KR102162745B1 - Automated system for radiochromic film analysis - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an RCF automatic analysis system for evaluating absorbed dose. More specifically, the present invention relates to the RCF automatic analysis system for evaluating absorbed dose, comprising: a light source unit configured of a plurality of LED arrangements to have a flat light source spectrum; a light source guide unit enabling light radiated from the light source unit to be a parallel beam; a sample rotation wheel installed inside a darkroom and having a mounting hole formed in the circumferential direction; a driving unit driving the sample rotation wheel around a rotational shaft; a film patch installed in the mounting hole; an integrating sphere where light passing through a sample of the film patch is distracted; and a spectrometer analyzing the spectrum of penetrating light of the sample by collecting signals of each channel for each wavelength by enabling the light distracted from the integrating sphere to be transmitted.

Description

Automated system for radiochromic film analysis {Automated system for radiochromic film analysis}

The present invention relates to a radiochromic film (RCF) automatic analysis system for evaluating absorbed dose.

To measure the radiation dose, there are typically a method using an ionizing action, a method using an excitation action, a method using a chemical action, and a method using a photosensitive action. Among these, RCF is the irradiated area when irradiated with radiation. It is a method using the photosensitive action that changes its intensity, and since it does not require a chemical treatment process as in general films, it is widely used for measuring radiation dose.

1 is a graph showing a red, green, blue (RGB) decomposition graph for color, FIG. 2 shows a graph of dose and absorbance for RGB, and FIG. 3 is an analysis device using a conventional image scanner. It shows a picture.

Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 3, a film dosimetry method using a scanner was applied.

As shown in Fig. 1, when the scanned image using a film-transmitting scanner is separated into RGB (red, green, blue) and the RCF is scanned in the scanner, there is an advantage that a large area of dose distribution can be seen. .

And if you select a channel (RGB) suitable for the dose, get a calibration curve, and know the optical density of the film irradiated by radiation, use the calibration curve to determine how much of the unknown dose to be irradiated. You can calculate whether it works.

However, devices such as ionization boxes, glass dosimeters, and TLDs that have been applied in the past have had a problem of having various limitations in attaching to skin or living tissues depending on size, density, irradiation and measurement conditions, etc.

In addition, when a scanner is used, the light source (eg, xenon lamp, etc.) is used as it is, so there is no selectivity for the light source. In addition, there is a disadvantage that the signal obtained from the scanner's detector cannot be separated into various spectra. In addition, the current commercial spectro (photo) meter is very large in size and inconvenient to move, so it is not suitable for on-site measurement and has a disadvantage that the price is high.

In addition, these expensive spectrophotometers have the advantage of stable analysis capability and absorbance scan, but use light sources such as Deuterium UV lamp and Visible QI lamp, and the light from these light sources goes through grating until reaching the sample. It goes through a lot of optics. At this time, control of all optical devices is necessary, and due to this complexity, the size of the spectrophotometer increases and the price increases.

In addition, in the case of film citymetry using a scanner, there is a disadvantage that it goes through a lot of methods and procedures, takes a long time, and commercial software for film analysis is also expensive.

Korean Patent Registration No. 1005614 Korean Patent Registration No. 1721798

Therefore, the present invention has been devised to solve the conventional problems as described above, and according to an embodiment of the present invention, since the RCF is divided into small sizes and used, it can be used to measure the average dose value in a certain narrow area, and the film Silver has a thin thickness (0.25 ~ 0.3mm) and an effective atomic number of 7.26, so the reaction to radiation is close to that of a water equivalent material, so when used as a small patch, it is advantageous to measure the absorbed dose after attaching it around the body tissue. In addition, since the density is similar to that of the body tissue, the effect of scattering characteristics and radiation attenuation around the surrounding area is almost similar, so that the dose at the point of interest can be measured with little influence of the scattering to the surrounding area generated by the RCF attachment. Its purpose is to provide an automatic RCF analysis system for evaluating absorbed doses.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a spectro (photo) meter is used for spectrum analysis of RCF absorbance to obtain absorbance in a desired wavelength band during film analysis. Recently, LED products can be developed in various wavelength bands, and high-resolution light source LED (Full width half maximum of spectral band width: varies from 10nm to hundreds of nm) In addition, since it can be used easily and at low cost, an analysis light source close to a single wavelength suitable for the sample to be analyzed by using LED as an absorbance analysis light source Its purpose is to provide an automatic RCF analysis system for evaluating absorbed doses that can be effective and can be manufactured in a small size and thus reduce manufacturing costs.

