Control device, medical control system and method for transmitting a command

Abstract

Control device (101) for transmitting at least one command, comprising - at least one RFID transponder unit (102) for transmitting an identifying code and - a reader (103) for reading the identifying code of the RFID transponder unit, wherein the RFID transponder unit (102) is arranged within a magnetic resonance device (104) and has at least one triggering means (106) for triggering the at least one command.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device for transmitting at least one command, a medical control system with such a control device, a method for transmitting at least one command between an RFID transponder unit and a reading device, as well as a corresponding RFID transponder unit and a reading device.

[0002] The transmission of commands by means of control devices and corresponding medical control systems is a widespread task, particularly in clinical applications.

[0003] In everyday clinical practice, the targeted transmission of a large number of commands, especially for efficient and targeted monitoring or control of medical devices, can represent a complex problem.

[0004] From DE 10 2011 085 597 A1 a medical examination device is known, wherein the examination device comprises a control unit, an image-generating modality and a controllable injection device for a contrast agent, wherein the control unit is connected to an alarm signal generator and wherein the control unit puts the modality and the injection device into a safety mode depending on an alarm signal.

[0005] From DE 10 2007 060 810 A1 an arrangement for the wireless control of a device is known, in which a device with at least one transponder and with at least one actuating element assigned to the transponder, to which a control function of the device is assigned, is used to activate and / or deactivate the control function of the device.

[0006] The document Siemens AG: Gigaset 2010 - Operating Instructions, Werk für Fernsprechendgeräte, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Straße 56, 46395 Bocholt, 1998 (A30852-X1 100-B301-3-19), - company publication, describes a cordless landline telephone with up to six handsets.

[0007] From DE 197 52 278 A1 a control system for a motor vehicle with a remote control or transponder for transmitting information to a receiver located in the motor vehicle, in which the remote control or the transponder has a battery or an accumulator, is known.

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide a control device which enables the transmission of at least one command and which also enables the efficient triggering of an alarm.

[0009] This object is achieved by a control device according to claim 1. This object is further achieved by a medical control system according to claim 21, an RFID transponder unit according to claim 24, a reader according to claim 25, and a method according to claim 26. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the respective dependent claims.

[0010] A control device for transmitting at least one command is provided, comprising - at least one RFID transponder unit for transmitting an identifying code and - a reader for reading the identifying code of the RFID transponder unit, wherein the RFID transponder unit is arranged within a medical device and has at least one triggering means for triggering the at least one command.

[0011] An RFID transponder unit and a reader together form an RFID system. The RFID transponder unit contains an identifying code that the reader can read. Coupling occurs through alternating magnetic fields generated by the reader or through high-frequency radio waves emitted by the reader, thus enabling wireless or cable-free communication.

[0012] A medical device, preferably a medical imaging device, is a device for acquiring, processing, evaluating, and / or storing image information in the form of image data. Acoustic methods such as ultrasound (US), emission methods such as emission computed tomography (ECT) and positron emission tomography (PET), optical methods, radiological methods such as X-ray tomography and computed tomography (CT) can be used to acquire the image information. However, acquisition can also be carried out using magnetic resonance imaging (MR or MRI) or a combination of these methods. The medical imaging device can deliver 2-dimensional (2D) or multi-dimensional image data such as 3-dimensional (3D) or 4-dimensional (4D), which can preferably be stored and / or processed in different formats. The medical imaging device can be used in diagnostics, for example in medical diagnostics.

[0013] A triggering device is, for example, a pushbutton, a key, or a button for triggering the at least one command. The triggering device can preferably be operated manually by a user, in particular by a patient.

[0014] A command can be understood, for example, as a change in a parameter, such as changing the music volume, speech volume, lighting, or ventilation, but also as triggering an alarm. The triggering device is then designed to trigger the corresponding command.

