On-Gantry Real-Time Control for Continuous Radiotherapy Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiotherapy systems are limited by the need for the gantry to complete a full rotation in one direction before resetting, restricting its rotational flexibility during treatment processes.
Innovation Solution
A control system with an on-gantry real-time controller and an off-gantry system connected via a data link, allowing continuous gantry rotation beyond 360 degrees, with the on-gantry system capable of independent operation even if the data link fails, and incorporating a treatment planning system for real-time control routines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the gantry completes a full rotation in one direction before resetting, then the control system can maintain continuous data link communication, but the rotational flexibility and treatment efficiency are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into two independent parts: an on-gantry real-time control system and an off-gantry control system. The on-gantry system includes a local controller that can operate autonomously without requiring the gantry to reset, enabling continuous rotation while the off-gantry system handles non-time-critical functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The on-gantry real-time control system is pre-configured with all necessary control algorithms and parameters before treatment begins. This allows the system to maintain continuous operation during gantry rotation without needing to reset or reconfigure, eliminating downtime and improving treatment efficiency.
2Productivity
If the real-time control system is mounted on the gantry, then continuous rotation control is enabled, but the system becomes vulnerable to data link failures with the off-gantry system
Solution Approach 1:
The on-gantry real-time control system is designed to be self-sufficient with local processing capabilities and memory to store control parameters. It can independently generate and execute control signals for the radiation beam generator and gantry movement without continuous external input, ensuring operation continues even if the data link fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates redundant control pathways and error-handling protocols that are prepared in advance. If the data link between on-gantry and off-gantry systems fails, the on-gantry system can switch to using pre-loaded control parameters and algorithms, cushioning against the failure and maintaining treatment continuity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the control system uses a data link between on-gantry and off-gantry systems, then functional distribution is optimized, but the system complexity and potential points of failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The on-gantry real-time control system is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a local controller for time-critical operations and as a communication node with the off-gantry system. This universal design reduces the need for separate dedicated components, simplifying the overall architecture while maintaining flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A radiotherapy system, comprising: a patient support, a radiation beam generator, a gantry on which the radiation beam generator is mounted, the gantry being moveable so as to rotate the radiation beam generator around the patient support, and a control system including a real-time control system mounted on the gantry and configured to provide real-time control signals to the patient support, the radiation beam generator, and the gantry.