Particle Therapy Device Controller Timing Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In particle beam therapy systems, the time required for setting extraction devices is prolonged due to their high voltage and large energizing current requirements, leading to increased device size and cost, and the need for a large-capacity power source, with existing methods not adequately addressing the timing for switching operation parameters.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves determining different timings for changing operation parameters for acceleration-related devices and extraction-related devices, ensuring sufficient time for setting the extraction devices, thereby reducing the overall treatment time by optimizing the operation patterns and device settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the extraction devices are set with high voltage and large energizing current to ensure proper extraction, then the extraction function is improved, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining whether extraction-related device setting is completed in advance, before the particle beam extraction process begins. The control device checks if the extraction devices are properly set prior to extraction, allowing the system to prepare adequately without requiring oversized equipment. This ensures reliable extraction while avoiding unnecessary device complexity by only providing sufficient power capacity rather than continuously oversized capacity.
2Reliability
If the operation pattern is changed to ensure sufficient setting time for extraction devices, then the setting completeness is improved, but the treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the control device continuously monitor and determine whether the setting of extraction-related devices is completed. Based on this feedback information, the control device dynamically adjusts the particle beam extraction timing and operation patterns. This allows the system to ensure complete device setting while minimizing treatment time by extracting the beam as soon as the devices are ready, rather than waiting for fixed time intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the operation pattern adaptive rather than fixed. The control device changes the operation pattern based on the actual completion status of extraction device settings. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between setting completeness and treatment time by matching the extraction timing to the actual device readiness state rather than following a predetermined schedule.
3Ease of operation
If the determination timing for device setting is checked at fixed intervals, then the control simplicity is improved, but the waiting time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback to resolve this contradiction by having the control device determine device setting completion status based on actual device states rather than relying solely on fixed time intervals. The control device receives feedback about whether extraction-related devices are properly set and adjusts the extraction timing accordingly. This maintains control simplicity through automated monitoring while eliminating unnecessary waiting time by extracting the beam as soon as devices are ready.
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 allows for a more efficient particle beam therapy system by ensuring adequate time for setting extraction devices, thereby shortening treatment time and reducing device size and cost.
Implementation Method 1
The extraction electrode is for deviating the path of the particle beam reached the prescribed energy from the orbital path to the extraction path by action of the electric field
Implementation Method 2
the extraction electromagnet is for deflecting the particle beam on along the extraction path to extract the beam externally from the accelerator
Implementation Method 3
The accelerator is made up of bending electromagnets for forming the orbital path
Implementation Method 4
an accelerating cavity for accelerating the particle beam by means of a radio frequency electric field
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~3d
AI summary
A device controller controls an acceleration-related devices and an extraction-related devices of an accelerator for accelerating and extracting a particle beam, in such a way that the controller checks, at a time point when receiving a master clock pulse, that preparation for operating the acceleration-related devices is completed and then commands the acceleration-related devices to operate in accordance with an operation pattern corresponding to a prescribed energy of the particle beam, and commands the acceleration-related devices to operate in accordance with an extracting operation pattern when an extraction enable signal indicating that the particle beam reaches the prescribed energy is turned ON and an extraction-related device setting-status signal indicating that completion of setting the extraction-related devices for the prescribed energy is ON.