CA2451252C - Operating device for a diagnostic imaging unit - Google Patents
Operating device for a diagnostic imaging unit Download PDFInfo
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- CA2451252C CA2451252C CA2451252A CA2451252A CA2451252C CA 2451252 C CA2451252 C CA 2451252C CA 2451252 A CA2451252 A CA 2451252A CA 2451252 A CA2451252 A CA 2451252A CA 2451252 C CA2451252 C CA 2451252C
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- 238000002059 diagnostic imaging Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 21
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 11
- 238000003384 imaging method Methods 0.000 abstract description 7
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 7
- 210000000056 organ Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 3
- 210000000038 chest Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000149 penetrating effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000001228 spectrum Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001960 triggered effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000002604 ultrasonography Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002238 attenuated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004590 computer program Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003745 diagnosis Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000926 neurological effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000399 orthopedic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002601 radiography Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000011664 signaling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/05—Detecting, measuring or recording for diagnosis by means of electric currents or magnetic fields; Measuring using microwaves or radio waves
- A61B5/055—Detecting, measuring or recording for diagnosis by means of electric currents or magnetic fields; Measuring using microwaves or radio waves involving electronic [EMR] or nuclear [NMR] magnetic resonance, e.g. magnetic resonance imaging
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/74—Details of notification to user or communication with user or patient ; user input means
- A61B5/742—Details of notification to user or communication with user or patient ; user input means using visual displays
- A61B5/7435—Displaying user selection data, e.g. icons in a graphical user interface
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/74—Details of notification to user or communication with user or patient ; user input means
- A61B5/7475—User input or interface means, e.g. keyboard, pointing device, joystick
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/46—Arrangements for interfacing with the operator or the patient
- A61B6/461—Displaying means of special interest
- A61B6/465—Displaying means of special interest adapted to display user selection data, e.g. graphical user interface, icons or menus
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/46—Arrangements for interfacing with the operator or the patient
- A61B6/467—Arrangements for interfacing with the operator or the patient characterised by special input means
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05G—X-RAY TECHNIQUE
- H05G1/00—X-ray apparatus involving X-ray tubes; Circuits therefor
- H05G1/08—Electrical details
- H05G1/26—Measuring, controlling or protecting
- H05G1/30—Controlling
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G01R33/00—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables
- G01R33/20—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables involving magnetic resonance
- G01R33/44—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables involving magnetic resonance using nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR]
- G01R33/48—NMR imaging systems
- G01R33/54—Signal processing systems, e.g. using pulse sequences ; Generation or control of pulse sequences; Operator console
- G01R33/546—Interface between the MR system and the user, e.g. for controlling the operation of the MR system or for the design of pulse sequences
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Surgery (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
- High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
- Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- Apparatus For Radiation Diagnosis (AREA)
- Toxicology (AREA)
- X-Ray Techniques (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to an operating device (11) for a diagnostic imaging unit (1). The operating device (11) has a selection key (14, 15, 16) for activating preset operating values and parameters of the imaging unit (1), and a setting key (17) for manually setting operating values and parameters of the imaging unit (1). It also has a display element (19) for displaying set operating values and parameters of the imaging unit (1). In accordance with the invention, the operating device (11) makes available simultaneously with the display element (19) either only the selection key (14, 15, 16) or only the setting key (17).
Description
Operating device for a diagnostic imaging unit BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to an operating device for a diagnostic imaging unit.
Diagnostic images are produced for medical diagnostics or else for materials science diagnostics. The imaging is frequently based on the production of radiation for penetrating the body to be examined. The imaging units used for this purpose have radiation sources whose operating variables can be set in multifarious ways.
Thus, X-ray tubes can be used to generate X-radiation in X-ray machines, computer tomographs and fluoroscopes, ultrasound transmitters are used in ultrasound units, or magnets and/or electromagnets are used in magnetic resonance units.
The object of an X-ray generator as an example of a radiation-based imaging unit consists chiefly in applying a preset tube voltage to an X-ray tube for an X-ray picture. A control device of the X-ray generator in this case controls the recording time, the tube voltage and the tube current such that the operating values set for the X-ray radiography are maintained. It is chiefly the tube voltage and the quantity of electricity, usually specified in ms, that are set as operating -values. Different operating values must be set depending on which part of a body of a living being to be examined is to be X-rayed, and on the diagnosis which this X-ray picture is to serve.
In clinical operating environments, there is a need for rational working methods and a high level of automation in order to permit efficient and economic operation. In order to facilitate setting of the operating values and in order, in particular, to prevent erroneous settings, X-ray machines can therefore be provided with so-called organ programs. After preselection of an area of the body of the living being to be examined and of an X-raying direction, a so-called operating area, the preset operating values for X-raying can be activated automatically by selecting an organ program.
There are frequently more than 3 different operating areas and more than 6 areas of the body available. Even at the stage of preselecting areas of the body and operating area, this produces an almost overwhelming number of possible selections, to activate which an enormous quantity of operating elements, for example keys, must be provided. In addition, there are possible settings for further parameters, for example with reference to the circumference of the living being to be examined, or with reference to the X-ray film material. The multiplicity of selection keys complicates the operation and runs counter to a rational mode of operation.
