CN205658920U - X-ray apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An X-ray device (100) is arranged for being controlled at least partly by user input on a touch screen (140). The X-ray apparatus comprises a table (115) and an X-ray source (111). The table (115) and the X-ray source (111) are positionable relative to each other, thereby determining an examination region (150) to be exposed. The X-ray device (100) also has an optical camera (120) which is provided for recording images of at least the examination region (150). The image is displayed on a touch screen (140) and user input relating to the examination region (150) by a user is recognized. The X-ray device (100) is further arranged for positioning the table (115) and the X-ray source (111) relative to each other in dependence of the user input.

Description

X-ray equipment

technical field

The utility model relates to an X-ray device and a method for controlling the X-ray device, the X-ray device being arranged to be controlled at least partially by user input on a touch screen. In particular, the present invention relates to a technique in which the pose (Pose) of an X-ray source of an X-ray device can be controlled according to user input on a touch screen.

Background technique

In clinical practice, it is typically necessary to adjust the pose of the X-ray source, that is, the position and orientation of the X-ray source in the reference coordinate system, before actual X-ray imaging. It may therefore be necessary to determine the examination region of the examination object which is exposed by the x-ray source when the x-ray beam is emitted.

In this context, it may be worth pursuing the goal of determining the inspection region as accurately as possible on the one hand and, on the other hand, taking only a relatively small number of time intervals to determine the inspection region. Therefore, an examination area that is too large may have a detrimental effect on the exposure of the examination object to the X-ray beam. On the other hand, the determined examination region may be too small to have the result that not all anatomical features required for a comprehensive and error-free medical diagnosis are imaged in the subsequently acquired x-ray images. If a relatively long time is required to determine the examination region, it is possible to limit the load rate of the x-ray system, ie the number of examination objects and x-ray images per unit of time. This increases the costs in the operation of the x-ray system.

For example, techniques are known in which a light source arranged in the beam path of the x-ray beam optically visualizes the projection of the beam path of the x-ray beam onto the examination object. The examination region can be determined by means of this projection by, for example, manual positioning of the x-ray source with respect to the table on which the examination object is located. Furthermore, techniques are known in which the x-ray source can be moved and/or aligned along different spatial axes in a controlled and motorized manner by remote control. Determining the inspection area in this way is relatively time-consuming and has only limited intuitiveness.

Utility model content

Therefore, there is a need for improved techniques for adjusting the pose of an X-ray source in order to determine an inspection region. In particular, there is a need for techniques that enable an intuitive, accurate and relatively time-consuming determination of inspection regions.

According to one aspect, the invention relates to an X-ray device arranged to be controlled at least partly by user input on a touch screen. The x-ray system includes a table on which an examination object can be arranged. In addition, the X-ray device also includes an X-ray source for emitting X-ray beams. The table and the X-ray source can be positioned relative to each other, so that the X-ray source has a certain pose, thereby determining an inspection region of the inspection object to be exposed. Furthermore, the x-ray system also includes an optical camera, which is configured to record images of at least the examination region. The X-ray device also includes a transmitter arranged to transmit the image to a touch screen. The x-ray system also includes a touchscreen, which is provided for displaying the transmitted images and for recognizing user inputs by the user relating to the examination region. Furthermore, the X-ray device is arranged to position the table and the X-ray source relative to each other according to the user input for adjusting the pose.

For example, the x-ray device may be an analog or digital radiography system. For example, the X-ray device may be a C-arch device. The X-ray equipment may be fixed installed or may be portable.

The relative positioning of the table and the x-ray source may imply: a movement and/or orientation of the table - and/or a movement and/or orientation of the x-ray source. The pose typically represents the position and orientation of the X-ray source within a reference coordinate system. The reference coordinate system can be determined in various ways, for example with reference to a table, as a machine coordinate system or also with reference to an x-ray detector of an x-ray system. The position of the x-ray source, eg with respect to the table, examination object or x-ray detector, can represent the distance of the table, examination object or x-ray detector.

Changing the position of the x-ray source typically also changes the viewing angle through which the object under examination is imaged. Therefore, the pose can determine the inspection region. The angle of view and image size (Abbildungsmaßstab) of the subsequently acquired x-ray images can then be determined via the pose of the x-ray source. If the examination object is arranged on a table, the imaged region of the examination object can also be determined in this way.

The touchscreen can, for example, be portable, ie can be part of a mobile computer or a touchpad, for example. The transceiver can then be configured to transmit the image wirelessly to a portable touch screen.

