MAGNETIC RESONANCE DEVICE WITH A MOVABLE PATIENT TABLE AND A PATIENT TABLE CONTROLLER AND A METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A MOVEMENT OF A PATIENT TABLE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance apparatus comprising a scanner unit, a movable patient table, a patient table controller, and a user interface for user input to adjust a movement of the patient table. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method for controlling a movement of a patient table of a magnetic resonance apparatus. Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program product comprising a program for executing the method for controlling a movement of a patient table of a magnetic resonance apparatus.

[0002] During magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations, the patient is moved into a patient reception area while lying on a patient table. Since accessories such as an injection unit and / or a respiration sensor, etc., are often attached to the patient for the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), moving the patient table poses particular risks, as cables and / or tubes can become trapped between the patient table and a housing surrounding the patient reception area during patient table movement. This risk is further increased if an intervention is also being performed on the patient and additional units are therefore available on the patient table for the intervention. It is therefore important to prevent malfunctions of the patient table and thus unwanted movements of the patient table.

[0003] Methods for preventing such undesired movements of the patient table are shown, for example, in the documents JP2013022246A, JP2019115382A, US2010134315A1 and CN206044918U.

[0004] The present invention is based, in particular, on the object of preventing undesired movement of a patient table. This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described in the subclaims.

[0005] The invention is based on a magnetic resonance apparatus comprising a scanner unit, a movable patient table, a patient table control, and a user interface for user input to adjust a movement of the patient table. According to the invention, the patient table control comprises at least two control paths, wherein a user input can be detected by means of the user interface via the at least two control paths.

[0006] The scanner unit of the magnetic resonance device typically comprises a base magnet. The base magnet is designed to generate a strong, homogeneous, and constant base magnetic field, wherein the base magnet is configured such that the strong, homogeneous, and constant base magnetic field is applied and / or arranged in a patient acquisition area, in particular in a field of view (FOV), of the magnetic resonance device. Furthermore, the scanner unit preferably comprises a gradient coil unit. The gradient coil unit is designed and / or configured to generate magnetic field gradients for spatial encoding within the patient acquisition area, in particular within the FOV, during magnetic resonance imaging. Furthermore, the scanner unit preferably comprises a radio-frequency antenna unit, wherein the radio-frequency antenna unit is permanently integrated within the scanner unit.By means of the radio-frequency antenna unit, high-frequency magnetic resonance sequences can advantageously be generated during a magnetic resonance examination and transmitted and / or radiated into the patient acquisition area, in particular into the FOV, for excitation.

[0007] The magnetic resonance device further comprises the patient receiving area, which is at least partially surrounded by the scanner unit. For example, the patient receiving area can be surrounded by the scanner unit in a cylindrical shape. The patient receiving area is designed and / or configured to receive the patient and / or a region of the patient to be examined during a magnetic resonance examination. The patient receiving area preferably comprises the FOV and / or the isocenter of the magnetic resonance device. The FOV preferably comprises a detection region of the magnetic resonance device within which magnetic resonance data can be acquired. The isocenter of the magnetic resonance device preferably comprises the region and / or point within the magnetic resonance device that has the most optimal and / or ideal conditions for a magnetic resonance examination.In particular, the isocenter encompasses the most homogeneous region within the magnetic resonance device. Preferably, the isocenter is located within the patient receiving area.

[0008] A patient support device is usually arranged so as to be movable within the patient receiving area. In particular, the patient table of the patient support device is arranged so as to be movable in a z-direction of the scanner unit and / or in the direction of a longitudinal extent of the patient receiving area. In addition, the patient table is also arranged so as to be movable in a vertical direction, for example to lower the patient table and enable a patient to sit down on the patient table. For this purpose, the patient table is preferably extended completely out of the patient receiving area. The patient is positioned on the patient table for the magnetic resonance examination. In addition, accessory units such as local radio-frequency antenna units and / or injection units and / or ECG units, etc., are positioned on the patient table together with the patient.By means of the movable patient table, a patient, in particular a region of the patient to be examined, can be introduced and / or moved into the patient receiving area for a magnetic resonance examination and / or positioned within the patient receiving area, in particular within the FOV, for a magnetic resonance examination.

[0009] The user interface for a user input for adjusting a movement of the patient table is preferably arranged on the scanner unit of the magnetic resonance apparatus. Alternatively or additionally, the user interface for a user input for adjusting a movement of the patient table can also be arranged directly on the patient support device and / or on the movable patient table. The user interface preferably comprises at least one input element and / or operating element by means of which a user, in particular medical personnel, can make the user input. The at least one input element and / or operating element comprises a rotary switch and can comprise further elements such as a key and / or a switch and / or a button and / or a touch display and / or further operating elements deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art.The user input includes an input that is forwarded to a patient table control, where a control command for a movement of the patient table is generated based on the input.

[0010] The patient table controller preferably comprises a control unit and a computing unit. The control unit and computing unit of the patient table controller are designed and / or configured to generate a control command for controlling the patient table. The control unit and computing unit comprise at least one computing module and / or a processor, wherein the control unit and computing unit are designed and / or configured to control a movement of the patient table. In particular, the control unit and computing unit are configured to execute computer-readable instructions to control a movement of the patient table.In particular, the control unit and / or computing unit comprises a storage unit, wherein computer-readable information is stored on the storage unit, wherein the control unit and / or computing unit is configured to load the computer-readable information from the storage unit and to execute the computer-readable information in order to control a movement of the patient table.

[0011] The components of the control unit and / or computing unit can predominantly be implemented in the form of software components. In principle, however, these components can also be partially implemented in the form of software-supported hardware components, such as FPGAs or the like, particularly when particularly fast calculations are required. Likewise, the required interfaces, for example when only transferring data from other software components, can be implemented as software interfaces. However, they can also be implemented as hardware interfaces that are controlled by suitable software. Of course, it is also conceivable for several of the aforementioned components to be implemented together in the form of a single software component or software-supported hardware component.

[0012] The control unit and / or computing unit can be integrated and / or arranged within a system control unit for controlling the magnetic resonance apparatus. Preferably, the control unit and / or computing unit of the patient table controller comprises a separate unit from the system control unit of the magnetic resonance apparatus. The control unit and / or computing unit of the patient table controller can be connected to the system control unit by means of a data exchange unit for the purpose of exchanging information and / or data. The data exchange unit can be designed and / or configured for wireless data exchange and / or wired data exchange between the system control unit and the control unit and / or computing unit of the patient table controller.

