Radiotherapy GUI Segmentation for Collision Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiation therapy systems are complex and inefficient, requiring extensive training due to cumbersome data display and operation, leading to interruptions and errors during patient and machine setup, and lack a streamlined graphical user interface to facilitate smooth workflow.
Innovation Solution
A workflow-oriented graphical user interface is introduced, segmented into interconnected pages displaying relevant data for each treatment stage, controlled by a central server and accessible on electronic devices near the radiotherapy machine, allowing operators to focus on the patient without diverting attention, and a pendant system for easy navigation and control of the machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If all radiotherapy data is displayed on a single screen at once, then the operator has access to complete information, but the interface becomes difficult to understand and follow, reducing operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The graphical user interface is divided into multiple pages, each corresponding to a specific stage of the radiotherapy workflow (e.g., patient setup, machine calibration, treatment delivery). This segmentation allows the operator to view only relevant data for the current stage, reducing cognitive load while maintaining access to complete information through navigation between pages.
Solution Approach 2:
The GUI dynamically transitions between different pages based on the current workflow stage and operator inputs. The interface adapts its content and layout to match the operational context, presenting information in a logically progressive manner that guides the operator through the treatment process step-by-step.
2Loss of information
If the display screen is placed on a wall near the radiotherapy machine, then the operator can view data, but the operator must turn away from the patient and machine, causing interruptions and reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The display interface is moved from a fixed wall-mounted position to a portable or movable display device that can be positioned in the operator's line of sight while facing the patient and machine. This spatial repositioning allows the operator to view treatment data without turning away, maintaining workflow continuity and improving productivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional pendants with many input mechanisms are used, then the machine can be controlled precisely, but the operators require extensive training and make errors due to complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The pendant control device is designed with multi-functional input mechanisms that perform multiple operations. For example, a single button or dial can control different machine parameters depending on the current workflow stage, reducing the total number of input mechanisms required while maintaining precise control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides contextual guidance and automatic parameter selection based on the current workflow stage, reducing the operator's cognitive burden. The pendant interface adapts to the operational context, presenting only relevant controls and preventing erroneous inputs, thereby reducing training requirements and errors.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are radiotherapy methods and systems that can display a workflow-oriented graphical user interface(s). In an embodiment, a method comprises presenting, by a server, for display on a graphical user interface, an image of a position of a patient on a couch of a radiotherapy machine, whereby at least a gantry of the radiotherapy machine is configured to rotate around the patient; calculating, by the server, one or more predicted collisions between a part of the radiotherapy machine and at least one of (a) the patient or (b) another part of the radiotherapy machine; and when a portion of the patient is calculated to be in a collision with the part of the radiotherapy machine, revising, by the server, the graphical user interface such that the portion of the patient calculated to be in the collision is visually distinct in the image.