Irradiation Planning Optimization via Segmented Resolution Steps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irradiation planning methods are inefficient in calculating complex irradiation plans due to high computational requirements, especially when dealing with high-resolution data sets and complex interactions between particle beams and target volumes, leading to lengthy calculation times and high computational effort.
Innovation Solution
A method involving successive optimization steps with progressively higher resolution data sets, where optimized parameter sets from previous steps serve as starting values for subsequent steps, reducing the number of iterations needed and computational time, and using these sets to control irradiation systems effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high-resolution data sets are used for irradiation planning optimization, then measurement precision and manufacturing precision are improved, but calculation time and computational effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The optimization process is divided into multiple sequential steps, each operating on data sets of different resolutions. The method segments the calculation into coarse-resolution preliminary optimization followed by fine-resolution final optimization, allowing the system to achieve high precision without the full computational burden of high-resolution optimization throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
Preliminary optimization is performed on low-resolution data sets before final optimization on high-resolution data sets. This preliminary action establishes initial parameter values and identifies promising optimization directions, so that when high-resolution optimization begins, it starts from a more informed state, reducing the number of iterations needed.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex optimization algorithms are applied to high-resolution data sets, then irradiation plan quality is improved, but computational effort and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The computational task is segmented into multiple optimization steps with progressively increasing resolution. Each step uses optimization algorithms appropriate to its resolution level, avoiding the need to apply complex high-resolution optimization algorithms to the entire problem from the start, thus reducing overall computational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Preliminary optimization steps on lower-resolution data sets perform initial parameter tuning and identify optimal search directions. This preliminary action reduces the search space for subsequent high-resolution optimization, making the complex optimization algorithms more efficient and less computationally demanding.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple optimization iterations are performed on high-resolution data sets, then parameter optimization is improved, but calculation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optimization iterations are segmented across multiple resolution levels. Many iterations are performed on low-resolution data sets where each iteration is computationally inexpensive, establishing good initial parameters. Fewer iterations are then needed on high-resolution data sets to achieve final precision, improving overall calculation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple preliminary optimization iterations are performed on low-resolution data sets to establish near-optimal parameter values before transitioning to high-resolution optimization. This preliminary action ensures that when high-resolution optimization begins, it is already close to the final solution, requiring fewer additional iterations and improving productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves pre-determining a target volume to be irradiated and a condition (55) to be fulfilled and carrying out an optimization process (61) by preparing data set (62) and determining parameter set (65,66,67,68). An irradiation planning data set (83) is produced by additional parameter set (75,76,77,78). Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) an irradiation planning device with a computer unit; and (2) an irradiation system, particularly particle therapy system with a controlling device.