Assistance with docking a patient bed to a medical device

Abstract

Patient couch for use with a medical device (2), - wherein the patient bed has a chassis (4) by means of which the patient bed can be moved on a surface (3), - wherein the patient bed has a projection (8) on its front side for correct positioning of the patient bed on the medical device (2), which is to be inserted in a predetermined insertion direction (10) into a corresponding receptacle (9) of the medical device (2), - wherein the patient bed has an optical detection device (14) on its front side, which detects light that strikes the detection device (14) from a detection angle area (δ) extending in a horizontal plane around a longitudinal direction (11) of the patient bed from the front, and - wherein the patient couch has a display device (15) on its rear side, by means of which the light detected by the optical detection device (14) or a state (Z) derived therefrom is output to an operator (12) controlling the patient couch, - wherein the detection device (14) is designed as a number of light-conducting fibers (18) extending to the display device (15), and that light coupled into the light-conducting fibers (18) via the display device (15) is output to the operator (12).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a patient bed for use with a medical device, - wherein the patient bed has a chassis by means of which the patient bed can be moved on a surface, - wherein the patient table has a projection on its front for correct positioning of the patient table on the medical device, which is to be inserted in a predetermined insertion direction into a corresponding receptacle of the medical device.

[0002] The present invention further relates to a medical device, in particular a CT scanner or MR scanner, - wherein the medical device has a receptacle into which a projection arranged on the front of a patient bed of the aforementioned type is to be inserted in a predetermined insertion direction.

[0003] The present invention further relates to a medical system comprising such a patient bed and such a medical device.

[0004] Such patient beds, medical devices and systems are generally known.

[0005] For example, the German utility model DE 20 2020 104 652 U1, the international patent application WO 2024 / 065 395 A1, the Chinese patent application CN 1 14 557 829 A, the Chinese utility model CN ​​2 15 274 031 U or the American patent application US 2018 / 0 329 422 A1 show such patient couches, medical devices or systems.

[0006] When connecting the patient stretcher to the medical device, mispositioning and misorientation of the stretcher relative to the device can occur. As long as the mispositioning and misorientation are not too significant, the design of the stretcher's protrusion and the device's receptacle often allows the protrusion to be inserted into the receptacle. Once the protrusion is partially inserted, it is automatically and mechanically retracted completely, thus correctly docking the stretcher to the medical device. This retraction process also corrects any misorientation of the stretcher. Depending on the degree of misorientation, however, this correction may involve a more or less pronounced lateral jerk.Such a sudden jerk is often perceived as unpleasant by a patient lying on the examination table. It is particularly critical for an injured patient or a patient for whom it is unclear whether such a jerk could cause pain or even further damage.

[0007] The applicant points out at this point that, regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular personal term (here, for example, the term "patient"), persons with male, female, and other gender identities are always included.

[0008] The problem of incorrect orientation is particularly prevalent in small and confined spaces.

[0009] Prior art has already proposed reducing the speed at which the projection is retracted into the camera. While this prevents a significant jerk in the event of incorrect positioning and / or orientation, the problem of incorrect positioning and / or orientation itself remains.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to create possibilities by means of which incorrect positioning and in particular incorrect orientation of the patient bed when inserting the projection of the patient bed into the receptacle of the medical device can be avoided or at least detected in time and thereby corrected by an operator of the patient bed before the projection of the patient bed is inserted into the receptacle of the medical device.

[0011] The problem is solved by a patient couch with the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the patient couch are the subject of dependent claims.

[0012] According to the invention, a patient bed of the type mentioned above is designed by: - that the patient bed has an optical detection device on its front side, which detects light that strikes the detection device from the front from a detection angle area extending in a horizontal plane around a longitudinal direction of the patient bed, and - that the patient bed has a display device on its back, by means of which the light detected by the optical detection device or a condition derived therefrom is output to an operator controlling the patient bed.

[0013] This makes it possible – particularly in conjunction with an inventive embodiment of the medical device – to ensure that a misorientation of the patient bed can be readily recognized by the operator and consequently corrected.

