Method for automatically positioning a region of a patient to be examined for a medical imaging examination and medical imaging device designed for carrying out the method

文档序号：818670 发布日期：2021-03-30 浏览：17次中文

阅读说明：本技术 自动定位患者的待检查区域以用于医学成像检查的方法及设计用于执行方法的医学成像设备 (Method for automatically positioning a region of a patient to be examined for a medical imaging examination and medical imaging device designed for carrying out the method ) 是由梅尔廷·哈德于 2020-09-25 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明基于一种用于将患者的待检查区域自动定位在医学成像设备的等中心中以用于医学成像检查的方法,其中所述方法包括以下步骤：-将患者的待检查区域引入到医学成像设备的患者容纳区域中以用于位置确定测量；-执行位置确定测量并且检测位置确定图像数据；-评估位置确定图像数据,其中根据位置确定图像数据确定患者的待检查区域的位置；以及-自动定位患者,使得患者的待检查区域的位置与医学成像设备的等中心的位置一致。(The invention is based on a method for automatically positioning a region to be examined of a patient in an isocenter of a medical imaging apparatus for medical imaging examinations, wherein the method comprises the following steps: -introducing a region of a patient to be examined into a patient accommodation region of a medical imaging device for position determination measurements; -performing position determination measurements and detecting position determination image data; -evaluating the position-determining image data, wherein the position of the region of the patient to be examined is determined from the position-determining image data; and-automatically positioning the patient such that the position of the region of the patient to be examined coincides with the position of the isocenter of the medical imaging apparatus.)

1. A method for automatically positioning a region to be examined of a patient in an isocenter of a medical imaging apparatus for medical imaging examinations, wherein the method comprises the following method steps:

introducing a region of the patient to be examined into a patient accommodation region of the medical imaging device for position determination measurements,

-performing the position determination measurements and detecting position determination image data,

-evaluating the position-determining image data, wherein the position of the region of the patient to be examined is determined from the position-determining image data, an

-automatically positioning the patient such that the position of the region of the patient to be examined coincides with the position of the isocenter of the medical imaging apparatus.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second light sources are selected from the group consisting of,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

introducing the region of the patient to be examined into the patient receiving region comprises: positioning the region of the patient to be examined within the FOV of the medical imaging device.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

a maximum FOV of the medical imaging device is available for performing the position determination measurement.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the region of the patient to be examined is introduced into the patient receiving region by means of a marking unit.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

introducing a region of the patient to be examined into the patient accommodation region in accordance with the registration data of the patient.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the region of the patient to be examined is introduced into the patient accommodation region as a function of the camera data of the camera.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the first and second light sources are selected from the group consisting of,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

a surface image of the patient is derived from the camera data of the camera and is segmented into regions from the surface image of the patient.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the position determination measurements are performed for at most 10 s.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

upon evaluation of the position-determining image data, a position-determining image is created and the region of the patient to be examined is automatically recognized in the position-determining image.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the first and second light sources are selected from the group consisting of,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

provided with a computer-implemented method for recognizing a region of the patient to be examined in the position-determining image, the method comprising:

providing the position-determination image, wherein the position-determination image comprises a region of the patient to be examined,

determining a result image by applying a training function to input data comprising the position determination image, wherein the result image comprises an identification of the area to be examined,

-providing the result image.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the first and second light sources are selected from the group consisting of,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the identification of the region of the patient to be examined in the position determination image is performed according to a computer-implemented method for identifying the region of the patient to be examined in the position determination image according to any one of claims 21 to 26.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

automatically positioning the region of the patient to be examined includes automatically moving an examination couch.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the medical imaging examination comprises a magnetic resonance examination and from the position determination image data information of radio frequency antenna elements for the planned magnetic resonance examination is determined.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first and second light sources are selected from the group consisting of,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the detected information of the radio frequency antenna unit comprises a type of the radio frequency antenna unit and/or a position of the radio frequency antenna unit and/or an orientation of the radio frequency antenna unit.

15. The method of any one of claims 13 to 14,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

comparing the detected information of the radio frequency antenna unit with examination information and/or patient registration information and/or a desired position for the radio frequency antenna unit.

16. The method of any one of claims 13 to 15,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

generating and outputting output information based on a comparison of the detected information of the radio frequency antenna unit with the examination information and/or the patient registration information and/or the expected position of the radio frequency antenna unit.

17. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

after the automatic positioning of the patient, planning measurements are performed for planning a medical imaging examination at a region to be examined of the patient.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first and second light sources are selected from the group consisting of,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

generating and/or creating at least one planning image from planning measurement data of the planning measurement, wherein the at least one planning image comprises an enlargement of the region of the patient to be examined.

19. The method of any one of claims 17 to 18,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

during providing the planning image and/or during planning the medical imaging examination, at least one adjustment measurement for the medical imaging examination in question is performed.

20. The method of any one of claims 17 to 19,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

after the planning of the medical imaging examination is performed, planning data is automatically examined and output information is generated and provided in accordance with the examination.

21. A computer-implemented method for identifying a region of a patient to be examined in a position-determining image, the method comprising:

providing the position-determination image, wherein the position-determination image comprises a region of the patient to be examined,

determining a result image by applying a training function to input data comprising the position determination image, wherein the result image comprises an identification of the area to be examined,

-providing the result image.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the first and second light sources are selected from the group consisting of,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the training function is based on at least one training image dataset with training data, wherein the training data comprises position determination images with examination information and/or anatomical information and an associated region to be examined.

23. The method of any one of claims 21 to 22,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the training function is based on at least one training image dataset with training data, wherein the training data comprises position determining images with feature shapes of the region to be examined associated with the region to be examined.

24. The method of any one of claims 21 to 23,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the training function is based on at least one training image dataset with training data, wherein the training data comprises a position determination image with landmark recognition in the area to be inspected associated with the area to be inspected.

25. The method of any one of claims 21 to 24,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the training function is based on at least one training image dataset with training data, wherein the training data comprise position-determining images with a segmentation of the region to be examined into organ structures and/or body structures in association with the region to be examined.

26. The method of any one of claims 22 to 25,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the position determination image comprises a 2D position determination image and the training data of the at least one training image data set of the training function comprises at least 2D training image data.

27. A rendering system for rendering a result image, the rendering system comprising an interface and a computing unit,

-wherein the interface and/or the calculation unit is configured for providing the position determination image,

-wherein the calculation unit is configured to determine a result image by applying a training function to input data comprising the position determination image, wherein the result image comprises an identification of an area to be examined, an

-wherein said interface is further configured for providing said result image.

28. A medical imaging device, the medical imaging device having: a scanner unit; a patient receiving area at least partially enclosed by the scanner unit; a patient support apparatus having a bed movable in a horizontal direction; and a computing unit, wherein the medical imaging apparatus is designed for carrying out the method for automatically positioning a region to be examined of a patient in an isocenter of a medical imaging apparatus for medical imaging examination according to any of claims 1 to 20.

29. A computer program product comprising a program and being directly loadable into a memory of a programmable computing unit, the computer program product having program means for performing the method for automatically positioning a region of a patient to be examined in an isocenter of a medical imaging apparatus for medical imaging examination according to any of claims 1 to 20, when the program is run in the computing unit.

30. An electronically readable data carrier having electronically readable control information stored thereon, which control information is designed such that, when the data carrier is used in a computing unit, a method for automatically positioning a region of a patient to be examined in an isocenter of a medical imaging apparatus for medical imaging examinations according to any of claims 1 to 20 is carried out.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a method for automatically positioning a region of a patient to be examined in an isocenter of a medical imaging apparatus for medical imaging examinations. Furthermore, the invention also comprises a medical imaging apparatus which is designed for carrying out a method for automatically positioning a region of a patient to be examined for a medical imaging examination. Furthermore, the invention is based on a computer-implemented method for identifying a region of a patient to be examined in a position-determining image and on a provision system for providing a result image, which is determined in accordance with the computer-implemented method for identifying a region of a patient to be examined in a position-determining image. The invention is based, furthermore, on a computer program product having a program for carrying out a method for automatically positioning a region of a patient to be examined for a medical imaging examination, and an electronically readable data carrier having the method.

Background

For medical imaging examinations, in particular for magnetic resonance examinations, it is often important for the planning of a medical imaging examination that planning measurements are first performed by means of a medical imaging apparatus. Subsequently, a medical imaging examination, in particular a magnetic resonance examination, can be planned by the user from the planning image data of the planning measurement. For example, slice positioning and/or slice thickness, etc., are specified by the user, in particular the medical operator, for the respective measurement. However, in order to be able to perform slice planning in the planning image data, for which purpose the region to be examined must be positioned precisely and/or correctly within the isocenter of the medical imaging apparatus, in particular of the magnetic resonance apparatus, for planning the measurements.

However, accurate and/or correct positioning of the region to be examined within the isocenter of the magnetic resonance apparatus is often difficult for inexperienced and/or unskilled medical operators. Furthermore, the region of the patient to be examined can also be related to the anatomy of the patient, for example the position of the patient's lungs on the examination table can be related to the height of the patient and/or the anatomical characteristics of the patient. This additionally makes a precise and/or correct positioning of the region to be examined within the isocenter of the magnetic resonance system difficult for inexperienced and/or inexperienced medical operators.

