Optical medical examination device

Abstract

Examination device for optical medical examinations, in particular dermatoscope, with optics (14) and a lighting device (16), wherein the optics (14) has an optical axis (A) and defines an examination area (U), wherein the lighting device (16) has at least one first light source (30) and at least one second light source (32), wherein the at least one first light source (30) and the at least one second light source (32) are arranged such that they jointly illuminate the area of ​​investigation (U), wherein the at least one first light source (30) is configured to emit white light with a color temperature of 5000K and the at least one second light source (32) is configured to emit light that is bluer than the white light emitted by the at least one first light source (30), wherein the light emitted by the at least one second light source (32) has a wavelength of 400 nm to 550 nm, and wherein the examination device (10) is set up such that that when the lighting device (16) is activated, at least one first light source (30) is always switched on, that at least one second light source (32) can be switched on in addition to at least one first light source (30), that the luminous intensity of the light emitted by the at least one second light source (32) is variable, and that the color temperature of the light emitted by the lighting device (16) can be set within a color temperature range between 5000K and 12000K.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an examination device for optical medical examinations, in particular a dermatoscope.

[0002] Optical examination devices, especially dermatoscopes, are known and usually have optics and a lighting device with which an examination area U can be illuminated.

[0003] Especially when examining the skin, it is necessary that the examination area can be illuminated with light of different color temperatures and polarizations, as different skin structures are best visible under different lighting conditions.

[0004] At the same time, however, examination devices must be particularly compact to ensure ease of use.

[0005] US Patent 7,167,243 B2 discloses a dermatoscope with a ring of LEDs for illuminating an examination area, wherein the LEDs can be of different colors. For example, the first LEDs are white LEDs and the second LEDs are blue LEDs, with the first and second LEDs arranged alternately. The first LEDs and the second LEDs can be switched on alternately in rapid succession.

[0006] German patent DE 10 2009 044 962 A1 discloses a digital dermatoscope with a camera that observes an examination area. Ring-shaped LEDs provide illumination for the camera. Additionally, a pattern projector is provided that generates a light pattern in the examination area to enable height measurement.

[0007] The AT 518385 A2 is a luminaire in general terms. Applications include building lighting and museum lighting. It is generally described as being able to illuminate surfaces using LEDs with different color temperatures.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an examination device for optical medical examinations that can provide light with different color temperatures and is particularly compact.

[0009] The problem is solved by an examination device for optical medical examinations, in particular a dermatoscope, according to claim 1. The examination device has optics and a lighting device. The optics have an optical axis and define an examination area. The lighting device has at least one first light source and at least one second light source, wherein the at least one first light source and the at least one second light source are arranged such that they jointly illuminate the examination area. The at least one first light source is configured to emit white light, and the at least one second light source is configured to emit light that is bluer than the white light emitted by the at least one first light source.

[0010] The inventors realized that providing light with different color temperatures does not require multichromatic light sources, such as multicolor LEDs, but that the necessary, sufficient color temperature changes can be achieved using just two light sources emitting light with different spectra. This allows the light sources to be significantly more compact, since, for example, monochromatic LEDs are considerably smaller than multicolor LEDs.

[0011] The term "bluer," for example, should be understood in terms of color or color perception, and not in terms of a lower wavelength of the emitted light. "Bluer" can, in particular, mean a higher color temperature.

[0012] The terms "multicolored" and "monochromatic" do not refer to the wavelength emitted at any given time, but rather to the ability of the light source to change the color or color temperature of the emitted light, or the lack thereof.

[0013] In the context of this disclosure, "illumination" is understood to mean in particular that the light cone of the at least one first light source and the light cone of the at least one second light source overlap in the area under investigation, especially in the majority of the area under investigation, preferably in the entire area under investigation.

[0014] The light sources are, for example, LEDs.

[0015] The area under investigation can be an area around the optical axis with the diameter of the optics.

