CURTAIN AND SHIELDING CABIN FOR SHIELDING AN ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD

Description

[0001] Magnetic resonance imaging is a well-known imaging technique used to create magnetic resonance images of the interior of an examination subject. During magnetic resonance imaging, the examination subject is typically positioned in a strong, static, and homogeneous basic magnetic field (B0 magnetic field) of a magnetic resonance scanner. The basic magnetic field can have magnetic field strengths ranging from 0.2 Tesla to 7 Tesla, causing the nuclear spins of the examination subject to align along the basic magnetic field. To trigger so-called nuclear magnetic resonances, high-frequency signals, so-called excitation pulses (B1 magnetic field), are radiated into the examination subject. Each excitation pulse causes a deviation of the magnetization of certain nuclear spins of the examination subject from the basic magnetic field by an amount known as the flip angle.An excitation pulse can comprise an alternating magnetic field with a frequency corresponding to the Larmor frequency at the respective static magnetic field strength. The excited nuclear spins can exhibit a rotating and decaying magnetization (nuclear magnetic resonance), which can be detected as a magnetic resonance signal using special antennas. For spatial encoding of the nuclear magnetic resonances of the object under investigation, magnetic gradient fields can be superimposed on the basic magnetic field.

[0002] The received magnetic resonance signals are typically digitized and stored as complex values ​​in a k-space matrix. This k-space matrix can be used as the basis for reconstructing magnetic resonance images and determining spectroscopic data. Reconstruction of a magnetic resonance image is typically performed using a multidimensional Fourier transform of the k-space matrix.

[0003] To comply with legal requirements, but also to ensure the highest possible image quality, magnetic resonance imaging examination rooms are usually equipped with shielding (e.g., a Faraday cage). This shielding protects the magnetic resonance imaging system, as well as the immediate surroundings of the examination room, from electromagnetic fields. One possible implementation involves lining the walls, ceilings, and floors of the examination room with stainless steel sheets. Access points to the examination room, such as doors, are either fully lined with stainless steel sheets or fitted with stainless steel grilles and glass elements (if transparency is desired). If the door to the examination room is open, the shielding is ineffective, and electromagnetic radiation can pass through the entrance to the examination room in both directions.In this case, performing a magnetic resonance imaging scan is usually prohibited because electromagnetic fields from the examination room environment can negatively impact the quality of acquired image data. Likewise, devices in the examination room environment can be affected by electromagnetic fields emitted by the magnetic resonance imaging device.

[0004] The document US 2005 / 049491 A1 describes a magnetic resonance device with an electrically conductive shield which can be moved between an inactive opening configuration and an active configuration.

[0005] JP H02 203840 A relates to an electromagnetic wave shielding device for a magnetic resonance imaging device.

[0006] JP 2013 000420 A describes a shielding device for magnetic resonance systems which electromagnetically shields a space surrounding the magnetic resonance system.

[0007] The document JP 2016 112344 A describes a magnetic resonance device with a shielding element which enables free opening and closing of an opening to an imaging area of ​​the magnetic resonance device.

[0008] DE 10 2014 206522 A1 describes an MRI recording device with at least one first shielding device for radio frequency shielding.

[0009] From a user perspective, however, there is interest in being able to perform workflows and / or selected magnetic resonance measurements even with the door to the examination room open. This would simplify communication between a patient and a magnetic resonance system user, as well as preparing the magnetic resonance system and the patient for performing a magnetic resonance measurement.

[0010] It is therefore an object of the invention to make a workflow of a user of a magnetic resonance system more efficient and / or simpler.

[0011] This object is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of independent patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and expedient further developments are the subject matter of the subclaims.

[0012] The shielded cabin for a magnetic resonance apparatus according to the invention comprises a curtain for shielding an electromagnetic field. The curtain for shielding an electromagnetic field comprises a plurality of strip elements. The curtain is positioned at an opening of the shielded cabin of the MR apparatus.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the curtain is positioned such that the plurality of strip elements substantially completely close or cover the opening of the shielded booth or the access to the examination room in a shielding configuration.

[0014] The shielding configuration can be characterized in particular in that individual strip elements of the plurality of strip elements are arranged next to one another in a substantially vertically aligned manner.

[0015] A first strip element and a second strip element have an electrically conductive layer. The electrically conductive layer is in particular designed to be flexible or has a flexible material. The electrically conductive layer can be designed to be flexible such that the first strip element and / or the second strip element can be converted from the shielding configuration into a passage configuration under manual action by a user. A passage configuration can be characterized by an arbitrarily shaped opening which results from a displacement, a deflection and / or a relative positioning of individual or multiple strip elements of the plurality of strip elements. The opening present in the passage configuration can in particular enable the user to pass from the examination room into an adjacent room or vice versa.The electrically conductive layer can be configured, in particular, as a thin foil, a thin wire, and / or a wire mesh made of a conductive material. An electrically conductive material can, in particular, be metal or carbon.

[0016] In one embodiment, the electrically conductive layer is configured as a coating, a foil, a wire, a wire mesh, an arrangement of metal elements, and / or a carbon matrix. By providing a wire or a wire mesh, the mass or volume of the electrically conductive layer can be advantageously reduced or optimized. This advantageously reduces the user's effort for converting the plurality of strip elements from the shielding configuration to the through-hole configuration.

[0017] An arrangement of metal links can be designed, in particular, as a matrix or a series of chain links. In this case, the electrically conductive layer can be constituted by a solid material of the chain links or metal links.

[0018] Likewise, the weight and / or volume of the electrically conductive layer can also be advantageously reduced or optimized using a carbon matrix. A carbon matrix further has the advantage that the direction of current flow can be adjusted as desired by configuring the carbon matrix. For example, the carbon matrix can comprise a plurality of carbon fibers, wherein at least a first portion of carbon fibers is oriented substantially orthogonally or at an angle to a second portion of carbon fibers. Thus, a current flow along the carbon fibers can be provided in at least two or more predetermined spatial directions.

[0019] Furthermore, the electrically conductive layer can also be configured as a coating and / or an embedded film. Using a film and / or a coating can advantageously reduce the costs and / or effort required to manufacture the curtain.

