Console light guide device

By combining the light tube array of the console's light guide device with side-emitting LEDs, the problem of uneven illumination on the curved surface of the surgical console was solved, achieving uniform illumination and dynamic color control, and improving the visibility and reliability of the user interface.

CN121152941APending Publication Date: 2025-12-16ALCON INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202480027930.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-04-27
Filing Date
2024-04-17
Publication Date
2025-12-16

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The indicator lights on the existing surgical console provide uneven brightness and color on the curved outer surface, resulting in uneven lighting and making it difficult to achieve uniform illumination.

Method used

The system employs a control panel light guide device, including an interconnected array of light tubes, side-emitting LEDs, and an opaque light shield. Through side light emission and uniform light scattering, combined with individually addressable LED control, it achieves a uniform lighting effect.

Benefits of technology

Provides uniform illumination on curved surfaces, reduces light leakage, improves lighting visibility and user experience, and supports dynamic color changes and fault compensation.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A console light guide device for use with a console includes an array of interconnected light pipes. The light pipe array includes a translucent surface, a shaped body substantially surrounding the output connection ports on the exterior face of the console panel, and a linear branch disposed relative to the shaped body. Side-emitting light emitting diodes (LEDs) emit light to corresponding ends of the array of light pipes. The opaque light shield defines a shaped channel and a branch channel. The array of light pipes is nested within the opaque light shield such that light from the side emitting LEDs is uniformly emitted through the translucent surface without internal scattering or leakage of light within the console. Also disclosed herein is a console, such as an ophthalmic surgical console, comprising a console light guide device.
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Description

Background Technology

[0001] This disclosure relates to improved indicator lights for use with human-machine interface (HMI) devices having one or more output connection ports. Aspects of this disclosure relate to ophthalmic surgical consoles and other surgical consoles with a console panel on which the connection ports are intentionally arranged, typically in designated rows and columns. In this arrangement, the connection ports are easily accessible to the attending surgeon through the outer surface of the console panel.

[0002] A typical surgical console panel is usually constructed from a lightweight, transparent material such as molded plastic or polycarbonate. For a given output connection port, an indicator light can be located behind the console panel and selectively illuminated to indicate the corresponding port's ON / OFF status, usage status, or another port status. However, existing indicator lights configured for this purpose often provide uneven brightness and color. Integrating indicator lights into the console can exacerbate this uneven lighting when the console panel has a curved exterior. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This document discloses a console light guide device for use with a console having a console panel. The console panel, as envisioned herein, includes an outer surface and output connection ports, wherein the outer surface may be outwardly curved or convex, as outlined above. While consoles typically include multiple rows and columns of output connection ports, for example, when implemented as an exemplary ophthalmic surgery console as described below, the term "output connection port" is used hereinafter for simplicity in the context of "at least one" or "one or more". In other words, the number and arrangement of these output connection ports may vary based on the specific application within the scope of this disclosure.

[0004] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a console light guide device includes an interconnected light tube array, a plurality of side-emitting light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and an opaque light shield. The light tube array includes a translucent surface, a shaped body (e.g., an arcuate or other shaped body), and a pair of linear branches that at least partially surround an output connection port on an outer surface of the console panel, the pair of linear branches being arranged relative to the shaped body. The side-emitting LEDs laterally emit light to corresponding terminals of the light tube array, such that the emitted light propagates along the longitudinal axis of the constituent light tubes of the light tube array.

[0005] An opaque light shield defines a forming channel and a pair of branch channels. The forming body and linear branches of the light tube array are configured to nest within the forming channel and branch channels. Therefore, light from the side-emitting LEDs is uniformly emitted through the translucent surface, minimizing internal scattering or leakage of light within the control panel.

[0006] An embodiment of the console light guide device includes a shaped body and straight branches forming a single end-opening tube, wherein the straight branches are arranged tangentially to the shaped body. The corresponding ends may optionally include four ends to incorporate four side-emitting LEDs, but this disclosure is not limited to this embodiment.

[0007] The forming body can be a C-shaped body defining a gap. In such an embodiment, the console light guide may include a front-emitting LED positioned radially outward from the gap and configured to backlight a pattern on the outer surface of the console panel. A baffle may be configured to focus light from the front-emitting LED onto the pattern, thereby backlighting the pattern. The respective longitudinal axes of the pair of straight branches may optionally intersect at locations opposite the gap in the diametrical direction. In other embodiments, the forming body may not include a gap (e.g., the forming body may form a complete ring or other shape).

