Tag-Guided 3D Patient Positioning for Faster BNCT Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) systems face challenges in accurately and efficiently positioning patients due to limitations in beam design and reliance on visual estimation, leading to prolonged and inaccurate positioning processes that increase physical and mental burdens on patients.
Innovation Solution
A tag-guided image positioning method and system using reference tags and a computer system to establish a three-dimensional coordinate system, identify tag positions, calculate device and target coordinates, and determine adjustments based on predefined treatment plans, ensuring precise alignment of medical devices with target points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual estimation method is used for positioning, then the positioning process can be completed, but the positioning time is too long (up to one hour) and accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual estimation method with an automated image recognition system. The computer system automatically identifies reference tags in images, calculates their three-dimensional coordinates, and determines positioning information without requiring manual measurement and visual judgment, thereby significantly reducing both time and improving accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses reference tags with identifiable patterns that are captured in images. These tags serve as physical copies or markers of specific anatomical landmarks, allowing the system to accurately determine real-world positions through image processing rather than direct visual estimation of anatomical features
2Ease of operation
If manual positioning with measuring tools is used, then positioning can be performed in three-dimensional space, but the process requires repeated judgments in different dimensions and increases physical and mental burdens on patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual positioning operations with an automated computer-based system. The computer system automatically performs coordinate calculations, spatial transformations, and positioning determinations that would otherwise require repeated manual measurements and judgments in different dimensions, greatly simplifying the operation and reducing time
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service positioning by automatically processing image data and calculating positioning information without requiring continuous human intervention. The computer system independently completes the entire positioning workflow from image acquisition to positioning result generation
Data Source
AI summary
Tag-guided image positioning method includes: defining a three-dimensional space coordinate system based on tag spatial position information obtained by identifying reference image(s) of a patient's body part disposed with reference tag(s), and position/direction data related to a medical device reference point (MDC)/direction (MDD); estimating a target coordinate in system representing a position of a target point based on three-dimensional medical image of patient's body part marked with target point and reference marker(s) corresponding to position(s) of reference tag(s) and reference coordinate(s) in system representing position(s) of reference tag(s); and outputting a positioning result as a basis for whether patient's body part should be adjusted based on a judgment result indicating whether or not in system a distance between target coordinate and a device coordinate representing a position of MDC and a pointing representing MDD are respectively consistent with a predetermined distance/medical device incident direction in radiotherapy plan for patient's body part.