[0013] The patient table controller generates control commands and / or control signals for moving the patient table. The generation of the control commands and / or control signals for moving the patient table depends on the user input. The patient table controller has two control paths to detect the user input. Each of the at least two control paths is designed and / or constructed to detect the user input via the user interface, via the input element and / or the operating element of the user interface. The individual control paths can also further comprise control elements and / or switching elements and / or data transmission elements in order to detect the user input via the user interface, in particular via the input element and / or the operating element of the user interface, and to forward it to the control unit and / or computing unit of the patient table controller.

[0014] The invention achieves redundant detection of the user input made via the user interface, i.e., via the input element and / or the control element of the user interface. This can increase safety and / or reliability when controlling a movement of the patient table; in particular, such undesired movements of the patient table can be prevented. Furthermore, this can achieve a high level of patient safety, and patient injuries due to undesired movement of the patient table caused by incorrect control can be advantageously prevented.

[0015] In the magnetic resonance apparatus according to the invention, it is provided that the user interface has an operating element that includes a rotary switch. The operating element is particularly advantageously designed and / or configured for operation of the patient table, in particular for adjustment of a position of the patient table by a user, in particular medical personnel. In this case, the operating element can be designed and / or configured exclusively for operation of the patient table. In this case, the operating element is particularly advantageously arranged on the scanner unit of the magnetic resonance apparatus, in particular on a front side of the scanner unit, so that advantageous accessibility during patient preparation for a user,

[0016] in particular a medical operator. The operating element is designed as a rotary switch. The rotary switch can comprise a rotary knob and / or a rotary button, wherein the rotary switch is designed such that an input can be made by turning the rotary switch. By means of the rotary switch, a movement of the patient table can be set particularly easily by manually turning the rotary switch. In this case, for example, a direction of movement can also be set by the operator by selecting a direction of rotation of the rotary switch. In particular, a particularly simple operation of the patient table and thus also a particularly simple adjustment of a movement of the patient table by a user, in particular a medical operator, can advantageously be achieved in this way.

[0017] In an advantageous development of the magnetic resonance apparatus according to the invention, it can be provided that the user interface has an operating element that includes a pressure-sensitive rotary switch. The operating element is preferably designed as a pressure-sensitive rotary switch. The pressure-sensitive rotary switch can comprise a pressure-sensitive rotary knob and / or a pressure-sensitive rotary button, wherein the pressure-sensitive rotary switch is designed such that an input can be made both by turning the pressure-sensitive rotary switch and by pressing the pressure-sensitive rotary switch. In particular, this advantageously allows a user, in particular a medical operator, to operate the patient table particularly easily and thus also adjust a movement of the patient table particularly easily.Furthermore, in this way, an input of different setting options for controlling the patient table can be provided for a user, in particular a medical operator, by means of a single operating element, and thus a high level of operating comfort for the user, in particular a medical operator, can be achieved.

[0018] In the magnetic resonance apparatus according to the invention, it is provided that the user interface has an operating element, wherein detection of a user input on the operating element by means of the first control path of the two control paths is independent of detection of the user input on the operating element by means of the second control path of the two control paths. In particular, the first control path has control electronics that are designed independently and / or separately from the control electronics of the second control path. Particularly advantageously, the first control path and the second control path are designed parallel to one another, wherein the patient table control has a parallel circuit that includes the first control path and the second control path. Preferably, the operating element, for example a pressure-sensitive rotary switch, is coupled to the two control paths of the patient table control.This advantageously enables redundant detection of a user input, so that incorrect control of the patient table, for example due to incorrect detection of the user input, can be prevented.

[0019] In the magnetic resonance apparatus according to the invention, the patient table control system comprises a computing unit, and the computing unit is configured to generate a control command for the patient table. The computing unit has two separate inputs, and each of the two inputs is assigned to one of the two control paths. Thus, the two independently and / or separately acquired user inputs, which are input via the user interface, can be processed independently and / or separately from one another by the computing unit to generate a control command for controlling and / or operating the patient table.The computing unit is designed and / or configured to generate a control command if the user information and / or input information acquired and transmitted via the two independent control paths comprise identical information and / or matching information and / or corresponding information. For example, if both control paths provide information for moving the patient table into the patient admission area, the computing unit generates a corresponding control command and forwards it to the patient table. If, on the other hand, contradictory information regarding a movement of the patient table is available in the computing unit from the two control paths, the computing unit does not generate a control command for moving the patient table.For example, only one of the two control paths may contain information regarding a movement of the patient table, while the second control path may not contain any information regarding a movement of the patient table. It is also possible that if the two control paths provide conflicting information regarding a movement of the patient table, the computing unit may generate a stop command and / or a lock command that prevents and / or blocks a movement of the patient table and / or stops a current movement of the patient table.

[0020] In an advantageous development of the magnetic resonance apparatus according to the invention, it can be provided that at least one control path of the two control paths comprises a switching unit with a number of switching elements, wherein the number of switching elements is dependent on a number of different setting positions of an operating element of the user interface. The switching unit is designed and / or configured to detect a setting position of the operating element. A setting position of the operating element can, for example, comprise a direction of rotation of the operating element and / or a pressed position of the operating element, etc. Preferably, a switching element is available in the switching unit for each setting position of the operating element, such that each of the setting positions can be detected independently. The individual switching elements preferably comprise electronic switching elements.Particularly advantageously, each of the two control paths comprises a switching unit with a number of switching elements, wherein the number of switching elements depends on the number of different setting positions of the control element of the user interface. This embodiment of the invention enables particularly reliable detection of a setting of a position of the control element. This can also reduce and / or prevent unwanted incorrect control of the patient table.

[0021] In an advantageous development of the magnetic resonance device according to the invention, the switching unit can be provided with three switching elements. This allows a setting position of an operating element, in particular a pressure-sensitive rotary switch, to be detected particularly advantageously.

