Optical Pointer for Gantry Rotation Center Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical front pointers in radiation oncology require manual documentation and adjustments, leading to human error and inefficiency in determining the center of gantry rotation accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A front pointer with signal emitters (e.g., LEDs) attached to the gantry, capturing concentric light paths during rotation, analyzed by software to determine the center of rotation and eliminate human error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual documentation with paper and pen is used to record the tip path, then the process is simple and low-cost, but human error and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical documentation system (paper and pen) with an automated optical-digital system. A camera captures images of the front pointer tip during gantry rotation, and software automatically tracks the tip path coordinates, eliminating manual recording and reducing both time consumption and human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the physical measurement process. Instead of manually transcribing physical observations onto paper, the system captures visual information through camera imaging and converts it into digital coordinate data that can be automatically processed and analyzed by software.
2Productivity
If manual documentation with paper and pen is used to record the tip path, then the equipment is simple, but human error and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical documentation system (paper and pen) with an automated optical-digital system. A camera captures images of the front pointer tip during gantry rotation, and software automatically tracks the tip path coordinates, eliminating manual recording and reducing both time consumption and human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automated feedback through software that processes the captured images and generates quantitative analysis of the tip path. The software calculates measurement results and can guide adjustments, reducing reliance on human judgment and minimizing errors.
3Measurement precision
If iterative adjustments are made to minimize the tip path, then the center of rotation can be determined, but the process becomes very time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement and analysis before final adjustment is needed. By capturing multiple images during a full gantry rotation and pre-processing the tip path data through software, the system provides advance feedback on the center of rotation accuracy, allowing operators to make informed adjustments without repeated iterative trial-and-error cycles.
4Measurement precision
If parallax errors are avoided by proper positioning, then measurement accuracy improves, but the complexity of the documentation process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical documentation system (paper and pen) with an automated optical-digital system. A camera captures images of the front pointer tip during gantry rotation, and software automatically tracks the tip path coordinates, eliminating manual recording and reducing both time consumption and human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the physical measurement process. Instead of manually transcribing physical observations onto paper, the system captures visual information through camera imaging and converts it into digital coordinate data that can be automatically processed and analyzed by software.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick and accurate determination of the gantry center of rotation with reduced human error and time consumption, providing a precise and recorded alignment process.
Implementation Method 1
a front pointer with a minimum of 2 signal emitters (e.g. light emitting diodes; radio frequency transmitters, optical reflectors) is attached to the head on the gantry
Data Source
AI summary
A signal emitting or receiving pointer and method for its use to enable the determination of the geometrical center of a rotating gantry. The pointer has emitters or receivers installed on the pointer and the signals sent or received as the gantry is rotated allow the calculation of the geometrical center of a rotating gantry.