Electronic device and method for monitoring exposure of an operator of an electronic device

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic device for monitoring exposure of an operator of the electronic device, in particular a mobile phone, comprising a radiation monitoring unit configured to measure ionizing radiation emitted in an environment of the electronic device, wherein the radiation monitoring unit is further configured to determine a dose result for an operator of the electronic device based on the measured ionizing radiation, the device further comprising an X-ray control unit configured for wireless communication with an X-ray system, wherein the X-ray control unit is configured to control the X-ray system based on the determined dose result for the operator of the device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for monitoring exposure of an operator of a device and a system for controlling an X-ray system comprising an electronic device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of monitoring ionizing radiation. Specifically, it relates to the field of monitoring the exposure of operators of electronic equipment configured to control X-ray systems, and methods for monitoring such exposure. Background Technology

[0002] X-ray imaging operations are performed in a properly shielded imaging room with interlocks at each door to restrict access to only authorized personnel. The positions of the patient, staff, and operator are well-known parameters for these X-ray operations. In contrast, for the operation of mobile X-ray systems, radiation protection and exposure measurements are generally more complex compared to a defined and properly shielded imaging room. Options for measuring exposure can be provided by mobile phones, including digital cameras for capturing images or videos. These mobile phones can be used to measure ionizing radiation. However, these single measurements of ionizing radiation, regardless of whether the measured exposure is too high, do not protect the operator of the X-ray system and may not prevent injury to the operator while using the X-ray system. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, an improved device and / or system for monitoring operator exposure may be needed, wherein the device and / or system also allows at least partial control of the X-ray system to improve operator safety during use / operation of the X-ray system.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved device and / or system that enhances the safety of operators using X-ray systems during critical situations relative to the ionizing radiation they are exposed to during operation.

[0005] The object of the invention is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims, wherein further embodiments are incorporated in the dependent claims.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, an electronic device, particularly a mobile phone, for monitoring the exposure of an operator of an electronic device is described. The electronic device includes: a radiation monitoring unit configured to measure ionizing radiation emitted in the environment of the electronic device, wherein the radiation monitoring unit is further configured to determine a dose result for the operator of the electronic device based on the measured ionizing radiation; and an X-ray control unit configured to wirelessly communicate with an X-ray system, wherein the X-ray control unit is configured to control the X-ray system based on the determined dose result for the operator of the device.

[0007] In other words, this aspect of the invention relates to a device or apparatus configured to measure electromagnetic radiation (particularly ionizing radiation), such that the device can be configured to function as a so-called dosimeter and additionally to at least partially control an X-ray system and / or at least partially control portions of an X-ray system. When at least partially controlling an X-ray system or a portion thereof, in the context of the invention, it is intended to at least control access to the X-ray system or portions thereof (e.g., X-ray tubes). Furthermore, extended control can be the control of every single parameter of the X-ray system. This means not only access to the X-ray system but also the setup of the X-ray system. The electronic device allows measurement of operator exposure and, based on this measurement, the ability to control the X-ray system. The measured radiation can be associated with the operator. This means that the operator is considered to be exposed to the radiation measured by the electronic device, such that the exposure, i.e., the dose result, can be determined from the measured radiation. In other words, the device can be a personal dose detector and X-ray control unit to extend safety features for staff and patients in mobile environments where no additional shielding rooms are available. The device can also be applicable to patients including those receiving implanted seeds (e.g., radioactive materials), where these patients are receiving, for example, brachytherapy and personnel who may come into contact with these patients.

[0008] In this invention, the term "electronic device" should be understood to describe any device that can be held and used by an operator, and in addition to hardware components such as an imager and / or camera, the device may also include software or software program products installed thereon to perform the described monitoring of exposure and to perform the method steps described in another aspect of the invention. For example, the device may be any device that can be worn and / or held in the hand and / or kept in a special holder of an electronic device (such as a mobile phone, laptop computer, or tablet computer) by an operator. Furthermore, when describing the determination of dose results, this may encompass processors and / or processing units that are used, and thus configured, for determining dose results. Alternatively, the processor may be used for a radiation monitoring unit such that the monitoring unit can be configured to measure radiation and determine / calculate dose results. In another aspect, the processor and the radiation monitoring unit may interact with each other, and both may be used to determine dose results, and thus calculate dose results.

