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 unit (14) such as an endoscope, exoscope and / or microscope, comprising: an optical interface (16) for the optical connection of an imaging unit (14); and an illumination unit (18) that is designed to provide 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 and / or exoscopic and / or microscopic imaging device, comprising: an illumination device (12) having an optical interface (16) and an illumination unit (18) for providing illumination light for an imaging unit (14); an imaging unit (14), which can be connected to the optical interface (16) of the illumination device (12); and a controller (66), which is configured to automatically match an operating state of the imaging unit (14) and an illumination mode of the illumination unit (18) to one another. The invention also relates to associated systems and methods.

Description

[0001] Illumination device, imaging device with an illumination device, imaging system, method for generating illumination light and method for operating an imaging device

[0002] The invention relates to a lighting device, an imaging device, in particular a medical one, comprising a lighting device, an imaging system, in particular a medical one, a method for generating illumination light, and a method for operating an imaging device, in particular a medical one.

[0003] Imaging devices such as endoscopic or exoscopic devices that generate multispectral or hyperspectral images are known from the prior art. Multispectral or hyperspectral images have, in addition to two spatial dimensions, such as a conventional camera image, a spectral dimension. The spectral dimension encompasses several spectral bands (wavelength bands). Multispectral and hyperspectral images differ primarily in the number and width of their spectral bands.

[0004] Several imaging devices for generating such multispectral or hyperspectral images are known, particularly in the context of medical applications. For example, DE 20 2014 010 558 U1 describes a device for capturing a hyperspectral image of an examination area of ​​a body. The device includes an input lens for generating an image in an image plane and a slit-shaped aperture in the image plane for masking out a slit-shaped region of the image. The light passing through the aperture is spread out by a dispersive element and recorded by a camera sensor. As a result, the camera sensor can record a plurality of spectra, each with an associated spatial coordinate, along the longitudinal direction of the slit-shaped aperture.The described device is further configured to record additional 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 underlying this disclosure for generating multispectral or hyperspectral images is also known as the so-called pushbroom method.

[0005] In addition to the pushbroom method, there are other methods for generating multispectral or hyperspectral images. In the so-called whiskbroom method, the examination area or object is scanned point by point, and a spectrum is obtained for each point. In contrast, the staring method acquires multiple images with the same spatial coordinates. Different spectral filters and / or illumination sources are used from image to image to resolve spectral information. Furthermore, there are methods in which a two-dimensional multicolor image is decomposed into several individual spectral images using suitable optical elements such as optical slicers, lenses, and prisms. These individual images are simultaneously acquired on different detectors or detector areas. This is sometimes referred to as the snapshot approach.

[0006] 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 a fundamental field of application, for example, for diagnostics and for assessing the success or quality of a procedure.

[0007] White light imaging is also used, particularly in medical imaging. Observed tissue is illuminated with white light, and images of the tissue are generated using a camera or other image capture sensor, which can then be displayed to a user.

[0008] Fluorescence imaging is also used, especially in medical imaging. Tissue is specifically illuminated in a specific wavelength range to excite fluorescent dye molecules that have been specifically introduced into specific entities, such as tissue regions. The resulting emitted light with a longer wavelength can be observed through a suitably selected filter, which can be used to filter out the excitation light.

[0009] Multimodal imaging devices allow the acquisition of white light images and / or multispectral images and / or fluorescence images and / or hyperspectral images. Examples of such imaging devices are multimodal endoscopes and multimodal exoscopes. To implement different modes, light sources may be required that can be operated in different illumination modes to generate illumination light in different spectral ranges as needed. Furthermore, switchable or replaceable optical components may be required to adapt the imaging device to the different modes. Based on the prior art, the invention is based on the object of enabling operation in different modes and, in particular, achieving a high degree of efficiency and / or operating reliability and simplicity.

[0010] This object is achieved according to the invention 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 claims.

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

[0012] In some embodiments, the illumination device comprises an optical interface for optically connecting an imaging device and a lighting unit configured to supply illumination light to the optical interface. The lighting unit can be multimodal and comprise a plurality of independently selectably activatable lighting elements configured to emit light according to different emission spectra to supply the illumination light. The lighting unit can be operable in at least one multispectral mode, in which a first group of the lighting elements is at least temporarily activated and in which the lighting unit supplies illumination light for multispectral imaging.Furthermore, the illumination unit can be operable in at least one fluorescence mode, in which a second group of the luminous elements is at least temporarily activated and in which the illumination unit provides illumination light for fluorescence imaging. The luminous elements can comprise at least one luminous element that is contained in both the first group and the second group.

[0013] Furthermore, a method for generating illumination light for an imaging device can be provided using an illumination device, in particular using an illumination device according to the invention. The illumination device comprises an optical interface for optically connecting an imaging device and a lighting unit configured to supply illumination light to the optical interface. The lighting unit comprises a plurality of independently selectably activatable lighting elements configured to emit light according to different emission spectra to supply the illumination light.The method comprises the step of at least temporarily activating a first group of luminous elements to provide illumination light for multispectral imaging and the step of at least temporarily activating a second group of luminous elements to provide illumination light for fluorescence imaging. At least one of the luminous elements is activated at least temporarily both during the at least temporary activation of the first group of luminous elements and during the at least temporary activation of the second group of luminous elements.

[0014] In some embodiments, the illumination device may comprise an optical interface for optically connecting an imaging device and an illumination unit configured to supply illumination light to the optical interface. The illumination unit may comprise a plurality of independently selectably activatable luminous elements configured to emit light according to different emission spectra to supply the illumination light. The illumination unit may be operable in at least one multispectral mode in which a first group of the luminous elements, comprising at least two of the luminous elements, is at least temporarily activated and in which the illumination unit supplies illumination light for multispectral imaging.The lighting elements of the first group can be arranged in such a way that light emitted by the lighting elements travels through a light path of at least substantially the same length from the respective lighting element to the optical interface.

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

[0016] Furthermore, a method for operating an imaging device is described herein, in particular an imaging device according to the invention, which comprises an imaging device. Illumination light generated according to an inventive method for generating illumination light is delivered to the imaging device. In some embodiments, the imaging device may comprise an illumination device for providing illumination light for an imaging device. The illumination device may comprise an optical interface for optically connecting an imaging device and an illumination unit configured to deliver illumination light to the optical interface, wherein the illumination unit is multimodal and operable in several different illumination modes.An imaging device, in particular a medical imaging device, can comprise the illumination device and an imaging device that can be connected to the optical interface of the illumination device, as well as a controller configured to automatically coordinate an operating state of the imaging device and a lighting mode of the lighting unit. The controller can be configured to control the illumination device and / or the imaging device.

[0017] Furthermore, a method for operating a medical imaging device may be provided, which comprises an automated coordination of an operating state of the imaging device and an illumination mode of the illumination unit.

[0018] The above-mentioned features enable operation in different modes. This allows a high degree of efficiency and / or operational reliability and simplicity to be achieved. The proposed combination of imaging modes and the light elements used for this purpose reduces the complexity of the light source and / or image capture. A small number of installed light elements, filters and / or associated optical elements can be used while maintaining a wide range of functions. Furthermore, installation space can be saved, allowing a high degree of compactness to be achieved. Due to the selection of light paths of essentially the same length, deviations and, where appropriate,Measurement errors resulting from relative spectral intensities in different spectral ranges can be avoided, which can occur, for example, when an endoscope (shaft) is rotated relative to the camera unit and / or when a light guide is rotated relative to the imaging device. Due to the essentially equal light paths, largely identical intensity profiles of the affected light elements can be achieved. Furthermore, by automatically coordinating the operating state of the imaging device and the illumination mode, a high degree of user comfort can be achieved and operating errors can be avoided. This makes it possible to provide a multimodal system that can be easily switched between different modes.

[0019] The imaging device can be a microscopic, macroscopic, and / or exoscopic imaging device. The imaging device can be configured as and / or comprise a microscope, macroscope, and / or exoscope. In some embodiments, the imaging device can be an endoscopic imaging device, in particular an endoscope device. The imaging device can be and / or comprise an endoscope. It is understood that the imaging device can have electronic components but can also be configured purely mechanically.

[0020] In some embodiments, the imaging device and in particular the imaging apparatus is configured to be insertable into a cavity for inspection and / or observation, for example, into an artificial and / or natural cavity, such as the interior of a body, a body organ, tissue, or the like. The imaging device and in particular the imaging apparatus can also be configured to be insertable into a housing, casing, shaft, pipe, or other, particularly artificial, structure for inspection and / or observation.

[0021] 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 image a surgical field. The imaging device and / or the imaging apparatus can comprise a spatially and spectrally resolved image acquisition unit, which comprises at least one optical system and at least one image acquisition sensor coupled to the optical system, which is configured to perform an image acquisition of an image region, generating spatially and spectrally resolved image data that includes both spatial and spectral information.

[0022] The image acquisition unit, and in particular the optics and / or the image acquisition sensors, can be configured for multispectral and / or hyperspectral imaging, specifically for capturing and / or generating multispectral and / or hyperspectral image data. Multispectral imaging or multispectral image data can refer in particular to imaging in which at least two, in particular at least three, and in some cases at least five spectral bands can be and / or are captured independently of one another. Hyperspectral imaging or hyperspectral image data can refer in particular to imaging in which at least 20, at least 50, or even at least 100 spectral bands can be and / or are captured independently of one another.

