Stereo Camera Surface Imaging for Low-Radiation Radiotherapy Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiotherapy systems rely on imaging equipment like CT or CBCT for real-time patient positioning, exposing patients to excessive radiation and incurring high costs due to the need for multiple imaging devices.
Innovation Solution
A radiotherapy monitoring system using stereo cameras to acquire three-dimensional surface images of patients, minimizing radiation exposure by eliminating the need for CT or CBCT, and optimizing camera placement and focus types to ensure accurate patient positioning without additional imaging devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CT or CBCT imaging equipment is used for real-time patient positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but radiation exposure to patients increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radiation-based imaging systems (CT/CBCT) with a non-radiation-based optical monitoring system using stereo cameras and surface imaging technology. This substitution eliminates radiation exposure while maintaining positioning accuracy through optical tracking of surface landmarks and registration with treatment plans.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical tracking system that uses surface landmarks and registration algorithms to bridge the gap between patient positioning and treatment delivery. This intermediary system allows accurate positioning monitoring without direct radiation exposure by using optical fields instead of radiation fields.
2Measurement precision
If multiple imaging devices are used for real-time patient positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the stereo camera system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both positioning monitoring and treatment verification functions. This single system replaces multiple specialized imaging devices, reducing overall system cost while maintaining positioning accuracy through its dual capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple imaging devices into a single integrated optical monitoring system. By combining positioning monitoring, surface tracking, and treatment verification capabilities into one system using stereo cameras, the patent reduces device complexity and cost while maintaining comprehensive positioning accuracy.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If stereo cameras are used instead of CT or CBCT, then radiation exposure is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from volumetric radiation-based imaging to surface-based optical imaging. By transforming the measurement approach to use surface landmarks, reflectivity, and optical stereoscopy, the system achieves comparable positioning accuracy without radiation exposure, fundamentally changing how position data is acquired and processed.
Data Source
AI summary
A radiotherapy monitoring system, including radiotherapy equipment and one or more stereo cameras. A support apparatus included in the radiotherapy equipment carries a patient, and a first three-dimensional surface image of the patient is acquired by the one or more stereo cameras, such that the movement of the patient can be monitored based on the first three-dimensional surface image.