[0009] In this invention, the term "radiation monitoring unit" should be understood as describing a part of a device capable of measuring ionizing radiation emitted in the environment in which the device is located. When the device is used by an operator, such as by hand or worn in a pocket, the exposure of the device itself is equal to the exposure of the operator. The radiation monitoring unit may include at least one or more sensors for measuring ionizing radiation to simply observe the radiation exposure of the operator. For example, the radiation monitoring unit can be used as a so-called radiation dosimeter. Thus, the radiation monitoring unit can be configured to measure the intake of external ionizing radiation, such that the device can be a personal dosimeter. The dose result determined according to the invention can simply be the ionizing radiation measured by the operator. The determined dose result can also be the measured dose from the start of activating the device for measuring ionizing radiation.

[0010] In this invention, the term "wireless communication" should be understood to describe any communication conducted remotely, such as any wireless connection capable of transmitting data, enabling both electronic devices and X-ray systems to receive and transmit data to exchange information, instructions, and / or conditions. Such wireless communication can be any communication via a remote network, Bluetooth, WLAN network (and also via a hospital data network, for example).

[0011] In this invention, the term "X-ray system" should be understood to describe any X-ray system used in a hospital or medical unit used to examine patients. For example, a mobile X-ray system may be used. The device is not limited to being associated with any particular X-ray system. The device may be associated with (at least as a control unit) different X-ray systems, but not in parallel operation; however, it may be able to communicate with different X-ray systems around the clock. In other words, the device can wirelessly communicate with various X-ray systems used by the operator.

[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the device may further include a user management unit configured to: identify whether an operator is a certified person authorized to access the X-ray system, and if the user management unit identifies the operator as a certified person, grant the operator access to the X-ray control unit for controlling the X-ray system. In other words, the X-ray control unit may be configured, for example, to perform user management before granting access to the X-ray system using a processor. User management may be based on an internal user management system of a hospital (or any other applicable medical facility with X-ray equipment / systems), which includes any X-ray systems and registered and authorized users of X-ray equipment within the hospital. The user management unit of the electronic device may have access to the hospital's user management system to identify the corresponding authorized user of the X-ray system. Alternatively, the user management unit may include corresponding identification data on the electronic device itself.

[0013] Certified personnel can be anyone authorized to operate an X-ray system, such as, but not limited to, physicians, medical assistants, medical specialists, and medical staff. Therefore, certified personnel are those authorized to use an X-ray system to perform scans.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, identifying an operator as an authenticated person may include identifying the operator by at least one of a password, fingerprint, and facial ID, wherein the identification is not limited to these examples and other identification processes suitable for identifying personnel may be used.

[0015] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the radiation monitoring unit can measure ionizing radiation in real time and can be configured to determine the dose outcome for the operator in real time. This means that the operator's exposure is monitored live during the operation of the X-ray system, such that, for example, a live warning can be provided to the operator regarding excessive doses, and / or a live shutdown of the X-ray system can be implemented. During the measurement of ionizing radiation by the radiation monitoring unit, the dose outcome can be continuously determined, allowing any peak in ionizing radiation to be achieved, and the operator can be warned, and the X-ray system can be controlled based on the determined dose outcome. This allows any unwanted dose outcome to be identified, and safety measures can be taken directly.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the X-ray control unit can be configured to remotely control the X-ray system via wireless communication. This means that the X-ray control unit can transmit and receive data and / or information that can be transmitted to the X-ray system. The X-ray control unit can be configured to remotely control any X-ray control unit that the operator has the authority to access as a certified person. The electronic device (and therefore the X-ray control unit) may not necessarily be directly connected to the X-ray system, because due to wireless communication, access to the X-ray system can be provided even when the electronic device is at a distance from the X-ray system. Control of the X-ray system can be extended in particular to accessing the X-ray system, controlling parts of the X-ray system (e.g., tube setup), and / or controlling the entire X-ray system and its equipment. Due to the remote control of the X-ray control unit, the X-ray system can be shut down without interaction with the operator. Therefore, if an excessively high dose is determined, the operator is immediately protected because the X-ray control unit communicates with the X-ray system and can stop the X-ray system.