[0023] The imaging device may operate according to the pushbroom method and / or the whiskbroom method and / or the staring method and / or a snapshot principle.

[0024] In some embodiments, the imaging device and / or imaging apparatus comprises a white-light camera and / or sensor technology for white-light image acquisition. The imaging device and / or imaging apparatus can be configured for white-light imaging in addition to spectrally resolved imaging. Separate optics and / or shared optics can be used for this purpose. The white-light imaging and the spectrally resolved imaging can be performed simultaneously or alternately, or at times simultaneously and at times sequentially.

[0025] In some embodiments, the imaging device and / or the imaging apparatus comprises sensors for fluorescence imaging. The imaging device and / or the imaging apparatus can be configured for fluorescence imaging in addition to spectrally resolved imaging and, if appropriate, in addition to white-light imaging. Separate optics and / or shared optics can be used for this purpose. The fluorescence imaging, if appropriate, the white-light imaging, and the spectrally resolved imaging can be performed simultaneously or alternately, or at times simultaneously and at times sequentially.

[0026] For some applications, it may be advantageous to be able to use a high spectral resolution. In these cases, hyperspectral imaging is a suitable option. This can be combined with white-light imaging and / or fluorescence imaging. This enables real-time observation via a white-light image and / or a fluorescence image, even if the acquisition of spectrally resolved image data is essentially only real-time, meaning that, for example, several seconds are required to create a spectrally resolved image.

[0027] For some applications, it may be advantageous to generate spectral image data in real time. This includes, for example, generating a spectrally resolved image in less than one second or even multiple times per second. In this case, it may be appropriate to use multispectral imaging. A possibly lower spectral resolution is then offset by a higher frame rate. Depending on the application, it may be sufficient to consider only a few different spectral ranges and / or wavelengths, for example, two or three or four, or generally fewer than ten. In this case, additional white light imaging can optionally be omitted. Spectrally resolved image data that is acquired in real time ordeliver several images per second, can also be used for surveillance purposes, whereby it is not necessarily necessary to create an image for a user to display, but the image data can also be processed in the background.

[0028] The optical interface can be either connectable or detachable. Furthermore, the optical interface can be combined with a mechanical interface, so that an optical connection is automatically established, for example, when the imaging device is mechanically coupled.

[0029] The lighting elements can comprise single-color LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and / or laser diodes. Furthermore, at least one of the lighting elements can be a white light LED or another white light source. In some embodiments, the lighting unit comprises at least one blue lighting element, at least one red lighting element, at least one far-red lighting element, and at least one near-IR (near-infrared) lighting element, in particular LEDs or laser diodes. Additionally, the lighting unit can comprise at least one white light LED or another white light source.

[0030] The first group can comprise at least two light elements that emit spectrally differently. A high degree of efficiency in multispectral imaging can be achieved if the multispectral mode comprises different states, in each of which a specific light element or a specific type of light element is activated at least temporarily. This allows targeted illumination in a specific spectral range, whereby different spectral images can be captured. Different light elements that are activated in different states can serve as different support points for the multispectral imaging. At least one of these support points can be selected such that it is adapted to characteristic points of absorption spectra of physiologically relevant components, for example, to an isosbestic point of the hemoglobin oxygenation curve.Multispectral imaging can additionally comprise the use of suitable observation filters. Furthermore, the second group can comprise at least two luminous elements that emit spectrally differently. The fluorescence mode can comprise different submodes and / or states, in each of which a specific luminous element or a specific luminous element type is activated at least temporarily. This allows for targeted excitation in a specific spectral range, so that fluorescence imaging can be carried out, for example, for a specifically selected dye. In other words, the at least one luminous element that is contained in both the first group and the second group can be used for both the multispectral mode and the fluorescence mode.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first group comprises only some but not all of the luminous elements. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the second group comprises only some but not all of the luminous elements. In the multispectral mode, in particular, only luminous elements of the first group are activated at least temporarily, whereas luminous elements that do not belong to the first group are deactivated. In the fluorescence mode, in particular, only luminous elements of the second group are activated at least temporarily, whereas luminous elements that do not belong to the second group are deactivated. In general, it is understood that the luminous elements can comprise different luminous element types and that, in particular, exactly one luminous element of each of the different luminous element types can be present.It is understood that mixed operating modes can also occur according to the invention, in which the aforementioned modes are used sequentially. For example, multispectral imaging and fluorescence imaging can be performed sequentially.

[0032] The light path traversed by the light emitted by the light elements of the first group, starting from the respective light element to the optical interface, extends in particular from a light-emitting surface of the respective light element to a point on the optical interface at which light can be coupled out of the optical interface. The length of the said light paths differs in particular by at most 20%, preferably by at most 10%, more preferably by at most 5%, and particularly preferably by at most 3%. These percentages can be based on the longest of the compared light paths.

[0033] The operating state of the imaging device, which is coordinated with the illumination mode, can define an imaging mode. For example, it can be an operating state in which multispectral imaging, white light imaging, or fluorescence imaging can be performed. A versatile imaging device can be provided, in particular, if the controller sets the illumination device to a multispectral mode, fluorescence mode, or white light mode, respectively, for a multispectral operating state and / or for a fluorescence operating state and / or for a white light operating state.

[0034] The controller can achieve automatic tuning by electronically controlling the illumination device and / or the imaging device. Tuning can also be performed inherently by selecting a suitable filter, for example, an observation filter. The controller can be implemented as a separate control unit or integrated into a controller of the imaging device.

[0035] Synergy with regard to the use of a luminous element for different modes and associated efficiency gains can be achieved in particular if at least one luminous element contained in both the first group and the second group emits light in the red spectral range, in particular in a 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 spectral range can be narrowband and include the wavelength 660 nm. “Narrowband” can include a spectral width of at most 80 nm, in particular of at most 40 nm or even of at most 20 nm. This at least one luminous element can be configured to excite dyes absorbing in the red spectral range and to contribute to the illumination in the red spectral range for multispectral imaging.

[0036] In some embodiments, the illumination unit can be operable in at least one white-light mode, in which the illumination unit provides 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 comprise several narrow wavelength bands that are separated from one another, for example, a blue, a red, and a far-red band. "Dark red" is to be understood 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 mixed from light from different lighting elements.

[0037] In the white light mode, a third group of light elements can be activated at least temporarily to supply the illumination light for white light imaging. The light elements can comprise at least one light element that is contained in both the first group and / or the second group and the third group. In some cases, the third group can comprise only some but not all of the light elements. In the white light mode, in particular, only light elements of the third group are activated at least temporarily, whereas light elements that do not belong to the third group are deactivated. In other words, the illumination unit can comprise light elements that serve one, two, or all three of the aforementioned illumination modes. This allows multiple light elements to be used multiple times.

[0038] At least one luminous element contained in both the first group and / or the second group and the third group can emit light in the red spectral range, in particular in a 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 luminous elements together are particularly evident when at least one red luminous element can be used for all three modes.

[0039] At least one luminous element contained in both the first group and / or the second group and the third group can emit light in the blue spectral range, in particular in a spectral range between 440 and 480 nm. At least one blue luminous element can expediently be used both in fluorescence mode and in white light mode.

[0040] Generally speaking, the luminous elements, as mentioned, can comprise at least one, in particular blue, luminous element that emits light in a spectral range between 440 and 480 nm. Furthermore, the luminous elements, as mentioned, can comprise at least one, in particular red, luminous element that emits 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.

[0041] Alternatively or additionally, the luminous elements can comprise at least one, in particular dark-red, luminous element that emits light in a spectral range between 750 and 790 nm. Alternatively or additionally, the luminous elements can comprise at least one, in particular near-IR-emitting, luminous element that emits light in a spectral range between 920 and 960 nm. In addition, the luminous elements can comprise a white-light luminous element. A compact and versatile lighting unit can be provided, in particular, if at least one luminous element of each of the aforementioned luminous element types is present. For example, in fluorescence mode, the blue and red luminous elements, and in the case of suitable dyes, possibly also the dark-red luminous element, can be used. In multispectral mode, the dark-red and near-IR-emitting luminous elements can be used. In white-light mode, the white-light luminous element can be used.In white light mode, this can be supplemented by the blue light element and, if necessary, the red light element. This allows wavelength ranges to be supplemented by colored light elements, in which the white light element provides a reduced intensity, for example due to its design, but especially due to filters and optical elements of the illumination unit. Furthermore, the colored light elements can be used to adjust the color temperature for white light imaging.

[0042] In some embodiments, the second group comprises a single luminous element and / or a single type of luminous element. For example, a white-light luminous element, a red luminous element, and an IR-emitting luminous element can be provided, with particular reference to the above values ​​regarding possible spectral ranges. The first group can then, for example, comprise the red and the IR-emitting luminous element. The second group can comprise the IR-emitting luminous element, in particular as the only luminous element or as the only type of luminous element.

[0043] A favorable arrangement of lighting elements is particularly possible if the lighting unit comprises at least one crossed beam splitter, by means of which light can be deflected from opposite input sides to an output side, wherein at least one of the lighting elements is arranged on each of the opposite input sides of the crossed beam splitter. In some embodiments, two or more crossed beam splitters can be provided, which are arranged optically one behind the other. The at least one crossed beam splitter can comprise two beam splitter elements, the transmittance of which is adapted to the respectively assigned lighting element. The beam splitter elements each comprise, in particular, a notch filter, so that they each reflect in a narrow spectral band but otherwise transmit.The spectral position and / or width of the corresponding notch can be adapted to the spectral range of the respective associated luminous element, so that its light is redirected, but light from other luminous elements is at least largely transmitted.

