Method for operating an imaging device, imaging device, computer program and electronically readable data carrier

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating an imaging device (1). The method comprises the following steps.Receiving sensor data by a control unit (9) of the imaging device (1), wherein the sensor data describe sensor values ​​relating to a patient (8) to be examined; determining a condition of the patient (8) to be examined by the control unit (9) based on the sensor data; checking the condition of the patient (8) to be examined for fulfillment of a predetermined acquisition condition for carrying out an acquisition procedure by an acquisition unit (10) of the imaging device (1); upon fulfillment of the predetermined acquisition condition, controlling the acquisition unit (10) by the control unit (9) to carry out the acquisition procedure; and carrying out the acquisition procedure by the acquisition unit (10), wherein the acquisition procedure comprises capturing at least one image of an area of ​​the patient (8) to be examined.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating an imaging device, an imaging device, a computer program, and an electronically readable data carrier.

[0002] Imaging devices, such as magnetic resonance topography devices or computed tomography devices, are designed to acquire two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional image data of a scanning area of ​​a patient under examination. According to the current state of the art, an acquisition process performed by the imaging device to acquire the image data is initiated manually by an operator of the imaging device as soon as a workflow permits. The quality of the image data depends on the extent to which the patient remains still, at least in the scanning area. For this reason, it is important to avoid patient movement during the scan as much as possible.

[0003] These movements include, in particular, the patient's respiratory movements, i.e., movements related to the patient's breathing. To minimize the impact of the patient's respiratory movements on the acquired data, it is common for the imaging device to provide instructions to the patient so that they can adjust their breathing accordingly. In particular, it is desirable for the patient to exhale before the acquisition, so that during the acquisition, they are in a breathing phase in which they have exhaled and are not performing any inhalation or exhalation movements.

[0004] Currently, however, instructions are given without taking into account any of the patient's breathing characteristics. These breathing characteristics may include, for example, the patient's respiratory rate and / or the current phase of their breathing. This may result in the imaging device prompting the patient to inhale even though the patient has just begun to exhale. This forces the patient to deviate from their natural breathing rhythm. In this case, the patient would exhale more rapidly and immediately inhale again.

[0005] On the one hand, this can be uncomfortable for the patient. On the other hand, it can also negatively impact the quality of the recorded data. If the patient is forced to deviate from their usual breathing rhythm, the time they can hold their breath is often shortened and / or they move due to the restlessness caused by holding their breath for too long. Due to the resulting movements, the desired optimization of the recording quality, which is intended by the instructions, cannot be achieved.

[0006] The only way to address the patient's respiratory characteristics is for the imaging device operator to monitor the patient and manually instruct the patient and initiate the imaging process. However, this requires additional effort from the operator.

[0007] It is an object of the invention to adapt a recording method of an imaging device to the breathing of a patient to be examined.

[0008] This object is achieved by the respective subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments and preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0009] A first aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating an imaging device. The imaging device can be, for example, an MRI device or a CT device. The method provides for sensor data to be received by a control unit of the imaging device. The sensor data include sensor values ​​that describe a patient to be examined. The sensor values ​​can, for example, describe detected movements of the patient. The sensor values ​​can, for example, include a value that describes a movement of a patient's chest.

[0010] One step comprises determining a condition of the patient to be examined by the control device based on the sensor data. In other words, the condition of the patient to be examined is determined by the control device. The condition of the patient can, for example, relate to a breathing characteristic of the patient. It can, for example, be provided that the condition describes a breathing rhythm of the patient as well as a current phase of the patient's breathing. It can, for example, be provided that the sensor data describe the movement of the patient's rib cage. The control device can be configured to track the movement of the rib cage over a period of time in order to determine both the breathing rhythm of the patient and the current phase of the patient's breathing.

[0011] One step comprises checking the condition of the patient to be examined for fulfillment of a predefined recording condition for carrying out a recording method by a recording device of the imaging apparatus. In other words, it is provided that after the patient's condition has been determined, the control device checks whether the determined condition of the patient fulfills the predefined recording condition. The recording condition can specify a condition of the patient which is required for the recording device to initiate the recording method. For example, it can be provided that the recording condition stipulates that the patient is in a certain phase of their breathing rhythm. For example, it can be necessary for the recording condition to stipulate that the patient has completed a phase of exhalation.