[0015] The invention utilizes the arrangement of the RFID transponder unit and reader to enable at least one command to be triggered using the triggering means of the RFID transponder unit. This can trigger a message to medical personnel.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the control device comprises a first alarm unit configured to trigger a first alarm after the at least one command has been triggered. A first alarm is understood to be, for example, a patient alarm that the patient can trigger within the medical device. The alarm can be signaled, for example, by the first alarm unit flashing on the reader. This gives the patient the opportunity to make themselves known if, for example, they feel dizzy or desire contact for other reasons.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, the control device is designed to deactivate and / or restart an activation mode of the first alarm. Activation mode is understood to mean the mode that enables the active triggering of the alarm. An alarm is understood to mean, for example, the sending of a specific command and / or data pattern, but the alarm can also be implemented by a diode lighting up and / or flashing and / or by the output of an acoustic signal. This increases operating convenience for medical personnel, since the sending of an alarm, for example in the case of patients who continuously trigger the alarm, does not necessarily have to be continuous. For example, by restarting the activation mode, the triggering of the first alarm can be suppressed for a certain period of time.The design for switching off the activation mode also includes switching off during transmission of a first alarm, for example when the alarm has been acknowledged and is no longer to be transmitted.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the control device comprises a user interface by means of which the activation mode of the first alarm can be deactivated and / or restarted. The user interface can be configured, for example, as a switch, button, or lever, preferably in the reader. This allows the activation mode to be easily deactivated or restarted.

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, the control device is configured to transmit at least two commands, and the RFID transponder unit has at least two triggering means for triggering the at least two commands. The at least two triggering means, configured, for example, as buttons, keys, or knobs, can transmit additional commands or parameters that can be set by the patient. For example, multiple changes can be communicated or transmitted simultaneously.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the control device comprises a first monitoring unit configured to monitor a transmission path between the RFID transponder unit and the reader. The monitoring unit can detect whether the transmission path is interrupted. For example, an accidental removal of the RFID transponder unit from the range of the reader can be detected and thus remedied particularly quickly. The monitoring unit is preferably arranged near the reader.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment, the RFID transponder unit comprises a command generation unit configured to transmit a further command that is triggered independently of the triggering means 106. The transmission of the further command can, for example, consist of continuously sending a status message such as "RFID detected" or a specific data pattern, signaling the system's functionality. This also allows the transmission path to be monitored.

[0022] In another embodiment, the RFID transponder unit is designed for continuous transmission of the subsequent command. This allows a status message such as "RFID detected" to be sent continuously at a specific time interval. This allows the transmission path to be reliably monitored.

[0023] In one embodiment according to the invention, the control device comprises a second alarm unit which is designed to trigger a second alarm in the event of an interruption in the transmission link. An alarm is understood, for example, to mean the sending of a specific command and / or data pattern, but the alarm can also be implemented by a diode lighting up and / or flashing and / or by the output of an acoustic signal. In this way, the interruption can be detected in good time and a functional transmission can be ensured. The second alarm is advantageously triggered after the interruption has been exceeded for a specific period of time. The interruption can be verified, for example, by the absence of the status message "RFID detected". The second alarm is preferably signaled to the reader.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the RFID transponder unit comprises a memory unit configured to store the at least one triggered command. This allows the triggered command to still be stored in the event of an interruption in the transmission path. It can then be retransmitted once a functional transmission path is restored. Thus, no information about a triggered command is lost.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment, the RFID transponder unit is configured for the continuous transmission of at least one triggered command. This ensures that the triggered command is transmitted for a period longer than a time limit for a transmission failure.

[0026] This provides additional monitoring and greater reliability of the device.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the control device comprises a second monitoring unit configured to monitor a power supply of the RFID transponder unit. Monitoring the power supply of the RFID transponder unit further supports its reliable operation.

[0028] In one embodiment according to the invention, the RFID transponder unit comprises an energy storage unit, and the control device comprises a third alarm unit configured to trigger a third alarm when the charge level of the energy storage unit falls below a threshold value. A third alarm is understood, for example, to mean the sending of a specific command and / or data pattern; however, the alarm can also be implemented by a diode lighting up and / or flashing and / or by emitting an acoustic signal. An energy storage unit is understood, for example, to be a battery. The third alarm is triggered as soon as the charge level of the battery falls below the threshold value, i.e., becomes less than a percentage of the battery's maximum charge. In this way, the charge level of the energy storage unit can be reliably monitored, preventing the energy storage unit from becoming completely empty.This ensures continuous operation of the RFID transponder unit.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the RFID transponder unit is designed to be programmable. A programmable RFID transponder unit is understood to be a transponder unit with which a bidirectional data link can be established, i.e., a data link with which feedback can be provided to the RFID transponder unit. Thus, a specific behavior, such as lighting up, flashing, vibrating, or buzzing of the RFID transponder unit, can be defined by different programmed data patterns. In this way, feedback can be given, for example, to a patient located inside the medical device.

