Graphical user interface for radiation therapy

Abstract

This invention provides a method for facilitating the precise alignment and configuration of radiation therapy equipment before treatment. [Solution] The method includes presenting a set of icons on a display screen located on the gantry of a radiotherapy device, the icons corresponding to instructions for adjusting at least one attribute of the device before the start of a radiotherapy session. To confirm the adjustment, the system visually highlights a button on a pendant that communicates with the radiotherapy device, prompting the operator to confirm whether the device or patient is properly aligned. Upon receiving input indicating interaction with the button, at least one processor presents a visual indicator on the display screen to confirm that the radiotherapy device is properly aligned for patient treatment. This method improves accuracy, simplifies the setup process, and enhances the overall efficiency of the radiotherapy workflow.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates generally to graphical user interfaces and software for radiotherapy treatments and apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Radiation therapy using ionizing radiation is a local treatment that targets specific tissues such as cancerous tumors. Ideally, this therapy is aimed at the planned target volume (PTV) or target organ, and protects surrounding healthy tissue from excessive radiation dose to minimize damage. To ensure that the prescribed dose is accurately applied to the PTV, the patient must be precisely positioned relative to the linear accelerator, typically using a movable treatment couch on a turntable assembly. Performing radiation therapy is a complex process that includes specific guidelines, protocols, and instructions that various medical professionals, including clinicians, technicians, device manufacturers, and treating physicians, must follow. Due to the risks associated with radiation, it is extremely critical that all instructions are followed with great care.

[0003] Conventional radiotherapy systems are often complex to operate and require extensive training for efficient workflow execution. Tasks such as patient positioning, system calibration, and equipment adjustment involve numerous interactions with both the patient and the radiotherapy equipment. The data required for these setups is often vast and complex, and is usually displayed on screens in the treatment room. However, these conventional methods are inefficient, ineffective, and even potentially dangerous. Conventional radiotherapy systems do not efficiently display the data required for patient and equipment setup. In some conventional systems and methods, the information needed by the operator (e.g., a radiotherapist or other medical professional) is not presented in an intuitive and user-friendly manner, interrupting the adjustment process and making it ineffective and time-consuming. In other conventional systems and methods, all information is often provided through static and complex graphical user interfaces (GUIs). Unless the operator is highly experienced with the particular system, this can delay the setup process and degrade the patient experience.

[0004] Conventional radiotherapy systems often present challenges for operators in verifying the alignment of patients and / or radiotherapy equipment. Firstly, traditional radiotherapy workflows often involve complex alignment values, which can confuse operators when interpreting position numbers on the graphical user interface (GUI). Secondly, the lack of clear alignment indicators leaves operators uncertain about whether the equipment or patient is correctly positioned, potentially compromising the accuracy and safety of treatment. These challenges highlight the need for more advanced systems that integrate dynamic visual indicators, automation, and user-friendly interfaces to streamline the alignment verification process. [Overview of the project]

[0005] For the reasons stated above, it is necessary to streamline the alignment and configuration of radiotherapy equipment and patients before treatment begins to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the workflow. The methods and systems discussed herein can improve the operator's ability to perform alignment-related tasks by addressing challenges in conventional radiotherapy systems, such as the lack of intuitive guidance, real-time feedback, and clear alignment confirmation input elements. By presenting a set of icons on the gantry display screen corresponding to specific instructions for equipment or patient adjustment, the system provides the operator with a structured and visually accessible workflow, reducing cognitive load and minimizing errors. The methods and systems discussed herein provide a dedicated button for the operator to confirm alignment and visually operate the dedicated button at the appropriate time to attract the operator's attention. A visually highlighted dedicated button (e.g., on a pendant) ensures that the operator is prompted (required) to confirm alignment in a streamlined and unambiguous manner, eliminating the uncertainty often associated with manual processes.

[0006] In one specific embodiment, the technology described herein relates to a computer-readable medium containing a set of instructions, wherein at least one processor that executes the instructions is Before radiation therapy begins, a set of icons corresponding to a set of instructions associated with adjusting at least one attribute of the radiation therapy device configured to administer radiation therapy to the patient shall be displayed on a display screen located on the gantry of the radiation therapy device. To indicate a need to confirm whether the radiation therapy equipment or the patient has been adjusted, visually highlight the button on the pendant that communicates with the radiation therapy equipment. Upon receiving instructions to interact with that button, the system responds by displaying a visual indicator on the screen showing that the radiation therapy equipment is aligned for the patient's radiation therapy.

[0007] The aforementioned visual emphasis may include making the buttons a predetermined color.

[0008] The aforementioned visual emphasis may include flashing the button.

[0009] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a computer-readable medium, and the button is a dedicated button for confirming the alignment of a patient or radiotherapy equipment.

[0010] The instruction causes at least one processor to further perform the action of displaying an image of a button on the screen.

[0011] The aforementioned visual indicators may be additional icons displayed on the screen.

[0012] The aforementioned visual indicator may correspond to a change in the visual attributes of at least one icon in the icon set.

[0013] In another specific embodiment, the technology described herein relates to a computer system. This computer system is A radiation therapy device having a display screen, It includes at least one processor that communicates with the display screen, The at least one processor is Before radiation therapy begins, a set of icons corresponding to a set of instructions associated with adjusting at least one attribute of the radiation therapy device configured to administer radiation therapy to the patient is displayed on a display screen located on the gantry of the radiation therapy device. To indicate a need to confirm whether the radiation therapy equipment or the patient has been adjusted, the button on the pendant that communicates with the radiation therapy equipment is visually highlighted. Upon receiving instructions to interact with the button, the system is configured to respond by displaying a visual indicator on the screen showing that the radiation therapy equipment is aligned for the patient's radiation therapy.

[0014] The aforementioned visual emphasis may include making the buttons a predetermined color.

[0015] The aforementioned visual emphasis may include flashing the button.

[0016] The button may be a dedicated button for confirming the alignment of the patient or radiation therapy equipment.

[0017] The at least one processor may be further configured to display an image of a button on a display screen.

[0018] The aforementioned visual indicators may be additional icons displayed on the screen.

[0019] In yet another specific embodiment, the technology described herein relates to a method. This method is At least one processor presents, before radiation therapy begins, a set of icons on a display screen located on the gantry of a radiation therapy device configured to administer radiation therapy to a patient, corresponding to a set of instructions associated with adjusting at least one attribute of the radiation therapy device. The at least one processor visually highlights a button on a pendant that communicates with a radiotherapy device to indicate a request to confirm whether the radiotherapy device or the patient has been adjusted. Upon receiving instructions to interact with the button, the at least one processor responds by displaying a visual indicator on the display screen indicating that the radiotherapy equipment is aligned for the patient's radiotherapy.

[0020] The aforementioned visual emphasis may include making the buttons a predetermined color.

[0021] The aforementioned visual emphasis may include flashing the button.

[0022] The button may be a dedicated button for confirming the alignment check of the patient or the radiotherapy equipment.

[0023] The method may further comprise causing the at least one processor to present an image of a button on a display screen.

[0024] The visual indicator may be an additional icon displayed on the display screen.

[0025] The visual indicator may correspond to a change in a visual attribute of at least one icon in an icon set. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0026] Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure are described by way of example with reference to the drawings, which are schematic and are not intended to be drawn to scale. The drawings represent aspects of the disclosure unless indicated to represent prior art. [Figure 1] Illustrates components of a workflow-oriented radiotherapy system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2A] Illustrates the radiotherapy equipment in a default upright orientation according to one embodiment. [Figure 2B] Illustrates the radiotherapy equipment in a rotated orientation according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] Illustrates a flow of a method for displaying a radiotherapy icon on radiotherapy equipment according to one embodiment. [Figure 4A] Illustrates a radiotherapy apparatus displaying a set of icons and instructions according to one embodiment. [Figure 4B] Illustrates a radiotherapy equipment input element according to one embodiment. [Figure 4C] Illustrates a radiotherapy apparatus displaying a set of icons and instructions according to one embodiment. [Figure 4D] Illustrates a radiotherapy equipment input element according to one embodiment. [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0027] Hereinafter, several embodiments shown in the drawings will be used with reference. Specific terms will be used here to describe these embodiments. However, it is not intended that the scope of embodiments of the methods and systems described herein be limited thereto. Any changes and further modifications to the features shown herein, as well as any additional applications of the principles of embodiments of the methods and systems described herein, that are conceivable to a person with ordinary skill in the related art who has obtained this disclosure, will be considered within the scope of the embodiments, methods, and / or systems described herein.

[0028] The methods described herein can be carried out using the various computing devices / functions shown in Figure 1. Specifically, Figure 1 illustrates non-limiting computer environments in which a server can execute the processes / methods described herein, such as acquiring, processing, and presenting radiotherapy data, and presenting data in a graphical user interface (GUI) with workflow-oriented pages (or instances) on various display screens.

