Patent Description:
Artificial lighting provided in surgical theaters and medical suites may present a number of issues with regard to positioning, shadows, luminosity, glare and cleaning. Often, medical professionals are not stationary and the lighting needs to be dynamic due to the shifting of personnel and instruments throughout the surgical procedure. Lighting may be suspended from the ceiling in the presence of other medical equipment, such as hoses, monitor stands, booms, imaging equipment, etc. Accordingly, new illumination systems for surgical suites and the like may be advantageous.

<CIT> describes an integrated air and lighting plenum comprising, general illumination lighting, airflow outlets, two circular arrangements of directional lighting (e.g., surgical lighting), and an accessory.

<CIT> describes multi-configurable, high luminous output light fixture systems, devices, and methods. Light fixtures can be configured to produce variable light emission outputs and patterns and can include LED packages wherein at least one can be movable with respect to another of the LED packages. In addition, a power supply can selectively dim or turn off at least one of the LED packages. The light fixtures disclosed herein can be used in both high bay and low bay light fixtures.

<CIT> describes a lighting fixture including first and second elongated lamp carriage assembles supporting respective first and second elongated lamps and an enclosure including first and second spaced plates. The first lamp carriage assembly is fixedly coupled between the first and second plates for directing light output by the first lamp in a first direction. The second lamp carriage assembly is slidably and pivotally coupled at its ends to the first and second plates for directing light output by the second lamp in a second direction that crosses the first direction.

<CIT> describes a lighting fixture having a generally planar light output window, comprising an outer housing, an inner housing which is rotatably received within the outer housing about a first axis perpendicular to the light output window, and a plurality of light source carriers mounted to the inner housing, wherein each light source carrier is mounted for rotation about a second axis parallel to the light output window.

<CIT> describes a surgical lamp for illuminating an operating site including a lamp body that includes first and second light sources that respectively generate first and second light fields of different diameter on the operating site. When a change in a distance between the lamp body and the operating site is detected, the first and second light intensities of the first and second light sources, respectively, can be controlled such that the predetermined diameter at which the preset relative central illuminance of the resultant light field is generated is maintained at a substantially constant value as the distance changes.

The underlying technical problem is solved by the subject-matter having the features of the independent claim.

Additional embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosure will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. It will also be understood that features of each example disclosed herein may be used in conjunction with, or as a replacement for, features of the other examples.

The following is a description of the figures in the accompanying drawings. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows and will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the invention as described in the following description together with the claims and appended drawings.

In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by "comprises. a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

Referring generally to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the disclosure provides for an illumination system <NUM>. The illumination system <NUM> includes at least one light assembly <NUM> referred to here as elements <NUM> and <NUM>. Though discussed in reference to specific example, it shall be understood that aspects of the light assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> may be implemented in various combinations. As shown in <FIG>, the light assembly <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>, which includes a first zone <NUM> and a second zone <NUM> mechanically or structurally isolated from the first zone <NUM>. The housing <NUM> is configured to fit generally flush with a ceiling <NUM>. A movable light source <NUM> or first light module is positioned within the first zone <NUM> and is configured to emit a first light <NUM>. A stationary light source <NUM> or second light module including a strip light is positioned within the second zone <NUM> and is configured to emit a second light <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the illumination system <NUM> is depicted in a medical suite <NUM> and includes one or more of the light assemblies <NUM> and/or light assemblies <NUM>. The light assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> may take a variety of configurations. In some examples, the light assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> may be modular, interconnected, and supported by a drop ceiling grid assembly <NUM>. In this way, the housing <NUM> may fit generally flush with the ceiling <NUM> with the housing <NUM> protruding above the grid assembly <NUM>. For example, the light assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> may have rectangular shapes corresponding to the shape of ceiling tiles <NUM> or openings formed by the grid assembly <NUM>. In specific examples the light assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> may include standard dimensions of drop ceiling modules, which may include approximately <NUM> feet x <NUM> feet (<NUM> x <NUM>) or approximately <NUM> feet x <NUM> feet (<NUM> x <NUM>,<NUM>). However, it is within the scope of the disclosure for the light assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> to include any suitable shape, such as circular, oval, oblong, triangular, square and pentagonal or any polygon shape. It will be understood that different light assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> may be provided in different forms and that the illumination system <NUM> may include a variety of light assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>. Although described in connection with the medical suite <NUM>, it will be understood that the illumination system <NUM> of the present disclosure may be utilized in a variety of environments. For example, the illumination system <NUM> may be utilized in automobile repair areas, doctor's offices, dentistry, photography studios, schools, office buildings, manufacturing settings, movie theaters, retail stores, aircrafts, as well as other areas where dynamic lighting solutions may be advantageous.

The illumination system <NUM> may include one or more imagers <NUM> depicted to aid in the use of the illumination system <NUM>. Each of the imagers <NUM> may be configured to capture image data in a field of view <NUM> directed into the medical suite <NUM>. In this configuration, the imagers <NUM> may capture image data, which may be processed by the system <NUM> to control an emission direction, light intensity, focal length, color temperature or hue, and/or various aspects of the light emitted from the system <NUM>. The imagers <NUM> may be positioned within or coupled to the light assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., in the housing <NUM>), a table <NUM>, and/or around the medical suite <NUM>. The imager <NUM> may be a charge-coupled device (CCD) imager, a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) imager, other types of imagers, and/or combinations thereof. According to various examples, the imager <NUM> may include one or more lenses to collimate and/or focus the light reflected by the patient, the table <NUM>, or other features of the medical suite <NUM>.

