Illumination device and illumination method with limited maximum irradiance

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lighting device (100) and a lighting method for illuminating a surface (Ob) with a maximum overall irradiance. At least two lighting units (1, 2, 3) of the lighting device (100) each illuminate the surface (Ob) with a maximum irradiance. A control device (10) drives and controls each lighting unit (1, 2, 3) independently of the other lighting units, thereby changing the maximum irradiance of the lighting units (1, 2, 3). The lighting device (100) detects a user setting (9) related to the maximum overall irradiance. In response to the detection of the user setting, the control device (10) predicts what maximum overall irradiance the implementation of the user setting (9) will result in. If the predicted maximum overall irradiance is greater than a predetermined upper limit, the control device drives and controls at least one lighting unit (1, 2, 3) depending on the user setting. This driving control ensures that the upper limit is respected.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device and a lighting method. [Background technology]

[0002] Such lighting devices and lighting methods are used, for example, to illuminate an operating table on which a patient undergoing medical treatment is placed. The lighting allows the treating physician to perform the medical procedure and to clearly see the area of ​​the patient's body to be treated.

[0003] Lighting inevitably supplies radiant energy to the patient's body, which in turn generates heat. If the lighting is too strong, the patient's tissues may dry out and / or the patient may suffer burns.

[0004] For lighting devices capable of illuminating operating tables, the standard IEC 60601-2-41 (currently in its third edition) is applicable. This standard specifies that the maximum irradiance of the lighting unit of a medical lighting device is currently 1000 W / m². 2 From now on, the target is 700W / m 2 This stipulates that it may be from that point onward. This requirement applies to any distance between the lighting device and the operating table at any point in time, measured along the central axis of the lighting device. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The problem that this invention is based on is to provide a lighting device and lighting method that reduces the risk of an object, such as a patient, being exposed to danger by lighting with relatively high certainty. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above-mentioned problems are solved by the lighting device having the features described in claim 1 and the lighting method having the features described in claim 12. An advantageous configuration of the lighting device according to the present invention is also an advantageous configuration of the lighting method according to the present invention, insofar as it is useful, and vice versa.

[0007] Next, we will first define some concepts for medical lighting units that will be used hereafter.

[0008] The lighting unit includes at least one light source, preferably more than one, which is mounted on a support and preferably configured as LEDs. In one embodiment, the position and orientation of a light source during use cannot change relative to a particular other light source or the position and orientation of each individual light source in the same lighting unit. A controllable actuator may be associated with the configuration having at least one light source, in particular multiple light sources, which can move the light source or configuration relative to the support and, consequently, relative to a particular at least one light source or at least one other light source.

[0009] A particular light source, or each light source, typically emits a ray that is cone-shaped. In one realization, the tip of this cone is ideally located within the light source. The optical system can also influence the design of the ray. In special cases, the ray is cylindrical. These rays, reached by these light sources in a lighting unit, are usually superimposed. Lighting units often have an optical central axis that coincides with the geometric central axis of the support structure.

[0010] A lighting unit has a spectral composition of emitted light. This spectral composition of the lighting unit arises as a result of the spectral composition of the light from individual light sources and will hereafter be referred to as the "light spectrum" of the lighting unit. Color temperature is correlated with the light spectrum.

[0011] Illuminance (Ev) represents the amount of light emitted per unit area from an incident surface. Its SI unit is Lux = Lumen / m². 2 Therefore, on a plane perpendicular to the optical central axis of the lighting unit, the illuminance of the lighting unit typically reaches its maximum value at the intersection of the optical central axis and this plane. Typically, this maximum illuminance value changes along the optical central axis, and moreover, it changes as follows: starting from the lighting unit, this maximum value rises to a local maximum, and then falls again. The value at this local maximum is called the "maximum illuminance in space" of the lighting unit. Typically, the maximum illuminance in space occurs on the optical central axis. The region where the illuminance is maximum may be located on the illuminated surface or between the illuminated surface and the lighting unit. If the surface is transparent, and the distance is sufficiently short, this region may also be located behind the illuminated surface in the radial direction.

[0012] Typically, the maximum illuminance in a space that a lighting unit can achieve is known based on the structure of the lighting unit or based on measurements taken before its first use, particularly based on the illuminance of the light sources and the relative positioning of the generated rays. The structure of the lighting unit or the measurements taken further reveal how the maximum illuminance on the optical central axis depends on this interval. This functional dependence of illuminance on the interval may depend on other configurable or structurally determined parameters of the lighting unit.

[0013] In many cases, user input, and automatic drive control by the control equipment, can cause the actual maximum illuminance in a space to be less than the maximum illuminance achievable in that space. Hereafter, we will discuss the "maximum achievable" illuminance and the "maximum currently achieved" illuminance in a space. The maximum currently achieved illuminance in a space is less than or equal to the maximum achievable illuminance. The maximum illuminance actually achieved on a surface usually depends on the position and orientation of the lighting unit relative to the surface, whereas the maximum achievable illuminance in a space does not depend on this position or orientation.

[0014] In many cases, the user can set the maximum illuminance of the lighting unit and change it during operation. In one implementation, the user can set the maximum illuminance in a space. In another implementation, the user can set the maximum illuminance at a predetermined reference interval from the lighting unit. In the case of surgical lighting, this reference interval is often 1 meter. The maximum illuminance at the reference interval is less than or equal to the maximum illuminance achievable at the reference interval. In many cases, the maximum illuminance in a space for medical lighting units is achieved at intervals that differ from the reference interval by up to 10 cm.

[0015] When a lighting unit illuminates the surface of an object, such as an operating table or a patient on an operating table, the illuminance changes across the illuminated surface. Ideally, the illuminance achieved by the lighting unit on the illuminated surface is maximum at a single point. This maximum is referred to as the maximum illuminance actually achieved by the lighting unit on the illuminated surface. This maximum is less than or equal to the maximum illuminance of the lighting unit in space. Typically, the maximum occurs at the intersection of the light central axis of the lighting unit and the illuminated surface, and this is based on the assumption that the maximum occurs at the intersection of the light central axis of the lighting unit and the illuminated surface, even if the illuminated surface is curved and / or positioned obliquely to the central axis, as in the case of an illuminated patient.

[0016] Hereafter, we will discuss the "distance" between the lighting unit and the illuminated surface. Unless otherwise stated, this distance refers to the distance along the optical central axis between the lighting unit and the illuminated surface, even if the minimum distance between the lighting unit and the illuminated surface occurs outside the optical central axis.

[0017] Illuminance is the most important influencing factor in representing the brightness of an illuminated surface.

[0018] In the case of medical lighting units, "illuminance" often refers to the illuminance at a reference distance of 1 meter between the lighting unit and the illuminated surface, where the illuminated surface is perpendicular to the light central axis of the lighting unit. Ideally, lighting units are often configured so that the maximum illuminance in space occurs on the light central axis and at a reference distance from the lighting unit. In practice, this objective is usually not precisely achieved.

[0019] The degree to which a light-emitting surface and / or a surface that shines due to reflection appears bright to an observer is expressed in units of Cd / m 2 Therefore, it is expressed in terms of luminance. In cases where the surface does not emit light, the luminance depends on the illuminance on the surface and the surface's reflectivity / absorption properties.

[0020] Irradiance (Ee) is the output of light radiation per unit area incident on a surface. Its SI unit is W / m². 2 Irradiance is also called "radiant intensity" or "radiant flux density," and was formerly known as "radiant flux density." The irradiance of a lighting unit at a given point is proportional to the illuminance at that point, and the proportionality constant depends on the light spectrum of the lighting unit. Therefore, if the proportionality constant remains constant, the maximum irradiance and the maximum illuminance in space occur within the same region.

[0021] In addition to illuminance, we will also discuss the "maximum irradiance" generated by the lighting unit on the illuminated surface. This maximum illuminance typically reaches its maximum value at the intersection of the light central axis of the lighting unit and the illuminated surface. This maximum value is also called "peak irradiance."

[0022] Light field diameter d xIt is understood to be the diameter of a circle centered on the area of maximum illuminance, and this circle is defined as follows. That is, it is defined such that the average value of the illuminance at various points on this circle is equal to x% of the maximum illuminance on the surface of this circle. These points are, for example, evenly distributed over the circle. The surface of this circle is positioned perpendicular to the optical central axis of the lighting unit. Typical values of x in the medical field are 10% to 50%. In the case of surgical lighting, d 10 is usually 13 cm to 35 cm. The diameter d of the light field x usually depends on the distance between the lighting unit and the surface of this circle, so the diameter d of the light field x relates to a reference distance of often 1 m in the case of medical applications. In many cases, the user can cause, by user input, the diameter d of the light field x to be set to a desired value. Note: Since the irradiance is proportional to the illuminance, the diameter d of the light field x results in the same diameter d of the light field when it relates to irradiance instead of illuminance x .

[0023] In the medical field, often, according to standards, for example, according to the surgical lighting standard IEC 60601-2-41, it is desired, and further required, that 2*d 50 >d 10 should hold. From this requirement, boundary conditions result for how the light rays of the light sources of these lighting units are positioned relative to each other

[0024] The "light field" is understood to be the area on the surface of the object illuminated by the lighting unit. Two characteristics of the light field are the illuminance profile and the irradiance profile. These two profiles assign, to each point on the illuminated surface, one illuminance or irradiance respectively. These two profiles differ only by a proportionality factor, which depends on the optical spectrum of the lighting unit

[0025] Typically, when the illuminated surface is a single surface, the curve on the illuminated surface, where the illuminance and irradiance are at their maximum or x% of the maximum irradiance, has the shape of an ellipse, or more specifically, a circle, centered at the point of maximum illuminance or maximum irradiance. In a three-dimensional diagram where the illuminated surface extends in the xy plane and each illuminance or irradiance is plotted on the z axis at the point (x,y), the light field often has the shape of a bell curve that is approximately rotationally symmetric with respect to the z axis.

[0026] The illuminance, irradiance, light field, and diameter of the light field of a lighting unit can, of course, change over time, especially based on user behavior, particularly when the user moves the lighting unit. Unless otherwise specified, the following values ​​are assumed.

[0027] When light enters a body, the body absorbs some of the light and reflects the rest. Thermal energy, also called thermal energy, has units in the joule. The input of thermal energy to an illuminated body is the integral of the absorbed irradiance over the illuminated surface and over time, i.e., over the time the object is illuminated. An illuminated body, for example, a patient on an illuminated operating table, receives thermal energy input from the lighting device illuminating the operating table, and optionally receives thermal energy input from other energy sources, such as heaters for the operating table, heat radiators, and ambient temperature. The body releases thermal energy into the surroundings, particularly depending on its own body temperature and ambient temperature. After a transient response period, thermal equilibrium is reached where the input of thermal energy is equal to the release of thermal energy. The patient's body temperature often rises slightly, and this rise brings about this thermal equilibrium.

[0028] On the one hand, it is desirable to adequately illuminate the area of ​​the patient's body where medical procedures are to be performed. This is achieved by high light intensity and / or illuminance. However, high illuminance also leads to high maximum irradiance. Therefore, on the other hand, it is desirable that the maximum overall irradiance not become too high in order to avoid endangering the patient. If the overall irradiance on the illuminated surface of the patient is excessively high, burns and / or dryness may occur.

