Display of information to a patient

Abstract

The invention relates to the display of information to a patient. The invention particularly relates to a method for displaying information to a patient with a variable patient position on a medical imaging apparatus. The method comprises at least the following steps: providing a certain number of display screens which are arranged on the medical imaging apparatus with each display face and in each display layer. A current field of view of the patient is continuously determined, wherein at least once a reference field of view is determined for determining the current field of view. An optimized display segment is continuously determined on the basis of the current field of view, the display face and the display layer. A display image is created on the basis of the display segment and the information to be shown and is output in the optimized display segment. The invention also relates to a display control unit and a medical imaging apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a display control unit for displaying information to a patient with a variable patient position on a medical imaging apparatus, and to the medical imaging apparatus itself. Background Technology

[0002] Medical imaging devices typically have a patient table or bed, allowing the patient to be positioned relative to other components involved in the imaging process. In computed tomography (CT) equipment, the patient typically moves through a tunnel-shaped opening in the gantry. During the examination or imaging, it is often appropriate to display visual information to the patient, such as breathing commands, examination progress information, etc., which simplifies the procedure or makes the patient more comfortable. Optical or visual information provides an option for designing such examinations as barrier-free as possible, especially for patients with language comprehension difficulties or hearing impairments.

[0003] The typical design of tunnel-type racks limits the possibilities for mounting displays. One key factor is the arched nature of the available surface. Therefore, mounting classic flat displays is only feasible without significantly reducing the net space within the rack, especially when the displays are relatively small. On the other hand, the patient's position changes during the examination. This necessitates the use of multiple small, classic displays so that the patient can continuously see at least one display throughout the examination.

[0004] During this period, flexible display screens (“roll-up LEDs”) that can be mounted on arched surfaces have been known in practice. However, a problem with such display screens is that patients cannot easily detect them from every position during examination. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to improve the visibility of information to be displayed to a patient during examinations using medical imaging devices.

[0006] This task is accomplished through the method according to the invention for displaying information to a patient with a variable patient position on a medical imaging device, the display control unit according to the invention, and the medical imaging device according to the invention.

[0007] The aforementioned method for displaying information to a patient with a variable patient position on a medical imaging device includes the following steps: A number of displays are provided, arranged on the medical imaging device utilizing each display surface and in each display layer. In a further step, the patient's current field of view is continuously determined. Here, a reference field of view is determined at least once to be used for determining the current field of view. Furthermore, optimized display segments are continuously determined based on the current field of view, display surfaces, and display layers. In a further step, a display image is created based on the display segments and the information to be displayed. The display image is output in the optimized display segments.

[0008] A display screen or multiple display screens are a visual representation or reproduction of information. Therefore, information can be shown in particular as images, image sequences, or videos.

[0009] Medical imaging devices include, for example, computed tomography (CT) equipment, PET equipment, SPECT equipment, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment, X-ray equipment, radiation equipment such as linear accelerators, simulators, etc. Medical imaging devices can also be constructed as combinations of the above modes, such as PET-CT, PET-MR, and SPECT-CT. However, the present invention works particularly advantageously in fixed and / or at least immobile or difficult-to-move medical imaging devices. These are particularly understood to be medical imaging devices where movement or positioning of the patient relative to the imaging components of the medical imaging device is necessary or at least significantly simpler.

[0010] This means that the patient's position is variable, and actually changes, especially within the scope of the examination or imaging procedure. To position the patient, for example, a patient table or bed that is particularly controllable and electrically movable can be used. Alternatively or additionally, positioning can also be achieved, for example, through movement made by the patient themselves.

[0011] Display screens may already be provided during the manufacture of medical imaging devices. Alternatively, the display screens may be mounted or installed on medical imaging devices that have already been manufactured or even installed. The term "quantity" includes providing a single display screen. However, it is preferred to provide two or more display screens, as will be described in more detail later.

[0012] The display screen has a two-dimensional extended or geometric shape (in a mathematical sense), i.e., a display surface. The display surface can be designed, for example, flat or preferably arched. Here, the display screen is arranged in a display layer that is fixed relative to the medical imaging device 20. That is, it is translated and fixed relative to or attached to the medical imaging device in its angular orientation.

[0013] The display screen can be implemented in a simple way, such as by means of multiple manipulated LEDs or LCDs, or by means of symbols backlit by LEDs. This allows simple information to be conveyed to the patient, such as a breath-holding countdown. For this purpose, the backlit symbols can be implemented, for example, using a cut-out template.

[0014] Alternatively, the display screen can also be implemented using at least one projector or projector that illuminates a corresponding area of ​​the rack, and in this way also has a defined display surface and display layer.

[0015] In addition, the display screen can also be implemented in the form of a display panel. Here, a display panel specifically refers to a gridded display element with multiple pixels, through which images can be displayed.

[0016] Because the patient's position changes during the imaging process, the patient's actual field of vision also changes. "Actual field of vision" refers to the area the patient can see without eye movement, i.e., almost when the patient is looking directly at the screen naturally. The actual field of vision typically includes approximately 214° (±107°) horizontally from the patient's viewpoint, 60°–70° upwards, and 70°–80° downwards. Even when the actual field of vision is defined without eye movement, eye movement can be tolerated within the scope of the method according to the invention and the imaging achieved therein, and, if necessary, even increases the area the patient can see.

[0017] For example, based on head position recordings, the patient's actual visual field is approximated as a reference visual field at least once, and especially continuously. The reference visual field thus represents the standard visual field expected based on head position.

