Methods for collimating the field of a progressively developing X-ray source and X-ray systems

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method (10) for developing a collimator field (41, 42) of an X-ray source (21) in an examination area of ​​an X-ray record by means of an X-ray system (20), the method (10) comprising the steps of: a. developing a first collimator field (41) by means of a first light field of a first color (12); and b. developing a second collimator field (42) by means of a second light field of a second color different from the first color (13).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for collimator field of an X-ray source in an inspection area and an X-ray system for said method. Background Technology

[0002] X-ray systems, especially radiographic systems and fluoroscopy systems, typically have an X-ray source and an associated X-ray detector. The subject of examination, especially the patient, is positioned in an intermediate space so that an X-ray image of the area to be examined is taken by means of X-ray radiation emitted from the X-ray source and received by the X-ray detector. The X-ray source particularly includes a collimator unit or aperture unit. The collimator unit may have multiple collimator elements that are substantially perpendicular to the direction of propagation, limiting the X-ray radiation.

[0003] To date, attempts have been made to display important information for all work steps up to and including recording to users in the examination room via a user interface, especially at the tube head of the X-ray system. A touch-sensitive screen can be installed at the tube head for this purpose.

[0004] For example, it can display patient data, record parameters, device location, and the activity of automated functions such as spacing and detector tracking. The inventors have recognized, however, that there is only limited space, so not all active functions can be clearly and simultaneously displayed. Furthermore, in order to examine the displayed information, the patient's gaze must be taken away.

[0005] An aperture-filter-mirror unit is known from publication DE102017213610A1. By means of an aperture-filter-mirror unit constructed in a layered structure, an X-ray window is also made visible on the patient or object during X-ray recording via a light window.

[0006] A method for setting a collimator for an X-ray source is known from publication EP 3 545 846 B1. The method includes the step of controlling the position and / or orientation of the X-ray source by generating control signals for controlling at least one actuator connected to the X-ray source using a processing device. The method further includes the step of detecting the arrangement of an X-ray detector with respect to the X-ray source, wherein detecting the arrangement includes: detecting an image including the X-ray detector; and automatically calculating, based on the detected image of the X-ray detector and based on the control of at least one actuator, the spacing between the X-ray detector and the X-ray source, the orientation of the X-ray detector with respect to the X-ray source, and the size of the active field of the X-ray detector. The method further includes the step of automatically determining the collimator setting based on the detected position of the X-ray detector with respect to the X-ray source. The method further includes the step of automatically setting the collimator based on the determined collimator setting.

[0007] The inventors recognized the following problem: precisely during patient positioning and fading, the operator of the X-ray equipment in the examination room needs feedback from the equipment and ideally should not take their eyes off the patient. There is a lack of intuitive and direct feasibility in providing this feedback to the operator during fading without requiring them to look away from the patient. Furthermore, some automatic functions, such as automatic fading of the collimator field, are not directly communicated to the operator or user in the examination room. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of this invention is to provide a method, a computer program product, a computer-readable medium, and an X-ray system for a progressive collimator field, wherein the method, computer program product, computer-readable medium, and X-ray system can enable the identification of additional information about the progressive collimation during patient positioning.

[0009] According to the present invention, the objective is achieved by a method for a progressive collimator field according to an embodiment, a computer program product according to an embodiment, a computer-readable medium according to an embodiment, and an X-ray system according to an embodiment.

[0010] This invention relates to a method for progressively developing a collimator field of an X-ray source in an examination area of ​​an X-ray recording using an X-ray system, the method comprising the steps of a first progressive development and a second progressive development. In the first progressive development step, a first collimator field is progressively developed using a first light field of a first color. In the second progressive development step, a second collimator field is progressively developed using a second light field of a second color different from the first color.

