Light emitting arrangement for a medical imaging system

Abstract

A light emitting arrangement for a medical imaging system having a cylindrical wall forming a tunnel to receive a patient to be scanned. The light emitting arrangement comprises a transparent wall portion formed in the wall, wherein the transparent wall portion extends along a transparent portion of the wall circumference. The imaging system further comprises a light emitting device located adjacent to an outer surface of the transparent wall portion. The light emitting device extends along a device portion of the wall circumference corresponding to the transparent portion, wherein light emitted by the light emitting device is transmitted through the transparent wall portion in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the tunnel to circumferentially illuminate the tunnel. Furthermore, a system status is indicated by a color of light emitted by the LED. Furthermore, light emitted by the light emitting device is varied in intensity to indicate a changing count rate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of the present invention relate to a light-emitting arrangement for illuminating a patient tunnel of a medical imaging system, and more specifically, to a light-emitting arrangement comprising a transparent wall portion formed in the wall of the imaging system and a light-emitting device positioned adjacent to the outer surface of the transparent wall portion, wherein light emitted by the light-emitting device is transmitted through the transparent wall portion in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the tunnel to circumferentially illuminate the tunnel. Background Technology

[0002] Medical imaging systems include a patient cavity that receives the patient to be imaged or scanned. This cavity is typically long and narrow, forming a cylindrical patient tunnel through which the patient moves longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the tunnel. For example, a tunnel can be imposed on or threaten young people or adults with claustrophobia. This effect becomes more pronounced as the average cavity length of medical imaging systems, such as positron emission tomography / computed tomography (PET / CT) systems, tends to be longer. In particular, imaging systems with extended axial field of view (FoV) coupled to a substantially constant cavity diameter make PET systems less appealing because patients often experience a “feeling of a confined space” or claustrophobia while located in the tunnel. This is especially true in imaging systems with even longer tunnels, such as MR-PET imaging systems and imaging systems with FoVs of one meter or longer.

[0003] Adding lighting to the tunnel improves the system's appearance and feel, and gives the tunnel a more spacious look, thus mitigating claustrophobia. For example, the lights can be integrated into the tunnel's front and rear covers. Furthermore, a light projector located along the tunnel's longitudinal axis can be used to guide light longitudinally through the tunnel. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A light-emitting arrangement for a medical imaging system is disclosed, wherein the imaging system includes a cylindrical wall forming a tunnel for receiving a patient to be scanned. The light-emitting arrangement includes a transparent wall portion formed within the wall, wherein the transparent wall portion extends along a transparent portion of the wall circumference. The imaging system also includes a light-emitting device located near the outer surface of the transparent wall portion. The light-emitting device extends along a device portion of the wall circumference corresponding to the transparent portion, wherein light emitted by the light-emitting device is transmitted through the transparent wall portion in a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the tunnel to circumferentially illuminate the tunnel. Furthermore, the system state is indicated by the color of the light emitted by the LEDs. Additionally, variations in the intensity of the light emitted by the light-emitting device indicate a changing count rate.

[0005] Furthermore, a method for illuminating a tunnel in a medical imaging system is disclosed, wherein the imaging system includes a cylindrical wall forming the tunnel, wherein the tunnel receives a patient to be scanned. The method includes providing a transparent wall portion within the wall, wherein the transparent wall portion extends along a transparent portion of the wall circumference. The method also includes positioning a light-emitting device adjacent to the outer surface of the transparent wall portion, wherein the light-emitting device extends along a device portion of the wall circumference corresponding to the transparent portion. Furthermore, the method includes transmitting light emitted by the light-emitting device through the transparent wall portion in a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the tunnel, and circumferentially illuminating the tunnel. Additionally, the method includes emitting a color of light indicating the system status.

[0006] Those skilled in the art can apply the corresponding features of the present invention in any combination or sub-combination, either jointly or separately. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are further described in the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0008] Figure 1 A medical imaging system according to one aspect of the present invention is described.

[0009] Figure 2A A light-emitting arrangement according to one aspect of the present invention is depicted.

[0010] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A magnified view of region 2B.

[0011] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the wall and the lighting equipment.

