Communication system and method for a medical imaging system

Abstract

The invention relates to a communication system and method for a medical imaging system. The invention describes a communication system (12) for a medical imaging system (1), the system comprising: a data interface (20) designed to receive event data (E) from the medical imaging system (1); a control unit (21) designed to provide a light pattern (P) from a plurality of light patterns (P) based on the event data (E), wherein different types of light patterns (P) are provided for different types (T) of event data (E); an illumination unit (22) comprising a plurality of light sources (23) arranged linearly, the plurality of light sources (23) being controlled by the control unit (21) to emit the varying light pattern (P) provided by the control unit (21). The invention also describes a related communication method and a related medical imaging system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to communication systems and methods for medical imaging systems, and in particular to communication systems and methods for supporting intelligent optical visualization of acquisition workflows. Background Technology

[0002] Operators of imaging systems such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), X-ray, and ultrasound (US) systems often find it difficult to identify specific events that occur on the system or during examinations using such systems. On the one hand, there are events that are automatically triggered, for example, through voice output from a smart assistant or when a threshold is reached or automatic movement occurs. On the other hand, there are events that are triggered indirectly or directly by the operator or the patient.

[0003] Depending on the nature of the event, responding to it with appropriate action is important or sometimes indispensable. However, such events typically do not occur in calm and patient settings, but rather amidst the busy routines of clinical practice. Specifically, operators of such systems must share their attention with patients, other clinical staff, and (if necessary) other involved personnel.

[0004] This can be addressed with text messages indicating the occurrence of the event—such as “scanning was triggered in a few seconds,” “patient alarm is active,” or “the station is moving and the area should be kept clean.” In fact, there are already some events that output such as “active patient alarm” via a monitor attached to the scanner and speakers in the room or the administration of contrast agents, in which information is provided via a monitor or light.

[0005] To date, there are no messages indicating automatic station movement or proactive voice output. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of this invention is to improve known systems, apparatuses, and methods to facilitate improved data communication in medical imaging systems, particularly to transmit events from such modalities to the user.

[0007] This objective is achieved through the communication system, communication method, and medical imaging system according to the technical solution of the present invention.

[0008] The communication system according to the invention is applicable to medical imaging systems. This means that the communication system is capable of communicating with such medical imaging systems and is able to "understand" corresponding protocols used for data communication or data management for such medical imaging systems. Preferred medical imaging systems are systems for examining patients externally (and therefore, especially without an endoscope), and these systems include an examination architecture that at least partially surrounds the area to be examined. In particular, such medical imaging systems are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, computed tomography (CT) systems, X-ray systems, or ultrasound (US) systems. The communication system includes the following components:

[0009] - A data interface designed to receive event data from medical imaging systems.

[0010] - A control unit designed to provide light modes from multiple light modes based on event data, wherein different types of light modes are provided for different types of event data.

[0011] - An illumination unit comprising a plurality of light sources arranged linearly, the plurality of light sources being controlled by a control unit to emit varying light patterns provided by the control unit.

[0012] A communication method according to the present invention, used in a communication system according to the present invention, particularly for a medical imaging system having such a communication system, the communication method comprising the following steps:

[0013] - Receive event data from the medical imaging system,

[0014] - Identify the type of event data,

[0015] - Provide light patterns based on the type of event data identified.

[0016] - Use the lighting unit to output light patterns.

[0017] The data interface must be able to communicate with the medical imaging system to receive event data. Suitable interfaces are well known in the art and may be an internal data bus, a USB interface, or an interface for exchanging medical or control data from the medical imaging system.

[0018] Event data is data about events that are happening. Such event data is, for example, data relating to actions or events occurring within the workflow of a medical imaging system, rather than image data recorded during an examination. Generally, event data can be considered as data relating to the environment of the examination (and theoretically can be any data that is not examination data itself). Preferably, such actions or events are selected from events including sending user input to the medical imaging system (e.g., for controlling or changing preferences), actions of the medical imaging system (e.g., movement of motors, output of information, or initiation of data acquisition), and measured parameters (e.g., breathing or heartbeat). However, other patient data related to the examination can also be event data, particularly physiological data and / or data on patient movement and / or data actively output by the patient (e.g., speech or other sounds).

