Method and apparatus for controlling intensity of particle beam, storage medium, control device

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of particle radiotherapy control, and discloses a particle beam current intensity control method and device, a storage medium and a control equipment, which are applied to a particle radiotherapy system, and the particle beam current intensity control method comprises the following steps: acquiring real-time magnetic field intensity of a particle beam at a secondary iron of a beam transmission line, a current cumulative dose of the particle beam and a treatment plan issued by a particle radiotherapy system, wherein the treatment plan comprises a target energy layer and a target dose of the particle beam; determining a calibration magnetic field intensity of the particle beam at the secondary iron of the beam transmission line according to the target energy layer; when a deviation between the real-time magnetic field intensity and the calibration magnetic field intensity is less than or equal to a preset magnetic field intensity, adjusting the intensity of the particle beam according to the current cumulative dose and the target dose until the current cumulative dose reaches the target dose. Thus, real-time, accurate and safe closed-loop control of the particle radiotherapy dose can be realized, and the radiotherapy treatment effect and clinical safety are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of particle radiotherapy control technology, and in particular to a method and apparatus for controlling the intensity of a particle beam, a storage medium, and a control device. Background Technology

[0002] Particle radiotherapy, relying on the depth-dose distribution characteristics of the Bragg peak of particle beams, can highly concentrate radiation dose on the tumor target area, significantly reducing radiation damage to surrounding normal tissues, and has become one of the core technologies for precision oncology treatment in clinical practice. Currently, most particle radiotherapy systems use cyclotrons as beam generators, combined with beam delivery systems and treatment heads to irradiate the target area. However, in actual clinical applications, these systems typically rely on feedback from the treatment control system to determine the energy layer, lacking independent, real-time measurement methods for the intensity of the secondary ferromagnetic field of the beam delivery line. When the secondary ferromagnetic field control is inaccurate, energy layer switching deviates, or system commands are erroneous, it is impossible to detect discrepancies between the actual energy layer and the treatment plan in a timely manner, potentially leading to incorrect particle beam penetration depth, causing deviations in target dose distribution, or even damage to normal tissues. Furthermore, existing systems often use fixed beam intensities during beam exit, lacking a dynamic adjustment mechanism based on real-time cumulative dose. They cannot adaptively adjust subsequent beam intensities based on the currently delivered dose. Once beam fluctuations or dose monitoring deviations occur, the final dose can easily deviate from the target value, affecting the accuracy and reliability of the treatment. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in related technologies. Therefore, the first objective of this invention is to propose a method for controlling the intensity of a particle beam, which can achieve real-time, precise, and safe closed-loop control of particle radiotherapy dose, thereby improving the therapeutic effect and clinical safety of radiotherapy.

[0004] A second objective of this invention is to provide a computer-readable storage medium.

[0005] The third objective of this invention is to provide a particle beam intensity control device.

[0006] The fourth objective of this invention is to provide a control device.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, a first aspect of the present invention provides a method for controlling the intensity of a particle beam, which is applied to a particle radiotherapy system. The method includes: acquiring the real-time magnetic field strength of the particle beam at the secondary iron of the beam transmission line, the current cumulative dose of the particle beam, and a treatment plan issued by the particle radiotherapy system, wherein the treatment plan includes the target energy level and target dose of the particle beam; determining the calibrated magnetic field strength of the particle beam at the secondary iron of the beam transmission line based on the target energy level; and adjusting the intensity of the particle beam based on the current cumulative dose and the target dose when the deviation between the real-time magnetic field strength and the calibrated magnetic field strength is less than or equal to a preset magnetic field strength, until the current cumulative dose reaches the target dose.

[0008] The particle beam intensity control method according to embodiments of the present invention obtains the real-time magnetic field intensity at the secondary iron of the beam transmission line and compares it with the calibrated magnetic field intensity corresponding to the target energy layer. Dose adjustment is initiated within the allowable deviation range, effectively verifying the accuracy of the current energy layer and avoiding penetration depth deviations caused by magnetic field inaccuracies or incorrect energy layer switching, thereby protecting normal tissues. Simultaneously, the beam intensity is dynamically adjusted based on the difference between the real-time cumulative dose and the target dose, forming a closed-loop control until the dose is precisely achieved. This realizes real-time, precise, and safe closed-loop control of particle radiotherapy dose, improving radiotherapy efficacy and clinical safety.

