EA035657B1 - Apparatus for protecting eyes from radiation - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for protecting eyes from radiation, in particular for protecting the lenses of medical staff from X-ray or other ionizing radiation during medical examinations. The aim of the invention is to devise an apparatus which is easy to use and ensures that eyes are shielded from X-ray radiation but that the wearer nevertheless has the best working and visual conditions. This is achieved in that a housing (1) consists of a shell-like frame (2) which surrounds the eye region and, laterally, the temples of the wearer, in that the shell-like frame is provided with a holding device (3) for placement on the head and with a bridge part (4) for positioning on the bridge of the nose, in that the frame (2) is provided with a front-side opening (5) in which a shield (6) that is impermeable to X-ray radiation is fitted and in that at least one reproduction device (9) for stereoscopically reproducing video information is provided within the frame (2) on the rear side of the shield (6) facing the eyes, said reproduction device being coupled to an optical recording device or a camera (10) which is provided on the side of the shield (6) facing away from the eyes of the wearer.

Description

The invention relates to equipment for protecting the eyes from radiation, in particular the lenses of the eyes of medical workers, in particular a diagnostician, from X-rays or other ionizing radiation during medical research or treatment.

It has long been known that high doses of X-rays can cause lens opacities and cataracts. The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has already proposed a reduction in the permissible radiation dose from 150 to 20 mSv, as the maximum equivalent dose to the eye per year.

The current measure for protecting the eye of a diagnostician is the use of leaded glasses, which, if used correctly, may provide some protection. However, in X-ray devices, in particular those with several X-ray emitters, it is difficult to implement sufficient protection (source: Prof. Dr. Reinhard Loose, publication Radiation Protection, or so that nothing goes badly, healthcare europe.com, dated 05/29/2013).

Until now, attempts have also been made to accurately measure the propagation of the beam fields and to achieve a reduction in the radiation dose for the diagnostician by appropriate positioning of the head or by additional protection with lead glass.

EP 0419854 A1 discloses, for example, protective laser goggles allowing direct observation of the place of laser use, which are made of spectacle frames in the form of a cup open to the face of the spectacle wearer, on the front surface of which a protective filter is used for each eye. On the side of the spectacle frame there are temporal plates that tightly cover the face of the spectacle wearer together with the spectacle frame and prevent radiation from penetrating behind the spectacle frame. The frame of the glasses can be made of light metal such as aluminum or a polymer material.

However, such protective laser goggles cannot be retrofitted for use with relatively very hard X-ray radiation, so sufficient radiation protection is not achieved.

A similar UV eye protection for tanning devices is known from EP 1 488 768 A1, comprising a device for closing the eye or both eyes, at least partially transmissive, but having a slightly radiation-permeable opening that transmits radiation along at least one optical element, further transmitting optical signals to the eye. This can also be a liquid crystal display or a mirror to form a microarray structure.

Such a device can also be used, in addition to protecting the user from artificial ultraviolet radiation, as protection against radiation from welding machines. It is also not possible with such a device to achieve sufficient X-ray shielding.

Finally, EP 0 780 783 A1 describes a virtual reality playback system using an optical position recognition device consisting of a helmet with an optical position recognition system on the front side of the helmet for a virtual reality playback system.

With the help of this reproduction system, it is achieved that the illusory image displayed in front of the eye of the observer moves in accordance with the movement of the head. It does not provide eye protection from harmful radiation, nor is it necessary.

Summarizing the above, it can be stated that no practical solutions are known from the prior art, allowing diagnostics to be operated under X-ray radiation with full eye protection, while simultaneously observing an object exposed to X-ray radiation.

To this end, the present invention finds application, the task of which is to create equipment for protecting the eyes of medical workers from radiation during medical research or treatment, which, on the one hand, is easy to use, and on the other hand, it provides protection of the eyes from X-rays or other ionizing radiation up to 100%, however, it nevertheless creates better working and observation conditions for the equipment wearer, in particular the diagnostician.

This is achieved by means of the apparatus of the previously named design by means of the fact that the body consists of a cup-shaped rim covering the area around the eyes and on the side of the wearer's temples, that the cup-shaped rim is provided on one side with a device for wearing on the head, and on the other side with a nose pad for positioning or its fixation on the back of the wearer's nose, that the cup-shaped frame is provided with a hole extending along its entire width from the front side, into which an opaque shield made of material that does not transmit X-rays or ionizing radiation, which reduces the radiation dose penetrating through the shield to a value close to zero, is fitted, and that on the rear side of the protection facing the eyes, there is at least one device for stereoscopic reproduction of video information connected to an optical receiver or a camera located on the side of the protection opposite from the wearer's eyes.