[0019] The control unit manages the overall operation of the communication system. This includes processing event data and outputting light patterns to the illumination unit. To provide different types of light patterns for different types of event data, the control unit is designed to detect the type of event data. The term "type" here refers to the event category to which the event data belongs. Generally, the type can be considered to reflect a specific parameter (especially one whose actual value is unrelated to its actual value). In the case of data involving the measurement results of sensors (e.g., heart rate sensors or respiration sensors, sensors for pulse measurement, or sensors for measuring nerve stimulation), the event type can be "sensor data," particularly "sensor data" that details the type of sensor (e.g., "heart rate sensor data" or "respiration sensor data"). In the case of data involving user input received by the medical imaging system, the type can be "user input," preferably "user input" that details the type of user input (e.g., control data or preference data). In the case of data involving the actions of the medical imaging system, the event type can be "machine action," particularly "machine action" that details the type of action (e.g., movement data, feedback data, output indication data, action start data, action execution or progress data, or action completion data).

[0020] After the type is determined, the control unit is also designed to provide a suitable light pattern for the determined type. The expression "provide" here means to generate or select, because a light pattern can be selected (e.g., from a table of types having event data assigned to light patterns) or a suitable pattern can be generated (e.g., through an algorithm that further processes the event data). Multiple (at least two, but particularly even more) light patterns can exist to characterize different types. Preferably, the control unit selects from these light patterns (e.g., from the list), or uses these light patterns as base light patterns to generate the resulting light pattern (e.g., using the algorithm).

[0021] The illumination unit comprises multiple light sources, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). While the light sources can be monochromatic, it is particularly preferred that they are colored, such as RGB-LEDs. Importantly, each light source can be individually controlled to emit (change) a light pattern. To control the brightness of the light source, the voltage or current of the light source can be controlled, or a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal can be applied. Such control is well known in the art. Clearly, the control unit controls the illumination unit by applying a light pattern. This can occur either by applying the light pattern to the internal controller of the illumination unit that controls a single light source, or by directly applying a control signal from the control unit to the light source. It should be noted that the illumination unit is not a display of the medical imaging device, but a separate unit.

[0022] It should also be noted that the light pattern in the sense of this invention is an abstract light pattern, specifically excluding letters or numbers, but rather a pattern of varying brightness or darkness of light distribution on the light source of the illumination unit, particularly where the illumination unit has (especially varying) different color patterns. Therefore, a light pattern is a spatially and / or temporally varying (especially color-changing) light distribution. When emitting a light pattern, different light sources of the illumination unit are controlled to emit different brightness levels, wherein the brightness of some individual light sources varies over time, resulting in the emission of spatially and / or temporally varying light patterns. Preferably, at least one of the light patterns is colored, particularly wherein the brightness of some basic colors (e.g., red, green, and blue) varies spatially and / or temporally.

[0023] It is also possible to output two or more light patterns, specifically by merging or superimposing these light patterns or by dividing the illumination unit into sections displaying different light patterns. Preferably, the illumination unit is divided into a first (e.g., smaller) section for visualizing a continuous event and a second (e.g., larger) section for visualizing an abnormal event. For example, a patient's breathing is shown in the first section of the illumination unit, and an alarm is shown in the second section. Alternatively or additionally, brightness may be an indicator of the first event, and color may be an indicator of another event. For example, breathing can be indicated by dimming the illumination unit according to breathing, and a countdown can be indicated by color-coding the light output of the illumination unit from red through yellow to green. The countdown can also be visualized by increasing or decreasing the number of light emitters in the illumination unit, and the breathing signal can be visualized by dimming or changing the color.

[0024] The basic concept of this invention is to provide a communication channel in the form of "intelligent light" (i.e., light pattern) for a medical imaging device, which establishes a bridge between the user and the imaging system. For example, the light pattern can visually enhance the understanding of audio messages when the imaging system outputs them, at least when the user knows the meaning of the light pattern (its relationship to an event). Additionally, the light pattern is focused on the medical imaging system when an event occurs.