[0029] Typically, surgical lighting for medical use generates up to 50W of thermal energy input. However, the concept of "thermal energy" represents the load on the patient's body based on the lighting, averaged over space and time. However, especially in medical applications, a specific area of ​​the body is often strongly illuminated to ensure that the physician can perform the medical procedure effectively. This can cause a localized high load on the body due to the supply of radiant power. Therefore, the thermal equilibrium described above occurs in this area considerably later than the thermal equilibrium averaged over the entire body. Furthermore, irradiance can change rapidly, especially when surgical lighting is turned on. Result: In this area or a smaller sub-area of ​​the body, the temperature becomes significantly higher than in the rest of the body. This temperature difference cannot often be effectively and quickly compensated for by the flow within the patient's own body, or by the release of heat into the surroundings. This can lead to partial drying of wounds, localized temperature increases in areas of the body, and in extreme cases, even mild burning. Therefore, according to the present invention, the thermal energy defined in the previous paragraph is not limited, or at least not limited solely by thermal energy.

[0030] This invention reduces the risk of patient injury due to excessively high maximum total irradiance from a lighting device. Maximum total irradiance is a measure of the current radiant output that the lighting device is locally and currently applying to the patient's body. This distinguishes maximum total irradiance from thermal energy, which is averaged to some extent across the patient's body and integrated over time.

[0031] The lighting device according to the present invention includes at least two lighting units, each capable of illuminating the same surface. Therefore, in many cases, the illuminated surface and, consequently, the object on the illuminated surface, are illuminated from multiple sides. This is often impossible with a single lighting unit. This feature reduces the shadowing effect caused by the object when it enters the area between the lighting device and the illuminated surface. Such objects include, for example, medical instruments or body parts used by a doctor during treatment.

[0032] Preferably, the position and orientation of each lighting unit relative to the illuminated surface can be changed, and moreover, the position and orientation of each lighting unit of the lighting device can be changed from that of a particular other lighting unit or each individual lighting unit. Independent It can be changed. Limitation: Naturally, two lighting units cannot pass through each other, nor can one lighting unit pass through another object.

[0033] In other words, the lighting device according to the present invention includes at least two lighting units. Each lighting unit emits light, generates a light field, and thereby generates irradiance on the illuminated surface, for example, on the illuminated surface of a patient or an operating table. Naturally, at some point, at least one lighting unit may be switched off.

[0034] The light fields of lighting units are additively superimposed. The "total irradiance" of a lighting device should be understood as the irradiance that the lighting device currently achieves on the entire surface being illuminated by its lighting units. The total irradiance also reaches a maximum value on the illuminated surface, which is called the maximum total irradiance, and can change over time. The maximum total irradiance depends on the maximum irradiance achieved by the lighting units of the lighting device on the illuminated surface, and usually on the relative positions of the light fields on the illuminated surface, and to a small extent on the diameter and / or correlated color temperature of the light fields.

[0035] The lighting device according to the present invention further includes a control device (control unit) that performs signal processing. The control device can drive and control each lighting unit, and moreover, it can control a specific other lighting unit of the lighting device or each individual lighting unit. Independent The drive can be controlled. The purpose and function of the drive control is to change, in particular, reduce, the maximum irradiance of the controlled lighting unit. Optionally, the control device may change the diameter and / or correlated color temperature of the lighting unit's light field through this drive control.

[0036] Typically, each lighting unit includes multiple individual light sources, particularly LEDs. Preferably, each lighting unit includes at least two light source groups, and each light source group includes at least one light source. Preferably, the control equipment controls each light source group to a specific other light source group of the lighting unit or each other light source group. Independent The drive can be controlled, and this drive control changes the maximum irradiance of this light source group. Alternatively, the light sources of a lighting unit may be controlled to ensure that all light sources in a single lighting unit belong to the same light source group.

[0037] Each individual light source, and by extension each group of light sources, generates its own maximum irradiance on the surface. To change the maximum irradiance of a driven and controlled lighting unit, the control device causes the maximum irradiance of each light source group to be changed in at least one such group.

[0038] To change the maximum irradiance of a light source group, a control device causes a different value to be assigned to the light intensity parameter of the light source group. In one implementation, the control device causes a change in the maximum irradiance that the light source group can form in space through drive control. In another implementation, the control device causes a change in the light spectrum of the light source group, correlated with the diameter of the light field of the light source group or the color temperature, through drive control of the light source group. These implementations can be combined with each other.

[0039] Preferably, the lighting units are relative to each other Independent The system includes at least two different light source groups that are driven and controlled. In one configuration, the control device causes different values ​​to be assigned to the light intensity parameter of at least one light source group, while at least one further light source group remains unchanged. In another configuration, the values ​​of the light intensity parameters are similarly changed, for example, by the same coefficient or the same absolute value.

[0040] The lighting device according to the present invention can detect user settings. These user settings relate to the maximum overall irradiance of the lighting device or the maximum irradiance of at least one lighting unit. "Related" means that it is caused by, or at least suitable for, a change in the maximum overall irradiance or maximum irradiance. The user settings may, in particular, relate to the irradiance that can be maximized in space, and optionally relate to the diameter of the light field of the lighting device or lighting unit or the correlated color temperature. The user settings may include settings for setting the value of this parameter, or for example, using a slide controller or using plus and minus keys to change the current value.

[0041] The control device is configured to automatically respond to the detection of user settings as follows: The control device predicts, at least approximately, what maximum overall irradiance the lighting device will achieve on a surface when it is operated according to user settings. Preferably, the control device makes this prediction assuming that the lighting device is operated with modifications according to user settings, but otherwise, in particular, that the spacing between each lighting unit and the surface being illuminated remains unchanged, and that, apart from the user settings, each maximum irradiance remains constant. Typically, the maximum overall irradiance predicted by the control device is an estimate of the maximum irradiance on the surface that would actually result from the realization of the user settings.

[0042] A maximum overall irradiance limit is set for the illuminating device that it can actually achieve or is permitted to achieve on its surface. This limit may be set by the user or by a higher-level control unit. Exceeding this limit poses a risk of injury or other harm to the person being illuminated. In one configuration, this limit is fixed and cannot be changed. In another configuration, the maximum possible limit is fixed, for example, based on legal requirements or determined by the manufacturer or the user of the illuminating device. Appropriate user input can cause the user, or the higher-level control unit, to actually use a relatively lower limit. The control equipment detects the limit, whether fixed, set by the user, or by the higher-level control unit.

[0043] The control device compares the predicted maximum total irradiance to a predetermined upper limit. If the predicted maximum total irradiance is greater than the upper limit, the control device drives at least one lighting unit of the lighting device. This drive control depends on the detected user setting. Preferably, the purpose of the drive control is to realize the user setting as desired, or at least as much as possible. When drive control is performed, the control device ensures that the following boundary conditions are observed: namely, the actual maximum total irradiance achieved by the lighting device after drive control is less than or equal to the predetermined upper limit. Typically, drive control depends on the user setting and the predicted maximum total irradiance. In special cases, the lighting device is immuted by the control device because even partially realizing the user setting should result in exceeding the upper limit.

[0044] In other words, the control device, through drive control, ideally ensures that the user settings are not exceeded by realizing the user's desired settings. "Ideally" means that the prediction is an estimate that may deviate from reality, and the control device preferably uses signals from sensors that may contain errors for the prediction. Ideally, the upper limit is observed, thus reducing the risk of the illuminated patient being injured by excessively high maximum irradiance, or of excessive strain on the eyes of people nearby, or of damage to the object.

[0045] According to the present invention, the user does not need to take care not to exceed the upper limit when making user settings. This is particularly effective for user settings that do not directly set the value or multiplier of the maximum total irradiance, but rather directly set another parameter that affects the maximum total irradiance, such as the maximum irradiance of the lighting unit or the diameter of the light field.

[0046] The lighting device may include an input unit, which allows the user to change the maximum total irradiance. This input unit may be configured so that the user cannot increase the maximum total irradiance beyond an upper limit. The present invention can be combined with such a configuration. However, according to the present invention, the user can change other parameters of the lighting device, such as the maximum irradiance of the lighting unit, or the diameter of the light field or the correlated color temperature. According to the present invention, even in this case, the control device prevents the maximum total irradiance from exceeding an upper limit without requiring the input unit to be appropriately configured and without requiring the user to take care to adhere to an upper limit.

[0047] In one configuration, the control device then calculates the maximum total irradiance that the entire lighting system will actually achieve on the surface. This configuration will be described in more detail later. According to the present invention, the control device additionally or alternatively predicts the maximum total irradiance that will result from the user settings if the user settings are performed as desired. In this way, in cases where the upper limit would be exceeded, the control device prevents the upper limit from actually being exceeded by appropriately driving and controlling at least one lighting unit. In special cases, the control device leaves the lighting system unchanged, i.e., the user settings are not performed, because otherwise the upper limit would be exceeded. In other words, the present invention first prevents the undesirable event of exceeding the upper limit. Such an event is then confirmed, and the maximum total irradiance is reduced again. Such an action can be particularly dangerous to patients and / or can strain or tire the eyes of people around the illuminated surface.

[0048] The present invention can be operated in combination with a configuration in which the control device continuously determines the maximum overall irradiance currently achieved, for example, at a fixed sampling frequency. How quickly the upper limit is detected depends on the sampling frequencies of the control device and the optional sensor in this configuration, as well as on the computational capacity of the control device. However, thanks to the present invention, this continuous scanning becomes unnecessary. Rather, the maximum overall irradiance is predicted as needed, i.e., after detection as set by the user. In many cases, this feature saves the computational capacity and / or computation time of the control device.

[0049] A subsequent configuration is possible: namely, in cases where the predicted maximum total irradiance is greater than the upper limit, the control device prompts the output of a corresponding message, particularly an alarm, in a form that is at least perceptible to humans. However, according to the present invention, if the upper limit is exceeded, the control device automatically drives and controls at least one lighting unit, so there is no need to output such a message in the present invention. This is particularly advantageous because, in everyday clinical settings, people are often overwhelmed by many messages. In other words, the present invention reduces the risk that a significant exceedance of the maximum total irradiance will occur, or that the exceedance of the maximum total irradiance will persist, because the user does not perceive or respond correctly to a corresponding message. The control device can drive and control at least one lighting unit and can additionally prompt the output of a message.

[0050] According to the present invention, the control device predicts what maximum overall irradiance the lighting device will achieve on the illuminated surface if the user settings are implemented as desired. According to the present invention, the control device uses the detected user settings in relation to the maximum overall irradiance or maximum irradiance of at least one lighting unit. Various configurations are possible in which the control device uses further information to predict the maximum overall irradiance. The present invention can also be implemented without using this further information.

[0051] Preferably, the control device determines and uses the maximum irradiance of each lighting unit, and the lighting unit actually achieves this maximum irradiance on the illuminated surface. Typically, the control device uses an approximation of the actual maximum irradiance.

[0052] In one implementation, each lighting unit is assigned a maximum achievable irradiance in a given space. Based on its structure and manufacturing, the lighting unit can achieve this maximum irradiance, and this maximum value does not necessarily occur on the illuminated surface, but rather, for example, at a reference interval of 1 meter. The maximum irradiance actually achieved by the lighting unit in a space is less than or equal to the maximum achievable irradiance in the space, and depends on the drive control of the lighting unit. Similarly, the maximum irradiance achieved on a surface is less than or equal to the maximum achievable irradiance in the space.

[0053] In one configuration, the control device uses the maximum irradiance of the lighting unit actually achieved in space as the maximum irradiance achievable on the surface, and determines the maximum irradiance achievable in space by relying on the maximum achievable irradiance and the drive control of the lighting unit. The maximum irradiance thus approximately determined may be greater than the maximum irradiation actually achieved on the surface, but it is usually not less than this.