[0018] In a simple sense, "obtaining a reference field of view" can be understood as an estimate of the approximate orientation of the actual field of view. This can be achieved, for example, based on the patient's initial support position and the assumption of "typical," i.e., average, anthropological data. Anthropological data can also be adapted to other patient parameters, such as height, weight, sex, age, etc. Even without recording using a camera or similar means, the patient's eye position or actual field of view can be inferred from this. Then, for example, the current field of view is obtained based on the position of the table, as described in more detail later.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, a reference field of view is sought or detected using a camera. For this purpose, algorithms known from practice or trained artificial intelligence applications can be used, in particular, to track or determine the translational and angular positions of the head.

[0020] When a reference field of view is continuously acquired, the current field of view corresponds to the reference field of view. However, if the reference field of view is acquired only once or over a large time interval, the patient's current field of view can still be inserted if the patient's position or a change in patient position is additionally detected. This can be done, for example, when using the position of the patient table, as described in more detail later.

[0021] Therefore, the patient's current visual field represents the standard visual field expected based on the continuously sought or inserted head position.

[0022] "Continuous" here means that, within the duration of the imaging or the information to be displayed, the corresponding process is repeated periodically, i.e., at defined time intervals. These time intervals are determined, for example, according to the rate of change of the patient's position or, for example, corresponding to a typical image repetition frequency, in order to achieve advantageously smooth illustration.

[0023] Information is shown in an optimized display segment, which is determined based on the current field of view, display surface, and display layer. That is, the optimized display segment is specifically selected such that the patient can see the display segment or the information contained therein, either fully or at least as much as possible. The size of the illustration and, consequently, the optimized display segment used, can vary, for example, according to the patient's distance from the display screen and / or viewing angle, and / or the illustration can balance the curvature of the display screen, as described in more detail later.

[0024] A display image refers to an illustration of information actually shown on a display screen. Therefore, a display image is created based on a display segment and the information to be displayed. That is, the information to be displayed, such as the size of the illustration in the optimized display segment, possible distortions due to the arched display surface in the display segment, or the patient's viewing angle, is adapted and output as a display image in the optimized display segment.

[0025] Therefore, advantageously, patients can comfortably and effortlessly see the information to be displayed about the entire duration of imaging using the method according to the invention, and see the motions that interfere with imaging, and follow the instructions included in the information if necessary.

[0026] The aforementioned display control unit controls the display of information on a medical imaging device to a patient with a variable patient position. The display control unit includes a number of display interfaces leading to a number of displays arranged on the medical imaging device, utilizing each display surface and in each display layer. The display control unit also includes a reference acquisition interface, which, when used, acquires the patient's reference field of view at least once. A field of view acquisition unit, also included, is configured to continuously acquire the patient's current field of view, taking into account the reference field of view. Furthermore, the display control unit includes an optimization unit that continuously acquires optimized display segments based on the current field of view, display surfaces, and display layers. A display image is created based on the display segments and the information to be displayed, using a generation unit, also included. The display control unit's output interface outputs the display image to the optimized display segments.

[0027] Therefore, the display control unit, in principle, includes components required by the device for performing the above-described methods. In this regard, the same terms, definitions, advantages, etc., also apply. The aforementioned interface can be constructed, for example, wired or wireless, such as via WLAN, Bluetooth, etc.

[0028] The aforementioned medical imaging apparatus has a display control unit according to the present invention. As described above, medical imaging apparatuses include, for example, computed tomography (CT) devices, PET devices, SPECT devices, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices, X-ray devices, ultrasound devices, etc. There is a particular need, or at least a significantly simpler method, for moving or positioning the patient relative to the imaging components of the medical imaging apparatus.

[0029] Most of the aforementioned components of the display control unit according to the invention can be implemented, wholly or partially, as software modules in the processor of a corresponding computing system, for example, by a control device of a medical imaging apparatus or a computer for controlling such an apparatus. Implementing it in software whenever possible has the advantage that computing systems already in use can be easily retrofitted via software updates to operate according to the invention. In this regard, the task is also solved by a corresponding computer program product having a computer program and program segments that can be directly downloaded into the computing system, so that when the program is implemented in the computing system, the steps of the method according to the invention for generating formatted inserted image data are executed. In addition to the computer program, such a computer program product may also include, if necessary, additional components, such as documentation and / or additional parts, hardware components, such as hardware keys (dongles, etc.) for using the software.

[0030] Computer-readable media, such as memory sticks, hard disks, or other portable or fixed data carriers, are used for transmission to and / or storage on or within a computing system or control device, where program segments of a computer program that can be read and executed by the computing system are stored on the data carrier. For this purpose, the computing system may, for example, have one or more cooperating microprocessors.

[0031] The dependent claims and the following description respectively contain particularly advantageous designs and modifications of the invention. Here, a claim of one claim class can also be modified in a manner similar to dependent claims of other claim classes. Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, different embodiments and different features of the claims can be combined to form new embodiments.

[0032] The preferred reference field of view is determined exactly once, and the current field of view is determined based on the position of the patient stage of the medical imaging device.

[0033] In other words, if the patient lies on the patient table and their head position relative to the patient table remains substantially unchanged, then the reference field of view is, for example, initially determined or detected once. The initial head position can be determined, for example, in the initial positioning of the patient on the patient table relative to the gantry, the initial positioning being performed, for example, by means of laser cross-section. In particular, the support direction, such as head-to-tail or tail-to-head, and / or other preferred patient parameters, such as height, weight, etc., can be known from the scan plan. Additionally, anatomical or averaged or patient-specific anthropological parameters can preferably be involved in the determination or estimation. Based on this, knowledge of the table position or patient table position is sufficient to determine or estimate the patient's current field of view based on the initial reference field of view. The table position for this purpose can be retrieved or determined, for example, from the table control unit and subsequently, in particular, forwarded to the display control unit. Translation of the patient table directly corresponds, for example, to translation of the reference field of view. Especially since the patient tends to focus their field of view on the location of the information to be displayed, good visibility of the information to be displayed can be ensured in a simple manner and with only one determination of the reference field of view.