[0012] It is provided that, upon fulfillment of the predefined recording condition, the recording device is controlled by the control device to carry out the recording process. In other words, the method comprises controlling the recording device by the control device to carry out the recording process when the predefined recording condition is met.

[0013] The method comprises carrying out the recording process by the recording device, wherein the recording process comprises capturing at least one image of a recording area of ​​the patient to be examined. In other words, the recording device carries out the recording process when controlled by the control device. In the recording process, the recording device captures at least one image of the recording area of ​​the patient to be examined. The recording process can thus comprise capturing one or more images of the recording area. The respective images can be captured, for example, from different angles.

[0014] The invention offers the advantage of ensuring that the imaging procedure is only initiated when the imaging condition is met. This ensures, for example, that the imaging procedure is only performed when the patient is no longer moving.

[0015] The invention also includes further developments which result in further advantages.

[0016] A further development of the invention provides that the method checks the condition of the patient to be examined for fulfillment of a predefined instruction condition for carrying out an instruction method by an output device of the imaging device. In other words, the control device checks whether the patient's condition fulfills the predefined instruction condition. The instruction condition can specify a condition of the patient that is required for the instruction method to be initiated by the control device. If the predefined instruction condition is fulfilled, the control device controls the output device to output instructions to the patient. The instruction method comprises the control device controlling the output device to output instructions to the patient.The instructions are intended to guide the patient so that the recording condition is fulfilled. In other words, the output device is controlled by the control device when the specified conditions are met. For example, it can be provided that the instruction condition requires that the patient's breathing characteristics have a breathing rate that is within a specified range of values ​​and / or that a specified phase of the patient's breathing is present. The instructions can, for example, request the patient to inhale, exhale or hold their breath. The instructions can, for example, depend on a current phase of the patient's breathing and be intended to influence the patient's breathing rate or a phase of breathing so that the recording condition is fulfilled.

[0017] A further development of the invention provides that the method includes logging the patient's condition over a specific period of time. In other words, the patient's condition is recorded several times during the specific period of time. For example, the patient's respiratory status may be recorded several times during the specific period of time. The specific period of time may precede the actual examination, in which the patient's condition is used to determine whether the instruction condition and / or the admission condition are met.

[0018] The method comprises determining a patient characterization based on the patient's condition recorded during the specific period. In other words, the patient is characterized based on the patient's conditions recorded during the specific period. For example, the respiratory conditions recorded during the period may be evaluated to determine a general respiratory characteristic of the patient. The general respiratory characteristic may, for example, describe a respiratory rate and / or a duration of specific respiratory phases.

[0019] A further development of the invention provides that the method comprises determining the recording condition depending on the patient's characterization. In other words, the recording condition is based on the patient's characterization. For example, it can be provided that a breathing phase for performing the recording is selected depending on the breathing characteristic. For example, it can be provided that the phase selected for recording is determined depending on the length of an inhalation phase and the length of an exhalation phase according to the patient's characterization. This further development offers the advantage that the recording condition can be adapted depending on the respective patient.

[0020] A further development of the invention provides that the method determines the instruction condition depending on the patient's characterization. In other words, the instruction condition for issuing the instructions is determined based on the patient characterization. For example, it can be provided that a change in the patient's respiratory rate is determined based on the patient characterization. Based on the change in respiratory rate, it can be estimated, for example, how long it will take until the patient's respiratory rate approaches a resting respiratory rate. The instruction condition can be selected based on this. Thus, instructions can only be issued, for example, when the patient's breathing has approached the resting respiratory rate and it can therefore be assumed that the respiratory rate remains constant.However, if the instructions are issued too early, they may not be implemented due to the patient's changing respiratory rate.

