In a complex, multi-processor software controlled system, such as proton beam therapy system (PBTS), it may be important to provide treatment configurable parameters that are easily modified by an authorized user to prepare the software controlled systems for various modes of operation. This particular invention relates to a configuration management system for the PBTS that utilizes a database to maintain data and configuration parameters and also to generate and distribute system control files that can be used by the PBTS for treatment delivery. The use of system control files reduces the adverse effects of single point failures in the database by allowing the PBTS to function independently from the database. The PBTS accesses the data, parameters, and control settings from the database through the system control files, which insures that the data and configuration parameters are accessible when and if single point failures occur with respect to the database.

Configuration management and retrieval system for proton beam therapy system

The therapeutic treatment of a patient using intensity-modulated proton therapy is described. In one example, a method of creating a proton treatment plan is presented that divides volumes of interest into sub-volumes, applies dose constraints to the sub-volumes, finds one or more feasible configurations of a proton therapy system, and selects a proton beam configuration that improves or optimizes one or more aspects of proton therapy. In some implementations, the method of dividing volumes into sub-volumes includes creating fractional sub-volumes based at least in part on proximity to a target volume boundary. In some implementations, the method of finding an improved or optimal proton beam configuration from a set of feasible configurations includes finding a minimum of a cost function that utilizes weighting factors associated with treatment sites.

Intensity-modulated proton therapy

Disclosed are systems and methods for characterizing interactions or proton beams in tissues. In certain embodiments, charged particles emitted during passage of protons, such as those used for therapeutic and/or imaging purposes, can be detected at relatively large angles. In situations where beam intensity is relatively low, such as in certain imaging applications, characterization of the proton beam with charged particles can provide sufficient statistics for meaningful results while avoiding the beam itself. In situations where beam intensity is relatively high, such as in certain therapeutic applications, characterization of the proton beam with scattered primary protons and secondary protons can provide information such as differences in densities encountered by the beam as it traverses the tissue and dose deposited along the beam path. In certain situations, such beam characterizations can facilitate more accurate planning and monitoring of proton-based therapy.

Proton scattering analysis system

Disclosed are systems, devices and methodologies relating to proton computed tomography. In some implementations, detection of protons can yield track information before and after an object for each proton so as to allow determination of a likely path of each proton within the object. Further, measurement of energy loss experienced by each proton allows determination that a given likely path results in a given energy loss. A collection of such data allows characterization of the object. In the context of energy loss, such a characterization can include an image map of relative stopping power of the object. Various reconstruction methodologies for obtaining such an image, including but not limited to superiorization of a merit function such as total variation, are disclosed. In some implementations, various forms of total variation superiorization methodology can yield excellent results while being computationally efficient and with reduced computing time. In some implementations, such a methodology can result in high quality proton CT images using relatively low dose of protons.

Systems and methodologies for proton computed tomography

A testing machine for an untuned RF cavity loaded with FINEMET cores was fabricated to realize a wide operation frequency range and a high accelerating gap voltage. The cavity performance was examined in low and high power tests. The operation frequency range was widened to 0.5–10 MHz, where the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) was lower than 2. A heat-up test showed the cavity could induce an accelerating gap voltage of 200–300 V/core, only by forced air cooling. Applications of the untuned RF cavity to various kinds of synchrotrons are discussed, based on the results of the performance tests.

FINEMET-core loaded untuned RF cavity

This document is the report of a conceptual design study of a proton synchrotron for medical therapy. The study has been sponsored by the Loma Linda University Medical Center and carried out by a group at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. This report discusses the conceptual design of a synchrotron and of the associated treatment facilities.

/pdf/conceptual-design-of-a-proton-therapy-synchrotron-for-loma-14fhmr4u69.pdf

Conceptual Design of a Proton Therapy Synchrotron for Loma Linda University Medical Center

Equipment associated with the accelerator and experimental areas at the National Accelerator Laboratory is distributed throughout some ten miles of beam paths. The computer control system, which utilizes fifteen interconnected computers to control and monitor this equipment, is described. The clock, closed-circuit television, beam abort, and fire and utility monitoring systems are also reviewed.

The NAL Computer Control System

Considerations of bandwidth, noise, distance, response time, data and system integrity, maintenance, interfacing, software control, data organization, cost, and development time complicate the implementation of intercomputer links in real time control and data acquisition systems. This paper tells how to do it. The NAL link provides an example.

https://epaper.kek.jp/p73/pdf/pac1973_0536.pdf

Intercomputer Communications in Real Time Control Systems

A bunch-by-bunch beam damper has been developed for the Fermilab Tevatron. The system reduces betatron oscillation amplitudes and incorporates some useful machine diagnostics. The device is programmable via look-up tables so the output is an arbitrary function, on a bunch-by-bunch basis, of the beam displacement. We are presently using this feature to measure the betatron tune throughout the acceleration cycle.

/pdf/a-programmable-high-power-beam-damper-for-the-tevatron-2gsf6d1jcq.pdf

R. W. Goodwin

Papers

Conceptual Design of a Proton Therapy Synchrotron for Loma Linda University Medical Center

The NAL Computer Control System

Intercomputer Communications in Real Time Control Systems

A Programmable High Power Beam Damper for the Tevatron

NAL computer control system