The image may contain two-dimensional (2D) information, ie, for example, contrast and/or color values. In particular, the camera may in this case be a 2D camera. The optical camera can then be, for example, a conventional charge-coupled device (CCD) camera or a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) camera. It is also possible for the image to contain three-dimensional (3D) information, ie, for example, in addition to the 2D information, distance information between the camera and the object under examination or other objects within the field of view. In this respect, the optical camera can also be a 3D camera, such as a time of flight (TOF) camera or a stereo camera.

In particular, it may not be necessary for the pose of the optical camera to be identical to the pose of the x-ray source. However, it is possible here that the pose of the camera is identical to the pose of the x-ray source. The pose of the camera is identical to the pose of the x-ray source. This can be achieved, for example, by arranging the optical camera within the beam path of the x-rays and/or by suitable lens and mirror structures. An optical camera would mean that the optical camera has a sensitivity within the visible spectrum - eg relative to an X-ray beam which may have a shorter wavelength than visible electromagnetic radiation.

The transceiver can be, for example, a wireless network (WLAN) transmitter, which wirelessly transmits image data to a portable touchscreen by means of a WLAN connection. However, it is also possible to operate the transmitter according to another wireless standard or according to a proprietary wireless system. The transceiver may also transmit data by wire, eg, through a LAN connection or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection or the like.

The manner of user input is not particularly limited. For example, a touch screen may be configured to recognize user input from a user selected from the group consisting of: single-finger touch, two-finger touch, single-finger swipe, two-finger spread, two-finger rotation , two consecutive touches, and multiple touches. For example, such a touch of the touch screen can be suitable for determining the viewing angle and/or the image size, ie the size of the examination field of the x-ray image to be recorded—thus in turn it is possible to determine the pose. The relative positioning of the X-ray source and the table to each other can then be realized according to the pose. In other words, it may be possible that the user input relates to the determination of the examination region of the examination object.

A particularly intuitive determination of the examination region can be achieved by this technique.

In general, the examination region can be determined with respect to its position and/or size and/or orientation. In particular, the position and/or orientation of the examination region can be determined via the pose of the x-ray source. The size can be determined, for example, by adjusting the aperture system and/or by the distance between the x-ray source and the examination object.

With the aid of the techniques mentioned above it is possible to determine the examination region and to adjust the pose accordingly without the user having to take into account manual control factors such as orientation, size and/or x-ray source The distance from the inspection object.

For example, it is possible to indicate the examination region in the displayed image. The inspection region can be indicated, for example, by a frame or another graphic highlight, for example superimposed on the displayed image. When using these techniques, it may be particularly simple to confirm and/or change the determined examination region.

Furthermore, it is possible for the x-ray system to also include a computing unit. The computing unit may be data-connected with the optical camera and the touch screen. The arithmetic unit may be configured to receive a control signal indicative of a user input from the touch screen, further process the control signal and send the further processed control signal to the X-ray source.

Specific, for example technically determined, conversion factors and/or perspective distortions between the image recorded by the optical camera and the x-ray image to be recorded next may be taken into account by the further processing. Furthermore, the further processing can also take into account the distance between the x-ray source and the examination object, as well as the aperture angle of the beam path of the typical cone-beam shape of the x-ray beam. This consideration can take place automatically, for example. Different values can be measured and/or can be pre-stored. This has the effect that the user of the x-ray system does not have to take this device-specific characteristic into account, or only has to take it to a limited extent. This enables more intuitive control.

In general, that is to say the pose of the optical camera can be different from the pose of the X-ray source. For example, it is possible for the position of the optical camera to have an offset, ie shift and/or turn, relative to the position of the x-ray source. The arithmetic unit may be configured to further process the control signal in such a way that the misalignment is compensated for when the pose is adjusted. Correspondingly, the arithmetic unit can be configured to calculate the distance between the x-ray source and the examination object on the basis of the measured distance between the camera and the examination object.

By using this technique it is possible to avoid being bound by specific fixed, relatively complex and technical limitations of the optical camera with respect to the x-ray source. For example, it may not be necessary for the beam path of the x-ray beam to be at least partially parallel to the beam path extending from the beam of light recorded by the optical camera. It is thus possible, for example, to mount the optical camera with an offset and/or structurally separate from the x-ray source.

May cause different effects. This can then reduce the complexity of the x-ray system. For example, the camera can subsequently be fixed and/or replaced relatively easily. System modularization can be realized. In addition, the system stability can be increased since, for example, it may not be necessary to ensure a particularly stable relative arrangement of the camera to the x-ray source over a longer period of operation.

