Operating menu for a surgical microscope

An operating menu is provided for display with a touch-sensitive display screen (105) in a surgical microscope (100). The operating menu has a first operator-controlled area (106) wherein at least one touch-sensitive actuation field (107) is provided for adjusting a surgical microscope operating mode. In a second operator-controlled area (108) of the operating menu, a touch-sensitive actuation field (109) is provided with a function dependent upon an adjusted surgical microscope operating mode.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an operating menu for control functions in a surgical microscope which is displayed with a touch-sensitive display screen on the surgical microscope. The invention further relates to a surgical microscope having a touch-sensitive display screen which displays such an operating menu as well as a computer program for displaying such an operating menu on a touch-sensitive display screen.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Carl Zeiss AG markets a surgical microscope system under the product identification of “Surgical Microscope System NC 33”. The surgical microscope system has a touch-sensitive display screen which is mounted on a stand of a surgical microscope. A series of microscope functions can be controlled via this touch-sensitive display screen. These microscope functions include the assignment of actuating keys on a handle, the selection of an autobalance mode for the stand, the preselection of user-defined apparatus adjustments and the actuation of illumination.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to make possible the operation of complex apparatus functions in a surgical microscope on a small area and in an overview manner.

The object of the invention is solved with the operating menu of the kind referred to above which has a first operator-controlled area in which at least one touch-sensitive field is provided for adjusting a surgical microscope operating mode and which operating menu has a second operating area which includes at least one touch-sensitive actuation field having a functionality dependent upon an adjusted surgical microscope operating mode.

In this way, an operating menu for controlling a surgical microscope is made available which makes possible a change of the surgical microscope operating mode at any time via a simple press of the finger.

A surgical microscope, which can be controlled via such an operating menu, can be operated in an especially user-friendly manner. Such an operating menu can be generated with a computer program which is stored in a central control computer of a surgical microscope. Such a computer program makes possible user-adapted configurations for a surgical microscope system with little complexity.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1shows a surgical microscope100having a stand unit101. The stand unit includes a carrier arm102on which a surgical microscope body103is mounted. The stand unit101is accommodated on a console104wherein a central computer is disposed. On the console104, a touch-sensitive display screen or touch screen monitor105is attached with which an operating menu for the surgical menu can be displayed. This touch-sensitive display screen is configured as a video-capable graphic display screen and is connected to a central communication interface of the system. In this way, access to data banks is provided and the possibility of network and internet connections or the execution of service-remote programs is made possible. In order to ensure a good pressure sensitivity, the graphic display of the display screen is covered with a thin plastic cover. The display screen105itself can be rotated by approximately ±90° on the console104and is, at the same time, tiltable by approximately 20° so that the display can be viewed at any time by one or several persons.

The operating menu on the touch-sensitive display screen105shows selected functions and settings. The input takes place directly by pressing on a corresponding activatable area on the display screen.

In this way, for the surgical microscope100, adjustments of the optics in the surgical microscope body103can be undertaken via the touch-sensitive display screen. These adjustments relate to the stand, an illumination or programmable part of a manual movement or of a foot switch. It is possible to store selected settings in dependence upon user.

It is especially possible to trigger an automatic balancing of the system via the touch-sensitive display screen. An xy-motor system can be controlled and video and audio functions can be actuated and a data reflect-in display can be switched in.

The operating menu has a first operating area106in which touch-sensitive actuation fields107are provided for setting a surgical microscope operating mode. In the surgical microscope shown, the following can be selected: “surgical procedure” for working with the surgical microscope in the context of a surgical procedure on a patient; “patient data input” for reading in and inputting patient data into the central control computer of the surgical microscope; “user data input” for reading in and inputting data of a physician working with the surgical microscope; and, “apparatus configuration” for undertaking preadjustments of the surgical microscope for a later surgical procedure.

At the same time as the first operating area106, the operating menu shows a second operating area108wherein touch-sensitive actuation fields109are provided with a functionality dependent upon a set surgical microscope operating mode.

It is possible to do the following with the touch-sensitive display screen105: image administration and archiving of patient data with protection on CD or DVD; establishing a network connection for transmitting or receiving patient data from or to additional networks. A connection to a hospital network can be established, for example, a network driven by a picture archive communication system. There is also the possibility of allowing a remote service access and e-mail can be transferred to selected addresses or data can be transferred to network drives connected to the central control computer of the surgical microscope. In addition, telephone functions can be controlled with the touch-sensitive display screen and a navigation mode (IGS) can be triggered and, finally, a drape-suction system can be controlled with the touch-sensitive display screen.