In order to correctly and/or precisely position the region of the patient to be examined in the isocenter of a medical imaging system, in particular a magnetic resonance system, a plurality of position measurements must generally be carried out until the region of the patient to be examined is correctly and/or precisely arranged in the isocenter. However, this requires a very high expenditure of time for the medical imaging examination of the patient and thus also reduces the patient throughput.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention is based on the object, inter alia, of enabling a simple and fast positioning of a region to be examined in an isocenter of a medical imaging apparatus. The object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

The invention is based on a method for automatically positioning a region of a patient to be examined in an isocenter of a medical imaging apparatus for medical imaging examinations, wherein the method comprises the following method steps:

introducing a region of a patient to be examined into a patient receiving region of a medical imaging apparatus for position determination measurements,

-performing position determination measurements and detecting position determination image data,

evaluating position-determining image data, wherein the position of the region of the patient to be examined is determined from the position-determining image data, an

Automatically positioning the patient such that the position of the region of the patient to be examined coincides with the position of the isocenter of the medical imaging apparatus.

In this context, isocenter should be understood in particular to mean the following points and/or regions of the medical imaging device: the points and/or regions have optimal and/or optimal conditions for medical imaging examinations during operation of the medical imaging apparatus. Preferably, the isocenter describes a point within the isocenter region. Preferably, the isocenter is located within the patient receiving area. For example, the isocenter within the magnetic resonance apparatus, in particular within the patient accommodation region, includes the following points and/or regions: at the point and/or region, the magnetic field of the magnetic resonance system is formed most homogeneously. For magnetic resonance examinations, the patient, in particular the region of the patient to be examined, should be arranged as precisely as possible in the isocenter. In installing the medical imaging device, it is preferably prescribed to be used once for the isocenter of the medical imaging device.

The region of the patient to be examined can include, for example, organs and/or abnormalities. With the aid of medical imaging examinations, a diagnosis should preferably be created by a physician about the region of the patient to be examined.

The medical imaging device can be formed by all medical imaging devices which appear to be of interest to a person skilled in the art, such as, for example, a computed tomography device and/or a PET device (positron emission tomography device). However, it is particularly advantageous if the medical imaging system comprises a magnetic resonance system, since here due to the long examination duration, in order to avoid repetitions of the medical imaging examination, in particular of the magnetic resonance examination, precise positioning of the patient, in particular of the region of the patient to be examined, is particularly important.

The patient receiving region of the medical imaging device is preferably designed to receive a patient, in particular a region of the patient to be examined, during a medical imaging examination. For this purpose, the patient receiving region is at least partially enclosed by a scanner unit of the medical imaging device. For example, the patient receiving region can be cylindrically enclosed by a scanner unit of the medical imaging device. The isocenter is preferably disposed within a patient receiving area of the medical imaging device.

Preferably, for introducing the region of the patient to be examined into the patient receiving region of the medical imaging apparatus, the patient is already positioned on the patient support apparatus of the medical imaging apparatus. For this purpose, the patient is preferably positioned in the correct position for the examination at hand. For example, for a Head examination, the patient is positioned in a "Head-First" position in which the patient's Head is First moved into the patient accommodation region. For example, for foot and/or knee examinations, the patient is positioned in a "foot First" position in which the patient's feet are First moved into the patient receiving area. Preferably, all the required additional units, such as, for example, an EKG unit and/or an infusion unit and/or a local radio-frequency antenna unit for magnetic resonance examination, are already positioned at the patient before the region of the patient to be examined is introduced into the patient accommodation region.

The region of the patient to be examined is preferably introduced into the patient receiving region by means of a patient support device, in particular a movable table of the patient support device. Furthermore, the region of the patient to be examined can be automatically and/or automatically introduced into the patient receiving region by means of the examination table, wherein the automatic and/or automatic introduction of the region of the patient to be examined into the patient receiving region is controlled by the computing unit. Furthermore, the introduction of the region of the patient to be examined into the patient receiving region can also be brought about by a user, for example a medical operator, by means of a user input at a user interface of the medical imaging device. The region of the patient to be examined is roughly positioned in the patient receiving region by introducing the region of the patient to be examined into the patient receiving region for position-determining measurements. In this case, the region of the patient to be examined does not have to coincide with the isocenter of the medical imaging system. More precisely, it is sufficient for the position determination measurement if the region to be examined is arranged in the field of view (FOV) and/or the visible range of the medical imaging device and is detected during the position determination measurement.

By means of the position determination measurement, the position of the region of the patient to be examined within the patient accommodation region, in particular with respect to the isocenter of the magnetic resonance apparatus, is preferably determined. The position determination measurement is performed by means of a medical imaging device. For position determination measurements, it is preferred here to perform fast measurements with low resolution, since the measurements should only be used for position determination. In this case, the resolution of the position-determining measurement is in particular less than the resolution of a subsequent medical and/or diagnostic imaging measurement of the region of the patient to be examined.

The position determination measurement is preferably performed automatically and/or autonomously. Preferably, the medical imaging device is controlled by means of a computing unit and the position determination measurement is carried out automatically and/or autonomously. For example, if the medical imaging device is designed as a magnetic resonance device, the radio-frequency antenna unit and the gradient coil unit are correspondingly actuated by the computing unit in such a way that the corresponding excitation pulses and/or position-coding pulses are incident in the patient receiving region, in particular in the FOV of the patient receiving region.

The evaluation of the position-determining image data is also preferably carried out automatically and/or autonomously by means of the computing unit. For this purpose, the computing unit can also comprise an evaluation unit with corresponding evaluation software and/or an evaluation program, wherein the evaluation of the position-determining image data is carried out when the corresponding evaluation software and/or the corresponding evaluation program is run. Subsequently, the position of the region of the patient to be examined in the patient receiving region is automatically and/or autonomously determined by the computing unit on the basis of the position determination image data. The position of the region of the patient to be examined with respect to the isocenter position of the medical imaging apparatus is preferably determined by a computing unit. In particular, the difference between the position of the current position of the region to be examined of the patient with respect to the isocenter is determined by a computing unit. In this case, depending on the position of the region of the patient to be examined with respect to the isocenter position of the medical imaging device, a position change and/or a required positioning path can also be determined for the region of the patient to be examined in order to bring the region of the patient to be examined into agreement with the isocenter of the medical imaging device.

The positioning of the patient is preferably carried out automatically and/or autonomously by means of a patient support apparatus bed, wherein the bed is controlled by a computing unit of the medical imaging apparatus. For example, the table of the patient support device can be moved in the horizontal direction until the position of the region to be examined coincides with the position of the isocenter.

Preferably, after reaching the position of the isocenter for the region to be examined of the patient, output information is generated for the user, in particular a medical operator, and output to the user via a user interface. The output information preferably comprises information to the user that the region of the patient to be examined is correctly positioned within the patient receiving region and is ready for a medical imaging examination. The output information is preferably generated and/or output automatically and/or autonomously by means of a computing unit of the medical imaging device.

The computing unit of the medical imaging apparatus comprises at least one computing module and/or a processor, wherein the computing unit is designed for carrying out the method according to the invention for automatically positioning a region of a patient to be examined in an isocenter of the medical imaging apparatus for a medical imaging examination and/or for carrying out individual method steps of the method according to the invention. The computing unit is therefore designed in particular for executing computer-readable instructions for carrying out the method according to the invention for automatically positioning a region of a patient to be examined in an isocenter of a medical imaging system for medical imaging examinations. The computing unit comprises in particular a memory unit, wherein computer-readable information is stored on the memory unit, wherein the computing unit is designed to load the memory unit with the computer-readable information and to execute the computer-readable information in order to carry out the method according to the invention for automatically positioning a region of a patient to be examined in an isocenter of a medical imaging apparatus for a medical imaging examination. In this way, the computing unit is configured for performing a method for automatically positioning a region of a patient to be examined in an isocenter of a medical imaging apparatus for a medical imaging examination.

The components of the computing unit can be formed primarily in the form of software components. Basically, however, the components can also be implemented partially, in particular when particularly fast calculations are involved, in the form of software-supported hardware components, for example FPGAs or the like. Likewise, the required interfaces can be configured as software interfaces, for example, if only the reception of data from other software components is involved. However, the interface can also be designed as a hardware-based interface which is controlled by suitable software. It is obviously also conceivable to combine several of the components mentioned in the form of a single software component or software-supported hardware components.

By means of the embodiment according to the invention, it is advantageously possible to easily and quickly position the region of the patient to be examined for the medical imaging examination in question. In this way, an inexperienced and/or inexperienced medical operator can be provided with a simplification of the positioning process, in particular, so that for medical imaging examinations a high operating comfort is provided when positioning the patient. Furthermore, the total examination time for the medical imaging examination can be reduced and in this way also the stress situation of the patient during the medical imaging examination can be minimized.

