WO2015018566A1 - X-ray apparatus and method for controlling an x-ray apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An X-ray apparatus (100) is designed to be controlled at least in part by user input via a touch-sensitive 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) can be positioned relative to each other, as a result of which an examination area (150) to be exposed is established. The X-ray apparatus (100) moreover has an optical camera (120), which is designed to record an image of at least the examination area (150). The image is shown on the touch-sensitive screen (140) and detects a user input that concerns the examination area (150). The X-ray apparatus (100) is furthermore designed to position the table (115) and the X-ray source (111) relative to each other depending on the user input.

Description

description

X-ray apparatus and method for controlling an X-ray apparatus

The present invention relates to an X-ray apparatus which is adapted to be controlled at least partially by user input on a touch-sensitive screen and a method for controlling an X-ray apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to techniques in which a pose of an x-ray source of the x-ray device may be controlled in response to user input on the touch-sensitive screen.

In clinical routine, it is typically necessary to detect a pose of an X-ray source, i. to adjust a position and orientation of the X-ray source in a reference coordinate system prior to the actual X-ray imaging. Thus, it may be necessary to define an examination area of the examination object which is exposed when X-rays are emitted by the X-ray source.

In this regard, it may be desirable to determine the area of investigation on the one hand as accurately as possible and on the other hand spend only a relatively small amount of time for setting the investigation area. Thus, an excessively large examination area with regard to an X-ray radiation exposure of the examination subject can have disadvantageous effects. On the other hand, an underestimated examination area can cause not all anatomical features necessary for the comprehensive and error-free medical diagnosis to be imaged in the subsequently acquired X-ray image. If a comparatively long time is required for determining the examination area, then a utilization of the x-ray apparatus, ie a number of x-ray images and examination objects per time, can be limited. This can increase costs in the operation of the X-ray machine. For example, techniques are known in which a light source mounted in the beam path of the X-rays optically visualizes a projection of the beam path of the X-rays on the examination object. Based on this projection, it is possible to determine the examination area by, for example, manually positioning the X-ray source with respect to the table on which the examination subject is located. Furthermore, techniques are known in which a displacement and / or orientation of the X-ray sources along the various spatial axes can be controlled and motorized by remote control. Such determination of the examination area can be comparatively time-consuming and have only limited intuitiveness. Therefore, there is a need for improved techniques for adjusting the pose of the x-ray source to establish the examination area. In particular, there is a need for such techniques, which allow an intuitive, accurate and relatively time-consuming setting of the examination area.

This object is solved by the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims define embodiments.

In one aspect, the invention features an x-ray machine configured to be controlled, at least in part, by user input on a touch screen. The X-ray apparatus comprises a table on which an examination object can be arranged. Furthermore, the X-ray device comprises an X-ray source for emitting X-rays. The table and the X-ray source can be positioned relative to each other, so that the X-ray source has a certain pose, whereby an examination area to be exposed of the examination subject is determined. The x-ray device further comprises an optical camera which is set up to capture an image of at least the examination region. The X-ray machine also includes a sensor the one which is arranged to transmit the image to a touch-sensitive screen. The x-ray apparatus also includes the touch-sensitive screen configured to display the transmitted image and to recognize a user input from a user concerning the examination area. The x-ray apparatus is further configured to position the table and the x-ray source relative to each other to adjust the pose in response to the user input.

For example, the x-ray machine may be an analog or digital radiography system. For example, the X-ray machine may be a C-arm machine. The X-ray machine may be permanently installed or portable.

The relative positioning of the table and the x-ray source may mean: moving and / or orienting the table - and / or moving and / or orienting the x-ray source. The pose typically refers to a position and orientation of the x-ray source in a reference coordinate system. The reference coordinate system can be defined in various ways, for example with respect to the table, as a machine coordinate system or also with respect to an X-ray detector of the X-ray machine. The position of the X-ray source, for example with respect to the table, the examination subject or the X-ray detector may denote a distance from the table, the examination subject or the X-ray detector. By changing the pose of the x-ray source, the perspective with which the examination object is imaged is typically also changed. Therefore, the pose can set the examination area. By the pose of the x-ray source, therefore, a perspective and a magnification of a subsequently acquired x-ray image can be defined. If an examination subject is arranged on the table, a mapped area of the examination subject can also be determined in this way. The touch-sensitive screen can be portable, for example, so it can be about a part of a mobile computer or touchpad. The transceiver may then be configured to wirelessly transmit the image to the portable touch screen.

The image may contain two dimensional (2D) information, such as contrast and / or color values. In particular, in such a case, the camera may be a 2D camera. For example, the optical camera may be 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, that is to say in addition to the 2D information also a distance information between the camera and the examination object or other objects in the field of view. In this regard, the optical camera may also be a 3D camera, such as a time of flight (TOF) camera or a stereo camera.