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the radiation monitoring unit can be configured to: indicate a determined dose result to the operator and, if the dose result exceeds a predetermined threshold, warn the operator; and / or, if the dose result exceeds the threshold, cause the X-ray control unit to stop the X-ray system. The indication of the dose result and the warning to the operator can both be performed independently of each other and are not necessarily linked. The warning can take any applicable form that can be recognized by the operator. For example, any visual warning (such as a flashing light), acoustic warning (such as an alarm tone), or vibration signal. These warning signs can be provided to the operator by a mobile phone. The predetermined threshold can be any preset threshold and / or limit used to limit the operator's exposure to ionizing radiation. For example, medical standards can be applied to the radiation dose threshold, where these standards may vary according to applicable national standards and the standards of the medical facility (hospital).

[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, if the dose result may exceed a predetermined threshold before control of the X-ray system is initiated, the operator may not allow the X-ray system to be started; and / or if the dose result may exceed the predetermined threshold after control of the X-ray system and after X-ray imaging has begun, the X-ray control unit may interrupt the X-ray system; and / or if the dose result may be below the predetermined threshold, control of the X-ray system may be permitted and the X-ray system may be started and / or proceed. These conditions may be applied to the same threshold, or each condition may be applied to a different threshold, or any combination thereof. In other words, a threshold can trigger all of the above conditions, wherein the resulting action may depend on the operating state of the X-ray system. Since the electronic equipment can continuously measure ionizing radiation, the determined dose result may exceed the threshold before the operator can begin a new X-ray imaging procedure. Furthermore, if a malfunction such as a high radiation leak in the X-ray system may occur before the X-ray imaging procedure begins, the determined dose result may exceed the threshold, and the electronic equipment restricts access to the X-ray system and prevents the operator from starting the system and may warn the operator. Therefore, this can improve the safety of the X-ray imaging procedure. The same applies to this situation: if an X-ray imaging procedure has begun but not yet completed and an excessively high radiation dose is expected, the electronic equipment may be able to warn the operator and begin shutting down the X-ray system, thus limiting the operator's exposure. In this case, the X-ray imaging procedure is interrupted and not properly completed, but the operator has been protected against excessive ionizing radiation. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no risk dose, access to the X-ray system is permitted and kept stable. The X-ray system must not experience any interruption, and the X-ray imaging procedure can continue correctly.

[0019] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the device may further include a dose estimation unit configured to determine an estimated dose result after X-ray parameters are set via the X-ray control system. The estimated dose result is determined based on the set X-ray parameters, and if the estimated dose result after setting the X-ray parameters via the X-ray control system may exceed a predetermined threshold, the operator may not be allowed to activate the X-ray system via the X-ray control unit. Specifically, the estimation of the dose result may involve complex calculations of corresponding X-ray parameters, such as the tube-to-patient position, the tube-to-operator position, and the operator-to-patient position. The X-ray parameters may be at least one of the following parameters that need to be set before any X-ray imaging, such as tube current, tube voltage, patient-to-tube distance, operator-to-tube distance, X-ray collimator settings, and maximum dose settings of the X-ray tube. In other words, the dose estimation unit may receive parameter configurations of the X-ray system that the operator wants to use. Furthermore, the dose estimation unit calculates the estimated dose occurring during the X-ray imaging process based on the received parameter settings and may, together with other features of the electronic equipment, determine whether the dose may be too high or below a predetermined threshold.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device may further include an interface configured to display to an operator at least one of the following: monitored ionizing radiation, determined dose results, connection type to the X-ray system, a list of necessary preparations for X-ray imaging to be performed by the X-ray system, the cumulative dose of the determined dose results, and control parameters of the X-ray system. The interface can be used to enable operator interaction with the electronic device. For example, to indicate dose results, in another aspect, the operator can use the interface to remotely interact with the X-ray system in wireless communication, thereby controlling the X-ray system. In other words, the interface can be a control panel for remotely controlling the X-ray system to which the electronic device is connected.