A further advantage of the method according to the invention is that the position determination data can also be used for determining the position of the accessory unit and/or for controlling the presence of the accessory unit. This can lead to additional time savings, since further, in particular separate measurements for detecting the accessory unit do not have to be carried out. For example, the position and/or the presence of a local radio-frequency antenna unit for a magnetic resonance examination can be ascertained in this way from the position determination data.

In an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the introduction of the region of the patient to be examined into the patient receiving region comprises: the region of the patient to be examined is positioned within the FOV (field of view) of the medical imaging device. The field of view of the medical imaging device preferably comprises a region of the medical imaging device and/or the field of view, said region having the physical conditions required for imaging. The FOV of the medical imaging device is preferably within the patient accommodation region. For example, the FOV of a magnetic resonance apparatus comprises a magnetic field which is as homogeneous as possible. The physical condition can be different outside the FOV and/or at the edge regions of the FOV and/or different from the physical condition in the middle of the FOV. For the intended position-determining measurement, the embodiment of the invention enables a simple arrangement and/or positioning of the region to be examined in the patient-receiving region for the user, in particular for the medical operator.

In an advantageous further development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that a maximum FOV of the medical imaging device is available for performing the position determination measurement. The maximum FOV also includes the border region of the examination region within the patient accommodation region of the medical imaging device where ideal physical image examination conditions no longer exist. Although this may lead to distortions in the detected image data, in particular in the position-determining image data, it is sufficient for the position determination of the region of the patient to be examined with respect to the isocenter of the medical imaging apparatus. Particularly advantageously, the maximum FOV comprises the following regions: the region is at least 1.2 times larger than the FOV of an imaging measurement used for clinical and/or diagnostic purposes. Particularly advantageously, the maximum FOV comprises the following regions: the region is at least 1.3 times larger than the FOV of an imaging measurement used for clinical and/or diagnostic purposes. Particularly advantageously, the maximum FOV comprises the following regions: the region is at least 1.4 times larger than the FOV of an imaging measurement used for clinical and/or diagnostic purposes. Particularly advantageously, the maximum FOV comprises the following regions: the region is at least 1.5 times larger than the FOV of an imaging measurement used for clinical and/or diagnostic purposes. For a user, in particular a medical operator, a simple setting and/or positioning of the region to be examined in the patient accommodation region can be achieved by providing a maximum FOV for the position determination measurement.

In an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the region of the patient to be examined is introduced into the patient receiving region by means of the marking unit. The marking unit can, for example, comprise an optical marking unit, such as, for example, an optical laser marking unit. The marking unit is preferably comprised by the medical imaging device and is arranged outside the patient accommodation area. For example, optical markers, for example crosses, can be projected on the patient by means of a marking unit, in particular an optical laser marking unit. In this case, the patient or the examination table is preferably moved until the position of the region of the patient to be examined coincides with the position of the projected markers, for example the projected cross. Since the distance of the marking unit from the FOV and/or isocenter of the medical imaging apparatus is predetermined with a stationary mounting of the marking unit in the medical imaging apparatus, the patient can be positioned particularly easily in the patient accommodation region by the medical operator in this way. It can be provided here that the user, in particular a medical operator, only has to detect the region to be examined approximately by means of the marking unit, and that the positioning within the FOV subsequently takes place automatically by means of the patient support device, in particular the table, under the control of the computing unit.

In an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the region of the patient to be examined is introduced into the patient receiving region on the basis of the registration data of the patient. Preferably, the registration data of the patient are saved and/or stored in the computing unit of the medical imaging device and/or in a central registration computer, which is connected to the computing unit of the medical imaging device. Preferably, the patient registration data includes the name of the patient. In addition, the patient registration data can also include the weight of the patient. Alternatively or additionally, the patient registration data can also include the disease course and/or the health status of the patient up to now. Alternatively or additionally, the patient registration data can also include: the organ to be examined, and/or the body region of the patient to be examined, and/or the type of examination by means of the medical imaging device. In this way, the region of the patient to be examined can be introduced into the patient receiving region in a particularly simple manner, which can be automatically controlled by the computing unit. Furthermore, the effort required for the user, in particular the medical operator, during the preparation and/or planning of the magnetic resonance examination of the patient can be minimized.

In an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the region of the patient to be examined is introduced into the patient receiving region on the basis of the camera data of the camera. Preferably, the camera comprises a 3D camera, said 3D camera being designed for detecting 3D camera data. In order to achieve a desired and/or optimal view of the patient, a camera, in particular a 3D camera, is preferably arranged at the roof of an examination room in which the medical imaging device is arranged. Alternatively or additionally, a camera, in particular a 3D camera, can also be provided at the medical imaging device and/or at a wall of the examination room. By means of the camera data, an exact patient position with respect to the examination table and/or with respect to the isocenter of the medical imaging apparatus can advantageously be detected and/or determined. Furthermore, by means of the camera data, the anatomy of the patient can also be detected and/or determined. For this purpose, an approximate region of the patient to be examined is first determined and/or determined in the camera data. Preferably, the approximate region of the patient to be examined is determined and/or ascertained from the camera data by means of a computing unit, which for this purpose has the necessary evaluation software and/or evaluation program. The general region of the patient to be examined preferably comprises the following regions of the patient: the area is larger than the area to be examined of the patient, but has an area to be examined. For example, when the region of the patient to be examined is formed as a lung region of the patient, the patient's approximate region to be examined can encompass the entire upper body of the patient. The approximate region of the patient to be examined is subsequently introduced into the patient receiving region, preferably automatically and/or automatically controlled by the computing unit by means of the patient support device.

In this way, the region of the patient to be examined can be introduced into the patient receiving region in relation to the patient. Furthermore, during the preparation and/or planning of a medical imaging examination of a patient, the effort for the user, in particular the medical operator, can be minimized.

In an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that a surface image of the patient is determined from the camera data of the camera and that the regions are segmented from the surface image of the patient. Preferably, from the 3D camera data of the 3D camera, a 3D surface image is derived and/or determined for further processing, in particular partitioning. The surface image of the patient preferably comprises a contour and/or a circumference of the patient. Furthermore, the surface image of the patient can also comprise depth information. The division into individual regions preferably comprises a rough division into individual body regions and/or body sections of the patient. For example, the zones can include zones of the respective limbs, head and torso. The partitioning is preferably performed automatically and/or autonomously by means of the computing unit. For this purpose, the computation unit has corresponding software with an evaluation algorithm and/or a segmentation algorithm for segmenting into individual regions from the surface image of the patient.

By means of the embodiment of the invention, a subarea region that includes the region to be examined of the patient can be determined particularly quickly and preferably automatically in the camera data, so that the position of the region to be examined of the patient can be determined automatically. In addition, manual errors can be minimized, so that the total examination time for the patient can be reduced.

In an advantageous further development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the position determination measurement is carried out for at most 10 s. Particularly advantageously, the position determination measurement is performed for at most 8 s. Particularly advantageously, the position determination measurement is performed for at most 6 s. Particularly advantageously, the position determination measurement is performed for at most 5 s. Particularly advantageously, the position determination measurement is performed for at most 4 s. Particularly advantageously, the position determination measurement is performed for at most 3 s. In this way, particularly rapid position determination measurements can be made available for positioning the region to be examined of the patient in the patient receiving region of the medical imaging device, so that a particularly time-saving positioning of the patient, in particular of the region to be examined of the patient, in the isocenter can also be achieved. In this way, in particular, the total examination time for the patient can also be reduced.

In an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that, during the evaluation of the position-determining image data, a position-determining image is created and the region of the patient to be examined is automatically identified in the position-determining image. Preferably, a position determination image is created automatically and/or autonomously by means of the computing unit and the region of the patient to be examined is identified in the position determination image. For evaluating the position-determining image data, in particular for identifying the region to be examined within the position-determining image, additional examination data of the patient can also be taken into account, such as, for example, the following information: the region to be examined includes which organs and/or body structures. By evaluating the position determination image data, the exact position of a region of the patient to be examined, such as for example an organ of the patient, in the z-direction of the medical imaging device is preferably determined and/or ascertained. Furthermore, the position of the region of the patient to be examined in the y-direction and/or the x-direction of the medical imaging device can also be determined. The z-direction of the medical imaging device preferably comprises the direction of the longitudinal direction of the patient receiving region and/or the direction of the movement of the examination table.

In an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the method comprises a computer-implemented method for identifying a region of a patient to be examined in a position-determining image, the method comprising:

providing a position determination image, wherein the position determination image comprises a region of the patient to be examined,

determining a result image by applying a training function to input data comprising a position determination image, wherein the result image comprises an identification of a region to be examined,

-providing a result image.

The provision of the position-determining image and the reception of the training function are carried out in particular by means of an interface, in particular by means of an interface of a provision system. The resulting image data set is determined, in particular, by means of a determination unit and/or a calculation unit of the provision system. The system can be integrated in a computing unit for carrying out a method for automatically positioning a region of a patient to be examined in an isocenter of a medical imaging device for a medical imaging examination. Furthermore, the provision system can also be formed separately from the computation unit, wherein the computation unit is preferably connected to the provision system for data exchange by means of a data transmission unit. Here, the data transmission unit can include a wired and/or wireless data transmission unit.

