Filmless Beam Alignment QA With Real-Time Fluorescent Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated quality assurance tests for stereotactic radiosurgery systems are inefficient due to the use of costly disposable radiographic film and lack real-time analysis, necessitating time-consuming processes for beam alignment adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing fluorescent screens and a camera setup for real-time image capture and analysis, eliminating the need for film and enabling remote, efficient beam alignment adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If disposable radiographic film is used for quality assurance testing, then image capture is achieved, but cost increases and real-time analysis is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the original radiographic film with a fluorescent screen that creates an optical copy of the radiation beam pattern. This optical copy can be captured in real-time by a camera system, eliminating the need for physical film retrieval and scanning while maintaining measurement accuracy for beam alignment verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical film handling system (physical film insertion, exposure, retrieval, scanning) with an optical-electronic system using fluorescent screens and digital cameras. This replacement enables real-time image capture and analysis, eliminating time delays associated with traditional film-based quality assurance testing.
2Measurement precision
If disposable radiographic film is used for quality assurance testing, then image capture is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive disposable radiographic film with reusable fluorescent screens that can be used repeatedly without degradation of performance. The fluorescent screens are significantly more cost-effective while maintaining the necessary image quality for beam alignment measurements, eliminating the ongoing cost of purchasing disposable film.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding used radiographic film after a single use, the patent implements a reusable fluorescent screen system that can be recovered and used repeatedly. This eliminates continuous material consumption and associated costs while maintaining measurement capabilities for quality assurance testing.
3Measurement precision
If film retrieval and scanning is required for analysis, then image analysis is performed, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates real-time optical copies of the beam pattern on fluorescent screens that are directly viewable and capturable by cameras. This eliminates the complex workflow of physical film retrieval, scanning, and digital conversion, allowing operators to view and analyze beam alignment immediately after exposure without additional handling steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorescent screen system is self-illuminating through phosphorescence when exposed to radiation, requiring no external processing or scanning equipment. The images are automatically formed and can be directly captured by cameras or viewed through optical viewing ports, eliminating the need for operators to manually retrieve and process physical film.
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 cost-effective, real-time image analysis of beam alignment, reducing the need for manual handling and improving the efficiency of quality assurance tests.
Implementation Method 1
A first x-ray beam will pass through the phantom and produce a lateral QA image on the fluorescent screen
Implementation Method 2
A mirror angled at 45-degree angle relative to a fluorescent screen placed behind the fluorescent screen and will reflect this image downward towards a beam splitter
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a system for providing accurate image-guided localization of a radiation target using digital image acquisition with real time data analysis utilizing a radiation device, directing a beam of radiation through a sample reflecting onto a film screen and reflecting an image from the film screen onto a mirror that will project the image from the mirror to a bean splitter where it is captured by a camera operatively associated with a computer device.