[0016] According to the invention, the white light emitted by the at least one first light source has a color temperature of 5000 K. The bluer light emitted by the at least one second light source has a wavelength of 400 nm to 550 nm, in particular 450 nm to 500 nm, preferably 475 nm. In this way, optimal illumination is provided for various investigations.

[0017] To enable centralized operation, the examination device can have a control unit that controls at least one first light source and at least one second light source.

[0018] According to the invention, the examination device, in particular the control unit, is configured such that when the lighting device is activated, at least one first light source is switched on, thereby determining an initial color temperature. The user can, for example, become accustomed to this color temperature. The at least one first light source is always switched on.

[0019] According to the invention, the examination device, in particular the control unit, is configured such that the color temperature of the light emitted by the lighting device can be set within a color temperature range, wherein the lower limit of the color temperature range is 5000K and the upper limit of the color temperature range is 12000K. Optical examinations are optimally possible within this color temperature range.

[0020] In order to reduce the color temperature in a simple way, the testing device, in particular the control unit, is arranged according to the invention such that the at least one second light source can be switched on in addition to the at least one first light source.

[0021] In particular, the at least one second light source is always only switched on in addition to the at least one first light source.

[0022] According to the invention, the testing device, in particular the control unit, is configured such that the luminous intensity of the light emitted by the at least one second light source is variable, particularly in several discrete steps. This allows the color temperature to be set easily and, in the case of discrete steps, also repeatably.

[0023] For example, the luminous intensity of the light emitted by the at least one first light source is also variable, particularly in several discrete steps. This allows the brightness in the examination area to be adjusted easily and, in the case of discrete steps, also repeatably.

[0024] In particular, the light emitted by the first light sources always has a higher luminous intensity than that of the second light sources.

[0025] In one embodiment, the lighting device has several first light sources and several second light sources, in particular wherein the first light sources and the second light sources are arranged around an optical axis of the optics.

[0026] In particular, there is the same number of first light sources as there is of second light sources.

[0027] The arrangement around the optical axis is, for example, ring-shaped.

[0028] The LEDs are, for example, tilted away from the optical axis at an angle of 35° to 55°, especially 45°.

[0029] In one embodiment, one of the first light sources and one of the second light sources are arranged next to each other and form a pair.

[0030] The pairs can be equidistant from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0031] In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the pairs is a first pair and at least one other pair is a second pair, wherein the illumination device has at least one polarizing filter covering the at least one second pair.

[0032] The polarizing filter of the lighting device is, in particular, a linear polarizing filter.

[0033] For example, several first and second pairs are provided, with all second pairs covered by the polarizing filter of the lighting device.

[0034] In the context of this disclosure, “covered” means in particular that the polarizing filter is arranged in the light cone of the light sources of the first and second light sources of the pair.

[0035] The polarization filter of the lighting device is located, in particular, between the first and second light sources and the examination area.

[0036] To enhance the contrast of certain structures under investigation, the at least one polarization filter of the illumination device can, for example, linearly polarize transmitted light in a first polarization direction, and / or the optics have a polarization filter that linearly polarizes transmitted light in a second polarization direction, in particular wherein the second polarization direction is perpendicular to the first polarization direction, so that the polarization filter of the optics blocks light with a polarization in the first polarization direction.

[0037] For particularly even illumination, the first pairs and the second pairs can be arranged alternately in the circumferential direction.

[0038] In one embodiment, the lighting device has several separate polarizing filters, with each polarizing filter covering one of the second pairs.

[0039] The separate polarizing filters polarize all transmitted light in the same first polarization direction.

[0040] In one embodiment, the testing device, in particular the control unit, is configured such that either the first light sources and the second light sources of the at least one first pair or the first light sources and the second light sources of the at least one second pair are switched on when the lighting device is activated, thereby providing either polarized light or unpolarized light.

[0041] For example, the light sources of a first pair and a second pair are never switched on simultaneously.

[0042] In particular, the light sources of all first pairs or all second pairs are always switched on when the lighting device is activated.

