Radiation therapy device

Abstract

A radiation therapy device that can include the following: A source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in a predetermined spectral range, a sensor configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in a predetermined spectral range from the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the source and send a signal indicative of the power of the detected radiation, and a controller configured to monitor an intensity of a signal output by the sensor and compare the intensity of that signal with a predetermined intensity range, wherein the controller is configured to detect a time interval during which the intensity of the signal output by the sensor is within the predetermined range. It is going.

Description

Radiation therapy device Technical field Various structures that are generally associated with a radiation therapy device. Background Light therapy has gained considerable importance in recent years, especially but not exclusively in the treatment of skin diseases. In this field, it is accepted that the therapeutic effect is closely related to the characteristics of the light used in the treatment, such as the wavelength spectrum of the light and its dose. Therefore, the therapeutic effect of light therapy is determined by the ability to control the wavelength of the light used for treatment and its dose. Therapeutic radiation devices are disclosed, for example, in the following documents: EP 3 037 131 A2, WO 2016 / 127120 A1, WO 2005 / 000389 A2, US 2016 / 0158568 A1, WO 2012 / 085805 A2, EP 0 311 125 A1, and US 5,001,608 Summary According to the present disclosure, a therapeutic radiation device is provided. The therapeutic radiation device may include: a source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in a predetermined spectral range, a sensor configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in a predetermined spectral range emitted by the source and to transmit a signal indicative of the strength of the detected radiation, and a controller configured to monitor the intensity of the signal output from the sensor and compare the signal intensity with a predetermined intensity spectrum, wherein the controller may be configured to detect a time interval during which the intensity of the signal output by the sensor is within the predetermined spectrum. Brief explanation of the images In the drawings, like reference letters generally refer to the same parts of different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the essential parts of the disclosure. In the following description, various embodiments of the disclosure will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1: is a schematic view showing a therapeutic radiation delivery device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2: is a graph schematically depicting variations in the intensity of a signal output by a sensor of a therapeutic radiation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3: is a schematic view showing a radiation therapy device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4: A graph showing the output spectrum of LEDs used in a radiation therapy device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5: is a schematic view showing an emission device of a therapeutic radiation delivery device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed explanation The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings which show, by way of illustration, precise details and structures in which the invention can be implemented. The word "illustrative" in this text means "used as an example, specimen, or illustration." Any construction or design described in this text that is referred to as "illustrative" is not necessarily considered to be a preferred or advantageous construction over other constructions or designs. Figure 1 is a schematic view illustrating a therapeutic radiation delivery device 10 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The radiation delivery device 10 may include a source 12, a sensor 14, and a controller 16. Source 12 can be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation ph in a predetermined spectral range (wavelength range). Sensor 14 can be configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in a predetermined spectral range of electromagnetic radiation ph emitted by source 12 and to generate a signal indicative of the strength of the detected radiation. As can be seen in FIG. 1, during a treatment session, radiation device 10 is positioned next to a patient (e.g., an individual) 18 being treated. In this configuration, electromagnetic radiation ph emitted from source 12 is reflected by patient 18 and a portion of the reflected radiation ph' is reflected back to sensor 14. Sensor 14 can be configured as a radiation sensor and the output signal by the sensor can be indicative of radiation. Radiation is the radiant power received per unit area (SI unit: W / m2). Source 12 and sensor 14 can be electrically connected to controller 16 via signal lines 13. Sensor 14 can be configured to transmit a signal indicative of the detected beam strength ph' to controller 16 via signal lines 13. The output signal by sensor 14 can be a current signal or a voltage signal. Controller 16 can be configured to determine an output signal intensity by sensor 14, to monitor the output signal intensity by the sensor and to compare the signal intensity with a predetermined intensity spectrum, in which case the controller can be configured to detect a time interval during which the output signal intensity by the sensor falls within the predetermined intensity spectrum. The changes in the intensity of the M signal over time t are schematically illustrated in FIG. 2 . As shown in FIG. 2 , the controller 16 can be configured to compare the intensity of the M signal with a threshold index Mthr, i.e., a range of intensity from a predetermined source above Mthr. The threshold index Mthr can be determined empirically and in advance and can be stored in the memory of the controller 16. This threshold index Mthr can be proportional to the distance from the predetermined source between the source 12 and the patient being treated 18. More specifically, intensities below the threshold index Mthr can be associated with situations in which the power of the ph' beam received by the sensor 14 is low, which in turn means that only a small amount of the radiation power output from the source 12 is reflected by the patient 18 towards the sensor 14. This means that the relative position between source 12 and patient 18 is not suitable for that particular treatment, since the radiation power actually reaching patient 18 is too low. The desired distance between radiation device 10 and patient can be between 1 and 10 centimeters, optionally between 1 and 5 centimeters. In the exemplary graph shown in FIG. 2, the intensity M of the signal output by the sensor 14 is above the threshold indicator Mthr during the time interval between t1 and t2, but is below the threshold indicator Mthr before t1 and after t2. Since the controller 16 is configured to monitor the intensity M of the signal and compare its