Device for presenting an area of a predetermined dimension around

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) for presenting a region (ZS) of a predetermined dimension around it, the device comprising: emitting means (2) for emitting a light beam (Fl) towards a projection surface (S) to form a light image on the projection surface; means (3) for measuring a distance (d) between the emitting means (2) for emitting the light beam (Fl) and the projection surface (S); and a control unit for determining the arrangement of the emitting means (2) based on the measured distance (d) and predetermined parameters of the region to be presented, so that a region of a dimension corresponding to the region (ZS) to be presented, having a predetermined dimension around the device (1), of the light image of the beam on the projection surface (S) is made visible.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of radiology, and more particularly to the field of personal safety related to the radiation emitted during radiological procedures.

[0002] Hospitals have numerous departments handling radiation. Radiography is particularly used to visualize disorders related to the chest and injuries to the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, etc.). Radiography is also involved in the detection and treatment of inflammatory diseases, heart failure, and pneumonia. Radiography is also practically systematically used in orthopedics and may be used to reveal bone injuries.

[0003] Most X-ray photographs are taken within a restricted area, where only the patient is present during the examination, and other people such as medical staff are reliably protected from radiation by being outside the examination area.

[0004] However, in hospitals, for example, when a patient is immobile, bedside radiation use is also frequently carried out. This means that staff in the radiation department carry mobile radiation equipment to the patient's bedside. Thus, the purpose is to generate the X-rays required by medical practitioners (radiologists, surgeons, physicians, and anesthesiologists) for the patient, even in the patient's room, the emergency department, or indeed the operating room.

[0005] According to the Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN) [Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire], "Bedside X-ray imaging should only be used for patients who cannot be moved, and unnecessary imaging should be avoided." On the other hand, bedside radiography, as can be seen in any hospital, corresponds to a huge activity sector on its own. For example, a technician working in a Paris hospital such as La Pitié-Salpêtrière may perform an average of 40 "bedside" X-ray examinations every morning.

[0006] As a result, the above-mentioned "mobile" X-ray imaging can be performed anywhere, whether in the hospital ward or during the postoperative recovery period. According to IRSN, when taking an image, "the operator must stand at the longest distance (cord length, remote control, room size and layout) that can be compatible with the proper implementation of the procedure and must wear an X-ray protective apron." This protection area is an average of 1.5 meters around the X-ray tube.

[0007] Therefore, the above procedure is carried out in a facility that is not classified as a "restricted area", but in terms of regulations, it is required to temporarily define a management area known as a safety area or an operating area around the mobile device.

[0008] Therefore, radiation protection and safety areas are areas that radiation technologists must master, and radiation technologists have been trained as such. However, this does not apply to other medical staff (nurses, nursing assistants) or family members who may be present during bedside X-ray imaging. As a result, the only information that medical staff and / or other people have access to regarding radiation protection is the information transmitted from the person performing the bedside X-ray imaging.

[0009] European Patent Application Publication No. 3297538 proposes a device for presenting the state of an outdoor radio frequency generating device, particularly a device equipped with an X-ray tube. This device is connected to the power supply cable of the radiation device and is equipped with ammeter measuring means for clarifying the state (in use, stopped, standby) of the device. Furthermore, it is also equipped with means for transmitting the measured value to a second part for presenting the state of the device. The presentation device may be audible (alarm), use light (indicator light), or display a message. However, such a device can be used to notify whether the device equipped with the device is operating, but it cannot estimate the safety area around the device.

[0010] As described above, when radiography is performed outside a regulated examination room, the zoning is only done by the person in charge of the procedure, and the technician must move all people outside the X-ray perimeter based on an estimated value of the required distance before performing the patient's radiography.

[0011] Therefore, the first problem is that the radiographer has sole decision-making power regarding taking distances and paying attention to the people inside the room where the X-ray imaging is performed.

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

[0013] Korean Patent Publication No. 2016-0004621 describes a device for indicating a safety area around a radiation generating device such as a mobile X-ray device, which comprises a laser generator associated with an angle adjuster to form a visible laser guide line on the ground for the user. The laser unit comprises a light receiving sensor, a multicolor diode, and a control unit. When the sensor detects an object, the laser unit emits various colors to notify the approach of the object. In addition, a radiation measurement unit detects the amount of radiation emitted, and this measurement value is used to correct the tilt angle of the laser unit to correct the safety area around the radiation generating device. The device for indicating the safety area is in the form of a frame installed around a device in the form of a block that emits rectangular radiation. Therefore, the frame is adjustable to fit around the device that is the radiation source, and is characterized by four laser units on each side of the block, defining the lines on each side, and these lines combine to define the safety area and thus can define a range on the ground. The laser image is thus formed by lines, and the positioning of the lines is controlled by the tilt of the laser beam generating means, which tilt is controlled based on the measured radiation intensity and is adjustable.

