Development of a virtual simulation environment for radiation treatment planning

In this study, a virtual simulation environment (VSE) for radiation treatment planning is developed by integrating the techniques of computer graphics, virtual reality and 3D image reconstruction. The virtual objects in the simulation room are constructed by computer graphics, while the 3D model of the irradiation target is reconstructed from CT slides in order to provide the real 3-dimensional clinical information of the patient. All objects in the system have been scaled down according to their original sizes. The VSE is specially designed for the procedure of positioning and verification in radiation treatment planning. With the assistance of the VSE, the planning process may decrease the labor load for the radiotherapist and require fewer visits by the patient without sacrificing the accuracy of the positioning.