Ultrahigh dose rate radiation field regulation and control device, radiotherapy system and control method

Abstract

The invention discloses an ultrahigh dose rate radiation field regulation and control device. The device comprises an array unit support; the array unit blocks are arranged on the array unit support, the multiple array unit blocks are arranged in the transverse direction and the longitudinal direction to form a radiation field regulation and control array, the array unit blocks comprise shielding array unit blocks and transmission array unit blocks, the shielding array unit blocks are made of ray shielding materials, the shielding array unit blocks are used for blocking and shielding rays, and the transmission array unit blocks are used for transmitting the rays. The transmission array unit block is made of a ray high-penetrability material and is used for ray transmission; and the array driving assembly is used for driving the shielding array unit blocks and the transmission array unit blocks to be arranged on the array unit bracket so as to form a radiotherapy radiation field. The combined array is used for regulating and controlling the radiation field, so that the outline of the radiation field is consistent with the radiation field of the tumor in the ray direction, and therefore, efficient killing of the tumor and high-resolution protection of surrounding normal tissues are realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of radiotherapy, and in particular to an ultra-high dose rate radiation field control device, a radiotherapy system and a control method. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, ultra-high dose rate radiotherapy (such as FLASH radiotherapy) has become a cutting-edge research direction in radiotherapy because it can deliver ultra-high doses of radiation in a very short time (milliseconds), significantly reducing radiation damage to normal tissues while effectively killing tumor cells. However, this technology faces severe challenges in clinical translation: traditional field control systems are difficult to adapt to the dynamic characteristics of ultra-high dose rates and the needs of complex clinical scenarios. Specifically, the following key issues are manifested:

[0003] Insufficient adaptability of multi-target coordinated irradiation

[0004] For patients with multiple discrete target volumes (such as metastases), existing mechanical multi-leaf collimators (MLCs) cannot rapidly switch beam field shapes within the extremely short timeframes required to deliver ultra-high dose rates due to the limited leaf motion speed. Consequently, a single irradiation session can only cover a single target volume, necessitating multiple starts and stops of the radiation source. This not only reduces treatment efficiency but also compromises the bioprotective benefits of the FLASH effect due to dose rate fluctuations.

[0005] The contradiction between dynamic modulation efficiency and treatment speed

[0006] Existing intensity-modulated (IMM) technologies (such as dynamic MLC and rotational IMM) rely on complex sequenced blade motions, requiring control time far exceeding the millisecond window required for FLASH. The mismatch between mechanical delay and dose rate forces the system to reduce the output dose rate or extend the irradiation time, resulting in a loss of the FLASH effect and a failure to balance the core advantages of "highly effective killing" and "normal tissue protection."

[0007] Therefore, although the current ultra-high dose rate radiotherapy system has significant biological advantages, its field control module has fundamental limitations in terms of dynamic response speed, multi-target adaptability, complex boundary conformal accuracy and scattering control, which seriously restricts the clinical application of this technology in complex scenarios such as multifocal tumors and adjacent critical organs.

[0008] In view of this, the present invention patent is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an ultra-high dose rate radiation field control device, a radiotherapy system and a control method. Specifically, the following technical solutions are adopted:

[0010] An ultra-high dose rate radiation field control device, comprising:

[0011] Array unit bracket;

[0012] An array unit block is provided on an array unit bracket. A plurality of the array unit blocks are arranged in a transverse and longitudinal direction to form a radiation field control array. The array unit blocks include a shielding array unit block and a transmission array unit block. The shielding array unit block is made of a radiation shielding material and is used for radiation blocking and shielding. The transmission array unit block is made of a material with high radiation penetration and is used for radiation transmission.

[0013] The array driving component drives the shielding array unit block and the transmission array unit block to be arranged on the array unit support to form a radiotherapy field.

[0014] As an optional embodiment of the present invention, in the ultra-high dose rate radiation field control device of the present invention, the array unit support supports the array unit blocks to be arranged to form an M*N radiation field control array, where M is a row and N is a column;

[0015] The array drive assembly includes a storage bin, a first push rod mechanism and a first conveying mechanism. The first push rod mechanism includes N push rods, and the N push rods correspond one to one to the N columns of the M*N field control array. The shielding array unit block and the transmission array unit block are stored in the storage bin. The first conveying mechanism is used to convey the shielding array unit block and the transmission array unit block to the push rods corresponding to the target columns in the M*N field control array, and push the shielding array unit block and the transmission array unit block to the target row and column positions in the M*N field control array through the push rods.

[0016] The pushing path of the first push rod mechanism is parallel to the column direction of the M*N field control array;

[0017] The first conveying mechanism includes N rows of first conveyor belts arranged in the storage bin, the N rows of first conveyor belts are arranged in parallel and are all arranged in a direction perpendicular to the pushing path of the first push rod mechanism;

[0018] The target shielding array unit block and the transmission array unit block are transported to the push rods corresponding to the target columns in the M*N field control array by controlling the first conveyor belts corresponding to the target shielding array unit block and the transmission array unit block.