[0025] In particular, the light pattern according to the invention can advantageously improve the following situation.

[0026] A) A light mode can indicate that the system is sending an automated (voice) message to the user. Using a light mode emphasizes where the message originates. However, a light mode can also indicate that the patient is listening to an automated voice message from the imaging system's digital assistant through headphones. Since the operator only knows that the patient is currently listening to an automated message when the patient is wearing headphones and listening to the audio output, and therefore does not speak to the patient during that time, this further reduces unnecessary stress on the patient.

[0027] B) The light pattern can convert physiological signals, such as those from a respiratory sensor, into a light pattern. This informs the operator about the patient's physical condition, such as the patient's respiratory rate: whether the breathing is steady, too fast, or irregular. In particular, during examination procedures where the patient is supposed to hold their breath, there can also be visual feedback on whether the patient actually holds their breath. Thus, on the one hand, the light pattern makes the respiratory rate transparent and provides visual feedback on the patient's compliance with breathing commands. The light pattern has the additional advantage that the operator can focus more attention on the patient or the patient's health.

[0028] C) Light modes can improve process transparency; for example, they can visualize scans with countdowns via communication systems. Light modes can also provide operators with additional feedback on the start of a process and / or visualize the remaining time until the process ends. This has the advantage of visualizing nearby events (e.g., leaving the room), the remaining time until the end, or changes in the process. For example, regarding a process such as "contrast agent injection," a light mode can indicate the start and end of the process through progress animation. This allows the operator to see when contrast agent administration has begun and when it should end.

[0029] D) The light pattern can visualize the alarm status, especially in cases where there is a problem with contrast agent administration. In cases where the contrast agent syringe reports an error or the patient triggers a patient alarm, the light pattern can be changed (e.g., from the light pattern "Contrast Agent Injection" to the light pattern "Alarm"), and then, for example, show a flashing red light instead of indicating progress.

[0030] E) The light pattern can provide feedback on the medical imaging system's response to the operator's actions. For example, if the operator manually moves the patient table to the isocenter, a short light pattern (especially in combination with noise) can provide feedback to the operator that the desired position has been reached.

[0031] F) The light mode can indicate actions automatically initiated by the medical imaging system. For example, if a sensor such as a 3D camera or an EKG sensor is currently in detection mode, the sensor can communicate using a first light mode, and if the action is successful, a second light mode (and in particular, sound or a display at the system) can be used for brief confirmation. In the event of an unsuccessful action, a third light mode can be output to indicate failure.

[0032] The control device for controlling a medical imaging system according to the present invention includes the system according to the present invention. Alternatively or additionally, the system is designed to perform the method according to the present invention. The control device may include additional units or means for controlling components of the medical imaging system; for example, for a magnetic resonance imaging system, the control device may include: a sequence control unit for measurement sequence control; a memory; a radio frequency transmitting device for generating, amplifying, and transmitting RF pulses; a gradient system interface; a radio frequency receiving device for acquiring magnetic resonance signals; and / or a reconstruction unit for reconstructing magnetic resonance image data.

[0033] The medical imaging system according to the invention—particularly a medical imaging system having an examination area that is at least partially enclosed—includes a communication system according to the invention and is preferably designed to perform the communication method according to the invention. Preferably, the illumination unit of the communication system is arranged on the outer surface of the medical imaging system such that the illumination unit conforms to the external shape of the medical imaging system. The medical imaging system is preferably a magnetic resonance imaging system, a computed tomography system, an X-ray system, or an ultrasound system.

[0034] Some units or modules of the aforementioned communication system can be implemented, wholly or partially, as software modules running on the processor of a computing system (particularly a control device). Implementation primarily in the form of software modules offers the advantage that applications already installed on existing systems can be updated with relatively little effort to install and run these units of the application. The object of the invention is also achieved by a computer program product having a computer program directly loaded into the memory of the computing system, and the computer program including program units for performing the steps of the method of the invention when the program is executed by the computing system. In addition to the computer program, such a computer program product may also include other parts such as documentation and / or other components, and hardware components such as hardware keys (e.g., electronic dog) to facilitate access to the software.

