LINAC Commissioning Using EPID Reference Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for commissioning linear accelerators (LINACs) and treatment planning systems (TPS) rely heavily on individual testing environments and parameters, leading to variability in machine performance that can question the quality of patient treatments, making it difficult to assess and evaluate performance variability.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for acceptance testing and commissioning that involves collecting reference data from a calibrated LINAC and electronic portal imaging device (EPID), comparing it with machine performance data from a testing LINAC, and using standard reference data and test performance engines to assess accuracy and compliance with tolerance standards in treatment planning systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If individual testing parameters are configured by end users for LINAC commissioning, then the commissioning process can be customized to local needs, but machine performance variability increases leading to questionable quality of patient treatments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization of commissioning processVSAvoidquality of patient treatments

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of commissioning data from locally-configured individual parameters to standardized reference data collected from a reference machine. The analysis software compares testing machine data against reference data representing changes in radiation measurement in relation to changes in LINAC parameters, thereby standardizing performance evaluation while maintaining the ability to assess machine-specific variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the reference machine's commissioning data and uses it to evaluate the testing machine. The reference data serves as a standardized template that represents ideal commissioning results, allowing consistent evaluation across different institutions without requiring each to perform independent commissioning studies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If local institutions collect their own data and create local plans for TPS evaluation, then the testing process can be adapted to local environments, but performance variability becomes difficult to assess and evaluate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocal customization of testingVSAvoidassessment of performance variability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses reference data from a reference machine as a standardized template to evaluate the testing machine's TPS performance. Instead of comparing against locally-created plans that vary between institutions, the system compares against a consistent reference that enables precise measurement of performance variability across different machines and institutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The analysis software provides feedback by comparing the testing machine's performance data against the reference data, identifying deviations and variations. This feedback mechanism enables precise assessment of performance variability by quantifying differences between the testing machine and the reference standard.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional commissioning methods are used for LINAC and TPS, then the process can be performed with existing resources, but standardization is lacking leading to inconsistent performance assessment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of commissioning processVSAvoidconsistency of performance assessment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal commissioning system where reference data collected from a reference machine serves multiple testing machines across different institutions. The analysis software provides a multi-functional evaluation capability that works for both LINAC commissioning and TPS evaluation, standardizing the process while maintaining ease of use through automated comparison.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the commissioning approach from institution-specific parameter configuration to standardized parameter comparison. The reference data establishes standardized parameters for radiation measurement changes in relation to LINAC parameter changes, providing consistent assessment criteria across all testing machines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11791041B2Acceptance, commissioning, and ongoing benchmarking of a linear accelerator (LINAC) using an electronic portal imaging device (EPID)

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

AI summary

The present invention is a method or system for acceptance testing and commissioning of a LINAC and treatment planning system (TPS). For a LINAC commissioning, the present invention collects reference data from a fully calibrated LINAC and compares the reference data with machine performance data collected from LINAC. The compared results are analyzed to assess accuracy of the testing LINAC. For a TPS commissioning, the present invention collects standard reference data from standard treatment plans and standard input data and compares the standard reference data with results from standard tests that are performed by a testing treatment plan system. The compares results are analyzed to assess accuracy of the testing treatment plan system.