[0019] As an optional embodiment of the present invention, in an ultra-high dose rate field control device according to the present invention, the array drive assembly includes a second conveying mechanism, the second conveying mechanism includes a second conveyor belt, the first push rod mechanism and the second conveyor belt are respectively located at both ends of the column direction of the M*N field control array, and the second conveyor belt moves in a direction perpendicular to the column direction of the M*N field control array;

[0020] The second conveying mechanism includes a third conveyor belt, one end of which is connected to the second conveyor belt for receiving the shielding array unit blocks and the transmission array unit blocks on the second conveyor belt, and the other end of the third conveyor belt is connected to the entrance of the storage warehouse for transporting the shielding array unit blocks and the transmission array unit blocks to the first conveyor belt at the entrance of the storage warehouse, so as to realize the recovery of the shielding array unit blocks and the transmission array unit blocks to the storage warehouse.

[0021] As an optional embodiment of the present invention, in the ultra-high dose rate radiation field control device of the present invention, the third conveyor belt is arranged perpendicularly relative to the second conveyor belt, and the third conveyor belt is arranged perpendicularly relative to the first conveyor belt;

[0022] The array drive assembly includes a second push rod mechanism, the second push rod mechanism and the third conveyor belt are respectively located on both sides of the second conveyor belt, the pushing path of the second push rod mechanism is arranged perpendicular to the conveying direction of the second conveyor belt, and the second push rod mechanism pushes the shielding array unit block and the transmission array unit block on the second conveyor belt to the third conveyor belt;

[0023] The array drive assembly includes a third push rod mechanism. The third push rod mechanism and the first conveyor belt are respectively located on both sides of the third conveyor belt. The pushing path of the third push rod mechanism is arranged perpendicular to the conveying direction of the third conveyor belt. The third push rod mechanism pushes the shielding array unit block and the transmission array unit block on the third conveyor belt to the first conveyor belt at the entrance of the storage bin.

[0024] A visual recognition mechanism is provided at an end of the second conveyor belt close to one end of the third conveyor belt, for identifying structural feature information of the shielding array unit blocks and the transmission array unit blocks on the second conveyor belt and sending the structural feature information to the control system. The control system controls the third conveyor belt and the third push rod mechanism to transport the shielding array unit blocks and the transmission array unit blocks to the corresponding first conveyor belt.

[0025] As an optional embodiment of the present invention, the ultra-high dose rate field control device described in the present invention, the shielding array unit block includes a first shielding array unit block and a second shielding array unit block, the transmission array unit block includes a first transmission array unit block and a second transmission array unit block, the first shielding array unit block and the first transmission array unit block have the same structural outline, both are first structural array unit blocks, the middle portion of the first structural array unit block in the vertical direction has an annular convex portion, the second shielding array unit block and the second transmission array unit block have the same structural outline, both are second structural array unit blocks, the middle portion of the second structural array unit block in the vertical direction has an annular concave portion;

[0026] The array unit bracket is staggered with a row of first structure array unit blocks and a row of second structure array unit blocks, and the annular protrusions of the adjacent rows of first structure array unit blocks match the annular recesses of the adjacent rows of second structure array unit blocks.

[0027] The present invention also provides a radiotherapy system with the ultra-high dose rate field control device, comprising a gantry and a beam generating device, wherein the beam generating device and the ultra-high dose rate field control device are respectively arranged on the gantry, and the ultra-high dose rate field control device is located directly below the radiation beam output end of the beam generating device.

[0028] The present invention also provides a control method for the radiotherapy system, comprising:

[0029] Determine S target tumor regions in the direction of the radiation beam according to the radiotherapy plan, where S ≥ 1;

[0030] generating a radiotherapy field generation plan according to the S target tumor regions;

[0031] According to the radiotherapy field generation plan, the array driving component is controlled to drive the shielding array unit block and the transmission array unit block to be arranged on the array unit bracket to form a radiotherapy field, wherein the radiotherapy field has an ultra-high dose rate radiotherapy area corresponding to the position of S target tumor areas and adapted to the outer shape.

[0032] As an optional embodiment of the present invention, in the control method of the radiotherapy system of the present invention, generating a radiotherapy field plan based on the S target tumor regions includes:

[0033] Determining the regional locations of the transmission array unit blocks on the array unit support according to the location information of the S target tumor areas;

[0034] The number of transmission array unit blocks required for each area position and the arrangement position of each transmission array unit block are determined according to the outline shape information of the S target tumor areas.