[0029] Figure 1 shows the components of a system 100 for presenting various pages related to radiation therapy procedures according to one embodiment. System 100 may include an analytics server 110, a medical record database 120, a radiation therapy system 140, and a system administrator computer 150 or workstation. These functions can communicate with each other via a network 130. For example, system 100 may present one or more pages / GUIs to the radiation therapy device 141 via the analytics server 110. In another example, system 100 may present a page displaying a patient's live feed (live stream) on one or more display devices, such as a display device in the gantry of the radiation therapy device 141, via the analytics server 110.

[0030] Network 130 may include wired and / or wireless communications that conform to one or more standards via one or more transmission media. Communications via Network 130 may conform to various communication protocols, such as Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) communication protocols. Network 130 may further include wireless communications that conform to the Bluetooth specification set, or wireless communications that conform to another standard or proprietary wireless communication protocol. Network 130 may further include communications via cellular networks, such as Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), and Enhanced Data for Global Evolution Network (EDGE). Examples of Network 130, but not limited to these, may include private or public local area networks (LANs), wireless LANs (WLANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), wide area networks (WANs), and the Internet.

[0031] The analytics server 110 may be any computing device capable of performing the processes described herein. For example, the analytics server 110 includes a processing unit and a non-temporary machine-readable storage medium. The processing unit includes a processor having a computer-readable medium such as random access memory connected to the processor. In some embodiments, the analytics server 110 executes algorithms or computer-executable program instructions, which may be executed by a single processor or multiple processors in a distributed configuration. These instructions enable the processors to perform the functions described herein. The analytics server 110 may be configured to interact with one or more software modules of the same or different types operating within the system 100.

[0032] Non-limiting examples of processors may include, among many others, microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits, and field-programmable object arrays. The analytics server 110 may be capable of performing data processing tasks, data analysis tasks, and evaluation tasks. Non-limiting examples of the analytics server 110 may include desktop computers, server computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, etc. For simplicity, Figure 1 illustrates a single server computing device functioning as the analytics server 110. However, some embodiments may include multiple server computing devices capable of performing the various tasks described herein.

[0033] The implementation of the methods described herein is not limited to the system architecture shown in Figure 1. In alternative embodiments, the analytics server 110 may be an embedded computing device located within the radiotherapy equipment 141. In some embodiments, the analytics server 110 may be a plurality of computing devices operating locally and / or remotely. In various embodiments, the analytics server 110 may be operated via a cloud service (e.g., a network, the internet). This cloud service may be executed according to various communication protocols such as TCP / IP, UDP, and IEEE communication protocols. The analytics server 110 may utilize a database, such as a local database 111, to store and / or retrieve the various data described herein. For example, the analytics server 110 may store various data corresponding to various pages in the local database 111. These pages may be displayed on a display screen attached to the radiotherapy system 140.

[0034] For example, the analytics server 110 may display a page containing a live feed of the patient before treatment begins, or various pages describing how to position the patient on the treatment table and / or how to adjust the radiotherapy equipment 141. While some embodiments describe the analytics server 110 displaying the various pages described herein on a display screen mounted on the radiotherapy equipment 141 (e.g., located on the gantry of the radiotherapy equipment 141), it is obviously understood that the analytics server 110 may also display the various pages described herein on a display screen located anywhere within the treatment room, such as a display screen located on the wall of the treatment room or a display screen located on any electronic device within the treatment room. In some configurations, the analytics server 110 may display the pages on a system administrator computer 150 or workstation.

[0035] The local database 111 may also store data corresponding to the radiotherapy equipment 141 (for example, the default position of the radiotherapy equipment 141, the orientation of the bed / table and gantry, and other current positions of the radiotherapy equipment 141).

[0036] When the analytics server 110 receives a request from the radiotherapy system 140 to provide the current position / orientation of the radiotherapy device 141, the analytics server 110 may query the local database 111 and retrieve the corresponding data. Additionally or alternatively, the analytics server 110 may also communicate with various sensors associated with the radiotherapy system 140 to retrieve device data and parameters. The analytics server 110 may then use the method / system described herein to instruct the radiotherapy device 141 to adjust its position to the default position or to another position, or to display one or more pages instructing the technician to adjust the radiotherapy device 141 and / or the patient.

[0037] The local database 111 may also store data associated with separate users of the radiotherapy system 140. In a non-limiting example, user data may include user login (e.g., sign-in, credentials) information and authorization levels. For example, the analytics server 110 may store a user's name and password, and may use the local database 111 to store a user's name and password. The analytics server 110 may enable a user to log in to the radiotherapy equipment 141 and / or the system administrator computer 150. Once a user has logged into the system, the analytics server 110 may adjust what the user can view, adjust, and control based on the user's authorization level. The analytics server 110 may conceal patient medical information unrelated to radiotherapy from medical technicians. In another example, if an equipment technician signs in, the analytics server 110 may conceal all of the patient's medical information.

[0038] The analytics server 110 may further utilize one or more other databases, such as a medical record database 120, to store and / or retrieve the various types of data described herein. A database as used herein may consist of one or more databases for storing data, and this disclosure is not intended to limit the number or location of databases. The analytics server 110 may instruct the medical record database 120 to store patient data (e.g., patient name, patient equipment alignment information) associated with a patient identifier (e.g., patient name, patient profile picture). The analytics server 110 may then instruct the medical record database 120 to populate a dataset corresponding to the patient and display the patient's profile picture. If the analytics server 110 receives a request from the radiotherapy system 140 to display data associated with a patient identifier, the analytics server 110 may query the medical record database 120 and retrieve the corresponding dataset. The analytics server 110 may then dynamically display the patient data according to the patient identifier using the method / system described herein.

[0039] The medical record database 120 may also include radiotherapy files associated with patient identifiers. As used herein, radiotherapy files refer to all data associated with a patient's radiotherapy treatment and are not limited to specific stages or information. Radiotherapy files may also be obtained from the radiotherapy system 140, the medical record database 120, and / or the system administrator computer 150. Radiotherapy files may contain treatment data associated with a patient. Radiotherapy files may be associated with patient identifiers and may also be updated after a patient completes treatment. For example, after a patient completes a treatment session, the medical record database 120 may obtain the duration of that treatment session from the radiotherapy system 140 and update the radiotherapy file to include the duration of that treatment session. While aspects of the embodiments described herein discuss radiotherapy as a file, a radiotherapy file represents a collection of a patient's medical and treatment data that can be stored in various files. For brevity, this disclosure refers to patient data as a radiotherapy file.

[0040] A radiation therapy file may contain data relating to the treatment plans of one or more patients. Each of these treatment plans is unique to each individual patient. For example, each treatment plan is uniquely created for each patient and corresponds to the patient's unique attributes (e.g., the patient's physical attributes and the patient's specific condition to be treated). In some configurations, each treatment plan for each patient may itself contain multiple files.

[0041] The analytics server 110 can retrieve patient-associated treatment data stored in the radiotherapy files of one or more patients. As described herein, the analytics server 110 can analyze the treatment data and display the various functions and graphical components described herein. While the medical record database 120 may contain treatment data (radiotherapy files) associated with multiple patients, the methods described herein are implemented so that the various pages and graphical functions described herein are specific to the particular patient being treated.

[0042] In some configurations, the analytics server 110 may acquire radiotherapy files associated with multiple patients. The analytics server 110 may then receive a selection of patients to be treated by an operator (e.g., a technician). As a result, the analytics server 110 may identify the radiotherapy files associated with the selected patients and customize the graphical components described herein for the selected patients.

[0043] The analytics server 110 may retrieve patient data associated with a patient from the medical record database 120, the radiotherapy system 140, and / or the system administrator computer 150, and instruct the medical record database 120 to store such patient data. For example, the medical record database 120 may contain patient data (e.g., previously entered by the analytics server 110 and / or periodically retrieved from third-party data sources). When a patient is selected, the analytics server 110 may query the medical record database 120 to retrieve patient data and provide the retrieved patient data. For example, when a patient is selected, the analytics server 110 may display the patient's profile picture and provide an opportunity to verify that the correct patient has been selected.

[0044] The analytics server 110 may receive patient-related treatment data from the medical record database 120. This treatment data may further include at least a patient identifier. The analytics server may receive radiotherapy files associated with one or more patients from the medical record database 120. Radiotherapy files may refer to files containing data associated with the process by which a medical team (e.g., a radiation oncologist, a radiation therapist, a medical physicist, and / or a medical dosimeter) plans an appropriate external beam radiation therapy or brachytherapy treatment technique for a patient.

[0045] The data in a radiotherapy file is not limited to external radiotherapy, as other treatments may affect radiotherapy; for example, it may include other non-treatment procedures such as medical oncology treatment (chemotherapy), interventional oncology treatment (e.g., cryotherapy, microwave therapy, or embolization), or examinations and appointments with other medical professionals. A radiotherapy file may contain data specific to the radiotherapy of one or more patients. A radiotherapy file may include patient identifiers, patient electronic health data records, medical images (e.g., CT scans, 4D-CT scans, MRI, and X-ray images), treatment-specific data (e.g., arc information or treatment type), target organs (e.g., detailed and location data to identify tumors to be eradicated), and treatment plans. Additional examples may include non-target organs, dose-related calculations (e.g., radiation dose distribution within the patient's anatomical regions), and radiotherapy equipment-specific information (e.g., bed-gantry orientation, equipment trajectory, control points, dose distribution, and / or arc information).