[0020] In a shielding configuration of the curtain, the electrically conductive layer of the first strip element is electrically connected to the electrically conductive layer of the second strip element and / or an electrical connection for a reference potential. An electrical connection can in particular represent an electrically conductive connection. Preferably, the plurality of strip elements are electrically connected to one another. The plurality of strip elements can be electrically connected to one another in such a way that a current flow is enabled along a direction of a main extension, but also at an angle to the main extension direction, of the plurality of strip elements.

[0021] A main extension direction of the strip elements can, for example, correspond to a direction in which a strip element has the largest dimension. Preferably, the plurality of strip elements are arranged in a vertical orientation at the entrance to the examination room. The largest dimension of a strip element can thus substantially correspond to a height of the opening or door of the shielded booth.

[0022] The first strip element and the second strip element can be electrically connected to one another, for example, by means of a contact element. However, it is also conceivable for the first strip element and the second strip element to be mechanically connected to a holding element. The first strip element and the second strip element can accordingly be electrically connected to one another and / or to a reference potential via the holding element.

[0023] It is also conceivable that one or more strip elements of the plurality of strip elements are electrically conductively connected to a terminal for a reference potential. Through an electrically conductive connection to a terminal for a reference potential, the plurality of strip elements is capable of dissipating an electrical potential or a current induced by an electromagnetic field.

[0024] The plurality of strip elements can be variably positioned relative to one another. It is conceivable that the first strip element and the second strip element can be mechanically and electrically separated from one another. For example, when the curtain is transferred from the shielding configuration to the passage configuration, the first strip element and the second strip element can be separated from one another, at least temporarily, to allow a user to pass through. It is also conceivable that the curtain's shielding effect against electromagnetic fields is reduced as long as the arrangement of the plurality of strip elements deviates from the shielding configuration.

[0025] The first strip element and the second strip element may be mechanically unconnected. Mechanical unconnection may, in particular, mean that the first strip element has electrical contact with the second strip element, but is neither force-fitting, form-fitting, nor materially connected to the second strip element. In particular, the first strip element and the second strip element may abut and / or touch one another without significantly restricting their relative movement.

[0026] The curtain can, for example, be designed as a single piece. This can mean that the plurality of strip elements are woven into the curtain or are designed as cutouts in the curtain. Alternatively, the curtain can also have a retaining element that is mechanically connected to the plurality of strip elements.

[0027] A strip element can be characterized by a flat, elongated structure. Examples of suitable structures are bands, straps, strips, and the like. A length dimension (e.g., a length along the main extension direction) of a strip element can exceed a width dimension of the strip element, for example, by a factor of between 1.2 and 50 or more. The plurality of strip elements is preferably arranged in an access area to an examination room, in particular in a wall cutout for a door. The length dimension of a strip element preferably corresponds approximately to a height of the wall cutout. The width dimension of a strip element can essentially be a quotient of a width of the wall cutout and a total number of the plurality of strip elements.Of course, individual strip elements can also partially overlap laterally, so that the width of a strip element exceeds the value of the quotient of the width of the wall section and the total number of strip elements. The width of a first subset of strip elements can be the same as or different from the width of a second subset of strip elements.

[0028] A shielding effect of the curtain according to the invention can be provided primarily by reflection of electromagnetic radiation at the electrically conductive layer. For this purpose, the electrically conductive layer of the curtain can have mobile charge carriers which interact with electromagnetic fields of the radiation. A high electrical conductivity and an electrically conductive connection with a terminal for a reference potential can be advantageous in this case, but are not to be regarded as absolutely necessary. The shielding effect can also be provided by absorption. For example, electrical and / or magnetic dipoles in or on the electrically conductive layer can interact with electromagnetic fields of the electromagnetic radiation or attenuate them. It is also conceivable that the shielding effect is achieved by reflection of the electromagnetic radiation at a plurality of boundary layers, such as, for example,Boundary layers of a multilayer or multi-layer carbon matrix. Due to the skin effect, materials with multiple boundary layers can significantly increase the shielding effectiveness compared to single-layer or bulk materials.

[0029] By providing a curtain according to the invention, a user of a magnetic resonance system can move more efficiently between the examination room and an adjacent room without unduly compromising the shielding of the examination room. Furthermore, a curtain according to the invention can have lower sound insulation than conventional doors. This advantageously improves or simplifies communication between a first person outside the examination room and a second person inside the examination room. The curtain according to the invention can thus enable an improvement and / or simplification of interaction between the first person and the second person.

[0030] In one embodiment of the curtain according to the invention, the electrically conductive layer has a protective layer which at least partially encloses the electrically conductive layer, wherein the protective layer is designed to to provide protection against contact with the electrically conductive layer and / or to protect the electrically conductive layer from external influences.

[0031] A protective layer can, in particular, have electrically insulating properties. The protective layer can, for example, consist of a material with low electrical conductivity. However, it is also conceivable for the protective layer to have low thermal conductivity.

[0032] The protective layer can at least partially or completely enclose the electrically conductive layer along the main extension direction of the plurality of strip elements. The electrically conductive layer can be at least partially enclosed by the protective layer and / or embedded therein. The protective layer can, in particular, be configured as a sheath or a coating.

[0033] It is conceivable that the protective layer is designed to prevent direct contact between the electrically conductive layer and the user's skin surface. This can reduce the likelihood of fatty acids on the user's skin surface being transferred to the electrically conductive layer, which can lead to corrosion of the electrically conductive layer. An external influence can therefore be contact with the user. However, it is equally conceivable that an external influence includes contact with moisture, dirt, dust and / or mechanical stress. Mechanical stress can be characterized in particular by mechanical interaction between the user and the curtain. Such mechanical interaction can occur, for example, when the curtain is transferred from the shielding configuration to the through-passage configuration and vice versa.

[0034] The protective layer is preferably made of a flexible material to allow the curtain to be converted from the shielding configuration to the pass-through configuration. Examples of flexible materials with suitable properties include plastics such as polyethylene, polyamide, polyester, and polyurethane. In addition to plastics, natural-based materials such as cotton or hemp fibers and various composite materials are also conceivable.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the protective layer has a recess or gap that enables electrical contact between the electrically conductive layer of the first strip element and the electrically conductive layer of the second strip element. Such contact can be provided, for example, by means of a contact element that penetrates the protective layer.

