Automatic activation of heating function of x-ray source of x-ray system

Abstract

A method for automatically controlling a heating function of an X-ray source (31) of an X-ray system (30) is described. In the method, whether a preparation operation (VH) for using the X-ray system (30) is performed for a new patient is automatically detected, and in the event that the preparation operation (VH) for using the X-ray system (30) for the new patient is detected, a heating process (HV) for heating the X-ray source (31) is started. A control device (20) for an X-ray system (30) is also described. The invention further relates to an X-ray system (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for automatically controlling a heating function of an X-ray source of an X-ray system. The invention also relates to a control device for an X-ray system. Furthermore, the invention relates to an X-ray system. Background Art

[0002] Modern imaging methods generally generate two-dimensional or three-dimensional image data, which can be used to visualize the imaged examination object and also for other applications.

[0003] Typically, imaging methods are based on the detection of X-rays. An X-ray imaging system comprises an X-ray source, by which X-ray radiation is emitted toward the object under examination. The X-ray radiation partially penetrates the object under examination and is partially absorbed by the object under examination. The transmitted part of the X-ray radiation is detected by an X-ray detector arranged opposite the X-ray source. The X-ray source has a so-called X-ray tube, which must always be kept at an operating temperature during operation.

[0004] Usually, the coil of the X-ray tube is heated to the recording temperature substantially only during the duration of the X-ray recording, so that the coil is not overworked unnecessarily. In order to achieve the desired recording temperature as quickly as possible, the coil can be heated to an operating temperature during preheating by means of a heating current, which is determined such that no tube current flows, in particular during preheating.

[0005] For this purpose, the X-ray source comprises a heating coil, through which a heating current flows even before the actual operation of the X-ray system. In the switched-on state, the X-ray imaging system requires approximately 2 kW of electrical power due to the heating process. Before the X-ray imaging system is ready for operation, approximately 4 seconds are required to preheat the X-ray source. In order to avoid delays caused by this preheating time when changing patients, the X-ray source is usually heated continuously, which, however, results in high energy consumption.

[0006] In addition to X-ray imaging systems, X-ray sources are also used in X-ray systems with therapeutic functions. In the operation of such X-ray systems, it is also desirable to minimize their energy consumption and maximize their availability. Summary of the invention

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to enable a delay-free operation of an x-ray system with reduced energy consumption.

[0008] The object is achieved by a method for automatically controlling a heating function of an x-ray source of an x-ray system, by a control device for an x-ray system, and by an x-ray system.

[0009] In the method according to the invention for automatically controlling the heating function of an X-ray source of an X-ray system, it is automatically detected whether a system movement, in particular a preparation process or preparation process, and preferably a preparation operation, for the use of the X-ray system for a new patient occurs. A "new" patient is to be understood as a patient who approaches the X-ray system for treatment or examination by the X-ray system, because the patient has not previously been at or in the X-ray system for treatment or examination. The automatic detection of the system movement, in particular the preparation operation, is carried out by using a technical monitoring device, which is used to monitor processes taking place in the surroundings of the X-ray system from which the approach of the patient and / or the imminent start of operation of the X-ray system can be inferred, or by automatic communication with a data processing device, which detects and processes data that are also relevant to the imminent examination or treatment and the imminent start of operation of the X-ray system. A system movement is to be understood as a change in a subsystem of the overall system of the X-ray system or a change in the overall system, which is associated with a change in the operating mode of the X-ray system and is preferably in a causal relationship with the change in the operating mode. A change is to be understood in particular as a change associated with the above-described preparation operation, associated with the operation or operating mode of the X-ray system. The operating mode includes an active mode, in which the active operation is started or executed or terminated, and a standby mode, in which the X-ray system is only prepared, wherein according to the invention, the power of the heating operation is reduced or the heating operation is completely interrupted in the standby mode. In this context, "preparation operation" should include operations of personnel for preparing to examine or treat a patient, but the term "preparation operation" should also include technical processes, such as automatic setting or adaptation of technical functions of the X-ray system to a patient or examination or treatment of a patient. An X-ray system should be understood as a system for examining an examination object or a patient, preferably a human or an animal, or a system for treating a patient, for which X-ray radiation is used. The X-ray system preferably includes a technical function for medical imaging of such a patient based on the emission of X-ray radiation. Alternatively, the X-ray system may also include a technical function for medical treatment of a patient based on the emission of X-ray radiation. Advantageously, due to the coordination of the control of the X-ray source with the preparation operation, the X-ray system must be heated only when an examination or treatment of a patient is also being performed or is about to be performed using the X-ray system. Advantageously, the current consumption of the heating process can be reduced to a necessary extent. On the other hand, the automatic detection of the preparatory operation and the automatic start of the heating process prevents delays between the examination or treatment of different patients with the X-ray system, which delays could reduce the throughput per unit time. The method of operation according to the invention thus prevents a reduction in the utilization rate of the X-ray system. The resource efficiency of the operation of the X-ray system is thus improved. In particular, costs can be saved or reduced economy due to lower throughput can be prevented.In order to save additional heating energy, the heating of the X-ray system can be automatically terminated after the imaging or treatment by the X-ray system has ended. Advantageously, the time period for heating the X-ray system is limited to the time interval in which the X-ray system is activated, thereby saving electrical energy, in particular thermal energy, for operating the X-ray system. By intermittently shutting down the heating elements of the X-ray system, the heating elements, in particular the heating coils used for the heating process, can be protected, thereby increasing their service life.