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, if the determined dose result exceeds a predetermined threshold, the X-ray control unit can be configured to adjust at least one X-ray imaging condition before activating the X-ray system. In the context of the invention, X-ray conditions can be understood to describe at least one of the following: the operator's position relative to the X-ray source; the number of X-ray imaging scans; the operator's distance relative to the X-ray source; at least one X-ray parameter, such as voltage, current, radiation time, and the operator's identification. The X-ray control unit can also adjust more than one X-ray imaging condition depending on which condition must be corrected and how many conditions must be corrected. For example, if the radiation monitoring unit determines that the dose result will exceed a predetermined threshold, the X-ray control unit can verify that by modifying the X-ray imaging conditions, the dose result will not exceed the threshold, such that a change in at least one condition helps allow the operator to begin the X-ray imaging process. For example, for an estimated dose result, the X-ray control unit can verify that X-ray parameters (e.g., tube current or voltage) can be set or reset, and that after resetting the parameters, the dose result will be within the operator-permissible range. Furthermore, during the use of electronic equipment, dosage results may exceed the threshold because the distance between the operator and the tube is too low. The X-ray control unit can indicate and / or adjust the distance between the operator and the X-ray tube by rearranging the tube. This rearrangement of the tube can be performed by manually positioning the tube or by the operator moving the tube.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the ionizing radiation may be X-ray radiation emitted from an X-ray system used by the operator, wherein the radiation monitoring unit can determine the dose result based on the received X-ray radiation. The electronic equipment and radiation monitoring unit can be adapted to a specific X-ray radiation, as this may be the radiation most relevant to the operator. Therefore, the electronic equipment can be calibrated for X-ray radiation to achieve appropriate exposure monitoring results.

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the device can communicate with a database on which the operator's personal dose is stored, and / or wherein the device may include a storage device for storing the operator's personal dose, wherein the determined dose result is stored in the storage device and / or transmitted to the database, wherein the dose result and the operator's personal dose can be compared by a radiation monitoring unit.

[0024] In other words, the radiation dose monitoring unit can store the operator's dose results in an internal and / or external database, or any combination thereof. The database can store the actual measured dose of the electronic equipment and the operator's individual dose, allowing comparisons with thresholds to be performed.

[0025] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the radiation monitoring unit may include an ionizing radiation sensitive detector. The radiation monitoring unit may also include more than one radiation sensitive detector. The detector and the radiation monitoring unit can be used by a corresponding software application of an electronic device. In other words, the detector, together with the radiation monitoring unit that determines the dose result, can be used as a personnel dosimeter.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an ionizing radiation-sensitive detector may be a camera of a mobile phone, which includes an image sensor sensitive to ionizing radiation. The mobile phone's camera may be a radiation-sensitive detector, and a corresponding application for the mobile phone may be used and provided on the electronic device for processing signals received through the camera. Specifically, the camera's image sensor may be a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) image sensor sensitive to ionizing radiation.

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the device can be configured to determine the operator's cumulative dose over time based on radiation measured by a radiation measurement unit. The cumulative dose result is the total dose generated over a given period. These cumulative dose results should also not exceed a predetermined threshold. The cumulative dose result can be used to indicate to the operator whether he / she will be permitted to perform further X-ray imaging. Since the electronic device can be used as a personal dosimeter, the cumulative dose result will be summed for operators, for example, those using several different X-ray devices / systems in a day; however, the cumulative dose result can also be combined when the person is a part-time operator but otherwise in an interventional room and also receives some dose—but the operator will be well under the control of the system (however, the operator may then receive a warning).

[0028] According to a second aspect of the invention, a system for controlling an X-ray system is described. The system includes an electronic device configured to monitor ionizing radiation, according to any of the embodiments of the reference electronic device. The system also includes an X-ray system configured to receive data from the electronic device, wherein the X-ray system can be controlled by the electronic device. The electronic device included in the system can include any of the embodiments described above with respect to the electronic device. For example, the system can be a mobile phone and an X-ray system as electronic devices, wherein the mobile phone can be used to measure operator exposure and, based on this information, to control at least one of access to the X-ray system, X-ray parameters, startup, and shutdown. The mobile phone and the X-ray system communicate wirelessly, enabling the mobile phone to remotely control the X-ray system.

[0029] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method for monitoring operator exposure is described. The method includes the steps of: providing an electronic device for monitoring exposure; measuring ionizing radiation emitted in the environment of the device using a radiation monitoring unit; determining a dose result for the operator of the device based on the ionizing radiation measured by the radiation monitoring unit; wirelessly communicating with an X-ray system using an X-ray control unit of the device; and controlling the X-ray system via wireless communication using the X-ray control unit based on the determined dose result for the operator. Furthermore, the embodiments described with respect to the electronic device can be applied to the method. Therefore, the method may further include, in particular, the following steps: identifying whether the operator is a certified person authorized to access the X-ray system via a user management unit, and if the user management unit identifies the operator as a certified person, providing the operator with access to the X-ray control unit for controlling the X-ray system; measuring ionizing radiation in real time; determining the dose result for the operator in real time; warning the operator if the dose result exceeds a predetermined threshold, and stopping the X-ray system if the dose result exceeds the threshold; adjusting at least one X-ray imaging condition before starting the X-ray system if the determined dose result exceeds the predetermined threshold; communicating with a database on which the operator's personal dose is stored and / or wherein the device includes a storage device for storing the operator's personal dose, wherein the determined dose result is stored in the storage device and / or transmitted to the database, wherein the operator's dose result and personal dose can be compared by a radiation monitoring unit.