[0030] In an advantageous embodiment, the reader of the control device is configured to transmit at an integer multiple of a predeterminable base frequency. A base frequency is understood to be a frequency specified by the medical device, for example, a frequency corresponding to a system clock of a magnetic resonance scanner. Transmitting the reader at an integer multiple of this predeterminable base frequency does not interfere with the medical device.

[0031] In a further embodiment, the reader of the control device is configured to transmit at a frequency greater than a predeterminable cutoff frequency. If the reader transmits at a frequency greater than a predeterminable cutoff frequency, for example, the highest frequency of a medical device, the medical device will not be interfered with.

[0032] In one embodiment according to the invention, the control device comprises a filter unit configured to filter an output signal of the reading device. A filter unit is understood, for example, to be a highly attenuated bandpass or highpass filter, so that measurements of a medical device, in particular a magnetic resonance device, are not affected.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the reader comprises at least two antennas. This allows for a greater range of the RFID transponder unit.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment, the control device comprises a transmission unit configured to transmit the at least one command from the reading device to the medical device. The command can thus be further processed in the control device and / or the medical device.

[0035] In a further embodiment, the at least one RFID transponder unit comprises at least one gripping area and is spherically shaped. This allows the RFID transponder unit to be held securely and comfortably in the hand, for example, by a patient within the medical device, and operating elements such as triggers can be conveniently operated. A command is then triggered, for example, by pressing the spherical RFID transponder unit, also known as a patient call ball, or by pressing a button-shaped trigger.

[0036] Within the scope of the present invention, a medical control system is also provided. The medical control system comprises a control device and a medical device and is configured to transmit at least one command according to the embodiments described above.

[0037] Furthermore, an RFID transponder unit for transmitting an identifying code and a reader for reading the identifying code of the RFID transponder unit are also provided, which together form the control device according to the embodiments described above.

[0038] The invention also describes a method for transmitting at least one command between an RFID transponder unit and a reader. A processor unit of the control system comprises corresponding programs for executing the method.

[0039] The advantages of the medical control system according to the invention, the RFID transponder unit according to the invention, the reading device according to the invention, and the method according to the invention essentially correspond to the advantages of the control device according to the invention, which have been explained in detail above. Features, advantages, or alternative embodiments mentioned herein are also to be applied to the other claimed subject matter, and vice versa. In other words, the claims in question, which are directed, for example, to a control device, can also be developed with the features described or claimed in connection with a method. The corresponding functional features of the method are implemented by corresponding modules, in particular by hardware modules.

[0040] In the following, the invention is described and explained in more detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the figures.

[0041] They show: Fig. 1 a control device according to the invention, Fig. 2 a medical control system according to the invention, Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of a control device according to the invention and Fig. 4 an embodiment of an RFID transponder unit according to the invention.

[0042] Fig. 1 shows a control device 101 according to the invention for transmitting at least one command. The control device 101 comprises an RFID transponder unit 102 for transmitting an identifying code and a reader 103 for reading the identifying code of the RFID transponder unit. The RFID transponder unit 102 of the control device 101 is usually arranged within a medical device 104 (see also Fig. 2) and has a triggering means 106 for triggering the at least one command.

[0043] A command is understood, for example, to mean a change in a parameter, such as changing the music volume, speech volume, lighting, or ventilation, but also the triggering of an alarm. The triggering means 106 is then configured to trigger the corresponding command.

[0044] The RFID transponder unit 102 contains an identifying code that can be read by the reader 103. Coupling occurs through alternating magnetic fields generated by the reader 103 or through high-frequency radio waves. The triggering means 106 is, for example, a pushbutton, a key, or a button for triggering the at least one command. The triggering means 106 is preferably manually operable by a user, in particular by a patient. In the example shown, the command is triggered by pressing the spherically shaped RFID transponder unit 102, such that the triggering means 106, configured as a switch, is actuated.

