Device for signaling an area of predefined dimensions around said device

Abstract

The invention relates to a signaling device (1) for a zone (ZS) of predefined dimensions around said device (1), characterized in that it comprises: means (2) for emitting a light beam (Fl) towards a projection surface (S) to form a light image there, means (3) for measuring the distance (d) between the means (2) for emitting 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 adjustment of the emitting means (2) to emit a light beam (Fl) whose light image on the projection surface (S) defines, in a visible manner, a zone whose dimensions correspond to the zone (ZS) to be signaled of predefined dimensions around said device (1). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: 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. Radiography is used in particular to visualize problems related to the thorax and lesions of the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, etc.). It has its place in the detection and management of inflammatory diseases, heart failure or pneumonia. Its use is also almost systematic in orthopedics where it can highlight lesions of the skeleton.

[0003] Most X-rays are performed in restricted access areas, in which, during the examination, only the patient is present, other people such as nursing staff being outside the examination area, which ensures their protection against the rays.

[0004] However, in a hospital setting, 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] Even if, according to the Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN), "bedside X-rays should only be used on patients who cannot be transported, avoiding unnecessary images", bedside X-rays alone represent a huge sector of activity, 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 1TRSN 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 in distance around the X-ray emitting tube.

[0007] Thus, although these acts are carried out in premises which are not classified as “ "regulated area", the regulations therefore require the temporary definition of a controlled area, called 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 rest of the nursing staff (nurses, nursing assistants) or for the families who may be present during the bedside X-ray. As a result, the nursing staff and / or others have no other information on radiation protection than that transmitted by the people carrying out the bedside X-ray.

[0009] In document EP-A-3297538, a device has been proposed for signaling the status of an outdoor radioelectric transmission device, in particular one equipped with an X-ray tube. 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 type (alarm), luminous type (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 carried out outside a regulated examination room, the zoning is given solely by the person in charge of the manipulation and the manipulator must move any person away from the X-ray perimeter before carrying out the X-ray on the patient on the basis of an estimate of the necessary distance.

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

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

[0013] The invention therefore aims to propose a device allowing the operator of the radiology device to determine in a simple and reliable manner the safety zone around the device that he intends to use in order to allow the protection of other people located near the device, by sending them out of this zone.

[0014] 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 emitting 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.

[0015] 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 undertake to position themselves in relation to this area, either to leave it, in the case of a safety zone outside of which one must be protected, or to enter it in the case of a safety zone inside of which one must be protected. In the latter case, it is possible to provide areas delimiting a location in which people can be positioned securely, for example under the surveillance of a camera, on a metro platform.

[0016] 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.).

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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 one and the same face of said housing and can be positioned opposite the projection surface so that 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] Thus, preferably, the parameters of the zone of predefined dimensions that the device according to the invention allows to be signaled by visualization are the parameters of a safety zone around an X-ray 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] Thus, on the orders of the operator of the radiology device, the people present in the room can easily move outside the safety zone visible on the ceiling, to put themselves out of range of the rays of the radiology device.

[0023] It is thus possible for healthcare staff to also move other patients away by pushing beds or stretchers out of the visible safety perimeter defined on the ceiling.

[0024] The invention also relates to a radiology apparatus, preferably mobile, which comprises, fixed thereon, a signaling device according to the invention so that, when the radiology apparatus 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] The device is fixed by magnetization on the radiology device which has a magnetic base fixed on it to which the device is fixed.

[0029] Furthermore, advantageously, the device according to the invention can equip any type of mobile device which requires a security zone around its location.

[0030] It can 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.

[0031] Thus advantageously, such a radiology device is equipped with the device making it possible to signal the so-called safety zone for its use, regardless of where it is used.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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, whatever 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.

[0037] The choice of the two meter radius includes a safety margin with respect to the regulation (of lm50) to strengthen protection.

[0038] The means for emitting a light beam may consist of a light source consisting 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.

[0039] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the figures which represent:

[0040] [Fig.l] a schematic perspective view from above of the housing of a device according to the invention;

[0041] [Fig.2] a schematic side view of the device of the invention;

[0042] [Fig.3] a schematic perspective view of a room in which there is a mobile radiology device equipped with a device according to the invention.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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 returns the light beam.

[0045] The electronic processing means of the rangefinder calculate the phase shift between the emission and the reception of the measuring beam Fm and thus determine the distance d. It is also possible to use an infrared rangefinder or an acoustic (ultrasonic) rangefinder.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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 a area whose dimensions correspond to the predefined parameters for a safety zone ZS around said device 1.

[0048] 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 magnetized, is fixed, for example glued, on 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 on the base.

[0049] 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.

[0050] The means 2 for emitting the light beam F1 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.

