X-ray imaging guidance

Abstract

The present invention relates to user guidance during X-ray imaging. In order to provide further guidance during X-ray imaging, a guidance device (10) for visual guidance during X-ray imaging is provided. The guidance device (10) comprises a camera device (12), a display device (14) and a housing structure (16). The housing structure comprises a housing (18) of an X-ray imaging system for accommodating an X-ray source or an X-ray detector. In addition, the camera device is configured to capture image data of a region of interest of an object in front of the housing. In addition, the display device is configured to present the captured image data as a real-time presentation of the region of interest. Further, the camera device is mounted to the housing on a first side (20) of the housing, and the display device is mounted to the housing on at least a second side (22) of the housing, the second side being in at least one of the following groups: lateral to the first side and / or opposite to the first side. Thus, the display device is configured to provide a presentation including a live image from the first side to a user located on the second side of the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a guidance device for visual guidance during X-ray imaging, an X-ray imaging system with visual user guidance during X-ray imaging and a method for guiding a user during X-ray imaging. Background Art

[0002] During a medical examination or intervention, X-ray imaging is used to acquire X-ray image data of an object. For navigation purposes, for example, live fluoroscopic X-ray images are combined with previously acquired X-ray images, such as roadmaps. Furthermore, for planning purposes, the X-ray image can be superimposed on the camera image. For example, WO 2017 / 157715 describes the use of superimposing an optical camera image on the planned position of an instrument for planning purposes and providing it on a monitor unit. However, it has been shown that there is an increasing need to provide guidance information to the user. Summary of the invention

[0003] Therefore, it may be necessary to provide further guidance during X-ray imaging.

[0004] It should be noted that the aspects of the present invention described below also apply to a guidance device for visual guidance during X-ray imaging, an X-ray imaging system with visual user guidance during X-ray imaging, and a method for X-ray guiding a user during X-ray imaging.

[0005] According to the present invention, a guidance device for visual guidance during X-ray imaging is provided. The guidance device includes a camera device, a display device and a housing structure. The housing structure includes a housing of an X-ray imaging system for accommodating an X-ray detector. The camera device is configured to capture image data of an area of ​​interest of an object in front of the housing. In addition, the display device is configured to present the captured image data as a real-time presentation of the area of ​​interest. Further, the camera device is mounted to the housing on a first side of the housing, and the display device is mounted to the housing on a second side of the housing, the second side being lateral to the first side and / or opposite to the first side. The display device is configured to provide a presentation including a live image from the first side to a user located on the second side of the housing.

[0006] This results in that the X-ray imaging system can be kept in place, for example only when needed shortly afterwards. By means of the camera-display device, the user is provided with sufficient additional guidance during X-ray imaging, since he / she can at least partially "see through" the housing. In other words, image data can be displayed on the side of the detector housing facing the user, which image data represent the view from the user's point of view on the scene "behind" the detector housing.

[0007] For example, during a medical intervention, the display device can provide a physician with a live image of his hands, while the direct view of his hands is blocked by the probe housing. Thus, the need to temporarily remove the probe to obtain a direct view of the patient's area of ​​interest is eliminated or at least reduced.

[0008] According to one example, the housing is a flat panel detector housing and the display device comprises at least one flat panel display. The at least one flat panel display i) is mounted on the housing, or ii) is integrated in an external part of the housing. For example, the display surface can be integrated in the housing structure.

[0009] According to one example, the camera device comprises at least one optical camera mounted on the housing. In addition, the display device comprises at least one display, the at least one display comprising at least one of the group consisting of an LCD screen, an LED screen and an OLED screen.

[0010] According to one example, a user position detection device and a processing unit are also provided. The position detection device is configured to determine the spatial position of the user relative to the shell. In addition, the processing unit is configured to adjust the presentation based on the spatial position so that the presentation provides the user with image data of the situation hidden by the shell in the user's field of view.

[0011] According to the present invention, an X-ray imaging system with visual user guidance during X-ray imaging is also provided. The system comprises an X-ray source, an X-ray detector, a support structure and a guidance device for visual guidance during X-ray imaging according to one of the aforementioned examples. The X-ray source and the X-ray detector are carried by the support structure. The X-ray detector is arranged in a housing structure of the guidance device. In addition, a first side of the housing faces the X-ray source.

[0012] According to one example, the housing is provided with a display segment on a laterally facing surface portion. Optionally, the display segment covers at least half of the laterally facing surface portion of the housing. For example, 80% is covered by the display segment. Preferably, the display follows the contour of the housing.

