WO2015022430A1

WO2015022430A1 - Medical scanner device with patient identification system

Info

Publication number: WO2015022430A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/067513
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jouke Smink
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Current assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Priority date: 2013-08-15
Filing date: 2014-08-15
Publication date: 2015-02-19
Anticipated expiration: 2016-02-15

Abstract

A medical scanner device (10) with a digital photographic device (52) for identifying a patient (20); and the method of operating it, - the method comprising steps of - taking at least one single picture (58) of the patient's face by using the photographic device (52), - transferring to the digital memory unit (32) a digital data set that represents the at least one taken single picture (58), - acquiring scanning data and generating a scanning image (50) of the patient (20), - at least temporarily storing the scanning image (50) in the digital memory unit (32), and - creating a link between the stored digital data set that represents the at least one taken single picture (58) and the stored scanning image (50).

Description

Medical Scanner Device with Patient Identification System

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to a medical scanner device for contact- free acquisition of scanning images of at least a portion of a patient, and a method of operating a medical scanner device for identifying a patient that is to be examined or has been examined with the medical scanner device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the field of medical scanner devices for contact-free acquisition of scanning images, it is known that properly associating examination results to the patient requires user operations that have to be carried out with a high degree of attention and are, as such, prone to human error. This applies in particular to medical scanner devices having an examination space which does not allow for an eye-contact between the user and the patient during examination. Frequently occurring changes in the examination schedule may exacerbate the situation, particularly if an operator who is controlling the medical scanner device and the person who positions the patient in the medical scanner device are two different people.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is a desire for an improved method and an improved medical scanner device that facilitate a patient identification and an association of the patient identity to examination results in the above-described situations.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved method and an improved medical scanner device that facilitate a patient identification and an association of the patient identity to examination results.

In one aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by a method of operating a medical scanner device for identifying a patient, the medical scanner device being configured for contact-free acquisition of scanning images of at least a portion of the patient, and the medical scanner device comprising: a scanning unit providing an examination space to position the patient within, the examination space having an entrance region for the patient to enter the examination space,

an image construction unit,

- a digital memory unit, and

a digital photographic device.

The method comprises steps of

taking at least one single picture of at least a portion of the patient's face by using the digital photographic device,

- transferring to the digital memory unit a digital data set that represents the at least one taken single picture,

acquiring scanning data of at least the portion of the patient by using the scanning unit,

generating at least one scanning image of at least the portion of the patient from the acquired scanning data by using the image construction unit,

at least temporarily storing the at least one scanning image in the digital memory unit, and

creating a link between the stored digital data set that represents the at least one taken single picture and the stored at least one scanning image of at least the portion of the patient.

In particular, the medical scanner device may be a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, especially of the bore-type, a computer tomography (CT) device, or a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) device.

The phrase "single picture", as used in this application, shall be understood particularly as a single exposure, either obtained as a single shot from a photographic single shot device or selected out of a sequence of consecutive exposures from a photographic video device.

The phrase "link", as used in this application, shall be understood particularly as a direct or indirect software link between the digital data set that represents at least one of the taken single pictures and at least one of the generated scanning images. As an example of a direct software link, the at least one generated scanning image may include the software link. A software program for visualizing the at least one generated scanning image on a display unit may use the software link to put the at least one of the taken single pictures on the same display unit. As an example of an indirect software link, an application software program suitable for carrying out scans with the medical scanner device may include or may have access to the indirect software link. Opening either one of the digital data set or the at least one of the generated scanning images may activate the indirect software link, so that the other one of the digital data set and the at least one of the generated scanning images may be opened automatically or as an option.

The advantage of the disclosed method is that a user of the medical scanner device can be enabled to see a picture of the patient who is inside the medical scanner device, so that an identity check by plausibility, for instance with regard to gender and/or age, or by reference to another source of information can be conducted. Moreover, the likelihood for an erroneous association of examination results to another patient can thereby be reduced, especially in the case of changes in the examination schedule.

Preferably, the step of taking at least one single picture may be conducted prior to examination with the medical scanner device. Alternatively, the step of taking at least one single picture may be conducted after examination with the medical scanner device, or even during examination with the medical scanner device. In these cases, the identity check by plausibility has to be carried out after the patient left the examination space.

In another preferred embodiment of the method, the scanning unit of the medical scanner device comprises a detection unit that is configured to output a detection signal upon detecting the patient. The method step of taking at least one single picture of at least a portion of the patient's face by using the digital photographic device is triggered by the detection signal of the detection unit.

