Method and apparatus for x-ray ionizing radiation control
Inventors
Badali, Daniel Salvatore • Funk, Tobias
Assignees
Publication Number
US-10282499-B2
Publication Date
2019-05-07
Expiration Date
2036-12-16
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Abstract
The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for x-ray ionizing radiation control and ionizing radiation control. A digital representation of an inanimate object is formed. The amount of the radiation at a surface of the inanimate object is simulated. The radiation-matter interaction for a material of the inanimate object is calculated. The amount of energy deposited at a plurality of locations at the inanimate object is calculated. The digital representation of the inanimate object is modified in response to an input from a user and the modified digital representation of the inanimate object is displayed.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a method and apparatus for ionizing radiation control, specifically for x-ray ionizing radiation. It enables the formation of a digital representation of an inanimate object, simulation of the amount of radiation at the object's surface, calculation of radiation-matter interaction for the object's material, and determination of the amount of energy deposited at multiple locations within the object. The digital representation can be modified based on user input, and the modified version is displayed for review.
This invention addresses the problem that, in typical product design processes, compliance with sterilization regulations is only verified after the product is fully designed and built. This can lead to significant costs and delays if the product fails post-design sterilization tests, necessitating design changes and repeated testing for sterilization, crosslinking, or hazardous waste treatment. The need is for a cost-effective, fast, and accurate ionizing radiation control system that streamlines the product design process and reduces redesign costs arising from failed regulatory outcomes.
The invention further includes the ability to compare the deposited energy at each location to dose thresholds for sterilization, crosslinking of materials, or hazardous waste neutralization. Additional features enable digital simulation of packaging and shielding effects, adjustments of object positioning, and application of probability distributions in modeling radiation. The system can operate with detailed three-dimensional digital models, and provides statistical outputs such as the likelihood of regulatory compliance, thereby guiding design decisions throughout product and packaging development.
Claims Coverage
The patent claims coverage is based on two independent claims: one for a method for x-ray ionizing radiation control and another for a system for x-ray ionizing radiation control. The key inventive features from these claims are summarized below.
Method for x-ray ionizing radiation control with simulation and interactive digital representation
A method is provided that includes: - Forming a digital representation of an inanimate object. - Simulating the amount of x-ray radiation at a surface of the inanimate object. - Calculating radiation-matter interactions for the material of the inanimate object. - Calculating the amount of energy deposited at a plurality of locations at the inanimate object. - Allowing modification of the digital representation in response to user input. - Displaying the modified digital representation.
System for x-ray ionizing radiation control with simulation, design modification, and user interaction
A system comprising: - A display device to show a digital representation of an inanimate object to a user. - A simulator configured to simulate the amount of x-ray radiation at the object's surface. - A processor to calculate radiation-matter interactions and the energy deposited at multiple locations in the object. - A user input device for receiving input from the user. - A design tool to modify the digital representation of the inanimate object in response to user input.
The primary inventive features claimed are an integrated method and system for simulating and controlling x-ray ionizing radiation effects on inanimate objects, with the ability to interactively modify and analyze digital object representations in response to user input, and to simulate and calculate radiation deposition and effects throughout the object's structure.
Stated Advantages
Streamlines product design by incorporating computer simulations to predict the outcome of sterilization, enabling rapid feedback during development.
Reduces the risk and cost associated with post-design testing failures, minimizing redesign and repeated testing.
Allows for simulation-guided optimization of product and packaging design, choice of sterilization method, and packing configuration without the need for costly experimental trials.
Enables accurate and detailed analysis of dose distribution, including areas that are experimentally inaccessible, improving the ability to meet regulatory dose requirements.
Supports fast processing times by leveraging GPU parallel processing capabilities for large-scale simulations.
Documented Applications
Sterilization of medical devices and health-care products to comply with regulatory dose requirements.
Crosslinking of polymers, such as curing plastics by radiation-induced hardening.
Treatment and neutralization of hazardous waste using ionizing radiation.
Guidance in the design and engineering of product packaging and the choice of suitable sterilization and packing methods.
Design and optimization of radiation shielding for electronics or other radiation-sensitive components.
Design and evaluation of new ionizing radiation equipment and facilities for sterilization, crosslinking, or hazardous waste treatment.
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