Modular air plenum unit and surgical lighting system

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular air plenum unit which has a housing / body which has a generally polygonal outer shape / profile, when seen in plan view. The housing / body defines recesses which, when seen in plan view, are located in respective corners of the polygonal outer shape / profile. The recesses are defined such that, when the modular air plenum unit is fitted / arranged adjacent to another modular air plenum unit, a recess of the one modular air plenum unit together with a recess of the other modular air plenum unit define an opening / space inside which a light is mounted / mountable. The invention also extends to an integrated air and lighting plenum system which includes a plurality of the said air plenum units and a plurality of surgical lights which are secured to the modular air plenum units at spaced apart positions.

Description

[0001] TITLE: Modular Air Plenum Unit and Surgical Lighting System

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] THIS invention relates to a surgical lighting system and a modular air plenum unit.

[0004] In an operating room, surgical lights are typically mounted on articulated arms which can be manipulated manually by surgeons / nurses in order to light up a particular surgical sight (i.e. a light is grabbed by hand and made to point towards a particular site). The presence of these articulated arms can however be quite intrusive for surgeons during operations and can pose problems with cross contamination (15% of surgical light handles are contaminated with at least 1 pathogen) and the light head structure and the articulated arms interfere with the laminar airflow in the surgical fields creating turbulence which can also allow pathogens and particles to remain or be introduced to the surgical site. The lighting process also typically takes some time in order to ensure that the surgical site is lit up sufficiently from a position which would allow surgeons to operate without getting in the way of the light and without the articulated arms posing a hinderance to the surgeons and other medical personnel. In emergency operations where time is of the essence, the process is not ideal at all.

[0005] EP 3 646 842 A2 describes an integrated air and lighting plenum. However, this configuration resulted in a large heavy superstructure which restricted installations for health providers and restricted size. This design also did not adequately comply with BS EN ISO 60601 -2-41 .

[0006] The Inventors wish to address at least some of the issues mentioned above. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a modular air plenum unit which has a housing / body which has a generally polygonal outer shape / profile, when seen in plan view, wherein the housing / body defines recesses which, when seen in plan view, are located in respective corners of the polygonal outer shape / profile, and whereby the recesses are defined such that, when the modular air plenum unit is fitted / arranged adjacent to another modular air plenum unit, a recess of the one modular air plenum unit together with a recess of the other modular air plenum unit define an opening / space inside which a light is mounted / mountable.

[0008] The housing / body may have a generally hexagonal outer shape / profile, when seen in plan view. Alternatively, the housing / body may have a generally rectangular or square outer shape / profile, when seen in plan view.

[0009] The housing / body may define an inner cavity / space / channel. An operatively bottom part / face of the housing / body may define a plurality of ventilation holes which leads into the inner cavity / space / channel. The housing / body may include an opening which leads out of the an inner cavity / space / channel. The opening may therefore be flowingly connected with the plurality of ventilation holes. The opening may be spaced from the plurality of ventilation holes. The opening may by located on a lateral side of the housing / body. A filter, more specifically a HEPA filter, may be mounted within / to the housing / body. More specifically, the filter may be mounted in the said opening.

[0010] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided a modular air plenum unit which has a housing / body which has a generally polygonal outer shape / profile, when seen in plan view. The housing / body may have a generally hexagonal outer shape / profile, when seen in plan view. Alternatively, the housing / body may have a generally rectangular or square outer shape / profile, when seen in plan view.

[0011] The housing / body may define recesses which, when seen in plan view, are located in respective corners of the polygonal outer shape / profile.

[0012] The recesses may be defined such that, when the modular air plenum unit is fitted / arranged adjacent to another modular air plenum unit, a recess of the one modular air plenum unit together with a recess of the other modular air plenum unit define an opening / space inside which a light is mounted / mountable.

[0013] The housing / body may define an inner cavity / space / channel. An operatively bottom part / face of the housing / body may define a plurality of ventilation holes which leads into the inner cavity / space / channel. The housing / body may include an opening which leads out of the an inner cavity / space / channel. The opening may therefore be flowingly connected with the plurality of ventilation holes. The opening may be spaced from the plurality of ventilation holes. The opening may by located on a lateral side of the housing / body. A filter, more specifically a HEPA filter, may be mounted within / to the housing / body. More specifically, the filter may be mounted in the said opening.

[0014] In accordance with a third aspect of the invention there is provided an air plenum system which includes a plurality of modular air plenum units in accordance with the first or second aspects of the invention, which are secured / fitted together.

[0015] In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided an integrated air and lighting plenum system which includes the air plenum system in accordance with the third aspect of the invention and a plurality of three or more surgical lights which are secured to the modular air plenum units at spaced apart positions.

[0016] The integrated air and lighting plenum system may include a controller. The controller may be configured to: receive an input / indication regarding a particular surgical site which needs to be lit up, identify which cluster of two or more surgical lights (hereinafter referred to as the “lighting cluster”) of the plurality of three or more surgical lights, based on their locations relative to the particular surgical site, are best suited to light up the surgical site, and operate the lighting cluster in order to light up the surgical site, wherein the controller is further configured to detect / determine, while the surgical site is being lit by the lighting cluster, when one of the surgical lights of the lighting cluster is no longer working, and if so, increase the illuminance of the other remaining surgical light(s) of the lighting cluster, in order to compensate for the loss of illuminance.

[0017] The recesses of the housings / bodies of adjacent air plenums may together define a plurality of openings / spaces. The plurality of surgical lights may be mounted within the plurality of openings / spaces respectively.

[0018] The integrated air and lighting plenum system may include: a plurality of three or more calibration light emission devices which are respectively secured to each of the three or more surgical lights and which are each configured to emit light operatively downwardly towards an operating area, when in use; a camera system which includes one or more cameras; a controller which is operatively connected to the camera system, to each of the plurality of three or more surgical lights and to each of the plurality of three or more calibration light emission devices, wherein the controller is configured to perform a calibration function whereby the calibration light emission devices are operated by the controller to emit light operatively downwardly towards a floor, when the air plenum system and the plurality of three or more surgical lights are installed above an operating area, respective locations being illuminated by the calibration light emission devices are identified by the controller using the camera system, and the controller uses the identified locations in order to calibrate the plurality of three or more surgical lights in terms of their relative positions and / or orientations.

[0019] Each calibration light emission device may be a laser which is configured to project a shape onto a floor, when in use. The controller may be configured to: operate the lasers so that they project shapes onto the floor, identify the respective locations of the projected shapes on the floor using the camera system, and calibrate the plurality of two or more surgical lights in terms of their relative positions and / or orientations by adjusting their orientations until the respective shapes projected by the lasers overlap, by using the camera system.

[0020] The integrated air and lighting plenum system may include: a sensing arrangement which, when installed in the operating room, is configured to sense one or more gestures from a person located in the operating room; and a control arrangement which is configured to utilise data / information obtained from the sensing arrangement in order to identify an instruction which relate to the operation of the three or more surgical lights from the person, based on the one or more gestures performed by the person; and control the operation of the plurality of surgical lights based on the identified instruction. In accordance with a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided an integrated air and lighting plenum installation which includes: the integrated air and lighting plenum system in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention; and a mounting arrangement which includes one or more rails to which the plurality of modular air plenum units are secured, wherein the one or more rails are located above an operating room and extend across the operating room when viewed from above.

[0021] The installation may include two or more spaced-apart, parallel rails which extends across the operating room when viewed from above, to which the plurality of modular air plenum units are secured.

[0022] In accordance with a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided an integrated air and lighting plenum system which includes: a plurality of at least seven (7) surgical lights; a plurality of modular air plenum units which are, in use, arranged / positioned adjacent one another, and a controller, wherein each modular air plenum unit of the plurality of modular air plenum units includes a housing / body, whereby when the plurality of modular air plenum units are arranged / positioned adjacent one another, the housings / bodies of the plurality of modular air plenum units define a plurality of openings / spaces / recesses which are spaced apart and inside which a surgical light of the plurality of surgical lights is mounted respectively, wherein the controller is configured to receive an input / indication regarding a particular surgical site which needs to be lit up, identify which two or more surgical lights of the plurality of surgical lights, based on their locations relative to the particular surgical site, are best suited to light up the surgical site, and operate the identified surgical lights in order to light up the surgical site.

[0023] The controller may be configured to: receive an input(s) / indication(s) regarding at least two surgical sites which need to be lit up; for each of the at least two surgical sites, identify which two or more surgical lights of the plurality of surgical lights, based on their locations relative to the particular surgical site, are best suited to light up the surgical site, and operate the identified surgical lights in order to light up the particular surgical site.

[0024] Each modular air plenum unit of the plurality of modular air plenum units may be a modular air plenum unit in accordance with the first or second aspects of the invention.

