Handheld Radiotherapy Controller for Intuitive Gantry and Table Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiotherapy devices have complex and non-intuitive control systems, requiring multiple controllers that can lead to user confusion and errors, ultimately affecting the accuracy and efficiency of radiotherapy treatments.
Innovation Solution
A single, streamlined handheld controller that integrates intelligent recognition of necessary functions and modes, providing distinct actuators for controlling various components of the radiotherapy device, such as the gantry and patient table, while omitting unnecessary controls and relocating them to the machine-based User Interface Module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate controllers are provided for controlling different facets of the device operation, then comprehensive control functionality is achieved, but device complexity and user confusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate controllers into a single integrated controller that provides comprehensive control functionality. The controller includes a display screen showing a graphical representation of the radiotherapy device with multiple interactive icons representing different control functions (gantry rotation, collimator adjustment, MLC positioning, etc.), allowing one controller to perform what previously required multiple separate controllers.
Solution Approach 2:
The single controller is designed to be universal, handling multiple control functions through a unified interface. The graphical display presents various control options (rotation controls, positioning controls, imaging controls) that can be selected and operated from one device, making the controller adaptable to different control needs without requiring multiple specialized controllers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple controllers with multiple functions are provided, then comprehensive control is achieved, but ease of operation decreases due to user confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The controller interface uses local quality by providing context-specific control options in the graphical display. When a particular component or function is selected or active, the relevant control icons and parameters are highlighted or made prominent in the display, while less relevant options are dimmed or hidden. This allows comprehensive control functionality to be available while presenting only the most relevant controls to the user at any given moment, reducing confusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphical display screen acts as an intermediary between the user and the complex device functions. Instead of directly exposing multiple physical controls and switches, the system presents a visual representation with interactive icons that mediate user input, translating simple selections into complex control sequences for the radiotherapy device components.
3Ease of operation
If comprehensive control functions are integrated into one controller, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller uses a graphical copy or representation of the radiotherapy device structure displayed on the screen. The visual representation mirrors the physical device layout, with icons and graphical elements corresponding to actual device components (gantry, collimator, MLC, etc.). This allows the controller to manage complex functions through an intuitive visual interface that replicates the device hierarchy, making operation easier while managing complexity through software rather than physical controls.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller (600) for a radiotherapy device (320) is provided; the radiotherapy device (320) being configured to provide therapeutic radiation to a patient (308) via a source (300) of therapeutic radiation, wherein the radiotherapy device (320) comprises a first rotatable member (304), the rotation of which can alter a physical attribute of the therapeutic radiation provided, and a patient support member (310), which is linearly moveable in at least one of a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction. The controller (600) comprises a first rotatable actuator (608) for controlling a movement of the first rotatable member (304) and a second actuator (620) for controlling a movement of the patient support member (310).