Illumination device, imaging device having an illumination device, imaging system, method for generating illumination light, and method for operating an imaging device

Abstract

The invention relates to an illumination device (12), in particular for providing illumination light for an imaging device (14), such as an endoscope, an endoscope and / or a microscope, comprising: an optical interface (16) for the optical coupling of the imaging device (14); and an illumination unit (18) configured for supplying illumination light to the optical interface (16). The invention also relates to an imaging device (10), in particular a medical imaging device, in particular an endoscopic imaging device and / or an endoscope imaging device and / or a microscope imaging device, comprising: an illumination device (12) having an optical interface (16) and an illumination unit (18) for providing illumination light for the imaging device (14); an imaging device (14) which can be connected to an optical interface (16) of the illumination device (12); and a control unit (66) configured to automatically coordinate the operating state of the imaging device (14) and the irradiation mode of the irradiation unit (18) with each other. Furthermore, the invention relates to an associated system and method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an irradiation device, an imaging device, in particular a medical imaging device, having an irradiation device, an imaging system, in particular a medical imaging system, a method for generating irradiation light, and a method for operating an imaging device, in particular a medical imaging device. Background Art

[0002] Imaging devices, such as endoscopic devices or exoscopic devices, which generate multispectral or hyperspectral images are known from the prior art. Multispectral or hyperspectral images have, in addition to two spatial dimensions, such as the spatial dimensions of a conventional image of a camera, a spectral dimension. The spectral dimension comprises a plurality of spectral bands (wavelength bands). Multispectral images and hyperspectral images differ primarily in the number and width of their spectral bands.

[0003] In particular, in the context of medical applications, some imaging devices for generating such multispectral images or hyperspectral images are known. For example, DE 20 2014 010 558 U1 describes a device for capturing a hyperspectral image of an examination area of ​​a body. An input lens for generating an image in an image plane and a slit-shaped aperture in a slit-shaped area for hiding an image in the image plane are arranged in the device. The light passing through the aperture is fanned out by means of a dispersion element and recorded by means of a camera sensor. Thus, a large number of spectra can be recorded by the camera sensor along the longitudinal direction of the slit-shaped aperture, and the spectra have correspondingly associated spatial coordinates. The described device is further configured to record other spectra along the longitudinal direction of the slit-shaped aperture in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the slit-shaped aperture. The method for generating a multispectral image or a hyperspectral image based on this disclosure is also referred to as a so-called push-scan method.

[0004] In addition to the push-broom method, there are other methods for generating multispectral images or hyperspectral images. In the so-called swing-broom method, the inspection area or object is scanned point by point, and a spectrum is obtained for each point. In contrast, the staring method captures multiple images with the same spatial coordinates. Here, different spectral filters and / or illumination sources are used between the individual images to distinguish the spectral information. There is also a method according to which a two-dimensional multicolor image is decomposed into multiple spectral single images by suitable optical elements, such as optical slicers, lenses and prisms, which are simultaneously collected on different detectors or detector areas. This is sometimes called a snapshot method.

[0005] As described in DE 10 2020 105 458 A1, multispectral and hyperspectral imaging devices are particularly suitable as endoscopic imaging devices. In this context, multispectral and / or hyperspectral imaging is used, for example, in the basic field of application for diagnosis and for evaluating the success or quality of an operation.

[0006] In addition, white light imaging is particularly used in the field of medical imaging. The observed tissue is illuminated with white light, and an image of the tissue is generated by means of a camera or other image acquisition sensor mechanism, which can then be displayed to a user.

[0007] Fluorescence imaging is also used, in particular, in the field of medical imaging. Here, tissue is irradiated in a targeted manner in a specific wavelength range in order to excite fluorescent dye molecules introduced into a specific entity, such as a tissue region, in a targeted manner. The light emitted with a longer wavelength can then be observed through a suitably selected filter, by means of which the excitation light can be concealed.

[0008] Multimodal imaging devices make it possible to optionally capture white light images and / or multispectral images and / or fluorescence images and / or hyperspectral images. Examples of this type of imaging device are multimodal endoscopes and multimodal exoscopes. In order to achieve different modes, a light source that can operate in different illumination modes may be required to generate illumination light in different spectral ranges as required. In addition, switchable or replaceable optical components may be required to adapt the imaging device to different modes. Summary of the invention

[0009] Based on this prior art, the object of the present invention is to enable operation in different modes and in this context in particular to achieve a high degree of efficiency and / or operating reliability and simplicity.

[0010] According to the invention, this object is achieved by an illumination device, an imaging device, a method for generating illumination light and a method for operating an imaging device, as described herein and defined in the following technical solutions.

[0011] An illumination device may be provided, in particular for providing illumination light for an imaging device, such as an endoscope, an exoscope and / or a microscope. Here, it may be an endoscope illumination device, an exoscope illumination device or a microscope illumination device.

[0012] In some embodiments, the irradiation device includes an optical interface for optical connection of the imaging device and an irradiation unit configured to supply irradiation light to the optical interface. The irradiation unit can be configured as a multimodal and include a plurality of light-emitting elements that can be optionally activated in an independent manner, and the light-emitting elements are configured to emit light corresponding to different emission spectra to supply irradiation light. The irradiation unit can operate in at least one multispectral mode (Multispektralmodus), in which a first group of light-emitting elements is at least temporarily activated and in which the irradiation unit supplies irradiation light for multispectral imaging. In addition, the irradiation unit can operate in at least one fluorescence mode, in which a second group of light-emitting elements is at least temporarily activated and in which the irradiation unit supplies irradiation light for fluorescence imaging. The light-emitting element can include at least one light-emitting element, which is included in the first group and the second group.

[0013] In addition, a method for generating illumination light for an imaging device by means of an illumination device, in particular by means of an illumination device according to the present invention, can be provided. The illumination device comprises an optical interface for optical connection of an imaging device and an illumination unit configured to supply illumination light to the optical interface, wherein the illumination unit comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements that can be optionally activated independently of one another, the light-emitting elements being configured to emit light corresponding to different emission spectra to supply illumination light. The method comprises the steps of at least temporarily activating a first group of light-emitting elements to supply illumination light for multi-spectral imaging, and at least temporarily activating a second group of light-emitting elements to supply illumination light for fluorescent imaging. At least one of the light-emitting elements is at least temporarily activated when the first group of light-emitting elements is at least temporarily activated and when the second group of light-emitting elements is at least temporarily activated.

[0014] In some embodiments, the irradiation device may include an optical interface for optical connection of an imaging device and an irradiation unit configured to supply irradiation light to the optical interface. The irradiation unit may include a plurality of light emitting elements that can be optionally activated independently of each other, the light emitting elements being configured to emit light corresponding to different emission spectra to supply the irradiation light. The irradiation unit is capable of operating in at least one multi-spectral mode, in which a first group of light emitting elements is at least temporarily activated, the first group including at least two of the light emitting elements, and in which the irradiation unit supplies irradiation light for multi-spectral imaging. The light emitting elements of the first group may be arranged so that the light emitted by the light emitting elements respectively passes through an optical path of at least substantially the same length from the respective light emitting elements to the optical interface.

[0015] Furthermore, an imaging device, in particular a medical imaging device, can be provided, which comprises an irradiation device according to the invention and an imaging device, for example an endoscope and / or an exoscope and / or a microscope, which can be connected to an optical interface of the irradiation device.

[0016] Furthermore, a method for operating an imaging device, in particular an imaging device according to the invention, comprising an imaging device is described herein, wherein the generated illumination light is supplied to the imaging device according to the method according to the invention for generating illumination light.

[0017] In some embodiments, the imaging device may include an irradiation device for providing irradiation light for the imaging device. The irradiation device may include an optical interface for optical connection of the imaging device and an irradiation unit configured to supply irradiation light to the optical interface, wherein the irradiation unit is constructed to be multimodal and can operate in a plurality of different irradiation modes. An imaging device, in particular a medical imaging device, may include an irradiation device and an imaging device that can be connected to the optical interface of the irradiation device, and a control unit configured to automatically coordinate the operating state of the imaging device and the irradiation mode of the irradiation unit with each other. The control unit may be configured to operate the irradiation device and / or the imaging device.

[0018] Furthermore, a method for operating a medical imaging apparatus may be provided, the method comprising automatically coordinating an operating state of an imaging device and an irradiation mode of an irradiation unit.

[0019] The above-mentioned features enable operation in different modes. A high degree of efficiency and / or operating reliability and simplicity can be achieved here. The complexity of the light source and / or image acquisition can be reduced by the proposed combination of the imaging mode or the light-emitting element used therefor. A small amount of built-in light-emitting elements, optical filters and / or associated optical elements can be used in the case of the same large functional range. In addition, the structural space can be saved, thereby enabling a high degree of compactness. By selecting the optical path of substantially the same length, deviations and possible measurement errors caused by the relative spectral intensity in different spectral ranges can be avoided, which may occur when the endoscope (rod) is twisted relative to the camera unit and / or when the optical conductor is twisted relative to the imaging device. Due to the optical path of substantially the same length, the intensity distribution of the relevant light-emitting elements that is largely the same can be achieved. In addition, by automatically coordinating the operating state and the irradiation mode of the imaging device, a high degree of operating comfort can be achieved and incorrect operation can be avoided. Thus, a multimodal system that can be easily switched between different modes can be provided.

[0020] The imaging device may be a microscope imaging device, a macroscopic imaging device and / or an exoscopic imaging device. The imaging device may be constructed as and / or include a microscope, a macroscope and / or an exoscope. In some embodiments, the imaging device may be an endoscopic imaging device, in particular an endoscopic device. The imaging device may be and / or include an endoscope. It should be understood that the imaging device has electronic components but may also be constructed in a purely mechanical manner.

[0021] In some embodiments, the imaging device and in particular the imaging apparatus is configured to be introduced into a chamber for identification and / or observation, for example into an artificial and / or natural cavity, such as the interior of the body, a body organ, a tissue, etc. The imaging device and in particular the imaging apparatus may also be configured to be introduced into a housing, a housing, a well, a tube or other, in particular artificial, structure for identification and / or observation.

[0022] The imaging device and in particular the imaging apparatus can be configured to record tissue parameters, images of wounds, images of body parts, etc. For example, the imaging device can be configured to depict an operation field. The imaging device and / or the imaging apparatus can include a spatially and spectrally resolved image acquisition unit, which includes at least one optical device and at least one image acquisition sensor coupled to the optical device, which is configured to acquire images of the image area and generates spatially and spectrally resolved image data during image acquisition, which includes spatial information and spectral information.