In particular, it may be dispensable that the pose of the optical camera is identical to the pose of the X-ray source. However, it is possible that the poses of the camera and the x-ray source are identical. The latter can be achieved, for example, by arranging the optical camera within the X-ray path and / or by means of suitable lens and mirror constructions. Optical camera may mean that the optical camera has a sensitivity within the visible spectrum of the light - for example, unlike X-rays, which may have a shorter wavelength than visible electromagnetic radiation. The transceiver may, for example, be a wireless network (WLAN) transmitter which transmits the data of the image wirelessly to the portable touch-sensitive screen by means of a WLAN connection. However, it would also be possible for the Senate which operates according to another radio standard or according to a proprietary radio system. The transceiver can also transmit data by wire, eg via a LAN connection or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection, etc.

The type of user input is not particularly limited. For example, the touch-sensitive screen may be configured to recognize user input from the user selected from the group comprising the following elements: a one-finger touch, a two-finger touch, a one-finger swipe Touch, a two-finger spread motion, a two-finger rotation motion, two consecutive touches, and a multiple touch. For example, touches of the touch-sensitive screen may be suitable for determining the perspective and / or the magnification, ie the dimension of the examination area of the x-ray image to be detected-which in turn may make it possible to determine the pose. Depending on the pose, the relative positioning of the x-ray source and the table relative to one another can then take place. In other words, it may be possible for the user input to concern the setting of the examination area of the examination subject. By such techniques, the effect of a particularly intuitive determination of the examination area can be achieved.

In general, the examination area can be determined with regard to its position and / or dimension and / or orientation. The position and / or the orientation of the examination area can be determined in particular by the pose of the x-ray source. The dimension can e.g. be set on the setting of a diaphragm system and / or a distance between the X-ray source and the examination object.

By means of the techniques described above, it may be possible to set the examination area and a appropriate adjustment of the pose can be made without the user manual factors such as direction, dimension and / or the distance between the X-ray source and the examination object should take into account.

It would be possible, for example, for the examination area to be indicated in the picture shown. The examination area can be indexed, for example, via a frame or other graphic highlighting, for example by superimposing on the displayed image. When applying such

Techniques may be particularly easy to verify and / or change the specified scope. It is possible that the x-ray device further comprises a computing unit. The arithmetic unit may be in data communication with the optical camera and the touch screen. The arithmetic unit may be configured to receive a control signal indicative of the user input from the touch screen, to further process the control signal, and to send the further processed control signal to the x-ray source.

By further processing, it may be possible to take into account certain, for example, technically conditioned conversion factors and / or perspective distortions between the image captured by the optical camera and the subsequently to be detected X-ray image. Furthermore, the further processing can take into account the distance between the X-ray source and the examination subject, as well as an opening angle of the typically cone-shaped beam path of the X-rays. This consideration can be done automatically, for example. Different values can be measured and / or can be pre-stored. In this way, the effect can be achieved that such device-specific peculiarities need not be taken into account by a user of the x-ray device or only to a limited extent. This allows a more intuitive control. In general, the pose of the optical camera may be different from the pose of the x-ray source. For example, it would be possible for the pose of the optical camera to have an offset, that is to say a displacement and / or rotation, in relation to the pose of the x-ray source. The arithmetic unit can be set up to further process the control signal in such a way that the offset is compensated when setting the pose. Accordingly, the computer unit can be set up to calculate the distance between the x-ray source and the examination object based on a measured distance between the camera and the examination subject.

By using such techniques, a relatively complex and technical limitations subject special fixing the optical camera with respect to the X-ray source can be avoided. For example, it may be dispensable that a beam path of the X-rays is at least partially parallel with a beam path that extends from the light rays detected by the optical camera. For example, it may be possible for the optical camera to be fixed with an offset and / or structurally separate from the x-ray source.

Different effects can result. This can reduce the complexity of the X-ray system. For example, the camera may be subsequently attachable and / or be easily replaceable. System modularity can be achieved. Furthermore, system stability can be increased since it is e.g. can be dispensable, over a longer period of operation to ensure a particularly strong relative arrangement of the camera to the X-ray source.

The arithmetic unit may be further configured to perform the processing for compensating the offset based on elements selected from the group: a preset and fixed value for the offset; a determined value for the offset, where the value is optionally determined for the offset on a motor setting of a positioning motor and / or from a measurement; and an image of a projection of a beam path of the X-rays on the examination subject in the image of the optical camera, wherein the projection of the beam path by means of a light source, which is arranged at the X-ray source, is generated.