[0012] Figure 4 A light-emitting arrangement according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention is depicted. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Although various embodiments incorporating the teachings of this disclosure have been shown and described in detail herein, those skilled in the art can readily devise embodiments that still incorporate many other variations of these teachings. The scope of this disclosure in its application is not limited to the exemplary embodiments of construction and component arrangements set forth in the specification or shown in the drawings. This disclosure covers other embodiments and can be practiced or performed in various ways. Moreover, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting. The terms “comprising,” “including,” or “having,” and variations thereof are used herein to include the items listed thereafter and their equivalents, as well as additional items. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled,” and variations thereof are used extensively and include both direct and indirect mounting, connection, support, and coupling. Furthermore, “connected” and “coupled” are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

[0014] refer to Figure 1 The diagram shows a view of an exemplary medical imaging system 10 according to one aspect of the invention. The invention can be used in conjunction with any medical imaging system 10 having a patient tunnel for receiving a patient, such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, a positron emission tomography (PET) system, a single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) system, a PET / MRI system, an X-ray computed tomography (CT) system, a PET / CT system, a SPECT / CT system, etc. For illustrative purposes, the invention will be described in conjunction with a PET / CT imaging system 12 having a CT section 14 and a PET section 16. The CT section 14 includes a recording unit comprising an X-ray source 18 and an X-ray detector 20. The recording unit rotates about a longitudinal axis 22 during the recording of tomographic images, and the X-ray source 18 emits X-rays 24 during recording. While the images are being recorded, a patient 26 lies on a bed 28. The bed 28 is connected to a pedestal 30 such that it supports the bed 28 carrying the patient 26. The bed 28 is designed to move the patient 26 along the recording direction through an opening or tunnel 32 in the gantry 34 of the system 12. The gantry 30 includes a control unit 34 connected to the computer 36 to exchange data. Figure 1In the example shown, the medical diagnostic or treatment unit is designed as a system 12 by a determining unit 38, which is in the form of a stored computer program executable on a computer 36. The computer 36 is connected to an output unit 40 and an input unit 42. The output unit 40 is, for example, one or more liquid crystal displays (LCDs) or plasma screens (multiple displays). Outputs 44 on the output unit 40 include, for example, graphical user interfaces for actuating the various units of system 12 and control unit 34. Furthermore, different views of recorded data can be displayed on the output unit 40. The input unit 42 is, for example, a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, or microphone for voice input.

[0015] Figure 2A A schematic cross-sectional side view of tunnel 32 is depicted. Tunnel 32 is defined by a generally cylindrical tunnel wall 46 having an outer surface 48 and an inner surface 50. CT portion 14 includes a CT field of view 52 having a first width 54, and PET portion 16 includes a PET field of view 56 having a second width 58. CT portion 14 and PET portion 16 are sensitive to X-rays and gamma rays, respectively, transmitted via CT field of view 52 and PET field of view 56. According to one aspect of the invention, a light-emitting device 60 is located on or adjacent to the outer surface 48 of wall 46 and between CT field of view 52 and PET field of view 56. The light-emitting device 60 is also located outside the first width 54 and the second width 58 of CT field of view 52 and PET field of view 56, respectively, such that the X-rays and gamma rays generated by system 12 are unaffected by the light-emitting device 60. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of wall 46 and light-emitting device 60. (Combined) Figure 2A refer to Figure 3 The light-emitting device 60 may extend around the entire circumference of the outer surface 48 of the wall 46 to form a generally annular structure with a central angle of 360 degrees around the wall 46. Alternatively, the light-emitting device 60 may extend only partially around the circumference of the outer surface 48 to form a semi-circular (i.e., approximately 180 degrees) shape or an arcuate shape greater than or less than approximately 180 degrees.

[0016] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A magnified view of region 2B. (Refer to...) Figure 2A and 2BThe light-emitting device 60 includes a light source 62 located between a first reflector element 64 and a second reflector element 66 extending toward and contacting the outer surface 48. The first reflector element 64 and the second reflector element 66 each include a first mirror 68 and a second mirror 70, positioned to reflect light emitted by the light source 62. In an alternative embodiment, additional or fewer reflector elements and / or mirrors may be used. The wall 46 includes a window or transparent wall portion 72 having a transparent outer surface 74 and an inner surface 76. According to one aspect of the invention, the transparent inner surface 76 is aligned with the inner surface 50 of the wall 46 to form a continuous, smooth inner surface. This reduces the likelihood of the patient 26 getting caught or tripped when being moved into and out of the tunnel 32 and promotes hygiene of the device. The transparent wall portion 72 is aligned with the light-emitting device 60 to form a light-emitting arrangement 78 for illuminating the tunnel 32. In one embodiment, a light diffuser may be used instead of or attached to the transparent wall portion 72.