[0043] In one embodiment of the invention, the examination device, in particular the control unit, is configured such that when the light sources of the at least one first pair are switched off in order to activate the light sources of the at least one second pair, the light sources of the at least one second pair are switched on such that the luminous intensities of the light emitted by the light sources of the second pair correspond to the luminous intensities of the light last emitted by the corresponding light source of the at least one first pair, and / or vice versa. This ensures that only the polarization of the light in the examination area changes, so that the user does not need to make any further adjustments.

[0044] For example, the optics are magnifying optics, have an imaging sensor and / or have a camera to simplify the examination.

[0045] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and from the accompanying drawings, to which reference is made. The drawings show: Fig. 1. An examination device according to an embodiment of the invention in a perspective view, Fig. 2 a schematic sectional view through a part of the examination device according to Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 a conceptual representation of the lighting device and optics in a bottom view of the examination device according to Fig. 1.

[0046] In Fig. Figure 1 shows an examination device 10 for optical medical examinations.

[0047] The examination device 10 is, for example, a dermatoscope and is designed as a handheld device in the embodiment shown.

[0048] The examination device 10 has a housing 12, optics 14, and a lighting device 16 ( Fig. 2), several pushbuttons 18 and a control unit 20.

[0049] The housing 12 has a handle area and a head area, with the optics 14 and the lighting device 16 arranged in the head area.

[0050] Pushbuttons 18 are provided in the grip area, in particular at the end of the grip area facing the head area.

[0051] For example, the pushbuttons 18 are arranged so that they can be operated with the thumb when the grip area is grasped by hand.

[0052] The optics 14, the lighting device 16 and the control unit 20 are arranged inside the housing 12. In addition, an energy storage device, such as a rechargeable battery or a battery, can be provided inside the housing 12, in particular within the grip area.

[0053] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic section through the head area of ​​the housing 12 as well as the optics 14 and the lighting device 16 located therein.

[0054] The housing 12 has a channel in the head section in which the optics 14 are arranged.

[0055] The optics 14 comprise several lenses 22, a cover glass 24 on the patient side which closes off the channel on the patient side, and a polarization filter 26.

[0056] It is also conceivable that optic 14 has a camera 28 (indicated by a dashed line). An imaging sensor is also conceivable, for example, instead of the camera.

[0057] The optics 14 has an optical axis A that runs centrally through the lenses 22.

[0058] The optics 14 image an area immediately in front of the cover glass 24, which represents the examination area U.

[0059] The examination area U extends around the optical axis A and has approximately the diameter of the optics 14, i.e., the lenses 22.

[0060] The lenses 22 are designed in such a way that, for a user on the side facing away from the examination area U, the image of the examination area U is displayed enlarged.

[0061] The polarizing filter 26 is, for example, arranged between the lenses 22 and the cover glass 24.

[0062] The lighting device 16 is also provided in the head part of the housing 12.

[0063] The lighting device 16 extends around the optical axis A and is arranged between the cover glass 24 and the lenses 22.

[0064] The lighting device 16 has several first light sources 30, several second light sources 32 and several polarizing filters 34.

[0065] The light sources 30, 32 are, for example, light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0066] The light sources 30, 32 are arranged around the optical axis A and enclose an angle between 35° and 55°, in particular 45°, to the optical axis A.

[0067] The polarization filters 34 are arranged in front of the light sources 30, 32, i.e. towards the area of ​​investigation U.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the polarization filters 34 are also arranged at the same angle to the optical axis A as the light sources 30, 32.

[0069] The light sources 30, 32 are electrically connected to the control unit 20, the control unit 20 being configured to control the first light sources 30 and the second light sources 32, in particular separately from each other or in groups, as will be explained below.

[0070] The energy required for this is provided by the energy storage device or a cable connection to an energy source.