[0014] In some examples, the detection device can be a camera, with the patient bed having an evaluation unit connected to the camera and the display unit. In this case, images captured by the camera are fed to the evaluation unit, which analyzes them and derives the status from this, which it then transmits to the display unit for output to the operator.

[0015] This process is automated and therefore particularly reliable and accurate.

[0016] Alternatively, it is possible that the recording device is designed as a camera, but the display device is designed as an image display device, through which the images recorded by the camera are output to the operator.

[0017] In this case, an intellectual evaluation by the operator is required. However, this intellectual evaluation is simple and often intuitively possible. This design is generally considerably more cost-effective than the previously mentioned design.

[0018] According to the invention, the detection device is designed as a number of optical fibers extending to the display device. In this case, light coupled into the optical fibers can be output to the operator via the display device. Thus, there is no conversion of light into an electrical signal and vice versa; rather, the display device outputs the coupled light directly and immediately.

[0019] The light-conducting fibers can be, for example, glass fibers or polymer optical fibers. In some cases, a single light-conducting fiber may suffice. In other cases, multiple light-conducting fibers are present, each capturing light from a partial angular range of the detection angle. These partial angular ranges can overlap or be disjoint but adjacent to one another.

[0020] The display unit can be positioned as needed. Currently, it is preferred that the display unit be located on a handle of the patient bed. The display unit can, in particular, be integrated into the handle.

[0021] Preferably, the patient table has an optical sighting device on its rear side, indicating the location of the medical device directly in front of the table when viewed lengthwise. This allows the operator to easily aim the device correctly at the receiver. The sighting device can be similar to a rifle scope and may include, for example, a crosshair or similar target marking. Alternatively, the display can provide the operator with an indicator showing the location of the medical device directly in front of the table when viewed lengthwise.

[0022] The problem is further solved by a medical device according to a dependent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the medical device are the subject of further dependent claims.

[0023] According to the invention, a medical device of the type mentioned above is designed by: - that the medical device has a lighting system in the area of ​​insertion that emits light in a transmission angle range extending in a horizontal plane around the predetermined insertion direction, and - that the light emitted by the lighting system produces a luminous pattern which varies within the transmission angle range with the angle from which the lighting system is viewed, so that a partial angular range of the transmission angle range can be clearly determined from the luminous pattern.

[0024] The lighting system is thus designed in principle like an optical approach slope indicator system, such as those used in aviation to help an aircraft maintain the correct glide slope angle when approaching the runway. The applicant refers, purely by way of example, to the entry "Visual approach slope indicator" in the English Wikipedia, accessed on January 10, 2024. Within the scope of the present invention, the mounting of the medical device corresponds, so to speak, to the runway, and the patient stretcher described above corresponds to the aircraft. However, unlike its use in aviation, the lighting pattern in the scope of the present invention does not vary with the angle relative to a horizontal plane, but rather with the angle within a horizontal plane. The aviation approach slope indicator system is, in effect, used rotated by 90°.

[0025] It is conceivable that the lighting system comprises a single light source and suitable optics, for example, a single light source emitting white light with an optical grating downstream. Preferably, however, the lighting system comprises a plurality of light sources arranged laterally offset from one another in the horizontal plane, perpendicular to the insertion direction. Furthermore, in this case, the lighting system comprises a number of through-openings. These through-openings are arranged longitudinally offset relative to the light sources in the insertion direction, such that the light emitted by each light source passes through the respective through-opening into a specific partial angular region of the emission angle.This ensures that, depending on the angle from which the lighting system is viewed, the light sources that are detected ("seen") through the openings by the patient bed's detection device are varied.

[0026] Preferably, the wavelength of the light emitted by each light source varies. This design is particularly simple and reliable.

[0027] Preferably, the wavelengths of the light emitted by the light sources lie in the visible spectrum or in the infrared range. If the wavelengths are in the visible spectrum, the color of the light varies depending on the wavelength. Furthermore, the proper functioning of the lighting system can be checked by an operator without the aid of technical means. If the wavelengths are in the infrared range, light effects that could otherwise potentially disturb the operator can be avoided.