[0054] In an alternative configuration, it is considered that the maximum irradiance achieved by a lighting unit on the illuminated surface depends on the distance between the lighting unit and the surface, and therefore may be less than the maximum irradiance achieved by the lighting unit in space. According to this alternative configuration, the lighting device includes at least one spacing sensor. In one implementation, one spacing sensor is connected to each lighting unit, and the position and orientation of the connected spacing sensors relative to the lighting unit are immutable. A particular spacing sensor, or each spacing sensor, measures a measure of the distance between itself and the illuminated surface. In many cases, this measured distance can be used as the distance between the lighting unit and the illuminated surface. Optionally, additionally, a lateral offset between the spacing sensor and the optical central axis of the lighting unit is used, and this lateral offset is set by the structure and remains constant during operation. The control device uses the maximum irradiance achieved in space, as well as the measured spacing, to determine the maximum irradiance achieved on the surface.

[0055] Various implementations of this spacing sensor are possible. In one implementation, the spacing sensor emits electromagnetic radiation or sound waves onto a surface, the surface reflects at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation or sound waves, and some of that portion is re-entered by the spacing sensor, and the propagation time of the electromagnetic radiation or sound waves is measured. The propagation time is a measure of the interval being searched. It is also possible to measure attenuation, in which case attenuation is a measure of distance.

[0056] In another implementation, the lighting unit is directed towards the surface and connected to a camera with an autofocus function. This autofocus function automatically focuses the camera on the surface to be illuminated. A spacing sensor detects the distance at which the autofocus function has focused the camera. This autofocus distance is an estimate of the spacing to be explored. This configuration eliminates the need for a separate spacing sensor. In many cases, such a camera is already in place, which allows, for example, the illuminated surface to be visually displayed on a spatially separated output unit.

[0057] In one implementation, the camera is positioned and configured such that at least one image of the camera shows all or at least some of the light fields generated on the surface by the illumination unit. A control device evaluates this image and determines the size of each light field in this image. Furthermore, for each illumination unit, the control device determines the diameter d of the light field generated by this illumination unit at a predetermined reference interval. x Whether it has this characteristic is detected, for example, through read access to data memory. The diameter d of the light field at the reference interval. x This is a parameter that is inherent to the structure, and the user can change this parameter, but this does not depend on the interval being explored. The control device compares the size of the light field in the image with the diameter of the light field at a reference interval and derives each interval from the result of the comparison. The reference interval is, of course, set for the control device.

[0058] If multiple lighting units are switched on, even the image above will show multiple light fields on the surface. In one configuration, the control device automatically determines which light field originates from which lighting unit. In many cases, the camera is fixedly connected to the lighting unit. The control device detects the invariant position and orientation of the camera relative to the optical central axis of the lighting unit. In one configuration, at least one lighting unit is fixedly connected to the spacing sensor. The measured distance between this lighting unit and the surface, and the diameter d of the light field of this lighting unit. x The diameter of the light field in the image, in many cases, allows the control equipment to identify the light field originating from a lighting unit with a spacing sensor.

[0059] What is possible here is for at least one lighting unit control device to detect the diameter of a set light field at a reference interval without using interval sensors, and to verify through automatic validation which light fields in the image may originate from this lighting unit and which may not.

[0060] In a preferred configuration, the spacing sensor can non-contactively scan the illuminated surface, thereby generating a topographic 3D profile of the illuminated surface. Such spacing sensors are known as "time-of-flight sensors" and are described, for example, in German Patent Application Publication No. 102013012231 and German Patent Application Publication No. 102012014716. The control device uses this topographic profile to determine the maximum irradiance of the connected lighting unit, the maximum overall irradiance, and / or the spacing between the lighting unit and the surface.

[0061] In one configuration, the control device uses a topographic profile to determine the minimum distance between the topographic profile of the illuminated surface and the illumination unit. This minimum distance may be shorter than the spacing along the optical central axis. The control device uses the minimum distance and the maximum irradiance in the space of the illumination unit to determine the maximum irradiance on the surface of the illumination unit. The control device can also derive and use the average spacing from the topographic profile.

[0062] According to the configuration described above, the control device determines the maximum irradiance that the lighting unit achieves on the surface. • The irradiance achieved by the lighting unit in the space, and • Measured distance between the lighting unit and the surface being illuminated It depends on the results.

[0063] Preferably, the control device uses a characteristic curve that shows a coefficient as a function of the interval, where the coefficient represents the percentage of irradiance that can be maximally achieved in space, which the lighting unit can actually achieve to the maximum extent at that interval. This characteristic curve is known from the structure of the lighting unit or is determined empirically in advance. Preferably, the characteristic curve is stored in a data memory that the control device has at least temporary read access to.

[0064] In one configuration, the control device predicts the maximum overall irradiance as follows: that is, as the sum of the maximum irradiances of the lighting units, and if the user setting relates to the lighting units, the maximum irradiance to be achieved is used according to this user setting. The maximum irradiance results from the maximum achievable irradiance and the drive control of the lighting units. Preferably, lighting units that are switched off or malfunctioning are not considered in this sum. This configuration does not require sensor signals, and in particular does not require measured intervals, but it does not lead to predictions of excessively large or excessively small maximum overall irradiance.

[0065] Each lighting unit achieves one light field on the illuminated surface. The concept of a "light field" has already been defined above. In the case where the illuminated surface is perpendicular to the optical central axis of the lighting unit, an irradiance exceeding x% of the maximum irradiance occurs inside the circle, where x is, for example, 10%, and the center of this circle is the intersection of the optical central axis and the surface. The diameter of this circle is the diameter d of the light field. x These circles of the lighting units may be arranged concentrically, in which case the maximum overall irradiance is ideally equal to the sum of the maximum irradiances of the lighting units. In contrast, when the centers of these circles do not coincide, this sum is usually greater than the maximum overall irradiance.

[0066] In one configuration, the control device can determine, at least approximately, how these light fields are positioned relative to each other. The lighting unit generates these light fields on the surface being illuminated. The control device uses user settings, the maximum irradiance of the lighting unit, and additionally, the determined relative positioning of the light fields to predict the maximum overall irradiance.

[0067] Various configurations are possible for how the control equipment determines how the light fields of the lighting units are positioned relative to each other. In this configuration, the control equipment preferably determines how far apart the two intersection points of the two optical central axes of the two lighting units are with the illuminated surface. There is one such spacing for two lighting units, three such spacings for three lighting units, and six such spacings for four lighting units, where it is assumed that all lighting units are switched on simultaneously and that this is taken into consideration when making predictions and optionally when determining the maximum overall irradiance. The spacing between the two intersection points may, of course, be zero.

[0068] Each lighting unit can be connected to one spacing sensor and one orientation sensor. The spacing sensor measures the distance between the lighting unit and the surface being illuminated. The orientation sensor measures how the optical central axis of the lighting unit is positioned in space. The control equipment uses the signals from these two sensors to determine how the light fields are positioned relative to each other.

[0069] In one configuration, two or at least two illumination units are each connected to one spacing sensor. The position and orientation of the spacing sensors relative to the connected illumination units are immutable. Each of these at least two spacing sensors can non-contact scan the surface to be illuminated. The spacing sensors supply at least two topographic 3D profiles of the surface to be illuminated, and in many cases, from various different viewing directions. The control device compares these topographic profiles with each other and uses the results of this comparison to determine how the light fields of the illumination units are positioned relative to each other on the surface. Preferably, the control device additionally uses the structurally determined position and orientation of the spacing sensors in the illumination units relative to the optical central axis of the illumination unit to derive the position and orientation of the optical central axis relative to the topographic profile. Preferably, the control device derives the distances at which these intersections of the optical central axis and the surface are separated from each other from the comparison of the two topographic profiles. In many cases, the control device can also determine the position of a third light field relative to the two first light fields, even if this third light field originates from a lighting unit not connected to such a spacing sensor.

[0070] According to the present invention, the control device controls each lighting unit of the lighting device to a specific other lighting unit or to each individual lighting unit. IndependentThe lights can be driven and controlled. According to one embodiment, the control device can drive and control the lighting units within a measurement period as follows: namely, in the first alternative embodiment, at each point in the measurement period, exactly one lighting unit is switched on and a specific other lighting unit or each individual lighting unit is switched off. In the second alternative embodiment, at each point in the measurement period, exactly one lighting unit is switched off and a specific other lighting unit or each individual lighting unit is switched on. This measurement period is used to determine how these light fields of the lighting units are positioned relative to each other. Preferably, the frequency of switching the lighting units on and off is large enough for a person to perceive continuous illumination of the surface without perceiving flickering.

[0071] According to this alternative implementation, the lighting device includes an imaging system. This imaging system includes at least one camera. In one implementation, one camera is positioned for each lighting unit. The imaging system can generate a sequence of images of the illuminated surface. Each light field of each lighting unit is located within the field of view of at least one camera of the imaging system. This sequence is generated as follows: for each lighting unit, this sequence includes at least one image of the illuminated surface, and this image is generated, and in the first alternative, this lighting unit is switched on, and in the second alternative, it is switched off. That is, in the first alternative, this image shows only the light field of this lighting unit, and in the second alternative, it shows only a specific other lighting unit or each light field of each individual lighting unit. That is, this sequence includes at least the same number of images as the number of lighting units included in the lighting device. Each image in this sequence is given one timestamp (image generation time).

[0072] The control device evaluates the sequence of images. Preferably, the control device superimposes these images of the sequence onto each other by calculation. Using the images with timestamps and the times when each illumination unit is switched on or switched off, the control device determines which light field originates from which illumination unit on which surface. The control device also uses this information to determine how these light fields are positioned relative to each other.

[0073] Thanks to this configuration, the positioning of the light field can be determined even when all lighting units emit light with the same optical spectrum. Furthermore, this configuration eliminates the need to measure the position and orientation of each lighting unit in space.

[0074] In one application, this configuration can be additionally used to determine the distance between a lighting unit and the surface being illuminated. The size of this light field in the image, as well as the diameter of the light field at a reference distance of this lighting unit, provide an estimate of the distance between the lighting unit and the surface.

[0075] As already mentioned, the irradiance of a lighting unit is proportional to the illuminance, and the proportionality coefficient depends on the light spectrum of the lighting unit. In one configuration, the control device determines the light spectrum of each lighting unit. The light spectrum of a lighting unit depends on the light spectrum resulting from the structure of the light source group described above for that lighting unit, as well as the maximum irradiance of each light source group. Using the determined light spectrum, the control device predicts the maximum overall irradiance and, optionally, determines the maximum overall irradiance actually achieved.

[0076] The maximum irradiance of a lighting unit may additionally depend on the angle at which the light central axis of the lighting unit intersects the surface being illuminated. In one configuration, the control device determines each angle for each lighting unit, uses the determined angles to predict the maximum overall irradiance, and optionally determines the maximum overall irradiance actually achieved.

[0077] According to the present invention, the control device predicts the maximum total irradiance, and moreover, predicts it in response to detection of user settings. In cases where the predicted maximum total irradiance is greater than a predetermined upper limit, the control device drives and controls at least one lighting unit to prevent exceeding the upper limit, and at least to prevent a significant exceedance.

[0078] Various configurations are possible in which the control equipment prevents the upper limit from being exceeded by the drive control.

[0079] In one configuration, the user setting relates to the maximum overall irradiance. For example, the user sets that the maximum overall irradiance to be achieved should be increased. In response to the detection of this user setting, the control device preferably optionally drives each lighting unit, excluding lighting units that are switched off or defective. Through this drive control, the control device modifies each maximum irradiance of each lighting unit according to the user setting, but without exceeding the upper limit. As a result of this setting, the user setting can not be realized exactly as desired, i.e., it can be kept lower than desired by the user. This configuration is particularly advantageous when the maximum overall irradiance has already reached or is close to reaching the upper limit, and the user has set an increase in the maximum overall irradiance. On the contrary, it is possible to keep the lighting system unchanged.