intensity M to the threshold indicator Mthr, the controller 16 can be configured to detect the time interval(s) during which the intensity M is above the threshold indicator Mthr, i.e., the times during which the intensity M in the intensity spectrum is higher than Mthr. The controller 16 can be configured to integrate the intensity M during the time interval(s) during which the intensity M in the spectrum is higher than Mthr. This integration process provides a component indicative of the amount of radiant energy received by the patient 18, for example, within a portion of the skin of the person being treated. In the case where the sensor 14 is configured as a radiation sensor, this process yields the integration of the received energy per unit area (SI unit: E / m2) and thus represents the dose received by the patient 18. In an exemplary embodiment, controller 16 can be configured to integrate time intervals during which the signal intensity M is above a threshold indicator Mthr. Assuming that the dose received by patient 18 is constant, this approach can also indicate the dose received by patient 18 if the intensity M is above Mthr. As a result, by utilizing the irradiation device 10 according to the exemplary construction described above, the relative position between the source 12 and the patient 18 can be accurately and simply monitored by monitoring the strength of the radiation reflected by the patient 18 towards the sensor 14, i.e. towards the irradiation device. As can be seen in Figure 1, the source 12 and the sensor 14 can be positioned relative to each other and in a fixed position. In this way, systematic errors in the observation of the relative position between the radiation device 10 and the patient 18 can be minimized, since a change in the intensity of the signal output by the sensor 14 can be reliably attributed to a change in the relative position of the radiation device 10 and the patient 18, and that change in intensity cannot be attributed to a change in the relative position between the source 12 and the sensor 14. As shown in Figure 1, the source 12 and the sensor 14 can be mounted on a common carrier 20, which can be configured as a circuit board. The carrier 20, the source 12 and the sensor 14 will be referred to collectively as the emitter 22 hereinafter. Controller 16 may include or be configured similarly to a microcontroller, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or the like. The source 12 may include at least one LED. LEDs consume less energy than halogen lamps used in conventional radiation therapy devices. In addition, LEDs have a more limited output spectrum, which can only be achieved with conventional halogen lamps by using additional pass filters. Furthermore, conventional halogen lamps have a limited lifespan of 600 to 1000 hours. Furthermore, the output efficiency in the green and blue wavelength spectrum of halogen lamps is limited to less than 15%. In the previously described exemplary embodiment, source 12 may be continuously on during use of radiation device 10 or during a treatment session to monitor the relative position between radiation device 10 and patient 18. In an exemplary embodiment, source 12 may be automatically turned off, for example by a controller 16, after receiving a dose from the patient. Figure 3 is a schematic view of an output device 122 of an exemplary radiation device 100 that has been slightly modified. The following description of the modified radiation device 100 will focus on the differences from the previously described construction. Similar to the previously described embodiment, the radiation device 100 shown in FIG. 3 includes a source 112 and a sensor 114 that can be configured in the same manner as the previous embodiment. In addition, the radiation device 100 can further include at least one auxiliary source 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 124e, 124f that is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength spectrum that is different from the wavelength spectrum of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the source 112. As seen in Figure 3, the radiation device 100 may include a plurality of auxiliary sources 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 124e, 124f. The different hatchings in Figure 3 indicate different types of auxiliary sources 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 124e, 124f, which are distinguished from each other in terms of the output radiation spectrum. Auxiliary resources 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 124e, 124f can be classified into groups of resources as follows: 126a, 126b, 126c, 126d, 126e, 126f, in which case, resources 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 124e, 124f related to a specific auxiliary resource group 126a, 126b, 126c, 126d, 126e, 126f are identical. It should be noted that the detailed placement of the auxiliary resources 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 124e, 124f and / or the auxiliary resource groups 126a, 126b, 126c, 126d, 126e, 126f in FIG. 3 is exemplary and can be freely changed, for example, depending on specific therapeutic requirements. Similar to the previous embodiment, the emitter 122 may include a carrier 120, such as a circuit board, which carries the source 112, the sensor 114, and the auxiliary sources 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 124e, 124f in a fixed spatial relationship with respect to each other. The radiation device 100 may also include a controller 116 connected to the emitter 122 via signal lines 113. Auxiliary sources 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 124e, 124f can also be configured as LEDs. In explaining source 12, the advantages of LEDs over conventional halogen lamps were noted. The exemplary output spectra of LEDs as auxiliary sources in a therapeutic radiation device according to the present disclosure are shown by graphs S1, S2, S3, S4 in FIG. 4, in which each peak point is associated with the various output spectra of the LEDs used as auxiliary sources. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the auxiliary sources can be configured to emit visible light. Although not shown in FIG. 4, the radiation devices 100 can include auxiliary sources configured as LEDs and capable of emitting light in the infrared (IR) or ultraviolet (UV) wavelength range. LEDs configured for ultraviolet radiation can be used for sterilization purposes, for example when irradiating open wounds (such as when the top layer of skin is missing from the body surface during a burn).In an exemplary embodiment, ultraviolet LEDs can be placed along the periphery of the emitter 122. Auxiliary sources 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 124e, 124f can be individually controlled by controller 116. Controller 116 can be configured to control auxiliary sources 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 124e, 124f on a per auxiliary source group basis. More specifically, the controller 116 can be configured to turn off or on a group of auxiliary resources 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 124e, 124f from a single auxiliary resource group 126a, 126b, 126c, 