[0010] The control device according to the invention has a detection unit for automatically detecting whether a preparation operation for using the X-ray system for a new patient has occurred. A start unit is also part of the control device according to the invention, which is used to start a heating process for heating an X-ray source of the X-ray system when a preparation operation for using the X-ray system for a new patient is detected. The control device according to the invention shares the advantages of the method according to the invention for automatically controlling a heating function of an X-ray source of an X-ray system.

[0011] The X-ray system according to the invention has an X-ray source for emitting X-ray radiation and a heating element for heating the X-ray source. In addition, the X-ray system comprises an X-ray detector for detecting the X-ray radiation emitted by the X-ray source. The control device according to the invention is also part of the X-ray system according to the invention. The X-ray system according to the invention shares the advantages of the control device according to the invention.

[0012] Most of the aforementioned components of the control device according to the invention can be implemented completely or partially in the form of software modules in a processor of a corresponding computing system, for example by a control device of an X-ray system or a computer for controlling such a system. A possible software implementation has the advantage that a computing system that has been used so far can also be converted in a simple manner by a software update to operate in the manner according to the invention. Insofar as the object is also achieved by a corresponding computer program product with a computer program, which can be directly loaded into a storage unit of a control device of an X-ray system or another computing system, the computer program has program segments so that when the program is executed in the control device or the computing system, the steps of the method according to the invention are executed. In addition to the computer program, such a computer program product can include additional components, such as documentation and / or additional components, as well as hardware components, such as a hardware key (dongle, etc.) for using the software.

[0013] For transport to a computing system or to a control device or computing system and / or for storage at or in a computing system or control device, a computer-readable medium can be used, such as a memory stick, a hard disk or other transportable or permanently installed data carrier, on which program segments of a computer program that can be read and executed by a computing system are stored. For this purpose, a computing system can, for example, have one or more microprocessors or the like that work together.

[0014] The following descriptions respectively contain particularly advantageous designs and improvements of the present invention. In addition, within the scope of the present invention, various features of different embodiments and claims can also be combined into new embodiments.

[0015] Preferably, in the case of a detection of a preparation operation for the use of the X-ray system for a new patient, a start time for a heating process for heating the X-ray source is determined. Finally, the heating process is started at the determined start time. In the simplest case, the heating process is started immediately after the detection of the preparation operation. If there is different information about the preparation operation and the minimum required time until the start of the examination or medical treatment, this information and the preheating time already described above, preferably at least 4 seconds, can be used as a basis for determining the time to start the heating process. Advantageously, the energy consumption for heating the X-ray source can be further optimized or minimized, in particular by an adapted start time for the heating process of the X-ray source.

[0016] In a variant of the method according to the invention for automatically controlling the heating function of an X-ray source of an X-ray system, the automatic detection includes determining the type of the detected preparation operation and determining the start time of the heating process based on the type of preparation operation. Based on the determined type of preparation operation, the minimum time required until the examination or treatment of the patient begins can be inferred. In particular, there is a sequence of different preparation operations that are performed in sequence. Based on the determined type of preparation operation and the knowledge of the minimum duration of the preparation operations performed in each sequence, it is also possible to determine the minimum time required for all preparation operations to be performed, and in particular the minimum time required at the time of performing a specific type of preparation operation until the examination or treatment begins. Advantageously, the start time of the heating process for heating the X-ray source can be determined particularly accurately, whereby a particularly large amount of energy can be saved and the throughput of the use of the X-ray system can be optimized.