[0008] One aspect of this disclosure includes the fact that each of these side-emitting LEDs is individually driven by a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA). In one or more embodiments, the interconnecting light-emitting array and the opaque light shield include axial mounting features and latches that are collectively configured to attach the console light guide to a surface of the PCBA. In some embodiments, the surface of the PCBA may be configured to face a translucent surface and coated with a reflective material.

[0009] One aspect of this disclosure includes an interconnected optical array constructed from a transparent material. The translucent surface may be a roughened or textured portion of the transparent material. In this embodiment, the surface of the interconnected optical array opposite to the translucent surface may be coated with a reflective material.

[0010] The forming body and forming channel may include two relatively positioned forming bodies and two relatively positioned forming channels. In this embodiment, a straight branch and a straight channel connect corresponding ends of the two relatively positioned forming bodies and the two relatively positioned forming channels.

[0011] This document also discloses a surgical console having a console housing and a console panel connectable to the console housing. The console panel, having an outer surface and an inner surface, is connected to the housing, and includes an output connection port on the outer surface. A console light guide is connected to the console panel.

[0012] The above-described features and advantages of this disclosure, as well as other possible features and advantages, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the best mode for carrying out this disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1A human-machine interface device in the form of a representative ophthalmic surgical console is shown, which is equipped with several output connection ports and a console light guide device configured as described herein.

[0014] Figure 2 It can be used as Figure 1 A 3D view of a portion of the optical guide array of the control console optical guide device is shown.

[0015] Figure 3 A representative placement, spacing, and side-emitting light trajectory of a console light guide device according to one aspect of this disclosure are shown.

[0016] Figure 4 and Figure 5 These are corresponding top and bottom views of an opaque light shield that can be used as part of the console light guide device of this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 6 The construction of a console light guide device for use with a dual-connection port in an alternative configuration is shown.

[0018] The solutions disclosed herein may be modified or presented in alternative forms. Representative embodiments are shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and are described in detail below. However, the inventive step of this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, this disclosure is intended to cover alternatives that fall within the scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0019] This document describes embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples, and other embodiments may take various alternative forms. The accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Some features may be enlarged or minimized to show details of specific components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but only as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to employ the present disclosure in different ways.

[0020] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the various features illustrated and described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings can be combined with features illustrated in one or more other drawings to obtain embodiments not explicitly illustrated or described. The illustrated combinations of features provide representative embodiments for typical applications. However, for a particular application or implementation, various combinations and modifications of these features may be necessary that are consistent with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0021] In the following description, certain terms may be used for illustrative purposes only and are therefore not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “above” and “below” refer to directions referenced in the accompanying drawings. Terms such as “front,” “rear,” “before,” “after,” “left,” “right,” “rear,” and “side” describe the orientation and / or position of a part or element within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference, which will become clear by referring to the text describing the part or element under discussion and the associated drawings. Furthermore, terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used to describe individual parts. Such terms may include the words specifically mentioned above, their derivatives, and words with similar meanings.

[0022] Referring to the accompanying drawings, where the same reference numerals refer to the same parts, Figure 1 A representative human-machine interface (HMI) device 100 is depicted. The HMI device 100, exhibiting the depicted representative configuration, includes a console 10 with a console housing 10H. The specific size, shape, and internal / external configuration of the console 10 can vary depending on the application, and therefore... Figure 1 The console 10 shown represents only one possible configuration. The console housing 10H (e.g., a protective plastic or lightweight metal tower or box) contains electrical, pneumatic, data, hydraulic, or other application-specific conductors or conduits, control hardware, and associated software. Regarding the hardware and software components, the console 10 may include a local control system 10C having a memory (M) 18 and a processor (P) 19, which are configured as described in further detail below.