Other terms for training the function are training mapping rules, mapping rules with training parameters, functions with training parameters, artificial intelligence based algorithms, machine learning algorithms. One example of a training function is an artificial neural network, where the edge weights of the artificial neural network correspond to parameters of the training function. Instead of the term "neural network", the term "neural network" can also be used. The training function can also be, in particular, a deep artificial neural network (the english term "deep neural network" or "deep cognitive neural network"). Another example of a training function is the Support Vector Machine (Support Vector Machine), and other algorithms of Machine learning can be used as the training function, among others.

In this way, the identification of the region to be examined within the position-determining image is based in particular on machine learning methods, also referred to as deep learning methods, which are based on artificial neural networks. An artificial neural network (KNN) is in particular a network of artificial neurons simulated in a computer program. Here, an artificial neural network is typically based on networking of a plurality of artificial neurons. Here, the artificial neurons are typically arranged on different layers (layers). Generally, an artificial neural network includes an input layer and an output layer (output layer), and the neuron outputs of the output layer are visible as the only neuron outputs of the artificial neural network. The layer between the input layer and the output layer is typically referred to as a hidden layer. Typically, the architecture and/or topology of the artificial neural network is first initialized and then trained in a training phase for a particular task or for multiple tasks in the training phase. Here, training of the artificial neural network typically includes changing the weight of a connection between two artificial neurons of the artificial neural network. Training of the artificial neural network can also include: establishing new connections between artificial neurons, deleting existing connections between artificial neurons, adjusting thresholds of artificial neurons, and/or adding or deleting artificial neurons.

It is already suitable, in particular in the preparation phase, for the identification of regions of the patient to be examined in the position-determining images for training the artificial neural network. In particular, the artificial neural network is trained using a training image data set in which, for example, examination information and/or anatomical information of the patient has been associated with a region of the patient to be examined. Here, the medical training data set is typically acquired from a training person and/or a training patient different from the patient.

The training function maps the input data onto the output data. In this case, the output data can also be correlated, in particular, with one or more parameters of the training function. One or more parameters of the training function can be determined and/or adjusted by training. The determination and/or adjustment of one or more parameters of the training function can be based in particular on a pair of training input data and associated training output data, wherein the training function is applied to the training input data to generate the training output data. Generally, a trainable function, i.e. a function with one or more parameters that have not been adjusted, is also referred to as a training function.

The training function comprises at least one parameter, where an output value of the training function is related to one or more values of the at least one parameter. The parameters of the training function are in particular based on the at least one training image data set, if the parameters of the training function have been changed and/or adjusted for optimizing the cost function based on the at least one training image data set. This includes the following cases: a plurality or all of the parameters of the training function are varied and/or adjusted based on the at least one training image dataset to optimize the cost function.

The training data set, in particular the training data, can comprise, in particular, examination information of the patient and/or anatomical information of the patient with respect to the region to be examined. Here, the at least one training data set can comprise training data comprising: by means of shape recognition of body regions, for example of organs and/or bones and/or bone transitions, such as for example joint spaces, the region of the patient to be examined is identified from examination information and/or anatomical information. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one training data set can comprise training data, which comprises identifying a region of the patient to be examined from the examination information and/or anatomical information by means of identifying landmarks. In this context, a "road marking" is to be understood in particular as a protruding structure and/or a protruding region in the image data, which protruding structure and/or protruding region is characteristic for an organ structure and/or a body region. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one training data set can comprise training data, which comprises an identification of the region of the patient to be examined from the examination information and/or anatomical information by means of a partition into individual regions.

The resulting image includes a region to be examined that identifies the patient in the position-determining image. By means of identifying the region to be examined, the region to be examined is located in the result image or the position of the region to be examined is determined in the result image. The result image can comprise a position determination image in which the region to be examined is recognized, in particular the position is determined. In this case, the region to be examined can be marked in the result image.

Providing the resulting image preferably comprises: the result image, in particular the identified and/or positionally determined region to be examined of the patient, is provided for positioning the patient by means of the provision system. The result image can be provided in a computing unit of the medical imaging device.

The design scheme of the invention can realize the rapid identification of the region to be detected of the patient in the position determination image. In this way, inexperienced and/or inexperienced users, in particular inexperienced and/or inexperienced medical operators, can be supported particularly advantageously when identifying the region of the patient to be examined, and manual errors can be reduced and/or prevented in this case advantageously.

In an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the automatic positioning of the region of the patient to be examined comprises an automatic movement of the examination table. Preferably, the automatic movement of the examination table is controlled by means of a computing unit of the medical imaging device. However, the table is moved automatically only if the image data are determined in the evaluation position if the position of the region of the patient to be examined does not correspond to the position of the isocenter of the medical imaging system. This makes it possible to easily and quickly locate the region of the patient to be examined in the isocenter of the medical imaging system. Manual errors can also be advantageously prevented in this way in particular when the region of the patient to be examined is positioned in the isocenter of the medical imaging apparatus. Furthermore, it is also possible that the region of the patient to be examined cannot be identified and/or determined in the position-determining image data, for example because the region of the patient to be examined is not arranged in the detection region of the medical imaging device for position-determining measurements and is therefore not detected during the position-determining measurements. In this case, the automatic movement of the table and thus the correction of the position of the region of the patient to be examined can also result in the region of the patient to be examined reaching the examination region for renewed position-determining measurements. Preferably, the automatic movement of the examination table comprises a movement of the examination table of ± 25cm at maximum. Preferably, the automatic movement of the examination table comprises a movement of the examination table of ± 22cm at maximum. Preferably, the automatic movement of the examination table comprises a movement of the examination table of ± 18cm at maximum. Preferably, the automatic movement of the examination table comprises a movement of the examination table of ± 15cm at maximum.

In an advantageous further development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the medical imaging examination comprises a magnetic resonance examination and that the information of the radio-frequency antenna elements for the planned magnetic resonance examination is determined from the position-determining image data. Preferably, the radio frequency antenna unit comprises a local radio frequency antenna unit arranged around the region of the patient to be examined for detecting magnetic resonance signals. In addition to positioning the region of the patient to be examined in the patient receiving region, the radio-frequency antenna unit used can thus also be controlled and/or examined in order to support the medical operator during the preparation of the patient. Furthermore, information about the position of the region to be examined can also be obtained from the position of the local radio-frequency antenna elements.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the information of the radio-frequency antenna unit to be used for the magnetic resonance measurement concerned can also be detected by means of a camera.

In an advantageous further development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the detected information of the radio-frequency antenna unit comprises: a type of the radio frequency antenna element, and/or a location of the radio frequency antenna element, and/or an orientation of the radio frequency antenna element. Based on the detected information of the radio frequency antenna unit, it is advantageously possible for the calculation unit to automatically and/or autonomously control and/or monitor: whether the radio frequency antenna unit used is suitable for the magnetic resonance examination in question. Furthermore, the correct setting, in particular the position and/or orientation, of the radio-frequency antenna unit at the patient can likewise be automatically and/or autonomously controlled and/or monitored by the computing unit with the aid of the detected information of the radio-frequency antenna unit. In this way, an erroneous positioning of the local radio frequency antenna unit can advantageously at least be reduced and/or prevented, so that the preparation time of the patient for the preparation of the medical imaging examination can also be minimized.

In an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the detected information of the radio-frequency antenna unit is compared with the examination information and/or the patient registration information and/or the expected position for the radio-frequency antenna unit. Preferably, the detected information of the radio frequency antenna unit is compared with the examination information and/or the patient registration information and/or the desired position for the radio frequency antenna unit by means of a calculation unit of the medical imaging device. On the basis of the examination information and/or the patient registration information, information of the region of the patient to be examined can be obtained, so that a desired position of the radio-frequency antenna unit for the magnetic resonance examination to which the patient is exposed can also be obtained. In this way, a deviation of the current position of the radio frequency antenna unit from the desired position of the radio frequency antenna unit can be automatically determined particularly simply and quickly.

In an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the output information is generated and output as a function of a comparison of the detected information of the radio-frequency antenna unit with the examination information and/or the patient registration information and/or the expected position of the radio-frequency antenna unit. Preferably, the output information is generated and output for a user, in particular a medical operator. The generation of the output information is preferably carried out automatically by means of a computing unit. The output of the output information is preferably performed automatically by means of a user interface of the medical imaging device. In this way, a wrong positioning of the local radio frequency antenna unit can be directly indicated for the user, in particular for a medical operator. It is also possible that, in addition to the output information to the user, user input is also required to continue the checking process. For example, the user can also be required to make a corresponding correction to the position of the local rf antenna element by means of the output information. Furthermore, it is also possible that, after the correction of the position of the local radio-frequency antenna unit, a confirmation input can also be entered by a user on a user interface of the medical imaging device, in particular of the magnetic resonance device, for confirming the correction of the position of the local radio-frequency antenna unit.