DE 33 30 116 Al discloses a control device for an X-ray machine whose operating device renders the selection of areas of the body, operating areas and organ programs more user-friendly. For this purpose, the preselection of the area of the body is fashioned in a more intuitive and simpler fashion by means of a symbolic graphical representation. A selection of operating area and organ program is then performed via a matrix-shaped arrangement of keys that are systematically arranged and can thereby be efficiently surveyed. A disadvantage of this operating device is that no display is provided that indicates to an operator which preset operating values are activated by actuating a specific key.
Also known for X-ray machines are operating devices that have keys for the preselection of areas of the body and operating area as well as for selecting an organ program, and which permanently indicates all the operating values and parameters for the purpose of better control. At the same time, keys are available for setting all the operating values manually.
Consequently, an operator is offered as many possibilities for setting and controlling as possible.
It is a disadvantage of these operating devices that the multiplicity of selection keys precludes an overview of these control devices, and therefore renders it difficult to operate them.
SUMMARY
The object of some embodiments of the invention is to create an operating device for the control device of a diagnostic imaging unit which permits both manual setting of operating values and parameters, and the activation of preset operating values and parameters, which in so doing indicates at any time to an operator all the set operating values and parameters, but which nevertheless arranges all the operating elements in a way that can be surveyed and is easy to grasp, and which can thereby be operated intuitively and more quickly.
A basic idea of some embodiments of the invention consists in creating an operating device for a control device of a diagnostic imaging unit that permanently displays all set operating values and parameters of the imaging unit, but which simultaneously therewith makes available either exclusively keys for activating preset operating values and parameters, or else exclusively keys for manually setting operating values and parameters. The keys for activating preset operating values and parameters are therefore not made available simultaneously with the keys for manually setting these values.
The invention relates to an operating device for a diagnostic imaging unit.
Diagnostic images are produced for medical diagnostics or else for materials science diagnostics. The imaging is frequently based on the production of radiation for penetrating the body to be examined. The imaging units used for this purpose have radiation sources whose operating variables can be set in multifarious ways.
Thus, X-ray tubes can be used to generate X-radiation in X-ray machines, computer tomographs and fluoroscopes, ultrasound transmitters are used in ultrasound units, or magnets and/or electromagnets are used in magnetic resonance units.
The object of an X-ray generator as an example of a radiation-based imaging unit consists chiefly in applying a preset tube voltage to an X-ray tube for an X-ray picture. A control device of the X-ray generator in this case controls the recording time, the tube voltage and the tube current such that the operating values set for the X-ray radiography are maintained. It is chiefly the tube voltage and the quantity of electricity, usually specified in ms, that are set as operating -values. Different operating values must be set depending on which part of a body of a living being to be examined is to be X-rayed, and on the diagnosis which this X-ray picture is to serve.
In clinical operating environments, there is a need for rational working methods and a high level of automation in order to permit efficient and economic operation. In order to facilitate setting of the operating values and in order, in particular, to prevent erroneous settings, X-ray machines can therefore be provided with so-called organ programs. After preselection of an area of the body of the living being to be examined and of an X-raying direction, a so-called operating area, the preset operating values for X-raying can be activated automatically by selecting an organ program.
There are frequently more than 3 different operating areas and more than 6 areas of the body available. Even at the stage of preselecting areas of the body and operating area, this produces an almost overwhelming number of possible selections, to activate which an enormous quantity of operating elements, for example keys, must be provided. In addition, there are possible settings for further parameters, for example with reference to the circumference of the living being to be examined, or with reference to the X-ray film material. The multiplicity of selection keys complicates the operation and runs counter to a rational mode of operation.
DE 33 30 116 Al discloses a control device for an X-ray machine whose operating device renders the selection of areas of the body, operating areas and organ programs more user-friendly. For this purpose, the preselection of the area of the body is fashioned in a more intuitive and simpler fashion by means of a symbolic graphical representation. A selection of operating area and organ program is then performed via a matrix-shaped arrangement of keys that are systematically arranged and can thereby be efficiently surveyed. A disadvantage of this operating device is that no display is provided that indicates to an operator which preset operating values are activated by actuating a specific key.
Also known for X-ray machines are operating devices that have keys for the preselection of areas of the body and operating area as well as for selecting an organ program, and which permanently indicates all the operating values and parameters for the purpose of better control. At the same time, keys are available for setting all the operating values manually.
Consequently, an operator is offered as many possibilities for setting and controlling as possible.
It is a disadvantage of these operating devices that the multiplicity of selection keys precludes an overview of these control devices, and therefore renders it difficult to operate them.
SUMMARY
The object of some embodiments of the invention is to create an operating device for the control device of a diagnostic imaging unit which permits both manual setting of operating values and parameters, and the activation of preset operating values and parameters, which in so doing indicates at any time to an operator all the set operating values and parameters, but which nevertheless arranges all the operating elements in a way that can be surveyed and is easy to grasp, and which can thereby be operated intuitively and more quickly.
A basic idea of some embodiments of the invention consists in creating an operating device for a control device of a diagnostic imaging unit that permanently displays all set operating values and parameters of the imaging unit, but which simultaneously therewith makes available either exclusively keys for activating preset operating values and parameters, or else exclusively keys for manually setting operating values and parameters. The keys for activating preset operating values and parameters are therefore not made available simultaneously with the keys for manually setting these values.