[0080] In one implementation of this configuration, the control device causes the maximum irradiance of each lighting unit to change by the same coefficient through drive control. In another implementation, the control device causes the maximum irradiance of the lighting unit currently achieving the highest or lowest maximum irradiance of all lighting units in the lighting device to change.

[0081] In another configuration, user settings relate to a specific first lighting unit selected by the user. For example, the user may want a particular area on a surface to be illuminated to be more brightly lit, for example, because a medical procedure should be performed on a patient in that area. Therefore, the user may set that the maximum irradiance and / or the diameter and / or color temperature of the first lighting unit directed at this area should be changed, and in particular, increased.

[0082] Preferably, in this alternative configuration, the control device drives and controls a first lighting unit to which the user setting is related, thereby causing the maximum irradiance of the first lighting unit to change, ideally according to the user setting. In the case where the drive control increases the maximum irradiance of the first lighting unit according to the user setting, while everything else remains unchanged, the maximum overall irradiance may consequently exceed a predetermined upper limit. According to the present invention, in this alternative configuration as well, the control device predicts the maximum overall irradiance that can be achieved from the realization of this user setting, i.e., the case in which the maximum irradiance of the first lighting unit is changed as set by the user.

[0083] Preferably, the control device causes the first lighting unit to be changed according to user settings. In cases where this change causes the upper limit to be exceeded, the control device selects another lighting unit and drives this other lighting unit to reduce its maximum irradiance. The objective of this drive control is that the maximum overall irradiance is at most equal to the upper limit. In cases where the lighting system includes at least three lighting units, the control device can select several other lighting units and reduce the maximum irradiance of each of these selected other lighting units.

[0084] This configuration allows, in many cases, a specific area on the surface to be illuminated to be illuminated more strongly than previously illuminated, i.e., by the first illumination unit, as desired by the user, but without exceeding an upper limit. Preferably, the control device selects at least one additional illumination unit such that the light field of this additional illumination unit does not overlap, or overlaps relatively little, with the light field of the first illumination unit. It is also possible for the control device to select, as the additional illumination unit, an illumination unit that currently achieves the highest irradiance among all other illumination units.

[0085] At least one first illumination unit of the lighting device may be directed to a first area of ​​the surface to be illuminated, in particular to a first area of ​​the patient on the operating table. The first area is particularly sensitive to thermal energy input and includes, for example, the patient's chest or face. At least one other illumination unit is directed to another area that is less sensitive to thermal energy. Preferably, a particular first illumination unit or each light field of each first illumination unit does not overlap, or at least substantially does not overlap, with a particular further illumination unit or each light field of each further illumination unit. Often, the upper limit only needs to be observed with respect to this first area.

[0086] In this application, it is important that the maximum overall irradiance achieved by the entire first lighting unit is less than or equal to the upper limit. The maximum irradiance of the second lighting unit is preferably not considered. This configuration allows the first area to be illuminated as brightly or as desired without exceeding the upper limit.

[0087] Therefore, in one configuration, the control device determines a subset of lighting units, i.e., a first lighting unit for the application described above. The subset of lighting units includes at least one lighting unit of the lighting device. At least one further lighting unit of the lighting device belongs to the remaining set, i.e., does not belong to the subset of lighting units. The control device can determine the maximum irradiance of each lighting unit in the subset of lighting units. To predict the maximum overall irradiance of the lighting device, the control device uses user settings, the determined maximum irradiance of the (first) lighting unit in the subset of lighting units, and optionally, information on how the light fields of these first lighting units are positioned relative to each other. Preferably, the control device does not use the irradiance of the remaining lighting units.

[0088] Various implementations are possible in which the control device determines a subset of the lighting unit.

[0089] In one implementation, the lighting device detects the corresponding user settings. In one implementation, the user settings identify a specific lighting unit or each lighting unit within a subset of lighting units, while in another implementation, they identify a specific lighting unit or each lighting unit within a lighting device that does not belong to a subset of lighting units. In many cases, the user can reliably configure which lighting units are directed towards the heat-sensitive area.

[0090] Another implementation can be combined with the above configuration, in which the control device determines how the light fields of the lighting units are positioned relative to each other. According to this combination, the control device determines the superimposed light fields. The lighting units that generate these superimposed light fields belong to a subset of lighting units. Each further lighting unit does not belong to a subset of lighting units. That is, the light field of a particular further lighting unit or each further lighting unit does not superimpose with the light fields of the lighting units in the subset of lighting units.

[0091] According to the present invention, the control device predicts the maximum total irradiance, and moreover, predicts the maximum total irradiance in response to the event that a user setting has been detected. This user setting relates to the maximum total irradiance or maximum irradiance of the lighting unit. The control device designs this user setting so that the maximum total irradiance does not exceed the upper limit. In one configuration, the control device can additionally determine the maximum total irradiance that is actually achieved and reduce it as necessary. The process by which the control device determines the maximum total irradiance that will be achieved is triggered when the control device detects an irradiance-related event. This irradiance-related event is suitable for changing the maximum total irradiance, or at least for changing the maximum total irradiance. This event has already been initiated and can only be inspected afterward, but in the present invention, the user setting is inspected first and then executed as described above. Typically, irradiance-related events are triggered by user intervention or user behavior.

[0092] In this configuration, the control device at least approximately determines the maximum total irradiance that the lighting device will achieve on the surface according to irradiance-related events. If this determined maximum total irradiance is greater than the upper limit, the control device drives and controls at least one lighting unit. This causes the control device to (further) reduce the maximum total irradiance. This configuration reduces the risk that the maximum total irradiance will be greater than the upper limit over a relatively long period of time. Nevertheless, thanks to this configuration, it is not necessary to continuously determine the current actual maximum total irradiance at a high scanning frequency. Rather, the maximum total irradiance is determined anew at least as needed, i.e., when an irradiance-related event is detected, i.e., when an indicator of possible changes in the actual maximum total irradiance is detected.

[0093] In one implementation, the control device drives and controls all the lighting units of the lighting apparatus, causing the maximum irradiance of each lighting unit to be reduced by, for example, the same percentage or the same absolute value. It is also possible for the control device to reduce only the maximum irradiance of lighting units that do not belong to the aforementioned subset of lighting units.

[0094] Various configurations are possible regarding which irradiance-related events the control equipment can detect.

[0095] In one configuration, the lighting device includes at least one spacing sensor, preferably one spacing sensor for each lighting unit. A particular spacing sensor, or each spacing sensor, can measure a measure of the distance between itself and the surface being illuminated. As an irradiance-related event, the control device detects an event in which at least one measured spacing is changed by a significant amount, particularly a reduction, below a predetermined lower limit. Since the maximum irradiance of a lighting unit depends on the spacing between the lighting unit and the surface, changing the spacing of the lighting units can result in a change in the maximum overall irradiance.

[0096] In another configuration, the lighting device includes at least one contact sensor, preferably one contact sensor for each lighting unit. A particular contact sensor, or each contact sensor, can detect when a user touches the sensor and, by extension, the lighting unit to which it is connected. For example, this contact sensor is mounted on the grip of the lighting unit. The user typically touches the lighting unit, particularly the grip of the lighting unit, for the purpose of changing the distance between the lighting unit and the surface being illuminated and / or the orientation of the lighting unit.

[0097] According to the present invention, the control device controls each lighting unit to a specific other lighting unit or to each individual lighting unit. IndependentThe drive control can be performed, and the purpose of this drive control is to change, or may change, the maximum irradiance of the lighting unit. Through this drive control, the control device will at least partially perform user settings or respond to user intervention. Furthermore, the control device will prevent, or cause, at least afterward, the maximum overall irradiance to be less than a predetermined upper limit, or at most equal to a predetermined upper limit. In one configuration, the lighting device is configured such that the control device endeavors to ensure that the maximum overall irradiance does not exceed an upper limit throughout the entire operation of the lighting device.

[0098] In another configuration, the lighting device is operated in two different modes: an activated limiting mode and a deactivated limiting mode. When the limiting mode is activated, the control device operates as described above, i.e., predicts the maximum total irradiance in response to the user setting and causes the actually achieved maximum total irradiance to be below the upper limit. Optionally, when the limiting mode is activated, the control device responds to the detection of irradiance-related events as described above. When the limiting mode is deactivated, the control device allows the maximum total irradiance to exceed the upper limit. In one configuration, even when the limiting mode is deactivated, the control device predicts the maximum total irradiance but does not drive the lighting unit to prevent it from exceeding the upper limit. In the case where the maximum total irradiance is greater than the upper limit and the limiting mode is deactivated, the control device preferably outputs an appropriate message in a human-perceptible form.

[0099] The lighting device can preferably detect user input determining whether the lighting device should be operated in an activated or deactivated restricted mode. The user can activate the restricted mode in response to a message indicating that an upper limit has been exceeded. In response to this, the control device drives at least one lighting unit to reduce the maximum irradiance of the lighting unit.

[0100] In one application, the lighting device according to the present invention is used to illuminate a medical operating table. This operating table is configured on which a patient to be treated is placed. The lighting device is used particularly inside a building or vehicle.

[0101] The present invention will be described below with reference to examples. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0102] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a lighting device having three lighting units and one camera. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows an example of three light fields achieved by three lighting units, where two light fields are superimposed. [Figure 3] This is a first example of the light field of two lighting units and a schematic diagram of the resulting overall light field. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of a second example showing the light fields of two lighting units and the resulting overall light field. [Figure 5] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a lighting device having three lighting units and two cameras for illuminating a non-flat surface. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the lighting unit and the surface to be illuminated in the arrangement shown. [Figure 7]Figure 6 shows schematic diagrams of the three images generated by each of the three cameras in the configuration shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0103] In an embodiment, the present invention is used to illuminate an object Obj in the form of an operating table. A patient, not shown, who is to be medically treated, is placed on this operating table Obj. The illumination device 100 according to the present invention illuminates the surface Ob of the operating table Obj or the surface Ob of the patient on the operating table Obj, facing the illumination device 100. The illumination device 100 generates a light field on the illuminated surface Ob. In the following drawings, a flat surface Ob is shown in a simplified form. Naturally, the illuminated surface of the patient on the operating table Obj is not flat. Note: These drawings are not necessarily to scale.

[0104] The illumination device 100 of the embodiment includes three illumination units 1, 2, and 3, which illuminate the operating table Obj from above, vertically or obliquely, and from up to three different directions. Figures 1 and 5 schematically show two different embodiments of the illumination device 100. Unless otherwise specified, the following description relates to the two embodiments.

[0105] Preferably, the lighting units 1, 2, and 3 are movably mounted on the ceiling and relative to each other. Independent It can move. The position and orientation of each lighting unit 1, 2, 3 in space can be changed, and more preferably, the position and orientation of a specific other lighting unit or each individual lighting unit can be changed. Independent It can be changed. In one configuration, the joints of each lighting unit 1, 2, 3 are configured such that lighting units 1, 2, 3 do not change their own position and orientation relative to the illuminated surface Ob independently, but only in response to user intervention. In another configuration, each lighting unit 1, 2, 3 can be locked in the desired position and orientation and then unlocked again.