The preset and fixed value for the offset can be used, for example, in particular if the pose of the camera has a fixed offset from the pose of the x-ray source, for example regardless of the position of the table and / or the x-ray source and / or time-independent. Such a case can be present, for example, when positioning the X-ray source and / or the table at the same time also the optical camera is positioned and appropriate structural measures were taken to achieve the fixed arrangement of the X-ray source and the optical camera to each other.

Furthermore, it may be possible that, depending on the position of the x-ray source and / or the table relative to one another, an offset between the poses of the optical camera and the x-ray source is variable or there is a certain time variability. For example, it may then be desirable to first determine the relative position of the X-ray source and / or the stage and then determine the offset value in response to that determination. This may correspond to a repeated calibration of the optical beam path relative to the X-ray path.

Alternatively or additionally, it may be possible to determine the offset on the optical image itself depending on the projection of the beam path of the X-rays onto the examination object, for example by image analysis and image segmentation of the optical image. This can in particular allow a particularly accurate compensation of the offset. By means of such techniques, the effect of a particularly accurate, time-stable and efficient control can be achieved.

It is possible that the captured image depicts a region that extends substantially along the table. The arithmetic unit can furthermore be set up to recognize at least one landmark in the image. The landmark may, for example, be selected from the group comprising: a characteristic anatomical feature of the examination subject; a machine-readable character and a hand or finger portion of a user; a gesture of the user's hand or finger party. For example, a position of the at least one landmark can be detected and / or information encoded in the landmark can be recognized.

In other words, the image may be, for example, an overview image that largely depicts the examination object. If the examination subject is, for example, an examination subject, the captured image can depict a region of the table which images the examination subject essentially from vertex to foot. In such a case, a particularly simple definition of the examination area can be made, as a quick orientation may be possible. In a subsequent fine adjustment, it may be unnecessary to present the overview image.

For example, the characteristic anatomical feature may 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 specify a corresponding body region of the examination object by means of a selection field, and to perform a coarse positioning of the table and the x-ray source relative to one another on the basis of this definition. Then it can be, for example be possible to perform a finer positioning of the table and the x-ray source relative to each other via a corresponding touch of the touch-sensitive screen. As a result, it may be possible to set the examination area intuitively and with particular precision, as well as quickly.

The machine-readable character may be, for example, a badge with a code that can be determined from the image. For example, it may be possible to place the badge at a corresponding location of the examination subject. The arithmetic unit can then be set up to pre-position the table and the x-ray source relative to one another on the basis of the detected position of the badge, for example to define the examination area in such a way that it is centered on the badge or is aligned with the badge. For example, the machine-readable code of the badge could identify a size of the examination area, so that by recognizing this code - in addition to specifying about the center of the examination area - also the dimension of the examination area can be determined. The setting of the examination area may be e.g. by adjusting a diaphragm system and / or by changing a distance between the X-ray source and the examination subject.

The recognition of the user's hand or finger part may, for example, make it possible to determine the examination area by simply pointing to a specific area of the examination subject by the user. For example, a user may point to the knee of an examiner so that, by appropriate detection and positioning, the examination area is determined such that the examination area is centered on the knee of the examiner. The user can then verify by viewing the displayed image directly whether the determination of the examination area has been done correctly and if necessary again specify the examination area. The gesture of the hand or finger part may, for example, designate a chronological sequence of an arrangement of fingers of the user with respect to one another. For example, the gesture can be selected from the following group: Wink movement, spreading movement, rotational movement, tilting movement. For example, if the user performs a wink movement to the left, the examination area can be moved to the left. If the user performs a spreading movement with his fingers, thus opening the fingers of the hand out of a fist posture, the examination area can be enlarged.

The above examples are not limiting and are purely illustrative. Various modifications are possible. In particular, said anatomical regions are not limiting and corresponding techniques can be applied directly to other anatomical regions.

The x-ray device can thus be set up to position the table and the x-ray source relative to one another in dependence on the at least one landmark in order to adjust the pose. Thus, a particularly simple and fast setting of the examination area can be done.

It would be e.g. it is possible for the x-ray device to be set up in order to position the table and the x-ray source relative to one another in dependence on the recognized position of the at least one landmark. Alternatively or additionally, the positioning could be done in dependence on information encoded in the landmark.

The X-ray apparatus may further comprise an X-ray detector for detecting the emitted X-rays and for providing an X-ray image as a function of the detection. The transceiver may be configured to transmit the x-ray image to the touch-sensitive screen. The touch screen may be configured to display the transmitted X-ray image. len. It may thus be possible to provide the X-ray image to the user immediately after the acquisition of the X-ray image and / or to enable a representation for the examination subject. It may thus be possible to promptly present the examiner himself with the result of the examination, which may entail various advantages in clinical routine.