In an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that after the automatic positioning of the patient, in particular of the region of the patient to be examined, planning measurements for planning the medical imaging examination are carried out at the region of the patient to be examined. Preferably, planning image data of the patient are detected, in particular, by means of planning measurements, and at least one planning image of the region of the patient to be examined is made available to a user, in particular a medical operator, and/or a planning unit for planning an imaging examination, for example a magnetic resonance examination. By means of the at least one planning image, a medical imaging examination of the patient can be planned by a user, in particular a medical operator, and/or a planning unit. By means of the embodiment of the invention, the medical imaging examination in question at the region of the patient to be examined can advantageously be planned in a simple and rapid manner. In particular, individual examination parameters for the medical imaging examination in question can be set and/or defined in this way by a user, in particular a medical operator, and/or a planning unit, using at least one planning image. For example, for a magnetic resonance examination, the slice thickness and/or the slice position and/or the slice orientation and/or the number of slices to be recorded and the like can be determined and/or set in this way by a user, in particular a medical operator, and/or a planning unit, by means of the at least one planning image. Furthermore, rapid planning measurements can be carried out in this way, since for such planning measurements the region of the patient to be examined is already optimally positioned within the patient accommodation region, in particular within the isocenter.

In an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that at least one planning image is generated and/or created on the basis of planning measurement data of the planning measurement, wherein the at least one planning image comprises an enlargement of the region to be examined. Since an enlargement of a part of the region to be examined of the patient is provided, a detailed view of the region to be examined can be provided, in particular, in the at least one planning image. In particular, in this way, the region to be examined can be shown in a zoomed view in at least one planning image. In particular, a simple planning can thereby be achieved for the user, in particular for the medical operator and/or for the planning unit.

In an advantageous further development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that during the provision of the planning images and/or during the planning of the medical imaging examination at least one adjustment measurement for the medical imaging examination in question is carried out. In this way, the planning time, in particular the time required by the medical operator and/or the planning unit for planning the medical imaging examination, can advantageously be used for the adjustment measurements in question, so that the overall examination time, in particular the time during which the patient is positioned on the patient support device and/or the time during which the medical imaging device is occupied by the patient, can also advantageously be reduced. In this way, the adjustment measurements which are usually already carried out when the patient is positioned in the patient receiving region, in particular in the isocenter of the medical imaging system, are also carried out after the patient, in particular the region of the patient to be examined, is positioned in the isocenter, so that the preparation time for the medical imaging examination can also be reduced. Preferably, the at least one adjustment measurement is performed automatically and/or autonomously by means of a computing unit of the medical imaging apparatus during provision of the planning image and/or during planning of the medical imaging examination.

In an advantageous further development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that after the planning of the medical imaging examination has been carried out, the planning data are automatically examined and output information is generated and provided as a function of the examination. Preferably, the examination of the planning data is performed automatically and/or autonomously by means of a computing unit of the medical imaging apparatus. Furthermore, the output information is also generated and provided automatically and/or autonomously by means of the computing unit of the medical imaging device. Preferably, the planning of the medical imaging examination is checked with respect to the plausibility of the planning data. The embodiment has the advantage that, immediately after the planning of the medical imaging examination, the user, in particular the medical operator, is provided with feedback regarding the planning data set and output to the user. The output of the output information is preferably performed by means of an output unit of the medical imaging device. The output information can comprise optical output information and/or acoustic output information. Preferably, after the medical imaging examination has been successfully planned, the medical imaging examination is performed on the region of the patient to be examined in accordance with the planning image.

Furthermore, the invention is based on a computer-implemented method for identifying a region of a patient to be examined in a position determination image, the method comprising:

providing a position determination image, wherein the position determination image comprises a region of the patient to be examined,

determining a result image by applying a training function to input data comprising a position determination image, wherein the result image comprises an identification of a region to be examined,

-providing a result image.

The position-determining image preferably comprises position-determining image data of position-determining measurements, wherein the position-determining measurements are performed by means of the medical imaging device and are provided by means of the providing system by applying a training function to the input data comprising the position-determining image to determine the resulting image.

This enables a rapid identification of the region of the patient to be examined in the position-determining image. In particular, a robust and reliable method for identifying a region of a patient to be examined in a position determination image can be provided in this way. Furthermore, inexperienced and/or inexperienced users, in particular inexperienced and/or inexperienced medical operators, can also be advantageously supported in the identification of the region to be examined. In this case, manual errors can be advantageously reduced and/or prevented in particular when identifying a region to be examined of a patient and/or when positioning the region to be examined in an isocenter of a medical imaging system.

The examination information and/or the anatomical information can comprise, for example, a desired region of the patient to be examined and/or disease information, such as, for example, a headache indicating the region of the patient to be examined. The training function determines possible regions of the patient to be examined within the position-determining image from the input data, in particular from the position-determining image and the examination information and/or anatomical information. Subsequently, in a training phase, the possible region of the patient to be examined is compared with the region of the patient to be examined. If there is a difference and/or a difference between the possible region to be examined of the patient and the region to be examined of the patient, the training function is adjusted on the basis of the difference and/or the difference between the possible region to be examined of the patient and the region to be examined of the patient. Different training image data sets can also be based on different body regions of the patient to be examined. In this case, the own training image data set with the training image data can be used for different body regions of the patient to be examined.

The embodiment of the invention advantageously makes it possible to provide a training function for quickly identifying a region of a patient to be examined in a position-determining image. In particular, the preparation time for preparing a magnetic resonance examination of a patient can also be minimized in this way, since a simple and rapid positioning of the region to be examined in the isocenter of a medical imaging system, for example a magnetic resonance system, can also be provided by rapid identification of the region to be examined of the patient in the position-determining images.

In an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the training function is based on at least one training image data set with training data, wherein the training data comprise position-determining images with characteristic shapes of the region to be examined, which are associated with the region to be examined. If the region to be examined comprises an organ, for example, the associated characteristic shape can comprise the shape of the organ, such as, for example, the shape of the liver and/or the shape of the heart. Furthermore, the associated feature shapes can also include: the shape of the bones, and/or the shape of the joints, and/or the shape of the blood vessels, etc. provided in the area to be examined.

In an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the training function is based on at least one training image data set with training data, wherein the training data comprise position-determining images with landmark identifications in the region to be examined, which landmark identifications are associated with the region to be examined. The roadmap preferably comprises typical points and/or characteristic axes in the image, which can be precisely associated with specific organs and/or specific joints and/or specific body regions.

The embodiment of the invention advantageously makes it possible to provide a training function for quickly identifying a region of a patient to be examined in a position-determining image. In this way, in particular, the preparation time for preparing a magnetic resonance examination of a patient can also be minimized, since a simple and rapid positioning of the region to be examined in the isocenter of a medical imaging system, for example a magnetic resonance system, can also be provided by rapid identification of the region to be examined of the patient in the position-determining images.

In an advantageous further development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the position-determining images comprise 2D position-determining images and the training data of the at least one training image data set of the training function comprise 2D training data. The use of 2D images enables particularly rapid identification of the region of the patient to be examined in the position-determining image.

Furthermore, the invention is based on a rendering system for rendering a result image, the rendering system comprising an interface and a computing unit,

wherein the interface and/or the calculation unit is configured to provide a position determination image,

-wherein the calculation unit is configured to determine a result image by applying a training function to the input data comprising the position determination image, wherein the result image comprises an identification of the region to be examined, and

-wherein the interface is further configured to provide a result image.

Such a provision system can be configured in particular for carrying out the method according to the invention described above for identifying a region of a patient to be examined in a position-determining image. The providing system is configured to perform the method and aspects thereof by: the interface and the computing unit are designed to carry out corresponding method steps.

Furthermore, the invention is based on a medical imaging device having: a scanner unit, a patient receiving region at least partially enclosed by the scanner unit, a patient support device with a bed that can be moved in a horizontal direction, and a computing unit, wherein the medical imaging device is designed to carry out the method described above for automatically positioning a region of a patient to be examined in an isocenter of the medical imaging device for a medical imaging examination.

By means of the medical imaging device according to the invention, a simple and fast positioning of the region to be examined of the patient for the medical imaging examination in question can advantageously be carried out. In this way, a simplification of the positioning process can be provided, in particular for inexperienced and/or inexperienced medical operators, so that a high operating comfort can be provided for the positioning of the patient. Furthermore, the total examination time for the medical imaging examination can be reduced and also the stress situation can be minimized for the patient during the medical imaging examination in this way.

The advantages of the medical imaging apparatus according to the invention correspond substantially to the advantages described in detail above of the method according to the invention for automatically positioning a region of a patient to be examined in an isocenter of a medical imaging apparatus for medical imaging examinations. Features, advantages, or alternative embodiments mentioned herein can also be transferred to other claimed subject matter, and vice versa.

Another aspect of the invention can be a medical imaging device having: a scanner unit, a patient receiving region at least partially enclosed by the scanner unit, a patient support device with a bed that can be moved in a horizontal direction, and a provision system, wherein the provision system is designed to carry out the computer-implemented method described above for identifying a region of a patient to be examined in a position-determining image.

