Lighting arrangement

Abstract

 The invention relates to a lighting arrangement (1), comprising a lighthead (3) which is connected by way of a deflectable spring arm (4; 41) to operating theatre ceiling structures (5) and which includes a plurality of light elements (31) present in a single mounting plane (T) and provided with one or more light emitting diodes (31 c), as well as a protective shield (32) covering these light elements. Each light element (31) of the lighting arrangement comprises a light emitting diode or LED (31c), said light element being mounted on a specific point of the mounting plane (T), whereby the light emitting diode is connected to directing implements (31 b), as well as to optics (31 a) deflectable with the directing implements, said directing implements (31 b) being operatively coupled to a control unit (8) for controlling the optics (31 a) of each light element, the control unit further comprising
a pointer, such as a remote controller (6), whose pointer function enables a specific spot of the operating table, i.e. a designated spot (61), to be optically pointed out,
a detection unit (88) for detecting a position of the lighthead mounting plane (T) on which the light elements (31) are fixed, as well as the spot (61) of an operating table (2) which has been optically designated with a pointer, such as the remote controller (6),
a processor (81) for determining a basic center line position (P0) of the light elements' (31) light beams (7) and each light element's (31) distance vector (d) to the designated spot (61) on the basis of the detected position of said mounting plane (T), said distance vectors (d) constituting a portion of center lines (P) of the light elements' (31) light beams (7) as the light elements are directed towards the designated spot (61), as well as for generating a control command for each light element (31), said control command enabling the directing implements (31 b) of each light element (31) to be controlled in such a way that the light beam (7) of each light element (31) is focused on the designated spot (61), and
a data transfer unit (88) for transmitting a light element-specific control command to the directing implements (31 b) of each light element (31) for focusing the light element (31) on the designated spot (61).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a lighting arrangement as set forth in the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The invention relates also to a method as set forth in the preamble of claim 13, a control unit as set forth in claim 17 for controlling the lighting arrangement, as well as a computer program as set forth in claim 18 for implementing the method.

[0003] The conventional operating theatre lighting arrangement comprises a general lighting arrangement and one or more surgical lightheads provided in the vicinity of and above the operating table. The prior known surgical lighthead comprises a fixed lighthead frame, which is provided with a plurality of light sources, such as halogen lamps or the like, and generally a pivotable spring arm for fixing the lighthead to ceiling structures and for adjusting its position relative to the operating table and a surgical patient resting thereon.

[0004] The process of directing and manipulating such lighting constitutes one risk factor in surgical procedures performed in operating theatres. When the patient lies on an operating table and the lighting must be focused exactly on the surgical site, it is necessary that the light beams, generated by lightheads used for lighting and mounted on ceiling structures, be brought to follow the surgical operation and to focus the light exactly on the surgical site. At present, this is done by deflecting and displacing the lightheads manually in such a way that the light beams impinge on an object of illumination. A first problem with such a manually conducted focusing of light is the disturbance of a supply airflow arriving at the operating table as lightheads are being swiveled and displaced, which may increase the risk of contamination.

[0005] Since the adjustment a lighthead position proceeds manually, there is a second problem that, in the process of being swiveled and displaced, the lighthead may collide with other operating theatre equipment. Another problem during a procedure is caused by the surgeon's possible contacts with non-sterile surfaces. Cleaning the lighthead is also a laborious task.

[0006] Prior known from the published German patent application DE 102006040393 is a surgical lamp, comprising a plurality of light segments assembled on a single frame and constructed from light emitting diodes or LEDs fitted with optics. This surgical lamp is also intended to be attached with a spring arm to the ceiling structures of an operating theatre.

[0007] An objective of the invention was to provide a lighting arrangement capable of eliminating the problems associated with the above-described operating theatre lighting fixtures. A further objective of the invention is to provide a new improved operating theatre lighting arrangement, by means of which spotlighting for an operating table and surgical procedures can be controlled in a way to enable minimal manipulation and swiveling of the lighthead.

[0008] The lighting arrangement of the invention is characterized by what is presented in claim 1.

[0009] The method of the invention is characterized by what is presented in claim 13.

[0010] The control unit of the invention is characterized by what is presented in claim 17.

[0011] The computer program of the invention is characterized by what is presented in claim 18.

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the invention are presented in the dependent claims.

[0013] More specifically, the invention relates to a lighting arrangement, comprising a lighthead, which is connected by way of a deflectable spring arm to operating theatre ceiling structures and which includes a plurality of light elements present in a single mounting plane and provided with one or more light emitting diodes, as well as a protective shield covering these light elements. Hence,

• each light element of the lighting arrangement comprises a light emitting diode or LED, said light element being mounted on a specific point of the mounting plane, whereby the light emitting diode is connected to directing implements, as well as to optics deflectable with the directing implements, said directing implements being operatively coupled to a control unit for controlling the optics of each light element, the control unit further comprising
  a pointer, such as a remote controller, whose pointer function enables a specific spot of the operating table, i.e. a designated spot, to be optically pointed out, a detection unit for detecting a position of the lighthead mounting plane on which the light elements are fixed, as well as the spot of an operating table which has been optically designated with a pointer, such as the remote controller,
  a processor for determining a basic center line position of the light elements' light beams and each light element's distance vector to the designated spot on the basis of the detected position of said mounting plane, said distance vectors constituting a portion of center lines of the light elements' light beams as the light elements are directed towards the designated spot, as well as for generating a control command for each light element, said control command enabling the directing implements of each light element to be controlled in such a way that the light beam of each light element is focused on the designated spot, and
  a data transfer unit for transmitting a light element-specific control command to the directing implements of each light element for focusing the light element on the designated spot.

[0014] In a lighting arrangement such as this, the light beam generated by each light element has a specific illumination angle different from the illumination angles of other light elements as the light beams of a lighthead's light elements are focused on an object of the operating table.