[0014] European Patent Application Publication No. 2117649 proposes a signaling system comprising a control unit for providing a control signal according to the prediction and / or measurement of the spatial distribution of scattered X-rays in an environment where an object is present in a treatment room; and a signal transmitting unit for providing at least one perceptible signal according to the control signal, wherein the at least one perceptible signal indicates the spatial distribution of the scattered radiation.

[0015] Thus, scattered radiation is generated by an object irradiated with an X-ray beam, and this scattered radiation is radiated from the object to the environment outside the beam. This signaling system comprises a control unit for a control signal according to the prediction and / or measurement of the spatial distribution of scattered X-rays in an environment where an object is present in a treatment room, and a signal transmitting unit for providing at least one signal according to the control signal, wherein the signal indicates the spatial distribution of the radiation scattered from the object.

[0016] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0137483 describes a system and method for monitoring the progress of a medical treatment by exposure to scattered radiation. The positions of the elements of a medical device that generate and emit "scattered" radiation are received by a monitoring device. The positions of the people involved in the medical treatment are received by the monitoring device via tracking devices worn by the people during the medical treatment. The monitoring device receives an indicator indicating when the element that generates the radiation is activated and creates a radiation scattering intensity field. The analysis subsystem measures the estimated exposure level for each individual based on the position of each person in the radiation scattering intensity field each time the device that generates the radiation is activated, and this is compared with a reference value specific to that treatment. When the estimated exposure level exceeds the reference value, the intervention subsystem intervenes.

[0017] The above system requires a relatively complex system.

[0018] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to enable an engineer of a "mobile" radiation device to measure the safety area around the device intended for use in a simple and reliable manner and protect other people near the device by sending them out of this area. The object is to provide a device that makes this possible.

[0019] For this purpose, the present invention provides a device for presenting an area having a predetermined dimension around, radiating means for radiating a light beam toward a projection surface to form a light image on the projection surface, means for measuring the distance between the radiating means for radiating the light beam and the projection surface, a control unit for determining the arrangement of the radiating means based on the measured distance and the predetermined parameters of the area to be presented, so that the light image of the beam on the projection surface defines an area having a dimension corresponding to the area to be presented having a predetermined dimension around the device and is made visible, characterized by comprising the above.

[0020] Thus, advantageously, the presentation device creates an area having a predetermined dimension around the presentation device (substantially at the center of the device) that is visible on a surface called the projection surface, so that people can look at this area and easily determine their position relative to this area; in the case of a safety area where they need to be outside for protection, they can either leave the area or, in the case of a safety area where they need to be inside for protection, enter the area. In the latter case, on a subway platform, for example, an area may be provided that defines the extent of the place where people can be in a safe state under the surveillance of a camera.

[0021] Very advantageously, when the presentation device is used in a room such as a bedroom, a hospital ward or indeed an operating room, the surface on which the light image is projected is the ceiling of this room, and the ceiling is always fully visible to the people present even if there are extra objects (furniture, partition curtains, etc.) in the room.

[0022] In addition, the presentation device according to the invention enables the device to define an image corresponding to a predetermined parameter on the projection surface, regardless of the distance of the device according to the invention from this surface, so that it can be advantageously used in rooms of various sizes.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the presentation device is in the form of a housing, within which radiation means for emitting a light beam and means for measuring the distance are accommodated adjacent to the same surface of the housing and can be positioned on the opposite side of the projection surface. Advantageously, the distance between the measuring means and the projection surface is the same as the distance between the radiation means for emitting the light beam and the projection surface.

[0024] In one embodiment, the presentation device is associated with a radiation device, preferably a mobile radiation device, which must define an operating area or a safety area during use.

[0025] Therefore, preferably, the parameters of the area having a predetermined dimension that enables the device according to the invention to be presented by visualization are the parameters of the safety area around the radiation device, and the presentation device according to the invention is attached to an X-ray tube, for example. These parameters are input and stored in the control unit.

[0026] The presentation device according to the invention, which is associated with a mobile radiation device, enables the safety area around the radiation device to be visible regardless of the room in which it is placed and the height of the ceiling on which the optical image is formed, and this visible safety area is always the same regardless of the room.

[0027] Thus, at the instruction of the technician of the radiation device, people in the room can easily move outside the visible safety area on the ceiling in order to place themselves outside the range of the radiation from the radiation device.

