Medical Image Processing Device for Radiation Therapy Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation treatment systems face challenges in accurately aligning patients for radiation therapy due to limitations in position determination accuracy, particularly in integrating valid regions of interest from previous treatments, which can lead to misalignment and increased exposure of normal tissues.
Innovation Solution
A medical image processing device that compares a patient's CT image with a database of comparative images from previous treatments to determine a position determination region, using a comparator and position determination region determiner to automatically set a valid region for alignment, thereby reducing the need for manual input and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual input of valid region of interest is used in position determination, then flexibility in selecting regions is maintained, but position determination accuracy deteriorates due to integration errors with entire image results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the valid region of interest from the entire medical image by comparing it with a reference image from previous treatment. This extraction process isolates the relevant anatomical structures that should be used for position determination, separating them from the rest of the image data that may cause integration errors. The comparator identifies the valid region by finding corresponding structures between the current and reference images, thereby improving position determination accuracy by using only the extracted valid region rather than integrating results from the entire image.
2Area of stationary object
If entire image position determination is used, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but accuracy deteriorates due to inclusion of invalid regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between valid and invalid regions within the medical image. Instead of treating the entire image uniformly, the system identifies specific local regions that contain valid anatomical structures suitable for position determination. The comparator analyzes local features and characteristics to determine which regions are valid for alignment, thereby improving position determination accuracy by focusing on high-quality local regions rather than uniformly processing the entire image area.
3Ease of operation
If automated valid region determination is implemented, then manual input effort is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically determine valid regions of interest without requiring manual input from operators. The comparator autonomously compares the current medical image with the reference image, automatically identifies corresponding anatomical structures, and extracts the valid region for position determination. This self-service capability reduces operational complexity and manual effort, as the system performs the region selection task that would otherwise require expert manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical image processing device of an embodiment includes a comparator and a position determination region determiner. The comparator compares a first image obtained by photographing a patient with a comparative image which is an image used in previous radiation treatment and in which a valid region used in position alignment in the radiation treatment is designated. The position determination region determiner determines a position determination region similar to the valid region included within the first image on the basis of a comparison result of the comparator.