Radiotherapy Couch Positioning via Transmitted Image Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiotherapy devices face challenges in accurately matching the predetermined position of a subject with the radiotherapy device, leading to increased operational burden, costs, and space requirements, while also compromising on the precision of radiation delivery.
Innovation Solution
A radiotherapy device control apparatus equipped with a reference image creation section, transmitted image creation section, and affected area position control section, which uses imagers to generate and compare images to adjust the position of the subject relative to the therapeutic radiation device, ensuring higher accuracy and reducing the need for complex mechanical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex mechanical systems are used to position the subject, then positioning accuracy may improve, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with an image-based optical system. The control apparatus uses images captured by imagers to calculate and determine the position of the subject, substituting mechanical measurement and adjustment mechanisms with computational image processing and control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses captured images as copies of the subject's anatomical structures to determine positioning. Instead of direct mechanical measurement, the system creates image representations (copies) of the subject and uses these to calculate positions and guide the radiation therapy process.
2Manufacturing precision
If more sophisticated positioning systems are implemented, then radiation delivery precision improves, but operational burden and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic position calculation and determination using the control apparatus. The computer automatically processes images, calculates subject position, and determines the relationship between the subject and radiation therapy apparatus without requiring manual measurement or complex operational interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus uses captured images as feedback to continuously monitor and determine subject position. The system processes image data to calculate position information and uses this feedback to maintain accurate positioning throughout the radiation therapy process.
3Measurement precision
If advanced image-based positioning control is used, then positioning accuracy improves, but space requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential positioning function from complex mechanical systems and implements it through a control apparatus that processes images. This extraction allows the system to achieve high positioning accuracy without requiring large mechanical structures, thereby reducing space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing mechanical positioning infrastructure with an image-based control system, the patent reduces the physical space needed for positioning equipment while maintaining or improving positioning accuracy through computational methods.
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 solution enhances the accuracy of radiation delivery, reduces operational burden, and minimizes costs and space requirements by precisely aligning the subject with the radiotherapy device, thereby improving treatment efficacy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an imager which generates an imager image of a subject by using radiation transmitted through the subject
Data Source
AI summary
A radiotherapy device control apparatus controls a radiotherapy device. The control apparatus includes a reference image creation section, a transmitted image creation section and an affected area position control section. The radiotherapy device includes a therapeutic radiation irradiation device that radiates therapeutic radiation, an imager that generates an image of a subject by using radiation transmitted through the subject, and a drive device that moves a couch, where the subject is arranged, with respect to the therapeutic radiation irradiation device. The affected area position control section judges whether a relative position of the couch with respect to the therapeutic radiation irradiation device is appropriate and changes the relative position of the couch by using the drive device based on a first position and a second position.