The detection signal of the detection unit may be an electrical signal which may be directly transferred to the digital photographic device by electrical leads. The output signal may alternatively be transferred by electrical leads to another component of the medical scanner device that is configured to control functions of the digital photographic device. Alternatively, the output signal of the detection unit may be transferred directly to the digital photographic device or to the component of the medical scanner device that controls the digital photographic device by a wireless connection, for instance by a radio signal or an IR signal.

In this way, the step of taking the at least one single picture of at least the portion of the patient's face can be automated, and human error resulting in a lack of a digital data set that represents at least one taken single picture can be excluded.

Preferably, the detection unit is arranged in the entrance region of the examination space of the scanning unit. The phrase "entrance region", as used in this application, shall be understood particularly as a volume that the patient has to cross before entering the examination space. In particular, the entrance region shall encompass portions of the examination space that are arranged at both ends of the scanning unit.

By that, it can be insured that the patient that has been detected is the one that enters the examination space of the medical scanner device indeed. This can be particularly advantageous in the case of a changed schedule of examinations, when more than one patient may stay around in the vicinity of the medical scanner device.

In another preferred embodiment of the method, the step of transferring to the digital memory unit the digital data set that represents the at least one taken single picture includes a step of converting the digital data set into a file format that is compatible with a DICOM standard. DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) is a standard for handling, storing, printing, and transmitting information in medical imaging. It includes a file format definition and a network communications protocol. By including the steps, the digital data set that represents the at least one taken single picture can be made portable within a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), as it exists in many medical centers and hospitals. In this way, medical staff of the medical centers or hospitals, when accessing the examination results of the patient, is provided with at least one taken single picture of the patient as an identity confirmation.

An immediate identity check by plausibility, for instance with regard to gender and/or age, or by reference to another source of information can be conducted if the stored digital data set that represents the at least one taken single picture is provided to a visual user interface for displaying purposes. The visual user interface may be a touch screen of an imaging console, as is commonly used for medical scanning devices.

In another aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by a medical scanner device for contact-free acquisition of scanning images of at least a portion of a patient, the medical scanner device comprising:

a scanning unit providing an examination space to position the patient within, the examination space having an entrance region for the patient to enter the examination space,

- an image construction unit that is configured to generate scanning images from acquired scanning data,

a digital memory unit for at least temporarily storing the generated scanning images, and a digital photographic device that is configured for taking single pictures of at least a portion of the patient's face and for transferring to the digital memory unit a digital data set that represents at least one of the taken single pictures,

wherein the digital data set is linked to at least one of the generated scanning images of the portion of the patient.

With the disclosed medical scanner device, advantages of the above-disclosed methods can be realized.

Preferably, the medical scanner device further includes a detection unit configured to output a detection signal upon detecting the patient. The digital photographic device is coupled to the output of the detection unit and is configured to take at least one single picture upon receiving the detection signal.

In this way, at least one single picture of at least the portion of the patient's face can automatically be taken, and human error resulting in a lack of a digital data set that represents at least one taken single picture can be excluded.

Preferably, the detection unit is arranged in the entrance region of the examination space of the scanning unit. By that, the at least one single picture of at least a portion of the patient's face can be taken when the patient is approaching the detection unit while entering the entrance region of the examination space, so that chances for one patient being detected by the detection unit and another patient entering the entrance region of the examination space can be minimized.

In another preferred embodiment, the digital data set that represents the at least one of the taken single pictures has a format that is compatible to a DICOM standard. By that, the digital data set that represents the at least one taken single picture can be made portable within a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), as it exists in many medical centers and hospitals.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the digital photographic device is arranged in an upper portion of the entrance region of the examination space, with a lens of the digital photographic device being directed downwards. In this way, patients lying in a supine position can readily be taken single pictures of without the necessity of them assuming an extra position, which expedites the scanning procedure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. Such embodiment does not necessarily represent the full scope of the invention, however, and reference is made therefore to the claims and herein for interpreting the scope of the invention.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a part of an embodiment of a medical scanner device in accordance with the invention,

Fig. 2 illustrates a contents of a visual user interface of the medical scanner device pursuant to Fig. 1, and

Fig. 3 is a flowchart of a method in accordance with the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Fig. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a part of an embodiment of a medical scanner device 10 in accordance with the invention, which, without limitation for the scope of protection, is formed as a magnetic resonance imaging system. The invention, as described for this embodiment of the medical scanner device 10, is also applicable to other medical scanner devices, such as positron emission tomography devices or computer tomography devices, as is obvious to the person skilled in the art.