Furthermore, the invention is based on a computer program product which comprises a program and which is directly loadable into the memory of a programmable computing unit, having program means for performing the method for automatically positioning a region of a patient to be examined in an isocenter of a medical imaging apparatus for a medical imaging examination, when said program is run in the computing unit.

Furthermore, the invention can also comprise a computer program product which comprises the program and can be loaded directly into the memory of a programmable computing unit, which computer program product has program means for carrying out the method for identifying a region of a patient to be examined in a position-determining image when the program is run in the computing unit. The computer program product for carrying out the method for recognizing a region to be examined of a patient in a positioning image can be an integral part of the computer program product for carrying out the method for automatically positioning a region to be examined of a patient in an isocenter of a medical imaging apparatus for medical imaging examinations or can also comprise a separate computer program product.

In this case, the respective computer program may require a program mechanism, for example a library and an auxiliary function, in order to implement a corresponding embodiment of the method according to the invention. Here, each computer program can include: software with source code that also has to be compiled and linked or just interpreted; or executable software code, which for execution should only be loaded into the corresponding computing unit.

The respective computer program product according to the invention can be loaded directly into the memory of a programmable computing unit and has program code means for performing the method according to the invention when one of the computer program products is run in the computing unit. The computer program product can be or comprise a computer program, respectively. Thereby, the method according to the invention can be performed quickly, equally repeatably and robustly. The respective computer program product is configured to enable method steps of the method according to the invention to be performed by means of a computing unit. In this case, the computing units must each have prerequisites, such as, for example, a corresponding working memory, a corresponding graphics card or a corresponding logic unit, in order to be able to effectively execute the corresponding method steps. The respective computer program product is stored, for example, on a computer-readable medium or on a network or a server, from where it can be loaded into a processor of a local computing unit, which can be connected directly to the medical imaging device, in particular the magnetic resonance device, or can be formed as a part. Furthermore, the control information of the respective computer program product can be stored on an electronically readable data carrier. The control information of the electronically readable data carrier can be configured such that it executes at least one of the methods according to the invention when the data carrier is used in the computing unit. The respective computer program product can therefore also be an electronically readable data carrier. Examples of electronically readable data carriers are DVDs, magnetic tapes, hard disks or U-disks, on which electronically readable control information, in particular software (see above), is stored. All embodiments according to the invention of the above-described method can be performed when the control information (software) is read from the data carrier and stored in the control means and/or the calculation unit. The invention can therefore also be based on the computer-readable medium and/or the electronically readable data carrier.

The invention is also based on a computer-readable data carrier comprising a program which is provided for carrying out a method for automatically positioning a region of a patient to be examined in an isocenter of a medical imaging apparatus for medical imaging examinations.

Furthermore, the invention can also include a computer-readable data carrier, which contains a program, which is provided to carry out the method for identifying a region of a patient to be examined in a position-determining image.

Drawings

Further advantages, features and details of the invention emerge from the exemplary embodiments described below and from the figures.

The figures show:

figure 1 shows a schematic view of a medical imaging device according to the invention,

figure 2 shows a flow of a method for automatically positioning a region to be examined of a patient in an isocenter of a medical imaging apparatus for medical imaging examination,

FIG. 3 shows a flow of a method for identifying a region of a patient to be examined in a position-determining image, and

fig. 4 illustrates the provision of a training function.

Detailed Description

A medical imaging device 10 is schematically shown in fig. 1. In the present exemplary embodiment, the medical imaging device 10 is formed by a magnetic resonance device 11, wherein the present exemplary embodiment is explained with reference to the magnetic resonance device 10. However, the invention is not limited to the design of the medical imaging device 10 based on the magnetic resonance device 11 and other designs of the medical imaging device 10, such as for example a computed tomography device, a PET device, etc., can be considered at any time.

The magnetic resonance apparatus 11 comprises a scanner unit 12 formed by a magnet unit. Furthermore, the magnetic resonance apparatus 11 has a patient receiving region 13 for receiving a patient 14. The patient receiving region 13 in the present exemplary embodiment is designed in the form of a cylinder and is surrounded in the circumferential direction by the scanner unit 12, in particular by the magnet unit, in the form of a cylinder. In principle, however, different configurations of the patient receiving region 13 can be considered at any time. The patient 14 can be pushed and/or moved into the patient receiving region 13 by means of the patient support 15 of the magnetic resonance apparatus 11. For this purpose, the patient support device 15 has a patient table 16, which is movably configured in the patient receiving region 13. In this case, the table 16 is mounted in particular so as to be movable in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the patient receiving region 13 and/or in the z direction.

The scanner unit 12, in particular the magnet unit, comprises a superconducting basic magnet 17 for generating a strong and in particular constant basic magnetic field 18. Furthermore, the scanner unit 12, in particular the magnet unit, has a gradient coil unit 19 for generating magnetic field gradients which are used for spatial encoding during imaging. The gradient coil unit 19 is controlled by means of a gradient control unit 20 of the magnetic resonance apparatus 11. The scanner unit 12, in particular the magnet unit, also comprises a radio frequency antenna unit 21 for exciting a polarization occurring in the basic magnetic field 18 generated by the basic magnet 17. The radio frequency antenna unit 21 is controlled by a radio frequency antenna control unit 22 of the magnetic resonance apparatus 11 and injects radio frequency magnetic resonance sequences into the patient accommodation region 13 of the magnetic resonance apparatus 11.

For controlling the basic magnet 17, the gradient control unit 20 and for controlling the radio-frequency antenna control unit 22, the magnetic resonance apparatus 11 has a system control unit 23. The system control unit 23 centrally controls the magnetic resonance apparatus, such as for example, to perform a predetermined imaging gradient echo sequence. Furthermore, the system control unit 23 comprises an evaluation unit, not shown in detail, for evaluating medical image data detected during the magnetic resonance examination.

Furthermore, the magnetic resonance apparatus 11 comprises a user interface 24 connected to the system control unit 23. The control information, such as for example the imaging parameters, and the reconstructed magnetic resonance image can be shown to the medical operator on an output unit 25 of the user interface 24, for example on at least one monitor. Furthermore, the user interface 24 has an input unit 26, by means of which information and/or parameters can be input by a medical operator during a measurement process.

The magnetic resonance apparatus 11 also has a computation unit 29 for carrying out the method according to the invention for automatically positioning a region to be examined of the patient 14 in the isocenter 31 of the medical imaging apparatus 10, in particular of the magnetic resonance apparatus 11, for a medical imaging examination, in particular a magnetic resonance examination. In order to carry out the method for automatically positioning a region to be examined of the patient 14 in the isocenter 31 of the magnetic resonance apparatus 11 for a medical imaging examination, the computing unit 29 has the necessary software and/or computer programs, for example a positioning software and/or a positioning program, which are stored in a memory unit, not shown in detail, of the computing unit 19. The software and/or computer program is designed to carry out the method according to the invention for automatically positioning a region of a patient 29 to be examined in an isocenter 31 of a medical imaging apparatus 10, in particular a magnetic resonance apparatus 11, for a medical imaging examination, when the software and/or computer program is run by a processor of a computing unit 29. The computing unit 29 with the software and/or the computer program is designed in particular for automatically and/or autonomously carrying out the method according to the invention for automatically positioning a region to be examined of a patient 14 in the isocenter of a medical imaging apparatus 10, in particular a magnetic resonance apparatus 11, for a medical imaging examination.

The illustrated medical imaging device 10, in particular the magnetic resonance device 11, can obviously comprise further components which are typical of the medical imaging device 10, in particular the magnetic resonance device 11. Furthermore, the general function of the medical imaging device 10, in particular of the magnetic resonance device 11, is known to the person skilled in the art, so that a detailed description of the other components is omitted.

Fig. 2 schematically shows a flowchart of a method according to the invention for automatically positioning a region to be examined of a patient 14 for a medical imaging examination. At the beginning of the method, the patient 14 is already positioned on the table 16 of the patient support device 15. Furthermore, if necessary, all accessory units required for the medical imaging examination in question, in particular for the magnetic resonance examination, are already provided and/or positioned at the patient 14 and/or on the examination table 16. Such an accessory unit can, for example, comprise a local radio-frequency antenna unit 32 which is arranged around the region to be examined of the patient 14 for detecting, in particular, magnetic resonance signals.

In a first method step 100, a region to be examined of a patient 14 is introduced into a patient receiving region 13 of a medical imaging device 10, in particular of a magnetic resonance device 11, for position determination measurements. In this case, the table 16 of the patient support device 15 is preferably introduced, in particular moved, into the patient receiving region 13 until the region of the patient 14 to be examined is arranged in the patient receiving region 13. The introduction and/or the displacement of the table 16 into the patient accommodation region 13 is controlled by the computing unit 29, in particular automatically and/or autonomously by the computing unit 29.

In the first method step 100, the table 16 is positioned in the patient receiving area 13 until the area to be examined of the patient 14 is arranged and/or positioned in a Field of View (FOV) 33 of the medical imaging device 10, in particular of the magnetic resonance device 11.