With the help of this equipment, it is possible to reproduce in front of the wearer's eyes a dynamic without delay image corresponding to the real image of scenes in front of the eye (at least to a large extent), and spatial vision is possible without problems.

The shielding preferably consists of lead in the form of a lead plate, but may also consist of

- 1 035657 other material providing the required protection.

Furthermore, according to the invention, the protection comprises a lateral temporal region, due to which, in particular, an even better protection for the eyes against radiation is achieved, in particular if the wearer of the apparatus turns his head to the side.

In addition, according to the invention, the device for stereoscopic reproduction of video information is respectively composed of a screen located in front of each eye inside a housing.

The device for stereoscopic transmission of video information can also consist of a single carrier in front of both eyes and, if necessary, a round screen, or the screen is a split-screen monitor, producing a separate image for each eye for a three-dimensional effect.

Alternatively, the screen may be connected to a photographic shutter that produces images for both eyes alternately to create a three-dimensional effect for the wearer.

In any case, a realistic stereoscopic image of the processes is transmitted to the equipment wearer, providing medical personnel with a confident and eye-safe operation.

To correct the relatively small distance between the screen and the eye, between the eyes of the wearer and the screen, or between the screens, an optical system is respectively positioned to focus the displayed image on the eyes. This allows you to look at the screen without getting tired.

In another embodiment of the invention, the optical receiver or camera is a stereoscopic camera directly placed in front of the shield.

Alternatively, two separate chambers located at a distance from each other and next to each other can be provided before the protection, the distance between which can be adjusted to the distance between the centers of the pupils. As a result, the stereoscopic effect of the wearer can be tailored or optimized to individual characteristics.

In addition, the optical axes of the individual screens can be adjusted mechanically by movement or electronically by moving the images on the individual screens to the appropriate distance between the centers of the wearer's pupils, which makes it possible for the brain to merge both separate images into one single image.

To provide contrast-free viewing of the screen or screens without parasitic illumination, the cup-shaped bezel is substantially opaque to the wearer's head, including the wearer's eyes.

To protect against damage and contamination, in front of the stereoscopic camera or in front of individual cameras, a transparent glass with transparency and a protective glass completing the frame is arranged, connected to the bowl-shaped frame with the possibility of disconnection.

In another embodiment of the invention, the wearing device for the body is a head-shaped or self-adjusting ring on which the body with the rim is suspended and fixed, with the headrest being disposed diametrically opposite on the ring.

To provide a custom fit to the wearer's head, the ring can be adjusted in volume using a locking mechanism, not shown, and the headrest is pivotally mounted on the ring.

Finally, the nose pad and the ring are provided, at least in the contact area with the head, with a pillow layer.

In the interests of the lightest, and thanks to this, tirelessly wearable equipment, all structural elements of the case, such as the frame, optical system and protective glass, except for protection and video recording devices and playback devices with a corresponding electronic unit, consist of the lightest polymer material. The weight of the equipment is determined in this case mainly by the weight of the protection.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the headrest serves at least partially for the weight balance of the body connected to the ring, so that an absolutely uniform compressive load of the head is achieved by means of the ring. To achieve this, the headrest could be designed simultaneously as a battery compartment, eliminating any cable connection between equipment and external devices.

A particular advantage of the apparatus according to the invention is to be seen in the fact that the area around the eyes is completely shielded in the direction of the X-ray source by means of an opaque material impervious to radiation, and the scene in front of the apparatus is reproduced in real time by a device for stereoscopic video reproduction on the rear side of the protection ...

The screen or screens can also transmit additional information, in particular blood pressure or other values, as well as displayed information from other studies or comparison values or comparison images, etc.

As an X-ray impermeable material, a lead plate that completely covers the area around the eyes, if possible with the lowest weight, or another X-ray shielding material, and for choosing an impermeable

- 2 035657 for the radiation of the material, it is essential that the radiation dose penetrating through the shield is reduced to values close to zero.

Finally, the side portions of radiation-impermeable material can also be attached to the radiation shielding.

Finally, in the interests of fatigue-free operation, it is preferable if the housing or at least the cup-shaped frame has an anti-reflective or matt surface on the inside.

The following is a more detailed explanation of the invention by one example of its implementation.

The accompanying drawings show:

in fig. 1 is a front view of the apparatus according to the invention for protecting the eyes from radiation;

in fig. 2 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

in fig. 3 is a plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

in fig. 4. is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

in fig. 5 is a rear perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1; and in FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a device for stereoscopic video reproduction, as well as an optical receiver or camera before protection.

The equipment for protecting eyes from radiation contains a housing 1 consisting of a cup-shaped frame 2 with an open back side surrounding the head in a light-tight manner, including the area around the eyes and on the side of the wearer's temples. In addition, the cup-shaped frame 2 is fixed in the wearing device 3 for putting on the head and is provided with a nose pad 4 for positioning and supporting the cup-shaped frame 2 on the back of the wearer's nose.