[0034] The alternative location, the reference field of view, is preferably continuously detected and corresponds to the current field of view.

[0035] As mentioned above, "continuous" here also means that the corresponding process is repeated periodically, i.e., within defined time intervals, during the duration of the imaging or the information to be displayed. In a simple implementation, such as a display screen using LEDs or symbols backlit by LEDs, the time interval can be, for example, in the range of milliseconds. The time interval is determined, for example, according to the rate of change of the patient's position. When using a display screen, the time interval corresponds, for example, to a typical image repetition frequency in order to achieve advantageously smooth illustration. Typical image repetition frequencies are, for example, 60Hz, 100Hz, or 120Hz. Similarly, image repetition frequencies of 144Hz or 240Hz are also possible.

[0036] Preferably, the detection of the reference field of view is performed using camera images, data from 3D cameras, and / or records from medical imaging devices, especially topographic mapping records and / or tomography records.

[0037] Time-of-flight (TOF) cameras and / or stereo cameras can be used as 3D cameras, for example. Detecting gaze direction or field of view using images from a camera or 3D camera with the aid of appropriate algorithms and / or appropriate artificial intelligence methods is known in principle. Methods can be used, for example, to determine the position or orientation of specific body parts of a patient, as described in DE 10 2014 218 558 and / or DE 10 2014 216 718, which are hereby incorporated herein.

[0038] Detecting a reference field of view using appropriate algorithms and / or suitable artificial intelligence methods can also be used for recordings already obtained with medical imaging devices. This can be particularly advantageous when the patient is located in an area that is difficult for the medical imaging device to see from external or attached cameras. Especially when combined with attached or external cameras, particularly good detection or estimation of the reference field of view can be achieved.

[0039] The size of the displayed segments and / or displayed images should preferably be scaled according to the patient's position and / or current field of vision.

[0040] This means that if the patient is farther away from, for example, the optimized display segment or image, then the optimized display segment or image is selected or scaled more extensively. This allows for better detection of the information shown by the patient from a distance. If, in other examples, the patient is closer to the optimized display segment or image, then the optimized display segment or image is selected or scaled less extensively. This avoids head movements that could obstruct imaging, allowing all shown information to be detected within the field of vision (i.e., in the absence of movement).

[0041] When retrieving display segments and / or creating display images, it is preferable to take into account the current field of view so that visual distortion is minimized.

[0042] "Viewpoint distortion" here refers to distortion caused by the patient's perspective. Therefore, viewpoint distortion is the deformation or transformation of the observed object and its environment, which differs significantly from the object's appearance under normal observation due to the relative sizes of near and far features. Because the patient's current field of vision is determined as described and therefore their distance from the display screen is known, appropriate corrections can be advantageously and simply performed. For this purpose, linear or nonlinear imaging or transformations can be used to adapt the information to be displayed for creating the displayed image, so that viewpoint distortion is fully or at least largely compensated.

[0043] According to the method of the invention, when determining the display segment and / or creating the display image, the shape of the display surface and the current field of view are taken into account, so that the distortion caused by the shape is minimized.

[0044] Shape-induced distortion refers here to distortion caused by the shape of the display screen or medical imaging device. Because the shape, warping, or curvature of the display screen or display surface is known, correction of shape-induced distortion can be advantageously and simply performed. To this end, linear or nonlinear imaging or transformation can be used to adapt the information to be displayed for creating the displayed image, so that shape-induced distortion is fully or at least largely compensated.

[0045] According to the method of any one of the preceding claims, the orientation of the current field of view in the z-direction and / or phi-direction is considered to determine the display segment.

[0046] Here, the z-direction and phi-direction are typical directions in cylindrical coordinates. Especially in annular imaging devices, the z-axis extending along the z-direction is defined as the rotation axis of the annulus. The patient is preferably positioned along the z-direction using a patient stage. Particularly preferably, the z-direction corresponds to the patient's longitudinal direction. Here, it is, for example, the head-to-tail direction, i.e., the direction extending downwards from the patient's viewpoint, or the tail-to-head direction, i.e., the direction extending upwards from the patient's viewpoint. Therefore, the phi-direction and z-direction are essentially two directions defining the field of view of the patient, preferably positioned on the patient stage. The position along the z-direction changes during imaging due to the movement of the patient stage. Because head rotation or movement during the scanning process is disadvantageous, the angular position of the head is initially considered in particular. Taking these frame conditions into account, it is advantageous to simplify or more efficiently design the aforementioned tracking algorithm.

[0047] The medical imaging device preferably has a scanning plane, and preferably has at least one display screen arranged on each side of the scanning plane.

[0048] In medical imaging devices, the plane in which the actual imaging occurs, or the isocenter, is usually referred to as the scanning plane. For example, in a CT scanner, the plane in which the radiation source and detector rotate is called the scanning plane. Because radiation between the radiation source and detector should not be obstructed, or should be obstructed as little as possible, in order to achieve the best possible imaging, displays, especially screens or LEDs, should be avoided in this area. However, to display information to the patient in as many patient positions as possible, it is advantageous to arrange displays on both sides of the scanning plane.

[0049] Particularly preferably, the optimized display segments are arranged on both sides of the scanning plane, and on both sides of the scanning plane, the display images are created based on the same information, and are output if the current field of view is located in the area adjacent to the scanning plane.