[0044] In some embodiments, the luminous elements can comprise at least four narrowband-emitting single-color luminous elements, each with different spectral ranges, and at least one broadband-emitting white-light luminous element. In this regard, reference is also made to the above explanations regarding the colored luminous elements. In combination with two crossed beam splitters, one of the single-color luminous elements can be assigned to one of the beam splitter elements of the two beam splitters. Furthermore, the white-light luminous element can be arranged on a distal side of the two beam splitters, as viewed from the optical interface, so that light from the white-light luminous element is coupled through both beam splitters in the direction of the optical interface.

[0045] A wide range of functions combined with a compact design and the exploitation of synergistic effects when using light elements can be achieved, in particular, if the illumination unit is operable in at least one hyperspectral mode, in which several light elements are activated, whose emission spectra together cover at least a spectral range from 450 nm to 850 nm, and in which the illumination unit provides illumination light for hyperspectral imaging. This can, in particular, involve all of the light elements.

[0046] It is understood that, particularly when using laser diodes, suitable polarization filters can be used for the optical filters mentioned herein. Furthermore, particularly 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 transmission can then be achieved by combining different polarizations.

[0047] In some embodiments, the illumination unit can define a common optical path into which emitted light from the lighting elements can be coupled. The lighting elements of the first group can each have a light-emitting surface, wherein the light-emitting surfaces of the lighting elements of the first group are arranged equidistant from the common optical path. The optical path can be defined by the at least one crossed beam splitter. In particular, the optical path can extend from an output point of the beam splitter closest to the optical interface to the optical interface.

[0048] A space-efficient arrangement with high luminous efficacy can be achieved, in particular, if the crossed beam splitter is arranged in such a way that it couples light coming from the opposite input sides into the common optical path. The light paths of essentially equal length can be achieved by maintaining a substantially equal distance between the crossed beam splitter and the opposing lighting elements assigned to it.

[0049] The at least one beam splitter can comprise at least three input sides, two of which form opposite input sides and a third of which is opposite an output side. In some embodiments, the illumination unit can comprise at least two crossed beam splitters arranged optically one behind the other. If multiple beam splitters are present, they can be arranged such that an output side of a first beam splitter faces an input side of a second beam splitter. A lighting element, in particular the white light lighting element, can be arranged on the input side of a beam splitter furthest from the optical interface.

[0050] The imaging device can comprise a filter unit with optical filters that can be switched between at least a multispectral mode and a fluorescence mode. This allows the imaging device to be adapted to the multifunctionality of the illumination unit. The fluorescence mode of the filter unit can comprise several submodes defined by different filters.

[0051] For example, different edge filters can be used that absorb / block the spectrum of the corresponding light element used for excitation and at least essentially only transmit fluorescent light.

[0052] The imaging device may have a stereoscopic eyepiece, wherein the eyepiece comprises two eyepiece sides in which different filters are installed.

[0053] For example, one eyepiece side can include a filter for multispectral imaging and the other eyepiece side can include a filter for fluorescence imaging. This makes it easy to generate and view multispectral images and fluorescence images in parallel.

[0054] The illumination mode of the illumination unit and / or the operating state of the imaging device can be specified by at least one user action. The user action can include, for example, selecting an illumination mode, selecting an imaging mode, selecting a specific optical filter, changing an interchangeable shaft, or the like. The controller can be configured to automatically coordinate the operating state of the imaging device and the illumination mode of the illumination unit in response to the user action. This achieves intuitive operability while simultaneously preventing operating errors because necessary adjustments can be made automatically. The controller can be configured to adapt the operating state of the imaging device when the user action changes the illumination mode.Alternatively or additionally, the controller may be configured to adjust the illumination mode when the user action changes the operating state of the imaging device.

[0055] The imaging device may comprise a camera unit, wherein the controller is configured to set an illumination mode of the illumination unit depending on an operating state of the camera unit. The camera unit may comprise imaging sensors and / or optical filters. The operating state of the camera unit depends, in particular, on the selection of an optical filter, which may be made by a user.

[0056] An efficient and safe operating concept can be provided, in particular, if the camera unit comprises several optical filters that can be selectively inserted into an observation beam path of the camera unit and that define different observation modes that can be selected by a user. The control system can be configured to adjust the illumination mode depending on a selected observation mode. For example, the camera unit can comprise different filters for fluorescence imaging and for multispectral imaging. If the user inserts a specific filter into the observation beam path, the corresponding mode is immediately switched to. Thus, with a single adjustment, all components can be correctly adjusted to match one another.

[0057] In some embodiments, the optical filters can be manually inserted into the observation beam path by the user. The camera unit can then comprise at least one filter sensor configured to automatically detect an optical filter currently inserted into the observation beam path and to generate a sensor signal containing information regarding the detected optical filter. The controller can be configured to detect the observation mode of the camera unit based on the sensor signal. A user can thereby set the imaging device to the desired state through simple manual handling without having to make separate settings on the illumination unit. The filter sensor can be configured to directly detect the inserted optical filter, for example optically.The inserted optical filter can be detected particularly easily if the available optical filters are mounted on a movable filter carrier, such as a filter wheel or a slider, and the sensor is a position sensor that detects the position of the filter carrier. For this case, the filter carrier's configuration can be stored and / or stored in the control system. The control system can be configured to determine the corresponding optical filter based on the detected position.

[0058] Alternatively or additionally, the camera unit can comprise an automated filter unit configured to automatically introduce at least one of the optical filters into the observation beam path according to an observation mode specified by a user. The imaging device can comprise a user interface via which the user can select the optical filter. The user interface can comprise, for example, push buttons, touch-sensitive elements, a display, a touch screen, or other input means. In some embodiments, a filter selection entered by the user can be directly interpreted by the controller to adjust the modes of the illumination unit and the imaging device to match the filter selection made.

[0059] The imaging device can have a distal shaft, wherein the camera unit is a proximal camera unit, and wherein the shaft is optically coupled to the camera unit. The camera unit can be formed separately from the shaft. In this case, the components of the camera unit are arranged outside the shaft. This is expedient, for example, when the imaging device is an endoscope. The shaft can comprise optical elements that guide light from a distal end of the shaft to a proximal end of the shaft. The proximal end of the shaft can be optically coupled to the camera unit. The shaft thus guides light to and from an imaged area, whereas the actual image acquisition takes place proximal to the shaft in the camera unit.

[0060] A high degree of versatility can be achieved, in particular, if the imaging device includes a broadband transmitting optic that can be used consistently in different illumination modes. This allows a single imaging device, in particular a single endoscope, to be used for different spectral ranges. It is then unnecessary to use separate optics for each application. For example, the broadband transmitting optic can be an imaging optic. It can be transmitting at least in a range between 400 nm and 1000 nm.

[0061] In some embodiments, the imaging device comprises a proximal base unit to which various interchangeable shafts designed for different observation modes can be optically and electronically coupled. The controller can be configured to set an illumination mode of the illumination unit depending on the observation mode defined by a currently coupled interchangeable shaft. This allows intuitive switching between different modes in systems with interchangeable shafts without the need for user adjustments. The necessary settings of the components are made in response to the selection of a specific interchangeable shaft. The user only needs to connect the interchangeable shaft and has thus already selected a specific imaging and associated illumination mode. The various interchangeable shafts can comprise image acquisition sensors, such as a Tipcam.This may be a camera and / or camera assembly and / or camera sensor arranged in a distal end region and / or at a distal end of the respective interchangeable shaft. In these embodiments, a proximal camera unit may be omitted. In particular, the camera unit may be partially or completely integrated into the interchangeable shaft or defined by selecting a specific interchangeable shaft. The base unit may be free of image acquisition sensors.

[0062] The imaging device can be part of a medical imaging system. This can comprise at least two different interchangeable shafts that can be selectively connected to the base unit of the imaging device. The interchangeable shafts can each comprise an integrated camera and / or integrated optical filters. The integrated cameras and / or integrated filters can differ from interchangeable shaft to interchangeable shaft. For example, an interchangeable shaft can be provided for white light imaging and / or an interchangeable shaft for fluorescence imaging and / or an interchangeable shaft for multispectral imaging.

[0063] The devices and systems according to the invention, as well as the methods according to the invention, are not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, to fulfill a functionality described herein, they may comprise a number of individual elements, components, units, and method steps that differs from the number stated herein. Furthermore, in the value ranges specified in this disclosure, values ​​within the stated limits are also to be considered disclosed and can be used arbitrarily.

[0064] It is particularly noted that all features and properties described with reference to a device, as well as procedures, are transferable to methods and applicable within the meaning of the invention and are considered to be included in the disclosure. The same applies in reverse. This means that structural features, i.e., features related to the device, mentioned with reference to methods can also be considered, claimed, and included in the disclosure within the scope of the device claims.

[0065] The present invention is described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and use them in meaningful combination within the scope of the claims.

[0066] If there is more than one instance of a particular object, only one of them may be provided with a reference symbol in the figures and in the description. The description of this instance can be transferred accordingly to the other instances of the object. If objects are named using numerical terms, such as first, second, third object, etc., these serve to name and / or assign objects. Accordingly, for example, a first object and a third object, but not a second object, may be included. However, a number and / or sequence of objects could also be derived using numerical terms.