[0051] This circle Czs visibly delimits on the ceiling (surface S) the safety zone ZS of circular shape 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] Thus, as can be seen in [Fig. 3], 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 around it 1 safety zone ZS.

[0054] The people present in the room, like the healthcare personnel, 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 said circle Czs.

[0055] 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, actuable by the radio operator, using a remote actuation 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.

[0056] A remote control for remotely actuating the device according to the invention can also be provided.

[0057] This audible alarm activated by the manipulator allows, in addition to signaling the safety zone, to trigger an audio signal before the triggering of the X-rays so that people evacuate the safety zone ZS then, triggered again at the time of taking the X-ray, to allow the patient to follow the instructions given to him by the radio manipulator. Indeed, this audible signal emitted when taking an image (at the time of the "shot"), can help the patient to better perceive the moment when he must hold his breath. This could make it possible to reduce the number of non-contributory images and thus reduce the number of X-ray exposures.

[0058] Thus, 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 his lungs. The radiology technician goes down to the recovery room. The latter may be full and the patients are simply separated by screens.

[0059] 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 infused 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 [Fig.3]) sets up.

[0060] When actuating the device according to the invention, the manipulator checks with level 7 that the housing 11 is indeed parallel to the ceiling of the recovery room and, if necessary, correctly positions the housing 11.

[0061] 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 distance and the intensity of the laser so that the zone represented on the ceiling is always two meters in radius Rzs. Once the safety zone ZS is projected on the ceiling S, the audible alarm 6 is then activated by the radio manipulator.

[0062] Thus, in this situation, the safety zone ZS for X-rays is visible and audible, which makes it possible to optimize the radiation protection of patients in the surrounding area, the latter being thus informed whether or not they are in the safety zone. If this is the case, there is no will only have to move their bed. In addition, the caregivers around will not have to interrupt their care if they are outside this area. Finally, the triggering of the X-rays will be heard by everyone present thanks to the audible alarm.

[0063] 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.

[0064] It is thus possible to advantageously reduce the exposure of personnel to X-rays during bedside X-rays.

[0065] Such a 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.

[0066] These actions advantageously make it possible to reduce the stress associated with taking X-rays in bed and the risks of excessive exposure to X-rays. In addition, for patients, this provides a better understanding of the instructions given when taking X-ray images.

[0067] In addition, this can help to better manage potential disruptions related to bedside X-rays of patients, such as the movement of neighboring beds several meters from the X-ray device, as well as potential conflicts with families present at the time of the examinations.

Claims

Claims

1. Signaling device (1) of an area (ZS) of predefined dimensions around said device (1), characterized in that it comprises: means (2) for emitting a light beam (Fl) towards a projection surface (S) to form a light image there, means (3) for measuring the distance (d) between the means (2) for emitting 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 area to be signaled, the adjustment of the emitting means (2) to emit a light beam (Fl) whose light image on the projection surface (S) defines, in a visible manner, an area whose dimensions correspond to the area (ZS) to be signaled of predefined dimensions around said device (1), the device being in the form of a housing (11),the means (2) for emitting the light beam (Fl) and the means (3) for measuring the distance (d) being housed adjacent to one and the same face of said housing (11) and positionable opposite the projection surface (S).,

2. Signaling device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the means (3) for measuring the distance (d) consist of optical, acoustic or radioelectric means for measuring the distance between the signaling device (1) and the projection surface (S).

3. Signaling device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the measuring means (3) of the distance (d) consist 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 emission means (3).

4. Signaling device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the means (2) for emitting a light beam (Fl) consist of a laser source and an optical system allowing the emission of a laser beam, preferably divergent, which forms on the projection surface (S) a light image in the form of a light circle (Czs) and, preferably colored, emission means (2) whose focal length and light intensity of the light beam are adjustable by the control unit.

5. Signaling device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the means (2) for emitting a light beam (Fl) consist of a light source consisting of Diodes Electro Luminescent (LED) and an optical system, the light beam (Fl) thus emitted forming on the projection surface (S) a light image in the form of a circular light spot, emission means (2) of which the focal length and the light intensity of the light beam (Fl) are adjustable by the control unit.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises sound alarm means (6).

7. Signaling device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, 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.

8. Signaling device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the housing (11) is provided with removable fixing means on the radiology device (4).

9. Signaling device (1) according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that it 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.

10. Signaling device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises on the opposite face of the housing (11) to that comprising the light source (2), a level (7) making it possible to orient the face of the housing (11) comprising the light source (12).

11. Radiology apparatus (4), in particular mobile, characterized in that it comprises, fixed thereon, a signaling device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10.

12. Radiology apparatus, in particular mobile, characterized in that it comprises a signaling device (1) according to 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 of emission (2) of a light beam (Fl) are directable towards the same projection surface (S) such as the ceiling of the room.

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