By alternatively making available in each case only one type of key, the operating device is prevented from being overloaded with a multiplicity of superfluous operating elements. At the same, an operator is informed at any time of all current settings by the permanent display of the activated values. This is of great interest, in particular, for the activation of preset values by organ programs whose parameters need not be known in advance to the operator. On the one hand, thus, all essential information is permanently displayed, while on the other hand inessential operating elements are blanked out. This improves the clarity of the operating device and facilitates its use. The operating device can be operated more intuitively and more quickly.
In an advantageous refinement of some embodiments of the invention, the operating device is fitted with an input device designed as a touch-sensitive display screen (touchscreen). The use of a touchscreen permits the operating elements to be rearranged and made available alternatively in a simple, depending on whether it is aimed to provide the possibility of activating preset values, or the possibility of manual fashion setting values.
In a further advantageous refinement of some embodiments of the invention, the operating device has an input device that makes the operating elements for activating preset values, and the operating elements for manually setting these values respectively available in one and the same operating area. Consequently, an operator knows that operating elements are basically always to be found in the same area of the input device, and this facilitates and accelerates the possibility of finding them. This refinement can be implemented with particular ease by using a touchscreen.
In an advantageous refinement of some embodiments of the invention, the operating device is fitted with an input device designed as a touch-sensitive display screen (touchscreen). The use of a touchscreen permits the operating elements to be rearranged and made available alternatively in a simple, depending on whether it is aimed to provide the possibility of activating preset values, or the possibility of manual fashion setting values.
In a further advantageous refinement of some embodiments of the invention, the operating device has an input device that makes the operating elements for activating preset values, and the operating elements for manually setting these values respectively available in one and the same operating area. Consequently, an operator knows that operating elements are basically always to be found in the same area of the input device, and this facilitates and accelerates the possibility of finding them. This refinement can be implemented with particular ease by using a touchscreen.
In a further advantageous refinement of some embodiments of the invention, the operating device is used to control an X-ray machine, and has all the operating elements required for this purpose. Precisely in the field of X-ray diagnostics, this results in the advantageous that the operation of an X-ray machine can be, to the effect that even simplified medical staff who are not highly specialized professionally are able to do it. Some embodiments of the invention aid in increasing the economy and reliability of operation, and thus also assist in reducing the patient's dose commitment.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided an operating device for a medical diagnostic imaging unit, said operating device comprising: a display screen; a control unit configured to operate said display screen to enter, in a current value-entering session, at least one examination value for implementing an examination by said medical diagnostic imaging unit; said control unit being configured to operate said display screen, in said current-value entering session, in a programmed mode in which, in an operating area of the display screen, only a selection key field is displayed, said selection key field being activatable to select at least one preset value that is preset prior to said current value entering session, said at least one preset value being selected from the group consisting of preset operating values of said medical diagnostic imaging unit and preset parameter values of said medical diagnostic imaging unit; said control unit being also configured to operate said display screen, in said current-value entering session, in a manual mode in which, in said operating area of said display - 5a -screen, only a setting key field is displayed, said setting key field being activatable to selectively set at least one settable value selected from the group consisting of settable operating values of said medical diagnostic imaging unit and settable parameters of said medical diagnostic imaging unit;
said control unit being configured to display, in said current-value entering session, in a display area of said display screen that does not overlap said operating area, display elements respectively representing said at least one preset value and said at least one settable value; said control unit being configured to display, in said current-value entering session, at said display screen, a mode selection field that is activatable to select, as a selected mode, only one of either, said manual mode or said programmed mode; said control unit being configured, in said current-value entering session, to initially maintain all of said display area unchanged and visually unobstructed, when switching between said manual mode and said programmed mode by activation of said mode selection field, until said selection key field or said setting key field in the selected mode is activated after said switching; and said control unit being configured to display, in said current-value entering session, at said display screen, a trigger key that, when activated, emits a current content of said display area, as said at least one examination value, as an output available to said medical diagnostic imaging unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Exemplary embodiments of the invention that relate to an X-ray machine are described in more detail below with the aid of figures, in which:
- 5b -figure 1 shows an X-ray machine having a control device, figure 2 shows an input device having operating elements for activating preset values, and figure 3 shows an input device having operating elements for setting values manually.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The X-ray machine 1 illustrated schematically in figure 1 comprises in the case of the present exemplary embodiment a patient table 2 (indicated only schematically) that is supported by a holding device (not illustrated in figure 1), and a supporting device 3 on which an X-ray source 4 is arranged. The X-ray source 4 is generally formed by an X-ray tube. An X-ray cassette 5 arranged on the patient table 2 serves to obtain an X-ray image by means of an X-ray beam 6 that emanates from the X-ray source 4 and is attenuated when penetrating a living being 7 to be examined (illustrated only schematically) and whose edge rays are drawn with dashes in figure 1.
The arrangement forms an X-ray operating area that typically X-rays the patient from above. Further operating areas are typified in that a patient is X-rayed, for example, from below, from the front or from the side.