[0023] The image acquisition unit and in particular the optical device and / or the image acquisition sensor mechanism can be configured for multispectral imaging and / or hyperspectral imaging, in particular for acquiring and / or generating multispectral image data and / or hyperspectral image data. Multispectral imaging or multispectral image data can in particular relate to imaging in which at least two, in particular at least three, and in some cases at least five spectral bands can be acquired and / or can be acquired independently of one another. Hyperspectral imaging or hyperspectral image data can in particular relate to imaging in which at least 20, at least 50 or even at least 100 spectral bands can be acquired and / or can be acquired independently of one another.

[0024] The imaging device may operate according to a push-scan method and / or a pan-scan method and / or a stare-and-scan method and / or a snapshot principle.

[0025] In some embodiments, the imaging device and / or imaging apparatus includes a white light camera and / or a sensing mechanism for white light image acquisition. In addition to spectrally resolved imaging, the imaging device and / or imaging apparatus may also be configured for white light imaging. For this purpose, separate optical devices and / or shared optical devices may be used. White light imaging and spectrally resolved imaging may be performed simultaneously or alternately or temporarily simultaneously and temporarily sequentially.

[0026] In some embodiments, the imaging device and / or imaging apparatus includes a sensing mechanism for fluorescence imaging. In addition to spectrally resolved imaging and, where appropriate, white light imaging, the imaging device and / or imaging apparatus may also be configured for fluorescence imaging. For this purpose, separate optics and / or shared optics may be used. Fluorescence imaging, where appropriate white light imaging, and spectrally resolved imaging may be performed simultaneously or alternately or temporarily simultaneously and temporarily sequentially.

[0027] For some applications it may be advantageous to use a large spectral resolution. This is then suitable for hyperspectral imaging. This may be combined with white light imaging and / or fluorescence imaging. Thus, even if the spectrally resolved image data is only acquired substantially in real time (i.e., for example, it takes several seconds to create a spectrally resolved image), observations can still be made in real time via the white light image.

[0028] For some applications, it may be advantageous to generate spectral image data in real time. For example, this includes the generation of spectrally resolved images that are performed in less than one second or even multiple times per second. It may be advantageous here to use multispectral imaging. Thus, a possibly lower spectral resolution is offset by a higher image refresh rate. Depending on the application, it may be sufficient to consider only a small number of different spectral ranges and / or wavelengths, for example two or three or four or generally less than ten. Additional white light imaging may be selectively omitted here. Spectrally resolved image data acquired in real time or multiple images supplied per second may also be used for monitoring purposes, wherein it is not necessary to compulsorily create the image to be reproduced for the user, but the image data may also be processed in the background.

[0029] The optical interface may be detachable or connectable.In addition, the optical interface may be combined with a mechanical interface, such that, for example, an optical connection is automatically established when the imaging device is mechanically coupled.

[0030] The light emitting elements may comprise monochromatic LEDs (light emitting diodes) and / or laser diodes. Furthermore, at least one of the light emitting elements may be a white light LED or another white light source. In some embodiments, the irradiation unit comprises at least one blue light emitting element, at least one red light emitting element, at least one dark red light emitting element and at least one Nah-IR light emitting element (near infrared light emitting element), in particular LEDs or laser diodes, respectively. Additionally, the irradiation unit may comprise at least one white light LED or another white light source.

[0031] The first group may include at least two light-emitting elements that emit in different spectra. When the multi-spectral mode includes different states in which a specific light-emitting element or a specific light-emitting element type is at least temporarily activated, a high degree of efficiency can be achieved during multi-spectral imaging. As a result, targeted illumination can be performed in a specific spectral range, thereby enabling the acquisition of different spectral images. Different light-emitting elements activated in different states can be used as different nodes (Stützstelle) for multi-spectral imaging. At least one of these nodes can be selected so that it is adapted to the characteristic points of the absorption spectrum of the physiologically relevant part, for example, adapted to the isoproportional points of the hemoglobin oxygenation curve. Multi-spectral imaging can additionally include the use of a suitable observation filter.

[0032] In addition, the second group may include at least two light-emitting elements that emit with different spectra. The fluorescence mode may include different sub-modes and / or states in which a specific light-emitting element or a specific light-emitting element type is at least temporarily activated. Thus, targeted excitation is performed within a specific spectral range, so that fluorescence imaging can be performed for a specifically selected dye. In other words, at least one light-emitting element included in the first group and the second group can be used for both multi-spectral mode and fluorescence mode.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first group includes only some but not all of the light-emitting elements. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the second group includes only some but not all of the light-emitting elements. In multi-spectral mode, in particular only the light-emitting elements of the first group are at least temporarily activated, while the light-emitting elements that do not belong to the first group are deactivated. In fluorescence mode, in particular only the light-emitting elements of the second group are at least temporarily activated, while the light-emitting elements that do not belong to the second group are deactivated. It should generally be understood that the light-emitting elements can include different light-emitting element types and that in different light-emitting element types there can be in particular exactly one light-emitting element. It should be understood that according to the present invention, mixed operating modes can also occur in which the mentioned modes are used sequentially. For example, multi-spectral imaging and fluorescence imaging can be performed sequentially.

[0034] The optical path that the light emitted by the light emitting elements of the first group travels from the respective light emitting elements to the optical interface extends in particular from the light exit surface of the respective light emitting element to the point at which the light of the optical interface can be output from the optical interface. The lengths of the optical paths mentioned in particular differ by at most 20%, preferably by at most 10%, preferably by at most 5%, and particularly preferably by at most 3%. These percentages can be based on the longest optical path of the compared optical paths.

[0035] The operating state of the imaging device coordinated with the illumination mode can define the imaging mode. For example, it can be an operating state in which multispectral imaging, white light imaging or fluorescence imaging can be performed. When the control unit places the illumination device in the multispectral mode, fluorescence mode or white light mode correspondingly for the multispectral operating state and / or for the fluorescence operating state and / or for the white light operating state, a universal imaging device can be provided.

[0036] The control unit can achieve automatic coordination by electronically controlling the irradiation device and / or the imaging device. Coordination can also be achieved naturally by selecting a suitable filter, such as an observation filter. The control unit can be constructed as a separate control unit or integrated into the control unit of the imaging device.

[0037] In particular, when at least one light-emitting element included in the first group and the second group emits light in the red spectral range, in particular in the spectral range between 600 nm and 680 nm, for example between 610 nm and 650 nm or between 620 and 660 nm or between 630 and 670 nm, a synergy with respect to the use of the light-emitting elements for different modes and the efficiency gain associated therewith can be achieved. The spectral range can be narrowband and include a wavelength of 660 nm. "Narrowband" can include a spectral width of at most 80 nm, in particular at most 40 nm or even at most 20 nm. The at least one light-emitting element can be configured to excite a dye that absorbs in the red spectral range and contribute to the illumination in the red spectral range of multispectral imaging.

[0038] In some embodiments, the illumination unit can be operated in at least one white light mode, in which the illumination unit supplies illumination light for white light imaging. The illumination light for white light imaging can be broadband white light. Alternatively, the illumination light for white light imaging can include a plurality of narrow wavelength bands separated from each other, such as blue, red and dark red bands. "Dark red" can be understood here in the sense of "longer wavelength than red" and refers to the spectral position, not the light intensity. The illumination light for white light imaging can be a mixture of light from different light-emitting elements.

[0039] In the white light mode, a third group of light emitting elements may be at least temporarily activated to supply illumination light for white light imaging. Here, the light emitting element may include at least one light emitting element that is included in both the first group and / or the second group and in the third group. In some cases, the third group may include only some but not all of the light emitting elements. In the white light mode, in particular only the light emitting elements of the third group are at least temporarily activated, while the light emitting elements that do not belong to the third group are deactivated. In other words, the illumination unit may include light emitting elements that are used for one, two or all three of the illumination modes mentioned. Thus, a plurality of light emitting elements may be used multiple times.

[0040] At least one light-emitting element included in both the first group and / or the second group and in the third group can emit light in the red spectral range, in particular in the spectral range between 600 nm and 680 nm, for example between 610 nm and 650 nm or between 620 and 660 nm or between 630 and 670 nm. The advantages of using light-emitting elements together are particularly significant when at least one red light-emitting element can be used for all three modes.

[0041] At least one luminescent element included in both the first and / or second group and the third group can emit light in the blue spectral range, especially in the spectral range between 440 and 480 nm. At least one blue luminescent element can be suitably used in fluorescent mode and white light mode.

[0042] In general, as mentioned, the light-emitting element may include at least one light-emitting element, in particular a blue light-emitting element, emitting light in a spectral range between 440 and 480 nm. In addition, as mentioned, the light-emitting element may include at least one light-emitting element, in particular a red light-emitting element, emitting light in a spectral range between 600 and 680 nm, for example between 610 and 650 nm, or between 620 and 660 nm, or between 630 and 670 nm. Alternatively or additionally, the light-emitting element may include at least one light-emitting element, in particular a dark red light-emitting element, emitting light in a spectral range between 750 and 790 nm. Alternatively or additionally, the light-emitting element may include at least one light-emitting element, in particular a near-infrared emitting light-emitting element, emitting light in a spectral range between 920 and 960 nm. In addition, the light-emitting element may include a white light-emitting element. When at least one light-emitting element is present in each of the mentioned light-emitting element types, a compact and versatile irradiation unit may be provided in particular. For example, a blue light-emitting element and a red light-emitting element may be used in a fluorescent mode, and a dark red light-emitting element may also be used in the case of a suitable dye. In multispectral mode, dark red light-emitting elements and light-emitting elements emitting near infrared light can be used. In white light mode, white light-emitting elements can be used. In white light mode, they can be supplemented by blue light-emitting elements and possibly also red light-emitting elements. In this way, the wavelength range can be supplemented by means of colored light-emitting elements, in which the white light-emitting elements, for example due to their construction but especially due to the optical elements and filters of the illumination unit, provide reduced intensity. In addition, colored light-emitting elements can be used to adjust the color temperature during white light imaging.

[0043] In some embodiments, the second group includes a single light-emitting element and / or a single type of light-emitting element. For example, a white light-emitting element, a red light-emitting element and an infrared emitting light-emitting element may be provided, wherein the above values ​​are particularly referred to in terms of possible spectral ranges. Then, the first group may, for example, include a red light-emitting element and an infrared emitting light-emitting element. The second group may include an infrared emitting light-emitting element, in particular as the only light-emitting element or as the only type of light-emitting element.

[0044] In particular, a beneficial arrangement of the light-emitting elements can be achieved when the illumination unit includes at least one crossed beam splitter, by means of which light can be deflected from the opposite input side to the output side, wherein at least one of the light-emitting elements is arranged on the opposite input side of the crossed beam splitter. In some embodiments, two or more crossed beam splitters can be provided, which are visually arranged one after the other. At least one crossed beam splitter can include two beam splitter elements, whose light transmittance is adapted to the light-emitting elements associated with them. The beam splitter elements in particular each include a notch filter, so that they are reflected in a narrow spectral band, but transmitted in other cases. The spectral position and / or width of the corresponding notch can be adapted to the spectral range of the light-emitting element associated with them, so that its light is deflected, but the light from other light-emitting elements is at least transmitted to a large extent.

