Collision Detection in Medical Linear Accelerators via Virtual 3D Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical linear accelerator systems face challenges in preventing collisions between moving components, such as treatment heads and treatment beds, which can lead to system damage and safety hazards, as traditional collision-sensing apparatuses are cumbersome and cannot be mounted on all components due to their complex trajectories and varying shapes.
Innovation Solution
A method that models the exterior shapes of movable components, simulates their spatial positions during movement, and determines potential collisions without the need for collision-sensing apparatuses, allowing for real-time detection and prevention of collisions by adjusting operation plans or prompting safety warnings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If collision-sensing apparatuses are mounted on all components to detect collisions, then collision detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual 3D models (copies) of the treatment head and treatment bed components. These digital models are used to simulate spatial positions and detect potential collisions through computational geometry, replacing the need for physical collision-sensing apparatuses on all components. The virtual models capture the essential geometric features needed for collision detection without requiring extensive hardware installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical collision-sensing apparatus with a computational simulation system. Instead of using physical sensors mounted on components to detect collisions, the system uses computer-generated 3D models and spatial simulation algorithms to predict and detect collisions virtually. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical sensing hardware while maintaining collision detection capability.
2Reliability
If collision-sensing apparatuses are mounted on all components to detect collisions, then collision detection reliability is improved, but the number of components and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal collision detection system based on virtual 3D modeling that can be applied to all components without requiring component-specific hardware. The same computational geometry framework and simulation process work for different components (treatment head, treatment bed, etc.), providing a multi-functional approach that scales easily with the system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
By creating virtual copies (3D models) of components rather than mounting physical sensors on each component, the system achieves universal collision detection capability. The digital models can be generated, updated, and managed centrally, making the system more adaptable to configuration changes and easier to implement across different component types.
3Reliability
If traditional collision-sensing apparatuses are used, then collision detection is achieved, but operational efficiency is reduced due to cumbersome apparatuses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical collision-sensing apparatus with a software-based simulation system that operates in the digital domain. The 3D models and spatial simulation algorithms execute on computers, eliminating the need for physical sensors that would add mechanical complexity and reduce operational efficiency. The system maintains collision detection capability while significantly improving operational smoothness.
Solution Approach 2:
By using virtual copies of components in the form of 3D models, the system eliminates the need for physical sensing apparatuses on moving components. The digital models allow for rapid computation and real-time collision detection without the mechanical constraints and maintenance requirements of physical sensors, thereby improving operational efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus and systems for detecting collision are provided. In one aspect, a method includes: obtaining a first model by performing modelling based on an exterior shape of a first component in the target system, the first component being a movable component, obtaining a second model by performing modelling based on an exterior shape of a second component in the target system, the second component being different from the first component, determining a spatial position of the first model and a spatial position of the second model according to a movement process of the first component at each of detection timings, and for each of the detection timings, determining whether the first component collides with the second component according to the spatial position of the first model, the spatial position of the second model, and a collision condition.