Furthermore, an X-ray tube (not illustrated in figure 1) of the X-ray source 4 is connected to an X-ray generator 9 with the aid of an electric line 8. A
control device 10 arranged in the housing of the X-ray generator 9 uses a computer program to control the X-ray generator 9 during X-raying in such a way that the operating values of tube voltage and quantity of electricity input by means of an operating device 11 before X-raying are maintained. The operating device 11 is arranged at an operator console 12 and is connected to the control device 10 by means of an electric line 13.
Specific operating values must be set for an X-ray picture of a specific part of the body of a living being 7. These operating values are, essentially, the tube voltage and the quantity of electricity during X-raying, and these can be set by means of the operating elements of the operating device 11. In order to facilitate the setting of the specific operating values and, in particular, to prevent errroneous settings, the operating elements of the operating device 11 can be used to select preset operating values.
Figure 2 illustrates the operating device 11 in accordance with the invention having operating elements for activating preset operating values and parameters of the X-ray machine 1. The operating device 11 can be designed as a touchscreen, for example. It has a display area 20 within which the display elements 19 are arranged. The display elements 19 serve to display the currently activated operating values, for example X-ray voltage in kV, quantity of electricity in mAs, or X-raying time in ms, as well as further parameters, for example the thermal loading of the X-ray tube in %HU, or the preselected operating area by means of a symbolic graphical representation. A further display element 19 reproduces the name of the currently activated organ program, "thorax p.a." in figure 2. In the selected division of the operating device 11, the display area 20 contains no operating elements of any sort, for example keys or switches, that an operator would need to actuate.
The operating device 11 further has an operating area 21 in which selection keys 14, 15, 16 for activating preset operating values and parameters are arranged. In this case, the body area keys 14 serve for preselecting the area of the body, to be examined, of a patient who is to be examined; they are illustrated symbolically in figure 2 as bodies for which the respectively preselectable area of the body is emphasized graphically. Furthermore, program keys 15 are provided that serve the purpose of simultaneous selection of an operating area and an organ program; these program keys 15 are designed as rectangular keys that in each case have a graphical symbolic illustration of the operating area in the left-hand area, and a textural identification of the organ program, for example "thorax p.a.", in the right-hand area.
Also provided are adjusting keys 16 which when actuated can lower or raise in permanently prescribed steps the quantity of electricity that was preset on the basis of the selection of an organ program by actuating one of the program keys 15. The picture blackening can thereby be corrected as a function of the circumference of the patient to be examined, in order to compensate for anatomical differences. The adapting steps by actuating the adapting keys 16 are likewise preset values, which are possibly preset such that the spectrum of body circumferences normally to be examined can be fully covered. It is also thereby possible for an operator not in possession of adequate knowledge of X-ray diagnostics to undertake adjustment in order to be able to estimate the changes in quantity of electricity that are required for this adjustment.
By actuating the recording key 24, X-ray pictures can be triggered at any time from the program mode illustrated in figure 2. X-raying is then performed with the aid of operating values and parameters currently activated and displayed in the display area 20.
The operating area 21 of the operating device 11 has exclusively operating elements 14, 15, 16, which serve to activate preset values. The preset values available are laid out such that they cover the various X-ray examinations occurring in the routine operation of the X-ray machine 1 in the respective clinical operating environment. They can, for example, cover the spectrum of X-ray examinations for an orthopedic, an internal or a neurological department. Consequently, even an operator who is not exceptionally conversant with the handling of the respective X-ray machine 1, or has only limited specialist knowledge of radiology, can immediately learn how to take such X-ray pictures.
At the same time, it is only the operating elements 14, 15, 16 required to activate preset values that are made available, and so an operator is not confused by further, unnecessary keys for manual activation of values. Manual activation of the values is seldom required in routine operation of the X-ray machine 1, and so operating elements for manual setting are not required.
The operating area 21 has further switchover keys 23 which, upon actuation, switch over the operating device 11 from the mode, illustrated in figure 2, for activating preset program values into a mode, illustrated in the following figure 3, for manually inputting these values. The switchover key 23 provided for this purpose is labeled "manual". The switchover key 23 for switching over into the mode illustrated in figure 2 is labeled "program".
Figure 3 illustrates an operating device 11 with setting keys 17 for manually setting the operating values and parameters of an X-ray machine 1. The operating device 11 illustrated in figure 3 has a display area 20 that corresponds to the display area 20 of the operating device 11 previously illustrated in figure 2. The position and configuration of the display elements 19 are identical. This increases the recognizability for an operator, and accelerates and therefore facilitates handling of the operating device 11.
The operating device 11 also has an operating area 21 which likewise corresponds in position and configuration to the operating area 21 previously illustrated in figure 2. However, it contains other operating elements, specifically setting keys 17 for manually setting operating values and parameters.
Setting keys 17 are provided for all relevant operating values, for example X-ray voltage, quantity of electricity or X-raying times, and for all relevant parameters, for example X-ray tube exposure or operating area. In order to improve the visual orientation within the element of the operating device 11, the setting keys 17 are arranged under the respectively associated display elements 19, for example the setting keys 17 for the X-ray voltage directly below the display element 19 for the X-ray voltage, the setting keys 17 for the recording time directly below the display element 19 for the recording time, etc.