The table <NUM> may at least partially define an operating region <NUM>. For the purposes of this disclosure, the operating region <NUM> may be an operating field which is an isolated area where surgery is performed. The operating region <NUM> may include furniture and equipment covered with sterile drapes and personnel wearing hygienic uniforms. The table <NUM> is configured to support a patient during a surgical procedure. According to various examples, the table <NUM> may have a square, rectangular and/or oval configuration. The table <NUM> may be configured to tilt, rotate and/or be raised or lowered. In examples where the table <NUM> is configured to tilt, the table <NUM> may tilt an angle from approximately <NUM> degree to approximately <NUM> degrees about a long or a short axis of the table <NUM>. The tilting of the table <NUM> may be performed in conjunction with illumination provided from the illumination system <NUM> and/or the light assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the table <NUM> may be configured to tilt toward and/or away from the light assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> to increase illumination, decrease illumination and/or to eliminate glare reflected from the patient and/or table <NUM>. Further, tilting of the table <NUM> may be advantageous in allowing users (e.g., medical personnel) positioned around the table <NUM> to more easily access the patient and/or surgical field. In addition to tilting, it will be understood that the table <NUM> may be configured to raise or lower, rotate and/or slide about an X-Y plane. Furthermore, the medical suite <NUM> may include one or more tools or instruments <NUM> that may be utilized in various procedures and a display screen <NUM> for viewing information.

In some embodiments, the imagers <NUM> may capture image data in the fields of view <NUM> identifying relative lighting (e.g., shadows, reflections, intensity variations, etc.) in medical suite <NUM> and/or from the operating region <NUM>. The imagers <NUM> may be configured to relay image data to a controller <NUM> of the illumination system <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may include a memory and a processor. The memory may store computer executable commands (e.g., routines) which are controlled by the processor. According to various examples, the memory may include a light control routine and/or an image analyzing routine. The image analyzing routine is configured to process the image data from the one or more imagers <NUM>. For example, the image analyzing routine may be configured to identify shadows and luminosity of the operating region <NUM>, the light from a guidance system <NUM>, location of points of interest (e.g., users around the table <NUM>) and/or gestures from the users.

As discussed herein, the guidance system <NUM> may correspond to an integrated system comprising the imagers <NUM> incorporated as integral parts of the system <NUM> disposed within the housing <NUM>. In such implementations, each of the light assemblies <NUM> and/or light assemblies <NUM> may correspond to self-contained, modular devices that may be utilized in combination to scale the system <NUM> based on illumination coverage, intensity, dynamic capability (e.g., multiple points of origin to counteract shadows or lighting variation), etc. In some cases, the guidance system <NUM>, which may include one or more of the imagers <NUM>, may be implemented in a separate assembly from the light assemblies <NUM> and/or light assemblies <NUM>. In such examples, a processor or controller of the guidance system <NUM> may be in communication with the controller <NUM> and communicate lighting information (e.g., the lighting intensity of zones corresponding to coordinates of the medical suite <NUM> or operating region <NUM>), such that the controller or controllers <NUM> of the lighting assemblies <NUM> may illuminate the medical suite <NUM> or operating region <NUM> in accordance with a coordinated lighting routine.

According to various examples, the image analyzing routine may also be configured to identify the location of a marker <NUM> or a wearable device <NUM> in the image data and to adjust the position of one or more of the movable light sources <NUM> to one or more target positions <NUM> in response to the location(s). In some examples, the target positions <NUM> may be approximately <NUM> meters from the light assembly <NUM>, <NUM>. The marker <NUM> may include a handheld device, wearable device, patch or distinguishable portion of an article of clothing or a glove, which may be handled or worn by personnel in the medical suite <NUM>. The marker <NUM> may include one or more symbols, computer readable codes and/or patterns which designate a point of interest in the image data. The tracking of the marker <NUM> may be at least partially determined by the controller <NUM> of the system <NUM> by detecting a motion and/or rate of motion of a control instrument <NUM> comprising the marker <NUM> identified in the field of view <NUM>, which may include the operating region <NUM> but is not limited to such. The marker <NUM> may be disposed on one or more instruments, points of interest in the medical suite <NUM>, and/or the patient.

Once the image analyzing routine has processed the image data from the imager <NUM>, the light control routine may control, move, steer, activate or otherwise influence the light assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> to emit light at the location of the marker <NUM>. Such a location may correspond to an area of interest where the user is looking or working (e.g., as measured from the guidance system <NUM>). In this way, the light control routine may steer or otherwise move portions of the first light module formed by one or more of the movable light sources <NUM> (<FIG>) to emit a lighting emission to illuminate various areas where the user <NUM> is looking and/or where hands and instruments may be positioned. In this way, the movable light sources <NUM> may provide for one of more spotlights.

Alternatively, the user <NUM> may provide a control input to the illumination system <NUM> to control, move, steer, activate, adjust, or otherwise influence the light assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> to emit light at the location desired by the user <NUM>. Providing input to the illumination system <NUM> may include utilizing a user interface or control instrument that may be configured to communicate a variety of visual cues to the system <NUM> to control various settings and operations. Such settings may include, but are not limited to: a control sensitivity, light intensity, light coverage or focus, light color, lighting priority, tracking function, panning and/or control of positioning light sources <NUM> (<FIG>), and a variety of configurable settings for the illumination system <NUM>.