And according to the embodiment of the present invention, since RCF analysis is performed using a spectrophotometer, a light source of a desired wavelength range can be used, and an absorption having a function of selectively adjusting the desired wavelength and range from the obtained absorbance spectrum Its purpose is to provide an automatic RCF analysis system for dose evaluation.

In addition, according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is very convenient that the result value (i.e., the absorbed dose value) comes out immediately by simply inserting the patch into the analysis device, and the system contains the dose absorbed in the region of interest from the calibration curve input to the software The purpose of this is to provide an automatic RCF analysis system for evaluating absorbed dose, which is very convenient from the user's point of view.

Meanwhile, the technical problems to be achieved in the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems that are not mentioned are clearly to those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the following description. It will be understandable.

An object of the present invention is a light source unit configured with a plurality of LED arrays to form a flat light source spectrum; A light source guide unit for adjusting the size and shape of the light irradiated from the light source unit; A sample rotation wheel installed in a darkroom and having a mounting hole formed along the circumferential direction; A driving unit driving the sample rotation wheel based on a rotation axis; A film patch installed in the mounting hole; An integrating sphere through which light passing through the sample of the film patch is scattered; And a spectrometer for analyzing the transmitted light spectrum of the sample by transmitting the light scattered from the integrating sphere and collecting signals from each channel for each wavelength; achieved as an RCF automatic analysis system for evaluating absorbed dose, comprising: Can be.

And the film patch, the RCF, a retainer ring that fixes the RCF, a protective film that prevents contamination during irradiation and can be easily removed during analysis, and is provided on one side of the protective film to the patient's skin or an area of interest. It may be characterized in that it includes an adhesive layer configured to be attached to the film patch.

In addition, the light source unit may be characterized in that it is possible to obtain a flat spectral light source by combining the LED elements for each wavelength, and selectively using an LED having an appropriate absorption wavelength of the sample by applying an LED having a spectral distribution in a specific wavelength region. have.

In addition, the optical guide unit includes a lens that collects the scattered light and irradiates it with a parallel beam, a filter that filters out unwanted light of an unwanted wavelength band from the light source, and a collimator that adjusts the light source to the region of interest of the sample. It can be characterized by that.

In addition, the sample rotation wheel includes a tooth drive shaft and a motor that rotates the sample rotation wheel, an indicator indicating a rotation angle or position, a rotation sensor reading a rotation angle or position value, and an ND filter for calibrating the output of a light source. It may be characterized by including.

And the sample mounting unit includes a sample mounting rod provided at a lower end of a position corresponding to the mounting hole of the sample rotation wheel, a sample mounting rod driving unit for driving the sample mounting rod, and a control unit for vertically moving the sample mounting rod by controlling the sample mounting rod driving unit. It can be characterized by that.

In addition, the integrating sphere, characterized in that the light reflected in the integrating sphere has a uniform response according to the wavelength within the film analysis wavelength range, and includes an optical fiber that transmits the light scattered in the integrating sphere to a spectrometer. can do.

In addition, the spectrometer analyzes the light transmitted through the optical fiber from the integrating sphere, and collects signals from each channel for each wavelength, and if the channel is calibrated for wavelength, only the channel in the appropriate wavelength region according to the sample type is considered. It can be characterized by analyzing.