[0067] They show:

[0068] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an imaging device with an illumination device;

[0069] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the lighting device;

[0070] Fig. 3 shows schematic transmission curves of beam splitter elements of the illumination device; Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of the imaging device;

[0071] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of the

[0072] imaging device;

[0073] Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of yet another embodiment of the imaging device;

[0074] Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the imaging device;

[0075] Fig. 8 is a schematic flow diagram of a method for generating illumination light for an imaging device by means of an illumination device;

[0076] Fig. 9 is a schematic flow diagram of a method for operating an imaging device; and

[0077] Fig. 10 is a schematic flow diagram of a method for operating an imaging device.

[0078] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an imaging device 10. In the exemplary case shown, the imaging device 10 is an endoscopic imaging device, specifically an endoscope device. Alternatively, the imaging device 10 could be an exoscopic, a microscopic, or a macroscopic imaging device. The imaging device 10 is shown as an example of a medical imaging device. The imaging device 10 is intended, for example, for examining a cavity.

[0079] The imaging device 10 comprises a medical imaging device 14. In the illustrated case, this is an endoscope.

[0080] The imaging device 10 further comprises an illumination device 12 with an optical interface 16 and an illumination unit 18. The imaging device 14 can be optically connected to the optical interface 16. The optical interface 16 can be part of an optical-mechanical interface that can be selectively connected and detachable. The illumination device 14 can be selectively decoupled from the illumination device 12. The illumination unit 18 is configured to supply illumination light to the optical interface 16. During imaging using the imaging device 14, the illumination unit 18 can accordingly provide the required illumination light, which is guided to the illumination device 14 and from there coupled out onto an object to be imaged, such as a site.

[0081] In the illustrated case, the imaging device 10 further comprises a display unit 74 on which images based on image data acquired by the imaging device 14 can be displayed. These may be video images, still images, overlays of different images, partial images, image sequences, etc.

[0082] The imaging device 10 is multimodal. By way of example, the imaging device can be operated in three basic modes: a multispectral mode, a fluorescence mode, and a white light mode. Furthermore, it can be provided that the imaging device 10 can be operated in a hyperspectral mode in addition to or alternatively to the multispectral mode.

[0083] The illumination device 12 is multimodal. The illumination device 12 can be operated in different illumination modes, in which it provides light for different imaging modes. In the present case, the illumination device 12 can be operated in three basic modes: a multispectral mode, a fluorescence mode, and a white light mode. Likewise, the imaging device 14 can be operated in different operating modes, specifically also in at least one multispectral mode, one fluorescence mode, and one white light mode. In the corresponding operating mode of the imaging device 10, the modes of the illumination device 12 are coordinated with one another.

[0084] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of the lighting device 12. The lighting unit 18 comprises a plurality of independently activatable lighting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28. These are designed to emit light according to different emission spectra in order to provide illumination light, ie the respective emission spectrum differs from lighting element to lighting element.

[0085] For example, the light elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 are embodied as LEDs. Specifically, a first light element 20 is embodied as a red LED, a second light element 22 as a dark-red LED, a third light element 24 as a blue LED, and a fourth light element 26 as a near-IR LED. The colored light elements 20, 22, 24, 26 each emit in a narrowband, for example, with emission peaks at wavelengths of approximately 660 nm (first light element 20), 770 nm (second light element 22), 460 nm (third light element 24), and 940 nm (fourth light element 26).

[0086] Furthermore, a fifth luminous element 28 is provided, which in this case is a white light luminous element, such as a white light LED. The fifth luminous element 28 emits, for example, in a spectral range of approximately 400 to 700 nm. In other embodiments, laser diodes can also be used, in particular as colored luminous elements.

[0087] Depending on the lighting mode, some of the lighting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 are activated at least temporarily, whereas other lighting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 may not be used in the lighting mode in question.

[0088] In the present case, a first group comprises the first light element 20 and the fourth light element 26. The first group can additionally comprise the light element 22 and / or the light element 24. The first group is used for multispectral imaging, wherein the included light elements 20, 26 and optionally 22 and 24 each serve as a support point. In multispectral mode, for example, the first light element 20 is first illuminated and an image is recorded. The fourth light element 26 is then illuminated and an image is recorded. The images are each based on remission, i.e. the light scattered back from the object to be imaged is observed. The two different support points can be used to obtain spectral information about the object to be imaged. For example, this can be used to assess certain tissue types, a perfusion state, a tissue texture or the like.

[0089] Furthermore, a second group comprises the first light-emitting element 20, the second light-emitting element 22, and the third light-emitting element 24. The second group is used for illumination in fluorescence imaging. For example, objects colored with suitably selected dyes can be specifically viewed here. Different dyes can also be introduced into different types of tissue or the like, which are then viewed simultaneously. By specifically exciting a specific dye, it is excited to fluoresce. The fluorescent light is then imaged. The first light-emitting element 20 is suitable, for example, for exciting the dye cyanine 5.5 (Cy 5.5). 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.

[0090] Furthermore, a third group comprises the fifth luminous element 28. In the present embodiment, the third group also comprises the first luminous element 20 and the third luminous element 24. The third group serves to provide illumination light for white light imaging. For this purpose, white light from the fifth luminous element 28 can be mixed with light from certain colored luminous elements, thereby compensating for spectral losses and / or allowing a color temperature to be specifically adjusted.

[0091] It can be seen that some of the lighting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 are assigned to several groups, for example the first lighting element 20 to all three groups and the third lighting element 24 and possibly also the second lighting element 22 to the second and third groups.

[0092] Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that some or all of the light elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 are used in a hyperspectral mode. This generates a broad excitation spectrum. In combination with a suitable hyperspectral detector, spectral information relating to the object to be imaged can then be acquired across the entire visible and near-IR spectrum. For this purpose, the imaging device 14 can comprise a pushbroom arrangement as a hyperspectral detector. In other embodiments, a whiskbroom arrangement, a staring arrangement and / or a snapshot arrangement is used. The imaging device 14 can be a hyperspectral imaging device. With regard to different methods of hyperspectral imaging and the components required therefor, reference is made to the specialist 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 reference is made to the article “Medical hyperspectral imaging: a review” by Guolan Lu and Baowei Fei, published in Journal of Biomedical Optics 19(1), 010901 , January 2014.

[0093] The illumination unit 18 comprises two crossed beam splitters 30, 32. Each of these comprises an output side 42, 44, an input side 37, 41 opposite the output side 42, 44, and two opposite input sides 34, 36, 38, 40. All input sides 34, 36, 37, 38, 40, 41 guide incident light to the corresponding output side 42, 44. The output side 42 of a first crossed beam splitter 30 faces an 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 to one another and / or to the optical interface.

[0094] The lighting unit 18 can comprise suitable optical elements such as lenses and / or mirrors (not shown). Several lenses 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88 are shown as examples in Fig. 2. A lens 78 is assigned, for example, to the optical interface 16 and couples light coming from the output side 44 of the second crossed beam splitter 32 into the optical interface 16. Furthermore, a lens 80, 82, 84, 86, 88 can be assigned to each of the lighting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28. A particularly high degree of compactness can be achieved in particular if the lighting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 are each arranged on the input sides 34, 36, 37, 38, 40 of the at least one crossed beam splitter 30, 32 without an intermediate mirror. The lighting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 can then be moved very close to at least one crossed beam splitter 30, 32.

[0095] The crossed beam splitters 30, 32 each comprise two beam splitter elements 90, 92, 94, 96. These can generally be partially transparent, so that light from all input sides 34, 36, 37, 38, 40, 41 is redirected to the respective output side 42, 44. In the present embodiment, the beam splitter elements 90, 92, 94, 96 are selectively transparent. This is illustrated with further reference to Fig. 3. The beam splitter elements 90, 92, 94, 96 can be filters that reflect only in a defined area but otherwise have high transmission. Fig. 3 shows transmission curves 98, 100, 102, 104 of the beam splitter elements 90, 92, 94, 96 of the two crossed beam splitters 30, 32. Each of the colored light elements 20, 22, 24, 26 or each of the opposite input sides 34, 36, 38, 40 is assigned one of the beam splitter elements 90, 92, 94, 96.The beam splitter elements 90, 92, 94, 96 are selected such that they each reflect in the wavelength range in which the associated light element 20, 22, 24, 26 emits, but also largely transmit. For this purpose, notch filters can be used in the mid-wavelength range, which can, for example, have the transmission spectra 100 and 102. At spectral edges, high-pass or low-pass filters can also be used instead of notch filters, see transmission spectra 98 and 104.

[0096] Due to the specific transmission spectra 98, 100, 102, 104 of the crossed beam splitters 30, 32, light from the fifth luminous element 28 is spectrally clipped. It may therefore be expedient, as already mentioned, to supplement the light blocked by the beam splitters 30, 32 in a targeted manner using the luminous elements 20 and 24, optionally also 22 and / or 26. This allows supplementation specifically in those spectral ranges in which the beam splitters 30, 32 absorb and / or reflect light from the fifth luminous element 28, but in any case does not transmit it to the optical interface 16. The additionally used luminous elements 20, 24 and optionally 22 are preferably operated at reduced power or with adjusted power. The aim here can be to at least largely restore the original spectrum of the fifth luminous element 28.

