Parallel Control of Particle Beam Energy and Magnetic Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current particle therapy systems face significant challenges in reducing total irradiation time due to the time-consuming process of varying particle beam energy and magnetic field adjustments between layers, which limits the efficiency of scanning techniques.
Innovation Solution
The system associates a specific particle beam energy with each spot in the irradiation plan, organizing them into sequences for parallel control of energy and magnetic field variations, allowing simultaneous adjustments of the particle beam generator, beam transport system, and scanning device, thereby reducing the overall irradiation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the particle beam energy is varied between layers in a sequential manner, then the beam can be delivered to different depths in the target volume, but the total irradiation time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The control system pre-calculates and prepares the sequence of energy variations and magnetic field adjustments before actual irradiation begins. The irradiation plan is divided into spots grouped by energy levels, and the control system anticipates the required parameter changes, allowing for optimized timing and reduced waiting periods during treatment delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous beam delivery by overlapping the timing of energy variations with beam scanning operations. Instead of stopping the beam to change energy settings, the control system coordinates magnetic field adjustments and energy variations to occur during or between beam delivery intervals, minimizing interruptions and maintaining continuous therapeutic action.
2Manufacturing precision
If the magnetic field of the beam transport system is adjusted between layers, then the beam position can be corrected for energy changes, but eddy currents are generated that increase the time required for adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The control system pre-calculates the complete sequence of magnetic field adjustments required for all energy changes in the treatment plan. By anticipating the necessary field variations and preparing the adjustment sequence in advance, the system minimizes reactive changes and reduces the impact of eddy currents, as adjustments are made in an optimized temporal sequence rather than abruptly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies the magnetic field parameters in small, incremental steps rather than large abrupt changes. The control system divides the total energy range into multiple spots with progressively changing energies, which results in smaller magnetic field adjustments between consecutive spots. This reduces eddy current generation and allows for faster, more precise field adjustments.
3Manufacturing precision
If the energy of the particle beam is varied frequently across many spots, then the dose can be delivered more precisely to different locations, but the number of energy variations increases the total treatment time
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment plan is segmented into multiple spots grouped by energy level, with each spot receiving a specific dose. The control system manages these segmented spots in an optimized sequence, where spots requiring the same or similar energies are processed together or in close succession. This segmentation allows for precise dose delivery to different locations while reducing the total number of energy variations compared to treating each spot independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes the energy parameter changes by grouping spots with similar energy requirements and processing them in sequences that minimize total energy variations. The control system selects an irradiation sequence that reduces the frequency and magnitude of energy changes while still delivering the prescribed dose to each spot, thereby reducing treatment time and control complexity.
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 significantly reduces the total irradiation time by spreading energy variations across more spots, minimizing large energy changes and eddy currents, and optimizing the control of beam delivery systems, resulting in faster and more efficient treatment.
Implementation Method 1
The scanning device comprises one or more scanning magnets configured for varying the position of the particle beam over the target
Implementation Method 2
a beam transport system, comprising one or more electromagnets, for transporting the particle beam from the particle beam generator to a treatment location
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a particle therapy system for irradiating a target with a scanning beam technique. In one implementation, the system includes an irradiation planning device with a planning algorithm configured to associate a particle beam energy E(i) to each spot of the irradiation plan and organize the spots in a sequence of spots according to energy. The system may further include a control system configured for controlling in parallel, from spot to spot, a variation of an output energy of a beam generator, a variation of a magnetic field of one or more electromagnets of a beam transport system and a variation of a magnetic field of the scanning magnet.