[0050] Therefore, if the patient's eye or the center of their current field of vision is located near the scanning plane, the information to be displayed is preferably, in particular, displayed entirely as each display image on a screen on either side of the scanning plane. This allows for immediate switching of the patient's viewing angle between two identical display images on either side of the scanning plane, so that they can advantageously see the information displayed typically on at least one display image.

[0051] The preferred medical imaging devices are computed tomography (CT) equipment, positron emission tomography (PET) equipment, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) equipment, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment, or X-ray equipment.

[0052] All these devices are known in their basic functionality, and in particular, they utilize electrically controlled, positionable patient tables. Therefore, they can be combined with the present invention in a particularly advantageous manner. Attached Figure Description

[0053] The invention will now be described in detail again with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Here, in the different drawings, the same parts are given the same reference numerals. Where relative positions are subsequently used, such as "above" or "below," these relative positions are to be understood as such that the normal action of gravity points downwards, and the medical imaging device is therefore oriented according to its conventional operating orientation. The drawings are generally not to scale. Wherein:

[0054] Figure 1 A schematic side partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a medical imaging apparatus in the form of a CT device according to the present invention is shown, the CT device having an embodiment of a display control unit according to the present invention and a patient in a first patient position.

[0055] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Another schematic lateral partial cross-sectional view of a CT device showing a patient in a second patient position;

[0056] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 Another schematic lateral partial cross-sectional view of a CT device showing a patient in a third patient position;

[0057] Figure 4 Shown from the patient's perspective Figure 1 Another schematic diagram of a CT scanner, which has a patient in a second patient position.

[0058] Figure 5 Shown from the patient's perspective Figure 1 Another schematic diagram of a CT scanner, showing a patient in a third patient position.

[0059] Figure 6 A schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the display control unit according to the present invention is shown.

[0060] Figure 7 A schematic flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for displaying information according to the present invention is shown; and

[0061] Figure 8 A schematic flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the method for displaying information according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0062] Figure 1 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a medical imaging apparatus 20, in the form of a CT device 20 according to the present invention, is shown. This CT device has an embodiment of a display control unit 40 according to the present invention and a patient P in a first patient position PP1. In addition to the components described in detail below, the CT device 20 may of course include other components, such as a calculator, switch cabinet, reconstruction unit, control unit, etc. Since the functionality of the CT device 20 is known in principle, only additional components relevant to the present invention will be discussed where necessary.

[0063] The CT apparatus 20 includes a ring-shaped or annular gantry 30, which is schematically shown in cross-section as two shaded annular portions 30. A tunnel-shaped free space 34 is arranged at the center of the gantry 30, and the precise center point of this arrangement is called the isocenter 26, i.e., the imaging center. Therefore, the gantry 30 extends, in principle, rotationally symmetrically around the isocenter 26. Radiation sources and detectors (not shown) are arranged within the gantry 30 and rotate there around the isocenter 26 during the imaging process. Therefore, the plane extending in the plane of rotation of the radiation source and detector and extending through the isocenter 26 is called the scanning plane E. On either side adjacent to the scanning plane E are so-called transmission zones 28 through which the radiation source transmits X-ray radiation toward the detector.

[0064] The z-direction of the CT equipment extends perpendicular to the scanning plane E. Here, the rear side 30'' of the gantry 30 is first arranged in the z-direction, and the front side 30' of the gantry 30 is arranged adjacent to it. For imaging, the patient P is introduced into the free space 34 via a manipulated and electrically movable patient stage 25. Here, the patient moves along the head-to-tail direction using the central body axis through the isocenter 26. Besides the head-to-tail direction, the tail-to-head direction can also be used as the scanning direction or for moving the patient stage 25.

[0065] Then, on the upper annular portion of the frame 30, display screens 21 and 21' are respectively arranged adjacent to the transmission area 28 on both sides of the scanning plane E as display screens 21 and 21'. Therefore, the terms display screen or display, display surface or display panel, display layer or display segment, display segment, etc., will be used synonymously in principle thereafter without loss of generality. The first display screen 21 is disposed in the first display layer DL on the front side 30' of the frame 30. The first display screen has a curved first display surface 22 adapted to the shape of the front side 30'. The second display screen 21' is disposed in the second display layer DL' on the rear side 30'' of the frame 30. The second display screen has a curved second display surface 22' adapted to the shape of the rear side 30''.

[0066] The term "display surface" herein includes characteristics of the corresponding display screens 21, 21', such as the height h or width b of display screens 21, 21' (see [reference]). Figure 3These characteristics do not need to remain constant over the entire area of ​​display screens 21, 21'; that is, trapezoidal display screens or any other shape are, in principle, possible. The term "display surface" here also includes, for example, the curvature characteristics of the display screen, such as concave, convex, or more complex curvatures in one or more directions of display screens 21, 21'. "Display layer" describes the Cartesian position and angular orientation of display screens 21, 21'. Therefore, if the display layers DL, DL', display surfaces 22, 22', and resolution of the corresponding display screens 21, 21' are known, then the position and orientation of each individual pixel of the display screen are also known, allowing for targeted manipulation of said position and orientation to display information. Adaptation of the display screen to the described shape of the CT device 20 can be achieved, for example, by means of segmented display screens. Preferably, display screens 21, 21' are designed as "rollable displays," which are inherently flexible. Therefore, the shape of the corresponding display screens 21, 21' or the corresponding display surfaces 22, 22' can be easily adapted to the adjacent shape of the CT device 20.