[0046] The analytics server 110 may identify a specific patient using a patient identifier in the radiation therapy file and obtain additional information about that patient. For example, the analytics server 110 may query the medical record database 120 to identify medical data associated with the patient. For example, the analytics server may query data associated with the patient's anatomical structure, such as physical data (e.g., height, weight, and / or body mass index (BMI)) and / or other health-related data (e.g., blood pressure or other data related to the patient receiving radiation therapy). The analytics server 110 may further obtain data associated with the patient's current and / or previous medical treatments (e.g., previous treatment fractions or data associated with the patient's previous surgeries).

[0047] The analytics server 110 can analyze the received data and generate additional queries accordingly. For example, the analytics server 110 may retrieve data associated with one or more medical (or other) devices required by the patient. The analytics server may retrieve data indicating that the patient has a respiratory medical condition. As a result, the analytics server 110 may generate and send queries to the radiotherapy device 141 or the system administrator computer 150 to determine whether the patient uses / needs a ventilator.

[0048] If necessary, the analytics server 110 may further analyze the patient's medical data records to identify required patient attributes. For example, the analytics server 110 may query the database to identify the patient's BMI. However, since many medical records are not digitized, the analytics server 110 may not be able to obtain the patient's BMI value using simple query techniques. As a result, the analytics server 110 may obtain the patient's electronic health data and perform one or more analytical protocols (e.g., natural language processing) to identify the patient's body mass index. In another example, if the analytics server 110 does not receive tumor data (e.g., endpoints), the analytics server 110 may perform various image recognition protocols to identify the tumor data.

[0049] Another example of patient attributes may include specific tumor locations. More specifically, this data may indicate the location of the primary tumor relative to the patient's midline. This data may be entered by the treating oncologist or analyzed using various image recognition or segmentation methods performed on the patient's medical images.

[0050] Another example of patient attributes may include whether or not the patient is using prosthetic devices (e.g., hip or femoral head prostheses). This attribute may lead to changes in the patient's treatment (e.g., patients with these conditions may require special treatment).

[0051] The analytics server 110 may use various application programming interfaces (APIs) to communicate with the various functions described herein. The APIs referred to herein refer to computing interfaces that use connector programming code to act as software relays between at least two computing components / functions described herein. Such APIs can automatically and / or periodically forward various calls, instructions, and / or requests between the functions of the system 100. By using various APIs, the analytics server 110 can automatically send and / or receive calls and instructions.

[0052] Additionally or alternatively, the analytics server 110 may use a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to ensure data integrity when communicating with each of the functions described in System 100. As described herein, a CDN refers to a distributed distribution network of proxy servers / nodes that use a multi-tiered distribution method / system to transmit data (e.g., Akamai). The analytics server 110 may use a CDN when communicating various calls / instructions with Network 130 and / or the local database 111.

[0053] The radiotherapy device 141 may also include a bed (shown as bed 222 in Figure 2A) for aligning the patient in a predetermined position before treatment begins. This predetermined position may be identified, calculated, and / or retrieved by the analytics server 110. For example, the analytics server 110 may retrieve patient data from the medical record database 120, analyze this data, and use the analyzed data to position the patient on the bed. In some embodiments, a physician may determine how to align the patient on the bed to optimize the treatment. The radiotherapy device 141 irradiates the patient at the identified position while they lie on the bed during treatment. This identified position may be selected by a technician operating the radiotherapy device 141, the pendant 142, and / or the system administrator computer 150. The analytics server 110 may also determine the position on the patient to which the radiation should be directed.

[0054] The pendant 142 may include various input elements designed to facilitate the operation and control of the radiotherapy equipment. These input elements include buttons 142a and 142b, which can serve various purposes. For example, button 142a may be used to adjust components of the radiotherapy equipment 141, such as moving the treatment table to the correct height or repositioning the gantry to a desired angle. These buttons can be programmed for precise incremental adjustments or continuous operation based on operator input. In some embodiments, the pendant 142 may include a dedicated button 142b specifically for alignment confirmation. Once the operator confirms that the equipment and / or patient are properly aligned, pressing button 142b can signal the system to confirm alignment and proceed to the next stage of the treatment setup. This combination of a general-purpose adjustment button and a dedicated confirmation button ensures that the pendant 142 provides both operational flexibility and a streamlined verification process, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of the radiotherapy workflow.

[0055] The radiotherapy device 141 may also include an X-ray emitter and an X-ray receiver. The X-ray emitter can be positioned in the gantry of the radiotherapy device 141 and may be configured to provide X-ray waves (e.g., a transmitted form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation). The X-ray emitter emits X-ray waves to a patient positioned on a bed. The X-ray receiver may be positioned opposite the X-ray emitter. The X-ray waves received by the X-ray receiver produce an imprint (e.g., an image) of the patient's internal anatomical structure. While the exemplary embodiment describes the use of X-ray imaging, alternative configurations of the radiotherapy device may include additional or other medical imaging devices (e.g., fluoroscopy, MRI, etc.).

[0056] The radiotherapy equipment 141 may also include a set of cameras (e.g., cameras at the end of the treatment table, a gantry camera, a ceiling camera, or other cameras placed within the radiotherapy room). The analytics server 110 may obtain a live feed of the treatment table (e.g., with or without a patient) from the set of cameras and provide the live feed to a display screen located on the radiotherapy equipment 141. The set of cameras may also communicate directly with the radiotherapy system 140.

[0057] The radiotherapy device 141 may also include a gantry that can communicate with the analytics server 110. When the radiotherapy device 141 is in operation, the gantry may rotate relative to the radiotherapy device 141 to begin treating a patient. The analytics server 110 may use a live feed of a set of cameras to control and / or stop the movement of the gantry. While in operation, the analytics server 110 may instruct the display screen of the radiotherapy device 141 to display a live feed of a set of cameras and / or a specified page. In various embodiments, the analytics server 110 may not instruct the display screen of the radiotherapy device 141 to operate while in operation. In some embodiments, the display screen of the radiotherapy device 141 may be a touchscreen that can control pages generated by the analytics server 110 via the display screen of the radiotherapy device 141.

[0058] The radiotherapy device 141 may have a default home position. Before a patient receives treatment, the radiotherapy device 141 may be reset to a position ergonomically desirable for the patient. This default home position may be optimized to accommodate new patients or to allow patients to easily get off the treatment table.

[0059] As described in detail herein, the radiotherapy device 141 may also be controlled by a pendant 142. The pendant 142 may be connected to the radiotherapy device 141 via wired or wireless communication, for example, according to the Bluetooth standard, another standard, or a proprietary wireless communication protocol. In various embodiments, the pendant 142 may be connected to the radiotherapy device 141 via a wired connection or integrated into the radiotherapy device 141. The pendant 142 may also communicate with the analytics server 110. The pendant 142 may adjust the positioning of the radiotherapy device 141 by selecting buttons that move the radiotherapy device 141 (e.g., the treatment table) axially in a desired direction. The technician may also use the pendant 142 to initialize the radiotherapy device 141 and / or return the radiotherapy device 141 to its home position.

[0060] The pendant 142 may also allow a technician to input patient information. This patient information can then be communicated to the radiotherapy device 141, the analytics server 110, and / or the medical record database 120. The pendant 142 may be used to control one or more steps of the patient setup and treatment.

[0061] The pendant 142 may also include a touchpad (e.g., a tactile sensor). This touchpad may be used to control various pages generated by the analytics server 110. For example, a user may use the touchpad on the pendant 142 to control pages generated by the analytics server 110 to advance through the radiotherapy workflow steps. In some embodiments, these pages may be controlled via the touchscreen of the radiotherapy equipment 141 or other locations within the treatment room.

[0062] As described in detail herein, the radiotherapy system 140 may further include accessories to assist in the treatment of the patient. The analytics server 110 may communicate with the radiotherapy system 140 to select which accessories are needed. The analytics server 110 may also communicate with the medical record database 120 and / or the system administrator computer 150 to determine which accessories are needed. For example, a patient may need certain accessories for their treatment. The analytics server 110 may obtain that a patient needs certain accessories by accessing the medical record database 120 and communicate this information to the radiotherapy system 140. The accessories may communicate with the radiotherapy system 140. For example, as described below, the analytics server may use RFID tags to scan various accessories and identify their location and / or presence. In some embodiments, the accessories may be wired or otherwise integrated into the radiotherapy equipment 141.