[0017] Light 80 emitted by light source 62 propagates toward transparent wall portion 72 and is reflected toward transparent wall portion 72 by first mirror 68 and second mirror 70. Light 80 then passes through transparent wall portion 72 in a direction generally perpendicular to longitudinal axis 22 and enters tunnel 32 to illuminate tunnel 32. Alternatively, light 80 may be oriented at an angle other than an orthogonal angle relative to longitudinal axis 22. Light source 62 may be a light strip, fiber optic cable, or red, green, and blue (RGB) light-emitting diode (LED) strip or other light source emitting a broad spectrum.

[0018] In one embodiment, the transparent wall portion 72 corresponds to the circumferential shape of the light-emitting device 60. For example, both the transparent wall portion 72 and the light-emitting device 60 may be annular, allowing light to pass through the entire circumference (i.e., 360 degrees) and enter the tunnel 32 to circumferentially illuminate the tunnel 32. In one embodiment, the first reflector element 64 and the second reflector element 66 are tilted away from each other to provide a relatively wide beam angle in the tunnel 32. Alternatively, the first reflector element 64 and the second reflector element 66 may be oriented as desired to provide other beam angles, such as a relatively narrow beam angle.

[0019] The illumination of tunnel 32 improves its appearance and feel, giving it a spacious appearance to patient 26, thereby alleviating claustrophobia and calming patient 26. Furthermore, the luminescent arrangement 78 is located outside both the CT field of view 52 and the PET field of view 56 (i.e., outside the imaging volume), thus not affecting the X-rays or gamma rays generated by system 12 and avoiding signal attenuation and scattering.

[0020] In addition to illuminating tunnel 32, the luminescent arrangement 78 can also be used to generate light for use as a parameter indicator for clinicians or operators, allowing operators to easily observe the status of system 12 without having to be located at the terminal or output unit 40 of system 12. According to one aspect of the invention, the luminescence in tunnel 32 can vary in intensity based on the amount of activity (such as a changing rate of motion) measured by PET section 16. Furthermore, the luminescent device 60 can provide colored light to indicate system status or mode, such as system on, idle, running, bed 28 or patient handling system in motion, and others.

[0021] Different colors of light can be used to indicate the health of the system. For example, when system 12 is started, green light can be used to indicate a normal system operating state (i.e., ready to scan, no system problems detected, etc.), yellow light can be used to indicate system warnings that require attention, red light can be used to indicate system faults that need to be addressed, and blue light can be used to indicate that system 12 is in power-saving mode. Furthermore, different colors of light can be used to indicate messages or instructions to the patient. For example, a first color can be used to instruct the patient to hold their breath, a second color can be used to instruct the patient to breathe, and other colors can be used to indicate other messages. Additionally, light source 62 can be arranged in a panel configuration to form individual LEDs, each LED serving as a pixel on a text screen. This allows messages that are helpful to the patient 26 with hearing loss or useful for studying the patient's auditory system response to be displayed on the screen. For example, messages instructing the patient to "breathe" or "stop breathing" can be displayed on the screen, or messages indicating scan time, remaining scan time, and others can be displayed. Computer 36 can be used to control the activation and operation of light source 62.

[0022] Reference Figure 4The diagram illustrates a light-emitting arrangement 82 for illuminating a tunnel 32 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. The light-emitting device 84 includes at least one light-emitting element 86 inserted into a cord or light strip 88 of a generally transparent optical fiber material. In one embodiment, the light-emitting element 86 includes at least one RGB LED or other light source emitting different colors of light. The strip 88 is located on a transparent outer surface 74 and may extend around the entire circumference of the transparent outer surface 74 of the transparent wall portion 72 to form an annular structure having a central angle of 360 degrees around the wall 46. Alternatively, the strip 88 may extend only partially around the circumference of the transparent outer surface 74 to form a semi-circular (i.e., approximately 180 degrees) shape or an arcuate shape greater than or less than approximately 180 degrees. More than one strip 88 may be positioned around the circumference of the transparent outer surface 74 such that the strips 88 are positioned side-by-side on the transparent outer surface 74 to a desired width. The band 88 is located outside the first width 54 and the second width 58 of the CT field of view 52 and the PET field of view 56, respectively, so that the X-rays and gamma rays generated by the system 12 are not affected by the band 88. In one embodiment, the light 80 emitted by the light-emitting device 84 is transmitted through the transparent wall portion 72 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 22, such that the light is transmitted through the entire circumference (i.e., 360 degrees) and enters the tunnel 32 to circumferentially illuminate the tunnel 32. Alternatively, the light 80 may be oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis 22 other than an orthogonal angle.