[0067] The CT device 20 also includes a camera 32 and a 3D camera 31. Camera 32 is positioned next to the first display screen 21 on the front side 30' of the gantry 30 and is mounted on the gantry 30. In principle, the camera can be positioned anywhere on the CT device or within the examination room. Exemplarily, the 3D camera is mounted on the ceiling of the examination room. It is important for the positioning of the cameras 32 and 3D camera 31 that they can detect patient P at as many patient positions PP1, PP2, PP3 as possible. Additional cameras or 3D cameras can be used if necessary, if this improves the detection of patient P.

[0068] The CT device 20 also includes a CT control unit 33, which comprises a display control unit 40. The CT control unit 33 is connected to the gantry 30 and the components included within the gantry via appropriate interfaces, and is connected to the 3D cameras 31 and 32, the two display screens 21 and 21', and the motor of the patient table 25. Here, the interfaces can be implemented wired or wirelessly, for example via Bluetooth, ZigBee, WLAN, etc. The CT control unit 33 controls the planned imaging process overall using all components of the CT device 20 according to the presets of the medical staff. For this purpose, in addition to the display control unit 40, the CT control unit may also include other sub-units, such as a reconstruction unit, a table control unit, etc. The display control unit controls the display of the information IN to be displayed on the display screens 21 and 21'. The display control unit utilizes… Figure 6 It is described in more detail.

[0069] Figure 1The diagram illustrates the situation prior to actual imaging using CT equipment 20. Patient P is positioned with their back to the patient in a first patient position PP1 on the patient table 25, with the central patient line of sight PZ originating from / originating from the patient's eyes PE pointing upwards or towards the ceiling. The patient table 25 is located in a first patient table position PT1, which is, in principle, associated with the first patient position PP1. In this position, the patient's eyes are positioned at an initial distance a0 from the scanning plane E.

[0070] In the first patient position PP1, a reference field of view RS for patient P has been detected using 3D camera 31 and / or camera 32, which also corresponds to the current field of view S1 at that point in time. For this purpose, known tracking algorithms or corresponding trained artificial intelligence (KI) can be used, for example. Information IN is not yet shown in the first patient position PP1. This is because the current field of view S1 of patient P has not yet included display screens 21, 21' in the first patient position PP1.

[0071] Figure 2 It shows the relationship with Figure 1 The same CT equipment 20. (and) Figure 1 Unlike other patient positions, patient table 25 is moved into the free space 34 of gantry 30 along with patient P and is positioned in the second patient table position PT2. Patient P does not change his position relative to patient table 25 and is now correspondingly in the second patient position PP2. That is, his neck is positioned in the region of isocenter 26, and the patient's eye PE is positioned below the rear side 30'' of the upper annular portion of gantry 30. Therefore, the patient's eye PE is located at a first distance a1 from the scanning plane E opposite to the z-direction. The first display distance d1 is the distance along the shortest line between the patient's eye PE and the rear display screen 21'. The direction of this line to the next display screen 21, 21' is called the patient's line of sight PR. The endpoint of this line on one of the display screens 21, 21' represents the first anchor point 27 for display, such as by means of... Figure 4 As described in more detail. In the second patient position PP2, the patient's line of sight PR corresponds to the central patient's line of sight PZ.

[0072] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 The CT device 20 has a patient table 25 in a third patient position PT3 and a patient P in a third patient position PP3. Figure 1 and Figure 2In comparison, the patient stage 25 moves further in the opposite direction to the z-direction and extends significantly beyond the rear side 30'' of the gantry 30. The patient's eye PE is positioned at a second distance a2 from the scanning plane E, and the central patient gaze direction PZ no longer points to the upper annular portion of the gantry 30. The patient gaze direction PR is tilted relative to the central patient gaze direction PZ and points towards the rear display screen 21'. A second display distance d2 exists between the patient's eye PE and the rear display screen 21'. Therefore, the second anchor point 27' is also further positioned in the opposite direction to the z-direction towards the end of the rear side 30'' of the gantry 30 on the rear display screen 21' (see...). Figure 2 ).

[0073] from Figure 2 and Figure 3 It can be seen that patient P can visually detect different regions at different patient positions PP2 and PP3, but cannot detect other regions. In order to optimally present information IN to patient P at different patient positions PP2 and PP3, the method according to the present invention is used, which subsequently utilizes... Figure 7 and Figure 8 It is described in two variants.

[0074] Figure 7 A flowchart of a first embodiment of a method for displaying information IN on a medical imaging device 20, particularly a CT scanner 20, according to the present invention is shown.

[0075] In step I, a certain number of display screens 21, 21' are provided. For example, this can be provided during the manufacturing of the medical imaging device 20. Alternatively, the display screens can also be mounted on or installed on a medical imaging device that has already been manufactured or even installed. While the provision of a single display screen is included, it is preferable to provide two or more display screens, such as... Figures 1 to 5 As shown. After the display screens 21, 21' are installed, their display layers DL, DL' and display surfaces 22, 22' relative to the medical imaging device 20 are known for each display screen 21, 21'. These can be stored, for example, as parameter values ​​in the storage unit 47 of the display control unit 40 (see...). Figure 6 ).

[0076] In a separate step II, information IN that should be shown to the patient P during imaging is provided. Here, the information may be, for example, a digital image or a sequence of digital images. The information may include, for example, instructions to be performed by the patient P, such as breathing commands, or simple, calming images to distract the patient P. In other examples, an operator's camera image or a live camera image may also be shown. Furthermore, the information IN to be shown may also be stored in the storage unit 47 of the display control unit 40 (see [link to storage unit 47]). Figure 6Alternatively or additionally, the display control unit 40 may include an additional interface for receiving real-time images or real-time video or other provided information.