The illumination system <NUM> may further comprise one or more communication circuits, which may be in communication with the controller <NUM>. The communication circuit may be configured to communicate data and control information to a display or user interface, which may include a mobile device, for operating the illumination system <NUM>. Communicating data may include hand gestures, verbal commands, or any suitable method for inputting data to the communication circuit. The user interface may include one or more input or operational elements configured to control the illumination system <NUM> and communicate data. The communication circuit may further be in communication with more than one of the light assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, which may operate in combination as an array of light assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>. The communication circuit may be configured to communicate via various communication protocols or networks.

In some implementations, the controller <NUM> may be configured to detect one or more motions, gestures, and/or audio or visual cues identified in the image data captured in the fields of view <NUM> of the imagers <NUM> to control the illumination system <NUM>. Exemplary gestures that may be identified by the controller <NUM> may include a rotation, a lateral motion, an outline (e.g., defining a region of interest, illumination perimeter, etc.) and/or character gesture. In response to detecting each of the gestures, the controller <NUM> may selectively control one or more settings of the illumination system <NUM>. Such control may be provided in coordination with the operation of the guidance system <NUM> as discussed herein. The detection of the gestures may be in connection with a movement of the instrument <NUM>, which may be detected by the controller <NUM> based on a position, orientation, and/or appearance or presence of the markers <NUM> or symbols identified in the image data captured in one or more of the fields of view <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be configured to increase brightness, a proportion or size of an illumination range or region, adjust a color or color temperature, and/or control various operational characteristics of the illumination system <NUM> in response to detecting each of the gestures.

Referring now to <FIG>, the light assemblies <NUM> of the illumination system <NUM> includes a first light module comprising one or more of the movable light sources <NUM> and a second light module comprising the stationary light sources <NUM>. The movable light sources <NUM> are positioned within the first zone <NUM> and the stationary light sources <NUM> are fixed and positioned within the second zone <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Furthermore, the first zone <NUM> may be located at a central portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and may be located within a second zone <NUM> positioned proximate to a perimeter <NUM> of the housing <NUM> or otherwise disposed between the central portion <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the second zone <NUM> may substantially surround or enclose the first zone <NUM>. In such cases, the substantial nature of the stationary light sources <NUM> may refer to a spacing, separation, or distribution among the individual modules of the stationary light sources that may not continuously surround the central portion <NUM> and may generally be distributed about the central portion <NUM>. In other words, the stationary light sources <NUM> may be distributed within the second zone <NUM>, which is disposed between the first zone <NUM> and the perimeter <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may include outer sidewalls <NUM> and inner sidewalls <NUM> separating the first zone <NUM> from the second zone <NUM> and may be constructed from any suitable material, such as a metal or plastic. Any suitable number of outer and inner sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> may be included in the housing <NUM>. In some examples, the outer and inner sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> each include four sidewalls defining a rectangular shape. In <FIG>, the housing <NUM> is illustrated without a fourth outer sidewall <NUM> in order to more clearly demonstrate components of the light assembly <NUM>.

The stationary light sources <NUM> may be mounted to an underside of a bottom wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM> with the use of fasteners and/or adhesives and the like. Thus, the stationary light sources <NUM> are shown in phantom in <FIG> denoting the location on the face of the bottom wall <NUM> opposing that shown. The bottom wall <NUM> may be disposed between the outer and inner sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>. However, the stationary light sources <NUM> may be positioned within the second zone <NUM> in any suitable configuration. For example, the stationary light sources <NUM> may be fixed to any of the outer and inner sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>.

The movable light sources <NUM> of the first light module may be coupled to and suspended from a rack <NUM> positioned at an upper portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The rack <NUM> may be in the form of a channel <NUM> or structural framework, which may be formed of bars, wires, panels, shelves, etc. arranged to support the movable light sources <NUM>. In some examples, the rack <NUM> extends from one outer sidewall <NUM> to an opposing outer sidewall <NUM>. In this configuration, the rack <NUM> may form a bridge extending between the opposing sidewalls <NUM> and may extend through the inner sidewalls <NUM> therebetween. In this configuration, the movable light sources <NUM> forming the central portion <NUM> of the system <NUM> may be suspended by the opposing sidewalls <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, such that the weight associated with the movable light sources <NUM> and the corresponding gears, motors, or adjustment mechanisms or assemblies may be supported via the grid assembly <NUM> supporting the perimeter <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

The adjustment mechanism of the movable light sources <NUM> may include a gear system <NUM> coupled to the rack <NUM>. In the exemplary implementations, the gear system <NUM> is disposed within and supported by the channel <NUM> of the rack <NUM>. The gear system <NUM> may be configured to move or adjust the orientation of the movable light sources <NUM>, which may include panning and tilting. The gear system <NUM> may include a gear, such as a belt sprocket <NUM> coupled to the movable light sources <NUM>. The belt sprocket <NUM> is configured to rotate at least <NUM> degrees and up to <NUM> degrees or as necessary based on a gear ratio of the gear system <NUM> in order to pan, or swivel the movable light sources <NUM> over an adjustment range. A sensor housing <NUM> may be located proximate the belt sprocket <NUM> and may include magnets and hall sensors configured to determine a rotational position or home position for calibration of the belt sprocket <NUM>. While illustrated as a gear system <NUM>, it is within the scope of the disclosure for the movement of the movable light sources <NUM> to be controlled via any suitable actuator.

