Medical device console with interference signal identification

Abstract

A console (3) of a medical device (1, 2) has an input element (4) for generating an electrical control signal (A1, A2) as a result of an actuation of the input element by an operator of the medical device. The console has an evaluation device (5) which is connected to the input element in order to receive the electrical control signal. The evaluation device is designed to determine control commands (C1, C2) for controlling the medical device on the basis of the electrical control signal. The evaluation device has an interface (6) for outputting control commands to the medical device. The console has a plurality of sensors (10) for detecting electromagnetic interference signals (E, B) from the surroundings of the console. The evaluation device (5) is connected to the sensor (10) for receiving variables (G1, G2) characterizing the electromagnetic interference signals (E, B) detected by the sensor (10). The evaluation device (5) is designed to process the characteristic variables (G1, G2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention is based on an operating table of a medical device.

[0002] wherein the operating console has an input unit for generating an electrical control signal as a result of an actuation of an input element by an operator of the medical device,

[0003] wherein the control console has an evaluation device which is connected to the input element for receiving the electrical control signal,

[0004] wherein the evaluation device is designed to determine a control command for actuating the medical device based on the electrical control signal,

[0005] wherein the evaluation device has an interface for outputting control commands to the medical device. Background Art

[0006] Such operating tables and associated medical devices are generally known.

[0007] In the prior art as well as in the present invention, the medical device may be, for example, a motorized translational and / or rotational examination bed. In this case, the corresponding control commands may be generated by means of an operating console and transmitted directly or via an intermediately connected control device to the drive device of the examination bed. Alternatively, in the prior art as well as in the present invention, the medical device may be, for example, an X-ray device, in particular a C-arm device. In this case, the corresponding control commands may be generated by means of an operating console, by means of which the X-ray device is moved on the one hand, and the acquisition of the X-ray image itself is controlled on the other hand.

[0008] In both the prior art and the present invention, the input element may be, for example, a key, a switch, a joystick-like control lever, or the like.

[0009] Both in the prior art and in the present invention, the evaluation device typically has a microprocessor inside, which defines the mode of operation of the evaluation device. In particular, the programming of the evaluation device defines how the evaluation device determines the control command based on the electrical control signal.

[0010] Not only in the prior art but also in the present invention, the interface for outputting the control command can be configured as a bus interface or as a dedicated interface as required.

[0011] Medical devices and associated operating tables may be exposed to electromagnetic interference sources. An example of such an interference source is a so-called electrosurgical scalpel. Electrosurgical scalpels are used to cauterize in a targeted manner using electric current. And / or cutting human tissue. Such electrosurgical knives operate at frequencies in the range between 100 kHz and several MHz, at voltages up to several kV and at powers of several hundred W. It can easily happen that the associated cables are led - accidentally or intentionally - through the operating table of the medical device, or that the electrosurgical knife itself is placed there during a period of time when the electrosurgical knife is not in use. Since the cables or electrosurgical knives are spatially close to the operating table, interference may be caused in the operating table. Another possible source of interference is equipment from the mobile radio field, such as mobile phones. Interference may also be caused in the operating table by such equipment.

[0012] In the prior art, attempts are made to avoid such interference influences. This is achieved in part by using interference-resistant circuits, by hardware filters, shielding films and other hardware measures. This is achieved in part by analog or digital filtering of the electrical control signal. However, in both cases it is possible that the evaluation device reacts to the electrical control signal generated by the input element only within a reduced range and / or with a delay. In addition, the effort required to achieve the required interference immunity is high. Summary of the invention

[0013] The object of the present invention is to provide a possibility by means of which the influence of electromagnetic interference signals from the surroundings of a control panel can be detected and utilized in a simple manner.

[0014] The object is achieved by a control panel having the features of the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the control panel are the subject of this document.

[0015] According to the invention, a control table of the type mentioned at the outset is designed in such a way that

[0016] - the operating table has a plurality of sensors for detecting electromagnetic interference signals from the surrounding environment of the operating table,

[0017] The evaluation device is connected to the sensor for receiving a variable characteristic of the electromagnetic interference signal detected by the sensor, and

[0018] The evaluation device is designed to process representative variables.