[0045] In some embodiments, the light-emitting element may include at least four narrow-band emission monochromatic light-emitting elements and at least one broadband emission white light-emitting element, and the narrow-band emission monochromatic light-emitting elements respectively have different spectral ranges. In this regard, reference is also made to the above statements about colored light-emitting elements. In conjunction with two crossed beam splitters, a corresponding one of the monochromatic light-emitting elements may be associated with one of the beam splitter elements of the two beam splitters. In addition, the white light-emitting element may be arranged on the far side of the two beam splitters as viewed from the optical interface, so that light from the white light-emitting element passes through the two beam splitters and is input in the direction of the optical interface.

[0046] In particular, a large functional range can be achieved when the illumination unit can be operated in at least one hyperspectral mode, in which a plurality of light-emitting elements are activated, whose emission spectra jointly cover at least one spectral range from 450 nm to 850 nm, and in which the illumination unit supplies illumination light for hyperspectral imaging. In particular, this can be all light-emitting elements, in combination with a compact design and the use of synergistic effects when using light-emitting elements.

[0047] It will be appreciated that, in particular when using laser diodes, suitable polarization filters can be used for the optical filters mentioned herein. Furthermore, in particular when using laser diodes, at least one crossed beam splitter can be used, the beam splitter elements of which are provided with polarization filters. Selective light transmission can then be achieved by combining different polarizations.

[0048] In some embodiments, the illumination unit may define a common optical path, and the emitted light of the light emitting elements may be input into the common optical path. The light emitting elements of the first group may respectively have light exit surfaces, wherein the light exit surfaces of the light emitting elements of the first group are arranged equidistantly relative to the common optical path. The optical path may be defined by at least one crossed beam splitter. In particular, the optical path may extend from an output point of the beam splitter closest to the optical interface to the optical interface.

[0049] In particular, when the crossed beam splitters are arranged such that they input light from opposite input sides into a common optical path, a spatially efficient arrangement with high luminous efficiency can be achieved. Substantially equal lengths of optical paths can be achieved in that the distances from the crossed beam splitters to the opposite light-emitting elements associated therewith are respectively substantially the same.

[0050] At least one beam splitter may include at least three input sides, two of which form opposing input sides and a third of which is opposite to the output side. In some embodiments, the illumination unit may include at least two crossed beam splitters that are visually arranged one after the other. If there are multiple beam splitters, they may be arranged so that the output side of a first beam splitter faces the input side of a second beam splitter. A light emitting element, in particular a white light emitting element, may be arranged at the input side of the beam splitter that is farthest from the optical interface.

[0051] The imaging device can have a filter unit that can be switched between at least a multi-spectral mode and a fluorescence mode, the filter unit having an optical filter. Thereby, the imaging device can be adapted to the versatility of the illumination unit. The fluorescence mode of the filter unit can include a plurality of sub-modes defined by different filters. For example, different slit filters can be used, which absorb / block the correspondingly used spectrum of the associated light-emitting element used for excitation and at least substantially transmit only the fluorescence.

[0052] The imaging device can have a stereoscopic eyepiece, wherein the eyepiece comprises two eyepiece sides, in which different filters are built in. For example, the eyepiece side can include a filter for multispectral imaging and the eyepiece side can include a filter for fluorescence imaging. This makes it possible to generate or observe a side-by-side representation of a multispectral image and a fluorescence image in a simple manner.

[0053] The irradiation mode of the irradiation unit and / or the operating state of the imaging device can be predetermined by at least one user operation. User operations may include, for example, selecting an irradiation mode, selecting an imaging mode, selecting a specific optical filter, replacing a replacement rod, etc. The control unit can be configured to automatically coordinate the operating state of the imaging device and the irradiation mode of the irradiation unit with each other based on the user operation. Intuitive operability is thereby achieved, while at the same time erroneous operation can be avoided because the necessary adaptation can be performed automatically. The control unit can be configured to adapt the operating state of the imaging device when the user operation changes the irradiation mode. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be configured to adapt the irradiation mode when the user operation changes the operating state of the imaging device.

[0054] The imaging device may comprise a camera unit, wherein the control unit is configured to adjust the illumination mode of the illumination unit according to the operating state of the camera unit. The camera unit may comprise an imaging sensor mechanism and / or an optical filter. The operating state of the camera unit depends in particular on the selection of the optical filter, wherein the selection can be made by a user.

[0055] In particular, an efficient and safe operating concept can be provided if the camera unit comprises a plurality of optical filters which can optionally be introduced into the observation beam path of the camera unit and define different observation modes which can be selected by the user. The control unit can be configured to adjust the illumination mode depending on the selected observation mode. For example, the camera unit can comprise different filters for fluorescence imaging and for multispectral imaging. If the user introduces a specific filter into the observation beam path, a switch is immediately made to the associated mode. Thus, all components can be correctly adjusted in such a way that they are coordinated with one another by a single adaptation.

[0056] In some embodiments, the optical filter can be manually introduced into the observation beam path by the user. Then, the camera unit may include at least one filter sensor, which is configured to automatically identify the optical filter currently introduced into the observation beam path and generate a sensor signal, which contains information about the identified optical filter. The control unit may be configured to identify the observation mode of the camera unit according to the sensor signal. Thus, the user can place the imaging device in a desired state by simple manual manipulation without having to make separate adjustments at the irradiation unit. The filter sensor may be configured to directly identify the introduced optical filter, for example, by optical technology. When the available optical filter is mounted on a movable filter carrier, such as a filter wheel or a slider, and the sensor is a position sensor that identifies the position of the filter carrier, the introduced optical filter can be particularly easily identified. For this case, the equipment of the filter carrier can be stored in the control unit and / or can be stored in the control unit. The control unit can be configured to find out the corresponding optical filter according to the identified position.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, the camera unit may have an automatic filter unit, which is configured to automatically introduce at least one of the optical filters into the observation beam path according to an observation mode predetermined by the user. The imaging device may have a user interface via which the user can select the optical filter. The user interface may, for example, have buttons, touch-sensitive elements, a display, a touch display or other input means. In some embodiments, the filter selection entered by the user can be interpreted directly by the control unit to adjust the mode of the illumination unit and the imaging device to match the filter selection made.

[0058] The imaging device can have a distal rod, wherein the camera unit is a proximal camera unit, and wherein the rod is optically coupled to the camera unit. The camera unit can be constructed separately from the rod. In this case in particular, the components of the camera unit are arranged outside the rod. This is suitable, for example, when the imaging device is an endoscope. The rod can include an optical element, which guides light from the distal end of the rod to the proximal end of the rod. The proximal end of the rod can be optically coupled to the camera unit. Thus, the rod guides light to the depicted area and guides light from the depicted area, while the actual image acquisition takes place on the proximal side of the rod in the camera unit.

[0059] A high degree of versatility can be achieved in particular if the imaging device comprises broadband transmission optics that can be used in a consistent manner in different illumination modes. As a result, a single imaging device, in particular a single endoscope, can be used for different spectral ranges. It is then not necessary to use a special optic for each application. For example, the broadband transmission optics can be a mapping optics. It can transmit at least in the range between 400 nm and 1000 nm.

[0060] In some embodiments, the imaging device comprises a proximal base unit, to which different replacement rods can be optically and electronically coupled, and the different replacement rods are designed for different observation modes. The control unit can be configured to adjust the illumination mode of the illumination unit according to the observation mode defined by the currently coupled replacement rod. It is thus possible to switch between different modes intuitively in a system with a replacement rod without the need for user-side adaptation. The necessary adjustment of the components is a reaction to the selection of a specific replacement rod. The user only has to couple the replacement rod and has thus selected a specific imaging mode and an associated illumination mode. Different replacement rods can include an image acquisition sensor mechanism, such as a Tipcam. Here, it can be a camera and / or camera assembly and / or camera sensor arranged in the distal end region and / or at the distal end of the relevant replacement rod. In these embodiments, the proximal camera unit can be omitted. In particular, the camera unit can be partially or completely integrated into the replacement rod, or defined by selecting a specific replacement rod. The base unit may not have an image acquisition sensor mechanism.

[0061] The imaging device may be part of a medical imaging system. It may comprise at least two different replacement rods, which may optionally be connected to a base unit of the imaging device. The replacement rods may respectively comprise an integrated camera and / or an integrated optical filter. The integrated camera and / or the integrated filter may differ between different replacement rods. For example, a replacement rod for white light imaging and / or a replacement rod for fluorescence imaging and / or a replacement rod for multispectral imaging may be provided.

[0062] The device and system according to the present invention and the method according to the present invention should not be limited to the above-mentioned application and embodiment here. In particular, they can have a plurality of independent elements, components and units and method steps of different numbers from the number mentioned in this article, so as to realize the working principle described in this article. In addition, within the value range given in this disclosure, the value within the mentioned limit should also be considered to be public and can be applied in any way.

[0063] In particular, it is pointed out that all features and characteristics described with respect to the device, but also the program, can be transferred to the method in a meaningful way and can be used within the meaning of the present invention and are considered to be disclosed together. This also applies in the opposite direction. This means that the structures mentioned with respect to the method, i.e. the features with respect to the device, can also be considered, protected and also belong to the disclosed content within the framework of the following technical solution with respect to the device.

[0064] The present invention will be described exemplarily below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings, the specification and the claims contain many combined features. Those skilled in the art will also appropriately consider these features individually and use these features in meaningful combinations within the scope of the claims.

[0065] If a particular object has more than one example, in some cases only one of them is provided with a reference numeral in the drawings and in the description. The description of this example can be transferred to the other examples of the object accordingly. If the objects are named in particular with the aid of ordinal numbers, such as the first, second, third object, etc., they are used to name and / or associate these objects. Thus, for example, the first object and the third object can be included, but the second object is not included. However, in addition, the number and / or order of the objects can also be derived from the ordinal numbers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] In the attached picture:

[0067] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an imaging device having an irradiation device is shown;

[0068] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the irradiation equipment;

[0069] Figure 3 shows a schematic transmission curve of a beam splitter element of an illumination device;

[0070] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an imaging device is shown;

[0071] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing another embodiment of an imaging device;

[0072] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing yet another embodiment of an imaging device;

[0073] Figure 7 A perspective schematic diagram showing another embodiment of an imaging device;

[0074] Figure 8 A schematic flow chart of a method for generating illumination light for an imaging device by means of an illumination device is shown;

[0075] Fig. 9 A schematic flow chart showing a method for operating an imaging device; and

[0076] Fig.10 A schematic flow chart of a method for operating an imaging device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an imaging device 10 is shown. In the exemplary case shown, the imaging device 10 is an endoscopic imaging device, in particular an endoscope device. Alternatively, the imaging device 10 can be an exoscopic imaging device, a microscopic imaging device or a macroscopic imaging device. The imaging device 10 is shown as a medical imaging device, for example. The imaging device 10 is, for example, configured to inspect a cavity.

