U.S. patent application number 11/042156 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-07 for process for calibration of a medical-technical device and a medical-technical device.
This patent application is currently assigned to SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT. Invention is credited to Herrmann, Wolfgang, Hofmann, Detlef, Welsing, Stephan.
Application Number | 20050149283 11/042156 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 7699574 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050149283 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Herrmann, Wolfgang ; et
al. |
July 7, 2005 |
Process for calibration of a medical-technical device and a
medical-technical device
Abstract
The invention relates to a process for calibration of a
medical-technical device which is in operation as a result of
mounting a new component on the medical-technical device. The
invention moreover relates to a medical-technical device which is
made such that it automatically identifies the new component when a
new component is mounted on the medical-technical device and
displays the necessary steps for calibration of the
medical-technical device based on the identification. The
medical-technical device however can also be made such that it
automatically identifies the newly attached component after its
identification.
Inventors: |
Herrmann, Wolfgang;
(Herzogenaurach, DE) ; Hofmann, Detlef; (Erlangen,
DE) ; Welsing, Stephan; (Hochstadt, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
YOUNG & THOMPSON
745 SOUTH 23RD STREET
2ND FLOOR
ARLINGTON
VA
22202
US
|
Assignee: |
SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
MUNCHEN
DE
|
Family ID: |
7699574 |
Appl. No.: |
11/042156 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11042156 |
Jan 26, 2005 |
|
|
|
10246655 |
Sep 19, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
702/85 ;
600/410 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 6/583 20130101;
A61B 5/055 20130101; A61B 90/98 20160201; A61B 6/4488 20130101;
A61B 17/22004 20130101; A61B 2560/0271 20130101; A61B 8/00
20130101; A61B 6/4494 20130101; H01J 35/025 20130101; A61B 6/56
20130101; A61B 90/90 20160201; A61B 2017/00725 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
702/085 ;
600/410 |
International
Class: |
G01D 018/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 19, 2001 |
DE |
101 46 210.7 |
Claims
1. Process for calibration of a medical-technical device which is
in operation as a result of the attachment of a new component to
the medical-technical device, which comprises the following process
steps: automatically identifying the new component by the
medical-technical device and based on the identification of the new
component, displaying the steps necessary for calibration of the
medical-technical device by the latter.
2. Process as claimed in claim 1, in which the new component
replaces a component of the medical-technical device.
3. Process as claimed in claim 1, in which the new component is a
component which can be attached additionally to the
medical-technical device.
4. Process as claimed in claim 1, in which the new component has a
part which comprises a data record which is suitable for
identification of the new component.
5. Process as claimed in claim 4, in which the data record
comprises a serial number, an inspection number and/or a material
number of the new component.
6. Process as claimed in claim 4, in which the data record
comprises at least one important characteristic of the new
component.
7. Process as claimed in claim 4, in which the medical-technical
device identifies the new component by its reading out the data
record of the part of the new component with the computer of the
medical-technical device.
8. Process as claimed in claim 1, in which the medical-technical
device is a magnetic resonance device, a computer tomograph, an
x-ray device, a lithotripter, an ultrasonic device, an isotope
scanner or a device for radiation therapy.
9. Medical-technical device which comprises means for automatically
identifying a new component when the new component is mounted on
the medical-technical device, and means for displaying the
necessary steps for calibration of the medical-technical device
based on the identification.
10. Medical-technical device as claimed in claim 9, in which the
new component replaces the component of the medical-technical
device.
11. Medical-technical device as claimed in claim 9, in which the
new component is a component to be mounted additionally on the
medical-technical device.
12. Medical-technical device as claimed in claim 9, in which the
new component has a part which comprises a data record which is
suitable for identification of the new component.
13. Medical-technical device as claimed in claim 12, in which the
data record comprises an entry about the serial number, the
inspection number and/or the material number of the new
component.
14. Medical-technical device as claimed in claim 12, in which the
data record comprises an entry about at least one important
characteristic of the new component.
15. Medical-technical device as claimed in claim 12, in which the
medical-technical device identifies the new component by its
reading out the data record of the part of the new component with
the computer of the medical-technical device.