[0022] In an advantageous development of the magnetic resonance apparatus according to the invention, it can be provided that at least one of the two control paths has an intensity measuring unit for detecting the intensity of an input on an operating element. The intensity of an input on an operating element can, for example, comprise a degree and / or a circumference of a rotary movement of a rotary switch. In addition, the intensity of an input on an operating element can also comprise a time of a pressing movement of a push button and / or a distance traveled by a push button and / or a distance traveled by a slide control, etc. The intensity measuring unit can comprise a potentiometer and / or other measuring units deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art for detecting the intensity of an input on an operating element by a user. This advantageously makes it possible to set and / or determine a control variable depending on the detected intensity.

[0023] In an advantageous development of the magnetic resonance apparatus according to the invention, it can be provided that at least one movement parameter for controlling the patient table can be adjusted by means of the patient table control as a function of the detected intensity of the input made by means of the control element. The at least one movement parameter can comprise a parameter for a distance to be covered by the patient table. According to the invention, the at least one movement parameter comprises a parameter for a speed of movement of the patient table. In this way, a speed for a retraction movement and / or an extension movement of the patient table is determined based on a circumference of a rotational movement of a rotary switch.In this way, a single control element, for example, a pressure-sensitive rotary switch, can provide a user, particularly a medical operator, with input for various setting options for controlling the patient table. Furthermore, this can provide a high level of operating comfort for the user, particularly a medical operator.

[0024] In a magnetic resonance apparatus outside the scope of the invention, it can be provided that the user interface has a first control element and a second control element, wherein the first control path of the two control paths is coupled to the first control element and the second control path of the two control paths is coupled to the second control element. For generating a control command by means of a computing unit of the patient table control, corresponding and / or consistent information, which is transmitted from the two control elements to the computing unit by the two control paths, is preferably present in the computing unit.Corresponding and / or matching information is present when movement information, for example an insertion of the patient table into the patient reception area, is present via the first operating element and movement information, for example an insertion of the patient table into the patient reception area, is also present via the second operating element. In addition, corresponding and / or matching information can be present when movement information is present via the first operating element and approval for a movement is present via the second operating element. The first operating element and the second operating element can be designed identically. In addition, the first operating element can also be designed differently than the second operating element. This advantageously makes it possible to achieve redundant detection of the user input using the two operating elements.In addition, safety and / or reliability in controlling a movement of the patient table can be increased, in particular such undesired movement of the patient table can be prevented.

[0025] In this magnetic resonance device, it can be provided that the first operating element and / or the second operating element has a locking function for the patient table. Preferably, the locking function of the first operating element and / or the second operating element comprises an electronic locking and / or locking of the patient table, so that no control command for moving the patient table can reach the patient table and / or no control command for moving the patient table is generated in the computing unit. This configuration enables a high safety standard during operation of the magnetic resonance device, in particular of the patient table of the magnetic resonance device. In particular, unintentional movement of the patient table can be advantageously prevented in this way during activation of the locking function, for example by pressing the first operating element and / or the second operating element.In addition, a high level of patient safety can be achieved and patient injuries due to unwanted movement of the patient table can be advantageously prevented.

[0026] Furthermore, the invention is based on a method for controlling a movement of a patient table of the magnetic resonance apparatus according to the invention, the method comprising the following method steps: Acquiring first input data of an input on at least one operating element by means of a first control path, Acquiring second input data of an input on the at least one operating element by means of a second control path, Transferring the first input data and the second input data to a computing unit, Evaluating the first input data and the second input data by means of the computing unit and Generating a control command for controlling the patient table, wherein the generation of the control command takes place by means of the computing unit as soon as the first input data and the second input data comprise matching input information, and Executing the control command for controlling the movement of the patient table.

[0027] Preferably, the first input data and / or the second input data comprise user input data that is entered manually by a user, in particular the medical operating personnel, using the at least one control element. The at least one control element comprises a rotary switch for user input for controlling and / or moving the patient table. The computing unit is designed and / or configured to generate a control command if the input information acquired and transmitted via the two control paths comprises identical information and / or matching information and / or corresponding information. If, for example, input information for moving the patient table into the patient reception area is available from both control paths, a corresponding control command is generated by the computing unit and passed on to the patient table.However, if there are contradictory input information from the two control paths regarding a movement of the patient table in the computing unit, the computing unit will not generate a control command to move the patient table.

[0028] The method according to the invention advantageously allows redundant detection of the user input made via the user interface, in particular via the input element and / or the control element of the user interface. This can increase safety and / or reliability when controlling a movement of the patient table, in particular, preventing such undesired movements of the patient table. Furthermore, this allows a high level of patient safety to be achieved, and patient injuries due to undesired movement of the patient table caused by incorrect control can be advantageously prevented.

[0029] The advantages of the method according to the invention for controlling a movement of a patient table of a magnetic resonance apparatus essentially correspond to the advantages of the magnetic resonance apparatus according to the invention, which have been described in detail above. Features, advantages, or alternative embodiments mentioned herein can also be applied to the other claimed subject matter, and vice versa.

[0030] In the method according to the invention, it is provided that the acquisition of the first input data by means of the first control path is independent of the acquisition of the second input data by means of the second control path. In this case, the first control path is also designed independently of the second control path, so that an independent acquisition of input data and also an independent transmission of the acquired input data can take place via the two control paths. In particular, the first control path has control electronics that are designed independently and / or separately from the control electronics of the second control path. Particularly advantageously, the first control path and the second control path are designed parallel to one another, wherein the patient table control has a parallel circuit that includes the first control path and the second control path.The control element comprises a rotary switch, for example, a pressure-sensitive rotary switch, and is coupled to the two control paths of the patient table control. This advantageously enables redundant detection of a user input, thus advantageously preventing unwanted incorrect control of the patient table, for example, due to incorrect detection of the user input.

[0031] In an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the input on the at least one operating element comprises a rotary movement and / or a pressing movement on a pressure-sensitive rotary switch. The pressure-sensitive rotary switch can comprise a pressure-sensitive rotary knob and / or a pressure-sensitive rotary button, wherein the pressure-sensitive rotary switch is designed such that an input can be made both by turning the pressure-sensitive rotary switch and by pressing the pressure-sensitive rotary switch. In particular, this advantageously enables particularly simple operation of the patient table and thus also particularly simple adjustment of a movement of the patient table by a user, in particular medical personnel.Furthermore, in this way, an input of different setting options for controlling the patient table can be provided for a user, in particular a medical operator, by means of a single operating element, and thus a high level of operating comfort for the user, in particular a medical operator, can be achieved.

