BNCT treatment room safety interlocking system

Abstract

The utility model provides a BNCT treatment room safety interlocking system, and relates to the technical field of BNCT treatment. The safety interlocking system can effectively overcome the false alarm defect of a safety interlocking system in the prior art, and specifically comprises treatment room equipment and a safety interlocking module, the treatment room equipment comprises a dose control module used for obtaining neutron beam flux and monitoring the neutron beam state, and a treatment control box used for controlling operation of the treatment terminal. The safety interlocking module is in communication connection with the dose control module through a first heartbeat detection line and a first alarm line which are independently arranged, and is in communication connection with the treatment control box through a second heartbeat detection line and a second alarm line which are independently arranged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of BNCT treatment technology, and in particular to a safety interlock system for a BNCT treatment room. Background Technology

[0002] Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a radiotherapy method that combines biological targeting and physical selectivity. In BNCT treatment, various modules and devices within the treatment room work in conjunction with the accelerator neutron source system to output a neutron beam that irradiates the patient's target area, thus completing the treatment.

[0003] Given the radiation exposure associated with neutron therapy, ensuring the safety of the BNCT treatment room is paramount. Safety interlock systems are one of the key components of ensuring treatment safety in the BNCT treatment room. These systems monitor and control the treatment environment to prevent accidental radiation exposure and other potential risks.

[0004] However, the safety interlock system for treatment rooms provided in the relevant technology has false alarms, causing unnecessary interruptions and delays in the treatment process. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a safety interlock system for BNCT treatment rooms to address the shortcomings of existing technologies.

[0006] The BNCT safety interlock system provided in this application includes: treatment room equipment and a safety interlock module;

[0007] The treatment room equipment includes: a dose control module for acquiring the flux and monitoring the state of the neutron beam, and a treatment control box for controlling the operation of the treatment terminal;

[0008] The safety interlock module is connected to the dose control module via an independently configured first heartbeat detection line and a first alarm line, and is connected to the treatment control box via an independently configured second heartbeat detection line and a second alarm line.

[0009] In one embodiment, the safety interlock module is also communicatively connected to the treatment control box via a first emergency stop control line, and is used to receive an emergency stop signal sent by the treatment control box via the first emergency stop control line;

[0010] The first emergency stop control line is set independently of the second heartbeat detection line and the first alarm line.

[0011] In one embodiment, the system further includes an accelerator neutron source system for outputting the therapeutic neutron beam.

[0012] The safety interlock module is communicatively connected to the accelerator neutron source system via the second emergency stop control line, and is used to output an emergency stop signal to the accelerator neutron source system.

[0013] In one embodiment, the treatment terminal includes a treatment support device for carrying the patient.

[0014] The treatment support device is communicatively connected to the safety interlock module via a third emergency stop control line to receive emergency stop signals sent by the safety interlock module.

[0015] In one embodiment, the treatment support device is communicatively connected to the safety interlock module via a third alarm line to output an alarm signal to the safety interlock module.

[0016] In one embodiment, the treatment terminal includes a blocker disposed at the exit port of the sub-source system in the accelerator. The blocker is communicatively connected to the safety interlock module via a fourth emergency stop control line and is used to receive an emergency stop signal sent by the safety interlock module.

[0017] In one embodiment, the blocker is communicatively connected to the safety interlock module via a fourth alarm line, and is used to send an alarm signal to the safety interlock module.

[0018] In one embodiment, the treatment terminal includes an image-guided system.

[0019] The image guidance system is communicatively connected to the safety interlock module via a fifth emergency stop line, and is used to receive emergency stop signals sent by the safety interlock module; and / or

[0020] The treatment terminal includes a shielded door, which is communicatively connected to the safety interlock module via a door interlock signal line, and is used to output a door interlock signal to the safety interlock module.

[0021] In one embodiment, the treatment room equipment further includes a treatment control system, which is communicatively connected to the safety interlock module via an interlock signal transmission line.

[0022] In one embodiment, the heartbeat detection line, alarm line, and emergency stop control line are optical fibers; the interlocking signal transmission line is a network cable.

[0023] The device communication network architecture and BNCT treatment system provided in this application embodiment have at least the following technical effects.

