Gantry Angle Determination via Radiation Detector Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation therapy systems face challenges in accurately determining the gantry angle during treatment, which is crucial for ensuring precise delivery of radiation beams to tumors while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a pair of radiation detectors positioned to receive radiation beams, generating differing responses based on the gantry angle, with computer hardware to determine and calculate the gantry angle, allowing for accurate dose delivery and comparison to planned angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional radiation therapy systems are used, then radiation delivery can be performed, but accurate determination of gantry angle is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system consisting of a radiation detector and computational algorithms that indirectly determine gantry angle through detector response patterns. This intermediary approach avoids direct mechanical angle sensing while achieving accurate angle determination through the physical interaction between radiation and the detector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical angle sensing systems with a radiation-based measurement system. Instead of using mechanical encoders or sensors on the gantry, the system uses the physical response of a radiation detector to determine angle, substituting mechanical measurement with radiological measurement principles.
2Manufacturing precision
If gantry angle determination is inaccurate, then treatment delivery is simplified, but radiation delivery precision to tumors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the radiation detector continuously monitors the radiation field characteristics during gantry rotation, and computational algorithms process this feedback information to determine the actual gantry angle. This closed-loop feedback system ensures accurate angle determination while maintaining treatment delivery precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation detector serves multiple functions: it monitors radiation field characteristics, enables angle determination, and provides feedback for treatment verification. This multi-functional approach achieves precise angle determination without adding separate dedicated angle sensing hardware.
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 precise determination of the gantry angle, ensuring accurate radiation delivery and dose calculation, thereby improving the effectiveness and safety of radiation therapy.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of radiation detectors are located at a fixed position to receive radiation originating from the radiation beam. Each of the radiation detectors in the pair generate differing responses to the radiation beam at the angle
Data Source
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AI summary
A system is disclosed that includes a radiation therapy device with a gantry. The radiation therapy device is configured to deliver a radiation beam at an angle determined by orientation of the gantry. Also, a pair of radiation detectors are located at a fixed position to receive radiation originating from the radiation beam. Each of the radiation detectors in the pair generate differing responses to the radiation beam at the angle. The system further includes computer hardware configured to perform operations that determine the angle of the gantry utilizing the differing responses from the pair of radiation detectors.