[0045] The RFID transponder unit 102 of the control device 101 can also be in the form of the RFID transponder unit 102 from Fig. 4, the reading device 103 of the control device 101 can, for example, be in the form of the reading device 103 from Fig. 3 be designed.

[0046] Fig. 2 to Fig. 4 show further embodiments of a control device 101 according to the invention, a medical control system 105, or parts of a control device 101 or a medical control system 105. Essentially the same components, features, and functions are generally numbered with the same reference numerals. The following descriptions are essentially limited to the differences from the embodiment in Fig. 1, whereby with regard to the same components, features and functions, reference is made to the description of the embodiment in Fig. 1 is referred to.

[0047] Fig. Figure 2 shows a medical control system 105 according to the invention, comprising a control device 101 and a medical device 104. The RFID transponder unit 102 of the control device 101 is arranged within the medical device 104. It enables, for example, a patient located in the medical device 104 to trigger a command and thus attract the attention of medical personnel.

[0048] Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of a control device 101 according to the invention. The control device 101 shown comprises a first alarm unit 108, which is configured to trigger a first alarm after the at least one command has been triggered. A first alarm is understood to be, for example, a patient alarm that the patient can trigger within the medical device 104. This gives the patient the opportunity to make themselves known if, for example, they feel dizzy or desire contact for other reasons.

[0049] The control device 101 is configured to deactivate and / or restart an activation mode of the first alarm. Activation mode is understood to mean the mode that enables the active triggering of the alarm. An alarm is understood to mean, for example, the sending of a specific command and / or data pattern, but the alarm can also be implemented by a diode lighting up and / or flashing and / or by the output of an acoustic signal. Thus, by restarting the activation mode, for example, the triggering of the first alarm can be suppressed for a specific period of time. The configuration for deactivating the activation mode also includes deactivation during the transmission of a first alarm, for example, if the alarm has been acknowledged and is no longer to be transmitted. The deactivation and / or restarting of the activation mode is carried out by medical personnel operating the control device 101.

[0050] The control device 101 further comprises a user interface 109, by means of which the activation mode of the first alarm can be deactivated and / or restarted. The user interface 109 can be configured, for example, as a switch, button, or lever.

[0051] Furthermore, the control device 101 has a first monitoring unit 110, which is configured to monitor a transmission path between the RFID transponder unit 102 and the reader 103. The first monitoring unit 110 can detect whether the transmission path is interrupted.

[0052] A second alarm unit 113 of the control device 101 is configured to trigger a second alarm in the event of an interruption in the transmission link. The second alarm is advantageously triggered after an interruption in the transmission link for a specific period of time. The interruption can be verified, for example, by the absence of the "RFID detected" status message.

[0053] The reader 103 of the control device 101 is configured to transmit at an integer multiple of a predeterminable base frequency. A base frequency is understood to be a frequency specified by the medical device 104, for example, a frequency corresponding to a system clock of a magnetic resonance scanner. Transmitting the reader 103 at an integer multiple of this predeterminable base frequency does not interfere with the medical device 104. However, the reader 103 of the control device 101 can also be configured to transmit at a frequency greater than a predeterminable cutoff frequency.

[0054] A filter unit 118 of the control device 101 is configured for filtering an output signal of the reading device 103. A filter unit is understood to be, for example, a highly attenuating bandpass or highpass filter, so that measurements of a medical device, in particular a magnetic resonance device, are not influenced.

[0055] The reader 103 of the control device 101 comprises two antennas. This allows a greater range of the RFID transponder unit 102 to be achieved.

[0056] A transmission unit 121 of the control device 101 is designed to transmit the at least one command to the medical device 104, and the command can be further processed in the control device 101 and / or in the medical device 104.

[0057] The RFID transponder unit 102 of the control device 101 can also be in the form of the RFID transponder unit 102 from Fig. 4 be designed.

[0058] Fig. Figure 4 shows an embodiment of an RFID transponder unit 102 according to the invention. The RFID transponder unit 102 shown has two triggering means 106, 107 for triggering two commands. The at least two triggering means 106, 107, configured, for example, as buttons, keys, or knobs, can transmit additional commands or parameters that can be set by a patient.

