Apparatus and method to support monitoring of a patient
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12348905-B2
Publication Date
2025-07-01
Expiration Date
2042-09-12
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Abstract
A monitoring system for monitoring a patient in an examination space of an imaging apparatus may include an interface, a computing device and an output device. The interface can receive process data of the imaging examination and transfer it to the computing device. The computing device may process the process data and control the output device to provide an item of information of the imaging examination based on the process data. The monitoring system enables visual monitoring of the patient and of the item of information using the output device.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a monitoring system for monitoring a patient in an examination space of an imaging apparatus. It includes an interface that receives process data related to the imaging examination, a computing unit that processes the process data, and an output device controlled to display information related to the imaging examination based on the process data. The system allows visual monitoring of both the patient and the imaging examination information simultaneously using the output device.
The monitoring system improves patient monitoring during imaging examinations where medical staff must monitor the patient from a separate control room due to environmental constraints like strong magnetic fields or ionizing radiation. Conventional monitoring windows for patient observation are costly and may not always allow adequate monitoring due to structural or procedural limitations. The invention addresses these issues by integrating process data and patient visuals in the user's field of view, thereby reducing distraction and enhancing monitoring quality.
Claims Coverage
The patent claims cover a monitoring system and method with multiple inventive features related to receiving and processing process data, determining patient position, selecting primary camera views, and displaying information to a user.
Interface configuration to receive process data including optical image data from multiple cameras
The system includes an interface configured to receive process data of an imaging examination, wherein the process data includes optical image data from a plurality of cameras.
Computing device processing including patient position determination and primary camera selection
The computing device processes received process data by determining the patient's position relative to the imaging apparatus and selects a primary camera based on this position to optimize the view provided to the user.
Output device generation of visual representation including images of the primary camera
The output device generates a visual representation of the imaging examination information based on the process data, including displaying images from the primary camera to enable simultaneous visual monitoring of the patient and the information.
Output device as projector to overlay information on monitoring window
The output device can be a projector configured to project imaging examination information onto a monitoring window, allowing the user to view the patient while overlaying information in the user's field of vision through the window.
Output device includes a transparent screen for overlaying information
The output device may include a transparent screen allowing the user to view the examination space through it, with the computing device controlling overlay of examination information on the user's field of vision through the transparent screen.
Use of cameras positioned in examination space to capture patient image data
The system includes one or more cameras positioned in the examination space to capture optical image data of the patient, transmitted to the interface and used by the computing device to create images for output.
Inclusion of sensors capturing varied process data including medical parameters
At least one sensor in the examination space captures process data such as medical parameters of the patient, parameters of imaging components, or measurements from medical devices, which the interface receives and transfers to the computing device.
Interface with signal link to imaging apparatus to receive process data
The interface is configured to have a signal link to the imaging apparatus to receive process data relating to imaging parameters and patient information, transferring this to the computing device.
Computing device adapts plurality of information items based on process data
The computing device provides multiple items of information related to the imaging examination through the output device and adjusts the type, arrangement, and timing of these items based on the process data.
Method for providing imaging examination information using monitoring system
A method involves receiving process data including optical image data from multiple cameras, processing the data to determine patient position and select a primary camera, and controlling an output device to generate and provide a visual representation of the imaging examination information including images of the primary camera.
The claims collectively describe a patient monitoring system and method that integrate multiple data sources including cameras and sensors to dynamically process and present imaging examination information and visual patient data to a user, leveraging output devices such as projectors, transparent screens, and monitors to overlay relevant information in the user's visual field while maintaining patient monitoring capabilities.
Stated Advantages
Reduces distraction of the user by integrating imaging examination information directly into the user's field of view during patient monitoring.
Improves efficiency and quality of patient monitoring by enabling simultaneous visual access to patient and relevant imaging information.
Provides cost-effective alternatives to conventional expensive monitoring windows through projectors, screens, or transparent displays.
Enhances patient's view by selecting optimal camera views automatically based on patient positioning and imaging procedures.
Allows flexible placement and configuration of components across control and examination rooms, facilitating better monitoring arrangements.
Supports improved monitoring by correlating and overlaying various types of process data such as vital signs, imaging parameters, and patient positioning information.
Documented Applications
Monitoring patients during medical imaging examinations such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography, X-ray, and related imaging modalities.
Providing visual patient monitoring along with dynamic display of imaging examination parameters to medical staff located remotely in a control room.
Enhancing patient observation and interaction during imaging procedures where physical separation exists due to safety or technical constraints.
Overlaying patient vital data, imaging sequence progress, and other relevant information on the user's field of vision to support timely and informed decision-making.
Using multiple cameras to monitor different patient positions during imaging, including inside and outside the imaging region.
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