[0009] In addition, the particle beam intensity control method according to the above embodiments of the present invention may further include the following additional technical features: According to one embodiment of the present invention, adjusting the intensity of the particle beam based on the current cumulative dose and the target dose includes: when the current cumulative dose reaches a preset dose transition threshold, controlling the intensity of the particle beam to decrease by a first preset intensity; when the intensity of the particle beam is less than or equal to a second preset intensity, controlling the particle beam to exit the beam at the second preset intensity until the current cumulative dose reaches the target dose.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes: when the target dose is less than a preset dose, controlling the particle beam to exit at a third preset intensity; and when the target dose is greater than or equal to the preset dose, controlling the particle beam to exit at a fourth preset intensity, wherein the fourth preset intensity is greater than the third preset intensity.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the target energy layer is provided with a reference intensity range, wherein the third preset intensity and the fourth preset intensity are both within the reference intensity range.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the upper and lower limits of the reference intensity range are both positively correlated with the size of the target energy layer.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes: when the deviation between the real-time magnetic field strength and the calibrated magnetic field strength is greater than the preset magnetic field strength, determining that there is an anomaly in the energy layer corresponding to the real-time magnetic field strength, triggering an alarm program and sending a beam cutoff request to the particle radiotherapy system to control the particle beam to stop exiting the beam.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes: when the current cumulative dose reaches the target dose, sending a beam cutoff request to the particle radiotherapy system to control the particle beam to stop emitting.

[0015] To achieve the above objectives, a second aspect of the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a particle beam intensity control program thereon, wherein when the particle beam intensity control program is executed by a processor, the particle beam intensity control method of the present invention described above is implemented.

[0016] According to embodiments of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium, by executing a particle beam intensity control program through a processor, can achieve real-time, precise, and safe closed-loop control of particle radiotherapy dose, thereby improving the therapeutic effect and clinical safety of radiotherapy.

[0017] To achieve the above objectives, a third aspect of the present invention provides a particle beam intensity control device, which is applied to a particle radiotherapy system. The intensity control device includes: a Hall probe for acquiring the real-time magnetic field intensity of the particle beam at the secondary iron of the beam transmission line; a dose ionization chamber for acquiring the current cumulative dose of the particle beam; and a control module connected to the particle radiotherapy system, the Hall probe, and the dose ionization chamber, for acquiring a treatment plan issued by the particle radiotherapy system. The treatment plan includes a target energy level and a target dose for the particle beam. A calibrated magnetic field intensity of the particle beam at the secondary iron of the beam transmission line is determined based on the target energy level. When the deviation between the real-time magnetic field intensity and the calibrated magnetic field intensity is less than or equal to a preset magnetic field intensity, the intensity of the particle beam is adjusted according to the target dose until the current cumulative dose reaches the target dose.

[0018] The particle beam intensity control device according to embodiments of the present invention can realize real-time, precise, and safe closed-loop control of particle radiotherapy dose, thereby improving the radiotherapy effect and clinical safety.

[0019] To achieve the above objectives, a fourth aspect of the present invention provides a control device, including the particle beam intensity control device described in the foregoing embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] According to the control device of the present invention, by employing the particle beam intensity control device of the above embodiments of the present invention, real-time, precise, and safe closed-loop control of particle radiotherapy dose can be achieved, thereby improving the radiotherapy effect and clinical safety.

[0021] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a particle beam intensity control method according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a particle beam intensity control method according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a particle beam intensity control method according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a block diagram of a particle beam intensity control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a block diagram of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0024] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, describes a particle beam intensity control method, a computer-readable storage medium, a particle beam intensity control device, and a control equipment according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of a particle beam intensity control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Specifically, in some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the particle beam intensity control method is applied to a particle radiotherapy system, and the method includes: S101, acquire the real-time magnetic field strength of the particle beam at the secondary iron of the beam transmission line, the current cumulative dose of the particle beam, and the treatment plan issued by the particle radiotherapy system, wherein the treatment plan includes the target energy layer and target dose of the particle beam.