[0023] The console housing 10H is further equipped with / connected to a console panel 11 having an outer surface 16. In one or more embodiments, the outer surface 16 may have an outwardly curved or convex outer surface 160 through which one or more output connection ports 15 are exposed. The disclosed lighting solution, described in further detail below, relates to both improved structures for selectively illuminating the corresponding outer perimeter 150 of each connection port 15 and associated lighting control techniques. In this way, the console 10 is configured to provide an intuitive, color-coded visual indication of the corresponding port status using, for example, a partial ring (PR) appearance or an illuminated partial “halo.” In other embodiments, other shapes (e.g., full ring, square, other custom shapes, etc.) may be used.

[0024] Figure 1The console 10 can be securely mounted to the base 12, which, in the non-limiting embodiment shown, is connected to a set of casters 13. When the console 10 is configured as an ophthalmic surgery console as shown, it is maneuvered to a working position close to the adjustable operating chair or another platform where the patient is located. Various surgical tools 14 (e.g., intraocular illuminators, chandeliers or other ophthalmic lighting devices, handheld ultrasound devices, proportional thermography tools, vitrectomy or other cutting tools, irrigation and / or aspiration tools, laser devices, etc.) are then connected to corresponding output connection ports 15 via the external surface 16 of the console 10. The console 10 may also include other functional components, such as a high-resolution display screen 17 suitable for viewing control and feedback information or other relevant data during the procedure.

[0025] As briefly pointed out above, in Figure 1 In an exemplary embodiment, the exemplary console 10 is operable to control the operation of various surgical tools 14. For this purpose, the console 10 is software-programmed and equipped with hardware (i.e., "configured") to execute computer-readable instructions from its resident memory 18 using a processor 19. For this purpose, the memory 18 may include tangible non-transitory memory (e.g., optical memory, magnetic memory, flash memory, or other types of read-only memory) and a sufficient amount of random access memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, etc., for the application. The processor 19 may be constructed from various combinations of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), electronic circuits, central processing units, microprocessors, etc. The non-transitory components of the memory 18 store computer-readable instructions for controlling the operation of the surgical tools 14 and the lighting functions described herein. The lighting control functions are implemented herein via the specific placement and control of one or more console light guide devices 20.

[0026] Figure 1 The console 10 depicted herein is equipped with one or more console light guides 20, which are further configured to provide uniform illumination on the outer surface 16 of the console panel 11 in a shape (e.g., a partial ring, a full ring, or other shape). In some embodiments, each shape may substantially circumferentially surround the outer perimeter 150 of a corresponding connection port in the connection ports. As used herein, “substantially surrounding” for a circular shape of the outer perimeter 150 means “approaching but less than a full 360° circumference,” for example, about 300° to about 320° according to an embodiment. Other shapes are also contemplated. For example, a full ring around the port, a square, an ellipse, a custom shape, etc. The features of the console light guides 20 as described herein collectively enable the console light guides to be integrated with the outer surface 16.

[0027] As described above, the outer surface 16 can be bent or protruded outward to form a curved surface 160. In this configuration, the lighting difference can be more noticeable to the user of the console 10. This is mainly due to the difference between the outer surface 16 and the internal lighting source (in... Figure 3 The side-emitting light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 40 shown in the diagram have different spacing between them. The solution to this particular problem is to project the light laterally into the structure of the console light guide 20, that is, to use a "side-emitting" arrangement instead of projecting the light directly outward through the outer surface 16 as in a typical backlight device.

[0028] Figure 1 Each console light guide can be selectively illuminated by the electronic control unit 10C in an application-specific manner. For example, a given console light guide can be illuminated in a color-coded manner, such as using green, blue, or amber. The displayed color is used to inform the surgeon or another user of the console 10 about the current port status of the corresponding output connection port 15, which can be externally connected, for example, by a console light guide (which can be a partial loop (PR) or other shape). The term "port status" as used herein can refer to the on / off state of the connection port 15; or indicate a degree of "brightness" with different meanings, such as "attention required" or additional steps to make the connection port 15 ready; or a selected function or connection status, fault status, active status, etc. As understood in the art, assigning meaning to each possible color or color combination allows the user of the console 10 to know the current port status at a glance, thereby allowing the user to focus on the task at hand.

