Beam device control system and beam device control method

Abstract

To provide a beam device controlling system and beam device controlling method.SOLUTION: A beam device controlling system for controlling a cyclotron system, the beam device controlling system includes: a proton beam regulatory module for executing the steps of determining whether or not to cause the cyclotron system to generate a first proton beam, and marking the proton beam regulatory step as completed; a neutron beam regulatory module for executing the steps of causing the cyclotron system to generate a first neutron beam, confirming that the first neutron beam meets specifications, and marking the neutron beam regulatory step as completed; and a treatment regulatory module for executing the steps of commanding the cyclotron system to generate a second neutron beam, confirming whether or not the second neutron beam meets treatment needs, and marking the treatment regulatory step as completed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to Taiwan Patent Application No. 112103962, filed February 4, 2023, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a beam device control system and a beam device control method. [Background technology]

[0003] Beam devices are devices that produce energetic beams. They are often used in medical applications, such as boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). Because beams are penetrating and pose certain risks, the use of beam devices must be regulated to ensure they are used safely.

[0004] When beams are used for treatment, quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) of proton and neutron beams must be continuously performed to ensure that therapeutic neutron beams are stable and safe. After all test proton and test neutron beams have completed QA / QC, therapeutic neutron beams can be generated and irradiation treatment can be performed. However, current conventional technology does not have a system capable of performing QA / QC procedural control of proton and neutron beams. Therefore, in practice, there are situations where procedural errors can cause damage, potentially leading to safety risks, wasted time and energy, or mechanical failure.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure provides a beam device control system and method that can control the generation of both proton and neutron beams, ensure the correct procedure of each treatment process, improve safety, and reduce the risk of personal injury or equipment damage. Furthermore, by using the beam device control system and method disclosed in the present disclosure, unnecessary time and energy consumption can be reduced and accuracy can be improved. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] A beam device control system and a beam device control method are provided. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention provides a beam device control system for controlling a cyclotron system. The beam device control system includes a storage device configured to store a therapy control application program and at least one processor configured to execute the therapy control application program to execute the following modules: a proton beam conditioning module, a neutron beam conditioning module, and a therapy conditioning module. When executed, the proton beam conditioning module performs the following steps: determining whether to cause the cyclotron system to generate a first proton beam; and, after verifying that the first proton beam meets specifications for the first proton beam, causing the cyclotron system to stop outputting the first proton beam and marking the proton beam conditioning step as complete. When executed, the neutron beam adjustment module performs the following steps: after marking the proton beam adjustment step as completed and verifying that the cyclotron system state meets the neutron beam generation conditions, commanding the cyclotron system to generate a first neutron beam, verifying that the first neutron beam meets the specifications for the first neutron beam, and marking the neutron beam adjustment step as completed after causing the cyclotron system to stop outputting the first neutron beam.When executed, the treatment adjustment module performs the following steps: after marking the neutron beam adjustment step as completed and verifying that the cyclotron system state meets the therapy beam generation conditions, commanding the cyclotron system to generate a second neutron beam, verifying whether the second neutron beam meets the therapy needs, and marking the treatment adjustment step as completed after causing the cyclotron system to stop outputting the second neutron beam.