[0032] In an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that at least one current status parameter of the patient table is present in the computing unit, and the control command is generated by the computing unit as a function of the at least one status parameter of the patient table. This allows for simple and, in particular, context-dependent control and / or adjustment of the patient table. This advantageously provides a high level of operating comfort for a user, in particular medical personnel.

[0033] The at least one current state parameter of the patient table can comprise a current position of the patient table. The current position of the patient table can comprise, for example, a home position of the patient table, wherein in the home position the patient table is ready to be moved into and / or introduced into the patient receiving area. Furthermore, the current position of the patient table can comprise, for example, an isocenter position, wherein in the isocenter position the patient table, in particular a region of the patient to be examined, is arranged in the isocenter of the magnetic resonance device. Furthermore, the current position of the patient table can comprise, for example, a lowered position of the patient table, as is particularly advantageous for positioning and / or supporting the patient.

[0034] In addition, the at least one current state parameter of the patient table can comprise a current state of movement. The current state of movement of the patient table can comprise a standstill of the patient table or a current speed of the patient table at which the patient table is currently being moved. Furthermore, the at least one current state parameter of the patient table can also comprise a current target position. The current target position can comprise, for example, the home position of the patient table and / or the isocenter position of the patient table and / or a lowered position of the patient table. In addition, the at least one current state parameter of the patient table can comprise further state parameters of the patient table that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art. The at least one current state parameter of the patient table can be stored in the computing unit.In addition, the magnetic resonance apparatus may comprise a detection unit for detecting the at least one current state parameter of the patient table, such as a sensor unit.

[0035] For example, if the patient table is in a lowered position, e.g., for patient preparation, pressing the control can raise the patient table to position it in a home position for retraction into the patient admission area. For example, if the patient table is already in the home position, pressing the control can retract the patient table to an isocenter position, positioning it in an examination position within the patient admission area.

[0036] In an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the generated control command comprises a direction of movement of the patient table, wherein the direction of movement of the patient table is dependent on a direction of rotation of the rotary switch. This advantageously allows a user, in particular a medical operator, to easily and intuitively operate and / or adjust the movement of the patient table using the control element. Furthermore, such an embodiment of the invention can provide a high level of operating comfort for a user, in particular a medical operator.

[0037] In an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the input data of an input on the at least one control element comprise locking information for the patient table. The locking information can particularly advantageously comprise an electronic locking and / or locking of the patient table, so that no control command for moving the patient table can reach the patient table and / or no control command for moving the patient table is generated in the computing unit. In this way, a high level of safety and / or reliability can be advantageously provided during operation and / or adjustment of the patient table. In particular, incorrect control, which could lead to undesired movement of the patient table, can be advantageously prevented.

[0038] Furthermore, the invention is based on a computer program product comprising a program and being directly loadable into a memory of a programmable processing unit, with program means for executing a method for controlling a movement of a patient table of a magnetic resonance apparatus when the program is executed in the processing unit. The computer program may require program means, z.B. Libraries and auxiliary functions to implement the corresponding embodiments of the method. The computer program can comprise software with source code that still needs to be compiled and linked or that only needs to be interpreted, or executable software code that only needs to be loaded into a corresponding processing unit for execution.

[0039] The computer program product according to the invention can be loaded directly into a memory of a programmable computing unit and has program code means for executing a method according to the invention when the computer program product is executed in the computing unit. The computer program product can be a computer program or comprise a computer program. As a result, the method according to the invention can be executed quickly, identically repeatably, and robustly. The computer program product is configured such that it can execute the method steps according to the invention by means of the computing unit. The computing unit must have the prerequisites, such as a corresponding main memory, a corresponding graphics card, or a corresponding logic unit, so that the respective method steps can be executed efficiently.The computer program product is stored, for example, on a computer-readable medium or on a network or server, from where it can be loaded into the processor of a local computing unit, which can be directly connected to the magnetic resonance device or formed as part of it. Furthermore, control information of the computer program product can be stored on an electronically readable data carrier. The control information of the electronically readable data carrier can be designed such that it executes a method according to the invention when the data carrier is used in a computing unit. Thus, the computer program product can also represent the electronically readable data carrier. Examples of electronically readable data carriers are a DVD, a magnetic tape, a hard disk, or a USB stick on which electronically readable control information, in particular software (see above), is stored.If this control information (software) is read from the data carrier and stored in a controller and / or processing unit, all embodiments of the method described above can be implemented. Thus, the invention can also be based on said computer-readable medium and / or said electronically readable data carrier.

[0040] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the embodiment described below and from the drawings.

[0041] They show: Fig. 1 shows a magnetic resonance apparatus according to the invention in a schematic representation. Fig. 2 shows an overview of a patient table control. Fig. 3 shows a view of an operating element of the patient table control. Fig. 4 shows a view of a method according to the invention for controlling a movement of a patient table of a magnetic resonance apparatus. Fig. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the patient table control with two operating elements. which lies outside the scope of the invention.

[0042] In the Fig. 1 A magnetic resonance apparatus 10 is schematically illustrated. The magnetic resonance apparatus 10 comprises a scanner unit 11 formed by a magnet unit. Furthermore, the magnetic resonance apparatus 10 has a patient receiving area 12 for receiving a patient 13. The patient receiving area 12 in the present exemplary embodiment is cylindrical and is surrounded in a circumferential direction by the scanner unit 11, in particular by the magnet unit. In principle, however, a different design of the patient receiving area 12 is conceivable at any time.

[0043] The patient 13 can be pushed and / or moved into the patient receiving area 12 by means of a patient support device 14 of the magnetic resonance device 10. For this purpose, the patient support device 14 has a movable patient table 15. In particular, the patient table 15 is mounted so as to be movable in the direction of a longitudinal extent of the patient receiving area 12 and / or in the z-direction for moving the patient table 15 into the patient receiving area 12. In addition, the patient table 15 is adjustable in the vertical direction 28 to facilitate the patient 13 sitting on the patient table 15.