[0011] The gradual development of the collimator field of an X-ray source can particularly include the restriction or confinement of the X-ray radiation field. The X-ray source emits X-ray radiation in, for example, a diverging X-ray cone. The collimator unit or aperture unit described below can include collimator elements or apertures that are substantially impermeable to both X-ray radiation and visible light. For example, X-ray radiation can be confined by four collimator elements, the edges of which form rectangles of adjustable dimensions. Two opposing collimator elements can be arranged in a plane. By confining the X-ray radiation, the incident X-ray radiation onto the examination area can be confined. The collimator field can particularly be configured in a plane preferably perpendicular to the central beam of the X-ray source. The collimator field can particularly be configured in a plane preferably perpendicular to the surface normal of the X-ray detector. The collimator field can be observed or displayed by means of a light field. The light field can particularly become visible by incident on an object, for example, the examination area. That is, the collimator field or optical field can, in principle, be visible from the X-ray source or collimator unit up to the X-ray detector or the object being inspected, in such a way that the object is within the optical path. The optical path can particularly refer to the optical path of the X-ray radiation. The optical path can also refer to the optical path of the light from the source, which can project the collimator field onto the irradiated object by means of the optical field. The mapping of the collimator field or optical field here can follow the intercept theorem. In the case of a moving X-ray detector, a slight tilt can also be formed between the central beam and the surface normal of the X-ray detector.

[0012] X-ray sources may include collimator units or aperture units. A collimator unit may have multiple collimator elements that are substantially perpendicular to the direction of propagation and limit X-ray radiation.

[0013] To visualize the collimator field, light from a light source can be introduced into the optical path of the X-ray source, for example, via a mirror. In another embodiment, the light source can be configured such that its light can be introduced into the optical path of the X-ray source without a mirror, for example, by means of a light source located at the exit window or ray exit of the X-ray source. The light or light field from the light source can be mapped or gradually revealed onto the object being inspected. The collimator unit can confine not only the light field but also the X-ray radiation. Ideally, the collimator field mapped or gradually revealed onto the object being inspected corresponds to the inspection area, and in particular, corresponds to the inspection area as precisely as possible.

[0014] The first light field has a first light color. The second light field has a second light color that is different from the first light color. The change in light color may be caused, for example, by a change in the size of the collimator field or by a change in the operating mode or by turning the function on or off.

[0015] The examination area can be determined by the type of examination, the organ to be examined, or the body part to be examined. The examination area can also be determined based on the examination method, the body part, or the selected organ. The collimator field can be determined manually or automatically based on the examination area. The collimator field ultimately determines the actual examination area, which is as close as possible to the examination area of ​​the selected examination type, the selected organ, or the selected body part. The collimator field and the light field are related to the distance between the object being examined and the X-ray source, or the distance between the X-ray detector and the X-ray source, and the distance between the X-ray source and the object being examined. The collimator field and the light field are related to the distance between the X-ray detector and the X-ray source, and the distance between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector.

[0016] X-ray recordings can, in particular, include attenuated images of the area being examined. For this purpose, the object being examined, especially the area being examined, can be positioned between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector. X-rays can be emitted by the X-ray source, and the X-ray cone can be limited by a collimator unit so that the X-ray radiation is incident on the area being examined. A portion of the X-ray radiation is absorbed by the object being examined, and the other portion is received by the X-ray detector. Based on this, an attenuated image can be generated. The X-ray system can, in particular, be a radiographic system or a fluoroscopic system. The X-ray system can, in particular, be designed so that the X-ray source can move or be positioned independently of the X-ray detector.

[0017] The light field of the tube can be a crucial examination aid for the operator when it gradually appears at the X-ray source in the examination room. The light color can be advantageously perceived directly by the operator at the moment of gradual appearance, without having to look away from the patient to the display at the X-ray source. The light color facilitates intuitive communication with the operator.

[0018] In addition to user interface features such as text-based reports, acoustic signals and elements, such as switch faces or symbols or icons, the color of the light field at the X-ray source can be advantageously used for communication with the operator.

