Maximal Percentage Depth Dose Evaluation for Non-Uniform X-Ray Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray producing devices, such as LINACs, face challenges in accurately characterizing dose distribution for non-uniform and asymmetrical X-ray beams, particularly in non-uniform media like the human body, where maximum dose points do not lie on the beam axis or in a straight line, leading to inadequate dose evaluation in radiotherapy and imaging.
Innovation Solution
A method involving incremental measurement of transverse dose distributions at successive depths along the X-ray beam axis, determining the maximum dose at each depth, and calculating the 1-Dimensional depth dependence of these doses, which provides a Maximal Percentage Depth Dose (MPDD) that accounts for non-uniform beam profiles and absorption characteristics across different tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional PDD curves are measured along the beam center axis, then the measurement method is simple and straightforward, but the dose evaluation becomes inaccurate for non-uniform and asymmetrical X-ray beams where maximum dose points do not lie on the beam axis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the beam profile analysis into multiple transverse cross-sectional planes at different depths along the beam axis. Instead of measuring along a single central axis, the method segments the dose distribution into discrete transverse planes, identifying maximum dose points independently at each depth level. This segmentation allows accurate tracking of maximum dose locations even when they form complex 3D patterns rather than simple linear trajectories.
2Measurement precision
If the beam profile is non-uniform with maximum dose points located at different positions at various depths, then comprehensive dose characterization is required, but the traditional single-axis measurement approach becomes inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional depth-dependent measurements to a three-dimensional analysis by introducing transverse cross-sectional planes. The method measures dose distributions across multiple transverse dimensions at each depth, then constructs a 3D representation of maximum dose point trajectories. This dimensional expansion enables accurate characterization of complex non-uniform beam profiles where maximum dose locations vary arbitrarily in position and depth.
3Reliability
If maximum dose points form non-continuous or non-linear trajectories through the medium, then accurate hazard evaluation requires tracking these complex patterns, but conventional methods assume straight-line propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from fixed central-axis depth-dose values to variable transverse position and depth coordinates. By measuring dose distributions across entire transverse cross-sections rather than single points, the method captures the full 3D trajectory of maximum dose points. This parameter transformation enables reliable hazard evaluation for complex beam patterns including hollow cones, interlaced cones, and other non-uniform structures where maximum dose locations follow non-linear, non-continuous paths.
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 precise evaluation of the maximal dose deposited by non-uniform X-ray beams within a medium, ensuring comprehensive dose characterization and safety assessment in complex radiation scenarios, even when the maximum dose points are not aligned with the beam axis or continuous.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating said medium by said non-uniform X-ray beam penetrating into a depth of said medium along an axis of said X-ray beam
Implementation Method 2
different X-ray absorption characteristics tissues of different organs result in different dose absorption in different locations of the patient's body
Data Source
AI summary
A method of evaluating a maximal dose deposited by a non-uniform X-ray beam within a medium comprising the steps of: (a) irradiating said medium by said non-uniform X-ray beam penetrating into a depth of said medium along an axis of said X-ray beam; (b) incrementally measuring a number of transversal dose distributions at successive depths along said axis; (c) determining a maximum dose within each of said number of transversal dose distributions; and (d) calculating a 1-Dimesional depth dependance of said maximal doses obtained from said number of transversal dose distributions.