[0035] As an optional embodiment of the present invention, in the control method of the radiotherapy system described in the present invention, controlling the array driving component to drive the shielding array unit block and the transmission array unit block to be arranged on the array unit support according to the radiotherapy field generation plan to form the radiotherapy field includes:

[0036] Determining arrangement information of each column of shielding array unit blocks and transmission array unit blocks in the radiation field control array row by row according to the radiation field generation plan;

[0037] Controlling the first conveying mechanism to sequentially convey the shielding array unit block / transmission array unit block to the push rods corresponding to the target columns in the first push rod mechanism according to the arrangement information of the target columns in the field control array, and controlling the push rods to push the shielding array unit block / transmission array unit block to the target position of the target column on the array unit support;

[0038] The steps are performed sequentially until the shielding array unit block and the transmission array unit block form a radiotherapy field on the array unit support.

[0039] As an optional embodiment of the present invention, the control method of the radiotherapy system of the present invention includes:

[0040] After the radiotherapy is completed, controlling the first push rod mechanism to push the shielding array unit blocks / transmission array unit blocks onto the second conveyor belt one by one in columns;

[0041] Controlling the second conveyor belt to convey the shielding array unit block / transmission array unit block to the second push rod mechanism, and controlling the second push rod mechanism to push the shielding array unit block / transmission array unit block on the second conveyor belt to the third conveyor belt;

[0042] The visual recognition mechanism identifies the structural feature information of the shielding array unit block / transmission array unit block on the second conveyor belt and sends it to the control system. The control system controls the third conveyor belt to transport the shielding array unit block / transmission array unit block to the third push rod mechanism, and controls the third push rod mechanism to push the shielding array unit block / transmission array unit block on the third conveyor belt to the corresponding first conveyor belt at the entrance of the storage warehouse.

[0043] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0044] The present invention proposes an ultra-high dose rate radiation field control device. The array unit block is composed of independently controllable shielding array unit blocks and transmission array unit blocks. The array drive component realizes "pixelation" dynamic combination to meet the requirements of ultra-high dose rate radiation field control. The device has the following technical features:

[0045] 1. Parallelized target coverage

[0046] The transmission array unit block can activate multiple discrete positions simultaneously (for example, positions A, B, and C correspond to three metastatic lesions respectively), and the shielding array unit block isolates non-target areas.

[0047] Mathematical expression: Let the target area set be T = {T1, T2, ..., T n}, the transmission unit spatial position function P(x,y) satisfies:

[0048]

[0049] Achieve simultaneous coverage of n discrete target areas in a single shot field.

[0050] 2. The shielding array unit block and the transmission array unit block constitute a static reconfigurable hard array, which realizes field shaping through material properties (non-mechanical movement).

[0051] Millisecond-level radiation field reconstruction: The radiation field shape is determined by the spatial combination pattern of the transmission array unit blocks, and the mode switching is achieved by rapid translation of the unit blocks / alternating switching of multiple array unit supports (not point-by-point movement of the blades).

[0052] The radiation field control module is composed of a {0,1} array of square primitives. By combining these arrays, the radiation field is controlled so that the radiation field contour aligns with the tumor's radiation field along the direction of the radiation, achieving highly efficient tumor destruction while providing high-resolution protection of surrounding normal tissue. This system offers the significant advantage of highly flexible radiation field control.

[0053] Therefore, the ultra-high dose rate radiation field control device of the present invention is composed of a shielding array unit block and a transmission array unit block array. By combining the arrays, the radiation field is controlled so that the radiation field contour is consistent with the radiation field of the tumor in the direction of the radiation, thereby achieving efficient tumor killing and high-resolution protection of surrounding normal tissue. The ultra-high dose rate radiation field control device of the present invention has the significant advantage of high flexibility in radiation field control. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an ultra-high dose rate radiation field control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 2 A front view and a top view of the first structural array unit block 102A according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 3 A front view and a top view of a second structural array unit block 102B according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the module structure of a radiotherapy system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the arrangement of array unit blocks of an ultra-high dose rate radiation field control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] To make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them.

[0060] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely represents some embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments derived by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0061] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features and technical solutions therein may be combined with each other.

[0062] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further defined or explained in subsequent drawings.

[0063] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper" and "lower" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientations or positional relationships in which the inventive product is typically placed when in use, or the orientations or positional relationships commonly understood by those skilled in the art. Such terms are intended solely to facilitate the description of the present invention and simplify the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" and the like are used solely for distinction and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0064] See also Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, this embodiment provides an ultra-high dose rate radiation field control device, including:

[0065] Array unit bracket 101;

[0066] Array unit blocks 102 are provided on the array unit support 101. Multiple array unit blocks 102 are arranged in the horizontal and vertical directions to form a radiation field control array. The array unit blocks 102 include a shielding array unit block 102-1 and a transmission array unit block 102-2. The shielding array unit block 102-1 is made of radiation shielding material and is used for radiation blocking and shielding. The transmission array unit block 102-2 is made of high-radiation penetrability material and is used for radiation transmission.