The operating area 21 illustrated in figure 3 has no operating elements 14, 15 or 16 of any kind for activating preset operating values and parameters. It is exclusively setting keys 17 for manually setting these values that are made available. The possibility of manually setting the values is directed primarily at the specialist in handling the X-ray machine 1 and/or in X-ray examinations taking place on the X-ray machine 1. No presettings are required if manual setting of the values is intended. Consequently, operating elements 14, 15, 16 for activating preset values are not required and are not illustrated simultaneously with setting keys 17 for manual setting, in order to fashion the operating device 11 in clearer fashion. It is thereby easier to grasp visually and can be operated more intuitively and quickly.
The manual setting of all values can be performed, however, starting from previously activated preset values. For this purpose, it is possible first to switch into the "program" mode by actuating the corresponding changeover key 23, in order to activate preset values there, and subsequently to change into the "manual" mode, where the previously selected values are then available for manual processing. It is thereby possible, for example, to use the preset values of a specific organ program that are to be used to vary an individual parameter, without first requiring all the _ values of this program to be input manually. Instead of this, it is possible to activate the preset values and process further manually only the value to be varied.
By actuating the recording key 24, X-ray pictures can be triggered at any time from the program mode illustrated in figure 3. The X-raying is then performed with the aid of the operating values and parameters currently displayed in the display area 20. The operation of the operating device 11 is substantially simplified in that triggering X-ray pictures is possible both from the program mode illustrated in figure 2, and from the manual mode illustrated in figure 3. This saves an operator from having firstly to switch to a mode that permits the triggering of X-ray pictures after he has set or activated all the operating values.
In both input modes illustrated, the operating device 11 has the same division into display area 20 and operating area 21. However, the operating elements 14, 15, 16, 17 made available change. Such a flexible operating device 11 can be implemented in the simplest way by using a touch-sensitive display screen (touchscreen). A touchscreen offers the possibility of flexibly configuring and positioning both the display elements 19 and the operating elements 14, 15, 16, 17 of the operating device 11. This permits the invention to be realized in a particularly simple way. The operating device 11 could, however, also be designed as a normal display screen insensitive to touch, whose operating elements 14, 15, 16, 17 can be actuated by means of a keyboard or mouse. Also possible would be an implementation by means of display elements in the form of LEDs or LCDs, and operating elements that are formed by keys, behind which could be placed LEDs or LCDs for signaling the respective function or availability of a key. Further designs based on mutually separated, different operating devices 11 for the program mode illustrated in figure 2 and the manual mode illustrated in figure 3 are likewise conceivable.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided an operating device for a medical diagnostic imaging unit, said operating device comprising: a display screen; a control unit configured to operate said display screen to enter, in a current value-entering session, at least one examination value for implementing an examination by said medical diagnostic imaging unit; said control unit being configured to operate said display screen, in said current-value entering session, in a programmed mode in which, in an operating area of the display screen, only a selection key field is displayed, said selection key field being activatable to select at least one preset value that is preset prior to said current value entering session, said at least one preset value being selected from the group consisting of preset operating values of said medical diagnostic imaging unit and preset parameter values of said medical diagnostic imaging unit; said control unit being also configured to operate said display screen, in said current-value entering session, in a manual mode in which, in said operating area of said display - 5a -screen, only a setting key field is displayed, said setting key field being activatable to selectively set at least one settable value selected from the group consisting of settable operating values of said medical diagnostic imaging unit and settable parameters of said medical diagnostic imaging unit;
said control unit being configured to display, in said current-value entering session, in a display area of said display screen that does not overlap said operating area, display elements respectively representing said at least one preset value and said at least one settable value; said control unit being configured to display, in said current-value entering session, at said display screen, a mode selection field that is activatable to select, as a selected mode, only one of either, said manual mode or said programmed mode; said control unit being configured, in said current-value entering session, to initially maintain all of said display area unchanged and visually unobstructed, when switching between said manual mode and said programmed mode by activation of said mode selection field, until said selection key field or said setting key field in the selected mode is activated after said switching; and said control unit being configured to display, in said current-value entering session, at said display screen, a trigger key that, when activated, emits a current content of said display area, as said at least one examination value, as an output available to said medical diagnostic imaging unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Exemplary embodiments of the invention that relate to an X-ray machine are described in more detail below with the aid of figures, in which:
- 5b -figure 1 shows an X-ray machine having a control device, figure 2 shows an input device having operating elements for activating preset values, and figure 3 shows an input device having operating elements for setting values manually.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The X-ray machine 1 illustrated schematically in figure 1 comprises in the case of the present exemplary embodiment a patient table 2 (indicated only schematically) that is supported by a holding device (not illustrated in figure 1), and a supporting device 3 on which an X-ray source 4 is arranged. The X-ray source 4 is generally formed by an X-ray tube. An X-ray cassette 5 arranged on the patient table 2 serves to obtain an X-ray image by means of an X-ray beam 6 that emanates from the X-ray source 4 and is attenuated when penetrating a living being 7 to be examined (illustrated only schematically) and whose edge rays are drawn with dashes in figure 1.
The arrangement forms an X-ray operating area that typically X-rays the patient from above. Further operating areas are typified in that a patient is X-rayed, for example, from below, from the front or from the side.