<FIG> more clearly illustrates components of the gear system <NUM>. An electrical motor, such as a stepper motor <NUM>, may be provided to control movement of the belt sprocket <NUM>. In some examples, the stepper motor <NUM> is coupled to the rack <NUM> and positioned within the second zone <NUM>. The stepper motor <NUM> may be coupled with an input, such as a drive gear or pulley <NUM> configured to actuate a rotation of the belt sprocket <NUM> by applying tension to teeth of a chain or belt <NUM>. The pulley <NUM> may include a smaller diameter than the belt sprocket <NUM>. However, the diameters of the pulley <NUM> and the belt sprocket <NUM> may include any suitable ratio for transmitting a desired rotational output or torque. The chain, or belt <NUM>, may couple the pulley <NUM> and the belt sprocket <NUM> to transmit torque. Furthermore, one or more idler pulleys <NUM> may be provided. In some examples, an idler pulley <NUM> may be coupled with the sensor housing <NUM>. Optionally, the gear system <NUM> may include a servo motor <NUM> configured to control tilting of the movable light sources <NUM>. The servo motor <NUM> may enable the movable light sources <NUM> to tilt approximately +/- <NUM> degrees, which will be discussed in more detail with reference to <FIG>. However, it is within the scope of the disclosure for the stepper motor <NUM> to control tilting of the movable light sources <NUM>. In such an example, the movable light sources <NUM> may be coupled to the stepper motor <NUM> via a rack and pinion configuration. As such, in response to the control signals (e.g., user inputs, guidance system control signals <NUM>, etc.) the controller <NUM> may control the motor(s) <NUM> (<NUM>) to move, steer, tilt, or otherwise adjust an orientation of the movable light sources <NUM>. It is within the scope of the disclosure for any of the light sources <NUM>, <NUM> described herein to be fixed or individually articulated. The light sources <NUM>, <NUM> may all be articulated, a portion may be articulated, or none may be articulated.

Additionally, a windowpane <NUM> may be disposed exteriorly from the bottom wall <NUM> and may form a visible surface directed outward into the medical suite <NUM>. The windowpane <NUM> may be configured to be generally flush with the ceiling tiles <NUM> (<FIG>), such that the ceiling <NUM> may have a planar configuration. As the light assemblies <NUM> may be positioned in the same geographic space as the ambient lighting, clutter of equipment supported from, or positioned near, the ceiling <NUM> may be reduced. Furthermore, the windowpane <NUM> may provide an easily cleanable barrier of movable light sources <NUM> and the stationary light sources <NUM> accessible from the outside environment of the medical suite <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the first zone <NUM> and the second zone <NUM> of the light assembly <NUM> in the housing <NUM> are more clearly demonstrated. The stationary light sources <NUM> of the second light module may be mounted to the bottom wall <NUM> and may substantially surround the movable light sources <NUM> of the first light module. However, it is within the scope of the disclosure for the first zone <NUM> and the second zone <NUM> to include any suitable configuration. For example, the first zone <NUM> and the second zone <NUM> may be divided into left and right sides of the housing <NUM>. In another example, one of the first zone <NUM> and the second zone <NUM> may form a corner of the housing <NUM> and the other of the first zone <NUM> and the second zone <NUM> may from an L-shape proximate the corner.

The movable light source <NUM> is configured as an array of light emitting diode (LED) light sources or LED bulbs <NUM>. In some instances, the LED bulbs <NUM> include a secondary optic, which may be in the form of a secondary lens configured to generate a pattern of emitted light. An array of LED bulbs <NUM> may include more than one row, such as four rows of multiple LED bulbs <NUM>. Each row of LED bulbs <NUM> may include six or eight LED lighting elements. However, it is within the scope of the disclosure for the movable light source <NUM> to include any suitable configuration or array of LED bulbs <NUM>, which may include more or less than four rows, and more than eight or less than six LED bulbs <NUM> per row. In an example not covered by the claims, the movable light source <NUM> may include a single light source, such as a single LED light source.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective cross-section of the light assembly <NUM> along line IV-IV in <FIG> to more clearly illustrate the windowpane <NUM>. As discussed herein, the windowpane <NUM> may correspond to various forms of light transmissive panels configured to transmit light from the light sources <NUM>, <NUM> into the medical suite <NUM>. In some examples, the windowpane <NUM> includes a first windowpane <NUM> covering the first zone <NUM> and a second windowpane <NUM> covering the second zone <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The first windowpane <NUM> and the second windowpane <NUM> may include any suitable material, which may be substantially transparent. In one example, one or both of the first windowpane <NUM> and the second windowpane <NUM> include a laminated safety glass. In another example, one or both of the first windowpane <NUM> and the second windowpane <NUM> include an electro-optic element, such as an electrochromic element coupled with at least one substantially transparent substrate. An electrochromic element is configured to vary a transmittance in response to an electrical signal, which may be received from the controller <NUM>. In various implementations, it may be advantageous to include an electrochromic element in one or both of the first windowpane <NUM> and the second windowpane <NUM> in order to conceal one or both of the stationary light sources <NUM> and the movable light sources <NUM> when not in use.

<FIG> illustrates the light assembly of <FIG> where the movable light sources <NUM> are rotated approximately <NUM> degrees from the position illustrated in <FIG>. As previously discussed, the belt sprocket <NUM> is configured to rotate at least <NUM> degrees and up to <NUM> degrees or more in order to pan or swivel the movable light sources <NUM>. Additionally, it is within the scope of the disclosure for the controller <NUM> to control the motor(s) <NUM> (<NUM>) to laterally or vertically move the movable light sources <NUM> in order to aim emitted light in a desired path.

