Optical Imaging for Medical Beam Limiter Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiation devices face challenges in accurately determining the target position for the beam limiting device, leading to unnecessary radiation exposure and potential harm to the human body.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize optical image information and target part information to determine the parameters related to medical operations, including the position to be irradiated and the target position of the beam limiting device, using machine learning models for precise determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the beam limiter opening is set without accurate target position determination, then the operation process is simple, but the region irradiated does not match the target region, causing unnecessary radiation exposure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget position determination accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an optical imaging system as an intermediary between the radiation device and the patient. This optical system captures images of the patient's body surface and target region, providing visual information that helps determine the beam limiter opening position. The optical image acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between simple operation and precise target positioning, allowing operators to visually align the beam limiter with the target region without complex direct measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a visual copy of the target region through optical imaging. By capturing an optical image of the patient's body surface and target area, the system produces a two-dimensional representation that can be used to plan and verify the radiation beam positioning. This optical copy allows operators to determine the beam limiter opening configuration based on visual information rather than direct physical measurement, improving positioning accuracy while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Area of stationary object

If the beam limiter opening is enlarged to cover the target region, then the irradiation coverage is sufficient, but unnecessary regions are also irradiated, causing harm to the human body

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam limiter opening areaVSAvoidunnecessary radiation exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using optical imaging to identify and highlight the specific target region on the patient's body. The optical image provides localized visual information about the target area's position, shape, and boundaries. This allows the beam limiter opening to be configured with appropriate local characteristics - large enough to cover the target region completely, but shaped and positioned to minimize exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. The optical image enables precise local adjustment of the beam limiter opening parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by capturing optical images of the patient's body surface and target region before setting the beam limiter opening. This pre-imaging step allows operators to plan the beam configuration in advance, determining the optimal opening size and position based on visual information. By performing this visualization and planning action beforehand, the system ensures that the beam limiter opening is precisely configured to match the target region, avoiding both under-coverage and unnecessary exposure to healthy tissues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If manual determination of beam limiter position is used, then the operation is simple, but the matching degree between the opening and target region is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam limiter positioning accuracyVSAvoidoperation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the optical imaging system to automatically capture and display images of the target region, which then directly guide the beam limiter positioning. The system serves itself by providing the necessary visual information without requiring external measurement tools or complex calculation systems. Operators can directly use the optical image to determine the beam limiter opening configuration, eliminating the need for separate measurement and calculation steps while maintaining high positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies feedback by using the optical image to verify and adjust the beam limiter positioning. The optical imaging system provides real-time visual feedback about the target region's position and appearance, allowing operators to confirm that the beam limiter opening is correctly aligned with the target. This visual feedback loop ensures high positioning accuracy while keeping the operation efficient, as operators can quickly verify correctness without complex measurement procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12329562B2Methods and systems for determining parameters related to medical operations
Publication Date: 2025.06.17 SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE
  • US12329562B2 patent drawing
  • US12329562B2 patent drawing
  • US12329562B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The embodiments of the present disclosure provides a method for determining parameters related to a medical operation. The method includes obtaining optical image information of a target object, determining target part information of the target object, and determining the parameters related to the medical operation at least based on the optical image information and the target part information.