Patent Description:
Surgical lighting systems are used to illuminate surgical sites placed in surgical environments. A common concern for such systems is how best to handle obstructions that block light supplied for illuminating surgical sites. Such obstructions are typically caused by movement of surgical team members between the lighting elements of a system and the surgical site. Such instances are commonly solved by reducing the light intensity of obstructed lighting elements and increasing the light intensity of unobstructed lighting elements.

However, redistributing the light intensity to the unobstructed lighting elements does not address the obstruction of the other lighting elements. As such, illumination provided to the surgical site as a whole is significantly reduced. The surgical site may also be subject to a proliferation of shadows created by the obstructions. Redistributing the light intensity to the unobstructed lighting elements also reduces the life span of those lighting elements compared with the obstructed lighting elements. There is also an increase in heat emitted from the intensified unobstructed lighting elements. <CIT> discloses a surgical lighting apparatus for a surgical environment, the apparatus comprising a lighthead, a plurality of stationary light emitting modules, sensors positioned in one or more of the light emitting modules and a control unit. <CIT> discloses an operating room lighting system comprising a lighthead support for a lighthead with a plurality of light elements as well as adjustment elements for controlling features of the lighting system. <CIT> discloses a control system to control an operating room lamp to generate light to illuminate a surgical site. <CIT> discloses a surgical lamp including a lamp body having at least one light source.

The present invention provides an improved system for illuminating a surgical site when obstructions are formed between the lighting elements and the surgical site.

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein:.

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for illustrating example embodiments of the invention only and not for limiting same, <FIG> shows a surgical lighting apparatus <NUM> for a surgical environment <NUM> according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As is illustrated in <FIG>, surgical lighting apparatus <NUM> includes a lighthead <NUM> and a control unit <NUM>. Lighthead <NUM> is configured to illuminate a surgical site <NUM> disposed in surgical environment <NUM>.

Lighthead <NUM> is mounted to a ceiling <NUM> of surgical environment <NUM> by a lighthead mounting arm <NUM>. Lighthead mounting arm <NUM> is moveable to position lighthead <NUM> as desired. Lighthead mounting arm <NUM> may be moved manually. Lighthead mounting arm <NUM> may also be motorized to move at the request of control unit <NUM>. Control unit <NUM> may include a user interface <NUM>. User interface <NUM> may enable a user to control positioning of lighthead mounting arm <NUM> through control unit <NUM>. Control unit <NUM> and user interface <NUM> will be detailed more specifically in the discussion below.

Lighthead <NUM> includes stationary light emitting modules <NUM> and <NUM>, moveable light emitting modules <NUM>, and sensors <NUM>. A center light emitting module <NUM> and an outer light emitting module <NUM> constitute the stationary light emitting modules of lighthead <NUM>. Moveable light emitting modules <NUM> may be positioned between center light emitting module <NUM> and outer light emitting module <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, lighthead <NUM> may include multiple moveable light emitting modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

Each of center light emitting module <NUM>, outer light emitting module <NUM>, and moveable light emitting modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> is equipped with a plurality of light emitting elements <NUM> respectively positioned on front sides <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> thereof. Each of light emitting elements <NUM> is enabled to emit a predetermined amount of light to illuminate an area of surgical site <NUM> corresponding with a respective position of light emitting element <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, center light emitting module <NUM> may have an outer circumference <NUM>, and outer light emitting module <NUM> may have an inner circumference <NUM> facing outer circumference <NUM> of center light emitting module <NUM>. Moveable light emitting modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are enabled to respectively move about outer circumference <NUM> of center light emitting module <NUM> and within inner circumference <NUM> of outer light emitting module <NUM>.

As is illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, each of moveable light emitting modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> is positioned between two other moveable light emitting modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. For example, moveable light emitting module <NUM> is positioned between moveable light emitting module <NUM> and moveable light emitting module <NUM>.

Each of moveable light emitting modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> is enabled to move between the two other moveable light emitting modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. In other words, as applied in our example above, moveable light emitting module <NUM> is enabled to move between moveable light emitting module <NUM> and moveable light emitting module <NUM>. As such, because of the design of moveable light emitting modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, none of moveable light emitting modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> is able to move <NUM>° about outer circumference <NUM> of center light emitting module <NUM> or <NUM>° within inner circumference <NUM> of outer light emitting module <NUM>. This preserves a constant area of open space between center light emitting module <NUM>, outer light emitting module <NUM>, and moveable light emitting modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, which subsequently preserves laminar airflow through the constant area.

Moveable light emitting modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may respectively have inner edges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and outer edges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Inner edges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be positioned adjacent outer circumference <NUM> of center light emitting module <NUM>. Outer edges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be positioned adjacent inner circumference <NUM> of outer light emitting module <NUM>.