[0097] In some embodiments, the fifth light-emitting element 28 can alternatively be a green light-emitting element, or more generally, a colored light-emitting element that emits primarily in the spectral range transmitted by the at least one beam splitter 30, 32. For example, in such embodiments, the fifth light-emitting element 26 can be an LED with an emission peak at approximately 530 nm. A green laser diode is also suitable for this purpose. It can be provided that color mixing occurs in white light mode and, in particular, that no individual white light source such as a white light LED is used, but rather that white light from separate light-emitting elements is specifically mixed.

[0098] It is understood that, with suitable dyes, such a green luminescent element can also be used in fluorescence mode. Alternatively or additionally, it could be used in multispectral mode.

[0099] The illumination unit 18 defines a common optical path 54 into which the emitted light from the lighting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 can be coupled. The common optical path 54 extends from the output side 44 of the second crossed beam splitter 32 to the optical interface. In this case, the common optical path 54 is arranged coaxially with the fifth lighting element 26.

[0100] In the embodiment shown, the lighting elements 20, 26 of the first group are arranged such that light emitted by the lighting elements 20, 26, starting from the respective lighting element 20, 26, each travels a light path of at least substantially equal length to the optical interface 16. The lighting elements 20, 26 of the first group each have a light-emitting surface 56, 58. The light-emitting surfaces 56, 62 are arranged equidistantly with respect to the common optical path 54. This is achieved in the present case by arranging the two lighting elements 20, 26 at the same distance from their associated beam splitter 32 (here, by way of example, the second beam splitter 32), specifically from its opposite input sides 38, 40. The light is coupled into the common optical path 54 by the crossed beam splitter 32.

[0101] The beam splitters 30, 32 are arranged in particular such that light-emitting surfaces 56, 58, 60, 62, 64 of the lighting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 are each arranged equidistantly with respect to their associated crossed beam splitter 30, 32.

[0102] By using crossed beam splitters 30, 32 and lighting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 that can be used jointly for different modes, the illumination unit 18 or the illumination device 12 has a high degree of compactness. Furthermore, the equidistant arrangement ensures that no spectral shifts occur when the imaging device 14 or its light guide is rotated relative to the optical interface 16.

[0103] It is understood that a different number of light-emitting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 and / or a different number of crossed beam splitters 30, 32 may be used. The use of crossed beam splitters 30, 32 has proven particularly useful. However, in other embodiments, other types of beam splitters and / or other optical elements may be used to couple light from the light-emitting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 into the optical interface 16.

[0104] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of the imaging device 10. The imaging device 14 is optically coupled to the optical interface 16, for example via a light guide 106 such as at least one optical fiber.

[0105] The imaging device 10 has a controller 66 configured to automatically coordinate an operating state of the imaging device 14 and a lighting mode of the lighting unit 18. In this case, a user can specify the operating mode of the imaging device 14 through a user action. The controller 66 then sets the appropriate lighting mode of the lighting unit 18. Alternatively or additionally, the user can set a specific lighting mode of the lighting unit 18 through a user action. The controller 66 can then set an appropriate operating mode of the imaging device 14. The lighting device 12 and / or the imaging device 10 has, for example, a user interface via which the user can enter corresponding commands.

[0106] The imaging device 14 comprises a camera unit 68 and a distal shaft 76. The distal shaft 76 is optically coupled to the camera unit 68. The camera unit 68 can have a connection for the distal shaft 76, wherein the distal shaft 76 can be selectively coupled and decoupled. The distal shaft 76 can also be permanently optically and / or mechanically coupled to the camera unit 68. The camera unit 68 is arranged proximally with respect to the shaft 76. The camera unit 68 comprises imaging sensors 108, in the present case, for example, a white light sensor 110 and a near-IR sensor 112. Generally speaking, the imaging sensors 108 can have one or more at least spatially resolving light sensors / image sensors, for example, at least one CMOS sensor and / or at least one CCD sensor.The shaft 76 comprises optical elements (not shown) by means of which light can be guided to the camera unit 68 in order to optically capture the object to be imaged. Furthermore, the shaft 76 comprises at least one light path 114, for example defined by a light guide such as an optical fiber, which leads to a distal section 116 of the shaft 76 and by means of which the illumination light originating from the optical interface 16 of the illumination device 12 can be coupled out to the object to be imaged.

[0107] The camera unit 68 has different operating states, specifically, for example, at least one multispectral operating state and one fluorescence operating state, and in the present embodiment, additionally a white light operating state and possibly a hyperspectral operating state. The controller 66 automatically adapts the illumination mode of the illumination unit 18 to the current operating state of the camera unit 68. In this case, the controller 66 can make settings to the image recording behavior of the camera unit 68. For example, the controller 66 can set the exposure time, sensitivity / amplification / gain and / or other operating parameters of the camera unit 68, or specifically its image acquisition sensor system 108 and, if applicable, its optics, and thereby define different operating states of the imaging device 14. In the present case, the controller 66 triggers the illumination unit 18 synchronously with the camera.

[0108] The imaging device 14 comprises a filter unit 46 with optical filters 48, 50, 52. Three optical filters are shown as an example, but it is understood that a different number can be used. The filter unit 46 can be switched between a multispectral mode and a fluorescence mode. Furthermore, the filter unit 46 can additionally be switched to a white light mode and / or a hyperspectral mode. The optical filters 48, 50, 52 can be selectively inserted into an observation beam path 70 of the camera unit 68, thereby defining different observation modes. In this case, these define the operating states of the camera unit 68.

[0109] A basic imaging mode can be assigned multiple optical filters 48, 50, 52. For fluorescence imaging in particular, a different suitable optical filter can be used depending on the light element 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 used for excitation. For example, in the present case, the first light element 20 (red) is combined with an optical filter that transmits wavelengths greater than 730 nm but blocks shorter wavelengths. This can ensure, in particular, that only fluorescent light and not the excitation light itself is detected. For example, this optical filter can absorb at least in the range from 600 nm to 730 nm. Furthermore, in the present case, for example, the second light element 22 (dark red) is combined with a filter that absorbs in the range from 700 to 850 nm or that only transmits significantly above 850 nm.

[0110] The user can select a specific filter 48, 50, 52 and thereby directly selects an associated observation mode or operating state of the camera unit 68. For this purpose, the camera unit 68 has a filter sensor 72 that can automatically detect an optical filter currently inserted into the observation beam path 70. The user can thus manually insert a 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. This can be moved into different positions, allowing one of the optical filters 48, 50, 52 to be selected at a time. The filter sensor 72 then detects the currently selected optical filter 48, 50, 52.The controller can then determine the current operating state of the camera unit 68 and thus of the imaging device 14 based on a sensor signal from the filter sensor 72 and automatically adjust the illumination mode of the illumination unit 18 accordingly. The user thus sets the entire imaging device 10 to the desired mode through a simple user action such as manually selecting an optical filter 48, 50, 52. In principle, a user can combine different filters with different illumination modes and thereby generate different types of contrast. In the illustrated case, the imaging device 14, and in particular the shaft 76, comprises a broadband transmitting optic 77 that can be used uniformly in the different illumination modes. In the present case, the broadband optic 77 is designed for a spectral range of at least 400 nm to 1000 nm.It can be used uniformly for different illumination and / or observation spectral ranges.

[0111] In some embodiments, the imaging device 14 can be configured as a stereoendoscope comprising a stereoscopic eyepiece with two sides. Different optical filters can be connected independently of one another to these sides, allowing different contrast images to be superimposed on one another.

[0112] In the following, in the context of further embodiments and modifications, the same reference numerals as above are used for identical or similar components. Regarding their description, reference is generally made to the above explanations, whereas the following primarily explains differences between the embodiments. Furthermore, some reference numerals have been omitted in the following figures for the sake of clarity.

[0113] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of the imaging device 10. The imaging device 10 comprises an illumination device 12 with an optical interface 16 and an illumination unit 18, as well as an imaging device 14 connected to the optical interface 16. The imaging device 14 comprises a camera unit 68 with an automated filter unit 210. The automated filter unit 210 comprises a plurality of optical filters 48, 50, 52, which can be automatically inserted into an observation beam path 70 of the camera unit 68 according to an observation mode specified by a user.

[0114] The automated filter unit 210 includes a filter drive 212 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 can be mounted on a filter carrier 118 connected to the filter drive 212. The filter drive 212 can be configured to move the filter carrier 118, for example, to shift and / or rotate and / or pivot it.

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

[0116] The imaging device 14 further includes a controller 66. The controller 66 is coupled to the filter drive 212 and the user interface 214. The controller 66 is configured, in particular, to process a user specification of an observation mode and to control both the filter unit 210 and the illumination unit 18 in accordance with this user specification. The controller 66 can thus set an operating state of the imaging device 14 and a corresponding illumination mode of the illumination unit 18 in accordance with an observation mode selected by the user.

[0117] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of yet another embodiment of the imaging device 10. The imaging device 10 comprises an illumination device 12 with an optical interface 16 and an illumination unit 18, as well as an imaging device 14 connected to the optical interface 16. The imaging device 14 comprises a proximal base unit 310. The proximal base unit 310 is connected to the optical interface 16 of the illumination device 12. Illumination light generated by the illumination device 12 can thus be supplied to the proximal base unit 310. The imaging device 14 further comprises a controller 66, which in some embodiments can be integrated into the base unit 310.

[0118] Different interchangeable shafts 312, 314 can be optically and electronically coupled to the proximal base unit 310. The base unit 310 has an interface 316 for coupling different interchangeable shafts 312, 314. This interface 316 supplies the illumination light coming from the illumination device 12 to a coupled interchangeable shaft 312, 314. Furthermore, the interface 316 is configured to electrically supply a coupled interchangeable shaft 312, 314 and / or to electronically connect it to the controller 66 of the imaging device 14.