Furthermore, the arithmetic unit can also be configured to perform further processing for compensating the misalignment on the basis of factors selected from the group: pre-adjusted and fixed with respect to the misalignment the value of the value; the known value of the misalignment, wherein the value of the misalignment is selectively adjusted according to the positioning motor of the motor and/or known from the measurement; and in the image of the optical camera X-ray The beam path of the beam is projected onto the contour on the examination object, wherein the projection of the beam path is produced by means of a light source arranged on the x-ray source.

For example, in particular the information about all A pre-adjusted and fixed value for the misalignment. This situation can exist, for example, if the optical camera is positioned simultaneously with the positioning of the x-ray source and/or the table and suitable constructional measures have been taken to secure the x-ray source and the optical camera to each other layout.

Furthermore, it may be possible for the offset between the poses of the optical camera and the x-ray source to be variable or have a certain time-varying nature depending on the position of the x-ray source and/or the table relative to each other. Thus, for example, it may be advisable to first determine the relative position of the x-ray source and/or the table and then to ascertain a value for the offset from this determination. This can correspond to a repeatedly performed calibration of the optical beam path relative to the x-ray beam path.

Alternatively or additionally, it may be possible to determine the misalignment in the optical image itself as a function of the projection of the beam path of the x-ray beam onto the examination region, for example by image analysis and image segmentation of the optical image. In particular, this enables a particularly accurate compensation of the misalignment.

A particularly accurate, time-stable and efficient control effect can be achieved by means of this technique.

It is possible that the captured image images an area extending mainly along the table. Furthermore, the computing unit can also be configured to detect at least one reference point (landmark) in the image. Said reference points may for example be selected from the group comprising: unique anatomical features of said examination object; machine-readable markings and user's hand- or finger parts; user's hand- or finger parts gesture. For example, the position of at least one reference point can be identified and/or information encoded into the reference point can be identified.

In other words, the image can be, for example, an overview image, which primarily images the examination object. The inspection object is, for example, an inspector, and the captured image can then image an area of the table which primarily images the inspector from top to bottom. In this case, a particularly simple determination of the examination region can be achieved, since a rapid orientation is possible. Displaying the overview image may not be necessary for subsequent fine-tuning.

The unique anatomical features may, for example, be selected from the group consisting of: left arm, right arm, left leg, right leg, left knee, right knee, torso, chest, head, shoulder, left foot , right foot, etc. For example, it may be possible to determine the corresponding body region of the examination subject with the aid of a selection range and to carry out a rough positioning of the table and the x-ray source relative to one another with the aid of this determination. It is then possible, for example, to carry out a finer positioning of the table and the x-ray source relative to one another by corresponding touching of the touch screen. This makes it possible to determine the inspection region intuitively and particularly accurately and smoothly.

The machine-readable marking can be, for example, a sticker (Packette) with a code that can be read from the image. For example, it may be possible to place the sticky note at the corresponding position of the examination object. The computing unit can then be set up to carry out a prepositioning of the table and the x-ray source relative to each other with the aid of the recognized position of the sticky note, for example in order to determine the examination region in such a way that at the sticky note The examination area is centered or limitedly oriented at the post-it. A machine-readable code, such as a sticky note, makes it possible to recognize the size of the inspection field, so that the size of the inspection field can also be determined from the recognition of the code—in addition to determining, for example, the center of the inspection field. The examination region can be determined, for example, by means of an adjustment of the aperture system and/or by changing the distance between the x-ray source and the examination object.

The detection of the user's hand or finger part makes it possible, for example, that the examination region can be determined by simply pointing at a certain region of the examination object by the user. For example, the user can point to the examiner's knee so that the examination region is determined by corresponding identification and positioning in such a way that the examination region is centered on the examiner's knee. The user can then directly confirm by observing the displayed image whether the determination of the examination region was carried out correctly and if necessary a new determination of the examination region.

A hand- or finger-part gesture can represent, for example, the chronological sequence in which the fingers of the user are arranged relative to one another. The gesture can then be selected, for example, from the following group: beckoning gestures, spreading gestures, swiveling gestures, tilting gestures. If the user, for example, makes a gesture of waving to the left, the inspection area can be moved to the left. If the user makes a spreading motion with the fingers, that is, opens the fingers of the hand from the fist state, then the inspection area can be enlarged.

The examples mentioned above are not limiting and are purely illustrative. Various modifications can be made. In particular, the mentioned anatomical regions are not restricted and the corresponding technique can be used directly on other anatomical regions.

The x-ray device can then be arranged to position the table and the x-ray source relative to each other according to at least one reference point for pose adjustment. This enables a particularly simple and rapid determination of the inspection region.