[0036] By providing a protective layer, the service life of the plurality of strip elements can be advantageously extended. Furthermore, undesirable external influences on the electrically conductive layer by the user and / or the environment can be advantageously reduced or avoided by means of the protective layer.

[0037] In a further embodiment of the curtain according to the invention, the plurality of strip elements and / or the protective layer comprise a flexible material which is designed to be reversibly deformed upon relative positioning of the first strip element with respect to the second strip element.

[0038] The protective layer can, for example, comprise one of the materials mentioned above. The protective layer is preferably designed such that the curtain independently returns from the passage configuration to the shielding configuration depending on the force of gravity. For example, the protective layer can be designed to be flexible such that the first strip element returns to an initial configuration depending on the force of gravity, which is characterized by a substantially planar extension of the first strip element and / or a substantially parallel alignment to the second strip element and / or another strip element. However, it is also conceivable for the material of the protective layer to have shape memory. For example, the shape memory can be designed such that the plurality of strip elements strive to return to the shielding configuration.

[0039] The plurality of strip elements can, for example, comprise metal links that can be positioned relative to one another, thus enabling reversible deformation. However, it is also conceivable for the plurality of strip elements to comprise thin wires or fibers made of metal or carbon that can be reversibly deformed. Such thin wires or fibers can be arranged, in particular, in a woven fabric, a mesh, or even a matrix.

[0040] It is further conceivable for the first strip element and / or the second strip element to have a weight or a weighting on a side facing a floor of the examination room. The weight can, in particular, be designed to amplify the effect of the earth's gravity on the first strip element and / or the second strip element or to exert a force oriented in the direction of the earth's gravity on the first strip element and / or the second strip element.

[0041] By providing a curtain with a plurality of flexible strip elements, the user's access to and / or exit from the examination room can be advantageously simplified.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment of the curtain according to the invention, the electrically conductive layer of the first strip element is electrically connected to the electrically conductive layer of the second strip element and / or the connection for the reference potential by means of a contact element.

[0043] A contact element preferably comprises a material with high electrical conductivity. For example, the contact element can be made of copper, aluminum, silver, or gold. It is also conceivable for the contact element to comprise a material with high electrical conductivity and / or to be coated with such a material.

[0044] The contact element can be designed to electrically connect the first strip element and the second strip element to one another continuously or at discrete intervals along the main extension direction of the first strip element and the second strip element. By means of the electrical connection of the first strip element to the second strip element, in particular, an electrical cross-linking of the curtain can be provided. It is conceivable that the electrical cross-linking of the curtain enables the conduction of an electrical current in a direction oriented at an angle to the main extension direction of the first strip element. Such an angle can be between 30 and 160°, for example. However, it is also conceivable that the angle is smaller than 30° and / or greater than 160°.

[0045] In one embodiment, the contact element is mechanically connected to the electrically conductive layer. The mechanical connection between the contact element and the electrically conductive layer can be configured as a force-fitting, form-fitting, and / or material-fitting connection. The contact element can be connected to the electrically conductive layer of a strip element, in particular, by soldering, clamping, and / or screwing.

[0046] In an alternative embodiment, the contact element is configured as a part or a section of the electrically conductive layer. The contact element can, in particular, protrude from the protective layer of one strip element, thus enabling electrical contact with a contact element of another strip element.

[0047] Preferably, the first strip element has a first contact element. The second strip element can accordingly have a second contact element. It is conceivable that the first contact element and the second contact element touch each other in a shielding configuration of the curtain and / or are electrically connected to each other. The electrical contact between the first contact element and the second contact element can be released by transferring the curtain from the shielding configuration to the through-configuration. Likewise, the electrical contact between the first contact element and the second contact element can be re-established when the curtain is returned to the shielding configuration.

[0048] In one embodiment, the contact element is configured as a comb, a brush, a braid, and / or a fabric. The first contact element can, in particular, have a plurality of electrical conductors that are in electrical contact with a plurality of electrical conductors of the second contact element when the curtain is in the shielding configuration. It is further conceivable that the plurality of electrical conductors of the first contact element at least partially mechanically engage with the plurality of electrical conductors of the second contact element when the curtain is in the shielding configuration. The electrical conductors can, for example, be configured as wires, strands, plates, and / or prongs. The electrical conductors can be arranged in a substantially two-dimensional manner along the skin extension direction of the first strip element and the second strip element.The electrical conductors can also be in the form of a fabric and / or a braid.

[0049] In one embodiment, the electrically conductive layer is a carbon fabric, and the contact element is a part or section of the carbon fabric. The contact element can, in particular, be a section of the carbon fabric protruding from a protective layer of a strip element.

[0050] Furthermore, the contact element can be configured as an edge of an electrically conductive film or the electrically conductive layer. The contact element can, in particular, represent a section of the electrically conductive layer extending from a protective layer of a strip element. The edge of the electrically conductive film or the electrically conductive layer can have a substantially rectilinear contour, which provides approximately continuous electrical contact with contact elements of adjacent strip elements and / or the connection for the reference potential.

[0051] It is also conceivable for the electrical conductors to be arranged in multiple layers or overlapping. The contact element can essentially correspond to a brush.

[0052] In one embodiment, the contact element has a coating designed to reduce or prevent chemical and / or mechanical stress on the contact element depending on an external influence. The coating can, in particular, have high chemical and / or mechanical resistance in order to reduce or prevent corrosion and / or mechanical abrasion. Possible examples include metallic coatings made of gold or chromium, but also ceramic coatings (e.g., mixed with metal particles) that have sufficient electrical conductivity.

[0053] By providing a contact element, electrical contact between the electrically conductive layer of the first strip element and the electrically conductive layer of the second strip element can be realized in a particularly simple manner. Furthermore, the electrical contact between the electrically conductive layer of the first strip element and the second strip element can advantageously be designed to be reversibly detachable by means of the contact element, thus enabling repeated switching between the shielding configuration and the through-connection configuration.