[0021] A development of the invention provides that the instructions for instructing the patient are output to the patient depending on the patient's characterization. In other words, the instructions are output to the patient based on the patient's characterization. In other words, the method not only ensures that the recording is carried out when the recording condition is met, but the method also ensures that the instructions are adapted to the respective patient. For example, it can be provided that verbally output instructions comprising the outputs "exhale - inhale - exhale - stop breathing" are stretched or compressed in time depending on the patient's breathing rhythm, so that the frequency of the instructions is coordinated with the patient's breathing frequency.The instructions can be stored in a pre-recorded audio file, which is adjusted using appropriate audio stretching mechanisms according to the patient's breathing rate. Alternatively, the instructions can be delivered via speech synthesis in the patient's language. Adapting the output of the instructions can enable improved patient guidance.

[0022] A further development of the invention provides that the instructions include audio signals. In other words, the control device controls the output device to output sounds or voice signals. This further development offers the advantage that the patient can be given acoustic instructions.

[0023] A further development of the invention provides that the instructions include visual representations. In other words, the control device is configured to control the output device to output the visual representations. The visual representations can depict a breathing pattern that the patient is to replicate. This further development provides the advantage that the patient can be guided visually.

[0024] A further development of the invention provides that the condition comprises a movement characteristic of the patient. In other words, the control device determines the movement characteristic of the patient from the sensor data. The movement characteristic of the patient can, for example, relate to a movement of certain anatomical regions of the patient. The movement characteristic can relate, for example, to movements of the eyelids, limbs, or certain muscles of the patient. The movement characteristic can, for example, relate to swallowing movements. In particular, the movement characteristic can relate to those movements of the patient which can be consciously influenced by the patient. This results in the advantage that the patient's movement can be influenced so that they can adapt their movement characteristics to the examination.

[0025] A further development of the invention provides that the condition includes a respiratory characteristic of the patient. In other words, the patient's breathing is monitored and characterized. Monitoring the breathing is particularly advantageous because a deviation of the patient's respiratory phase from a required phase during the recording can lead to errors in the image.

[0026] A further development of the invention provides that the method comprises capturing the sensor values ​​relating to the patient to be examined by a sensor device of the imaging device. In other words, it is provided that the imaging device has a sensor device configured to capture the sensor values ​​of the patient. The sensor device can, for example, comprise a camera configured to record the patient. A further step comprises sending the sensor data, which comprise the sensor values, to the control device of the imaging device by the sensor device. The further development of the invention results in the advantage that the sensor data is captured by the imaging device itself. It is therefore not necessary to use an external device to provide the sensor data.

[0027] A further development of the invention provides that the sensor device comprises a pilot tone navigation device. In other words, the sensor data is acquired by means of the pilot tone navigation device of the sensor device. A pilot tone navigation device is disclosed, for example, in published patent application DE 10 2015 224 158 A1.

[0028] For use cases or application situations that may arise during the method and which are not explicitly described here, it may be provided that, in accordance with the method, an error message and / or a request to enter user feedback is issued and / or a default setting and / or a predetermined initial state is set.

[0029] A second aspect of the invention relates to an imaging device. The imaging device can be, for example, a CT device or an MRI device. The imaging device is configured to perform a method according to the first aspect of the invention. The method according to the first aspect of the invention can be performed by the imaging device according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0030] The imaging device may comprise a control device configured to receive sensor data. The sensor data includes sensor values ​​relating to a patient to be examined. The control device may, for example, comprise an interface via which the sensor data can be provided to the control device.

[0031] The control device is configured to determine the condition of the patient to be examined based on the sensor data. For example, the control device can be configured to determine the condition of the patient to be examined from current sensor values ​​of the sensor data and / or to determine the condition of the patient to be examined based on the patient's sensor values ​​recorded over a period of time.

[0032] The control device is configured to check the condition of the patient to be examined for compliance with a predefined acquisition condition. The predefined acquisition condition can include specifications for performing an acquisition method by an acquisition device of the imaging device. The acquisition condition can, for example, specify a required respiratory rate or a required phase of the patient's respiration.