[0024] The safety interlock module communicates with the dosage control module via a first heartbeat line and a first alarm line, receiving heartbeat and alarm signals from the dosage control module. Furthermore, the safety interlock module communicates with the treatment control box via a second heartbeat line and a second alarm line, receiving heartbeat and alarm signals from the treatment control box. Based on this, the safety interlock module can perform heartbeat detection using heartbeat signals to effectively determine the current communication status with both the dosage control module and the treatment control box. In this way, the safety interlock module no longer relies solely on alarm signals for judgment; by combining heartbeat signals with the system's heartbeat signals, it avoids false alarms due to communication interruptions, effectively reducing the false alarm rate of the safety interlock system and preventing unauthorized interruptions or delays in the treatment process.

[0025] Details of one or more embodiments of this application are set forth in the following drawings and description to make other features, objects and advantages of this application more readily apparent. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a safety interlock system for a BNCT treatment room according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a BNCT treatment room safety interlock system according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0029] In the above figures, the meanings of the various reference numerals are as follows:

[0030] 100. Accelerator Neutron Source System

[0031] 200. Treatment room equipment; 210. Neutron detection module; 220. Dosage control module; 230. Treatment control box; 241. Treatment support device; 242. Image guidance system; 243. Blocker; 244. Shielding door; 250. Treatment control system.

[0032] 300. Safety interlock module;

[0033] 410. First heartbeat detection line; 420. Second heartbeat detection line;

[0034] 510, First alarm line; 520, Second alarm line; 530, Third alarm line; 540, Fourth alarm line;

[0035] 610, First Emergency Stop Line; 620, Second Emergency Stop Line; 630, Third Emergency Stop Line; 640, Fourth Emergency Stop Line; 650, Fifth Emergency Stop Line;

[0036] 700, Door interlock signal line;

[0037] 800. Interlocking signal transmission line. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application is described and illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments provided in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0039] Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are merely some examples or embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art can apply this application to other similar scenarios based on these drawings without any inventive effort. Furthermore, it is understood that although the efforts made in this development process may be complex and lengthy, for those skilled in the art related to the content disclosed in this application, any changes to design, manufacturing, or production based on the technical content disclosed in this application are merely conventional technical means and should not be construed as insufficient disclosure of the content of this application.

[0040] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application may be combined with other embodiments without conflict.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this application shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The terms “a,” “an,” “an,” “the,” and similar words used in this application do not indicate quantity limitation and may indicate singular or plural. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and any variations thereof used in this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or modules (units) is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may also include steps or units not listed, or may include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices. The terms “connected,” “linked,” “coupled,” and similar words used in this application are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. “Multiple” used in this application refers to two or more. “And / or” describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships may exist; for example, “A and / or B” can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship. The terms "first," "second," and "third" used in this application are merely to distinguish similar objects and do not represent a specific ordering of the objects.

[0042] This application provides a BNCT treatment room safety interlock system. Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a BNCT treatment room safety interlock system according to an exemplary embodiment, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the system includes: an accelerator neutron source system 100, a treatment room device 200, and a safety interlock module 300.

[0043] The accelerator neutron source system 100 is used to output a neutron beam.

[0044] The treatment room equipment 200 includes a neutron detection module 210, a dose control module 220, a treatment control box 230, and a treatment terminal.

[0045] The neutron detection module 210 is used to detect the flux of the neutron beam output by the accelerator neutron source system 100. The dose control module 220 is connected to the neutron detection module 210 and receives the flux data acquired by the neutron detection module 210, thereby monitoring the current neutron beam state. The neutron detection module 210 and the dose control module 220 work together to achieve effective monitoring of the neutron beam, ensuring treatment effectiveness and patient safety.

[0046] The treatment control box 230 is the hardware controller for the radiation therapist to control the treatment terminal. It is specifically connected to the treatment terminal and has the function of controlling the operation of the treatment terminal. Specifically, the treatment control box 230 has the functions of equipment emergency stop, neutron beam irradiation / pause control, and enabling the movement of the treatment support device / blocker.

[0047] The safety interlock module 300 is communicatively connected to the dose control module 220 via an independently configured first heartbeat detection line 410 and a first alarm line 510. Accordingly, the safety interlock module 300 can receive heartbeat signals and alarm signals sent by the dose control module 220. Furthermore, the safety interlock module 300 communicates with the treatment control box 230 via an independently configured second heartbeat line 420 and a second alarm line 520, thereby receiving heartbeat signals and alarm signals sent by the treatment control box 230.