[0059] The RFID transponder unit 102 further comprises a command generation unit 112 configured to transmit a further command that is triggered independently of the triggering means 106. The transmission of the further command can, for example, consist of continuously sending a status message such as "RFID detected" or a specific data pattern. This allows a transmission path between the RFID transponder unit 102 and the reader 103 to be monitored. The RFID transponder unit 102 is also configured to continuously transmit the further command. Thus, a status message such as "RFID detected" can be sent continuously at a specific time interval.

[0060] A memory unit 114 of the RFID transponder unit 102 is configured to store the at least one triggered command. Thus, if the transmission link is interrupted, the triggered command can still be stored. This can then be retransmitted after a functional transmission link is restored, thus ensuring that no information about a triggered command is lost. The RFID transponder unit 102 is configured to monitor a power supply of the RFID transponder unit 102.

[0061] An energy storage unit 116 of the RFID transponder unit 102 and a third alarm unit of the control device 101, here also assigned to the RFID transponder unit 102, ensure that a third alarm is triggered when the charge value of the energy storage unit 116 falls below a limit value. An energy storage unit 116 is understood, for example, to be a battery. The third alarm is triggered as soon as the charge value of the battery falls below the limit value, i.e., for example, becomes less than a percentage of the maximum charge of the battery.

[0062] The RFID transponder unit 102 shown is designed to be programmable. A programmable RFID transponder unit 102 is understood to be a transponder unit with which a bidirectional data link can be established, i.e., a data link with which feedback can be established to the RFID transponder unit 102. Thus, a specific behavior, such as lighting, flashing, vibrating, or buzzing of the RFID transponder unit, can be determined by different programmed data patterns.

[0063] The RFID transponder unit 102 further comprises a gripping area 122 and is spherically shaped here. This allows the RFID transponder unit 102 to be held securely and comfortably in the hand, for example, by a patient within the medical device 104, and operating elements such as triggers 106, 107 can be conveniently operated, for example, with the fingers. A command is then triggered, for example, by pressing the spherical RFID transponder unit 102, also referred to as a patient call ball, or by pressing a button-shaped trigger 106, 107. The gripping area 122 shown here consists of recesses in the spherical geometry of the RFID transponder unit 102 for a comfortable fit for the palm and / or fingers of the patient or operator.

[0064] Instead of a programmable, active RFID transponder unit 102, it is also possible to use a passive RFID transponder for transmitting at least two different data patterns. This draws its energy from a field of the reader 103 and thus does not have its own power supply like a battery. Therefore, monitoring the power supply is unnecessary. A button is connected to the passive transponder to activate a data pattern such as "alarm active." As soon as this button is pressed, the transponder sends the alarm to the reader 103. The passive transponder continuously transmits the "RFID detected" data pattern as soon as it is within range of the reader 103. The data path is thus continuously monitored.

[0065] Furthermore, it is also possible to use an active RFID transponder to transmit at least three different data patterns. As soon as the active RFID transponder enters a field of the reader 103 and is addressed by it, it begins transmitting. This makes the transmission path 111 easy to monitor. The active transponder is addressed, for example, at intervals of two seconds. As soon as the active transponder is addressed, it transmits a data pattern for "RFID detected." If a battery charge drops below a threshold, for example, below 20%, it transmits "low battery level." Alternatively, the active transponder can transmit the pattern described above independently, without being addressed by the reader 103. A button is connected to the active transponder to activate the "alarm active" data pattern.As soon as this button is pressed, it sends the data pattern “Alarm active” to the reader 103 without query by the reader 103.

[0066] Alternatively, the use of two passive full-duplex RFID transponders to transmit a data pattern is also possible. When using multiple RFID transponders, the RFID transponders are combined into one RFID transponder unit 102, so that, for example, a patient only holds one RFID transponder unit 102 in their hands. One transponder transmits the signal "RFID detected," the other "alarm active." These can draw their energy from the field of the reader 103 and thus do not have their own power supply such as a battery or rechargeable battery. This eliminates the need to monitor the power supply. Since two independent transponders are used to implement the data path for the data patterns "RFID detected" and "alarm active," this must be monitored separately: The passive transponders are designed to be deactivated.To do this, high-frequency switches short-circuit a transponder output and / or disconnect it from an antenna, which is then grounded. A microprocessor controls these switches. For the "alarm active" data pattern, manual activation using an electrical button is also possible. For example, the microprocessor executes the following switching states every two seconds: 100 ms "RFID detected", 100 ms "alarm active", 100 ms "RFID detected". This pattern is evaluated by the reader 103 as "transmission link 111 OK". The "alarm active" switching state is not interpreted as an alarm if it is 100 ms long and is immediately preceded and followed by a 100 ms long "RFID detected". If a manual alarm is triggered within these 300 ms, it is buffered and output immediately afterwards.