[0054] In one embodiment, the curtain according to the invention comprises a holding element which is mechanically connected to the first strip element and the second strip element and is designed to hold the first strip element and the second strip element in the shielding configuration at an opening to an examination room.

[0055] The first strip element and the second strip element can be mechanically connected to the holding element in any desired manner. Preferably, the holding element has a reference potential and / or is electrically connected to a reference potential. The mechanical connection between the holding element and the first strip element or the second strip element can further comprise an electrically conductive connection. It is conceivable that the mechanical connection between the holding element and the first strip element or the second strip element is designed as a positive, non-positive, and / or material connection.

[0056] The opening of the examination chamber can be configured according to an embodiment described below. Preferably, the plurality of strip elements completely cover an area defined by the opening of the examination chamber.

[0057] In one embodiment of the curtain according to the invention, the holding element is oriented substantially horizontally and has a curved shape. Preferably, the holding element is oriented substantially horizontally or parallel to a floor and / or ceiling of the examination room. As a result, the plurality of strip elements can have substantially identical length dimensions. It is also conceivable that the substantially horizontal orientation of the holding element provides uniform contact of the plurality of strip elements with a floor of the examination room and / or a floorboard across the entire width of the access to the examination room.

[0058] A curved shape of the holding element can be characterized, for example, by an arched shape, a funnel shape, an hourglass shape, or the like. It is also conceivable that the curved shape of the holding element is characterized by a function that has one or more inflection points.

[0059] In the shielding configuration, the curtain has a curved cross-sectional contour. It is conceivable that the curved shape of the holding element influences or predetermines the cross-sectional contour of the curtain. For example, the cross-sectional contour of the curtain along a cutting plane that is aligned substantially horizontally or parallel to the floor and / or ceiling of the examination room can correspond to a cross-sectional shape of the holding element. Preferably, the holding element is shaped such that a contact area of ​​at least two adjacent strip elements is enlarged along the main extension direction. In particular, it is conceivable that the first strip element and the second strip element are arranged at an angle to one another due to the mechanical connection to the holding element.This may mean that horizontal cross-sectional segments of the first strip element and the second strip element are arranged non-parallel to one another. The overlapping surface may comprise one or more contact elements according to an embodiment described above or be configured as such a contact element.

[0060] By providing a holding element with a curved shape, the overlap area and thus the electrical contact area between strip elements of the curtain can be advantageously increased. In particular, due to the curved shape of the holding element, transferring the curtain from the shielding configuration to the through-passage configuration can be advantageously simplified compared to a parallel arrangement of the plurality of strip elements.

[0061] In a further embodiment, the curtain according to the invention has an electrical contact with the reference potential. It is conceivable that the holding element and / or a frame element of the curtain are electrically connected to the reference potential. A frame element can, for example, be designed as an electrical conductor and / or a contact element which, when the shielding configuration of the curtain is present, is electrically connected to a strip element, in particular an outermost strip element, of the plurality of strip elements. For example, the frame element can be arranged on a vertical edge of the wall cutout of the access. However, it is equally conceivable that the frame element is arranged on a horizontal edge and / or a horizontal section of the access or wall cutout.The frame element can further be configured as a base strip, which is designed to provide electrical contact between the plurality of strip elements near the floor. It is also conceivable that the frame element encloses at least part of the opening of the shielded cabin along an inner edge of the opening.

[0062] The curtain is designed to counteract the effect of the electromagnetic field by enabling a compensating current with the reference potential. For example, the electrically conductive layer of the plurality of strip elements can be designed to enable the occurrence of eddy currents depending on the effect of a first electromagnetic field. These eddy currents can generate a second electromagnetic field that opposes the effect of the first electromagnetic field. The effects of the first electromagnetic field and the second electromagnetic field can cancel each other out, at least locally, thus providing a shielding effect. The electrically conductive layer is designed, in particular, to divert occurring or induced electrical currents and / or potentials by means of an electrical contact to the holding element, the frame element, and / or the base strip.

[0063] In a further embodiment of the curtain according to the invention, the first strip element is electrically connected to a frame element and / or a baseboard, wherein the frame element and / or the baseboard are electrically connected to the reference potential, and wherein the curtain is designed to conduct an electrical current to the frame element and / or the baseboard. It is also conceivable that, in addition to or instead of the first strip element, the second strip element and / or another strip element is electrically connected to a frame element and / or a baseboard.

[0064] By providing electrical contact between the electrically conductive layer of the strip elements and the frame element or the base strip, an electrical current can be advantageously diverted to a nearby structure with a reference potential. This advantageously prevents the creation and / or retention of electrical potentials in the electrically conductive layer. Furthermore, the penetration of electromagnetic fields can be advantageously prevented by providing electrical contact between the electrically conductive layer of the plurality of strip elements and the retaining element, the frame element, and / or the base strip.

[0065] The shielded cabin according to the invention for a magnetic resonance apparatus has an opening and a curtain for shielding an electromagnetic field. The geometry of the shielded cabin can essentially correspond to the geometry of the examination room. It is particularly conceivable that the shielded cabin is defined by or determined by an interior surface of the examination room. The opening of the shielded cabin can, for example, represent the access or entrance to the examination room.The curtain comprises a plurality of strip elements, wherein a first strip element and a second strip element of the plurality of strip elements have an electrically conductive layer, and wherein the electrically conductive layer of the first strip element is electrically connected, in a shielding configuration of the curtain, to an electrically conductive layer of the second strip element of the plurality of strip elements and / or to a reference potential. The plurality of strip elements can be variably positioned relative to one another along a main extension direction, wherein the curtain is arranged at the opening of the shielded cabin and is configured to enable access to the shielded cabin.

[0066] It is conceivable that the curtain, according to an embodiment described above, can be manually converted by a user from the shielding configuration to the passage configuration. The user can thus move efficiently and / or with minimal effort between the examination room and an adjacent room. An adjacent room can, in particular, represent a control room for the magnetic resonance device.

[0067] The shielding booth according to the invention shares the advantages of the curtain according to the invention according to an embodiment described above.

[0068] According to the invention, the shielding booth has at least one sensor which is designed to determine whether the curtain is properly present in the shielding configuration.