[0030] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the use of a mobile phone for monitoring operator exposure is described, wherein the mobile phone is used to measure ionizing radiation emitted in the environment of the electronic device via a radiation monitoring unit, wherein the radiation monitoring unit is further configured to determine a dose result for the operator of the electronic device based on the measured ionizing radiation. The mobile phone is also used for wireless communication with an X-ray system via an X-ray control unit, wherein the X-ray control unit is configured to control the X-ray system based on the determined dose result for the operator of the device.

[0031] It should be noted that embodiments of the invention are described with reference to different subject matter. In particular, some embodiments are described with reference to method-type claims, while other embodiments are described with reference to apparatus-type claims. However, those skilled in the art will understand from the above and below description that, unless otherwise stated, any combination of features related to different subject matter is also considered to be disclosed with this application, except for any combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter. However, all features can be combined to provide more synergistic effects than a simple sum of features. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The aspects defined above, as well as other aspects of the invention, will become apparent from the examples of embodiments described below, and will be explained with reference to these examples. The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples of embodiments, but is not limited thereto.

[0033] Figure 1 The illustration schematically depicts an electronic device, particularly a mobile phone, for monitoring operator exposure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 Features of an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention are schematically illustrated.

[0035] Figure 3 The illustration shows a flowchart illustrating the steps of a method for monitoring operator exposure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. List of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 100, 200 electronic devices 110 Interface 111 Input Section 112 Identifier 113 Dosage Results 114 Indicator 115 indicator 120, 220 Ionizing Radiation 201 Radiation Monitoring Unit 202 Radiation Sensor 203 X-ray control unit 204 User Management Unit 205 Database 206 X-ray system 301 to 310 Process / Method Steps Detailed Implementation

[0036] Figure 1 An electronic device 100, particularly a mobile phone, for monitoring the exposure of an operator of an electronic device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically. Figure 1 The illustrated electronic device 100 is a mobile phone, which includes a radiation monitoring unit, illustrated herein as a camera 102 of the mobile phone 100. This radiation monitoring unit (camera 102) is capable of measuring radiation 120 occurring in the environment of the electronic device 100 and is configured to determine a dose result for the operator of the electronic device 100 based on the measured ionizing radiation 120. X-ray control unit ( Figure 1 The part that is not visible in the middle is part of the electronic device 100 and is connected to the (external) X-ray system. Figure 1Wireless communication is performed (not shown in the figure). The X-ray control unit is configured to control the X-ray system based on a determined dose result for the operator of device 100. Device 100 may be a handheld portable device 100, allowing the operator to easily carry device 100 in their pocket or elsewhere. Identification of the operator and whether the operator is a certified person authorized to access the (external) X-ray system can be performed by a user management system. The user management system can verify whether the operator is a certified person via an identifier 112 (such as the operator's fingerprint). If the user management unit identifies the operator as a certified person via identifier 112, the operator can be granted access to the X-ray control unit for controlling the X-ray system. The radiation monitoring unit is configured to indicate to the operator the determined dose result 113 and whether the dose result 113 exceeds a predetermined threshold for warning the operator, and / or if the dose result 113 exceeds the threshold, the radiation monitoring unit causes the X-ray control unit to stop the X-ray system. Figure 1 In this system, dose results 113 can be presented to the operator in list form on an interface 110, such as a display interface. This list can show the most recently measured dose results 113 from within a day or any other time period. The indication of this information is not limited to this specific list; all other visible indicators can be used to provide the operator with information about the dose results 113. Warnings to the operator can be visually provided via visual indicators 114 (such as lights or pictograms on the interface 110 of mobile phone 100). Warnings can also be provided to the operator acoustically. The interface 110 can also provide the operator with additional information, for example, using visual indicators 115 indicating whether access to the X-ray system is authorized or whether access to the database is permitted. The interface 110 can also be used to remotely adjust the parameters of the X-ray system via input 111.