[0019] The number of sensors can be as required. At least there is only one single sensor. Usually there are multiple sensors. For example, an electric field can be detected by means of one of the sensors and a magnetic field can be detected by means of another of the sensors. The sensors can also be designed to detect interference signals occurring in different frequency ranges. Sensors of the same type can also be arranged at different positions of the operating table. The measures mentioned can also be combined with each other.

[0020] As already mentioned, the evaluation device typically has a microprocessor inside, which defines the mode of operation of the evaluation device. In particular, the programming of the evaluation device defines the manner in which the evaluation device processes the representative variables.

[0021] The evaluation device is preferably designed in such a way that it stores the characteristic variables together with the corresponding time stamps in a historical sense.

[0022] The storage of representative variables and the associated time stamps (i.e. without storing other variables) already brings about significant advantages. This is because the user of the control panel or medical device can usually report that the control panel or medical device does not function as intended and approximately when the control panel or medical device did not function as intended. Even if the user cannot specify the reason for the non-functioning, it is still possible to determine or at least infer by evaluating the stored history that the cause for this, at least in some cases, is the presence of electromagnetic interference signals, or conversely, the absence of electromagnetic interference signals can exclude electromagnetic interference signals as the cause of the non-functioning.

[0023] The evaluation device is preferably designed in such a way that it also stores the electrical control signals and / or control commands together with the characterizing variable and the time stamp.

[0024] The storage of electrical control signals and / or control commands also generally simplifies fault analysis.

[0025] In particular, it is possible to determine at which point in time a specific control command actually had a specific value. In particular, it is possible to more accurately determine the time period during which the control panel or the medical device was not functioning as intended, according to the conclusion of the user of the control panel or the medical device.

[0026] The evaluation device is preferably designed in such a way that it also takes into account characteristic variables in addition to the electrical control signal when determining the control command.

[0027] For example, in the absence of an electromagnetic interference signal or in the absence of a low signal level, the evaluation device may use a first (e.g., relatively sensitive) determination algorithm for determining a control command based on the electrical control signal, and in the presence of an electromagnetic interference signal and in the absence of a relatively high signal level, the evaluation device may use a second (e.g., relatively robust) determination algorithm for determining the control command.

[0028] As a result, on the one hand, a very sensitive response to an operation of the input element by the user can be achieved when no electromagnetic interference signal is present or when the signal level is only low, and on the other hand, erroneous responses that could be caused by electromagnetic interference signals in the case of sensitive responses can be avoided when the electromagnetic interference signal is present and has a relatively high signal level.

[0029] Preferably, at least one of the sensors is arranged in a volume enclosed by a housing of the operating console. Thus, the corresponding sensor can be arranged in particular near a component that is sensitive to electromagnetic interference signals.

[0030] For example, the corresponding sensor can be arranged on a printed circuit board arranged in the enclosed volume. This simplifies the routing of lines from the corresponding sensor to the evaluation device.

[0031] Preferably, at least one of the sensors is arranged in a delimiting element of the operating table facing the surroundings of the operating table. Thus, the corresponding sensor can be arranged in particular in the area where the greatest influence of electromagnetic interference sources is expected. This is especially true when the delimiting element is arranged at the upper side of the operating table.

[0032] Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term (e.g., patient, user, etc.), people with both male and female gender identities are always included. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention described above and the manner and method of achieving these characteristics, features and advantages become clearer and more clearly understood in conjunction with the following description of the embodiments, which are explained in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Here, it is shown in a schematic diagram:

[0034] Figure 1 showing medical equipment,

[0035] Figure 2 A block diagram showing the operation console,

[0036] Figure 3 showing a section through a perspective view of an operating table,

[0037] Figure 4 shows a flow chart, and

[0038] Figure 5 Another flow chart is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Corresponding to Figure 1 , the medical apparatus 1 , 2 can be designed, for example, as an examination couch 1 . Alternatively or additionally, the medical apparatus 1 , 2 can be designed, for example, as a medical imaging system 2 , for example, as shown, as a C-arm system or as an ultrasound system.