[0106] Illumination units 1, 2, and 3 each have one optical central axis. In this embodiment, the optical central axis of illumination unit 1 is the same as the geometric central axis MA.1, and the optical central axis of illumination unit 2 is the same as the geometric central axis MA.2. In this embodiment, the first illumination unit 1 is rotationally symmetric with respect to the central axis MA.1, and the second illumination unit 2 is rotationally symmetric with respect to the central axis MA.2. The third illumination unit 3 is shown only schematically. Of course, other configurations, in particular, other numbers of illumination units are possible. Illumination units 1, 2, and 3 are not necessarily rotationally symmetric. In the orientations shown in Figures 1 and 5, where two illumination units 1 and 2 are shown, the two central axes MA.1 and MA.2 form an angle between them, preferably 25° to 70°. The two central axes MA.1 and MA.2 are positioned obliquely on the illuminated surface Ob and are located in the diagrammatic plane of Figures 1 and 5. In the illustrated scenario, the central axis MA.3 of the lighting unit 3 is positioned perpendicular to the surface Ob being illuminated.

[0107] The illuminance and irradiance of lighting units 1 and 2 are maximized along the optical central axes MA.1 and MA.2. More precisely, on a plane perpendicular to the optical central axes MA.1 and MA.2, the illuminance and irradiance have their maximum values ​​at the intersection of the plane and the optical central axes MA.1 and MA.2. The same applies to the third lighting unit 3. The maximum illuminance and maximum irradiance in space for lighting units 1, 2, and 3 are similarly located on the optical central axes MA.1 and MA.2. Figures 1 and 5 show the intersection points S.1 and S.2 of the two optical central axes MA.1 and MA.2 and the illuminated surface Ob.

[0108] Figure 2 schematically shows three light fields Lf1, Lf2, and Lf3, which lighting units 1, 2, and 3 generate on the illuminated surface Ob where possible. The illuminated surface Ob is located in the figure plane of Figure 2, and the two central axes MA.1 and MA.2 are located obliquely to this figure plane. Two ellipses are shown where the illuminance, and thus the irradiance, is 10% of each maximum illuminance, and thus the irradiance, on the surface Ob. Inside these ellipses, the illuminance and irradiance are greater than 10% of each maximum value, and outside they are less than 10%. The inside of these two ellipses is marked differently for specific illustration. In the illustrated situation, the central axis MA.3 of the third lighting unit 3 is located perpendicular to the illuminated surface Ob, so the region where the irradiance is 10% of the maximum irradiance is a circle. In the illustrated scenario, this circle does not overlap with the two ellipses of the two lighting units 1 and 2. For example, lighting units 1 and 2 illuminate the patient's chest area, while lighting unit 3 illuminates the legs. In other possible scenarios not illustrated, the two light fields overlap almost concentrically.

[0109] The orientation of the three illumination units 1, 2, and 3 relative to the illuminated surface Ob illuminates the surface Ob, and consequently the patient on the operating table Obj is illuminated from three different directions. Therefore, the patient is still illuminated even when an object, such as a doctor's body part or another object, enters the area between the illumination device 100 and the illuminated surface Ob.

[0110] The first lighting unit 1 includes a support 5.1 and a plurality of individual light sources 1.1, 1.2, ... which are mounted on the support 5.1 and preferably arranged rotationally symmetrically about a central axis MA.1 (see Figures 1 and 5). The second lighting unit 2 includes a support 5.2 and a plurality of individual light sources 2.1, 2.2, ... which are mounted on the support 5.2 and preferably arranged rotationally symmetrically about a central axis MA.2. Figures 1 and 5 show the light rays Lb of light sources 1.1, 1.2, ...1.1 ,Lb 1.2 And the light rays Lb from light sources 2.1, 2.2, ... 2.1 ,Lf 2.2 ...and are shown in general terms. For illustrative purposes, these rays are dotted differently. These light sources can emit light of the same color temperature or light of at least two different color temperatures.

[0111] Each ray Lb 1.1 ,Lb 1.2 ,…,Lb 2.1 ,Lf 2.2 ... generates individual light fields on the illuminated surface Ob. The individual light fields of the light sources of illumination units 1, 2, and 3 are superimposed on the illuminated surface Ob to form one light field Lf1, Lf2, and Lf3, respectively. Thus, the individual irradiances for a single point on the illuminated surface Ob are added together. Illumination device 100 generates the overall light field Lf ges This is achieved on the surface Ob.

[0112] Based on the two examples in Figures 3 and 4, the generated overall light field Lf ges This is shown. Illumination units 1 and 2 are switched on, and illumination unit 3 is switched off. The illuminated surface Ob is perpendicular to the diagram plane of Figures 3A and 3B and the lower diagram plane of Figure 4B, and the optical central axes MA.1 and MA.2 are located in these diagram planes. Conversely, the illuminated surface is located in the diagram plane of Figure 4A. Figure 3A schematically shows the two illumination units 1 and 2 and the two central axes MA.1 and MA.2. In Figures 3A and 4B, the irradiance Ee on the surface Ob is plotted on the y axis. Cross-sections through the two light fields Lf1 and Lf2 of the two illumination units 1 and 2 and the overall light field Lf gesA cross-section passing through and is shown. For simplicity, the two light fields Lf1 and Lf2 are shown as rotationally symmetric with respect to their respective central axes MA.1 and MA.2, and the influence of the obliquely located central axes MA.1 and MA.2 is ignored. Figure 4 shows another example in which the two light fields Lf1 and Lf2 overlap only slightly.

[0113] The lighting device 100 further includes an operating unit 9, shown only schematically, and a control unit 10, also shown only schematically, which performs signal processing. The operating unit 9 can receive user input and forward it to the control unit 10, which then detects this user input. Preferably, the user can use the operating unit 9 to set setting values ​​for various parameters of the lighting units 1, 2, 3 or the lighting device 100 as a whole.

[0114] In particular, the user can set the desired maximum illuminance in the space for each lighting unit 1, 2, and 3, for example, using a stepless scale or a stepped scale from 0 to 10, where a value of 10 corresponds to the maximum achievable illuminance in the space. A value of 5 means that the illuminance actually achieved in the space is equal to half of the maximum achievable illuminance. Alternatively, the user can set an increase or decrease in the value to be made. Illustratively, minus and plus keys are shown. Furthermore, the user can set the desired light field diameter d for each lighting unit 1, 2, and 3. x The settings also allow you to optionally define the average light spectrum of lighting units 1, 2, and 3, and input the desired light field diameter d. x This refers, for example, to a reference interval of 1 meter. In one configuration, the user can further set whether or not these lighting units 1, 2, and 3 should be included in the automatically enforced limit on the overall irradiance. Furthermore, the user can select or deselect lighting units 1, 2, and 3 using the operation unit 9, which will be explained further below.

[0115] The user can further define subsequent parameters for the lighting device 100: • Upper limit on the maximum overall irradiance that the lighting device 100 can achieve on the illuminated surface Ob and Should the restricted mode be activated or deactivated?

[0116] I will explain the meaning later.

[0117] The control device 10 receives user settings and drives and controls the light sources of the lighting units 1, 2, and 3 according to these settings. For example, the control device 10 sets the strength of the current flowing through the light sources 1.1, 1.2, ..., 2.1, 2.2, ... or the voltage applied to the light sources 1.1, 1.2, ..., 2.1, 2.2, ... to appropriate values. Preferably, the light sources 1.1, 1.2, ..., 2.1, 2.2, ... are operated in a pulsed manner, and the pulse frequency is high enough for an observer to perceive constant illumination. By modulating the pulse width, the control device 10 can similarly change the illuminance of the light sources 1.1, 1.2, ..., 2.1, 2.2, .... In pulse width modulation, the control device changes the ratio between the duration of the pulse that supplies current to the light source and the duration of the period between two consecutive pulses. In one configuration, the control device 10 adjusts the illuminance of each light source to match the illuminance of the other light sources. Independent It can be changed.

[0118] In this embodiment, the control device 10 has read access to a computer-evaluable table, which stores the maximum achievable illuminance in space resulting from the settings of each of the lighting units 1, 2, and 3 for a number of user-configurable settings. For example, it is stored that setting 10 on a scale of 1 to 10 results in a desired maximum illuminance of 160 kLux in space, equal to the maximum achievable illuminance, and setting 5 results in half the maximum achievable illuminance, i.e., 80 kLux. This table is created and stored during the prior calibration of the lighting units 1, 2, and 3. This table is preferably valid for each similar lighting unit 1, 2, and 3 and is stored in the data memory of the lighting units 1, 2, and 3. In cases where the lighting device 100 includes differently configured lighting units 1, 2, and 3, various tables are preferably also stored. Preferably, this table for lighting units 1, 2, and 3 also stores which settings for the light sources of lighting units 1, 2, and 3 produce the desired maximum illuminance in the space. These tables are created and stored in advance. The control device 10 has read access to these tables.

[0119] The control device 10 "knows" and uses the respective values ​​for each of the parameters listed below for each of the lighting units 1, 2, and 3, and these values ​​do not depend on the position and orientation of the lighting units 1, 2, and 3 relative to the surface Ob: • Maximum illuminance and / or irradiance achieved in space • Functional dependence of the spacing along the optical central axis of maximum illuminance and / or irradiance on surface Ob. • Selectively select the light spectrum • Diameter d of the light field at the reference interval x and Should lighting units 1, 2, and 3 be included in the limit on the overall irradiance?

[0120] The maximum irradiance achievable in the space of lighting units 1, 2, and 3 is Ee max,1,sp ,Ee max,2,sp,Ee max,3,sp This is shown by [the source].

[0121] In one configuration, the user can determine the maximum irradiance Ee achieved in the space by each lighting unit 1, 2, and 3. max,1,sp ,Ee max,2,sp ,Ee max,3,sp One set value is set for each of these. The control device 10 can drive and control each lighting unit 1, 2, and 3 in accordance with this set value. For example, set value 10 provides the maximum achievable illuminance in the space, and set value 5 provides half of that. In one configuration, a proportionality coefficient between the maximum irradiance and the maximum illuminance is used, for example, 4 W / m². 2 / kLux is stored. Then, the setting value 10 is, for example, 640W / m 2 This yields the maximum irradiance. In one developmental form, a table is stored that supplies the resulting proportional coefficients between the maximum irradiance and the maximum illuminance in space for multiple possible light spectra of lighting units 1, 2, and 3. The control device 10 also supplies the maximum achievable or maximum expected irradiance in space for each lighting unit 1, 2, and 3, based on each setpoint, the maximum achievable illuminance in space, and the proportional coefficient.

[0122] Hereafter, "maximum total irradiance" Ee will be used as an abbreviation for the maximum irradiance caused or predicted by the lighting device 100 on the illuminated surface Ob. max,ges The name is used.

[0123] The control device 10, in one application, controls the lighting device 100 to determine which maximum overall irradiance Ee on the illuminated surface Ob. max,ges It automatically determines whether to achieve the maximum irradiance Ee. More precisely: The control device 10 determines whether to achieve the maximum irradiance Ee max,ges Estimated value Ee max,ges,est The control device 10 uses a constant sampling frequency to determine the estimated value Ee. max,ges,estIt is possible to determine the maximum overall irradiance Ee each time an irradiance-related event is detected by the control device 10. max,ges This is newly required. Irradiance-related events include the maximum overall irradiance Ee max,ges Change or the maximum overall irradiance Ee max,ges It is at least suitable for the changes. Examples of irradiance-related events are as follows: The spacing between lighting units 1, 2, and 3 and the surface was changed, particularly reduced. • The user made contact with the support of lighting units 1, 2, and 3: This contact is typically performed with the purpose of changing the position and / or orientation of lighting units 1, 2, and 3 relative to the surface.