Furthermore, an X-ray tube (not illustrated in figure 1) of the X-ray source 4 is connected to an X-ray generator 9 with the aid of an electric line 8. A
control device 10 arranged in the housing of the X-ray generator 9 uses a computer program to control the X-ray generator 9 during X-raying in such a way that the operating values of tube voltage and quantity of electricity input by means of an operating device 11 before X-raying are maintained. The operating device 11 is arranged at an operator console 12 and is connected to the control device 10 by means of an electric line 13.
Specific operating values must be set for an X-ray picture of a specific part of the body of a living being 7. These operating values are, essentially, the tube voltage and the quantity of electricity during X-raying, and these can be set by means of the operating elements of the operating device 11. In order to facilitate the setting of the specific operating values and, in particular, to prevent errroneous settings, the operating elements of the operating device 11 can be used to select preset operating values.
Figure 2 illustrates the operating device 11 in accordance with the invention having operating elements for activating preset operating values and parameters of the X-ray machine 1. The operating device 11 can be designed as a touchscreen, for example. It has a display area 20 within which the display elements 19 are arranged. The display elements 19 serve to display the currently activated operating values, for example X-ray voltage in kV, quantity of electricity in mAs, or X-raying time in ms, as well as further parameters, for example the thermal loading of the X-ray tube in %HU, or the preselected operating area by means of a symbolic graphical representation. A further display element 19 reproduces the name of the currently activated organ program, "thorax p.a." in figure 2. In the selected division of the operating device 11, the display area 20 contains no operating elements of any sort, for example keys or switches, that an operator would need to actuate.
The operating device 11 further has an operating area 21 in which selection keys 14, 15, 16 for activating preset operating values and parameters are arranged. In this case, the body area keys 14 serve for preselecting the area of the body, to be examined, of a patient who is to be examined; they are illustrated symbolically in figure 2 as bodies for which the respectively preselectable area of the body is emphasized graphically. Furthermore, program keys 15 are provided that serve the purpose of simultaneous selection of an operating area and an organ program; these program keys 15 are designed as rectangular keys that in each case have a graphical symbolic illustration of the operating area in the left-hand area, and a textural identification of the organ program, for example "thorax p.a.", in the right-hand area.
Also provided are adjusting keys 16 which when actuated can lower or raise in permanently prescribed steps the quantity of electricity that was preset on the basis of the selection of an organ program by actuating one of the program keys 15. The picture blackening can thereby be corrected as a function of the circumference of the patient to be examined, in order to compensate for anatomical differences. The adapting steps by actuating the adapting keys 16 are likewise preset values, which are possibly preset such that the spectrum of body circumferences normally to be examined can be fully covered. It is also thereby possible for an operator not in possession of adequate knowledge of X-ray diagnostics to undertake adjustment in order to be able to estimate the changes in quantity of electricity that are required for this adjustment.
By actuating the recording key 24, X-ray pictures can be triggered at any time from the program mode illustrated in figure 2. X-raying is then performed with the aid of operating values and parameters currently activated and displayed in the display area 20.
The operating area 21 of the operating device 11 has exclusively operating elements 14, 15, 16, which serve to activate preset values. The preset values available are laid out such that they cover the various X-ray examinations occurring in the routine operation of the X-ray machine 1 in the respective clinical operating environment. They can, for example, cover the spectrum of X-ray examinations for an orthopedic, an internal or a neurological department. Consequently, even an operator who is not exceptionally conversant with the handling of the respective X-ray machine 1, or has only limited specialist knowledge of radiology, can immediately learn how to take such X-ray pictures.
At the same time, it is only the operating elements 14, 15, 16 required to activate preset values that are made available, and so an operator is not confused by further, unnecessary keys for manual activation of values. Manual activation of the values is seldom required in routine operation of the X-ray machine 1, and so operating elements for manual setting are not required.
The operating area 21 has further switchover keys 23 which, upon actuation, switch over the operating device 11 from the mode, illustrated in figure 2, for activating preset program values into a mode, illustrated in the following figure 3, for manually inputting these values. The switchover key 23 provided for this purpose is labeled "manual". The switchover key 23 for switching over into the mode illustrated in figure 2 is labeled "program".
Figure 3 illustrates an operating device 11 with setting keys 17 for manually setting the operating values and parameters of an X-ray machine 1. The operating device 11 illustrated in figure 3 has a display area 20 that corresponds to the display area 20 of the operating device 11 previously illustrated in figure 2. The position and configuration of the display elements 19 are identical. This increases the recognizability for an operator, and accelerates and therefore facilitates handling of the operating device 11.
The operating device 11 also has an operating area 21 which likewise corresponds in position and configuration to the operating area 21 previously illustrated in figure 2. However, it contains other operating elements, specifically setting keys 17 for manually setting operating values and parameters.
Setting keys 17 are provided for all relevant operating values, for example X-ray voltage, quantity of electricity or X-raying times, and for all relevant parameters, for example X-ray tube exposure or operating area. In order to improve the visual orientation within the element of the operating device 11, the setting keys 17 are arranged under the respectively associated display elements 19, for example the setting keys 17 for the X-ray voltage directly below the display element 19 for the X-ray voltage, the setting keys 17 for the recording time directly below the display element 19 for the recording time, etc.