[0013] The term "lateral" relates to surfaces facing laterally with respect to a main viewing or detection direction of the detector or a main radiation direction of the source.

[0014] According to an example, the display is configured to display image data from the X-ray imaging superimposed onto a presentation comprising a live image from the first side.

[0015] This can be provided in addition to another main display device on which the X-ray image data is shown. The superimposed image on the detector housing not only provides the user (e.g. a physician) with visual information about scenes that he / she cannot see due to the detector covering the direct line of sight. This also provides visual information about the interior of the object, such as vascular structures or tissue / bone structures.

[0016] According to an example, the X-ray imaging system is a mobile system comprising a base with wheels. A movable C-arm is movably mounted on the base.

[0017] According to one example, a plurality of cameras mounted to a housing are provided. In addition, a spatial tracking arrangement is provided, which is configured to determine a spatial relationship between a user and an object of interest. The spatial tracking arrangement is further configured to determine a user viewing direction. The spatial tracking arrangement is further configured to define an area of ​​the object of interest in which a direct line of sight is blocked by the housing. The spatial tracking arrangement is in turn configured to select at least one camera of the plurality of cameras having a viewing direction having a maximum similarity to the determined user viewing direction. In other words, it is detected which camera is close to the user's viewing direction to support the impression of a see-through probe housing.

[0018] According to the present invention, there is also provided a method for guiding a user during X-ray imaging. The method comprises the following steps:

[0019] a) capturing image data of a region of interest of an object at the front of the housing using a camera device mounted on a first side of a housing of a housing structure; wherein the housing is a housing of an X-ray detector of an X-ray imaging system. and

[0020] b) presenting the image data as a live presentation of the area of ​​interest using a display device mounted on a second side of the housing, the second side being lateral to and / or opposite to the first side; wherein a presentation is provided to a user on the second side of the housing, the presentation comprising a live image from the first side.

[0021] According to one aspect, the housing of an imaging device (e.g. a flat panel detector) is provided with a screen or display on which an image is provided to the user, the image showing what is on the other side of the housing. Thus, the housing is provided with one or more cameras to provide corresponding image data, such as a live image. Thus, the camera provides what the user on the other side would see if the housing was not present. The display is arranged directly on the housing, thereby providing the user with the impression of a transparent housing. Thus, in the user's perception, the housing is transformed from an opaque and non-transparent obstacle to an at least partially transparent housing.

[0022] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 An example of a guidance device for visual guidance during X-ray imaging is schematically shown.

[0025] Figure 2 An example of an X-ray imaging system with visual user guidance during X-ray imaging is shown.

[0026] Figure 3 Steps of an example of a method for guiding a user during X-ray imaging are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Specific embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements even in different drawings. The content defined in the description, such as detailed construction and elements, is provided to help fully understand the exemplary embodiments. Moreover, well-known functions or structures are not described in detail because they would obscure the embodiments with unnecessary details. Moreover, expressions such as "at least one", when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.

[0028] Figure 1 An example of a guidance device 10 for visual guidance during X-ray imaging is schematically shown. The guidance device 10 includes a camera device 12, a display device 14 and a housing structure 16. The housing structure 16 includes a housing for an X-ray imaging system for accommodating an X-ray detector. The camera device 12 is configured to capture image data of a region of interest of an object in front of the housing. Image capture is indicated by a dashed line 19. The display device 14 is configured to present the captured image data as a real-time presentation of the region of interest. The camera device 12 is mounted to the housing on a first side 20 of the housing, and the display device 14 is mounted to the housing on at least a second side 22 of the housing, the second side being lateral to the first side and / or opposite to the first side. The display device 14 is configured to provide a presentation including a live image from the first side to a user located on the second side of the housing.

[0029] The term "in front of" relates to the area facing said first side.

[0030] The camera display thus provides visibility of the scene on the other side of the housing. Thus, for example, when the user is a physician performing an interventional procedure and X-ray radiation is required, the camera display provides visual information that is blocked by the housing. The housing may prevent the user from directly viewing the area of ​​interest of the object, but the camera display replaces this direct viewing by providing a live presentation. The camera display provides additional information in an intuitive manner, because the detector with the image display is not visible to the user, because he / she can "see through".

[0031] The housing is shown as having a grip portion 21 attached laterally. In other examples, other accessories are provided, for example, on the upper portion in the middle. In this case, the portion of the display device 14 at the top of the housing will have some kind of cutout.

[0032] In the example, as an option, in Figure 1 , the housing is a flat panel detector housing. The display device 14 comprises at least one flat panel display mounted on the housing. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one flat panel display is integrated in an outer part of the housing.

