Breathing Motion Tracking Camera System for Radiation Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring and displaying a patient's breathing motion during medical procedures, such as radiation therapy, are inefficient and time-consuming, particularly in identifying specific motion observation points on the patient's chest.
Innovation Solution
The system uses a camera to obtain surface information of a patient, determines the patient's motion based on this information, and provides an indicator of a region of interest (ROI) with the highest movement value, simplifying motion monitoring and reducing the time spent by the user to find motion observation points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a reflective marker block is positioned on the patient's chest and tracked with an optical camera to assess breathing cycles, then the patient's breathing motion can be monitored, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex in identifying specific motion observation points
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically identifies regions of interest and motion observation points on the patient's body surface without requiring manual user intervention. The processing circuitry autonomously analyzes surface information from multiple cameras, determines motion characteristics, and selects optimal observation points, allowing the system to serve itself in the setup process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of automated identification by analyzing motion signals from multiple regions and automatically determining which regions have the highest motion values. This parameter change transforms the process from manual point selection to automated parameter-based identification, reducing user time while maintaining measurement precision.
2Loss of information
If multiple motion signals are obtained from different areas of the patient surface, then comprehensive motion statistics can be provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical camera system and processing circuitry are designed to perform multiple functions: capturing surface information, tracking reflective markers, determining motion signals from multiple regions, identifying regions of interest, and providing comprehensive motion statistics. This multi-functionality allows the same system components to handle all aspects of breathing motion analysis without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functions of multiple cameras, marker tracking, motion analysis, and region identification into a single integrated processing framework. By combining these previously separate functions into one unified system, the complexity is managed through integration rather than through multiple independent systems working in parallel.
3Manufacturing precision
If the radiation beam is shaped to conform exactly to the tumor dimensions, then treatment precision is improved, but tumor movement during treatment causes the beam to fail to cover the targeted tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the patient's breathing motion during treatment by tracking reflective markers and analyzing surface motion signals. This real-time feedback information about tumor position changes is used to adjust the radiation beam delivery, ensuring that the beam remains aligned with the moving tumor throughout the treatment process, thereby maintaining both precision and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation treatment system transitions from a static beam configuration to a dynamic system that adapts to tumor motion. By incorporating real-time motion tracking and adjusting beam delivery based on observed tumor position changes during breathing cycles, the system maintains accurate tumor coverage despite physiological movements, making the treatment process dynamic rather than static.
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 allows for faster and more accurate evaluation and display of a patient's breathing motion, providing motion statistics for different regions of the patient's surface and enhancing the efficiency of clinical planning and delivery of medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective marker block may be positioned on the chest of a patient and tracked with an optical camera
Data Source
AI summary
At least one example embodiment provides a method including obtaining surface information of a patient using a camera; determining a motion of the patient based on the surface information; and providing an indicator of a region of interest (ROI) of the patient based on the motion.