[0029] in addition, Figure 1 The outer surface 16 of the console panel 11 shown may include artistic elements in the form of icons, symbols, or other graphics 22 adjacent to each corresponding output connection port 15, either as part of the console light guide device 20 or existing separately. The graphics 22 (in only one possible embodiment, the graphics may be laser-etched into the material of the console panel 11) may be used to identify the specific function of the output connection ports 15. In one or more embodiments, the console panel 11 may be constructed as an in-mold decoration (IMD) component, which, as understood in the art, may have a plastic wall molded behind a plastic film; both are omitted for simplicity. The plastic film may consist of several ink-printed layers, including a white diffused printing layer to further diffuse light. The translucency of the plastic wall will also act as a diffuser. As part of this solution, such graphics 22 may be backlit using the illumination of the console light guide. In some embodiments, graphics 22 may form an integral part of the console light guide device 20, either together with or separately from the illumination of the console light guide, wherein scattering or leakage of light within the console 10 is minimized (ideally none).

[0030] Now for reference Figure 2 As envisioned in this article Figure 1 The console light guide device 20 includes an interconnected light tube array 25 that forms a light guide network within the scope of this disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the light tube array 25 includes a ring-shaped or other shaped body 28 having a translucent outer surface 26 and a reflective inner surface 260. Figure 2 The image depicts a light tube array 25 in an "inverted" orientation, and therefore "outer" and "inner" in this orientation refer to surfaces 26 and 260 relative to each other. Figure 1 The relative position of the user on the console 10. In other words, the translucent outer surface 26 is the visible surface of the console light guide device 20 used to form the aforementioned illuminated console light guide. In one or more embodiments, the translucent outer surface 26 may be a roughened or textured portion of a material that is normally transparent (e.g., polycarbonate, nylon, plastic, acrylic, etc.). The reflective inner surface 260, positioned opposite the translucent outer surface, may in itself be white, silver, a polished mirror, or a pad-printed layer of another reflective material suitable for reflecting incident light back through the translucent outer surface 26.

[0031] Figure 2 The optical tube array 25 also includes a pair of linear branches 30A, 30B, each arranged relative to and intersecting the forming body 28. The forming body 28 and the linear branches 30A, 30B thus collectively form or define a component light-guiding portion of the interconnected optical tube array 25. In this particular embodiment, the forming body 28 and the linear branches 30A, 30B are configured as a single end-opening tube, wherein the respective longitudinal central axes A1, A2 of the branches 30A, 30B are arranged tangentially to the forming body 28. However, other arrangements are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the forming body 28 may be formed into a ring or circle smaller than a complete 360°. Instead, the forming body 28 can be considered generally C-shaped. That is, a small annular gap 33 may exist between the opposite ends 32E of the forming body 28. The annular gap 33 can then be positioned relative to... Figure 1The corresponding shapes in the aforementioned shape 22 are adjacent, so the backlight of shape 22 is used to illuminate and highlight shape 22. In some embodiments, the forming body 28 may form a complete 360° ring or circle, or may form different partial or complete shapes. As part of this method, the light tube array 25 also includes a mounting feature 42 disposed on the inner surface 260 of the forming body 28. The light tube array 25 also includes latches 44 disposed on the straight supports 30A, 30B. The mounting feature 42 and latches 44, together with other structural elements described below, are used to connect the light tube array 25 to Figure 3 PCBA 35.

[0033] Lighting Control: Brief Reference Figure 3 , Figure 1 The console light guide device 20 also includes or is mounted to the aforementioned PCBA 35. PCBA 35 may also include, for example... Figure 1 The memory 18 and processor 19 shown can be controlled using computer-readable and executable instructions recorded in an associated portion of the memory 18. Designated "no-entry" areas 200 of the console light guide device 20 are indicated to show PCBA 35 designers areas where electrical components unrelated to the console light guide device 20 should be avoided.

[0034] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the side-emitting LEDs 40 are intentionally arranged at indicated relative positions on the PCBA 35 and configured to transmit light laterally to... Figure 2 In the interconnected light tube array 25 shown. In a non-limiting embodiment of this teaching, the side-emitting LED 40 may include four representative side-emitting LEDs 40A, 40B, 40C, and 40D. In one or more use cases, this particular number and arrangement of representative LEDs can provide an optimal trade-off between ideal lighting quality and the number of side-emitting LEDs 40. For example, two of the side-emitting LEDs 40 (e.g., close to each other) Figure 2 The 32E end LEDs (40A and 40B) can be used to improve... Figure 1 The brightness of the middle section of the console light guide. However, without departing from the intended scope of this disclosure, more or fewer side-emitting LEDs 40 may be used in other embodiments.