[0124] Preferably, the lighting device 100 includes a sensor capable of detecting irradiance-related events. Signals from such sensors are transmitted to the control device 10. In another application, the control device 10 can detect any maximum total irradiance Ee of the lighting device 100. max,ges However, what is expected as a response to user settings, or more precisely: what is the maximum total irradiance Ee of the lighting device 100 in the case where user settings are not changed and this is achieved or would be achieved? max,ges However, it automatically predicts what will happen, or will happen, as a response to user settings.

[0125] The maximum total irradiance Ee currently achieved on the surface Ob illuminated by the lighting device 100. max,ges To determine at least approximately, in this embodiment, the control device 10 uses the current drive control of the lighting units 1, 2, and 3, and additional sensor values. The maximum total irradiance Ee that the lighting device 100 would achieve if the user settings were kept constant. max,ges To predict at least approximately, the control device 10 uses this user setting and, in other respects, the actual drive control of the lighting units 1, 2, and 3. That is, for example, the user sets the maximum irradiance Ee in the space of lighting unit 1. max,1,spIn cases where it is set to increase to the maximum value, the control device 10 sets the maximum irradiance Ee for this prediction. max,1,sp This maximum value is used for the current actual light field diameter and current correlated color temperature of lighting unit 1, as well as the maximum irradiance, maximum light field diameter and correlated color temperature of the other two lighting units 2 and 3 currently achieved. Note: User settings that change the light field diameter or correlated color temperature of lighting units 1, 2, and 3 also affect the maximum overall irradiance Ee max,ges This leads to an increase in [something].

[0126] The data memory of the lighting device 100 contains the maximum total irradiance Ee max,ges The maximum permissible limit for this is stored. This maximum permissible limit is, for example, 700W / m 2 Or 1000W / m 2 These values ​​are derived from the aforementioned standards for individual medical lighting units. Note: The aforementioned standards specify upper limits for individual lighting units, but do not specify upper limits for lighting systems consisting of multiple lighting units.

[0127] Users can set a relatively low value for this limit, but they cannot set a relatively high value for it. The limit used, i.e., the limit set by the factory or by the user, is Ee max,req It is referred to as such. The control device 10 determines the required or predicted maximum total irradiance Ee max,ges Upper limit Ee max,req Compare it to this.

[0128] Where possible, the lighting device 100 is always operated in a limited mode. The control device 10 controls the maximum total irradiance Ee that is actually achieved. max,ges However, the upper limit Ee max,req The following is automatically guaranteed: that the user setting is upper limit Ee max,req In cases that would result in exceeding the upper limit Ee, the control device 10 will, regardless of user settings, max,reqEnsure that this is not exceeded. This will be explained below using an example where the following settings are made in the user settings: Maximum irradiance Ee in the space of lighting unit 1 max,1,sp For example, it should be increased to the maximum value. In the case where this user setting is performed and all other settings for lighting units 1, 2, and 3 remain unchanged, in this example, the upper limit Ee max,req An excess will occur. In one implementation, the control device 10, in response to this prediction, sets the maximum irradiance Ee of the lighting unit 1. max,1,sp The maximum irradiance Ee in the space of the lighting unit 1 is not increased as strongly as desired by the user, and in extreme cases, not increased at all. In another preferred implementation, the control device 1 controls the maximum irradiance Ee in the space of the lighting unit 1. max,1,sp It increases the maximum irradiance Ee of another lighting unit 2 or 3 as specified by the user settings. max,2,sp ,Ee max,3,sp This can be reduced, thereby limiting Ee max,req It is guaranteed that no excess will occur.

[0129] In another possible application, this limiting mode can be selectively activated or deactivated, for example, by the user using the operating unit 9, or automatically by the control device 10. When the limiting mode is deactivated, the control device 10 controls the maximum total irradiance Ee max,ges Upper limit Ee max,req It does not prevent exceeding the predicted or requested maximum total irradiance Ee. Preferably, the control device 10 does not prevent exceeding the predicted or requested maximum total irradiance Ee. max,ges Upper limit Ee max,req An alarm is generated if the threshold is exceeded. This alarm is output in a form that is perceptible to humans.

[0130] As already mentioned, the user can select at least one lighting unit 1, 2, or 3 of the lighting device 100. Figures 1 and 5 schematically show three keys labeled 1, 2, and 3 on the operating unit 9. The control device 10 controls the maximum overall irradiance Ee of the lighting device 100. max,gesWhen determining or predicting, the selected multiple lighting units 1,2,3 or each of the selected lighting units 1,2,3 is not considered. Alternatively, the control device 10 considers only the selected multiple lighting units 1,2,3 or each of the selected lighting units 1,2,3.

[0131] Exemplary, the application is described for a case where the user selects lighting unit 3. Lighting units 1 and 2 are directed, for example, towards the patient's chest or face, with light fields Lf1 and Lf2 superimposed thereon. Lighting unit 3 illuminates the patient's legs, and the light field Lf3 of lighting unit 3 does not superimpose with light fields Lf1 and Lf2. In this application, the maximum irradiance produced by lighting units 1 and 2 together on the patient's chest or face is limited to the upper limit Ee max,req The following should be the case: Lighting unit 3 does not illuminate the chest or face, illuminates a less sensitive area of ​​the patient, and is not included in the maximum overall irradiance limit.

[0132] In the configuration described below, all three lighting units 1, 2, and 3 are included in predicting and calculating the total irradiance. In other words, the user has not selected or deselected any lighting units.

[0133] Maximum overall irradiance Ee max,ges This depends particularly on the following parameters: • The maximum illuminance achieved by each of the lighting units 1, 2, and 3 on the surface Ob, and How are the light fields Lf1, Lf2, and Lf3 achieved by lighting units 1, 2, and 3 on the surface Ob positioned relative to each other?

[0134] The maximum irradiance achievable on surface Ob is Ee max,1 ,Ee max,2 ,Ee max,3 This is expressed as and is less than or equal to the maximum irradiance achievable in the space by lighting units 1, 2, and 3. In this embodiment, the maximum irradiance Ee max,1 ,Ee max,2 ,Eemax,3 The assumption that it occurs on each optical central axis line MA.1, MA.2, MA.3 is used.

[0135] In FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, a plurality of examples are shown of how the two light fields Lf1, Lf2 of the two lighting units 1, 2 are positioned relative to each other. Each maximum irradiance Ee max,1 and Ee max,2 and the resulting overall light field Lf ges as well as the maximum overall irradiance Ee max,ges i.e. the maximum irradiance of this overall light field Lf on the illuminated surface Ob ges are shown.

[0136] The control device 10 determines an estimated value of the maximum overall irradiance Ee max,ges which is currently achieved or expected. This estimated value is represented by Ee max,ges,est . To determine the estimated value, the control device 10 uses each value of at least one of the above-mentioned parameters, optionally each value of each of the above-mentioned parameters, which does not depend on the position and orientation of the lighting units 1, 2, 3 relative to the illuminated surface Ob, in particular which is due to the structure and thus does not depend on the predetermined parameters as well as the drive control of the lighting units 1, 2, 3. The control device 10 compares this estimated value Ee max,ges,est with an upper limit Ee max,req .

[0137] In various configurations of the present invention, the control device 10 further does not determine each value of any of the following parameters which depend on the current position and orientation of the lighting units 1, 2, 3 relative to the illuminated surface Ob, or determines each value of one or more of the following parameters and uses a specific or at least one, preferably each determined parameter value to determine the estimated value Ee max,ges,est : · Each distance between each lighting device 1, 2, 3 and the surface Ob measured along each optical central axis line MA.1, MA.2, MA.3 · The respective intervals between two intersections of two optical central axes MA.x and MA.y (y # x) with the surface Ob · The diameter d of each light field achieved by each lighting unit 1, 2, 3 on the illuminated surface Ob x · Other characteristics of the light fields Lf1, Lf2, Lf3 of each lighting unit 1, 2, 3 · Whether at least two light fields on the illuminated surface Ob overlap, and · The angle between the optical central axes of the lighting units 1, 2, 3 and the plane in which the surface Ob extends

[0138] Hereinafter, first, a configuration will be described in which the control device 10 does not obtain a value for any of the above parameters that depend on position and / or orientation and does not use this value. Instead, two simplifying assumptions are adopted. With these two simplifying assumptions, the obtained estimated value Ee max,ges,est is always greater than or equal to the actual maximum total irradiance Ee max,ges and not less than the actual maximum total irradiance Ee max,ges That is, "on the safe side."

[0139] This simplification means that the maximum illuminance and thus the irradiance of each lighting unit 1, 2, 3 in space occur on the illuminated surface Ob. In another simplification, all the optical central axes MA.1, MA.2, MA.3 intersect at the same point on the surface Ob. Result: The three generated light fields Lf1, Lf2, Lf3 are positioned concentrically with each other. On the flat surface Ob, the three generated light fields Lf1, Lf2, Lf3 are concentric ellipses, particularly circles.

[0140] These two simplifications eliminate the need to measure or otherwise obtain the distance between the lighting units 1, 2, 3 and the surface Ob and the relative positioning of the light fields Lf1, Lf2, Lf3 with respect to each other, and the control device 10 obtains the estimated value Ee max,ges,est as the sum of the maximum irradiances in space, that is (1) Eemax,ges,est =Ee max,1,sp +Ee max,2,sp +Ee max,3,sp This will become possible.

[0141] The configurations shown in Figures 3 and 4 are two examples, where the above assumption is that the control device 10 sets an excessively low illuminance, and consequently irradiance, in at least one of the lighting units 1, 2, and 3, i.e., the illuminance of lighting units 1, 2, and 3 and the resulting maximum overall irradiance Ee max,ges And, is the upper limit Ee max,req This can result in a value smaller than [the specified value]. Therefore, the illuminance / irradiance of at least one lighting unit 1,2,3 can be smaller than what the user desires. Below, we describe several configurations in which the need for the simplification described above is avoided.

[0142] In one configuration, the user additionally configures which lighting units 1, 2, and 3 generate, or optionally generate, superimposed light fields. The simplification described above is preferably used for lighting units that generate superimposed light fields according to the configuration. The maximum irradiance generated by these lighting units having superimposed light fields is generated according to the simplification described above. Depending on which value is greater, the maximum overall irradiance Ee max,ges,est The maximum irradiance in the space, or the maximum irradiance of other lighting units in the space, is used.

[0143] One example is valid for the situation shown in Figures 2 and 3. In this example, the light fields Lf1 and Lf2 of the two lighting units 1 and 2 are superimposed, while the light field Lf3 of lighting unit 3 is not superimposed. Then, the maximum overall irradiance Ee max,ges,est The following estimates are obtained or predicted for: (2) Ee max,ges,est = full[Ee max,1,sp +Ee max,2,sp ,Ee max,3,sp ]

[0144] Even with this estimate, we are "still on the safe side."

[0145] The configuration described below eliminates the need for the user to configure which light fields are superimposed or can be superimposed. This preferred configuration is described below. In this configuration described below, the assumption described just above can also be used, namely, for example, the maximum total irradiance Ee max,ges,est However, this can be determined or predicted according to equation (2).

[0146] A first camera 4.1 is mounted on support 5.1 (see Figures 1 and 5). The area of ​​the surface Ob to be illuminated, illuminated by at least one illumination unit 1,2, is located in the field of view Bf.1 of the first camera 4.1. In the configuration shown in Figure 5, a second camera 4.2 is additionally mounted on support 5.2. This illuminated area is additionally located in the field of view Bf.2 of the second camera 4.2. It is also possible for one camera to be mounted on a separate support.

[0147] The first camera 4.1 and the optional second camera 4.2 each generate an image of the illuminated surface Ob. This image looks similar to, for example, those shown in Figures 2 and 4.

