Photon-Counting CT Overdosing Detection in Radiation Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging methods in radiation therapy fail to detect tissue overdosing early and accurately, leading to potential chronic damage due to insufficient image quality and soft tissue contrast.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing photon counting computed tomography (PC-CT) for improved image quality and soft tissue contrast through reconstruction and analysis algorithms to detect overdosing in radiation therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional CT or CBCT imaging methods are used, then the imaging system is simple and widely available, but the image quality is insufficient and soft tissue contrast is poor, leading to inability to detect early tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of photon detection by using photon counting technology instead of conventional intensity-based detection. This allows measurement of individual photon energies and arrival times, enabling spectral imaging and significantly improved soft tissue contrast without requiring complex additional hardware beyond the detector upgrade.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical scanning and intensity-based image reconstruction with electronic photon counting and digital signal processing. The system uses electronic discrimination of photon energies and temporal information to generate images, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic precision.
2Reliability
If conventional imaging methods are used, then the system is easier to operate, but the ability to detect overdosing early is compromised due to insufficient image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated analysis algorithms that process the photon counting data and automatically identify regions of interest, calculate dose distributions, and flag potential overdosing areas. The system performs quality control and detection autonomously without requiring complex manual intervention, maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving detection reliability.
3Measurement precision
If conventional CT scanning is used, then standardized HU values are obtained, but the resolution is lower and scatter and noise are higher compared to photon counting methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the photon detection process into individual photon events, counting and energy-dispersing each photon separately before image reconstruction. This segmentation at the photon level enables superior material discrimination and spatial resolution while reducing noise through statistical processing of individual photon contributions, and allows dose reduction by utilizing the full energy spectrum information.
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
Enables fast and accurate detection of overdosing, enhancing radiation therapy safety and quality by providing detailed radiation dose distribution and tissue characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
Acquiring image data by a photon counting imaging device... The device can be, for example, a photon counting detector, a photon counting computed tomography (CT) scanner
Implementation Method 2
Applying a reconstruction algorithm to the image data, wherein reconstructed image data are generated
Implementation Method 3
Applying an analysis algorithm to analysis input data and generating analysis data, wherein the analysis input data comprise the reconstructed image data, wherein the analysis algorithm is configured to detect an overdosing based on the analysis input data
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a system and a method for determining an overdosing in radiation therapy, comprising the following steps: - Acquiring image data by a photon counting imaging device, - Applying a reconstruction algorithm to the image data, wherein reconstructed image data are generated, - Applying an analysis algorithm to analysis input data and generating analysis data, wherein the analysis input data comprise the reconstructed image data, wherein the analysis algorithm is configured to detect an overdosing based on the analysis input data, wherein the analysis data comprise the detected overdosing and/or an information about the overdosing detected by the analysis algorithm, and - Providing the analysis information.