Multi-Source X-Ray Imaging for Precise Radiation Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-modality imaging systems for radiation therapy are expensive and difficult to manufacture, limiting their feasibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The development of an imaging device that includes multiple imaging sources and detectors configured to receive various imaging beams, allowing for the generation of images from different modalities or with different energy levels, integrated into a radiation system that can deliver radiation beams based on these images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple imaging modalities (DR, CT) are integrated into a radiation therapy system, then imaging precision and treatment accuracy are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging modalities (DR imaging and CT imaging) into a single integrated radiation therapy system. The imaging device includes both a DR imaging source with detector and a CT imaging source with detector, allowing both imaging functions to be performed within one unified platform, thereby improving measurement precision while managing device complexity through integration
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation therapy system is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a treatment delivery system and as a multi-modality imaging system. The same physical platform performs radiation therapy, DR imaging, and CT imaging functions, making the system universal and reducing the need for separate dedicated imaging devices
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple imaging modalities are integrated into a radiation therapy system, then treatment accuracy is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device is segmented into distinct functional modules: a DR imaging module with its own source and detector, and a CT imaging module with its own source and detector. Each module can be designed, manufactured, and calibrated independently, then integrated into the overall radiation therapy system, thereby improving treatment accuracy while easing manufacturing complexity
3Loss of time
If patients remain stationary for imaging during treatment, then treatment time is reduced, but imaging quality may be compromised due to limited positioning angles
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from single-angle 2D imaging to multi-angle 3D imaging by incorporating CT capability. The CT imaging source can rotate around the patient to acquire images from multiple angles and reconstruct 3D anatomical structures, providing comprehensive imaging quality without requiring the patient to move to different positions
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 solution enables more precise irradiation of tumor sites while protecting critical organs, improving the accuracy and efficiency of radiation therapy by reducing the need for physical movement of the patient and allowing for in-treatment imaging and monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
an x-ray imaging system for radiation therapy... one or more x-ray imaging sources configured to emit one or more imaging beams
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device is provided. The imaging device includes: one or more imaging sources; and a plurality of detectors combined by joining, the plurality of detectors being configured to receive one or more imaging beams emitted by the one or more imaging sources.