Reconfigurable Phantom Device for Real-Time Dose Distribution Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phantom devices for teleradiotherapy lack the capability for real-time measurement of dose distribution at multiple points within the active volume, and they require mechanical reconfiguration to select measurement areas, which is inefficient and limits dynamic radiotherapy procedures.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable phantom device with multiple individual ionizing radiation detectors, each connected to a signal-conducting cable, is arranged in a regular geometric pattern within the active volume. This allows for real-time assessment of dose distribution and dynamic reconfiguration of measurement points without mechanical adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If passive detectors (TL or films) are used in phantom devices, then the device structure is simple, but real-time measurement capability is lost and measurement precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The phantom device is divided into multiple independent detector units, each capable of autonomous real-time measurement. These segmented detectors are distributed throughout the phantom volume, allowing simultaneous multi-point dose measurement without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration, thus improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical reconfiguration systems with electronically controllable detector arrays. Instead of physically moving or repositioning detectors to change measurement areas, the system uses electronic control to activate different detector elements, achieving dynamic measurement capability without mechanical complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed measurement points are used in phantom devices, then the device structure is simple, but adaptability to different measurement areas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The phantom device incorporates a dynamic detector array where measurement points can be electronically reconfigured during the irradiation process. The system allows real-time selection and activation of different detector elements based on treatment requirements, enabling adaptive measurement of different anatomical regions and dose distributions without physical reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The detector array is designed with universal functionality where each detector element can serve multiple measurement purposes. The same physical detector structure can measure dose at different locations and orientations by electronically controlling which detectors are active, making the device versatile for various radiotherapy techniques including DCAT and IMAT
3Measurement precision
If multiple detectors are used for real-time measurement, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and signal management become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested hierarchical structure for signal management where multiple detector signals are collected and processed through a structured cable system. The signal-conducting cables are organized in layers corresponding to detector layers, with systematic routing that reduces entanglement and management complexity while maintaining individual detector independence for high-precision measurement
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
The solution enables real-time quality assurance of radiotherapy treatment plans, improving the accuracy and precision of dose delivery, especially in dynamic procedures like DCAT and IMAT, by allowing for flexible and efficient selection of measurement areas.
Implementation Method 1
In a preferred version, the individual detectors are scintillators, the shielding is light-tight, and the signal-conducting cables are optical fibers
Data Source
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AI summary
A phantom device for teleradiotherapy to determine over the active volume of the phantom device the difference between the realized spatial distribution of dose of ionizing radiation and the planned distribution of such dose, characterized by individual ionizing radiation detectors (1), corresponding to the voxels of the active volume, detectors being in the form of a sequence of identical regular solids, equipped with shields (2) over all faces and arranged to contact each other, placed within basic cassettes (3), whereby at least two layers of cassettes (3) are located one above the other and are shifted by a regular step, spatially arranged in a repetitive regular geometric manner, fitting the active volume of the phantom device as closely as possible.