Imaging Moving Subjects via Multi-Axial Radiation Beam Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging technologies face challenges in effectively capturing the full range of motion of moving subjects, particularly in radiation therapy, where precise imaging is required to determine the motion state of treatment targets and organs at risk during physiological motions like respiration or cardiac activity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine the motion range of a region of interest (ROI) by dividing physiological motion into time bins, calculating axial positions for a radiation source, and emitting radiation beams at these positions to generate comprehensive image frames, ensuring thorough coverage of the ROI's motion range and identifying optimal time bins for therapeutic beam emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional imaging methods are used, then imaging speed is maintained, but the full range of motion of moving subjects cannot be captured
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging process is segmented into multiple time bins corresponding to different phases of physiological motion cycles. The radiation source emits beams at multiple axial positions for each time bin, dividing the continuous motion into discrete measurable states. This segmentation enables comprehensive coverage of the full motion range while maintaining manageable system complexity through systematic organization of imaging data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from conventional single-position imaging to multi-axial-position imaging by adding the axial dimension to the imaging approach. By emitting radiation beams at multiple axial positions simultaneously or sequentially, the system captures motion information in three-dimensional space, enabling complete characterization of the moving subject's full range of motion.
2Measurement precision
If multiple axial positions are imaged to cover full motion range, then measurement precision improves, but imaging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines the motion range and divides it into time bins before actually performing the imaging. By pre-calculating the required axial positions and timing sequences based on predicted physiological motion patterns, the system optimizes the imaging protocol to capture the full motion range in the minimum necessary time, reducing overall imaging duration while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system operates continuously through multiple time bins, with the radiation source emitting beams at different axial positions in a coordinated sequence. This continuous operation without interruption ensures that the full motion cycle is captured efficiently, minimizing idle time and maximizing the useful imaging action within the physiological motion period.
3Measurement precision
If radiation beams are emitted at multiple axial positions, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but radiation dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different imaging strategies to different axial positions based on the local requirements. By determining the specific axial positions needed to cover the motion range and focusing radiation beams only at those positions rather than uniformly across the entire field, the system reduces unnecessary radiation exposure while maintaining comprehensive coverage of the moving subject's motion range.
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 allows for precise imaging of moving subjects, ensuring that therapeutic beams are accurately aligned with the treatment target's motion state, enhancing the effectiveness and precision of radiation therapy by covering the entire motion range of the ROI and determining optimal time bins for treatment.
Implementation Method 1
causing the radiation source to emit, at each of the plurality of axial positions relative to the subject, radiation beams to the ROI to generate an image frame of the ROI
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method for imaging of moving subjects. The method may include determining a motion range of a region of interest (ROI) of a subject in an axial direction. The method may also include causing a radiation source to emit, at each of a plurality of axial positions relative to the subject, radiation beams to the ROI to generate an image frame of the ROI. The radiation beams corresponding to the plurality of axial positions may jointly cover the motion range of the ROI in the axial direction. The method may further include determining a position of the ROI in the axial direction based on the image frames of the ROI, and determining, based on the positions of the ROI in the axial directions, at least one time bin in which therapeutic beams are to be emitted to the ROI.