[0025] In accordance with a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided a surgical lighting system which includes: a plurality of three or more surgical lights which are spaced from one another and, in use, located above an operating area; and a controller which is configured to receive an input / indication regarding a particular surgical site which needs to be lit up, identify which cluster of two or more surgical lights (hereinafter referred to as the “lighting cluster”) of the plurality of surgical lights, based on their locations relative to the particular surgical site, are best suited to light up the surgical site, and operate the lighting cluster in order to light up the surgical site, wherein the controller is further configured to detect / determine, while the surgical site is being lit by the lighting cluster, when one of the surgical lights of the lighting cluster is no longer working, and if so, increase the illuminance of the other remaining surgical light(s) of the lighting cluster, in order to compensate for the loss of illuminance. In accordance with an eighth aspect of the invention there is provided a surgical lighting system for an operating room which includes: a plurality of three or more surgical lights which are spaced from one another and, in use, located above an operating area; and a sensing arrangement which, when installed in the operating room, is configured to sense one or more gestures from a person located in the operating room; a control arrangement which is configured to utilise data / information obtained from the sensing arrangement in order to identify an instruction which relate to the operation of the three or more surgical lights from the person, based on the one or more gestures performed by the person; and control the operation of the three or more surgical lights based on the identified instruction.

[0026] In accordance with a ninth aspect of the invention there is provided a surgical lighting system which includes: a plurality of two or more surgical lights which are spaced from one another and, in use, located above an operating area, wherein a calibration light emission device is secured to, or forms part of, each of the two or more surgical lights and is configured to emit light operatively downwardly towards an operating area; a camera system which includes one or more cameras; a controller which is operatively connected to the camera system, the plurality of two or more surgical lights and each of the calibration light emission devices, wherein the controller is configured to perform a calibration function whereby the calibration light emission devices are operated by the controller to emit light downwardly towards a floor, respective locations being illuminated by the calibration light emission devices are identified by the controller using the camera system, and the controller uses the identified locations in order to calibrate the plurality of two or more surgical lights in terms of their relative positions and / or orientations.

[0027] Each calibration light emission device may be a laser which is mounted to its particular surgical light. The laser may be configured to project a shape onto a floor, when in use, wherein the controller is configured to: operate the lasers so that they project shapes onto the floor, identify the respective locations of the projected shapes on the floor using the camera system, and calibrate the plurality of two or more surgical lights in terms of their relative positions and / or orientations by adjusting their orientations until the respective shapes projected by the lasers, which are mounted on the two or more surgical lights, overlap, by using the camera system.

[0028] In accordance with a tenth aspect of the invention there is provided a surgical lighting system which includes: a plurality of three or more surgical lights which are spaced from one another and, in use, located above an operating area; and a controller which is configured to receive an input / indication regarding a particular surgical site which needs to be lit up, identify which two or more surgical lights of the plurality of surgical lights, based on their locations relative to the particular surgical site, are best suited to light up the surgical site, and operate the identified surgical lights in order to light up the surgical site.

[0029] The plurality of surgical lights may include at least seven surgical lights. The controller may be configured to identify which three or more surgical lights of the plurality of surgical lights, based on their locations relative to the particular surgical site, are best suited to light up the surgical site.

[0030] The plurality of surgical lights may include at least fourteen surgical lights and wherein the controller may preferably be configured to identify which three or more surgical lights of the plurality of surgical lights, based on their locations relative to the particular surgical site, are best suited to light up the surgical site.

[0031] The plurality of surgical lights may include at least twenty-one or more surgical lights (preferably thirty-one or more), and wherein the controller may preferably be configured to identify which three or more surgical lights of the plurality of surgical lights, based on their locations relative to the particular surgical site, are best suited to light up the surgical site.

[0032] The controller may be configured to identify which 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10 or 1 1 surgical lights of the plurality of surgical lights, based on their locations relative to the particular surgical site, are best suited to light up the surgical site.

[0033] The system may include a sensor or sensor arrangement which is configured to sense / identify the surgical site and communicate information on its location to the controller.

[0034] The terms “sensor” and “sensor arrangement” should each be interpreted to include a camera.

[0035] The sensor or sensor arrangement may be a camera. The sensor or sensor arrangement may include two cameras or a dual camera system.

[0036] The system, more specifically the sensor or sensor arrangement, may be configured to use gesture control or artificial intelligence in order to identify a surgical site. The sensor or sensor arrangement may be configured to sense a laser / laser pointer which indicates a location of the surgical site and to communicate information on the location of the surgical site indicated by the laser / laser pointer to the controller.

[0037] The controller may be configured to: receive an input(s) / indication(s) regarding at least two surgical sites which need to be lit up; for each of the at least two surgical sites, identify which two or more surgical lights of the plurality of surgical lights, based on their locations relative to the particular surgical site, are best suited to light up the surgical site; and operate the identified surgical lights in order to light up the at least two surgical sites.

[0038] The system may include a plurality of modular air plenum units to which the plurality of surgical lights are secured, when in use.

[0039] The plurality of modular air plenum units may be releasably securable to one another in order to, in use, form an air plenum above an operating area.

[0040] Each modular air plenum unit may have a housing / body which has a generally polygonal outer shape / profile, when seen in plan view. More specifically, each modular air plenum unit may have a housing / body which has a generally hexagonal outer shape / profile, when seen in plan view. Alternatively the housing / body may have a generally rectangular or square shape, when seen in plan view

[0041] The housing / body of each modular air plenum unit may define recesses which, when seen in plan view, are located in respective corners of the polygonal outer shape / profile, and whereby the recesses of two or more adjacent modular air plenum units, when the modular air plenum units are fitted / arranged adjacent to one another, together define an opening / space inside which a surgical light of the plurality of surgical lights is mounted / mountable.

[0042] The housing / body of each modular air plenum unit may be joined to others to form a surgical air plenum above the surgical site or moreover due to their hexagonal design may be joined together to fill a complete ceiling area of any shape or size utilizing surgical lights as described within this document or room spotlights to illuminate the room or a combination thereof.

[0043] The housing / body of each modular air plenum unit may define an inner cavity / space / channel. An operatively bottom part / face of the housing / body may define a plurality of ventilation holes which leads into the inner cavity / space / channel. The housing / body may include an opening which leads out of the an inner cavity / space / channel. The opening may therefore be flowingly connected with the plurality of ventilation holes. The opening may by located on a lateral side of the housing / body. A filter, more specifically a HEPA filter, may be mounted with in / to the housing / body. More specifically, the filter may be mounted in the said opening.

[0044] Each light of the plurality of surgical lights may be secured to an adjustment arrangement which is configured to allow an orientation of the light to be adjusted relative to the plurality of modular air plenum units.

[0045] In accordance with an eleventh aspect of the invention there is provided an integrated air and lighting plenum system which includes: the surgical lighting system in accordance with the tenth aspect of the invention; and a plurality of modular air plenum units to which the plurality of surgical lights are secured, when in use.

[0046] In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the invention there is provided integrated air and lighting plenum installation which includes: the integrated air and lighting plenum system in accordance with the eleventh aspect of the invention; and a mounting arrangement which includes one or more rails to which the plurality of modular air plenum units are secured, wherein the one or more rails are located above an operating room and extend across the operating room when viewed from above.

[0047] The installation may include two or more spaced-apart, parallel rails which extends across the operating room when viewed from above, to which the plurality of modular air plenum units are secured.

[0048] In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the invention there is provided an air plenum system which includes a plurality of modular air plenum units in accordance with the first or second aspects of the invention, which are secured / fitted together.

[0049] Each modular air plenum unit may have a housing / body which defines recesses which, when seen in plan view, are located in respective corners of the polygonal outer shape / profile, and whereby the recesses are defined such that recesses of adjacent modular air plenum units together define openings / spaces inside which a light is mountable.

[0050] In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the invention there is provided an integrated air and lighting plenum system which includes the air plenum system in accordance with the thirteenth aspect of the invention and a plurality of lighting units which are secured to the modular air plenum units.

[0051] Each modular air plenum unit may have a housing / body which defines recesses which, when seen in plan view, are located in respective corners of the polygonal outer shape / profile, and whereby the recesses are defined such that recesses of adjacent modular air plenum units together define openings / spaces inside which a light is mounted / mountable.

[0052] In accordance with a fifteenth aspect of the invention there is provided a modular air plenum unit which has a housing / body which defines recesses, whereby the recesses are defined such that, when the modular air plenum unit is fitted / arranged adjacent to another modular air plenum unit, a recess of the one modular air plenum unit together with a recess of the other modular air plenum unit define an opening / space inside which a light is mounted / mountable.

[0053] In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the invention there is provided an air plenum system which includes a plurality of modular air plenum units in accordance with the seventh aspect of the invention, which are secured / fitted.

[0054] In accordance with a seventeenth aspect of the invention there is provided an integrated air and lighting plenum system which includes the air plenum system in accordance with the sixteenth aspect of the invention and whereby the recesses of the housings / bodies of the air plenums together define a plurality of openings / spaces, and a plurality of lighting units which are mounted within the plurality of openings / spaces respectively.

[0055] In accordance with an eighteenth aspect of the invention there is provided integrated air and lighting plenum installation which includes: the integrated air and lighting plenum system in accordance with the fourteenth or seventeenth aspect of the invention; and a mounting arrangement which includes one or more rails to which the plurality of modular air plenum units are secured, wherein the one or more rails are located above an operating room and extend across the operating room when viewed from above.