[0063] The local database 111, the medical record database 120, and the radiotherapy equipment 141 associated with the analytics server 110 are capable of storing information in various formats and / or encrypted versions. This information may include data records related to various patient information, user preferences, sets of prompts (e.g., questions, queries, and inquiries), and attributes associated with various pages generated by the analytics server 110. The medical record database 120 may have a logical structure of data files. These data files are stored on a non-temporary machine-readable storage medium such as a hard disk or memory, controlled by a software module of a database program (e.g., Structured Query Language (SQL)), and include a database management system that executes code modules (e.g., SQL scripts) for various data queries and management functions.

[0064] The system administrator computer 150 may represent a computing device operated by the system administrator. The system administrator computer 150 may communicate with the analytics server 110. The system administrator computer 150 may be configured to display various analytical metrics so that the system administrator can monitor gantry operation and patient information and modify various thresholds / rules described herein. The system administrator computer 150 may be configured to display specific analytical metrics when certain thresholds / rules are exceeded. For example, if a patient moves a certain amount during treatment, the system administrator computer 150 may receive a warning. The analytics server 110 may also enable the system administrator computer 150 to control and / or override the settings of the radiotherapy equipment 141 and / or pendant 142. For example, the administrator may revise the minimum distance threshold and / or customize any of the features on the pages described herein (e.g., moving features within a page, color, font, shape, size, or the display order of one or more pages).

[0065] The analytics server 110 may configure the system administrator computer 150 to review any and / or all commands made via the radiotherapy system 140 in a specified process step. The system administrator computer 150 may then permit or deny such commands made via the radiotherapy system 140. For example, before a technician begins treating a patient using the radiotherapy device 141, the analytics server 110 may prompt the system administrator computer 150 to first review the parameters of the radiotherapy device 141 for approval. Once approved, the technician may then control the radiotherapy device 141.

[0066] The analytics server 110 may configure the system administrator computer 150 to review any and / or all reads and / or writes (overwrites) of patient data to and / or from the medical record database 120. For example, before a technician can write (overwrite) patient information collected by the radiotherapy device 141, the analytics server 110 may prompt the system administrator computer 150 to first review such patient information before it is saved to the medical record database 120.

[0067] Figure 2A shows a radiotherapy system 240 including a radiotherapy device 241, which includes a gantry 224 that rotates around a central axis 225 of the radiotherapy device 241 as described above. In some embodiments, the radiotherapy system 240 may be substantially the same as the radiotherapy system 140 in Figure 1. Similarly, the radiotherapy device 241 may be substantially the same as the radiotherapy device 141 in Figure 1. The radiotherapy device 241 may further include a display screen 226 disposed on or within the gantry 224. The display screen 226 may be configured to display relevant information relating to the radiotherapy procedure for viewing by the user (e.g., a technician, patient, and / or healthcare professional) before, during, and / or after the radiotherapy procedure.

[0068] The radiotherapy equipment 241 may also include an imaging device 270 and a radiator 260 for administering radiotherapy to a patient. The radiotherapy system 240 may further include a couch 222 on which the patient may be placed during the administration of radiotherapy. In some embodiments, the couch 222 is laterally translatable relative to the radiotherapy equipment 241 (e.g., along a central axis 225) and / or rotatable about an axis of the central axis 225 of the radiotherapy equipment 241. Similarly, in some embodiments, the radiotherapy equipment 241 is rotatable about the central axis 225 and relative to the couch 222 before, during, and / or after the administration of radiotherapy.

[0069] For example, Figure 2B shows the radiotherapy device 241 in a position rotated around the central axis 225. Compared to the default position of the radiotherapy device 241 (shown in Figure 2A), the radiotherapy device 241 in Figure 2B is shown rotated approximately 135.5° counterclockwise. Since the display screen 226 is fixed to the gantry 224 of the radiotherapy device 241, the display screen 226 is also rotated approximately 135.5° counterclockwise from its default upright position (shown in Figure 2A).

[0070] Figure 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary method 300 for displaying one or more icons and instructions on a display screen provided on a radiotherapy device. Method 300 may be executed by one or more processors described herein, such as an analytics server 110, a pendant 142, a system administrator computer 150, a radiotherapy system 140, a radiotherapy device 141, etc. The one or more processors may execute instructions stored on a computer-readable non-temporary medium. The instructions may cause the one or more processors to execute the steps of Method 300. Although the steps of Method 300 are shown in a specific order, it should be understood that Method 300 may include more, fewer, and / or different steps than the example shown in Figure 3. Also, although the order of the steps of Method 300 is shown in Figure 3 for illustrative purposes, it should be understood that the steps of Method 300 may be executed in any number of configurations or orders without departing from the scope of the systems and methods described herein.

[0071] In step 310, one or more processors may display sets of icons on a display screen located on the gantry of a radiotherapy device configured to administer radiotherapy to a patient, each corresponding to a set of instructions associated with the radiotherapy.

[0072] As described herein, one or more processors may generate a set of tasks for structuring a patient's radiotherapy. Each task in the set may be associated with a specific stage of radiotherapy, facilitating a structured, workflow-oriented approach to treatment planning and execution. In some embodiments, one or more processors may first retrieve the radiotherapy files (RT files) associated with the patient in order to identify the patient's treatment data.

[0073] As used herein, an RT file may refer to a comprehensive collection of data associated with a patient's radiotherapy, encompassing all information necessary to plan, execute, and monitor the treatment process. In some embodiments, an RT file may include image data such as CT scans, 4D-CT scans, MRI, and X-rays, providing anatomical details for treatment planning, along with patient identifiers such as name and demographic details. An RT file may also include a detailed treatment plan, including beam trajectories, dose levels, arc information, and the type of radiotherapy to be performed. Furthermore, an RT file may specify data for target and non-target organs to ensure accurate radiation targeting while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue.

[0074] Furthermore, the RT file may include patient-specific attributes such as physical characteristics (e.g., height, weight, BMI) and medical history, as well as details about necessary accessories such as immobilization devices or bolus materials. Session-specific data, such as bed positioning and adjustments from prior treatments, are also recorded to ensure consistency between treatment sessions. The RT file can function as a resource for one or more processors, enabling the dynamic generation of workflow tasks (e.g., values ​​displayed for each icon), real-time updates to the GUI, and personalized treatment workflows. This structured approach allows the GUI to be infused with accurate and efficient radiotherapy tailored to each patient's unique needs. By leveraging the patient's RT file, medical records, and treatment data, one or more processors can identify and define tasks tailored to the patient's unique attributes and treatment requirements.

[0075] This set of tasks can correspond to various stages of radiotherapy, such as patient alignment, instrument calibration, accessory verification, dose administration, and post-treatment analysis. For example, in the alignment stage, the tasks may include verifying the patient's position on the treatment table relative to the isocenter of the radiotherapy equipment. One or more processors may generate tasks to guide the operator to adjust the table and gantry to achieve the required alignment.

[0076] After a task and icon have been identified, one or more processors may display the icon. In some embodiments, a display screen integrated into the gantry may provide a visually accessible / interactive interface to assist the operator in efficiently navigating treatment tasks without distracting from the patient or equipment. The GUI may display various icons corresponding to specific tasks in the treatment workflow, such as patient alignment, equipment calibration, or dose administration, and may provide intuitive visual indicators to guide the operator through the sequential stages of the treatment process.

[0077] Icon sets may be arranged radially on the display screen to improve accessibility and usability during operation. In this way, these icons (or at least some of the icons) can be displayed simultaneously. The radial configuration allows operators to easily identify and manipulate individual icons regardless of screen orientation or gantry position. The radial arrangement is designed to optimize spatial organization and ensure that icons remain legible and logically grouped even when the gantry rotates. In some embodiments, one or more processors may dynamically update the icons based on task completion, visually distinguishing completed tasks and highlighting the next actionable step in the workflow. This arrangement, combined with real-time updates, improves operational efficiency by reducing cognitive load and enabling seamless progress through the radiotherapy process.

[0078] A radial arrangement can arrange icons around the central point of the display screen (for example, the central portion 408 as described in Figures 4A-4B), allowing the icons to be uniformly distributed across the entire display screen.

[0079] In some embodiments, icons may be displayed radially, with each icon positioned at an equal radius from the center point of the display screen. This uniform radial distance can provide a balanced icon layout in which each icon is equidistant from the center point of the display screen, making the icons easily accessible and visually consistent. Such a configuration minimizes the cognitive effort of the operator because the icons are evenly spaced and their positions can be intuitively found within the circular arrangement.

[0080] Icons can form a full circle or a semicircle around a central point, depending on screen size, type of radiotherapy equipment, number of icons, and workflow requirements. In some embodiments, a full circle arrangement may be used to maximize icon capacity while maintaining symmetry (e.g., when multiple tasks need to be displayed simultaneously). In contrast, a semicircular arrangement may be used to highlight a subset of tasks or to reserve space for additional interface elements such as dynamic instruction displays or task-specific information. These configurations can dynamically adapt to operator needs by presenting icons in a visually organized manner while retaining all relevant information within a single page.