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention provides a beam device control method for controlling a cyclotron system. The beam device control method includes a proton beam adjustment step, a neutron beam adjustment step, and a treatment adjustment step. The proton beam adjustment step includes a step of determining whether to have the cyclotron system generate a first proton beam, and a step of causing the cyclotron system to stop outputting the first proton beam after confirming that the first proton beam meets the specifications for the first proton beam and marking completion of the proton beam adjustment step. The neutron beam adjustment step includes a step of causing the cyclotron system to generate a first neutron beam after confirming that the proton beam adjustment step is marked as completed and that the state of the cyclotron system meets the neutron beam generation conditions, a step of confirming that the first neutron beam meets the specifications for the first neutron beam, and a step of causing the cyclotron system to stop outputting the first neutron beam and marking completion of the neutron beam adjustment step. The treatment adjustment step includes the steps of marking the neutron beam adjustment step as completed, instructing the cyclotron system to generate a second neutron beam after confirming that the state of the cyclotron system meets the treatment beam generation conditions, verifying whether the second neutron beam meets the treatment needs, and marking the treatment adjustment step as completed after causing the cyclotron system to stop outputting the second neutron beam. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a beam device control system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the cyclotron system 13. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of a proton beam regulatory step in a proton beam device control method according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of the neutron beam adjustment steps of the beam device control method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of the treatment adjustment steps of the beam device control method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The disclosed embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0011] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The first embodiment of the present invention is a beam device control system 1. The beam device control system 1 executes a beam device control program stored in a storage device 12 by a processing device 11, thereby realizing a proton beam adjustment module 111, a neutron beam adjustment module 112, and a treatment adjustment module 113, and controlling a cyclotron system 13.

[0012] The processing device 11 is, for example, a hardware logic operation device such as a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. Alternatively, the processing device 11 may be implemented by an electronic circuit, such as a microcontroller unit (MCU), a single chip, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmable processor, a parallel programmable processor, a logic IC, or a gate array (GA).

[0013] The storage device 12 is a device that stores data. Specific examples of the storage device 12 include a solid-state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), a flash memory, etc. The beam device control application program is stored in the storage device 12 and loaded by the processing device 11 to realize the proton beam adjustment module 111, the neutron beam adjustment module 112, and the treatment adjustment module 113.

[0014] Alternatively, the beam system control application program may first be loaded from storage device 12 into a memory (not shown) that temporarily stores data, and then executed by processing unit 11. Examples of memory include static random access memory (SRAM) or dynamic random access memory (DRAM).

[0015] To generate a safe and effective therapeutic neutron beam, it is necessary to ensure that the test proton beam and the test neutron beam are generated correctly. The beam device control system 1 first verifies that the test proton beam (first proton beam P1) generated by the cyclotron system 13 meets specifications via the proton beam adjustment module 111. Then, the beam device control system 1 verifies that the test neutron beam (first neutron beam) generated by the cyclotron system 13 meets specifications via the neutron beam adjustment module 112. Only after verifying that the test proton beam and the test neutron beam are continuously completed can the cyclotron system 13 generate the therapeutic neutron beam (second neutron beam) via the treatment adjustment module 113. The steps performed by the proton beam adjustment module 111, the neutron beam adjustment module 112, and the treatment adjustment module 113 are described in detail below.

[0016] First, the steps executed by the proton beam adjustment module 111 will be described. When the cyclotron system 13 sends a request to generate a first proton beam to the beam device control system 1, the beam device control system 1 activates the proton beam adjustment module 111. The proton beam adjustment control module 111 can determine whether the request to generate the first proton beam is permitted according to a safety condition. For example, the safety condition can be that a user confirms that the environment is safe and then performs an input, such as inputting specific parameters using a keyboard or clicking a specific button on a display using a mouse, using an input device (not shown) connected to the processing device 11. Alternatively, if the cyclotron system 13 has multiple irradiation rooms, the safety condition can be that the cyclotron system 13 is not occupied by another irradiation room. For example, if the cyclotron system 13 is occupied by another treatment course, the proton beam adjustment module 111 rejects the request from the cyclotron system 13 and generates the first proton beam. At this time, the cyclotron system 13 waits for the proton beam conditioning module 111 to generate the first proton beam.

[0017] After the proton beam adjustment module 111 causes the cyclotron system 13 to generate the first proton beam, the cyclotron system 13 confirms that the current state satisfies the proton beam generation conditions and that the proton beam generation conditions are suitable for the cyclotron system 13 to generate a proton beam. That is, the cyclotron system 13 is adjusted to a state in which a proton beam can be generated. The cyclotron system 13 and the proton beam generation conditions of this embodiment will be described below.