[0017] In detail, the detected preparation operation preferably includes a process for transferring the patient to the X-ray system. In particular, the transfer process of the patient can be automatically monitored and the position of the patient can be determined based on the monitoring data. It is usually common that the patient passes through a predetermined path to the X-ray system. If a moving object is automatically detected in the described manner, it can be inferred from this that the patient is approaching the X-ray system. Advantageously, the approach process can be evaluated as a sign of an examination process or treatment process that is about to be started and a heating process of the X-ray source of the X-ray system can be started in a timely manner.

[0018] Particularly preferably, the procedure for transferring the patient comprises opening a door of a protective space in which the X-ray system is arranged. The X-ray system is located in the protective space in order to shield the surroundings and in particular medical personnel from the X-ray radiation. The patient must open the door of the protective space in order to enter the X-ray system. Based on the time of opening the door of the protective space, the earliest time for starting the examination or treatment can be predicted, and thus the time for starting the heating process of the X-ray source can also be determined, wherein the time for starting the heating process of the X-ray source must be located before the time of starting the examination or treatment by a warm-up time of the X-ray source, preferably at least 4 seconds.

[0019] In the above-described monitoring process, the opening of the door is preferably detected in a sensory manner. Advantageously, entry into the protected space can be detected by detecting the movement of the door, in particular the opening of the door, based on the sensor. Suitable sensors for this purpose preferably include contact sensors, wherein when the door is opened, the loss of contact between the door and the parts of the door frame can be detected. Advantageously, the position of the patient in the door area can be determined particularly easily and with little technical effort.

[0020] The preparation operation preferably includes a process for adjusting the position of the patient for carrying out the X-ray imaging and / or X-ray treatment process. Directly before starting the examination or treatment, the position of the patient relative to the patient's X-ray detector and the X-ray source must be adjusted, whereby a predetermined region, also referred to as a "region of interest", must be correctly detected or treated. The adjustment can include moving or changing the position of the system consisting of the X-ray detector and the X-ray source, and the adjustment can also include positioning a patient bed on which the patient is already located. Advantageously, the process carried out directly before the start of the treatment or examination can be automatically detected by adjusting the patient's position, so that the start of the treatment or examination and thus also the start of the heating of the X-ray source can be predetermined particularly accurately.

[0021] Likewise preferably, the detection of the preparation operation includes a process for registering the patient and / or for detecting patient information. Advantageously, in this variant, it is not necessary to monitor or detect the patient by means of an additional sensor device, since the patient registration automatically provides data of the newly added patient, based on which the time to start the heating process of the X-ray source of the X-ray system can be determined.

[0022] In addition, the termination of a treatment or imaging procedure for a patient is preferably detected automatically, wherein a heating process for heating the X-ray source is automatically terminated based on the detection of the termination process. Advantageously, heating energy can be saved by automatically terminating the heating process and the X-ray system can be kept in a standby state until the arrival of a new patient is detected.

[0023] Likewise preferably, the heating process is automatically terminated only if no system movement or preparatory operation has been detected at the time of detecting the termination process, which can infer the approach of a new patient and / or the immediate or imminent continued operation of the X-ray system for a new examination or treatment. Such system movements or preparatory operations include in particular the process types already mentioned:

[0024] - proximity of the patient,

[0025] - opening the door of the room in which the X-ray system is arranged by the patient,

[0026] - The patient's login process,

[0027] - Adjustment process for matching the X-ray system to a new patient.

[0028] Advantageously, the heating of the X-ray system is switched off only when the X-ray system is not to be needed immediately or alternatively, so that no delay of clinical operation occurs due to the switching off of the heating of the X-ray system. Advantageously, energy can be saved without reducing the patient throughput of the X-ray system.

[0029] Particularly preferably, the termination process comprises one of the following process types:

[0030] - The patient leaves the X-ray system,

[0031] - after the patient has left the X-ray system, the patient opens the door of the room in which the X-ray system is located,

[0032] -Deregistration process for patients.