Inner edges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be moveably secured to outer circumference <NUM> of center light emitting module <NUM>. The means by which inner edges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are secured to outer circumference <NUM> of center light emitting module <NUM> could be any appropriate means known to those having ordinary skill in the art.

For example, a ring could be mounted to outer circumference <NUM> of center light emitting module <NUM>. Inner edges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of moveable light emitting modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> could be equipped with a bore running therethrough. The bores of the inner edges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> could be mounted around the ring such that the ring runs through the bore and the bore allows each of moveable light emitting modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> to move along the ring. However, embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto.

The partial rear view of lighthead <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is directed to respective rear sides <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of center light emitting module <NUM>, outer light emitting module <NUM>, and moveable light emitting module <NUM>. Rear side <NUM> of moveable light emitting module <NUM> is characteristic of the rear sides of moveable light emitting modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. As such, only rear side <NUM> of moveable light emitting module <NUM> will be described.

A motor <NUM> is mounted on rear side <NUM> of moveable light emitting module <NUM> at outer edge <NUM> thereof. Motor <NUM> has a motor gear <NUM> mounted thereto. Motor gear <NUM> may be a spur gear, but is not limited thereto. Motor gear <NUM> may be any applicable gear known to one having ordinary skill in the art for such use.

Motor gear <NUM> engages a panel gear <NUM> positioned on rear side <NUM> of outer light emitting module <NUM>. Panel gear <NUM> may be a planetary gear running around a circumference of rear side <NUM> of outer light emitting module <NUM>. However, embodiments described herein may not be limited thereto. Panel gear <NUM> may be any applicable gear known to one having ordinary skill in the art for such use.

Motor <NUM> is enabled to move motor gear <NUM> engaged with panel gear <NUM> clockwise or counter-clockwise to move moveable light emitting module <NUM> in either respective direction about outer circumference <NUM> of center light emitting module <NUM> and within inner circumference <NUM> of outer light emitting module <NUM>. Using the previously introduced example, motor <NUM> is also enabled to move motor gear <NUM> engaged with panel gear <NUM> to move moveable light emitting module <NUM> on which motor <NUM> is mounted to move between moveable light emitting module <NUM> and moveable light emitting module <NUM>.

Power and function is provided to power light emitting elements <NUM> and motor <NUM> of moveable light emitting module <NUM> from an electrical connection <NUM>, which extends from rear side <NUM> of center light emitting module <NUM> to rear side <NUM> of moveable light emitting module <NUM>. The means by which electrical connection <NUM> provides power and function to moveable light emitting module <NUM> may be that of any standard wiring mechanism known to those having ordinary skill in the art.

Moveable light emitting modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are respectively provided power and function through electrical connections in the same way electrical connection <NUM> provides power and function to moveable light emitting module <NUM>. However, it is particularly required for all electrical connections to be arranged such that an electrical connection of one of the moveable light emitting modules does not interfere with the movement or the electrical connection of any other of moveable light emitting modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. As such, movement of moveable light emitting module <NUM> will not affect the ability of moveable light emitting modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> to be simultaneously and independently moved and controlled through respective electrical connections.

Movement of motor <NUM> of moveable light emitting module <NUM>, as well as moveable light emitting modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, is provided by control unit <NUM>, which will be explained in further detail below.

Sensors <NUM> are enabled to collect data regarding an amount of the emitted light from each of light emitting elements <NUM> that illuminates the corresponding area of surgical site <NUM>. In other words, sensors <NUM> are enabled to collect data that could lead to identification of one or more obstructions <NUM>, of which examples are illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. Sensors <NUM> are further enabled to transmit the collected data to control unit <NUM>. While sensors <NUM> are shown as being provided in at least one of light emitting modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto. Specifically, sensors <NUM> are positioned to allow the aforementioned data collection to take place in an optimal manner.

Referring to a first embodiment of the present invention illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, one of sensors <NUM> are positioned in each of moveable light emitting modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. In this example, taking into account <FIG>, power, at the minimum, would be provided to sensor <NUM> of moveable light emitting module <NUM> by electrical connection <NUM>. It is conceivable that function and data transmittal could be accomplished either through wireless means known to those having ordinary skill in the art or through electrical connection <NUM>.

Referring now to a second embodiment of the present invention illustrated in <FIG>, a surgical lighting apparatus <NUM> is essentially the same as surgical lighting apparatus <NUM> of the first embodiment of the present invention described above. However, in surgical lighting apparatus <NUM>, sensors <NUM> are not included in a lighthead <NUM>. Instead, sensors <NUM> are remotely positioned from lighthead <NUM> at another location within surgical environment <NUM>. In this case, data transmittal and power would be provided to sensors <NUM> through other wireless or wired means.