In addition, a temperature control device consisting of a temperature control plate installed on the upper or lower side of the sample rotation wheel, a plurality of Peltier elements installed on the temperature control plate, and a temperature sensor provided on one side of the temperature control plate to measure the temperature in real time. It further includes, and the control unit may be characterized in that controlling the temperature control device to maintain a set temperature based on the value measured by the temperature sensor.

Then, the control unit checks whether the power of the equipment is applied and the communication connection with the computer is abnormal, sets the power of the light source according to the characteristics and analysis dose range of the sample, turns on and stabilizes the light source, and determines whether a film patch is mounted in the mounting hole. Check, set the data collection time and the number of repeated measurements of the spectrometer, obtain the spectrum of the unirradiated sample first, obtain the spectrum for the remaining samples, and then obtain the NOD (Net Optical Density) value of each sample from the unirradiated sample. , It can be characterized in that the NOD to Dose dose calibration curve is obtained by fitting the NOD value of the sample for calibration, and the dose is determined from the NOD value of the sample for analysis.

According to the RCF automatic analysis system for evaluating absorbed dose according to an embodiment of the present invention, since the RCF is divided into small sizes, it can be used to measure the average dose value in a certain narrow area, and the film has a thin thickness (0.25 ~ 0.3mm) Since the effective atomic number is 7.26, the response to radiation is close to water equivalent substances, so when used in the form of a small patch, it is advantageous to measure the absorbed dose after attaching it around the body tissue. In addition, since the density is similar to that of the body tissue, the effect of scattering characteristics and radiation attenuation around the surrounding area is almost similar, so that the dose at the point of interest can be measured with little influence of the scattering to the surrounding area generated by the RCF attachment. Has an effect.

According to the RCF automatic analysis system for evaluating absorbed dose according to an embodiment of the present invention, absorbance can be obtained in a desired wavelength band when analyzing a film by using a spectro (photo) meter for spectrum analysis of RCF absorbance. Since it is possible to develop LED products at a large scale and high-resolution light source LED (Full width half maximum of spectral band width: various from 10nm to hundreds of nm) can be used easily and at low cost, select and use LED as the light source for absorbance analysis. The analysis light source effect close to a single wavelength suitable for the intended sample can be produced, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced because it can be manufactured in a small size.

And according to the RCF automatic analysis system for evaluating absorbed dose according to an embodiment of the present invention, since RCF analysis is performed using a spectrophotometer, a light source in the desired wavelength range can be used, and the wavelength and the desired wavelength from the obtained absorbance spectrum It has the effect of being able to selectively adjust its range.

It is very convenient because the result value (i.e., absorbed dose value) is automatically calculated and can be viewed immediately by simply inserting the irradiated film patch into the analysis device, and the system evaluates the dose absorbed in the region of interest from the calibration curve entered into the software. It has the advantage of being very convenient from the user's point of view.

On the other hand, the effects obtainable in the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the following description. I will be able to.

The following drawings attached to the present specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and serve to further understand the technical idea of the present invention together with the detailed description of the present invention, so the present invention is limited to the matters described in such drawings. And should not be interpreted.
1 is an RGB decomposition graph for a color image and a change in absorbance according to an increase in absorbed dose,
2 is a relationship between dose and absorbance for each channel (RGB) according to an increase in absorbed dose (Dose),
3 is an example of film analysis using a conventional image scanner,
Figure 4a is an absorbance (Optical density or Absorbance) spectrum measured with a Varian Cary 4000 spectrophotometer (SPM),
4B is a net optical density or Net Absorbance spectrum measured with a Varian Cary 4000 spectrophotometer (SPM),
Figures 5a and 5b is a case of collecting only around the peak wavelength (Spectral bandwidth (SBW): 25 nm) measured with a Varian Cary 4000 spectrophotometer (SPM) (Fig. 5a) and a full spectrum (SBW: 400 nm) The dose-response curve of the case (Fig. 5b),
6 is a spectrum analysis and dose response curve for each wavelength of MD-55-2 RCF,
7 is a block diagram of an RCF automatic analysis system for evaluating absorbed dose according to an embodiment of the present invention,
8 is a plan view of a light source unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;
9A and 9B are graphs theoretically calculating that there may be no wide and flat light source spectrum in a desired area by combining light sources of several wavelengths by a light source unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;
10 is a plan view of a sample rotation wheel according to an embodiment of the present invention;
11 is a cross-sectional view of a sample installation portion according to an embodiment of the present invention,
12A is a plan view of a film patch according to an embodiment of the present invention;
12B is a cross-sectional view of a film patch according to an embodiment of the present invention,
13A is a cross-sectional view of an integrating sphere according to an embodiment of the present invention;
13B is a graph of reflectance versus wavelength in an integrating sphere according to an embodiment of the present invention;
14 is a flowchart of an RCF automatic analysis method for evaluating absorbed dose according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The above objects, other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be easily understood through the following preferred embodiments related to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and may be embodied in other forms. Rather, the embodiments introduced herein are provided so that the disclosed contents may be thorough and complete, and the spirit of the present invention may be sufficiently conveyed to those skilled in the art.