In the first method step 100, a region of a patient 14 to be examined is introduced into the patient receiving region 13 by means of position information of the patient 14 on the patient support apparatus 15 on the patient bed 16. Here, the position information can be supplied to the calculation unit 29. Here, the position information can be provided to the calculation unit 29 on the basis of the registration data of the patient 14. The registration data of the patient 14 are preferably acquired temporally prior to a medical imaging examination, in particular a magnetic resonance examination, and are stored in a registration unit, not shown in detail, which is connected to the computing unit 29 for data exchange. The registration information can include, for example, the position and/or orientation of the patient 14 on the examination table 13. Alternatively or additionally, the registration information can also comprise examination information of the patient 14, wherein the examination information of the patient 14 comprises, for example, an examination region of the patient 14. By means of this registration information, the position of the region to be examined of the patient 14 with respect to the patient table 16 can be determined and/or estimated automatically and/or on its own by the computing unit 29, and when the patient table 16 is subsequently introduced into the patient accommodation region 13, the patient table 16 can be positioned such that the determined and/or estimated region to be examined of the patient 14 is arranged in the FOV 33 of the medical imaging device 10, in particular of the magnetic resonance device 11.

Alternatively or additionally, the position information can also be provided to the calculation unit 29 by means of the marking unit 27. The marking unit 27 can, for example, comprise an optical marking unit 27, such as, for example, an optical laser marking unit. The marking unit 27 is preferably comprised by the medical imaging device 10, in particular the magnetic resonance device 11, and is arranged outside the patient accommodation region 13. For example, optical markers, for example crosses, can be projected on the patient 14 by means of a marking unit 27, in particular an optical laser marking unit. In this case, the patient 14 or the table 16 is preferably moved until the position of the region to be examined of the patient 14 coincides with the position of the projected markers, for example the projected cross. Since the distance of the marking unit 27 from the FOV 33 and/or isocenter 31 of the medical imaging system 10, in particular of the magnetic resonance system 11, is predetermined when the marking unit 27 is fixedly mounted in the medical imaging system 10, in particular of the magnetic resonance system 11, the table 16 can be automatically and/or automatically positioned by the computing unit 29, based on the position information, when the table 16 is subsequently introduced into the patient accommodation region 13, in such a way that the region of the patient 14 to be examined is arranged in the FOV 33 of the medical imaging system 10, in particular of the magnetic resonance system 11.

Alternatively or additionally, the position information can also be provided to the calculation unit 29 from the camera data of the camera 28. The camera 28 is preferably comprised by the medical imaging device 10, in particular the magnetic resonance device 11. The camera 28 is preferably arranged on a wall and/or a roof of an examination room in which the medical imaging device 10, in particular the magnetic resonance device 11, is arranged. Furthermore, the camera 28 comprises a 2D camera and/or a 3D camera, so that 2D camera data and/or 3D camera data can be provided as position information to the calculation unit 29. From the provided camera data, a surface image of the patient 14 can be automatically and/or autonomously ascertained and/or determined by the computing unit 29. From the surface images, the patient 14 can then be automatically and/or automatically segmented into individual regions, in particular individual body regions, by means of the computing unit 29. Furthermore, the position with respect to the examination table 16 can be determined and/or estimated automatically and/or autonomously by the calculation unit 29 for the respective sub-area, in particular for the respective sub-area body area. The region to be examined of the patient 14 can be automatically and/or autonomously associated by the computing unit 29 with one of the subarea regions, in particular one of the subarea body regions. In this case, when the table 16 is subsequently introduced into the patient accommodation region 13, the table 16 can be automatically and/or automatically positioned by the computing unit 29 such that the subarea region which includes the region to be examined of the patient 14 is arranged in the FOV 33 of the medical imaging device 10, in particular of the magnetic resonance device 11.

In a second method step 101, which follows the first method step 100, position determination measurements are carried out by means of the medical imaging device 10, in particular the magnetic resonance device 11, and position determination image data are detected. The position-determining image data are detected by means of position-determining measurements. The execution of the position determination measurements is controlled automatically and/or autonomously by the calculation unit 29. For the position determination measurement, the measurement parameters are set by the calculation unit 29 such that an extended and/or maximum FOV 33 is available at the time of the position determination measurement. The extended and/or maximum FOV 33 also includes the border region of the examination region within the patient accommodation region 13 of the medical imaging device 10, in particular of the magnetic resonance device 11, in which border region the ideal physical image examination conditions no longer exist. Although this may lead to distortions in the detected image data, in particular in the position-determining image data, it is sufficient for the position-determining measurement of the region to be examined of the patient 14 with respect to the isocenter 31 of the medical imaging apparatus 10, in particular of the magnetic resonance apparatus 11.

Particularly advantageously, the extended and/or maximum FOV 33 comprises the following regions: the region is at least 1.2 times larger than the FOV of an imaging measurement used for clinical and/or diagnostic purposes. Particularly advantageously, the extended and/or maximum FOV 33 comprises the following regions: the region is at least 1.3 times larger than the FOV of an imaging measurement used for clinical and/or diagnostic purposes. Particularly advantageously, the extended and/or maximum FOV 33 comprises the following regions: the region is at least 1.4 times larger than the FOV of an imaging measurement used for clinical and/or diagnostic purposes. Particularly advantageously, the extended and/or maximum FOV 33 comprises the following regions: the region is at least 1.5 times larger than the FOV of an imaging measurement used for clinical and/or diagnostic purposes.

The position determination measurement in the second method step 101 is performed with a lower resolution and/or a lower resolution than the resolution of the diagnostic and/or medical imaging measurement, in particular the magnetic resonance measurement. For this purpose, the measuring parameters are set by the computing unit 29 before the position determination measurement, in each case automatically and/or autonomously. The position determination measurement can be performed particularly quickly due to the small and/or low resolution of the position determination measurement. The position determination measurement in the second method step 101 preferably lasts at most 10 s. Particularly advantageously, the position determination measurement is carried out for a maximum of 8 s. Particularly advantageously, the position determination measurement is carried out for a maximum of 6 s. Particularly advantageously, the position determination measurement is carried out for a maximum of 5 s. Particularly advantageously, the position determination measurement is performed for at most 4 s. Particularly advantageously, the position determination measurement is carried out for at most 3 s.

In a third method step 102, which follows the second method step 101, the position-determining image data detected in the second method step 101 is automatically and/or autonomously evaluated by means of the computing unit 29. On the basis of the position-determining image data, the region of the patient 14 to be examined is automatically and/or automatically determined in the position-determining image data by means of the computing unit 29. For this purpose, a position-determining image is first created automatically and/or autonomously by the computing unit 29, and the region of the patient 14 to be examined is automatically and/or autonomously identified in the position-determining image.

In order to identify the region of the patient 14 to be examined in the position-determination image, a computer-implemented method, in particular a machine learning method, is initiated in a third method step 102 for identifying the region of the patient 14 to be examined in the position-determination image. Such a computer-implemented method for identifying a region of a patient 14 to be examined in a position-determining image is shown in detail in fig. 3. The computer-implemented method for recognizing a region of the patient 14 to be examined in the position-determining image is carried out with the aid of the provision system 30. In the present embodiment, the providing system 30 is comprised by the computing unit 29. In an alternative embodiment, provision system 30 can also be formed separately from computing unit 29 and be connected to computing unit 29 via a data transmission unit. The provision system 30 preferably comprises its own processor unit and/or computing unit, which are not shown in detail. Furthermore, the provision system 30 has an interface, not shown in detail, by means of which input data, in particular position-determining images, can be provided.

In a first substep 102.1 of the computer-implemented method for recognizing a region to be examined of the patient 14 in a position-determining image, a position-determining image is first provided, wherein the position-determining image preferably comprises the region to be examined of the patient 14 and/or the region to be examined of the patient 14 is depicted in the position-determining image (fig. 3).

In a second sub-step 102.2, a result image EB is determined by applying a training function TF to the input data comprising the position determination image, wherein the result image EB comprises an identification of the region to be examined of the patient 14 (fig. 3). The training function TF is stored in the providing system 30 or provided in the providing system 30 to a computer-implemented method for identifying a region to be examined of the patient 14 in the position-determining image.

Subsequently, in an immediately subsequent third sub-step 102.3, a result image EB (fig. 3) is provided. The result image EB here comprises, in particular, a position-determining image with the identified region to be examined of the patient 14. For example, the identified region to be examined of the patient 14 can be marked in the position determination image. The resulting image EB is preferably provided by means of the provision system 30, in particular an interface of the provision system 30. The resulting image EB is provided by a provision system 30 of the calculation unit 29 for positioning the region to be examined of the patient 14 in the isocenter 31 of the medical imaging apparatus 10, in particular of the magnetic resonance apparatus 11.