[0067] The array driving component drives the shielding array unit block 102-1 and the transmission array unit block 102-2 to be arranged on the array unit bracket 101 to form a radiotherapy field (such as Figure 5 shown).

[0068] This embodiment provides an ultra-high dose rate radiation field control device. The array unit block 102 is composed of an independently controllable shielding array unit block 102-1 and a transmission array unit block 102-2. The array drive component realizes "pixelation" dynamic combination to meet the requirements of ultra-high dose rate radiation field control. The device has the following technical features:

[0069] 1. Parallelized target coverage

[0070] The transmission array unit block 102 - 2 can simultaneously activate multiple discrete positions (eg, positions A, B, and C correspond to three metastatic lesions, respectively), and the shielding array unit block 102 - 1 can isolate non-target areas.

[0071] Mathematical expression: Let the target area set be T = {T1, T2, ..., T n}, the transmission unit spatial position function P(x,y) satisfies:

[0072] Achieve simultaneous coverage of n discrete target areas in a single shot field.

[0073] 2. The shielding array unit block 102-1 and the transmission array unit block 102-2 constitute a static reconfigurable hard array, and achieve field shaping through material properties (non-mechanical movement).

[0074] Millisecond-level radiation field reconstruction: The radiation field shape is determined by the spatial combination pattern of the transmission array unit block 102-2, and the mode switching is achieved by rapid translation of the unit block / alternating switching of multiple array unit supports 101 (not point-by-point movement of the blades).

[0075] The radiation field control module is composed of a {0,1} array of square primitives. By combining these arrays, the radiation field is controlled so that the radiation field contour aligns with the tumor's radiation field along the direction of the radiation, achieving highly efficient tumor destruction while providing high-resolution protection of surrounding normal tissue. This system offers the significant advantage of highly flexible radiation field control.

[0076] Therefore, the ultra-high dose rate radiation field control device of this embodiment is composed of a shielding array unit block 102-1 and a transmission array unit block 102-2 array. By combining the arrays, the radiation field is controlled so that the radiation field contour is consistent with the radiation field of the tumor in the direction of the radiation, thereby achieving efficient tumor killing and high-resolution protection of surrounding normal tissue. The ultra-high dose rate radiation field control device of this embodiment has the significant advantage of high flexibility in radiation field control.

[0077] As an optional implementation of this embodiment, in the ultra-high dose rate field control device described in this embodiment, the array unit bracket 101 supports the array unit blocks 102 to be arranged to form an M*N field control array, where M is a row and N is a column.

[0078] The array drive assembly described in this embodiment includes a storage bin 104, a first push rod mechanism 106 and a first conveying mechanism 107. The first push rod mechanism 106 includes N push rods, and the N push rods correspond one-to-one to the N columns of the M*N field control array. The shielding array unit block 102-1 and the transmission array unit block 102-2 are stored in the storage bin 104. The first conveying mechanism 107 is used to convey the shielding array unit block 102-1 and the transmission array unit block 102-2 to the push rods corresponding to the target columns in the M*N field control array, and push the shielding array unit block 102-1 and the transmission array unit block 102-2 to the target row and column positions in the M*N field control array through the push rods.

[0079] In this embodiment, the array unit block 102 is stored in the storage bin 104. The first push rod mechanism 106 and the first conveying mechanism 107 cooperate with each other to push the array unit block in the storage bin 104 to the corresponding position in the M*N field control array. Specifically, the M*N field control array is generated based on the field plan in the radiotherapy plan, and the field plan is constructed based on the target tumor area. In this embodiment, a transmission array unit block 102-2 is designed for multiple discrete target tumor areas. The radiotherapy beam can directly pass through the transmission array unit block 102-2 without attenuation, maintaining the beam energy at an ultra-high dose rate. The shielding array unit block 102-1 is used in other areas, and the radiotherapy beam can be blocked and shielded by the shielding array unit block 102-1.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pushing path 105 of the first push rod mechanism 106 is parallel to the column direction of the M*N field control array;

[0081] The first conveying mechanism 107 includes N rows of first conveyor belts arranged in the storage bin 104 , the N rows of first conveyor belts being arranged in parallel and all arranged in a direction perpendicular to the pushing path 105 of the first push rod mechanism 106 ;

[0082] The target shielding array unit block 102-1 and the transmission array unit block 102-2 are transported to the push rods corresponding to the target columns in the M*N field control array by controlling the first conveyor belts corresponding to the target shielding array unit block 102-1 and the transmission array unit block 102-2.