[0015] The concept illumination angle refers here to a deflection angle of the center line of a light element's light beam from a basic position of the light element's same light beam, in which the light beam's center line is directed approximately at a right angle away from the mounting plane, i.e. is a normal to the mounting plane.

[0016] The concept designated spot of the operating table refers here to a spot pointed out on an operating table or in the vicinity thereof, i.e. generally on the body of a patient resting on the operating table.

[0017] The concept mounting plane position refers here to a spatial location of the mounting plane, particularly with respect to a designated/intended designation spot of the operating table. The position of an operating table is determined for example as an angle of the operating table plane with horizontal plane, particularly with a horizontal plane (H) extending by way of an intended designation spot of the operating table. When a three-dimensional coordinate system x, y, z is set on a mounting plane (T) in such a way that the mounting plane (T) defines x- and y-axes of said coordinate system and the basic position of the light beam of a light element fixed on the mounting plane (T) is at the same time a normal to the mounting plane directed from the mounting plane (T) on the side thereof where the intended designation spot of the operating table is located, the basic position of the light beam forms an angle with a straight line that is a normal to the horizontal plane (H).

[0018] Such a lighting arrangement is based on the underlying idea that the mounting plane of a lighthead is first set at an approximately selected angle and at a selected distance with respect to a spot of the operating table to be optically designated. The mounting plane angle is used as a basis for determining a basic light beam position, wherein the light beam is directed at an angle of 90 degrees away from the mounting plane. After this, each light element of the lighthead is deflected individually by means of light element directing implements, such that the light beam generated by each light element points to an object of illumination on the operating table, which is indicated with a pointer device, such as a light pen, without having to touch the actual lighthead arm or the lamp frame.

[0019] Because it is very seldom that the actual lighthead frame and the mounting plane need be deflected, such a lighting arrangement provides a benefit of reducing significantly the risk of the lighthead colliding with other operating theatre equipment and the risk of non-sterile surfaces being touched by the surgeon. In addition, the reduced swiveling and manipulation of the lighthead lessen the disturbance of a supply airflow, which contributes to the reduction of a contamination risk.

[0020] The invention relates also to a method for controlling the lighting arrangement. This method comprises

• detecting, with a detection unit, an optically designated spot of an operating table,
• detecting, with the detection unit, the position of a lighthead mounting plane (T) having the light elements fixed thereto
• determining, with a processor, on the basis of the mounting plane position, a basic position for the center line of the light elements' light beams and each light element's distance vector to the designated spot, said distance vectors constituting a portion of center lines of the light elements' light beams as the light elements are directed towards the designated spot

• generating, with the processor, for each light element a light element-specific control command, which enables directing implements of each light element to be controlled in such a way that the light beam of each light element is focused on the designated spot, and
• transmitting, with a data transfer unit, to the directing implements of each light element a light element-specific control command for focusing the light element on the designated spot.

[0021] The invention relates also to a control unit for controlling said lighting arrangement, said control unit comprising

• at least one processor and
• at least one memory, comprising a computer program code, said at least one memory and computer program code being adapted, jointly with the at least one processor, to prompt the control unit to execute at least as follows:
• to detect with a detection unit an optically designated spot of an operating table,
• to generate with a processor for each light element a light element-specific control command, which enables directing implements of each light element to be controlled in such a way that a light beam of each light element is focused on the designated spot, and
• to transmit with a data transfer unit to the directing implements of each light element a light element-specific control command for focusing the light element on the designated spot.

[0022] In one preferred embodiment of the invention, each light element comprises at least one light source or LED, adjustable optics for focusing the light of the light source/light sources and for generating a specific light beam, and directing implements, such as an electrically driven deflection motor together with a suitable lever system for directing the optics.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the control unit comprises a pointer, which determines a designated spot, a detection unit for detecting the designated spot, as well as a processor, which calculates a location of the designated spot, whereby said detection unit is in communication with the processor and the processor calculates and communicates by way of a data transfer unit the designated spot of an operating table to the directing implements of each light element.

[0024] In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the designated object of illumination lies on an operating table or in the vicinity thereof, on either side of a crosswise midline of the lighthead frame.

[0025] Regarding benefits of the invention, it should be further noted that the risk of physical contact with the lighting arrangement's light sources or its components in general has been practically eliminated and the possible access of bacteria to a surgical wound as a result of contact with the lighting arrangement in the vicinity of an operating table in a sterile area has been prevented.

[0026] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures.

Fig. 1A shows schematically, in a lateral view, an operating table as well as a lighthead above the same with a lighthead frame in a horizontal position and light beams delivered by light elements in a basic position thereof.

Fig. 1 B shows the operating table of fig. 1A, above which the lighthead is horizontal but the light beams delivered by light elements have been diverted to an object.

Fig. 1C shows the operating table of 1, wherein the lighthead frame has been deflected to an inclined position with respect to horizontal plane and the light beams of light elements are diverted to an angle with respect to the basic position thereof.

Fig. 2A shows schematically the diversion to an object of one light element in the lighthead of fig. 1 B.

Fig. 2B shows schematically the diversion to an object of one light element in the lighthead of fig. 1C.

Fig. 3 shows, in a perspective view, one frame and protective shield for a lighthead of the invention.

Fig. 4 shows schematically, in a lateral view, one light element of the lighthead.

Fig. 5 illustrates the relationship between a designated spot and a light element's light beam in a three-dimensional coordinate system fixed to the mounting plane.

Fig. 6A shows a flowchart for a method of controlling a lighthead comprising a plurality of light elements and included in the lighting arrangement.

Fig. 6B elucidates one embodiment for displacing the focusing of light elements.

Fig. 7 shows the functional units of a control unit intended for controlling the lighting arrangement.

[0027] Next follows a brief review as to which detail of the invention is illustrated by the figures and main features visible in the figures.

[0028] Figs. 1A-1C illustrate a lighting arrangement of the invention in its entirety. The lighting arrangement 1 comprises an operating table 2, and a lighthead 3 mounted with a swivelable spring arm 4 to ceiling structures 5 thereabove. The lighthead 3 contains a plurality of light elements 31; 31¹-31⁷, each containing at least one light emitting diode or LED.