[0077] In step III, the reference field of view (RS) of patient P is determined. This is achieved, for example, using a 3D camera 31 or a conventional camera 32. However, the reference field of view (RS) can also be detected using a CT device 20, with the aid of topographic maps or conventional CT images. Thus, the reference field of view is detected using photographs or images of patient P. For this purpose, algorithms known in practice or trained artificial intelligence applications can be used, in particular, to track or determine the translational and angular positions of patient P's head or patient's eyes PE. Therefore, the reference field of view (RS) represents the standard field of view expected based on the head position. The display control unit 40 includes interfaces 42, 42' required for determining or detecting the reference field of view (RS), which are configured herein as a 3D camera interface 42 or a camera interface 42'. However, additional interfaces for determining the reference field of view (RS) may also be implemented.

[0078] In a separate step IV, the current visual fields S1, S2, and S3 of patient P are determined based on the reference visual field RS. Since the patient positions PP1, PP2, and PP3 change during the imaging process, the patient's actual visual field also changes. In this embodiment, the reference visual field RS is continuously monitored. The current visual fields S1, S2, and S3 therefore correspond to the last monitored reference visual field RS and are thus the standard visual fields expected based on the continuously determined head position P or the position of the patient's eyes PE. Step IV is performed, for example, in the visual field determination unit 43 of the display control unit 40 (see...). Figure 6 ).

[0079] In step V, optimized display segments 23 and 23' are determined based on the current field of vision S1, S2, S3, the display layers DL and DL', and the display surfaces 22 and 22'. Here, the optimized display segments 23 and 23' are selected such that the patient P can fully or at least optimally see the display segments 23 and 23' or the information IN contained therein. In selecting the optimized display segments 23 and 23', distortions perceived by the patient due to their viewing angle or the shape of the display surfaces 22 and 22' may also be taken into account. For example, the size of the illustration and, consequently, the optimized display segments used vary according to the distances d1 and d2 between the patient's eyes PE. However, in particular, the positions of the optimized display segments 23 and 23' are adapted to the patient P's current field of vision S1, S2, S3.

[0080] For this purpose, anchor points 27 and 27' are determined, for example, as described above, and optimized display segments 23 and 23' are determined based on these. If possible, anchor points 27 and 27' specifically define the center of the optimized display segments 23 and 23'. If anchor points 27 and 27' are arranged near the edges of display surfaces 22 and 22' to display information IN, then optimized display segments 23 and 23' can be selected, for example, such that they are aligned with display surfaces 22 and 22'. Alternatively, if anchor points 27 and 27' are arranged near the edges of display surfaces 22 and 22' to fully display information IN, then the information IN to be displayed and, consequently, optimized display segments 23 and 23' can also move into or out of display surfaces 22 and 22' together with the patient P and the anchor points 27 and 27' that move together. Step V is performed, for example, in the optimization unit 44 of the display control unit 40 (see...). Figure 6 ).

[0081] In step VI, display images 24 and 24' are created or generated based on the optimized display segments 23 and 23' and the information IN to be displayed. Display images 24 and 24' refer to the actual illustrations of the information IN displayed on display screens 21 and 21'. The information to be displayed is adapted here such that it is adapted, for example, with respect to the size of the illustrations in the optimized display segments 23 and 23', possible distortions due to the curved display surfaces 22 and 22' in the optimized display segments 23 and 23', or the patient P's viewing angle, as further described above. Step VI is performed, for example, in the generation unit 45 of the display control unit 40 (see...). Figure 6 ).

[0082] In step VII, the display images 24, 24' are output to the optimized display segment or to the optimized display segments 23, 23'. For this purpose, the display control unit 40 has display interfaces 41, 41' connected to the respective associated display screens 21, 21'.

[0083] Method steps III to VII are performed using... Figure 7 The described embodiments are continuously performed. "Continuously" here means that the sequence of corresponding process or method steps is periodically repeated within the duration of the imaging or information IN to be displayed, i.e., repeated at defined time intervals. These time intervals are determined, for example, based on the rate of change of the patient P's position or, for example, corresponding to a typical image repetition frequency, in order to achieve advantageously smooth illustration.

[0084] Figure 8 A flowchart of a second embodiment of the method for displaying information IN on a medical imaging device 20 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 8 The method shown is the same as Figure 7The method shown is similar. However, unlike that, step III, namely obtaining the reference field of view RS, is not performed continuously, but only once at or before the start of imaging in the first patient position PP1 and the first patient table position PT1, as further described in detail above, for example.

[0085] In order to still be able to determine the current field of view S1, S2, S3 of patient P as accurately as possible in step IV at different patient positions PP1, PP2, PP3, patient station positions PT1, PT2, PT3 are detected in step III'. Patient station positions PT1, PT2, PT3 can be retrieved or determined, for example, from the patient station control unit and forwarded to the display control unit 40 or its patient station interface 46. Using the reference field of view RS, the initial distance a0 between the patient's eye PE and the scanning plane E can be determined in the first patient position PP1. Because the position of the patient's eye PE remains substantially unchanged in the z-direction relative to the patient station 25 during imaging, the current field of view S1, S2, S3 of patient P can be determined in a simple manner based on the reference field of view detected in the first patient station position PT1 using the patient station positions PT1, PT2, PT3. In other words, the translational movement of the patient station 25 to the second patient station position PT2 or the third patient station position is calculated, for example, using an initial distance a0, in order to obtain the first distance a1 or the second distance a2 between the patient's eye PE and the scanning plane E and, consequently, the second current field of view S2 in the patient position PP2 or the third current field of view S3 in the patient position PP3.