[0028] Therefore, medical staff can also move other patients by pushing the bed or the wheeled stretcher beyond the visible safety boundary defined on the ceiling.

[0029] The invention further relates to a radiation device, preferably a mobile radiation device, wherein the presentation device according to the invention is mounted such that when the radiation device is used in a room, the measuring means and the means for projecting an optical beam are directed in the direction of the same projection plane, for example the ceiling of the room.

[0030] Preferably, the housing of the device according to the invention is provided with means for removably attaching to the radiation device, preferably magnetic attachment means. Thus, advantageously, the device according to the invention can be equipped on an existing mobile radiation device to impart a degree of operating safety that the device did not have before.

[0031] Preferably, the device comprises a mounting support having a base portion provided with two protruding arms, and the housing is pivotally attached to the ends of the arms. In this way, the housing can be pivoted to align the surface provided with the radiation means for emitting the optical beam to the opposite side of the projection plane.

[0032] Even more preferably, the device comprises a level on the surface of the housing opposite to the surface provided with the light source for aligning the surface of the housing provided with the light source to be parallel to the projection plane. In this way, the surface of the housing provided with the radiation means and the measuring means can be positioned, for example, to be parallel to the ceiling.

[0033] The device is magnetically attached to a radiation device comprising a magnetized base portion for attaching the device.

[0034] Even more advantageously, the device according to the invention can be equipped on any type of mobile device that requires a safety zone around its location.

[0035] It is also possible to assume that the device according to the present invention is incorporated into a radiation device. For this purpose, according to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile radiation device comprising a presentation device as described above, wherein the presentation device is incorporated into the radiation device and can direct a measuring means and means for projecting an optical beam in the direction of the same projection surface, for example, the ceiling of a room, when the radiation device is used in a room. Proposing a radiation device characterized by this is also the subject of the present invention.

[0036] Advantageously, such a radiation device is equipped with a device for presenting what is called a safety zone for the use of the device, regardless of the location where it is used.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the measuring means uses a method based on light, sound or radio frequency to measure the distance between the measuring means and an object at a distance. The means for measuring the distance in this way consists of optical means, acoustical means or radio frequency means for measuring the distance between the presentation device and the projection surface.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the means for measuring the distance consists of optical means for measuring the distance between the presentation device and the projection surface, and the measuring means is preferably adjacent to a radiation means for emitting an optical beam, and the optical measuring beam and the optical beam extend parallel to each other.

[0039] Preferably, the above distance measuring means consists of a telemeter capable of projecting an optical beam such as a laser beam or an infrared beam to measure the distance from the device to a surface such as the ceiling of the room where the device is placed.

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

[0041] Measuring means such as a telemeter communicates with the radiation means for emitting a light beam and transmits distance data to a control unit that controls the radiation means, and as a result, it is possible to adjust the focal length and the laser light source intensity of the radiation means so that the circle of light shown on the ceiling always has a radius of 2 meters regardless of the distance measured between the ceiling and the device. Preferably, the device according to the present invention forms a circle of light with a radius of 2 meters, for example, when the distance between the device and the ceiling is approximately 35 cm.

[0042] The choice of a radius of 2 meters includes a safety margin against the regulation (1.50 m) to enhance protection.

[0043] The radiation means for emitting a light beam may comprise a light source consisting of a light-emitting diode (LED) and an optical system, and the light beam emitted in this way forms, on the projection surface, a light image in the form of a preferably colored circular light spot, and the focal length and the light intensity of the light beam of the radiation means are adjustable by the control unit.

[0044] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0045]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

[0046] The presentation device 1 according to the invention is in the form of a housing 11, which is provided with radiation means 2 for emitting a light beam Fl towards the projection surface S and means 3 for measuring the distance d between the device 1 and the surface S.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the measuring means 3 consists of a telemeter, preferably an optical telemeter. This telemeter is a laser telemeter that projects a laser beam as a measuring beam Fm towards the surface S and then the surface reflects its light beam.

[0048] The electronic processing means of the telemeter calculates the phase shift between the emission and reception of the measuring beam Fm and determines the distance d. It is also possible to use an infrared telemeter or an acoustic (ultrasonic) telemeter.

[0049] The radiation means 2 for emitting the light beam Fl and the means 3 for measuring the distance d are accommodated on the same surface of the housing 11 that can be positioned on the opposite side of the surface S in the housing 11, such that the distance d between the measuring means 3 and the surface S is the same as the distance d between the radiation means 2 and the surface S.