The X-ray apparatus may further comprise a frame on which the X-ray source is mounted. The table and / or the frame may be movable relative to each other for positioning the x-ray source. For example, it is possible for the optical camera to be mounted on the frame and movable in positioning with the x-ray source. It would also be possible for the optical camera to be mounted on another frame with respect to the table, and not be moved with the X-ray source when the light source is positioned. By means of such techniques, a particularly simple system structure can be achieved. At the same time, it can be achieved that the image captured by the optical camera images a sufficient region of the examination subject.

The x-ray apparatus may be configured to perform relative movements of the x-ray source and the table relative to one another selected from the following group: moving the x-ray source and / or the table along an axis substantially in a plane defined by a lying surface of the table lies; Displacing the x-ray source and / or the table along an axis that is substantially parallel to a plane normal of the plane defined by the reclining surface of the table; Tilting the x-ray source and / or the table relative to each other; and adjusting an aperture system of the X-ray source.

Such techniques can be used to flexibly adjust the pose of the x-ray source. In particular, the position and orientation of the x-ray source relative to the table to be changed. By adjusting the diaphragm system can continue to zoom in or zoom out of the examination area. It can thereby be achieved that a larger or smaller dose of X-radiation is deposited in the examination subject during exposure to X-rays.

The X-ray device can furthermore be set up in order to set a diaphragm system as a function of the user input. The iris system can define a collimator window. The collimator window typically limits the lateral dimensions of the x-rays, that is, the dimensions perpendicular to a central beam. The diaphragm system may comprise one or more diaphragms made of an absorbent material. By adjusting the diaphragm system, a dimension of the examination area can be set.

Typically, the X-rays have a conical beam path which has (larger) smaller lateral dimensions for larger (smaller) distances from the X-ray source. Therefore, the dimension of the examination area may be dependent on the distance between the X-ray source and the examination subject. In a particularly simple embodiment, the dimension of the examination region can be estimated, for example based on a predetermined or estimated distance between the X-ray source and the examination subject. The estimation may e.g. take into account the pose of the X-ray source and / or a position of the table.

In a simple embodiment, the dimension of the examination region can be determined, for example, by the projection of a light source located in the beam path of the X-rays onto the examination object. This projection can be determined, for example, from the acquired image and the aperture system can thus be set. It would also be possible for the X-ray apparatus to further include a distance sensor system for determining a distance between the X-ray source and the examination subject. The diaphragm system can furthermore be set as a function of the distance between the x-ray source and the examination subject.

For example, For example, the distance sensor may be part of the optical camera, for example, if it is designed as a 3D camera, e.g. a TOF camera or a stereo camera is. Then, the distance between the X-ray source and the examination subject can be determined particularly accurately from the image. Based on the distance between the X-ray source and the examination object, the dimensions of the examination area can be determined particularly accurately.

If the aperture system is also adjusted, i. if the dimension of the examination area is also adjusted, the effect of a comparatively reduced dose of X-rays can be achieved. So it can be such as e.g. be possible to minimize the irradiated examination area and thus to achieve a particularly low dose X-ray.

It would be e.g. possible that the aperture system is adjusted in response to a two-finger spread movement. In this way, it would be possible for the user to set the aperture system by fitting (reducing) by means of the (inverse) two-finger spreading movement in such a way that a larger (smaller) examination region is obtained; Accordingly, it would alternatively or additionally be possible to increase (reduce) the distance between the X-ray source and the examination subject by exploiting the cone beam geometry of the X-rays.

It would alternatively or additionally be possible for the diaphragm system to be set as a function of the detected landmark, for example as a function of a position of the landmark and / or as a function of one of the landmarks. brand encoded information. For example, the landmark may be the machine readable character, the code quantifying the dimension of the examination area. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of controlling an x-ray device, at least in part, by user input on a touch screen. The method comprises capturing an image by means of an optical camera. The image forms at least one examination region of an examination object arranged on a table of the x-ray device. The method further includes transmitting the image to the touch-sensitive screen and displaying the image on the touch-sensitive screen. The method further comprises recognizing a user input of the user on the touch-sensitive screen that concerns the examination area. The method also includes relative positioning of the table and an x-ray source of the x-ray device relative to one another in response to the user input to adjust a pose of the x-ray source.

For the method according to the presently discussed aspect, effects can be achieved which are comparable to the effects that can be achieved for the X-ray apparatus of a further aspect of the present invention.

In another aspect, the invention features an x-ray apparatus configured to be at least partially controlled by user input. The X-ray apparatus comprises a table on which an examination object can be arranged and an X-ray source for emitting X-rays. The table and the x-ray source can be positioned relative to each other so that the x-ray source has a certain pose, whereby a study area to be exposed of the examination subject is determined. The X-ray apparatus further comprises an optical camera, which is filed to capture an image of at least the examination area. The X-ray device further comprises a Transceiver, which is set up to transmit the image to a screen. The X-ray machine further comprises the screen which is arranged to display the transmitted image. The x-ray device further comprises a computer unit which is set up to recognize a user input from a user based on the image and to position the table and the x-ray source relative to one another in dependence on the user input.