[0044] The scanner unit 11, in particular the magnet unit, comprises a superconducting base magnet 16 for generating a strong and in particular constant base magnetic field 17. Furthermore, the scanner unit 11, in particular the magnet unit, has a gradient coil unit 18 for generating magnetic field gradients that are used for spatial encoding during imaging. The gradient coil unit 18 is controlled by a gradient control unit 19 of the magnetic resonance device 10. The scanner unit 11, in particular the magnet unit, further comprises a radio-frequency antenna unit 20 for exciting a polarization that arises in the base magnetic field 17 generated by the base magnet 16.The radio-frequency antenna unit 20 is controlled by a radio-frequency antenna control unit 21 of the magnetic resonance device 10 and radiates radio-frequency magnetic resonance sequences into the patient receiving area 12 of the magnetic resonance device 10.

[0045] The magnetic resonance apparatus 10 has a system control unit 22 for controlling the base magnet 16, the gradient control unit 19, and the radio-frequency antenna control unit 21. The system control unit 22 centrally controls the magnetic resonance apparatus, such as performing a predetermined imaging gradient echo sequence. The system control unit 22 also includes an evaluation unit (not shown in detail) for evaluating medical image data acquired during the magnetic resonance examination.

[0046] Furthermore, the magnetic resonance device 10 comprises a user interface 23 connected to the system control unit 22. Control information such as imaging parameters and reconstructed magnetic resonance images can be displayed on an output unit 24, for example, on at least one monitor, of the user interface 23 for medical personnel. Furthermore, the user interface 23 has an input unit 25, by means of which information and / or parameters can be entered by the medical personnel during a measurement process.

[0047] The scanner unit 11 of the magnetic resonance apparatus 10 is arranged together with the patient support device 14 within an examination room 26. The system control unit 22, in contrast, is arranged together with the input unit 25 and the output unit 24 of the user interface 23 within a control room 27. The control room 27 is separate from the examination room 26. In particular, the examination room 26 is shielded from the control room 27 with respect to high-frequency radiation.

[0048] For operating the patient support device 14, in particular the patient table 15, the user interface 23 has a further input unit 29 with at least one operating element 30 and / or input element. In the present exemplary embodiment, the further input unit 29 has a single operating element 30 and / or input element, which comprises a rotary switch 31, in particular a pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31 ( Fig. 1 bis 3 ). By means of the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, user input can be enabled both by pressing P the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31 and by rotating and / or turning RR, RL the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31. The further input unit 29, in particular the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, is arranged within the examination room 26. In this case, the further input unit 29, in particular the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, is arranged on the scanner unit 11. For good accessibility, the further input unit 29, in particular the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, is arranged on a front side 32 of the scanner unit 11. In addition, in the present exemplary embodiment, the user interface has a further output unit 33, which comprises a display 34 and / or a touch display.The additional output unit 33, in particular the display 34 and / or the touch display, is also arranged on the front side 32 of the scanner unit 11. In particular, the additional output unit 33 is arranged vertically 28 above the additional input unit 29 in order to provide feedback for an input directly to the user, in particular to the medical personnel.

[0049] In an alternative embodiment of the user interface 23, the additional input unit 29, in particular the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, can also be arranged on the patient table 15 and / or the patient support device 14. Furthermore, the additional output unit 33 can also be arranged on the patient table 15 and / or the patient support device 14.

[0050] In addition, the magnetic resonance apparatus 10 has a patient table control 35 for controlling the patient table 15, in particular for controlling a movement of the patient table 15 ( Fig. 2 ). The patient table control 35 comprises the further input unit 29, in particular the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, and at least two control paths 36, 37. By means of the two control paths 36, 37, a user input can be detected by means of the user interface 23, in particular the further input unit 29 and / or the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31. In this case, detection of a user input on the control element 30, in particular the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, by means of a first control path 36 of the two control paths 36, 37 is independent of detection of the user input on the control element 30, in particular the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, by means of the second control path 37 of the two control paths 36, 37.

[0051] For the independent detection of the user input on the operating element 30, in particular the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, by means of the two control paths 36, 37, in the present embodiment the first control path 36 has a switching unit 38 ( Fig. 2 ). The switching unit 38 of the first control path 36 comprises a number of switching elements 39, wherein the number of switching elements 39 depends on a number of different setting positions for the operating element 30, in particular the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31. In addition, the second control path 37 also has a switching unit 40. The switching unit 40 of the second control path 37 comprises a number of switching elements 41, wherein the number of switching elements 41 depends on a number of different setting positions for the operating element 30, in particular the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31.

[0052] Due to the design of the operating element 30 as a pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, the operating element 30, in particular the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, has three setting positions in the present exemplary embodiment. A first setting position of the operating element 30, in particular the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, comprises rotating and / or turning RL of the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31 to the left. A second setting position of the operating element 30, in particular the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, comprises pressing P of the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31. A third setting position of the operating element 30, in particular the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, comprises rotating and / or turning RR of the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31 to the right. Thus, the switching unit 38 of the first control path 36 and the switching unit 40 of the second control path 37 each comprise three switching elements 39, 41 ( Fig. 2 ).

[0053] Furthermore, the patient table control 35 is designed and / or configured to detect the intensity of an input on the operating element 30, in particular on the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31. For this purpose, the patient table control 35, in particular the first control path 36 of the patient table control 35, has an intensity measuring unit 42. In the present exemplary embodiment, the intensity measuring unit 42 has a potentiometer. The intensity of the input on the operating element 30, in particular on the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, in particular has a degree of rotation on the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31. By means of the degree of rotation on the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, a user, in particular the medical operating personnel, can set at least one movement parameter, in particular a speed, of the patient table 15 ( Fig. 3 ). For this purpose, the potentiometer is designed such that rotation and / or turning, in particular rotation and / or turning RL to the left or rotation and / or turning RR to the right, on the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31 must exceed a minimum angle α min in order to prevent accidental minimal rotation of the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31 upon user input. By further rotating the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31 up to a maximum angle of rotation α max, a speed of the patient table 15 can be set ( Fig. 4 ). Alternatively, the at least one adjustable movement parameter can also include a distance that the patient table 15 is to cover and / or other parameters that appear appropriate to the person skilled in the art ( Fig. 2 and 3 ).