[0056] The installation may include two or more spaced-apart, parallel rails which extends across the operating room when viewed from above, to which the plurality of modular air plenum units are secured. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings. In the drawings:

[0058] Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional illustration of an operating room in accordance with the invention;

[0059] Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional view (from above) of a portion of a ceiling of the operating room shown in Figure 1 which includes a plurality of air plenum units and surgical lights in accordance with the invention;

[0060] Figure 3 shows a three-dimensional view (from below) of a portion of a ceiling of the operating room shown in Figure 1 which includes a plurality of air plenum units and surgical lights in accordance with the invention;

[0061] Figure 4 shows a side view of a portion of a ceiling of the operating room shown in Figure 1 ;

[0062] Figure 5 shows a three-dimensional view of a plurality of air plenum units and surgical lights, in accordance with the invention, which are secured together to form part of a ceiling of the operating room shown in Figure 1 ;

[0063] Figure 6 shows a three-dimensional view of an air plenum unit and surgical lights in accordance with the invention;

[0064] Figure 7a shows a three-dimensional view of a housing of an air plenum unit in accordance with the invention;

[0065] Figure 7b shows a plan view of three air plenum units which are fitted together;

[0066] Figure 8a shows a schematic bottom plan view of a plurality of air plenum units, in accordance with the invention, which are secured together to form part of a ceiling of the operating room shown in Figure 1 ;

[0067] Figure 8b shows a schematic bottom plan view of a plurality of air plenum units, in accordance with the invention, which are secured together to form part of a ceiling of the operating room shown in Figure 1 , and wherein triangles used during calibration are shown in thick lines;

[0068] Figure 9 shows a schematic bottom plan view of the operating room shown in Figure 1 , where a plurality of air plenum units and general light units are secured together to form part of a ceiling of the operating room;

[0069] Figure 10a shows a front view of a surgical light and an adjustment arrangement which is, in use, secured to the air plenum units;

[0070] Figure 10b shows a side view of the surgical light and adjustment arrangement shown in Figure 10a;

[0071] Figure 10c shows an opposite side view of the surgical light and adjustment arrangement shown in Figure 10b;

[0072] Figure 10d shows an exploded three-dimensional view of the surgical light and adjustment arrangement shown in Figure 10a;

[0073] Figure 10e shows an assembled three-dimensional view of the surgical light and adjustment arrangement shown in Figure 10d;

[0074] Figure 10f shows an exploded three-dimensional view of the surgical light shown in Figure 10a;

[0075] Figure 10g shows another exploded three-dimensional view of the surgical light shown in Figure 10f;

[0076] Figure 10h shows an exploded three-dimensional view of a lighting arrangement of the surgical light shown in Figure 10f ;

[0077] Figure 10i shows a three-dimensional view of a focusing arrangement of the surgical light shown in Figure 10f, when a tri-lens assembly of the focusing arrangement is in an extended position;

[0078] Figure 10j shows a three-dimensional view of a focusing arrangement of the surgical light shown in Figure 10i, when the tri-lens assembly of the focusing arrangement is in a more retracted position;

[0079] Figure 11 shows a schematic illustration of a user interface of the system in accordance with the invention; Figure 12 shows a schematic layout of the system in accordance with the invention;

[0080] Figure 13 shows a functional layout of the system in accordance with the invention;

[0081] Figure 14 shows a schematic illustration of a user interface of the system in accordance with the invention where a live overhead video feed of the surgical table is shown (through the use of a camera), where a patient’s silhouette is calibrated with an angle of the operating table;

[0082] Figure 15 shows a schematic illustration of a user interface where a specific section can be selected for a zoomed in view;

[0083] Figures 16a-d each show a schematic illustration of a user interface where a spotlight can be selected and moved manually by using a touch screen and where adjustments can be made to the spotlight size, brightness and colour temperature;

[0084] Figure 17 shows a schematic illustration of a user interface where three different surgical sights are lit up via three different spotlights, whereby each spotlight’s spotlight size, brightness and colour temperature can be adjusted, selectively

[0085] Figure 18 shows a schematic top view of an operating room which illustrates a mounting configuration / arrangement to which a plurality of modular units (including air plenums) are be mounted / secured;

[0086] Figure 19 shows a schematic bottom view of the mounting configuration / arrangement shown in Figure 18;

[0087] Figure 20 shows a three-dimensional exploded view of three different variations of air plenums which are shown in Figure 20; and

[0088] Figure 21 shows a three-dimensional view of an alternative embodiment of the air plenums in accordance with the invention, which are secured together;

[0089] Figure 22 shows a schematic illustration of the redistribution / transfer of warm air away from the surgical lights.

[0090] Figure 23 shows a three-dimensional view of a plurality of air plenum units, in accordance with the invention, fitted together; Figure 24a shows a top plan view of a floor of an operating room, where some of the light unit’s lasers have been activated to project grids onto the floor; and

[0091] Figure 24b shows a top plan view of a floor of an operating room, where the light unit’s have been calibrated and their respective lasers project toward the same spot on the floor to form a single grid;.

[0092] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0093] The present invention relates to a surgical lighting system. The invention also relates to an air plenum unit / air plenum system. The invention further relates to an operating room 10 in which the surgical lighting system and air plenum units / air plenum systems are installed.

[0094] A plurality of modular units / modules 12 are typically installed above an operating room to effectively form the ceiling 101 (or part thereof) for the operating room 10. Each modular unit 12 has a housing / body 13 which has a generally polygonal outer shape / profile, when seen in plan / bottom view (see Figures 2, 3, 7a, 7b and 9). More specifically, each modular unit 12 has a generally hexagonal outer shape / profile, when seen in plan / bottom view.

[0095] Some of the modular units 12 are air plenums units 14 which define complemental recesses 16 for housing surgical lights 28, while others are general light units 18 for lighting the rest of the operating room 10 (e.g. see Figures 4, 5 and 9).

[0096] An inner group of air plenum units 20.1 -20.7 (collectively also referred to as the air plenum units 20) are, in use, fitted / arranged adjacent one another directly above an operating area where an operating table 100 is typically located during operations. A housing 22.1 -22.7 of each of these air plenum units 20.1 -20.7 defines recesses / cutouts 24 which, when seen in plan / bottom view, are located in respective corners of the hexagonal outer shape / profile. Each of these housings 22.1 -22.7 also defines a central hole 25 located in the middle of the housing 22.1 -22.7.

[0097] When the inner group of air plenum units 20.1 -20.7 are fitted / arranged adjacent one another, the recesses 24 of adjacent air plenum units together define a circular / cylindrical opening / space / hole (see reference sign 26) inside which a surgical light 28 is mounted / mountable.

[0098] An outer group of air plenum units 32.1 -32.12 (collectively also referred to as the air plenum units 32) are fitted / arranged around the air plenum units 20.1 - 20.7 (see Figure 9). These air plenum units 32 of the outer group are similar to those of the inner group, except that they require less recesses (i.e. since the surgical lights are all provided within the inner group of air plenum units

[0099] 20.1 -20.7 and in-between the inner group and outer group of air plenum units

[0100] 20.1 -20.7, 32.1 -32.12. From Figure 9 it should be clear that the groups of hexagonal air plenum units 20, 32 and general light units 18 can be configured into various different shapes as desired, in order to suit a client’s or operating room’s needs and requirements (e.g. to fit a particular operating room’s shape). If required, the modular air plenum units 32.1 -32.12 can cover the whole ceiling 101 of the operating room. Figure 9 clearly illustrates the flexibility of the modular air plenum units (its size & shape can be changed to suite the spatial requirements of the operating room and its use case).

[0101] Figure 7b shows an example of where an air plenum unit 20 (of the inner group) is secured against two air plenum units 32 (of the outer group) to define a complemental recess 26.

[0102] A surgical light 28 is also mountable inside the central hole 25. In total, the inner and outer groups of air plenum units 20.1 -20.7, 32.1 -32.12 together define thirty-one holes 25, 26 inside which a surgical light 28 is mounted / mountable.

[0103] As shown in Figures 5, 6 and 8, the surgical lights 28 located inside the holes 25, 26, effectively define multiple clusters of 7 lights which each consists of 6 lights which form a generally hexagonal shape (see the illustrated hexagon shape 102.1 ), and a 7thlight located in the middle of the hexagonal shape (hereinafter referred to as a “hexagonal lighting cluster”). It will be appreciated that the hexagonal shape of the 7 light hexagonal lighting cluster is made possible by the hexagonal shape of the air plenum units 20.1 -20.7, 32.1 -32.12.