[0035] Additionally, each console light guide device 20 contemplated herein may include a front-emitting LED 140 positioned at a short distance from the side-emitting LED 40. In possible implementations, the front-emitting LED 140 may be implemented as a white LED or an LED illuminating in another suitable color. The front-emitting LED 140... Figure 2The annular gap 33 shown is positioned radially outward. This position places the front-emitting LED 140 relative to the user on the console 10. Figure 1 The area directly behind the graphic 22 provides backlighting or backlighting for the graphic 22, as described above.

[0036] exist Figure 3 In the exemplary configuration, each of the side-emitting LEDs 40 and the front-emitting LEDs 140 can be individually addressed via the operation of the PCBA 35. As understood in the art, individually addressable, or so-called “smart” LEDs, have unique assigned addresses and can therefore be independently controlled and illuminated by corresponding electronic signals from the processor 19, rather than requiring all LEDs 40, 140, or groups thereof to be illuminated simultaneously. For this purpose, each of the LEDs 40 and 140 can be surface-mounted to the PCBA 35. The PCBA 35 is then connected to or driven by the processor 19 via appropriate protocols and transmission conductors to control brightness, color, timing, and other desired characteristics. In a possible embodiment, when Figure 1 When the console 10 is in operation, or at least when the corresponding output connection port 15 is in use, the front-emitting LED 140 will remain lit.

[0037] Since output connection port 15 can be used at different times during a given surgery, therefore Figure 1 The corresponding illumination color of the console light guide will also change in response to changes in port status. To achieve rapid, dynamic color changes, Figure 3 The side-emitting LED 40 can be implemented as a multi-channel red-green-blue (RGB) LED array, and can have a controller chip integrated into a single circuit board package. Therefore, the processor 19 and associated circuitry of the PCBA 35 can accommodate the failure of individual side-emitting LEDs 40 to maintain the desired illumination uniformity as described herein. That is, the user will not experience... Figure 1 Dark spots may occur in the light guide of the lighting control console, which can happen when using conventional backlighting and equally spaced back-emitting LEDs. However, with this method, the loss or performance degradation of a single LED 40 can be compensated simply by adjusting the control settings of the remaining / active side-emitting LEDs 40.

[0038] Now for reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 Each console light guide device 20 further includes an opaque light shield 50. The opaque light shield 50 works in conjunction with the interconnected light pipe array 25 (which in...) Figure 4The image shows an opaque light shield 50 (attached to the image) guiding light emitted by the respective side-emitting LED 40 and front-emitting LED 140 through the translucent outer surface 26 of the shaped body 28. The opaque light shield 50 achieves this function while also preventing unwanted light from entering through the image. Figure 1 The light leaks within the console 10, between adjacent console light guides, and between the illuminated graphics 22. As described below, using white or other reflective colors on portions of the opaque light shield 50 can help increase the overall brightness output of the collective LEDs 40 and 140.

[0039] exist Figure 4 In the exemplary configuration shown, an opaque light shield 50 surrounds an opening 350 in the PCBA 35, through which the output connection port 15 protrudes. To further prevent light leakage, the opaque light shield 50 further includes a baffle 55 defining a cavity 155 therein, within which the front-emitting LED 140 is disposed and surrounded on all four sides by the baffle walls 550. Therefore, the baffle 55 protrudes outward from the outer surface 135 of the PCBA 35. Thus, the opaque light shield 50 and the baffle 55 are configured and arranged to minimize... Figure 1 Undesired light leakage between adjacent console light guides on console 10, and minimize any light leakage between the illuminated pattern 22 and other structures of console 10.

[0040] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The opaque light shield 50 also defines a forming channel 52 and a pair of straight branch channels 54. Figure 2 The corresponding structure of the interconnected optical tube array 25 shown (i.e., the shaped body 28 and the linear branches 30A, 30B, see...) Figure 2 They are configured to be securely nested within the forming channel 52 and a pair of straight branch channels 54, respectively, as Figure 4 As best shown. Once joined in this way, from Figure 3 The light from the side-emitting LEDs 40 (e.g., LEDs 40A, 40B, 40C, and 40C) (arrow LL) is uniformly emitted through the translucent outer surface 26 of the interconnected light tube array 25 and ultimately passes through... Figure 1 The outer surface 16 of the console panel 11 depicted in the figure forms a console light guide.

