Automated Charged Particle Beam Control for Tumor Imaging and Treatment
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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 semi-automated control system for cancer therapy that utilizes a method involving the generation of tomographic images using positively charged particles, automatic generation of radiation treatment plans, and the use of X-ray imaging and charged particle beam systems for simultaneous imaging and treatment, with features like fiducial marker detection and multi-axis beam control to ensure precise positioning and treatment delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual radiation treatment planning is used, then treatment accuracy can be achieved, but treatment time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated treatment plan generation where the computer algorithm independently performs treatment planning based on imaging data and treatment goals, eliminating the need for manual planner intervention while maintaining treatment accuracy through iterative optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical planning processes with an automated computer-based algorithm that uses computational methods to generate treatment plans, substituting human manual operations with automated computational systems
2Measurement precision
If complex imaging and treatment systems are used, then imaging precision and treatment accuracy improve, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple functions (imaging, treatment delivery, and treatment planning) into a single integrated platform, where the imaging system and treatment system share common hardware components and control software, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a multi-functional system where the same hardware platform performs both imaging and treatment functions, and the control system handles multiple tasks including image acquisition, treatment planning, and real-time monitoring, reducing the need for separate specialized systems
3Productivity
If automated treatment planning is implemented, then treatment efficiency increases, but measurement precision and treatment accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the automated planning algorithm iteratively optimizes treatment plans based on imaging data and treatment goals, with the ability to adjust and refine plans automatically to maintain high accuracy while improving efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter optimization techniques where the automated system adjusts multiple treatment parameters (beam angles, intensities, energies) to achieve optimal treatment outcomes, using computational algorithms to explore parameter space and identify accurate treatment configurations efficiently
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
Enables accurate and efficient imaging and treatment of tumors by providing precise control over charged particle beams, allowing for real-time adjustments and improved treatment planning, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of cancer therapy.
Implementation Method 1
a synchrotron to accelerate a beam of positively charged particles to treat the tumor
Implementation Method 2
These particles damage the DNA of cells, ultimately causing their death
Implementation Method 3
Proton therapy works by aiming energetic ionizing particles, such as protons accelerated with a particle accelerator, onto a target tumor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a method for generating a procedure for treating a tumor of a patient using positively charged particles, comprising the steps of: (1) providing a set of treatment goal specifications; (2) generating tomographic images of the tumor using a first set of groups of the positively charge particles delivered from a synchrotron; and (3) a computer implemented algorithm automatically generating a tumor radiation treatment plan, of the tumor using the positively charged particles, using the set of treatment goal specifications and the tomographic images. Optionally, the method automatically updates the radiation treatment plan upon: a detected movement of the tumor relative to surrounding patient constituents and/or upon detection of a previously unforeseen intervening object in a treatment beam path.