[0037] Figure 2An electronic device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is schematically illustrated. Device 100 includes a radiation monitoring unit 201, an X-ray control unit 203, and a user management unit 204, which serves as an operator identifier 204. Furthermore, device 100 includes an internal database 205, which can communicate with external databases or other devices or software systems to exchange data. The radiation monitoring unit 201 monitors (and thus measures) ionizing radiation 220 in the environment of device 100 via a radiation sensor 202, thus monitoring ionizing radiation 220 in the operator's environment. The detected ionizing radiation 220 is provided to the radiation monitoring unit 201, which determines a dose result from the ionizing radiation 220. The determined dose result is provided to the X-ray control unit 203, which is capable of controlling an X-ray system 206 based on the determined dose result. The X-ray control unit 203 is capable of wirelessly communicating with more than one X-ray system. For example, if an operator uses different X-ray systems, the X-ray control unit 203 is able to provide access to all these different X-ray systems 206 and is also configured to identify whether the operator is a certified person for each of these different X-ray systems 206. The identification of whether the operator is a certified person is performed by the user management unit 204. Figure 2 The arrow from X-ray system 206 to radiation sensor 202 should indicate the effect of (one or more) X-ray systems on the measured radiation 220.

[0038] Figure 3 The illustration shows a flowchart illustrating the steps of a method for monitoring operator exposure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 The flowchart illustrates the different constraints that occur when a threshold for the dose result is exceeded. This flowchart illustrates the process by which electronic device 100 is configured to perform operations, and also illustrates a method for monitoring operator exposure. This method will be described with reference to it. Figure 3The steps described above are not identical to those in the previous steps, but these steps can also be applied to processes performed by features of the electronic device 100 as described in the different embodiments above. In the first step 301, an X-ray system is provided, for example, a portable X-ray system is provided to a patient. Additionally, or simultaneously, the electronic device 100 is provided to an operator. Advantageously, the operator carries the electronic device with them. In the next step 302, the electronic device is activated; this step may be obsolete since the electronic device may be constantly running. By activating the electronic device, the radiation measurement in step 303 is automatically initiated. The radiation measurement may also be initiated by the operator alone. In the next step 304, preparation for scanning the X-ray image is performed. This step may include setting X-ray parameters, which may be performed by the operator on the X-ray system or via the electronic device 100 and transmitted to the X-ray system via wireless communication. In the next step 305, access to the X-ray system is checked, and the operator is thus identified as an authorized person with access to the X-ray system. Steps 304 and 305 may be changed in their order such that step 305 may be performed before step 304. During steps 302 to 308 (completion of the X-ray imaging process), the radiation monitoring unit determines whether the determined dose result exceeds a predetermined threshold, see 309. This verification is performed during the period when the electronic device 100 has been activated, enabling the electronic device 100 to monitor ionizing radiation during each of steps 301 to 308. If the determined dose result exceeds the threshold 309, the X-ray control unit will interrupt 310 the X-ray system and all possible operating scans and operations of the X-ray system. The X-ray system can be stopped by the X-ray control unit of the electronic device, and the operator is not allowed to start the X-ray system if the dose result exceeds the predetermined threshold 309 before control of the X-ray system is initiated. For example, access to the X-ray system is denied or interrupted before scan preparation (step 306) is completed. If the dose result exceeds the predetermined threshold 309 after control of the X-ray system and after the start of X-ray imaging (which has already begun in step 307), the X-ray control unit interrupts the X-ray system. Therefore, the X-ray control unit will be interrupted during step 307. If the dose result is below a predetermined threshold, control of the X-ray system is permitted, and the X-ray system can be started and / or continue to operate. The device may also include a dose estimation unit (not shown) configured to determine an estimated dose result after X-ray parameters are set via the X-ray control system (which is done in step 304), wherein the estimated dose result is determined based on the set X-ray parameters, and if the estimated dose result after setting the X-ray parameters via the X-ray control system exceeds a predetermined threshold 309, the operator is not permitted to start the X-ray system via the X-ray control unit.Therefore, the X-ray control unit interrupts the X-ray system before completing scan preparation in step 306. The steps of the process / method described herein may be changed in their order, and therefore the described order is not limited to this particular order. If the dose result does not exceed a predetermined threshold 309, scan preparation, i.e., step 306, can be completed, X-ray imaging, i.e., step 307, can be performed, and the X-ray imaging process can be completed.

