Mathisen & Macara LLP

Embodiments discussed herein provide methods (300) and systems (240) for enhancing usability and efficiency in radiotherapy workflows through an intuitive graphical user interface, GUI, (400) integrated into the gantry (224) of a radiotherapy machine (241). One method (300) includes presenting (310) a set of icons (406-432) on the display screen (226), where each icon (406-432) corresponds to a set of instructions associated with the radiotherapy treatment or setup. Upon detecting (320) an interaction with an icon (406-432), the processor displays the corresponding set of instructions directly on the screen (226). Additionally, the method includes presenting (330) an animation of a visual instruction, guiding the operator on how to satisfy at least a subset of the instructions while maintaining the visibility of the set of icons (406-432). This approach provides real-time, task-specific guidance alongside continuous access to workflow-related icons (406-432), reducing cognitive load, enhancing operational precision, and streamlining the radiotherapy treatment or setup process.

Embodiments discussed herein provide methods (300) and systems (240) for configuring and guiding radiotherapy treatment workflows using a dynamic user interface integrated into the gantry (224) of a radiotherapy machine (241). In one embodiment, a method (300) includes generating (310) a set of tasks corresponding to different stages of the radiotherapy treatment. The tasks are visually represented (320) on a display screen located on the gantry (224) as a set of radially arranged icons (406-432). Each icon (406-432) corresponds to a specific task and is dynamically updated to reflect task status or provide actionable information. The radial arrangement ensures intuitive access to task-related information, enhances usability during gantry (224) rotation, and maintains icon (406-432) legibility and orientation. This method (300) streamlines treatment setup, facilitates operator interaction, and improves accuracy and efficiency in delivering radiotherapy treatments tailored to individual patients.

Embodiments describe dynamically managing and presenting task-specific instructions of a radiotherapy treatment on a display screen (226) integrated into the gantry (224) of a radiotherapy machine (241). One method (300) includes presenting (310) a set of icons (406-432) corresponding to instructions associated with the radiotherapy treatment. Upon detecting (320) interaction with an icon (406-432), the processor displays (320) a subset of instructions relevant to the selected task on the screen (226). The method (300) further involves presenting (330) a visual indicator (440) to signal that the subset of instructions satisfies a predefined threshold and is distributed across multiple pages. In response (340) to a second interaction with the visual indicator (440), the processor transitions from a first page to a second page, enabling seamless navigation. This approach ensures an intuitive, task-oriented interface that enhances workflow efficiency, reduces cognitive load, and provides operators with tailored, real-time guidance for delivering precise and effective radiotherapy treatments.

Embodiments discussed herein provide methods (300) and systems (240) for enhancing usability and efficiency in radiotherapy and/or radiotherapy setup workflows through an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) integrated into the gantry (224) of a radiotherapy machine (241). One method (300) includes presenting (310) a set of icons (406-432) on the display screen (226), where each icon (406-432) corresponds to instructions for adjusting at least one attribute of the radiotherapy machine (241) prior to treatment. Upon receiving (320) an input indicating that the instructions have been satisfied, the processor presents (330) a visual indicator on the display screen (226), confirming that the machine (241) is aligned for the treatment. The processor further configures (340) the adjusted attribute as a default attribute, ensuring consistency and streamlining subsequent treatment sessions. This method (300) enhances precision, reduces setup time, and provides real-time feedback, improving the overall efficiency and accuracy of radiotherapy and/or radiotherapy setup workflows.

A method for dynamically adjusting a graphical user interface (GUI) to preserve the privacy of a patient's personally identifiable information (PII) before, during, and/or after the administration of a radiotherapy treatment. The method may include displaying, on a screen 326 coupled to a gantry 324 of a radiotherapy machine 341, the GUI with one or more icons 308 representing the patient's PII. A privacy condition that is indicative of a heightened privacy risk of unauthorized viewing of the patient's PII is determined to be satisfied. In response to determining that the privacy condition is satisfied, the method may include adjusting the one or more icons of the GUI to anonymize the patient's PII to avoid unauthorized viewing of the patient's PII.

A method for facilitating precise alignment and configuration of a radiotherapy machine 241 prior to treatment is disclosed. The method involves presenting a set of icons 406-432 on a display screen 404 located on the gantry 224 of the radiotherapy machine, where the icons correspond to instructions for adjusting at least one attribute of the machine before the radiotherapy session begins. To confirm adjustments, the system visually highlights a button on a pendant 442 in communication with the radiotherapy machine, prompting the operator to verify whether the machine or the patient has been correctly aligned. Upon receiving an input indicating interaction with the button, at least one processor presents a visual indicator on the display screen, confirming that the radiotherapy machine is properly aligned for the patient's treatment. This method enhances precision, simplifies the setup process, and improves the overall efficiency of radiotherapy workflows.

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to adjusting a radiotherapy treatment couch based on real-time Source-to-Skin Distance (SSD) calculations. A display screen 226 on the gantry 900 presents icons 410-424 with setup instructions before treatment. The system calculates the SSD and automatically adjusts the couch to align within a tolerable threshold using a single button instruction. When the correct SSD is reached, a visual indicator confirms proper positioning. For non-zero gantry angles, the system simplifies SSD adjustments by enabling coordinated vertical and lateral couch movements using a single control, reducing operator workload. This approach enhances setup efficiency, reduces cognitive load, and improves treatment accuracy.

A display screen (226) on a gantry (224) of a radiotherapy machine (241) presents a GUI having a set of icons (308, 310) to assist an operator with guidance for setup and adjustments. During rotation of the gantry (224), the set of icons (308, 310) are dynamically adjusted on a display screen (226). During the dynamic adjustment, the set of icons (308, 310) are relocated on the display screen (226) such that they maintain an orientation relative to a reference (e.g., a couch (222) within the radiotherapy system (240)) despite the rotation of the display screen (226). In some implementations, the dynamic adjustment includes removing the set of icons (308, 310) from a first position and displaying them at a second position during rotation of the gantry (224) to avoid obfuscating the set of icons (308, 310) behind a component of the radiotherapy system (240). As a result, the operator may continue to interact with the GUI in an efficient manner even though the display screen (226) may be rotated from its original and upright position.

A computer-implemented method (900, 1000, 1100) for refinement of contours in medical images for use in radiotherapy treatment planning, the method comprising: receiving current contours (502) comprising a current contoured medical image delineating anatomical structures in a subject at a current fraction; receiving previous contours (402) comprising a previous contoured medical image delineating the same anatomical structures in the same subject at a previous fraction; receiving corrected previous contours (404) comprising a corrected version of the previous contours; using (i) the current contours (502), (ii) the previous contours (402) and (iii) the corrected previous contours (404), generate corrected current contours (504) comprising a corrected version of the current contours; and modifying a treatment plan using the corrected current contours (504).

To facilitate optimization of a treatment plan a control circuit 101 is configured to access 201 information regarding a particular patient 104 that identifies a volume 401 to be avoided during treatment along with accessing 202 information identifying a reference point as regards the particular patient, and then automatically identify 203 angles 404 from which the particular patient shall not be irradiated as a function of the volume to be avoided during treatment and the reference point.