[0071] The first light sources 30 and the second light sources 32 each emit light in a cone (shown as a dashed line), with the cones of light from the individual light sources 30 and 32 overlapping in the area under investigation U. Thus, the first light sources 30 and the second light sources 32 jointly illuminate the area under investigation U.

[0072] In particular, at least the majority of the investigation area U, but preferably the entire investigation area U, is illuminated jointly by the light sources 30, 32.

[0073] In Fig. Figure 3 is a conceptual view of the optics 14 and the lighting device 16 from below, i.e. through the cover glass 24.

[0074] It can be clearly seen that the optics 14, of which only the polarizing filter 26 is visible, is circular and that the first light sources 30 and the second light sources 32 extend along the circumference of the optics 14.

[0075] The first light sources 30 and the second light sources 32 are arranged circumferentially around the optical axis A, in the illustrated embodiment in a ring shape.

[0076] The same number of first light sources 30 as of second light sources 32 are provided, eight each in the illustrated embodiment.

[0077] The first light sources 30 emit white light, for example with a color temperature between 4000 K and 6000 K, in particular between 4500 K and 5500 K. For example, the first light sources 30 emit white light with a color temperature of 5000 K.

[0078] The second light sources 32 emit blue light, for example with a wavelength of 400 nm to 550 nm, in particular of 450 nm to 500 nm, preferably of 475 nm.

[0079] It is also conceivable that the first light sources emit light with a color temperature between 2500 K and 4500 K, in particular between 3000 K and 4000 K, for example 3500 K, and the second light sources emit light with a color temperature between 5500 K and 7500 K, in particular between 6000 K and 7000 K, for example 6500 K.

[0080] The first light sources 30 and the second light sources 32 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction around the optical axis A, with each first light source 30 forming a pair with an immediately adjacent second light source 32.

[0081] The pairs of light sources 30 and 32 are equidistant around their circumference. For example, the distance between light sources 30 and 32 of a pair is less than the distance between two adjacent pairs.

[0082] The polarizing filters 34 of the lighting device 16 are provided for half of the pairs of light sources 30, 32. The polarizing filters 34 are separate parts.

[0083] In the embodiment shown, four polarization filters 34 are provided, each of these polarization filters 34 covering the light sources 30, 32 of one of the pairs.

[0084] This means that the light cones of the light sources 30, 32 of this pair pass through the corresponding polarization filter 34, so that the light originating from these light sources 30, 32 in the investigation area U is polarized accordingly.

[0085] The polarizing filters 34 distinguish the pairs from each other, whereby in the following, for the sake of differentiation, the pairs of light sources 30, 32 without an associated polarizing filter are referred to as first pairs 36 and the pairs of light sources 30, 32, which are covered by a polarizing filter 34, are referred to as second pairs 38.

[0086] The first pairs 36 and the second pairs 38 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction around the optical axis A.

[0087] It is conceivable that only one polarization filter 34 is provided for the second pairs 38, which covers all second pairs 38.

[0088] The polarization filters 34 have a first polarization direction R1, wherein the light passing through the polarization filters 34 is linearly polarized in the first polarization direction R1.

[0089] The polarization direction R1 is in Fig. 3 indicated by the hatching.

[0090] The polarizing filter 26 of the optics 14 is also a linear polarizing filter with a second polarization direction R2. The polarizing filter 26 polarizes the light passing through it linearly in the direction of the second polarization direction R2.

[0091] The second polarization direction R2 is perpendicular to the first polarization direction R1 and is indicated by the hatching of the polarization filter 26. The polarization filter 26 of the optics 14 therefore blocks light with a polarization in the first polarization direction R1, in particular reflections from the light sources 30, 32 of the second pairs 36. Therefore, the polarization filters 34 of the illumination device 16 can be considered polarizers and the polarization filter 26 of the optics 14 can be considered analyzers.

[0092] During the examination with the examination device 10, the lighting device 16 can be activated and deactivated, in particular by means of one of the push buttons 18.

[0093] The control of the light sources 30, 32 is carried out depending on the actuation of the push buttons 18 by the control unit 20.

