Image Processor for Real-Time Radiotherapy Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In radiotherapy and heavy ion radiotherapy, achieving precise positioning of lesions for effective treatment is challenging due to the need for precise alignment, which is time-consuming and difficult to accomplish quickly.
Innovation Solution
An image processor system that acquires and processes multiple perspective images from different directions to calculate positional differences and generate updated images, allowing for real-time adjustment of the treatment target's position to ensure accurate alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If positioning is performed precisely to ensure accurate alignment, then positioning accuracy is improved, but positioning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses CT images as a copy or representation of the patient's anatomy to perform virtual positioning and alignment calculations. By working with the 3D CT model rather than physically adjusting the patient, the system achieves precise positioning calculations without requiring time-consuming physical repositioning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning adjustments with automated image processing and computational algorithms. The system uses computer vision and 3D reconstruction techniques to automatically calculate alignment, substituting the manual mechanical process with an automated digital one that is both faster and more precise.
2Productivity
If positioning is performed quickly to reduce treatment time, then productivity is improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs positioning calculations and alignment determinations in advance using pre-acquired CT images and virtual modeling. By preparing the 3D anatomical model and pre-calculating position relationships before the actual treatment, the system enables rapid and accurate positioning during treatment without compromising either speed or precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the patient's anatomy from CT scans and performs all positioning calculations on this virtual model. This allows the system to achieve both speed and accuracy by processing information digitally rather than through slow physical measurement and adjustment processes.
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments, an image processor includes an image acquirer, a first image generator, a point acquirer, a detector, a calculator and a determiner. The detector detects a second plurality of points in the first perspective images or the second perspective images corresponding to the first plurality of points. The calculator calculates, based on at least the first plurality of points and the second plurality of points, a difference in position of the target between when the first perspective images were captured and when the second perspective images were generated. The determiner determines whether or not the difference is in a range. If the difference is not in the range, then the first image generator generates updated ones of the second perspective images from an updated one of the volume data, which is different by the difference from a previous one of the volume data.