[0083] As an optional implementation of this embodiment, a double-layer beam control device of this embodiment, the array drive assembly includes a second conveying mechanism, the second conveying mechanism includes a second conveyor belt 108, the first push rod mechanism 106 and the second conveyor belt 108 are respectively located at the two ends of the column direction of the M*N field control array, and the second conveyor belt 108 moves in a direction perpendicular to the column of the M*N field control array.

[0084] The second conveying mechanism includes a third conveyor belt 111, one end of which is connected to the second conveyor belt 108 and is used to receive the shielding array unit block 102-1 and the transmission array unit block 102-2 on the second conveyor belt 108. The other end of the third conveyor belt 111 is connected to the entrance of the storage warehouse 104 and is used to transport the shielding array unit block 102-1 and the transmission array unit block 102-2 to the first conveyor belt at the entrance of the storage warehouse 104, so as to realize the recovery of the shielding array unit block 102-1 and the transmission array unit block 102-2 to the storage warehouse 104.

[0085] In this embodiment, the array unit block 102 is recovered to the storage bin 104 through the second conveying mechanism for use in the next M*N field control array arrangement.

[0086] In this embodiment, a retractable limit stop block is provided at the end of each column of the array unit bracket 101. When the array unit block is pushed onto the array unit bracket 101, the limit stop block is controlled to extend to stop the array unit block. When the array unit block is recovered, the limit stop block is controlled to retract.

[0087] Specifically, the third conveyor belt 111 of this embodiment is vertically arranged relative to the second conveyor belt 108, and the third conveyor belt 111 is vertically arranged relative to the first conveyor belt:

[0088] The array drive assembly includes a second push rod mechanism 109. The second push rod mechanism 109 and the third conveyor belt 111 are respectively located on both sides of the second conveyor belt 108. The pushing path of the second push rod mechanism 109 is set perpendicular to the conveying direction of the second conveyor belt 108. The second push rod mechanism 109 pushes the shielding array unit block 102-1 and the transmission array unit block 102-2 on the second conveyor belt 108 onto the third conveyor belt 111.

[0089] The array drive assembly includes a third push rod mechanism 112. The third push rod mechanism 112 and the first conveying mechanism 107 are respectively located on both sides of the third conveyor belt 111. The pushing path of the third push rod mechanism 112 is arranged perpendicular to the conveying direction of the third conveyor belt 111. The third push rod mechanism 112 pushes the shielding array unit block 102-1 and the transmission array unit block 102-2 on the third conveyor belt 111 to the first conveyor belt at the entrance of the storage bin 104.

[0090] At the same time, this embodiment needs to identify the structural characteristics of the array unit block and transport it back to the corresponding first conveyor belt in the storage warehouse 104. Therefore, in this embodiment, a visual recognition mechanism 110 is set at the end of the second conveyor belt 108 close to the end of the third conveyor belt 111, which is used to identify the structural feature information of the shielding array unit block 102-1 and the transmission array unit block 102-2 on the second conveyor belt 108 and send it to the control system. The control system controls the third conveyor belt 111 and the third push rod mechanism 112 to transport the shielding array unit block 102-1 and the transmission array unit block 102-2 to the corresponding first conveyor belt.

[0091] The third push rod mechanism 112 of this embodiment includes N rows of push rods, which correspond one-to-one to the N rows of first conveyor belts. By controlling a specific push rod in the N rows of push rods, the array unit block is pushed onto the corresponding first conveyor belt.

[0092] See also Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the shielding array unit block 102-1 described in this embodiment includes a first shielding array unit block and a second shielding array unit block, and the transmissive array unit block 102-2 includes a first transmissive array unit block and a second transmissive array unit block. The first shielding array unit block and the first transmissive array unit block have the same structural outline, both of which are first structural array unit blocks 102A. The first structural array unit block 102A has an annular convex portion 102A-1 in the middle portion in the vertical direction. The second shielding array unit block and the second transmissive array unit block have the same structural outline, both of which are second structural array unit blocks 102B. The second structural array unit block 102B has an annular concave portion 102B-1 in the middle portion in the vertical direction.

[0093] The array unit bracket 101 is staggered with a row of first structure array unit blocks 102A and a row of second structure array unit blocks 102B, and the annular protrusions 102A-1 of adjacent rows of first structure array unit blocks 102A and the annular recesses 102B-1 of adjacent rows of second structure array unit blocks 102B are matched.

[0094] In this way, the array unit blocks between adjacent columns in the M*N radiation field control array of this embodiment are interlocked using a mortise and tenon structure, which can prevent radiation leakage between the gaps between the array unit blocks and improve the radiotherapy effect.

[0095] Specifically, in this embodiment, the transmission array unit block 102 - 2 is made of a material with high radiation field penetration; the shielding array unit block 102 - 1 is made of lead, tungsten, tungsten alloy, or other materials with high radiation field blocking properties.

