Radiation Beam Alignment Using Virtual X-Ray Projections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the position of an object during medical irradiation often result in the object being obscured by blocking structures like bones, leading to reduced visibility in X-ray images, which hampers accurate positioning and real-time tracking of the treatment beam.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining preferred alignments of the treatment beam generator by considering both the visibility of the object in images from imaging devices with a known relative position to the beam generator and minimizing exposure to organs at risk, using virtual images calculated from pre-acquired 3D image data sets to plan irradiation angles before patient setup, and automatically adjusting the beam based on object visibility and organ exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the treatment beam generator is positioned to minimize exposure to organs at risk, then organ safety is improved, but the object may be obscured by blocking structures such as bones, reducing visibility in X-ray images
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of multiple possible beam directions using pre-acquired 3D image data (CT or MRT) to calculate virtual X-ray images before the actual treatment. This allows the optimal balance between organ protection and object visibility to be determined in advance, selecting beam orientations that maximize object visibility while minimizing organ exposure based on pre-computed radiation dose distributions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual copies of X-ray images by calculating virtual projections from 3D image data (CT/MRT) for each possible beam direction. These virtual images replicate what would be captured by actual X-ray devices, allowing evaluation of object visibility and organ exposure without real-time radiation exposure, thus resolving the contradiction between organ protection and visibility.
2Measurement precision
If multiple imaging devices are used to improve object visibility, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple physical imaging devices, the system generates multiple virtual X-ray images from a single set of 3D image data by computationally projecting the 3D data along different beam directions. This provides the same measurement precision as multiple physical devices while avoiding the complexity of coordinating and managing multiple physical imaging systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical complexity of multiple physical imaging devices with a computational approach. By using 3D image data and mathematical projection algorithms, the system simulates multiple X-ray views without requiring multiple physical X-ray sources, detectors, or mechanical positioning systems, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach ensures reliable object positioning and minimizes exposure to endangered organs by prioritizing orientations that maximize object visibility and reduce organ irradiation, enabling more accurate and safe treatment planning and execution.
Implementation Method 1
the image is obtained using at least one imaging device whose position relative to the treatment beam generator is known and unchangeable
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The method involves considering visibility of an object in an image during determination of alignments of a treatment beam generator (3). The image is obtained by imaging devices e.g. X-ray devices (4, 5), where a relative position of the imaging device against the treatment beam generator is known and invariable. Organs at risk in a beam path of the treatment beam generator are considered during determination of the alignments. An image data set is provided, where the data set represents a three-dimensional image of a part of the body containing the object. An independent claim is also included for a device for determining alignments of a treatment beam generator relative to a body.