[0027] Specifically, in this embodiment, a Hall probe installed on or near the surface of the secondary ferromagnetic poles of the beam transmission line acquires the magnetic field strength signal in real time. This signal is then transmitted to the real-time controller after analog-to-digital conversion. Simultaneously, an independent dose ionization chamber located in the beam path monitors the ionization current generated as the beam passes through, and this current is integrated and amplified to obtain the currently delivered cumulative dose. The real-time controller also connects to the treatment control system of the particle radiotherapy system via a communication interface to obtain a pre-defined treatment plan. This plan includes at least the target energy layer of the current irradiation sequence (determining the particle penetration depth) and the target dose at each scan point.

[0028] S102, determine the calibration magnetic field strength of the particle beam at the secondary iron of the beam transmission line based on the target energy layer.

[0029] Specifically, in this embodiment, the real-time controller pre-stores an energy-magnetic field calibration table or fitting curve. This calibration data is obtained through pre-shipment or periodic calibration: for each clinically available energy layer, the standard magnetic field strength of the secondary iron required to correctly deflect the beam is measured and recorded. When the target energy layer is read from the treatment plan, the controller calculates the corresponding calibrated magnetic field strength by looking up the table or interpolation.

[0030] S103, when the deviation between the real-time magnetic field strength and the calibrated magnetic field strength is less than or equal to the preset magnetic field strength, adjusts the intensity of the particle beam according to the current cumulative dose and the target dose until the current cumulative dose reaches the target dose.

[0031] Specifically, in this embodiment, the real-time controller compares the real-time magnetic field strength measured by the Hall probe with the calibrated magnetic field strength, calculating the absolute or relative deviation. If the deviation is within a preset safety threshold, the current energy layer is considered correct, and beam output is permitted. Subsequently, the controller enters a closed-loop adjustment phase: based on the difference between the current accumulated dose and the target dose, the output flux of the intensity-modulated beam subsystem within the accelerator is dynamically adjusted so that the dose accumulates at the desired rate. This adjustment process continues, with the real-time controller continuously reading new accumulated doses and updating flux commands until the accumulated dose precisely reaches the target dose.

[0032] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown, the intensity of the particle beam is adjusted based on the current cumulative dose and the target dose. The particle beam intensity control method includes: S201, when the current cumulative dose reaches the preset dose transition threshold, control the intensity of the particle beam to decrease by a first preset intensity.

[0033] Specifically, in this embodiment, the preset dose transition threshold is a value less than the target dose, such as 90% of the target dose or the target dose minus a safety margin. The real-time controller continuously integrates the dose ionization chamber signal during beam exit. When the integrated value first reaches the threshold, it immediately sends a command to the intensity-modulated beam subsystem to reduce the beam intensity by a first preset intensity (e.g., to 30% of the original intensity or to a specified low intensity value). This allows for early deceleration after rapid high-dose irradiation, avoiding dose overshoot due to system response delays.

[0034] S202, when the intensity of the particle beam is less than or equal to the second preset intensity, the particle beam is controlled to flow out of the beam at the second preset intensity until the current cumulative dose reaches the target dose.

[0035] Specifically, in this embodiment, the second preset intensity is an extremely small and stable tailing current intensity (e.g., 5% to 10% of the reference current intensity range). If the beam intensity after reduction in S201 is still higher than the second preset intensity, the controller can further reduce it in stages or directly jump to the second preset intensity. Once the beam intensity stabilizes at or below the second preset intensity, the controller maintains this ultra-low current intensity to continue beam emission while performing fine integration of the accumulated dose. Because the current intensity is extremely low, the dose increment corresponding to each integration step is extremely small, thus approaching the target dose with almost no overshoot. When the accumulated dose equals the target dose, the subsequent cutoff operation is performed.

[0036] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the particle beam intensity control method further includes: when the target dose is less than a preset dose, controlling the particle beam to exit at a third preset intensity; when the target dose is greater than or equal to the preset dose, controlling the particle beam to exit at a fourth preset intensity, wherein the fourth preset intensity is greater than the third preset intensity.