[0104] Due to the layout of the array of 31 surgical lights the illumination of a hexagonal-shaped cluster of 7 lights can effectively be moved across / changed to various positions within the array as illustrated by the hexagons illustrated by reference numerals 102.1 -102.3 in Figure 8a. In this regard it should be noted that the hexagonal lighting cluster can span across the whole array of 31 lights. The lights of a particular hexagonal lighting cluster can therefore span / extend across adjacent air plenums units 14 (see reference signs 102.1 -102.3 for example). A controller 40 (described later on) which is connected to the surgical lights 28 can be configured (e.g. by way of software) to choose a selection of 7 lights / light heads 28 in a hexagonal format to provide the best shadow free light spot to illuminate a particular surgical site 110. The selection of light heads used to create a light spot can change in hexagonal configurations grouped across the array of lights (controlled by the software of the controller 40), as illustrated by the hexagons illustrated by reference numerals 102.1 -102.3.

[0105] The body 13 of each air plenum unit 14 which forms part of the inner or outer group of air plenums 20.1 -20.7, 32.1 -32.12 has a bottom face 35 which face downwardly into the operating room 10 and an opposite top face 37. The bottom face 35 defines a plurality of ventilation holes in order to allow air to travel through the air plenums (i.e. the bottom faces 35, are effectively in the form of perforated plates). The holes in the bottom face 35 allow air to pass through all sections and then through the perforated bottom face 45. Those lateral faces 950 of an air plenum unit 14 (which extend between the bottom and top faces 35, 37) which, when fitted against adjacent other air plenum units 14, face outwardly away from the air plenum units 14 are closed and sealed, while those faces 952 which face / brace against the faces 952 of adjacent air plenum units 14 have openings 954 in order to allow air to pass / flow between the units 14 internally (see the arrows 960). Ventilation ductwork will typically connect to various points around the perimeter of the air plenum.

[0106] Figure 20 shows an exploded view of the different variations of the air plenums (see reference numerals 802, 804 and 806 respectively). The variation 806 with the central hole 25 is formed by a cylinder 29. The body 13 of each variation 802, 804 and 806 includes a frame 808, side panels 810, perforated bottom panels, 35 and perforated top panels 37. Portions of the air plenums 802, 804,806 which define the holes 25 and recesses 26 include an inner screw-threaded formation which is configured to engage with a back / rear of a surgical light 28 in order to allow the surgical light 28 to screw into the hole 25 / recess 26 and be secured therein.

[0107] The bottom and / or top face 35, 37 may be removably secured to the body 13 (e.g. by means of a hinge - see reference numeral 39). In other words, the bottom and / or top face 35, 37 can be removed, if needed (e.g. for cleaning purposes).

[0108] Typically, no more than 30% of a primary diffuser area should be used for non-diffuser applications (as prescribed by the U.S. Healthcare ventilation regulation - ANSI / ASHRAE / ASHE Standard 170). This means so-called non- diffuser units (in this case the general light units 18) should not take up more than 30% of a primary diffuser area, and the air plenums 14 should take up 70% or more of a primary diffuser area.

[0109] General room light units 18 are fitted / arranged around the outer group of air plenum units 32. For these light units 18, lights (or array of lights) are mounted inside the body of each unit 18. A translucent cover 39 forms the bottom face of the body so that the light can emit light through the cover and into the operating room 10. The lights of the general room light units 18 are LED lights and provide circadian room lighting. These lights have a mixture of warm and cool white LED’s to give the ability to change the colour temperature of the light between 2,700K (warm white) - 6,500K (cool white). The shape of the circadian room lights matches the size of, and is compatible with, the hexagonal modular air plenums / air plenum units.

[0110] In order to install the air plenums 20.1 -20.7, 32.1 -32.12 in an operating room 10 to form part of the ceiling 101 , a series of elongate rails 600 are secured / mounted to extend across a width (or length) of the operating room 10 at a height above that of which the air plenums 20.1 -20.7, 32.1 -32.12 need to be located, as shown in Figures 18 and 19 (thereby to effective provide a mounting arrangement for the air plenums 20.1 -20.7, 32.1 -32.12). More specifically, the rails 600 are laterally spaced from, and arranged parallel to, one another (e.g. such that longitudinal central / center lines of the rails 600 are spaced approximately 600mm apart). The rails 600 can specifically be Unistrut rails 600. The rails 600 are typically secured to structural support formations 602 which are located above the operating room 10.

[0111] Each rail 600 defiles a securing channel to which securing members / securing arrangements may be secured (not specifically shown). The securing members / securing arrangements may include a first securing part / portion which is securable to the channel such that it fits to / inside the channel and can be slid along the length of the channel to a desired position. The first part / portion can then be secured in place once in the desired position, e.g. by adjusting the first part / portion or a securing means, so that it secures itself to the rail 600 in the desired position (i.e. so that sliding along the channel is now prevented). The securing members / securing arrangements each include a second securing part / portion, e.g. in the form of a support rod, which is connected to the first part / portion, to which an air plenum 20.1 -20.7, 32.1 -32.12 is securable, so that the air plenum 20.1 -20.7, 32.1 -32.12 effectively hangs from the securing member / securing arrangement. The first part / portion may be in the form of a track hanger bracket. The second part / portion may be a support rod which extends downwardly from the track hanger bracket. The support rod is configured to allow an air plenum 20.1 - 20.7, 32.1 -32.12 to be mounted thereto (e.g. the support rod may be screw- threaded in order to provide for a screw threaded engagement with an air plenum 20.1 -20.7, 32.1 -32.12).

[0112] From the above it should be clear that the air plenums 20.1 -20.7, 32.1 -32.12 can be mounted one-by-one to the various rails 600 in order to form the ceiling layout as shown in Figures 1 -3, 8, 9 and 18. Previously, air plenums would all be secured together before being mounted in the ceiling, which made the installation very difficult due to the weight and size of all the air plenums. In contrast, the present invention allows for the air plenums 20.1 - 20.7, 32.1 -32.12 to be secured one at a time on the rails 600. It should be apparent that the spacing of the rails 600 is such that it allows the air plenums 20.1 -20.7, 32.1 -32.12 to be fitted against one another as shown in Figure 18. The way in which the air plenums 20.1 -20.7, 32.1 -32.12 are secured to different rails 600 and at different positions on the rails, provides a balanced way of distributing the load.

[0113] Each surgical light / surgical light 28 (also referred to as a light head module 28) can be removed and replaced relatively quickly, in the event of a failure.

[0114] Some of the light head modules 28 may include a power module (these light head modules 28 can be referred to as the “parents”) which is configured to power up to 4 other light head modules 28. Some of the other light head modules 28 may not have a power module (e.g. it may have a blank module) which can, in use, be powered by a power module of one of the “parents” (each of these light head modules 28 can be referred to as a “child” - i.e. each parent light head modules 28 can power up to 4 child light head modules 28).

[0115] Each of the surgical lights 28 and the general light units 18 are operatively connected to the controller 40 (see Figure 13). The controller 40 may typically be installed outside the operating room and is configured to control the operation of the surgical lights 28 and the general light units 18. Each surgical light 28 is mounted inside one of the recesses 25, 26 via an adjustment arrangement. The adjustment arrangement may be in the form of a kinematic mount 400. The kinematic mount 400 includes a mounting member / plate 402 via which the adjustment arrangement is secured in the particular recess 25,26. The kinematic mount 400 for each surgical light 28 allows minor alignment adjustments of the lens / lens assembly 432 (described in more detail further below) in relation to the LED’s 426.1 -426.3 (described in more detail further below).

[0116] The kinematic mount 400 includes an adjustment member / moving assembly 404 which is rotatably mounted to the mounting plate 402. More specifically, the adjustment member 404 is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis 406. A motor 410, more specifically a pan motor, and a pan absolute encoder 412 are provided which are configured to control the rotation of the adjustment member 404 about the rotation axis 406. The pan motor 410 and absolute encoder 412 are operatively connected to a controller 415, more specifically a control PCB (printed circuit board) 415, which is configured to control the pan motor 410 and absolute encoder 412 to thereby effectively control the rotation of the adjustment member 404.

[0117] The kinematic mount 400 includes a tilt mechanism 414 via which a surgical light 28 is mounted to the adjustment member 404, which is configured to allow the surgical light 28 to tilt about a tilt axis 416. The tilt mechanism 414 includes a tilt absolute encoder 418 and a tilt motor 420 which are configured to control the tilting of the surgical light about the tilt axis 416. The tilt absolute encoder 418 and a tilt motor 420 are operatively connected to the controller 415 which is configured to control the tilt absolute encoder 418 and a tilt motor 420 to thereby effectively control the tilting of the surgical light 28.

[0118] Necessary gearing for the adjustment member 404 / pan motor 410 and tilt mechanism 414 is provided by spur gears.

[0119] Each surgical light 28 includes a mounting bracket 422 which is mounted to the tilt mechanism 414, a lighting arrangement 424 (also referred to as a light engine) which is secured to the mounting bracket 422 and a focusing arrangement 425 which is mounted directly in front of the lighting arrangement 424 and secured to the mounting bracket 422. Each lighting arrangement includes three spaced apart LED’s (light emitting diodes) 426.1 - 426.3 (collectively also referred to as a “light engine 426”) which is mounted on a base in the form of a PCB 427, more specifically a LED driver PCB 427. The light engine 426 comprises 27 diodes which are arranged as three clusters of nine diodes (i.e. the LED’s 426.1-426.3), separated by 120 degrees radially around the centre. Half the LEDs 426.1 -426.3 transmit cool white light and the other half warm white light. The temperature of the lights

[0120] 426.1 -426.3 can therefore be ‘tuned’ by altering the ratio of power supplied to cool and warm LEDs.