[0069] The at least one sensor can be based on any desired measuring principle. The measuring principle of the at least one sensor can be particularly suitable for determining and / or quantifying a geometric arrangement of the plurality of strip elements and / or an electrical property of the electrically conductive layer of the plurality of strip elements. The at least one sensor can be configured, for example, as a 2D camera, a 3D camera, an infrared camera, or the like, which is designed to capture image data from the curtain. The captured image data can then be processed by a computing unit in order to determine and / or quantify any deviation of a current configuration of the curtain from the shielding configuration. In particular, a camera that is already used for other workflows in the examination room and / or the control room can be used for this purpose.This advantageously reduces additional costs for at least one sensor.

[0070] The at least one sensor is designed to output a signal containing information about the presence of the curtain in the shielding configuration. Such a signal can, for example, include an indication of the presence of the plurality of strip elements in the shielding configuration, a relative arrangement of the plurality of strip elements, and / or an electrical property of the electrically conductive layer of the plurality of strip elements. The signal from the at least one sensor can, in particular, represent a digital signal or an analog signal. By providing at least one sensor, a complex testing of the curtain by the user can advantageously be avoided.

[0071] In one embodiment, the at least one sensor is designed as a resistance sensor which is designed to determine a resistance, in particular a sheet resistance, of the electrically conductive layer of the plurality of strip elements.

[0072] It is conceivable that the shielded booth according to the invention has a first resistance sensor which is designed to determine the resistance of the electrically conductive layer of the plurality of strip elements along a predetermined reference distance along the plurality of strip elements. The predetermined reference distance can, for example, comprise an entire width of the opening of the shielded booth from one frame element to an opposite frame element. It is also conceivable that the predetermined reference distance comprises an entire height of the opening of the shielded booth from the holding element to the base strip. The shielded booth according to the invention can further have a second resistance sensor, a third resistance sensor, a fourth resistance sensor and / or a further resistance sensor which are designed to determine the resistance of the electrically conductive layer along different reference distances.

[0073] The resistance sensor can, in particular, comprise a measuring arrangement configured to determine a sheet resistance of the electrically conductive layer of the plurality of strip elements. For example, the measuring arrangement can be configured to perform a four-point measurement and / or a Van der Pauw measurement. Of course, other measurement methods for detecting an electrical property of the electrically conductive layer are also conceivable.

[0074] Using a resistance sensor, the presence of the curtain in the shielding configuration can be advantageously determined based on the electrical resistance of the electrically conductive layer. Resistance sensors provide a particularly easy-to-implement and / or cost-effective option for monitoring the shielding configuration of the curtain.

[0075] In a further embodiment of the shielded cabin according to the invention, the at least one sensor is designed as an optical sensor which is designed to detect a deviation of the curtain from the shielding configuration.

[0076] The optical sensor can, as described above, comprise a camera. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the optical sensor is designed as a light barrier. For this purpose, the optical sensor can comprise an arrangement of mirrors as well as a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is preferably designed to emit a focused light beam with a predetermined frequency and / or a predetermined intensity. The receiver can accordingly be designed to measure an intensity of an emitted light beam. The arrangement of mirrors can be designed to guide the light beam along a surface of the curtain from the transmitter to the receiver.For example, the light beam can be guided so closely along the surface of the plurality of strip elements that a deviation of the curtain from the shielding configuration results in an attenuation or interruption of the light beam, which can be detected by the receiver. It is conceivable that a corresponding optical sensor is installed on both sides of the curtain in order to be able to detect with high accuracy any protrusion of a strip element from a substantially planar surface of the curtain and / or any entanglement or twisting of a strip element.

[0077] By using an optically based measurement technology, a mechanical connection of the at least one sensor to individual strip elements can be advantageously avoided. This advantageously increases the mobility of individual strip elements.

[0078] In one embodiment, the shielding booth according to the invention comprises a ventilation system configured to support the transition of the curtain from a passage configuration to the shielding configuration by means of an air flow. It is conceivable that the ventilation system is configured to guide the air flow vertically, approximately parallel to a surface of the plurality of strip elements. A parallel alignment of the plurality of strip elements can be advantageously supported by providing the air flow. This advantageously reduces or eliminates the need for manual intervention or manual correction by the user.

[0079] The magnetic resonance system according to the invention with a magnetic resonance device and a shielded cabin according to an embodiment described above has a control unit, wherein the control unit has a signal connection to the at least one sensor and is designed to enable a magnetic resonance measurement depending on the signal of the at least one sensor.

[0080] The control unit and the at least one sensor can be connected to one another via a wired or wireless connection. The control unit can have a computing unit configured to process the signal from the at least one sensor. The computing unit and / or the control unit are configured, in particular, to monitor the presence of a shielding configuration as a function of the signal from the at least one sensor. It is also conceivable that the computing unit and / or the control unit are configured to determine a deviation from a shielding configuration as a function of the signal from the at least one sensor.

[0081] The possibility of monitoring the shielding configuration of the curtain can advantageously prevent a magnetic resonance measurement from being carried out if the examination room is inadequately shielded.

[0082] In one embodiment of the magnetic resonance system according to the invention, the shielded booth further comprises a door which, in a shielding position, is designed to provide shielding against an electromagnetic field. The door can represent a conventional door of an examination room for a magnetic resonance system. The door can, in particular, be designed to shield against electromagnetic fields in the shielding position. It is conceivable that the curtain according to the invention is installed in the opening of the shielding booth in addition to the conventional door. This has the advantage that the door can remain open during the preparation of a magnetic resonance measurement and / or the performance of suitable magnetic resonance measurements in order to simplify passage for the user. Furthermore, the door can be closed during sensitive magnetic resonance measurements in order to provide the shielding effect required for the magnetic resonance measurement.

[0083] The control unit is designed to monitor the shielding position of the door. For this purpose, the door can have a limit switch, such as an electrical contact, an optical sensor, or a similar sensor, which indicates the closed state of the door by means of a predetermined signal.