[0078] The imaging apparatus 10 has a medical imaging device 14. In the case shown, this is an endoscope.

[0079] In addition, the imaging device 10 includes an irradiation device 12 having an optical interface 16 and an irradiation unit 18. The imaging device 14 can be optically coupled to the optical interface 16. The optical interface 16 can be part of an optical-mechanical interface that is optionally detachable and connectable. The irradiation device 14 can be optionally disconnected from the irradiation device 12. The irradiation unit 18 is configured to supply irradiation light to the optical interface 16. When imaging is performed with the aid of the imaging device 14, the irradiation unit 18 can correspondingly provide the required irradiation light, which is guided to the irradiation device 14 and outputted from there to the object to be depicted, such as a part.

[0080] In the case shown, the imaging device 10 also comprises a display unit 74 on which images based on the image data acquired by means of the imaging device 14 can be displayed. These can be video images, still images, superpositions of different images, sub-images, image sequences or the like.

[0081] The imaging device 10 is multimodal. By way of example, the imaging device can be operated in three basic modes, namely a multispectral mode, a fluorescence mode and a white light mode. Furthermore, it can be provided that, in addition to or as an alternative to the multispectral mode, the imaging device 10 can be operated in a hyperspectral mode.

[0082] The irradiation device 12 is multimodal. The irradiation device 12 can operate in different irradiation modes, which supply light in different irradiation modes for different imaging modes. Currently, the irradiation device 12 can operate in three basic modes, namely multi-spectral mode, fluorescence mode and white light mode. Similarly, the imaging device 14 can operate in different operating modes, specifically also at least in multi-spectral mode, fluorescence mode and white light mode. The modes of the irradiation device 12 are coordinated with each other in the corresponding operating modes of the imaging device 10.

[0083] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an illumination device 12 is shown. The illumination unit 18 comprises a plurality of light emitting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 which can be activated independently of one another. They are configured to emit light corresponding to different emission spectra, so that the illumination light is supplied, i.e. the respective emission spectra of the light emitting elements are different from one another.

[0084] For example, the light emitting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 are configured as LEDs. Specifically, the first light emitting element 20 is configured as a red LED, the second light emitting element 22 is configured as a dark red LED, the third light emitting element 24 is configured as a blue LED, and the fourth light emitting element 26 is configured as a near-infrared LED. The colored light emitting elements 20, 22, 24, 26 each emit in a narrow band, for example, having emission peaks at wavelengths of approximately 660 nm (first light emitting element 20), 770 nm (second light emitting element 22), 460 nm (third light emitting element 24), and 940 nm (fourth light emitting element 26).

[0085] A fifth light-emitting element 28 is also provided, which is currently a white light-emitting element, such as a white light LED. The fifth light-emitting element 28 emits, for example, in a spectral range of about 400 to 700 nm. In other embodiments, a laser diode may also be used, in particular as a colored light-emitting element.

[0086] Depending on the illumination mode, some of the light-emitting elements 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 28 are activated at least temporarily, whereas other light-emitting elements 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 28 are not used in the illumination mode in question, where appropriate.

[0087] Currently, the first group includes a first light-emitting element 20 and a fourth light-emitting element 26. The first group may additionally include a light-emitting element 22 and / or a light-emitting element 24. The first group is used for multispectral imaging, wherein the light-emitting elements 20, 26 and, where appropriate, 22 and 24 contained therein are used as nodes, respectively. In multispectral mode, for example, the first light-emitting element 20 is first illuminated and an image is taken. Next, the fourth light-emitting element 26 is illuminated and an image is taken. The image is accordingly based on diffuse reflection, i.e., observing the light scattered back by the object to be depicted. Through two different nodes, spectral information about the object to be depicted can be obtained. For example, specific tissue types, perfusion states, tissue properties, etc. can be evaluated thereby.

[0088] In addition, the second group includes a first light-emitting element 20, a second light-emitting element 22 and a third light-emitting element 24. The second group is used for irradiation during fluorescence imaging. For example, here, the stained object can be observed in a targeted manner using appropriately selected dyes. Different dyes can also be introduced into different tissue types, etc., and observed at the same time. By specifically exciting a specific dye, it is excited to emit fluorescence. Then the fluorescence is depicted. The first light-emitting element 20 is suitable for exciting the dye cyanine 5.5 (Cy 5.5), for example. The second light-emitting element 22 is suitable for exciting the dye indocyanine green (ICG). The third light-emitting element 24 is suitable for exciting the dye fluorescein.

[0089] In addition, the third group includes a fifth light-emitting element 28. In the current embodiment, the third group also includes a first light-emitting element 20 and a third light-emitting element 24. The third group is used to provide illumination light for white light imaging. To this end, the white light of the fifth light-emitting element 28 can be mixed with the light of a light-emitting element of a specific color, thereby compensating for spectral loss and / or adjusting the color temperature in a targeted manner.

[0090] It can be seen that some of the light emitting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 are associated with multiple groups, for example the first light emitting element 20 is associated with all three groups, and the third light emitting element 24 and where appropriate the second light emitting element 22 are associated with the second and third groups.

[0091] Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that some or all of the light emitting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 are applied in a hyperspectral mode. A wide excitation spectrum is then generated. Then, in combination with a suitable hyperspectral detector, spectral information relating to the object to be depicted can be collected over the entire visible and near-infrared spectrum. For this purpose, the imaging device 14 can include a push-broom assembly as a hyperspectral detector. In other embodiments, a swing-broom assembly, a gaze assembly and / or a snapshot assembly are used. The imaging device 14 can be a hyperspectral imaging device. For different methods of hyperspectral imaging and the components required for this purpose, see the professional article “Review of spectral imaging technology in biomedical engineering: achievements and challenges” by Quingli Li et al., published in Journal of Biomedical Optics 18(10), 100901, October 2013, and the professional article “Medical hyperspectral imaging: a review” by Guolan Lu and Baowei Fei, published in Journal of Biomedical Optics 19(1), 010901, January 2014.

[0092] The illumination unit 18 comprises two crossed beam splitters 30, 32. They comprise respective output sides 42, 44, respective input sides 37, 41 opposite the output sides 42, 44, and respective two input sides 34, 36, 38, 40 opposite each other. All input sides 34, 36, 37, 38, 40, 41 direct incident light to the respective output sides 42, 44. The output side 42 of the first crossed beam splitter 30 faces the input side 41 of the second crossed beam splitter 32. The output side 44 of the second crossed beam splitter 32 faces the optical interface 16. The two crossed beam splitters 30, 32 are preferably arranged coaxially relative to each other and / or coaxially relative to the optical interface.

[0093] The illumination unit 18 may include suitable optical elements, such as lenses and / or mirrors (not shown). Figure 22 , a plurality of lenses 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88 are shown by way of example. The lens 78 is associated with the optical interface 16, for example, and inputs light from the output side 44 of the second crossed beam splitter 32 into the optical interface 16. Furthermore, each of the light emitting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 can be associated with a respective lens 80, 82, 84, 86, 88. A particularly high degree of compactness can be achieved when the light emitting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 are arranged at the input side 34, 36, 37, 38, 40 of at least one crossed beam splitter 30, 32, respectively, without mirrors being arranged therebetween. Thus, the light emitting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 can be moved very close to at least one crossed beam splitter 30, 32.

[0094] The crossed beam splitters 30, 32 each comprise two beam splitter elements 90, 92, 94, 96. They can in principle be semi-transparent, so that light from all input sides 34, 36, 37, 38, 40, 41 is diverted to the corresponding output side 42, 44. In the present embodiment, the beam splitter elements 90, 92, 94, 96 are selectively transparent. This is further described with reference to Figure 3 The beam splitter elements 90, 92, 94, 96 may be filters that are reflective only in a limited area but are highly transmissive otherwise. Figure 3 , the transmission curves 98, 100, 102, 104 of the beam splitter elements 90, 92, 94, 96 of two crossed beam splitters 30, 32 are shown. One of the beam splitter elements 90, 92, 94, 96 is associated with each of the colored light-emitting elements 20, 22, 24, 26 or each of the opposite input sides 34, 36, 38, 40. The beam splitter elements 90, 92, 94, 96 are selected here so that they reflect in the wavelength range emitted by the associated light-emitting element 20, 22, 24, 26, but transmit to a large extent otherwise. For this purpose, a band stop filter can be used in the intermediate wavelength range, which can have, for example, transmission spectra 100 and 102. At the spectral edges, high-pass filters or low-pass filters can also be used instead of band stop filters, see transmission spectra 98 and 104.

[0095] Due to the specific transmission spectra 98, 100, 102, 104 of the crossed beam splitters 30, 32, the light of the fifth light-emitting element 28 is spectrally sheared. Therefore, in the manner already mentioned, it can be expedient to supplement the light blocked by the beam splitters 30, 32 in a targeted manner with the aid of the light-emitting elements 20 and 24, and where appropriate also 22 and / or 26. Supplementation can thus be carried out specifically in the following spectral ranges: in which the beam splitters 30, 32 absorb and / or reflect the light of the fifth light-emitting element 28, but do not transmit it to the optical interface 16 in any case. In this case, the light-emitting elements 20, 24 and where appropriate 22 used in addition are preferably operated with reduced power or with adapted power. The purpose here can be to restore the original spectrum of the fifth light-emitting element 28 at least to a large extent.

[0096] In some embodiments, the fifth light-emitting element 28 may alternatively be a green light-emitting element, or in general a colored light-emitting element, which emits primarily in the spectral range transmitted by at least one beam splitter 30, 32. For example, in such an embodiment, the fifth light-emitting element 26 may be an LED having an emission peak at about 530 nm. A green laser diode may also be considered for this purpose. It may be provided that color mixing is performed in white light mode, and in particular, a single white light source, such as a white light LED, is not used, but the white light from the individual light-emitting elements is mixed in a targeted manner.

[0097] It will be appreciated that, with suitable dyes, such green luminescent elements can also be used in fluorescence mode. Alternatively or additionally, they can be used in multispectral mode.

[0098] Illumination unit 18 defines a common light path 54 into which light emitted by light emitting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 can be fed. Common light path 54 extends from output side 44 of second cross beam splitter 32 to the optical interface. Common light path 54 is arranged coaxially with fifth light emitting element 26 in the present case.

