Particle Beam Therapy Control Device for Optimizing Irradiation Sequence

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Solution Overview

Problem

In particle beam therapy, operators face a significant burden in determining the optimal order for applying prescribed conditions to the irradiation nozzle and treatment table, which affects the efficiency and accuracy of treatment.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a control method that determines the setting order for the positional posture of the irradiation nozzle and treatment table based on evaluation values, such as movement time and work load, to minimize operator intervention and optimize treatment processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the operator manually determines the order of applying prescribed conditions, then flexibility in treatment planning is maintained, but the operator's burden and workload increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator's burdenVSAvoidautomation of setting order determination
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The control device automatically determines the setting order by evaluating movement paths and calculating evaluation values without requiring manual intervention from the operator. The system serves itself by autonomously optimizing the treatment sequence based on predefined criteria.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of 'setting order' from a manually determined sequence to an automatically optimized sequence based on evaluation values. This parameter transformation enables automated control while maintaining treatment effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If multiple prescribed conditions are applied sequentially without a defined order, then treatment flexibility is preserved, but treatment time and efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment efficiencyVSAvoidtime for applying prescribed conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control device performs preliminary evaluation of all possible setting orders before actual treatment begins. By pre-calculating evaluation values for different sequences, the system identifies the optimal order in advance, eliminating time-consuming manual determination during treatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses evaluation values as feedback to determine the optimal setting order. By continuously monitoring and comparing evaluation metrics, the control device selects the sequence that minimizes treatment time and maximizes efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the operator manually sets the setting order, then adaptability to special treatment requirements is maintained, but physical and mental stress on the operator increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephysical and mental stress on operatorVSAvoidadaptability to special treatment requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control device autonomously handles the complex task of determining setting orders, freeing the operator from manual calculation and decision-making. This self-service approach reduces physical and mental stress while maintaining treatment adaptability through programmed evaluation criteria.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Extent of automation

If automated determination of setting order is implemented, then operator burden is reduced, but complexity of the control system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of setting order determinationVSAvoidcomplexity of control device
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device integrates multiple functions including movement path determination, evaluation value calculation, and setting order optimization into a single unified system. This multi-functionality approach automates setting order determination while managing system complexity through consolidation rather than proliferation of separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3884999B1Particle beam therapy device and method of controlling same
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 HITACHI HIGH TECH CORP
  • EP3884999B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3884999B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3884999B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

A particle beam therapy apparatus that reduces a burden on an operator is provided. The invention is directed to a particle beam therapy apparatus. The position and posture setter 32 moves a movable body, that is at least one of the irradiation nozzle 16 and the treatment table 18 that is capable of motion, and sets a relative position and posture of the irradiation nozzle 16 and the treatment table 18 . The movement path determiner 44 determines a movement path of the movable body when adapting the positional posture of the movable body from one condition among a plurality of prescribed conditions to another condition. The evaluation value determiner 46 obtains an evaluation value for a case of adapting the positional posture of the movable to each of a plurality of pre scribed conditions. This evaluation value is an evaluation value for a case of moving the movable body according to the movement path. The order determiner 48 determines a setting order for adapting the positional posture of the movable body to each prescribed condition based on the evaluation value. The position and posture setter 32 adapts the positional posture of the movable body to each of the plurality of prescribed conditions by moving the movable body according to the movement path determined by the movement path determiner 44.