3D Target Structure Tracking From Dual-Angle Radiation Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiation therapy systems face challenges in accurately tracking target structures due to time lags and inaccuracies in 3D position estimation, particularly when using a single imaging source and detector, which can lead to target miss and healthy tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a radiation therapy system with multiple imaging sources and an imager to capture projection images from different angles simultaneously or sequentially, allowing for improved 2D and 3D position data estimation using triangulation or AI engines, thereby enhancing target structure tracking accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single imaging source and detector are used for target structure tracking, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of 3D position estimation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D imaging to 3D position estimation by introducing multiple imaging sources that capture images from different spatial angles. This dimensional expansion allows triangulation of the target structure's position in three-dimensional space, significantly improving measurement precision while the modular arrangement of sources keeps device complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple imaging sources and their corresponding images into a unified tracking system. By merging the data from multiple sources and integrating it with the treatment planning system, the system achieves accurate 3D position estimation without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
2Reliability
If repeated kV imaging and tracking software are used to monitor target position, then the target structure tracking capability is improved, but the time lag in position monitoring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs image acquisition and 3D position calculation in advance during the imaging phase, before radiation delivery begins. This preliminary action ensures that the target position is known ahead of time, eliminating time lags during the critical radiation delivery phase and improving real-time tracking reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces sequential mechanical imaging processes with a parallel computational approach. Multiple images from different sources are processed simultaneously through computer algorithms to calculate 3D position, significantly reducing the time required compared to sequential mechanical imaging and tracking methods
3Measurement precision
If multiple imaging sources are used to capture images from different angles, then the 3D position estimation accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the multiple imaging sources to serve multiple functions: each source can independently image the target structure, and collectively they enable 3D position estimation. The same imaging system is used for both 2D image capture and 3D position calculation, maximizing the utility of each component and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer system as an intermediary that processes images from multiple sources and calculates 3D position data. This intermediary handles the complexity of coordinating multiple sources and processing their data, allowing the physical imaging sources to remain relatively simple while achieving high measurement precision
4Measurement precision
If triangulation or AI engines are used for position data estimation, then the target tracking accuracy is improved, but the computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with computational methods. Instead of using intricate mechanical triangulation devices, the system uses software-based triangulation algorithms and AI engines to calculate position data from standard imaging sources, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining high accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the imaging system to automatically perform 3D position estimation through integrated computational algorithms. The system processes its own imaging data through triangulation and AI-based methods without requiring external complex computational equipment, making the computational system self-sufficient and reducing overall complexity
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 reduces the probability of target miss and healthy tissue damage by providing more accurate 2D and 3D position data, ensuring precise radiation delivery and improved treatment outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
determine three-dimensional (3D) position data associated with the target structure based on the first 2D position data and the second 2D position data
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods and systems for target structure tracking for radiation therapy are described. In one example, a computer system may obtain first and second projection image data. The first projection image data may be generated using a first imaging source to emit a first imaging beam towards an imager to image a target structure from a first angle. The second projection image data may be generated using a second imaging source to emit a second imaging beam towards the imager to image the target structure from a second angle. The computer system may process the first projection image data to determine first two-dimensional (2D) position data and the second projection image data to determine second 2D position data. Based on at least the first and second 2D position data, the computer system may determine three-dimensional (3D) position data associated with the target structure, thereby tracking the target structure in 3D.