Machine Vision Alignment for Electron Beam Therapy Docking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electron beam therapy systems face challenges in accurately and efficiently aligning and positioning the treatment head with the applicator during intraoperative procedures, particularly due to the need for precise alignment and the risk of injury or electrical contact with the patient, which can be time-consuming and unsafe, especially when using manual methods like laser fan beam or multiple laser dot alignment.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a machine vision system that uses multi-depth, rotationally symmetric targets observed from multiple perspectives to automatically guide the electron beam machine into alignment with the applicator, leveraging parallax effects to encode position and angular alignment information, allowing for rapid and accurate hard or soft docking configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment methods (laser fan beam or multiple laser dot alignment) are used to position the treatment head with the applicator, then alignment can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment methods with an automated machine vision system using cameras and image processing algorithms. The system captures images of alignment markers on the applicator and treatment head, processes these images computationally to determine relative positions and orientations, and provides automated feedback for positioning. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with optical and computational systems resolves the contradiction by achieving high alignment precision while dramatically reducing docking time.
2Reliability
If manual alignment methods are used, then alignment can be performed, but there is a risk of injury or electrical contact with the patient during the alignment process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-aligning system where the machine vision setup automatically performs the alignment task without requiring manual intervention near the patient. The system uses alignment markers that are part of the applicator and treatment head structures themselves, capturing images and computing positions autonomously. This self-service approach eliminates the need for operators to manually position components near the patient, thereby ensuring safety while maintaining ease of operation through automated processes.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional alignment systems are used, then basic alignment can be achieved, but precise angular alignment and position control are difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces alignment markers as intermediary elements that facilitate precise measurement without adding mechanical complexity. These markers (such as fiducial markers or reflective markers) are placed on the applicator and treatment head, serving as intermediaries between the physical components and the vision system. The markers provide easily detectable visual features that encode position and orientation information, enabling high-precision alignment measurements while keeping the overall system relatively simple and elegant.
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 significantly reduces the time required for docking, enhances safety by minimizing direct contact and electrical risks, and ensures precise alignment, enabling efficient delivery of electron beam therapy with improved beam symmetry and flatness, even in unshielded environments.
Implementation Method 1
leveraging parallax effects to encode position and angular alignment information
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus that use machine vision techniques to rapidly and automatically guide objects into desired docking configurations. The present invention is based at least in part upon using multi-depth, rotationally symmetric targets that are observed from two or more observation perspectives. By taking advantage of parallax effects associated with the multi-depth topography of the target, the apparent positions of target features in captured image information encodes position and angular alignment of the objects relative to each other in three dimensional space. The practice of the present invention provides a fast, accurate, reliable and automatic approach to achieve hard or soft docking configurations in the electron beam therapies as well as to implement real-time gating and tracking during the course of a treatment.