In the present specification, when a component is referred to as being on another component, it means that it may be formed directly on the other component or that a third component may be interposed between them. In addition, in the drawings, the thickness of the components is exaggerated for effective description of the technical content.

Embodiments described herein will be described with reference to cross-sectional views and/or plan views, which are ideal exemplary views of the present invention. In the drawings, the thicknesses of films and regions are exaggerated for effective description of technical content. Accordingly, the shape of the exemplary diagram may be modified by manufacturing technology and/or tolerance. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the specific form shown, but also include a change in form generated according to the manufacturing process. For example, an area shown at a right angle may be rounded or may have a shape having a predetermined curvature. Accordingly, the regions illustrated in the drawings have properties, and the shapes of the regions illustrated in the drawings are intended to illustrate a specific shape of a device region and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. In various embodiments of the present specification, terms such as first and second are used to describe various elements, but these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component. The embodiments described and illustrated herein also include complementary embodiments thereof.

The terms used in the present specification are for describing exemplary embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular form also includes the plural form unless specifically stated in the phrase. As used in the specification, "comprises" and/or "comprising" does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other elements.

In describing the specific embodiments below, a number of specific contents have been prepared to explain the invention in more detail and to aid understanding. However, readers who have knowledge in this field to the extent that they can understand the present invention can recognize that it can be used without these various specific contents. In some cases, it is mentioned in advance that parts that are commonly known in describing the invention and are not largely related to the invention are not described in order to prevent confusion without any reason in describing the invention.

Hereinafter, an automatic RCF analysis system for evaluating absorbed dose according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. According to the RCF automatic analysis system for evaluating absorbed dose according to an embodiment of the present invention, since RCF analysis is performed using a spectrophotometer, a light source in the desired wavelength range can be used, and the desired wavelength and the wavelength obtained from the obtained absorbance spectrum You can optionally adjust the range.

Figure 4a shows the absorbance (Optical density or Absorbance) spectrum measured by a commercial Varian Cary 4000 spectrophotometer (SPM), Figure 4b is a net optical absorption measured by the Varian Cary 4000 spectrophotometer (SPM). density or Net Absorbance) spectrum.

In addition, Figures 5a and 5b is a case of collecting only around the peak wavelength (Spectral bandwidth (SBW): 25nm) measured with a commercial product Varian Cary 4000 spectrophotometer (SPM) (Figure 5a) and full spectrum (SBW: 400nm) ) Is a dose-response curve in the case of collecting (FIG. 5B).

And Figure 6 shows the spectrum analysis and dose response curve for each wavelength of the MD-55-2 RCF. As shown in FIG. 6, the characteristics of the dose response curves are different for each wavelength band of the light source collected by the spectrometer, and the spectral characteristics are different for each type of film (RCF), and the preferred spectral region may be different. Able to know.

As shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B, the advantage of spectrum analysis using a spectrophotometer is that a light source of a desired wavelength range can be used, and the desired wavelength and its range can be individually determined from the obtained absorbance spectrum. It can be selected and adjusted with

Hereinafter, the configuration and function of the automatic RCF analysis system for evaluating absorbed dose according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

First, FIG. 7 shows a configuration diagram of an RCF automatic analysis system 100 for evaluating absorbed dose according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the RCF automatic analysis system 100 for evaluating absorbed dose according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a light source unit 20, a light source guide unit 30, a sample analysis device, and a sample installation unit 60. , Integrating sphere 70, spectrometer 80, temperature control device 90, it can be seen that it can be configured to include a control unit 110.

The light source unit 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be composed of a plurality of LEDs 21 (arrangement) installed on the panel 22. 8 is a plan view of a light source unit 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the light source unit 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention is composed of an array of a plurality of LEDs 21 on the panel 22 of a complete plate type, so that the light source can be made uniform over a large area. .

In addition, the intensity of the light source may be differently set according to the photosensitivity of the target film RCF through the control unit 110.

In the embodiment of the present invention, each of the LED 21 elements in the LED 21 array is composed of individual elements having different wavelengths or several LEDs 21 of the same wavelength group. In addition, the wavelength selection range of the LED 21 may be very diverse. Recently, not only Vis (visible light region) LEDs (21) of various wavelengths, but also UV (ultraviolet ray region) LEDs, and NIR (near infrared ray region) LEDs have been developed. It varies widely up to the area (hundreds of nm). Accordingly, a flat light source spectrum can be created by combining several LEDs 21 as shown in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b).

That is, if the LED 21 elements are properly combined for each wavelength, a light source having a flat spectrum can be obtained. 9A and 9B are graphs that theoretically calculate that there may be no wide and flat light source spectrum in a desired region by combining light sources of several wavelengths by the light source unit 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 9A shows a flat spectrum (FIG. 9B) when 22 light sources (FIG. 9A) with a peak wavelength of 600 nm to 700 nm and an FWHM of 10 nm are combined (the peak intensity of each LED output light is the same, and the output Assuming that light has a Gaussian distribution, the theoretical spectrum can be calculated as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B.

The advantage of obtaining a wide and flat spectrum is that it takes a little time (about tens of seconds) because light spectroscopically through grating and silt is scanned by wavelength in a general spectrophotometer (80), but a very short time when using a flat light source spectrum. Spectrum measurement is possible (within 1~2 seconds). Of course, since it is possible to individually turn on/off the LED 21, scanning in a certain wavelength range is also possible.

The wavelength of the preferred light source may differ depending on the type of RCF or the degree of photosensitivity (optical density is proportional to the absorbed dose). Therefore, if the LED 21 having a spectral distribution in a specific wavelength region is properly used, the LED 21 in an appropriate absorption wavelength band of the RCF can be selectively used (for example, in the EBT3 0-8 Gy irradiation region, the light source is approximately The OD change (Dose-response) according to the dose is large in the wavelength range of 620nm ~ 660nm. The larger dose-response means that the film is sensitive to radiation.)

In addition, since each LED 21 can be individually turned on/off, when the type of film is changed or the range of dose to be measured is changed, the wavelength of the light source can also be changed and analyzed by selectively using the LED 21. .

In addition, the light source unit 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention adopts a structure capable of attaching and detaching the whole, and depending on the characteristics of the LED 21 end of life or the analysis sample (not limited to the film, but also other samples can be measured) It is possible to use a light source of a combination of the LED (21) suited.

In addition, the control unit 110 may control the light source unit 20 to adjust the intensity of light. The transmission spectrum of the unirradiated film (sample) is measured so that the maximum intensity does not exceed the limit of the spectrometer 80 ADC. The power supply voltage and current values are adjusted within a range not exceeding the maximum allowable current of the LED 21. In addition, it operates in a constant current mode capable of passing a constant current through the LED 21 during data collection.