[0048] Based on this hardware, the safety interlock module 300 can detect heartbeats by receiving heartbeat signals to effectively determine the current communication status with the dose control module 220 and the treatment control box 230. In this way, the safety interlock module 300 no longer relies solely on alarm signals for judgment; by combining heartbeat signals, it avoids false alarms due to communication interruptions, effectively reducing the false alarm rate of the safety interlock system and preventing unauthorized interruptions or delays in the treatment process. Furthermore, the heartbeat line and alarm line are set independently, ensuring stable transmission and independent detection of both detection signals, thereby effectively reducing the false alarm rate.

[0049] The first heartbeat line 410 and the second heartbeat line 420 use the transmitted heartbeat signal as a square wave signal. For example, the pulse duty cycle of this square wave signal is configured to be 10%, and the pulse period is 500ms. In this case, the heartbeat detection mechanism implemented by the safety interlock module 300 based on the heartbeat signal is as follows:

[0050] Regarding signal glitches, the safety interlock module 300 filters the received heartbeat signal to remove positive and negative pulse signals with a minimum pulse width of less than 10%. Furthermore, if glitches are detected in the heartbeat signal at least a set number of times (e.g., 6, 7, 8 times, etc.), the connection between the two devices is determined to be lost.

[0051] In terms of signal cycle, if a deviation in the heartbeat signal cycle is detected, and the deviation is less than or equal to 10%, no action is taken. That is, the two devices are considered to be in a normal connection state. If a deviation in the heartbeat signal cycle is detected to be greater than 10%, it is considered an abnormal cycle. If at least a set number of abnormal cycles are detected consecutively (e.g., 6, 7, 8, etc.), the two devices are determined to be disconnected.

[0052] In terms of signal pulse width, if fluctuations in the pulse width of the heartbeat signal are detected, and the pulse width inconsistency deviation is less than or equal to 10%, no action is taken. That is, the two devices are considered to be in a normal connection state. If the detected pulse width inconsistency deviation of the heartbeat signal is greater than 10%, it is considered an abnormal signal. If abnormal signals are detected continuously for at least a set number of times (e.g., 6, 7, 8, etc.), the two devices are determined to be disconnected.

[0053] By adopting this approach, focusing on three aspects—signal glitches, signal period, and signal pulse width—signal fluctuations and communication anomalies can be effectively distinguished, thus avoiding misjudgments caused by occasional anomalies.

[0054] Optionally, the scenarios in which the dose control module 220 outputs an alarm signal include: when the beam is not exiting the beam, an abnormal neutron flux value is detected; when the beam is exiting the beam, a neutron flux value greater than the alarm threshold is detected; when the beam is exiting the beam, a cumulative neutron dose greater than the alarm threshold is detected.

[0055] Optionally, the scenarios in which the treatment control box 230 outputs an alarm signal include: after the start button on the treatment control box 230 is triggered, no beam feedback signal is received within a set time period (e.g., 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, etc.); after the pause button on the treatment control box 230 is triggered, no beam stop feedback signal is received within a set time period (e.g., 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, etc.).

[0056] Optionally, the safety interlock module 300 is also communicatively connected to the treatment control box 230 via a first emergency stop control line 610, for receiving emergency stop signals sent by the treatment control box 230 through the first emergency stop control line 610. When the treatment control box 230 issues an emergency stop signal, it indicates a potential hazard in the system. At this time, the safety interlock module 300 responds by receiving the emergency stop signal sent by the first emergency stop control line 610, enabling the emergency stop mechanism and reducing the possibility of accidents. Furthermore, the first emergency stop control line 610 is set independently of the second heartbeat detection line 420 and the second alarm line 520. In other words, the safety interlock module 300 is connected to the treatment control box 230 via three transmission lines to ensure stable transmission between different signals and safe emergency stop control.

[0057] Optionally, the safety interlock module 300 is communicatively connected to the accelerator neutron source system 100 via the second emergency stop control line 620, and is used to output an emergency stop signal to the accelerator neutron source system 100. When the emergency stop mechanism is enabled, the safety interlock module 300 sends an emergency stop signal to the accelerator neutron source system 100 via the second emergency stop control line 620 to stop the neutron beam emission. Since the neutron beam is radioactive, shutting off the neutron beam emission immediately when there is a potential risk to the system ensures treatment safety.