It is possible, for example, that the x-ray system is configured to position the table and the x-ray source relative to each other as a function of the detected position of at least one reference point. Alternatively or additionally, the positioning may be performed on the basis of information encoded into the reference points.

Furthermore, the x-ray device can also include an x-ray detector for detecting the emitted x-ray beam and for providing an x-ray image as a function of the detection. The transceiver may be arranged to transmit the x-ray image to the touch screen. The touch screen may be configured to display the transmitted X-ray images. It may be possible to provide the user with the x-ray image immediately after recording the x-ray image and/or to enable a display for the inspector. It may be possible to present the examination results to the examiner himself in a timely manner, which can lead to various advantages in clinical practice.

In addition, the X-ray device can also include a support on which the X-ray source is arranged. The table and/or the stand are movable relative to each other for positioning the X-ray source. It is possible, for example, that the optical camera is mounted on the support and can be moved along with the x-ray source during positioning. It is also possible for the optical camera to be mounted on another support relative to the table and not to move with the x-ray source when positioning the x-ray source. A particularly simple system structure can be achieved by means of this technique. At the same time, it can be achieved that the images recorded by the optical camera image a sufficient region of the examination object.

The x-ray device may be arranged to perform a relative movement in the relative positioning of the x-ray source and the table, said relative movement being selected from the following group: the x-ray source and/or the table along the The axis movement in the plane defined by the placement surface of the table; the X-ray source and/or the table moves along the axis of the plane defined by the placement surface of the table, which is mainly parallel to the normal of the plane; the X-ray source and/or the table Tilting relative to each other; and adjustment of the aperture system of the X-ray source.

The flexible adjustment of the pose of the X-ray source can be realized through these technologies. In particular, the position and orientation of the X-ray source with respect to the table can be changed. In addition, the inspection area can be enlarged or reduced by adjusting the aperture system. This makes it possible to store a greater or lesser x-ray beam dose in the examination object during exposure with the x-ray beam.

In addition, the X-ray device may also be configured to adjust the aperture system according to user input. The aperture system may define a collimator window. The collimator window typically defines the lateral dimension of the X-ray beam, ie the dimension perpendicular to the central beam. The aperture system may include one or more apertures composed of absorbing material. The size of the inspection area can be determined by adjusting the aperture system.

Typically, the X-ray beam has a conical optical path with a larger (smaller) lateral dimension for larger (smaller) distances from the X-ray source. The size of the examination area can thus depend on the distance between the x-ray source and the examination object.

In a particularly simple embodiment, the size of the examination region can be estimated, for example, using a predetermined or estimated distance between the x-ray source and the examination object. The estimation may take into account, for example, the pose of the x-ray source and/or the position of the table.

In a simple embodiment, the size of the examination region can be determined, for example, by projecting a light source in the beam path of the x-ray beam onto the examination object. This projection can be determined, for example, from the recorded image and the aperture system adjusted in this way.

Furthermore, it is also possible that the x-ray device also includes a distance sensor for determining the distance between the x-ray source and the examination object. In addition, the aperture system can also be adjusted according to the distance between the X-ray source and the inspection object.

For example, the distance sensor can be part of an optical camera, for example if the optical camera is designed as a 3D camera, ie for example a TOF camera or a stereo camera. The distance between the x-ray source and the examination object can then be determined particularly accurately from the image. The size of the examination region can be determined particularly precisely by means of the distance between the x-ray source and the examination object.

If the aperture system is also adjusted, ie the size of the examination region is also adjusted, the effect of a relatively reduced X-ray beam dose can be achieved. In this way, for example, it is possible to minimize the exposed examination region and thus achieve a particularly low x-ray beam dose.

For example, it is possible to adjust the aperture system as a function of a two-finger spread action. This makes it possible for the user to adjust the aperture system by expanding (decreasing) with the aid of a (reverse) two-finger spread action, thereby obtaining a larger (smaller) inspection field; correspondingly alternatively or additionally It is possible to increase (reduce) the distance between the x-ray source and the examination object using the cone beam geometry of the x-ray beam.

Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to adjust the aperture system as a function of the detected reference point, for example as a function of the position of the reference point and/or as a function of information encoded in the reference point. For example, the reference point may be a machine-readable marking in which a code quantifies the size of the inspection area.

According to another aspect, the invention relates to a method for controlling an X-ray device at least partly by user input on a touch screen. The method comprises capturing an image by means of an optical camera. The image images at least one examination region of an examination object arranged on a table of the X-ray system. In addition, the method further includes: transmitting the image to the touch screen and displaying the image on the touch screen. Additionally, the method includes recognizing a user input on the touch screen related to the inspection region. The method further includes: positioning the table of the X-ray equipment and the X-ray source relative to each other according to the user input, so as to adjust the pose of the X-ray source.