[0121] The LED driver PCB 427 is mounted to an actively cooled heatsink 429 to ensure that the junction temperature of the LEDs 426.1 -426.3 is maintained within safe limits. The junction temperature of the light engine PCB 427 is measured by a temperature thermistor on the LED driver board. The analogue signal from the thermistor is sent to a microcontroller on a light head control PCB / controller 415 for monitoring.

[0122] A light pipe assembly / light channeling assembly 428 is fitted over the LED’s

[0123] 426.1 -426.3 in order to focus / channel them towards a forward direction toward the lenses (see further below). The light channeling assembly 428 includes a channeling / focusing tube / pipe 430.1 -430.3 for each light channeling assembly 428 which is fitted over the LED’s 426.1 -426.3 The focusing arrangement 426 includes a lens assembly 432. The lens assembly 432, more specifically, is a tri-lens assembly 432 which provides a lens / dome

[0124] 434.1 -434.3 (which is optically clear) for each LED 426.1 -426.3. The tri-lens assembly 432 is telescopically mounted to a base bracket 435 via a set of telescopic guides 436 and a drive screw 438. The lens / dome 434.1 -434.3 helps to prevent contamination and allow for easy cleaning. The drive screw 438 is operatively connected to an absolute rotary encoder 440 and a motor 441 (more specifically a focus motor 441 ). The encoder 440 and motor 441 are operatively connected to the controller 415 so that the controller 415 can adjust the tri-lens assembly 432 relative to the LED’s 426.1-426.3, to thereby assist the focusing of the light emitted by the LED’s 426.1-426.3 towards a surgical site 1 10. More specifically, the tri-lens assembly 432 can enlarge a spotlight size of the LED’s 426.1 -426.3 by moving the tri-lens assembly 432 closer to the tri-lens assembly 432, or reduce the spotlight size of the LED’s

[0125] 426.1 -426.3 by moving the tri-lens assembly 432 further away from the tri- lens assembly 432. From the above it should be clear that light emitted from the LEDs 426.1 -426.3 is collimated by the three light pipes / channeling pipes

[0126] 430.1 -430.3 before travelling through the tri-lens assembly 432 which focuses the light.

[0127] The controller 415 is operatively connected to the controller 40 which can send control instructions to the controller 415. The controller 415 can then in turn operate / adjust the kinematic mount 400, the tri-lens assembly 432 and a calibration / targeting laser 450 (discussed further below).

[0128] A calibration / targeting laser 450 (more specifically a DOE (Diffractive Optical Element) laser) is mounted on the base bracket 435 and directed in a direction parallel to the emission of light of the LED’s 426.1 -426.3 through the tri-lens assembly 420 (i.e. towards a surgical site 1 10). More specifically, the laser 450 is mounted centrally on the base bracket 435 in the middle of the three LED’s 426.1-426.3 and is used to assist with the calibration and positioning of the surgical lights 28. The laser 450 is used for both calibration and synchronization.

[0129] Communication between the computer module / controller 40 and the light head PCB / controller 415 is facilitated by an embedded PCB and event stream processing [ESP] to process the continuous stream of device data and act on it in real time. Communication between the computer module / controller 40 and the light head PCB / controller 415, via interface electronics is done over an Ethernet protocol.

[0130] A sensor / sensor arrangement, for example a camera 109.1 (more specifically an IP (Internet Protocol) camera) (see Figure 8a) is mounted , is mounted in a central air plenum unit 20.7 for a live feed which is displayed on a control interface / user interface (see Figure 14). Three outer cameras 109.2-109.4 are mounted around the central camera 109.1 at 120 degree intervals. These outer cameras 109.2-109.4 are used for calibration (described further below) and to detect and track the location of a physical target 114 (or a laser pointer) (discussed further below) which indicates a particular surgical site 110 within the operating area directly below the inner group of air plenum units 20.1 -20.7. The surgical site 110 may, for example, be a specific place on a patient’s body, such as a shoulder, knee or neck. A doctor / nurse / other medical person may then use a remote / handheld controller 112 which has a physical target 1 14 with a known / recognizable shape (e.g. circular, target shaped). In the example shown in Figure 1 , the target may be ring-shaped and define a central hole 1 15. Four diametrically opposed, radial lines may be provided around the central hole. In an alternative example, a laser (e.g. a class 2 laser) could be used to point at the surgical site 1 10. The remote may have 4 buttons. Three of the buttons 200.1 -200.3 are for spotlight operation (i.e. to operate the surgical lights 28 in order to light up to 3 different surgical sites at the same time - discussed later on). The button 200.1 is for selecting a primary surgical site, button 200.2 for a secondary surgical site and button 200.3 for a tertiary surgical site.

[0131] The fourth button 113 is to send an instruction to lock in a particular surgical site for illumination (for one of the three surgical sites). In practice, a user will select one of the buttons 200.1 -200.3 and the position the physical target 114 directly over the surgical site which requires illumination and should be identified as the primary / secondary / tertiary surgical site (depending on which button 200.1 -200.3 was pressed). Once in position, the button 1 13 is selected in order to lock the position indicated by the physical target 114 as the surgical site requiring illumination. The cameras 109.2-109.4, together with appropriate software, is then used to identify and lock in the exact position of the surgical site, based on the position of the physical target 1 14 (as derived from (or captured by) the cameras 109.2-109.4). The software of the controller 40 will then select the appropriate and closest hexagonal lighting cluster to illumine the identified surgical site 1 10. As mentioned, the particular lighting cluster may span / extend across adjacent air plenum units 14. In an alternative embodiment, a laser crosshair icon or laser pointer could be used in order to target the spotlight at a particular surgical site 1 10. In this regard, the remote / handheld controller 1 12 may include a diffractive optical element [DOE] which, together with the laser, creates a green crosshair laser pattern. In other words, a pointer button is used to point at the particular surgical site 1 10 so that the site 1 10 can be identified (e.g. by the cameras 109.2-109.4 and appropriate processing software). The software of the controller 40 will then select the appropriate and closest 7 surgical lights 28 to illumine the identified surgical site 1 10. It should be noted that alternatively to a class 2 laser, a class 1 IR (infrared) laser or a light (e.g. a LED, more specifically a narrow beam LED) could also be used. For the LED option, a person would be able to see it when the camera’s images are shown on a display screen 1 16 (see Figure 1 1 ). An operator may then select the closest 7 light hexagonal lighting cluster to light up the identified site.

[0132] Each surgical site can be illuminated, by using the controller 40, according to lighting requirements for a specific surgical discipline / requirement in terms of focus and a spot light size. Each of the up to three surgical sights may have different lighting requirements (in terms of different specific surgical disciplines / requirements for each surgical site). In this regard, it should be noted that each surgical discipline has specific lighting requirements for the surgery to be conducted in a safe and efficient manner to effect the desired outcomes. Some surgical disciplines require wider surface illumination (e.g. dermatological debridement for burn victims) and some would require deeper, more narrow illumination (e.g. for open abdominal surgery). The controller 40 is configured to adapt / vary the intensity (for depth) and the width of a surgical spot lighting in order to accommodate each surgical discipline for 3 (or more)surgical sites simultaneously, which enables multiple surgeons to operate on the same patient at the same time (e.g. For a road traffic accident victim with multiple injuries) each with illumination specific to their surgical requirement without compromise. In one example, specific surgical disciplines / requirements (e.g. for specific surgical procedures or surgeon preferences) may be stored on a databased and then selected via a user interface (the user interface is described in more detail further below).

[0133] The system may be configured to utilise surgical site recognition for light tracking. As the surgical site changes during the operation and lighting requirements similarly change (e.g. where more surface lighting is required at the inception of the procedure at skin incision and then moves to deeper anatomical requirements during the procedure and back to closing the procedure at the surface again to finish) the surgical lighting via surgical site recognition can adapt and change during the procedure to automatically give the lighting required. This is achieved by software adapting the lighting to the changing requirements peri-operatively via a calibration camera system / process located in the overhead lighting and air system (i.e. the cameras 109).

[0134] During the initial setup of the surgical lights 28 and the adjustment thereof in real-time during surgical procedures:

[0135] • The surgical lights 28 are set up on a touchscreen display which shows a top-down view of the surgical table I patient I site.

[0136] • The user selects the light (1 (primary lights), 2 (secondary lights) or 3 (tertiary lights)) and touches the display to show the spot position. o Brightness levels are selected. o Spot size is selected. o Colour temperature is selected o Repeat above process for secondary and tertiary lights 28

[0137] • During surgical procedures, the user can select a light spot number from a handheld remote control 112 and the lights will move to the position that the remote control is indicating. The remote / handheld controller 12 includes haptic feedback and indicator LEDs for user feedback and is powered by disposable batteries. The remote / handheld controller 12 transmits its signals wirelessly to a remotecontrol receiver box (not specifically shown) mounted in one of the air plenums 14. An Ethernet bridge within the remote-control receiver box converts the wireless signal to Ethernet, which is fed to the computer module / controller 40 via the interface electronics.