[0035] Computer-readable media, such as memory sticks, hard disks, or other removable or permanently mounted carriers, can be used to transmit and / or store executable portions of a computer program product, making the executable portion readable from a processor unit of a computing system. A processor unit may include one or more microprocessors or equivalents.

[0036] As disclosed in the following description, particularly advantageous embodiments and features of the invention are given by the dependent claims. Features from different categories of claims may be suitably combined to give other embodiments not described herein.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment of the communication system, the control unit is designed to control the intensity of individual light sources in the lighting unit. This means that the brightness of the light source can be controlled for an individual light source. As explained above, the brightness can be controlled via voltage, current, or PWM signals. This brightness control does not refer to turning the light source on and off, but rather dimming the light source to a specific brightness level, and specifically, changing this brightness level of the light source over time according to the provided light pattern.

[0038] Preferably, the lighting unit is designed to emit different colors. To achieve this, the control unit is preferably designed to control the intensity of individual colors of the light source. This means controlling the emission of different colors from a light source capable of emitting different colors (e.g., preferably RGB-LEDs), or controlling the brightness of light sources with different colors. The brightness of different colors can be controlled via voltage, current, or PWM signals.

[0039] Therefore, such preferred embodiments are designed to produce light patterns in which brightness and, in particular, color change, and to produce the sensation of moving and / or iridescent light patterns.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment of the communication system, the control unit is designed to assign individual optical modes to multiple event data types. This means that for each of the different types of event data, a separate optical mode is assigned. The provision of optical modes depends on the assignment. For a specific type of event data, a particular optical mode is selected and assigned to that type.

[0041] The type of event data (one or more) can be selected from the following groups:

[0042] One type is an instruction to provide automatic audio output to the operator or the patient being examined by a medical imaging system.

[0043] One type is physiological data, particularly measurements from respiratory or heart rate sensors.

[0044] One type indicates the number of examinations or stages, particularly a countdown or data regarding a specific examination step (such as the injection of contrast agent).

[0045] One type includes errors, alarms, or emergencies.

[0046] One type is event data about feedback on user input.

[0047] One type is an indication of an event that is automatically initiated by a medical imaging system.

[0048] Each of these types can be further subdivided into subtypes (also considered types of event data). For example, one type could be an error, another an emergency (here: something bad has happened), and a third could be an alarm (here: a potentially dangerous situation has occurred), or a fourth could be a warning (indicating that a potentially dangerous action is about to begin, such as, for example, starting an MRT measurement or starting patient movement). Different light patterns can be assigned to each of these (sub)types.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit includes a mapping table in which light patterns are assigned to specific types of event data. Therefore, a light pattern is selected from this mapping table and applied to the lighting unit.

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit includes a machine learning model trained to provide individual light patterns for specific types of event data. Therefore, a light pattern can be selected from the "features" of the model's results with the highest score. However, the model can also generate individual light patterns for each input, such that the light patterns differ for different types of event data, while being similar for similar types of event data.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment of the communication system, the optical mode is further based on quantitative changes in event data. Preferably, the control unit is designed to achieve this. This can be achieved through the following preferred steps:

[0052] - Identify at least one quantitative value of the event data, such as a parameter value.

[0053] - Modify the provided light mode based on the identified value.

[0054] For example, regarding the light pattern of the signal involved in the respiratory sensor, brighter light or different colors can be used to indicate stronger respiratory movements. Here, the change in light pattern depends on the value of the sensor's measurement.

[0055] Regarding the workflow-dependent output of sound files to patients, the type of light mode may be the same for different sound files, but the light mode is preferably slightly varied to indicate which sound file is being played at that moment. Therefore, preferably, the basic properties of the light modes are the same, but they vary in brightness, rate of change, or color mapping.

[0056] According to a preferred embodiment of the communication system, the illumination unit is flexible or shaped such that it can be arranged on the outer surface of the medical imaging system, specifically such that the illumination unit, when arranged on the medical imaging system, follows the external contour of the medical imaging system. The illumination unit can also be arranged on a user monitor (e.g., a patient monitoring device).