[0033] The control device is configured to control the recording device of the imaging apparatus when the specified recording condition is met, in order to perform the recording process by the recording device. The recording device can, for example, comprise one or more X-ray sources and one or more detectors.

[0034] The recording device is configured to carry out the recording process and to capture at least one image of a recording area of ​​the patient to be examined in the recording process.

[0035] The control device can in particular contain one or more computers, one or more microcontrollers and / or one or more integrated circuits, for example one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and / or one or more single-chip systems (SoCs). The computing unit can also contain one or more processors, for example one or more microprocessors, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more graphics processing units (GPUs), and / or one or more signal processors, in particular one or more digital signal processors (DSPs). The computing unit can also include a physical or virtual network of computers or other of the aforementioned units.

[0036] A third aspect of the invention relates to a computer program that can be loaded directly into a memory of a control device, with program means for executing the steps of the above-mentioned method when the program is executed in the control device. The method described herein can therefore also be in the form of a computer program product that implements the method on a control device when it is executed on the control device.

[0037] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to an electronically readable data carrier with electronically readable control information stored thereon, which comprises at least one described computer program and is designed such that it carries out a described method when the data carrier is used in a control device.

[0038] Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, persons with male, female or other gender identities are included.

[0039] Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown in the figures can be encompassed by the invention not only in the respectively specified combination, but also in other combinations. In particular, the invention can also encompass embodiments and combinations of features that do not have all the features of an originally formulated claim. Furthermore, the invention can encompass embodiments and combinations of features that go beyond the combinations of features set out in the backreferences to the claims or deviate from them.

[0040] The invention is explained in more detail below using specific embodiments and associated schematic drawings. In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements may be provided with the same reference numerals. The description of identical or functionally equivalent elements may not necessarily be repeated for different figures. The figures show: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of an imaging device according to the invention; and Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a sequence of a method for operating an imaging device.

[0041] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of an imaging device according to the invention.

[0042] The imaging device 1 can be designed, for example, as an MRI device. The imaging device 1 comprises a recording device 10 with a field magnet 3, which generates a static magnetic field for aligning nuclear spins of a patient 8 in an imaging region. The imaging region is characterized by an extremely homogeneous static magnetic field, wherein the homogeneity relates in particular to the magnetic field strength or its amplitude. The imaging region is located in a patient tunnel 2, which extends in a longitudinal direction Z through the recording device 10. The field magnet 3 can, for example, be a superconducting magnet that can generate magnetic fields with a magnetic flux density of up to 3 T or more. However, for lower field strengths, permanent magnets or electromagnets with normally conducting coils can also be used. A patient table 7 can be movable within the patient tunnel 2.

[0043] Furthermore, the recording device 10 comprises a gradient coil arrangement 5 with a plurality of gradient coils, which serve to superimpose gradient fields, i.e., location-dependent magnetic fields, on the static magnetic field in the three spatial directions for spatial differentiation of the scanned image areas in the imaging area. The gradient coils of the gradient coil arrangement 5 can be designed, for example, as coils made of normally conducting wires, which can, for example, generate mutually orthogonal fields or field gradients in the imaging area.

[0044] The recording device 10 comprises a transmitting coil arrangement, which can, for example, comprise a body coil 4 as a transmitting antenna, which is designed to emit a radio-frequency signal into the imaging area. The body coil 4 can therefore be understood as the RF transmitting coil arrangement of the recording device 10 or as part of the RF transmitting coil arrangement. In some embodiments, the body coil 4 can also be used to receive resonant MR signals emitted by the patient 8. In this case, the body coil 4 can also be considered part of a signal detection device of the recording device 10. Optionally, the signal detection device comprises a local coil 6, which can be arranged in the immediate vicinity of the patient 8, for example, on the patient 8 or in the patient table 7. The local coil 6 can serve as a receiving coil or receiving antenna as an alternative to the body coil 4.

[0045] The recording device 10 can be configured to acquire one or more images of the patient 8 in a recording process and provide them to a control device 9. The control device 9 can evaluate the images and, for example, perform image reconstruction.