[0018] A schematic diagram of the cyclotron system 13 of this embodiment is shown in FIG. 2. Quadrupole magnets Q1X, Q1Y, Q2X, and Q2Y are configured to focus the ion beam generated by the ion source ISIS. Continuous wave current transformers CWCT1 and CWCT2 are configured to monitor the current curve. Beam profile monitors BPM1 and BPM2 are configured to monitor the beam profile. The switching state of the first Faraday cup FC1 determines whether the cyclotron system 13 can generate a proton beam. The switching states of the first Faraday cup FC1 and the second Faraday cup FC2 determine whether the beam generated by the ion source ISIS of the cyclotron system 13 can pass through and hit the beryllium target to generate a neutron beam.

[0019] In this embodiment, the proton beam generation condition includes turning on the first Faraday cup FC1 and turning off the second Faraday cup FC2. The proton beam generation condition is not limited to this. Any condition under which the cyclotron system 13 can generate a proton beam can be the proton beam generation condition.

[0020] When the cyclotron system 13 cannot satisfy the proton beam generation conditions within a certain time, the beam device control system 1 can notify the cyclotron system 13 to maintain and adjust (for example, the beam device control system 1 sends an alert and notifies the user that there is an abnormality in the system). When the cyclotron system 13 confirms that the proton beam generation conditions are satisfied, the cyclotron system 13 controls the ion source ISIS to inject current and generate a current proton beam as the first proton beam P1 for the test.

[0021] Next, the cyclotron system 13 checks whether the first proton beam P1 meets the specifications for the first proton beam. In this embodiment, the specifications for the first proton beam include the values ​​of the continuous wave current transformers CWCT1 and CWCT2 reaching their set values ​​and the beam profile monitors BPM1 and BPM2 meeting their specifications. If the cyclotron system 13 determines that the first proton beam P1 does not meet the specifications for the first proton beam within a certain period of time, it can notify the beam device control system 1 to perform maintenance and adjustments on the cyclotron system 13. If the cyclotron system 13 determines that the first proton beam P1 meets the specifications for the first proton beam, it reports a result to the beam device control system 1 indicating that QA / QC for the first proton beam P1 has been completed.

[0022] After receiving the result "QA / QC of the first proton beam P1 is completed," the proton beam adjustment module 111 causes the cyclotron system 13 to stop outputting the first proton beam. Next, the proton beam adjustment module 111 marks the completion of the proton beam control steps. A method for marking the completion of steps may include, for example, creating memory spaces in the readable memory of the processing device 11 for marking whether the proton beam adjustment step, the neutron beam adjustment step, and the treatment adjustment step are completed, and marking them with values ​​0 and 1. A completed step is marked as 1, and an incomplete step is marked as 0, with 0 being the default value. Alternatively, the above markings may be stored in the storage device 12. After the proton beam adjustment module 111 marks the completion of the proton beam adjustment step, the cyclotron system 13 cancels the generation of the first proton beam P1.

[0023] Next, the steps executed by the neutron beam adjustment module 112 will be described. After the proton beam control module 111 marks the proton beam adjustment step as complete, the beam device control system 1 activates the neutron beam adjustment module 112. The neutron beam adjustment module 112 must first confirm that the proton beam adjustment step has been marked as complete. Next, the neutron beam adjustment module 112 requests the cyclotron system 13 to generate a first neutron beam. The cyclotron system 13 confirms that the current state satisfies the neutron beam generation conditions. The neutron beam generation conditions are conditions suitable for the cyclotron system 13 to generate a neutron beam. In this embodiment, the neutron beam generation conditions include turning on the first Faraday cup FC1 and the second Faraday cup FC2. The neutron beam generation conditions are not limited thereto. Any condition that allows the cyclotron system 13 to generate a neutron beam can be the neutron beam generation condition.