Additionally, one or both of the first windowpane <NUM> and the second windowpane <NUM> may be configured to allow a first handed polarization of light to pass, while eliminating the second handed polarization of light to minimize glare. For example, one or both of the first windowpane <NUM> and the second windowpane <NUM> may include an optical filter configured to reflect and/or absorb the second handedness polarization of light. The optical filter may include one or more reflective polarizers and/or absorptive polarizers, which may generally be referred to herein as a polarizer. Reflective polarizer examples may include a wire grid polarizer plus a quarter wave plate or optical retarder, a multilayer plastic film such as a dual brightness enhancement film (DBEF) polarizer with a quarter wave plate, an optical retarder and/or a liquid crystal material. Removal of the second handedness polarization of light may reduce and/or eliminate a perceived glare off of the surgical site, which may affect image data captured by the imagers <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-section of the light assembly <NUM> along line V-V in <FIG> to more clearly illustrate an arm <NUM> configured to retain the movable light sources <NUM>. The arm <NUM> may be in the form of a framework configured to mount the movable light sources <NUM> and to operably couple the movable light sources <NUM> in suspension from the belt sprocket <NUM> providing for rotation/swiveling about a first rotational axis <NUM> of the belt sprocket <NUM>. One or more chains coupled with the arm <NUM>, such as a first chain <NUM> and a second chain <NUM>, may couple with one or more of the rows of the LED bulbs <NUM>. The first chain <NUM> and the second chain <NUM> may be operably coupled with electrical motors, such as a first servo motor <NUM> and a second servo motor <NUM>, respectively. In this way, the first and second servo motors <NUM>, <NUM> may provide for independent tilting of the movable light sources <NUM> coupled with the first chain <NUM> and the second chain <NUM>. Additionally, the corresponding rows of LED bulbs <NUM> connected to each of the first chain <NUM> and the second chain <NUM> may be configured to co-rotate or rotate in linked connection in response to the movement of the first servo motor <NUM> and a second servo motor <NUM>, respectively. In some examples, the first servo motor <NUM> and a second servo motor <NUM> are coupled with the arm <NUM>. However, it is within the scope of the disclosure for a single electrical motor, such as the stepper motor <NUM>, to control all movement of the movable light sources <NUM> including, but not limited to, swiveling and tilting.

Each of the connected rows of the LED bulbs <NUM> are shown connected by row supports <NUM>, which may correspond to a heat sink <NUM>. The row supports <NUM> arrange the LED bulbs <NUM> or, more generally, the banks of light sources parallel to a second rotational axis <NUM>. In this configuration, each of the row supports <NUM> and corresponding banks of lights or LED bulbs <NUM> extends perpendicular to the first rotational axis <NUM> and parallel to the light transmissive panels or substrates forming the first windowpane <NUM> covering the first zone <NUM>. That is, each of the row supports <NUM> may be configured to rotate about axes parallel to the first windowpane <NUM> or a plane along which the ceiling tiles <NUM> are supported by the grid assembly <NUM>. In this configuration, each of the row supports <NUM> is suspended from the belt sprocket <NUM>, such that the row supports <NUM> rotate together about the first rotational axis <NUM>. Additionally, each of the row supports may be rotated about an axis parallel to the second rotational axis <NUM> and perpendicular to the first rotational axis <NUM> as controlled by the servo motors <NUM>, <NUM>. In this configuration, the light assembly <NUM> provides for multi-axial adjustment of each of the LED bulbs <NUM> via a novel and economical apparatus.

Referring generally to <FIG>, the rows of the LED bulbs <NUM> may be referred to as a first row, a second row, a third row, etc. in order to distinguish among the individual rows as depicted. The movable light sources <NUM> may be rotated about the first axis by the assemblies discussed herein via the control of a first actuator. Similarly, the rotation of the rows of the LED bulbs <NUM> about the second axis may be controlled by the servo motors <NUM>, <NUM>, which may also generally be referred to and practiced by one or more actuators (e.g., rotational actuators, stepper motors, etc.). Accordingly, the related operation of the each of the actuators (e.g., stepper motor <NUM>, servo motors <NUM> and <NUM>, etc.), may generally be discussed herein in reference to the operation, including the independent or otherwise related operation of the actuators to control the rotations about the first axis <NUM>, the second axis <NUM>, and additional related axes (e.g., a third axis of a third row of the LED bulbs <NUM>, a fourth axis of a fourth row of the LED bulbs <NUM>, etc.) to generally describe the related operation of the specifically described exemplary assemblies discussed herein.

Referring now to <FIG>, a cross-section of the light assembly <NUM> along line VI-VI in <FIG> is illustrated. The movable light sources <NUM> may be coupled with the arm <NUM> via board assemblies, which may be in the form of heat sinks <NUM>. The movable light sources <NUM> may be fastened to the heat sinks <NUM> with a fastener, such as a screw. Additionally, thermal tape may be used. The heat sinks <NUM> may include a plurality of vanes <NUM> to encourage thermal dissipation from the movable light sources <NUM>. The heat sinks <NUM> may include any suitable material having sufficient thermal conductivity, such as aluminum or copper, but are not limited to such.