[0028] In the simplest case, there is only a single through-opening. Preferably, however, the number of through-openings is greater than 1, and the through-openings are arranged laterally offset from each other in the horizontal plane, perpendicular to the insertion direction. This simplifies the identification of the respective partial angle range.

[0029] Preferably, the light emitted by the lighting system is modulated. This increases the reliability of detection.

[0030] Preferably, the light emitted by the lighting system is polarized light. This improves the signal-to-noise ratio.

[0031] The problem is further solved by a medical system according to a further dependent claim. According to the invention, a medical system comprises a patient bed and a medical device.

[0032] The properties, features, and advantages of this invention described above, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and more readily understandable in connection with the following description of the exemplary embodiments, which are explained in more detail in conjunction with the drawings. These drawings show, in schematic representation: Fig. 1. A top-down medical system, Fig. 2 the medical system of Fig. 1 from the side, Fig. 3 a lighting system, Fig. 4 a wavelength range, Fig. 5 a time diagram, Fig. 6 another lighting system, Fig. 7. Design of a recording device and a display device, Fig. 8 a further design of a recording device and a display device, Fig. 9 a recording device, an evaluation device and a display device and Fig. 10 a picture.

[0033] According to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 comprises a medical system, a patient bed 1, and a medical device 2.

[0034] Medical device 2 is typically a large piece of equipment, i.e., a device permanently installed in a room and not easily relocatable. Medical device 2 may, for example, be a CT scanner or an MRI scanner.

[0035] The patient stretcher 1 is intended for use with the medical device 2. The patient stretcher 1 can be connected (docked) to and detached (undocked) from the medical device 2. When the patient stretcher 1 is detached from the medical device 2, it can be moved on a surface 3 (usually the floor of a room in a hospital). For this purpose, i.e., for moving it on the surface 3, the patient stretcher 1 has a chassis 4. The chassis 4 usually comprises a base 5 and several wheels 6. The following can be performed on the patient stretcher 1 according to... Fig. 2 a patient 7 lying down.

[0036] The patient bed 1 has a projection 8 on its front. The medical device 2 has a receptacle 9 into which the projection 8 is inserted for docking.

[0037] Ideally, the patient table 1 is moved precisely in a predetermined insertion direction 10 to dock with the medical device 2, so that the projection 8 is centered relative to the receptacle 9 and is inserted into the receptacle 9 in the insertion direction 10. The insertion direction 10 is determined by the receptacle 9 and thus refers to the medical device 2. Ideally, a longitudinal axis 11 of the patient table 1 is also aligned as shown in the illustration. Fig. The longitudinal axis 11 is oriented parallel to the insertion direction 10 and has no lateral offset from the insertion direction 10. The longitudinal axis 11 is related to the patient bed 1.

[0038] Docking the patient bed 1 to the medical device 2 is possible even if, within certain limits, there is a lateral offset of the projection 8 relative to the receptacle 9 and / or, within certain limits, the actual insertion direction (corresponding to the longitudinal axis 11 of the patient bed 1) deviates from the desired insertion direction 10. However, this is associated with disadvantages, which increase with the size of the deviations.

[0039] To enable an operator 12, who is guiding the patient stretcher 1, to align the longitudinal direction 11 of the patient stretcher 1 as precisely as possible with respect to the receiving area 9 when moving the patient stretcher 1 towards the medical device 2, the medical device 2 has a lighting system 13 in the area of ​​the receiving area 9. The lighting system 13 emits according to Fig. 1. Light is directed into a transmission angle range α. The transmission angle range α extends according to Fig. 1 in a horizontal plane around the insertion direction 10. Typically, the insertion direction 10 divides the emission angle range α into two equal parts. However, this is not strictly necessary. What is crucial is that the light emitted by the lighting system 13 produces a lighting pattern that varies within the emission angle range α with the angle β from which the lighting system 13 is viewed. The variation is such that, based on the lighting pattern 13, a partial angle range α1, α2, α3 can be clearly identified (see Fig. 3) of the transmission angle range α can be determined.

