Radiotherapy Imaging Layout to Suppress Radiation Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiotherapy apparatuses face interference between radiation emitted by the irradiation nozzle and X-rays from the imaging apparatus, leading to reduced image accuracy, particularly during tumor tracking irradiation processes.

Innovation Solution

The X-ray imaging apparatus is positioned offset from the line connecting the irradiation nozzle and the isocenter, with the detection unit placed on a reference plane orthogonal to this line or closer to the irradiation unit, to prevent interference and maintain image accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the imaging apparatus and irradiation nozzle are disposed independently of each other, then the imaging apparatus can acquire images of the patient, but the radiation emitted from the irradiation nozzle interferes with the X-ray from the imaging apparatus, reducing image accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage accuracyVSAvoidradiation interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the detection unit on a reference plane that is orthogonal to the line connecting the isocenter and the irradiation nozzle, rather than placing it in the conventional planar arrangement. This spatial reconfiguration in a different dimensional orientation allows the detection unit to avoid the path of radiation beams while still capturing necessary imaging data, thereby eliminating radiation interference without compromising image acquisition capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a reference plane as an intermediary geometric construct that mediates the spatial relationship between the irradiation nozzle and the detection unit. By positioning the detection unit relative to this intermediate reference plane rather than directly relative to the irradiation source, the system achieves proper spatial separation to prevent radiation interference while maintaining functional coordination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the detection unit is positioned on the reference plane or closer to the irradiation unit, then radiation interference is suppressed, but the device complexity increases due to precise positional requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation interferenceVSAvoidpositional configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent defines specific geometric parameters for the reference plane (orthogonal to the line connecting isocenter and irradiation nozzle) and specifies the allowable position range for the detection unit (on the reference plane or closer to the irradiation unit). By establishing these precise parameter specifications, the system transforms a complex spatial arrangement problem into a manageable parameter-based configuration that ensures radiation interference suppression while maintaining implementation feasibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration effectively suppresses the influence of radiation on the imaging apparatus, ensuring accurate tumor tracking and image acquisition during radiotherapy.

Implementation Method 1

a light source unit that irradiates the irradiation object with light for imaging

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight: Light

Implementation Method 2

a detection unit that detects the light through the irradiation object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

an irradiation unit which irradiates an irradiation object with radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadiation: Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS20260083986A1Radiotherapy apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.03.26 HITACHI HIGH TECH CORP
  • US20260083986A1 patent drawing
  • US20260083986A1 patent drawing
  • US20260083986A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a radiotherapy apparatus that can suppress an influence of radiation on an imaging apparatus. This X-ray imaging apparatus includes: an Xray tube 7 that irradiates a patient 6 with an X-ray as light for imaging; and an FPD 2 that detects the X-ray through the patient 6. The Xray tube 7 and the FPD 2 are disposed at positions offset from a line connecting the irradiation nozzle 1 and the isocenter 8 of radiation from the irradiation nozzle 1. The FPD 2 is disposed on a reference plane S which is a plane passing through the isocenter 8 and orthogonal to the line connecting the irradiation nozzle 1 and the isocenter 8, or on a side closer to the irradiation nozzle than the reference plane S.