[0039] While the invention has been detailed and described in the accompanying drawings and the foregoing description, such description is to be considered illustrative or exemplary rather than restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations of the disclosed embodiments will be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention upon study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the dependent claims.

[0040] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the words "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple. A single processor or other unit can perform the functions of several items recited in the claims. Although specific measures are recited in different dependent claims, this does not indicate that combinations of these measures cannot be advantageously used. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. An electronic device for monitoring the exposure of an operator of the electronic device, the electronic device being particularly a mobile phone, the electronic device comprising: A radiation monitoring unit is configured to measure ionizing radiation emitted in the environment of the electronic device. The radiation monitoring unit is further configured to determine the dose result for the operator of the electronic device based on the measured ionizing radiation. The X-ray control unit is configured for wireless communication with the X-ray system. The X-ray control unit is configured to control the X-ray system based on a dose result determined by the operator of the device. The radiation monitoring unit is configured to indicate the determined dose result to the operator, and to warn the operator if the dose result exceeds a predetermined threshold. If the dose result exceeds the threshold, the radiation monitoring unit causes the X-ray control unit to stop the X-ray system. If the dose exceeds the predetermined threshold before control of the X-ray system is initiated, the operator is not permitted to start the X-ray system. If the dose result exceeds the predetermined threshold after the X-ray system has been controlled and after X-ray imaging has begun, the X-ray control unit interrupts the X-ray system. If the dose result is below the predetermined threshold, control of the X-ray system is permitted, and the X-ray system can be started and / or continue to operate.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: The user management unit is configured to identify whether the operator is an authorized person permitted to access the X-ray system, and If the user management unit identifies the operator as the certified person, it grants the operator access to the X-ray control unit for controlling the X-ray system.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The radiation monitoring unit measures the ionizing radiation in real time and is configured to determine the dose result for the operator in real time.

4. The electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The X-ray control unit is configured to remotely control the X-ray system via the wireless communication.

5. The electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The device also includes: A dose estimation unit is configured to determine an estimated dose result after X-ray parameters are set via the X-ray control system, wherein the estimated dose result is determined based on the set X-ray parameters. If the estimated dose result exceeds the predetermined threshold after the X-ray parameters are set via the X-ray control system, the operator is not allowed to start the X-ray system via the X-ray control unit.

6. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, If the determined dose result exceeds the predetermined threshold, the X-ray control unit is configured to adjust at least one X-ray imaging condition before activating the X-ray system.

7. The electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The ionizing radiation is X-ray radiation emitted from the X-ray system used by the operator, wherein the radiation monitoring unit determines the dose result based on the received X-ray radiation.

8. The electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The device communicates with a database, on which the operator's personal dose is stored, and / or the device includes a storage device for storing the operator's personal dose. The determined dosage results are stored in the storage device and / or transmitted to the database. The dose result and the operator's personal dose can be compared by the radiation monitoring unit.

9. The electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The radiation monitoring unit includes an ionizing radiation sensitive detector.

10. The electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The ionizing radiation sensitive detector is the camera of the mobile phone, and the camera includes an image sensor that is sensitive to the ionizing radiation.

11. The electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The device is configured to determine the operator's cumulative dose over time based on the radiation measured by the radiation measurement unit.

12. A system for controlling an X-ray system, comprising: The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 is configured to monitor ionizing radiation. An X-ray system configured to receive data from the electronic equipment. The X-ray system can be controlled by the electronic device.

13. A method for monitoring operator exposure, the method comprising the following steps: Provide electronic equipment for monitoring the exposure. A radiation monitoring unit is used to measure ionizing radiation emitted in the environment of the device. The radiation monitoring unit determines the dose result for the operator of the equipment based on the measured ionizing radiation. The X-ray control unit of the device communicates wirelessly with the X-ray system. The X-ray control unit controls the X-ray system via wireless communication based on a dose result determined for the operator. The operator is informed of the determined dosage result, and if the dosage result exceeds a predetermined threshold, the operator is warned. If the dose result exceeds the threshold, the X-ray control unit stops the X-ray system. If the dose exceeds the predetermined threshold before control of the X-ray system is initiated, the operator is not permitted to start the X-ray system. If the dose result exceeds the predetermined threshold after the X-ray system has been controlled and after X-ray imaging has begun, the X-ray system is interrupted by the X-ray control unit. If the dose result is below the predetermined threshold, control of the X-ray system is permitted, and the X-ray system can be started and / or continue to operate.

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