[0050] In this way, the measuring beam Fm is emitted towards the surface S, and then the telemeter measures the distance d. The value of the distance d is sent to the radiation means 2 for emitting a light beam that has a unit for controlling this value of the distance d. This control unit determines the appropriate arrangement of the radiation means 2 based on the distance d and further on the parameters of the safety zone ZS to be presented. In this way, the radiation means then emits the light beam Fl to form a light image on the surface S that defines an area of dimensions corresponding to the predetermined parameters for the safety zone ZS around the device 1.

[0051] The device further comprises a mounting support 12 having a base part 12b with two projecting arms 12a, the housing 11 being pivotally attached to the ends of said arms. The base part, for example a magnetized base part, is attached to the X-ray tube 42 or its support arm 41 of a mobile radiation device, for example by adhesive bonding. The mounting support 12 is then magnetically attached to the base part.

[0052] The device 1 further comprises a spirit level 7 on the side opposite to the side having the light source, which allows adjustment of the positioning of the housing 11 relative to the arm 12a and thus the orientation of the housing, so that the side of the housing 11 having the light source is parallel to the ceiling.

[0053] The radiation means 2 for emitting the light beam Fl consists of a divergent laser beam which forms a beam projected onto the surface S and forming a light image preferably in the form of a coloured light circle Cz s. The control unit can adjust the focal length and the intensity of the laser light source in order to form an appropriate light image, in this case the circle Cz s, based on the distance d and the predetermined parameters of the safety zone ZS to be visualized stored in the control unit.

[0054] This circle Cz s delimits on the ceiling (surface S) a range that is visible for the circular safety zone ZS around the presentation device 1, this zone being of the same size regardless of the value of the distance d, and in this respect the adjustment of the radiation means 2 is made possible by a unit for controlling the distance d.

[0055] Preferably, when the presentation device 1 is connected to a mobile radiation device 4, this safety zone ZS is a circular surface delimited by a light circle Cz s with a radius Rzs of 2 m, the device 1 being positioned at the centre of this zone.

[0056] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the mobile radiation device 4 is brought into a room such as a bedroom to perform bedside X-ray imaging of a patient. This device 4 is equipped with a multi-joint arm 41, and an X-ray tube 42 is mounted at the end of the arm. And the presentation device 1 according to the present invention has its measuring means 3 and radiation means 2 for emitting the light beam Fl attached to the arm in a state facing the projection plane S which here consists of the ceiling of the bedroom. The presentation device 1 is as close as possible to the X-ray tube in order to define the safety zone ZS around the X-ray tube 42.

[0057] Therefore, people in the room such as medical staff can clearly see the light image forming the circle Cz s that defines the range of the safety zone around the X-ray tube 41, so it is possible to position themselves outside this circle Cz s.

[0058] In order to notify the people present that an X-ray image is being taken and to instruct them to get out of the safety zone ZS, the presentation device 1 is equipped with an audible alarm means 6 that can be activated by an X-ray technician using a remote operation button. This button is, for example, a button that can be adhesively joined to a control unit, such as a switch that enables an audible signal to be generated when the X-ray is activated and the X-ray is emitted to give instructions to the patient. Remote control may be provided for remote operation of the device according to the present invention.

[0059] By this audible alarm activated by the technician, in addition to presenting the safety zone, it is possible to emit an audible signal before the X-ray is emitted. As a result, people can evacuate from the safety zone ZS, and then when the audible signal is emitted again when the X-ray imaging is performed, the patient can follow the instructions given by the X-ray technician. In fact, this acoustic signal emitted at the moment when the image is taken (the moment of "shot") can help the patient better grasp the moment when they need to hold their breath. This is thought to help reduce the number of useless images and, as a result, also reduce the number of X-ray exposures.

[0060] Therefore, when a patient is admitted to the recovery room, in order to examine the patient's lung condition, the chief anesthesiologist can decide to call a radiologic technologist to perform a chest X-ray at the patient's bedside. The radiologic technologist goes to the recovery room. The recovery room may be full, and the patients are only separated by curtains.

[0061] In addition, there are many medical staff in the recovery room. The X-ray technologist goes to the patient's bedside between two other patients. For example, one of the other patients is receiving an irrigation treatment from a nurse. The X-ray technologist arrives with the equipment (X-ray cassette, X-ray emitting device, and the device according to the present invention attached to the arm 41 as shown in Figure 3) and sets it up.

[0062] When operating the device according to the present invention, the technologist uses the level 7 to check whether the housing 11 is parallel to the ceiling of the recovery room and, if necessary, accurately positions the housing 11.