16. Medical-technical device as claimed in claim 9, which is a
magnetic resonance device, a computer tomograph, an x-ray device, a
lithotripter, an ultrasonic device, an isotope scanner or a device
for radiation therapy.
Description
[0001] This application is a division of co-pending application
Ser. No. 10/246,655, filed on Sep. 19, 2002, the entire contents of
which are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a process for calibration of a
medical-technical device which is in operation as a result of
mounting a new component on the medical-technical device. The
invention moreover relates to a medical-technical device which is
made such that it automatically identifies the new component when
the latter is mounted on the medical-technical device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] If in a medical-technical device which is in operation a
replacement part or an additional component is installed or
connected, a service technician who is installing or connecting the
replacement part or the additional component must generally
recalibrate the medical-technical device. The concept of
"calibration" is understood in its widest sense in connection with
this application. Calibration is defined among others as the
adjustment of the medical-technical device including the new
component, or when the new component is for example a software
update, configuration of the computer which comprises the
medical-technical device. The service technician during calibration
can consult suitable manuals which include instructions for
calibration of the medical-technical device.
[0004] Based on legal regulations the manufacturer of the
medical-technical device when the replacement part or additional
component is installed must keep a record of the installed
replacement part or the installed additional component and about
the corresponding medical-technical device. Therefore the service
technician after completion of the installation notates the
identification number assigned to the installed replacement part or
the installed additional component, for example a material number,
a serial number, or an inspection number of the replacement part or
the additional component, and communicates this to the central
administrative department of the manufacturer. In the
administrative department these identification numbers are entered
in a suitable database or card file.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The object of the invention is therefore to devise a process
and a medical-technical device such that there is the prerequisite
for easier calibration of the medical-technical device on which the
new component is located.
[0006] The first object of the invention is achieved by a process
for calibration of a medical-technical device which is in operation
as a result of the attachment of a new component to the
medical-technical device, having the following process steps:
[0007] automatic identification of the new component by the
medical-technical device and based on the identification of the new
component, display of the steps necessary for calibration of the
medical-technical device by the latter.
[0008] The first object of the invention is also achieved by a
process for calibration of a medical-technical device which is in
operation as a result of mounting a new component on the
medical-technical device, having the following process steps:
[0009] automatic identification of the new component by the
medical-technical device and based on the identification of the new
component, automatic calibration of the medical-technical
device.
[0010] Therefore a new component is mounted on the
medical-technical device which is in operation, therefore which has
already been installed and is being used properly. The new
component replaces, for example, according to versions of the
invention, a component of the medical-technical device or is
mounted additionally on the medical-technical device. The new
component is thus especially a replacement part or retrofit of the
medical-technical device. As a result of the mounting of the new
component on the medical-technical device, which can be for example
installation or connection of the new component or reading in new
software into the computer which has the medical-technical device,
the medical-technical device must generally be recalibrated. The
concept "calibration of the medical-technical device" should
otherwise be understood in the widest sense. It comprises
especially necessary adjustments on the medical-technical device or
the newly mounted component and also configuration of the computer
so that the medical-technical device is ready again for operation
in the proper manner with the newly mounted component.
[0011] As claimed in the invention the medical-technical device
automatically identifies the new component which has been newly
mounted on the medical-technical device. Then, the
medical-technical device for example with a monitor of the
medical-technical device displays the individual steps which are
necessary for the calibration of the medical-technical device and
which then are carried out by the service technician who has
mounted the new component on the medical-technical device. Thus the
service technician does not need to consult the manual for
calibration. But all necessary steps for calibration of the
medical-technical device are displayed to him. Therefore he is
guided by the medical-technical device through the individual steps
of calibration which are to be carried out.
[0012] Instead of displayed steps, the medical-technical device can
also be automatically calibrated. Based on the identification of
the new component, for example a computer program stored in the
computer of the medical-technical device can be automatically
retrieved, which thereupon automatically executes the steps
necessary for calibration of the medical-technical device. These
steps can be among others automatically taken measurements.
Consequently the service technician must simply mount the new
component on the medical-technical device. The necessary measures
for calibration of the medical-technical device are then either
carried out automatically or the steps which the service technician
is to carry out are displayed. Thus the medical-technical device
can be quickly, reliably and easily transferred again into a
serviceable state as a result of installation of an additional
component or based on replacement of a component. Calibration is
consequently facilitated, by which expensive work time can be
saved.