[0054] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the first control path 36 for detecting a user input on the operating element 29 can comprise only one intensity measuring unit 42, in particular the potentiometer, and only the second control path 36 for detecting a user input on the operating element 29 can comprise a switching unit 40 with switching elements 41. Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the second control path 37 can also comprise an intensity measuring unit 42, in particular a potentiometer.

[0055] The patient table control 35 also has a computing unit 43, wherein the computing unit 43 is designed to generate a control command for the patient table 15, in particular for a movement of the patient table 15. In the present embodiment, the computing unit 43 is designed separately from the system control unit 22 and is connected to the system control unit 22 by means of a data transmission unit. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the computing unit 43 can be included in the system control unit 22 ( Fig. 2 ).

[0056] To generate control commands for controlling the patient table 15, in particular for controlling a movement of the patient table 15, the computing unit 43 has the necessary control software and / or control programs stored in a memory unit (not shown in detail) of the computing unit 43. When the control software and / or the control programs are executed by a processor (not shown in detail) of the computing unit 43, the patient table 15 is controlled, in particular a movement of the patient table 15 is controlled. For this purpose, control parameters are generated by means of the control software and / or the control programs and transmitted to the patient table 15, provided that the required input data is present in the computing unit 43.

[0057] For transmitting first input data of an input to the operating element 30, in particular the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, by means of the first control path 36 and transmitting second input data of an input to the operating element 30, in particular the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, by means of the second control path 37, the computing unit 43 has two separately formed inputs 44, in particular two separately formed data inputs, for the two control paths 36, 37 ( Fig. 2 ). In the computing unit 43, the first input data and the second input data are processed and, provided that the first input data contain input information that matches the second input data, a control command for moving the patient table 15 is generated. If, for example, information for moving the patient table 15 into the patient reception area 12 is available from both control paths 36, 37, a corresponding control command is generated by the computing unit 43 and passed on to the patient table 15. If, on the other hand, contradictory information is available in the computing unit 43 from the two control paths 36, 37 regarding a movement of the patient table 15, the computing unit 43 does not generate a control command for moving the patient table 15.For example, only one control path 36, 37 of the two control paths 36, 37 may contain information for a movement of the patient table 15, while the other control path 36, 37 of the two control paths 36, 37 may not contain any information for a movement of the patient table 15. It may also be the case that, if contradictory information is present in the two control paths 36, 37 regarding a movement of the patient table 15 in the computing unit 43, the computing unit 43 may generate a stop command and / or a locking command that prevents and / or blocks a movement of the patient table 15 and / or stops a current movement of the patient table 15.

[0058] The illustrated magnetic resonance apparatus 10 may, of course, include further components that magnetic resonance apparatuses 10 typically have. A general mode of operation of a magnetic resonance apparatus 10 is also known to those skilled in the art, so a detailed description of the further components is omitted.

[0059] In Fig. 4 A method according to the invention for controlling a movement of the patient table 15 of the magnetic resonance apparatus 10 is shown. The method is executed and / or controlled automatically and / or independently by the computing unit 43. Accordingly, the control software and / or the control programs stored in the computing unit 43 are also designed and / or configured to automatically and / or independently control a movement of the patient table 15 of the magnetic resonance apparatus 10.

[0060] In a first method step 100, input data of an input at the operating element 30, in particular at the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, is acquired. In the first method step 100, first input data at the operating element 30, in particular at the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, is acquired via the first control path 36, and second input data at the operating element 30, in particular at the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, is acquired via the second control path 37. The first input data is acquired via the first control path 36 independently of the second input data of the second control path 37. The input at the operating element 30, in particular at the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, comprises a rotary movement and / or a pressing movement of the operating element 30, in particular of the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31.

[0061] In a second method step 101 following the first method step 100, the first input data is transmitted to the computing unit 43 by means of the first control path 36 and the second input data is transmitted to the computing unit 43 by means of the second control path 37. The transmission of the first input data by means of the first control path 36 is independent of a transmission of the second input data by means of the second control path 37.

[0062] In a third method step 102, the first input data and the second input data are then evaluated by the computing unit 43. The computing unit 43 generates a control command for controlling the patient table 15 as soon as the first input data and the second input data contain matching input information. If, for example, information for moving the patient table 15 into the patient reception area 15 is available from both control paths 36, 37, a corresponding control command is generated by the computing unit 43 and forwarded to the patient table 15. If, on the other hand, contradictory information regarding a movement of the patient table 15 is available in the computing unit 43 from the two control paths 36, 37, the computing unit 43 does not generate a control command for moving the patient table 15.For example, only one control path 36, 37 of the two control paths 36, 37 may contain information for a movement of the patient table 15, while another control path 36, 37 of the two control paths 36, 37 may not contain any information for a movement of the patient table 15. It is also possible that, if contradictory information is present in the two control paths 36, 37 regarding a movement of the patient table 15 in the computing unit 43, the computing unit 43 may generate a stop command and / or a locking command that prevents and / or blocks a movement of the patient table 15 and / or stops a current movement of the patient table 15.

[0063] Preferably, in this third method step 102, a current position of the patient table 15 and / or a current movement state of the patient table 15 is also present in the computing unit 43, wherein the control command is generated by the computing unit 43 as a function of the current position of the patient table 15 and / or the current movement state of the patient table 15. The current position and / or a current movement state of the patient table 15 can be stored in the memory unit of the computing unit 43. In addition, the magnetic resonance apparatus 10 can have a detection unit for detecting a current position and / or a current movement state of the patient table 15, such as a sensor unit.

[0064] Furthermore, a target position of the patient table 15 can also be specified in the computing unit 43, so that the computing unit 43 additionally adjusts a movement of the patient table 15 depending on the target position of the patient table 15. The target position of the patient table 15 can, for example, comprise an isocenter position of the patient table 15 in which the area of ​​the patient 13 to be examined is located in the isocenter of the patient receiving area 12. The isocenter position of the patient table 15 as the target position can, for example, be present before a magnetic resonance measurement. Furthermore, the target position of the patient table 15 can comprise a home position of the patient table 15. The home position of the patient table 15 comprises the position of the patient table 15 in which the patient table 15 is located outside the patient receiving area 12, but ready to be moved into the patient receiving area 12.The home position of the patient table 15 as the target position can be present, for example, after a magnetic resonance measurement when the patient 13 is to be moved out of the patient admission area 12 again.

