Gantry Position Sequence Optimization for Unobstructed Stereo Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiotherapy and radiosurgery treatment plans often result in gantry obstruction of camera lines of sight, leading to undesirable beam path obstructions, which complicates time-optimized positioning of irradiation units and hinders effective imaging and treatment.
Innovation Solution
A method to determine an optimal order of gantry positions for the irradiation unit that maximizes the stereo-imaging field of view by ensuring free viewing directions for imaging devices, allowing for improved reconstruction of patient positioning and reduced obstruction, using a combination of data acquisition, position ordering, and optimization algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the irradiation unit positions are ordered to minimize gantry travel time, then treatment time is reduced, but the camera line of sight is obstructed by the gantry
Solution Approach 1:
The set of irradiation unit positions is divided into two separate sets: one optimized for minimal gantry travel time and another optimized for unobstructed camera viewing. This segmentation allows each set to be independently optimized for its specific criterion without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of ordering positions to minimize gantry travel time (conventional approach), the invention inverts the optimization criterion by ordering positions to maximize camera field of view and minimize obstruction. This inversion resolves the contradiction by prioritizing imaging quality over treatment speed.
2Productivity
If the gantry is positioned to emit treatment beams in a time-optimized manner, then treatment efficiency is improved, but the beam path is obstructed by treatment device constituents
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment process is segmented into imaging phases and treatment phases, with each phase having its own position optimization criteria. During imaging phases, positions are selected to maximize field of view; during treatment phases, positions are selected for treatment effectiveness, avoiding obstruction of the beam path by treatment device constituents.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary optimization algorithm is introduced that takes into account both treatment efficiency and imaging quality requirements. This intermediary system coordinates the gantry movements to achieve a balance between productive treatment delivery and unobstructed imaging capability.
3Measurement precision
If positions are ordered to maximize stereo-imaging field of view, then image reconstruction quality is improved, but gantry travel time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sequence of gantry positions is segmented into imaging-optimized segments and treatment-optimized segments. Imaging segments are ordered to maximize field of view for better reconstruction, while treatment segments are ordered to minimize travel time, with transitions between segments carefully managed.
Solution Approach 2:
The gantry position sequence is made dynamic and adaptable, allowing the optimization criteria to change based on the current treatment phase. The system dynamically adjusts the ordering of positions to prioritize image quality when imaging is needed and prioritizes speed when treatment delivery is the focus.
Data Source
AI summary
A positional pattern of an irradiation unit for irradiating a patient with treatment radiation is determined based on optimal order data describing an order of the irradiation unit positions for which the statistical value is optimal. The optimal order data is determined based on irradiation unit position data describing irradiation unit positions of the irradiation unit for which the imaging device has a free viewing direction onto the position of the patient, position orders data describing all possible orders of the irradiation unit positions for which the imaging device has a free viewing direction onto the position of the patient, and intersection angle data describing a statistical quantity of the intersection angles between free viewing directions of the imaging unit for irradiation unit positions which are immediately subsequent in the order described by the position orders data.