Offline Angle Selection for Rotational Imaging Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Selecting optimal angles for generating tracking images in image-guided radiation therapy is non-trivial, as some angles may not allow the target to be discoverable or may incorrectly identify non-target structures, affecting treatment accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A processing device determines a set of angles with high tracking quality metric values by analyzing projections of a three-dimensional treatment planning image, selecting angles that satisfy specific criteria to ensure accurate target tracking during treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tracking images are generated from all available angles, then comprehensive target tracking coverage is achieved, but the risk of misidentifying non-target structures increases and treatment accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of imaging angle by selecting only specific angles from the available range. The system evaluates multiple candidate angles and selects an optimized subset that maximizes target tracking accuracy while minimizing the risk of misidentifying non-target structures. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by not using all available angles but rather a carefully selected subset.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a limited set of angles is used for tracking images, then the risk of misidentification is reduced, but target tracking coverage and accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary evaluation of multiple candidate angles before actual treatment. The system pre-assesses the quality of tracking images that would be obtained from each candidate angle based on the treatment planning image, and selects the optimal angles in advance. This preliminary action ensures that the selected angles will provide both adequate coverage and minimal misidentification risk during treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent skips evaluating and selecting angles that are likely to produce poor tracking images or high misidentification risk. By rapidly assessing candidate angles and eliminating suboptimal ones, the system efficiently identifies the best angles without exhaustive evaluation of all possible angles, thus maintaining accuracy while reducing computational burden.
3Measurement precision
If multiple angles are evaluated and selected, then optimal target tracking is achieved, but the complexity of the angle selection process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs) as copies or simulations of actual tracking images that would be obtained from different angles. These DRRs are generated from the treatment planning image and used to evaluate candidate angles without requiring actual imaging during the selection process. This copying approach simplifies the evaluation process while maintaining accuracy in angle selection.
4Adaptability or versatility
If angle selection is performed manually, then flexibility in choosing optimal angles is maintained, but the time required for treatment setup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated angle selection system that performs the evaluation and selection of optimal tracking angles without manual intervention. The system automatically processes the treatment planning image, evaluates multiple candidate angles based on predefined criteria, and selects the optimal angles for tracking. This self-service automation maintains adaptability through algorithmic evaluation while dramatically reducing the time required compared to manual angle selection.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating imaging and tracking. The method includes determining, for each angle of a plurality of angles from which tracking images can be generated by an imaging device, a value of a tracking quality metric for tracking a target based on an analysis of a projection generated at that angle. The method also includes selecting, by a processing device, a subset of the plurality of angles that have a tracking quality metric value that satisfies a tracking quality metric criterion, one or more angles of the subset to be used to generate a tracking image of the target during a treatment stage, wherein the subset comprises at least a first angle and a second angle that is at least separated by a minimum threshold from the first angle.