[0065] In addition, the control command generated by the computing unit 43 can comprise a direction of movement of the patient table 15, wherein the direction of movement of the patient table 15 can be dependent on a direction of rotation of the operating element 30, in particular of the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31. In the present exemplary embodiment, rotating and / or turning RR of the operating element 30, in particular of the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, to the right causes a forward movement of the patient table 15 and / or a speed of a forward movement of the patient table 15 can be set by rotating and / or turning RR to the right of the operating element 30, in particular of the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31.Furthermore, rotating and / or turning RL of the control element 30, in particular of the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, to the left causes a backward movement of the patient table 15 and / or a speed of a backward movement of the patient table 15 can be set by rotating and / or turning RL to the left of the control element 30, in particular of the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31.

[0066] Subsequently, in a fourth method step 103, the control command for controlling the movement of the patient table 15 is executed. For this purpose, the control command is transmitted from the computing unit 43 to the patient table 15, in particular to a drive unit of the patient table 15 (not shown in detail).

[0067] A starting position of a first example of context-dependent generation of a control command for controlling a movement of the patient table 15 can be that the patient table 15 is in a lowered position, for example, for patient preparation. Furthermore, the isocenter position can be specified as the target position of the patient table 15, as may be the case at the beginning of an examination. By pressing P the control element 30, in particular the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, and then turning RR the control element 30, in particular the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, to the right, a control command is initially generated that raises the patient table 15 from the lowered position of the patient table 15 to the home position of the patient table 15.In the home position of the patient table 15, the patient table is located outside the patient receiving area 12, but ready for the patient table 15 to be moved into the patient receiving area 12. In addition, a control command is generated which causes a horizontal movement of the patient table 15, in particular a movement of the patient table 15, into the patient receiving area 12 such that the patient table 15 moves into the target position of the patient table 15, in particular into the isocenter position of the patient table 15. In the fourth method step 103, the patient table 15 is first raised to the home position of the patient table 15 and then moved into the patient receiving area 12 until an area of ​​the patient 13 to be examined is arranged in the isocenter or the patient table 15 is arranged in the isocenter position of the patient table 15.

[0068] If, for example, the patient table 15 is already in the home position of the patient table 15 and the isocenter position of the patient table 15 is specified as the target position of the patient table 15, pressing P the control element 30, in particular the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, causes the patient table 15 to automatically execute a horizontal movement until the area of ​​the patient 13 to be examined is arranged in the isocenter of the patient receiving area 12 or the patient table 15 is arranged in the isocenter position of the patient table 15. Due to the pressing movement on the control element 30, in particular on the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, the computing unit 43 generates a corresponding control command, which causes a corresponding horizontal movement of the patient table 15 when the control command is executed.The horizontal movement of the patient table 15 into the isocenter position of the patient table 15 can take place at maximum speed. If, during the movement of the patient table 15, the medical operating personnel detects a risk of a collision between the patient table 15 and / or the patient 13 and / or an accessory unit with the scanner unit 11, a speed, in particular a slower speed, of the patient table 15 can be set by turning RR of the control element 30, in particular the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, for example by turning RR to the right of the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31. In addition, the medical operating personnel can increase the speed of the patient table 15 back to a maximum as soon as the critical situation is over.In this case, the medical operating personnel must again actuate the operating element 30, in particular the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, in particular by performing a maximum rotary movement to the right, and the computing unit 43 sets a higher and / or maximum speed of the patient table 15.

[0069] For example, if the patient table 15 is in a position between the home position of the patient table 15 and the isocenter position of the patient table 15, and the isocenter position of the patient table 15 is specified as the target position of the patient table 15, pressing P the control element 30, in particular the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, causes the patient table 15 to automatically execute a horizontal movement until the area of ​​the patient 13 to be examined is arranged in the isocenter of the patient receiving area 12 or the patient table 15 is arranged in the isocenter position of the patient table 15. Due to the pressing movement on the control element 30, in particular on the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, the computing unit 43 generates a corresponding control command, which causes a corresponding horizontal movement of the patient table 15 when the control command is executed.The horizontal movement of the patient table 15 into the isocenter position of the patient table 15 can take place at maximum speed. If, during the movement of the patient table 15, the medical operating personnel detects a risk of a collision between the patient table 15 and / or the patient 13 and / or an accessory unit with the scanner unit 11, a speed, in particular a slower speed, of the patient table 15 can be set by turning RR of the control element 30, in particular the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, for example by turning RR to the right of the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31. In addition, the medical operating personnel can increase the speed of the patient table 15 back to a maximum as soon as the critical situation is over.In this case, the medical operating personnel must again actuate the operating element 30, in particular the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, in particular by performing a maximum rotary movement to the right, and the computing unit 43 sets a higher and / or maximum speed of the patient table 15.

[0070] For example, if the patient table 15 is in a position between the home position of the patient table 15 and the isocenter position of the patient table 15, and the home position of the patient table 15 is specified as the target position of the patient table 15, pressing P the control element 30, in particular the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, causes the patient table 15 to automatically execute a horizontal movement until the patient table 15 is in the home position. Due to the pressing movement on the control element 30, in particular on the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, the computing unit 43 generates a corresponding control command, which causes a corresponding horizontal movement of the patient table 15 when the control command is executed. The horizontal movement of the patient table 15 into the home position of the patient table 15 can take place at maximum speed.If, during the movement of the patient table 15, the medical operating personnel detects a danger of a collision between the patient table 15 and / or the patient 13 and / or an accessory unit with the scanner unit 11, a speed, in particular a slower speed, of the patient table 15 can be set by turning RL the control element 30, in particular the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, for example by turning RL to the left of the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31. In addition, the medical operating personnel can increase the speed of the patient table 15 back to a maximum as soon as the critical situation is over.In this case, the medical operating personnel must again actuate the operating element 30, in particular the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, in particular by performing a maximum rotational movement to the left, and the computing unit 43 sets a higher and / or maximum speed of the patient table 15.

[0071] For example, if the patient table 15 is in the home position of the patient table 15 and the patient table 15 is to be lowered, as is particularly useful after a magnetic resonance examination, a lowering movement is initiated by turning RL the control element 30, in particular the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, to the left. Due to the rotary movement of the control element 30, in particular the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, the computing unit 43 generates a corresponding control command, which causes a corresponding lowering movement of the patient table 15 when the control command is executed. The lowering movement can be executed as long as the control element 30, in particular the pressure-sensitive rotary switch 31, remains turned to the left by the user, in particular the medical operating personnel, or as long as an end position for lowering the patient table 15 is reached.