[0029] In fig. 1A, the lighting arrangement 1 has a frame 33 of its lighthead 3 as well as a mounting plane T of the light elements 33 co-directional with a certain horizontal plane H, which extends for example by way of an intended designation spot of the operating table. The light elements 31; 31¹-31⁷ located on the mounting plane T are in a basic position thereof, wherein the light elements have center lines P of their light beams 7 in a basic position P0 thereof, being directed at a right angle away from the mounting plane T, in this case perpendicularly downward.

[0030] In the lighting arrangement shown in fig. 1 B, the lighthead 1 has its frame 33 in its basic position, wherein the mounting plane T of the light elements 31 is in a horizontal orientation, i.e. co-directional with a certain horizontal plane H extending by way of an intended designation spot 61 of the operating table. On the other hand, the light elements 31; 31¹-31⁷ have been deflected from their basic position, such that said light elements have the center lines P of their light beams directed towards the spot 61 of the operating table 2 pointed with a remote controller 6.

[0031] The designated spot 61 of an operating table refers in this context, as well as subsequently, to a pointed-out spot 61 present on the operating table or in the vicinity thereof, for example on the body of a patient.

[0032] In the lighting arrangement presented in fig. 1C, first of all, the lighthead frame 33 has been swiveled from its horizontal basic position in such a way that the mounting plane T of the light elements 31 is at a certain angle c1 relative to the horizontal plane H extending by way of the intended designation spot 61 of the operating table. In other words, this means that, when a three-dimensional x, y, z coordinate system is fixed to the mounting plane T in such a way that the z-axis is made up by a normal of the mounting plane T, which is directed from the mounting plane T on its side where the intended designation spot of the operating table is located, the normal of the mounting plane T forms an angle c1 relative to the normal of the horizontal plane H. In addition, the light elements 31; 31¹-31⁷ have been deflected from their basic position towards the remote controller-pointed spot 61 of the operating table 2 so as to produce a specific angle, i.e. an illumination angle, between the basic center line position P0 of each light element-generated light beam 7 and the center line P of the same light element's light beam 7 directed to the designated spot of the operating table.

[0033] Fig. 2A illustrates how a light beam 7 of the individual light element 31 of fig. 1 B is diverted from its basic position to a designated spot 61 defined on an operating table by the remote controller 6. The mounting plane T is in horizontal orientation H. The figure also shows a control unit 8 used for diverting the light beam 7. The center line P of the light beam 7 has been diverted to a certain illumination angle b1 from the basic position P0 of the light beam's center line P, in which the light beam's center line P is at a right angle relative to the mounting plane T, i.e. constitutes a normal to the mounting plane.

[0034] On the other hand, fig. 2B illustrates how a light beam 7¹-7⁷ of the individual light element 31 of fig. 1C is diverted to a designated spot 61 defined on an operating table by the remote controller 6. The mounting plane T of light elements is now at a certain angle c1 relative to the horizontal plane H extending for example by way of the intended designation spot 61 of the operating table.

[0035] What is meant by the angle c1 of the mounting plane T relative to the horizontal plane H is that, when a three-dimensional x, y, z coordinate system is fixed to said mounting plane T in such a way that the positive z-axis is a normal of the mounting plane T, which is directed from the mounting plane T on its side where the intended designation spot of the operating table is located, the z-axis forms an angle c1 relative to that virtual straight line which intersects the horizontal plane perpendicularly, i.e. is a normal to the horizontal plane H.

[0036] The light elements 31; 31¹-31⁷ have been deflected from their basic position, in which the light beams 7 have their center lines P directed at a right angle away from the mounting plane T, in such a way that the center lines P of the light elements' light beams 7 are directed towards the remote controller-pointed spot 61 of the operating table 2. Hence, each light beam 7; 7¹-7⁷ has its center line P diverted to a certain illumination angle b1 from the basic position P0 of the light beam's center line P, in which the light beam's center line P is at a right angle relative to the mounting plane T which is in an inclined position with respect to the horizontal plane, i.e. the basic position P0 of each light beam's center line is a normal to the mounting plane.

[0037] Fig. 3 illustrates one lighthead 3 of the invention, having a plurality of light elements 31 disposed under a protective shield 32 connected to its frame 33.

[0038] Fig. 4 illustrates the structure of a light element 31. The light element 31 has its main components comprising one or more light emitting diodes 31c, connected on the one hand to adjustable optics 31 a and on the other hand to a deflection motor (servomotor) 31 b. The servomotor 31 b is deflected through the intermediary of control commands provided from the control unit 8.

[0039] Fig. 5A shows a light beam 7 arriving from an individual light element 31 at a designated spot 61 in an x, y coordinate system fixed to a suitable axis of the mounting plane T as well as to a basic position P0 of the light beam's center line P.

[0040] Fig. 5B shows a light beam 7 arriving from an individual light element 31 at a designated spot 61 in an x, y, z coordinate system when the X- and y-axes are fixed to a mounting plane T, and the z-axis is made up by a basic position P0 of the light beam's center line P. The figure shows how the light element's optics must be deflected in order to focus the light beam's 7 center line on the designated spot 61.

[0041] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures and to the foregoing concise review of the figures.

[0042] The overall lighting arrangement 1, best visible in figs. 1A-1C, comprises a lighthead 3 connected by way of swivelable spring arm 4; 41 to operating theatre ceiling structures 5. In the lighting arrangement 1 shown in figs. 1A-1C, the spring arm 4 connects to one edge of the lighthead. Inside the lighthead 3 are a plurality of light elements 31, present on one level mounting plane T of the frame and provided with one or more light emitting diodes 31c, as well as a protective shield 32 covering these light elements and made of a transparent material.

