Dose Map Calculation via Local Interaction Principle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for calculating patient dose distribution in computed tomography (CT) systems, such as Monte-Carlo-Simulations and Boltzmann-Transport-equation, are resource-intensive and time-consuming, making them impractical for widespread clinical and research use due to the high computational requirements.

Innovation Solution

A method based on the local interaction principle is proposed, which simplifies the radiation transfer equation by discretizing space and scattering directions, allowing for faster calculation of dose maps using cubic voxels and reduced computational resources, enabling the creation of three-dimensional dose maps with less computer power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If Monte-Carlo-Simulations are used to calculate dose maps, then accuracy is improved, but computational time and resource requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedose map accuracyVSAvoidcomputational time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex Monte-Carlo simulation mechanisms with a simplified radiation transfer equation based on linear algebra operations. This substitution maintains sufficient accuracy for clinical dose assessment while reducing computational complexity from requiring supercomputer clusters to standard hospital computers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the mathematical parameters and models used in dose calculation by transitioning from stochastic Monte-Carlo methods to a deterministic radiation transfer equation approach. This parameter change enables faster calculation while maintaining clinical relevance through validation against measured data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If Boltzmann-Transport-equation is solved numerically, then calculation speed is improved compared to Monte-Carlo, but computer resources and calculation time still exceed hospital capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalculation speedVSAvoidcomputer resource requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex numerical solution of the Boltzmann-Transport-equation with a simplified system of linear algebra equations based on the radiation transfer equation. This substitution reduces computational requirements to levels achievable on standard hospital computers while maintaining reasonable calculation speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the radiation transfer problem into discrete linear algebra operations that can be solved using standard computational algorithms. This segmentation allows the complex physics problem to be broken down into manageable computational steps that fit within typical hospital hardware capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If detailed dose distribution calculations are performed, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and accessibility in clinical settings deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedose distribution accuracyVSAvoidclinical accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex computational systems with a simplified mathematical model that can be implemented using standard software platforms. This substitution makes the dose calculation tool accessible to clinical users without requiring specialized computing infrastructure or expertise in complex simulation methodologies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enables rapid calculation of dose maps and organ doses, making them suitable for clinical applications and broader research use, reducing costs and computational time, and allowing for optimization of CT scan protocols.

Implementation Method 1

a model based on radiation transfer theory is proposed, which is solved, in an approximate manner, with a local interaction principle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation transfer: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS9295432B2Method of determining distribution of a dose in a body

Publication Date: 2016.03.29 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

A method of determining a distribution of a dose in a body is presented including the steps of scanning at least one region of the body to extract image data, calculating a plurality of parameters from the image data, and entering a plurality of computed tomography (CT) scan parameters. The method also includes the steps of calculating radiation distribution by using a local interaction principle and creating a three-dimensional dose map based on the calculated radiation distribution.