The effects achievable for the method according to the aspect in question are comparable to the effects achievable for the X-ray device of the other aspect of the invention.

According to another aspect the invention relates to an X-ray device which is arranged to be controlled at least partly by a user input. The X-ray apparatus includes: a table on which an inspection object can be arranged; and an X-ray source for emitting X-ray beams. The table and the X-ray source can be positioned relative to each other, so that the X-ray source has a certain pose, thereby determining an inspection region of the inspection object to be exposed. Furthermore, the x-ray system includes an optical camera, which is designed to record images of at least the examination region. Furthermore, the x-ray device comprises a transceiver arranged to transmit the image to a screen. Furthermore, the x-ray system also includes the screen, which is provided for displaying the transmitted images. Furthermore, the x-ray system comprises a computing unit which is configured to recognize a user input from the user on the basis of the image and to align the table and the x-ray source with respect to the x-ray source as a function of the user input. position each other.

For example, user input may be a partial hand- or finger-gesture of the user. The user can thus determine the examination region by positioning and moving the hand or finger part within the region captured by the optical camera. For example, the examination region can be centered around the index finger of the user. The examination field can be dimensioned, for example, by means of two fingertips each defining an outer corner.

According to another aspect the invention relates to an X-ray device which is arranged to be controlled at least partly by a user input. The X-ray apparatus includes: a table on which an inspection object can be arranged; and an X-ray source for emitting X-ray beams. The table and the X-ray source can be positioned relative to each other such that the X-ray source has a certain pose, thereby determining the size of the examination region to be exposed of the examination object. Furthermore, the x-ray system includes a three-dimensional optical camera, which is provided to record images of at least the examination region. Furthermore, the x-ray device also includes a transceiver, which is configured to transmit the image to a touch screen. Furthermore, the x-ray system also includes the touchscreen, which is provided for displaying the transmitted images. Furthermore, the x-ray system includes an arithmetic unit which is designed to determine the distance between the x-ray source and the examination object on the basis of the image. In addition, the computing unit is configured to recognize a user input by the user on the basis of an image and/or on the basis of touching the touchscreen and to align the table with the x-ray Sources are positioned relative to each other.

For example, user input may be a partial hand- or finger-gesture of the user. The examination field can be dimensioned, for example, by means of two fingertips each defining an outer corner. Alternatively or additionally, the size of the examination field can be determined, for example, by means of a two-finger spread action on the touchscreen.

The images can contain distance information between the 3D camera and the inspection object. This makes it possible to determine the distance between the x-ray source and the examination object. This distance makes it possible to authoritatively determine the size of the examination region taking into account the beam path of the typical cone of the x-ray beam.

The features mentioned above and those to be described below can be used not only in the respectively explicitly explained combination, but also in other combinations or alone without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. In particular, the technologies with regard to user input, hand- or finger-part gestures and optical cameras, which were explained above with reference to one or more aspects, can then be combined with one another.

The characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention as well as the manner and method for realizing them will become clearer and easier to understand in conjunction with the following description of the embodiments, which are explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an X-ray device;

Figure 2 is a detailed view of the X-ray device of Figure 1;

Fig. 3 shows the misalignment between the pose of the optical camera and the pose of the X-ray source of the X-ray device of Fig. 3;

Figure 4 shows an image taken by means of an optical camera and displayed on a portable touch screen;

FIG. 5 shows a flow chart of a method for controlling an x-ray system according to various embodiments.

detailed description

Next, the utility model will be described in detail by means of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the figures the same reference numerals denote the same or similar parts. The following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings should not be construed as limiting. The drawings are purely illustrative. Accompanying drawing is the schematic diagram of different embodiment of the utility model. Components shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Rather, the different components shown in the figures are presented in such a way that their function and their general use will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The connections and couplings shown in the figures between functional units and components can also be implemented as indirect connections or couplings. If not explicitly stated, the connection or coupling can be implemented in a wired or wireless manner.

Techniques within the field of X-ray imaging that enable the determination of the examination region are discussed next. For this purpose, it is possible to control the position of the table of the x-ray system relative to the position of the x-ray source of the x-ray system by means of user inputs on the portable touch screen. This determines the pose of the x-ray source, which in turn determines the examination region of the examination object. The pose can be determined, for example, with reference to the table or, however, also with reference to an x-ray detector.