For example, For example, the user input may be a gesture of a user's hand or finger part. As a result, the user can determine the examination region by positioning and moving the hand or finger part in an area detected by the optical camera. For example, The examination area can be centered around a forefinger of the user. The dimension of the examination area may be e.g. defined by two fingertips, each defining the outer corners.

In another aspect, the invention features an x-ray apparatus configured to be at least partially controlled by user input. The X-ray apparatus comprises a table on which an examination object can be arranged and an X-ray source for emitting X-rays. The table and the x-ray source may be positioned relative to each other such that the x-ray source has a particular pose, thereby defining a dimension of an examination area of the examination subject to be exposed. The X-ray apparatus further comprises a three-dimensional optical camera that is filed to capture an image of at least the examination area. The x-ray device further comprises a transceiver which is arranged to transmit the image to a touch-sensitive screen. The X-ray apparatus further comprises the touch-sensitive screen, which is set up to display the transmitted image. The x-ray device further comprises a computer unit which is set up in order to distance the image based on the image the X-ray source and the investigation object. The computer unit is further configured to recognize a user input based on the image and / or based on a touch of the touch-sensitive screen by a user and to position the table and the x-ray source relative to one another in dependence on the user input.

For example, For example, the user input may be a gesture of a user's hand or finger part. The dimension of the examination area may be e.g. defined by two fingertips, each defining the outer corners. The dimensions of the examination area can be e.g. alternatively or additionally be determined via a two-finger spreading movement on the touch-sensitive screen.

The image may include distance information between the 3D camera and the examination subject. From this it may be possible to determine the distance between the X-ray source and the examination subject. Taking into account a typically conical beam path of the X-rays, this distance can decisively determine the dimension of the examination region.

The features and features set out above, which are described below, can not only be used in the corresponding combinations explicitly stated, but also in other combinations or isolated, without the

To leave the scope of protection of the present invention. In particular, techniques relating to the user input, the hand or finger part gestures, and the optical camera, described above with respect to one or more of the aspects, may be combined.

The above-described characteristics, features and advantages of this invention, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and more clearly understood in connection with the following description of the embodiments. Games, which are explained in more detail in connection with the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an X-ray apparatus.

FIG. FIG. 2 is a more detailed view of the X-ray apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 3 illustrates an offset of a pose of an optical camera and a pose of an X-ray source of the X-ray apparatus of FIG. 3 to each other.

FIG. 4 illustrates an image captured by the optical camera and displayed on a portable touch-sensitive screen.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for controlling an x-ray device according to various embodiments.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the figures, like reference characters designate the same or similar elements. The following description of embodiments with reference to the figures is not intended to be limiting. The figures are purely illustrative. The figures are schematic representations of various embodiments of the invention. Elements shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Rather, the various elements shown in the figures are reproduced in such a way that their function and their general purpose will be understood by those skilled in the art. In the figures, connections and couplings between functional units and elements may also be implemented as indirect connections or couplings. A connection or coupling can be wired or be implemented wirelessly, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

In the following, techniques are discussed which allow the definition of an examination area in the context of X-ray imaging. For this purpose, it is possible to control a position of a table of an X-ray device relative to a position of an X-ray source of the X-ray device by means of a user input on a portable touch-sensitive screen. This fixes a pose of the X-ray source, which in turn defines the examination area of the examination subject. The pose can be e.g. be fixed with respect to the table or even with respect to an X-ray detector. In FIG. 1, an X-ray machine 100 is shown. The X-ray apparatus 100 includes an X-ray source 111 and an X-ray detector 112. The X-ray source 111 emits X-rays which are detected by the X-ray detector 112. In FIG. 1, a conical beam path of the X-rays is shown by dashed lines.

In general, the X-ray detector 112 may be freely positionable with respect to the X-ray source 111. For example, the X-ray detector 112 may be portable and communicate with the X-ray apparatus 100 via a wireless communication link. However, it is also possible for the x-ray detector 112 to have well-defined, eg mechanically adjustable, relative positioning with respect to the x-ray source 111. In addition to the X-ray source 111, the X-ray apparatus 100 also includes an optical camera 120. The optical camera forms an area (represented by the dotted-dashed line in FIG. 1) which overlaps at least partially with the beam path of the X-rays. The X-ray source 111 comprises a diaphragm system IIIa. The shade system purple can be adjusted, whereby lateral dimensions of the x-ray beam, ie perpendicular to a central ray and eg in a detector plane of the X-ray detector 112, are set.

