Electronic & Embedded Systems Development Lab

Motivation

The "Electronics & Embedded Systems" working group is a service group for the DKFZ's research focus “Imaging and Radiation Oncology”. We provide the link to different scientific groups to realize technical projects. Our expertise lies in system architecture and design of electro-mechanical systems, real-time capable embedded and control systems, such as PLC and FPGA solutions, PLC design and medical engineering.

Research Topics

  • BMBF VIP+ - High dynamic MLC control system
  • EKFS (Else Kröner Fresenius Stiftung) - Anthropomorphic 4D Phantom
  • Real-time controlled shutter for FLASH RT
top: 40 leaves MLC with real-time controllers; below: DKFZ EtherCAT multi-axis-device driver

Development of a new type of leaf and drive concept for multi-leaf collimators (MLCs) with lower weight and reduced complexity, as well as superior positioning speed and precision by realizing a dynamic real-time controlled leaves of an MLC to compensate for organ movements and achieve more precise tumor irradiation. The novel system architecture with real-time requirements allows reduction of control components in the radioactive environment of the radiation source to ensure higher reliability and allows dynamic real-time control of the leaves of an MLC to compensate for organ movements and achieve more precise tumor irradiation, which would optimally support the requirements of image-guided radiotherapy, such as e.g. MR-Linac systems.

This project was a joint project between the DKFZ and the Fraunhofer Institute PAMB in Mannheim and built an exemplary prototype as a proof-of-concept. Our working group assumed the role of project coordinator and implemented the project according to the project plan.

A demonstration of the project can be found here.

Patents

Number Description
P-959 WO2012123093A1 Position sensoring method and system for a multi-leaf collimator
P-973 WO2012156389A1·Leaf module for a multi-leaf collimator and multi-leaf collimator
P-996 WO2013014260A1 Therapeutic device for treating a predefined body part of a patient with rays
P-1044 WO2014147046A1 Contour collimator for radiotherapy
P-1365 WO2019197440A1 Control device for controlling at least one collimator
P-1536 WO2022117790A1 Test system for testing a system for radiologic treatment

Contact

2 Employees

  • Steffen Seeber

    Contact form: Message to Steffen Seeber

    Form data is loaded ...

  • Carlos Murillo

    Contact form: Message to Carlos Murillo

    Form data is loaded ...