3D Paint Brush with Edge Detection for Radiation Contouring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radiation therapy treatment planning is time-consuming and inefficient due to the need for manual structure contouring and contour editing in two-dimensional or three-dimensional imaging data, which requires constant user attention and can result in jagged contours and incomplete painting routines.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method combining a 3D paint brush tool with an edge-detection algorithm for contouring, where the paint brush shape is represented as a surface mesh with a center at the user-controlled cursor, detecting structure edges using imaging parameters, and smoothing the shape via a mesh smoothing algorithm to improve accuracy and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual structure contouring is performed in 2D or 3D imaging data, then the treatment planning can be completed, but the process is time-consuming and requires constant user attention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontouring speedVSAvoidtime required for contouring

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic edge detection and contour generation using imaging parameters and algorithms, allowing the contouring process to serve itself without constant user intervention. The computer-implemented method automatically identifies structure boundaries and generates contours, reducing both time consumption and the need for continuous user attention while maintaining planning completeness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical contouring operations with automated computational methods. Edge detection algorithms and image processing techniques substitute for manual tracing and contour drawing, significantly improving productivity by automating the contouring process while reducing the time required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual contouring is performed, then contours can be created, but jagged contours and incomplete painting routines occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontour accuracyVSAvoidcontour quality consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual contouring operations with automated edge detection algorithms that consistently identify structure boundaries. This substitution eliminates the variability and errors associated with manual tracing, producing reliable, smooth contours without jagged edges or incomplete painting routines

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses imaging parameters and algorithmic parameters to control contour generation, replacing manual user actions with automated parameter-driven processes. This ensures consistent contour quality and reliability by using standardized detection criteria rather than variable manual operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If edge-detection algorithm is used automatically, then true organ boundaries are found, but user control and accuracy focus are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboundary detection accuracyVSAvoiduser control effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The edge detection algorithm operates automatically to identify true organ boundaries without requiring user focus or control input. The system serves itself by autonomously detecting edges and generating contours, improving measurement precision while reducing the operational burden on users

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual user control and manual boundary tracing are replaced with automated edge detection algorithms. This substitution improves measurement precision by using systematic image analysis while reducing user control effort, as the algorithm independently identifies boundaries without requiring continuous user guidance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250022140A1Structure contouring, such as for segmentation or radiation treatment planning, using a 3D paint brush combined with an edge-detection algorithm

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 ELEKTA AB

AI summary

Techniques are described for contouring of a region of interest based on imaging parameters of spatial imaging data and guided by user input of locations in the spatial imaging data, which may be used for segmentation or radiation treatment planning. An approach is described of combining a new paint brush tool with an edge-detection algorithm to correct for both the jagged contours and the painting routine not being executed often enough. By using an edge-detection algorithm, the user does not need to focus as much attention on moving the mouse accurately because the system will find the true organ boundary (e.g., using the image gradient) automatically, which may also lead to more time savings.