[0094] Using the pushbuttons 18, different lighting modes can be selected, in which the first light sources 30 and the second light sources 32 of the different pairs 36, 38 are switched on or off and emit light with different luminous intensities.

[0095] As soon as the lighting device 16 is activated, at least the first light sources 30 of the first pairs 36 or the first light sources 30 of the second pairs 38 are switched on.

[0096] In each of the lighting modes, either the first light sources 30 and, if applicable, the second light sources 32 of the first pairs 36 are switched on and the light sources 30, 32 of the second pairs 38 are switched off, or the light sources 30, 32 of the first pairs 36 are switched off and the first light sources 30 and, if applicable, the second light sources 32 of the second pairs 38 are switched on.

[0097] It is also conceivable that the first light sources 30 of the first pairs 36 or the first light sources 30 of the second pairs 38 are not always switched on, but at least for more than half of the different lighting modes.

[0098] The intensity of the light emitted by the first 30 light sources can be changed. For example, by pressing one of the 18 buttons, discrete levels of different light intensities can be cycled through or selected to change the brightness in the examination area U.

[0099] In particular, when the lighting device 16 is activated, the first light sources 30 are always switched on, either the first light sources 30 of the first pairs 36 or those of the second pairs 38.

[0100] In addition to the first light sources 30 of the first or second pairs 36, 38 that are already switched on, the second light sources 32 of the corresponding pairs can also be switched on. This can also be done by pressing one of the pushbuttons 18.

[0101] The luminous intensity of the light emitted by the second light sources 32 is variable. For example, the luminous intensity can be varied across several discrete steps, which can be selected or cycled through using one of the pushbuttons 18.

[0102] For example, the light emitted by the first light sources 30 always has a higher luminous intensity than the light emitted by the second light sources 32.

[0103] By switching on the second light sources 32, the color temperature of the light in the examination area U changes, since the examination area U is illuminated by the light of the first and the second light sources 30, 32.

[0104] By switching on the second light sources 32, the color temperature of the light in the examination area U is shifted towards blue, making certain structures in the object being examined, especially the skin, more visible.

[0105] If the luminous intensity of the light from the second light sources 32 is subsequently increased, the color temperature of the light in the investigation area U is shifted further towards the blue.

[0106] For example, the lower limit of the color temperature range achieved in this way or permitted by the control unit 20 is between 4000K and 6500K, in particular between 4500K and 6000K, preferably at 5000K, and / or the upper limit of this color temperature range is between 10000K and 14000K, in particular between 11000K and 13000K, preferably at 12000K.

[0107] The polarization of the light in the investigation area U can be achieved by switching between the pairs 36, 38 of light sources 30, 32, i.e. by switching off the light sources 30, 32 of one pair 36, 38 and switching on the light sources 30, 32 of the other pair 38, 36.

[0108] Switching between the light sources 30, 32 of the first pairs 36 or second pairs 38 can be triggered by pressing one of the pushbuttons 18.

[0109] If only the light sources 30, 32 of the first pairs 36 are switched on, the light in the area under investigation U is unpolarized. If, on the other hand, the light sources 30, 32 of the second pairs 38 are used, the light in the area under investigation U is polarized along the first polarization direction R1.

[0110] In order to make the change from unpolarized light to polarized light in the examination area U and vice versa as comfortable as possible for the user of the examination device 10, the first light sources 30 and second light sources 32 of the pairs 36, 38 that are switched on are operated in the same way as the light sources 30, 32 of the pairs 38, 36 that are switched off were operated until then, especially with regard to light intensities.

[0111] For example, if the light is switched from unpolarized light (i.e., the first pairs 36) to polarized light (i.e., the second pairs 38), the luminous intensities of the light from the first light sources 30 and the second light sources 32 of the second pairs 38 are adjusted to match the last used luminous intensities of the light from the first light sources 30 and the second light sources 32 of the first pairs 36.