When a current is applied to the LED 21, it waits until the amount of light from the LED 21 is sufficiently stabilized, and a current regulator can be used to design the system to be operated even with a battery (in this case, the type of film and the LED 21 ), the regulating current should be configured to be selectable).

In addition, the amount of light should be reduced as much as possible and controlled in the direction of increasing the data collection time of the spectrometer 80, but should be operated so that the amount of light is constant while collecting all film data (that is, the amount of light should be reduced as much as possible but depending on the stability of the power supply. It is necessary to find the appropriate time for data collection of the spectrometer 80). When it is necessary to use different LEDs 21 for the same film (multi-channel analysis), it takes time to stabilize the amount of light of the LED 21, so after analyzing all the films for the same LED 21, other LEDs 21 Switch to

In addition, the light source guide unit 30 of the RCF automatic analysis system 100 for evaluating the absorbed dose according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 7, a lens 31, a filter 32, a collimator (collimator) ,33) can be included. After the lens 31 is properly mixed, the scattered light can be collected and irradiated with a parallel beam (function of adjusting the position and type of the lens). In addition, the filter 32 serves to filter out unwanted light of an unwanted wavelength band from the light source (high pass, low pass, band pass filter, etc., which can be replaced according to the wavelength range of the light). And the collimator 33 serves to reduce the beam to fit the region of interest (ROI of the film) of the light source of a large area of the sample (size can be adjusted and replaced according to the size of the sample and the size of the analysis region).

Next, a sample analysis apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. 10 is a plan view showing a sample rotation wheel 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 10, the sample analysis apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention may be configured with a sample rotation wheel 40.

As shown in FIG. 10, the sample rotation wheel 40 is configured to install a sample (sample, film patch) by forming a plurality of polygonal or circular hole-shaped mounting holes along the circumferential direction on the outer side.

The sample rotation wheel 40 includes a toothed drive shaft 48 and a motor 49 capable of rotating, and a step motor 49 capable of fine adjustment is applied. An indicator (magnet scaler, 46) indicating the rotation angle (or position) is engraved, and there is a rotation sensor 51 that can read this value, so that the sample is accurately analyzed when the sample rotation wheel 40 rotates. Adjust it to come to the position. In addition, the sample rotation wheel 40 may include an ND filter to correct the output of the light source, and the sample rotation wheel 40 to remove light from the periphery that may enter the sample rotation wheel 40, as shown in FIG. (41) It can be seen that it is installed inside.

The sample mounting unit 60 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a sample mounting rod 61 and a sample mounting rod driving unit 62. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a sample installation part 60 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sample mounting rod 61 is located at the lower end of the position corresponding to the mounting hole of the sample rotation wheel 40 and is configured to be driven by the sample mounting rod driving unit 62 composed of a solenoid coil or a motor, and the control unit 110 ) Controls the sample mounting rod driving unit 62 so that the sample mounting rod 61 can vertically move up and down to push up the sample.

Next, the configuration of the film patch 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention that is mounted in the mounting hole of the sample rotation wheel 40 will be described. 12A is a plan view showing a film patch 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. And Figure 12b shows a cross-sectional view of the film patch 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, it can be seen that the film patch 10 may be composed of an RCF 11, a retainer ring 12, a protective film 13, and the like. The RCF 11 is fixed by a retainer ring 12. In addition, the retainer ring 12 includes the ID of the RCF, and there are protective films 13 on the upper and lower surfaces of the retainer ring 12 to protect contamination during irradiation, and adhesives are applied to the periphery of the transparent protective film 13. The applied adhesive layer 14 is present and can be attached to the patient's skin and the region of interest. This transparent protective film 13 is removed and analyzed during analysis.

And the light passing through the sample is scattered in the white integrating sphere (70). 13A is a cross-sectional view of an integrating sphere 70 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 13B shows a graph of reflectance versus wavelength in the integrating sphere 70 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The light reflected in the integrating sphere 70 has a very uniform response according to the wavelength within the film analysis wavelength range. The light scattered in the integrating sphere 70 is collected in the optical fiber hub 73 through the optical fiber sensor unit 71 and the optical fiber 72 and then transmitted to the spectrometer 80 as shown in FIG. 7 ( It is connected to the spectrometer 80 through the optical fiber connection port 74).

