Charged Particle Beam Path Verification Using Fiducial Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for accurate, precise, and rapid imaging and treatment of tumors using charged particles in complex room settings within the field of charged particle cancer therapy.
Innovation Solution
A charged particle path resolved tumor treatment and imaging apparatus that utilizes a method involving the delivery of positively charged particles from an accelerator, with a main controller verifying an unobstructed beam path using fiducial indicators, and combines X-ray imaging with charged particle beam treatment or imaging, allowing for simultaneous detection and imaging of spatially resolved particle positions to determine treatment paths and generate images of tumors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a charged particle beam system is used for tumor treatment, then cancer therapy effectiveness is improved, but imaging precision and treatment path verification are insufficient in complex room settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fiducial indicators as intermediary reference objects placed in the treatment room. These fiducial markers serve as mediators between the charged particle beam system and the complex room environment, enabling precise verification of beam paths and treatment positions without requiring direct measurement of the beam itself in the complex setting
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical imaging and verification systems with a hybrid approach combining X-ray imaging and charged particle beam detection. This substitution enables non-mechanical verification of treatment paths through radiographic imaging and particle position detection, improving precision in complex room settings
2Device complexity
If traditional separate imaging and treatment systems are used, then system complexity is reduced, but treatment accuracy and imaging resolution are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the X-ray imaging system and charged particle beam treatment system into a single integrated apparatus. The X-ray source, detectors, and charged particle beam delivery system are combined to provide simultaneous imaging and treatment capabilities, achieving high treatment accuracy while maintaining manageable system complexity through unified control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where the charged particle beam serves dual purposes: both as the therapeutic treatment modality and as an imaging probe. The same beam delivery system is used for both treatment and for detecting particle positions to verify treatment paths, eliminating the need for separate dedicated imaging hardware
3Ease of operation
If mechanical verification methods are used for beam path verification, then system simplicity is maintained, but mechanical errors reduce treatment accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical verification methods with a hybrid verification system using X-ray imaging and charged particle detection. Instead of relying on mechanical positioners and physical alignment tools, the system uses radiographic images and particle position detectors to verify beam paths, eliminating mechanical errors while maintaining operational simplicity through software-based verification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where particle positions are detected and used to verify treatment paths in real-time. The system continuously monitors beam delivery accuracy by detecting where particles actually strike and compares this with the planned treatment path, providing feedback for correction and ensuring high precision without complex mechanical verification systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables enhanced imaging resolution and precise tumor treatment by accurately determining treatment paths and positions, reducing mechanical errors and improving the accuracy of cancer therapy.
Implementation Method 1
delivering the positively charged particles from an accelerator along a first beam transport path
Implementation Method 2
passing the positively charged particles through an exit port of a nozzle system... imaging the patient
Implementation Method 3
a scintillation detector system... detecting scintillation induced by the positively charged particles
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a method and apparatus for determining a radiation beam treatment path to a tumor, comprising the steps of: (1) delivering charged particles from an accelerator, along a first beam transport path, through an output nozzle, and along a treatment path to the tumor relative to a calibrated reference beam path from the output nozzle toward a patient position and (2) prior to the step of delivering, a main controller verifying an unobstructed linear path of the treatment path using a set of fiducial indicators positioned at least: on a first element physically affixed and co-movable with the output nozzle and on a moveable object in the treatment room. Optionally, voxels of the treatment beam path and potentially obstructing objects are defined in the treatment room using an axis system relative to the calibrated reference beam path and a reference beam point.