[0040] The patient couch 1 has an optical detection device 14 on its front. The detection device 14 detects light that strikes the detection device 14 from the front within a detection angle range δ around the longitudinal direction 11 of the patient couch 1. The detection angle range δ extends according to Fig. 1 - analogous to the transmission angle range α in the horizontal plane around the longitudinal axis 11. As a rule, the longitudinal axis 11 divides the detection angle range δ into two equal parts. However, this is not strictly necessary.

[0041] Furthermore, the patient couch 1 has a display unit 15 on its rear side. The display unit 15—as will be explained later—directly outputs the light detected by the optical detection unit 14 to the operator 12. Alternatively, in other examples—also as will be explained later—the light detected by the optical detection unit 14 is automatically evaluated, and a state is derived from it. In this case, the derived state is transmitted to the display unit 15 and output by the display unit 15 to the operator 12.

[0042] The following are related to the Fig. Three to five possible configurations of the lighting system 13 are explained, which meet the aforementioned requirements. However, other configurations are also possible.

[0043] According to Fig. In section 3, the lighting system 13 has a plurality of light sources 16. The in Fig. The number of three light sources 16 shown in Figure 3 is only exemplary and serves merely for illustrative purposes. Typically, more than three light sources 16 are present, for example, five or more. Viewed in the horizontal plane, the light sources 16 are arranged laterally offset from one another, perpendicular to the insertion direction 10. The in Fig. However, the arrangement shown in Figure 3 on a circular arc is only an example.

[0044] According to Fig. 3 The lighting system 13 also has a number of through-openings 17. According to Fig. 3 only has a single passage opening 17. This is the minimum configuration. The configuration according to Fig. The single through-hole 17 is arranged longitudinally offset relative to the light sources 16 in the insertion direction 10. Thus, using simple ray optics, the light emitted by each light source 16 is directed through the through-hole 17 into a respective partial angular range α1, α2, α3 of the transmission angle range α. Therefore, depending on the angle β from which the lighting system 13 is viewed, the light source 16 detected through the through-hole 17 by the detection device 14 of the patient bed 1 varies.

[0045] In order to distinguish the light sources 16 from one another and thus ultimately to identify the respective partial angle ranges α1, α2, α3, the following can be done, for example, according to the representation in Fig. 4. From light source 16 to light source 16, the wavelength λ of the light emitted by each light source 16 varies. The respective vertical lines in Fig. The 4 represent the light emitted by a respective light source 16. If the respective wavelength λ uniquely identifies the respective light source 16, then the corresponding partial angle range α1, α2, α3 can also be uniquely determined.

[0046] The wavelengths λ of the light emitted by the light sources 16 can be determined - see in Fig. 4 on the left, the range between 400 nm and 750 nm lies in the visible spectrum. However, the wavelengths λ of the light emitted by light sources 16 can also be – see in Fig. 4 the area beyond 750 nm - in the infrared range.

[0047] It is still possible that the light emitted by lighting system 13 is modulated. If, in the case of light sources 16 of Fig. 3. If a uniform modulation is applied, the interference immunity of the detection of the light sources 16 against ambient light can be improved by the modulation. If the modulation is specific to the respective light source 16, such modulation can also be used as an alternative to the use of different wavelengths λ or can increase the possible variations and thus the detection possibilities. By way of example, Fig. The modulation for the respective light source is shown as follows: continuous light (front area), rapid flashing (middle area), and slow flashing (rear area). Other types of modulation are also possible, such as long flashing with a short pause, short flashing with a long pause, or specific sequences similar to Morse code. Alternatively or additionally, amplitude modulation can also be used, for example, with technically measurable frequencies of 5 kHz, 10 kHz, 15 kHz, 20 kHz, and 25 kHz.

[0048] Fig. 6 shows a further development of the design of Fig. 3. The difference to the design of Fig. 3 consists in the fact that in the design of Fig. 6 several passage openings 17 are present and the passage openings 17 are arranged laterally offset from each other in the horizontal plane transverse to the insertion direction 10.