[0063] In the housing 11, the telemeter 3 sends data on the distance d to the radiation means 2 for emitting a laser beam, and the radiation means adapts the focal length and intensity of the laser so that the area shown on the ceiling always has a radius Rzs of 2 meters. When the projection of the safety zone ZS onto the ceiling S is completed, an audible alarm 6 is activated by the radiologic technologist.

[0064] Therefore, in this situation, the fact that the safety zone ZS for X-rays is visible and audible makes it possible to optimize radiation protection for the patients in the vicinity. At the same time, these patients are informed in this way whether they are within the safety zone or not. If the patient is inside the safety zone, it is only necessary to move the patient's bed. Furthermore, the medical staff present do not need to stop providing care if they are outside this zone. Finally, the emission of the X-rays will be audible to everyone present by means of the audible alarm.

[0065] Accordingly, the presenting device according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to limit the X-ray exposure of nearby patients during bedside X-ray imaging by enabling medical staff to move nearby patients outside the safety zone if necessary. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the X-ray exposure of staff during bedside radiography.

[0066] Such a device also makes it possible to optimize the care setup during X-ray imaging and to improve the relationship between medical staff during radiography at the patient's bedside.

[0067] These functions advantageously make it possible to reduce the stress associated with bedside X-ray imaging and the risk of excessive X-ray exposure. For the patient, there is also the benefit of better understanding the instructions received during X-ray image acquisition.

[0068] Furthermore, in this way, it is possible to contribute to better management of potential disruptions associated with bedside X-ray imaging, such as moving adjacent beds several meters away from the radiation device, and potential conflicts regarding the presence of family members during the examination.

Claims

1. A device (1) for presenting an area (ZS) having a predetermined dimension around, comprising: radiating means (2) for radiating a light beam (Fl) towards a projection surface (S) to form a light image on the projection surface; means (3) for measuring a distance (d) between the radiating means (2) for radiating the light beam (Fl) and the projection surface (S); a control unit for determining the arrangement of the radiating means (2) based on the measured distance (d) and predetermined parameters of the area to be presented, such that the light image of the beam on the projection surface (S) defines an area of a dimension corresponding to the area (ZS) to be presented having a predetermined dimension around the device (1) so as to be visible; A device characterized by comprising the above.

2. The presenting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the means (3) for measuring the distance (d) comprises optical means, acoustic means or radio frequency means for measuring the distance between the presenting device (1) and the projection surface (S).

3. The presenting device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the means (3) for measuring the distance (d) comprises optical measuring means for projecting an optical beam such as a laser beam or an infrared beam that enables measurement of the distance (d) and extends parallel to the light beam radiated by the radiating means (3).

4. The presenting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the radiating means (2) for radiating the light beam (Fl) comprises a laser light source and an optical system for radiating a laser beam, preferably a diverging laser beam, that forms a light image in the form of a preferably colored light circle (Czs) on the projection surface (S), and the focal length and light intensity of the light beam of the radiating means (2) are adjustable by the control unit.

5. The presenting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the radiating means (2) for radiating the light beam (Fl) comprises a light source composed of a light emitting diode (LED) and an optical system, and the light beam (Fl) radiated in this way forms a light image in the form of a circular light spot on the projection surface (S), and the focal length and light intensity of the light beam (Fl) of the radiating means (2) are adjustable by the control unit.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by comprising audible alarm means (6).

7. A form of the housing (11), characterized in that radiation means (2) for emitting a light beam (Fl) and means (3) for measuring a distance (d) are accommodated adjacent to the same surface of the housing (11) and can be positioned to face a projection surface (S), the presentation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Comprising means for attaching to a radiation device (4), preferably a mobile radiation device, which must define a safety zone (ZS) during use, the safety zone (ZS) corresponding to an area having a predetermined dimension, the presentation device (1) according to claim 7.

9. The presentation device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that means for detachably attaching to the radiation device (4) are provided on the housing (11).

10. Comprising an attachment support (12) having a base portion (12b) with two protruding arms (12a), the housing (11) being pivotally attached to the ends of the arms, the presentation device (1) according to claims 7 to 9.

11. The presentation device (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that a level (7) for aligning the direction of the surface of the housing (11) having the light source (12) is provided on the surface of the housing (11) opposite to the surface having the light source (2).

12. A radiation device (4), in particular a mobile radiation device, characterized in that the presentation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 is attached thereto.

13. A radiation device, in particular a mobile radiation device, comprising the presentation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the presentation device (1) being incorporated in the radiation device and the radiation device being such that when used in a room, the measuring means (3) and the radiation means (2) for emitting the light beam (Fl) can be directed towards the same projection surface (S), such as the ceiling of the room.

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