Scintillator Camera Radiation Field Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation therapy quality assurance methods lack effective means to independently verify the proper operation of radiation delivery systems, particularly in determining the shape of the radiation field and the position of multileaf collimator leaves.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a scintillator and camera configured to acquire images of light emitted by the scintillator during radiation delivery, with the scintillator and camera fixed to a support structure that allows them to be mounted to the radiation delivery system at a non-perpendicular angle to the radiation beam axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a scintillator is positioned perpendicular to the radiation beam axis for quality assurance measurement, then the measurement setup is simple and straightforward, but the ability to independently verify radiation field shape and MLC leaf positions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single perpendicular measurement point to a two-dimensional array of scintillator elements arranged in a plane perpendicular to the beam axis. This dimensional expansion enables simultaneous measurement of radiation field shape and MLC leaf positions across the entire field, providing independent verification capability while maintaining a relatively simple planar mounting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The scintillator array serves as an intermediary medium between the radiation beam and the detection system. Each scintillator element converts incident radiation into light signals that can be detected and analyzed, enabling indirect but accurate measurement of radiation field characteristics and MLC leaf positions without direct mechanical contact with the beam path components.
2Reliability
If multiple detectors are used to independently verify radiation field shape and MLC leaf positions, then verification accuracy improves, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple scintillator detection elements into a single integrated array structure that functions as one unified measurement device. This merging approach provides independent verification of both radiation field shape and MLC leaf positions simultaneously across the entire field, rather than requiring separate detectors for each measurement function, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The scintillator array is designed to perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously: it verifies radiation field shape, measures MLC leaf positions, and provides dosimetric information. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized detectors for each measurement task, improving reliability while controlling device complexity.
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
Enables independent verification of radiation field shape and multileaf collimator leaf positions, improving the accuracy of radiation therapy quality assurance and ensuring that the prescribed radiation dose is delivered correctly.
Implementation Method 1
Scintillators emit light in response to being struck by radiation and the emitted light can be detected and analyzed to assist in determining whether radiation has been delivered properly
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer software are disclosed for determining a shape of a radiation field generated by a radiation delivery system through the use of a scintillator and a camera that is configured to acquire images of light emitted by the scintillator during delivery of a radiation beam. A support structure may be mounted to the radiation delivery system and the scintillator and camera may be fixed to the support structure such that the scintillator is not perpendicular to the axis of the radiation beam. An edge detection algorithm may be applied to radiation patterns present in the camera images in order to determine the location of an edge of a leaf of a multi-leaf collimator.