[0019] The color of light can advantageously provide the feasibility of intuitive communication with the operator without interrupting work close to the patient, such as due to confirming a report or by taking one's gaze away from the patient.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the second planar extension of the second collimator field differs from the first planar extension of the first collimator field. In the first fading step, the first collimator field can be fading by means of the first planar extension and by means of a first light field of a first color. In the second fading step, the second collimator field can be fading by means of the second planar extension and by means of a second light field of a second color different from the first color. The first planar extension may differ from the second planar extension. The first and second planar extensions may include surfaces of different sizes. The first and second planar extensions may have surfaces of substantially the same size, and in this case, for example, have different side lengths of the collimator field. For example, the color of the light field can change when the size of the collimator field changes. The color can, in particular, change abruptly over a few nm, for example, at least 50 nm. In an alternative embodiment, the color can change continuously or gradually. It is advantageous to show the change with respect to the planar extension in color within the light field.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the second planar extension of the second collimator field is substantially the same as the first planar extension of the first collimator field. The color of the light field can also be changed without altering its size or extension. The change in light color can be triggered by switching to another operating mode or state. Advantageously, in addition to displaying changes in the size of the planar extension, the light field can be additionally used to display other functionalities.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the planar first extension or the planar second extension corresponds to a minimum extension that cannot be lowered or a maximum extension that cannot be exceeded in the collimator field. Here, although the user may, for example by means of a knob or other input mechanism, further attempt to change the fading or extension, the planar extension remains unchanged as long as the minimum extension that cannot be lowered or the maximum extension that cannot be exceeded in the collimator field is reached. The minimum extension that cannot be lowered or the maximum extension that cannot be exceeded is particularly likely caused by the nature and design of the collimator unit.

[0023] This allows for advantageous achievement of minimum or maximum fade-in displays. Until now, the light field could not be further manipulated, even though the user attempted to set values ​​exceeding the minimum or maximum fade-in threshold at the aperture knob or other input mechanisms. For service technicians adjusting or putting the equipment into operation, changes in the light field's color also provide feedback on the permissible adjustment range.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, in the first fading step, the first collimator field is manually set in the first operating mode, and in the second fading step, the second collimator field is automatically set in a second operating mode different from the first operating mode. Alternatively, according to one aspect of the invention, in the first fading step, the first collimator field is automatically set in the first operating mode, and in the second fading step, the second collimator field is manually set in a second operating mode different from the first operating mode.

[0025] A first color can be used in a first operating mode with a manual collimator setting, while a second color can be used in a second operating mode with an automatic collimator setting, which is different from the first operating mode. Alternatively, the first color can be used in a first operating mode with an automatic collimator setting, while a second color can be used in a second operating mode with a manual collimator setting, which is different from the first operating mode.

[0026] X-ray systems can include operating modes for automatic collimation. If, when automatic fading or collimation is activated, the light field's color changes from the "standard" color associated with manual collimation to another easily distinguishable color, the operator in the room immediately knows that the operating mode with automatic fading is activated. If the operator still decides to manually fade, for example via a knob at the X-ray source, this can then be reversed by changing the light color, returning to the standard color.

[0027] The first color can be used in another operating mode with an automatic collimation sensing device and a collimation tracking device for a moving X-ray detector, while the second color can be used in a second operating mode with a manual collimator setting. The color of the light field can advantageously indicate which operating mode the X-ray system is in regarding fading or collimation.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, a mobile X-ray detector is used to detect X-ray radiation emitted by an X-ray source. The mobile X-ray detector can be connected to an X-ray system in a non-fixed position. Signals from or to the mobile X-ray detector can be transmitted wirelessly, such as via WLAN, Bluetooth, or radio connectivity. The power supply to the mobile X-ray detector can be ensured by a rechargeable battery. The mobile X-ray detector can be mounted in a protective housing with a handle for easy transport, for example. The mobile X-ray detector can be freely positioned. The mobile X-ray detector can be placed, for example, on an examination table or examination bed. The examination area can be set on the mobile X-ray detector.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, automatic setting is performed based on an automatic collimation sensing device and / or an automatic collimation tracking device for the mobile X-ray detector. The automatic collimation sensing device can be configured with respect to the mobile X-ray detector. The automatic collimation tracking device can be configured with respect to the mobile X-ray detector. Because the mobile X-ray detector is not a component fixedly connected to the X-ray system, information regarding the orientation and position of the X-ray detector within the system may initially be unknown. The mobile X-ray detector may be at least partially covered by the object being inspected or, for example, a cloth or cover. The orientation and / or position of the mobile X-ray detector can be determined by means of a positioning system. The orientation and / or position can be used by the automatic collimation sensing device and / or the collimation tracking device.