[0081] In embodiments using a full circular arrangement, the center point of the display screen is reserved for detailed task instructions, and icons may be evenly distributed around this center point. In a semicircular arrangement, the lower half of the screen may be left empty for visual indicators such as task progress bars and alerts, while the upper semicircle (and possibly the sides) may contain workflow icons. Whether full or partial, the radial design ensures that icons remain logically grouped and easily accessible even when the gantry or display rotates, maintaining operator efficiency and usability.

[0082] A radial display layout can allow operators to easily find and manipulate each icon regardless of gantry rotation or display orientation. By arranging icons radially, the system minimizes visual clutter while maintaining the logical grouping of the icons.

[0083] Icons displayed on the screen can be grouped based on predefined attributes such as function, workflow stage, or type of information. These groupings can be customized or modified to suit individual operators or clinic preferences. For example, icons related to patient information, such as demographic data or treatment details, can be grouped separately from icons representing equipment setup tasks, such as bed alignment or gantry positioning. Predefined grouping criteria can ensure consistency across workflows while allowing flexibility to adapt to different clinical protocols or individual operator needs. Customization options allow clinics to adjust icon grouping and presentation based on their unique workflows, equipment configurations, or operational preferences. This adaptability can be used to ensure the system remains intuitive and efficient regardless of the user's specific requirements or treatment environment.

[0084] In some embodiments, icons may be arranged in a sequential order that reflects a typical (e.g., predefined) workflow of the treatment process, ensuring that tasks are performed in the correct order and intuitively guiding the operator through each stage. As a result, the position of the icons may correspond to the order of tasks. For example, icons may be arranged such that (when considering the display of icons clockwise or counterclockwise depending on the icon settings) later icons correspond to the next task to be accomplished.

[0085] In an unspecified example, the arrangement of icons begins with the patient identification icon, placed first (leftmost or rightmost of the displayed icons) to ensure that the operator can verify the patient's identity and treatment plan and that the correct individual is being treated. This foundational step minimizes the risk of error and sets the stage for subsequent tasks. Following this, all other icons may be arranged in a clockwise manner so that the operator can intuitively understand which task should be performed next.

[0086] This logical, workflow-oriented arrangement of icons ensures that operators are intuitively guided through the radiotherapy process, reducing cognitive load and minimizing errors. Furthermore, the icon sequence can be dynamically adjusted by the analytics server based on real-time task completion or user input, providing flexibility to accommodate specific scenarios or operator preferences. This approach ensures that the GUI is efficient, user-friendly, and aligned with the needs of the radiotherapy workflow.

[0087] In addition to corresponding to specific tasks, each icon may also be dynamically interactive, adapting to changes in the treatment environment and user input. This dynamic adaptation may be driven by an analytics server (or any other server / processor discussed herein) that monitors the progress of each task and transitions the GUI to display / highlight the next set of icons upon task completion. For example, when patient alignment is verified, the corresponding icon may be updated (visually, e.g., by changing color) to indicate completion. The next icon, on the other hand, highlights the verification of dose calibration. This sequential and responsive design ensures that the operator is seamlessly guided through the treatment workflow without having to turn to a new page and while maintaining the view of other icons / tasks, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing setup time. Furthermore, distinct visual and functional characteristics of each icon, such as color changes, animations, or text overlays, serve as intuitive indicators of task status, enabling rapid recognition and action by the operator.

[0088] Referring now to Figure 4A, an icon display on a display screen of a radiotherapy device according to one embodiment is shown. The icon set in this embodiment 400A is presented on a display screen 404 (corresponding to display screen 226) located on the gantry of the radiotherapy device. As shown, icons 406-432 are displayed radially on display screen 404, but the arrangement may differ in other embodiments. The display screen may also include a central section 408A-C that can display additional data associated with different icons as needed or in other embodiments.

[0089] As illustrated, the displayed icon set includes icons 406 that may contain personally identifiable information about the patient, such as the patient's image, name, diagnosis, and other information that can identify the patient.

[0090] Each group of icons (or, in some cases, individual icons) may be arranged according to a predefined order that may or may not correspond to the patient's radiation therapy workflow. For example, in one embodiment, different tasks to be performed may be associated with a defined order. As a result, the icons corresponding to them may be arranged in that order.

[0091] In other embodiments, such as those shown in the illustration, icons may be arranged according to task grouping. For example, icons may be arranged based on whether they are associated with a patient setup category, a radiotherapy accessories category, a radiotherapy equipment attribute category, a rotation parameter category, an interlock, or a system state category. As illustrated, the icon set may be divided into three groups, such that groups indicate clusters of tasks to be performed. Task clusters may have common attributes, or may be clustered based on common attributes. For example, one grouping or cluster of icons may indicate adjustments to be made to a patient (e.g., patient alignment), and another grouping of icons may be directed towards equipment adjustments.

[0092] The first grouping of icons may include patient alignment indicators (e.g., icons 412, 414, 416). Icon 412 may indicate whether the patient needs to be moved laterally (e.g., to the left or to the right). Furthermore, the icon set may include icon 414 indicating whether the patient should be moved on the bed (e.g., towards or away from the radiation therapy equipment). Furthermore, the icon set may include icon 416 indicating whether the patient on the bed should be moved vertically (e.g., whether the bed should be moved up or down).

[0093] The second grouping of icons may include equipment / treatment accessories and may include icons 410, 418, 420, 422, and 424. Icon 410 may correspond to a distance indicator that measures / indicates the source-to-skin distance (SDD) between the radiation source and the patient's skin. Furthermore, the icon set may include icon 418 indicating whether the equipment's imaging device is extended. Furthermore, the icon set may include icon 420 indicating the status of the equipment's imaging device (e.g., how far the imaging device is from the equipment). Furthermore, the icon set may include icon 422 indicating whether accessories are needed to treat the patient (and, if so, which accessories are needed). Furthermore, the icon set may include icon 424 indicating whether a bolus is needed to treat the patient. Furthermore, the icon set may include icon 426 indicating the patient's orientation (e.g., whether the patient should be back down with their head facing the equipment, or in another configuration). Furthermore, the icon set may include icon 428 indicating whether any adjustments to the gantry are needed. Icon 428 may include an arrow indicating the direction in which the gantry should be rotated or otherwise moved. In some embodiments, icon 428 may also include an angular value indicating the desired position of the gantry.

[0094] Another grouping of icons may include instrument attribute icons corresponding to tasks related to adjusting radiotherapy equipment. This group may include icons 428, 430, and 432. Icon 430 may indicate whether any adjustments to the collimator are necessary. In some embodiments, icon 430 may include a map of the collimator aperture. Furthermore, the icon set may include icon 432 indicating the angular position of the patient bed.

[0095] In some embodiments, the system administrator or operator may have the ability to adjust any attribute of the icons displayed on the screen, including visual attributes such as color, font style, size, line thickness, and shading. This flexibility allows for the modification of icons to align with facility branding, operator preferences, or accessibility requirements. For example, line thickness or font size may be increased to improve visibility for users with visual impairments. These adjustments ensure that the interface remains functional and user-friendly, and is tailored to meet the specific needs of the clinical environment.

[0096] The placement of icons on the display screen can be adjusted by the system administrator or operator to optimize usability and align with the operator's workflow. Icons can be rearranged within a radial layout or moved to an alternative layout, ensuring that the most frequently accessed icons are conveniently located. This customization allows the interface to adapt to specific clinic requirements or individual user preferences, improving efficiency during radiation therapy procedures. For example, a clinic focusing on a particular type of treatment can prioritize the placement of specific icons for quick access, minimizing navigation time and improving operational accuracy.

[0097] In some embodiments, a system administrator or operator may be permitted to add new icons to better reflect the workflow or to accommodate updates to the radiotherapy process. This capability ensures that the interface remains relevant and streamlined, reducing visual clutter and focusing only on tasks and information relevant to specific clinical scenarios. For example, icons may be added to the icon set to indicate whether the treatment room door is open, whether a predicted collision is about to occur, or whether a pendant is properly connected to the radiotherapy equipment.

[0098] The icon set may also include an icon 438 indicating whether the pendant is properly connected to the radiation therapy equipment, an icon 436 indicating whether the treatment room door is properly closed, and an icon 434 indicating whether one or more crisis parameters are in the planned location.

[0099] The displayed icons may be interactive, for example, using a pendant of a radiotherapy device such as pendant 442, allowing the operator to move along the icons and select them (e.g., by clicking, pressing, touching, or otherwise interacting with the various icons). For example, the operator may use one or more buttons on pendant 442 to navigate through the displayed icons and another button to make a selection.