[0138] The controller 40 comprises an industrial computer module running the system’s control software. The software uses image processing of the laser crosshair data from the cameras 109.2-109.4, or the user inputs on a touchscreen, to determine the user’s desired position of the spotlight on the surgical field. Using a lookup table, it translates the position of the laser 114, or the user inputs from the touchscreen, into an angular displacement of each of the pan, tilt and focus motors 410, 420, 441 and transmits this data to the control PCB / controllers 415 in the light heads / surgical lights 28.

[0139] For interfacing with the computer module / controller 40, a display, mouse, and keyboard may be provided. Alternatively, service or installation technicians may remote login to the computer.

[0140] The DOE laser 450 is configured to project a grid shape on the floor. Using the camera system and software, we use each light head’s DOE Laser Grid to overlay above each other to ensure all lights understand where they are placed relative to each otters & in terms of X / Y axis movement synchronisation.

[0141] During system calibration, the laser 450 from each light head 28 is used to project a grid shape 900.1 -900.4 9 (collectively referred to as 900) onto the floor (see Figure 24a). The cameras 109.1 -109.4, together with the controller 40 and software, are configured to use each light head’s grid 900 to overlay above each other in order to ensure that the controller 40 and the software effectively understand / know where the various light heads 28 are placed / positioned relative to each other and in terms of X-Y axis movement synchronization. In order to do the overlay, the controller 40 moves the respective light heads 28 based on the details captured by the camera system (i.e. of the various projected grids 900) and the said software, by using their respective kinematic mounts 400.

[0142] More specifically, the camera system needs to calibrate the light heads 28 so that, in an X-Y axis, the grids 900 from multiple light heads 28 overlap each other as shown in Figure 24b. Once done, the controller 40 and the software understands / knows that each light head 28 is directed towards (i.e. sees) the same point in an X-Y axis, so that they can point to the same spot, thereby working together in groups of 7 (mentioned earlier) to create a single shadowless light spot, generated from 7 different light heads 28 located at different points in the ceiling array.

[0143] In normal use the lasers are not visible, but the calibration means that the system knows that each light is pointed in the correct position relative to the other lights, so they work together to illuminate / create a light spot at the exact same position at the surgical site.

[0144] In terms of calibration, a spot size is calibrated as a function of the distance of the lenses 434.1 -434.3 from the light source (i.e. the LED’s 426.1 -426.3) at the stage of assembly. A mapping of the distance of the lenses 434.1 - 434.3 versus the spot size is stored in the firmware of each light unit / surgical light 28. The positioning of the light centre is calibrated as described here below:

[0145] A large sheet is placed at a height of 3.0 m from the ceiling 101. This sheet represents the datum plane.

[0146] All the lasers in the constellation (i.e. the calibration / targeting laser 450 for each surgical light / light head 28) are directed perpendicular to the datum plane such that a spot is generated to give us the datum nodes of each of the light units / surgical lights 28. An image is captured by each of the cameras 109.2-109.4 to create a 2D Pixel map of the positions.

[0147] The 31 nodes / surgical lights 28 created in pixel coordinate space are then used as the vertices of the triangles. These triangles are partially shown in thick lines 177 in Figure 8b. Each vertex is the result of two rotary axes positions for a given light unit / surgical light 28. After the first image of the datum nodes is captured, the rotary axes of each of the light units / surgical lights 28 are made to visit the tolerance zone of all other nodes that it can rotate within the design expectations. The rotary encoder positions for each such visit is captured and stored in a table.

[0148] Theoretically each light unit / surgical light 28 has 30 other nodes to visit and therefore, it will have a set of 30 mapped coordinates in the rotary space other than the base node position.

[0149] When a command is received to move a light to a position that is same as the node position then the light unit that is directly above the node moves to its “home” position or its default position to beam light perpendicular to the datum plane. Other lights can cast light by moving to the mapped position in the table described above.

[0150] For a position that is not the node position but a point somewhere on the triangulation, the triangle that has the point is identified. For a light unit to position its beam centre at the given position, it will interpolate between the recorded rotary positions for the triangle on the table. The interpolation is achieved using barycentric coordinate system and transforms.

[0151] As mentioned, the remote 1 12 can be used to light up to 3 surgical sites 110, 1 11 , 119 (it will be appreciated that the present invention can be easily adapted to light up more than 3 surgical sites 110, 11 1 , 119). The controller 40 is therefore configured to identify which cluster of lights should be used to light up which surgical site 110, 11 1 , 1 19.

[0152] During operation, an operator would press a first spotlight button 200.1 to select a first surgical site 1 10. The operator would then position the physical target 1 14 over the operating site and press the button 113.. The camera 109 will then sense the position of the physical target 1 14 and lock in on this position. The sensed position will then be relayed to the controller 40 which will then identify and activate the closest 7 light hexagonal lighting cluster (e.g. 102.1 -102.3) to light up the identified site 110. More specifically, the controller 40 is configured to determine, based on the location of the detected laser pointer (i.e. the surgical site 1 10), which cluster of surgical lights (e.g. 102.1 -102.3), based on their locations relative to the particular surgical site 1 10, are best suited to light up the surgical site. Even more specifically, the controller 40 may identify which 7 light hexagonal lighting cluster, based on its location relative to the particular surgical site 1 10, is best suited to light up the surgical site 1 10. This can be done by determining which one of the 7 light hexagonal lighting clusters’ central light is closest to the surgical site (e.g. when viewed from above). Once determined, the controller 40 lights up the surgical site using the identified 7 light hexagonal lighting cluster. For example, in Figure 8a reference sign 110 illustrates an example of an identified surgical site directly below the surgical lights 28.

[0153] The controller 40 is configured to determine that the light 1 17 is closest to the surgical site 110 and that this particular light 117 should form the central light of the 7 light hexagonal lighting cluster. As a result, the 7 light hexagonal lighting cluster 102.2 will be selected to illuminate the surgical site 110. When an operator wishes to light up a second and third surgical sites 1 11 , 119, then same process will be followed, except that the operator would firstly press either the second spotlight button 200.2 or third spotlight button 200.3 to either select a second or third spotlight to light up a second or third surgical site 1 11 , 1 19. If the location of any of the three surgical sites need to be adapted, then the operator can merely perform the same process again. For example, if the first surgical site 110 needs to be moved, then the operate would press the first spotlight button 200.1 and use the pointer button 1 13 to identify a new updated location for the first spotlight.

[0154] Controls such as changing the colour temperature of the surgical lights 28 or size of the spotlight may be done via a user interface provided on a wall mounted touchscreen display which forms part of a surgical light control system’s initial setup. The touchscreen display can, for example, be located inside the operating room. Figure 17 illustrates an example of the user interface where three different spotlights 504.1 -504.3 have been selected and positioned, and whereby each spotlight 504.1 -504.3 can be individually adjusted in terms of spotlight size, brightness and colour temperature (see the adjustment blocks 512, 514 and 516 which can be used to adjust each of the three spotlights, respectively).

[0155] For small adjustments to the individual surgical lights’ angles, the controller 40 may operate / control the kinematic mount 43 to which the surgical lights 28 are mounted. For example, the angle of each of the 7 lights of the lighting cluster can be adjusted individually (by means of the controller and kinematic mount) so that they are directed more directly to the particular operating site 1 10.

[0156] As an alternative to the use of a physical target 114 or laser pointer, a doctor / nurse / medical person may indicate the surgical site 1 10 on a user interface 116 (e.g. an interactive touch display screen (e.g. a wall-mounted touch screen) - see Figure 1 1 and 14-17), which the controller 40 then uses to identify the closest 7 light hexagonal lighting cluster. Another type of handheld remote could however also be used.

[0157] The touchscreen is mounted onto one of the walls of the operating theatre. In addition to providing the user with control to position the light from outside the surgical field, the touchscreen is used for: a. Adjusting the colour temperature, spot size and intensity of the light. b. Setting up a second or third spotlight. c. Turning the lights on or off. d. Calibration of the system and pairing the handheld remote to the system.

[0158] Figure 14 shows a live feed of the operating table as captured by the camera 109.1 , which is displayed on user interface provided on a display screen (e.g. displayed on a touch screen display) which illustrates a patient’s silhouette 500 which is to be calibrated with an angle of the bed 501 . This is so that the software knows what is a head and foot of the table 100, should the O.R. table be positioned differently within the O.R. for a particular procedure (e.g. 90deg from normal).

[0159] Figure 15 shows the user interface where the hexagonal shapes of some of the hexagonal air plenums 12 are superimposed over the operating bed 501 . A user can then select one of these hexagonal shapes, for a more zoomed in view of the particular area.