Light transmitted from the integrating sphere 70 through the optical fiber 72 is transmitted to the spectrometer 80 and analyzed. The spectrometer 80 collects signals from each channel for each wavelength. If the channel is calibrated for the wavelength, it can be analyzed by considering only the channel in the appropriate wavelength region according to the type of film. The maximum value of the signal from the unirradiated film should not exceed the maximum value of the spectrometer (80) ADC. For the same film, the analysis area may be differently considered according to the wavelength (RGB) of the LED 21.

In addition, the RCF automatic analysis system 100 for evaluating absorbed dose according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a temperature control device 90 as shown in FIG. 7. The temperature control device 90 may be composed of a plurality of Peltier elements 92 installed on the temperature control plate 91. The temperature rise and fall can be controlled by alternating the direction of the Peltier element 92 or the direction of voltage application, and a temperature sensor that can be composed of a thermocouple, a thermistor, platinum resistance, etc. is provided on one side of the temperature control plate 91 to control the temperature. It can be measured in real time. The temperature control device 90 is connected to the power supply and the control unit 110 and is configured to be controlled to a set value.

Hereinafter, functions of the control unit 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. 14 is a flowchart of an RCF automatic analysis method for evaluating absorbed dose according to an embodiment of the present invention.

First, the equipment is initialized and the film patch 10 is mounted in the mounting hole (S1). In order to initialize the equipment, power on the equipment and check whether there is a communication connection error with the computer, install the film patch 10 in the analysis slot (mounting hole), and then move the slot to the parking position.

And the light source unit 20 is controlled (S2). After setting the power of the light source according to the characteristics of the film and the analysis dose section, turn on the light source and stabilize it.

And the purpose of the film (for calibration or analysis) is set and the spectrometer 80 is set (S3). Check whether the film is installed in the mounting hole, and check whether it is a calibration film or an analysis film. In addition, the spectrometer 80 sets the data collection time and the number of repeated measurements.

And the spectrometer 80 collects data (S4). The spectrum of the unirradiated film is obtained first, and the spectrum of the remaining films is obtained, and then the NOD (Net Optical Density) value of each film is obtained from the unirradiated film.

And it analyzes and evaluates the dose of the film for equipment calibration and analysis (S5). The NOD to Dose dose calibration curve is obtained by fitting the NOD value of the calibration film, and the dose is determined from the NOD value of the analysis film.

In addition, the above-described apparatus and method are not limitedly applicable to the configuration and method of the above-described embodiments, but all or part of each of the embodiments may be selectively combined so that various modifications can be made. It can also be configured.

10: film patch
11:RCF
12: retainer ring
13: protective film
14: adhesive layer
20: light source part
21: LED
22: light source panel
30: light source guide part
31: lens
32: filter
33: collimator
40: sampling wheel
41: Darkroom
42: installation hole
43: cover
44: tooth
45: rotating shaft
46: indicator
47: mounting hole
48: tooth drive shaft
49: step motor
51: rotation sensor
60: sample installation part
61: sample mounting rod
62: sample mounting rod drive unit
70: integrating sphere
71: optical fiber sensor unit
72: optical fiber
73: fiber optic hub
74: connection port
80: Spectrometer
90: temperature control device
91: temperature control plate
92: Peltier element
93: heat sink array
100: RCF automatic analysis system for absorbed dose evaluation
110: control unit
111:DAQ PC
112: data cable

Claims (10)