An x-ray system 100 is shown in FIG. 1 . The X-ray system 100 includes an X-ray source 111 and an X-ray detector 112 . The X-ray source 111 emits X-ray beams which are detected by the X-ray detector 112 . The beam path of the cone of the x-ray beam is shown by dashed lines in FIG. 1 .

In general, the X-ray detector 112 can be freely positioned with reference to the X-ray source 111 . For example, the X-ray detector 112 may be portable and communicate with the X-ray device 100 via a wireless communication link. However, it is also possible for the x-ray detector 112 to have a well-defined, for example mechanically adjustable, relative positioning with respect to the x-ray source 111 .

In addition to the x-ray source 111 , the x-ray system 100 also includes an optical camera 120 . The optical camera images an area (indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 1 ) which at least partially overlaps the optical path of the X-ray beam. The X-ray source 111 includes an aperture system 111a. The aperture system 111 a can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the lateral dimension of the x-ray beam, ie the dimension perpendicular to the central beam and eg in the detector plane of the x-ray detector 112 .

The optical camera 120 may be, for example, a 2D camera or a 3D camera, such as a TOF camera or a stereo camera.

It is possible to position the x-ray source 111 and/or the x-ray detector 112 and/or the optical camera 120 and/or to adjust the aperture system 11a. A positioning unit 130 is provided for this purpose. For example, the positioning unit 130 may comprise a control unit (not shown in FIG. 1 ) for operating an electric motor. The electric motor can cause the movement and/or rotation of the different units mentioned above.

The x-ray system 100 also has a computing unit 132 . The arithmetic unit 132 can perform different tasks, for example: reading of the camera 120, generation of image data by means of the read camera 120, image processing, further processing of control signals, processing of the X-ray detector 112 Reading, generating an X-ray image by means of the read X-ray detector 112 , further processing the X-ray image, etc. For example, the arithmetic unit 132 may be a computer system having a processor and a memory. It is possible for computing unit 132 to consist of a plurality of, for example locally distributed, units.

The x-ray system 100 also has a transceiver 131 . The transceiver 131 is configured to establish a wireless and two-way data connection with the portable touch screen 140 . For this purpose, the portable touchscreen 140 can have a corresponding transceiver (not shown in FIG. 1 ). For example, a wireless data connection can be operated according to the WLAN standard.

An x-ray system 100 is shown in an enlarged detail in FIG. 2 . In particular, it is shown in FIG. 2 that the x-ray source 111 , the x-ray detector 112 and the optical camera 120 can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the table 115 as well as rotated. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible, for example, to move and/or tilt the table 115 in its longitudinal direction. It is also possible that the X-ray source 111 , the X-ray detector 112 and the camera 120 are positioned perpendicular to the surface of the table 115 .

The X-ray source 111 and the optical camera 120 are fixed to the same bracket 117 . Therefore, in the embodiment of FIG. 2 a movement and/or rotation always takes place simultaneously for the x-ray source 111 and the optical camera 120 . However, it is also possible that the x-ray source 111 can be moved and/or rotated separately from the optical camera 120 . For this purpose, for example two supports can be provided.

Inspection field 150 also images inspection personnel 116 in FIG. 2 . Examination area 150 represents the area of examination person 116 that is exposed by the beam path of the x-ray beam emitted by x-ray source 111 . Furthermore, as can also be seen from FIG. 2 , the images captured by the optical camera 120 image the examination region 150 as well as adjacent regions.

A distance 116 a between the x-ray source 111 and the examination object 150 is also plotted in FIG. 2 . The distance 116a determines the size of the inspection region 150 . If the distance is larger (smaller), the size of the inspection region 150 is larger (smaller). For example, the computing unit 132 may be configured to perform a possibly required conversion between the size of the examination region 150 and the distance 116a.

The distance 116a can be estimated for example from a typically known relative positioning of the table 115 with respect to the X-ray source 111 . Said distance 116a may also be measured, for example when the optical camera 120 provides 3D data. Distance 116 a can then be determined from such distance information—possibly taking into account the misalignment of optical camera 120 and x-ray source 111 .

It can also be seen from FIG. 2 that the optical camera 120 and the X-ray source 111 are misaligned. As a result, optical camera 120 and x-ray source 111 have different poses, for example with respect to table 115 or inspector 116 or x-ray detector 112 or examination region 150 . This fact is also shown in FIG. 3 . It can be seen in FIG. 3 that pose 300 can be defined in particular by distance 301 and orientation 302 . In addition, it can also be seen from FIG. 3 that the pose 300 of the optical camera 120 is different from the pose 300 of the X-ray source 111 . Therefore, the image captured by the optical camera 120 has a different viewing angle of the examination region 150 than the X-ray image of the examination region 150 captured by the X-ray detector 112 .