[0024] When the cyclotron system 13 determines that the neutron beam generation conditions cannot be satisfied within a certain time, it notifies the beam device control system 1 to maintain and adjust the cyclotron system 13. When the cyclotron system 13 confirms that the neutron beam generation conditions are satisfied, the cyclotron system 13 controls the ion source ISIS to inject current and generate a first neutron beam as a test neutron beam.

[0025] Next, the neutron beam adjustment module 112 checks whether the first neutron beam meets the first neutron beam specifications. In this embodiment, the first neutron beam specifications include neutron intensity specifications. The neutron beam adjustment module 112 can check whether the first neutron beam meets the neutron intensity specifications via the neutron intensity detector 14. In this embodiment, the neutron intensity detector 14 is configured to detect the neutron beam generated by the cyclotron system 13. After detecting the neutron intensity of the neutron beam, the neutron intensity detector 14 transmits the detection result to the beam device control system 1, so that the neutron beam adjustment module 112 and the treatment adjustment module 113 can read the detection result.

[0026] If the first neutron beam does not meet the specifications for the first neutron beam within a certain period of time, the beam device control system 1 notifies the cyclotron system 13 of this abnormal state and maintains and adjusts the cyclotron system 13. If the first neutron beam meets the specifications for the first neutron beam, the beam device control system 1 notifies the cyclotron system 13 of this result and causes the cyclotron system 13 to stop outputting the first neutron beam, thereby ending the neutron beam test. When causing the cyclotron system 13 to stop outputting the first neutron beam, for example, the beam device control system 1 notifies the cyclotron system 13 to cancel generation of the first neutron beam and turns off the ion source ISIS, the first Faraday cup FC1, and the second Faraday cup FC2. After the ion source ISIS, the first Faraday cup FC1, and the second Faraday cup FC2 are turned off, the cyclotron system 13 notifies the beam device control system 1 that the cyclotron system 13 is turned off. The neutron beam adjustment module 112 marks the neutron beam adjustment step as complete.

[0027] Next, the steps executed by the process adjustment module 113 will be described. After the neutron beam adjustment module 112 marks the neutron beam adjustment step as complete, the beam device control system 1 activates the process adjustment module 113. The treatment adjustment module 113 first verifies that the proton beam adjustment step and the neutron beam adjustment step have been marked as complete and that the current state of the cyclotron system 13 satisfies the treatment beam generation condition. The treatment beam generation condition is a state in which the cyclotron system 13 is on standby and ready to start neutron beam irradiation treatment at any time. In this embodiment, the treatment beam generation condition is a state in which the first Faraday cup FC1 is on, the second Faraday cup FC2 is on, and the cyclotron system 13 is in a standby state (i.e., a state in which the ion source ISIS can be controlled to inject current and generate a therapeutic neutron beam at any time).

[0028] Next, the beam device control system 1 waits for a treatment activation command. The treatment activation command is input by a user (e.g., a medical professional). For example, the user inputs specific parameters or presses a specific button to input the treatment activation command into the beam device control system 1. Furthermore, while waiting for the treatment activation command, the treatment adjustment module 113 can also request the user to input treatment needs. The treatment requirements are specifications for the therapeutic neutron beam (second neutron beam) and are determined according to a treatment plan prescribed by a doctor. In this embodiment, the treatment adjustment module 113 requests the user to input the tumor prescription amount and treatment plan prescribed by a doctor as needed for treatment. The treatment adjustment module calculates the required treatment time according to the treatment needs input by the user. However, since the irradiation time can be arbitrarily adjusted according to the actual irradiation situation, the treatment needs in this embodiment and the method of determining whether the treatment needs are met, which will be described later, are merely examples. The treatment needs and the method of achieving the treatment needs can be designed differently according to actual needs. For example, the amount of normal tissue prescribed by a physician can be used as the treatment need, and parameters are checked and irradiation time is adjusted during operation of the cyclotron system 13, which will be described later.