[0119] The interchangeable shafts 312, 314 each have an integrated camera 318, 320 and integrated optical filters 322, 324. The integrated cameras 318, 320 are designed as tipcams. In the present case, the integrated camera 318 of a first interchangeable shaft 312 is configured for multispectral imaging. Furthermore, the integrated camera 310 of a second interchangeable shaft 314 is configured for fluorescence imaging. The optionally present optical filters 322, 324 can be adapted to this. In other embodiments, interchangeable shafts can also be used that only comprise optical filters but no integrated camera. These can then be coupled to a proximal camera unit. The proximal camera unit can then, in some cases, be designed without an additional filter unit. The selection of a specific optical filter or a specific observation mode can be achieved by selecting a suitably equipped interchangeable shaft.

[0120] The controller 66 is configured to detect a connected interchangeable shaft 312, 314. This can be done software-based, mechanically, and / or by sensor detection. Depending on the detected interchangeable shaft 312, 314, the controller 66 can then determine in which operating state or observation mode the imaging device 14 should be operated. The control unit 66 is also configured to set an illumination mode of the illumination unit 18. The control unit 66 is thus configured to set an illumination mode of the illumination unit 18 depending on the observation mode defined by a currently connected interchangeable shaft 312, 314.

[0121] In this case, the interchangeable shafts 312, 314 and the imaging device 10 are part of a medical imaging system 316. The medical imaging system 316 allows a user to select a suitable interchangeable shaft 312, 314, couple it to the base unit 310, and thus define a mode for the entire imaging device 10. Simply changing the interchangeable shaft 312, 314 thus automatically adapts the illumination device 18 to the desired image acquisition mode.

[0122] Fig. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of an imaging device 10'. The reference numerals of this embodiment are provided with apostrophes for differentiation. In this embodiment, the imaging device 10' is designed as an exoscopic imaging device. It comprises an illumination device 12' and an imaging device 14'. Their basic functionality corresponds to that described above, but in this embodiment, the imaging device 14' is designed as an exoscope.

[0123] Aspects of the above description can also be summarized or described as follows. Fig. 8 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for generating illumination light for an imaging device 14 using an illumination device 12. The sequence of the methods also follows from the above explanations. The illumination device 12 comprises an optical interface 16 for optically connecting an imaging device 14 and a illumination unit 18 configured to supply illumination light to the optical interface 16. The illumination unit 18 comprises a plurality of independently selectably activatable lighting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, which are configured to emit light according to different emission spectra in order to supply the illumination light.

[0124] The method comprises a step S11 of at least temporarily activating a first group of the light-emitting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 to provide illumination light for multispectral imaging. Furthermore, the method comprises a step S12 of at least temporarily activating a second group of the light-emitting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 to provide illumination light for fluorescence imaging. One of the light-emitting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 is at least temporarily activated both during the at least temporary activation of the first group of the light-emitting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 and during the at least temporary activation of the second group of the light-emitting elements 20, 22, 24, 26, 28.

[0125] Fig. 9 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for operating an imaging device 10. The sequence of the methods also follows from the above explanations. In a step S21, an imaging device 10 with an imaging device 14 is provided. In a step S22, illumination light is supplied to the imaging device 14. The supply of the illumination light to the imaging device 14 occurs according to a method as described with reference to Fig. 8.

[0126] Fig. 10 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for operating an imaging device 10. The sequence of the methods also follows from the above explanations. The method comprises a step S31 of providing an illumination device 12 for providing illumination light for an imaging device 14. The imaging device 14 comprises an optical interface 16 for optically connecting an imaging device 14 and a illumination unit 18 which is configured to supply illumination light to the optical interface 16. The illumination unit 18 is multimodal and can be operated in several different illumination modes. Furthermore, the method comprises a step S32 of providing an imaging device 14 which can be connected to the optical interface 16 of the illumination device 12.Furthermore, the method comprises a step S33 of automated coordination of an operating state of the imaging device 14 and an illumination mode of the illumination unit 18.

[0127] The devices, methods and systems described above in general and / or the devices, methods and systems described above using exemplary embodiments relate in particular to the following main aspects I, II and III, the aspects of which are each numbered with Arabic numerals below and which can also be combined with each other, i.e. 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 as well as their respective associated aspects:

[0128] Main aspect I

[0129] 1-1. A lighting device (12), in particular for providing illumination light for an imaging device (14) such as an endoscope, exoscope, and / or microscope, comprising: an optical interface (16) for optically connecting an imaging device (14); and a lighting unit (18) configured to supply illumination light to the optical interface (16), wherein the lighting unit (18) is multimodal and comprises a plurality of independently selectively activatable lighting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) configured to emit light according to different emission spectra to supply the illumination light, wherein the lighting unit (18) is operable in at least one multispectral mode in which a first group of the lighting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) is at least temporarily activated and in which the lighting unit (18) supplies illumination light for multispectral imaging;wherein the illumination unit (18) is operable in at least one fluorescence mode, in which a second group of the luminous elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) is at least temporarily activated and in which the illumination unit (18) provides illumination light for fluorescence imaging; and wherein the luminous elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) comprise at least one luminous element (20) contained in both the first group and the second group.

[0130] I-2. Lighting device (12) according to aspect 1-1 or I-2, wherein at least one luminous element (20) contained in both the first group and the second group emits light in the red spectral range, in particular in a spectral range between 600 nm and 680 nm.

[0131] 1-3. Illumination device (12) according to aspect 1-1, wherein the illumination unit (18) is operable in at least one white light mode in which the illumination unit (18) provides illumination light for white light imaging.

[0132] I-4. The illumination device (12) according to aspect I-3, wherein in the white light mode, a third group of the luminous elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) is at least temporarily activated to provide the illumination light for white light imaging, and wherein the luminous elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) comprise at least one luminous element (20, 22, 24) that is included in both the first group and / or the second group and the third group.

[0133] I-5. Lighting device (12) according to aspect I-4, wherein at least one luminous element (20) contained in both the first group and / or in the second group and in the third group emits light in the red spectral range, in particular in a spectral range between 600 nm and 680 nm.

[0134] I-6. Lighting device (12) according to aspect I-4 or I-5, wherein at least one luminous element (24) contained in both the first group and / or in the second group and in the third group emits light in the blue spectral range, in particular in a spectral range between 440 and 480 nm.

[0135] I-7. Lighting device (12) according to one of the preceding aspects of main aspect I, wherein the lighting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) comprise at least one lighting element (22) that emits light in a spectral range between 750 and 790 nm and / or wherein the lighting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) comprise at least one lighting element (28) that emits light in a spectral range between 920 and 960 nm. 1-8. Lighting device (12) according to one of the preceding aspects of main aspect I, wherein the lighting 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 an output side (42, 44), and wherein at least one of the lighting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) is arranged on each of the opposite input sides (34, 36, 38, 40) of the crossed beam splitter (30, 32).

[0136] I-9. Lighting device (12) according to one of the preceding aspects of main aspect I, wherein the luminous elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) comprise at least four narrow-band emitting single-color luminous elements, each with different spectral ranges, and at least one broadband emitting white light luminous element.

[0137] 1-10. Illumination device (12) according to one of the preceding aspects of main aspect I, wherein the illumination unit (18) is operable in at least one hyperspectral mode in which a plurality of luminous elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) are activated, the emission spectra of which together cover at least a spectral range from 450 nm to 850 nm, and in which the illumination unit (18) provides illumination light for hyperspectral imaging.

[0138] 1-1 1. An imaging device (10), comprising: an illumination device (12) according to any one of the preceding aspects of main aspect I; and an imaging device (14) connectable to the optical interface (16) of the illumination device (12).

[0139] 1-12. Imaging device (10) according to aspect 1-1 1, wherein the imaging device (14) has a filter unit (46) with optical filters (48, 50, 52) which is switchable at least between a multispectral mode and a fluorescence mode.

[0140] 1-13. A method for generating illumination light for an imaging device (14) by means of an illumination apparatus (12), in particular by means of an illumination apparatus (12) according to one of aspects 1-1 to 1-10, wherein the illumination apparatus (12) comprises an optical interface (16) for optically connecting 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 independently selectively activatable illumination elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) configured to emit light according to different emission spectra in order to supply the illumination light, the method comprising: at least temporarily activating a first group of the illumination elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) in order to supply illumination light for multispectral imaging;and at least temporarily activating a second group of the light-emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) to provide 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 both during the at least temporary activation of the first group of light-emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) and during the at least temporary activation of the second group of light-emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28).

[0141] I-14. A method for operating an imaging device (10), in particular according to one of aspects 1-11 or 1-12, wherein the imaging device (10) comprises an imaging device (14), wherein illumination light is supplied to the imaging device (14) according to a method according to aspects 1-13.

[0142] Main aspect II

[0143] II-1. A medical imaging device (10), in particular an endoscopic and / or exoscopic and / or microscopic imaging device, comprising: an illumination device (12) for providing illumination light for an imaging device (14), comprising: an optical interface (16) for optically connecting an imaging device (14); and a lighting unit (18) configured to supply illumination light to the optical interface (16), wherein the lighting unit (18) is multimodal and operable in a plurality of different illumination modes; and an imaging device (14) connectable to the optical interface (16) of the illumination device (12); and a controller (66) configured to automatically coordinate an operating state of the imaging device (14) and an illumination mode of the lighting unit (18).

