Charged Particle Irradiation Device Beam Alignment Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current charged particle irradiation devices face high probabilities of systematic and random errors in beam alignment, leading to potential irradiation of healthy tissue instead of the targeted tumor volume, especially during pencil beam scanning techniques, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A charged particle irradiation device and method that calculates and applies corrections to scanning magnet settings based on a single measurement at a tuning reference point, allowing for precise alignment of the beam to all prescribed irradiation points, reducing the need for extensive calibration and minimizing the risk of misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If extensive calibration procedures are performed to reduce beam alignment errors, then beam alignment precision is improved, but treatment time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating the relationship between beam position and magnet settings during a setup phase. A lookup table is pre-computed containing correction values for various beam positions, so that during actual treatment, only a simple measurement and table lookup are needed rather than extensive real-time calibration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical calibration procedures with a computational approach. Instead of physically adjusting and measuring beam alignment through multiple calibration steps, the system uses pre-computed correction tables based on simulated beam trajectories, substituting mechanical adjustment with information processing
2Reliability
If multiple measurement points are used for calibration, then beam alignment reliability is improved, but the number of measurements and calibration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the calibration space into a discrete grid of possible beam positions. Rather than treating alignment as a continuous adjustment problem requiring multiple measurement points, the beam position space is divided into discrete cells, each with pre-computed correction values stored in a lookup table
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual model of the beam delivery system and uses simulated beam trajectories to generate correction tables. This virtual copy allows pre-computation of alignment corrections without requiring physical measurements at multiple points during actual calibration
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 efficient and accurate delivery of charged particle beams to the target volume by aligning the beam with high precision, reducing the risk of irradiating healthy tissue and streamlining the treatment process for multiple patients, thus improving treatment efficiency and reducing calibration time.
Implementation Method 1
an irradiation unit having at least one scanning magnet
Implementation Method 2
at least one beam position monitor installed in between the said scanning magnet and said target volume
Data Source
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AI summary
A charged particle irradiation device (10) and method for irradiating a target volume (50), adapted for receiving a treatment plan (70) defining a series of prescribed irradiation points (140) having each a prescribed dose to be delivered, comprising an irradiation unit (40) having at least one scanning magnet (100; 110), and at least one beam position monitor (130) installed in between the said scanning magnet (100; 1 10) and said target volume (50). A controller (80) comprises means for calculating for any said prescribed irradiation point corresponding nominal magnetic settings of the scanning magnet such that a beam (90) is pointing to said prescribed irradiation point when corresponding magnetic settings are applied, and for calculating corresponding expected position at said beam position monitor (130) The controller (80) further comprises a) means for selecting a tuning reference point from said series of prescribed irradiation points; b) means for specifying a prescribed tuning dose to be given to said selected tuning reference point, said prescribed tuning dose being equal or smaller than the said prescribed dose at said selected tuning reference point; c) means for comparing a beam position provided by the beam position monitor (130) and the expected position at said beam position monitor (130) for said selected tuning reference point; d) means for computing a first correction to be applied to said nominal magnetic settings of the scanning magnet (100; 110) in order to align the beam position provided by the beam position monitor to the expected position at said beam position monitor (130) for said selected tuning reference point; e) means for correcting the nominal magnetic settings of the scanning magnet for all said prescribed irradiation points according to said first correction.