[0067] Furthermore, the use of two passive half-duplex RFID transponders to transmit a data pattern is also possible. When using multiple RFID transponders, the RFID transponders are combined into one RFID transponder unit 102, so that, for example, a patient only holds one RFID transponder unit 102 in their hands. One RFID transponder transmits a signal "RFID detected," the other "alarm active." These draw their energy from the field of the reader 103 and therefore do not have their own power supply such as a battery. Therefore, monitoring the power supply is unnecessary. Since two independent RFID transponders are used for "RFID detected" and "alarm active" to implement the transmission path 111, this must be monitored separately: The passive RFID transponders are designed to be deactivated.For this purpose, an output of the RFID transponder is short-circuited using high-frequency switches and / or disconnected from an antenna, which is then grounded. Alternatively, an energy-storing capacitor can be disconnected or short-circuited using semiconductor switches such as photovoltaic relays or discrete transistors. A microprocessor in the RFID transponder unit 102 controls these switches. Manual activation of the "alarm active" transponder using an electrical button is also possible. For example, the microprocessor executes the following switching states every two seconds: 100 ms "RFID detected," 100 ms "alarm active," 100 ms "RFID detected." This pattern is evaluated by the reader 103 as "transmission link 111 OK." The "alarm active" switching state is not interpreted as an alarm if it is 100 ms long and is immediately preceded and followed by a 100 ms long "RFID detected" signal.If a manual alarm is triggered within these 300 ms, it is buffered and output immediately afterwards.

[0068] Finally, the use of three active RFID transponders to transmit a data pattern is also possible. When using multiple RFID transponders, the RFID transponders are combined into one RFID transponder unit 102, so that, for example, a patient only holds one RFID transponder unit 102 in their hands. The first transponder transmits a signal "RFID detected," the second "alarm active," and the third "low battery." These draw their power from a battery or rechargeable battery. Since three independent transponders are used for "RFID detected," "alarm active," and "low battery" to implement a transmission path 111, this must be monitored separately: The active transponders are designed to be deactivated by disconnecting their power supply. A microprocessor in the RFID transponder unit 102 controls these switches.The "Alarm active" transponder can also be manually activated using an electrical button. The microprocessor executes the following switching states, for example, every two seconds: 100 ms "RFID detected," 100 ms "Alarm active," 100 ms "Low battery level," 100 ms "RFID detected." This pattern is evaluated by the reader 103 as "Transmission link 111 OK." The switching states "Alarm active" and "Low battery level" are not interpreted as alarms or low battery levels if they last for 100 ms and a 100 ms "RFID detected" signal is sent immediately before and after. If the battery charge drops below a value of, for example, 20%, the third transponder sends a "Low battery level." If a manual alarm is triggered within these 400 ms, it is buffered and immediately output.

[0069] A power supply for active transponders can be implemented in the following ways: - By a battery: Lithium button cells such as CR-2032 can be used here. These can be permanently installed in the housing of the RFID transponder unit 102 or be replaceable. - By a battery: Lithium-ion batteries, for example, can be used here. Charging can be done using charging cradles with charging contacts or charging cradles with contactless, inductive energy transfer. - Through supercapacitors: Here, too, charging cradles with charging contacts or charging cradles with contactless, inductive energy transfer can be used for charging. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors do not require charge management and can therefore easily switch from a charged to a discharged state. Therefore, the use of supercapacitors also offers the possibility of energy harvesting: Electrical energy can be obtained from the field of a reader 103, from a gradient field of a magnetic resonance system, from solar cells, from piezo generators, and / or from a signal emitted specifically for powering wireless devices, for example, at 5 MHz.Since the voltage of a capacitor used as a power supply is not constant, it should be above the required supply voltage of the active RFID transponder and brought to the required value using a voltage regulator.