[0144] II-2. Medical imaging device (10) according to aspect II-1, wherein the illumination mode of the illumination unit (18) and / or the operating state of the imaging device (14) can be specified by at least one user action, and wherein the controller (66) is configured to automatically coordinate the operating state of the imaging device (14) and the illumination mode of the illumination unit (18) in response to the user action.

[0145] II-3. Medical imaging device (10) according to aspect II-1 or II-2, wherein the imaging device (14) comprises a camera unit (68), and wherein the controller (66) is configured to set an illumination mode of the illumination unit (18) depending on an operating state of the camera unit (68).

[0146] II-4. Medical imaging device (10) according to aspect II-3, wherein the camera unit (68) comprises a plurality of optical filters (48, 50, 52) that can be selectively introduced into an observation beam path (70) of the camera unit (68) and that define different observation modes that can be selected by a user, and wherein the controller (66) is configured to adjust the illumination mode depending on a selected observation mode.

[0147] II-5. The medical imaging device (10) according to aspect II-4, wherein the optical filters (48, 50, 52) can be manually introduced into the observation beam path (70) by the user, wherein the camera unit (68) comprises at least one filter sensor (72) configured to automatically detect an optical filter (48, 50, 52) currently introduced into the observation beam path (70) and to generate a sensor signal containing information regarding the detected optical filter (48, 50, 52), and wherein the controller (66) is configured to detect the observation mode of the camera unit (68) in accordance with the sensor signal. 11-6.Medical imaging device (10) according to one of aspects II-4 or II-5, wherein the camera unit (68) has an automated 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) in accordance with an observation mode specified by a user.

[0148] II-7. The medical imaging device (10) according to any one of aspects II-3 to II-6, wherein the imaging device (14) has a distal shaft (76), wherein the camera unit (68) is a proximal camera unit, and wherein the shaft (76) is optically coupled to the camera unit (68).

[0149] II-8. Medical imaging device (10) according to one of the preceding aspects of main aspect II, wherein the illumination unit (18) comprises a plurality of independently selectively activatable lighting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) which are configured to emit light according to different emission spectra in order to provide the illumination light, and wherein the illumination unit (18) is operable in at least one multispectral mode in which the illumination unit (18) provides illumination light for multispectral imaging, and / or wherein the illumination unit (18) is operable in at least one fluorescence mode in which the illumination unit (18) provides illumination light for fluorescence imaging, and / or wherein the illumination unit (18) is operable in at least one white light mode in which the illumination unit (18) provides illumination light for white light imaging.

[0150] II-9. Medical imaging device (10) according to one of the preceding aspects of main aspect II, wherein the imaging device (14) comprises a broadband transmitting optic (77) that can be used uniformly in the different illumination modes.

[0151] 11-10. Medical imaging device (10) according to one of the preceding aspects of main aspect II, wherein the imaging device (14) comprises a proximal base unit (310) to which different interchangeable shafts (312, 314) can be optically and electronically coupled as desired, said interchangeable shafts being designed for different observation modes, and wherein the controller (66) is configured to set an illumination mode of the illumination unit (18) depending on the observation mode defined by a currently coupled interchangeable shaft (312, 314).

[0152] 11-11. A medical imaging system (316) comprising: a medical imaging device (10) according to aspect 11-10; and at least two different interchangeable shafts (312, 314) that are selectively connectable to the base unit (310) of the imaging device (14).

[0153] 11-12. Medical imaging system (316) according to aspect 11-11, wherein the interchangeable shafts (312, 314) each comprise an integrated camera (318, 320) and / or integrated optical filters (322, 324).

[0154] II-13. A method for operating a medical imaging device (10), in particular according to one of aspects II-1 to II-10, wherein the imaging device (10) comprises: an illumination device (12) for providing illumination light for an imaging device (14), comprising: an optical interface (16) for optically connecting an imaging device (14); and a lighting unit (18) configured to supply illumination light to the optical interface (16), wherein the lighting unit (18) is multimodal and operable in a plurality of different illumination modes; and an imaging device (14) connectable to the optical interface (16) of the illumination device (12); and wherein the method comprises: automated coordination of an operating state of the imaging device (14) and an illumination mode of the lighting unit (18).

[0155] Main aspect III

[0156] III-1. Illumination device (12), in particular for providing illumination light for an imaging device (14) such as an endoscope, exoscope and / or microscope, comprising: an optical interface (16) for optically connecting 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 independently selectively activatable illumination elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) configured to emit light according 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 illumination elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28), comprising at least two of the illumination elements (20, 26), is at least temporarily activated and in which the illumination unit (18) supplies illumination light for multispectral imaging;wherein the lighting elements (20, 26) of the first group are arranged such that light emitted by the lighting elements (20, 26) travels through a light path of at least substantially the same length from the respective lighting element (20, 26) to the optical interface (16);

[0157] III-2. Lighting device (12) according to aspect III-1, wherein the lighting unit (18) defines a common optical path (54) into which emitted light from the lighting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) can be coupled, wherein the lighting elements (20, 26) of the first group each have a light-emitting surface (56, 58), and wherein the light-emitting surfaces (56, 62) of the lighting elements (20, 26) of the first group are arranged equidistantly with respect to the common optical path (54).

[0158] III-3. Illumination device (12) according to aspect III-1 or III-2, wherein 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 an output side (44), and wherein at least one of the luminous elements (20, 26) of the first group is arranged on each of the opposite input sides (38, 40) of the crossed beam splitter (32).

[0159] III-4. Illumination device (12) according to aspects III-2 and III-3, wherein the crossed beam splitter (32) is arranged such that it couples light coming from the opposite input sides (38, 40) into the common optical path (54).

[0160] III-5. Illumination device (12) according to aspect III-3 or III-4, wherein the at least one beam splitter (32) comprises at least three input sides (38, 40, 41), two of which form the opposite input sides (38, 40) and a third of which is opposite the output side (44). III-6. Illumination device (12) according to one of aspects III-3 to III-5, wherein the illumination unit (18) comprises at least two crossed beam splitters (30, 32) arranged optically one behind the other.

[0161] III-7. Illumination device (12) according to one of the preceding claims of main aspect III, wherein the illumination unit (18) is operable in at least one fluorescence mode in which a second group of the luminous elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) is at least temporarily activated and in which the illumination unit (18) provides illumination light for fluorescence imaging, and / or wherein the illumination unit (18) is operable in at least one white light mode in which the illumination unit (18) provides illumination light for white light imaging.

[0162] III-8. Illumination device (12) according to one of the preceding aspects of main aspect III, wherein the illumination unit (18) is operable in at least one hyperspectral mode in which a plurality of luminous elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) are activated, the emission spectra of which together cover at least a spectral range from 450 nm to 850 nm, and in which the illumination unit (18) provides illumination light for hyperspectral imaging.

[0163] III-9. An imaging device (10) comprising: an illumination device (12) according to any one of the preceding aspects of main aspect III; and an imaging device (14) connectable to the optical interface (16) of the illumination device (12).

[0164] 111-10. Imaging device (10) according to aspect III-9, wherein the imaging device (14) has a filter unit (46) with optical filters (48, 50, 52) that can be switched at least between a multispectral mode and a fluorescence mode and / or a white light mode. List of reference symbols

[0165] 10 Imaging device

[0166] 12 Lighting device

[0167] 14 Imaging device

[0168] 16 optical interface

[0169] 18 lighting unit

[0170] 20 light elements

[0171] 22 light elements

[0172] 24 light elements

[0173] 26 lighting elements

[0174] 28 light elements

[0175] 30 beam splitters

[0176] 32 beam splitters

[0177] 34 Entrance page

[0178] 36 Entrance page

[0179] 37 Entrance page

[0180] 38 Entrance page

[0181] 40 Entrance page

[0182] 41 Entrance page

[0183] 42 Exit page

[0184] 44 Exit page

[0185] 46 Filter unit

[0186] 48 filters

[0187] 50 filters

[0188] 52 filters

[0189] 54 optical path

[0190] 56 light-emitting surface

[0191] 58 light-emitting surface

[0192] 60 light-emitting surface

[0193] 62 light-emitting surface

[0194] 64 light-emitting surface

[0195] 66 Control

[0196] 68 Camera unit

[0197] 70 Observation beam path

[0198] 72 filter sensor

[0199] 74 display unit

[0200] 76 shaft

[0201] 77 Optics Lens

[0202] lens

[0203] lens

[0204] lens

[0205] lens

[0206] lens

[0207] Beam splitter element

[0208] Beam splitter element

[0209] Beam splitter element

[0210] Beam splitter element

[0211] Transmission spectrum

[0212] Transmission spectrum Transmission spectrum Transmission spectrum Light guide

[0213] Imaging sensors White light sensor Near-IR sensor Light path distal section Filter unit Filter drive

[0214] User interface

[0215] Base unit

[0216] Interchangeable shaft Interchangeable shaft Imaging system Camera

[0217] camera

[0218] filter

[0219] filter

Claims

Claims 1. A lighting device (12), in particular for providing illumination light for an imaging device (14) such as an endoscope, exoscope, and / or microscope, comprising: an optical interface (16) for optically connecting an imaging device (14); and a lighting unit (18) configured to supply illumination light to the optical interface (16), wherein the lighting unit (18) is multimodal and comprises a plurality of independently selectively activatable lighting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) configured to emit light according to different emission spectra to supply the illumination light, wherein the lighting unit (18) is operable in at least one multispectral mode in which a first group of the lighting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) is at least temporarily activated and in which the lighting unit (18) supplies illumination light for multispectral imaging;wherein the illumination unit (18) is operable in at least one fluorescence mode, in which a second group of the luminous elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) is at least temporarily activated and in which the illumination unit (18) provides illumination light for fluorescence imaging; and wherein the luminous elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) comprise at least one luminous element (20) contained in both the first group and the second group.