The optical camera 120 may be e.g. 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 diaphragm system IIa. For this purpose, a positioning unit 130 is provided. For example, the

Positioning unit 130 comprise a control unit for controlling electric motors (not shown in FIG. 1). The electric motors may cause a displacement and / or rotation of the various aforementioned units.

The x-ray device 100 also has a computing unit 132. The arithmetic unit 132 can perform various tasks, such as: reading the camera 120, creating image data based on the read out camera 120, image processing, further processing of control signals, reading the X-ray detector 112, creating X-ray images based on the X-ray detector 112, further processing X-ray images, etc. For example, the computing unit 132 may be a computer system having a processor and a memory. It is possible for the arithmetic unit 132 to consist of several, e.g. consists of locally distributed units.

The X-ray apparatus 100 also has a transceiver 131. The transceiver 131 is configured to establish a wireless and bidirectional data connection with a portable touch-sensitive screen 140. For this purpose, the portable touch screen 140 may include a corresponding transceiver (not shown in FIG. 1). For example, the wireless data connection may operate according to the WLAN standard.

In FIG. 2, the X-ray apparatus 100 is shown in more detail. In particular, in FIG. 2 indicates that the X-ray genquelle 111, the X-ray detector 112 and the optical camera 120 along a longitudinal direction of the table 115 can be moved and rotated. For example, it is alternatively or additionally possible for the table 115 to be displaced and / or tilted along 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 one and the same frame 117. Therefore, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, shifting and / or rotating are always performed simultaneously for the X-ray source 111 and the optical camera 120. However, it would also be possible for the x-ray source 111 to be moved and / or rotated separately from the optical camera 120. For this purpose, for example, two racks can be provided.

In FIG. 2, examination area 150 is also a subject 116. The examination area 150 denotes that area of the examination subject 116 which is exposed by the beam path of the x-rays emitted by the x-ray source 111. As shown in FIG. 2, an image captured by the optical camera 120 images the examination area 150 and adjoining regions.

In FIG. 2, a distance 116a between the x-ray source 111 and the examination object 150 is also drawn. The distance 116a determines the dimension of the examination area 150. If the distance is greater (smaller), then the dimension of the examination area 150 is larger (smaller). For example, For example, the computing unit 132 may be configured to perform the possibly required conversions between the distance 116a and the dimension of the examination region 150.

It is possible to estimate the distance 116a, eg from the typically known relative positioning of the table 115 to the X-ray source 111. It would also be possible to measure the distance 116a, such as when the optical camera 120 provides 3D data. From such distance information, the distance 116a can then be determined, possibly taking into account an offset of the optical camera 120 and the X-ray source 111.

From FIG. 2, it can also be seen that the optical camera 120 and the X-ray source 111 are offset from one another. This causes the optical camera 120 and the X-ray source 111 to have a different pose approximately with respect to the table 115 or the subject 116 or the X-ray detector 112 or the examination area 150. This situation is also shown in FIG. 3 illustrated. In FIG. 3, it can be seen that the pose 300 may be defined in particular by a distance 301 and an orientation 302. From FIG. 3, it can be seen 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 perspective of the examination area 150 than the X-ray image of the examination area 150 detected by the X-ray detector 112.

Therefore, various techniques will be explained below, which, despite the different perspectives, make it possible to establish the examination region defined with respect to the X-ray image on the basis of the image of the optical camera 120. Referring again to FIG. 2, the optical camera 120 is configured to capture an image of at least the examination area 150. Via the transceiver 131 (not shown in FIG. 2), the image is wirelessly transmitted to the portable touch-sensitive screen 140. The portable touch-sensitive screen 140 is then configured to display the wirelessly transmitted image. If the camera is a 3D camera, the displayed image may suitably include the 3D information, eg. Illustrated via contour lines etc. It would also be possible that the screen 140 is a 3D screen then the 3D information can be played back directly. In FIG. 4, illustrating the image 200 on the screen 140 is illustrated. From FIG. 4, it can be seen that the image 200 is displayed on the portable touch-sensitive screen 140, among other controls 220. Further, in the image 200, the examination area 150 is indicated by a frame.

In the case of FIG. 4, it can be seen that the examination area 150 is centered around a landmark in the form of a machine-readable character 210. The machine-readable indicia 210 may be recognized in the image 200 by the computing unit 132, and then automatically adjust the pose of the x-ray source 111 such that the examination region 150 is centered or otherwise defined about the recognized machine-readable indicia 210 - Niert is aligned with the machine-readable character 210. Information may be encoded into the machine-readable character 210. For example, it would be possible for the machine-readable indicium 210 to include a code that includes a dimension of the examination area 150 and / or other imaging parameters such as exposure time and dose of the x-ray image to be acquired. These characters can in turn be read out by the arithmetic unit 132 and taken into account during the planning of the exposure by the X-ray source. For example, the diaphragm system IIIa of the X-ray source 111 can be set as a function of the read-out dimension of the examination region. By placing the corresponding machine-readable mark 210 on the examination object or the examination subject, a particularly simple and rapid control of the X-ray apparatus can then be carried out before the X-ray image is acquired. The various imaging parameters, in particular the examination area 150, can be determined quickly and intuitively. As an alternative to the machine-readable characters 210, For example, a finger of a user may also be used for setting the examination area 150.