[0160] As shown in Figures 16a-d, the user interface can allow a user to select a spotlight 504 on the touch screen display and move it manually by dragging it to a desired position (e.g. to light up a particular surgical site 1 10, 111 , 1 19). The user interface also provides adjustment bars for adjusting the spotlight size 506, brightness 508 and colour temperature, respectively. Furthermore, the user interface also allows a user to select one of three spotlights (by selecting buttons A, B or C), which can all be used at the same time to light up different surgical sites 1 10, 1 11 , 119.

[0161] It should be noted that although a 7 light hexagonal lighting cluster was described above, a 3, 4, 5 or 6 lighting cluster may also be used. The number of lights in a lighting cluster may also exceed 7. It should also be noted that the system of the present invention may have redundancy built into the operation of the surgical lights. In this regard, the controller 40 is configured to operate each cluster of 7 surgical lights (which illuminate a particular surgical site) below full capacity (e.g. at approximately 80% capacity). As a result, the LED’s have lower heat emission. Furthermore, the controller 40 is configured to detect when a particular surgical light within a 7 light cluster stops working (e.g. based on the power drawn by the light cluster), and then increases the light output from the remaining 6 surgical lights in order compensate for the non-working light. As a result, there will be substantially no distinguishable loss of illuminance for the surgical team when one of the surgical lights stops working.

[0162] Each surgical light 28 has a heat management system built in and therefore does not solely rely on air cooling As each surgical light 28 does not run at 100% output, it helps to reduce stress on the components. For example, a maximum of 160,000 lux may be required at a surgical site. Each light head 28 may be designed to output 40,000 lux individually. As a result, the cluster of 7 surgical lights 28 are only running at 57% of their operational capability.

[0163] Figure 12 provides a schematic layout of the system in accordance with the invention. Power to the system is supplied by the facility’s mains supply, with backup power provided by an essential supply. The system is comprised of several lighting clusters. Each cluster is separately supplied with no commonality of transformer, rectifier, DC UPS, or control equipment. Each cluster includes two 48V AC-DC power supply units [PSU]’s for redundancy purposes. The PSU’s step-down the 230V AC - or in the case of systems installed in the United States [US], 120V AC - to 48V DC. Each surgical light 28, also referred to as a light head module, is divided into two parts, a fixed module 28, and the light head assembly. The fixed module is secured to the air plenum 18. The fixed module includes a means to encode the location of a particular light 28 within the full array. This is achieved using a dual inline package [DIP] switch. Each DIP switch is uniquely configured on installation, thereby creating a binary address for each fixed module. The binary address of the fixed module is fed to a binary reader on the light head’s control printed circuit board [PCB] via a cable. If the light head 28 is replaced, the binary reader enables the light head’s replacement to know its physical address within the system. 48V DC power is also sent to the control PCB. No mains power is sent to the light head module 28 to ensure that the light head module 28 is inherently safe for the technician replacing the light head module 28.

[0164] The pan absolute encoder 412, tilt absolute encoder 418 and absolute rotary encoder 440 each provide positional feedback. The positional feedback is supplied to the computer module / controller 40 via the light head control module’s firmware using an ethernet protocol. For each encoder 412, 418, 440, a multiturn counter is used. The multiturn counter is 16 bit (0 to 65535 counts). Counting is available only when the encoder 412, 418, 440 is powered, but the counter state is stored in a non-volatile memory at powerdown and is restored at power-up. This negates the need for a homing routine on powering up the system.

[0165] The adjustment member 404, tilt mechanism 414 and focusing arrangement 426 each includes a limit switch to prevent mechanical damage that may result from overtravel of the particular mechanism / arrangement.

[0166] Figure 21 shows an alternative embodiment where the air plenum units 20, 32 each have an additional upper plenum section 820 to draw hot air away from the surgical lights 28 (thereby collectively forming a type of cooling chamber (see Figure 22)). The additional upper plenum sections 820 are also hexagonal shaped, with top and bottom plates and lateral side plates (i.e. similar to the air plenum units 20, 32). Two of the additional upper plenum sections 820.1 , 820.2 have lateral openings 822.1 , 822.2 (e.g. where a side plate is not fitted) which effectively provide an exhaust function whereby warm air is transferred out of the additional upper plenum sections 820 of the air plenum units 20, 32. The air plenum units which correspond to the plenum sections 820.1 , 820.2 may also have corresponding lateral openings 824.1 , 824.2. Another two of the additional upper plenum sections (not clearly shown in Figure 21 ) have lateral openings 826.1 , 826.2 which effectively provide an air intake whereby cooler air is transferred into the upper plenum sections 820 of the air plenum units 20, 32. The air plenum units which correspond to the plenum sections 826.1 , 826.2 may also have corresponding lateral openings 827.1 , 827.2. Figure 22 shows an illustration of how hot air (see the arrows 850 in broken lines) is transferred away from the air plenum units 20, 32 and the operating room 10 and circulated by means of an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) or air conditioning system 852 (e.g. a AHV system) of a hospital, so that cooler air (see the arrows 854 in solid lines) is transferred back to the air plenum units 20, 32. More specifically, warm air flows out of the openings 822.1 , 822.2 of the additional upper plenum sections 820.1 , 820.2, as well as air extraction outlets 856 provided in the operating room 10, which is then transferred to the HVAC system 852. Cooler air is then transferred from the HVAC system 852 to the air plenum units 20, 32 and enters via the openings 824.1 , 824.2, 827.11 , 827.2. Cooler air is also transferred into the additional upper plenum sections 820 via the openings 826.1 , 826.2. The cooler air then flows downwardly through the air plenum units 20, 32 and into the operating room 10.

[0167] From the above, it should be clear that the 3 different types of hexagonal modules (the general light units 18 and the air plenum units 20, 32) which, when assembled together, can form a full integrated air plenum containing surgical lights or general lights.

[0168] The modules 18, 20, 32 can be assembled to create an air plenum of varying different sizes & shapes to suit a clinical need - for example, a small air plenum of 7 modules for a procedure room, a standard O.R. (operating room) plenum consisting of 19 hexagonal modules or for a large orthopedic O.R., where sterile instruments & implants are unpacked by the side of the operating table, a larger plenum with 37 modules or more.

[0169] Due to the modularity of the air plenum modules, it is possible to incorporate other equipment within the system (e.g. a hexagonal air plenum module can be removed and an inspection light can be installed). Furthermore, the modularity, together with the location / positioning of the surgical lights allow for the addition or removal of air planum modules and surgical lights, if required.

[0170] Within a larger air plenum configuration, around the periphery surgical lights may not be required within the circular holes 25, 26 - general LED room lighting modules can then instead be inserted into these holes 25, 26.

[0171] As mentioned before the hexagonal circadian room lighting modules 18 are sized and compatible with the integrated air plenum modules 20, 32 and are typically located around the perimeter of the integrated modular air plenums 20, 31.

[0172] In one example a control system for the surgical lights may be configured to operate with gesture recognition (thereby eliminating the need for a handheld remote and the issues around cleaning it). Gesture control is known technology and provides an innovative interaction method that enables users to communicate with, direct and control electronic devices, systems, or computers through natural body movements and gestures, rather than traditional physical interfaces like keyboards, touchscreens, or buttons. A motion control interface takes the intuitive interface of a touchscreen device and removes the need for a physical connection making interacting with the device as quick, simple, natural, and easy as possible. Gesture recognition also provides novel ways of interacting with interfaces, such as controlling adjustment, direction and focus by gesturing at a device.

[0173] Gesture control within the present surgical environment of the invention includes sensors set on different planes of operation (e.g. horizontal, vertical, left to right, right to left) scanning the surgical field which will recognise required adjustments in distance, direction and intensity (e.g. of light or volume) by movement of a surgeon’s hand or arm. The activation of adjustment may be proceeded by a prompt to eliminate the chance of inadvertent / undesired adjustment. The gesture control may be implemented by the controller 40 which forms part of the control system. Gesture control is a step change forward from voice activation in the surgical field which has been in use for 20 years as it eliminates the need to programme the system specifically to an individual surgeon’s voice and the required adjustments to equipment can be made by touchless gesture maintaining sterility without compromise.

[0174] In Figure 23, reference numeral 333 indicates the location of filters, more specifically HEPA filters, which are mounted within / to the air plenum units 14. The HEPA filters may be located vertically inside a lateral opening 335 which leads into / out of the air plenum 14 and which is, in use, connected to an air ventilation system of the building (e.g. an HVAC system). This allows the HEPA filer to be accessed and changed from inside the air plenum units 14, via the lower hinged perforated plates

[0175] From the above, it should be clear that the configuration of the modular units / modules 12 allow for easy adaptation depending on the particular requirements of an operating room (e.g. for a small configuration or a large configuration). The invention of the modular air plenum with the integration of the surgical lights offers a unique cooling system for the room and the lighting system which is controllable via environmental controls ( heat and humidity). The system also allows the recycling of the scavenged heat for redistribution within the Hospital building ( offices etc.) which offers a unique environmental benefit and energy use reduction for the facility.