[0096] As an optional implementation of this embodiment, an ultra-high dose rate radiation field control device of this embodiment includes an array unit support driving mechanism, wherein the array unit support driving mechanism is used to drive the array unit support to reciprocate horizontally;

[0097] The array unit support 101 includes a left array unit support and a right array unit support. The array unit support driving mechanisms of the left array unit support and the right array unit support are controlled to drive the left array unit support and the right array unit support to alternately enter the beam area of ​​the beam generating device.

[0098] See also Figure 4 As shown, this embodiment also provides a radiotherapy system with the ultra-high dose rate field control device, including a gantry 300 and a beam generating device 200. The beam generating device 200 and the ultra-high dose rate field control device 100 are respectively arranged on the gantry 300, and the ultra-high dose rate field control device 100 is located directly below the radiation beam output end of the beam generating device 200.

[0099] This embodiment also provides a control method for the radiotherapy system, including:

[0100] Determine S target tumor regions in the direction of the radiation beam according to the radiotherapy plan, where S ≥ 1;

[0101] generating a radiotherapy field generation plan according to the S target tumor regions;

[0102] According to the radiotherapy field generation plan, the array driving component is controlled to drive the shielding array unit block and the transmission array unit block to be arranged on the array unit bracket to form a radiotherapy field, wherein the radiotherapy field has an ultra-high dose rate radiotherapy area corresponding to the position of S target tumor areas and adapted to the outer shape.

[0103] Specifically, in the control method of the radiotherapy system of this embodiment, generating a radiotherapy field plan according to the S target tumor regions includes:

[0104] Determining the regional locations of the transmission array unit blocks on the array unit support according to the location information of the S target tumor areas;

[0105] The number of transmission array unit blocks required for each area position and the arrangement position of each transmission array unit block are determined according to the outline shape information of the S target tumor areas.

[0106] In the control method of the radiotherapy system of this embodiment, the generating plan according to the radiotherapy field and controlling the array driving component to drive the shielding array unit block and the transmission array unit block to be arranged on the array unit support to form the radiotherapy field includes:

[0107] Determining arrangement information of each column of shielding array unit blocks and transmission array unit blocks in the radiation field control array row by row according to the radiation field generation plan;

[0108] Controlling the first conveying mechanism to sequentially convey the shielding array unit block / transmission array unit block to the push rods corresponding to the target columns in the first push rod mechanism according to the arrangement information of the target columns in the field control array, and controlling the push rods to push the shielding array unit block / transmission array unit block to the target position of the target column on the array unit support;

[0109] The steps are performed sequentially until the shielding array unit block and the transmission array unit block form a radiotherapy field on the array unit support.

[0110] The control method of the radiotherapy system of this embodiment includes:

[0111] After the radiotherapy is completed, controlling the first push rod mechanism to push the shielding array unit blocks / transmission array unit blocks onto the second conveyor belt one by one in columns;

[0112] Controlling the second conveyor belt to convey the shielding array unit block / transmission array unit block to the second push rod mechanism, and controlling the second push rod mechanism to push the shielding array unit block / transmission array unit block on the second conveyor belt to the third conveyor belt;

[0113] The visual recognition mechanism identifies the structural feature information of the shielding array unit block / transmission array unit block on the second conveyor belt and sends it to the control system. The control system controls the third conveyor belt to transport the shielding array unit block / transmission array unit block to the third push rod mechanism, and controls the third push rod mechanism to push the shielding array unit block / transmission array unit block on the third conveyor belt to the corresponding first conveyor belt at the entrance of the storage warehouse.

[0114] The specific embodiment of the radiotherapy system of the present invention is described below:

[0115] 1) The user uses the radiation therapy planning module to develop a treatment plan;

[0116] 2) The radiotherapy control module determines one or n tumor contours in the current ray direction according to the treatment plan;

[0117] 3) Based on one or n tumor contours, the radiotherapy control module arranges and combines the transmission array unit blocks 102-2 and the shielding array unit blocks 102-1 to form a combined array radiation field control module, with the transmission array unit blocks 102-2 filling the area within the tumor contour and the shielding array unit blocks 102-1 filling the area outside the tumor contour;

[0118] 4) The radiotherapy control module controls the radiation generation module to generate radiation of specified energy and specified dose rate and irradiate for a specified time according to the treatment plan;

[0119] 5) After the above process is completed, the ultra-high dose rate irradiation treatment ends.

[0120] This embodiment also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer-executable program. When the computer-executable program is executed, the control method of the radiotherapy system as described above is implemented.

[0121] The computer-readable storage medium described in this embodiment may include a data signal propagated in baseband or as part of a carrier wave, which carries a readable program code. This propagated data signal may take a variety of forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination of the above. The computer-readable storage medium may also be any readable medium other than a readable storage medium, which may send, propagate, or transmit a program for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, device, or component. The program code contained on the computer-readable storage medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wired, optical cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the above.