[0040] Regardless of the specific design of the medical devices 1 and 2, the medical devices 1 and 2 are associated with an operating console 3. The operating console 3 can be fixedly arranged on or close to the examination bed 1, for example. The operating console 3 is used to control the medical devices 1 and 2.

[0041] according to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the operating console 3 has an input element 4. An operator of the medical device 1, 2 - an operator (e.g., a doctor) not shown - can manipulate the input element 4. Due to the operator's manipulation of the input element 4, the input element 4 generates electrical control signals A1, A2, etc. The generation of the electrical control signals A1, A2, etc. can be performed, for example, by mechanically manipulating the electrical contacts by manipulating the corresponding input element 4, thereby opening or closing the circuit. Purely by way of example, in Figure 3 A joystick-like operating lever and two buttons are shown as input elements 4. However, the input elements 4 can also be configured in other numbers, combinations, and modes and methods. For example, it is possible to detect the presence of the operator's finger in a capacitive or other non-contact manner, not by closing or opening contacts.

[0042] The control console 3 also has an evaluation device 5. The evaluation device 5 is connected to the input element 4. Thus, the evaluation device 5 can receive from the input element 4 the electrical control signals A1, A2, etc. generated by the input element.

[0043] The evaluation device 5 receives the electrical control signals A1, A2, etc. from the input element 4 and evaluates them. The evaluation device 5 determines control commands C1, C2, etc. based on the electrical control signals A1, A2, in particular. The control commands C1, C2, etc. are used to control the medical devices 1, 2. For example, the examination bed 1 can be positioned based on the control commands C1, C2, etc. The same applies to the imaging medical facility 2. In order to output the control commands C1, C2 to the medical devices 1, 2, the evaluation device 5 has an interface 6.

[0044] The evaluation device 5 usually has a microprocessor as a central processing unit 7, so to speak, as a "brain". The microprocessor is programmed with a control program 8, which is stored in a program memory 9 of the evaluation device 5. The programming of the microprocessor or the execution of the control program 8 defines the mode of operation of the evaluation device 5.

[0045] The operating table 3 also has a plurality of sensors 10. With the aid of the sensors 10, it is possible to detect electromagnetic interference signals E, B in the surrounding environment of the operating table 3. The number of sensors 10 can be as required. For example, the operating table 3 can correspond to Figure 2 The illustrations in the figure respectively have a sensor 10 for detecting an electrical interference signal E and a sensor 10 for detecting a magnetic interference signal B. In order to detect the electrical interference signal E, the corresponding sensor 10 can, for example, have an antenna and an electric endoscope circuit arranged downstream. Suitable antennas are known to those skilled in the art. Examples are wire antennas, chip antennas and PCB antennas. In order to detect the magnetic interference signal B, a Hall sensor can be used in particular. The sensor 10 generates representative variables G1, G2, etc. based on the electromagnetic interference signals E and B detected by it.

[0046] The setting of the sensor 10 can be carried out as required. For example, corresponding to Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the operating console 3 usually has a housing 11, which encloses a volume 12. At least one of the sensors 10 can be arranged in the volume 12. In particular, a larger circuit board and a smaller circuit board 13 are usually arranged in the volume 12. The corresponding sensor 10 can be arranged on such a printed circuit board 13, for example, on a printed circuit board of an operating lever like a joystick. This is Figure 3 In the example, the corresponding arrow 14 is indicated. Alternatively or additionally, Figure 3 The dashed lines of the sensors 10 in FIG. 1 indicate that it is possible for at least one of the sensors 10 to be arranged in a delimiting element 15 of the control panel 3 . In this case, the corresponding delimiting element 15 faces the surroundings of the control panel 3 . The delimiting element 15 thus forms a component of the outer side of the control panel 3 . The delimiting element 15 can correspond to Figure 3 The illustration in is especially arranged at the upper side of the operating console 3. If parts of the housing of the operating console 3 are made of metal, the corresponding parts of the housing can also be used as antennas for the sensor 10 for detecting the electrical interference signal E.

