Tumor Tracking Using Reference Image Library and Dual Ray Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tumor tracking methods in radiation therapy face challenges such as high uncertainty in tumor movement characterization and the need for additional hardware, particularly due to the limitations of external surrogate signal monitoring and X-ray fluoroscopy-based methods, which are costly and require multiple angled projections.
Innovation Solution
A tumor tracking method utilizing a radiation therapy equipment setup with a first and second ray source and a detector, where images are acquired and reference images from a preset image library are used to determine the tumor's position relative to the second ray source, allowing for accurate tracking without the need for additional hardware beyond standard radiation therapy equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If external surrogate signal monitoring is used to track tumor movement, then the tracking method is simple and low cost, but the signal cannot accurately characterize tumor movement resulting in high uncertainty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical signal as an intermediary that indirectly reflects tumor movement through its relationship with breathing patterns. Optical images captured at different phases of the breathing cycle serve as mediators to infer tumor position without requiring direct tumor imaging, thus maintaining simplicity while improving accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies (images) of the tumor at different breathing phases and stores them in a library. During treatment, the appropriate copy is selected based on the current breathing phase to represent the tumor's position, enabling accurate tracking without continuous direct imaging.
2Measurement precision
If X-ray fluoroscopy imaging is performed on the tumor to directly track its position, then accurate tumor positioning is achieved, but the method requires additional hardware equipment and can only be used at intervals due to X-ray dose limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the radiation therapy equipment itself multi-functional by using its ray source and detector for both treatment and imaging purposes. The same hardware that delivers radiation therapy is used to capture optical images for tumor tracking, eliminating the need for separate tracking equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation therapy equipment performs self-diagnosis and self-tracking by using its own components (ray source and detector) to monitor tumor position. The system serves its own tracking needs without requiring external specialized equipment, reducing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If two mutually-angled projection equipment are used for fluoroscopy imaging, then accurate 3D tumor position can be calculated, but the equipment complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamically rotating flat panel detector that changes its angle during the imaging process. Instead of requiring multiple fixed projection equipment, a single detector rotates to capture images from different angles, achieving 3D positioning capability with reduced hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flat panel detector performs periodic rotation to capture images at different phases of the breathing cycle and from different angles. This periodic angular movement enables the system to gather sufficient data for 3D tumor positioning using a single detector rather than multiple fixed equipment.
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 approach enables precise tumor tracking with reduced costs by using existing radiation therapy equipment, improving tracking accuracy and reducing the need for costly hardware, while allowing for real-time adjustment of radiation parameters to target the tumor effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a first ray source, a second ray source and a detector. When the first ray source is located at a first detection point, the second ray source is located at a second detection point. The method includes: acquiring a detection image when the first ray source is located at the first detection point, wherein the detection image is an image determined when a radioactive ray, emitted by the first ray source at the first detection point toward a tumor area, is received by the detector
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a tumor tracking method including: acquiring a detection image when a first ray source is located at a first detection point; determining, from a first reference image sequence in a preset image library, a first reference image corresponding to the detection image; acquiring, from a second reference image sequence corresponding to the first reference image sequence in the preset image library, a second reference image determined at the same time point as the first reference image; and determining a position of a tumor relative to a second ray source according to the second reference image.