[0013] According to one especially preferred embodiment of the
invention, it is provided that the new component has a part which
comprises a data record suitable for identification of the new
component. This data record according to versions of the invention
comprises a serial number, an inspection number and/or a material
number and/or at least one important characteristic of the new
component. This data record is read out according to one especially
preferred version of the invention by the computer of the
medical-technical device so that the medical-technical device
identifies the new component. A part which is suitable for the
purposes of the process as claimed in the invention is described
for example in U.S. Pat. No. 5,994,770, reference to the disclosure
contents of which is hereby made. The part of U.S. Pat. No.
5,994,770 is a part for storage of data for identifying products.
This part can be read out electronically.
[0014] According to another version of the invention, it is
provided that after identification of the new component the
medical-technical device sends a message to a central data
processing system, the message comprising an entry about the
medical-technical device and the new component. As stated in the
introduction, manufacturers of medical-technical devices are
legally mandated to keep a record of installed or supplied
components of the medical-technical device. As claimed in the
invention therefore the medical-technical device, after it has
identified the new component, generates the message and sends it to
the central data processing system. The central data processing
system can be located for example in the headquarters of the
manufacturer. Based on the message sent to the central data
processing system it is possible for the manufacturer to easily
acquire delivered and/or installed components of medical-technical
devices and to keep the legally mandated record. The manufacturer
is thus able to easily keep information about the location of
components of medical-technical devices manufactured, installed or
delivered by him.
[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the message
comprises an entry about the serial number, material number and/or
an inspection number of the new component.
[0016] If according to one especially preferred embodiment of the
invention the message is generated after calibration of the
medical-technical device and is sent to the central data processing
system and if it comprises the data generated during calibration,
proper installation of the new component can be easily monitored
and recorded.
[0017] According to one version of the invention the message is
transmitted via a long-distance data transmission means, as for
example the telephone network or the Internet, to the central data
processing system.
[0018] According to one version, the medical-technical device is a
magnetic resonance device, a computer tomograph, an x-ray device, a
lithotripter, an ultrasonic device, an isotope scanner or a device
for radiation therapy. An isotope scanner is used otherwise
especially in nuclear medicine.
[0019] The second object of the invention is achieved by a
medical-technical device which is made such that it automatically
identifies the new component when the latter is mounted on the
medical-technical device and displays the necessary steps for
calibration of the medical-technical device based on the
identification.
[0020] The second object of the invention is likewise achieved by a
medical-technical device which is made such that it automatically
identifies the new component when the latter is mounted on the
medical-technical device and automatically carries out calibration
based on the identification.
[0021] Mounting of a new component which according to embodiments
of the invention replaces a component of the medical-technical
device or is mounted additionally on the medical-technical device,
is for example the installation or connection of the new component.
Mounting can also be however copying of a software update onto a
computer which comprises the medical-technical device. After
mounting the new component, the medical-technical device as claimed
in the invention automatically recognizes the new component and
thereupon for example on a display of the medical-technical device
displays the necessary steps for calibration of the
medical-technical device. The calibration steps can then be carried
out by the service technician. Alternatively the medical-technical
device, after it has identified the new component, can be
automatically calibrated. Calibration in this connection means
especially resetting the medical-technical device with the newly
mounted component, which resetting is necessary due to the mounting
of the new component. If it is a software update, calibration of
the medical-technical device in particular is reconfiguration of
the computer of the medical-technical device which may have become
necessary.
[0022] Advantageous embodiments of the invention result from the
dependent claims. Thus, according to one embodiment of the
invention, among others it is provided that the new component has a
part which comprises a data record which is suitable for
identification of the new component. In this component, as is
described for example in U.S. Pat. No. 5,994,770, according to one
embodiment of the invention a serial number, an inspection number
and/or a material number of the new component can be stored. The
data record of the part can also comprise an entry about at least
one important characteristic of the new component, according to
another version of the invention.
[0023] Consequently it is possible for the medical-technical device
to identify the new component by its reading out the data record of
the part of the new component with the computer of the
medical-technical device, as is provided especially according to
one version of the invention.