[0029] When the beam device control system 1 receives a treatment activation command issued by a user, the beam device control system 1 transmits the treatment needs to the cyclotron system 13, and then commands the cyclotron system 13 to control the ion source ISIS to inject current and generate a therapeutic neutron beam (second neutron beam).

[0030] The cyclotron system 13 operates and starts generating the second neutron beam. If the cyclotron system 13 cannot operate normally within a certain time, it must notify the beam device control system 1. A user (e.g., a medical professional) determines whether to stop the treatment (i.e., have the treatment adjustment module 113 stop performing the treatment) according to the received information. After the cyclotron system 13 operates normally, the treatment adjustment module 113 continuously checks whether the generated second neutron beam meets the treatment needs. In some embodiments, the continuous wave current transformers CWCT1 and CWCT2 can be used to measure the number of protons generated by the cyclotron system 13, respectively, and obtain a first current value or a second current value corresponding to the number of protons. Then, the first current value or the second current value is compared with a preset first current value or a preset second current value, and the preset first current value or the preset second current value serves as a criterion for whether the treatment needs are met. Alternatively, a neutron intensity detector can be used to measure the number of neutrons generated by the cyclotron system 13 to obtain a neutron count rate. The neutron count rate is compared to a preset neutron count condition, which serves as a criterion for whether treatment needs are met. As used herein, the term "neutron count rate" refers to the number of neutrons measured by a device such as a proportional counter. In some embodiments, the neutron count can be derived from the pulse rate measured by the proportional counter. As used herein, a neutron count condition is a condition or value from which the neutron count can be derived. For example, the neutron count rate is related to proton current. The higher the current, the more neutrons are generated. Therefore, observing the current can also indicate the amount of neutrons. As used herein, a neutron count condition can be a neutron count rate, a neutron yield factor (described below), a neutron flux, or any value related to the neutron count. In this embodiment, before the irradiation time ends, the processing adjustment module 113 divides the neutron count rate by a first current value to obtain a first neutron yield factor and compares the first neutron yield factor with a first preset neutron yield factor.When the difference between the first neutron yield factor and the first preset neutron yield factor is equal to or greater than the first neutron yield factor threshold, the therapy adjustment module 113 sends a notification. It is up to a user (e.g., medical personnel) to decide whether to stop the therapy (i.e., have the therapy adjustment module 113 stop performing the therapy). In some embodiments, the first neutron yield factor threshold can be 5% of the first preset neutron yield factor, although the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the neutron count rate may first be converted to a neutron flux, and the neutron flux may be divided by a first current value to obtain a first neutron yield. As used herein, the term "neutron flux" refers to the number of neutrons passing through a unit area per unit time. In some embodiments, "neutron flux" is equal to the product of the neutron density and its average velocity. The first neutron yield can then be compared to the first preset neutron yield. When the difference between the first neutron yield and the first preset neutron yield is equal to or greater than the first neutron yield factor threshold, the therapy adjustment module 113 sends a notification. It is up to a user (e.g., medical personnel) to decide whether to stop the therapy (i.e., have the therapy adjustment module 113 stop performing the therapy). Additionally, a neutron intensity detector verifies whether the neutron count rate meets the therapy needs, and verifies whether the second neutron beam meets the therapy needs.

[0031] After the irradiation time has ended, the treatment adjustment module 113 commands the cyclotron system 13 to stop outputting the second neutron beam, and detects whether the cyclotron system 13 has stopped outputting the second neutron beam. After the cyclotron system 13 has stopped outputting the second neutron beam, the treatment adjustment module 113 marks that the treatment adjustment step has been completed.

[0032] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The second embodiment of the present invention is a beam device control method for controlling a cyclotron system. The beam device control method includes a proton beam adjustment step, a neutron beam adjustment step, and a treatment adjustment step. The above steps can be realized by a beam device control system connected to the cyclotron system. The beam device control system includes a processing device, and the processing device is configured to execute software stored in a storage device.