[0037] Specifically, in this embodiment, the real-time controller reads the target dose of the current scan point in the treatment plan and compares it with a preset dose classification threshold. If the target dose is less than the preset dose, it is determined to be a low-dose single point. At this time, the real-time controller controls the intensity-modulated beam subsystem to emit a beam at a third preset intensity (e.g., the lower limit of the reference flow rate range) to avoid the dose accumulation exceeding the target value in a short period of time due to excessively high flow rate.

[0038] If the target dose is greater than or equal to the preset dose, it is determined to be a high-dose single point. The real-time controller controls the intensity-modulated beam subsystem to emit the beam at the fourth preset intensity (e.g., the upper limit of the reference current range), thereby shortening the single-point irradiation time and reducing the risk of irradiation deviation caused by patient position movement or organ movement.

[0039] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the target energy layer is provided with a reference intensity range, wherein the third preset intensity and the fourth preset intensity are both within the reference intensity range.

[0040] Specifically, in this embodiment, for each energy layer, a reference intensity range (reference flow range) matching that energy layer is determined through prior beam transmission efficiency calibration. For all scan points under that energy layer, the output beam intensity should not exceed this range. The third preset intensity (for low-dose points) is set close to the lower limit of the reference intensity range, and the fourth preset intensity (for high-dose points) is set close to the upper limit of the reference intensity range. This compensates for the differences in transmission efficiency between different energy layers (lower energy layers generally use a lower reference range to avoid dose overflow) and provides a safe adjustment window for single-point grading.

[0041] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the upper and lower limits of the reference intensity range are positively correlated with the size of the target energy layer.

[0042] Specifically, in this embodiment, as the target energy layer increases (i.e., the energy required by the particles increases), both the lower and upper limits of the reference intensity range monotonically increase. This positive correlation is based on the physical characteristic that higher energy layers have higher transmission efficiency, allowing higher energy layers to use higher reference current intensities to improve treatment efficiency, while ensuring that dose control within each energy layer is performed within a safe window.

[0043] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the particle beam intensity control method further includes: when the deviation between the real-time magnetic field strength and the calibrated magnetic field strength is greater than the preset magnetic field strength, determining that there is an anomaly in the energy layer corresponding to the real-time magnetic field strength, triggering an alarm program and sending a beam cut-off request to the particle radiotherapy system to control the particle beam to stop exiting the beam.

[0044] Specifically, in this embodiment, if the deviation between the real-time magnetic field strength and the calibrated value exceeds a preset safety threshold, the real-time controller determines that the current energy layer is inconsistent with the treatment plan. Possible causes include a secondary iron power supply failure, magnetic field measurement drift, or incorrect instructions from the treatment control system. At this time, the controller immediately issues an audible and visual alarm and sends a beam cutoff request to the particle therapy system via hardwired connection or communication interface. Upon receiving the request, the original system performs a rapid cutoff to ensure that the abnormal particle beam does not irradiate the patient.

[0045] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the particle beam intensity control method further includes: when the current cumulative dose reaches the target dose, sending a beam cut-off request to the particle radiotherapy system to control the particle beam to stop emitting.

[0046] Specifically, in this embodiment, once the real-time controller confirms through integral calculation that the current cumulative dose has reached the target dose, it first reduces the beam intensity to zero or maintains it at the minimum maintenance value, and then sends a beam cut-off request to the particle radiotherapy system. The original system performs the final beam cut-off operation and records the completion of irradiation. By assigning the responsibilities of "dose monitoring - switching to low current intensity - requesting cut-off" to the real-time controller, while retaining the execution of "physical cut-off" to the original system, the reliability of the cut-off is ensured, and compatibility with other safety logic outside this device is achieved.

[0047] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 3 As shown, firstly, the real-time controller acquires the treatment plan. Then, during the plan preparation phase, the real-time controller verifies the correctness of the current energy layer by comparing the real-time magnetic field strength of the secondary iron field measured by the Hall probe with the calibrated magnetic field strength corresponding to the target energy layer in the plan. After successful verification, the real-time controller acquires the current intensity database corresponding to that energy layer (i.e., the pre-calibrated reference current intensity range) and determines the single-point dose category based on the target dose size in the treatment plan: low current intensity is selected as the initial current intensity for small-dose single points, and high current intensity is selected as the initial current intensity for large-dose single points. Upon entering the beam exit phase, the real-time controller continuously monitors the single-point dose and dynamically adjusts the accelerator current intensity (i.e., adjusts the output intensity of the intensity-modulated subsystem) based on the remaining dose at the single point. During single-point irradiation, the real-time controller adjusts the current intensity in real time until the cumulative dose at that point reaches the target value. Afterward, the real-time controller determines that the dose has reached the target and notifies the original system, which then performs beam cutoff and switches to the next scanning point, repeating the above process.

