Device for signalling a zone having predetermined dimensions around the device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for signalling a zone (ZS) having predetermined dimensions around the device (1), which device is characterised in that it comprises: emission means (2) for emitting a light beam (FI) towards a projection surface (S) so as to form a light image thereon; means (3) for measuring the distance (d) between the emission means (2) for emitting the light beam (FI) and the projection surface (S); and a control unit for determining, on the basis of the measured distance (d) and the predetermined parameters of the zone to be signalled, the arrangement of the emission means (2) so as to emit a light beam (FI) whose light image on the projection surface (S) visibly defines a zone whose dimensions correspond to the zone (ZS) to be signalled having predetermined dimensions around the device (1).

Description

Device for signaling an area of ​​predefined dimensions around said device

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of radiology and in particular to the field of the safety of people with respect to the rays emitted during radiology operations.

[0002] Hospitals have many radiology stations. X-rays are used in particular to visualize problems related to the thorax and injuries to the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, etc.). They have a role in the detection and treatment of inflammatory diseases, heart failure, and pneumonia. They are also used almost systematically in orthopedics, where they can highlight skeletal injuries.

[0003] Most X-rays are performed in restricted access areas, where only the patient is present during the examination, with other people such as medical staff outside the examination area, ensuring their protection from the rays.

[0004] However, in hospitals, bedside radiology is also frequently performed, for example when the patient cannot move. Thus, radiology staff travel to the patient's bedside, with mobile radiology equipment. The objective is to perform the X-ray required by the medical prescriber (radiologists, surgeons, doctors and anesthesiologists) on a patient who is in their room, in the emergency room, or even in the operating room.

[0005] Although according to the French Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN), "bedside X-rays should only be performed on patients who cannot be transported, avoiding unnecessary images," bedside X-rays represent a huge sector of activity in themselves, and this is true in every hospital. For example, a radiographer working in a Parisian hospital like Lariboisière can perform an average of forty bedside X-rays per morning.

[0006] Consequently, these "mobile" X-rays can be carried out anywhere, whether in a service room or upon waking up after an operation and according to the IRSN when taking the image "the operator must move away to the maximum distance compatible with proper performance of the procedure (length of the cord, remote control, dimensions and layout of the room), and wear a radiological protection apron". This protection zone measures on average one and a half meters around the X-ray emitting tube.

[0007] Thus, although these acts are carried out in premises which are not classified as a "regulated area", the regulations therefore require the temporary definition of a controlled area, known as a security or operating zone, around the mobile device.

[0008] Radiation protection and the safety zone are therefore the domain that the radiology technician must master, and the latter has been trained for this purpose. However, this is not the case for the other healthcare staff (nurses, nursing assistants) or for families who may be present during the bedside X-ray. As a result, the healthcare staff and / or others have no other information on radiation protection than that transmitted by the people performing the bedside X-ray.

[0009] In document EP-A-3297538, a device for signaling the status of an outdoor radioelectric transmission device, in particular one equipped with an X-ray tube, has been proposed. This device is connected to the power cable of the radiology device and comprises means for measuring the current making it possible to define the status of said device (in use, off, on standby). It also comprises means for transmitting the measurement to a second part making it possible to signal the status of the device. The signaling means are of the audible (alarm), luminous (indicator light type) or message display type. However, such a device, although it makes it possible to alert on the operating status or not of the device equipped with it, does not make it possible to estimate the safety zone around the device.

[0010] As already indicated, when the X-ray is performed outside a regulated examination room, the zoning is given only by the person in charge of the manipulation and the manipulator must move everyone away from the X-ray perimeter before performing the X-ray on the patient based on an estimate of the necessary distance.

[0011] A first difficulty that arises is that the radiology technician only has his word to remove and warn the people present in the room where the X-ray is going to take place.

[0012] In addition, it is sometimes difficult to estimate the actual dimensions of the safety or protection zone around the device in a space that is not intended for this purpose and which may be cluttered.

[0013] In KR 2016 0004621 is described a device for indicating a safety zone around a radiation-emitting device such as a mobile radiology device comprising a laser transmitter associated with an angular adapter to form on the ground a laser guide line visible to a user. The laser unit comprises a light receiving sensor, a multi-color diode and a control unit so that when the sensor detects an object, the laser unit notifies an approaching object by emitting different colors. In addition, a radiation measuring unit detects the amount of radiation emitted and this measurement is used to change the inclination of the angle of the laser unit to change the safety zone around the radiation-emitting device. The device for indicating a safety zone is in the form of a frame which is installed around the device in the form of a rectangular block emitting radiation.Thus, the frame is adaptable around the radiation source device and has on each side of the block, four laser units defining a line on each side and all the lines define the safety zone thus delimited on the ground. The laser image is thus formed of lines and their positioning is adjusted by the inclination of the laser beam emission means, this inclination being controlled and adjustable according to the measured radiation power.