[0046] To ensure a certain recording quality, it may be necessary for patient 8 to perform no or as few movements as possible during the recording process. In particular, it may be necessary to ensure that patient 8 breathes in such a way that no breathing movements occur during the recording process. It is advantageous if patient 8's breathing is in a phase in which patient 8 has exhaled or inhaled and is holding their breath.

[0047] For this purpose, the imaging device 1 can have a sensor device 11, which can be configured to record sensor values ​​of the patient 8 and to transmit sensor data comprising the sensor values ​​to the control device 9. The sensor device 11 can, for example, have a camera that can monitor a movement of a chest of the patient 8. The control device 9 can be configured to determine a condition of the patient 8 to be examined from the provided sensor data. The condition can, for example, comprise a breathing rhythm or a phase of the breathing rhythm of the patient 8. The control device 9 can, for example, determine a breathing characteristic of the patient 8 from a regular raising and lowering of the chest of the patient 8. The breathing characteristic can, for example, comprise a breathing rate of the patient 8.From a current lifting of the chest of the patient 8, the control device 9 can determine a current phase of the patient's 8 breathing.

[0048] The control device 9 can be configured to monitor the condition of the patient 8 and to trigger the recording device 10 to record the recording data of the patient 8 when a recording condition is met by the condition of the patient 8. For example, it can be provided that the recording condition is met when the patient 8 has completed an exhalation process and respiratory movements are thus absent for a certain period of time. By performing the recording process during this period, it can be ensured that the recordings are not impaired by the respiratory movements.

[0049] However, it may be necessary to instruct the patient 8 by means of instructions 13 so that the recording condition is met. For this purpose, the imaging device 1 can have an output device 12, which can be configured to output instructions 13 to the patient 8 when the output device 12 is controlled by the control device 9. The instructions 13 can comprise, for example, voice outputs and / or visual representations. The control of the output device 12 by the control device 9 can be dependent on a current state of the patient 8. The instruction method can be initiated when an instruction condition is met by the state of the patient 8. For example, it can be provided that a respiratory rate of the patient 8 does not yet fulfill the recording condition. However, the respiratory rate can lie within a value range that fulfills the instruction condition.In this case, the control device 9 can control the output device 12 and output instructions 13 relating to the breathing behavior of the patient 8. The instructions 13 can be intended to influence the breathing rate of the patient 8 in such a way that a current breathing rate of the patient 8 approximates a required breathing rate of the patient 8 according to the recording condition.

[0050] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a sequence of a method for operating an imaging device 1.

[0051] A step S1 of the method may include capturing sensor values ​​relating to the patient 8 to be examined by a sensor device 11 of the imaging device 1. The sensor device 11 may, for example, comprise a camera and / or a belt for measuring breathing and / or a pilot tone-based sensor.

[0052] A step S2 of the method may comprise sending the sensor data comprising the sensor values ​​to the control device 9 of the imaging device 1 by the sensor device 11.

[0053] A step S3 of the method may comprise receiving the sensor data by the control device 9 of the imaging device 1.

[0054] A step S4 of the method may comprise determining a condition of the patient 8 to be examined by the control device 9 based on the sensor data.

[0055] Steps S1 through S4 can be performed multiple times over a specific period of time. The conditions of patient 8 determined during the specific period can be logged by the control device 9.

[0056] In a step S5, the control device 9 can determine a patient characterization of the patient 8 based on the logged conditions of the patient 8 during the determined period.

[0057] In a step S6, the control device 9 can determine the recording condition depending on the patient characterization of the patient 8.

[0058] In a step S7, the control device 9 can determine the instruction condition depending on the patient characterization of the patient 8. After the acquisition condition and the instruction condition have been determined by the control device 9, a condition of the patient 8 to be examined can be determined again by the control device 9 based on the sensor data in a step S8 of the method.

[0059] A step S9 of the method may comprise checking the condition of the patient 8 to be examined for fulfillment of a predetermined instruction condition for carrying out an instruction method by an output device 12 of the imaging device 1.

