Water Phantom Coordinate Transformation for Alignment Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
The mechanical alignment of movement axes in water phantoms for radiation therapy is time-consuming, complex, and costly, requiring precise adjustment to ensure parallel alignment with the water surface, which is challenging and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A coordinate transformation into a virtual coordinate system aligned with the water surface allows for simplified movement device design, eliminating the need for manual alignment of movement axes, using sensors to determine the angled position and convert movements into the real coordinate system for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mechanical alignment of movement axes with water surface is performed manually or using electric motors, then precise alignment is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical alignment system with an optical measurement system. Distance sensors (optical devices) measure the positions of movement axes relative to the water surface, and a control unit calculates correction values to compensate for misalignment. This substitution of mechanical adjustment with optical measurement and computational correction eliminates time-consuming manual alignment while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational system consisting of distance sensors and a control unit. The sensors measure actual positions, the control unit calculates alignment errors, and correction values are computed to compensate for misalignment. This intermediary computational layer mediates between the physical movement axes and the water surface reference, enabling precise alignment without direct mechanical adjustment.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional alignment means are added to the movement device, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the distance sensors and control unit serve multiple functions: they not only measure positions for alignment correction but also can determine the angled position of movement axes relative to the water surface. This multi-functionality allows the same measurement system to handle both alignment and angular determination tasks, reducing the need for separate specialized alignment devices and thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment mechanisms with a simpler combination of distance sensors and computational correction. Instead of adding mechanical alignment means such as adjustable mounts or alignment lasers, the system uses optical distance measurement and software-based correction, which reduces mechanical complexity while achieving the same alignment precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement system for use in radiation therapy, for example for measuring radiation sources, in particular for a water phantom. The water phantom has a water container and a measurement system, on which at least one holder for a radiation detector is arranged. The holder can be moved within the water container along at least one movement axis, with a control unit being present, which accepts and executes commands for controlling the movement axis. A virtual coordinate system which is aligned to the water surface is defined so that the movement device does not have to be aligned with great complexity. A conversion unit transfers control commands from the virtual coordinate system into the real coordinate system of the movement device so movements of the holder are always parallel and/or perpendicular to the water surface.