Universal Phantom Calibration for Optical-Radiation Registration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional calibration techniques for optical devices in radiation systems are labor-intensive, require multiple tools, and provide limited accuracy, making them expensive and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A universal phantom device combining a radiation phantom with an optical markerboard allows for the determination of the isocenter of a radiation machine and calibration of optical devices in the radiation coordinate system, consolidating several calibration tasks into a single, efficient process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional calibration tools are used separately for optical device calibration and registration, then calibration can be performed, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration efficiencyVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate calibration tools into a single integrated phantom device that includes both optical markers for camera calibration and radiation markers for radiation system registration. This consolidation allows both calibration and registration to be performed simultaneously in one procedure, eliminating the need for multiple separate tools and reducing overall calibration time and labor requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The phantom device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an optical calibration target with its specific marker pattern and as a radiation system registration phantom with its radiation markers. This universal design enables a single device to perform multiple calibration functions that previously required separate specialized tools, thereby improving productivity and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate calibration tools are used, then specific calibration tasks can be performed, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidnumber of calibration tools
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functionality of multiple separate calibration tools into a single integrated phantom device. The device incorporates both the optical calibration sheet with its specific marker pattern and the radiation calibration phantom with radiation markers, allowing both calibration and registration to be accomplished with one tool rather than multiple separate tools, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining calibration accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If conventional calibration procedures are used, then calibration can be completed, but manufacturing precision and accuracy are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration speedVSAvoidcalibration accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The phantom device is pre-configured with precisely positioned optical markers and radiation markers at known locations and geometries. This preliminary preparation of the calibration targets with accurate, fixed positions allows for rapid and accurate calibration without requiring complex real-time measurements or adjustments during the calibration process, thereby improving both speed and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4201333B1Universal phantom for calibration and verification of optical and radiation systems
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC
  • EP4201333B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4201333B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4201333B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A universal phantom 300 includes a first phantom 310 and a second phantom 320. The first phantom comprises a plurality of radiation markers. The second phantom comprises a plurality of optical marker 312. The second phantom is fixedly attachable to the first phantom in a predetermined position. A calibration method employs a universal phantom to consolidate the tasks of determining the isocenter of a radiation machine, calibrating optical devices, and registering the optical devices in a radiation coordinate system with origin at the isocenter.