126d, 126e, 126f and independently of the auxiliary resources 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 124e, 124f of other groups 126a, 126b, 126c, 126d, 126e, 126f. The controller 116 can be configured to control the auxiliary sources 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 124e, 124f to emit the beam in a pulsed manner at frequencies, for example, 1 Hz to 1 kHz. By controlling the auxiliary sources 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 124e, 124f individually, on a group basis, or otherwise, the radiation spectrum of the radiation device 100 can be adapted to a particular treatment. The radiation device 100 can include a user interface (panel) by which the spectrum can be set prior to the start of a treatment session. The controller can be configured to control at least one of the auxiliary sources 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 124e, 124f, optionally a set of the auxiliary sources 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 124e, 124f, or optionally all of the auxiliary sources 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 124e, 124f, based on the signal output by the sensor 114. Similar to the radiation device 10, the source 112 can be continuously on during the use of the radiation device 100 or at least remain on during the treatment session. Thus, the position of the radiation device 100 relative to a patient can be continuously monitored. Therefore, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the source 112 can be referred to as the monitoring source. The controller 116 can be configured to control the auxiliary sources 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 124e, 124f based on the intensity of the signal output by the sensor 114. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 16 can be configured to control at least one, a set, or all of the auxiliary sources 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 124e, 124f in such a manner as to generate radiation only if the intensity M of the signal output by the sensor 114 is above a threshold indicator Mthr, i.e., in a predetermined intensity range above Mthr, which, as previously noted, indicates placement of the radiation device 100 in proximity to the patient. It has been previously stated that source 112 can remain on during use of radiation device 100 or at least during a treatment session to monitor the position of the radiation device relative to the patient being treated. Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, when radiation device 100 is not in the vicinity of the patient being treated after source 112 is turned on (i.e., the intensity of the signal output by sensor 114 is below the threshold value Mthr), none of the auxiliary sources 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 124e, 124f are turned on. As soon as radiation device 100 is in the vicinity of the patient being treated, such that the intensity M of the signal output by the sensor exceeds the threshold voltage Mthr, at least one, a set, or all of the auxiliary sources 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 124e, 124f are turned on by controller 116. If, during a treatment session, the radiation device 100 moves away from the patient such that the intensity M of the signal output by the sensor 114 reaches a rate lower than the threshold indicator Mthr, the controller 116 is able to turn off the auxiliary sources 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 124e, 124f. If the signal intensity is within a predetermined range, i.e., if M > Mthr, the controller 116 can perform an integration process to determine the dose, or at least integrate those time intervals during which the intensity M is above the threshold indicator Mthr. A predetermined dose or a predetermined time period can be set, for example, via a user interface prior to the start of a treatment session. The controller 116 can be configured to stop the treatment session, i.e., to turn off the auxiliary sources 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 124e, 124f, and optionally source 112, when the desired dose is achieved or the predetermined time period has elapsed. In an exemplary embodiment, sensor 114 can be configured to detect electromagnetic radiation across the entire wavelength spectrum of radiation emitted by source 112 and auxiliary sources 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 124e, 124f so that dose can be accurately determined. In an alternative embodiment, sensor 114 can be configured to detect electromagnetic radiation only within the wavelength range of radiation emitted by source 112. To this end, sensor 114 can be equipped with an optical filter configured to transmit radiation only within the wavelength range of radiation emitted by source 112. In an exemplary embodiment, source 112 can be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in an invisible wavelength spectrum. With such a configuration, and if at least one of auxiliary sources 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 124e, 124f is configured to emit light in a visible wavelength spectrum, the individual to be treated is readily able to recognize the correct placement of radiation device 100. More specifically, with such a configuration, a person to be treated only sees the light output from at least one of auxiliary sources 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 124e, 124f configured to emit light in a visible wavelength spectrum and is unable to see the radiation emitted by source 112. Furthermore, as previously mentioned, because at least one auxiliary source 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 124e, 124f is only turned on when the radiation device 100 is correctly positioned relative to the patient (person) being treated, the person is easily able to recognize the correct placement of the radiation device and is therefore able to hold the radiation device 100 in the correct position.As a result, the irradiation device 100 is configured to provide feedback to the user regarding the correct position. Since source 112 may be continuously on during a treatment session, it is advantageous to utilize a source 112 configured to emit radiation in a low energy wavelength spectrum, preferably in the infrared wavelength spectrum. In an exemplary embodiment, source 112 may be configured to emit infrared radiation (light) at about 900 nm. To distinguish the radiation emitted by source 112 from ambient radiation, the source can be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in a specific and unique manner, such as in a pulsed manner. In an exemplary embodiment, the pulse frequency can be in the range of about 1 Hz to about 1 kHz. In an exemplary embodiment, source 112 can be configured to emit radiation in a very narrow wavelength range, e.g., less than 10 nm. In addition, source 112 can be configured to emit radiation in this narrow wavelength range at a power greater than the power of ambient radiation in this wavelength range and in a natural environment, e.g., in an environment at room temperature. Such a configuration is particularly preferred if the source 112 is configured to emit radiation in