[0033] The processing device is, for example, a hardware logic operation device such as a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). Alternatively, the processing device 11 may be implemented by an electronic circuit, such as a microcontroller unit (MCU), a single chip, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmable processor, a parallel programmable processor, a logic IC, or a gate array (GA). The storage device is, for example, a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), a flash memory, a static random access memory (SRAM), or a dynamic random access memory (DRAM).

[0034] Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, the proton beam adjustment step of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0036] When the cyclotron system transmits a request to generate the first proton beam to the beam device control system, the beam device control system causes the cyclotron system to generate the first proton beam (step S11). The beam device control system first checks whether a safety condition is met, and if the safety condition is met, causes the cyclotron system to generate the first proton beam. For example, the safety condition may be that a user confirms that the environment is safe and then executes input using an input device connected to the beam device control system. Alternatively, the safety condition may be that the cyclotron system is not occupied by another treatment course or irradiation room.

[0037] After the beam device control system generates the first proton beam, the cyclotron system confirms that its current state satisfies the proton beam generation conditions (step S12). That is, the cyclotron system confirms that it is currently in a state where a proton beam can be generated. Taking the cyclotron system shown in FIG. 2 as an example, the proton beam generation conditions include the first Faraday cup FC1 being on and the second Faraday cup FC2 being off. Furthermore, if the cyclotron system cannot satisfy the proton beam generation conditions within a certain period of time, the beam device control system can be notified to maintain and adjust the cyclotron system (step S17).

[0038] After the cyclotron system confirms that the current state satisfies the neutron beam generation conditions, the cyclotron system generates a first proton beam (step S13). The cyclotron system controls the ion source to inject current and generates a current proton beam as the first proton beam for testing.

[0039] Next, the cyclotron system checks whether the first proton beam meets the specifications for the first proton beam (step S14). In this embodiment, the specifications for the first proton beam include the value of the continuous wave current transformer reaching a set value and the value of the beam profile monitor meeting the specifications. If the first proton beam does not meet the specifications for the first proton beam within a certain period of time, the beam device control system can notify the cyclotron system to perform maintenance and adjustments (step S17).

[0040] When the cyclotron system confirms that the first proton beam meets the specifications for the first proton beam, it reports to the beam device control system that the specifications for the first proton beam have been met (step S15). Next, the beam device control system causes the cyclotron system 13 to stop outputting the first proton beam (canceling the cyclotron from generating the first proton beam and turning off the cyclotron system), and then marks the proton beam adjustment step as complete (step S16). A method for marking the completion of a step can include, for example, creating memory spaces in a readable memory of the processing device 11 for marking whether the proton beam adjustment step, the neutron beam adjustment step, and the treatment adjustment step have been completed, and marking them with values ​​0 and 1. A completed step is marked as 1, and an incomplete step is marked as 0, with 0 being the default value. Alternatively, the above-mentioned markings can be stored in the storage device 12.

[0041] After the proton beam adjustment step is marked as completed, the neutron beam adjustment step begins. The beam device control system requests the cyclotron system to generate a first neutron beam (step S21). At this time, the cyclotron system confirms that the current state satisfies the neutron beam generation conditions (step S22). Taking the cyclotron system shown in FIG. 2 as an example, the neutron beam generation conditions include the first Faraday cup FC1 being on and the second Faraday cup FC2 being on.

[0042] When the cyclotron system cannot satisfy the neutron beam generation conditions within a certain time, it can notify the beam device control system to maintain and adjust the cyclotron system (step S27).When the cyclotron system confirms that the neutron beam generation conditions are satisfied, the cyclotron system controls the ion source ISIS to inject current and generate a first neutron beam as a test neutron beam (step S23).

[0043] Next, the beam device control system checks whether the first neutron beam satisfies the specifications of the first neutron beam (step S24). In this embodiment, the specifications of the first neutron beam include neutron intensity. Whether the first neutron beam satisfies the neutron intensity can be checked using a neutron intensity detector connected to the beam device control system.