<FIG> illustrates the light assembly <NUM> without the housing <NUM> in order to more clearly demonstrate some of the components, such as the stationary light sources <NUM>. The stationary light sources <NUM> may include a high color rendering index (CRI) LED strip light or array <NUM>. In LED strip light examples of the stationary light sources <NUM>, the strip lights may include surface-mounted devices (SMD), chip on board (COB) devices, multi-COB (MCOB) devices, etc. However, the stationary light sources <NUM> may be in any suitable form, which may include light bulbs and the like. In some examples, the stationary light sources <NUM> may be manually adjustable. The stationary light sources <NUM> may be configured to generate ambient light properties. The movable light sources <NUM> may include high CRI LEDs having a molded total internal reflection (TIR) lens. The TIR lens may collimate the LED light into efficient, well-controlled light beams. However, the movable light sources <NUM> may be in any suitable form, which may include light strips and the like. In some examples, the stationary light sources <NUM> and/or the movable light sources <NUM> are wired into several different circuits having banks of light sources with varying colors or temperature. String intensity of the stationary light sources <NUM> may be modulated by the controller <NUM> to adjust properties including brightness, color, or color temperature, which may include <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, red, orange, green and blue, etc..

As such, the movable light sources <NUM> and/or the stationary light sources <NUM> may be configured to emit white light, colored light (e.g., about <NUM> to about <NUM>), infrared light (e.g., about <NUM> to about <NUM>) and/or NIR light (e.g., about <NUM> to about <NUM> or ultraviolet light (e.g. about <NUM> to <NUM>). In various embodiments, the light sources <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to produce un-polarized and/or polarized light of one handedness including, but not limited to, certain liquid crystal displays (LCDs), laser diodes, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent light sources, gas discharge lamps (e.g., xenon, neon, mercury), halogen light sources, and/or organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). In polarized light examples of the light sources <NUM>, <NUM>, the light sources <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to emit a first handedness polarization of light. According to various examples, the first handedness polarization of light may have a circular polarization and/or an elliptical polarization. In electrodynamics, circular polarization of light is a polarization state in which, at each point, the electric field of the light wave has a constant magnitude, but its direction rotates with time at a steady rate in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the wave.

Referring now to <FIG>, the movable light source <NUM> may be configured to emit the first light <NUM> while the stationary light source <NUM> may be configured to emit the second light <NUM>. In some examples, the first light <NUM> corresponds to a spotlight, which may be generated by the selectively illuminable LED bulbs <NUM>. The second light <NUM> may correspond to ambient light, which may be generated by the selectively illuminable LED strip lights <NUM>. In static, or fixed, examples of the stationary light sources <NUM>, the light sources <NUM> may be directed to focus on various predefined points (e.g., on a patient and/or on the table <NUM>). In some examples, the light assemblies <NUM> may include reflectors and/or diffusers configured to directionally shift the second light <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the illumination system <NUM> includes at least one light assembly <NUM>. The light assembly <NUM> is similar to the light assembly <NUM>. Accordingly, similar components will be identified with numerals increasing by <NUM>, unless identified otherwise. As such, the description with respect to the light assembly <NUM> applies to the light assembly <NUM>, unless stated otherwise.

The light assembly <NUM> may include the windowpane <NUM> (<FIG>). Optionally, the light assembly <NUM> includes the first windowpane <NUM> covering the first zone <NUM> and the second windowpane <NUM> covering the second zone <NUM> located proximate to a perimeter <NUM> or forming a perimeter region of the housing <NUM>. As previously discussed, the light assemblies <NUM> may include reflectors and/or diffusers configured to directionally shift light emitted from the stationary light sources <NUM>. The reflectors and/or diffusers may be operably coupled with the windowpane <NUM>. Additionally, a polarizing light layer may be coupled with the windowpane <NUM>.

As illustrated, the first zone <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may include a closeout panel <NUM> defining an aperture <NUM> configured to focus light emitted from the movable light sources <NUM> of the first light module. The aperture <NUM> may be in the form of a circle, oval, square, diamond, etc. The illustrative closeout panel <NUM> is coupled to the inner sidewalls <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, which extend through the bottom wall <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the inner sidewalls <NUM> may be coupled to the bottom wall <NUM> with brackets <NUM>, but are not limited to such. In some examples, the closeout panel <NUM> includes a black anodized material.

Referring now to <FIG>, the light assembly <NUM> is illustrated without one of the inner sidewalls <NUM> and the outer sidewalls <NUM> to more clearly demonstrate the movable light sources <NUM>. As previously discussed, the arm <NUM> of the movable light sources <NUM> is in the form of a framework configured to mount the movable light sources <NUM> and to operably couple the movable light sources <NUM> to the belt sprocket <NUM> for rotation/swiveling. In the illustrative examples, the arm <NUM> is in the form of a tilt bracket <NUM> configured to operably couple with the rows of LED bulbs <NUM>. The mounting of the rows of LED bulbs <NUM> to the tilt bracket <NUM> will be discussed in more detail with respect to <FIG>.

Similar to the light assembly <NUM>, the assembly <NUM> comprises a sensor housing <NUM> may be located proximate the belt sprocket <NUM> and may include magnets and hall sensors configured to determine a rotational position or home position for calibration of the belt sprocket <NUM> and the attached movable light sources <NUM>. In this configuration, the electrical motor or actuator, such as the stepper motor <NUM>, may be provided to locate or orient the movable light source <NUM> about the first axis <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>). The stepper motor <NUM> may be coupled with an input, such as a drive gear or pulley <NUM>. A chain, or belt <NUM>, may couple the pulley <NUM> and the belt sprocket <NUM> to transmit torque. Additionally, one or more idler pulleys <NUM> may be provided. In some examples, the idler pulley <NUM> may be coupled with the sensor housing <NUM>. While illustrated as a gear system <NUM>, it is within the scope of the disclosure for the movement of the movable light sources <NUM> to be controlled via any suitable actuator.