[0084] The control unit is further configured to enable the magnetic resonance measurement to be performed depending on a parameter of the magnetic resonance measurement and the signal of the at least one sensor when the door deviates from the shielding position. The parameter of the magnetic resonance measurement includes an indication of the permissibility of performing the magnetic resonance measurement when the door deviates from the shielding position. The enabling of magnetic resonance measurements can, in particular, be selective. A parameter set or an imaging sequence of a magnetic resonance measurement can, for example, have a first parameter that indicates suitability for performing the magnetic resonance measurement with the door open and the curtain in the shielding configuration. The first parameter can, for example, be a binary parameter (such a parameter can, for example, embody the value "0" or "1").However, the first parameter can also depend on other parameters in the parameter set or a signal from at least one sensor and / or limit switch. For example, if the first parameter has the value "1," a magnetic resonance measurement may be performed with the door open and the curtain in the shielding configuration. If, on the other hand, the first parameter has the value "0," the door of the shielded cabin must be closed to perform the magnetic resonance measurement.

[0085] By means of the signal connection to the at least one sensor and the door limit switch, the control unit can determine a shielding state of the shielded booth and enable or prevent the performance of a magnetic resonance measurement accordingly. For example, the control unit can be configured to prevent the start of a magnetic resonance measurement if the magnetic resonance measurement is permitted with the door open, but the curtain deviates from the shielding configuration. In a further example, a deviation of the curtain from the shielding configuration can be irrelevant for the performance of the magnetic resonance measurement if the door of the shielded booth is closed. The control unit can therefore be configured to enable the performance of a magnetic resonance measurement depending on the presence of the shielding configuration of the curtain, a state of the door of the shielded booth, and / or a parameter set of the respective magnetic resonance measurement.

[0086] By providing the magnetic resonance system according to the invention with the control unit, performing a magnetic resonance measurement in an undesirable shielding state of the shielded booth can be advantageously avoided. Furthermore, workflows of a user of a magnetic resonance system can be simplified and / or made more efficient by providing a control unit according to the invention and a shielded booth according to the invention. In particular, the performance of so-called localizer measurements and / or non-specific whole-body measurements (e.g., using FastView) can be performed even with the door open by providing a curtain according to the invention due to lower shielding requirements and can thus be advantageously simplified. The magnetic resonance system according to the invention shares the advantages of the curtain according to the invention and the shielded booth according to the invention according to an embodiment described above.

[0087] Further advantages and details will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. They show, in schematic form: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a magnetic resonance system according to the invention with a shielded cabin according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a curtain according to the invention, Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a curtain according to the invention, Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a curtain according to the invention, Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a curtain according to the invention, Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a curtain according to the invention, Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a curtain according to the invention, Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a curtain according to the invention.

[0088] In Fig. 1 A possible embodiment of a magnetic resonance system according to the invention is shown schematically. The magnetic resonance system comprises a magnetic resonance device 10 with a magnet unit 11, which has, for example, a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, or a superconducting main magnet 12 for generating a strong and, in particular, homogeneous basic magnetic field 13 (B0 magnetic field). Furthermore, the magnetic resonance device 10 comprises a patient receiving area 14 for receiving a patient 15. In the present exemplary embodiment, the patient receiving area 14 is cylindrical and surrounded in a circumferential direction by the magnet unit 11. Of course, designs of the patient receiving area 14 that deviate from this example are also conceivable.The magnetic resonance device 10 is positioned in a shielded cabin 42, which encloses the magnetic resonance device on the outside and is only partially shown here.

[0089] The patient 15 can be positioned in the patient receiving area 14 by means of a patient support device 16 of the magnetic resonance device 10. For this purpose, the patient support device 16 has a patient table 17 designed to be movable within the patient receiving area 14. The magnet unit 11 further has a gradient coil 18 for generating magnetic gradient fields, which are used for spatial encoding during a magnetic resonance measurement. The gradient coil 18 is controlled by a gradient control unit 19 of the magnetic resonance device 10. The magnet unit 11 can further comprise a radio-frequency antenna, which in the present exemplary embodiment is designed as a body coil 20 permanently integrated into the magnetic resonance device 10. The body coil 20 is designed to excite atomic nuclei located in the basic magnetic field 13 generated by the main magnet 12.The body coil 20 is controlled by a radio-frequency unit 21 of the magnetic resonance device 10 and radiates radio-frequency signals into an examination room, which is essentially formed by a patient receiving area 14 of the magnetic resonance device 10. The body coil 20 can also be configured to receive magnetic resonance signals.

[0090] The magnetic resonance apparatus 10 includes a control unit 22 for controlling the main magnet 12, the gradient control unit 19, and the radiofrequency unit 21. The control unit 22 is configured to control the execution of a sequence, such as an imaging gradient echo sequence, a TSE sequence, or a UTE sequence. Furthermore, the control unit 22 includes a computing unit 28 for evaluating digitized magnetic resonance signals acquired during a magnetic resonance measurement.

[0091] Furthermore, the magnetic resonance device 10 comprises a user interface 23, which has a signal connection to the control unit 22. The user interface is preferably housed in a control room 41, which is adjacent to the examination room 30 or the shielded booth 42 with the magnetic resonance device 10. Control information, such as imaging parameters and reconstructed magnetic resonance images, can be displayed for a user 40 on a display unit 24, for example, on at least one monitor of the user interface 23. Furthermore, the user interface 23 has an input unit 25, by means of which parameters of a magnetic resonance imaging can be entered by the user 40.

[0092] Furthermore, the magnetic resonance device 10 has a local coil 26, which is presently positioned on an upper body of the patient 15 and transmits magnetic resonance signals from a thorax volume to the magnetic resonance device 10. The local coil 26 preferably has an electrical connection line 27, which provides a signal connection to the radiofrequency unit 21 and the control unit 22. However, the local coil 26 can also be connected to the magnetic resonance device 10 via a wireless signal connection. Just like the body coil 20, the local coil 26 can also be configured to excite atomic nuclei and receive magnetic resonance signals.