[0043] Each light element 31 comprises a light emitting diode or LED 31c, said light element 1 being installed pivotably at a certain point of the mounting plane T. The light emitting diode 31 c is connected on the one hand to directing implements 31 b, as well as on the other hand to optics 31 a pivotable by means of the directing implements. The directing implements are in this case constituted by a servomotor, which is provided both with means (a lever system) needed for deflecting the motor and also with means for receiving adjustment instructions, said adjustment instructions being used for setting a deflection angle of the motor and thereby also a direction of the light beam 7. It is from the control unit 8 that the servomotor 31 b obtains the control instructions needed for deflection. The control unit 8, on the other hand, generates the control instructions from the light element's location on the mounting plane T and a difference in the location of a designated spot 61 of the operating table, which has been illustrated more closely in figs. 2A and 2B. As mentioned earlier, the designated spot 61 of the operating table refers in this context to a pointed-out spot 61 present on an operating table or in the vicinity thereof, such as on the body of a patient.

[0044] One embodiment for a lighthead 3 of the invention is shown in figs. 3 and 4. The lighthead 3 has a semi-spherical lighthead frame 33, having mounted flush with its top edge a planar protective shield 32. Inside the lighthead frame, on a specific mounting plane T, are fixed a plurality of light elements 3. As visible in fig. 4, each light element 31 is located under the lighthead's planar protective shield 32. Used as a deflection implement in each light element 31 is an electrically driven deflection motor 31b, such as a servomotor, by means of which the light beam, generated by a light emitting diode 31c, is capable of being directed to a desired object by deflecting the light emitting diode 31 c as well as the light element's optics or lens assembly 31 a. The deflection motor 31 is attached at its bottom portion by the use of an articulation N1, included in the lever system, pivotably to the frame or to frame-associated structures on a specific lighthead frame mounting plane T.

[0045] Above the deflection motor 31b, as viewed from the articulation point N1 of the mounting plane T, is fixed the light emitting diode 31 c or LED used as a light source 31 c. In the embodiment of the invention depicted in fig. 4, there is shown just one light source 31c, but when it is desirable for example to increase the intensity of light, it is possible to use here several side-by-side placed light sources 31 c. Appropriately coupled to the light sources can be an arrangement for controlling the light intensity thereof and/or the supply of power to the light sources.

[0046] The light source 31 c is coupled to appropriate adjustable optics or a lens assembly 31 a. The optics enables, among other things, the light beam 7 to be focused at a suitable distance viewed from the plane of an operating table.

[0047] The optics 31 a enables the generation of a light beam 7, penetrating through the transparent protective shield 32 and having a specific longitudinal center line P. The electrically operated drive motor 31 b to be directed with a lever system is also mounted on an articulation axis N2 with an attachment not shown here. The articulation axis N2 is located above the mounting plane T close to the light element's 31 motor 31 b.

[0048] Hence, the drive motor 31b, and at the same time the entire light element 31 and the light beam 7 generated with the light element 3, can be swiveled by the articulation N1 on the mounting plane T with respect to the axis that extends by way of a projection established on the mounting plane T by the articulation axis N1 and the articulation axis N2.

[0049] In case the lever system is more versatile and allows for deflecting the drive motor 31 b by the articulation point N1 more freely on the mounting plane T, there is a capability of directing a light beam 7; 7¹-7⁷ of each light element 31; 31¹-31⁷ away from the plane T in such a way that the light beam has its center axis P located on a desired straight line intersecting the mounting plane T, such as on any distance vector d between the light element 31, which is fixed to the mounting plane's T articulation point N1, and the intended designation spot 61.

[0050] Figs. 1A-1C, 2A-2B, 4, as well as 5A-5B illustrate in even further detail the way of directing the light beam 7 of an individual light element 31 to the designated spot 61, taking into account an inclination of the mounting plane T, i.e. the angle c1, with respect to the horizontal plane H extending for example by way of the designated spot 61, a location of the designated spot 61 with respect to the lighthead's crosswise center axis K, as well as differences between the location N1 of the light element 31 on the mounting plane T and the location of the designated spot 61 of the operating table.

[0051] In fig. 1A, the lighthead 3 is in its so-called basic position. Thus, the mounting plane T is co-directional with a given horizontal plane, such as the horizontally directed plane H, and the lighthead 3 has the light beams 7 of its light elements 31 pointing vertically downward, i.e. the center lines P of the light beams are in their basic position P0 extending in a direction of 90 degrees away from said mounting plane T, i.e. away from a surface of the mounting plane T located on a side of the mounting plane T facing the light elements. Underneath the light head 3 is an operating table 2, which comprises a plurality of frame components 21; 21 a, 21 b, 21 c articulated to each other.

[0052] In fig. 1 B, the lighthead frame 33 continues to have its mounting plane T parallel with a given horizontal plane, such as the horizontal plane H, but the light beams 7; 7¹-7⁷ of each light element 31; 31¹-31⁷ are now directed to a designated spot 61 of the operating table, such as to the body of a patient, said designated spot 61 is located offset from a crosswise midline K of the lighthead frame 33, yet lies approximately on the same line with the extension of a line segment extending by way of the articulation axes N1 and N2. The designated spot 61 is on that side of the mounting plane T on which the light elements 31 are also located. In order to direct the light beams as presented in fig. 1 B, each light beam 7¹-7⁷ has been diverted separately by turning each light element's light emitting diode 31 b and optics 31 a coupled therewith by means of the deflection motor 31 c on the basis of a difference between the location N1 of the light element 31 on the mounting plane T and that of the designated spot 61 of the operating table.

[0053] After directing the light beams 7, a plane A of each of the optics 31 a has deflected to a certain angle a1 relative to the frame's mounting plane T and the longitudinal axis P of the light beam has diverted to a certain illumination angle b1 from the light beam's basic position P0, in which the light beam has its center line at a 90-degree angle relative to the mounting plane T as visible in fig. 2A.