[0099] In the embodiment shown, the light emitting elements 20, 26 of the first group are arranged so that the light emitted by the light emitting elements 20, 26 passes through an optical path of at least substantially the same length from the respective light emitting elements 20, 26 to the optical interface 16. The light emitting elements 20, 26 of the first group have light exit surfaces 56, 58, respectively. The light exit surfaces 56, 62 are arranged equidistantly relative to the common optical path 54. This is currently achieved in the following manner, that is, the two light emitting elements 20, 26 are arranged at the same distance from the beam splitter 32 associated therewith (currently, exemplarily, the second beam splitter 32), in particular the input sides 38, 40 opposite thereto. Here, the light is input into the common optical path 54 from the crossed beam splitters 32.

[0100] The beam splitters 30 , 32 are arranged in particular such that the light exit surfaces 56 , 58 , 60 , 62 , 64 of the light emitting elements 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 28 are each arranged equidistantly relative to their associated crossing beam splitters 30 , 32 .

[0101] By using crossed beam splitters 30, 32 and light-emitting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 that can be used together for different modes, the illumination unit 18 or illumination device 12 has a high degree of compactness. In addition, the equidistant arrangement makes it possible to achieve that no spectral shift occurs when the imaging device 14 or its light guide is twisted relative to the optical interface 16.

[0102] It should be understood that different numbers of light emitting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 and / or different numbers of crossed beam splitters 30, 32 may be used. The use of crossed beam splitters 30, 32 has proven to be particularly suitable. However, in other embodiments, other types of beam splitters and / or other optical elements can be used to input light from the light emitting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 into the optical interface 16.

[0103] Figure 4 Shown is a schematic diagram of an imaging apparatus 10. The imaging device 14 is optically coupled to an optical interface 16, for example via an optical conductor 106, such as at least one optical fiber.

[0104] The imaging device 10 has a control unit 66, which is configured to automatically coordinate the operating state of the imaging device 14 and the irradiation mode of the irradiation unit 18 with each other. In the present case, the user can predetermine the operating mode of the imaging device 14 through user operation. Then, the control unit 66 adjusts the irradiation mode of the irradiation unit 18 to match this. Alternatively or additionally, the user can adjust the specific irradiation mode of the irradiation unit 18 through user operation. Then, the control unit 66 can adjust the operating mode of the imaging device 14 to match this. The irradiation device 12 and / or the imaging device 10, for example, has a user interface, and the user can input corresponding instructions via the user interface.

[0105] The imaging device 14 comprises a camera unit 68 and a distal rod 76. The distal rod 76 is optically coupled to the camera unit 68. The camera unit 68 may have a joint for the distal rod 76, wherein the distal rod 76 may be optionally detached and coupled. The distal rod 76 may also be permanently optically and / or mechanically coupled to the camera unit 68. The camera unit 68 is arranged proximally relative to the rod 76. The camera unit 68 comprises an imaging sensor mechanism 108, which in the present case for example comprises a white light sensor 110 and a near infrared sensor 112. In general, the imaging sensor mechanism 108 may have one or more at least spatially resolved light sensors / image sensors, for example at least one CMOS sensor and / or at least one CCD sensor. The rod 76 comprises an optical element, not shown, by means of which light can be guided to the camera unit 68 so that the object to be depicted can be acquired by optical techniques. Furthermore, the rod 76 comprises at least one optical path 114 , for example defined by an optical conductor such as an optical fiber, which leads to a distal section 116 of the rod 76 and by means of which illumination light originating from the optical interface 16 of the illumination device 12 can be output to the object to be imaged.

[0106] The camera unit 68 has different operating states, specifically, for example, at least a multispectral operating state and a fluorescence operating state, and in the present embodiment, additionally a white light operating state and, where appropriate, a hyperspectral operating state. The control unit 66 automatically adapts the illumination mode of the illumination unit 18 to the current operating state of the camera unit 68. Here, the control unit 66 can adjust the image capture behavior of the camera unit 68. For example, the control unit 66 can adjust the exposure duration, sensitivity / amplification / gain and / or other operating parameters of the camera unit 68 or in particular its image acquisition sensor mechanism 108 and possibly also its optical device, and thereby define different operating states of the imaging device 14. In the present case, the control unit 66 controls the illumination unit 18 synchronously with the camera.

[0107] The imaging device 14 comprises a filter unit 46 having optical filters 48, 50, 52. Three optical filters are shown by way of example, but it will be appreciated that a different number of optical filters may be used. The filter unit 46 may be switched between a multispectral mode and a fluorescence mode. Furthermore, the filter unit 46 may additionally be switched to a white light mode and / or a hyperspectral mode. The optical filters 48, 50, 52 may optionally be introduced into an observation beam path 70 of a camera unit 68, thereby defining different observation modes. Currently, this defines the operating state of the camera unit 68.

[0108] A plurality of optical filters 48, 50, 52 can be associated with a basic imaging mode. In particular for fluorescence imaging, another suitable optical filter can be used according to the situation of the light-emitting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 used for excitation. For example, the first light-emitting element 20 (red) is currently combined with the following optical filter, which transmits wavelengths longer than 730nm but blocks wavelengths shorter than 730nm. It can be achieved in particular that only fluorescence is detected and the excitation light itself is not detected. For example, the optical filter can absorb at least in the range of 600nm to 730nm. In addition, currently, for example, the second light-emitting element 22 (dark red) is combined with an optical filter, which absorbs in the range of 700 to 850nm or transmits noticeably only when it is higher than 850nm.

[0109] The user can select a specific filter 48, 50, 52 and thereby directly select the associated observation mode or operating state of the camera unit 68. For this purpose, the camera unit 68 has a filter sensor 72, which is able to automatically identify the optical filter currently introduced into the observation beam path 70. Therefore, the user can manually introduce the selected filter 48, 50, 52 into the observation beam path 70. In the example shown, the optical filters 48, 50, 52 are mounted on a filter carrier 118. The filter carrier can be moved to different positions, whereby a corresponding one of the optical filters 48, 50, 52 can be selected. Subsequently, the filter sensor 72 identifies the currently selected optical filter 48, 50, 52. The control section can then ascertain the current operating state of the camera unit 68 and thus the current operating state of the imaging device 14 from the sensor signal of the filter sensor 72, and automatically adapt the illumination mode of the illumination unit 18 thereto. The user thus places the entire imaging device 10 in the desired mode by a simple user operation such as manually selecting an optical filter 48, 50, 52. In principle, the user can combine different filters with different illumination modes and thereby generate different contrast types.

[0110] In the case shown, the imaging device 14 and in particular the rod 76 comprises a broadband transmission optical device 77, which can be used in a consistent manner in different illumination modes. The broadband optical device 77 is designed in the present case for a spectral range of at least 400 nm to 1000 nm. It can be used in a consistent manner for different illumination spectral ranges and / or observation spectral ranges.

[0111] In some embodiments, the imaging device 14 can be designed as a stereo endoscope comprising a stereo eyepiece with two sides. Different optical filters can be connected in series with these sides independently of one another, so that different contrast images can be superimposed on one another.

[0112] In the following, in the context of other embodiments and variants, the same reference numerals as above are used for the same or similar parts. In principle, reference is made to the above statements in terms of their description, while the differences between the embodiments are mainly explained below. In addition, for the sake of clarity, the reference numerals in the drawings are partially omitted.

[0113] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of an imaging device 10 is shown. The imaging device 10 comprises an irradiation device 12 and an irradiation unit 18 with an optical interface 16 and an imaging device 14 coupled to the optical interface 16. The imaging device 14 comprises a camera unit 68 with an automatic filter unit 210. The automatic filter unit 210 comprises a plurality of optical filters 48, 50, 52, which can be automatically introduced into an observation beam path 70 of the camera unit 68 according to an observation mode predefined by a user.

[0114] The automatic filter unit 210 comprises a filter driver 212, which is configured to automatically move the optical filters 48, 50, 52 into or out of the observation beam path 70. The optical filters 48, 50, 52 may be mounted on a filter carrier 118, which is coupled to the filter driver 212. The filter driver 212 may be configured to move, e.g., deflect and / or rotate and / or pivot the filter carrier 118.

[0115] The imaging device 14 has a user interface 214 , by means of which the user can adjust the desired observation mode. For example, a desired position of the filter carrier 118 can be predefined by means of the user interface 214 .

[0116] The imaging device 14 further comprises a control unit 66. The control unit 66 is coupled to the filter driver 212 and the user interface 214. The control unit 66 is configured in particular to control the user who predefines the parameters of the observation mode and to control the filter unit 210 and the irradiation unit 18 according to the user predefines the parameters. Thus, the control unit 66 can adjust the operating state of the imaging device 14 and the irradiation mode of the irradiation unit 18 coordinated therewith according to the observation mode selected by the user.

[0117] Figure 6A schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of an imaging device 10 is shown. The imaging device 10 includes an illumination device 12 and an illumination unit 18 having an optical interface 16, and an imaging device 14 coupled to the optical interface 16. The imaging device 14 includes a proximal base unit 310. The proximal base unit 310 is coupled to the optical interface 16 of the illumination device 12. Thus, illumination light generated by the illumination device 12 can be supplied to the proximal base unit 310. The imaging device 14 also includes a control portion 66, which in some embodiments can be integrated into the base unit 310.

[0118] Different replacement rods 312, 314 can be optionally optically or electronically coupled to the proximal base unit 310. The base unit 310 has an interface 316 for coupling different replacement rods 312, 314. The interface 316 supplies the irradiation light from the irradiation device 12 to the coupled replacement rods 312, 314. In addition, the interface 316 is configured to supply power to the coupled replacement rods 312, 314 and / or electronically couple them to the control unit 66 of the imaging device 14.

[0119] The replacement rods 312, 314 each have an integrated camera 318, 320 and an integrated optical filter 322, 324. The integrated cameras 318, 320 are designed as Tipcams. Currently, the integrated camera 318 of the first replacement rod 312 is configured for multispectral imaging. In addition, the integrated camera 310 of the second replacement rod 314 is configured for fluorescence imaging. Optional existing optical filters 322, 324 can be adapted for this.

[0120] In other embodiments, a replacement rod comprising only an optical filter and no integrated camera may also be used. Thus, it may be coupled to the proximal camera unit. Thus, the proximal camera unit may be constructed in some cases without an additional filter unit. The selection of a specific optical filter or a specific observation mode may be achieved by selecting a suitably equipped replacement rod.

[0121] The control unit 66 is configured to identify the connected replacement rods 312, 314. This can be done based on software, mechanically and / or by sensor recognition. The control unit 66 can then find out in which operating state or in which observation mode the imaging device 14 should operate based on the identified replacement rods 312, 314. The control unit 66 is also configured to adjust the illumination mode of the illumination unit 18. Therefore, the control unit 66 is configured to adjust the illumination mode of the illumination unit 18 based on the observation mode defined by the currently connected replacement rods 312, 314.