FIG. 2shows a schematic function circuit diagram200which makes possible the interaction of the touch-sensitive display screen with a central control computer and with adjustable apparatus component assemblies of the surgical microscope. The touch-display screen201is connected to a control computer203via a bi-directional data line202. Various component groups205to212are connected to this control computer203via a CAN bus line204. These component groups include a first handle, a foot switch console, a camera unit, a display, a microscope, a light source, a stand control and a second handle. A zoom system of the surgical microscope can, for example, be operator controlled by driving the microscope component assembly and an autofocus can be activated. The stand control of the surgical microscope includes the driving of stand brakes and the option to actuate an xy-displacement device which makes it possible to move the microscope, which is mounted on the stand, in a plane.

With the control signals, which are transmitted via the CAN bus, adjustments can be undertaken on the component assemblies205to212. These control signals make it possible that, for example, actuating motors can be driven in the surgical microscope or video and audio functions can be adjusted.

A computer program is loaded in the control computer203which generates an operating menu on the touch-sensitive display screen201. This menu makes possible a driving of the component assemblies205to212of the surgical microscope from the operating menu.

InFIG. 3, the touch-sensitive display screen of the surgical microscope is shown with a displayed operating menu. The displayed operating menu has a first operator-controlled area301, which shows the touch-sensitive actuation fields302,303,304and305. Further, the operating menu includes a second operator-controlled area306which is arranged next to the operator-controlled area301and is shown at the same time with the operating area301. The functionality of the operator-controlled area306is dependent upon the activation of an actuation field302,303,304or305in the first operating area. In the present case, an actuation field302having the function “surgery” is activated on the first operator-controlled area301. The activation of the actuation field303effects the display of a touch-sensitive actuation field for inputting the password. After the corresponding password is inputted, touch-sensitive actuation fields are then displayed which permit access to patient data. With the activation of the actuation field304, it is possible in an operator-controlled area correspondingly displayed for this purpose to adjust a user profile for the user of the corresponding surgical microscope with corresponding touch-sensitive fields.

The activation of a touch-sensitive actuation field is displayed on the display screen300by dark coloration compared to non-activated actuation fields. The dark coloration makes evident to the user the graphic impression of a pressed function key in an area.

With the activation of the actuation field302, the second operator-controlled area306includes: a touch-sensitive field307with which photo functions of the surgical microscope can be controlled; a touch-sensitive actuation field308with which a video recorder can be operated; a touch-sensitive actuation field309with which a video camera can be controlled; and, touch-sensitive actuation fields310,311,312and313are provided for controlling audio and dictation functions, for triggering an autobalancing operation in the surgical microscope system or for controlling a drape-suction arrangement. In the second operator-controlled area306, there is a graphic display screen window314displayed as a video monitor which images an image of a surgical area recorded with a camera mounted in the surgical microscope. By touching an actuation field315, the dimensions of this graphic display screen window can be magnified. About the graphic display screen window314in the second operator-controlled area306, the following are provided: a touch-sensitive actuation field316for selecting a focal length or a microscope main objective system in the surgical microscope; a touch-sensitive actuation field317for selecting a magnification factor; a touch-sensitive actuation field318for adjusting the intensity of the illuminating light made available by an illuminating device of the surgical microscope; a touch-sensitive actuation field319for selecting a focusing speed; a touch-sensitive actuation field320for setting a speed with which a magnification factor for the surgical microscope optics can be changed; and, a further touch-sensitive actuation field321for controlling the illuminating system of the surgical microscope.

As shown in the case of the touch-sensitive actuation field320inFIG. 3, an actuation field322having a displaceably configured actuating element323is displayed with the activation of one of the actuation fields319to321via the graphic display screen window314and, with the actuation field322, quasi-continuous changes of a specific surgical microscope size can be undertaken and, in the case shown, this is the adjustment of a speed for the change of a surgical microscope magnification factor.

A portion of each of these touch-sensitive actuation fields has a parabolic periphery whose size is adapted to the fingers of the human hand. Their arrangement is ergonomic and clear so that unwanted erroneous operations can be precluded insofar as possible.