[0054] In case the light element 31 is engaged as shown in fig. 4 onto the mounting plane T, the light beam 7 generated by the light element can be diverted, as illustrated in fig. 5A, with the lever system's articulation N1 serving as a hub, in a plane defined by the articulation axis N2 and the basic position P0 of the light beam's center line P. When the origin of a two-dimensional x, y coordinate system is fixed to the articulation point N1 of each light element's deflection motor present on the mounting plane T, the projection to the mounting plane T of a line segment extending by way of the articulation axes N1 and N2 functions as a first axis (x-axis), and the light element's center line in its basic position P0 as a second axis (y-axis). Now, as a result of deflecting the motor 31b, the light beam 7 diverts in the above-described x, y plane on a line defined by the articulation axes N1 and N2, such that the center line P of a light beam delivered by the light element 31 diverts to a desired angle away from the level determined by the mounting plane T, i.e. on that side of the mounting plane T which if fitted with the light elements 31.

[0055] In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the drive motor 31 b is coupled onto the articulation axis N1 and to a lever system, which enables an almost free swivel of the motor away from the mounting plane T in an x, y, z coordinate system fixed to the articulation axis N1 and the mounting plane T (fig. 2B). Hence, the x, y plane is located on the mounting plane T and the basic position P0 of a light beam's center line P constitutes a z-axis. This also enables an almost free swivel of the light element 31, and at the same time also the light beam 7, on that side of the mounting plane which is fitted with the light elements. By deflecting also the mounting plane T relative to a horizontal plane extending by way of an object of illumination to extent of a given angle c1, the orientation of the light beam 7 can be further diversified. Thus, there is a capability of directing the light beam 7 to almost any remote controller-pointed spot 61 of the operating table from the fulcrum N1 present on the mounting plane T. In fig. 1C, the designated spot 61 is located at a remarkably small angle with respect to an original position of the mounting plane T. In this case, in order to direct the light beams 7 to the designated spot 61, the mounting plane T has been deflected in fig. 1C relative to a horizontal plane, such as the horizontal plane H, extending by way of an object of illumination, first to an angle c1. Thereafter, the light beams 7; 7¹-7⁷ of each light element 31; 31¹-31⁷ are still directed to the designated spot 61 of the operating table, which is located offset from a crosswise midline K of the lighthead's 3 frame (cf. figs. 2B and 5B). The light beams 7 have been diverted in a spatial space, whose x, y plane is located on the mounting plane T and whose positive z-axis is co-directional with the basic position P0 of the light beam's 7 center line P, which extends at a right angle away from the mounting plane T, i.e. it is a normal to said mounting plane T.

[0056] When the mounting plane T has been deflected to a certain angle for example with respect to the horizontal plane H extending by way of an object of illumination, the horizontal plane H will be located, in an x, y, z coordinate system fixed with respect to the mounting plane T and the basic position P0 of the light beam's center line as presented above, in such a way that the virtual straight line drawn on an object of illumination is a normal to the horizontal plane and at the angle c1 relative to the light beam's basic position, which is at the same time a normal to the mounting plane T.

[0057] The center lines P of the light beams 7 in their basic position P0 point now obliquely downward with respect to vertical direction, because the basic position P0 thereof is directed at about a 90-degree angle away from said mounting plane T (each light beam's basic position P0 is a normal to the plane T). Each light beam 7¹-7⁷ has thereafter still been diverted separately by deflecting the light emitting diode 31 b and its associated optics 31 a of each light element 31 by means of the deflection motor 31 c and the lever system coupled therewith, such that the center line P of the light beam 7 has diverted to a certain illumination angle b2 from the basic position P0 in an x, y, z coordinate system fixed to the mounting plane T as described above. At the same time, the center line P of the light beam 7 has also diverted to an angle relative to the crosswise midline K of the lighthead frame 33.

[0058] When a pointing function of the remote controller 6 is aimed at a given spot 61 of the operating table 2, i.e. at the designated spot 61, the optics 31 a of each light element will be controlled by the control unit 8 through the intermediary of the directing implements 31 b in such a way that the light beam 7 is directed from the optics 31 a of each light element 31 to the designated spot 61 at a specific illumination angle b1 or b2 (figs. 2A and 2B). The illumination angle b1 or b2 depends on a difference between the locations of the installation point N1 of each light element 31 on the mounting plane T and the designated spot 61 of the operating table in an x, y, z coordinate system, which is defined by the mounting plane T and by the basic position P0 of the light beam of a light element fixed on the mounting plane. The difference between the installation point N1 of each light element and the designated spot of the operating table determines a distance vector d of each light element 31 to the designated spot 61. The distance vectors d of the light elements 31 constitute a portion of the center lines P of the light beams 7 of the light elements 31 when the light elements 31 are directed towards the designated spot 61. The angle between the basic position P0 and the light beam center line of each lighting element 31 is the illumination angle of a light beam established thereby.

[0059] The change of an illumination angle depends on how the deflection motor is mounted in place and on its deflection axes (lever system).

[0060] This has been elaborated with fig. 5B. The origin of an x, y, z coordinate system is again fixed to the articulation point N1 present on the mounting plane T for each light element's deflection motor, and the basic position center line P0 of the light element's light beam 7 functions as a positive z-axis, the mounting plane T establishing an x, y plane. Now, this enables the center line of the light beam 7 to be directed to any point above the mounting plane or x, y plane (i.e. on the side of the mounting plane T where the light elements are located) by deflecting the servomotor 31 b coupled to the light element 31.

[0061] Presented in fig. 6a, with reference to fig. 6b, is also a method 600 used for controlling a lighting arrangement 1, including a lighthead 3 with several light elements 31.

[0062] A starting step 602 comprises activating a control unit 8, which is intended for controlling an operating theatre lighting arrangement 1 and which performs the necessary actions, for example start routines and possible software updates. Also activated is a remote controller 6, which is intended for pointing a site to be illuminated and fitted with one or more light emitting diodes. Alternatively the pointing function of the remote controller 6 can be implemented for example with a low power laser.

[0063] In addition, the patient subject to examination can also be placed at this point on an operating table 2 and the operating table 2 adjusted to a position sensible from the standpoint of a procedure.

