Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to M D Stevens.
A satellite digital display of the gantry and collimator positions has been mounted on the Clinac-18 console. This module provides simultaneous digital readout of the gantry angle, collimator rotation angle, upper-jaw position, and lower-jaw position. Continuous display of these parameters during the treatment is important in minimizing patient treatment errors.
A computer interface for the Clinac-18 linear accelerator has been developed, using a standard CAMAC interface plus buffer amplifiers to isolate the CAMAC from the accelerator electronics. Buffer amplifiers are employed because direct connection of the CAMAC system to the accelerator was found to affect accelerator operation. The total interface accommodates the four gantry position analog signals and thirteen digital signals describing all available treatment options. The interface also allows the computer to inhibit beam operation.