Image Registration Using Beam Range Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image registration methods in radiation therapy, which rely solely on image information, may lead to inaccurate patient positioning due to neglecting the behavior of the beam within the object, resulting in inadequate irradiation results, especially for particle therapy where beam penetration is critical.
Innovation Solution
The method incorporates range information, which describes how a beam penetrates the object, in addition to image information, to determine transformation parameters for registering image data sets, ensuring more precise positioning by accounting for beam behavior and penetration depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If registration is based solely on image information, then the registration process is simple and fast, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates because beam behavior and penetration are not accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges image information with range information (beam penetration data) to perform registration. Instead of relying solely on image matching, the system combines multiple information sources including Hounsfield units from CT scans and calculated range maps to determine transformation parameters, thereby improving positioning accuracy while accounting for beam behavior in different tissue densities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces range information as an additional parameter beyond traditional image intensity matching. By calculating beam penetration depth through the object using density information and incorporating this range data into the registration cost function, the system transforms the registration problem from pure image matching to a multi-parameter optimization that accounts for physical beam behavior
2Manufacturing precision
If registration is based solely on image information, then the method is computationally efficient, but the irradiation accuracy deteriorates due to inadequate positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of range information from density maps before the actual registration process. By pre-computing beam penetration depths and storing range maps, the system prepares critical beam behavior data in advance, which is then used during registration to guide the optimization process and improve irradiation accuracy without excessive computational burden during the registration itself
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for registering a first image data set to a second image data set and apparatus. The invention relates to a method for registering a first image data set (31) to a second image data set (37) of an object (33, 35), in which range information is determined that describes the range of a beam in the object (33, 35), and in which at least one transformation parameter is determined that describes a registration of the first image data set (31) to the second image data set (37), wherein the determination of the at least one transformation parameter is carried out using the determined range information. The invention further relates to an apparatus with a computing unit configured for carrying out such a method.The invention also relates to the use of such a method for positioning an object (33, 35) to be irradiated relative to the beam.