[0148] Light fields Lf1, Lf2, and Lf3 are also visible in the images from camera 4.1 or from both cameras 4.1 and 4.2. However, it is not yet clear from the images from cameras 4.1 and 4.2 which light field originates from which illumination unit.

[0149] The control device 10 can determine which light field originates from which lighting unit from the image of camera 4.1, optionally the images of two cameras 4.1 and 4.2, and the signals from these three sensors. Preferably, the control device 10 can further determine the diameter d of each light field set in lighting units 1, 2, and 3. x Use this.

[0150] The following describes how, in the first implementation, the control device 10 detects, permanently or at least at regular intervals, which light fields Lf1, Lf2, and Lf3 originate from which lighting units 1, 2, and 3. During the measurement period in which this detection is performed, the three lighting units 1, 2, and 3 (more generally: the lighting units currently in use) are operated in a pulsed manner, as follows: In the first alternative embodiment of the first embodiment, at each point in time, exactly one lighting unit 1, 2, or 3 is switched on, while all other lighting units are switched off. During this period, each lighting unit 1, 2, or 3 is switched on at least once, preferably multiple times. In the second alternative, at each point in time, exactly one lighting unit 1, 2, or 3 is switched off, while all other lighting units are switched on. During this period, each lighting unit 1, 2, or 3 is switched off at least once, preferably multiple times. In many cases, the second implementation yields higher irradiance than the first implementation.

[0151] Preferably, the measurement period is short enough that the position and orientation of each illumination unit do not substantially change relative to the surface during the measurement period. In two alternative configurations, the pulse frequency is preferably high enough that the observer perceives the three illumination units 1, 2, and 3 as permanently switched on and illuminating, i.e., does not perceive any flickering.

[0152] The first camera 4.1, and in one configuration, an optional second camera 4.2, each capture a sequence of images. In this case, the following boundary conditions are observed: at least one image in the sequence shows only the first light field Lf1, at least one image shows only the second light field Lf2, and at least one image shows only the third light field Lf3. The control device 10 evaluates these images, and preferably superimposes the images computationally. The control device 10 derives at least one of the following pieces of information by evaluation: • The diameter d of each light field actually achieved on the surface Ob of each lighting unit 1, 2, and 3. x (This is the diameter d of the light field at the reference interval) x (It is acceptable to deviate from this.) • Whether or not light fields Lf1, Lf2, and Lf3 are superimposed, and if so, how strongly they are superimposed. • Interdepending on the distance between the center points of the light fields Lf1, Lf2, and Lf3 on the point of maximum illuminance and / or surface Ob. • How are the regions of maximum irradiance in lighting units 1, 2, and 3 positioned relative to each other on the surface Ob?

[0153] To determine which light fields Lf1, Lf2, and Lf3 originate from which lighting units 1, 2, and 3, the control device 10 determines, in the first alternative configuration, which light fields are shown in the image when lighting unit x (x=1,2,3) is switched on and each other lighting unit y (y#x) is switched off. Accordingly, the control device 10 determines, in the second alternative configuration, which light fields are not shown. Through image processing, the control device 10 determines which lighting units 1, 2, and 3 generate the currently superimposed light fields.

[0154] In the second embodiment, at least one lighting unit 1,2,3, preferably each lighting unit 1,2,3 includes one sensor, which measures the current position and orientation of the lighting unit 1,2,3 in space. The control device 10 uses the signals from these sensors to determine which light field originates from which lighting unit 1,2,3.

[0155] The two implementations can be combined with each other. The first implementation, which has two alternative forms, has the advantage of not requiring sensors to measure the position or orientation of the lighting units 1, 2, and 3 in space.

[0156] In the configuration described above, the maximum irradiance Ee of each lighting unit 1, 2, and 3 in the space max,1,sp ,Ee max,2,sp ,Ee max,3,sp This is the maximum irradiance Ee of this lighting unit 1,2,3 on surface Ob. max,1 ,Ee max,2 ,Ee max,3 It is used as such. This configuration often results in an upper limit of Ee max,req The maximum total irradiance Ee is significantly lower than that. max,ges This occurs. Therefore, preferably, the distances dist1, dist2, dist3 between the lighting units 1, 2, 3 and the surface Ob to be illuminated are measured and used.

[0157] In a preferred configuration, the lighting units 1, 2, and 3 achieve a maximum irradiance Ee on the illuminated surface Ob. max,1 ,Ee max,2 ,Ee max,3 However, this occurs at each intersection between the optical central axes MA.1, MA.2, MA.3 of these lighting units 1, 2, and 3 and the surface Ob, and moreover, the angle that is created between these optical central axes MA.1, MA.2, MA.3 and the operating table Obj, and consequently between them and the surface Ob, Independent The assumption that it occurs is valid. In the examples shown in Figures 2 to 4, this is the maximum irradiance Ee max,1 ,Ee max,2This is the case where it occurs at intersection point S.1 or S.2. This assumption is particularly true for 2*d 50 >d 10 It is effective when the following conditions are met.

[0158] Under this assumption, only the distances dist1 and dist2 along the optical central axis between the lighting units 1, 2, and 3 and the illuminated surface Ob need to be measured. The control device 10 has read access to a computer-evaluable table for each of the lighting units 1, 2, and 3. This table contains the maximum irradiance Ee in space for various distances. max,1,sp ,Ee max,2,sp ,Ee max,3,sp And the maximum irradiance Ee on the surface Ob max,1 ,Ee max,2 ,Ee max,3 The proportionality constants between and are stored respectively. Preferably, these proportionality constants are valid for each lighting unit 1, 2, and 3. Of course, for each lighting unit 1, 2, and 3, one proportionality constant may be stored for various intervals.

[0159] In one configuration, the control device 10 determines and uses the intervals dist1, dist2, and dist3 between the lighting units 1, 2, and 3, using the simplified assumption that the light fields Lf1, Lf2, and Lf3 are concentrically arranged. The control device 10 determines the maximum irradiance on each surface Ob and, for example, according to the following calculation rules, calculates the maximum overall irradiance Ee max,ges Estimated value Ee max,ges,est Derive the following: (3) Ee max,ges,est =Ee max,1 +Ee max,2 +Ee max,3

[0160] In cases where it is set or required that the light field Lf3 of lighting unit 3 does not overlap with the other two light fields Lf1 and Lf2, the following calculation rules are also possible: (4) Ee max,ges,est = full[Ee max,1 +Ee max,2 ,Eemax,3 ]

[0161] An object, such as a medical instrument or body part of a doctor performing treatment, may reach the area between the lighting units 1, 2, and 3 and the illuminated surface Ob. In cases where the optical central axes MA.1, MA.2, and MA.3 extend through this object, the control device 10 automatically detects this event because the distance measured along the central axes MA.1, MA.2, and MA.3 decreases sharply. The control device 10 preferably uses the value measured before this sharp decrease as the distance between the lighting units 1, 2, and 3 and the surface Ob.

[0162] In the following sections, various configurations will be described for measuring the intervals MA.1, MA.2, and MA.3 along the optical central axis.

[0163] In one configuration, at least one spacing sensor is attached to each of at least one support 5.1, 5.2, 5.3. This spacing sensor measures the distance between itself and the reflective, illuminated surface Ob. In the example in Figure 1, such a spacing sensor 6.2 is shown, attached to support 5.2 of the second illumination unit 2, which measures the distance dist2 between itself and the illuminated surface Ob along the central axis MA.2. Preferably, at least one spacing sensor is attached to each of the support 5.1, 5.2, 5.3. A lateral gap may occur between the spacing sensor and the central axes MA.1, MA.2, MA.3. This gap, as well as the angle between the central axes MA.1, MA.2, MA.3 and the axis along which the spacing sensor measures the gap, is known from the configuration of the illumination units 1, 2, 3. Preferably, the control device 10 can correct the measurement results of the spacing sensor using this gap and angle to determine the gap along the central axis.

[0164] In one implementation, the first camera 4.1 and / or an optional second camera 4.2 each have an autofocus function that allows the cameras 4.1 and 4.2 to focus on the illuminated surface Ob. In one implementation, the control device 10 uses this autofocus setting to determine each interval. The control device 10 can receive multiple measurements of intervals from each of the multiple sensors and aggregate these measurements into a certain interval.

[0165] As already explained, the control device 10 controls the diameter d of each light field of each lighting unit 1, 2, and 3. x For example, d 10 It detects the diameter d of this light field. x This is, for example, with respect to a predetermined reference interval of 1 m. Preferably, the control device 10 "knows" the specific camera used or each imaging scale of each camera used 4.1, 4.2. The diameter d of the light field x The imaging scale determines the size of the images formed by the light fields Lf1, Lf2, Lf3 of illumination units 1, 2, and 3 when the planes of the light fields Lf1, Lf2, Lf3 are positioned perpendicular to the optical central axes MA.1, MA.2, MA.3 and at a reference distance from the illumination units 1, 2, and 3. In one configuration, the control device 10 derives estimated values ​​of the distances dist1, dist2, dist3 between illumination units 1, 2, and 3 and the surface Ob measured along the central axes MA.1, MA.2, MA.3, from this size in the images of cameras 4.1, 4.2 and the actual size. The control device 10 can also measure the size of the light field image in the images of cameras 4.1, 4.2. The size of the image and the diameter d of the light field at the reference distance. x From this, the control device 10 derives the search interval between cameras 4.1, 4.2, and consequently the lighting units 1, 2, and light fields Lf1, Lf2, Lf3, and consequently the illuminated surface Ob. Optionally, the control device 10 uses the image scaling of cameras 4.1, 4.2, which is changeable in the implementation of cameras 4.1, 4.2.

[0166] It is possible that at least one lighting unit 1, 2, 3 includes a unique camera and / or other unique spacing sensor, and that at least one other lighting unit does not include a unique camera or other unique spacing sensor. Nevertheless, in many cases, each spacing is measured at least approximately. Hereafter, this implementation will be described with reference to the situation shown in Figure 1 as an example. In this situation, only the second lighting unit 2 has a spacing sensor 6.2, and therefore only the spacing dist2 between the second lighting unit 2 and the illuminated surface Ob can be measured directly.

[0167] In the scenario shown in Figure 1, the control device 10, in one implementation, uses the image from camera 4.1 with a field of view Bf.1 to determine the size and position of each light field Lf1, Lf2, Lf3 on the illuminated surface Ob. The control device 10 further determines the geometric shape of each illumination unit 1, 2, 3 and the diameter d of each light field. x The control device 10 "knows" the diameter of the circular area that the light sources 1.1, 1.2, ..., 2.1, 2.2, ... occupy on the supports 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, that is, the diameter of each light ray generated on the supports 5.1, 5.2, 5.3. For each lighting unit 1, 2, 3, the control device 10 calculates the ratio between the diameter of the light field in lighting unit 1, 2, 3 and the diameters of the light fields Lf1, Lf2, Lf3 that lighting unit 1, 2, 3 generate on the illuminated surface Ob. From these ratios and the measured interval dist2, the control device 10 approximately calculates the remaining interval.

[0168] In the case of lighting units 1, 2, and 3 that do not have interval sensors, the following simplified assumption is also possible: the actual intervals dist1, dist2, and dist3 between these lighting units 1, 2, and 3 are equal to the reference interval, for example, 1 m, as described above.

[0169] As already explained, the control device 10 controls the maximum irradiance Ee of each of these lighting units 1, 2, and 3 on the surface Ob. max,1 ,Ee max,2 ,Ee max,3 To determine this, the distances between the lighting units 1, 2, and 3 and the illuminated surface Ob are used. These distances are measured, for example, along the central axes MA.1, MA.2, and MA.3.