[0030] The collimation sensing device or collimation tracking device may include a function for automatically determining the size or housing size of the (mobile) X-ray detector. If this function is activated, i.e., automatically set, the light field can have a color that is distinctly different from the color when the function is not activated. Automatic setting may be limited by the user being unable to induce superimposed blurring on the X-ray detector. The user can manually influence or manually set the blurring, for example by means of a knob or other input mechanism; however, only in this respect does the X-ray detector not induce superimposed blurring. By indicating the manual aperture mode in a different color, for example in free recording, the user can immediately recognize that he can induce superimposed blurring. The user advantageously obtains direct visual feedback without having to take his gaze away from the examination area or the patient.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, a first planar extension of the first collimator field or a second planar extension of the second collimator field corresponds to a superimposition gradient of the mobile X-ray detector. Superimposition gradients of the X-ray detector can occur during manual setup, particularly in mobile X-ray detectors. A superimposition gradient can indicate that the extension of the collimator field in its projection onto the X-ray detector is greater than the sensitive surface of the X-ray detector. Therefore, X-ray radiation outside the detection area may be incident on the patient, thereby unnecessarily increasing the patient dose, since information about the X-ray radiation absorbed in said area cannot be used for imaging. In particular, the color of the light field can be changed during manual setup in the event of a superimposition gradient of the mobile X-ray detector. The superimposition gradient can advantageously be indicated to the user by means of a color change. The patient dose can advantageously be kept as low as desired. Thus, the light field can be displayed by a change in light color during free recording, i.e., during free recording using a mobile X-ray detector. The superimposition gradient can be determined, for example, by means of a camera or other position sensor.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the first light color and the second light color are within the visible range. The first light color and the second light color can be within a wavelength range between 780 nm and 380 nm. The light color is advantageously perceptible to the human eye.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the wavelength of the first light color differs from the wavelength of the second light color by at least 50 nm. Other light colors besides white light can be used. For example, blue (420nm-490nm), green (490nm-575nm), yellow (575nm-585nm), orange (585nm-650nm), or red (650nm-750nm) can be used. In selecting colors, it is particularly advantageous to choose different light colors that are spaced apart by a certain distance, for example, 50nm or at least 30nm. This advantageously ensures the distinguishability of the first and second light colors.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, the X-ray system is in a different system state during the first unfolding phase than during the second unfolding phase. The system state may be, for example, "ready for recording," "recording," or another system state. Advantageously, the system state of the X-ray system can be identified while viewing the patient.

[0035] The present invention also relates to a computer program product having a computer program that can be directly loaded into the storage device of the control device of an X-ray system. The computer program product has program segments that, when the computer program is run in the control device of the X-ray system, execute all the steps of the method according to the invention. The advantages of the method according to the invention can be advantageously applied to the computer program product.

[0036] The present invention also relates to a computer-readable medium storing program segments readable and executable by a computing unit, such that when the program segments are executed by an X-ray system, all steps of the method according to the invention are performed. The advantages of the method according to the invention can be advantageously transferred to the computer-readable medium.

[0037] The present invention also relates to an X-ray system for performing the method according to the invention. The X-ray system has an X-ray source with a collimator unit, the X-ray source including a light source. The collimator unit is designed to develop a first collimator field by means of a first light field, and a second collimator field by means of a second light field. The light source is designed to generate a first light field of a first color, and a second light field of a second color different from the first color.