[0048] In summary, the particle beam intensity control method according to embodiments of the present invention obtains the real-time magnetic field intensity at the secondary iron of the beam transmission line and compares it with the calibrated magnetic field intensity corresponding to the target energy layer. Dose adjustment is initiated within the allowable deviation range, effectively verifying the accuracy of the current energy layer and avoiding penetration depth deviations caused by magnetic field inaccuracies or incorrect energy layer switching, thereby protecting normal tissues. Simultaneously, the beam intensity is dynamically adjusted based on the difference between the real-time cumulative dose and the target dose, forming a closed-loop control until the dose is precisely achieved. This realizes real-time, precise, and safe closed-loop control of particle radiotherapy dose, improving radiotherapy efficacy and clinical safety.

[0049] Based on the particle beam intensity control method proposed in the foregoing embodiments of the present invention, the present invention also proposes a computer-readable storage medium, wherein a particle beam intensity control program is stored thereon, and when the particle beam intensity control program is executed by a processor, the particle beam intensity control method of the above embodiments of the present invention is implemented.

[0050] According to embodiments of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium, by executing a particle beam intensity control program through a processor, can achieve real-time, precise, and safe closed-loop control of particle radiotherapy dose, thereby improving the therapeutic effect and clinical safety of radiotherapy.

[0051] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of a particle beam intensity control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] like Figure 4 As shown, the particle beam intensity control device is used in a particle radiotherapy system. The particle beam intensity control device 100 includes a Hall probe 10, a dose ionization chamber 20, and a control module 30.

[0053] The Hall probe 10 is used to acquire the real-time magnetic field strength of the particle beam at the secondary iron of the beam transmission line; the dose ionization chamber 20 is used to acquire the current cumulative dose of the particle beam; the control module 30 is connected to the particle radiotherapy system, the Hall probe 10 and the dose ionization chamber 20 respectively, and is used to acquire the treatment plan issued by the particle radiotherapy system. The treatment plan includes the target energy layer and the target dose of the particle beam. The calibrated magnetic field strength of the particle beam at the secondary iron of the beam transmission line is determined according to the target energy layer. When the deviation between the real-time magnetic field strength and the calibrated magnetic field strength is less than or equal to the preset magnetic field strength, the intensity of the particle beam is adjusted according to the target dose until the current cumulative dose reaches the target dose.

[0054] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control module 30 is specifically used to control the intensity of the particle beam to decrease by a first preset intensity when the current cumulative dose reaches a preset dose transition threshold; and to control the particle beam to flow out of the beam at the second preset intensity when the intensity of the particle beam is less than or equal to a second preset intensity, until the current cumulative dose reaches the target dose.

[0055] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control module 30 is further configured to control the particle beam to exit at a third preset intensity when the target dose is less than a preset dose; and to control the particle beam to exit at a fourth preset intensity when the target dose is greater than or equal to the preset dose, wherein the fourth preset intensity is greater than the third preset intensity.

[0056] In some embodiments of the present invention, the target energy layer is provided with a reference intensity range, wherein the third preset intensity and the fourth preset intensity are both within the reference intensity range.

[0057] In some embodiments of the present invention, the upper and lower limits of the reference intensity range are positively correlated with the size of the target energy layer.

[0058] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control module 30 is further configured to determine that there is an abnormality in the energy layer corresponding to the real-time magnetic field strength when the deviation between the real-time magnetic field strength and the calibrated magnetic field strength is greater than the preset magnetic field strength, trigger an alarm program and send a beam cut-off request to the particle radiotherapy system to control the particle beam to stop exiting the beam.

[0059] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control module 30 is further configured to send a beam cut-off request to the particle radiotherapy system when the current cumulative dose reaches the target dose, so as to control the particle beam to stop emitting.

