Dynamic Source Array Geometry for Tomosynthesis Depth Resolution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation treatment systems face challenges in achieving optimal radiation delivery to tumors while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue due to errors in patient positioning and internal anatomy displacement, particularly with hypofractionated delivery methods, which require precise alignment of the target with the radiation isocenter.
Innovation Solution
A system that emits radiation from multiple sources in fixed relationships to acquire projection images, performing digital tomosynthesis to generate cross-sectional images, with adjustable array geometries to accommodate different treatment scenarios, allowing for varying field of view and depth resolution based on specific needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radiation sources are moved apart to increase angular sampling range and depth resolution, then depth resolution is improved, but field of view decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the spacing between radiation sources based on the specific imaging requirements. For deep-seated targets, sources are positioned farther apart to maximize depth resolution, while for superficial targets, sources are positioned closer to expand the field of view. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same system to optimize for different clinical scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the radiation source array by adjusting source-to-detector distance and source spacing. By varying these parameters, the system can shift between prioritizing depth resolution (larger source spacing) and field of view (smaller source spacing), effectively resolving the contradiction through parameter optimization.
2Area of stationary object
If radiation sources are moved closer together to increase field of view, then field of view is improved, but angular sampling range decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the spacing between radiation sources based on the specific imaging requirements. For deep-seated targets, sources are positioned farther apart to maximize depth resolution, while for superficial targets, sources are positioned closer to expand the field of view. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same system to optimize for different clinical scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the radiation source array by adjusting source-to-detector distance and source spacing. By varying these parameters, the system can shift between prioritizing depth resolution (larger source spacing) and field of view (smaller source spacing), effectively resolving the contradiction through parameter optimization.
3Device complexity
If a fixed geometric arrangement of radiation sources is used, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different treatment scenarios decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs movable radiation sources that can be repositioned along the detector array, allowing the same physical system to create different geometric arrangements. This dynamic capability provides adaptability to various treatment scenarios without requiring multiple fixed systems, thus maintaining relatively low complexity while achieving high versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal radiation source array that can serve multiple functions by reconfiguring source positions. The same detector array and source mechanism can accommodate different source spacings and geometries, making the system universally applicable to both deep-seated and superficial targets, as well as various field of view requirements.
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 efficient digital tomosynthesis, providing improved delineation of tissue boundaries and reduced influence of overlying structures, facilitating precise radiation delivery and real-time verification of patient positioning, thus enhancing treatment accuracy and safety.
Implementation Method 1
emit radiation from a plurality of radiation sources disposed in a fixed relationship to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes emission of first radiation from a plurality of radiation sources disposed in a fixed relationship to each other, the first radiation emitted from a first plurality of locations defining a first array geometry. A first set of projection images is acquired based on the emitted first radiation and digital tomosynthesis is performed on the first set of projection images to generate a first cross-sectional image. Second radiation is emitted from the plurality of radiation sources disposed in the fixed relationship to each other, the second radiation emitted from a second plurality of locations defining a second array geometry. A second set of projection images is acquired based on the emitted second radiation, and digital tomosynthesis is performed on the second set of projection images to generate a second cross-sectional image. The first array geometry and the second array geometry differ in at least one of shape and size.