[0024] As already described in the introduction, manufacturers of
medical-technical devices are obligated to keep a record of
installed replacement parts and new components. In one especially
advantageous embodiment of the invention it is therefore provided
that the medical-technical device after identification of the new
component generates a message and sends it to a central data
processing system, the message comprising an entry about the
medical-technical device and the new component. In the central data
processing system, based on the message for example it is easily
possible to store in a database where and in which
medical-technical device the new component, for example, the
replacement part or the newly mounted component, is installed.
Manual detection of the newly mounted part is thus eliminated, by
which reliable detection of the newly arranged component is greatly
simplified.
[0025] The message can comprise especially according to one version
of the invention an entry about a serial number, a material number
and/or an inspection number of the new component.
[0026] If according to one especially preferred version of the
invention, during calibration the data assigned to calibration are
generated and these data are transmitted at least as part of the
message to the central data processing system after completion of
calibration, in the central data processing system a record can be
additionally kept about the correct arrangement of the new
component. Moreover, it is easily possible to centrally monitor
whether the medical-technical device has been properly
calibrated.
[0027] According to another version of the invention, the message
is sent via a long-distance data transmission means to the central
data processing system. The long-distance data transmission means
is for example the Internet, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital
Network) or a suitable telephone network.
[0028] According to another version of the invention the
medical-technical device is a magnetic resonance device, a computer
tomograph, an x-ray device, an lithotripter, an ultrasonic device,
an isotope scanner or a device for radiation therapy. If for
example the medical-technical device as claimed in the invention is
a magnetic resonance device and a customer as an option buys an
additional head coil for the magnetic resonance device, the head
coil is delivered to the customer and then installed in the
magnetic resonance device by the service technician. After
installing the head coil the magnetic resonance device
automatically recognizes the serial number, the inspection number
and the material number of the head coil and acquires them. Then
the magnetic resonance device automatically initiates the
corresponding electrical calibration and in doing so prepares
calibration tables, for example. In the course of this electrical
calibration, individual steps to be carried out by the service
technician can be displayed on the display of the magnetic
resonance device. The electrical calibration can however also be
carried out independently by the magnetic resonance device. Within
a very short time the customer can use the new head coil. Moreover,
the data electronically acquired by the magnetic resonance device
can be remotely transmitted to the headquarters of the manufacturer
of the magnetic resonance device. In the main headquarters is the
central data processing system in which the electronically acquired
data are stored in a special database. With the data stored in the
database thus a record of the delivered and installed option, i.e.
the aforementioned head coil, is easily possible.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] One embodiment of the invention is shown by way of example
in the schematics.
[0030] FIG. 1 shows a computer tomograph,
[0031] FIG. 2 shows an x-ray tube and
[0032] FIG. 3 shows a flowchart.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] FIG. 1 shows by way of example and schematically a side view
of a computer tomograph 1 with an annularly made gantry 2 which is
supported on the stationary housing 3 of the computer tomograph 1
to be able to turn in the direction of the arrow a around an axis
of rotation 4 aligned at a right angle to the axis of the paper of
FIG. 1. The housing 3 of the computer tomograph 1 in the case of
this embodiment is not detailed.
[0034] On the gantry 2 there are several components which in the
case of this embodiment comprise an x-ray source 5, a radiation
detector 6 opposite the x-ray source 5, and a cooling means 7 which
is not detailed for dissipating the heat which is produced by the
x-ray tube of the x-ray source 5 in operation of the computer
tomograph 1. In operation of the computer tomograph 1 the gantry 2
rotates around the axis 4 of rotation, a fan-shaped x-ray beam
emerging from the x-ray source 5 penetrating the measurement field
9 at different projection angles and striking the radiation
detector 6. From the output signals of the radiation detector 6
which arise a data acquisition device 10 forms the measured values
which are sent to the control computer 11 of the computer tomograph
1. The control computer 11 computes therefrom a picture of the
patient who is in the measurement field 9 and who is not shown in
FIG. 1. In the case of this embodiment the data acquisition device
10 is connected to the control computer 11 with an electrical line
12 which contains for example a slip ring system or a wireless
transmission section in a manner which is not shown. The electrical
connections of the x-ray source 5 and of the radiation detector 6
are accomplished in a conventional manner which is not shown. The
picture computed by the control computer 11 can then be viewed with
the monitor 18 which is connected to the control computer 11 with
an electrical line 19.
