Radiation Dose Estimation Using Partially Reconstructed Volume Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation dose estimation methods in radiotherapy face challenges due to incomplete projection image data, particularly in regions outside the accurate reconstruction area, which affects the accuracy of dose estimation and treatment planning, leading to potential radiation overdose in healthy structures and reduced tumor control.
Innovation Solution
The method involves obtaining projection image data, generating partially reconstructed volume image data for fully irradiated regions, and partitioning the data for partially irradiated regions to estimate radiation doses, using algorithms that account for radiological distances and tissue heterogeneities, enabling improved dose estimation and treatment planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complete projection image data is used for radiation dose estimation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for full field irradiation and complete data acquisition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the radiation field into a first region (fully irradiated) and a second region (partially irradiated). The projection image data is correspondingly partitioned into first projection image data from the first region and second projection image data from the second region. This segmentation allows dose estimation to proceed with incomplete data while maintaining acceptable accuracy, reducing the complexity requirements of the imaging system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using only the first projection image data from the fully irradiated region for the primary dose estimation, while optionally incorporating second projection image data from the partially irradiated region to improve accuracy. This approach achieves sufficient dose estimation precision without requiring complete irradiation of the entire field, thereby reducing device complexity.
2Productivity
If radiation dose estimation is performed in partially irradiated regions, then productivity is improved by reducing imaging time, but measurement precision deteriorates due to incomplete projection image data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the projection image data into first projection image data (from fully irradiated region) and second projection image data (from partially irradiated region). The dose estimation primarily relies on the first data ensuring accuracy, while the second data can be incorporated to improve precision without requiring complete irradiation, thus maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the first projection image data as an intermediary to enable dose estimation in regions where complete data is unavailable. By relying on data from the fully irradiated first region and optionally supplementing with data from the partially irradiated second region, the system achieves both efficiency and acceptable accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If accurate dose estimation is achieved in fully irradiated regions, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of information increases in partially irradiated regions outside the accurate reconstruction area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging data and radiation field into distinct first and second regions. The first region (fully irradiated) provides complete data for accurate dose estimation, while the second region (partially irradiated) accepts that some information is incomplete. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high precision where needed while accepting information loss in peripheral regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by focusing complete irradiation and data acquisition on the first region where accurate dose estimation is critical, while accepting partial irradiation in the second region. This approach prioritizes measurement precision in the primary treatment area while minimizing information loss in peripheral areas.
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
This approach enhances the accuracy of radiation dose estimation and treatment planning, reducing the risk of radiation overdose in healthy structures and improving tumor control by utilizing partially reconstructed data and partitioning techniques to account for incomplete imaging data.
Implementation Method 1
projection image data acquired using an imaging system, generating partially reconstructed volume image data based on the projection image data
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods and systems are provided to perform radiation dose estimation for a target object. In one example, radiation dose estimation may include obtaining projection image data acquired using an imaging system, generating partially reconstructed volume image data based on the projection image data, and generating a partition of the projection image data. The partially reconstructed volume image data may be associated with a first region of a total radiation field. The partition may be associated with a second region of the total radiation field that is located before the first region from a direction of a radiation source. Radiation dose data may be estimated for the target object based on the partially reconstructed volume image data associated with the first region and the partition associated with the second region.