[0049] In the case of the design according to Fig. When viewing the lighting system 13 from an angle β, several light sources 16 are typically detected. However, even in this case, the corresponding light sources 16 can be identified based on the light pattern, and thus the respective partial angle range α1, α2, α3 can be determined. For example, if, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, there are a total of three passage openings 17 and a total of five light sources 16, for example, the two outer light sources 16 can emit red light ( Fig. 6: R for red), the middle light source 16 green light ( Fig. 6: G for green) and the two remaining light sources 16 blue light ( Fig. 6: B for blue) emit. The following explanations refer to this configuration.

[0050] When the light system 13 is viewed centrally – that is, from the insertion direction 10 or with only a very slight deviation from it – the light pattern "blue-green-blue" is detected. If the light pattern itself is displayed to the operator 12, the operator 12 recognizes that they are moving the patient table 1 in the insertion direction 10 and therefore no correction is necessary. If the light pattern is evaluated – as in certain examples – a message stating "everything is OK" can be displayed to the operator 12.

[0051] If the light system 13 is viewed at a slight angle relative to the insertion direction 10, the light pattern "green-blue-red" is detected if the deviation is in one direction, and the light pattern "red-blue-green" if it is in the other direction. If the light pattern itself is displayed to the operator 12, the operator 12 recognizes that they are moving the patient table 1 slightly offset from the insertion direction 10 and therefore a slight correction is necessary. If the light pattern is evaluated—as in certain examples—a message such as "correct slightly to the left" or "correct slightly to the right" can be displayed to the operator 12.

[0052] If the light system 13 is viewed at a significant angular offset from the insertion direction 10, the light pattern "blue-red" is detected for deviations in one direction and "red-blue" for deviations in the other. If the light pattern itself is displayed to the operator 12, the operator 12 recognizes that they are moving the patient table 1 significantly offset from the insertion direction 10 and therefore either abort the docking process or make a significant correction is necessary. If the light pattern is evaluated—as in certain examples—a message such as "correct sharply to the left" or "correct sharply to the right" can be displayed to the operator 12.

[0053] If the lighting system 13 is viewed at an even greater angular offset from the insertion direction 10, only the "red" light pattern is detected, regardless of whether the deviation is in one direction or the other. If the light pattern itself is displayed to the operator 12, the operator 12 recognizes that the docking process must be aborted. If the light pattern is evaluated—as in certain examples—a "Abort docking" message can be displayed to the operator 12.

[0054] Analogous procedures are also used in the design according to Fig. Three are possible. Of course, more colors and / or different colors can also be used. In principle, all methods used in aviation for the visual guidance of an aircraft are possible.

[0055] The size of the overall transmission angle range α and the sizes of the partial angle ranges α1, α2, α3 can be determined as required. Typically, the transmission angle range α will be approximately 10° to 20°. The partial angle ranges α1, α2, α3 are correspondingly smaller. For example, they can be approximately 1° to 2°.

[0056] As already mentioned, the light pattern itself – i.e., exactly as it is detected – is output to the operator 12 according to the invention. In this case, the detection device 14 is, for example, as shown in the illustration. Fig. 7 is configured as a number of light-conducting fibers 18. In this case, the light-conducting fibers 18 extend to the display unit 15. Furthermore, in this case, the light coupled into the light-conducting fibers 18 from the front of the patient bed 1 (represented by arrows pointing towards the detection unit 14) is output directly and immediately to the operator 12 via the display unit 15 (represented by arrows emanating from the display unit 15). The minimum is as shown in Fig. 7. Only a single light-conducting fiber 18 is present. However, several light-conducting fibers 18 can also be present. In this case, the light-conducting fibers 18 typically each detect light from a respective partial angular region of the detection angle region δ.

[0057] As an alternative to the embodiment according to the invention as light-conducting fibers 18, it is possible that the detection device 14 is configured as shown in Fig. 8 is configured as camera 19. In this case, a conversion from an optical signal to an electronic signal does take place. However, even in this case, the images I captured by camera 19 can be output to the operator 12 via the display device 15. The display device 15 is configured as an image display device 20 in this case.