[0122] In the present case, the replacement rods 312, 314 and the imaging device 10 are part of a medical imaging system 316. The medical imaging system 316 enables the user to select a suitable replacement rod 312, 314 to couple it to the base unit 310 and thereby determine the mode for the entire imaging device 10. Thus, by simply replacing the replacement rods 312, 314, the irradiation device 18 is automatically adapted to the image acquisition mode to be performed.

[0123] Figure 7 A schematic perspective view of another embodiment of an imaging device 10' is shown. The reference numerals of this embodiment are provided with a prime for distinction. In this embodiment, the imaging device 10' is configured as an exoscopic imaging device. It comprises an irradiation device 12' and an imaging device 14'. Their basic operating principles correspond to those described above, but the imaging device 14' is configured as an exoscope in this embodiment.

[0124] The aspects described above may also be summarized or described as follows. Figure 8 A schematic flow chart of a method for generating illumination light for an imaging device 14 by means of an illumination device 12 is shown. The flow of the method follows from the above statements. The illumination device 12 comprises an optical interface 16 for optical connection of the imaging device 14 and an illumination unit 18 configured to supply illumination light to the optical interface 16, wherein the illumination unit 18 comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 which can be activated optionally independently of one another and are configured to emit light corresponding to different emission spectra to supply illumination light.

[0125] The method includes step S11, at least temporarily activating a first group of light emitting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 to supply illumination light for multispectral imaging. The method also includes step S12, at least temporarily activating a second group of light emitting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 to supply illumination light for fluorescence imaging. One of the light emitting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 is at least temporarily activated when the first group of light emitting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 is at least temporarily activated and when the second group of light emitting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 is at least temporarily activated.

[0126] Fig. 9 A schematic flow chart of a method for operating an imaging device 10 is shown. The flow of the method is derived from the above statements. In step S21, an imaging device 10 having an imaging device 14 is provided. In step S22, illumination light is supplied to the imaging device 14. According to the reference Figure 8 The method described supplies illumination light to the imaging device 14 .

[0127] Fig.10A schematic flow chart of a method for operating an imaging device 10 is shown. The flow of the method is also derived from the above statements. The method comprises a step S31, providing an irradiation device 12 for irradiation light for an imaging device 14. The imaging device 14 comprises an optical interface 16 for optical connection of the imaging device 14 and an irradiation unit 18, which is configured to supply irradiation light to the optical interface 16. The irradiation unit 18 is configured to be multimodal and can be operated in a plurality of different irradiation modes. The method further comprises a step S32, providing an imaging device 14 that can be connected to the optical interface 16 of the irradiation device 12. The method further comprises a step S33, automatically coordinating the operating state of the imaging device 14 and the irradiation mode of the irradiation unit 18.

[0128] The devices, methods and systems generally described above and / or the devices, methods and systems described above according to exemplary embodiments relate in particular to the following main aspects I, II and III, which aspects are numbered in the following text with Arabic numerals and which can also be combined with one another, namely in particular main aspect I with main aspect II, main aspect I with main aspect III, main aspect II with main aspect III and main aspect I with main aspect II and main aspect III and their associated aspects, respectively:

[0129] Main Aspects I

[0130] I-1. An irradiation device (12), in particular for providing irradiation light for an imaging device (14), such as an endoscope, an exoscope and / or a microscope, comprising:

[0131] An optical interface (16) for optical connection to an imaging device (14); and

[0132] an illumination unit (18) configured to supply illumination light to the optical interface (16),

[0133] wherein the illumination unit (18) is multimodal and comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) which can be activated selectively independently of one another and are configured to emit light corresponding to different emission spectra in order to supply illumination light,

[0134] wherein the illumination unit (18) is operable in at least one multispectral mode, in which a first group of light-emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) is at least temporarily activated, and in which the illumination unit (18) supplies illumination light for multispectral imaging;

[0135] wherein the illumination unit (18) is operable in at least one fluorescence mode, in which the second group of light-emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) is at least temporarily activated, and in which the illumination unit (18) supplies illumination light for fluorescence imaging; and

[0136] The light emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) include at least one light emitting element (20) included in the first group and the second group.

[0137] I-2. The irradiation device (12) according to aspect I-1 or I-2,

[0138] At least one light-emitting element (20) contained in the first group and the second group emits light in the red spectral range, in particular in the spectral range between 600 nm and 680 nm.

[0139] I-3. The irradiation device (12) according to aspect I-1,

[0140] The illumination unit (18) is operable in at least one white light mode, in which the illumination unit (18) supplies illumination light for white light imaging.

[0141] I-4. The irradiation device (12) according to aspect I-3,

[0142] wherein a third group of light emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) is at least temporarily activated in a white light mode to supply illumination light for white light imaging, and

[0143] The light emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) include at least one light emitting element (20, 22, 24) included in the first group and / or in the second group as well as in the third group.

[0144] I-5. The irradiation device (12) according to aspect I-4,

[0145] At least one light-emitting element (20) contained in both the first group and / or the second group and in the third group emits light in the red spectral range, in particular in the spectral range between 600 nm and 680 nm.

[0146] I-6. The irradiation device (12) according to aspect I-4 or I-5,

[0147] At least one light-emitting element (24) contained in both the first group and / or the second group and in the third group emits light in the blue spectral range, in particular in the spectral range between 440 and 480 nm.

[0148] I-7. An irradiation device (12) according to any one of the preceding aspects of main aspect I,

[0149] wherein the light emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) include at least one light emitting element (22) emitting light in the spectral range between 750 and 790 nm, and / or

[0150] The light emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) include at least one light emitting element (28) that emits light in a spectral range between 920 and 960 nm.

[0151] I-8. An irradiation device (12) according to any one of the preceding aspects of main aspect I,

[0152] The illumination unit (18) comprises at least one crossed beam splitter (30, 32), by means of which light can be deflected from opposite input sides (34, 36, 38, 40) to output sides (42, 44), and at least one of the light-emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) is arranged on the opposite input sides (34, 36, 38, 40) of the crossed beam splitter (30, 32).

[0153] I-9. An irradiation device (12) according to any one of the preceding aspects of main aspect I,

[0154] The light-emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) include at least four narrow-band emission monochromatic light-emitting elements having different spectral ranges, and at least one broadband emission white light-emitting element.

[0155] I-10. An irradiation device (12) according to any one of the preceding aspects of main aspect I,

[0156] The illumination unit (18) is capable of operating in at least one hyperspectral mode, in which a plurality of light-emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) are activated, the emission spectra of which collectively cover at least one spectral range from 450 nm to 850 nm, and in which the illumination unit (18) supplies illumination light for hyperspectral imaging.

[0157] I-11. An imaging device (10), comprising:

[0158] An irradiation device (12) according to any of the preceding aspects of main aspect I; and

[0159] An imaging device (14) is connectable to the optical interface (16) of the irradiation device (12).

[0160] I-12. The imaging device (10) according to aspect I-11,

[0161] The imaging device (14) has a filter unit (46) which can be switched at least between a multi-spectral mode and a fluorescence mode, and the filter unit has optical filters (48, 50, 52).

[0162] I-13. A method for generating illumination light for an imaging device (14) by means of an illumination device (12), in particular by means of an illumination device (12) according to aspects I-1 to I-10,

[0163] The illumination device (12) comprises an optical interface (16) for optical connection of an imaging device (14) and an illumination unit (18) configured to supply illumination light to the optical interface (16), wherein the illumination unit (18) comprises a plurality of light emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) which can be activated selectively independently of one another and are configured to emit light corresponding to different emission spectra to supply illumination light,

[0164] The method includes:

[0165] at least temporarily activating a first group of light emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) to supply illumination light for multi-spectral imaging; and

[0166] at least temporarily activating a second group of light emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) to supply illumination light for fluorescence imaging; and

[0167] At least one of the light emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) is at least temporarily activated when a first group of light emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) is at least temporarily activated and when a second group of light emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) is at least temporarily activated.

[0168] I-14. A method for operating an imaging device (10), in particular an imaging device (10) according to aspect I-11 or I-12,

[0169] The imaging device (10) comprises an imaging device (14),

[0170] Wherein the illumination light is supplied to the imaging device (14) according to the method according to aspect I-13.

[0171] Main Aspects II

[0172] II-1. A medical imaging device (10), in particular an endoscopic imaging device and / or an exoscopic imaging device and / or a microscopic imaging device, comprising:

[0173] An irradiation device (12), for providing irradiation light for an imaging device (14), comprises:

[0174] An optical interface (16) for optical connection to an imaging device (14); and

[0175] an illumination unit (18) configured to supply illumination light to the optical interface (16), wherein the illumination unit (18) is multimodal and can be operated in a plurality of different illumination modes; and

[0176] an imaging device (14) connectable to the optical interface (16) of the irradiation device (12); and

[0177] A control unit (66) is configured to automatically coordinate the operating state of the imaging device (14) and the irradiation mode of the irradiation unit (18) with each other.

[0178] II-2. The medical imaging device (10) according to aspect II-1,

[0179] The irradiation mode of the irradiation unit (18) and / or the operating state of the imaging device (14) can be predetermined by at least one user operation, and the control unit (66) is configured to automatically coordinate the operating state of the imaging device (14) and the irradiation mode of the irradiation unit (18) with each other according to the user operation.

[0180] II-3. The medical imaging device (10) according to aspect II-1 or II-2,

[0181] The imaging device (14) includes a camera unit (68), and the control section (66) is configured to adjust an irradiation mode of the irradiation unit (18) according to an operating state of the camera unit (68).

[0182] II-4. The medical imaging device (10) according to aspect II-3,

[0183] The camera unit (68) comprises a plurality of optical filters (48, 50, 52) which can optionally be introduced into an observation beam path (70) of the camera unit (68) and define different observation modes which can be selected by a user, and the control unit (66) is configured to adjust the illumination mode according to the selected observation mode.

[0184] II-5. The medical imaging device (10) according to aspect II-4,

[0185] The optical filter (48, 50, 52) can be manually introduced into the observation beam path (70) by a user, the camera unit (68) comprises at least one filter sensor (72) which is configured to automatically identify the optical filter (48, 50, 52) currently introduced into the observation beam path (70) and to generate a sensor signal containing information about the identified optical filter (48, 50, 52), and the control unit (66) is configured to identify the observation mode of the camera unit (68) based on the sensor signal.

[0186] II-6. The medical imaging device (10) according to aspect II-4 or II-5,

[0187] The camera unit (68) has an automatic filter unit (210) which is configured to automatically introduce at least one of the optical filters (48, 50, 52) into the observation beam path (70) according to an observation mode predefined by a user.