The operating area 21 illustrated in figure 3 has no operating elements 14, 15 or 16 of any kind for activating preset operating values and parameters. It is exclusively setting keys 17 for manually setting these values that are made available. The possibility of manually setting the values is directed primarily at the specialist in handling the X-ray machine 1 and/or in X-ray examinations taking place on the X-ray machine 1. No presettings are required if manual setting of the values is intended. Consequently, operating elements 14, 15, 16 for activating preset values are not required and are not illustrated simultaneously with setting keys 17 for manual setting, in order to fashion the operating device 11 in clearer fashion. It is thereby easier to grasp visually and can be operated more intuitively and quickly.
The manual setting of all values can be performed, however, starting from previously activated preset values. For this purpose, it is possible first to switch into the "program" mode by actuating the corresponding changeover key 23, in order to activate preset values there, and subsequently to change into the "manual" mode, where the previously selected values are then available for manual processing. It is thereby possible, for example, to use the preset values of a specific organ program that are to be used to vary an individual parameter, without first requiring all the _ values of this program to be input manually. Instead of this, it is possible to activate the preset values and process further manually only the value to be varied.
By actuating the recording key 24, X-ray pictures can be triggered at any time from the program mode illustrated in figure 3. The X-raying is then performed with the aid of the operating values and parameters currently displayed in the display area 20. The operation of the operating device 11 is substantially simplified in that triggering X-ray pictures is possible both from the program mode illustrated in figure 2, and from the manual mode illustrated in figure 3. This saves an operator from having firstly to switch to a mode that permits the triggering of X-ray pictures after he has set or activated all the operating values.
In both input modes illustrated, the operating device 11 has the same division into display area 20 and operating area 21. However, the operating elements 14, 15, 16, 17 made available change. Such a flexible operating device 11 can be implemented in the simplest way by using a touch-sensitive display screen (touchscreen). A touchscreen offers the possibility of flexibly configuring and positioning both the display elements 19 and the operating elements 14, 15, 16, 17 of the operating device 11. This permits the invention to be realized in a particularly simple way. The operating device 11 could, however, also be designed as a normal display screen insensitive to touch, whose operating elements 14, 15, 16, 17 can be actuated by means of a keyboard or mouse. Also possible would be an implementation by means of display elements in the form of LEDs or LCDs, and operating elements that are formed by keys, behind which could be placed LEDs or LCDs for signaling the respective function or availability of a key. Further designs based on mutually separated, different operating devices 11 for the program mode illustrated in figure 2 and the manual mode illustrated in figure 3 are likewise conceivable.
Claims (6)
1. An operating device for a medical diagnostic imaging unit, said operating device comprising:
a display screen;
a control unit configured to operate said display screen to enter, in a current value-entering session, at least one examination value for implementing an examination by said medical diagnostic imaging unit;
said control unit being configured to operate said display screen, in said current-value entering session, in a programmed mode in which, in an operating area of the display screen, only a selection key field is displayed, said selection key field being activatable to select at least one preset value that is preset prior to said current value entering session, said at least one preset value being selected from the group consisting of preset operating values of said medical diagnostic imaging unit and preset parameter values of said medical diagnostic imaging unit;
said control unit being also configured to operate said display screen, in said current-value entering session, in a manual mode in which, in said operating area of said display screen, only a setting key field is displayed, said setting key field being activatable to selectively set at least one settable value selected from the group consisting of settable operating values of said medical diagnostic imaging unit and settable parameters of said medical diagnostic imaging unit;
said control unit being configured to display, in said current-value entering session, in a display area of said display screen that does not overlap said operating area, display elements respectively representing said at least one preset value and said at least one settable value;
said control unit being configured to display, in said current-value entering session, at said display screen, a mode selection field that is activatable to select, as a selected mode, only one of either, said manual mode or said programmed mode;
said control unit being configured, in said current-value entering session, to initially maintain all of said display area unchanged and visually unobstructed, when switching between said manual mode and said programmed mode by activation of said mode selection field, until said selection key field or said setting key field in the selected mode is activated after said switching; and said control unit being configured to display, in said current-value entering session, at said display screen, a trigger key that, when activated, emits a current content of said display area, as said at least one examination value, as an output available to said medical diagnostic imaging unit.
a display screen;
a control unit configured to operate said display screen to enter, in a current value-entering session, at least one examination value for implementing an examination by said medical diagnostic imaging unit;
said control unit being configured to operate said display screen, in said current-value entering session, in a programmed mode in which, in an operating area of the display screen, only a selection key field is displayed, said selection key field being activatable to select at least one preset value that is preset prior to said current value entering session, said at least one preset value being selected from the group consisting of preset operating values of said medical diagnostic imaging unit and preset parameter values of said medical diagnostic imaging unit;
said control unit being also configured to operate said display screen, in said current-value entering session, in a manual mode in which, in said operating area of said display screen, only a setting key field is displayed, said setting key field being activatable to selectively set at least one settable value selected from the group consisting of settable operating values of said medical diagnostic imaging unit and settable parameters of said medical diagnostic imaging unit;
said control unit being configured to display, in said current-value entering session, in a display area of said display screen that does not overlap said operating area, display elements respectively representing said at least one preset value and said at least one settable value;
said control unit being configured to display, in said current-value entering session, at said display screen, a mode selection field that is activatable to select, as a selected mode, only one of either, said manual mode or said programmed mode;
said control unit being configured, in said current-value entering session, to initially maintain all of said display area unchanged and visually unobstructed, when switching between said manual mode and said programmed mode by activation of said mode selection field, until said selection key field or said setting key field in the selected mode is activated after said switching; and said control unit being configured to display, in said current-value entering session, at said display screen, a trigger key that, when activated, emits a current content of said display area, as said at least one examination value, as an output available to said medical diagnostic imaging unit.
