Radiotherapy Dose Timing During Source Carrier–Collimator Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiotherapy systems face challenges in accurately controlling the radiation dose during the alignment and separation of the source carrier and collimator, leading to unintended radiation exposure to the tumor site due to partial overlap, which affects the actual radiation dose delivered.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling the radiation dose by setting timing start and end times during the alignment and separation of the source carrier and collimator, adjusting these times based on preset thresholds and radiation dose rates to ensure the total dose received matches the required dose for radiotherapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the source carrier and collimator are aligned or separated to control radiation dose, then the radiation dose can be controlled, but during alignment and separation processes, partial overlap occurs causing unintended radiation exposure to the tumor site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by starting the radiation timing before the source carrier and collimator are fully aligned, and extending it after separation begins. This anticipates the partial overlap periods and compensates for the unintended radiation exposure by pre-timing the radiation delivery to match the actual geometric overlap, thereby resolving the contradiction between dose control precision and preventing harmful exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the relative positions of the source carrier and collimator during alignment and separation, using this position information to dynamically adjust the radiation timing. The system feeds back the geometric overlap status and adjusts the radiation delivery accordingly, ensuring accurate dose control while minimizing unintended exposure to the tumor site.
2Manufacturing precision
If timing radiation before complete alignment and after separation starts, then radiation dose accuracy is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single integrated control system that handles multiple functions: positioning monitoring, radiation timing, and dose calculation. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into one unified controller, improving dose delivery accuracy while avoiding the complexity increase that would result from multiple independent control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the radiation timing parameters based on the real-time relative position parameters of the source carrier and collimator. By changing the timing parameters (start time, end time, duration) in response to position changes, the system achieves precise dose control without requiring complex mechanical adjustments or multiple control systems.
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 enhances radiation dose control accuracy and improves treatment efficacy by compensating for dose variations during alignment and separation, ensuring the intended radiation dose is delivered to the tumor site.
Implementation Method 1
A radioactive source is placed in the source carrier. The radioactive source may emit radiative rays.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, controller, and system for controlling a radiation dose in radiotherapy of a patient and a computer storage medium are provided. The method includes: irradiating rays to a target area of the patient through a collimator; and keeping, after a source carrier starts to separate from the collimator in a process of controlling separation of the source carrier and the collimator, timing radiation of the rays or calculating the radiation dose of the rays such that the radiation dose of the rays received by the patient is equal to a radiation dose required for the radiotherapy. Therefore, the radiation dose of the rays received by the patient in an entire treatment process may reach the radiation dose actually required during the radiotherapy, thereby improving a radiation dose control accuracy and a treatment effect during the radiotherapy.