[0093] In the Fig. 1 In the example shown, the magnetic resonance system further comprises two cameras 50a and 50b, which are configured to support a magnetic resonance measurement workflow. Possible examples of such support include positioning local coils 26 on the patient 15, positioning the patient 15 relative to the patient table 17, and also facial recognition of the patient 15 during a magnetic resonance measurement. In one embodiment, at least one camera 50b is also directed toward an entrance to the examination room 30 and configured to capture image data of the curtain 31. It is conceivable that the image data from the camera 50b is transmitted to the computing unit 28 of the control unit 22 via a signal connection. The computing unit 28 can be configured accordingly to process the image data in order to monitor a shielding configuration of the curtain 31.The computing unit 28 is particularly designed to enable selected magnetic resonance measurements when the curtain 31 is in a shielding configuration and / or to prevent a magnetic resonance measurement from being carried out if the current configuration of the curtain 31 deviates from the shielding configuration.

[0094] It is conceivable that selected magnetic resonance measurements have a parameter which refers to the possibility of performing magnetic resonance measurements with the door 32 open (see Fig. 2 ) and, if the curtain 31 is present, indicates the shielding configuration or provides a corresponding coding. By means of the signal connection with the camera 50b or another sensor 50, the control unit can determine a shielding status of the shielded booth 32 and enable or prevent the performance of a magnetic resonance measurement accordingly. In particular, a shielding position of an additionally present door 32 can also be monitored (e.g., by means of the camera 50b, an electrical contact, and / or a limit switch) and taken into account when enabling or performing a magnetic resonance measurement.

[0095] The Fig. 1 The magnetic resonance system illustrated can of course comprise further components that magnetic resonance systems typically have. It is also conceivable for the magnetic resonance device 10 to have a C-shaped, triangular, or asymmetrical structure of the magnetic field-generating components instead of the cylindrical structure. The magnetic resonance device 10 can, in particular, be designed as a dedicated scanner for examining specific body regions, such as a head scanner, a dental scanner, a scanner for extremities, or the like. The following figures provide an overview of possible embodiments of the curtain 31 according to the invention.

[0096] Fig. 2 schematically shows an embodiment of a curtain 31 according to the invention. In the example shown, the curtain 31 is integrated, in addition to a door 32, in an access area of ​​the shielding booth 42 or the examination room 30. The curtain 31 has four strip elements 33a, 33b, 33c, and 33d (33a-d). The strip elements 33a-d are mechanically connected to a holding element 34 and are presently in the shielding configuration.

[0097] The strip elements 33a-d are aligned substantially parallel to each other and have an electrical contact with the holding element 34 and the base strip 35. The two outer strip elements 33a and 33d also have an electrical contact with the frame elements 36a and 36b. The electrical contact between the strip elements 33a-33d, but also the base strip and / or the frame element can be achieved, for example, by means of suitable contact elements (see Fig. 5 und 6 ) and / or by overlapping (see Fig. 3 ) can be realized. Preferably, the electrical contact of the strip elements 33a-d with the holding element 34 is achieved by means of the mechanical connection. The holding element 34, the frame elements 36a and 36b and / or the base strip 35 can be electrically connected to a suitable reference potential. The holding element 34 is in particular designed to hold the strip elements 33a-d in the shielding configuration. Since the strip elements 33a-d are mechanically unconnected, the user 40 is able to deflect the strip elements 33a-d independently of one another relative to the holding element 34 and transfer them into a through configuration (not shown). The strip elements 33a-d can also be weighted with weights (not shown) to ensure a return to the shielding configuration.

[0098] Fig. 3 schematically shows a possible embodiment of the curtain 31 according to the invention. In the present example, the strip elements 33a-c of the curtain 31 are arranged partially overlapping. By overlapping the strip elements 33a-d, a contact surface is provided between the strip elements 33a-c, which enables the conduction of an electrical current between the strip elements 33a-c, in particular also in a horizontal direction. The strip elements 33a-c can have a protective layer (see Fig. 4 ) which is electrically conductive and / or has a recess on the overlapping surfaces of the strip elements 33a-c. However, the strip elements 33a-c can also be made of a stainless steel mesh, a stainless steel braid, or stainless steel chain links, which do not have an additional protective layer. It is also conceivable for the strip elements 33a-c to be arranged substantially side by side, rather than partially overlapping. It is further conceivable for the strip elements 33a-c to be arranged one behind the other, overlapping one behind the other, rather than alternately overlapping.

[0099] Fig. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of two strip elements 33a and 33b of the curtain 31 according to the invention. In the present example, the electrically conductive layer 38 of the strip elements 33a and 33b is surrounded by a flexible protective layer 39. The protective layer 39 of the strip element 33a has an opening or recess on a side facing the strip element 33b, which enables an electrical connection of the electrically conductive layers 38 of the strip elements 33a and 33b.

[0100] In the present illustration, the curtain 31 has a plurality of contact elements 37, which electrically connect the electrically conductive layers 38 of the strip elements 33a and 33b. The contact elements 37 are, for example, designed as brushes. Preferably, the outer strip elements 33a and 33d (see Fig. 2 ) is electrically connected to the frame elements 36a and 36b and the base strip 35 by means of contact elements 37.

[0101] In alternative embodiments, contact elements 37 can also be omitted. In this case, the shielding effect of the curtain can be achieved essentially by reflection and / or absorption.

[0102] Fig. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the curtain 31 according to the invention. In contrast to Fig. 4 The contact elements 37 are embodied here as flat foils or fabric layers. The foils, plates, or fabric layers 37 can be arranged between the protective layer 39 and the electrically conductive layer 38 and electrically connected to the electrically conductive layer 38. Preferably, the contact elements 37 of the strip elements 33a and 33b in the shielding configuration have an overlapping area, which enables an electrical connection of the electrically conductive layers 38 of the strip elements 33a and 33b. Of course, the dimensions and proportions of the components shown are to be understood as examples and can vary considerably depending on the materials used and user preferences.

[0103] Fig. 6 shows an embodiment in which the curtain 31 according to the invention has resistance sensors 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d (50a-d). Preferably, each of the resistance sensors 50a-d has a source and a receiver, which are preferably arranged on opposite sides of the curtain 31. The sources can in particular represent (constant) current sources, while the receivers are designed as voltage sensors. It is conceivable that the curtain 31 has a fewer number of sources than receivers. In one embodiment, the curtain 31 has exactly one source and one or more receivers.

