Vets turn to LabVIEW
20 October 2010
Their challenge was to quickly develop and deploy an embedded, multi-modality diagnostic imaging system for small animal veterinary practices.
The solution was to use NI LabVIEW and CompactRIO to create a functional prototype to demonstrate feasibility, and then quickly migrate 100% of the prototype software code to NI Single-Board RIO to create a final solution for deployment.
Animage LLC, a subsidiary of Exxim Computing Corporation, delivers imaging products to the veterinary market. With expertise in algorithm development for imaging products such as cone-beam computed tomography (CT) scans, they expanded into hardware system design and developed a product for the veterinary market; a three-in-one imaging system called Fidex. The multiple-modality diagnostic imaging system was designed specifically for small animal veterinary practices, and one of its benefits is that it produces diagnostic images of three modalities, which previously required three separate devices.
The first modality, digital radiography (X-rays), is often the first imaging conducted on a patient and generally considered to be the ‘workhorse’ of diagnostic imaging. Sometimes X-rays do not provide enough information to make a diagnosis and more advanced techniques are needed.
The second modality uses three-dimensional CTs, also known as CAT scans and created by cone-beam technology. This is different from the standard fan-beam technology seen in human medical scanners because cone-beam CTs use a wide cone-shaped X-ray beam that acquires CT data in a volume via a circular rotation of the X-ray source and the detector around the subject with a C-arm. Using cone-beam technology enables the small footprint and the easy-to-use CT component of Fidex.
The third modality is fluoroscopy (or motion-capture X-ray video), which can be taken at any angle needed with the C-arm. It is used to study joint motion, swallowing, heart function, or other physiological motion, as well as for a real-time guide for certain surgical and catheterisation procedures.
NI LabVIEW and CompactRIO for prototyping
The first phase of development began in April 2008 with a goal to develop a benchtop prototype to control the X-ray source, the X-ray detector and the motion system. The software was gradually developed, beginning with the highest-risk elements. Using LabVIEW software, the focus was on the key algorithms for the product, rather than the detailed hardware design.
Development began by controlling the X-ray source, then the timing code to synchronise the X-ray source generation with the sensor data acquisition was created. Finally, the mechanical prototype system was integrated with the rack-mounted generation and acquisition system and motion control was added to portray the basic mechanics. This functional prototype successfully demonstrated the feasibility of the product, giving confidence that other phases of development could be completed.
This system, based on LabVIEW, allowed for easy design modifications and the replacement of several units with minimal impact on schedules, enabling the first prototype to be built within six months.
NI Single-Board RIO for deployment
The next phase was to develop the first pre-production imaging system. Having finalised the mechanical design, which was based largely on the prototype mechanical system – albeit with a few minor improvements – NI CompactRIO hardware was employed to control a prototype scanner F-001 with the complete X-ray system, moving gantry and moving collimator. This system was completed in three months.
The final stage was to migrate the prototype to the final deployment technology by developing hazard mitigation code and a rich user interface, and moving to single-board computer hardware designed for embedded machine development.
With NI Single-Board RIO as the deployment platform, the same code used in the prototype system was implemented, ensuring that development could continue and patient positioning and a system control panel could be added. LabVIEW was also used for the user interface design and the new system, F-002, was finished in three months.
NI Single-Board RIO controlled the end device with the following components:
• Gantry rotation with encoder and end switches
• Detector positioning with encoder and end switches
• Patient table UP/DOWN with encoders and end switches
• X-ray generator (kilovolts, milliamps, pulse generation, and error handling)
• Rotating anode
• Four collimator motors
• Detector trigger signal
• Field light and laser for patient positioning
• Gantry control panel input and status display module
Future plans include building two more pre-production units and conducting clinical trials. It is expected that additional changes will be necessary, but these can be easily added by using LabVIEW. With LabVIEW and NI Single-Board RIO, it was possible to avoid developing the majority of the system from scratch, which shortened time to market and saved an estimated three man-years of development time, or about USD $300,000 in labour costs.
Matt Antonelli and Ivan Charamisinau work for Animage. James Carver works for JAMCO Engineering
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