In the front section of the cup-shaped frame 2, in particular on the side turned away from the head, there is an opening 5 substantially extending across the entire width from the front side for installing a shield 6 made of an X-ray or ionizing radiation-proof material. This shield 6, which extends somewhat arcuate, reduces the radiation dose of the X-ray source reaching the eye by values close to zero, in particular in the case when the shield 6 consists of a lead plate.

Shield 6 can also be manufactured from a different material instead of lead if it provides the required shielding. In particular, this achieves weight reduction.

As a protection 6, in particular, at least completely covering the area around the eyes with the least weight or other X-ray shielding material is considered, and it is essential for the choice of a radiation-impermeable material that the radiation dose reaching the eye is reduced to a value close to zero.

The shield 6 can also comprise a lateral temporal region, thereby achieving an even better protection of the eyes from radiation, which is advantageous, in particular, when the wearer of the apparatus turns his head to the side so that the shield 6 on the front side no longer faces towards the X-ray source. radiation. Due to the additional lateral shielding, X-rays also cannot inadvertently enter the eyes from the side.

Alternatively, the cup-shaped frame 2 can also be made generally of an X-ray impermeable or nearly impermeable material.

The device 3 for wearing the body 1 is fitted to the shape of the wearer's head or a self-adjustable ring 7, on which the body 1 with a cup-shaped rim 2 is fixed with hanging. To ensure an individual fit of the ring 7 to the wearer's head, it can be adjusted in volume by means of a locking mechanism not shown , or a similar device.

In addition, on the ring 7, diametrically opposite to the body 1, there is preferably a rotatable headrest 8, which rests on the back of the head and ensures reliable wearing of the equipment.

The headrest 8 can also be used, at least in part, as a counterweight for the housing 1 connected to the ring 7. For example, for this purpose, a battery compartment can be placed in the headrest 8, thereby achieving a more uniform compressive load of the head ring 7.

For better distribution of the load, one or more carrier strips fixed on the ring 7 can also be provided, adjacent to the head of the wearer when putting on the apparatus from above.

Additionally, the nose pad 4 and the ring 7 can be provided, at least in the contact area with the head, in particular in the place of the patch, with a cushion layer.

On the back side of the protection 6 facing the wearer's eyes, there is at least one reproducing device 9 for stereoscopic reproduction of video information connected to an optical receiving device 10 or a camera located on the side of the protection turned away from the wearer's eyes towards the side of the protection, and the photographs taken by the receiving device 10 and time-lapse chains are transmitted directly and without delay to the playback device 9.

This arrangement makes it possible to reproduce a dynamic image in front of the eyes of the equipment wearer, at least to a large extent corresponding to the real image of the scenes in front of

- 3 035657 with eyes, and without any problems, volumetric vision is possible, moreover, the X-ray radiation reaching the equipment cannot reach the wearer's eyes, which creates an opportunity for safe work.

The reproducing device 9 can suitably consist of a screen positioned in front of each eye inside a cup-shaped rim 2, which can optionally also have a circular shape.

Alternatively, the reproducing device 9 may also consist of a single screen carrier in front of both eyes, connected to a photographic shutter producing images for both eyes in turn, so that a stereo effect is produced for the equipment carrier.

The reproducing device 9 can also be a split screen monitor displaying a separate image for a three-dimensional effect for each eye.

In any case, a realistic stereoscopic image of processes is transmitted to the wearer of the equipment, providing medical personnel with a confident and eye-safe work.

To correct the relatively small distance between the screen and the eye, or to correct ametropy between the wearer's eyes and the screen or screens, an optical system 11 is located to focus the displayed image on the eyes, allowing you to look at the screen without getting tired.

In addition, in the interests of good stereoscopic transmission, it is expedient to adjust the optical axes of the individual screens by mechanical movement or electronically by moving the images on the individual screens to the appropriate distance between the centers of the pupils of the carrier.

The optical receiver 10 or the camera may be a stereoscopic camera directly placed in front of the shield 6.

Alternatively, in front of the protection 6, there can also be provided two separate chambers located at some distance from each other and nearby, the distance between which can be adjusted by the distance between the centers of the pupils. This makes it possible to adjust the volumetric effect of the equipment carrier to its individual characteristics.

The electrical connection between the reproducing device 9 and the receiving device 10 for power supply and information transmission is carried out by laying a suitable wiring around the protection 6.

To ensure observation of the screen or screens without parasitic illumination, the cup-shaped frame 2 adheres to the head in a substantially opaque manner, including the wearer's eyes.