[0058] Figure 2This is a block diagram of a BNCT treatment room safety interlock system according to another exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the treatment terminal includes: a treatment support device 241, an image guidance system 242, a blocker 243, and a shielding door 244.

[0059] Treatment support device 241 (e.g., treatment bed or treatment chair) is used to support the patient to be treated and to adjust the patient's position to achieve precise neutron beam irradiation.

[0060] The image guidance system 242 is used in conjunction with the treatment support device 241 and the accelerator neutron source system 100 to achieve accurate patient positioning in a visual manner.

[0061] The blocker 243 is installed at the exit port of the neutron source system 100 in the accelerator to block the exit port and further ensure treatment safety.

[0062] Shielding door 244 is a shielding door for treatment rooms, used to shield the radiation environment and prevent radiation leakage.

[0063] Optionally, the treatment support device 241 is communicatively connected to the safety interlock module 300 via the third emergency stop control line 630 to receive an emergency stop signal sent by the safety interlock module. Upon receiving the emergency stop signal, the treatment support device 241 comes to a stop and enters a different motion state, further ensuring personnel safety.

[0064] Furthermore, the treatment support device 241 is also communicatively connected to the safety interlock module 300 via the third alarm line 530 to output an alarm signal to the safety interlock module 300. The treatment support device 241 is a movable component and can detect its own malfunctions or obstructed movement. In such cases, the treatment support device 241 outputs an alarm signal via the third alarm line 530, allowing the safety interlock module 300 to control other equipment, such as controlling the treatment support device 241 and the accelerator neutron source system 100 to enter an emergency stop state, ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment.

[0065] Optionally, the stopper 243 is communicatively connected to the safety interlock module via the fourth emergency stop control line 640, and is used to receive emergency stop signals sent by the safety interlock module 300. The stopper 243 is also a moving component; in certain situations of the emergency stop mechanism, it is necessary to stop the stopper 243 to ensure equipment safety. Specific details will be provided below.

[0066] In addition, the barrier 243 is also connected to the safety interlock module 300 via a fourth alarm line 540, which is used to send an alarm signal to the safety interlock module 300. When the barrier 243 encounters a moving obstacle, it will trigger the sending of an alarm signal to the safety interlock module 300, thereby facilitating the linkage control of other devices by the safety interlock module 300.

[0067] Optionally, the image guidance system 242 is communicatively connected to the safety interlock module 300 via a fifth emergency stop line 650, for receiving emergency stop signals sent by the safety interlock module. Upon receiving an emergency stop signal, the image guidance system 242 ceases to emit a beam.

[0068] Optionally, the shielding door 244 is communicatively connected to the safety interlocking module 300 via the door interlocking signal line 700, and is used to output a door interlocking signal to the safety interlocking module 300 to synchronize the state of the shielding door and control the image guidance system 242 and the accelerator neutron source system 100 to be in an emergency stop state.

[0069] In the above hardware structure, the heartbeat line, alarm line, and emergency stop line all use optical fibers. Based on the above hardware structure, the linkage control logic adopted by the BNCT safety interlocking system provided in this application embodiment is shown in Table 1.

[0070] According to Table 1, when the dose control module 220 outputs an alarm signal, or when the dose control module 220 outputs a chain break signal, the safety interlock module 300 outputs an emergency stop signal to the accelerator neutron source system 100, so that the accelerator neutron source system 100 stops emitting neutron beams.

[0071] When the shielding door outputs a door interlock signal, the safety interlock module 300 outputs an emergency stop signal to the image guidance system 242 and the accelerator neutron source system 100, so that the image guidance system 242 stops emitting beams and the accelerator neutron source system 100 stops emitting neutron beams.

[0072] When the treatment control box 230 outputs an emergency stop signal, the safety interlock module 300 outputs an emergency stop signal to the blocker 243, the treatment support device 241, the image guidance system 242, and the accelerator neutron source system 100. At this time, the blocker 243 and the treatment support device 241 stop moving, the image guidance system 242 stops emitting beams, and the accelerator neutron source system 100 stops emitting neutron beams.