For example, one of the further control elements 220 can trigger the exposure. It would also be possible to set further exposure parameters, such as exposure time, X-ray intensity, etc., via the control elements 220. Further, it may be possible for the touch-sensitive screen 140 to be configured to recognize user input from the user on the screen 140. For example, the user could move the examination area 150 with respect to the examiner 116 by a one-finger touch or wiping touch. For example, if the user touches the screen 140 so as to set the examination area 150, this may result in a corresponding positioning of the X-ray source 111 (see FIG. The positioning can always take place in a timely manner, ie with immediate implementation of the user input by the system, or can take place downstream. At the same time, the optical camera 120 is shifted so that an updated image 200 can be provided on the screen 140 by indexing the newly determined examination area 150.

Depending on the user inputs of the user on the screen 140, alternatively or additionally, the iris system purple can also be set and thus the dimension of the examination area 150 can be defined. In this case, e.g. the distance 116a (see FIG. If the distance 116a is e.g. estimated or measured, so the dimension of the examination area 150 can be set very precisely.

As with respect to the FIGs. 2 and 3 discussed above, the pose of the optical camera has an offset from the pose of the X-ray source 111. This may depend on the computational unit 132 both in indexing the examination area 150 in the image 200, as shown in FIG. 4, as well as in controlling the positioning of the x-ray source 111 following user input on the touch-sensitive screen 140. For this purpose, the arithmetic unit 132 can be set up, for example, to receive a control signal which is indicative of the user input from the touch-sensitive screen 140, to further process the control signal and to forward the further processed control signal to the X-ray source 111 for the positioning and / or the positioning unit 130 to send. The arithmetic unit 132 may in particular be configured to process the control signal in such a way that the offset between the x-ray source 111 and the optical camera 120 is compensated. For example, depending on whether and how the

Offset between the X-ray source 111 and the optical camera 120 is dependent on the position of the X-ray source 111 itself, different techniques for compensating be considered. For example, a preset and fixed offset value may be used, or the offset value may be determined, for example, from a motor setting of a positioning motor and / or a measurement. In particular, it may also be possible to use the image 200, which is detected by the optical camera 120, to detect an image of a projection of a beam path of the x-rays that is generated by a light source that is arranged inside the x-ray source 111 , Based on this projection, the offset between the image 200 of the optical camera 120 and the examination region 150 exposed by the X-rays can then be determined.

In FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for controlling an X-ray machine. The process begins in step S1. In step S2, the image 200, which images the examination object 116, in particular the examination area 150, is detected with the optical camera 120. The image 200 is wirelessly connected to the portable touch-sensitive image screen 140 sent. On the portable touch-sensitive screen 140, the image is subsequently displayed (step S3). A user input on the portable touch-sensitive screen 140 may then be detected (step S4). Based on the user input, the X-ray source 112 is positioned in step S5 such that the examination area 150 is determined according to the user input from step S4.

The process ends in step S6.

Of course, the features of the previously described embodiments and aspects of the invention may be combined. In particular, the features may be used not only in the described combinations but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Thus, various concepts relating to a portable touch-sensitive screen have been explained above. But it would also be possible for a stationary screen to be used.

Furthermore, above-mentioned techniques have been described primarily in which the X-ray detector 112 has a well-defined position with respect to the X-ray source 111. However, the above-described techniques and aspects can also be transferred directly to scenarios in which the X-ray detector 112 is portable, for example, and can be positioned freely in space. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100 x-ray machine