[0047] The determination of the representative variables G1, G2, etc. can be carried out as required. For example, a pure threshold value evaluation can be carried out. Alternatively or additionally, filtering and / or averaging can be carried out. Other evaluations are also possible. It is even possible to determine and output corresponding representative variables G1, G2, etc. without pre-action with direct electromagnetic interference signals E, B. The evaluation can be designed simply and cost-effectively, because it is only necessary to identify whether the threshold value is exceeded, and if necessary, it is even only necessary to identify whether the threshold value is exceeded within a predetermined frequency range.

[0048] The evaluation device 5 is connected to the sensor 10. The evaluation device 5 receives from the sensor 10 in particular the characteristic variables G1, G2 generated by the sensor 10. The characteristic variables G1, G2 are processed by the evaluation device 5. The corresponding processing is performed by the processing device 7. The type and method of the processing are usually specified by the control program 8.

[0049] Combine the following Figure 4 Possible ways and methods of processing representative variables G1 , G2 , etc. by the evaluation device 5 are explained.

[0050] according to Figure 4 In step S1, the evaluation device 5 receives its control signals A1, A2, etc. from the input element 4. Furthermore, in step S2, the evaluation device 5 receives representative variables G1, G2, etc. from the sensor 10. Finally, in step S3, the evaluation device 5 receives the current time T. The current time T can be determined, for example, according to Figure 2 The timer 16 of the control console 3 is provided to the evaluation device 5 .

[0051] In step S4 , the evaluation device 5 determines control commands C1 , C2 etc. based on the electrical control signals A1 , A2 . This determination is also performed as in the prior art. In step S5 , the evaluation device 5 outputs the determined control commands C1 , C2 etc. to the medical devices 1 , 2 via the interface 6 .

[0052] In step S6, the evaluation device 5 stores the representative variables G1, G2, etc. together with the corresponding time stamp, i.e. the result is the current time T provided by the timer 16 in step S3. The storage in step S6 takes place in a historical sense. Therefore, this storage does not replace the already stored representative variables G1, G2, etc. and the associated time stamps, but is added in addition ("history is getting longer and longer").

[0053] Preferably, in step S6 , the electrical control signals A1 , A2 , etc. and / or the control commands C1 , C2 , etc. are also stored.

[0054] Starting from step S6, the evaluation device 5 returns to step S1 again. Therefore, steps S1 to S6 are always repeatedly executed by the evaluation device 5.

[0055] Now combine Figure 5 Another possible way and method of processing the representative variables G1, G2, etc. by the evaluation device 5 is described. Figure 5 It can also be seen from the further explanation of the method that Figure 5 The method can be used according to the needs Figure 4 way combination.

[0056] Figure 5 The method first includes steps S11 and S12. Steps S11 and S12 are Figure 4 Steps S1 and S2 correspond to each other in a 1:1 manner. Therefore, regarding steps S11 and S12, refer to Figure 4 The above-described embodiments of steps S1 and S2.

[0057] Since it can Figure 5 The way and Figure 4 Therefore, it is also possible that there is also a step corresponding to step S3. Figure 5 It is not shown in FIG. 1 because the corresponding steps do not necessarily exist.

[0058] As Figure 4 The alternative of step S4 is Figure 5There are steps S13 to S15. In step S13, the evaluation device 5 evaluates the characteristic variables G1, G2, etc. and decides on the basis of the evaluation in what manner and method the control commands C1, C2, etc. are determined based on the electrical control signals A1, A2. For example, in step S13, the evaluation device 5 can check whether the characteristic variables G1, G2, etc. exceed a predetermined threshold value or generally meet a certain condition. Depending on the result of the check, the evaluation device 5 can, for example, either transition to step S14 or to step S15.

[0059] Whether in step S14 or in step S15, the evaluation device 5 determines the control commands C1, C2, etc. based on the electrical control signals A1, A2, etc. However, the manner and method of determination in step S14 differ from the manner and method of determination in step S15. Thus, it can happen that, although the electrical control signals A1, A2, etc. are identical, for example, the control command C1 has a first value within the scope of step S14 and a second value within the scope of step S15, wherein the second value is different from the first value. For example, the following duration can be determined in relation to the characteristic variables G1, G2, during which one of the control signals A1, A2 must have a constant value in order to generate the corresponding control command C1, C2. However, independently of the specific manner, the evaluation device 5 thus takes into account the characteristic variables G1, G2, etc. in the result when determining the control commands C1, C2, etc. in addition to the electrical control signals A1, A2, etc.

