Adaptive Isodose Line Spacing for Radiotherapy Visualization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for displaying radiation dose distribution in radiotherapy planning often result in isodose lines being too close together, making it difficult for operators to visually distinguish between them, leading to discomfort and ineffective visualization.
Innovation Solution
A data processing method that determines the distribution of isodose lines for displaying radiation dose distribution in patient tissue, using a computer to acquire dose and display data, and adjust the number and spacing of isodose lines based on graphical distance to enhance visual recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If fixed dose intervals are used for isodose lines, then the dose distribution information is complete, but the visual differentiation between neighbouring isodose lines becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the isodose line spacing adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the spacing between isodose lines based on the local dose gradient characteristics. In regions with steep dose gradients, isodose lines are spaced closer together, while in regions with gentle gradients, they are spaced farther apart. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by maintaining both complete dose distribution information and good visual differentiation throughout the entire dose distribution field.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of isodose line spacing from a fixed value to a variable parameter that depends on the local dose gradient. By introducing a gradient-based spacing parameter, the system optimizes visual differentiation in different regions of the dose distribution. This parameter change allows the display to adapt to varying dose characteristics, ensuring that neighbouring isodose lines remain visually distinguishable while preserving complete dose information.
2Measurement precision
If isodose lines are placed close together to show detailed dose distribution, then the dose resolution is improved, but operator comfort and visual recognition deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different isodose line spacing strategies in different spatial regions of the dose distribution. In regions where high dose resolution is critical (such as near the target volume), isodose lines are placed closer together. In regions where operator comfort is more important (such as in low-dose peripheral areas), lines are spaced farther apart. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing high dose resolution only where medically necessary while maintaining operator comfort in other regions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a data processing method of determining a distribution of isolines to be used for displaying a radiation dose distribution in tissue of a patient, the steps of the method being executed by a computer and comprising:d) acquiring dose distribution data comprising dose distribution information describing a radiation dose distribution in an anatomical body part;e) acquiring display data comprising display information describing a predetermined display mode to be applied for displaying the dose distribution information;f) determining, based on the dose distribution data and the display data, isodose data comprising isodose information describing a distribution of is isolines to be used for displaying the dose distribution information.