Wireless Signal Transmitter for Radiotherapy Synchronization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Radiotherapy devices with pulsed radiation outputs often cause synchronization issues with peripheral systems, leading to inaccurate measurements and artefacts, especially in QA devices not designed to accommodate the pulsed nature of the radiation.
Innovation Solution
A wireless signal transmitter is used to transmit timing and frequency data related to the pulsed radiation output from the radiotherapy device to peripheral devices, enabling synchronization and accurate operation without the need for wired connections, which can be challenging due to rotational gantries and safety concerns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wired connections are used to transmit timing data from the radiotherapy device to peripheral devices, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but device complexity and safety risks increase due to rotational gantries and radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wired connections with wireless communication (RF or optical signals) to transmit timing data from the radiotherapy device to peripheral devices. This eliminates the need for physical cables that would be complex to manage on rotating gantries and reduces safety risks associated with wired connections in radiation environments.
2Ease of operation
If wireless communication is used to transmit timing data, then ease of operation and safety are improved, but signal reliability may worsen due to potential interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated wireless communication channel as an intermediary between the radiotherapy device and peripheral devices. This specialized communication path is designed to be immune or resistant to interference from the radiation environment, ensuring reliable signal transmission while maintaining the simplicity of wireless operation.
3Ease of operation
If peripheral devices are placed remote from the radiation source, then safety and ease of operation are improved, but synchronization with pulsed radiation output becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless timing data transmission acts as an intermediary that bridges the spatial gap between the radiation source and remote peripheral devices. By transmitting timing information through this intermediary channel, the system maintains synchronization accuracy despite the physical separation and rotational movement of components.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless signal transmitter is provided for a radiotherapy device, said radiotherapy device being configured to provide radiation to a subject via a source of radiation, and further being configured to output a non-continuous beam of radiation, wherein said non-continuous beam of radiation has a first, time-related property associated therewith. The wireless signal transmitter is configured to wirelessly transmit a signal comprising data regarding the first, time-related property that is associated with the non-continuous beam of radiation, to a wireless signal receiver.