A light source unit configured with a plurality of LED arrays to form light having a uniform distribution over a large area;
A light source unit configured with a plurality of LEDs having various wavelengths to form a flat light source spectrum;
A light source guide unit for adjusting the size and shape of the light source beam generated by the light source unit;
A sample rotation wheel installed in a darkroom and having a mounting hole formed along the circumferential direction;
A driving unit driving the sample rotation wheel based on a rotation axis;
A film patch installed in the mounting hole;
An integrating sphere through which light passing through the sample of the film patch is scattered; And
A spectrometer for transmitting the light scattered from the integrating sphere through an optical fiber to collect signals from each channel for each wavelength to analyze the transmitted light spectrum of the sample; Software that selects and analyzes the spectrum obtained through the spectrometer, and applies the calibration curve to calculate the absorbed dose of the irradiated film patch with an unknown dose; RCF automatic analysis system for evaluating absorbed dose, comprising a.
The method of claim 1,
The film patch,
RCF, a retainer ring that fixes the RCF, a protective film that is removed during analysis and prevents contamination when irradiated with radiation, and an adhesive layer provided on one side of the protective film so that the film patch can be attached to the patient's skin or an area of interest Automatic RCF analysis system for evaluating absorbed dose, comprising: a.
The method of claim 2,
The light source unit,
RCF for evaluating absorbed dose, characterized in that it is possible to obtain a flat spectral light source by combining the LED elements for each wavelength, and selectively using an LED having an appropriate absorption wavelength of the sample by applying an LED having a spectral distribution in a specific wavelength region. Automatic analysis system.
The method of claim 3,
The light source guide unit,
Absorption characterized in that it includes a lens that collects the scattered light and irradiates it with a parallel beam, a filter that filters out unwanted light from the light source when it is mixed, and a collimator that adjusts the light source to the region of interest of the sample. RCF automatic analysis system for dose evaluation.
The method of claim 4,
The sample rotation wheel,
Absorbed dose comprising a toothed drive shaft and a motor that rotates the sample rotation wheel, an indicator indicating a rotation angle or position, a rotation sensor reading a rotation angle or position value, and an ND filter for calibrating the output of a light source. RCF automatic analysis system for evaluation.
The method of claim 5,
Sample installation part
It characterized in that it comprises a sample mounting rod provided at the lower end of the position corresponding to the mounting hole of the sample rotation wheel, a sample mounting rod driving unit for driving the sample mounting rod, and a control unit for vertically moving the sample mounting rod by controlling the sample mounting rod driving unit. RCF automatic analysis system for absorbed dose evaluation.
The method of claim 6,
The integrating sphere,
The light reflected in the integrating sphere has a uniform response according to the wavelength within the film analysis wavelength range, and includes an optical fiber that transmits the light scattered in the integrating sphere to a spectrometer. RCF automatic analysis system.
The method of claim 7,
The spectrometer analyzes the light transmitted through the optical fiber from the integrating sphere, and collects signals from each channel for each wavelength, and if the channel is calibrated for the wavelength, only the channel in the appropriate wavelength region according to the sample type is considered. RCF automatic analysis system for absorbed dose evaluation, characterized in that the analysis.
The method of claim 8,
A temperature control device comprising a temperature control plate installed on the upper or lower side of the sample rotation wheel, a plurality of Peltier elements installed on the temperature control plate, and a temperature sensor provided at one side of the temperature control plate to measure the temperature in real time. And the control unit controls the temperature control device to maintain a set temperature based on a value measured by a temperature sensor.
The method of claim 9,
The control unit checks whether the power of the equipment is applied and the communication connection with the computer is abnormal, sets the power of the light source according to the characteristics and analysis dose range of the sample, turns on and stabilizes the light source, and checks whether a film patch is installed in the mounting hole Then, set the data collection time and the number of repeated measurements of the spectrometer, obtain the spectrum of the unirradiated sample first, obtain the spectrum for the remaining samples, and then obtain the NOD (Net Optical Density) value of each sample from the unirradiated sample, RCF automatic analysis system for absorbed dose evaluation, characterized in that the NOD to Dose dose calibration curve is obtained by fitting the NOD value of the calibration sample and the dose is determined from the NOD value of the sample for analysis.

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