Still referring to <FIG>, the illustrative light assembly <NUM> includes a digital multiplex in/out system <NUM> and an electrical plug <NUM> coupled to an outer sidewall <NUM>. As a result, a user can easily provide power and digital signals to the light assembly <NUM>. However, the digital multiplex in/out system <NUM> and the electrical plug <NUM> may be disposed at any suitable location, including an inner sidewall <NUM>. Additionally, the rack <NUM> may include a plurality of mounting features <NUM> configured to receive an end of a handle. As such, when a handle is coupled to the mounting features <NUM>, a user may easily lift the light assembly <NUM> from storage.

Referring now to <FIG>, the illustrative tilt bracket <NUM> includes a plurality of parallel rows <NUM> interconnected by transverse segments <NUM>. The number of rows <NUM> may correspond to the number of rows of LED bulbs <NUM>. In some examples, the length of the rows <NUM> corresponds to the length of the rows of LED bulbs <NUM>. In this way, the tilt bracket <NUM> may define a shape corresponding to the array of LED bulbs <NUM>. For example, the light assembly <NUM> may include six rows of LED bulbs <NUM> where two center rows of LED bulbs <NUM> are the longest and the remaining rows of LED bulbs <NUM> gradually decrease in length. As such, the tilt bracket <NUM> may include two center rows <NUM>, which are the longest and the remaining rows <NUM> gradually decrease in length.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-section of the light assembly <NUM> along line XII-XII in <FIG> to more clearly illustrate the rows of LED bulbs <NUM> mounted to the tilt bracket <NUM>. In some aspects, each row of LED bulbs <NUM> is independently controlled, such that each row of LED bulbs <NUM> can be tilted, or rotated, independently of one another. The rows of LED bulbs <NUM> in the illustrative movable light sources <NUM> of the first light module are individually controlled by servo motors <NUM> (<FIG>) coupled to an end of the rows of LED bulbs <NUM>. As previously discussed, the rows of LED bulbs <NUM> may be supported by a row supports illustrated in the form of heat sinks <NUM>. The heat sinks <NUM> may include vanes <NUM> to encourage thermal dissipation from the movable light sources <NUM>. The heat sinks <NUM> may include any suitable material having sufficient thermal conductivity, such as aluminum or copper, but are not limited to such.

The servo motors <NUM> are illustrated more clearly with respect to <FIG> and may be coupled to either end of the rows of LED bulbs <NUM>. In some aspects, three of the rows of LED bulbs <NUM> include servo couplings <NUM> on a first end 1170A and three of the rows of LED bulbs <NUM> include the servo couplings <NUM> on an opposing, second end 1170B (<FIG>). The servo couplings <NUM> on the second end 1170B (i.e., the right side of the light assembly <NUM> depicted in <FIG>) are hidden behind the rows of LED bulbs and the corresponding support assemblies or row supports as previously discussed herein.

Still referring to <FIG>, the illustrative servo couplings <NUM> include a servo bracket <NUM>, a servo arm <NUM> and a servo linkage <NUM>. The servo motors <NUM> are coupled to the servo bracket <NUM>, which is also rotatably coupled to the first end 1170A of the row of LED bulbs <NUM>. The servo bracket <NUM> may depend from the tilt bracket <NUM>. The servo arm <NUM> couples the servo bracket <NUM> to the servo linkage <NUM>. The servo linkage <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the first end 1170A of the row of LED bulbs <NUM>.

As shown, the rows of LED bulbs <NUM> having servo couplings <NUM> on the opposing, second end 1170B (<FIG>) include drop brackets <NUM> on the first end 1170A. The drop brackets <NUM> may depend from the tilt bracket <NUM> and rotatably couple with the first end 1170A of the row of LED bulbs <NUM>. The drop brackets <NUM> support the row of LED bulbs <NUM> while allowing for tilting movement about the second rotational axis <NUM> as previously discussed in reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. Accordingly, each of the lighting assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> are configured to provide multi-axial rotation about the first rotational axis <NUM> and the second rotational axis <NUM> as previously discussed herein.

<FIG> demonstrates the light assembly <NUM> without the housing <NUM> to clearly demonstrate some of the components, such as the stationary light sources <NUM> of the second light module. As previously discussed, the stationary light sources <NUM> may include a high color rendering index (CRI) LED strip light or array <NUM>. In LED strip light examples of the stationary light sources <NUM>, the strip lights may include surface-mounted devices (SMD), chip on board (COB) devices, multi-COB (MCOB) devices, etc. Additionally, the first end 1170A of the rows of LED bulbs <NUM> and the opposing, second end 1170B can be seem more clearly. Furthermore, the LED bulbs <NUM> may include a secondary optic, which may be in the form of a secondary lens configured to generate a pattern of emitted light.

Referring now to <FIG>, the movable light sources <NUM> are illustrated without other components of the light assembly <NUM>. The illustrative tilt bracket <NUM> includes a central, annular portion <NUM> interconnected with the rows <NUM>. The annular portion <NUM> may be operably coupled with the belt sprocket <NUM> (<FIG>). Accordingly, the belt sprocket <NUM> may drive panning, or rotation, of the tilt bracket <NUM>. The belt sprocket <NUM> may be coupled with the tilt bracket <NUM> with any suitable technique, including fasteners and the like.

