1. Field
A method for function monitoring in medical accelerator systems is provided.
2. Related Art
Accelerator systems that generate high-energy electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation are used in medicine for radiation therapy. Radiation therapy exposes regions of a patient's body to the radiation. Energy is transmitted to these exposed regions in order to bring about changes in cell components. Radiation therapy is used particularly in treating cancer by killing tumor cells or reducing the capability of the cells to divide. Both linear and cyclic accelerators can be used in accelerator systems.
Conventionally, it has been necessary to manually connect an oscilloscope to a box in the control room of the accelerator system. This connection enables a user to monitor the signals from the accelerator system relevant for the operation. A proper connection requires time-consuming tuning of the oscilloscope. In addition, the signal information obtained by the oscilloscope must be separately recorded, for example, on paper.
Since the information obtained must be recorded separately, only a small portion of the signal data, for example the amplitude and width, can be picked up or acquired. Generally, this data acquisition is done only at relatively long maintenance intervals, for example, every three months.
Even with arrangements for transmitting the signals received to a servicing device by modem, intervention by the user is still required. The user must still connect the oscilloscope and forward the data. Data acquisition is limited to the brief times in which an oscilloscope is connected. Because of the difficulty of connecting the oscilloscope and tuning the signal, data acquisition generally only takes place when the accelerator system malfunctions or during routine maintenance at certain relatively long maintenance intervals. Thus, monitoring the accelerator system during the operation of the system is hardly possible because the presence of a system technician in the operation room could bother the medical personnel who are operating the system.
Thus, a method that permits improved function monitoring in medical accelerator systems is desired.