Treatment Couch Kinematic Calibration for Assembly Tolerance Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation therapy systems face inaccuracies in treatment couch positioning due to manufacturing and assembly tolerances, leading to suboptimal radiation delivery and potential harm to healthy tissues.
Innovation Solution
A kinematic calibration approach is implemented using a computer system to generate and update a kinematic model for the treatment couch, adjusting its positioning programmatically to minimize discrepancies and improve accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual mechanical adjustment is used for treatment couch calibration, then the calibration process can be performed with simple equipment, but the positioning accuracy and precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with a computer-controlled kinematic calibration system. The computer system automatically controls the treatment couch to move through calibration poses, uses imaging systems to capture positions, and computationally determines correction data to update the kinematic model, eliminating the need for manual mechanical intervention while achieving higher positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the treatment couch's kinematic model that can be computationally manipulated. By generating a virtual representation of the couch's position and orientation, the system can simulate and correct positioning errors through software updates to the kinematic model, achieving precision without complex physical adjustments
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional calibration methods are used, then the calibration process is simple to implement, but manufacturing and assembly tolerances cause positioning inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs calibration before actual treatment delivery. By pre-determining correction data through a series of controlled movements to calibration poses and computing the necessary kinematic model updates in advance, the system compensates for manufacturing and assembly tolerances before they affect treatment accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the imaging system captures the actual position of the treatment couch at calibration poses, the computer system compares this with the expected position, calculates correction data, and updates the kinematic model. This closed-loop feedback continuously refines positioning accuracy to compensate for tolerances
3Reliability
If kinematic calibration with computer control is implemented, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the calibration process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the existing treatment couch control system. The same computer system that controls treatment delivery also performs calibration by sending instructions to move the couch to calibration poses, capturing images, and updating the kinematic model. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the advanced calibration capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods and systems for kinematic calibration of a treatment couch for radiation therapy are described. In one example, a computer system may generate and send first instruction(s) to cause the treatment couch to move towards each of multiple calibration poses. The treatment couch may be associated with a kinematic model. The computer system may determine multiple measured poses that are associated with the respective multiple calibration poses. Next, the computer system may determine geometric correction data for updating the kinematic model based on the multiple measured poses. The computer system may then generate and send second instruction(s) to update the kinematic model associated with the treatment couch based on the geometric correction data.