[0041] PCBA bonding characteristics: such as Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the console light guide device 20 is also equipped with several different bonding features, which together are suitable for attaching the console light guide device 20 to... Figure 3 PCBA 35. For example, such as Figure 2As shown, the optical tube array 25 may include one or more of the axial mounting features 42 (e.g., cylindrical alignment pins or posts) and one or more of the latches 44 (e.g., locking tabs or snap hooks). Similarly, Figure 5 The opaque light shield 50 may be equipped with similar axial mounting features 142 and latches 144, 144A. Therefore, mounting the console light guide 20 to the PCBA 35 may involve pressing the axial mounting features 42, 142 and latches 44, 144 into mating slots or openings 420, 440 in the PCBA 35 in a "push-fit" manner (see...). Figure 3 Then, latch 144A can mate with the matching slot structure of the light tube array 25. The thin nominal wall thickness of the axial mounting features 42, 142 and latches 44, 144 will help to give such components sufficient deflectability and flexibility for this purpose.

[0042] Figure 6 An alternative console light guide device 20A is shown. As understood in the art, it is arranged in... Figure 1 Some of the output connection ports 15 on the console panel 11 can be configured as dual connection ports 15D, such as proportional heat transfer ports. In this case, the forming body 28 and forming channel 52 can be adapted to cooperate with the dual connection ports 15D, for example, using two relatively positioned forming bodies 280 and two relatively positioned forming channels 520, wherein the forming bodies 280 form a "semi-circular" segment (HR). The function of the opaque light shield 50 described above can be performed using a modified opaque light shield 500 (e.g., a semi-circular shape).

[0043] In this embodiment, one or more linear branches 30C and linear channels 540 located therein can connect the ends 32E of two relatively positioned forming bodies 280 and two relatively positioned forming channels 520. Then, Figure 6 Each half-ring segment (HR) of the alternative console light guide device 20A can be illuminated by two sides emitting LEDs 40 in a possible configuration. Figure 6 The implementation of the console light guide device 20A will be described in other respects as above.

[0044] Therefore, the aforementioned disclosure improves upon existing techniques for typical halo lighting. A specific problem associated with current prior art is the relative difficulty in achieving shaped illumination with uniform brightness and color using a minimal number of LEDs. Typical methods use up to twelve or more front-emitting LEDs, similar to... Figure 3 and Figure 4A single front-emitting LED 140 is used, and a front diffuser panel may be used to achieve a certain degree of uniformity. In the event of failure of one or more LEDs, dark spots may affect the lighting shape. Therefore, the curved configuration of the individually addressable LED 40 and the console light guide 20 addresses the issues of achieving uniform brightness and color, optimal light bending, and bending light through curved surfaces (e.g., Figure 1 The optimal projection of the plastic panel (exterior surface 16) of the console panel 11 shown relates to these and other potential challenges. Those skilled in the art who now understand the advantages of this disclosure will readily appreciate these and other incidental benefits of this disclosure.

[0045] The features of the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings or the various embodiments mentioned in this specification are not necessarily to be construed as independent embodiments. Each feature described in one example of an embodiment may be combined with one or more other desired features from other embodiments to produce other embodiments that are not described in words or with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Accordingly, other embodiments fall within the scope of the appended claims. The detailed description and accompanying drawings are supportive and descriptive of this disclosure, but the scope of this disclosure is defined solely by the claims. While some best modes and other embodiments for implementing the claimed disclosure have been described in detail, various alternative designs and embodiments exist to practice the disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A console light guide device for use with a console having a console panel and an output connection port, the console light guide device comprising: An interconnecting light tube array having a translucent surface, a shaped body, and at least one linear branch, the shaped body being configured to at least partially surround the output connection port on the outer surface of the console panel, the at least one linear branch being arranged relative to the shaped body; A plurality of side-emitting light-emitting diodes (LEDs), wherein each corresponding side-emitting LED is configured to emit light to a corresponding end of the interconnected light-emitting array; and An opaque light shield defining a shaped channel and at least one corresponding branch channel, wherein the interconnected light tube array is configured to be nested within the shaped channel and at least one branch channel of the opaque light shield, such that light from the side-emitting LEDs is uniformly emitted through the translucent surface without internal scattering or leakage within the control panel.

