltage, and the third conductor transmits the detection results of the first and second electrical sensors. in: - The first analog level indicates that no electrical sensor detected its presence; - The second analog level indicates that only the first electrical sensor detected its presence; - The third analog level indicates that only the second electrical sensor detected its presence; - The fourth analog level indicates that the first electrical sensor has detected the presence and the second electrical sensor has detected the presence; - The fifth analog level indicates the fault condition of the device (110).

2. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the first point (117) is located in a first region of the handle of the rod (114) and the second point (119) is located in a second region of the handle of the rod (114), the first region being remote from the second region, characterized in that, The electronic unit (120) is adapted to cause the movement based on the positioning of the control lever (114) and the position and / or distance between the first and second zones.

3. The system (100) as described in any of the preceding claims includes two or more control devices (110).

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first analog level corresponds to the power supply voltage.

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fifth analog level corresponds to the ground voltage.

6. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein at least another electrical sensor is associated with the base (112) and adapted to detect the degree and direction of tilt of the control lever (114) relative to the base (112).

7. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the electronic unit (120) and the device (110) are adapted to exchange analog-type electrical signals to transmit the detection results of the first electrical sensor and the second electrical sensor.

8. A radiation device (1000) comprising the system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. The radiation device (1000) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the base (112) is fixed or integrated into the control console.

10. The radiation device (1000) as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein the electronic unit (120) is computerized and adapted to perform other operations within the device.

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