[0060] If the predetermined instruction condition is fulfilled by the determined condition of patient 8, the control device 9 can, in a step S10 of the method, control the output device 12 to output instructions 13 to the patient 8 to instruct the patient 8 to fulfill the predetermined recording condition. For example, it can be provided that the condition of the patient 8, for example, a current phase of the patient's 8 breathing, is monitored during the instruction process and the patient 8 is prompted to inhale or exhale at determined times using the instruction 13.

[0061] If a predetermined recording condition is fulfilled by the condition of the patient 8, the control device 9 can control the recording device 10 in a step S11 in order to carry out a recording process by the recording device 10.

[0062] In the recording method, the recording device 10 can capture one or more images of a predetermined recording area of ​​the patient 8 to be examined in a step S12 and provide them to the control device 9. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2015 224 158 A1

[0027]

Claims

[1] A method for operating an imaging device (1), comprising the following steps: - receiving sensor data by a control device (9) of the imaging device (1), wherein the sensor data describe sensor values ​​relating to a patient (8) to be examined; - determining a condition of the patient (8) to be examined by the control device (9) based on the sensor data; - checking the condition of the patient (8) to be examined for compliance with a predetermined recording condition for carrying out a recording method by a recording device (10) of the imaging device (1); - upon fulfillment of the predetermined recording condition, controlling the recording device (10) by the control device (9) to carry out the recording process; and - carrying out the recording method by the recording device (10), wherein the recording method comprises capturing at least one image of a recording area of ​​the patient (8) to be examined. [2] A method according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: - checking the condition of the patient (8) to be examined for fulfillment of a predetermined instruction condition for carrying out an instruction method by an output device (12) of the imaging device (1); - upon fulfillment of the predetermined instruction condition, actuating the output device (12) by the control device (9) to output instructions (13) to the patient (8) to instruct the patient (8) to fulfill the predetermined recording condition. [3] A method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising the following steps: - Recording the patient’s condition over a certain period of time, and - Determine a patient characterization of the patient based on the patient's condition recorded during the specified period. [4] A method according to claim 3, comprising the following steps: Determination of the admission condition depending on the patient's characterization. [5] A method according to claim 3 when referring back to claim 2, comprising the following steps: Determination of the instruction condition depending on the patient's characterization. [6] Method according to claim 5 or claim 3 when referred back to claim 2, characterized by that the instructions (13) are issued to the patient (8) for instructing the patient (8) depending on the patient characterization of the patient. [7] Method according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized by that the instructions (13) include sound signals. [8] Method according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized by that the instructions (13) include visual representations. [9] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the condition includes a movement characteristic of the patient (8). [10] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the condition includes a respiratory characteristic of the patient (8). [11] Method according to one of the preceding claims comprising the following steps: - detecting the sensor values ​​relating to the patient (8) to be examined by a sensor device (11) of the imaging device (1); - sending the sensor data comprising the sensor values ​​to the control device (9) of the imaging device (1) by the sensor device (11). [12] Method according to one of the preceding claims characterized by that the sensor device (11) comprises a pilot tone navigation device. [13] imaging device (1), characterized by , that - the imaging device (1) comprises a control device (9) which is configured to receive sensor data, wherein the sensor data comprises sensor values ​​relating to a patient (8) to be examined; - the control device (9) is configured to determine a condition of the patient (8) to be examined based on the sensor data; - the control device (9) is designed to check the condition of the patient (8) to be examined for compliance with a predetermined recording condition for carrying out a recording method by a recording device (10) of the imaging device (1); - the control device (9) is designed to control the recording device (10) to carry out the recording process when the predetermined recording condition is met; and - the recording device (10) is configured to carry out the recording method, wherein the recording method comprises capturing at least one image of a recording area of ​​the patient (8) to be examined. [14] A computer program which can be loaded directly into a memory of a control device (9) of the imaging device (1) according to claim 13, comprising program means for carrying out the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 when the program is executed in the control device (9). [15] Electronically readable data carrier with electronically readable control information stored thereon, which comprises at least one computer program according to claim 14 and is designed such that, when the data carrier is used in the control device (9), it causes the imaging device (1) to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 12.

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