The magnetic resonance imaging system is configured for contact-free acquisition of scanning images of at least a portion of a patient 20. To this end, the magnetic resonance imaging system comprises a scanning unit 12 including a magnetic resonance scanner having a main magnet 14 provided for generating a static magnetic field. The main magnet 14 has a central bore that provides an examination space 16 around a center axis 18 for the patient 20 to be positioned within. While the patient 20 is positioned within the examination space 16, lining and cover panels of the magnetic resonance scanner do not allow for an eye-contact between the patient 20 and an operator of the medical scanner device 10. The examination space 16 has an entrance region 36 for the patient 20, who is usually lying in supine position on a conventional patient table, to enter the examination space 16, usually head first. For clarity reasons, the patient table for supporting the patient 20 has been omitted in Fig. 1.

The substantially static magnetic field defines an axial direction of the examination space 16, aligned in parallel to the center axis 18. Further, the magnetic resonance imaging system comprises a magnetic gradient coil system 22 with magnetic gradient coils provided for generating gradient magnetic fields superimposed to the static magnetic field. The magnetic gradient coils are concentrically arranged within the bore of the main magnet 14, as is known in the art. Further, the magnetic resonance imaging system includes a radio frequency antenna 40 designed as a whole -body coil that is provided for applying a radio frequency magnetic field to the examination space 16 during radio frequency transmit phases to excite nuclei in the patient 16. The radio frequency antenna 40 is also provided to receive magnetic resonance signals from the excited nuclei during radio frequency receive phases. In an operational state of the magnetic resonance imaging system, radio frequency transmit phases and radio frequency receive phases are taking place in a consecutive manner. The radio frequency antenna 40 is arranged concentrically within the bore of the main magnet 14. As is well known in the art, a cylindrical metal radio frequency screen 24 is arranged

concentrically between the magnetic gradient coils of the magnetic gradient coil system 22 and the radio frequency antenna device 40.

The magnetic resonance imaging system further comprises a control unit 26 provided for controlling functions of the magnetic resonance imaging system. The control unit 26 comprises an imaging console having a visual user interface for displaying and controlling purposes that is designed as a touch screen device 28.

Furthermore, the magnetic resonance imaging system includes a radio frequency transmitter unit 42 that is connected to and controlled by the control unit 26. The radio frequency transmitter unit 42 is provided to feed radio frequency power of a magnetic resonance radio frequency to the radio frequency antenna 40 via a radio frequency switching unit 44 during the radio frequency transmit phases. During radio frequency receive phases, the radio frequency switching unit 44 directs the magnetic resonance signals from the radio frequency antenna 40 to an image construction unit 30 residing in the control unit 26. The image construction unit 30 is configured for processing acquired magnetic resonance signals to generate scanning images represented by magnetic resonance images 50 (Fig. 2) of the portion of the patient 20 from the acquired scanning data represented by the magnetic resonance signals. This technique is well known to the one skilled in the art and thus need not be described in further detail herein.

The control unit 26 further comprises a digital memory unit 32 for at least temporarily storing the generated magnetic resonance images 50. The magnetic resonance imaging system is connected to a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) of the medical center that it is installed in via a data connection 60. In this way, data can be transferred between the magnetic resonance imaging system and the PACS, the data having a data format that is compatible with a DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine) standard. DICOM standard is equivalent to ISO standard 12052:2006 "Health informatics - Digital imaging and communication in medicine (DICOM) including workflow and data management". The control unit 26 includes a data conversion software module 34 for conversion of data into a DICOM-compatible format to ensure data compatibility.

Moreover, the magnetic resonance imaging system includes a digital photographic device 52 designed as a digital photographic camera that is configured for taking single pictures 58 as shown in Fig. 2. The digital photographic device 52 is arranged in an upper portion 38 of the entrance region 36 of the examination space 16 in such a way, that a lens 54 of the digital photographic device 52 is directed downwards. The digital photographic device 52 may alternatively be arranged at the ceiling above the entrance region 36 of the examination space 16, or at one of the walls of the room the magnetic resonance imaging system is installed in, or on a stand somewhere in the room the magnetic resonance imaging system is installed in, wherein the patient 20 is visible from the location of the digital photographic device 52 while being arranged in the entrance region 36.