[0122] This embodiment further provides an electronic device, including a processor and a memory, wherein the memory is used to store a computer executable program. When the computer program is executed by the processor, the processor executes the control method of the radiotherapy system.

[0123] The electronic device is implemented as a general-purpose computing device. The processor may be one or multiple processors operating in concert. The present invention also does not exclude distributed processing, meaning the processors may be dispersed across different physical devices. The electronic device of the present invention is not limited to a single entity but may also be the sum of multiple physical devices.

[0124] The memory stores a computer executable program, typically a machine-readable code, which can be executed by the processor to enable the electronic device to perform the method of the present invention, or at least some of the steps in the method.

[0125] The memory includes a volatile memory, such as a random access memory unit (RAM) and / or a cache memory unit, and may also be a non-volatile memory, such as a read-only memory unit (ROM).

[0126] It should be understood that the electronic devices of the present invention may also include elements or components not shown in the above examples. For example, some electronic devices also include display units such as screens, and some electronic devices also include human-computer interaction elements such as buttons and keyboards. As long as the electronic device can execute a computer-readable program stored in its memory to implement the method of the present invention or at least some of the steps of the method, it can be considered an electronic device covered by the present invention.

[0127] Through the above description of the implementation mode, it is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that the present invention can be implemented by hardware capable of executing a specific computer program, such as the system of the present invention, and the electronic processing unit, server, client, mobile phone, control unit, processor, etc. contained in the system. The present invention can also be implemented by computer software that executes the method of the present invention, such as control software executed by a microprocessor, an electronic control unit, a client, a server, etc. However, it should be noted that the computer software that executes the method of the present invention is not limited to being executed by one or a specific hardware entity, and it can also be implemented in a distributed manner by unspecified specific hardware. For computer software, the software product can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium (which can be a CD-ROM, a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, etc.), or it can be distributed and stored on a network, as long as it enables an electronic device to execute the method according to the present invention.

[0128] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical solutions described in the present invention. Although this specification has described the present invention in detail with reference to the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above specific implementation methods. Therefore, any modification or equivalent replacement of the present invention; and all technical solutions and improvements thereof that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are included in the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ultra-high dose rate radiation field control device, characterized in that: include: Array unit bracket; An array unit block is provided on an array unit bracket. A plurality of the array unit blocks are arranged in a transverse and longitudinal direction to form a radiation field control array. The array unit blocks include a shielding array unit block and a transmission array unit block. The shielding array unit block is made of a radiation shielding material and is used for radiation blocking and shielding. The transmission array unit block is made of a material with high radiation penetration and is used for radiation transmission. An array driving component drives the shielding array unit blocks and the transmission array unit blocks to be arranged on the array unit bracket to form a radiotherapy field.

2. The ultra-high dose rate field control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The array unit support supports the array unit blocks to be arranged to form an M*N radiation field control array, where M is a row and N is a column; The array drive assembly includes a storage bin, a first push rod mechanism and a first conveying mechanism. The first push rod mechanism includes N push rods, and the N push rods correspond one to one to the N columns of the M*N field control array. The shielding array unit block and the transmission array unit block are stored in the storage bin. The first conveying mechanism is used to convey the shielding array unit block and the transmission array unit block to the push rods corresponding to the target columns in the M*N field control array, and push the shielding array unit block and the transmission array unit block to the target row and column positions in the M*N field control array through the push rods. The pushing path of the first push rod mechanism is parallel to the column direction of the M*N field control array; The first conveying mechanism includes N rows of first conveyor belts arranged in the storage bin, the N rows of first conveyor belts are arranged in parallel and are all arranged in a direction perpendicular to the pushing path of the first push rod mechanism; The target shielding array unit block and the transmission array unit block are transported to the push rods corresponding to the target columns in the M*N field control array by controlling the first conveyor belts corresponding to the target shielding array unit block and the transmission array unit block.

3. The ultra-high dose rate field control device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The array drive assembly includes a second conveying mechanism, which includes a second conveying belt. The first push rod mechanism and the second conveying belt are respectively located at two ends of the column direction of the M*N field control array, and the second conveying belt moves in a direction perpendicular to the column direction of the M*N field control array. The second conveying mechanism includes a third conveyor belt, one end of which is connected to the second conveyor belt for receiving the shielding array unit blocks and the transmission array unit blocks on the second conveyor belt, and the other end of the third conveyor belt is connected to the entrance of the storage warehouse for transporting the shielding array unit blocks and the transmission array unit blocks to the first conveyor belt at the entrance of the storage warehouse, so as to realize the recovery of the shielding array unit blocks and the transmission array unit blocks to the storage warehouse.