[0058] In examples where the detection device 14 is configured as a camera 19, the patient bed 1 can be positioned as shown in Fig. 9. An evaluation unit 21 is connected to the camera 19 and the display unit 15. In this case, the images I captured by the camera 19 are fed to the evaluation unit 21. The evaluation unit 21 evaluates the captured images I and derives the state Z from them, which it transmits to the display unit 15. The display unit 15 then outputs the state Z to the operator 12.

[0059] The arrangement of the display device 15 can be as required. Preferably, the display device 15 is arranged as shown in the illustration. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 arranged on a handle 22 of the patient bed 1.

[0060] As explained so far, only the angle at which the detection device 14 is located relative to the lighting system 13 can be determined. The angle formed by the longitudinal direction 11 of the patient bed 1 in the horizontal plane with the insertion direction 10, however, is (still) unknown. In order to obtain this information as well, the patient bed 1 can be adjusted according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 have an optical sighting device 23 on their rear side, by means of which it is possible to determine which part of the medical device 2 is located directly in front of the patient bed 1, viewed in the longitudinal direction 11 of the patient bed 1. The optical sighting device 23 can be designed in the manner of a telescopic sight.

[0061] In some examples, it is possible that the display device 15 outputs an indicator 24 to the operator 12, based on which precisely this information is recognizable to the operator 12. One possibility for this is described below in conjunction with Fig. 10 explained.

[0062] According to Fig. 10 builds on the approach described above in conjunction with Fig. 8 was explained. As part of the procedure of Fig. 10 The light pattern is thus captured by means of the camera 19 and output as a corresponding image I via the display device 15, 20 to the operator 12. Fig. Figure 10 shows an example of such an output image I. The three small rectangles can be the captured light pattern.

[0063] Camera 19 has a detection range. The image I captured by camera 19 shows, from the camera's perspective, the view forward with respect to patient bed 1. A specific vertical line in image I thus indicates what is located exactly in front of patient bed 1 from camera 19's perspective, and therefore, in the longitudinal direction 11 of patient bed 1, exactly in front of patient bed 1. This line can be easily determined based on the camera 19's position, possibly in conjunction with calibration. It is possible to mark precisely this vertical line as indicator 24 in image I captured by camera 19. For example, a thin black line can be superimposed there. If the light pattern captured by the camera is located to the left of indicator 24, the longitudinal direction 11 of patient bed 1 is directed to a location to the right of the light system 13. It may even be possible to recognize the image 9 itself in image I.

[0064] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As further shown in Figure 2, the patient bed 1 and the medical device 2 can have polarization filters 25 at appropriate points, so that as a result the light emitted by the lighting system 13 is polarized light.

[0065] In summary, the present invention relates to the following situation: A medical system comprises a patient bed 1 and a medical device 2. The patient bed 1 is movable on a base 3 by means of a chassis 4. For correct positioning of the patient bed 1 on the medical device 2, the patient bed 1 has a projection 8 on its front side, which is to be inserted into a corresponding receptacle 9 of the medical device 2 in a predetermined insertion direction 10. The medical device 2 has a lighting system 13 in the area of ​​the receptacle 9, which emits light within a transmission angle α extending in a horizontal plane around the predetermined insertion direction 10. The emitted light forms a lighting pattern that varies within the transmission angle α with the angle β from which the lighting system 13 is viewed, such that a partial angular region α1, α2, α3 of the transmission angle α can be uniquely determined from the lighting pattern.The patient couch 1 has an optical detection device 14 on its front side, which detects light that strikes the detection device 14 from the front around a longitudinal direction 11 of the patient couch 1 within a detection angle range δ extending in a horizontal plane. The patient couch 1 also has a display device 15 on its rear side, by means of which the light detected by the optical detection device 14 or a state Z derived therefrom is output to an operator 12 who is controlling the patient couch 1.