2. The operating device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the operating device is designed as a touch-sensitive display screen.
3. The operating device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said control unit is configured to display said display elements as text elements.
4. The operating device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said control unit is configured to display said display elements as graphic elements.
5. The operating device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said control unit is configured to display said trigger key at said display screen in each of said manual mode and said programmed mode.
6. The operating device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said medical diagnostic imaging unit is an x-ray examination unit, and wherein said control unit is configured to display, in said selection key field, a plurality of selection keys each associated with one anatomical x-ray examination in a plurality of anatomical x-ray examinations, each selection key allowing a user to select said at least one preset value for the anatomical x-ray examination associated with that selection key, and to display, in said selection key field, a plurality of different setting keys that respectively allow manual setting of said at least one settable value for a component of said x-ray examination unit.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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| DE2002155956 DE10255956B4 (en) | 2002-11-29 | 2002-11-29 | Operating device for a diagnostic imaging device |
| DE10255956.2 | 2002-11-29 |
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| CA2451252A1 CA2451252A1 (en) | 2004-05-29 |
| CA2451252C true CA2451252C (en) | 2015-02-10 |
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| CA2451252A Expired - Lifetime CA2451252C (en) | 2002-11-29 | 2003-11-27 | Operating device for a diagnostic imaging unit |
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| CA (1) | CA2451252C (en) |
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| DE102004056246C5 (en) * | 2004-11-22 | 2014-07-31 | Abb Ag | Display device for an electronic device |
| CN104287760A (en) * | 2013-07-16 | 2015-01-21 | 上海联影医疗科技有限公司 | Computed tomography control device and method |
| EP3469993A1 (en) * | 2017-10-16 | 2019-04-17 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | An ultrasound imaging system and method |
| CN110101404B (en) * | 2019-05-13 | 2023-07-11 | 上海联影医疗科技股份有限公司 | PET-CT system and control method thereof |
Family Cites Families (13)
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1448075A (en) * | 1974-05-23 | 1976-09-02 | Gec Medical Equipment Ltd | Radiographic apparatus |
| DD214273A1 (en) * | 1982-11-18 | 1984-10-03 | Transformatorenwerk H Matern V | ROENTGENDIAGNOSTIKGENERATOR |
| DE8514524U1 (en) * | 1985-05-14 | 1986-09-25 | Fritz Hofmann GmbH für Elektrotechnik, 8520 Erlangen | X-ray generator with operator guidance |
| EP0463533A1 (en) * | 1990-06-29 | 1992-01-02 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Device for aiding a radiologist during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty |
| EP0470270A1 (en) * | 1990-07-30 | 1992-02-12 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Process for selection, presentation and graphic conversion of spacially definable biomagnetic or bioelectric signals onto a graphic display screen |
| EP0486717A1 (en) * | 1990-11-20 | 1992-05-27 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Medical diagnostic system |
| DE4210120C1 (en) * | 1992-03-27 | 1993-08-05 | Siemens Ag, 8000 Muenchen, De | X=ray appts. for peripheral angiography - calculates relative positioning of appts. and patient support using data derived from patient |
| US5447153A (en) * | 1993-07-02 | 1995-09-05 | Eastman Kodak Company | Real-time window/leveling on a radiographic workstation |
| DE4341291A1 (en) * | 1993-12-03 | 1995-06-08 | Siemens Ag | Medical equipment for therapy and/or diagnosis |
| JPH11126697A (en) * | 1997-10-23 | 1999-05-11 | Shimadzu Corp | X-ray control device |
| DE10039414A1 (en) * | 2000-08-11 | 2002-02-28 | Siemens Ag | Equipment for generating X-rays incorporates a control device with a computer program having operating values relating to tissue as an integral component. |
| DE10039416A1 (en) * | 2000-08-11 | 2002-02-28 | Siemens Ag | Display device for displaying a time period for heating up X-ray tubes in an X-ray device shows a time period requiring X-ray tubes for a source of X-rays during heating up for X-ray shots. |
| DE10154686A1 (en) * | 2000-11-17 | 2002-05-23 | Siemens Ag | Medical system architecture has workplaces for acquiring or post-processing data and/or examination images, with call system for transmitting messages |
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| ES2257137B1 (en) | 2007-12-01 |
| DE10255956A1 (en) | 2004-06-17 |
| CN1505453A (en) | 2004-06-16 |
| DE10255956B4 (en) | 2006-09-14 |
| ES2257137A1 (en) | 2006-07-16 |
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| CA2451252A1 (en) | 2004-05-29 |
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