[0033] Advantageously, the heating process can be terminated in time when the examination or treatment is terminated, so that heating energy is saved.

[0034] The control device according to the invention has a determination unit for determining a start time for a heating process for heating the X-ray source when a preparation operation for using the X-ray system for a new patient is detected. Advantageously, the determination unit and its function for determining the start time can further optimize the operating time for heating the X-ray source and correspondingly minimize the energy consumption during operation of the X-ray system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The present invention will be described in detail again based on an embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings show:

[0036] Figure 1 A flow chart illustrating a method for automatically controlling a heating function of an X-ray source of an X-ray system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown,

[0037] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown,

[0038] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a device for examining a patient using an X-ray system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] exist Figure 1 1 , a flow chart 100 is shown which illustrates a method for automatically controlling a heating function of an X-ray source of an X-ray system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] In step 1.I, it is automatically detected whether a preparation operation VH for using the X-ray system for a new patient has occurred. If such a preparation operation VH is detected, this is done in Figure 1 If no readiness VH is detected, this is indicated by "y" in Figure 1 If "n" is used in the example, repeat step 1.I.

[0041] In step 1.II it is determined what type T(VH) of preparation operation VH has been detected. The type T(VH) of preparation operation VH can be determined, for example, from the type of detected information, such as sensor data of a specific type of sensor or registration data RD of a computer for registering a patient.

[0042] If the type T(VH) of the preparation operation VH has been determined, the start time t0 of the heating process HV for heating the X-ray source is determined in step 1.III. The start time t0 is also related to the type T(VH) of the preparation operation VH. For example, the time interval between the registration of the patient and the start of the examination is longer than the time interval between opening the door of the protective space and the start of the examination. The time interval between opening the door of the protective space and the start of the examination is in turn longer than the time interval between adjusting the patient position in the X-ray system and the start of the examination. Therefore, the determined start time t0 is related to the sequence of possible preparation operations or to the position of the observed preparation operation in the sequence of possible preparation operations.

[0043] In step 1.IV, the heating process HV is started at a certain starting time t0.

[0044] In step 1.V, a detection is performed as to whether a treatment of the patient or a termination process BV of the imaging process is to be carried out.

[0045] For the case where a termination process BV is detected in step 1.V, this Figure 1 In the case where no termination process BV is detected in step 1.V, this is indicated by "y" in step 1.VI. Figure 1 In the example, “n” is used to represent the number of cells that have been lost. Repeat step 1.V.

[0046] In step 1.VI, the heating process HV for heating the X-ray source is automatically terminated upon detection of the termination process BV.

[0047] exist Figure 2 30 for an X-ray system according to one embodiment of the present invention (see Figure 3 ) is a schematic diagram of a control device 20.

[0048] A plurality of information collecting units 21 a , 21 b , 21 c are part of the control device 20 , which collect information SD, JD, RD which is transmitted to the detection unit 21 , which is also part of the control device 20 .

[0049] The information collecting units 21a, 21b, 21c include a door sensor 21a, which is configured to determine whether the X-ray system 30 (refer to Figure 3 ) is located in the protection space 34 (refer to Figure 3 ) of the door 32 (refer to Figure 3 ) and forwards the sensor data SD to the detection unit 21. The information collection units 21a, 21b, 21c also include an adjustment sensor 21b, which is configured to detect the patient bed 33 (see Figure 3 ) or forward the adjustment data JD to the detection unit 21. The information collecting units 21a, 21b, 21c also include a computer 21c, which is configured to receive registration data RD of a patient to be examined or treated by the X-ray system 30 and forward it to the detection unit 21. The detection unit 21 is configured to detect what type of T(HV) preparation operation occurs based on the information SD, JD, RD.

[0050] A determination unit 22 is also part of the control device 20 , which is configured to determine a start time t0 of a heating process HV for heating an X-ray source of the X-ray system 30 based on the determined type T(HV).

[0051] The control device 20 further comprises a start unit 23 for starting the heating process HV at a determined start time t0. The control device 20 is configured to transmit a control signal SS to an X-ray source of the X-ray system 30 for starting the heating process HV.

[0052] exist Figure 3 Detailed Description of the Invention A schematic diagram of a device 35 for examining a patient using an X-ray system 30 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.