[0014] In document EP 2 117 649 there is proposed a signaling system, comprising: a control unit for providing control signals in response to a predicted and / or measured spatial distribution of scattered X-rays in an environment of an object in an intervention room; and a signaling unit for providing at least one perceptible signal in response to said control signals, said at least one perceptible signal being indicative of said spatial distribution of scattered radiation.

[0015] Thus, scattered radiation is generated by the object being irradiated with an X-ray beam, this scattered radiation being emitted from the object to its surroundings outside the beam of rays. The signaling system comprises a signal control unit in response to a predicted and / or measured spatial distribution of scattered X-rays in a surrounding of an object in an intervention room, a signaling unit which provides at least one signal in response to the control signals and indicative of the spatial distribution of the scattered radiation from the object.

[0016] US 2021 / 0137483 describes systems and methods for monitoring the progress of a medical procedure by exposure to scattered radiation. The locations of medical equipment elements producing and scattering "scattered" radiation are received by a monitoring device. The locations of persons attending the medical procedure are received by the monitoring device using tracking devices worn by the persons during the medical procedure. The monitoring device receives an indication of when the radiation-producing element(s) are activated and creates a radiation scattering intensity field.An analytical subsystem determines an estimated exposure level for each individual based on their position in the scattered radiation intensity field each time the radiation-producing device is activated, which is compared to a reference that may be procedure-specific. When the estimated exposure level exceeds the reference value, an intervention subsystem provides an intervention.

[0017] These systems involve relatively complex systems.

[0018] The invention therefore aims to propose a device enabling the operator of the "mobile" radiology device to determine in a simple and reliable manner the safety zone around the device that he intends to use in order to enable the protection of other people located near the device, by sending them out of this zone.

[0019] To this end, the invention relates to a device for signaling an area of ​​predefined dimensions around said device, characterized in that it comprises: means for emitting a light beam towards a projection surface to form a light image there, means for measuring the distance between the means for emitting the light beam and the projection surface, a control unit for determining, as a function of the measured distance and predefined parameters of the area to be signaled, the adjustment of the emission means to emit a light beam whose light image on the projection surface defines, in a visible manner, an area whose dimensions correspond to the area to be signaled of predefined dimensions around said device.

[0020] Thus, advantageously, the signaling device makes it possible to make visible, on a surface called the projection surface, an area of ​​predefined dimensions around the signaling device (which is substantially the center) so that people can see it and thus easily position themselves in relation to this area, either to leave it, in the case of a safety zone outside which one must be in order to be protected, or to enter it in the case of a safety zone inside which one must be in order to be protected. In the latter case, zones can be provided delimiting a location in which people can be positioned securely, for example under the surveillance of a camera, on a metro platform.

[0021] Very advantageously, when the signaling device is used in a room such as a bedroom, a room or even an operating theatre, the surface onto which a luminous image is projected is the ceiling of this room which is always perfectly visible to the people present despite the clutter that there may be in this room (furniture, partition curtains, etc.).

[0022] Furthermore, the signaling device according to the invention can be used advantageously in premises of different dimensions, since the device makes it possible to define an image on the projection surface which corresponds to predefined parameters regardless of the distance at which the device according to the invention is from this surface.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the signaling device is in the form of a housing, in which the means for emitting the light beam and the means for measuring the distance are housed adjacent to each other on the same face of said housing and can be positioned opposite the projection surface. Thus, advantageously, the distance between the measuring means and the projection surface is identical to the distance between the means for emitting a light beam and said projection surface.

[0024] Thus, according to one embodiment, the signaling device is associated with a radiology device, preferably mobile, for which an operating or safety zone must be defined when it is used.

[0025] Thus, preferably, the parameters of the zone of predefined dimensions that the device according to the invention makes it possible to signal by visualization are the parameters of a safety zone around a radiology device, the signaling device according to the invention being for example fixed on the X-ray tube. These parameters are entered and recorded in the control unit.

[0026] The signaling device according to the invention makes it possible, when associated with a mobile radiology device, to make the safety zone around the radiology device visible, regardless of the room in which they are located and the height of the ceiling on which the light image is formed, the safety zone made visible always being the same, regardless of the room.