[0070] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited to the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0071] In summary, the invention relates to a control device for transmitting at least one command, comprising at least one RFID transponder unit for transmitting an identifying code and a reader for reading the identifying code of the RFID transponder unit. The RFID transponder unit is arranged within a medical device and has at least one triggering means for triggering the at least one command. In a particular embodiment, the control device comprises three alarm units for triggering various alarms: after triggering the at least one command, after an interruption of a transmission path, and after a charge value of an energy storage unit falls below a limit value.

Claims

[1] Control device (101) for transmitting at least one command, comprising - at least one RFID transponder unit (102) for transmitting an identifying code and - a reader (103) for reading the identifying code of the RFID transponder unit, wherein the RFID transponder unit (102) is arranged within a magnetic resonance device (104) and has at least one triggering means (106) for triggering the at least one command. [2] Control device (101) according to claim 1, wherein the control device (101) comprises a first alarm unit (108) configured to trigger a first alarm after triggering the at least one command. [3] Control device (101) according to claim 2, wherein the control device (101) is configured to switch off and / or restart an activation mode of the first alarm. [4] Control device (101) according to claim 3, wherein the control device (101) comprises a user interface (109) by means of which the switching off and / or restarting of the activation mode of the first alarm can be carried out. [5] Control device (101) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control device (101) is designed to transmit at least two commands and wherein the RFID transponder unit (102) has at least two triggering means (106, 107) for triggering the at least two commands. [6] Control device (101) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control device (101) comprises a first monitoring unit (110) which is designed to monitor a transmission path (111) between the RFID transponder unit (102) and the reading device (103). [7] Control device (101) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the RFID transponder unit (102) comprises a command generation unit (112) which is designed to transmit a further command which is triggered independently of the triggering means (106). [8] Control device (101) according to claim 7, wherein the RFID transponder unit (102) is designed for continuous transmission of the further command. [9] Control device (101) according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the control device (101) comprises a second alarm unit (113) which is designed to trigger a second alarm in the event of an interruption of the transmission path (111). [10] Control device (101) according to one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the RFID transponder unit (102) comprises a storage unit (114) configured to store the at least one triggered command. [11] Control device (101) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the RFID transponder unit (102) is designed for continuous transmission of at least one triggered command. [12] Control device (101) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the control device (101) comprises a second monitoring unit (115) which is designed to monitor a power supply of the RFID transponder unit (102). [13] Control device (101) according to claim 12, wherein the RFID transponder unit (102) comprises an energy storage unit (116) and wherein the control device (101) comprises a third alarm unit (117) which is designed to trigger a third alarm when a charge value of the energy storage unit (116) falls below a limit value. [14] Control device (101) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the RFID transponder unit (102) is designed to be programmable. [15] Control device (101) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the reading device (103) is designed to transmit on an integer multiple of a predeterminable fundamental frequency. [16] Control device (101) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the reading device is designed to transmit at a frequency which is greater than a predeterminable cut-off frequency. [17] Control device (101) according to one of claims 15 or 16, wherein the control device (101) comprises a filter unit (118) designed to filter an output signal of the reading device (103). [18] Control device (101) according to one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the reader (103) comprises at least two antennas (119, 120). [19] Control device (101) according to one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the control device (101) comprises a transmission unit (121) which is designed to transmit the at least one command to the magnetic resonance device (104). [20] Control device (101) according to one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the at least one RFID transponder unit (102) comprises at least one handle area (122). [21] Medical control system (105) comprising a control device (101) according to one of claims 1 to 20 and the magnetic resonance device (104). [22] The medical control system (105) of claim 21, wherein the RFID transponder unit (102) comprises a material that is designed to be compatible for examinations with a magnetic resonance device. [23] RFID transponder unit (102) for transmitting an identifying code, which, together with a reader (103) for reading the identifying code of the RFID transponder unit (102), forms a control device (101) according to one of claims 1 to 20. [24] Reading device (103) for reading an identifying code of an RFID transponder unit, which forms a control device (101) according to one of claims 1 to 20 with an RFID transponder unit (102) for transmitting the identifying code. [25] Method for transmitting at least one command between an RFID transponder unit (102) and a reader (103) by means of a control device (101) according to one of claims 1 to 20.

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