[0044] If the first neutron beam does not meet the first neutron beam specifications within a certain time, the beam device control system cancels the generation of the first neutron beam and issues an alert (step S28). In this embodiment, after receiving the alert, the user can determine the next step based on information from the neutron intensity detector. If the first neutron beam meets the first neutron beam specifications, the beam device control system instructs the cyclotron system to stop outputting the first neutron beam (the beam device control system cancels the generation of the first neutron beam and notifies the cyclotron system to turn off) (step S25). After the ion source, first Faraday cup, and second Faraday cup are turned off, the cyclotron system notifies the beam device control system that the cyclotron system has been turned off. The beam device control system marks the neutron beam adjustment step as complete (step S26).

[0045] After the proton beam adjustment step and the neutron beam adjustment step are marked as completed, the treatment adjustment step is entered. First, it is confirmed that the proton beam adjustment step and the neutron beam adjustment step are marked as completed and that the current state of the cyclotron system satisfies the treatment beam generation conditions (step S31).

[0046] Next, the beam device control system waits for a treatment activation command from the user (step S32). For example, the beam device control system waits for the user to input specific parameters or press a specific button to input a treatment activation command to the beam device control system. Furthermore, while waiting for the treatment activation command, the beam device control system can also request the user to input treatment needs. The treatment needs are specifications for the therapeutic neutron beam (second neutron beam) and are determined according to a treatment plan prescribed by a doctor. In this embodiment, the treatment needs are the prescribed amount of tumor and the treatment plan prescribed by a doctor. Furthermore, the beam device control system can calculate the required treatment time according to the treatment needs input by the user.

[0047] When the beam device control system receives a treatment start command issued by the user, it instructs the cyclotron system to control the ion source ISIS to inject current, transmits treatment needs to the cyclotron system, and instructs the cyclotron system to start generating a second neutron beam (step S33). At this time, it is confirmed whether the cyclotron system operates normally (step S34). If the cyclotron system stops operating normally within a certain period of time, the cyclotron system notifies the beam device control system. A user (e.g., a medical professional) decides whether to stop the treatment according to the received information.

[0048] If the cyclotron system is operating normally, the cyclotron system checks whether the number of protons and the number of neutrons match (step S35). In some embodiments, the number of protons can be measured via continuous wave current transformers CWCT1 and CWCT2, respectively, to obtain a first current value or a second current value. The number of neutrons can also be measured via a neutron intensity detector to obtain a neutron count rate. In some embodiments, the number of neutrons can be derived from the pulsation rate measured by a proportional counter. Furthermore, before the end of the preset irradiation time, the beam device control system continuously checks via the neutron intensity detector whether the generated second neutron beam meets the treatment needs (step S36).

[0049] When the irradiation time reaches the preset irradiation time, the beam device control system asks the user whether to stop the treatment adjustment step (step S37). The user can extend the irradiation time if necessary and return to step S35.

[0050] If the user issues a treatment stop command to the beam device control system, the beam device control system commands the cyclotron system to enter a shutdown procedure and stops the output of the second neutron beam (step S38). In this embodiment, the shutdown procedure includes detecting whether the cyclotron system has stopped the output of the second neutron beam. Furthermore, after the cyclotron system has stopped the output of the second neutron beam, the beam device control system marks that the treatment adjustment step has been completed.

[0051] There are various methods that can be used to realize the shutdown procedure. For example, the beam device control system can continuously command the cyclotron system to shut down and detect whether the cyclotron system has been turned off. If the cyclotron system has not been turned off within a certain time (e.g., 2 minutes), an emergency shutdown procedure will be initiated. The shutdown procedure is not limited to this, and different shutdown procedures can also be designed according to requirements.