2. Lighting device (12) according to claim 1, wherein at least one lighting element (20) contained in both the first group and the second group emits light in the red spectral range, in particular in a spectral range between 600 nm and 680 nm.

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

4. The illumination device (12) according to claim 3, wherein in the white light mode, a third group of the luminous elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) is at least temporarily activated to provide the illumination light for the white light imaging, and wherein the lighting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) comprise at least one lighting element (20, 22, 24) which is contained in both the first group and / or in the second group and in the third group.

5. Lighting device (12) according to claim 4, wherein at least one lighting element (20) contained in both the first group and / or in the second group and in the third group emits light in the red spectral range, in particular in a spectral range between 600 nm and 680 nm.

6. Lighting device (12) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein at least one lighting element (24) contained in both the first group and / or in the second group and in the third group emits light in the blue spectral range, in particular in a spectral range between 440 and 480 nm.

7. Lighting device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) comprise at least one Light-emitting element (22) which emits light in a spectral range between 750 and 790 nm and / or wherein the light-emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) comprise at least one light-emitting element (28) which emits light in a spectral range between 920 and 960 nm.

8. Lighting device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting 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 an output side (42, 44), and wherein at least one of the lighting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) is arranged on each of the opposite input sides (34, 36, 38, 40) of the crossed beam splitter (30, 32).

9. Lighting device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) comprise at least four narrow-band emitting single-color lighting elements each having different spectral ranges and at least one broadband emitting white light lighting element.

10. Lighting device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting unit (18) is operable in at least one hyperspectral mode in which a plurality of lighting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) are activated, the emission spectra of which together cover at least a spectral range from 450 nm to 850 nm, and in which the lighting unit (18) provides illumination light for hyperspectral imaging.

11. An imaging device (10) comprising: an illumination device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims; and an imaging device (14) connectable to the optical interface (16) of the illumination device (12).

12. Imaging device (10) according to claim 11, wherein the imaging device (14) has a filter unit (46) with optical filters (48, 50, 52) which is switchable at least between a multispectral mode and a fluorescence mode.

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 one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the illumination device (12) comprises an optical interface (16) for optically connecting an imaging device (14) and a illumination unit (18) which is configured to supply illumination light to the optical interface (16), wherein the illumination unit (18) comprises a plurality of independently selectively activatable illumination elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) which are configured to emit light according to different emission spectra in order to supply the illumination light, the method comprising: at least temporarily activating a first group of the illumination elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) in order to supply illumination light for multispectral imaging;and at least temporarily activating a second group of the light-emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) to provide 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 both during the at least temporary activation of the first group of light-emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) and during the at least temporary activation of the second group of light-emitting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28).

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

15. An imaging device (10), in particular a medical imaging device, in particular an endoscopic and / or exoscopic and / or microscopic imaging device, in particular according to claim 11 or 12, comprising: an illumination device (12) for providing illumination light for an imaging device (14), comprising: an optical interface (16) for optically connecting an imaging device (14); and a lighting unit (18) configured to supply illumination light to the optical interface (16), wherein the lighting unit (18) is multimodal and operable in a plurality of different illumination modes; and an imaging device (14) connectable to the optical interface (16) of the illumination device (12); and a controller (66) configured to automatically coordinate an operating state of the imaging device (14) and an illumination mode of the lighting unit (18).

16. Imaging device (10) according to claim 11 or 12 and / or according to claim 15, wherein the illumination mode of the illumination unit (18) and / or the operating state of the imaging device (14) can be specified by at least one user action, and wherein the controller (66) is configured to automatically coordinate the operating state of the imaging device (14) and the illumination mode of the illumination unit (18) with one another in response to the user action.

17. Imaging device (10) according to claim 11 or 12 and / or according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the imaging device (14) comprises a camera unit (68), and wherein the controller (66) is configured to set an illumination mode of the illumination unit (18) depending on an operating state of the camera unit (68).

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

19. Imaging device (10) according to claim 11 or 12 and / or claim 18, wherein the optical filters (48, 50, 52) can be manually introduced into the observation beam path (70) by the user, wherein the camera unit (68) comprises at least one filter sensor (72) which is configured to automatically detect an optical filter (48, 50, 52) currently introduced into the observation beam path (70) and to generate a sensor signal which contains information relating to the detected optical filter (48, 50, 52), and wherein the controller (66) is configured to detect the observation mode of the camera unit (68) in accordance with the sensor signal.

20. Imaging device (10) according to claim 11 or 12 and / or according to one of claims 18 or 19, wherein the camera unit (68) has an automated 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) in accordance with an observation mode specified by a user.

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

22. Imaging device (10) according to claim 11 or 12 and / or according to one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the illumination unit (18) comprises a plurality of independently selectably activatable light elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) which are configured to emit light according to different emission spectra in order to supply the illumination light, and wherein the illumination unit (18) is operable in at least one multispectral mode in which the illumination unit (18) supplies illumination light for multispectral imaging, and / or wherein the illumination unit (18) is operable in at least one fluorescence mode in which the illumination unit (18) supplies illumination light for fluorescence imaging, and / or wherein 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.

23. Imaging device (10) according to claim 11 or 12 and / or according to one of claims 15 to 22, wherein the imaging device (14) comprises a broadband transmitting optic (77) which can be used uniformly in the different illumination modes.

24. Imaging device (10) according to claim 11 or 12 and / or according to one of claims 15 to 22, wherein the imaging device (14) comprises a proximal base unit (310) to which different interchangeable shafts (312, 314) can be optically and electronically coupled as desired, which interchangeable shafts are designed for different observation modes, and wherein the controller (66) is configured to set an illumination mode of the illumination unit (18) depending on the observation mode defined by a currently coupled interchangeable shaft (312, 314).

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

26. Imaging system (316), in particular medical imaging system, according to claim 25, wherein the interchangeable shafts (312, 314) each comprise an integrated camera (318, 320) and / or integrated optical filters (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 one of claims 15 to 24, in particular a method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the imaging device (10) comprises the following: an illumination device (12) for providing illumination light for an imaging device (14), comprising: an optical interface (16) for optically connecting an imaging device (14); and an illumination unit (18) which is configured to supply illumination light to the optical interface (16), wherein the illumination unit (18) is multimodal and operable in a plurality of different illumination modes; and an imaging device (14) which is connectable to the optical interface (16) of the illumination device (12);and wherein the method comprises: automated coordination of an operating state of the imaging device (14) and an illumination mode of the illumination unit (18); 28. Illumination device (12), in particular for providing illuminating light for an imaging device (14) such as an endoscope, exoscope and / or microscope, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 10, comprising: an optical interface (16) for optically connecting an imaging device (14); and a lighting unit (18) which is designed to supply illuminating light to the optical interface (16), wherein the lighting unit (18) comprises a plurality of independently selectably activatable lighting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) which are designed to are configured to emit light according 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 lighting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28), which comprises at least two of the lighting elements (20, 26), is at least temporarily activated and in which the illumination unit (18) supplies illumination light for multispectral imaging; wherein the lighting elements (20, 26) of the first group are arranged such that light emitted by the lighting elements (20, 26) each travels a light path of at least substantially the same length from the respective lighting element (20, 26) to the optical interface (16).

29. Lighting device (12) according to one of claims 1 to 10 and / or according to claim 28, wherein the lighting unit (18) defines a common optical path (54) into which emitted light of the lighting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) can be coupled, wherein the lighting elements (20, 26) of the first group each have a light-emitting surface (56, 58), and wherein the light-emitting surfaces (56, 62) of the lighting elements (20, 26) of the first group are arranged equidistantly with respect to the common optical path (54).

30. Lighting device (12) according to one of claims 1 to 10 and / or according to claim 28 or 29, wherein the lighting 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 an output side (44), and wherein at least one of the lighting elements (20, 26) of the first group is arranged on each of the opposite input sides (38, 40) of the crossed beam splitter (32).

31. Lighting device (12) according to one of claims 1 to 10 and / or according to claims 29 and 30, wherein the crossed beam splitter (32) is arranged such that it couples light coming from the opposite input sides (38, 40) into the common optical path (54).

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

33. Lighting device (12) according to one of claims 1 to 10 and / or according to one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the lighting unit (18) comprises at least two crossed beam splitters (30, 32) arranged optically one behind the other.

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

35. Lighting device (12) according to one of claims 1 to 10 and / or according to one of claims 28 to 34, wherein the lighting unit (18) is operable in at least one hyperspectral mode in which a plurality of lighting elements (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) are activated, the emission spectra of which together cover at least a spectral range from 450 nm to 850 nm, and in which the lighting unit (18) supplies illumination light for hyperspectral imaging.

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

37. Imaging device (10) according to claim 11 or 12 and / or according to one of claims 15 to 24 and / or according to claim 36, wherein the imaging device (14) has a filter unit (46) with optical filters (48, 50, 52) which is switchable at least between a multispectral mode and a fluorescence mode and / or a white light mode.

Images