[0033] In one example, the housing structure is configured to be arranged above an object support surface.The camera(s) are mounted on a lower side of the detector and the display(s) are mounted on an upper side.

[0034] In one example, as an option, in Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the camera device 12 includes at least one optical camera 24 mounted on the housing. For example, two or three or four cameras or more are provided.

[0035] In one example, the display device includes at least one display including at least one of the following group: an LCD screen, a LED screen, and an OLED screen.

[0036] In the example, also as an option in Figure 1 , a user position detection device 26 and a processing unit 28 are also provided. The position detection device 26 is configured to determine the spatial position of the user relative to the shell. This is indicated by the dashed detection line 30. The processing unit 28 is configured to adjust the presentation based on the spatial position so that the presentation provides the user with image data of the situation hidden by the shell in the user's field of view. Dashed lines 32, 34 indicate wireless or wired data and control connections.

[0037] The term "user" refers to a user operating an X-ray system or a physician interacting with a subject. The term "subject" may also be referred to as an individual. A "subject" may also be referred to as a patient, but it is noted that the term does not indicate whether the subject actually has any disease.

[0038] Figure 2 An example of an X-ray imaging system 50 with visual user guidance during X-ray imaging is shown. The system 50 includes an X-ray source 52 and an X-ray detector 54. In addition, according to one of the aforementioned examples, a support structure 56 and a guidance device 10 for visual guidance during X-ray imaging are provided. The X-ray source 52 and the X-ray detector 54 are carried by the support structure 56. One of the X-ray source 52 and the X-ray detector 54 is arranged in a housing structure 16 of the guidance device 10. The first side 20 of the housing faces the other of the X-ray source 52 and the X-ray detector 54.

[0039] In one example, as an option, in Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 5 , the X-ray detector 54 is arranged in a housing structure of the guiding device. A first side of the housing faces the X-ray source 52 .

[0040] In one example, at least one camera has a viewing direction towards the X-ray source.

[0041] In the example, as an option, in Figure 1 and 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the housing is provided with display segments 58 on the lateral surface portion and the upper surface portion.

[0042] The housing is equipped with display segments or display elements on the surface facing the user when the detector is e.g. in an upright position to detect X-rays generated in the area below the object support 62. For example, a flexible display element is attached to the round or curved housing of the detector.

[0043] In the example, as an option, in Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 6 , the support structure includes a movable C-arm 60. In addition, the X-ray source and the X-ray detector are mounted at opposite ends of the movable C-arm.

[0044] In another example, as an option, in Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 6 , the C-arm 60 may be arranged such that the X-ray source 52 is disposed below the object support table 62 , and the X-ray detector 54 is disposed above the object support table 62 .

[0045] In one example, as an option, in Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 5 , the X-ray imaging system 50 is a mobile system including a base 64 with wheels 66 . A movable C-arm 60 is movably mounted to the base 64 .

[0046] As an option, a plurality of cameras 70 mounted on the housing are provided. In addition, a spatial tracking device 72 is provided, which tracks the spatial relative positions of the user, the detector and the region of interest. The tracking is schematically shown by line 74. As indicated, the spatial tracking device 72 is configured to determine the spatial relationship between the user 76 and an object of interest 78, which is for example located on the object support 62. The spatial tracking device 72 is also configured to determine a user viewing direction 80 and define a region of the object of interest in which a direct line of sight is blocked by the housing. The spatial tracking device 72 is also configured to select at least one of the plurality of cameras 24, the plurality of cameras 24 having a viewing direction 82 having the greatest similarity to the determined user viewing direction 80.

[0047] Tracking device 72 may include a headgear for the user to identify the user's position and direction. In addition, a time-of-flight camera may be provided to detect spatial conditions. The spatial conditions may be detected and determined by optical means or by electromagnetic means.

[0048] Figure 3 The steps of an example of a method 100 for guiding a user during X-ray imaging are shown. The method comprises the following steps:

[0049] In a first step 102, also referred to as step a), image data of a region of interest of an object in front of the housing are captured using a camera arrangement mounted on a first side of a housing of a housing structure. The housing is a housing of an X-ray detector of an X-ray imaging system.

[0050] In a second step 104, also referred to as step b), the image data is presented as a real-time presentation of the region of interest, wherein a display device is mounted on a second side of the housing, the second side being opposite to the first side laterally and / or laterally of the first side; wherein a presentation is provided to a user on the second side of the housing, the presentation comprising a live image from the first side.

[0051] For example, a real-time presentation includes a series of live images.