[0100] In some embodiments, one or more processors may present a visual indicator on the display screen indicating that a subset of the set of instructions meets a threshold. The subset of instructions is then displayed across multiple pages. The visual indicator may be designed to inform the operator that a subset of the set of instructions meets a predefined threshold. As used herein, the threshold may correspond to any attribute defined by the system administrator or operator. For example, the threshold may correspond to the number of instructions for a selected icon. In another example, the threshold may indicate a predefined progression of instructions designed to be displayed separately and / or sequentially. For example, if a subset of instructions exceeds the display capacity of a single page, one or more processors may organize and display the instructions across multiple pages, ensuring that all relevant information is accessible without compromising the interface or usability.

[0101] In some embodiments, where a subset of instructions includes numerous detailed steps such as alignment adjustment, gantry configuration, or dose calibration, one or more processors may distribute these steps across multiple pages. Furthermore, one or more processors may display visual indicators to inform the operator that the instructions are displayed across multiple pages. Non-limiting examples of visual indicators may include visual navigation cues such as pagination icons, scroll indicators, toggle icons, or progress bars. Visual indicators can enable seamless navigation between pages for the operator while ensuring clarity and focus on the task. For example, indicators may communicate the page number and the current page's position within the set of pages. This functionality ensures that the interface remains efficient and user-friendly, even when managing complex or numerous sets of instructions, ultimately improving workflow efficiency and treatment accuracy.

[0102] For example, continuing to refer to Figure 4A, one or more processors may determine that the selected icon contains more information than can be displayed on one page. As a result, one or more processors may display a visual indicator 440A indicating that the information displayed in the central section 408A spans multiple pages. The visual indicator 440A indicates that there are a total of three pages (e.g., three dots), and further indicates that the currently displayed page is the first of the three pages.

[0103] The operator may use various methods to adjust the radiotherapy equipment. As shown in the figure, the pendant 442 may include a group of buttons 443, each designed to represent a specific direction or action, allowing the operator to adjust various aspects of the radiotherapy equipment. These buttons may correspond to directional movements such as up, down, left, or right, allowing the operator to control the patient position, gantry rotation, or even collimator adjustment. For example, the "up" button in the button group 443 may raise the treatment bed, while the "left" button in the button group 443 may shift the bed laterally to achieve precise alignment with the treatment isocenter. The directional buttons may also include labels or illuminated indicators to provide immediate feedback on the current operation, ensuring clarity and reducing the possibility of error.

[0104] In some embodiments, the pendant used by the operator may include a group of dedicated input elements (e.g., buttons) that can be used to move radiotherapy equipment (e.g., a bed and / or gantry). For example, as shown in Figure 4D, pendant 452 (corresponding to pendant 442 or pendant 142) may include a group of buttons 454 dedicated to moving elements of radiotherapy equipment, such as a bed.

[0105] In some embodiments, the pendant 442 may have its own dedicated set of one or more processors. These processors may functionally control the operation of the pendant 442 and manage its input elements (e.g., buttons). These processors may enable the pendant 442 to independently process operator input and perform localized tasks. For example, the pendant 442's processor may manage the functionality of specific buttons, such as activating directional controls or highlighting confirmation buttons based on workflow requirements. Furthermore, the processor may activate the pendant 442's touchscreen interface (if applicable). Once input is processed, the pendant 442's processor communicates with one or more processors in the analytics server and / or the radiotherapy equipment to send operator instructions.

[0106] In an indefinite example, the pendant 442 includes a processor that monitors inputs received via a group of buttons 443. When an operator presses a specific button, such as the “Up” button for raising the treatment bed, the processor in the pendant 442 detects the interaction by interpreting the electrical signal generated by the button press. The processor can then determine which specific button was activated and associate it with a corresponding action, such as adjusting the bed height upward. The processor in the pendant 442 can then encode this input into a digital instruction and transmit it to one or more processors discussed herein (e.g., an analytics server) and / or a processor of a radiotherapy device so that the instruction can be processed (e.g., so that the bed can be raised).

[0107] Referring back to Figure 3, in step 320, one or more processors may visually highlight buttons on electronic devices communicating with the radiotherapy equipment to indicate a request to confirm whether the radiotherapy equipment or the patient has been adjusted / aligned.

[0108] After displaying instructions (step 310), one or more processors may prompt / request the operator to confirm adjustments made to the equipment or patient by visually highlighting buttons on electronic devices such as a pendant or a console computer located outside the treatment room that are communicating with the radiotherapy equipment and / or one or more processors. As discussed above, the instructions displayed in step 310 may correspond to the operator aligning or adjusting the radiotherapy equipment and / or patient. After displaying alignment attributes, one or more processors may prompt the operator to confirm that the alignment has been performed correctly. In response, the operator may interact with one or more input elements discussed herein to confirm that the required adjustments / alignments have been made.

[0109] In one non-limiting example of prompting an operator, one or more processors may visually highlight buttons on an electronic device. In some embodiments, one or more processors may use built-in LEDs to illuminate buttons so that they are visually distinguishable from unhighlighted buttons. The illumination may also include a specific color, such as blue.

[0110] In other embodiments, one or more processors may intermittently flash the button to draw the operator's attention to activating the button. The flashing may include one or more colors, and the flashing interval may be defined by the system administrator. Alternatively, one or more processors may change the color of the button, for example, by transitioning from white to green or blue, to indicate that it is ready for interaction. Alternatively, one or more processors may generate a luminous ring or halo effect around the button to visually emphasize its importance. In some embodiments, where applicable (e.g., if the electronic device includes a display mechanism), one or more processors may display a message near the button, for example, "Press to Confirm," to guide the operator. Alternatively, one or more processors may backlight an area around the button to highlight it, creating a spotlight effect. In some embodiments, where applicable (e.g., if the electronic device includes a display mechanism), one or more processors may display an animated arrow or icon pointing towards the button to visually guide the operator. Alternatively, one or more processors may cyclically highlight buttons using multiple colors, such as red, yellow, and green, to attract attention and indicate that they are ready for interaction.

[0111] In some embodiments, one or more processors may update the GUI (on the gantry display screen) to indicate that the operator has been prompted to confirm the alignment. For example, the GUI may display "Please Press the Blue Button on the Pendant When Finished with Alignment". Furthermore, if confirmation has not been received, one or more processors may prevent the transition to subsequent stages of the radiotherapy workflow. In addition, in some embodiments, one or more processors may display images of icons associated with visually highlighted buttons on the GUI.

[0112] As used herein, an electronic device can be any electronic device configured to receive input from an operator. Therefore, the electronic devices discussed herein are not limited to pendants or console monitors / computers located outside the treatment room. In some embodiments, one or more processors may communicate with a touchscreen control panel mounted near the treatment area to allow the operator to enter confirmations and view visual prompts. Furthermore, in some embodiments, one or more processors may communicate with a tablet or smartphone running a dedicated application for controlling and monitoring radiotherapy equipment to enable remote interaction. Alternatively, one or more processors may communicate with a wearable device, such as a smartwatch or smart badge, that provides tactile, auditory, or visual prompts for alignment confirmation. In some other embodiments, one or more processors may communicate with a wall-mounted control console having physical buttons, knobs, or displays to enable direct interaction and confirmation of adjustments.

[0113] The use of pendants or buttons in this specification is not limited to the embodiments discussed herein. Specifically, buttons on a pendant are not the only way for an operator to interact with one or more user interfaces displayed on a display screen. In other embodiments, operators may use a variety of alternative input elements to navigate and interact with the system. For example, a touchscreen interface integrated into a display screen (or elsewhere in the radiotherapy equipment) may allow direct selection of icons by simple tap or swipe gestures. Furthermore, a controller may be used to move a cursor or highlight different icons for selection. In some embodiments, hands-free control of a foot pedal interface may be provided, allowing the operator to cycle through icons or confirm selections while keeping their hands free for patient positioning. In some specific examples, a gesture recognition system or eye-tracking system may be used to detect hand movements to trigger specific actions, thereby improving accessibility. Furthermore, a voice command system may be used, allowing the operator to navigate the interface and select icons verbally without any physical interaction. In some embodiments, a remote control associated with a pendant may be used.

[0114] Referring now to Figure 4B, Embodiment 400B illustrates two different examples in which an operator provides input to one or more processors to verify that alignment has been performed.

[0115] The pendant 444 (corresponding to pendant 442 in Figure 4A or 142 in Figure 1) may include a variety of input elements to provide the operator with versatile control options for radiotherapy equipment. These input elements may include physical buttons that allow the operator to perform specific tasks such as moving the patient bed, adjusting the gantry, or confirming alignment. Other examples of input elements (or buttons) may include rotary knobs (e.g., for precise incremental adjustments), toggle switches (e.g., for activating or deactivating specific equipment functions), and joysticks (e.g., for multidirectional movement of the patient bed or gantry). In addition to buttons, the pendant 444 may include a touchscreen interface that displays interactive icons, sliders, or virtual buttons. This enables fine-grained, intuitive control over equipment parameters. In some embodiments, the pendant 444 may incorporate voice recognition or haptic feedback functionality, allowing the operator to issue voice commands or receive haptic confirmation of completed actions.

