Medical Image Processing Apparatus for Radiotherapy Position Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiotherapy methods lack sufficient reliability in tracking the position of the affected area during treatment due to the absence of real-time patient position tracking, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in delivering the treatment beam.
Innovation Solution
A medical image processing apparatus that includes an acquisitor, a landmark detector, and an estimator, which acquires perspective images, detects landmarks, and estimates the position of the affected area based on learned relationships between landmarks and the affected area, enabling precise adjustment and verification of the treatment beam's target position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional radiotherapy methods are used without real-time patient position tracking, then the treatment process is simpler and requires fewer additional devices, but the reliability of tracking the affected area position during treatment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces perspective images as an intermediary medium to bridge the gap between simple treatment delivery and reliable position tracking. These images serve as a mediator that provides real-time visual information about the affected area position without requiring complex tracking hardware, thus improving reliability while maintaining relative system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously acquiring perspective images during treatment and using them to verify the position of the affected area. This feedback loop allows the treatment system to adjust based on real-time positional information, significantly improving tracking reliability without adding substantial complexity to the overall treatment process
2Measurement precision
If CT images of various respiratory phases are imaged immediately before treatment, then the accuracy of treatment planning is improved, but the time required for treatment preparation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by acquiring perspective images and performing position verification before the actual treatment begins. This allows the system to prepare and verify positioning in advance, ensuring accurate treatment planning while streamlining the subsequent treatment delivery process
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses perspective images as simplified copies or representations of the actual affected area position, rather than requiring full CT imaging sequences. These image copies provide sufficient information for accurate positioning and treatment planning while significantly reducing the time required compared to comprehensive CT imaging
3Productivity
If automated irradiation control is implemented based on image coincidence, then the productivity of treatment delivery is improved, but the reliability of treatment support without patient tracking is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using perspective images to continuously monitor and verify the position of the affected area during automated treatment delivery. This feedback mechanism ensures that automated irradiation control operates reliably by confirming correct positioning, thus improving both productivity and reliability simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical tracking systems with an optical/image-based verification approach using perspective images. This substitution maintains automated treatment delivery efficiency while providing reliable position verification through image analysis rather than mechanical sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A medical image processing apparatus of an embodiment has acquisitor, a first landmark detector, and an estimator. The acquisitor acquires a perspective image of an object to be treated imaged by an imaging apparatus. The first landmark detector detects a position of a landmark that appears in the perspective image acquired by the acquisitor. The estimator, based on relationship information indicating a relationship between the position of landmark and the position of a target, estimates the position of the search-for location of the object to be treated from the position of the landmark detected by the first landmark detector.