[0066] The present invention offers many advantages. Firstly, it enables the patient table 1 to be aligned easily and reliably with the scanner 9. Secondly, it avoids the negative effects on the patient 7. The workflow in the clinical process is simplified and improved. The lighting system 13 has a long range, allowing correct alignment of the patient table 1 to be achieved at an early stage of the docking process. In some embodiments (especially when using optical fibers 18), the patient table 1 requires no electronics whatsoever. This is particularly advantageous when the medical device 2 is configured as an MRI scanner. No modifications to the room installation are necessary. Training for use is simple or may even be unnecessary.

[0067] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived by the person skilled in the art without leaving the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

[1] Patient couch for use with a medical device (2), - wherein the patient bed has a chassis (4) by means of which the patient bed can be moved on a surface (3), - wherein the patient bed has a projection (8) on its front side for correct positioning of the patient bed on the medical device (2), which is to be inserted in a predetermined insertion direction (10) into a corresponding receptacle (9) of the medical device (2), - wherein the patient bed has an optical detection device (14) on its front side, which detects light that strikes the detection device (14) from a detection angle area (δ) extending in a horizontal plane around a longitudinal direction (11) of the patient bed from the front, and - wherein the patient couch has a display device (15) on its rear side, by means of which the light detected by the optical detection device (14) or a state (Z) derived therefrom is output to an operator (12) controlling the patient couch, - wherein the detection device (14) is designed as a number of light-conducting fibers (18) extending to the display device (15), and that light coupled into the light-conducting fibers (18) via the display device (15) is output to the operator (12). [2] Patient couch according to claim 1, characterized by , that the display device (15) is arranged on a handle (22) of the patient bed. [3] Patient couch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the patient bed has an optical sighting device (23) on its rear side, by means of which it is possible to see which location of the medical device (2) is located directly in front of the patient bed in the longitudinal direction (11) of the patient bed, or by means of the display device (15) an indicator (24) is issued to the operator (12), by means of which it is possible to see which location of the medical device (2) is located directly in front of the patient bed in the longitudinal direction (11) of the patient bed. [4] Medical equipment, in particular CT scanner or MRI scanner, - wherein the medical device has a receptacle (9) into which a projection (8) arranged on a front of a patient bed (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3 is to be inserted in a predetermined insertion direction (10), - wherein the medical device has a lighting system (13) in the area of ​​reception (9) which emits light in a transmission angle range (α) extending in a horizontal plane around the predetermined insertion direction (10), and - wherein the light emitted by the lighting system (13) produces a luminous pattern which varies within the transmission angle range (α) with the angle (β) from which the lighting system (13) is viewed, so that a partial angular range (α1, α2, α3) of the transmission angle range (α) can be uniquely determined from the luminous pattern. [5] Medical device according to claim 4, characterized by , - that the lighting system (13) has a plurality of light sources (16) which, viewed in the horizontal plane, are arranged laterally offset from one another perpendicular to the insertion direction (10), - that the lighting system (13) has a number of passage openings (17) which are arranged longitudinally offset relative to the light sources (16) in the insertion direction (10), so that the light emitted by a respective light source (16) is emitted through the respective passage opening (17) into a respective partial angular area (α1, α2, a3) of the transmission angle area (α), so that with the angle (β) from which the lighting system (13) is viewed, it varies which light sources (16) are detected through the passage openings (17) by means of the detection device (14) of the patient bed (1). [6] Medical device according to claim 5, characterized by , that from light source (16) to light source (16) a wavelength (λ) of the light emitted by means of the respective light source (16) varies. [7] Medical device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by, that wavelengths (λ) of the light emitted by means of the light sources (16) lie in the visible spectrum or in the infrared range. [8] Medical device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized by , that the number of passage openings (17) is greater than 1 and that the passage openings (17) are arranged laterally offset from each other in the horizontal plane transverse to the insertion direction (10). [9] Medical device according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized by , that the light emitted by the lighting system (13) is modulated. [10] Medical device according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized by , that the light emitted by the lighting system (13) is polarized light. [11] Medical system comprising a patient bed (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and a medical device (2) according to any one of claims 4 to 10.

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