[0027] Thus, on the orders of the operator of the X-ray machine, people present in the room can easily move outside the safety zone visible on the ceiling, to put themselves out of range of the X-ray machine's rays.

[0028] This makes it possible for healthcare workers to also keep other patients away by pushing beds or stretchers out of the visible safety perimeter defined on the ceiling.

[0029] The invention also relates to a radiology device, preferably mobile, which comprises, fixed thereon, a signaling device according to the invention so that, when the radiology device is in use in a room, the measuring means and the means for projecting a light beam are directed towards the same projection surface, such as the ceiling of the room.

[0030] Preferably, the housing of the device according to the invention is provided with removable fixing means on the radiology device, preferably magnetic fixing means. Thus, advantageously, it is possible, thanks to the device according to the invention, to equip already existing mobile radiology devices to give them a safety of use that they did not previously have.

[0031] Preferably, the device comprises a fixing support, comprising a base provided with two projecting arms, at the end of which the housing is pivotally mounted. The housing is thus pivotable so that the face provided with the means for emitting the light beam is directly opposite the projection surface.

[0032] Even more preferably, the device comprises on the opposite face of the housing to that comprising the light source, a level making it possible to orient the face of the housing comprising the light source so that it is parallel to the projection surface. The face of the housing provided with the emission means and the measuring means can thus be positioned so as to be parallel to the ceiling, for example.

[0033] The device is attached by magnetization to the radiology device which has a magnetic base attached to it on which the device is attached.

[0034] Furthermore, advantageously, the device according to the invention can equip any type of mobile device which requires a security zone around its location.

[0035] It may also be provided that said device according to the invention is integrated into a radiology apparatus. To this end, according to a second aspect of the invention, the latter also aims to propose a mobile radiology apparatus, characterized in that it comprises a signaling device as described above, said signaling device being integrated into the radiology apparatus so that, when the latter is in use in a room, the measuring means and the means for projecting a light beam are directable towards the same projection surface, such as the ceiling of the room.

[0036] Thus, advantageously, such a radiology device is equipped with a device enabling the so-called safety zone to be signalled for its use, regardless of where it is used.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the measuring means use optical, acoustic or radioelectric methods for measuring the distance between them and a distant object. The distance measuring means thus consist of optical, acoustic or radioelectric means for measuring the distance between the signaling device and the projection surface.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the distance measuring means consist of optical distance measuring means, between the signaling device and the projection surface, said measuring means preferably being adjacent to the light beam emission means, said optical measuring beam and said light beam extending parallel to the light beam.

[0039] Preferably, these distance measuring means consist of a rangefinder projecting an optical beam, such as laser or infrared, making it possible to measure the distance from the device to a surface, such as the ceiling of the room in which the device is located.

[0040] The means for emitting a light beam consist of a laser source and an optical system allowing the emission of a laser beam, preferably divergent, which forms on the surface a light image in the form of a light circle and, preferably colored, for example red, green or blue depending on the visible laser source with a radius of 2m corresponding to a desired safety zone.

[0041] The measuring means such as the rangefinder and the light beam emission means are in communication, the rangefinder sending the distance data to the control unit which controls the emission means whose focal length and intensity of the laser source can thus be adjusted so that the light circle represented on the ceiling is always two meters in radius, regardless of the distance measured between the ceiling and the device. Preferably, the device according to the invention forms a light circle with a radius of 2 meters with a distance between the device and the ceiling of approximately 35 cm, for example.

[0042] The choice of a two-meter radius includes a safety margin compared to the regulations (of 1.50m) to reinforce protection.

[0043] The means for emitting a light beam may consist of a light source made up of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and an optical system, the light beam thus emitted forming on the projection surface a light image in the form of a circular and preferably colored light spot, the focal length and light intensity of which are adjustable by the control unit.

[0044] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the figures which represent:

[0045] a schematic perspective view from above of the housing of a device according to the invention;

[0046] a schematic side view of the device of the invention;

[0047] a schematic perspective view of a room in which there is a mobile radiology device equipped with a device according to the invention.

[0048] The signaling device 1 according to the invention is in the form of a housing 11 in which the means 2 for emitting a light beam F1 towards a projection surface S and the means 3 for measuring the distance d between said device 1 and the surface S are provided.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the measuring means 3 consist of a rangefinder, preferably an optical rangefinder. This rangefinder is a laser rangefinder which projects a laser beam as a measuring beam Fm towards the surface S, which in turn reflects the light beam.

[0050] The electronic processing means of the rangefinder calculate the phase shift between the emission and reception of the measuring beam Fm and thus determine the distance d. An infrared rangefinder or an acoustic (ultrasonic) rangefinder can also be used.

