Patient Positioning via Segmented 3D Image Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for positioning patients relative to radiation devices in radiation therapy are time-consuming and inaccurate, especially when using high-resolution three-dimensional image data, leading to potential destruction of healthy tissue and increased treatment costs due to prolonged treatment duration.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses two-dimensional comparison images and reconstructed images from three-dimensional data sets to determine mutual image information, allowing for iterative geometric transformations to achieve precise patient positioning without distorting image content, enabling faster and more accurate alignment of the patient relative to the radiation device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-resolution three-dimensional image data is used for systematic image comparison, then positioning accuracy is improved, but computation time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image comparison process by dividing the three-dimensional image data into multiple smaller sub-volumes or regions of interest. Instead of systematically comparing the entire high-resolution dataset, the method focuses computation on specific segments that contain the radiation target or show changes, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy while significantly reducing computation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing image comparison only on relevant portions of the three-dimensional data rather than the complete dataset. The method identifies and compares only those image regions that are necessary for determining position changes, avoiding unnecessary computation on unrelated areas while preserving sufficient accuracy for clinical purposes.
2Loss of time
If resolution of image data is reduced to decrease computation time, then positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by maintaining high resolution only in specific regions of the image data that are critical for positioning accuracy, such as areas containing the radiation target or anatomical landmarks. Other regions can be processed at lower resolution, allowing the system to reduce overall computation time while preserving accuracy where it matters most.
3Measurement precision
If treatment duration is prolonged to perform accurate image comparison, then positioning accuracy is improved, but treatment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing image comparison and position determination during the treatment setup phase or between treatment fractions, rather than during the actual radiation delivery. This allows accurate positioning to be achieved without extending the critical treatment time when radiation is being administered, thereby maintaining both accuracy and efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and arrangement for setting a relative position of a radiation device and a patient. The invention relates to the use of radiation therapy for the targeted, selective destruction of tumors.