Physically Correct Digital Radiographs for Soft Tissue Localization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging technologies struggle to reliably localize soft tissue structures, such as lung tumors, during medical procedures like radiation treatment due to low contrast in X-ray images, making it difficult to track the target accurately.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method generates synthesized medical images with optimized imaging parameters to enhance soft tissue contrast, using a trained learning algorithm to determine localization imaging parameters for X-ray imaging, allowing for improved tracking of anatomical body parts during procedures like radiation treatment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If high energy values are used for X-ray imaging, then the imaging penetration capability is improved, but the image contrast of soft tissue is deteriorated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging penetration capabilityVSAvoidsoft tissue image contrast

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the energy level of the X-ray beam to an optimized value that balances penetration capability and soft tissue contrast. The system determines optimal imaging parameters based on the specific anatomical structure and imaging goal, rather than using fixed high energy settings, thereby resolving the contradiction between penetration and contrast.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the imaging parameter selection adaptive and variable. The system dynamically adjusts energy levels and other imaging parameters based on real-time analysis of the anatomical structure, allowing optimization for each specific imaging scenario rather than using a static high energy setting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If conventional X-ray imaging is used for soft tissue localization, then the imaging speed is maintained, but the localization accuracy is deteriorated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging speedVSAvoidsoft tissue localization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing image simulation and contrast optimization before the actual imaging procedure. The system pre-determines optimal imaging parameters and generates simulated images to guide the actual imaging process, ensuring high localization accuracy while maintaining imaging speed through efficient parameter selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using simulated images and preliminary analysis to guide and adjust the actual imaging process. The system continuously refines imaging parameters based on feedback from simulations and anatomical analysis, improving localization accuracy without significantly increasing imaging time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If simulated X-ray images are generated for treatment planning, then the treatment precision is improved, but the computational time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment precisionVSAvoidcomputational time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by generating simulated images and performing detailed contrast optimization only for the specific regions and parameters that are most critical for treatment planning. Rather than computing everything exhaustively, the system focuses computational resources on the most impactful aspects, reducing overall computational time while maintaining treatment precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

The method enables high-contrast imaging of soft tissues, facilitating accurate localization and tracking of anatomical body parts, thereby enhancing the precision of medical procedures like radiation treatment.

Implementation Method 1

generation of synthesized medical images from a tomographic planning image

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImage synthesis:

Implementation Method 2

An imaging parameter, for example the energy, of a (virtual) beam of imaging radiation is adjusted to achieve such a contrast

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectContrast optimization:

Data Source

PatentUS20250256128A1Determining physically correct digitally reconstructed radiographs

Publication Date: 2025.08.14 BRAINLAB AG

AI summary

Disclosed is a computer-implemented method of determining imaging control data for controlling medical imaging for localizing the position of an anatomical body part. The disclosed method encompasses generation of synthesized medical images from a tomographic planning image at an image contrast which allows to appropriately recognize a representation of soft tissue in the synthesized medical images. An imaging parameter, for example the energy, of a (virtual) beam of imaging radiation is adjusted to achieve such a contrast. The determined value of the imaging parameter can then be used later for image-based tracking of the anatomical body part during a medical procedure such as radiation treatment. For example, too high energy values should be avoided because they would result in a comparably low contrast of image constituents representing soft tissue because only a small fraction of the energy would be absorbed by the soft tissue.