[0051] The means 2 for emitting the light beam F1 and the means 3 for measuring the distance d are arranged in the housing 11, on the same face of said housing 11 which can be positioned opposite the surface S, so that the distance d between the measuring means 3 and the surface S is identical to the distance d between the means 2 for emitting and said surface S.

[0052] The measuring beam Fm is thus emitted towards the surface S, the rangefinder then measuring the distance d. The value of the distance d is sent to the emission means 2 of the light beam which comprise a unit for controlling the value of this distance d. This control unit determines, as a function of the distance d and also of the parameters of the safety zone ZS which it is desired to signal, the appropriate adjustment of said emission means 2. In this way, these then emit a light beam Fl forming on the surface S a light image defining an area whose dimensions correspond to the predefined parameters for a safety zone ZS around said device 1.

[0053] The device further comprises a fixing support 12 comprising a base 12b provided with two projecting arms 12a, at the end of which the housing 11 is pivotally mounted. A base, for example magnetic, is fixed, for example glued, to the mobile radiology device, at the level of the X-ray tube 42 or its support arm 41. The fixing support 12 is then fixed by magnetization to the base.

[0054] The device 1 further comprises, on its face opposite that comprising the light source, a level 7 making it possible to adjust the positioning of the housing 11 relative to the arms 12a and therefore its orientation so that the face of the housing 11 comprising the light source is parallel to the ceiling.

[0055] The means 2 for emitting the light beam Fl consist of a divergent laser beam forming a beam which, projected onto the surface S, forms a light image in the form of a light circle Czs, preferably colored. The control unit makes it possible, depending on the distance d and the predefined parameters of the safety zone ZS to be displayed, stored in said control unit, to adjust the focal length of the laser source and the intensity of the laser to form the appropriate light image, here the circle Czs.

[0056] This circle Czs visibly delimits on the ceiling (surface S) the circular safety zone ZS around the signaling device 1, this zone being of identical dimensions whatever the value of the distance d, the distance control unit d making it possible to adjust the transmission means 2 in this direction.

[0057] Preferably, this safety zone ZS when the signaling device 1 is associated with a mobile radiology device 4, is a circular surface delimited by the light circle Czs of radius Rzs 2 m, the device 1 being located at the center of this zone.

[0058] Thus, as can be seen in the, a mobile radiology device 4 is brought into a room such as a bedroom to perform an X-ray at the bedside of a patient. This device 4 comprises an articulated arm 41 at the end of which is mounted an X-ray tube 42 and on which is fixed the signaling device 1 according to the invention with its measuring means 3 and its means 2 for emitting a light beam F1 opposite the projection surface S, here consisting of the ceiling of the room. The signaling device 1 is as close as possible to the X-ray tube 42 to define the safety zone ZS around it.

[0059] The people present in the room, as well as the nursing staff, can thus clearly see the luminous image forming the circle Czs which delimits the safety zone around the X-ray tube 41, which allows them to position themselves outside the said circle Czs.

[0060] In order to warn the people present that an X-ray is being taken, and to order them to leave the safety zone ZS, the signaling device 1 comprises audible alarm means 6, which can be activated by the radio operator, using a remote activation button, for example, which can be stuck to a control unit such as a bulb which activates the rays and making it possible to give an audio signal when the X-rays are triggered and instructions to the patient.

[0061] A remote control for remotely actuating the device according to the invention can also be provided.

[0062] This audible alarm activated by the operator allows, in addition to signaling the safety zone, to trigger an audio signal before the X-rays are triggered so that people evacuate the ZS safety zone and then, triggered again at the time of taking the X-ray, to allow the patient to follow the instructions given to him by the radiographer. Indeed, this audible signal emitted when an X-ray is taken (at the time of the "shot"), can help the patient to better perceive the moment when he must hold his breath. This could reduce the number of non-contributory X-rays and thus reduce the number of X-ray exposures.

[0063] So, when a patient is admitted to the recovery room, the chief anesthesiologist may decide to call the radiology technician to perform a chest X-ray at the patient's bedside to check the condition of their lungs. The radiology technician goes down to the recovery room. The latter may be full and the patients are simply separated by screens.

[0064] In addition, many health professionals are located in this recovery room. The radiology technician goes to the bedside of the patient who is located, for example, between two other patients, one of whom is being perfused by a nurse. The radiographer equipped with his equipment (radiographic cassette, X-ray emitting equipment and the device according to the invention fixed on the arm 41 as in the) sets up.