[0060] After steps S13 and S14 or S13 and S15 , the evaluation device 5 executes step S16 . Figure 5 Step S16 and Figure 4 The step S5 corresponds to step S16 in a 1:1 manner. Figure 4 The above implementation of step S5.

[0061] Starting from step S16, the evaluation device 5 returns to step S11. Steps S11 to S16 are always repeatedly executed by the evaluation device 5.

[0062] Because it will Figure 5 The way and Figure 4 The feasibility of the combination of methods is also possible. Figure 4 The step corresponding to step S6. Figure 5 It is not shown in FIG. 1 because there is no need for a step corresponding to step S6. If there is such a step, it is performed between executing step S16 and returning to step S11.

[0063] Therefore, in summary, the present invention relates to the following facts:

[0064] The operating console 3 of the medical device 1, 2 has an input element 4 for generating electrical control signals A1, A2 due to manipulation of the input element 4 by an operator of the medical device 1, 2. The operating console 3 has an evaluation device 5, which is connected to the input element 4 for receiving the electrical control signals A1, A2. The evaluation device 5 is configured to determine control commands C1, C2 for operating the medical device 1, 2 based on the electrical control signals A1, A2. The evaluation device has an interface 6 for outputting the control commands C1, C2 to the medical device 1, 2. The operating console 3 has a plurality of sensors 10 for detecting electromagnetic interference signals E, B from the surroundings of the operating console 3. The evaluation device 5 is connected to the sensors 10 for receiving variables G1, G2 representative of the electromagnetic interference signals E, B detected by the sensors 10. The evaluation device is configured to process the representative variables G1, G2.

[0065] The invention has many advantages. In particular, by using not only the electrical control signals A1, A2 but also the characteristic variables G1, G2, an improved evaluation of the electrical control signals A1, A2 is possible. At least, however, it is possible to determine the history of the characteristic variables G1, G2 etc.

[0066] Although the details of the present invention have been illustrated and described in detail through the preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed examples, and other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An operating table for a medical device (1, 2), - wherein the operating console has an input element (4) for generating an electrical control signal (A1, A2) as a result of an actuation of the input element (4) by an operator of the medical device (1, 2), - wherein the control console has an evaluation device (5), which is connected to the input element (4) for receiving the electrical control signal (A1, A2), - wherein the evaluation device (5) is designed to determine a control command (C1, C2) for actuating the medical device (1, 2) based on the electrical control signal (A1, A2), - the evaluation device (5) has an interface (6) for outputting the control command (C1, C2) to the medical device (1, 2), It is characterized in that - the operating table has a plurality of sensors (10) for detecting electromagnetic interference signals (E, B) from the surrounding environment of the operating table, The evaluation device (5) is connected to the sensor (10) for receiving variables (G1, G2) representative of the electromagnetic interference signal (E, B) detected by the sensor (10), and The evaluation device (5) is designed to process the representative variables (G1, G2).

2. The operating table according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The evaluation device (5) is designed in such a way that it stores the representative variables (G1, G2) together with the corresponding time stamps (T) in a historical sense.

3. The operating table according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The evaluation device (5) is designed such that it also stores the electrical control signal (A1, A2) and / or the control command (C1, C2) together with the representative variable (G1, G2) and the time stamp (T).

4. An operating table according to claim 1, 2 or 3, It is characterized in that The evaluation device (5) is designed such that, in determining the control command (C1, C2), the evaluation device (5) also takes into account the characteristic variable (G1, G2) in addition to the electrical control signal (A1, A2).

5. An operating table according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that At least one of the sensors (10) is arranged in a volume (12) enclosed by a housing (11) of the operating table.

6. The operating table according to claim 5, It is characterized in that The corresponding sensor (10) is arranged on a circuit board (13), and the circuit board is arranged in the enclosed volume (12).

7. An operating table according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that At least one of the sensors (10) is arranged in a delimiting element (15) of the operating console facing the surroundings of the operating console.

8. The operating table according to claim 7, It is characterized in that The limiting element (15) is arranged on the upper side of the operating table.

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