FIG. 4shows an operating menu400which is displayed with a touch-sensitive display screen. On this operating menu400, the actuation field “apparatus configuration” is activated as a touch-sensitive actuation field405. The activation of this actuation field makes possible the selection of presettings in the surgical microscope for a later surgery.

The operating menu shows a second operator-controlled area406next to a first operator-controlled area401wherein a touch-sensitive actuation field407is provided for configuring optical units of the surgical microscope and a touch-sensitive actuation field408is provided for configuring a light source of the surgical microscope. In addition, a touch-sensitive actuation field409is provided in the second operator-controlled area406for configuring the surgical microscope stand and a touch-sensitive actuation field410is provided for configuring audio and video functions of the surgical microscope. There is a touch-sensitive actuation field411for configuring a display in the surgical microscope. The second operator-controlled area406includes a touch-sensitive actuation field412via which the configuration of a telephone is possible which is integrated in the surgical microscope. In addition, the second operator-controlled field406has a touch-sensitive actuation field413for configuring e-mail settings in the surgical microscope and there is a touch-sensitive actuation field414which, when activated, triggers the display of system data.

In the operating menu400shown, the touch-sensitive actuation field407is activated in the second operator-controlled area406for the configuration of optical units of the surgical microscope.

The activation of this actuation field407triggers the display of a third operator-controlled area415in the operating menu400. The third operator-controlled area415has the following: a touch-sensitive actuation field416for activating a focus adjusting system; a touch-sensitive actuation field417for activating a zoom adjusting system; a touch-sensitive actuation field418for activating a diaphragm adjusting system; and, a touch-sensitive actuation field419which makes possible the activation of a tube adjusting system.

In the operating menu400, the touch-sensitive actuation field416is activated for activating the focus adjusting system.

When activating the actuation field416, the operating menu400shows a fourth operator-controlled area420which is configured as a set of index cards and in which actuation fields421to426are provided which make possible the following: the adjustment of an autofocus; the activation of a focus stop; the control of a focusing assist; the control of a focusing distance; the control of a focusing speed; and, the selection of a protective distance between a surgical microscope main objective system and a patient. When activating the touch-sensitive actuation fields405,407and416of the operating menu400, four operator-controlled areas401,406,415and420are simultaneously displayed with touch-sensitive actuation fields.

InFIG. 5, an operating menu500is shown wherein the touch-sensitive actuation field505in a first operating area501is activated for controlling the apparatus configuration. The touch-sensitive actuation field507for configuring the optical units of the surgical microscope is disposed in the second operator-controlled area506and is likewise activated. In contrast to the operating menu shown inFIG. 4, in the operating menu500, however, the touch-sensitive actuation field517for activating a zoom adjusting system is activated in the third operator-controlled area515. The activation of the zoom adjusting system effects an index card-shaped display of a fourth operator-controlled area520. In this fourth operator-controlled area, the following are provided: a touch-sensitive actuation field521for activating a zoom-dependent brightness adaptation; a touch-sensitive actuation field522for activating a zoom drive speed; and, a touch-sensitive actuation field523for setting a zoom-start value.

FIG. 6shows an operating menu600wherein the touch-sensitive actuation field605for apparatus configuration is again activated in the first operator-controlled area601and, in the second operator-controlled area, the touch-sensitive actuation field607is activated for the configuration of optical units of the surgical microscope. In the third operator-controlled area615, the touch-sensitive actuation field618for adjusting the diaphragm functions is activated. The activation of this touch-sensitive actuation field has the consequence of providing the display of a fourth operator-controlled area620wherein a touch-sensitive actuation field621is displayed with which a selection of the depth of field can be undertaken in the surgical microscope.

InFIG. 7, an operating menu700is shown wherein again, in a first operator-controlled area701, the touch-sensitive actuation field705for apparatus configuration is activated and, in the second operator-controlled area706, the touch-sensitive actuation field707for configuring the optical units of the surgical microscope is activated. In the display of the operator-controlled area715effected in this manner, the touch-sensitive actuation field719for adjusting the tube in the corresponding surgical microscope is activated in the operating menu700. The activation of the touch-sensitive actuation field719triggers, in turn, an index card-shaped display of a fourth operator-controlled area720in which the touch-sensitive actuation field721for adjusting an ocular magnification and actuation field722for adjusting a tube focal length are provided.