[0065] When actuating the device according to the invention, the manipulator checks with level 7 that the box 11 is parallel to the ceiling of the recovery room and, if necessary, positions the box 11 correctly.

[0066] At the level of the housing 11, the rangefinder 3 sends the distance data d to the laser beam emission means 2 which adapt the focal length and the intensity of the laser so that the area represented on the ceiling is always two meters of radius R ZS Once the safety zone ZS is projected onto the ceiling S, the audible alarm 6 is then activated by the radio manipulator.

[0067] Thus, in this situation, the safety zone ZS for X-rays is visible and audible, which optimizes the radiation protection of patients in the surrounding area, as they are thus informed whether or not they are in the safety zone. If this is the case, they will only have to move their bed. In addition, the caregivers around will not have to interrupt their care if they are outside this zone. Finally, the triggering of the X-rays will be heard by all those present thanks to the audible alarm.

[0068] The signaling device according to the invention therefore advantageously makes it possible to limit the exposure of neighboring patients to X-rays during X-rays taken in bed, by allowing the nursing staff to move them outside the safety zone if necessary.

[0069] This can advantageously reduce staff's exposure to X-rays during bedside X-rays.

[0070] This device also makes it possible to optimize the organization of care when performing X-rays and to improve relationships between health professionals when performing X-rays at the patient's bedside.

[0071] These actions can advantageously reduce the stress associated with taking bedside X-rays and the risks of excessive exposure to X-rays. In addition, patients are offered a better understanding of the instructions given when taking X-ray images.

[0072] In addition, this can help to better manage potential disruptions related to bedside X-rays, such as the movement of neighboring beds several meters from the X-ray machine, as well as potential conflicts with families present at the time of the examinations.

Claims

Signaling device (1) of a zone (ZS) of predefined dimensions around said device (1), characterized in that it comprises: means for emitting (2) a light beam (Fl) towards a projection surface (S) to form a luminous image thereon, means for measuring (3) the distance (d) between the means for emitting (2) the light beam (Fl) and the projection surface (S), a control unit for determining, as a function of the measured distance (d) and predefined parameters of the zone to be signaled, the setting of the emission means (2) to emit a light beam (Fl) whose luminous image on the projection surface (S) visibly defines a zone whose dimensions correspond to the zone (ZS) to be signaled of predefined dimensions around said device (1). Signaling device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for measuring the distance (d) (3) consist of optical, acoustic or radio-electric means for measuring the distance between the signaling device (1) and the projection surface (S). Signaling device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the means for measuring the distance (d) (3) are made up of optical measuring means projecting an optical beam such as laser, infrared allowing the distance (d) to be measured and extending parallel to the light beam emitted by the emitting means (3). Signaling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the means for emitting (2) a light beam (Fl) consist of a laser source and an optical system enabling the emission of a laser beam, preferably divergent, which forms on the projection surface (S) a luminous image in the form of a luminous circle (Czs) and, preferably coloured, emission means (2) whose focal length and luminous intensity of the light beam are adjustable by the control unit. Signaling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the means for emitting (2) a light beam (Fl) are made up of a light source consisting of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and an optical system, the light beam (Fl) thus emitted forming on the projection surface (S) a luminous image in the form of a circular light spot, the emission means (2) having the focal length and the luminous intensity of the light beam (Fl) adjustable by the control unit. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises audible alarm means (6). Signaling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it is in the form of a housing (11), the means for emitting (2) the light beam (Fl) and the means for measuring (3) the distance (d) being housed adjacently on the same face of said housing (11) and positionable with respect to the projection surface (S). Signaling device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises means for fixing to a radiology device (4), preferably mobile, for which a safety zone (ZS) must be defined when it is used, said safety zone (ZS) constituting the zone of predefined dimensions. Signaling device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the housing (11) is provided with means for removable attachment to the radiology device (4). Signaling device (1) according to claims 7 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a mounting support (12) having a base (12b) provided with two protruding arms (12a), at the ends of which the housing (11) is pivotally mounted. Signaling device (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that it comprises on the opposite face of the housing (11) to that comprising the light source (2), a level (7) allowing the face of the housing (11) comprising the light source (12) to be oriented. Radiology apparatus (4), in particular mobile, characterized in that it comprises, fixed thereon, a signaling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11. Radiology apparatus, in particular mobile, characterized in that it comprises a signaling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, said signaling device (1) being integrated into the radiology apparatus so that, when the latter is in use in a room, the measuring means (3) and the means for emitting (2) a light beam (F1) are directional towards the same projection surface (S) such as the ceiling of the room.

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