[0038] The light source can produce at least two different colors, such that a first light field has a first color and a second light field has a second color. The X-ray system may also include an X-ray detector associated with the X-ray source. The advantages of the method according to the invention can be advantageously applied to X-ray systems.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the light source is an RGB-LED light source. Red, green, and blue light-emitting diodes, so-called RGB-LEDs derived from the concept of the RGB color space, can be combined with each other in the light source so that the emitted light is well mixed, thereby allowing the color of the emitted light, such as white or other colors, to be set by correspondingly manipulating each light-emitting diode. For better light mixing, additional optical components, such as diffusers, can be provided. By correspondingly manipulating each light-emitting diode, colored light can be selectively produced at specific wavelengths. The difference between the wavelengths of a first color and a second color can also be determined. Advantageously, the change of the light color of the light field can be achieved more simply and cost-effectively than, for example, by means of a projector or color filter foil. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown herein:

[0041] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the method according to the present invention is shown;

[0042] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the first collimator field according to the invention and the second collimator field according to the invention in the first embodiment is shown;

[0043] Figure 3 Schematic diagrams of the first collimator field and the second collimator field according to the invention in the second embodiment are shown; and

[0044] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an X-ray system according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of method 10 according to the present invention is shown. Method 10 is a method for gradually developing a collimator field of an X-ray source in an examination area recorded by means of an X-ray system. Method 10 includes the step of performing a first gradual development 12 of the first collimator field by means of a first light field of a first color. Method 10 also includes the step of performing a second gradual development 13 of the second collimator field by means of a second light field of a second color different from the first color.

[0046] Patient positioning step 11 can be performed before the first development step 12. Here, the patient and, in particular, the examination area can be positioned between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector. Then, the first development step 12 and the second development step 13 can be performed. The collimator can be determined in the determination step 14, provided that the collimator field of the light field development covers the desired examination area. Subsequently, the X-ray recording can be performed in the recording step 15.

[0047] In one embodiment, the first collimator field can be manually set in the first operating mode during the first gradual appearance step 12, and the second collimator field can be automatically set in the second operating mode, which is different from the first operating mode, during the second gradual appearance step 13. Alternatively, the first collimator field can be automatically set in the first operating mode during the first gradual appearance step, and the second collimator field can be manually set in the second operating mode, which is different from the first operating mode, during the second gradual appearance step 13.

[0048] In another embodiment, a mobile X-ray detector can be used to detect X-ray radiation emitted by an X-ray source. Here, automatic setting can be based on an automatic collimation sensing device and / or an automatic collimation tracking device for the mobile X-ray detector. A planar first extension of the first collimator field or a planar second extension of the second collimator field can correspond to a superimposed gradient of the mobile X-ray detector. In this case, the first or second collimator field can have the maximum possible size of the collimator field of the (mobile) X-ray detector. In this case, the first or second collimator field can have a size larger than the maximum possible size of the collimator field of the (mobile) X-ray detector, i.e., an actual superimposed gradient.

[0049] The first and second light colors are within the visible range. The wavelengths of the first and second light colors differ by at least 50 nm, for example.

[0050] In another embodiment, the X-ray system may be in a different system state during the first development than during the second development.

[0051] Figure 2An exemplary embodiment of the first collimator field 41 and the second collimator field 42 in the first embodiment is shown. In the first embodiment, the planar second extension of the second collimator field 42 differs from the planar first extension of the first collimator field 41. The first collimator field 41 is shown exemplarily with the same length 43 and width 44. Conversely, the second collimator field 42 exemplarily has a width 46 larger than the width 44 of the first collimator field 41. The length 45 of the second collimator field 42 corresponds, for example, to the length 43 of the first collimator field 41. Thus, the planar second extension is larger than the planar first extension. The planar second extension differs from the planar first extension, specifically in terms of area. The first collimator field 41 can be developed by means of a first light field of a first color. The second collimator field 42 can be developed by means of a second light field of a second color different from the first color.

[0052] Figure 3 An exemplary embodiment of the first collimator field 41 and the second collimator field 42 in the second embodiment is shown. In the second embodiment, the planar second extension of the second collimator field 42 is substantially the same as the planar first extension of the first collimator field 41. The first collimator field 41 can be revealed by means of a first light field of a first color. The second collimator field 42 can be revealed by means of a second light field of a second color different from the first color.

[0053] In another embodiment, the planar first extension or the planar second extension may correspond to a minimum extension that cannot be lower than or a maximum extension that cannot be higher than the collimator field.