[0057] It should be noted that the linearity of the illumination unit does not necessarily mean that the illumination unit is a rigid straight line. The illumination unit can typically be rigid, elastic, or flexible. Independently, the illumination unit can be shaped as a straight line, a curve, or even a circle, and can run as a curve, a corner, or even a spiral or sine curve. However, preferably, the illumination unit follows the contours of the medical imaging system, such as the plane or edge of the imaging system.

[0058] According to a preferred embodiment, the communication system includes an ambient light sensor. This sensor measures the brightness of the surrounding light. The control unit is designed to control the base brightness of the light pattern based on the measurements from the ambient light sensor. Preferably, the base brightness is dimmer when the room is dark and brighter when the room is well-lit. It should be noted that the pattern itself does not change, but the brightness level is typically altered. This has the advantage that the light pattern is adaptive to the lighting of the room in which the communication system is located. Therefore, the preferred communication system is designed to adjust the light according to the lighting conditions in the room being inspected.

[0059] According to a preferred embodiment, the communication system includes an additional number of light sources designed and arranged to illuminate specific areas of the medical imaging system, preferably the area of ​​the patient table or an area adjacent to the patient table. For example, with respect to the mechanical movement of components of the medical imaging system (e.g., the patient table), hazardous areas (e.g., areas where the table can move) are illuminated by additional light sources. This has the advantage of directing the user's attention to the corresponding area. The operator can then stop or alter the movement of the patient table in an emergency.

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment, the communication system further includes an acoustic output module designed to emit sound patterns and / or notifications, particularly human notifications. Preferably, the control unit is designed to provide (i.e., generate or select) these sound patterns and / or notifications based on event data and / or provided light patterns. This has the advantage that light patterns can be better perceived when they accompany sound patterns. Sound patterns can be provided using the same methods used to provide light patterns.

[0061] According to a preferred embodiment of the communication method, a separate optical mode is provided in one or more of the following cases:

[0062] - Patients listen to messages, especially automatically generated messages, and / or

[0063] - Output messages to the user, and / or

[0064] - Physiological signals—especially those from respiratory or cardiac sensors—are received, and / or

[0065] - The countdown is running, and / or

[0066] - Contrast agents are applied to the patient, and / or

[0067] - Reaching a specific stage of the inspection, and / or

[0068] - An emergency or alarm occurs, and / or

[0069] - User input or preference changes occur, and / or

[0070] - Movement of a portion of the medical imaging system is initiated, occurs, or is completed, and / or

[0071] - Actions are performed automatically by the medical imaging system. Attached Figure Description

[0072] Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent from the following specific embodiments considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the drawings are designed for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to define limitations of the invention.

[0073] Figure 1 A simplified MRI system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0074] Figure 2 A block diagram illustrating the processing flow of a preferred method according to the present invention is shown.

[0075] Figure 3 An example of an illumination unit arranged on an MRI system is shown.

[0076] Figure 4 An example of a light pattern is shown.

[0077] Figure 5 Another example of a light pattern is shown.

[0078] Figure 6 Another example of an illumination unit arranged on an MRI system is shown.

[0079] Figure 7 This shows yet another example of a light pattern.

[0080] Figure 8 This shows yet another example of a light pattern.

[0081] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals always denote the same objects. The objects in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0082] Figure 1 A schematic representation of a medical imaging system 1 in the form of a magnetic resonance imaging system (“MRI-system” 1) is shown. The MRI system 1 includes an actual magnetic resonance scanner (data acquisition unit) 2 having an examination space 3 or patient tunnel in which a patient or test subject is placed on a drive bed 8, and the actual subject O is located within the drive bed.