In this case, the recognition of the region of the patient 14 to be examined within the position determination image can be based in particular on machine learning methods, also referred to as deep learning methods, which are based on artificial neural networks. An artificial neural network (KNN), in particular a training function TF, is a network of artificial neurons, which is simulated in a computer program. Here, the artificial neural network, in particular the training function TF, is typically based on the networking of a plurality of artificial neurons. Here, artificial neurons are typically arranged on different layers (layers). In general, an artificial neural network, in particular a training function TF, comprises an input layer and an output layer (output layer), the neuron outputs of which are visible as neuron outputs unique to the artificial neural network, in particular the training function TF. The layer between the input layer and the output layer is typically referred to as a hidden layer. Typically, the architecture and/or topology of the artificial neural network, in particular the training function TF, is first initialized and then trained in a training phase for a specific task or for a plurality of tasks in the training phase. The training of the artificial neural network, in particular the training function TF, here typically comprises: the weight of the connection between the artificial neural network, in particular between two artificial neurons of the training function TF, is changed. Training the artificial neural network, in particular the training function TF, can also comprise: establishing new connections between artificial neurons, deleting existing connections between artificial neurons, adjusting thresholds of artificial neurons, and/or adding or deleting artificial neurons.

In particular, in the preparation phase, it is already suitable to recognize the region to be examined of the patient 14 in the position-determining image for training the artificial neural network, in particular the function TF. In this case, for training the artificial neural network, in particular the training function TF, in particular a training image data set T1, T2 is used, in which, for example in the position determination image, the region of the patient 14 to be examined is already associated with examination information and/or anatomical information of the patient 14 (fig. 4). Here, the medical training data sets T1, T2 are typically obtained by training personnel and/or training patients different from the patient 14.

The training function TF can be based on at least one training image data set T1, T2 with training data, wherein the training data comprise position-determining images with characteristic shapes of the region to be examined, which are associated with the region of the patient 14 to be examined. If the region to be examined of the patient 14 comprises an organ, for example, the associated characteristic shape can comprise the shape of the organ, such as, for example, the shape of the liver and/or the shape of the heart. Furthermore, the associated feature shapes can also include the shape of bones and/or blood vessels, etc., that are disposed within the region of the patient 14 to be examined.

Alternatively or additionally, the training function TF can also be based on at least one training image data set T1, T2 with training data, wherein the training data comprise position-determining images with landmark identifications of the region to be examined of the patient 14 associated with the region to be examined. The roadmap preferably comprises typical points in the image which can be precisely associated with a specific organ and/or a specific joint and/or a specific body region. On the basis of this identification, a training function TF can advantageously be provided for quickly identifying the region to be examined of the patient 14 in the position-determining image.

Alternatively or additionally, the training function RF can also be based on at least one training image data set T1, T2 with training data, wherein the training data comprise position determination images, wherein organ mechanisms and/or body structures of the region to be examined are segmented in association with the region to be examined of the patient 14.

Preferably, the position-determining image here comprises a 2D position-determining image. Furthermore, the training data of the at least one training image dataset T1, T2 of the training function here likewise comprise 2D image data in order to obtain a rapidly identifiable assessment of the region to be examined of the patient 14.

In a third method step 102, after the region to be examined of the patient 14 is identified, the position of the region to be examined of the patient 14 is also determined. In this case, the position of the region to be examined of the patient 14 with respect to the isocenter 31 of the medical imaging system 10, in particular of the magnetic resonance system 11, is determined automatically and/or autonomously by the computing unit 29. In particular, the distance of the region to be examined of the patient 14 from the isocenter 31 of the medical imaging system 10, in particular of the magnetic resonance system 11, can be determined by the computing unit 29. In this case, the determination of the position of the region to be examined of the patient 14 with respect to the isocenter 31 of the medical imaging system 10, in particular of the magnetic resonance system 10, is preferably carried out by the computing unit 29 on the basis of the resulting image EB provided in the computer-implemented method for detecting the region to be examined of the patient 14.

In a fourth method step 103, which follows the third method step 102 of evaluating the position determination image data, the patient 14 is automatically positioned. In this case, the automatic positioning of the patient 14 takes place in such a way that, after the positioning of the patient 14, the position of the region to be examined of the patient 14 corresponds to the position of the isocenter 31 of the medical imaging system 10, in particular of the magnetic resonance system 11. The automatic and/or autonomous positioning of the region to be examined of the patient 14 comprises an automatic movement of the table 16 until the region to be examined of the patient 14 coincides with the isocenter 31 of the medical imaging system 10, in particular of the magnetic resonance system 11. The table 16 is automatically controlled by the computer unit 29 for moving the table 16.

In a further method step 104, in particular in a fifth method step 104 comprising a planning step, the planning measurements are automatically performed by the medical imaging apparatus 10, in particular the magnetic resonance apparatus 11. Planning measurement data are detected by means of the planning measurement for planning a medical imaging examination, in particular a magnetic resonance examination, of the region to be examined of the patient 14. By automatically positioning the region to be examined of the patient 14 in the isocenter 31 of the medical imaging device, in particular of the magnetic resonance device 11, the region to be examined of the patient 14 is therefore optimally positioned in the patient receiving region, in particular in the isocenter 31, for planning measurements and also for subsequent medical imaging examinations, in particular magnetic resonance examinations.

The planning measurement in the fifth method step 104 is carried out with a smaller and/or lower resolution than the resolution of the diagnostic and/or medical imaging measurement, in particular the magnetic resonance measurement. For this purpose, the measurement parameters are set by the computing unit 29 correspondingly automatically and/or autonomously before the planning of the measurement. Due to the smaller and/or lower resolution of the planning measurements, the planning measurements can be performed particularly quickly.

In the fifth method step, a planning image is automatically generated and/or created by the calculation unit 29 from the planning measurement data of the planning measurement, wherein the planning image comprises an enlargement of the region to be examined of the patient 14. In particular, the region of the patient 14 to be examined in the planning image is shown in a zoom image.

Subsequently, with the aid of the planning image, in particular with an enlargement of a part of the region to be examined of the patient 14, the medical imaging examination can be planned by a user, in particular a medical operator, and/or a planning unit. Such a planning unit can be comprised by the calculation unit 29 or can also be formed separately from the calculation unit. In particular, with the aid of the planning image, individual examination parameters for the medical imaging examination in question can be set and/or defined by a user, in particular a medical operator, and/or a planning unit, depending on the planning image. For example, for a magnetic resonance examination, the slice thickness and/or the slice position and/or the slice orientation and/or the number of slices to be recorded and the like can be determined and/or set by a user, in particular a medical operator, and/or a planning unit from the planning images.

In the fifth method step 104, at least one adjustment measurement for the medical imaging examination, in particular magnetic resonance examination, in question can also be carried out during the provision of the planning image and/or during the planning of the medical imaging examination, in particular magnetic resonance examination.

Furthermore, in the fifth method step 104, after the planning of the medical imaging examination, in particular the magnetic resonance examination, is performed, the planning data can be automatically and/or automatically examined by means of the calculation unit 29. Furthermore, output information can be generated automatically by the computing unit 29 as a function of the examination and output to a user, in particular a medical operator, by means of the user interface 24, in particular the output unit 25 of the user interface 24. Preferably, after a successful planning of the medical imaging examination, in particular of the magnetic resonance examination, the medical imaging examination, in particular the magnetic resonance examination, is carried out on the region to be examined of the patient 14 on the basis of the planning image with the measurement parameters set in the fifth method step.

If the medical imaging examination comprises a magnetic resonance examination, it can also be provided in the method for automatically positioning a region to be examined of the patient 14 in the isocenter 31 of the magnetic resonance apparatus 11 for the magnetic resonance examination that, in a further, in particular optional, sixth method step 105, information of the radio-frequency antenna unit 32 for the planned magnetic resonance examination is determined from the position-determining image data. The radio-frequency antenna unit 32 here comprises a local radio-frequency antenna unit 32 which is arranged around the region to be examined of the patient 14 for the detection of magnetic resonance image data.

Here, the detected information of the radio frequency antenna unit 32 can include: the type of the rf antenna elements 32 and/or the location of the rf antenna elements 32 and/or the orientation of the rf antenna elements 32. Furthermore, in the sixth method step 105, the detected information of the radio-frequency antenna unit 32 is automatically compared by the calculation unit 29 with the examination information and/or the patient registration information and/or the desired position for the radio-frequency antenna unit 32. In this way it is possible to check by the calculation unit 29: whether the correct local radio frequency antenna element 32 is to be used for the magnetic resonance examination at hand. Furthermore, in the sixth method step 105, it can be checked by the calculation unit 29 whether the local radio-frequency antenna elements 32 arranged around the region to be examined of the patient 14 are correctly positioned. In this case, output information can be generated for the user on the basis of a comparison of the detected information of the radio-frequency antenna unit 32 with the examination information and/or the patient registration information and/or the desired position of the radio-frequency antenna unit 32 and output to the user by means of the user interface 24, in particular the output unit 25 of the user interface 34.

While the details of the invention have been illustrated and described in detail in the preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

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Method for automatically positioning a region of a patient to be examined for a medical imaging examination and medical imaging device designed for carrying out the method

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