[0112] The opposite is true for switching from polarized light to unpolarized light.

[0113] Using the examination device 10, the color temperature and polarization of the light in the examination area U can be adjusted without using multicolored LEDs.

[0114] In this way, a compact yet cost-effective examination device 10 is obtained.

Claims

[1] Examination device for optical medical examinations, in particular dermatoscope, with optics (14) and a lighting device (16), wherein the optics (14) has an optical axis (A) and defines an examination area (U), wherein the lighting device (16) has at least one first light source (30) and at least one second light source (32), wherein the at least one first light source (30) and the at least one second light source (32) are arranged such that they jointly illuminate the area of ​​investigation (U), wherein the at least one first light source (30) is configured to emit white light with a color temperature of 5000K and the at least one second light source (32) is configured to emit light that is bluer than the white light emitted by the at least one first light source (30), wherein the light emitted by the at least one second light source (32) has a wavelength of 400 nm to 550 nm, and wherein the examination device (10) is set up such that that when the lighting device (16) is activated, at least one first light source (30) is always switched on, that at least one second light source (32) can be switched on in addition to at least one first light source (30), that the luminous intensity of the light emitted by the at least one second light source (32) is variable, and that the color temperature of the light emitted by the lighting device (16) can be set within a color temperature range between 5000K and 12000K. [2] Examination device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the light emitted by the at least one second light source (32) has a wavelength of 450 nm to 500 nm, in particular of 475 nm. [3] Examination device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the testing device (10) has a control unit (20) which controls the at least one first light source (30) and the at least one second light source (32). [4] Examination device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the testing device (10), in particular the control unit (20), is arranged such that the luminous intensity of the light emitted by the at least one second light source (32) is variable in several discrete steps. [5] Examination device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the lighting device (16) has several first light sources (30) and several second light sources (32), in particular wherein the first light sources (30) and the second light sources (32) are arranged around an optical axis (A) of the optics (14). [6] Examination device according to claim 5, characterized by , that one of the first light sources (30) and one of the second light sources (32) are arranged next to each other and form a pair. [7] Examination device according to claim 6, characterized by , that at least one of the pairs is a first pair (36) and at least one other pair is a second pair (38), wherein the illumination device (16) has at least one polarizing filter (34) covering the at least one second pair (38). [8] Examination device according to claim 7, characterized by, that the at least one polarizing filter (34) of the illumination device (16) linearly polarizes transmitted light in a first polarization direction (R1), in particular wherein the optics (14) has a polarizing filter (26) which linearly polarizes transmitted light in a second polarization direction (R2), preferably wherein the second polarization direction (R2) is perpendicular to the first polarization direction (R1), so that the polarizing filter (26) of the optics (14) blocks light with a polarization in the first polarization direction (R1). [9] Examination device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by , that the first pairs (36) and the second pairs (38) are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction around an optical axis (A) of the optics (14). [10] Examination device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by, that the illumination device (16) has several separate polarizing filters (34), each of which of the polarizing filters (34) of the illumination device (16) covers one of the second pairs (38). [11] Examination device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized by , that the testing device (10), in particular the control unit (20), is arranged such that either the first light source (30) and the second light source (32) of the at least one first pair (36) or the first light source (30) and the second light source (32) of the at least one second pair (38) are switched on when the lighting device (16) is activated. [12] Examination device according to claim 11, characterized by, that the testing device (10), in particular the control unit (20), is arranged such that when the light sources (30, 32) of the at least one first pair (36) are switched off in order to activate the light sources (30, 32) of the at least one second pair (38), the light sources (30, 32) of the at least one second pair (38) are switched on in such a way that the luminous intensities of the light emitted by the light sources (30, 32) of the second pair (38) correspond to the luminous intensities of the light that was last emitted by the corresponding light source (30, 32) of the at least one first pair (36), and / or vice versa. [13] Examination device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the optics (14) is a magnifying optic, has an imaging sensor and / or has a camera (28).

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