[0053] The X-ray system 30 is arranged in a protected space 34 which is accessible via a door 32. A patient to be examined (not shown) is first registered via the computer 21c and enters the interior of the protected space 34 for the X-ray system 30 via the door 32. Figure 2 2 and an X-ray source 31 for emitting X-rays, the X-ray source having a heating element 31a for heating the X-ray source 31. A patient bed 33 is also part of the X-ray system 30. A door sensor 21a is arranged at the door 32, which transmits sensor data SD to the control device 20 when the door is opened. A position sensor 21b is also arranged at the patient bed 33, which detects changes or adjustments in the position of the patient and transmits adjustment data JD to the control device 20. In addition, a data connection exists between a computer 21c arranged outside the protective space 34 and the control device 20 in order to transmit registration data RD to the control device 20. As already mentioned in connection with Figure 2 As explained, the control device 20 transmits control data SS to the heating element 31 a in order to start or terminate the heating process depending on which information is transmitted to the control device 20 .

[0054] Finally, it should be pointed out again that the detailed methods and configurations described above are embodiments, and a person skilled in the art can also change the basic principles in a wide range without departing from the scope of the invention, as long as it is preset by the claims. For the sake of completeness, it should also be noted that the use of the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude that the feature in question can exist multiple times. Similarly, the term "unit" does not exclude that it is composed of multiple parts, which can be distributed in space if necessary. Regardless of the grammatical part of speech of a particular term, people with male or female gender identity are included.

Claims

1. A method for automatically controlling a heating function of an X-ray source (31) of an X-ray system (30), the method comprising the following steps: - automatically detecting whether a preparation operation (VH) for using the X-ray system (30) for a new patient is to be performed, In the event that a preparation operation (VH) for using the X-ray system (30) for a new patient is detected, a heating process (HV) for heating the X-ray source (31) is started.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, in the case where a preparatory operation (VH) for using the X-ray system (30) for a new patient is detected, the starting time (t0) of a heating process (HV) for heating the X-ray source (31) is first determined, and the heating process (HV) is started at the determined starting time (t0).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein - said automatic detection comprises determining the type (T(VH)) of the detected preparation operation (VH), and - determining the starting time (t0) of the heating process (HV) as a function of the type (T(VH)) of the preparatory operation (VH).

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein the preparatory operation (VH) comprises a process for transferring a patient to the X-ray system (30).

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the process for transferring the patient comprises opening a door (32) of a protected space (34) in which the X-ray system (30) is arranged.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the opening of the door (32) is detected by sensing.

7. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the preparatory operation (VH) comprises a process for adjusting the position of the patient for X-ray imaging and / or X-ray therapy.

8. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the preparatory operation (VH) comprises a process for registering a patient and / or for detecting patient information.

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a termination process (BV) of a treatment or imaging process for a patient is automatically detected, and a heating process (HV) for heating the X-ray source (31) is automatically terminated based on the detection of the termination process (BV).

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the termination process (BV) comprises one of the following process types: - leaving the X-ray system (31), - after leaving the X-ray system (30), opening a door (32) of a protective space (34) in which the X-ray system (30) is arranged, -Deregistration process for patients.

11. A control device (20), comprising: a detection unit (21) for automatically detecting whether a preparation operation (VH) for using the X-ray system (30) is to be carried out for a new patient, - a start-up unit (23) for starting a heating process (HV) for heating an X-ray source (31) of the X-ray system (30) in the event that a preparation operation (VH) for using the X-ray system (30) for a new patient is detected.

12. An X-ray system (30), comprising: - an X-ray source (31) for emitting X-ray radiation, - a heating element (31a) for heating the X-ray source (31), - an X-ray detector unit for detecting the emitted X-ray radiation, - A control device (20) according to claim 11.

13. The X-ray system of claim 12, wherein the X-ray system (30) comprises one of the following system types: -X-ray imaging system, -X-ray therapy systems.

14. A computer program product, comprising a computer program, which can be directly loaded into a storage unit of a control device (20) of an X-ray system (30), and the computer program has a program code segment so that when the program is executed in the control device (20), all steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 are performed. 15 . A computer-readable medium on which a program segment executable by a computer unit is stored, so that when the program segment is executed by the computer unit, the steps of the method according to claim 1 are performed.

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