[0072] By means of the further output unit 33, in particular the display 34, the user, in particular the medical operating personnel, can always be shown a current position of the patient table 15 with respect to the home position of the patient table 15 in the vertical direction and / or with respect to the home position and / or the isocenter position of the patient table 15 in the horizontal direction.

[0073] In Fig. 5 An alternative embodiment of a patient table control 200 for controlling a patient table 15 of a magnetic resonance apparatus 10 is shown, which does not fall within the scope of the invention. Essentially identical components, features, and functions are generally denoted by the same reference numerals. The following description is essentially limited to the differences from the embodiment in the Fig. 1 bis 3 , whereby with regard to the same components, features and functions, reference is made to the description of the embodiment in the Fig. 1 bis 3 is referred to.

[0074] The patient table control 200 in Fig. 5 has an operating element 201 which has a pressure-sensitive rotary switch 202 and which, according to the explanations for the Fig. 1 bis 3 For transmission of the first input data acquired by means of the control element 201, the patient table control 200 has a first control path 203, which has a switching unit 204 with three switching elements 205. In addition, the patient table control 200 has a computing unit 206, which, according to the explanations regarding the Fig. 1 bis 3 is trained.

[0075] Furthermore, the patient table control 200 has a further operating element 207, which is coupled to a second control path 208. The second operating element 207 can comprise a button and / or a switch and / or further operating elements 207 and / or input elements that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art. The second operating element 207 has a locking function for the patient table 15. The second input data acquired by the second operating element 207, which includes an activation state of the locking function of the patient table 15, are transmitted to the computing unit 43 via the second control path 208. The locking function of the patient table 15 can be activated by pressing the second operating element 207.The locking function comprises an electronic locking function of the patient table 15, so that no control command for a movement of the patient table 15 can reach the patient table 15 and / or no control command for a movement of the patient table 15 is generated in the computing unit 206.

[0076] As long as the second control element 207 is pressed, the locking function for the patient table 15 remains activated. Only when the second control element 207 is no longer pressed and the locking for the patient table 15 is thus released can a movement of the patient table 15 be controlled by the computing unit 206 upon a corresponding input at the first control element 201. In this case, the first input data of the first control path 203 and the second input data of the second control path 208 are processed in the computing unit 206 and, provided the first input data contains input information that matches the second input data, a control command for moving the patient table 15 is generated.For example, if information for moving the patient table 15 into the patient reception area 12 is available from the first control path 203 and a release for movement of the patient table 15 is available from the second control path 208, a corresponding control command for moving the patient table 15 is generated by the computing unit 206 and forwarded to the patient table 15. If, on the other hand, contradictory and / or opposing information is available from the two control paths 203, 208 regarding a movement of the patient table 15 in the computing unit 206, for example, if the locking function is activated, the computing unit 206 will not generate a control command for moving the patient table 15.

[0077] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by means of 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, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Magnetic resonance device with a scanner unit (11), a moveable patient couch (15), a patient couch controller (35) and a user interface for a user input for adjusting a movement of the patient couch, wherein the user interface has a control element (29) which comprises a rotary switch (31), wherein the patient couch controller comprises at least two control paths (36, 37) and a computing unit (43), wherein a first of the at least two control paths is embodied to detect first input data of the user input on the rotary switch and a second of the at least two control paths is embodied to detect second input data of the user input on the rotary switch, wherein the computing unit is designed to generate a control command for the patient couch and the computing unit has two separate inputs and each of the two inputs is assigned to one of the two control paths, wherein the computing unit (43) is designed to evaluate the first input data and the second input data and only then to generate the control command for controlling the patient couch (15) when the first input data and the second input data comprise a concordant item of input information, wherein the patient couch controller is embodied to determine a speed for an insertion and / or retraction movement of the patient couch as a function of an extent of a rotational movement of the rotary switch.

2. Magnetic resonance device according to claim 1, characterised in that a first control path of the two control paths has a control electronics system, which is embodied independently of and / or separately from a control electronics system of the second control path.

3. Magnetic resonance device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one control path of the two control paths comprises a switching unit with a number of switching elements, wherein the number of switching elements is dependent on a number of different adjustment positions of the rotary switch of the user interface.

4. Magnetic resonance device according to claim 3, characterised in that the switching unit has three switching elements.

5. Magnetic resonance device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one control path of the two control paths has an intensity measuring unit for detecting an intensity of an input of the rotary switch.

6. Magnetic resonance device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one movement parameter for controlling the patient couch can be adjusted by means of the patient couch controller as a function of the detected intensity of the input executed by means of the rotary switch.

7. Method for controlling a movement of a patient couch of a magnetic resonance device, which is embodied according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises the following method steps: - detecting first input data of an input on a control element by means of a first control path, - detecting second input data of the input on the control element by means of a second control path, - transmitting the first input data and the second input data to a computing unit, - evaluating the first input data and the second input data by means of the computing unit and generating a control command for controlling the patient couch, wherein the control command is generated by means of the computing unit once the first input data and the second input data comprise a concordant item of input information, and - executing the control command in order to control the movement of the patient couch.

8. Method according to claim 7, characterised in that the detection of the first input data by means of the first control path is independent of the detection of the second input data by means of the second control path.

9. Method according to one of claims 7 to 8, characterised in that the input on the at least one control element comprises a rotational movement and / or a push-through movement on a pressure-sensitive rotary switch.

10. Method according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterised in that at least one current state parameter of the patient couch is present in the computing unit and the control command is generated by the computing unit as a function of the at least one current state parameter of the patient couch.

11. Method according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterised in that the generated control command comprises a direction of a movement of the patient couch, wherein the direction of the movement of the patient couch is dependent on a rotational direction of the control element.

12. Computer program product, which comprises a program and can be loaded directly into a memory of a programmable computing unit of a patient couch controller of a magnetic resonance device according to claim 1, having program means in order to execute a method for controlling a movement of a patient couch of a magnetic resonance apparatus according to one of claims 7 to 11, when the program is executed in the computing unit.