Arranged in the entrance region 36 of the examination space 16 of the scanning unit 12, in a direction parallel to the center axis 18 between the digital photographic device 52 and the scanning unit 12, is a detection unit 46 that is designed as a proximity switch. Being connected to an in-built electric power source (not shown), the detection unit 46 is configured to provide a detection signal 48 at an electrical output port upon detecting an object. The electrical output port of the detection unit 46 is electrically coupled to a trigger port 56 of the digital photographic device 52, which is configured to take one single picture 58 upon receiving the detection signal 48.

In an alternative arrangement, a digital photographic device and a detection unit may be disposed in juxtaposition inside the examination space.

The digital photographic device 52, the detection unit 46 and their arrangement within the medical scanner device provide a patient identification system for the magnetic resonance imaging system. A method of operating the magnetic resonance imaging system for identifying a patient 20 prior to an examination with the magnetic resonance imaging system will be described in detail in the following.

It shall be understood that the magnetic resonance imaging system is in a ready-to-operate state, that the patient 20 is lying in a supine position on top of a patient table (not shown in Fig. 1), and that all required auxiliary devices, in particular the detection unit 46 and the digital photographic device 52, are activated in preparation of a magnetic resonance imaging examination in a preparatory step. An orderly carries the patient 20 who is lying on top of the patient table to the room where the magnetic resonance imaging system is installed in. In the course of positioning the patient 20 in the examination space 16, substantially parallel to the center axis 18, the patient 20 enters the entrance region 36 of the examination space 16, head first. When the patient's head approaches the proximity switch, and upon detecting the patient 20, the detection unit 46 provides a detection signal 48 at the electrical output port that is transferred to the trigger port 56 of the digital photographic device 52. Upon receiving the detection signal 48, the digital photographic device 52 in a step 62 of the method takes a single picture 58 of the complete patient's face, so that the step 62 of taking the single picture 58 is triggered by the detection signal 48 of the detection unit 46. Focal length of the lens 54 and a mean distance between the lens 54 and the patient 20 are selected such that the patient's face is completely visible on the taken single picture 58.

Alternatively, if the patient 20 enters the entrance region 36 of the examination space 16 head last, the digital photographic device 52 may be configured to take a single picture 58 upon detecting a trailing edge of the detection signal 48 of the detection unit 46. In this case, the digital photographic device 52 would preferably be arranged between the scanning unit 12 and the detection unit 46.

In the next step 64, the digital photographic device 52 transfers to the digital memory unit 32 a digital data set that represents the taken single picture 58 of the complete patient's face. The transfer can alternatively be performed either via a wired connection or via a wireless connection.

In another step 66, the control unit data conversion software module 34 of the control unit 26 converts the digital data set that represents the taken single picture 58 into a file format that is compatible with the DICOM standard, and re-stores it in the digital memory unit 32.

In the following step 68, the stored digital data set that represents the taken single picture 58 of the complete patient's face is provided to the touch screen device 28 and becomes visible to the operator of the magnetic resonance imaging system (upper left corner in Fig. 2). By use of the taken single picture 58, the operator can confirm the patient's identity, optionally by comparing the taken single picture 58 to another picture of the patient downloaded from the PACS, and/or by making a plausibility check with regard to gender and/or age.

In the next step 70, scanning data represented by magnetic resonance signals of the portion of the patient 20 are acquired by using the scanning unit 12. In another step 72, the image construction unit 30 generates a scanning image, represented by a magnetic resonance image 50, of the portion of the patient 20 from the acquired magnetic resonance signals. The magnetic resonance image 50 is stored in the digital memory unit 32 in the following step 74.

In final steps 76, 78, the magnetic resonance image 50 is also displayed on the touch screen device 28, and a link is created between the store digital data set that represents the taken single picture 58 and the stored magnetic resonance image 50 of the portion of the patient.

In this way, the stored magnetic resonance image 50 and the taken single picture 58 become jointly available in the PACS. Medical staff members who access patient data of the PACS can immediately confirm whether the magnetic resonance image 50 they are analyzing is assigned to the patient 20 they had been seeing before.