[0064] In step 610, the user illuminates an intended examination object 61, for the ear region of a patient, by generating, with the at least one light emitting diode of the remote controller 6, a light beam in an effort to focus the lighthead's light elements thereon. The control unit 8 detects the designated ear 61 with its detection unit, which may comprise for example at least one light sensor adapted to detect a designated spot discernible distinctly from its surroundings because of the illumination.

[0065] In step 620, which can be conducted before or after the designation of an object 61, the control unit 8 senses, by means of the detection unit, the position of a lighthead 3, i.e. the position of that mounting plane T on which the light elements are fixed. On the basis of this position data it is possible to direct for example a basic position P0 for the center line of the light elements' 31 light beams 7 and a distance vector d of each light element 31 to the designated spot. Hence, the distance vectors d constitute a portion of the center axes P of the light elements' 31 light beams 7 as the light elements 31 are pointed towards the designated spot 61.

[0066] In step 630, it is determined by means of the distance vector in which direction and to which extent the light elements 31 must be deflected with their directing implements 31 b relative to the basic plane P0 for the center lines P of the light elements' light beams 7 to comply with the distance vectors d and to point towards the designated spot 61.

[0067] The control instructions for each light element 31 are produced in step 640. These comprise the pointing of a light element 31 in such a way that the light element 31 presently in a given position Pa, in which an object 61 a is illuminated by a light beam 7a and which is not necessarily a basic position P0, is first pivoted to the basic position P0, whereby the center line P of its light beam is consistent with the basic position P0. This is followed by deflecting the light element 31 through the basic position P0 for directing its light beam 7 in such a way that the center line P is aimed towards a designated spot 61 present in the ear region. What is determined in the control instruction is therefore the driving of a light element to a basic position P0 and thereafter, commencing from the basic position P0, deciding across which angle b1, b2 each light element 31 must be deflected by the directing implements 31 b.

[0068] Alternatively, steps 620, 630, 640 comprise determining initial positions Pa for the center line P of each light element's 31 light beam 7, as well as a desired focusing position P, and thereafter determining control instructions for the directing implements 31 b in such a way that the light elements 31 are driven directly from the initial position Pa to the desired focusing position P without passing the light elements 31 through the basic position P0 unless this is necessary.

[0069] In case there are still light elements left in step 642, for which the control instructions must be determined, the step 630 will be revisited. Otherwise, the control unit 8 transmits with its data transfer unit, over a wired and/or wireless communication link, the produced light element-specific control instructions to the directing implements 31 b of each light element 31 for focusing the same on the designated spot 61, thus enabling the desired ear region to be illuminated as intended by the user.

[0070] The control method terminates in step 658.

[0071] Fig. 7 presents a control unit 8 implementing for example the control method 600, said unit comprising at least one processor 81 capable of executing instructions determined for example by a user or an application program, and processing data. The control unit 8 has naturally at least one memory 82 for storing and preserving data, for example instructions, as well as possibly at least one user interface 89, which is intended for feeding and displaying information and/or commands and which comprises for example at least one of the following: a keyboard, at least one physical control button, a mouse, a touch-pad, a display, and a touchscreen.

[0072] In addition, the control unit 8 has a data transfer unit 87, comprising a wireless transceiver, for example an RF and/or IR transceiver, and/or a transceiver intended for wired (landline) data transfer, as well as a detection unit 88, comprising for example at least one light sensor intended for detecting a designated spot 61 and/or at least one position sensor for determining the position of a lighthead 3.

[0073] The memory 82 further comprises at least one program 83 controlling operation of the data transfer unit 87, at least one program 84 controlling operation of the detection unit 88, at least one program 85 controlling the user interface 89, and a program 86, by means of which the light elements 31 of the lighthead 3 are controlled with the control unit 8.

[0074] In the control unit 8, the computer program 86 stored in its memory 82 is adapted, jointly with the at least one processor 81, to prompt the control unit 8 to detect, by way of the detection unit 88, a spot 61 of the operating table 2 designated with a remote controller 6, to produce for each light element 31 a light element-specific control command, which enables the directing implements 31 b of each light element 31 to be controlled in such a way that the light beam 7 of each light element 31 will be focused on the designated spot 61, and to transmit, with the data transfer unit 87, to the directing implements 31 b of each light element 31 a light element-specific control command for focusing the light element 31 on the designated spot 61.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the control unit 8 is further prompted to detect, with the detection unit 88, a position of the lighthead mounting plane T, on which the light elements 31 are fixed, whereby, on the basis of the position of the mounting plane T, it is possible to determine a basic position P0 for the center line of the light elements' 31 light beams 7 and a distance vector d of each light element 31 to a designated spot 61. The distance vectors d constitute a portion of the center lines P of the light elements' 31 light beams 7 as the light elements 31 are pointed towards the designated spot 61.

[0076] According to tone embodiment, the control unit 8 is prompted to determine, by means of the distance vectors d, how the light elements 31 must be deflected for bringing the center lines P of their light beams to comply with the distance vectors d and to point towards the designated spot 61.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the control unit 8, in which the control instruction for each light element 31 comprises the directing of a light element 31 in such a way that the center line P of its light beam is brought to comply with the basic position P0, and thereafter the directing of the center line P of the light beam 7 in such a way that the center line P of the light beam 7 is focused towards the designated spot 61, and in which control instruction there is determined across which angle B1, b2 each light element 31 must be deflected by the directing implements 31 b.