[0054] Figure 4 An exemplary embodiment of an X-ray system 20 according to the invention is shown. The X-ray system 20 is configured to perform the method according to the invention. The X-ray system has an X-ray source 21 with a collimator unit 25, the X-ray source 21 including a light source 24. The X-ray source 21 may have an X-ray radiator 22, also referred to as an X-ray tube, that transmits X-ray radiation. A mirror 23 may be provided in the optical path downstream of the X-ray radiator 22, the mirror 23 deflecting the light from the light source 24 into the optical path. The mirror 23 may be removed from the optical path during X-ray recording. In an alternative embodiment not shown, the light source 24 may be configured such that light is introduced into the optical path without the mirror 23. The collimator unit 24, hereinafter referred to as the collimator unit 24, is provided with at least two opposing collimator units or laterally confined X-ray radiation and light apertures.

[0055] Collimator unit 25 is designed to gradually develop a first collimator field by means of a first light field and to gradually develop a second collimator field by means of a second light field. Light source 25 is designed to generate a first light field of a first color and a second light field of a second color different from the first color. The light source is preferably an RGB-LED light source.

[0056] Light source 24 generates a first light field or a second light field 27. The first light field or the second light field 27 can be incident on the object 28 being inspected, and therein show the first collimator field or the second collimator field. For receiving X-ray radiation, a mobile X-ray detector or a fixed X-ray detector 29 is provided behind the inspection area of ​​the object 28 for observation from the X-ray source. X-ray system 20 also has a computing unit 30. The computing unit 30 may have a storage device for a control device for executing a computer program according to the invention. X-ray system 20 can also read and execute program segments stored on a computer-readable medium by means of computing unit 30. X-ray system 20 may also have display units 31, 32 and input mechanisms 33, 34 connected to computing unit 30.

[0057] Although the details of the invention have been described in detail through preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited to the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. A method (10) for fading in a collimator field of an X-ray source (21) in an examination region of an X-ray recording by means of an X-ray system (20), the method (10) having the following steps: a. first fading in (12) a first collimator field (41) by means of a first light field in a first color, and b. second fading in (13) a second collimator field (42) by means of a second light field in a second color different from the first color, wherein a. in the step of the first fading in, the first collimator field is set manually in a first operating mode, and in the step of the second fading in, the second collimator field is set automatically in a second operating mode different from the first operating mode, or b. in the step of the first fading in, the first collimator field is set automatically in a first operating mode, and in the step of the second fading in, the second collimator field is set manually in a second operating mode different from the first operating mode.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a planar second extension of the second collimator field is different from a planar first extension of the first collimator field.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a planar second extension of the second collimator field and a planar first extension of the first collimator field are essentially identical.

4. The method as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the planar first extension or the planar second extension corresponds to a minimum extension that cannot be undershot or a maximum extension that cannot be overshot of the collimator field.

5. The method as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein a mobile X-ray detector (29) is used for detecting X-ray radiation transmitted by the X-ray source.

6. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the automatic setting is based on an automatic collimation sensing device with respect to the mobile X-ray detector and / or an automatic collimation tracking device with respect to the mobile X-ray detector.

7. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the planar first extension of the first collimator field or the planar second extension of the second collimator field corresponds to an overlap fade of the mobile X-ray detector.

8. The method as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first color and the second color are in the visible range.

9. The method as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein a wavelength of the first color differs from a wavelength of the second color by at least 50 nm.

10. The method as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the X-ray system is in a different system state in the first fading in than in the second fading in.

11. A computer program product having a computer program which is directly loadable into the memory means of a control device of an X-ray system, the computer program product having program sections in order to carry out all the steps of the method as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10 when the computer program is executed in the control device of the X-ray system. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 12. A computer readable medium having stored thereon program means readable and executable by a computing unit (30) to perform all the steps of a method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 when said program means are executed by the X-ray system.

13. An X-ray system (20) for performing a method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the X-ray system (20) having: a. an X-ray source (21) with a collimator unit (25), the X-ray source (21) comprising a light source (24), wherein the collimator unit is designed for fading in a first collimator field by means of a first light field and for fading in a second collimator field by means of a second light field, and b. wherein the light source is designed for generating the first light field in a first color and for generating the second light field in a second color different from the first color.

14. The X-ray system according to claim 13, wherein the light source is an RGB-LED light source.

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