[0116] The buttons on the pendant 442 may be equipped with a light source, such as an LED, to enhance their visibility and provide feedback to the operator. The LED may be configured to backlight the button, illuminating its surface and making it easier to find and interact with the button in various situations, such as when guiding the operator to a specific dedicated button. The light may display one or more colors, and this color may change dynamically to convey specific information. Furthermore, the intensity of the light may be adjusted to provide further situational cues. For example, the button may emit a brighter light to attract the operator's attention when immediate action is required, or it may dim to a softer light to indicate a standby state. The light intensity and color may change in response to workflow stages or operator input, for example, by increasing brightness when the button is pressed and dimming when the interaction is complete.

[0117] In the first example, the operator may use a dedicated button 445 with the pendant 444. The dedicated button 445 may flash or light up in a clearly defined color (e.g., blue) to highlight it to the operator. In some embodiments, an image of the dedicated button 445 may be presented on a display screen so that the operator can easily identify the dedicated button 445 based on its icon and its position within the pendant 444.

[0118] In the second example, the operator may use a dedicated button 447 on the side panel 446 to indicate that alignment has been achieved, for example by using the dedicated button 447. The side panel 446 may be located within the treatment room (for example, mounted on the wall or attached to the radiotherapy equipment itself). The dedicated button 447 may be visually highlighted in a similar manner to the dedicated button 445.

[0119] Although the pendant 442 is described as having physical buttons, it may alternatively (or possibly additionally) feature a touchscreen interface that displays virtual buttons on a dynamic user interface. These virtual buttons may offer improved flexibility and functionality compared to conventional physical buttons, as their attributes can be dynamically adjusted based on the operator's workflow needs or the system state. For example, virtual buttons on a touchscreen may change color to indicate different states, such as green for ready, yellow for hold, or red for warning. The brightness of the virtual buttons can also be varied, emitting brighter light to attract attention while dimming to indicate standby or inactive states. Furthermore, virtual buttons may be configured to flash or pulse to signal urgency or guide the operator through specific steps in the workflow.

[0120] In some embodiments, touchscreens can enable greater adaptability by allowing the size or position of virtual buttons to be changed and optimizing the layout for different tasks or user preferences. Touchscreens can provide operators with a more interactive and customizable experience.

[0121] The visual emphasis of buttons is not limited to physical buttons on electronic devices and can be applied to any input element or mechanism provided to the operator. For example, in some embodiments, interaction icons displayed in the interaction area (e.g., touchscreen) of a pendant or interaction icons displayed in an application operating on an electronic device can be visually emphasized. Therefore, no limitation is intended when some embodiments discussed herein use the term "button".

[0122] One or more processors may start and / or stop the visual highlighting of buttons using any predetermined period of time. For example, in some embodiments, one or more processors may start the visual highlighting of buttons as soon as alignment instructions are displayed in the GUI. Alternatively, one or more processors may not start the visual highlighting until a predetermined time (e.g., 2 minutes) has elapsed after the display of alignment instructions. In some embodiments, the visual highlighting of buttons may start as soon as at least one configuration of the radiotherapy equipment is changed. For example, one or more processors may communicate with the radiotherapy equipment and start the visual highlighting of buttons as soon as one or more processors determine that the gantry / bed has moved or the patient has been adjusted (e.g., identified using one or more cameras in the treatment room). Similarly, the visual highlighting of buttons may end after a predetermined period of time or when instructions are received indicating that the operator has moved to another stage (e.g., to retrieve a bolus or accessory) and / or has canceled the alignment (e.g., the patient has left the room for various reasons or the treatment setup has been temporarily stopped).

[0123] Referring back to Figure 3, in step 330, one or more processors may, in response to receiving instructions indicating interaction with a button, present a visual indicator on the display screen showing that the radiotherapy equipment is aligned for the patient's radiotherapy.

[0124] When one or more processors receive an instruction (e.g., via an electronic device) indicating that a highlighted button has been operated, the processors may present a visual indicator on the display screen. This visual indicator serves as visual confirmation that the alignment of the radiotherapy equipment is complete and ready to proceed to the next stage of patient setup and / or treatment.

[0125] Visual indicators can take various forms, such as graphical symbols, color-coded icons, text messages, or animations displayed on the screen. For example, the indicator may include a green checkmark, the word "Aligned," or an animated graphic transitioning from red to green. This feedback provides the operator with clear and unambiguous confirmation of alignment, ensuring that the equipment is properly configured before treatment begins. The system's ability to present this indicator improves workflow efficiency, reduces the possibility of errors, and provides a reliable means for operators to verify alignment and confidently proceed with the application of radiotherapy.

[0126] Visual indicators can provide operators with visual confirmation that radiotherapy equipment, including components such as the gantry, patient bed, and beam application system, is correctly aligned according to the parameters defined in the treatment plan.

[0127] Visual indicators can take various forms, such as dedicated icons, checkmarks, flashing signals, or animations, to indicate completed alignment. For example, once alignment is confirmed, a green checkmark icon may appear on the display screen, indicating that the device is ready for treatment application. In another example, parts of the GUI may change color (e.g., green may be displayed on the top and bottom or sides of the central part). Furthermore, in some embodiments, color-coded icons may indicate the alignment status, with green indicating successful alignment and red indicating an error or misalignment requiring operator intervention.

[0128] In some embodiments, an animated checkmark may appear in the GUI, completing its animation (e.g., a status bar) once the alignment is verified, providing the operator with clear and visually understandable confirmation. For example, a progress bar representing the alignment process may be fully filled and / or turn green when the alignment is achieved and successful, providing a clear visual cue.

[0129] In some embodiments, the display screen may show a textual confirmation message such as "Alignment Confirmed" or "Ready for Treatment," along with specific details such as gantry angle or patient position. In some embodiments, the boundary of the display screen or a predetermined section (or icon) may flash temporarily and then change to a solid line to draw the operator's attention to alignment confirmation. In some embodiments, a flashing indicator, such as a circular or rectangular icon, may flash slowly in green to indicate readiness and stability after alignment is complete. In some embodiments, the system may display a symbolic alignment graphic, such as an icon resembling a radiotherapy device or gantry. The graphic may rotate or animate into a predetermined position to visually represent the alignment process. In some embodiments, a small audible cue, such as a chime or beep, may be accompanied by a visual indicator, such as a color change or checkmark, to reinforce alignment confirmation for the operator.

[0130] By revising the GUI to ensure that patients and / or equipment are properly aligned, one or more processors can ensure that operators have clear and unambiguous confirmation of the equipment's readiness, reducing the possibility of errors and streamlining the treatment workflow.

[0131] Referring to Figure 4C (Embodiment 400C), one or more processors may modify the central portion 408C to display a message indicating that alignment is complete. The message may also include a check mark (or any other dedicated visual indicator of any predetermined color) indicating that the alignment stage has been successfully completed. Additionally or alternatively, regions 448 and / or 450 may be highlighted in a predetermined color (e.g., green) to indicate that alignment has been confirmed.

[0132] Examples

[0133] Further aspects of this disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following illustrative sections.

[0134] Example item 1: A computer-readable medium containing a set of instructions, At least one processor that executes the aforementioned instruction, A display screen located on the gantry of a radiotherapy device configured to administer radiotherapy to a patient presents a set of icons corresponding to a set of instructions associated with adjusting at least one attribute of the radiotherapy device before radiotherapy begins. Visually highlight the button on the pendant that communicates with the radiation therapy device, and indicate a request to confirm whether the radiation therapy device or the patient has been adjusted. A computer-readable medium that, in response to receiving instructions indicating interaction with the aforementioned button, displays on the display screen a visual indicator indicating that the radiotherapy equipment is aligned for radiotherapy of the patient.

[0135] Example item 2: A computer-readable medium according to Exemplary Item 1, wherein the visual emphasis includes making the button a predetermined color.

[0136] Example 3: Computer-readable media according to Exemplary Items 1-2, wherein the visual emphasis includes flashing the button.

[0137] Example item 4: A computer-readable medium according to example items 1-3, wherein the button is a dedicated button for confirming the alignment of a patient or radiotherapy equipment.

[0138] Example item 5: A computer-readable medium according to Exemplary Items 1-4, wherein the instruction further causes the at least one processor to display the image of the button on the display screen.

[0139] Example 6: A computer-readable medium according to example items 1-5, wherein the visual indicator is an additional icon displayed on the display screen.

[0140] Example item 7: Computer-readable media according to Exemplary Items 1-6, wherein the visual indicators correspond to changes in the visual attributes of at least one icon in the icon set.

[0141] Example 8: A computer system, A radiation therapy device having a display screen, The system includes at least one processor that communicates with the aforementioned display screen, The aforementioned at least one processor is On the display screen located in the gantry of the radiotherapy device configured to administer radiotherapy to a patient, a set of icons corresponding to a set of instructions associated with adjusting at least one attribute of the radiotherapy device before radiotherapy begins. Visually highlight the button on the pendant that communicates with the radiation therapy device, and indicate a request to confirm whether the radiation therapy device or the patient has been adjusted. A computer system configured to, in response to receiving instructions indicating interaction with the aforementioned button, display on the display screen a visual indicator showing that the radiotherapy equipment is aligned for radiotherapy of the patient.