Since reflections or glare caused by the reproducing device 9 should also be prevented, the housing 1 or at least the cup-shaped frame must have an anti-reflective or matt surface on the inside, which is also achieved, for example, by means of a matt or matt black coating. This makes it possible to carry out diagnostics without getting tired using the apparatus according to the invention. For protection against damage and contamination, as well as for design reasons, in front of the stereoscopic camera or individual cameras, there is a transparent glass and a forward-closing cup-shaped frame 2 protective glass 12, which can be connected to the cup-shaped frame 2 with the possibility of detachment.

A particular advantage of the apparatus according to the invention is that the area around the eyes is shielded, at least in the direction of the X-ray source, by means of a completely opaque material impervious to radiation, and the scene in front of the apparatus is reproduced by the reproducing device 9 in real time in in the form of stereoscopic video transmission on the back side of the protection 6.

In the interests of the lightest, and therefore fatigue-free wearable equipment, all structural elements of the body 1, such as the cup-shaped frame 2, the optical system 11 and the protective glass 12, excluding the protection and video recording devices and playback devices with the corresponding electronic unit, consist of the lightest polymer material.

The reproducing device 9 can also transmit additional information such as blood pressure or other parameters, as well as displayed information of other studies, etc.

List of reference positions.

- body,

- bowl-shaped frame,

- wearing device,

- nose piece,

- hole,

- protection,

- ring,

- headrest,

- playback device,

- receiving device,

- 4 035657

- optical system,

- protective glass.

Claims (20)

CLAIM 1. Apparatus for protecting the eyes from X-rays or other ionizing radiation during medical examinations, containing a body placed on the head, in front of the eyes, characterized in that the body (1) consists of a cup-shaped frame (2) covering the area around the eyes and on the side of the temples carrier, the cup-shaped frame (2) is equipped on one side with a device (3) for wearing on the head, and on the other side with a nose pad (4) for positioning or fixing it on the back of the wearer's nose, the cup-shaped frame (2) is provided with a its width from the front side by a hole (5), into which the shield (6) is fitted from a material that does not transmit X-ray or ionizing radiation, which reduces the radiation dose penetrating through the shield to a value close to zero, while the said material does not transmit visible radiation, and the back side of the protection (6) facing the eyes, inside the cup-shaped frame there is at least one reproducing device (9) for a stereoscope physical reproduction of video information, connected to an optical receiver, in particular a camera (10), located on the side of protection (6) opposite to the wearer's eyes. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the shield (6) consists of lead or other suitable material. 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the protection covers the lateral temporal region of the head. 4. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the reproducing device (9) for stereoscopic reproduction of video information consists of a screen respectively located in front of each eye. 5. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the reproducing device (9) for stereoscopic transmission of video information consists of a single screen carrier in front of both eyes. 6. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the screen is a split-screen monitor producing a separate image for each eye for the volumetric effect. 7. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the screen is connected to a photographic shutter that produces images for both eyes in turn, so that a three-dimensional effect arises for the wearer of the apparatus. 8. Apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that an optical system (11) is arranged between the eyes of the wearer and the screen or between the screens, respectively, for focusing the displayed image on the eyes. 9. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the optical receiver or camera (10) is a stereoscopic camera located directly in front of the protection (6). 10. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that in front of the protection (6) there are two separate chambers located at some distance from each other, the distance between which is adjustable for the distance between the centers of the wearer's pupils. 11. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that the optical axes of the individual screens can be adjusted mechanically by moving the individual screens or electronically by moving the images on the individual screens at a corresponding distance between the centers of the pupils of the carrier. 12. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the cup-shaped frame (2) adheres substantially opaquely to the head of the wearer, including the wearer's eyes. 13. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that in front of the stereoscopic camera or in front of individual cameras, a transparent glass having a transparency and a protective glass (12) completing the frame (2) is arranged. 14. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the wearing device (3) is a head-shaped or self-adjusting ring (7), on which the body (1) with a cup-shaped rim (2) is fixed with suspension , and on the ring (7) the headrest (8) is located diametrically opposite. 15. Apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the ring (7) can be adjusted in volume by means of a locking mechanism. 16. Apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the headrest (8) is pivotally mounted on the ring. 17. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the nose pad (4) and the ring (7) are provided, - 5 035657 at least in the contact area with the head, pillow layer. 18. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that all structural elements, such as the housing (1), the bowl-shaped frame (2), the optical system (11) and the protective glass (12), except for the protection (6) and video recording devices and reproducing devices with a corresponding electronic unit are composed of a polymer material. 19. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1-18, characterized in that the body (1) or at least the bowl-shaped frame (2) has an anti-reflective or matte surface on the inside. 20. Apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the head restraint (8) is at least partially formed for the weight balance for the body connected to the ring.