[0060] It should be noted that other specific embodiments of the particle beam intensity control device proposed in the embodiments of the present invention can be found in the specific embodiments of the particle beam intensity control method described above. To reduce redundancy, they will not be repeated here.

[0061] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the particle beam intensity control device is designed as an independent add-on module, which can be installed and connected for communication without changing the original particle radiotherapy system's hardware structure, software program, and control logic. Specifically, the device has the following features: Without altering the original system's functionality: all signal acquisition, processing, and control command issuance by the device are completed through an independent loop and a read-only interface, without modifying any parameters of the original treatment control system or occupying the original system's security resources.

[0062] Parallel and independent operation: The device's real-time controller is independent of the original treatment control system, and their control commands do not conflict. The original system still performs basic operations such as beam cutoff and energy layer switching according to its internal logic, while this device independently performs additional magnetic field verification and dose closed-loop adjustment.

[0063] Plug-in operation: This device can be hot-swapped for installation, commissioning, and operation without affecting the normal clinical use of the original system. When the device is turned off or physically removed, the original particle radiotherapy system automatically returns to its original operating state without the device installed, and its function, accuracy, and safety are not affected in any way.

[0064] In some embodiments of the present invention, the particle beam intensity control device is also used as a third-party independent verification system. Specifically, because this device is equipped with a dose ionization chamber and Hall probe independent of the original system, and its control module is read-only connected to the treatment control system, it can compare the current cumulative dose and real-time magnetic field strength measured by this device with the data monitored internally by the original system in real time. When the deviation between the two exceeds a preset clinical safety threshold, this device triggers an alarm and sends a beam pause command to the original system. This redundant verification mechanism can effectively identify drift of the dose monitoring module, signal interference, or control logic errors in the original system, providing an additional safety layer for particle radiotherapy, and is particularly suitable for clinical trials or high-precision treatment scenarios.

[0065] In some embodiments of the present invention, the dose ionization chamber is installed at the end of the beam transmission line and on the main beam path at the front end of the treatment head, physically separated from the ionization chamber of the original system's treatment head. Its signal line is independently connected to the real-time controller and is not connected to any loop in the original system. The Hall probe is fixedly installed on the surface of a secondary iron pole, and its signal line is independently routed to the real-time controller, not connected to the magnetic field detection loop of the original system. The real-time controller is independently powered, and its signal line is shielded and grounded, connected in parallel with the protective ground of the original system. After power-on self-test, the particle beam intensity control device automatically enters parallel mode, and its control commands do not conflict with those of the original system. After shutting down or removing this device, the original system returns to its original operating state without any impact.

[0066] In summary, the particle beam intensity control device according to the embodiments of the present invention can realize real-time, precise, and safe closed-loop control of particle radiotherapy dose, thereby improving the radiotherapy effect and clinical safety.

[0067] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] like Figure 5 As shown, the control device 1000 includes the particle beam intensity control device 100 of the above-described embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] According to the control device of the present invention, by employing the particle beam intensity control device of the above embodiments of the present invention, real-time, precise, and safe closed-loop control of particle radiotherapy dose can be achieved, thereby improving the radiotherapy effect and clinical safety.

[0070] It should be noted that the logic and / or steps represented in the flowchart or otherwise described herein, for example, can be considered as a sequenced list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions, and can be specifically implemented in any computer-readable medium for use by, or in conjunction with, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device (such as a computer-based system, a processor-included system, or other system that can fetch and execute instructions from, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device). For the purposes of this specification, "computer-readable medium" can be any means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transmit programs for use by, or in conjunction with, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable media include: an electrical connection having one or more wires (electronic device), a portable computer disk drive (magnetic device), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable and editable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), fiber optic devices, and portable optical disc read-only memory (CDROM). Alternatively, the computer-readable medium may be paper or other suitable media on which the program can be printed, since the program can be obtained electronically, for example, by optically scanning the paper or other medium, followed by editing, interpreting, or otherwise processing as necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.