[0052] In one example, steps a) and b) are provided in parallel in a serial manner.

[0053] In another example, steps a) and b) are provided in a repeating cycle.

[0054] It must be noted that embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to different subject matters. In particular, some embodiments are described with reference to method claims, while other embodiments are described with reference to device claims. However, it can be concluded by a person skilled in the art from the above and following descriptions that, unless otherwise indicated, any combination of features relating to different subject matters, in addition to any combination of features belonging to the same type of subject matter, is also considered to be disclosed by the present application. However, all features can be combined to provide synergistic effects that exceed the simple sum of the features.

[0055] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such illustration and description should be considered illustrative or exemplary rather than restrictive. The present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention by studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the dependent claims.

[0056] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the word "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may perform the functions of several items recited in the claims. Although specific measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims, this does not indicate that a collection of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A guidance device (10) for visual guidance during X-ray imaging, the guidance device comprising: Camera device (12); Display device (14); as well as Shell structure (16); Wherein, the housing structure comprises a housing of an X-ray imaging system, and the housing is used to accommodate an X-ray detector; wherein the camera device is configured to capture image data of a region of interest of an object in front of the detector; wherein the display device is configured to present the captured image data as a live presentation of the region of interest; wherein the camera device is mounted to the housing on a first side (20) of the housing, and the display device is mounted to the housing on a second side (22) of the housing, the second side being at least one of the following: lateral to the first side and / or opposite to the first side; and wherein the display device is configured to provide a presentation including a live image from the first side to a user located on the second side of the housing, Therein, the presentation on the display device is adjusted based on the spatial position of the user relative to the housing.

2. The guiding device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing is a flat panel detector housing; and Wherein, the display device comprises at least one flat panel display: i) mounted on the housing; or ii) integrated in an outer part of the housing.

3. The guiding device according to claim 1, wherein: The camera arrangement comprises at least one optical camera (24) mounted to the housing; and Wherein, the display device includes at least one display, and the at least one display includes at least one item from the following group: an LCD screen, an LED screen, and an OLED screen.

4. The guiding device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The boot device is also provided with: User location detection device (26); and Processing unit (28); wherein the user position detection device is configured to determine the spatial position of the user relative to the housing; and The processing unit is configured to adjust the presentation on the display device based on the spatial position so that the presentation provides the user with image data of a situation hidden by the shell in the user's field of view.

5. An X-ray imaging system (50) with visual user guidance during X-ray imaging, the system comprising: An X-ray source (52) and an X-ray detector (54); Support structure (56); as well as Guidance device (10) for visual guidance during X-ray imaging according to one of claims 1 to 4; wherein the X-ray source and the X-ray detector are carried by the supporting structure; wherein the X-ray detector is arranged in the housing structure of the guiding device; and Wherein, the first side of the shell faces the X-ray source.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein: The display device comprises a display segment, the housing being provided with the display segment on a laterally facing surface portion; and Wherein, the display segment covers at least half of a laterally facing surface portion of the housing.

7. The system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The display device is configured to display image data from the X-ray imaging superimposed onto the presentation including the live image from the first side.

8. The system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The support structure comprises a movable C-arm (60); and Wherein, the X-ray source and the X-ray detector are mounted on opposite ends of the movable C-arm.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The movable C-arm can be arranged such that the X-ray source is provided below an object support (62) and the X-ray detector is provided above the object support.

10. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The X-ray imaging system is a mobile system comprising a base (64) having wheels (66); and Wherein, the movable C-arm is movably mounted on the base.

11. The system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The system is provided with: a plurality of cameras mounted to the housing; as well as Space tracking device; wherein the spatial tracking device is configured to determine a spatial relationship between a user and an object of interest; and is configured to determine a user viewing direction; and is configured to define an area of ​​the object of interest in which a direct line of sight is blocked by the shell; and is configured to select at least one camera from a plurality of cameras having a viewing direction having a maximum similarity to the determined user viewing direction.

12. A method (100) for guiding a user during X-ray imaging, the method comprising the steps of: a) capturing (102) image data of a region of interest of an object in front of the housing with a camera device mounted on a first side of a housing of a housing structure; wherein the housing is a housing of an X-ray detector of an X-ray imaging system; and b) presenting (104) the image data as a live presentation of the region of interest using a display device mounted to a second side of the shell, the second side being at least one of the following: lateral to and / or opposite to the first side; wherein a presentation is provided to a user on the second side of the shell, the presentation comprising a live image from the first side, wherein the presentation on the display device is adjusted based on a spatial position of the user relative to the shell.

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