2. The console light guide device as described in claim 1, wherein, The shaped body and the at least one straight branch are configured as a single end-opening tube, wherein the at least one straight branch is arranged tangentially to the body.

3. The console light guide device as described in claim 2, wherein, The corresponding end includes four ends, and wherein the plurality of side-emitting LEDs is equal to four side-emitting LEDs.

4. The console light guide device as described in claim 1, wherein, The forming body includes a C-shaped body defining a gap, and the console light guide device further includes: A front-emitting LED, positioned radially outward from the gap and configured to backlight a pattern on the outer surface of the console panel; and A baffle configured to focus light from the front-emitting LED onto the pattern, thereby back-illuminating the pattern.

5. The console light guide device as described in claim 4, wherein, The at least one straight branch includes a pair of straight branches, wherein the respective longitudinal axes of the pair of straight branches intersect at positions opposite to the gap in the diametrical direction.

6. The console light guide device as described in claim 1, wherein, Each of the respective side-emitting LEDs is driven individually via a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), and wherein the interconnected light tube array and the opaque light shield include one or more axial mounting features and latches configured together to connect the console light guide to the surface of the PCBA.

7. The console light guide device as described in claim 6, wherein, The surface of the PCBA is configured to face the translucent surface and is coated with a reflective material.

8. The console light guide device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The interconnected optical tube array is constructed of a transparent material, the semi-transparent surface is a roughened or textured portion of the transparent material, and the surface of the interconnected optical tube array opposite to the semi-transparent surface is coated with a reflective material.

9. The console light guide device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The forming body and the forming channel include two relatively positioned forming bodies and two relatively positioned forming channels, wherein the at least one straight branch and the at least one straight channel connect the corresponding ends of the two relatively positioned forming bodies and the two relatively positioned forming channels.

10. A console, comprising: console housing; A console panel having an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the console panel is connected to the housing and includes an output connection port on the outer surface; and A console light guide device, connected to the console panel, the console light guide device comprising: An interconnected optical tube array having a semi-transparent surface; An arc-shaped body, the arc-shaped body being configured to at least partially surround the output connection port on the outer surface of the console panel; A pair of straight supports, the pair of straight supports being arranged relative to the arc-shaped body; A plurality of side-emitting light-emitting diodes (LEDs), wherein each corresponding side-emitting LED is configured to emit light to a corresponding end of the interconnected light-emitting array; and An opaque light shield defines an arcuate channel and a pair of branch channels, wherein the interconnected light tube array is configured to be nested within the arcuate channel and the pair of branch channels of the opaque light shield, such that light from the side-emitting LEDs is uniformly emitted through the translucent surface without internal scattering or leakage within the control panel.

11. The console of claim 10, wherein, The arc-shaped body includes a C-shaped body defining an arc-shaped gap, and the console light guide device further includes: A front-emitting LED, positioned radially outward from the arcuate gap and configured to backlight a pattern on the outer surface of the console panel; and A baffle configured to focus light from the front-emitting LED onto the pattern, thereby back-illuminating the pattern.

12. The console of claim 10, wherein, Each of the respective side-emitting LEDs is driven individually via a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), and wherein the interconnected light tube array and the opaque light shield include one or more axial mounting features and latches configured together to connect the console light guide to the surface of the PCBA.

13. The console of claim 10, wherein, The interconnected optical array is constructed of a transparent material, wherein the translucent surface is a roughened or textured portion of the transparent material.

14. The console of claim 10, wherein, The arc-shaped body and the arc-shaped channel include two relatively positioned arc-shaped bodies and two relatively positioned arc-shaped channels, wherein the straight branch and the straight channel connect the corresponding ends of the two relatively positioned arc-shaped bodies and the two relatively positioned arc-shaped channels.

15. The console of claim 10, wherein, The console is configured as an ophthalmic surgical console, the outer surface is curved or protruding outward, and the output connection port includes multiple connection ports, each of which is configured to connect to a corresponding ophthalmic surgical tool.