Radiotherapy Controller Visual Line Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiotherapy devices face challenges in precisely determining the position of a specific part inside a subject due to deflection of support structures, leading to erroneous position calculations and increased radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A radiotherapy device controller that calculates a visual line and trajectory based on transmissive images to precisely determine the position of a specific part, using a visual line calculator and position calculator to reduce radiation exposure by controlling the therapeutic radiation emitter to emit radiation at the calculated position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the support structure is moved to adjust the imaging system or radiation emitter, then the visual field can be adjusted, but the transmissive image shows a deviated visual field due to support structure deflection, leading to erroneous position determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device to capture the actual visual field after support structure movement. This camera-based verification system mediates between the mechanical positioning system and the user, providing direct visual feedback of the actual field position rather than relying on calculated positions that are affected by support deflection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using the camera to continuously monitor and display the actual visual field position. This feedback loop allows users to verify the true position of the radiation field relative to anatomical landmarks, enabling corrective adjustments to compensate for support structure deflection and achieve accurate positioning.
2Measurement precision
If multiple transmissive images are taken from different positions to calculate the specific part position, then the position calculation can be more accurate, but the radiation exposure to the subject increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using only one or two transmissive images instead of multiple images for position calculation. The system calculates the visual line from a single image and determines the specific part position based on this limited data, reducing radiation exposure while maintaining sufficient calculation accuracy for clinical purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts only the essential information needed for position calculation from the transmissive images. By focusing on calculating the visual line from a single image and using geometric relationships to determine the specific part position, the system avoids the need to acquire multiple images, thereby reducing radiation exposure while maintaining measurement precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If the therapeutic radiation emitter is precisely positioned using calculated position data, then the radiation can be accurately delivered to the specific part, but the support structure deflection causes the calculated position to be inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The camera serves as an intermediary verification tool between the calculated position and the actual radiation field position. It provides direct visual confirmation of where the radiation field is actually pointing, allowing operators to adjust the positioning to match the visual feedback, thereby compensating for support structure deflection effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses camera-based visual feedback to verify the actual position of the radiation field. This feedback mechanism allows operators to compare the calculated position with the visually confirmed position and make necessary adjustments, ensuring accurate radiation delivery despite support structure deflection.
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 solution enables more precise calculation of the specific part's position, reducing the exposed level of radiation emitted to the subject and enhancing the accuracy of radiation delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a therapeutic radiation emitter (16) that emits therapeutic radiation (23)
Implementation Method 2
an imaging system that images a transmissive image of a patient
Data Source
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AI summary
A radiotherapy device controller includes: a visual line calculator configured to calculate a visual line based on a position on a transmissive image imaged using a radiation penetrating a subject, a specific part of the subject being shown at the position; a position calculator configured to calculate a position of the specific part based on a position of a trajectory of the specific part and a position of the visual line; and an emitter configured to control a radiation emitter that emits a therapeutic radiation, so that the therapeutic radiation penetrates at the position of the specific part.