[0035] In the case of this embodiment, the x-ray tube of the x-ray
device 5 is defective. It was therefore replaced by a service
technician 14 with the x-ray tube 20 shown in FIG. 2. The x-ray
tube 20 in the case of this embodiment comprises an electronic part
21 which is mounted on the x-ray tube 20. The part 21 stores a data
record which in the case of this embodiment comprises the serial,
material and inspection numbers of the x-ray tube 20. An electrical
voltage necessary for operation of the part 21 takes place via an
electrical line 13 which in a manner not shown comprises a slip
ring system and with which the part 21 after installation of the
x-ray tube 20 in the computer tomograph 1 is connected to the
control computer 11 of the computer tomograph. One embodiment of
the component 21 is otherwise described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,994,770,
the disclosure contents of which are hereby included (step A of the
flow chart shown in FIG. 3).
[0036] In the case of this embodiment, data are also transmitted
from the part 21 via the electrical line 13 to the control computer
11 so that after connection of the x-ray tube 20 a computer program
stored in the control computer 11 reads out the data record stored
in the part 21. As a result of reading out of the data record the
computer program stored in the control computer 11 automatically
identifies the newly mounted x-ray tube 20 (step B of the flow
chart shown in FIG. 3).
[0037] Based on the identification of the newly mounted x-ray tube
20 on the computer tomograph 1 the computer program stored in the
control computer 1 begins to automatically reset the computer
tomograph 1 with the newly connected x-ray tube 20. During the
automatic adjustment it is necessary among others for the service
technician 14 to carry out individual steps for making the
adjustments. The computer program stored in the control computer 11
is therefore executed such that it displays these necessary steps
to the service technician 14 on the monitor 18. One example of this
step is triggering of the x-radiation of the x-ray tube for test
purposes (step C of the flow chart shown in FIG. 3).
[0038] During adjustment of the computer tomograph 1, the computer
program stored in the control computer 11 generates another data
record that checks whether the computer tomograph 1 has been
properly set so that it can be used properly again. The further
data record likewise comprises an entry about the serial number,
the material number, and the inspection number of the x-ray tube 20
and an entry for identification of the computer tomograph 1. This
data record is stored in the case of this embodiment in a database
11a of the control computer 11.
[0039] In the case of this embodiment, the control computer 11 of
the computer tomograph 1 is moreover connected to the public
telephone network 15 so that it can transmit data to the data
processing system 17 which is likewise connected to the public
telephone network 15. The data processing system 17 is located in
the case of this embodiment in an office 16 of the manufacturer of
the computer tomograph 1.
[0040] After the computer tomograph 1 has been adjusted, the
control computer 11 automatically transmits the other data record
generated during adjustment of the computer tomograph 1 to the data
processing system 17. The data processing system 17 furthermore
comprises a database 17a in which this other data record is stored.
Since the other data record comprises information suitable for
identification of the x-ray tube 20 and for identification of the
computer tomograph 1, it can be used for the legally mandated
record of the location of the installed x-ray tube 20 (step D of
the flow chart shown in FIG. 3).
[0041] In the case of this embodiment the installation of a
replacement part in the form of the x-ray tube 20 in the computer
tomograph 1 is described. Other components of the computer
tomograph 1, such as for example the gantry 2, the radiation
detector 6, the cooling means 7, the data acquisition device 10,
the control computer 11, etc. can likewise be replaced by a
suitable replacement part.
[0042] But it is also possible for the additional component, for
example a laser light sight, to be connected to the computer
tomograph 1. Here a new component can also be a software update and
the adjustment of the computer tomograph 1 can be reconfiguration
of the control computer 11 which is necessary because of a software
update.
[0043] The process as claimed in the invention can also be used for
another medical-technical device, such as for example for a
magnetic resonance device, a lithotripter, an ultrasonic device, an
x-ray device, an isotope scanner or a device for radiation therapy.
A medical-technical device as claimed in the invention need not
necessarily be a computer tomograph.
[0044] The described embodiment is otherwise only of an exemplary
nature.
* * * * *