 111 X-ray source

 purple aperture system

 112 x-ray detector

 115 table

 116 examination object

 116a distance X-ray source - examination object 117 frame

 120 optical camera

 130 positioning unit

 131 transceivers

 132 arithmetic unit

 140 touch-sensitive screen

 150 examination area

 200 picture

 210 landmark: machine-readable mark

 220 controls

 300 pose

 301 distance

 302 orientation

Claims

claims An X-ray machine (100) adapted to be controlled, at least in part, by user input on a touch-sensitive screen (140), the X-ray machine (100) comprising:  a table (115) on which an examination subject (116) can be placed,  an X-ray source (111) for emitting X-rays,  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, whereby an examination area (150) of the examination subject (116) to be exposed is determined;  an optical camera (120) which is set up in order to capture an image (200) of at least the examination region (150),  - A transceiver (131), which is adapted to the image (200) to a touch-sensitive screen To transfer (140)  the touch-sensitive screen (140) arranged to display the transferred image (200) and to recognize a user input from a user concerning the examination area (150),  wherein the x-ray apparatus (100) is further adapted to position the table (115) and the x-ray source (111) relative to one another to adjust the pose, in response to the user input. 2. X-ray apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the touch-sensitive screen is portable, and wherein the transceiver is configured to wirelessly transmit the image (200) to the portable touch-sensitive screen (140). 3. X-ray device (100) according to one of claims 1 or 2, which further comprises:  a computing unit (132) in data communication with the optical camera (120) and the touch-sensitive screen (140), the computing unit (132) being arranged to provide a control signal indicative of user input from the touch-sensitive screen (140), further processing the control signal and sending the further processed control signal to the X-ray source (111). 4. X-ray device (100) according to claim 3,  wherein a pose of the optical camera (120) with respect to the table (115) has an offset from the pose of the X-ray source (111),  wherein the arithmetic unit (132) is arranged to process the control signal such that the offset is compensated. 5. X-ray source (111) according to claim 4,  wherein the arithmetic unit (132) is further arranged to perform the processing for compensating the offset based on elements selected from the group:  a preset and fixed value for the offset; a determined value for the offset, wherein the value for the offset is optionally determined from a motor setting of a positioning motor and / or from a measurement;  - An image of a projection of a beam path of the X-rays on the examination object (116) in the image (200) of the optical camera (120), wherein the projection of the beam path by means of a light source, which is arranged in the X-ray source (111) is generated. 6. X-ray device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the captured image (200) depicts a region that extends substantially along the table (115). wherein the arithmetic unit (132) is further adapted to recognize in the image (200) at least one landmark, wherein the landmark is selected from the group comprising:  a characteristic anatomical feature of the examination object (116);  a machine readable character (210);  a hand or finger part of a user;  - A gesture of the user's hand or finger party. 7. X-ray device (100) according to claim 6,  wherein the X-ray apparatus (100) is further arranged to position the table (115) and the X-ray source (111) relative to one another in dependence on the recognized at least one landmark in order to adjust the pose. 8. X-ray device (100) according to one of the preceding claims  wherein the portable touch-sensitive screen (140) is arranged to recognize user inputs of the user selected from the group comprising:  - a one-finger touch,  - a two-fingered touch,  a one-finger swipe touch,  a two-finger spread movement,  - a two-finger rotation movement,  two consecutive touches,  - a multiple touch. 9. X-ray apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, which further comprises:  an X-ray detector (112) for detecting the emitted X-rays and for providing an X-ray image as a function of the detection, wherein the transceiver (131) is arranged to transmit the X-ray image to the touch-sensitive screen (140), wherein the touch-sensitive screen (140) is arranged to display the transmitted X-ray image. 10. X-ray device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, which further comprises:  a frame (117) to which the X-ray source (111) is attached,  wherein the table (115) and / or the frame (117) are movable relative to each other for positioning the X-ray source (111). 11. X-ray device (100) according to claim 10,  wherein the optical camera (120) is attached to the frame (117) and is movable when positioned with the X-ray source (111), or wherein the optical camera (120) is fixed to another frame (117) stationary with respect to the table (115). is mounted, and in the positioning of the X-ray source (111) is not moved with the X-ray source (111). 12. X-ray device (100) according to one of the preceding claims,  wherein the X-ray device (100) is further adapted to set a diaphragm system (IIIa) in dependence on the user input. 13. X-ray device (100) according to claim 12,  wherein the x-ray device further comprises:  a distance sensor for determining a distance between the X-ray source and the examination subject,  wherein the diaphragm system (IIIa) is further adjusted as a function of the distance between the X-ray source and the examination subject. 14. A method of controlling an x-ray device (100) at least partially by user input on a touch screen (140), the method comprising: Capturing an image (200) by means of an optical camera (120), wherein the image (200) comprises at least one subscreen imaging region (150) of an examination object (116) arranged on a table (115) of the X-ray device (100),  Transferring the image (200) to the touch-sensitive screen (140),  Displaying the image (200) on the touch-sensitive screen (140),  Detecting a user input of the user on the touch-sensitive screen (140) concerning the examination area (150),  relative positioning of the table (115) and an X-ray source (111) of the X-ray apparatus (100) relative to each other in response to the user input to adjust a pose of the X-ray source (111) with respect to the stage (115). 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the method further comprises:  Detecting emitted X-rays by an X-ray detector (112) for providing an X-ray image,  Transferring the X-ray image to the touch-sensitive screen (140),  - displaying the X-ray image on the touch-sensitive screen (140).