[0086] Based on the obtained current field of view S1, S2, and S3, perform other method steps V to VII, such as using... Figure 7 As in the described embodiments. However, here, with the aid of... Figure 7 The method described differs in that steps III' to VII are performed continuously during imaging; step III is performed only once, as already described.

[0087] Patient table positions PT1, PT2, PT3 Figure 8 The description can also be used as an additional parameter when using... Figure 7 The described method involves determining the current field of view S1, S2, and S3. This may be advantageous, for example, if the patient is in a position PP1, PP2, or PP3 that is difficult to see from camera 32 or 3D camera 31.

[0088] Figure 6 A block diagram of an embodiment of a display control unit 40 according to the present invention is shown, the display control unit being configured to perform operations by means of... Figure 7 and Figure 8The method described herein. For this purpose, the display control unit 40 includes a 3D camera interface 42, a camera interface 42', and a patient table interface 46, which detect input data transmitted by connected components, namely the 3D camera 31, camera 32, or patient table 25. The display control unit 40 also includes a storage unit 47, in which the shapes of the display surfaces 22, 22', as well as the display layers DL, DL and the information IN to be displayed, can be stored, for example, in the storage unit. However, the information IN to be displayed can also be received by the display control unit 40 via another input interface (not shown).

[0089] The display control unit 40 also includes a field-of-view determination unit 43, an optimization unit 44, and a generation unit 45, which utilize, for example, the present invention, by means of... Figure 7 or Figure 8 The described method for displaying information IN further processes the received or stored data. Finally, display images 24 and 24' are generated.

[0090] The display control unit 40 also includes a first output interface 41 and a second output interface 41', which are connected to the front display screen 21 or the rear display screen 21'. Display images 24, 24' are transmitted to the corresponding display screens 21, 21' via one or more output interfaces 41, 41', and are displayed there in optimized display segments 23, 23'.

[0091] Here, the input interfaces 42, 42', 46 or the output interfaces 41, 41' can be implemented wirelessly or wiredly, respectively.

[0092] Figure 4 From the perspective of patient P in the second patient position PP2 (see also) Figure 2 An exemplary and schematic illustration shows an observation of the upper annular portion or upper section of the gantry 30 of the CT equipment 20. (As already illustrated by...) Figure 1 As described, the upper annular portion of the frame 30 has a front side 30' arranged along the z-direction and a rear side 30'' further arranged along the z-direction. A transmission region 28 exists between the front side 30' and the rear side 30'', and the scanning plane E is arranged at the center of the transmission region.

[0093] The front display screen 21, positioned at the front 30', is not used in the second patient position PP2. Because the patient's eye PE is positioned below the rear 30'' of the gantry 30 at a first distance a1 in the second patient position PP2, the first anchor point 24 falls within the area of ​​the rear display screen 21'. The rear display screen 21', within the rear display layer DL', is perceived as trapezoidal from the patient P's perspective due to its arched rear display surface 22' adapted to the gantry. It has a display height h and a display width b.

[0094] The first anchor point 27 forms the center of the first optimized display segment 23. The first optimized display segment 23 has a first segment height Ah and a first segment width Ab. Because the first optimized display segment 23 is positioned in the area of ​​the rack 30 that is substantially directly pointing towards the patient P in a straight-pointing observation of the patient, the information IN to be displayed can be displayed as the first display image 24 in the first optimized display segment 23 in principle without distortion, so that it can be perceived by the patient P as faithfully as possible.

[0095] In contrast, Figure 5 From the perspective of patient P in the third patient position PP3 (see also) Figure 3 An exemplary and schematic view of the upper annular portion of the gantry 30 of the CT device 20 is shown.

[0096] In the third patient position PP3, the patient's eye PE is positioned in an area extending beyond the gantry 30 in the opposite direction to the z-direction. In the third patient position PP3, the patient essentially only observes the rear side 30'' of the gantry 30 and almost no longer sees the front side 30' of the gantry 30. In the third patient position PP3, the second anchor point 27' falls into the area of ​​the rear side 30'' of the gantry 30, which is perceived as strongly arched from the patient's perspective. In this case, based on the information IN to be displayed, a second display image 24' is generated using a corresponding non-linear transformation so that it can be perceived by the patient as faithfully as possible. Because the patient P is further away from the rear display screen 21' in the third patient position PP3, the second display image 24' may be additionally scaled larger so that the patient can perceive important details if necessary. The second display image 24' is shown in the second optimized display segment 23', which is compared with the first display image 24 (see...). Figure 4 The second optimized display segment 23' is positioned further away from the scanning plane E in the opposite direction to the z-direction. It has a second segment height Ah' and a second segment width Ab', in which other scaled second display images 24' can be shown.

[0097] Even when using Figure 4 and Figure 5 While only the case where anchor points 27, 27' fall within the area of ​​the rear display screen 21' is described, a similar scenario is achieved where anchor points 27, 27' fall within the area of ​​the front display screen 21. If anchor points 27, 27' fall within the transmission area 28, then the information IN to be displayed is preferably displayed simultaneously in two display images on both sides of the transmission area 28. Therefore, in this case, the optimized display segments are located on both sides of the transmission area 28 and arranged adjacent to or adjacent to it.

