Gantry Collision Detection Using Contour Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical imaging devices face challenges in ensuring collision-free movement of their gantries relative to patients, especially during interventions, due to limited gantry openings and the presence of positioning aids and instruments, which can lead to increased risk of collision and stress for medical personnel.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that acquire position data of the gantry and patient using measuring devices, calculate collision information based on the gantry's movement and object contours, and provide collision avoidance information to ensure safe positioning and movement during scans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gantry with a large opening is used, then the risk of collision is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary test run before the actual scanning procedure to detect potential collision risks. During this test run, the gantry moves through the entire scanning trajectory at reduced speed while sensors monitor the spatial relationship between the gantry and patient support device. Based on the results, the system calculates optimal alignment parameters that prevent collisions during the actual procedure, eliminating the need for a physically large gantry opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts alignment parameters including the angular orientation of the gantry relative to the patient support device, the longitudinal position of the gantry, and the height of the patient support device. By optimizing these parameters through calculation based on measured geometric data, the system achieves collision-free operation with a compact gantry design.
2Reliability
If a test run with visual check is performed, then collision risk is reduced, but the stress and time consumption for medical personnel increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the manual visual inspection method with an automated sensor-based detection system. Sensors mounted on the gantry and/or patient support device automatically measure the spatial coordinates and geometric dimensions of both components. A control unit processes this data to calculate potential collision risks, eliminating the need for medical personnel to perform time-consuming visual checks while maintaining or improving collision detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital model or representation of the physical arrangement by measuring the geometric data of the gantry and patient support device. This digital copy is then used by the control unit to simulate and analyze the scanning trajectory, identifying potential collision points without requiring physical test runs at full speed. This virtual simulation replaces the need for repeated manual visual inspections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the gantry is tilted to accommodate intervention alignment, then the useful height of the opening is reduced, but the adaptability for interventions is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the alignment between the gantry and patient support device based on the specific intervention requirements. The angular orientation and positional parameters are optimized in real-time through calculation, allowing the gantry to be tilted at precise angles that accommodate intervention instruments while maximizing the remaining useful opening height. This dynamic optimization enables adaptability without permanently sacrificing geometric dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is for providing collision information. In an embodiment, the method includes acquiring first position data relating to an outer contour of an object, via at least one measuring device arranged on a gantry of a medical imaging device; receiving second position data relating to an inner contour of an opening of the gantry and/or an outer contour of the gantry; receiving movement data relating to relative movement between the gantry and the object; calculating the collision information relating to a collision of the object and the gantry, based on the first position data, the second position data and the movement data; and providing the collision information.