[0073] When the treatment control box 230 outputs an alarm signal or a chain break signal, the safety interlock module 300 sends an emergency stop signal to the stopper 243, the treatment support device 241, and the accelerator neutron source system.

[0074] When the blocker 243 outputs an alarm signal, the safety interlock module 300 sends an emergency stop signal to the blocker 243, the treatment support device 241, and the accelerator neutron source system.

[0075] When the treatment support device 241 outputs an alarm signal, the safety interlock module 300 sends an emergency stop signal to the stopper 243, the treatment support device 241, and the accelerator neutron source system.

[0076] Table 1

[0077]

[0078] By employing the aforementioned linkage control logic, the safety interlock system can respond promptly upon detecting any of the above-mentioned anomalies, minimizing the possibility of accidents and ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment. Furthermore, the interlock control logic is simple, easy to execute, and improves the overall system's response rate.

[0079] In addition, the system also includes a treatment control system 250. The treatment control system 250 is used to guide the radiotherapy clinical workflow and control the software of the terminal equipment, determining whether the workflow can be further advanced based on the received data.

[0080] Furthermore, the treatment control system 250 and the safety interlock module 300 are connected via an interlock signal transmission line 800, which is a network cable. At this time, the treatment control system 250 and the safety interlock module 300 are connected via the network cable, communicating based on the TCP / IP protocol and interacting through custom messages.

[0081] When the safety interlock module 300 detects a change in the input interlock signal, it reports the change to the treatment control system 250 via a message. The treatment control system 250 then displays the status of each interlock signal in real time on the user interface.

[0082] In summary, the BNCT safety interlock system provided in this application embodiment, by adding a heartbeat line, enables the safety interlock module to detect heartbeat signals, effectively determining the current communication status with the dose control module and the treatment control box. In this way, the safety interlock module no longer relies solely on alarm signals for judgment; by combining heartbeat signals, it avoids false alarms due to communication interruptions, effectively reducing the false alarm rate of the safety interlock system and preventing untimely interruptions and delays in the treatment process. Furthermore, the inclusion of emergency stop and alarm lines enables simple and easy-to-operate emergency stop control logic, minimizing the risk of accidents and ensuring equipment and personnel safety.

[0083] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0084] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A safety interlock system for a BNCT treatment room, characterized in that, The safety interlock system includes: treatment room equipment and a safety interlock module; The treatment room equipment includes: a dose control module for acquiring neutron beam flux and monitoring the state of the neutron beam, and a treatment control box for controlling the operation of the treatment terminal; The safety interlock module is connected to the dose control module via an independently configured first heartbeat detection line and a first alarm line, and is connected to the treatment control box via an independently configured second heartbeat detection line and a second alarm line.

2. The safety interlocking system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The safety interlock module is also connected to the treatment control box via a first emergency stop control line; the first emergency stop control line is set independently of the second heartbeat detection line and the second alarm line.

3. The safety interlocking system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The system also includes an accelerator neutron source system for outputting therapeutic neutron beams. The safety interlock module is communicatively connected to the accelerator neutron source system via the second emergency stop control line.

4. The safety interlocking system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The treatment terminal includes a treatment support device for carrying the patient. The treatment support device is communicatively connected to the safety interlock module via a third emergency stop control line.

5. The safety interlocking system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The treatment support device is also connected to the safety interlock module via a third alarm line.

6. The safety interlocking system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The treatment terminal includes a blocker located at the exit port of the sub-source system in the accelerator, and the blocker is communicatively connected to the safety interlock module via a fourth emergency stop control line.

7. The safety interlocking system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The blocker and the safety interlock module are connected via a fourth alarm line.

8. The safety interlocking system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The treatment terminal includes an image guidance system. The image guidance system is communicatively connected to the safety interlock module via a fifth emergency stop line; and / or The treatment terminal includes a shielded door, which is communicatively connected to the safety interlock module via a door interlock signal line.

9. The safety interlocking system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The treatment room equipment also includes a treatment control system, which is communicatively connected to the safety interlock module via an interlock signal transmission line.

10. The safety interlocking system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The heartbeat detection line, alarm line, and emergency stop control line are made of optical fiber; the interlocking signal transmission line is made of network cable.

Images