Just as is the case with sensors <NUM>, sensors <NUM> are enabled to collect data regarding an amount of the emitted light from each of light emitting elements <NUM> that illuminates the corresponding area of surgical site <NUM>. In other words, sensors <NUM> are enabled to collect data that could lead to identification of one or more obstructions <NUM>, of which examples are illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. Sensors <NUM> are further enabled to transmit the collected data to control unit <NUM>.

Another embodiment is contemplated that includes both sensors <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, sensors <NUM> may be included in multiple light emitting modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of lighthead <NUM> at the same time that sensors <NUM> are positioned remotely from lighthead <NUM>.

Referring to illustrations provided in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, control unit <NUM> is enabled to receive the data transmitted collected from sensors <NUM> and <NUM> and identify, from the received data, at least one obstruction <NUM> inhibiting delivery of the predetermined amount of light from one or more of light emitting elements <NUM> of moveable light emitting modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> to the corresponding areas of surgical site <NUM>. In addition, as was previously mentioned, control unit <NUM> is further enabled to control movement of one or more of moveable light emitting modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> to respective positions. The positions to which the one or more moveable light emitting modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are moved to allow for illumination of corresponding areas of surgical site <NUM> by the emitted predetermined amount of light without inhibition by obstruction <NUM>.

For example, as previously noted, obstructions <NUM> can be formed in various ways, such as, but not limited, blockages created by surgical staff. When one of obstructions <NUM> is formed, sensors <NUM> and <NUM> collect data that, when analyzed by control unit <NUM>, will indicate an area of surgical site <NUM> as not receiving the predetermined amount of light from corresponding light emitting elements <NUM>. Control unit <NUM> will then determine that a light deficiency exists in areas of surgical site <NUM>. Control unit <NUM> will further determine that the light deficiency is attributable to an absence of light from light emitting elements <NUM> of one of more of moveable light emitting modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. After additional analysis, including analysis related to the shape and size of the cumulative area of surgical site <NUM> in which light is deficient, control unit <NUM> will identify the absence of light as being caused by one or more obstructions <NUM> inhibiting respective delivery of the predetermined amount of light from light emitting elements <NUM> of moveable light emitting modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> to the corresponding areas of surgical site <NUM>.

Upon the identification of obstructions <NUM>, control unit <NUM> determines optimal positions to which to one or more of moveable light emitting modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> should be moved to overcome the blockage of obstructions <NUM>. This determination includes the identification of optimal directions in which to respectively move one or more of moveable light emitting modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> about outer circumference <NUM> of center light emitting module <NUM> to arrive at those optimal positions. Subsequently, control unit <NUM> is enabled to move motor gears <NUM> of the one or more moveable light emitting modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in the optimal directions to move the one or more moveable light emitting modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> to the respectively optimal positions. Movement of the obstructed moveable light emitting modules <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> to the optimal positions will allow corresponding areas of surgical site <NUM> to be illuminated by the emitted predetermined amount of light of the one or more of light emitting elements <NUM> without inhibition by obstructions <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A surgical lighting apparatus (<NUM>), comprising:
a lighthead (<NUM>) configured to illuminate a surgical site (<NUM>) disposed in the surgical environment (<NUM>), the lighthead (<NUM>) comprising a plurality of light emitting modules (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), each of the light emitting modules (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a plurality of light emitting elements (<NUM>) positioned on a front side thereof, each of the light emitting elements (<NUM>) being configured to emit a predetermined amount of light from the light emitting modules (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to illuminate a corresponding area of a surgical site (<NUM>), the light emitting modules (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) being comprised of a plurality of moveable light emitting modules (<NUM>);
one or more sensors (<NUM>) configured to collect data regarding an amount of the emitted light from each of the light emitting elements (<NUM>) that is delivered to the corresponding area of the surgical site (<NUM>), the sensors (<NUM>) being further configured to transmit the collected data; and
a control unit (<NUM>) configured to receive the transmitted data from the sensors (<NUM>) and identify, from the received data, an obstruction inhibiting respective delivery of the predetermined amount of light from one or more of the light emitting elements (<NUM>) of the moveable light emitting modules (<NUM>) to the corresponding areas of the surgical site (<NUM>);
characterized in that
the light emitting modules are further comprised of a plurality of stationary light emitting modules (<NUM>, <NUM>), and
the control unit (<NUM>) is further configured to control movement of one or more of the moveable light emitting modules (<NUM>) to respective positions at which the corresponding areas of the surgical site (<NUM>) are illuminated by the emitted predetermined amount of light of the one or more of the light emitting elements (<NUM>) of the moveable light emitting modules (<NUM>) without inhibition by the obstruction.