[0188] II-7. The medical imaging device (10) according to any one of aspects II-3 to II-6,

[0189] The imaging device (14) has a distal rod (76), wherein the camera unit (68) is a proximal camera unit, and wherein the rod (76) is optically coupled to the camera unit (68).

[0190] II-8. A medical imaging device (10) according to any one of the preceding aspects of main aspect II,

[0191] The illumination unit (18) comprises a plurality of light emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) which can be activated selectively independently of one another and are configured to emit light corresponding to different emission spectra to supply illumination light, and

[0192] The illumination unit (18) is capable of operating in at least one multi-spectral mode, in which the illumination unit (18) supplies illumination light for multi-spectral imaging, and / or the illumination unit (18) is capable of operating in at least one fluorescence mode, in which the illumination unit (18) supplies illumination light for fluorescence imaging, and / or the illumination unit (18) is capable of operating in at least one white light mode, in which the illumination unit (18) supplies illumination light for white light imaging.

[0193] II-9. A medical imaging device (10) according to any one of the preceding aspects of main aspect II,

[0194] The imaging device (14) comprises broadband transmissive optics (77) which can be used in a consistent manner in different illumination modes.

[0195] II-10. A medical imaging device (10) according to any one of the preceding aspects of main aspect II,

[0196] The imaging device (14) comprises a proximal base unit (310), to which different replacement rods (312, 314) designed for different observation modes can optionally be optically and electronically connected, and the control unit (66) is configured to adjust the illumination mode of the illumination unit (18) according to the observation mode defined by the currently connected replacement rod (312, 314).

[0197] II-11. A medical imaging system (316), comprising:

[0198] A medical imaging device (10) according to aspect II-10; and

[0199] At least two different replacement rods (312, 314) are optionally connectable to a base unit (310) of an imaging device (14).

[0200] II-12. The medical imaging system (316) according to aspect II-11,

[0201] The replacement rods (312, 314) each include an integrated camera (318, 320) and / or an integrated optical filter (322, 324).

[0202] II-13. A method for operating a medical imaging device (10), in particular a medical imaging device according to any one of aspects II-1 to II-10,

[0203] The imaging device (10) comprises:

[0204] An irradiation device (12), for providing irradiation light for an imaging device (14), comprises:

[0205] An optical interface (16) for optical connection to an imaging device (14); and

[0206] an illumination unit (18) configured to supply illumination light to the optical interface (16), wherein the illumination unit (18) is designed to be multimodal and can be operated in a plurality of different illumination modes; and

[0207] an imaging device (14) that can be coupled to an optical interface (16) of the irradiation device (12); and

[0208] The method includes:

[0209] The operating state of the imaging device (14) and the irradiation mode of the irradiation unit (18) are automatically coordinated.

[0210] Main Aspects III

[0211] III-1. An irradiation device (12), in particular for providing irradiation light for an imaging device (14), such as an endoscope, an exoscope and / or a microscope, comprising:

[0212] An optical interface (16) for optical connection to an imaging device (14); and

[0213] an illumination unit (18) configured to supply illumination light to the optical interface (16),

[0214] wherein the illumination unit (18) is multimodal and comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) which can be activated optionally independently of one another and are configured to emit light corresponding to different emission spectra in order to supply illumination light,

[0215] wherein the illumination unit (18) is operable in at least one multispectral mode, in which a first group of light emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) is at least temporarily activated, the first group comprising at least two of the light emitting elements (20, 26), and in which the illumination unit (18) supplies illumination light for multispectral imaging;

[0216] The light-emitting elements (20, 26) of the first group are arranged such that the light emitted by the light-emitting elements (20, 26) travels a light path of at least substantially the same length from the respective light-emitting element (20, 26) to the optical interface (16).

[0217] III-2. The irradiation device (12) according to aspect III-1,

[0218] The illumination unit (18) defines a common optical path (54), light emitted by the light-emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) can be input into the common optical path, the light-emitting elements (20, 26) of the first group respectively have light-emitting surfaces (56, 58), and the light-emitting surfaces (56, 62) of the light-emitting elements (20, 26) of the first group are arranged equidistantly relative to the common optical path (54).

[0219] III-3. The irradiation device (12) according to aspect III-1 or III-2,

[0220] The illumination unit (18) comprises at least one crossed beam splitter (32), by means of which light can be deflected from opposite input sides (38, 40) to output sides (44), and at least one of the light-emitting elements (20, 26) of the first group is respectively arranged on the opposite input sides (38, 40) of the crossed beam splitter (32).

[0221] III-4. The irradiation device (12) according to aspects III-2 and III-3,

[0222] The crossed beam splitters (32) are arranged such that they input light from opposite input sides (38, 40) into a common optical path (54).

[0223] III-5. The irradiation device (12) according to aspect III-3 or III-4,

[0224] At least one beam splitter (32) comprises at least three input sides (38, 40, 41), two of which form opposing input sides (38, 40) and a third of which is opposite to an output side (44).

[0225] III-6. The irradiation device (12) according to any one of aspects III-3 to III-5,

[0226] The illumination unit (18) comprises at least two crossed beam splitters (30, 32) which are arranged visually one behind the other.

[0227] III-7. The irradiation device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims in the main aspect III,

[0228] wherein the illumination unit (18) is operable in at least one fluorescence mode, in which the second group of light-emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) is at least temporarily activated and in which the illumination unit (18) supplies illumination light for fluorescence imaging, and / or

[0229] The illumination unit (18) is operable in at least one white light mode, in which the illumination unit (18) supplies illumination light for white light imaging.

[0230] III-8. An irradiation device (12) according to any one of the preceding aspects of main aspect III,

[0231] The illumination unit (18) is capable of operating in at least one hyperspectral mode, in which a plurality of light-emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) are activated, whose emission spectra jointly cover at least one spectral range of 450 nm to 850 nm, and in which the illumination unit (18) supplies illumination light for hyperspectral imaging.

[0232] III-9. An imaging device (10), comprising:

[0233] An irradiation device (12) according to any of the preceding aspects according to main aspect III; and

[0234] An imaging device (14) is connectable to the optical interface (16) of the irradiation device (12).

[0235] III-10. The imaging device (10) according to aspect III-9,

[0236] The imaging device (14) has a filter unit (46) which can be switched at least between a multi-spectral mode and a fluorescence mode and / or a white light mode, and the filter unit has optical filters (48, 50, 52).

[0237] Description of Reference Numerals

[0238] 10 Imaging equipment

[0239] 12 Irradiation equipment

[0240] 14 Imaging device

[0241] 16 Optical interface

[0242] 18 Irradiation Unit

[0243] 20 Light-emitting element

[0244] 22 Light-emitting element

[0245] 24 Light-emitting element

[0246] 26 Light-emitting element

[0247] 28 Light-emitting element

[0248] 30 Beam splitter

[0249] 32 Beam splitter

[0250] 34 Input side

[0251] 36 Input side

[0252] 37 Input side

[0253] 38 Input side

[0254] 40 Input side

[0255] 41 Input side

[0256] 42 Output side

[0257] 44 Output side

[0258] 46 filter units

[0259] 48 Filter

[0260] 50 Filters

[0261] 52 Filter

[0262] 54 Light Path

[0263] 56 Light emitting surface

[0264] 58 Light emitting surface

[0265] 60 Light emitting surface

[0266] 62 Light emitting surface

[0267] 64 Light emitting surface

[0268] 66 Control Department

[0269] 68 Camera Unit

[0270] 70 Observation beam path

[0271] 72 filter sensor

[0272] 74 Display Unit

[0273] 76

[0274] 77 Optical Devices

[0275] 78 Lens

[0276] 80 lens

[0277] 82 lenses

[0278] 84 lenses

[0279] 86 lens

[0280] 88 lens

[0281] 90 Beam Splitter Element

[0282] 92 beam splitter elements

[0283] 94 beam splitter elements

[0284] 96 beam splitter elements

[0285] 98 Transmission Spectrum

[0286] 100 Transmission spectrum

[0287] 102 Transmission Spectrum

[0288] 104 Transmission Spectrum

[0289] 106 Photoconductor

[0290] 108 Imaging sensor mechanism

[0291] 110 White light sensor

[0292] 112 Near infrared sensor

[0293] 114 optical path

[0294] 116 Distal segment

[0295] 210 filter unit

[0296] 212 Filter Driver

[0297] 214 User Interface

[0298] 310 Base Unit

[0299] 312 Replacement Rod

[0300] 314 Replacement Rod

[0301] 316 Imaging System

[0302] 318 Camera

[0303] 320 Camera

[0304] 322 Filter

[0305] 324 Filter

Claims

1. An irradiation device (12), in particular for providing irradiation light for an imaging device (14), such as an endoscope, an exoscope and / or a microscope, the irradiation device comprising: An optical interface (16) for optical connection to an imaging device (14); and an illumination unit (18) configured to supply illumination light to the optical interface (16), wherein the illumination unit (18) is multimodal and comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) which can be activated selectively independently of one another and are configured to emit light corresponding to different emission spectra in order to supply illumination light, wherein the illumination unit (18) is operable in at least one multispectral mode, in which a first group of the light-emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) is at least temporarily activated, and in which the illumination unit (18) supplies illumination light for multispectral imaging; wherein the illumination unit (18) is operable in at least one fluorescence mode, in which the second group of light-emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) is at least temporarily activated and in which the illumination unit (18) supplies illumination light for fluorescence imaging; and The light emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) include at least one light emitting element (20) included in the first group and the second group.

2. The irradiation device (12) according to claim 1, At least one light-emitting element (20) contained in the first group and the second group emits light in the red spectral range, in particular in the spectral range between 600 nm and 680 nm.

3. The irradiation device (12) according to claim 1 or 2, The illumination unit (18) is operable in at least one white light mode, in which the illumination unit (18) supplies illumination light for white light imaging.

4. The irradiation device (12) according to claim 3, wherein in the white light mode a third group of the light emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) is at least temporarily activated to supply illumination light for the white light imaging, and The light emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) include at least one light emitting element (20, 22, 24) included in the first group and / or the second group as well as in the third group.

5. The irradiation device (12) according to claim 4, At least one light-emitting element (20) contained in both the first group and / or the second group and in the third group emits light in the red spectral range, in particular in the spectral range between 600 nm and 680 nm.

6. The irradiation device (12) according to claim 4 or 5, At least one light-emitting element (24) contained in both the first group and / or the second group and in the third group emits light in the blue spectral range, in particular in the spectral range between 440 and 480 nm.

7. The irradiation device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) include at least one light emitting element (22) emitting light in the spectral range between 750 and 790 nm, and / or The light emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) include at least one light emitting element (28) that emits light in a spectral range between 920 and 960 nm.

