Automatic Imaging Timing Control for Respiratory Target Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for tracking target movement during radiation treatment, such as radiosurgery, rely on manual triggering of imaging systems, leading to inconsistent distribution of model points in the respiratory cycle, resulting in suboptimal correlation models and increased unnecessary imaging.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatically triggering imaging at specified times in a periodic cycle, using external sensors to predict optimal image acquisition times based on historical data, ensuring evenly-distributed model points and minimizing user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual triggering of imaging systems is used, then operator control over image acquisition is maintained, but the distribution of model points becomes inconsistent and correlation model quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically triggers image acquisition based on detected respiratory phase without requiring continuous manual operator intervention. The imaging system serves itself by using the correlation model and respiratory signals to determine optimal imaging timing, thereby maintaining operator control while achieving consistent model point distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time feedback from respiratory signals and the correlation model to automatically adjust image acquisition timing. The feedback loop continuously monitors respiratory phase and triggers imaging at optimal moments, ensuring consistent model point distribution across the respiratory cycle while reducing manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If manual triggering is used to acquire images at desired respiratory cycle locations, then some control over imaging timing is achieved, but unnecessary imaging occurs and imaging resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the correlation model and respiratory signal patterns before triggering image acquisition. By predicting optimal imaging timing in advance based on historical respiratory data and model points, the system triggers imaging only when necessary, eliminating unnecessary images while maintaining precise timing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuously imaging or imaging at every respiratory phase, the system applies partial action by triggering imaging only at specific, predicted optimal moments within the respiratory cycle. This selective approach reduces unnecessary imaging while maintaining sufficient model quality.
3Manufacturing precision
If operators manually trigger images to compensate for uneven model point distribution, then model quality can be improved, but the complexity of the manual timing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs the complex task of determining optimal imaging timing using the correlation model and respiratory signals. Instead of requiring operators to manually analyze and time each image acquisition, the system self-manages the complex timing process while maintaining high model quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the manual mechanical process of operator timing with an automated computational system. The correlation model and control system compute optimal imaging timing algorithmically, substituting the complex manual timing process with an automated digital control mechanism.
4Loss of time
If there is a delay between manual trigger and actual image acquisition, then system response time is reduced, but the timing accuracy for capturing desired respiratory phase locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary preparation of the imaging system in advance, so that when a trigger is needed, the system can respond immediately without delay. By pre-positioning the imaging system and pre-processing potential trigger conditions, the system eliminates the delay between trigger and acquisition while maintaining timing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time feedback from respiratory monitoring to dynamically adjust trigger timing. By continuously monitoring respiratory phase and predicting optimal trigger moments, the system compensates for any inherent system delays, ensuring that images are captured at the desired respiratory phase locations despite processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus to automatically control the timing of an image acquisition by an imaging system in developing a correlation model of movement of a target within a patient.