[0078] The computer program 86, present in the memory 82, comprises a detection code which is adapted to detect a spot 61 of the operating table 2 designated with a remote controller 6 of the detection unit 88, a command code which is adapted to generate for each light element 31 a light element-specific control command which enables the directing implements 31 b of each light element 31 to be controlled in such a way that the light beam 7 of each light element 31 will be focused on the designated spot 61, and a transmission code which is adapted to transmit, with the data transfer unit 87, to the directing implements 31 b of each light element 31 a light element-specific control command for focusing the light element 31 on the designated spot 61.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the computer program 86 further includes a detection code which is adapted to detect, with the detection unit 88, a position of the lighthead mounting plane T on which the light elements 31 are fixed, whereby, on the basis of the position of the mounting plane T, it is possible to determine a basic position P0 for the center line of the light elements' 31 light beams 7 and a distance vector d of each light element 31 to a designated spot 61, said distance vectors d constituting a portion of the center lines P of the light elements' 31 light beams 7 as the light elements 31 are pointed towards the designated spot 61.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the computer program 86 includes a determination code which is adapted to determine, by means of the distance vectors d, how the light elements 31 must be deflected for bringing the center lines P of their light beams to comply with the distance vectors d and to point towards the designated spot 61.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the control instruction for each light element 31 comprises the directing of a light element 31 in such a way that the center line P of its light beam 7 is brought to comply with the basic position P0, and thereafter the directing of the center line P of the light beam 7 in such a way that the center lie P of the light beam 7 will be focused towards the designated spot 61, and in which control instruction there is determined across which angle b1, b2 each light element 31 must be deflected by the directing implements 31 b. According to one embodiment, the computer program 86 is a computer program product, comprising a computer-readable data transfer medium, for example a CD disc or a USB flash drive, which includes a computer program code intended to be read with a computer.

The texts in figures:

[0082] 

Fig. 6a

602 - Start

610 - Detecting a designated spot of the operating table

620 - Detecting a position of the lighthead

630 - Determining how a light element must be deflected for focusing it on the designated spot

640 - Generating a control instruction for the light element

642 - Other light elements?

KYLLA - YES

EI-NO

650 - Transmitting control command(s) to the lighthead

658 - End

Fig. 7

Muisti - Memory

89 - User interface

81 - Processor

88 - Detection

6 - Remote controller

87 - Data transfer

Claims

1. A lighting arrangement (1), comprising a lighthead (3) which is connected by way of a deflectable spring arm (4; 41) to operating theatre ceiling structures (5) and which includes a plurality of light elements (31) present in a single mounting plane (T) and provided with one or more light emitting diodes (31 c), as well as a protective shield (32) covering these light elements, characterized in that each light element (31) of the lighting arrangement comprises a light emitting diode or LED (31 c), said light element being mounted on a specific point of the mounting plane (T), whereby the light emitting diode is connected to directing implements (31 b), as well as to optics (31 a) deflectable with the directing implements, said directing implements (31 b) being operatively coupled to a control unit (8) for controlling the optics (31 a) of each light element, the control unit further comprising
a pointer, such as a remote controller (6), whose pointer function enables a specific spot of the operating table, i.e. a designated spot (61), to be optically pointed out,
a detection unit (88) for detecting a position of the lighthead mounting plane (T) on which the light elements (31) are fixed, as well as the spot (61) of an operating table (2) which has been optically designated with a pointer, such as the remote controller (6),
a processor (81) for determining a basic center line position (P0) of the light elements' (31) light beams (7) and each light element's (31) distance vector (d) to the designated spot (61) on the basis of the detected position of said mounting plane (T), said distance vectors (d) constituting a portion of center lines (P) of the light elements' (31) light beams (7) as the light elements are directed towards the designated spot (61), as well as for generating a control command for each light element (31), said control command enabling the directing implements (31 b) of each light element (31) to be controlled in such a way that the light beam (7) of each light element (31) is focused on the designated spot (61), and
a data transfer unit (88) for transmitting a light element-specific control command to the directing implements (31 b) of each light element (31) for focusing the light element (31) on the designated spot (61).

2. A lighting arrangement (1) as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (8) comprises means for directing the light beam (7) from the optics (31 a) of each light element (31) to the designated spot (61) at a specific illumination angle (b1, b2), said illumination angle (b1, b2) being determined by a distance between the locations of an installation point (N1) of each light element (31) on the mounting plane (T) and the designated spot (61) of the operating table, as well as by a position of the lighthead mounting plane (T) on which the light elements (31) are fixed.

3. A lighting arrangement (1) as set forth in either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position of the mounting plane (T) is such that it forms a certain angle (c1) with horizontal plane, particularly with a horizontal plane (H) extending by way of the intended designation spot (61) of the operating table (2), whereby, when a three-dimensional x, y, z coordinate system is set on said mounting plane (T) such that the mounting plane (T) determines x-and y-axes of said coordinate system and the basic position (P0) of the light beam (7) of the light element (31) fixed on the mounting plane (T) is at the same time a normal to the mounting plane (T) which is directed from the mounting plane (T) onto the side facing the intended designation spot of the operating table, the basic position (P0) of the light beam (7) forms the angle (c1) with such a straight line which is a normal to the horizontal plane (H).

4. A lighting arrangement (1) as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a longitudinal midline of the optics (31 a) of the light element (31) is at the same time the center line (P) of this particular light element, and that the control unit enables the optics (31 a) of each light element to be controlled with the directing implements (31 b) in such a way that the center line (P) of each light beam (7; 7¹-7⁷) is capable of being diverted to the specific illumination angle (b1, b2) from the center line (P0) of light beams presently in a basic position.

5. A lighting arrangement (1) as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light beam (7; 7¹-7⁷) of each light element (31; 31¹-31⁷) has an illumination angle (b1, b2) different from those of other light elements.

6. A lighting arrangement (1) as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each light element (31) comprises at least one light source or LED (31 c), adjustable optics (31 a) for focusing the light of a light element/light elements and for generating a certain light beam (7; 7¹-7⁷) , as well as directing implements (31 b), such as an electric deflection motor, for directing the optics (31 a).

7. A lighting arrangement (1) as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting arrangement (1) comprises a control unit (8) whereby is adjusted at least one of the following functions of light elements: switching a light element on/off, magnitude of light intensity, setting the focus of a light beam, and the direction of a light beam.