8. The irradiation device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, The illumination unit (18) comprises at least one crossed beam splitter (30, 32), by means of which light can be deflected from opposite input sides (34, 36, 38, 40) to output sides (42, 44), and at least one of the light-emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) is arranged on the opposite input sides (34, 36, 38, 40) of the crossed beam splitter (30, 32).

9. The irradiation device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, The light-emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) include at least four narrow-band emission monochromatic light-emitting elements having different spectral ranges, and at least one broadband emission white light-emitting element.

10. The irradiation device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, The illumination unit (18) is capable of operating in at least one hyperspectral mode, in which a plurality of light-emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) are activated, the emission spectra of the light-emitting elements jointly covering at least one spectral range from 450 nm to 850 nm, and in which the illumination unit (18) supplies illumination light for hyperspectral imaging.

11. An imaging device (10), comprising: An irradiation device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims; as well as An imaging device (14) is connectable to the optical interface (16) of the irradiation apparatus (12).

12. The imaging device (10) according to claim 11, The imaging device (14) has a filter unit (46) which can be switched at least between a multi-spectral mode and a fluorescence mode, and the filter unit has optical filters (48, 50, 52).

13. A method for generating illumination light for an imaging device (14) by means of an illumination device (12), in particular by means of an illumination device (12) according to claims 1 to 10, The illumination device (12) comprises an optical interface (16) for optical connection of an imaging device (14) and an illumination unit (18) configured to supply illumination light to the optical interface (16), wherein the illumination unit (18) comprises a plurality of light emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) which can be activated selectively independently of each other, and the light emitting elements are configured to emit light corresponding to different emission spectra to supply the illumination light, The method comprises: at least temporarily activating a first group of the light emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) to supply illumination light for multi-spectral imaging; and at least temporarily activating a second group of the light emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) to supply illumination light for fluorescence imaging; and wherein at least one of the light emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) is at least temporarily activated when the first group of the light emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) is at least temporarily activated and when the second group of the light emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) is at least temporarily activated.

14. A method for operating an imaging device (10), in particular an imaging device (10) according to claim 11 or 12, The imaging device (10) comprises an imaging device (14), Wherein illumination light is supplied to the imaging device (14) according to the method of claim 13.

15. An imaging device (10), in particular a medical imaging device, in particular an endoscopic imaging device and / or an exoscopic imaging device and / or a microscopic imaging device, in particular an imaging device according to claim 11 or 12, comprising: An irradiation device (12), for providing irradiation light for an imaging device (14), comprises: An optical interface (16) for optical connection to an imaging device (14); and an illumination unit (18) configured to supply illumination light to the optical interface (16), wherein the illumination unit (18) is configured to be multimodal and can be operated in a plurality of different illumination modes; and an imaging device (14) connectable to the optical interface (16) of the irradiation apparatus (12); and A control unit (66) is configured to automatically coordinate the operating state of the imaging device (14) and the irradiation mode of the irradiation unit (18) with each other.

16. Imaging device (10) according to claim 11 or 12 and / or according to claim 15, The irradiation mode of the irradiation unit (18) and / or the operating state of the imaging device (14) can be predetermined by at least one user operation, and the control unit (66) is configured to automatically coordinate the operating state of the imaging device (14) and the irradiation mode of the irradiation unit (18) with each other according to the user operation.

17. Imaging device (10) according to claim 11 or 12 and / or according to claim 15 or 16, The imaging device (14) includes a camera unit (68), and the control section (66) is configured to adjust an irradiation mode of the irradiation unit (18) according to an operating state of the camera unit (68).

18. Imaging device (10) according to claim 11 or 12 and / or according to claim 17, The camera unit (68) comprises a plurality of optical filters (48, 50, 52), which can be optionally introduced into an observation beam path (70) of the camera unit (68) and define different observation modes, which can be selected by a user, and wherein the control unit (66) is configured to adjust the illumination mode according to the selected observation mode.

19. Imaging device (10) according to claim 11 or 12 and / or according to claim 18, The optical filter (48, 50, 52) can be manually introduced into the observation beam path (70) by the user, the camera unit (68) comprises at least one filter sensor (72), the filter sensor being configured to automatically identify the optical filter (48, 50, 52) currently introduced into the observation beam path (70) and to generate a sensor signal containing information about the identified optical filter (48, 50, 52), and the control unit (66) being configured to identify the observation mode of the camera unit (68) based on the sensor signal.

20. Imaging device (10) according to claim 11 or 12 and / or according to claim 18 or 19, The camera unit (68) has an automatic filter unit (210) which is configured to automatically introduce at least one of the optical filters (48, 50, 52) into the observation beam path (70) according to an observation mode predetermined by a user.

21. An imaging device (10) according to claim 11 or 12 and / or according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the imaging device (14) has a distal rod (76), wherein the camera unit (68) is a proximal camera unit, and wherein the rod (76) is optically coupled to the camera unit (68).

22. Imaging device (10) according to claim 11 or 12 and / or according to any one of claims 15 to 21, The illumination unit (18) comprises a plurality of light emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) which can be activated selectively independently of each other, the light emitting elements being configured to emit light corresponding to different emission spectra to supply the illumination light, and The illumination unit (18) is capable of operating in at least one multi-spectral mode, in which the illumination unit (18) supplies illumination light for multi-spectral imaging, and / or the illumination unit (18) is capable of operating in at least one fluorescence mode, in which the illumination unit (18) supplies illumination light for fluorescence imaging, and / or the illumination unit (18) is capable of operating in at least one white light mode, in which the illumination unit (18) supplies illumination light for white light imaging.

23. The imaging device (10) according to claim 11 or 12 and / or according to any one of claims 15 to 22, The imaging device (14) comprises broadband transmission optics (77) which can be used in a consistent manner in different illumination modes.

24. Imaging device (10) according to claim 11 or 12 and / or according to any one of claims 15 to 22, The imaging device (14) comprises a proximal base unit (310), to which different replacement rods (312, 314) designed for different observation modes can be optionally optically and electronically connected, and wherein the control unit (66) is configured to adjust the illumination mode of the illumination unit (18) according to the observation mode defined by the currently connected replacement rod (312, 314).

25. An imaging system (316), in particular a medical imaging system, comprising: The medical imaging device (10) according to claim 24; and At least two different replacement rods (312, 314) are selectively connectable to the base unit (310) of the imaging device (14).

26. The imaging system (316), in particular a medical imaging system, according to claim 25, The replacement rods (312, 314) respectively include an integrated camera (318, 320) and / or an integrated optical filter (322, 324).

27. A method for operating an imaging device (10), in particular an imaging device (10) according to claim 11 or 12 and / or according to any one of claims 15 to 24, in particular a method according to claim 13 or 14, The imaging device (10) comprises: An irradiation device (12), for providing irradiation light for an imaging device (14), comprises: An optical interface (16) for optical connection to an imaging device (14); and an illumination unit (18) configured to supply illumination light to the optical interface (16), wherein the illumination unit (18) is configured to be multimodal and can be operated in a plurality of different illumination modes; and an imaging device (14) connectable to the optical interface (16) of the irradiation apparatus (12); and The method comprises: The operating state of the imaging device (14) and the irradiation mode of the irradiation unit (18) are automatically coordinated.

28. An illumination device (12), in particular an illumination device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in particular for providing illumination light for an imaging device (14), such as an endoscope, an exoscope and / or a microscope, the illumination device comprising: An optical interface (16) for optical connection to an imaging device (14); and an illumination unit (18) configured to supply illumination light to the optical interface (16), The illumination unit (18) is multimodal and comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) which can be activated selectively independently of one another, the light-emitting elements being configured to emit light corresponding to different emission spectra in order to supply the illumination light, wherein the illumination unit (18) is operable in at least one multispectral mode, in which a first group of the light emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) is at least temporarily activated, the first group comprising at least two of the light emitting elements (20, 26), and in which the illumination unit (18) supplies illumination light for multispectral imaging; The light-emitting elements (20, 26) of the first group are arranged such that light emitted by the light-emitting elements (20, 26) travels a light path of at least substantially the same length from the respective light-emitting element (20, 26) to the optical interface (16).

29. The irradiation device (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and / or according to claim 28, The illumination unit (18) defines a common optical path (54), and the light emitted by the light-emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) can be input into the common optical path, wherein the light-emitting elements (20, 26) of the first group respectively have light-emitting surfaces (56, 58), and wherein the light-emitting surfaces (56, 62) of the light-emitting elements (20, 26) of the first group are arranged equidistantly relative to the common optical path (54).

30. Irradiation device (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and / or according to claim 28 or 29, The illumination unit (18) comprises at least one crossed beam splitter (32), by means of which light can be deflected from opposite input sides (38, 40) to output sides (44), and at least one of the light-emitting elements (20, 26) of the first group is respectively arranged on the opposite input sides (38, 40) of the crossed beam splitter (32).

31. Irradiation device (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and / or according to claims 29 and 30, The crossed beam splitters (32) are arranged such that they input light from the opposite input sides (38, 40) into the common optical path (54).

32. Irradiation device (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and / or according to claim 30 or 31, At least one of the beam splitters (32) comprises at least three input sides (38, 40, 41), two of which form opposite input sides (38, 40) and a third of which is opposite to the output side (44).

33. An irradiation device (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and / or according to any one of claims 30 to 32, The illumination unit (18) comprises at least two crossed beam splitters (30, 32) which are arranged visually one after the other.

34. An irradiation device (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and / or according to any one of claims 28 to 33, wherein the illumination unit (18) is operable in at least one fluorescence mode, in which the second group of light-emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) is at least temporarily activated and in which the illumination unit (18) supplies illumination light for fluorescence imaging, and / or The illumination unit (18) is operable in at least one white light mode, in which the illumination unit (18) supplies illumination light for white light imaging.

35. Irradiation device (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and / or according to any one of claims 28 to 34, The illumination unit (18) is capable of operating in at least one hyperspectral mode, in which a plurality of light-emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) are activated, the emission spectra of the light-emitting elements jointly covering at least one spectral range of 450 nm to 850 nm, and in which the illumination unit (18) supplies illumination light for hyperspectral imaging.

36. An imaging device (10), in particular an imaging device according to claim 11 or 12 and / or according to any one of claims 15 to 24, comprising: An irradiation device (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and / or according to any one of claims 28 to 35; and An imaging device (14) is connectable to the optical interface (16) of the irradiation apparatus (12).

37. An imaging device (10) according to claim 11 or 12 and / or according to any one of claims 15 to 24 and / or according to claim 36, The imaging device (14) has a filter unit (46) which can be switched at least between a multi-spectral mode and a fluorescence mode and / or a white light mode, and the filter unit has optical filters (48, 50, 52).

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