Integrated LINAC Phantom Controller for Beam Profile Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional LINAC commissioning and QA processes are lengthy and labor-intensive due to the separate positioning of the LINAC and phantom systems, limiting the types of measurements that can be performed and requiring extensive manual setup time.
Innovation Solution
A BPM system that integrates a BPM controller to couple and control both the LINAC and phantom systems, allowing simultaneous movement and positioning of the dosimeter and LINAC during radiation beam emission, reducing setup time and enabling additional measurement types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional separate positioning systems are used for LINAC and phantom, then measurement types are limited and manual setup is required, but setup time is excessively long and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the LINAC positioning system and the phantom positioning system into a single integrated system. The LINAC controller now controls both the LINAC movement and the phantom movement through a unified control interface, eliminating the need for separate manual positioning operations and reducing setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The LINAC controller has been extended to perform multiple functions: it controls the LINAC positioning, controls the phantom positioning, and coordinates their movements. This multi-functional approach allows a single device to manage the entire measurement setup process, reducing complexity and improving ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional phantom systems are used that can only position the dosimeter, then measurement capabilities are limited to PDD and OCR, but additional measurement types require complex manual modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated system allows the LINAC controller to coordinate both LINAC and phantom movements, enabling a wide variety of measurement types including PDD, OCR, TPR, TMR, and beam profile measurements without requiring separate positioning systems or manual modifications. The system is designed to handle diverse measurement protocols through a single control interface.
3Reliability
If separate control systems are used for LINAC and phantom positioning, then each system can be optimized independently, but coordination between systems increases setup time and potential for error
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the control functions into a single LINAC controller, the system eliminates coordination delays between separate controllers. The unified controller can simultaneously manage LINAC positioning and phantom positioning, ensuring synchronized operations and reducing the time required to achieve accurate positioning for measurements.
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
The BPM system significantly reduces setup time, enhances measurement capabilities, and produces more consistent results by automating the positioning and data collection process, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of LINAC commissioning and QA.
Implementation Method 1
a dosimeter to measure an amount of ionization of the radiation beam
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2D~2E
AI summary
A beam profile measurement (BPM) system is described including a BPM phantom including a tank to house liquid, a dosimeter disposed in the tank to detect ionization of a radiation beam emitted from a linear accelerator (LINAC), and a positioning device to move the dosimeter in a vertical direction. The BPM system also includes a BPM controller to operably couple to the BPM phantom and the LINAC. A method is described including positioning, using a BPM controller, a dosimeter of the BPM phantom in a first location, positioning, using the BPM controller, the LINAC in a second location, performing, using the BPM controller, a first movement of the LINAC from the second location to a third location, emitting a radiation beam from the LINAC during the first movement, and performing, via the dosimeter, an ion measurement of the radiation beam during the emitting.