Inventors:
Barrie G. Britton - Riverside CA
David A. Lesyna - Redlands CA
Jon W. Slater - Redlands CA
Assignee:
Loma Linda University Medical Center - Loma Linda CA
International Classification:
G21G 110
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for beamline security in radiation beam treatment facilities. The system monitors and controls the radiation beam steering system to safeguard against wrong-path and multiple-path conditions which could otherwise lead to accidental radiation exposure. One aspect of the method involves comparing the beam path configuration signals to signals corresponding to a requested beam configuration to check for agreement, as well as singular path configuration. Controller checks are performed using complimentary-redundant logical communication paths applied to the state of the beam steering system. Upon detection of any one of several possible error conditions, such as over-heating, communication link failure, unauthorized personnel entry and multiple path condition, the beamline power supplies are disabled, preventing transfer of the radiation beam to the treatment room.