an invisible wavelength range, for example in the infrared wavelength range. In such cases, the power of the infrared radiation emitted by the source in the predetermined wavelength range can be selected such that it is at least one order of magnitude, optionally at least two orders of magnitude, and again optionally at least three orders of magnitude higher than the power in said wavelength range of the infrared radiation emitted by the surrounding environment, i.e. by the said amounts higher than the blackbody radiation emitted by the surrounding environment at room temperature. In such a configuration, the sensor 114 can be equipped with a narrow optical bandpass filter that matches the output spectrum of the source 112. Thus, any change in the radiation power detected by the sensor 114 in that narrow wavelength spectrum can be correlated with a change in the relative position between the radiation device 100 and a patient being treated because changes in the background radiation power in that narrow wavelength spectrum are negligible. In this way, the relative position between the radiation device 100 and the patient being treated can be reliably monitored. FIG. 5 is a schematic view depicting an emission device 222 of a therapeutic radiation delivery device 200 according to another exemplary embodiment. The emitter 222 shown in FIG. 5 includes an emitter 122 according to the prior art shown in FIG. 3 and a magnet assembly 224 configured to generate a magnetic field in an emitter region. Electromagnetic radiation is emitted into the emitter region by source 112 and / or auxiliary sources. The emitter region may be an area in front of the emitter 222 in which a patient is positioned during a treatment session. The magnetic field has an anticoagulant effect, reduces inflammation and pain, and improves the rheological properties of the blood. Thus, the therapeutic efficacy can be enhanced through the magnetic field generated by the 224 magnet assembly. The magnet assembly 224 may include a carrier (frame) 226 made of a dielectric material and a plurality of magnets 228 supported by the carrier. The magnets 228 may be permanent magnets. To generate a magnetic field in a major portion of the emission region or even in the entire region of the source 112, magnets 228 can be positioned to surround the source 112. As can be seen in Figure 5, the magnets 228 can be arranged in such a way that the north pole N of each magnet 228 faces the emission region. This configuration allows for the stabilization of the secondary structure of the biological targets at the molecular level, which in turn leads to their stabilization and thus a higher therapeutic effect. Therapeutic radiation devices according to the present disclosure can be used in the following areas: physiotherapy through direct biostimulation of surface cellular structures of the skin and mucous membranes, non-invasive and skin-rejuvenating operations on the formed elements of the blood, as well as remote systemic effects through biologically active zones and zones used in reflexology. Therapeutic radiation devices according to the present disclosure can be used in clinical, cosmetic and rehabilitation physiotherapy procedures for athletes. In the following, several examples will be described in accordance with the present disclosure. Example 1 A therapeutic radiation device includes: a source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in a predetermined spectral range, a sensor configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in the predetermined spectral range from the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the source and to transmit a signal indicative of the power of the detected radiation, and a controller configured to monitor an intensity of a signal output by the sensor and compare the intensity of that signal with a predetermined intensity spectrum, wherein the controller is configured to detect a time interval during which the intensity of the signal output by the sensor is in the predetermined range. In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 can optionally further include a controller configured to integrate the output signal by the sensor to determine a dose if the signal intensity is within a predetermined intensity range. In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 1 or 2 optionally includes at least one auxiliary source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range that is different from the wavelength spectrum of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the source. In Example 4, the subject matter of Example 3 can optionally also include configuring the controller to control at least one auxiliary source based on the output signal by the sensor. In Example 5, the subject matter of Example 4 can optionally also include configuring the controller to control at least one auxiliary source such that the auxiliary source emits electromagnetic radiation only if the intensity of the signal output by the sensor falls within a predetermined intensity spectrum. In Example 6, the topic of each of Examples 3 to 5 can optionally include a set of supporting resources. In Example 7, the subject matter of Example 6 can optionally also be such that at least two auxiliary sources among the set of auxiliary sources are configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in anomalous wavelength spectra. In Example 8, the subject matter of Example 6 or 7 can optionally include the controller being configured to separately control auxiliary resources of the auxiliary resource set. In Example 9, the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 8 may optionally include the sensor being configured as an irradiance sensor and the output signal by the sensor being indicative of irradiance. In Example 10, the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 9 can optionally further comprise that the source is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in an invisible wavelength spectrum. In Example 11, the subject matter of Example 10 may optionally further include the inclusion of an invisible wavelength spectrum in the infrared wavelength range. In Example 12, the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 11 may optionally further comprise that the source is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in a pulsed manner. In Example 13, the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 12 may optionally further include that the source and sensor are positioned at a fixed position relative to and in relation to each other. In Example 14, the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 13 can optionally further comprise a set of magnets configured to produce a magnetic field in an emission region and electromagnetic radiation is emitted into that region by the source. In Example 15, the subject matter of Example 14 may optionally further include that the magnet assembly comprises a plurality of magnets arranged in such a manner that a north pole of each magnet faces the emission region. In Example 16, the subject matter of Example 15 may optionally further include that the magnets are placed in an order to surround the source.