[0142] Example item 9: A computer system according to Exemplary Item 8, wherein the visual emphasis includes making the button a predetermined color.

[0143] Example 10: A computer system of Exemplary Items 8-9, wherein the visual emphasis includes flashing the buttons.

[0144] Example 11: A computer system according to example item 8-10, wherein the button is a dedicated button for confirming the alignment of a patient or radiotherapy equipment.

[0145] Example 12: A computer system according to Exemplary Item 8-11, wherein at least one processor is further configured to display the image of the button on the display screen.

[0146] Example 13: A computer system according to Exemplary Item 8-12, wherein the visual indicator is an additional icon displayed on the display screen.

[0147] Example 14: At least one processor presents, on a display screen located in the gantry of a radiotherapy device configured to administer radiotherapy to a patient, a set of icons corresponding to a set of instructions associated with adjusting at least one attribute of the radiotherapy device before radiotherapy begins. The at least one processor visually highlights a button on a pendant that communicates with the radiotherapy device and indicates a request to confirm whether the radiotherapy device or the patient has been adjusted. A method comprising: in response to receiving an instruction indicating interaction with the button, the at least one processor presenting a visual indicator on the display screen indicating that the radiotherapy equipment is aligned for radiotherapy of the patient.

[0148] Example 15: A method according to Exemplary Item 14, wherein the visual emphasis includes making the button a predetermined color.

[0149] Example 16: A method of the examples in items 14-15, wherein the visual emphasis includes flashing the button.

[0150] Example 17: A method according to example items 14-16, wherein the button is a dedicated button for confirming the alignment of a patient or radiotherapy equipment.

[0151] Example 18: A method according to Exemplary Items 14-17, further comprising the at least one processor presenting the image of the button on the display screen.

[0152] Example item 19: A method according to Exemplary Items 14-18, wherein the visual indicator is an additional icon displayed on the display screen.

[0153] Example item 20: A method according to Exemplary Items 14-19, wherein the visual indicator corresponds to a change in the visual attributes of at least one icon in the icon set.

[0154] Example item 21: A computer program which, when executed by a computer, includes instructions causing the computer to perform any of the methods described in Exemplary Items 14-20.

[0155] Example item 22: A computer-readable medium containing a set of instructions, wherein when the set of instructions is executed by one or more processors, the one or more processors cause the one or more processors to perform any of the methods described in Exemplary Items 14-20.

[0156] The above description of the method and process flow diagram are provided merely as examples and are not intended to require or suggest that the steps of the various embodiments must be performed in the order presented. The steps in the above embodiments may be performed in any order. Words such as "then" and "next" are not intended to limit the order of the steps and are used simply to guide the reader along with the description of the method. While the process flow diagram may describe operations / actions as sequential processes, many operations / actions may be performed in parallel or simultaneously. Furthermore, the order of operations / actions may be rearranged. A process may correspond to a method, function, procedure, subroutine, subprogram, etc. If a process corresponds to a function, the termination of the process may correspond to the return of that function to the calling function or main function.

[0157] Various exemplary logic blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithmic steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination thereof. To clearly demonstrate this hardware- and software compatibility, various exemplary components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have generally been described above in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. A skilled technician may implement the functionality described for each specific application in various ways, but such implementation decisions should not be construed as resulting in a departure from the scope of the invention.

[0158] Embodiments implemented in computer software may be implemented in software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. Code segments or machine-executable instructions may represent procedures, functions, subprograms, programs, routines, subroutines, modules, software packages, classes, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. Code segments may be connected to other code segments or hardware circuits by passing and / or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc., may be passed, transferred, or transmitted via any suitable means, including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc.

[0159] Actual software code or specialized control hardware used to implement these systems and methods does not limit the present invention. Therefore, the operation and behavior of these systems and methods are described without reference to specific software code, and it is understood that, based on the descriptions herein, software and control hardware may be designed to implement these systems and methods.

[0160] When implemented in software, the functionality may be stored as one or more instructions or codes in a computer-readable non-temporary medium or a processor-readable storage medium. Steps of the methods or algorithms disclosed herein may be embodied in a processor-executable software module, and the software module may reside in a computer-readable or processor-readable storage medium. Non-temporary computer-readable or processor-readable medium includes both computer storage media and tangible storage media that facilitate the transfer of computer programs from one location to another. Non-temporary processor-readable storage media may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. For example, but not limited to, such non-temporary processor-readable medium may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage devices, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or any other tangible storage media that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer or processor. The terms "disk" and "disc" as used herein include compact discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), flexible discs, and Blu-ray discs, where "disk" typically reproduces data magnetically, and "disc" reproduces data optically using a laser. Any combination of these should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. Furthermore, the operation of a method or algorithm may exist as code and / or instructions in one or any combination or set of non-temporary processor-readable media and / or computer-readable media, which may be incorporated into a computer program product.

[0161] The above-described description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable persons with ordinary skill in the art to make or practice the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to persons with ordinary skill in the art, and the comprehensive principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, and the broadest scope should be granted that is consistent with the claims and the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0162] While various aspects and embodiments are disclosed, other aspects and embodiments are also conceivable. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit, and the true scope and spirit are indicated by the claims.

Claims

1. A computer-readable medium containing a set of instructions, At least one processor that executes the aforementioned instruction, A display screen located on the gantry of a radiotherapy device configured to administer radiotherapy to a patient presents a set of icons corresponding to a set of instructions associated with adjusting at least one attribute of the radiotherapy device before radiotherapy begins. Visually highlight the button on the pendant that communicates with the radiation therapy device, and indicate a request to confirm whether the radiation therapy device or the patient has been adjusted. A computer-readable medium that, in response to receiving instructions indicating interaction with the aforementioned button, displays on the display screen a visual indicator indicating that the radiotherapy equipment is aligned for radiotherapy of the patient.

2. The computer-readable medium according to claim 1, wherein the visual emphasis includes making the button a predetermined color.

3. The computer-readable medium according to claim 1, wherein the visual emphasis includes flashing the button.

4. The computer-readable medium according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned button is a dedicated button for confirming the alignment of a patient or radiation therapy equipment.

5. The computer-readable medium according to claim 1, further comprising the instruction causing the at least one processor to display an image of the button on the display screen.

6. The computer-readable medium according to claim 1, wherein the visual indicator is an additional icon displayed on the display screen.

7. The computer-readable medium according to claim 1, wherein the visual indicator corresponds to a change in the visual attributes of at least one icon in the icon set.

8. A computer system, A radiation therapy device having a display screen, The system includes at least one processor that communicates with the aforementioned display screen, The aforementioned at least one processor is The display screen located on the gantry of the radiotherapy device configured to administer radiotherapy to a patient presents a set of icons corresponding to a set of instructions associated with adjusting at least one attribute of the radiotherapy device before radiotherapy begins. Visually highlight the button on the pendant that communicates with the radiation therapy device, and indicate a request to confirm whether the radiation therapy device or the patient has been adjusted. A computer system configured to, in response to receiving instructions indicating interaction with the aforementioned button, display on the display screen a visual indicator showing that the radiotherapy equipment is aligned for radiotherapy of the patient.

9. The computer system according to claim 8, wherein the visual emphasis includes making the button a predetermined color.

10. The computer system according to claim 8, wherein the visual emphasis includes flashing the button.

11. The computer system according to claim 8, wherein the aforementioned button is a dedicated button for confirming the alignment of a patient or radiotherapy equipment.

12. The computer system according to claim 8, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to display an image of the button on the display screen.

13. The computer system according to claim 8, wherein the visual indicator is an additional icon displayed on the display screen.

14. At least one processor presents, on a display screen located in the gantry of a radiotherapy device configured to administer radiotherapy to a patient, a set of icons corresponding to a set of instructions associated with adjusting at least one attribute of the radiotherapy device before radiotherapy begins. The at least one processor visually highlights a button on a pendant that communicates with the radiotherapy device and indicates a request to confirm whether the radiotherapy device or the patient has been adjusted. A method comprising: in response to receiving an instruction indicating interaction with the button, the at least one processor presenting a visual indicator on the display screen indicating that the radiotherapy equipment is aligned for radiotherapy of the patient.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the visual emphasis includes making the button a predetermined color.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the visual emphasis includes flashing the button.

17. The method according to claim 14, wherein the aforementioned button is a dedicated button for confirming the alignment of the patient or radiation therapy equipment.

18. The method according to claim 14, further comprising the at least one processor presenting an image of the button on the display screen.

19. The method according to claim 14, wherein the visual indicator is an additional icon displayed on the display screen.

20. The method according to claim 14, wherein the visual indicator corresponds to a change in the visual attributes of at least one icon in the icon set.

Images