Generally, as is obvious to the person skilled in the art, steps 62 to 68 and steps 70 to 76 may be carried out in a reversed order. As another alternative, steps 62 to 68 may be conducted in between two consecutive sequences of steps 70 to 76, i.e between acquiring two magnetic resonance images. In principle, steps 62 to 76 may also be carried out in an interleaved way.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope. REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST

10 medical scanner device 64 step (of transfening digital data)

12 scanning unit 66 step (of converting data set)

14 main magnet 68 step (of providing data to touch screen device)

16 examination space 70 step (of acquiring scan data)

18 center axis 72 step (of generating scanning image)

20 patient 74 step (of storing magnetic

resonance image)

22 magnetic gradient coil system 76 step (of displaying magnetic resonance image)

24 radio frequency screen 78 step (of creating link)

26 control unit PACS Picture Archiving and

Communication System

28 touch screen device

30 image construction unit

32 digital memory unit

34 data conversion software module

36 entrance region

38 upper portion

40 radio frequency antenna

42 radio frequency transmitter unit

44 radio frequency switching unit

46 detection unit

48 detection signal

50 magnetic resonance image

52 digital photographic device

54 lens

56 trigger port

58 single picture

60 data connection

62 step (of taking picture)

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method of operating a medical scanner device (10) for identifying a patient (20), the medical scanner device (10) being configured for contact- free acquisition of scanning images of at least a portion of the patient (20), and the medical scanner device (10) comprising

- a scanning unit (12) providing an examination space (16) to position the patient (20) within, the examination space (16) having an entrance region (36) for the patient (20) to enter the examination space (16),

an image construction unit (30),

a digital memory unit (32), and

- a digital photographic device (52);

the method comprising steps of

taking at least one single picture (58) of at least a portion of the patient's face by using the digital photographic device (52),

transferring to the digital memory unit (32) a digital data set that represents the at least one taken single picture (58),

acquiring scanning data of at least the portion of the patient (20) by using the scanning unit (12),

generating at least one scanning image (50) of at least the portion of the patient (20) from the acquired scanning data by using the image construction unit (30), - at least temporarily storing the at least one scanning image (50) in the digital memory unit (32), and

creating a direct or indirect software link between the stored digital data set that represents the at least one taken single picture (58) and the stored at least one scanning image (50) of at least the portion of the patient (20).

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the scanning unit (12) comprises a detection unit (46) configured to output a detection signal (48) upon detecting the patient (20), and wherein the step (62) of taking at least one single picture (58) of at least a portion of the patient's face by using the digital photographic device (52) is triggered by the detection signal (48) of the detection unit (46).

3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the detection unit (46) is arranged in the entrance region (36) of the examination space (16) of the scanning unit (12).

4. The method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the step (64) of transferring to the digital memory unit (32) the digital data set that represents the at least one taken single picture (58) includes a step (66) of converting the digital data set into a file format that is compatible with a DICOM standard.

5. The method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the stored digital data set that represents the at least one taken single picture (58) is provided to a visual user interface for displaying purposes.

6. A medical scanner device (10) for contact- free acquisition of scanning images (50) of at least a portion of a patient (20), the medical scanner device (10) comprising:

a scanning unit (12) providing an examination space (16) to position the patient (20) within, the examination space (16) having an entrance region (36) for the patient (20) to enter the examination space (16),

an image construction unit (30) that is configured to generate scanning images (50) from acquired scanning data,

a digital memory unit (32) for at least temporarily storing the generated scanning images (50), and

- a digital photographic device (52) that is configured for taking single pictures

(58) of at least a portion of the patient's face and for transferring to the digital memory unit (32) a digital data set that represents at least one of the taken single pictures (58), wherein the digital data set is linked with a direct or an indirect software link to at least one of the generated scanning images (50) of the portion of the patient (20).

7. The medical scanner device (10) as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a detection unit (46) configured to output a detection signal (48) upon detecting the patient (20), wherein the digital photographic device (52) is coupled to the output of the detection unit (46) and is configured to take at least one single picture (58) upon receiving the detection signal (48).

8. The medical scanner device (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the detection unit (46) is arranged in the entrance region (36) of the examination space (16) of the scanning unit (12).

9. The medical scanner device (10) as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the digital data set that represents the at least one of the taken single pictures (58) has a format that is compatible to a DICOM standard.

10. The medical scanner device (10) as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the digital photographic device (52) is arranged in an upper portion (38) of the entrance region (36) of the examination space (16), with a lens (54) of the digital

photographic device (52) being directed downwards.