4. The ultra-high dose rate field control device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The third conveyor belt is vertically arranged relative to the second conveyor belt, and the third conveyor belt is vertically arranged relative to the first conveyor belt; The array drive assembly includes a second push rod mechanism, the second push rod mechanism and the third conveyor belt are respectively located on both sides of the second conveyor belt, the pushing path of the second push rod mechanism is arranged perpendicular to the conveying direction of the second conveyor belt, and the second push rod mechanism pushes the shielding array unit block and the transmission array unit block on the second conveyor belt to the third conveyor belt; The array drive assembly includes a third push rod mechanism. The third push rod mechanism and the first conveyor belt are respectively located on both sides of the third conveyor belt. The pushing path of the third push rod mechanism is arranged perpendicular to the conveying direction of the third conveyor belt. The third push rod mechanism pushes the shielding array unit block and the transmission array unit block on the third conveyor belt to the first conveyor belt at the entrance of the storage bin. A visual recognition mechanism is provided at an end of the second conveyor belt close to one end of the third conveyor belt, for identifying structural feature information of the shielding array unit blocks and the transmission array unit blocks on the second conveyor belt and sending the structural feature information to the control system. The control system controls the third conveyor belt and the third push rod mechanism to transport the shielding array unit blocks and the transmission array unit blocks to the corresponding first conveyor belt.

5. The ultra-high dose rate radiation field control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The shielding array unit block includes a first shielding array unit block and a second shielding array unit block, and the transmission array unit block includes a first transmission array unit block and a second transmission array unit block. The first shielding array unit block and the first transmission array unit block have the same structural outline, both are first structural array unit blocks, and the middle portion of the first structural array unit block in the vertical direction has an annular convex portion. The second shielding array unit block and the second transmission array unit block have the same structural outline, both are second structural array unit blocks, and the middle portion of the second structural array unit block in the vertical direction has an annular concave portion. The array unit bracket is staggered with a row of first structure array unit blocks and a row of second structure array unit blocks, and the annular protrusions of the adjacent rows of first structure array unit blocks match the annular recesses of the adjacent rows of second structure array unit blocks.

6. A radiotherapy system having an ultra-high dose rate field control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: It comprises a frame and a beam generating device. The beam generating device and the ultra-high dose rate field control device are respectively arranged on the frame. The ultra-high dose rate field control device is located just below the radiation beam output end of the beam generating device.

7. A control method for a radiotherapy system according to claim 6, characterized in that: include: Determine S target tumor regions in the direction of the radiation beam according to the radiotherapy plan, where S ≥ 1; generating a radiotherapy field generation plan according to the S target tumor regions; According to the radiotherapy field generation plan, the array driving component is controlled to drive the shielding array unit block and the transmission array unit block to be arranged on the array unit bracket to form a radiotherapy field, wherein the radiotherapy field has an ultra-high dose rate radiotherapy area corresponding to the position of S target tumor areas and adapted to the outer shape.

8. The control method of the radiotherapy system according to claim 7, characterized in that: Generating a radiotherapy field generation plan according to the S target tumor regions includes: Determining the regional locations of the transmission array unit blocks on the array unit support according to the location information of the S target tumor areas; The number of transmission array unit blocks required for each area position and the arrangement position of each transmission array unit block are determined according to the outline shape information of the S target tumor areas.

9. The control method of the radiotherapy system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The step of controlling the array driving component to drive the shielding array unit block and the transmission array unit block to be arranged on the array unit support according to the radiotherapy field generation plan to form the radiotherapy field comprises: Determining arrangement information of each column of shielding array unit blocks and transmission array unit blocks in the radiation field control array row by row according to the radiation field generation plan; Controlling the first conveying mechanism to sequentially convey the shielding array unit block / transmission array unit block to the push rods corresponding to the target columns in the first push rod mechanism according to the arrangement information of the target columns in the field control array, and controlling the push rods to push the shielding array unit block / transmission array unit block to the target position of the target column on the array unit support; The steps are performed sequentially until the shielding array unit block and the transmission array unit block form a radiotherapy field on the array unit support.

10. The control method of the radiotherapy system according to claim 7, characterized in that: include: After the radiotherapy is completed, controlling the first push rod mechanism to push the shielding array unit blocks / transmission array unit blocks onto the second conveyor belt one by one in columns; Controlling the second conveyor belt to convey the shielding array unit block / transmission array unit block to the second push rod mechanism, and controlling the second push rod mechanism to push the shielding array unit block / transmission array unit block on the second conveyor belt to the third conveyor belt; The visual recognition mechanism identifies the structural feature information of the shielding array unit block / transmission array unit block on the second conveyor belt and sends it to the control system. The control system controls the third conveyor belt to transport the shielding array unit block / transmission array unit block to the third push rod mechanism, and controls the third push rod mechanism to push the shielding array unit block / transmission array unit block on the third conveyor belt to the corresponding first conveyor belt at the entrance of the storage warehouse.

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