[0071] It should be understood that various parts of the present invention can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented in software or firmware stored in memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented in hardware, as in another embodiment, it can be implemented using any one or a combination of the following techniques known in the art: discrete logic circuits having logic gates for implementing logical functions on data signals, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) having suitable combinational logic gates, programmable gate arrays (PGAs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0072] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0073] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0074] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0075] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0076] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0077] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the intensity of a particle beam, characterized in that, The method, applied to a particle radiotherapy system, includes: The real-time magnetic field strength of the particle beam at the secondary iron of the beam transmission line, the current cumulative dose of the particle beam, and the treatment plan issued by the particle radiotherapy system are obtained, wherein the treatment plan includes the target energy layer and target dose of the particle beam; The calibration magnetic field strength of the particle beam at the secondary iron of the beam transmission line is determined based on the target energy layer. When the deviation between the real-time magnetic field strength and the calibrated magnetic field strength is less than or equal to the preset magnetic field strength, the intensity of the particle beam is adjusted according to the current cumulative dose and the target dose until the current cumulative dose reaches the target dose, so as to optimize the dose control of the particle radiotherapy system without affecting the independent operation of the particle radiotherapy system. The adjustment of the particle beam intensity based on the current cumulative dose and the target dose includes: When the current cumulative dose reaches a preset dose transition threshold, the intensity of the particle beam is controlled to decrease by a first preset intensity; When the intensity of the particle beam is less than or equal to the second preset intensity, the particle beam is controlled to flow out at the second preset intensity until the current cumulative dose reaches the target dose; The method further includes: When the target dose is less than the preset dose, the particle beam is controlled to exit at a third preset intensity; When the target dose is greater than or equal to a preset dose, the particle beam is controlled to exit at a fourth preset intensity, which is greater than the third preset intensity. The target energy layer is provided with a reference intensity range, wherein the third preset intensity and the fourth preset intensity are both within the reference intensity range.

2. The particle beam intensity control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper and lower limits of the reference intensity range are both positively correlated with the size of the target energy layer.

3. The particle beam intensity control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the deviation between the real-time magnetic field strength and the calibrated magnetic field strength is greater than the preset magnetic field strength, it is determined that there is an anomaly in the energy layer corresponding to the real-time magnetic field strength, triggering an alarm program and sending a beam cut-off request to the particle radiotherapy system to control the particle beam to stop exiting.

4. The particle beam intensity control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the current cumulative dose reaches the target dose, a beam cutoff request is sent to the particle radiotherapy system to control the particle beam to stop emitting.

5. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It stores a particle beam intensity control program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the particle beam intensity control method according to any one of claims 1-4.

6. A particle beam intensity control device, characterized in that, The intensity control device, used in particle radiotherapy systems, includes: A Hall probe is used to obtain the real-time magnetic field strength of the particle beam at the secondary iron of the beam transmission line; A dose ionization chamber is used to obtain the current cumulative dose of the particle beam; A control module, connected to the particle radiotherapy system, the Hall probe, and the dose ionization chamber, is used to acquire the treatment plan issued by the particle radiotherapy system. The treatment plan includes the target energy layer and target dose of the particle beam. Based on the target energy layer, the calibration magnetic field strength of the particle beam at the secondary iron of the beam transmission line is determined. When the deviation between the real-time magnetic field strength and the calibration magnetic field strength is less than or equal to a preset magnetic field strength, the intensity of the particle beam is adjusted according to the target dose until the current cumulative dose reaches the target dose, so as to optimize the dose control of the particle radiotherapy system without affecting the independent operation of the particle radiotherapy system. The control module is further configured to: reduce the intensity of the particle beam to a first preset intensity when the current cumulative dose reaches a preset dose transition threshold; control the particle beam to exit at the second preset intensity when the intensity of the particle beam is less than or equal to a second preset intensity, until the current cumulative dose reaches the target dose; control the particle beam to exit at a third preset intensity when the target dose is less than a preset dose; and control the particle beam to exit at a fourth preset intensity when the target dose is greater than or equal to a preset dose, wherein the fourth preset intensity is greater than the third preset intensity. The target energy layer is correspondingly provided with a reference intensity range, wherein both the third preset intensity and the fourth preset intensity are within the reference intensity range.

7. A control device, characterized in that, The particle beam intensity control device as described in claim 6 is included.

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