InFIG. 8, an operating menu800is shown in whose first operator-controlled area801, the touch-sensitive actuation field805“apparatus configuration” is activated and wherein, in the second operator-controlled area806, the touch-sensitive actuation field808for the configuration of a light source of a surgical microscope is activated. The activation of the touch-sensitive actuation field808effects the display of a third operator-controlled area815having a touch-sensitive actuation field816. With an activation, this actuation field816triggers an index card-shaped display of a fourth operator-controlled area820wherein the following are provided: touch-sensitive actuation field821for activating the light source; touch-sensitive actuation field822for adjusting a light source speed; touch-sensitive actuation field823for selecting a zoom link; touch-sensitive actuation field824for selecting a light source intensity; and, touch-sensitive actuation field825for selecting a start value for the light source intensity. In addition, in the operator-controlled area820, a display field826for displaying a lamp burning duration is provided and a display as to the use of a substitute lamp is provided as display field827.

FIG. 9shows an operating menu900wherein, in the first operator-controlled area901, the touch-sensitive actuation field905“apparatus configuration” is activated while, in the second operator-controlled area906, a touch-sensitive actuation field909is activated which makes possible the configuration of the surgical microscope stand. In the illustrated operating menu900, this actuation field909is activated, which effects the display of a third operator-controlled area915wherein the following are provided: a touch-sensitive actuation field916which makes possible the adjustment of function keys for a handle provided on the surgical microscope; a touch-sensitive actuation field917for adjusting the function keys for a foot switch which is provided on the surgical microscope; a touch-sensitive actuation field918which makes possible the configuration of an xy-displacement unit in the surgical microscope; and, a touch-sensitive actuation field919for driving stand brakes of the surgical microscope.

In the operating menu900shown, the touch-sensitive actuation field916for adjusting function keys for the handle, which is configured on the surgical microscope, is activated. The activation of this actuation field916has the consequence of a display of a fourth operator-controlled area920wherein the schematic representation of the handle for the surgical microscope is shown together with the touch-sensitive actuation fields for allocating the function knobs of the handle.

FIG. 10shows an operating menu1000wherein, as for the operating menu900ofFIG. 9, a touch-sensitive actuation field1005for apparatus configuration is activated in a first operator-controlled area1001and a touch-sensitive actuation field1009for driving stand functions in the surgical microscope is activated in a second operator-controlled area1006. The activation of the touch-sensitive actuation field1009triggers the display of a third operator-controlled area1015wherein, in the operating menu1000shown inFIG. 10, a touch-sensitive actuation field1017for adjusting the assignment of the foot switch functions is activated. The activation of this actuation field1017effects the display of a foot switch in a fourth operator-controlled area1020together with touch-sensitive actuation fields which make possible an adjustment of the foot switch functions.

If the touch-sensitive function key1021in the operating menu1000is activated, then there results the operating menu shown inFIG. 11wherein, in a fourth operator-controlled area1120, a foot key is shown whose function key assignment can be adjusted via corresponding touch-sensitive actuation fields in the operator-controlled area1120.

In a corresponding manner, the activation of a touch-sensitive function key1021in the operating menu1000ofFIG. 10leads to the display of a fourth operator-controlled area1220in an operating menu shown inFIG. 12wherein a foot rocker is shown whose functions can be occupied in this fourth operator-controlled area by assigned touch-sensitive actuation fields.

FIG. 13shows an operating menu1300, which in a first operator-controlled area1301, has a touch-sensitive actuation field1305for undertaking apparatus configurations of the surgical microscope. This actuation field1305is activated, which, in a second operator-controlled area1306, triggers the display of a touch-sensitive actuation field1309which is likewise activated so that a touch-sensitive actuation field1318is displayed in a third operator-controlled area1315. The actuation field1318makes possible the adjustment of the xy-displacement arrangement of the surgical microscope.

In the operating menu1300shown inFIG. 13, the touch-sensitive actuation field1318is activated which has the consequence of displaying a fourth operator-controlled area1320wherein touch-sensitive actuation fields1321are disposed via which the corresponding xy-displacement device can be adjusted in the surgical microscope.