[0083] Magnetic resonance scanner 2 is typically equipped with a basic magnetic field body system 4, a gradient system 6, and an RF transmitting antenna system 5 and an RF receiving antenna system 7. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the RF transmitting antenna system 5 is a whole-body coil permanently mounted in the magnetic resonance scanner 2, while the RF receiving antenna system 7 is formed as a local coil (represented here only by a single local coil) to be placed on the patient or test subject. However, in principle, the whole-body coil can also be used as the RF receiving antenna system, and the local coils can be switched to different operating modes respectively.

[0084] The basic magnetic field system 4 here is typically designed to generate a basic magnetic field in the longitudinal direction of the patient (i.e., along the longitudinal axis of the magnetic resonance scanner 2 traveling in the z-direction). The gradient system 6 typically includes individually controllable gradient coils so that the gradients can be switched (activated) independently of each other in the x, y, or z directions.

[0085] The MRI system 1 shown here is a whole-body system with a patient tunnel into which the patient can be fully introduced. However, in principle, the invention can also be used for other MRI systems (e.g., MRI systems with C-shaped housings having lateral openings), and for smaller MRI scanners in which only one body part can be placed.

[0086] Furthermore, the MRI system 1 has a central control unit 13 for controlling the MRI system 1. This central control unit 13 includes a sequence control unit 14 for measurement sequence control. Using the sequence control unit 14, a series of radio frequency pulses (RF pulses) and gradient pulses can be controlled according to a selected pulse sequence or separately according to a series of multi-pulse sequences to acquire magnetic resonance images within a measurement session. For example, such a series of pulse sequences can be predetermined in a measurement or control protocol. Different control protocols for different measurements or measurement sessions are typically stored in a memory 19 and can be selected by the operator (and may be modified if necessary) and then used to implement the measurement.

[0087] To output the individual RF pulses of the pulse sequence, the central control unit 13 has an RF transmitter 15 that generates and amplifies the RF pulses and feeds them to the RF transmitting antenna system 5 via a suitable interface (not shown in detail). To control the gradient coils of the gradient system 6, the control unit 13 has a gradient system interface 16. The sequence control unit 14 communicates appropriately with the RF transmitter 15 and the gradient system interface 16 to transmit the pulse sequence.

[0088] In addition, the control device 13 has a radio frequency receiving device 17 (which, similarly, communicates with the sequence control unit 14 in a suitable manner) to acquire magnetic resonance signals (i.e. raw data) for each measurement, which are received in a cooperative manner from the RF receiving antenna system 7 within the range of the pulse sequence.

[0089] Reconstruction unit 18 receives the acquired raw data and reconstructs magnetic resonance image data from it for measurement. This reconstruction is typically performed based on parameters that can be specified in the corresponding measurement results or control protocol. For example, the image data can then be stored in memory 19.

[0090] The operation of the central control unit 13 can be performed via a terminal 10 having an input unit and a display unit 9; therefore, the entire MRI system 1 can also be operated by the operator via the terminal 10. MR images can also be displayed on the display unit 9, and measurements can be planned and started by means of the input unit (possibly in conjunction with the display unit 9), and in particular, a suitable control protocol can be selected (and possibly modified) using a suitable series of pulse sequences as explained above.

[0091] The control device 13 includes a portion of the communication system 12 designed to perform the communication method according to the invention. The communication system 12 includes the following components.

[0092] Data interface 20 is designed to receive event data E from medical imaging system 1. This data interface 20 may be a software module within control device 13. The control device is configured such that the data interface accesses event data from the control device.

[0093] Control unit 21 is designed to provide a light mode P from multiple light modes P based on event data E. Control unit 21 may also be a software module within control device 13. Control unit 21 is designed to determine a specific type T of event data E and provide a light mode P (the type of light mode P) that matches the detected type T of event data E.

[0094] The illumination unit 22 includes a plurality of linearly arranged light sources 23, which are controlled by a control unit 21 to emit varying light patterns P provided by the control unit 21. Here, the illumination unit 22 is arranged on the scanner 2 of the MRI system 1.

[0095] In this example, the communication system 12 further includes an ambient light sensor 24, and the control unit 21 is designed to control the basic brightness of the light mode P based on the measurement results of the ambient light sensor 24.

[0096] In this example, the communication system further includes a light source 25, which is designed and arranged to illuminate the patient stage 8 of the medical imaging system 1.