[0023] Although specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover all such changes and modifications within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A light emitting arrangement for a medical imaging system having a cylindrical wall forming a tunnel to receive a patient to be scanned, the light emitting arrangement comprising: a transparent wall portion formed in the wall, wherein the transparent wall portion extends along a transparent portion of a wall circumference; and a light emitting device located adjacent an outer surface of the transparent wall portion, wherein the light emitting device extends along a device portion of the wall circumference corresponding to the transparent portion, and wherein light emitted by the light emitting device is transmitted through the transparent wall portion in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the tunnel to circumferentially illuminate the tunnel; wherein the light emitting device comprises at least one reflector element for reflecting light through the transparent wall portion; wherein the medical imaging system comprises CT and PET portions having CT and PET fields of view, respectively, and the light emitting device is located between the CT and PET fields of view.

2. The light emitting arrangement according to claim 1, wherein, the light emitting device is located outside first and second widths of the CT and PET fields of view, respectively.

3. The light emitting arrangement according to claim 1, wherein, the reflector element comprises at least one mirror surface.

4. The light emitting arrangement according to claim 1, wherein, the light emitting device comprises red, green, blue (RGB) light emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit a broad spectrum of light.

5. The light emitting arrangement according to claim 4, wherein, a color of light emitted by the light emitting diodes is indicative of a system status.

6. The light emitting arrangement according to claim 1, wherein, light emitted by the light emitting device varies in intensity to indicate a changing count rate measured by the PET portion.

7. The light emitting arrangement according to claim 1, wherein, the transparent wall portion and light emitting device extend along the entire wall circumference.

8. A light emitting arrangement for a medical imaging system having a cylindrical wall forming a tunnel to receive a patient to be scanned, the light emitting arrangement comprising: a transparent wall portion formed in the wall, wherein the transparent wall portion extends along a transparent portion of a wall circumference; and at least one light strip comprising at least one light emitting element, wherein the strip is located on an outer surface of the transparent wall portion and extends along a strip portion of the wall circumference corresponding to the transparent portion, and wherein light emitted by the strip is transmitted through the transparent wall portion in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the tunnel to circumferentially illuminate the tunnel; wherein the medical imaging system comprises CT and PET portions having CT and PET fields of view, respectively, and the light strip is located between the CT and PET fields of view.

9. The light emitting arrangement according to claim 8, wherein, more than one light strip is positioned on the outer surface such that the light strips are positioned side-by-side on the outer surface of the transparent wall portion.

10. The light emitting arrangement according to claim 8, wherein, the light strip comprises transparent fiber optic material comprising red, green, blue (RGB) light emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit a broad spectrum of light.

11. The light emitting arrangement according to claim 10, wherein, a color of light emitted by the light emitting diodes is indicative of a system status.

12. The light emitting arrangement according to claim 8, wherein, light emitted by the light strip varies in intensity to indicate a changing count rate measured by the PET portion.

13. The light emitting arrangement according to claim 8, wherein, the light strip is located outside first and second widths of the CT and PET fields of view, respectively.

14. The light emitting arrangement according to claim 8, wherein, the transparent wall portion and the light strip extend along the entire wall circumference.

15. A method of illuminating a tunnel of a medical imaging system, the tunnel having a cylindrical wall forming the tunnel, wherein, the tunnel receives a patient to be scanned, the method comprising: providing a transparent wall portion in the wall, wherein the transparent wall portion extends along a transparent portion of a wall circumference; positioning a light emitting device adjacent an outer surface of the transparent wall portion, wherein the light emitting device extends along a device portion of a wall circumference corresponding to the transparent portion; providing the light emitting device with at least one reflector element for reflecting light through the transparent wall portion; causing light emitted by the light emitting device to transmit through the transparent wall portion in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the tunnel; circumferentially illuminating the tunnel; and emitting a color of light indicative of a system status; wherein the medical imaging system includes CT and PET portions and further includes positioning the light emitting device between CT and PET fields of view of the CT and PET portions, respectively.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, varying the light emitted by the light emitting device in intensity to indicate a changing count rate measured by the PET portion.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising positioning the light emitting device outside of first and second widths of CT and PET fields of view, respectively.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising providing the reflector element with at least one mirror surface.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising providing a red, green, blue (RGB) light emitting diode (LED) emitting a broad spectrum for the light emitting device.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein, further comprising extending the transparent wall portion and light emitting device along an entire wall circumference.

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