Additionally, the movable light sources <NUM> may include electrical boards <NUM> disposed between the tilt bracket <NUM> and the LED bulbs <NUM>, which are configured to electrically couple with the LED bulbs <NUM>. The illustrative electrical boards <NUM> are in the form of printed circuit boards including a plurality of jumper pins <NUM>. The jumper pins <NUM> may be coupled to a power source to provide power to the LED bulbs <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partial exploded view of the movable light sources <NUM> illustrating the servo couplings <NUM> and servo motors <NUM> more clearly. In some aspects, pivot pins <NUM> are coupled to the ends 1170A and 1170B of the rows of LED bulbs <NUM>. The pivot pins <NUM> are operably coupled with end caps <NUM>, which define apertures for receiving the pivot pins <NUM>. A pivot bushing <NUM> may be disposed within the aperture for receiving the pivot pin <NUM> to rotatably couple the pivot pin <NUM> extending through the end cap <NUM> and the servo bracket <NUM>. Furthermore, the illustrative servo motor <NUM> includes a boss <NUM> configured to extend through another aperture defined by the servo bracket <NUM>. One end of the servo arm <NUM> is operably coupled to the boss <NUM>, such that the servo bracket <NUM> is disposed between the servo arm <NUM> and the servo motor <NUM>. Another end of the servo arm <NUM> is coupled to the servo linkage <NUM>. The end caps <NUM> included in the servo couplings <NUM> may additionally include a projection <NUM> configured to couple with an aperture defined by the servo linkage <NUM>. The servo linkage <NUM> may be coupled to the projection <NUM> with any suitable fastener, such as a shoulder bolt <NUM>. The servo motor <NUM> drives rotation of the servo arm <NUM>, which translates into movement of the servo linkage <NUM> and tilting of the rows of LED bulbs <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, the end of the rows of LED bulbs <NUM> that opposes the end having the servo couplings <NUM> includes the drop brackets <NUM>. The drop brackets <NUM> may define an aperture configured to receive the pivot pins <NUM>. As such, the end cap <NUM> is disposed between the drop brackets <NUM> and the pivot pins <NUM>. The drop brackets <NUM> may be coupled to the pivot pins <NUM> with any suitable fastener, such as a shoulder bolt <NUM>.

As can be understood from the description provided herein, the drop brackets <NUM> and servo couplings <NUM> provide hinge mechanisms to support and provide tilting movement of the rows of LED bulbs <NUM>. Furthermore, the servo motors <NUM>, which may be controlled by the controller <NUM>, provide independent control of each of the rows of the LED bulbs <NUM>.

Each of the light sources <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> as well as the gear systems <NUM>, <NUM> may be in communication with the controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be configured to control a direction of the first light <NUM>. Such manipulation of the light assembly <NUM> may enable the controller <NUM> to direct the movable light sources <NUM> to selectively illuminate the operating region <NUM> or various portions of the medical suite <NUM> in response to a predetermined desired location. In some implementations, the controller <NUM> may selectively illuminate the LED bulbs <NUM>, <NUM> to narrow/widen the beam of light corresponding to the first light <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be configured to selectively illuminate and control individual bulbs <NUM>, <NUM> or strips <NUM>, <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may control the motor(s) of the light assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> to direct the lighting emissions of the first light <NUM> to target a desired location in the medical suite <NUM>. A central, or single, controller <NUM> may control each of the light assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> included in the illumination system <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, the light assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> may be in electrical communication with more than one controller <NUM>, which may include on board controllers <NUM>. In specific implementations, the controller <NUM> may scan the image data from each of the imagers <NUM> and adjust the orientation of each of the movable light sources <NUM>, <NUM> to dynamically control the light in the medical suite <NUM>. Though the imagers <NUM> are discussed as being incorporated on each of the light assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, the illumination system <NUM> may be configured to capture image data from any location in the medical suite <NUM>. In such embodiments, the central controller <NUM> may be configured to process the image data from the one or more imagers <NUM> and communicate control signals for each of the plurality of light assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>. Optionally, the controller <NUM> may adjust the orientation of the movable light sources <NUM>, <NUM> in response to user input.

Upon signal from a sensor or manual input, the controller <NUM> may control the movable light sources <NUM>, <NUM> forming the first light module and the stationary light sources <NUM>, <NUM> forming the second light module to selectively illuminate at a predetermined intensity, or a desired color, such as red. In this way, the light assembly <NUM> may be beneficial for signaling an emergency. The central controller <NUM> may be configured to control multiple light assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> to work in concert. For example, the controller <NUM> may sequentially illuminate one or both of the light sources <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of a plurality of light assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> to indicate a direction of movement, which may include towards an exit sign.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure, and other components, is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all of its forms: couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system <NUM> may be varied, and the nature or numeral of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system <NUM> may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations.

It will be understood that any described processes, or steps within described processes, may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

Claim 1:
An illumination system (<NUM>), comprising:
a light assembly (<NUM>) comprising a housing (<NUM>) comprising a first zone (<NUM>) and a second zone (<NUM>) mechanically isolated from the first zone (<NUM>), the housing (<NUM>) configured to fit in an opening of a ceiling (<NUM>) and comprising an illumination surface configured to align flush with the ceiling (<NUM>);
a movable light source (<NUM>) positioned within the first zone (<NUM>) and configured to emit a first light (<NUM>); and
a stationary light source (<NUM>) positioned about a perimeter (<NUM>) within the second zone (<NUM>) and configured to emit a second light (<NUM>),
wherein the movable light source (<NUM>) comprises an array of LED light sources , and
characterised in that the array of LED light sources is coupled to an arm (<NUM>) and the arm (<NUM>) is coupled to a belt sprocket (<NUM>) assembly configured to rotate at least <NUM> degrees.