[0097] In this example, the communication system further includes an acoustic output module 26, which is designed to transmit sound patterns and / or, in particular, human notifications, wherein the control unit 21 is designed to provide these sound patterns and / or notifications based on event data E and / or provided light patterns P.

[0098] The MRI system 1 according to the invention—particularly the control device 13—may have multiple additional components, such as network interfaces, not shown in detail but typically present in such systems, to connect the entire system to a network and to exchange raw data and / or image data or parameter mappings separately, but also to exchange other data (e.g., patient-related data or control protocols).

[0099] The methods of obtaining suitable raw data through the radiation of RF pulses and the generation of gradient fields, and reconstructing MR images from the raw data, are known to those skilled in the art and therefore do not need to be explained in detail herein.

[0100] Figure 2 An illustration of the invention for use Figure 1 A flowchart of the preferred communication method for the medical imaging system 1 (corresponding communication system 12).

[0101] In step I, from medical imaging system 1 (see example...) Figure 1 ) Receive event data E.

[0102] In step II, the type T of event data E is identified by examining the event data E.

[0103] In step III, the quantitative value Q of the event data E is identified. This step is optional.

[0104] In step IV, the optical mode P is provided based on the type T of the identified event data E and, in particular, the value Q of the event data E.

[0105] In step V, the provided light pattern P is output using the illumination unit 22.

[0106] Similar to the steps described above, sound patterns can also be configured as follows: Figure 1 The acoustic output module 26 shown provides and outputs.

[0107] Figure 3 An example of an illumination unit 22 arranged on an MRI system 1 is shown. Although in Figure 1 In the image, the scanner 2 of the MRI system 1 is shown from the side, but now a view of the scanner 2 viewed from the front along the patient table 8 is shown. Illumination units 22 are arranged in their curved shape on the side of the scanner 2 and emit light to the left when activated. Each individual light source 23 of the illumination units 22 can be controlled independently.

[0108] Figure 4 An example of a light pattern P that can be emitted by the illumination unit 22 is shown. Arrows of different thicknesses indicate different levels of brightness. In the example shown, the dark light (left) brightens (middle) and then dims again (right). This pattern can be used for an alarm (rapid flashing) or a breathing indicator (brightness changes in sync with breathing).

[0109] Figure 5 Another example of a light pattern P that can be emitted by the illumination unit 22 is shown. In this example, the number of activated light sources decreases from left to right. This pattern (from left to right) or the progress of the process (from right to left or from left to right) can be used to visualize the countdown.

[0110] Figure 6 It mainly shows the relationship with Figure 3The same implementation method is used, except that the illumination unit 22 here can emit a colored light pattern P. Different colors are represented by different line types of arrows (solid line, dashed line, dotted line).

[0111] Figure 7 Another example of a color light pattern P that can be emitted by the lighting unit 22 and change color is shown. This can be used, for example, as an indication of a start-up process (such as the red, yellow, and green of a traffic light).

[0112] Figure 8 A complex example of a light pattern P that can be emitted by the illumination unit 22 is shown. In this example, the color and brightness change, resulting in a color-changing effect. This could, for example, be used to instruct a patient to listen to an audio message.

[0113] Although the present invention has been disclosed in the form of preferred embodiments and variations thereof, it should be understood that many other modifications and variations can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. For clarity, it should be understood that throughout this application, the use of "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, and "comprising" does not exclude other steps or elements. References to "unit," "module," or "device" do not exclude the use of a plurality of a single unit or device.

Claims

1. A communication system (12) for a medical imaging system (1), the system comprising: - Data interface (20), which is designed to receive event data (E) from the medical imaging system (1). - Control unit (21), which is designed to provide light modes (P) from multiple light modes (P) based on the event data (E), wherein different types of light modes (P) are provided for different types (T) of event data (E). - An illumination unit (22) comprising a plurality of linearly arranged light sources (23), the plurality of light sources (23) being controlled by the control unit (21) to emit varying light patterns (P) provided by the control unit (21), wherein the illumination unit is shaped in a straight line or a curve. The control unit (21) is designed to display two or more light modes (P) simultaneously, and the two or more light modes (P) are output by merging or superimposing these light modes (P) or by dividing the lighting unit (22) into parts that display different light modes (P).

2. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit (21) is designed to control the intensity of individual light sources (23) of the lighting unit (22), wherein the lighting unit (22) is designed to emit different colors, and the control unit (21) is designed to control the intensity of individual colors of the light sources (23).

3. The communication system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control unit (21) is designed to assign individual light modes to one or more types (T) of event data (E) from a group including the following types: - Provide automatic sound output to the operator or the patient being examined by the medical imaging system (1), - Physiological data, - The number of inspections or the stages of the inspection. - Error, alarm, or emergency - Feedback on user input - An indication of events that are started automatically.

4. The communication system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control unit (21) includes: - A mapping table in which the light mode (P) is assigned to a specific type (T) of the event data (E), and / or - A machine learning model, which is trained to provide a separate light pattern (P) for a specific type (T) of event data (E).

5. The communication system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The light pattern (P) varies further based on the quantitative value (Q) of the event data (E).

6. The communication system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The illumination unit (22) is flexible or shaped such that the illumination unit (22) can be arranged on the outer surface of the medical imaging system (1) such that the illumination unit (22) follows the outer contour of the medical imaging system (1) when arranged on the medical imaging system (1).

7. The communication system according to claim 1 or 2, comprising an ambient light sensor (24), and the control unit (21) being configured to control the basic brightness of the light mode (P) based on the measurement results of the ambient light sensor (24).

8. The communication system according to claim 1 or 2, comprising an additional number of light sources (25) designed and arranged to illuminate specific areas of the medical imaging system (1), including the area of ​​the patient table (8) of the medical imaging system (1) or the area adjacent to the patient table (8) of the medical imaging system (1).

9. The communication system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an acoustic output module (26), said acoustic output module (26) being designed to emit sound patterns and / or issue human notifications, wherein, The control unit (21) is designed to provide these sound patterns and / or notifications based on the event data (E) and / or the provided light patterns (P).

10. The communication system according to claim 3, wherein, The physiological data includes measurements from respiratory or heart rate sensors.

11. The communication system according to claim 3, wherein, The number of examinations or stages includes countdowns or data regarding the injection of contrast agents for specific examination steps.

12. A communication method for a communication system (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: - Receive event data (E) from the medical imaging system (1). - Identify the type (T) of the event data (E). - Provide the light pattern (P) based on the type (T) of the identified event data (E). - The light pattern (P) is output using the lighting unit (22).

13. The communication method according to claim 12, further comprising the following steps: - Identify at least one quantitative value (Q) of the event data (E). - Modify the provided light mode (P) based on the identified value (Q).

14. The communication method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, Provide a single light mode (P) in one or more of the following cases: - The patient listens to the message, and / or - Output messages to the user, and / or - Receive physiological signals, and / or - The countdown is running, and / or - Contrast agents are applied to the patient, and / or - Reaching a specific stage of the inspection, and / or - An emergency or alarm occurs, and / or - User input or preference changes occur, and / or - The movement of a portion of the medical imaging system (1) is initiated, is occurring, or is completed, and / or - An action is performed automatically by the medical imaging system (1).

15. The communication method according to claim 14, wherein, The messages the patient hears include automatically generated messages.

16. The communication method according to claim 14, wherein, The physiological signals include those from respiratory or cardiac sensors.

17. A medical imaging system (1) having at least a partially enclosed examination area, comprising a communication system (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and said communication system (12) being designed to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein, The illumination unit (22) of the communication system (12) is arranged on the outer surface of the medical imaging system (1).

18. A computer program product comprising a computer program capable of being directly loaded into a computing system or control device (13) of a medical imaging system (1), the computer program comprising program units configured to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 12 to 16 when the computer program is executed by the computing system or the control device (13).

19. A computer-readable medium having stored thereon program units that can be read and executed by a computer unit to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 12 to 16 when the program units are executed by the computer unit.

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