[0052] Although multiple embodiments have been described individually, the above-described embodiments can also be implemented in combination. Alternatively, one of the multiple embodiments can be partially implemented. Furthermore, multiple embodiments can be partially combined. Furthermore, the configurations and steps described in the multiple embodiments can be partially modified as necessary.

[0053] The various aspects of the above-described embodiments have been written to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and the above description is not intended to limit the present invention. Accordingly, each element disclosed in each of the various aspects of the above-described embodiments is intended to include all design modifications or equivalents within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1. Beam device control system 11 Processing equipment 111 Proton Beam Control Module 112 Neutron Beam Control Module 113 Treatment Adjustment Module 12 Storage device 13 Cyclotron System 14 Neutron Intensity Detector BPM1, BPM2 Beam Profile Monitor CWCT1, CWCT2 continuous wave current transformers FC1 First Faraday Cup FC2 Second Faraday Cup ISIS ion source Q1X, Q1Y, Q2X, Q2Y quadrupole magnet S11~S17 Flowchart steps S21~S27 Flowchart steps S31~S37 Flowchart steps

Claims

1. 1. A beam device control system for controlling a cyclotron system, the beam device control system comprising: a storage device configured to store a therapy control application program; and at least one processor configured to execute the therapy control application program to execute the following modules: a proton beam modulation module, a neutron beam modulation module, and a therapy modulation module; When the proton beam adjustment module is executed, it performs the following steps: determining whether to cause the cyclotron system to generate a first proton beam; after confirming that the first proton beam meets the first proton beam specifications, stopping the output of the first proton beam from the cyclotron system and marking that the proton beam adjustment step is complete; When the neutron beam adjustment module is executed, it comprises the following steps: After the proton beam adjustment step is marked as completed and the state of the cyclotron system is confirmed to satisfy the neutron beam generation condition, causing the cyclotron system to generate a first neutron beam; verifying that the first neutron beam meets a first neutron beam specification; and marking the neutron beam adjustment step as completed after causing the cyclotron system to stop outputting the first neutron beam; and When the therapy adjustment module is executed, it includes the following steps: commanding the cyclotron system to generate a second neutron beam after marking the neutron beam adjustment step as completed and verifying that the state of the cyclotron system satisfies the therapeutic beam generation condition; determining whether the second neutron beam meets treatment needs; and marking the treatment adjustment step as completed after causing the cyclotron system to stop outputting the second neutron beam.

2. the proton beam generation condition under which the cyclotron system generates the first proton beam includes a first Faraday cup being on and a second Faraday cup being off; The proton beam generating condition for the cyclotron system to generate the first neutron beam includes a first Faraday cup being on and a second Faraday cup being on; and 2. The beam device control system of claim 1, wherein the therapeutic beam generation conditions for the cyclotron system to generate the second neutron beam include a first Faraday cup being on and a second Faraday cup being on.

3. 2. The beam device control system of claim 1, wherein the proton beam adjustment module that verifies that the first proton beam meets the specifications of the first proton beam includes verifying whether measurement results of a first beam profile monitor and a second beam profile monitor meet the specifications of the first proton beam.

4. 2. The beam device control system of claim 1, wherein the proton beam adjustment module for verifying that the first proton beam meets the specifications of the first proton beam includes verifying whether a current value of a first continuous wave current transformer and a current value of a second continuous wave current transformer meet the specifications of the first proton beam.

5. 2. The beam device control system of claim 1, wherein the neutron beam adjustment module that verifies that the first neutron beam meets the specifications of the first neutron beam includes verifying whether a measurement result of a neutron intensity detector meets the specifications of the first neutron beam.

6. 2. The beam device control system of claim 1, wherein the treatment adjustment module for verifying whether the second neutron beam meets treatment needs includes verifying whether a neutron count rate of a cyclotron system meets a preset neutron number condition.

7. 10. The beam device control system of claim 1, wherein the proton beam adjustment module verifies whether safety conditions are met before the beam device control system causes the proton beam to be generated.

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