[0176] Since the ceiling mounted robotic surgical lights 28 are mounted in specific defined recesses 25, 26 which are effectively isolated from the air plenum’s ventilation holes, the lights 28 do not interfere with the filtered laminar air flow ventilation system created by the air plenums 14 provided in the ceiling 101 of the operating room (or create turbulence in the airflow). This assists in reducing lower post operative infection levels. The surgical lights 28 are also not in close proximity to the surgical field / site (i.e. it is located in the ceiling 101 / forms the ceiling 101 ) and therefore the risk of contamination or cross contamination from previous surgical procedures, when compared to the use of reticulated arms (described in the background of the invention), is less.

[0177] The surgical lights are embedded within the ceiling and when compared with a traditional surgical light, they are further away (e.g. at least 1 m further away) from the surgical site and thus less at risk of contamination. Also as the surgical lights 28 are not physically touched during operation, they cannot be contaminated, unlike traditional surgical lights mounted on reticulated arms. As these traditional surgical lights are often not cleaned properly, it can result in contamination of the airflow over the patient, with contaminant particles potentially entering the surgical field / site, thereby creating an increased risk of surgical site post operative infections. The surgical lights 28 also do not interfere with the HEPA filtered air sent via the air plenums to the surgical site (traditional surgical lights are shaped like an umbrella and interfere with the airflow creating turbulent air). The Inventors therefore believe that the present invention therefore provides a cleaner solution.

[0178] Since the lighting system is provided in the ceiling, it does not obstruct the line of sight of a surgeon or surgical team. The lights are also not in a position where the surgeon can physically collide with the light (bang his / her head-on them whilst working).

[0179] The Inventors also believe that the present invention allows for surgical sites to be lit up in a quick and efficient manner, thereby saving valuable time.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A modular air plenum unit which has a housing / body which has a generally polygonal outer shape / profile, when seen in plan view, wherein the housing / body defines recesses which, when seen in plan view, are located in respective corners of the polygonal outer shape / profile, and whereby the recesses are defined such that, when the modular air plenum unit is fitted / arranged adjacent to another modular air plenum unit, a recess of the one modular air plenum unit together with a recess of the other modular air plenum unit define an opening / space inside which a light is mounted / mountable.

2. The modular air plenum unit of claim 1 , wherein the housing / body has a generally hexagonal outer shape / profile, when seen in plan view.

3. An air plenum system which includes a plurality of modular air plenum units as claimed in claim 1 , which are secured / fitted together.

4. An integrated air and lighting plenum system which includes the air plenum system as claimed in claim 3 and a plurality of three or more surgical lights which are secured to the modular air plenum units at spaced apart positions.

5. The system of claim 4 which includes a controller which is configured to: receive an input / indication regarding a particular surgical site which needs to be lit up, identify which cluster of two or more surgical lights (hereinafter referred to as the “lighting cluster”) of the plurality of three or more surgical lights, based on their locations relative to the particular surgical site, are best suited to light up the surgical site, and operate the lighting cluster in order to light up the surgical site,wherein the controller is further configured to detect / determine, while the surgical site is being lit by the lighting cluster, when one of the surgical lights of the lighting cluster is no longer working, and if so, increase the illuminance of the other remaining surgical light(s) of the lighting cluster, in order to compensate for the loss of illuminance.

6. The integrated air and lighting plenum system of claim 4, wherein the recesses of the housings / bodies of adjacent air plenums together define a plurality of openings / spaces, and wherein the plurality of surgical lights are mounted within the plurality of openings / spaces respectively.

7. The integrated air and lighting plenum system of claim 4, which includes: a plurality of three or more calibration light emission devices which are respectively secured to each of the three or more surgical lights and which are each configured to emit light operatively downwardly towards an operating area, when in use; a camera system which includes one or more cameras; a controller which is operatively connected to the camera system, to each of the plurality of three or more surgical lights and to each of the plurality of three or more calibration light emission devices, wherein the controller is configured to perform a calibration function whereby the calibration light emission devices are operated by the controller to emit light operatively downwardly towards a floor, when the air plenum system and the plurality of three or more surgical lights are installed above an operating area, respective locations being illuminated by the calibration light emission devices are identified by the controller using the camera system, and the controller uses the identified locations in order to calibrate the plurality of three or more surgical lights in terms of their relative positions and / or orientations.

8. The integrated air and lighting plenum system of claim 7, wherein each calibration light emission device is a laser which is configured to project a shape onto a floor, when in use, wherein the controller is configured to: operate the lasers so that they project shapes onto the floor, identify the respective locations of the projected shapes on the floor using the camera system, and calibrate the plurality of two or more surgical lights in terms of their relative positions and / or orientations by adjusting their orientations until the respective shapes projected by the lasers overlap, by using the camera system.

9. The integrated air and lighting plenum system of claim 4 which includes: a sensing arrangement which, when installed in the operating room, is configured to sense one or more gestures from a person located in the operating room; and a control arrangement which is configured to utilise data / information obtained from the sensing arrangement in order to identify an instruction which relate to the operation of the three or more surgical lights from the person, based on the one or more gestures performed by the person; and control the operation of the plurality of surgical lights based on the identified instruction.

10. An integrated air and lighting plenum installation which includes: the integrated air and lighting plenum system as claimed in claim 4; and a mounting arrangement which includes one or more rails to which the plurality of modular air plenum units are secured, whereinthe one or more rails are located above an operating room and extend across the operating room when viewed from above.1 1 . The installation of claim 10, which includes two or more spaced-apart, parallel rails which extends across the operating room when viewed from above, to which the plurality of modular air plenum units are secured.

12. An integrated air and lighting plenum system which includes: a plurality of at least seven (7) surgical lights; a plurality of modular air plenum units which are, in use, arranged / positioned adjacent one another, and a controller, wherein each modular air plenum unit of the plurality of modular air plenum units includes a housing / body, whereby when the plurality of modular air plenum units are arranged / positioned adjacent one another, the housings / bodies of the plurality of modular air plenum units define a plurality of openings / spaces / recesses which are spaced apart and inside which a surgical light of the plurality of surgical lights is mounted respectively, wherein the controller is configured to receive an input / indication regarding a particular surgical site which needs to be lit up, identify which two or more surgical lights of the plurality of surgical lights, based on their locations relative to the particular surgical site, are best suited to light up the surgical site, and operate the identified surgical lights in order to light up the surgical site.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the controller is configured to: receive an input(s) / indication(s) regarding at least two surgical sites which need to be lit up;for each of the at least two surgical sites, identify which two or more surgical lights of the plurality of surgical lights, based on their locations relative to the particular surgical site, are best suited to light up the surgical site, and operate the identified surgical lights in order to light up the particular surgical site.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein each modular air plenum unit of the plurality of modular air plenum units is a modular air plenum unit as claimed in claim 1 .

15. A surgical lighting system which includes: a plurality of three or more surgical lights which are spaced from one another and, in use, located above an operating area; and a controller which is configured to receive an input / indication regarding a particular surgical site which needs to be lit up, identify which cluster of two or more surgical lights (hereinafter referred to as the “lighting cluster”) of the plurality of surgical lights, based on their locations relative to the particular surgical site, are best suited to light up the surgical site, and operate the lighting cluster in order to light up the surgical site, wherein the controller is further configured to detect / determine, while the surgical site is being lit by the lighting cluster, when one of the surgical lights of the lighting cluster is no longer working, and if so, increase the illuminance of the other remaining surgical light(s) of the lighting cluster, in order to compensate for the loss of illuminance.

16. A surgical lighting system for an operating room which includes: a plurality of three or more surgical lights which are spaced from one another and, in use, located above an operating area; and a sensing arrangement which, when installed in the operating room, is configured to sense one or more gestures from a person located in the operating room; a control arrangement which is configured toutilise data / information obtained from the sensing arrangement in order to identify an instruction which relate to the operation of the three or more surgical lights from the person, based on the one or more gestures performed by the person; and control the operation of the three or more surgical lights based on the identified instruction.

17. A surgical lighting system which includes: a plurality of two or more surgical lights which are spaced from one another and, in use, located above an operating area, wherein a calibration light emission device is secured to, or forms part of, each of the two or more surgical lights and is configured to emit light operatively downwardly towards an operating area; a camera system which includes one or more cameras; a controller which is operatively connected to the camera system, the plurality of two or more surgical lights and each of the calibration light emission devices, wherein the controller is configured to perform a calibration function whereby the calibration light emission devices are operated by the controller to emit light downwardly towards a floor, respective locations being illuminated by the calibration light emission devices are identified by the controller using the camera system, and the controller uses the identified locations in order to calibrate the plurality of two or more surgical lights in terms of their relative positions and / or orientations.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein each calibration light emission device is a laser which is mounted to its particular surgical light, and wherein the laser is configured to project a shape onto a floor, when in use, wherein the controller is configured to:operate the lasers so that they project shapes onto the floor, identify the respective locations of the projected shapes on the floor using the camera system, and calibrate the plurality of two or more surgical lights in terms of their relative positions and / or orientations by adjusting their orientations until the respective shapes projected by the lasers, which are mounted on the two or more surgical lights, overlap, by using the camera system.

Images