8. A lighting arrangement (1) as set forth in claim 7, characterized in that the control unit (8) comprises a pointer, such as a remote controller (6), which determines a designated spot (61), a detection unit (88) for detecting the designated spot, as well as a processor (81), which calculates a location of the designated spot, said detection unit being in communication with the processor which calculates the difference in a three-dimensional x, y, z coordinate system between the locations of the designated spot (61) of an operating table and the installation point (N1) of each light element (31; 31¹-31⁷) on the mounting plane (T) and communicates the same to the directing implements (31 b) of each light element (31).

9. A lighting arrangement (1) as set forth in claim 8, characterized in that the remote controller (6) is a light pen or the like, which defines an intended designation spot with IR rays.

10. A lighting arrangement (1) as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electric directing implements (31 b) comprise a servomotor, which is capable of receiving information about an address of the designated spot (61) from the data processing unit (8) in a three-dimensional coordinate system containing the mounting plane (T) and of adjusting, on the basis thereof, the illumination angle (b1, b2) of the center line (P) of each light element's (31; 31¹-31⁷) light beam (7; 7¹-7⁷) from the basic center line position (P0) of said light element.

11. A lighting arrangement (1) as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the designated object (61) to be illuminated is located in the vicinity of the operating table (2), on either side of a crosswise center axis (K) of a lighthead frame.

12. A lighting arrangement (1) as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plane direction (T) of a lighthead frame (33) is in an inclined position relative to the level plane (H), such as a horizontal plane.

13. A method (600) for controlling a lighting arrangement (1) as set forth in any of claims 1-12, comprising a lighthead (3) with several light elements (31), said method comprising

- detecting (610), with a detection unit (86), an optically designated spot (61) of an operating table (2),

- detecting (620), with the detection unit (86), the position of a lighthead mounting plane (T) having the light elements (31) fixed thereto

- determining, with a processor (81), on the basis of the mounting plane position, a basic position (P0) for the center line of the light elements' (31) light beams (7) and each light element's (31) distance vector (d) to the designated spot (61), said distance vectors (d) constituting a portion of center lines (P) of the light elements' (31) light beams (7) as the light elements (31) are directed towards the designated spot (61)

- generating (630, 640), with the processor (81), for each light element (31) a light element-specific control command, which enables directing implements (31 b) of each light element (31) to be controlled in such a way that the light beam (7) of each light element (31) is focused on the designated spot (61), and

- transmitting (660), with a data transfer unit (88), to the directing implements (31 b) of each light element (31) a light element-specific control command for focusing the light element (31) on the designated spot (61).

14. A method as set forth in claim 13, comprising determining (630), with the processor (81), by means of the distance vectors (d), how the light elements (31) must be deflected for bringing the center lines (P) of their light beams to comply with the distance vectors (d) and to point towards the designated spot (61).

15. A method as set forth in claim 13 or 14 for controlling a lighting arrangement as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that the method comprises at least the following steps of:

- setting the mounting plane (T) of the lighthead (3) at a selected angle and at a selected distance from the optically designatable spot (61) of an operating table,

- designating, with the pointer function of a remote controller, the spot (61) of the operating table (2) to be illuminated,

- detecting (610), with the detection unit (86), the optically designated spot (61) of the operating table (2),

- generating (630, 640), with the processor (81), for each light element (31) a light element-specific control command, which enables the directing implements (31 b) of each light element (31) to be controlled in such a way that the light beam (7) of each light element (31) is focused on the designated spot (61), and

- transmitting (660), with the data transfer unit (88), to the directing implements (31 b) of each light element (31) a light element-specific control command for focusing the light element (31) on the designated spot (61),

- directing, through the intermediary of the directing implements (31 b), the optics (31 a) of each light element in such a way that the light beam (7) is directed from the optics (31 a) of each light element (31) to the designated spot (61) at a certain illumination angle, said illumination angle (b1, b2) depending on a difference between the locations of an installation point (N1) of each light element (31) on the mounting plane (T) and the designated spot (61) of the operating table.

16. A method as set forth in claim 15, characterized by

- setting the lighthead mounting plane (3) manually at an approximately correct angle and at a suitable distance from the optically designatable spot (61) of an operating table,

- pointing, with the pointer function of a remote controller, to the spot (61) of the operating table (2) to be illuminated,

- detecting (610), with the detection unit (86), the optically designated spot (61) of the operating table (2),

- generating (630, 640), with the processor (81), for each light element (31) a light element-specific control command, which enables the directing implements (31 b) of each light element (31) to be controlled in such a way that the light beam (7) of each light element (31) is focused on the designated spot (61), and

- transmitting (660), with the data transfer unit (88), to the directing implements (31 b) of each light element (31) a light element-specific control command for focusing the light element (31) on the designated spot (61),

- directing, through the intermediary of the directing implements (31 b), without a manual contact with the lighthead, the optics (31 a) of each light element in such a way that the light beam (7) is directed from the optics (31 a) of each light element (31) to the designated spot (61) at a certain illumination angle, said illumination angle (b1, b2) depending on a difference between the locations of the installation point (N1) of each light element (31) on the mounting plane (T) and the designated spot (61) of the operating table.

17. A control unit (8) for controlling a lighting arrangement (1) as set forth in any of claims 1-10, comprising a lighthead (3) with several light elements (31), said control unit (8) comprising
at least one processor (81) and
at least one memory (82), comprising a computer program code (86), said at least one memory and computer program code being adapted, jointly with the at least one processor, to prompt the control unit to execute at least as follows:

to detect with a detection unit (88) an optically designated spot (61) of an operating table (2),

to generate with a processor (81) for each light element (31) a light element-specific control command, which enables directing implements (31 b) of each light element (31) to be controlled in such a way that a light beam (7) of each light element (31) is focused on the designated spot (61), and

to transmit with a data transfer unit (87) to the directing implements (31 b) of each light element (31) a light element-specific control command for focusing the light element (31) on the designated spot (61).

18. A computer program (86), which is adapted to implement a method as set forth in any of claims 11-14 when the computer program is executed with a processor.

Drawing