Therefore, different techniques are described below which, despite different viewing angles, allow the determination of an examination region—defined with respect to an x-ray image—to be carried out by means of images of the optical camera 120 .

Referring again to FIG. 2 , the optical camera 120 is arranged to take images of at least the inspection region 150 . The image is wirelessly transmitted to the portable touch screen 140 via the transceiver 131 (not shown in FIG. 2 ). Portable touch screen 140 is then provided for displaying the wirelessly transmitted image. If the camera is a 3D camera, the displayed image can suitably contain 3D information, for example information depicted by contour lines or the like. It is also possible that the screen 140 is a 3D screen - then 3D information can be presented directly.

The image 200 displayed on the screen 140 is depicted in FIG. 4 . It can be seen from FIG. 4 that the image 200 on the portable touch screen 140 is displayed next to the other control elements 220 . Furthermore, the examination region 150 is indicated by a frame within the image 200 .

In the case of FIG. 4 it can be seen that the inspection region 150 is centered around a reference point in the form of a machine-readable marking 210 . The machine-readable markings 210 can be identified in the image 200 by the computing unit 132, and the pose of the x-ray source 111 can then be adjusted automatically in such a way that the examination region 150 surrounds the identified machine-readable markings. The marking 210 is oriented centrally or otherwise defined at the machine-readable marking 210 . Information may be encoded into machine-readable indicia 210 . For example, it is possible for the machine-readable marking 210 to contain a code which contains the size of the examination region 150 and/or other imaging parameters such as exposure time and dose of the x-ray image to be recorded. These markings can in turn be read out by the arithmetic unit 132 and taken into account within the scope of the exposure plan by the x-ray source. For example, the aperture system 111a of the X-ray source 111 can be adjusted according to the read-out size of the examination region. By placing corresponding machine-readable markings 210 on the examination object or the examination personnel, a particularly simple and rapid control of the x-ray system prior to the recording of the x-ray images is thus possible. Various contour parameters, in particular the inspection region 150, can be determined quickly and intuitively. As an alternative to the machine-readable marking 210 , for example, the user's finger can also be used to define the examination region 150 .

Triggered exposure can be achieved, for example, via one of the further control elements 220 . It is also possible to determine other exposure parameters, such as exposure time, X-ray beam intensity, etc., via the control element 220 .

Furthermore, it may be possible for the touchscreen 140 to be provided for recognizing user inputs by the user on the screen 140 . For example, the user may move the inspection area 150 relative to the inspection personnel 116 by touching or swiping with a single finger. If, for example, the user touches screen 140 in order to define examination region 150 in this way, this results in a corresponding positioning of x-ray source 111 (see FIG. 2 ). The localization can basically take place in real time, ie following a direct conversion of the user input by the system, or can take place subsequently. At the same time the optical camera 120 is moved so that an updated image 200 can be provided on the screen 140 by indicating the newly determined examination region 150 .

Alternatively or additionally, the aperture system 111 a can also be adjusted and thus the size of the examination field 150 determined as a function of a user input on the screen 140 . For example, distance 116 a (see FIG. 2 ) can be taken into account here. If, for example, distance 116a is estimated or measured, the dimensions of examination region 150 can be determined particularly precisely.

As previously discussed with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the pose of the optical camera has a misalignment with respect to the pose of the X-ray source 111 . This can be taken into account by the arithmetic unit 132 not only when indicating the examination region 150 within the image 200—as shown in FIG. Consider the case where the positioning of source 111 is controlled. For this purpose, the computing unit 132 can be configured, for example, to receive a control signal indicative of a user input from the touch screen 140, further process the control signal and send the further processed control signal to the x-ray source 111 and/or for positioning Or positioning unit 130 . Arithmetic unit 132 can in particular be provided for further processing of the control signal in such a way as to compensate for misalignment between x-ray source 111 and optical camera 120 . For example, different techniques for the compensation can be considered depending on whether and how the misalignment between the x-ray source 111 and the optical camera 120 is related to the position of the x-ray source 111 itself. For example, pre-set and fixed values for the offset can be used, or values for the offset can also be known, for example from a motor adjustment of the positioning motor and/or from measurements. In particular, it may also be possible to detect the profile of the projection of the optical path of the x-ray beam by means of the image 200 recorded by the optical camera 120 , wherein the projection of the optical path passes through the light source arranged in the x-ray source 111 to produce. With the aid of this projection, it is then possible to determine a misalignment between the image 200 of the optical camera 120 and the examination region 150 exposed by the x-ray beam.