Claims

Claim 1. A therapeutic radiation device comprising: a source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in a predetermined spectral range; a sensor configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in the predetermined spectral range from the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the source and to transmit a signal indicative of the power of the detected radiation; and a controller configured to monitor the intensity of the signal output by the sensor and compare the signal intensity with a predetermined intensity range, wherein the controller is configured to detect a time interval during which the intensity of the signal output by the sensor falls within the predetermined intensity range, wherein the controller is configured to integrate the signal output by the sensor if the signal intensity falls within the predetermined intensity range.

2. The therapeutic radiation device of claim 1, further comprising at least one auxiliary source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range that is different from the wavelength range of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the source.

3. The radiation therapy device of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to control at least one auxiliary source based on the output signal by the sensor.

4. The therapeutic radiation delivery device of claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to control at least one auxiliary source such that the auxiliary source emits electromagnetic radiation only if the intensity of the signal output by the sensor falls within a predetermined intensity range.

5. The therapeutic radiation delivery device of any one of claims 2 to 4, comprising a set of auxiliary resources.

6. The therapeutic radiation delivery device of claim 5, wherein at least two auxiliary sources among the set of auxiliary sources are configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in anomalous wavelength spectra.

7. The therapeutic radiation delivery device of claim 5 or 6, wherein the controller is configured to separately control auxiliary sources in the auxiliary source set.

8. The radiation therapy device of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sensor is configured as an irradiation sensor and the signal output by the sensor is indicative of irradiation.

9. The therapeutic radiation delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the source is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in an invisible wavelength range.

10. The therapeutic radiation device of claim 9, wherein the invisible wavelength range is included in the infrared wavelength range.

11. The therapeutic radiation delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the source is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in a pulsed manner.

12. The therapeutic radiation delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the source and sensor are positioned in a fixed position relative to and in relation to each other.

13. The therapeutic radiation delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a set of magnets configured to produce a magnetic field in an emission region, and electromagnetic radiation is emitted by the source into that region.

14. The therapeutic radiation delivery device of claim 13, wherein the magnet assembly comprises a plurality of magnets arranged in such a manner that a north pole of each magnet faces the emission region.

15. The therapeutic radiation delivery device of claim 14, wherein the magnets are arranged to surround the source.

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