[0104] In the Fig. 6 In the embodiment shown, the resistance sensors 50a-d are designed to determine the electrical resistance (or voltage drop) of the electrically conductive layer 38 of the curtain 31 along four reference paths (see arrows). Preferably, a reference measurement of the resistance (or voltage drop) is performed once or at regular intervals in the shielding configuration of the curtain 31, which is used as a reference by the control unit 22 of the magnetic resonance system. If there is a deviation of currently measured resistances (or voltage drops) from the reference, a deviation of the curtain 31 from the shielding configuration can be determined, and performing a magnetic resonance measurement can be prevented. As an alternative to the Fig. 6 In the variant shown, the resistance measurement can also be implemented as a four-point measurement or a Van der Pauw measurement. Instead of individual resistances along reference distances, at least a surface resistance of the electrically conductive layer 38 of the plurality of strip elements 33 is determined and used to determine a current configuration of the curtain 31.

[0105] Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of the curtain according to the invention, in which a light barrier 50 is used to determine the shielding configuration. For this purpose, the curtain 31 has a transmitter 50a, which is designed to emit a focused light beam. The light beam is redirected several times by means of the mirrors 50b, 50c, 50d, and 51e and finally transmitted to a receiver 50f. The light beam is preferably guided directly along a surface of the plurality of strip elements 33, so that twisting, tangling, and / or protrusion of a strip element 33i from a substantially planar front surface of the plurality of strip elements 33 leads to a weakening or interruption of the light beam. A deviation of the curtain 31 from the shielding configuration can be detected accordingly depending on a signal from the receiver 50f.For example, the signal is determined as a function of the intensity and / or interruption of the light beam. The shielded booth 42 according to the invention preferably has a first light barrier on the side of the examination room 30 and a second light barrier on the side of an adjacent room (e.g., control room 41). The light barrier 50 can have any number of mirror elements, but also a plurality of transmitters and receivers.

[0106] In the embodiments of the Fig. 1 , 6 and 7The sensor 50 is preferably connected to the control unit 22 and / or the computing unit 28 by means of a wired or wireless signal connection. However, it is also conceivable that the sensor 50 already has a computing unit and / or control unit to process and / or condition the signal from the sensor 50 before it is transmitted to the computing unit 28 and / or the control unit 22 of the magnetic resonance apparatus 10 by means of a suitable interface.

[0107] In the Fig. 8 In the embodiment shown, the holding element 34a has a curved shape. The holding element 34a is aligned substantially parallel to the floor and / or ceiling (not shown) of the examination room 30. The curtain 31 in this case has the strip elements 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d, 33e and 33f (33a-f), which can have identical or different width dimensions. In particular, the curtain 31 has a contact area 33c-d, which is characterized by an overlap or abutment of the strip elements 33c and 33d. The contact area 33c-d preferably represents a passage area for the user 40, who can manually deflect the strip elements 33a-c and the strip elements 33d-f in different directions when passing through.

[0108] The strip element can be designed as a single piece or as in Fig. 8As shown, the holding element 34a and 34b can be composed of a plurality of holding elements 34a and 34b. In the example shown, the holding elements 34a and 34b have a substantially funnel-shaped, U-shaped, or V-shaped cross-sectional shape and are located opposite one another at a vertex or apex surface, which is characterized by the contact area 33c-d. The holding element 34, which results from the holding elements 34a and 34b, can thus have a cross-sectional shape reminiscent of an hourglass.

[0109] Alternatively, however, the holding element 34 can also have two holding elements 34.1 and 34.2. The cross-sectional shape of the holding element 34.1 can essentially correspond to a cross-sectional contour of the curtain 31 along a sectional plane that is aligned essentially horizontally or parallel to the floor and / or ceiling of the examination room 30 (dashed line). For example, the holding element 34.1 can be arranged on a side of the curtain 31 facing the examination room 30, while the holding element 34.2 is arranged on the side facing the control room 41.

[0110] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiments, the invention is nevertheless 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 as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. Shielded chamber (42) for a magnetic resonance apparatus (10), having an aperture and a curtain (31) for shielding an electromagnetic field, wherein the curtain (31) comprises a plurality of strip elements (33), wherein a first strip element and a second strip element of the plurality of strip elements (33) have an electrically conductive layer (38), and wherein, in a shielding configuration of the curtain (31), the electrically conductive layer (38) of the first strip element is electrically connected to an electrically conductive layer (38) of the second strip element of the plurality of strip elements (33) and / or to a reference potential, wherein the plurality of strip elements (33) can be variably positioned against one another along a main extension direction, and wherein the curtain (31) is arranged at the aperture of the shielded chamber (42), and is designed to allow access to the shielded chamber (42), characterised in that the shielded cabin has a sensor (50), which is designed to ascertain whether the curtain (31) is in the shielding configuration correctly, and to output a signal containing information about whether the curtain (31) is in the shielding configuration.

2. Shielded chamber (42) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor (50) is in the form of a resistance sensor, which is designed to ascertain a resistance, in particular a sheet resistance, of the electrically conductive layer (38) of the plurality of strip elements (33).

3. Shielded chamber (42) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor (50) is in the form of an optical sensor, which is designed to ascertain a deviation of the curtain (31) from the shielding configuration.

4. Magnetic resonance system having a magnetic resonance apparatus (10) and a shielded chamber (42) according to one of claims 1 to 3, having a control unit (22), wherein the control unit (22) has a signal connection to the at least one sensor (50), and is designed to enable, on the basis of the signal from the at least one sensor (50), a magnetic resonance measurement.

5. Magnetic resonance system according to claim 4, wherein the shielded chamber (42) also has a door (32), which is designed to provide, in a shielding position, shielding from an electromagnetic field, wherein the control unit is designed to monitor the shielding position of the door (32), and to enable, on the basis of a parameter of the magnetic resonance measurement and the signal from the at least one sensor (50), performance of the magnetic resonance measurement when the door (32) deviates from the shielding position, wherein the parameter of the magnetic resonance measurement comprises an indicator about an admissibility of performing the magnetic resonance measurement when the door (32) deviates from the shielding position.