[0098] Finally, it should be reiterated that the detailed methods and structures described above are embodiments, and the basic principles can be varied by those skilled in the art within a wide range without departing from the scope of the invention, provided that the scope is predetermined by the claims. Therefore, on the one hand, the CT device is described in particular only as an example for other imaging modalities. On the other hand, the display screen is described in detail, exemplarily, for all suitable types of digital displays. Even when discussing only the change in patient position in the z-direction with the aid of the accompanying drawings, the method according to the invention can be easily shifted to the patient's field of vision. The change in direction, that is, in the direction of rotation about the z-axis. Therefore, the display screen can also be advantageously adapted to the patient's head rotation. Even though the present invention has primarily discussed the display screen as a display, it also includes all suitable display screens. For completeness, it should also be noted that the use of the indefinite articles "a" or "an" does not preclude the presence of related features multiple times. The terms "unit" or "device" also do not preclude them from being composed of multiple components that may also be spatially distributed if necessary. List of reference numerals 20 Medical imaging devices and CT equipment 21. The first display screen / display screen on the front side 21' Second display screen / display on the rear side 22 First display panel / showcase 22' Second display / showcase 23 First optimized display segment / show segment 23' Second optimized display segment / show segment 24 First image displayed 24' Second Display Image 25 patient stations 26 centers 27 First Anchor Point 27 Second Anchor Point 28 Transmission Area 30 racks 30' Front 30'' rear side 31 3D cameras 32 cameras 33 CT control unit 34 Free Space 40 Display Control Unit 41, 41' Display Interface 42 3D camera interface 42' camera interface 43. Field of View Determination Unit 44 Optimization Units 45 Generating Units 46. ​​Patient station interface 47 storage units a0 Initial distance a1 First Distance a2 Second distance Ah, first segment height Ah' Second segment height Ab First segment width Ab' Second segment width b Display width d1 First display distance d2 Second display distance DL First Presentation Layer / Display Layer DL' Second Presentation Layer / Display Layer E Scan Plane h Display height IN Information Patient P PE patient's eyes PP1 First Patient Position PP2 Second Patient Position PP3 Third Patient Position PT1 First Patient Position PT2 Second Patient Station Position PT3 Third Patient Station Position PR patient's gaze direction PZ Central patient's line of sight RS Reference Field of View S1, S2, S3 Current field of view Method steps for I, I, III, III', ..., VII

Claims

1. A method for displaying information (IN) on a medical imaging device (20) to a patient (P) having a variable patient position (PP1, PP2, PP3), comprising at least the following steps: A number of displays (21, 21') are provided, which are arranged on the medical imaging device (20) utilizing each display surface (22, 22') and in each display layer (DL, DL'). The current visual field (S1, S2, S3) of the patient (P) is continuously obtained, wherein a reference visual field (RS) is obtained at least once to be used to obtain the current visual field (S1, S2, S3). Based on the current field of view (S1, S2, S3), the display surface (22, 22'), and the display layer (DL, DL'), the optimized display segment (23, 23') is continuously obtained. A display image (24, 24') is created based on the optimized display segments (23, 23') and the information to be displayed (IN). The display images (24, 24') are output in the optimized display segments (23, 23').

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The reference field of view (RS) is detected only once, and the current field of view (S1, S2, S3) is determined based on the position (PT1, PT2, PT3) of the patient stage (25) of the medical imaging device (20).

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The reference field of view (RS) is continuously detected and corresponds to the current field of view (S1, S2, S3).

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The detection of the reference field of view (RS) is performed using camera images, data from a 3D camera (31), and / or records from the medical imaging device (20), particularly topographic mapping records and / or tomographic records.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The size of the display segments (23, 23') and / or the display images (24, 24') is scaled according to the patient's position (PP1, PP2, PP3) and / or the current field of vision (S1, S2, S3).

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, When obtaining the display segments (23, 23') and / or creating the display images (24, 24'), the current field of view (S1, S2, S3) is taken into account, so that the distortion in the viewpoint is minimized.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, When determining the display segments (23, 23') and / or creating the display images (24, 24'), the shape of the display surfaces (21, 21') and the current field of view (S1, S2, S3) are taken into account, so that the distortion caused by the shape is minimized.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The optimized display segments (23, 23') are determined by taking into account the orientation of the current field of view (S1, S2, S3) in the z direction and / or in the phi direction.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The medical imaging device (20) has a scanning plane (E) and at least one display screen (21, 21') is arranged on each side of the scanning plane (E).

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The display segments (23, 23') are arranged on both sides of the scanning plane (E), and on both sides of the scanning plane (E), display images (24, 24') are created based on the same information (IN), and are output if the current field of view (S1, S2, S3) is located in the region adjacent to the scanning plane (E).

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The medical imaging device (20) is a computed tomography device, PET device, SPECT device, magnetic resonance tomography device or X-ray device.

12. A display control unit (40) for displaying control information (IN) on a medical imaging device (20) to a patient (P) having a variable patient position (PP1, PP2, PP3), comprising: Display interfaces (41, 41') lead to a number of displays (21, 21'), which are arranged on the medical imaging device (20) using each display surface (22, 22') and in each display layer (DL, DL'). The reference acquisition interface (42, 42') is used to acquire the reference field of view (RS) of the patient (P) at least once. Visual field acquisition unit (43) is configured to continuously acquire the current visual field (S1, S2, S3) of the patient (P) while taking into account the reference visual field (RS). An optimization unit (44) is configured to continuously obtain optimized display segments (23, 23') based on the current field of view (S1, S2, S3), the display surface (22, 22'), and the display layer (DL, DL'). The generation unit (45) is configured to create a display image (24, 24') based on the display segments (23, 23') and the information to be displayed (IN). The display interface (41, 41') is configured to output the display image (24, 24') to the optimized display segment (23, 23').

13. A medical imaging device (20), having A certain number of display screens (21, 21') are arranged on the medical imaging device (20) utilizing each display surface (22, 22') and in each display layer (DL, DL'). The display control unit (40) according to claim 12.

14. A computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

15. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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