Abstract:
An operating lamp has operator controls that include several operating parameter display fields for displaying adjustable parameters of operating states of the operating lamp, and a control element, such as a manipulable knob, for setting those parameters. The same control element also emits control signals for changing the operating state.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     Under 35 U.S.C. § 119, this application claims the benefit of a foreign priority application filed in Europe, serial number EP 05 017 160.2, filed Aug. 6, 2005, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     The invention relates to an operating lamp with operator controls having several operating parameter display fields for displaying adjustable parameters of operating states of the operating lamp, and a control element for setting the parameters.  
         [0003]     The use of operating lamps of this type in operating rooms is generally known.  
         [0004]     Advantageously, the operating surgeon can easily access the operator controls to facilitate handling of the operating lamp.  
         [0005]     It is desired to further facilitate handling of the operating lamp.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0006]     One aspect of the invention features an operating lamp of the above-mentioned type, in which the control element also emits control signals for changing the operating state. Advantageously, the operating surgeon can switch between operating states using one single control element, and change the parameters of the operating state.  
         [0007]     In a technical implementation of the functions of the control element, the control signals for setting the operating parameters are emitted by moving the control element in a different direction than for emitting control signals for changing the operating state. One direction of motion may be, for example, a rotation and the other direction of motion may be, for example, an axial displacement.  
         [0008]     In order to provide optimum access to the operator controls, the operator controls may be disposed in the region of the illuminants or the light modules or in the region of the mounting means of the operating lamp.  
         [0009]     The adjustable operating states may advantageously include: light intensity, emitted color temperature, distribution of the light intensities at the light emitting surface, on or off.  
         [0010]     Cleaning of the control element is facilitated in embodiments in which the control element of the operator controls can be removed.  
         [0011]     When the control element of the operator controls can be sterilized, the operating surgeon can use the control element also during an operation.  
         [0012]     The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0013]     The schematic drawing shows two preferred embodiments of the invention which are explained with reference to the drawing.  
         [0014]      FIG. 1  shows a first operating lamp;  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  shows a second operating lamp;  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  shows an operating field of an operator controls for the first or second operating lamp. 
     
    
       [0017]     Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0018]     In accordance with  FIG. 1 , an operating lamp  1  includes several light modules  2 , a handle  3  and operator controls  4 . The light modules  2  are connected to a pivot arm  5  of a support via a carrier, and the support may be mounted to a ceiling or wall. The light modules  2  are controlled by the operator controls  4  which are mounted to the pivot arm  5 . Optionally, additional operator controls may be provided which may be built into the wall of the operating room, for example. Activation is implemented by using any of the operator controls. The display of the respective operating states and parameters is identical. The operator controls  4  comprise an control element  6  which permits switching over between the individual operating states of the operating lamp  1  and also changing of the parameters within the operating states. The control element  6  can be displaced in an axial direction in accordance with the double arrow in order to switch between the operating states. In order to change the parameters, the control element  6  can be turned (displacement and turning of the control element see  FIG. 3 ).  
         [0019]     The control element  6  is formed by a push button or rotary switch which can be removed and sterilized, and which emits pulses to the control of the operating lamp  1  upon exertion of pressure or rotation. When the control element  6  is pressed, the different operating states of the operating lamp  1  are switched one after the other. The operating states involve the following functions:  
         [0020]     on/off (completely switched off or standby state)  
         [0021]     light intensity (brightness)  
         [0022]     color temperature  
         [0023]     illumination situation (selection of the intensity distribution of the emitted light  
         [0024]     optional: camera control (orientation, zoom)  
         [0025]     The defined stepped rotation of the control element  6  is facilitated through lock-in positions of the rotary switch. The operating parameters may be changed during one operating state and be displayed on the operator controls  4 . The following parameters are stored in a control:  
         [0026]     Light intensity: e.g. endo (10%)/50%/60%/70%/80%/90%/100%  
         [0027]     Color temperature: e.g. 3500 K/4000K/4500 K/5000 K  
         [0028]     Illumination situation: e.g. 1 operating surgeon/2 operating surgeons/large-surface wound /deep, narrow wound  
         [0029]     When the operating lamp  1  is used in a system of several operating lamps, there is the option to select whether the operating parameters are synchronized. In other words, when the color temperature of an operating lamp changes, for example, the color temperature of one or more further operating lamps is changed to the same value. This is useful for illuminating an operating field using several operating lamps. In an alternative setting, the operating parameters of the individual operating lamps can be separately changed, which may be useful If there are several operating fields.  
         [0030]     Switching the sterile control element  6  off or on activates or deactivates the standby mode. The operating parameters are stored when it is switched off, but may still be displayed. When the operating lamp  1  is switched on, it assumes the operating state corresponding to the stored, last parameters.  
         [0031]     In accordance with  FIG. 2 , the operator controls  4  are disposed in the region of the light modules  2 . The function of the operator controls  4  is the same. In both alternative arrangements of the operator controls  4  on the operating lamp  1 , the operator controls  4  may be operated by the operating surgeon, since the arrangement is accessible for the operating surgeon. In accordance with  FIG. 2 , the operator controls  4  are disposed on the lower side of the operating lamp  1  associated with the operating field.  
         [0032]     In accordance with  FIG. 3 , the operator controls  4  include, in addition to the control element  6 , a non-sterile switch  7  for completely switching the operating lamp off or on. When the operating lamp is switched on, it assumes the state corresponding to the predefined parameters (basic position). The operator controls  4  has a display  8  with several LEDs that shows the intensity of the adjusted brightness of the operating lamp, a display  9  with several LEDs that shows the intensity the of adjusted color temperature, a display  10  that shows the setting of the operating lamp for deep or shallow wounds, and a display  11  that shows the setting of the operating lamp within the illumination field for one or more operating surgeons.  
         [0033]     A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.