Shared Table Control With Master Switching for CT-RT Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling a table shared by multiple devices, such as imaging and treatment devices, face challenges in coordinating table movement with high accuracy and low latency, particularly in applications like CT-RT apparatuses where precise synchronization is required for imaging and radiation therapy.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first and second control sub-system, a master controller, and a table control sub-system, where the master controller receives instructions from either sub-system and transmits control signals to the table, utilizing a point-to-point connection and clock synchronization to ensure minimal latency and accurate table movement, allowing seamless switching between imaging and treatment modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a table is shared by multiple devices (imaging and treatment devices), then device integration and space utilization are improved, but coordination complexity and control latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
A master controller is introduced as an intermediary component to manage control instructions from multiple devices (imaging device and treatment device). The master controller receives control instructions from either device, determines which device should control the table based on operational mode, and transmits appropriate control signals to the table control subsystem. This intermediary structure simplifies the coordination complexity by centralizing the decision-making logic in a single component rather than requiring direct communication and coordination between multiple devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control transfer between imaging device and treatment device is implemented, then functional versatility is improved, but control latency and synchronization accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The master controller is pre-configured with logic to determine which device should control the table based on the operational mode (imaging mode or treatment mode). When a control instruction is received, the master controller immediately determines the appropriate controlling device according to pre-established rules, eliminating the need for real-time negotiation or complex coordination protocols. This preliminary setup of control logic enables rapid switching between devices with minimal latency, as the decision-making process is based on pre-determined operational states rather than real-time computations.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise synchronization is required for imaging and radiation therapy, then treatment accuracy is improved, but system complexity and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the master controller receives control instructions from either the imaging device or treatment device, determines the appropriate controlling device based on operational mode, and transmits control signals to the table control subsystem. The table control subsystem executes the control instructions and provides feedback on table position and status. This feedback loop ensures precise synchronization between imaging and treatment operations by continuously monitoring and adjusting table position according to the active operational mode, maintaining high positioning accuracy without requiring complex multi-device coordination protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems for controlling movement of a table supporting an object. The system may include: a first control sub-system configured to generate a first control instruction; a second control sub-system configured to generate a second control instruction; a table control sub-system operably coupled to the table; and a master controller configured to receive the first control instruction from the first control sub-system, or the second control instruction from the second control sub-system, generate a third control instruction based on the first control instruction or the second control instruction, and transmit the third control instruction to the table control sub-system. The table control sub-system may be configured to generate a control signal based on the third control instruction, and cause the table to move based on the control signal.