InFIG. 14, an operating menu1400is shown wherein, in a first operator-controlled area1401, a touch-sensitive actuation field1405is activated for undertaking apparatus configurations of the surgical microscope and, in a second operator-controlled area1406, a touch-sensitive actuation field1409was actuated in order to adjust stand functions in the surgical microscope. The activation of the touch-sensitive actuation field1409causes the display of a third operator-controlled area1415wherein a touch-sensitive actuation field1418is displayed which is likewise disposed in the activated state. The activation of the actuation field1418, in turn, effects the index card-shaped display of a fourth operator-controlled area1420wherein touch-sensitive actuation fields1421are provided which make possible the control of the stand brakes in the surgical microscope.

InFIG. 15, an operating menu1500is shown wherein, in a first operator-controlled area1501, a touch-sensitive actuation field1505is activated for adjusting apparatus configurations in the surgical microscope and, in a second operator-controlled area1506, a touch-sensitive actuation field1510is activated which makes possible the adjustment of audio and video functions in the surgical microscope. The activation of the touch-sensitive actuation field1510effects the display of a third operator-controlled area1515wherein a touch-sensitive actuation field1516is disposed which is shown in the activated state for the operating menu1500. The activation of the actuation field1516has the consequence that the display of a fourth operator-controlled area1520occurs wherein touch-sensitive actuation fields are disposed which make possible an adjustment of photo functions in the surgical microscope.

InFIG. 16, a corresponding operating menu is shown wherein, in turn, a touch-sensitive actuation field1605is activated in a first operator-controlled area1601and a touch-sensitive actuation field1610is activated in a second operator-controlled area1606in order to trigger the display of a touch-sensitive actuation field1617in a third operator-controlled area1615. The touch-sensitive actuation field1617makes possible the configuration of a video system in the surgical microscope. In the operating menu1600, the touch-sensitive actuation field1617is shown in the activated state, which triggers the display of a fourth operator-controlled area1620, wherein touch-sensitive actuation fields are located in which video functions can be configured for a video system integrated into the surgical microscope.

FIG. 17shows a corresponding operating menu1700with a touch-sensitive actuation field1705in a first operator-controlled area1701and a touch-sensitive actuation field1710which is activated in a second operator-controlled area1706in order to, in turn, make possible the adjustment of audio and video functions in the surgical microscope. In a third operator-controlled area1715, a touch-sensitive actuation field1718is displayed which, in the operating menu1700ofFIG. 17, is shown in the activated state. The activation of the touch-sensitive actuation field1718leads, in turn, to the display of a fourth operator-controlled area1720wherein touch-sensitive actuation fields are provided for adjusting recording functions of a video system integrated into the surgical microscope.

FIG. 18shows an operating menu1800with an activated touch-sensitive actuation field1805in a first operator-controlled area1801and a touch-sensitive actuation field1810in a second operator-controlled area1806which, in turn, is for adjusting audio and video functions in the surgical microscope. In an illustrated third operator-controlled area1815, a touch-sensitive actuation field1819is shown in the activated state which makes possible an adjustment of audio functions in the surgical microscope. The activation of the touch-sensitive actuation field1819triggers the display of a fourth operator-controlled area1820wherein touch-sensitive actuation fields for the following are provided: the configuration of an automatic voice input; the adjustment of a microphone; and, additional voice control functions.

InFIG. 19, an operating menu1900is shown wherein, in a first operator-controlled area1901, a touch-sensitive actuation field1905for apparatus configurations is activated in order to effect the display of a touch-sensitive actuation field1911in a second operator-controlled area1906. The actuation field1911makes possible the modification of display settings in the touch-sensitive display screen which is provided on the surgical microscope. The activation of the touch-sensitive actuation field1911triggers the display of a touch-sensitive actuation field1916in a third operator-controlled area1915. The actuation field1916is shown in the activated state for the operating menu1900. In the activated state, the touch-sensitive actuation field1916effects the display of a fourth operator-controlled area1920wherein touch-sensitive actuation fields are provided in order to be able to undertake an adjustment of the display functions of the touch-sensitive display screen.

InFIG. 20, an operating menu2000is shown wherein, in a first operator-controlled area2001, a touch-sensitive actuation field2005is activated which effects the display of a touch-sensitive field2014in a second operator-controlled area2006. The actuation field2014makes possible the display of system information when activated. The activation of the touch-sensitive actuation field2014triggers the display of a touch-sensitive actuation field2016in a third operator-controlled area2015which, when activated, causes an index card-shaped display of a fourth operator-controlled area2020wherein system data for the surgical microscope system are displayed.