Markerless Movable Part Tracking Using 3D Image Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for accurately tracking and treating displaced affected parts within the body, such as those caused by respiration, often require costly markers or specialized equipment, limiting their practical application and increasing patient burden.
Innovation Solution
A movable part tracking and treatment apparatus that acquires three-dimensional moving images of the patient's internal organs, generates projection images, extracts and identifies displaced affected parts and tracing targets, and determines optimal beam emission timing without the need for markers, using a combination of acquisition, projection image generation, parameter derivation, and phase determination units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a gold marker is embedded in the vicinity of the affected part to track its position, then the position accuracy of the affected part can be improved, but the patient burden and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the tracking function from the marker itself and transfers it to the image processing system. Instead of relying on physical markers to provide positioning information, the system uses image processing algorithms to automatically identify and track the affected part's position and movement, thereby eliminating the need for complex marker manufacturing and embedding procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical marker embedding system with an image processing-based tracking system. By using image analysis algorithms to detect and track the affected part's position and movement, the system substitutes the mechanical marker approach with a non-invasive, software-based solution that reduces patient burden and manufacturing complexity
2Ease of operation
If a marker is pasted on the body surface to track movement, then the patient burden is reduced, but the detection accuracy and practical applicability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional surface markers to three-dimensional volumetric imaging. By acquiring three-dimensional images and extracting movement information from the volumetric data, the system achieves accurate tracking without relying on surface markers, thereby maintaining ease of operation while improving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a digital copy of the affected part's position and movement information through image processing. Instead of relying on physical markers, the system generates and processes image data to create a virtual representation of the affected part's trajectory, achieving accurate tracking without the limitations of surface-mounted markers
3Measurement precision
If separate detecting cameras and synchronizers are provided for marker tracking, then the tracking function can be achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the imaging and tracking functions into a single integrated system. By combining the image acquisition and image processing capabilities, the system eliminates the need for separate detecting cameras and synchronizers, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining accurate tracking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the image processing system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both imaging and tracking operations. The same system that acquires images also processes and analyzes the movement information, eliminating the need for dedicated tracking hardware and reducing overall device complexity
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
Enables accurate tracking and treatment of displaced affected parts without markers, reducing patient burden and equipment complexity, while ensuring precise beam alignment for effective radiation therapy.
Implementation Method 1
an acquisition unit that acquires a three-dimensional moving image by imaging an inside of a body of a patient
Implementation Method 2
a first projection image generation unit that generates a first projection moving image by projecting the three-dimensional moving image on a two-dimensional surface from a fixed direction
Implementation Method 3
an affected part image extraction unit that extracts the displaced affected part area from the first projection moving image
Implementation Method 4
a tracing target image extraction unit that extracts the displaced tracing target from the first projection moving image
Implementation Method 5
a beam emission unit that emits a beam at a timing when it is determined that the phase condition is satisfied
Data Source
AI summary
A movable part tracking and treatment apparatus includes an acquisition unit adapted to acquire a three-dimensional moving image and a first projection image generation unit adapted to generate a first projection moving image. The apparatus further includes an affected part image extraction unit adapted to extract the displaced affected part area from the first projection moving image and a tracing target image extraction unit adapted to extract the displaced tracing target from the first projection moving image. The apparatus also includes a first parameter derivation unit adapted to derive a first parameter indicative of position information on a beam irradiation point and a second parameter derivation unit adapted to derive a second parameter necessary to extract the corresponding tracing target.