FIG. 5 shows a flow chart of a method for controlling an x-ray system. The method starts with step S1. In step S2 , an image 200 is recorded with optical camera 120 , which images examination object 116 , in particular examination region 150 . The image 200 is sent wirelessly to the portable touch screen 140 . The image is then displayed on the portable touch screen 140 (step S3).

User input may then be recognized on the portable touch screen 140 (step S4). The x-ray source 112 is positioned in step S5 by means of the user input in such a way that the examination region 150 is determined as a function of the user input in step S4.

The method ends with step S6.

Of course, the features of the previously described embodiments and aspects of the invention can be combined with each other. In particular, the features mentioned can be used not only in the combinations mentioned but also in other combinations or only in the ways mentioned per se without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Therefore, various designs have been explained above with reference to a portable touch screen. However, it is also possible to use a stationary screen.

Furthermore, techniques were described above in particular in which the x-ray detector 112 has a clearly defined position with respect to the x-ray source 111 . However, the techniques and aspects presented above can also be directly borrowed in cases where the X-ray detector 112 is for example portable and can be freely positioned in space.

List of reference signs:

100 X-ray equipment

111 X-ray source

111a aperture system

112 X-ray detectors

115 tables

116 Inspection objects

116a Distance between X-ray source and inspection object

117 bracket

120 optical camera

130 positioning unit

131 transceivers

132 computing units

140 touch screen

150 Inspection area

200 images

210 Reference points: machine-readable marks

220 control elements

300 poses

301 distance

302 orientation

Claims (10)

1. An X-ray device (100) arranged to be controlled at least in part by user input on a touch screen (140), wherein the X-ray device (100) comprises: - a table (115) on which an examination object (116) can be arranged; - an X-ray source (111) for emitting an X-ray beam; Wherein, the table (115) and the X-ray source (111) can be positioned relative to each other, so that the X-ray source (111) has a certain pose, thereby determining the position of the inspection object (116) to be exposed inspected area(150), - an optical camera (120) arranged to take images (200) of at least said inspection region (150); - a transceiver (131) arranged to transmit said image (200) to a touch screen (140); - the touch screen (140) arranged for displaying the transmitted image (200) and for recognizing a user input by the user relating to the examination area (150); Wherein, the X-ray device (100) is further configured to position the table (115) and the X-ray source (111) relative to each other according to the user input, so as to adjust the pose. 2. The X-ray device according to claim 1, wherein the touch screen is portable, and wherein the transceiver is arranged for wirelessly transmitting the image (200) to the portable touch screen (140) . 3. The X-ray device (100) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising: - a computing unit (132), which is in data connection with the optical camera (120) and the touch screen (140), wherein the computing unit (132) is configured to be received by the touch screen (140) A user input control signal is indicated, the control signal is further processed and the further processed control signal is sent to the X-ray source (111). 4. The X-ray apparatus (100) according to claim 3, Wherein the pose of the optical camera (120) with respect to the table (115) has a misalignment with respect to the pose of the X-ray source (111). 5. The X-ray apparatus (100) according to claim 3, The image ( 200 ) captured therein images an area extending mainly along the table ( 115 ). 6. The X-ray device (100) according to claim 1, further comprising: - an X-ray detector (112) for detecting the emitted X-ray beam and for providing an X-ray image as a function of said detection, wherein the transceiver (131) is configured to transmit the X-ray image to the touch screen (140), Wherein the touch screen (140) is configured to display the transmitted X-ray images. 7. The X-ray device (100) according to claim 1, further comprising: - a support (117) on which said X-ray source (111) is arranged, Wherein the table (115) and/or the support (117) can be moved relative to each other for positioning the X-ray source (111). 8. The X-ray apparatus (100) according to claim 7, Wherein the optical camera (120) is placed on the support (117) and can move with the X-ray source (111) when positioned, or wherein the optical camera (120) is relative to the table (115 ) is fixedly placed on another bracket (117), and does not move with the X-ray source (111) when the X-ray source (111) is positioned. 9. The X-ray apparatus (100) according to claim 1, Wherein the X-ray device (100) is further configured to adjust an aperture system (111a) according to the user input. 10. The X-ray apparatus (100) according to claim 9, Wherein said X-ray equipment also includes: - a distance sensor for determining the distance between said x-ray source and said examination object, Wherein the aperture system (111a) is also adjusted according to the distance between the X-ray source and the inspection object.