[0170] In one configuration, the maximum illuminance Ee generated by lighting units 1, 2, and 3 on the surface Ob is max,1 ,E emax,2 ,Ee max,3 However, this occurs at the intersection points S.1, S.2, S.3 between the optical central axes MA.1, MA.2, MA.3 of the illumination units 1, 2, and 3 and the illuminated surface Ob, and moreover, the angle between the central axes MA.1, MA.2, MA.3 and the surface Ob is Independent The simplification assumption that it occurs is used. Subsequent constructions avoid the need to presuppose this simplification assumption and consider the possibility that the central axes MA.1, MA.2, MA.3 are not perpendicular to this plane but are located obliquely, and therefore the possibility that the maximum irradiance occurs outside the intersection of the central axes and the plane, even in the bell-shaped light fields Lf1, Lf2, Lf3. It can be assumed that the illuminated surface Ob extends within a single plane.

[0171] As described above, each unit has a sensor that measures the current orientation of the lighting units 1, 2, and 3 in space. In one configuration, the control device 10 derives the angles between the central axes MA.1, MA.2, MA.3 and the surface Ob from the signals from these sensors. An alternative configuration eliminates the need for such sensors. This alternative configuration will be explained later with reference to Figures 5 to 7.

[0172] In this configuration, at least one camera 4.1, preferably two cameras 4.1, 4.2, are configured as so-called 3D cameras. Cameras 4.1, 4.2 have a field of view Bf.1 or Bf.2 and, in addition to supplying luminance values ​​as grayscale or color values ​​to each image point, they also measure the distance between the image point and the illuminated surface Ob for each image point, or at least for a sufficient number of image points, in the direction of the optical central axes MA.1, MA.2 of cameras 4.1, 4.2. In the illustrated example, these optical central axes coincide with the central axes MA.1, MA.2 of the illumination units 1, 2.

[0173] Typically, the illuminated surface Ob does not have a flat contour. Five ridges 7.1, ..., 7.5 are shown exemplarily in Figures 5-7. Cameras 4.1, 4.2 scan the illuminated surface Ob non-contact, thereby obtaining a topographic profile of the surface Ob in the line-of-sight directions MA.1, MA.2. Such cameras are known as "time-of-flight sensors." Such methods are described, for example, in German Patent Application Publication No. 102013012231 and German Patent Application Publication No. 102012014716. Other configurations for the sensor generating the topographic profile are also possible, such as a suitable laser scanner, radar scanner, or lidar scanner. The sensor generating the topographic profile may also be spatially separated from cameras 4.1, 4.2.

[0174] Figure 5 shows how two 3D cameras 4.1 and 4.2 each generate topographic profiles of the illuminated surface Ob, which has these five protrusions 7.1, ..., 7.5, from two different viewing directions. Figure 6 shows how the second illumination unit 2 is positioned relative to the illuminated surface Ob. Figure 7A shows how the five protrusions 7.1, ..., 7.5 are represented in the topographic profile when the camera's optical axis is perpendicular to the illuminated surface Ob, which is not the case for the two cameras 4.1 and 4.2. Figure 7B shows how the five protrusions 7.1, ..., 7.5 are represented in the topographic profile of camera 4.2 on the support 3.2 of the second illumination unit 2. Figure 7C shows how the five protrusions 7.1, ..., 7.5 are represented in the topographic profile of camera 4.1. Here, it is known that the closer the raised areas 7.1, ..., 7.5 are to each camera 4.1, 4.2, the larger the raised areas 7.1, ..., 7.5 appear.

[0175] The topographic profiles of the two cameras 4.1 and 4.2 show the same illuminated surface Ob from two different observation directions. Optionally, additionally, there is a topographic profile of a 3D camera (not shown) whose optical axis is positioned perpendicular to the illuminated surface Ob.

[0176] The control device 10 "knows" the positions of the 3D cameras 4.1 and 4.2 relative to the optical central axes MA.1 and MA.2. From this data, the control device 10 automatically derives the positions of the central axes MA.1 and MA.2 relative to each topographic profile supplied by the cameras 4.1 and 4.2. By evaluating the topographic profiles and the positions of the central axes MA.1 and MA.2, the control device 10 derives the distance between the lighting units 1 and 2 and the illuminated surface Ob, measured along the central axes MA.1 and MA.2. By a calculated comparison between these topographic profiles, the control device 10 determines the distance between the two central axes MA.1 and MA.2 and the two intersection points S.1 and S.2 of the illuminated surface Ob. From this, the diameter d of each light field of the lighting units 1 and 2 at the reference distance is also determined. x From this, the control device 10 derives how strongly the two light fields Lf1 and Lf2 are superimposed (see Figures 2 to 4).

[0177] In one configuration, the control device 10 further determines the angles between the central axes MA.1 and MA.2 and the plane on which the illuminated surface Ob extends. For example, the control device 10 performs a coordinate transformation by calculation to superimpose the two topographic profiles on each other. These two profiles represent the same surface Ob. From comparison, for example from the coordinate transformation, the control device 10 derives the angles between the two optical central axes MA.1 and MA.2 of the illumination units 1 and 2.

[0178] When another object enters the field of view Bf.1, Bf.2 of cameras 4.1, 4.2, a specific topographic profile, or at least one topographic profile, measured by 3D cameras 4.1, 4.2 changes abruptly. The control device 10 automatically detects this event. To detect this event, the control device 10 preferably uses the current topographic profile, which includes the topographic profile last measured before the detection of this event. Often, this topographic profile of the illuminated surface Ob does not change unless an object is in the field of view Bf.1, Bf.2 and no other object enters the field of view Bf.1, Bf.2. Preferably, the detection of the event that another object is in the field of view Bf.1, Bf.2 does not trigger a step to change the maximum irradiance.

[0179] As already explained, when the control device 10 is operating in limit mode, the maximum total irradiance Ee max,ges The prescribed limit Ee max,req The following is automatically guaranteed: As already described, in this embodiment, the user or a higher-level control device (not shown) also sets one setting value for each of the lighting units 1, 2, and 3. From this setting value, the control device 10 determines the maximum irradiance Ee to be achieved in the space of the lighting units 1, 2, and 3. max,1,sp ,Ee max,2,sp The control device 10 derives the maximum irradiance Ee in the space of lighting units 1, 2, and 3. max,1,sp ,Ee max,2,sp Therefore, the maximum irradiance Ee of this lighting unit 1,2,3 on surface Ob max,1 ,Ee max,2 The lighting device 100 derives the maximum total irradiance Ee on the surface Ob being illuminated as a result of this setting. max,ges The question is whether they will achieve this.

[0180] Expected maximum irradiance Ee max,ges The estimated Ee obtained for max,ges,est However, the predetermined upper limit Ee max,reqIn cases where it exceeds a certain limit, the control device 10 automatically reduces the illuminance, and consequently the irradiance, of at least one lighting unit 1, 2, or 3, and after this reduction, it sets a predetermined upper limit Ee max,req The requirements are reduced to ensure compliance. In one implementation, the control device 10 controls the maximum illuminance to be achieved for all lighting units 1, 2, and 3 by the same coefficient, for example, the coefficient Ee max,ges,est / Ee max,req Reduce only by the set value. The resulting illuminance from the set value, or the resulting illuminance from the automatic reduction, will be reduced to the upper limit Ee max,req In cases where compliance is achieved, the control device 10 drives and controls the light sources of the driving and controlled lighting units 1, 2, and 3 so that the driving and controlled lighting units 1, 2, and 3 achieve the desired maximum illuminance.

[0181] While the lighting device 100 is operating, the user can increase the set value x (x=1,2,3) for the lighting unit. The control device 10 still maintains the predetermined upper limit Ee even with the increased set value. max,req The following is the maximum total irradiance Ee max,ges It automatically checks whether or not the increased setting value of lighting unit x results in a predetermined limit Ee max,req The estimated maximum irradiance Ee was higher than that. max,ges,est In cases where this occurs, in one configuration, the control device 10 automatically reduces the illuminance of another lighting unit y(y#x). This configuration actually increases the illuminance of lighting unit x as desired by the user, thereby, for example, more strongly illuminating a specific area of ​​the patient. In particular, it becomes possible to illuminate the patient from a different direction than before. At the same time, this configuration also allows the upper limit Ee max,req This will continue to be observed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0182] 1. A first lighting unit that generates a light field Lf1, including a support 5.1, light sources 1.1, 1.2, ... and a camera 4.1. 1.1, 1.2, ... Light source of the first lighting unit 1 attached to support 5.1 2. A second lighting unit that generates a light field Lf2, including a support 5.2, light sources 2.1, 2.2, and a spacing sensor 6.2 or a camera 4.2. 2.1, 2.2, ... Light source of the second lighting unit 2 attached to support 5.2 3. A third lighting unit that generates a light field Lf3. 4.1 A first camera having a field of view Bf.1 is mounted on a support 5.1 of the first lighting unit 1. 4.2 A second camera having a field of view Bf.2 is mounted on the support 5.2 of the second lighting unit 2. 5.1 Support for the first lighting unit 1 that supports light sources 1.1, 1.2, ... 5.2 Support for the second lighting unit 2 that supports light sources 2.1, 2.2, ... 6.2 Interval sensor of the second lighting unit 2, mounted on the support 5.2 7.1, ..., 7.5 Illuminated surface Ob ridges 8.1,8.2 Contact sensors provided on the support 5.1,5.2 9. Operation Unit 10 A control device that receives signals from cameras 4.1, 4.2 and spacing sensors 6.2, determines the maximum irradiance of the lighting device 100, and performs signal processing to drive and control the light sources 1.1, 1.2, ..., 2.1, 2.2, ... 100 Lighting device including two lighting units 1 and 2, and optionally a third lighting unit 3. Bf.1 Camera 4.1 Field of View Bf.2 Camera 4.2 Field of View The distance between the first illumination unit 1 and the illuminated surface Ob, as measured by the dist1 camera 4.1. The distance between the second lighting unit 2 and the illuminated surface Ob, as measured by the dist2 spacing sensor 6.2 or camera 4.2. Ee (Maximum Irradiance) Ee max,1 Maximum irradiance of lighting unit 1 on surface Ob Ee max,1,spMaximum irradiance in the space of lighting unit 1 Ee max,2 Maximum irradiance of lighting unit 2 on surface Ob Ee max,2,sp Maximum irradiance in the space of lighting unit 2 Ee max,ges The maximum overall irradiance of the lighting device 100 on surface Ob, resulting from the superposition of light fields Lf1, Lf2, and Lf3 from three lighting units 1, 2, and 3 on surface Ob. Ee max,ges,est Maximum overall irradiance Ee max,ges Estimated value Ee max,req Maximum overall irradiance Ee max,ges The prescribed upper limit Lb 1.1 ,Lb 1.2 ,… Light rays emitted by light sources 1.1, 1.2,… Lb 2.1 ,Lb 2.2 ,… Light rays emitted by light sources 2.1, 2.2,… Elliptical light field generated on surface Ob by the first lighting unit 1 Lf1 Lf 1.1 ,Lf 1.2 ,… Light fields generated on surface Ob by light sources 1.1, 1.2,… Elliptical light field generated on surface Ob by the second lighting unit 2 of Lf2 Lf 2.1 ,Lf 2.2 ,… Light fields generated on surface Ob by light sources 1.1, 1.2,… The circular light field generated on the surface Ob by the third lighting unit 3 of Lf3. MA.1 Optical central axis and geometric symmetry axis of the first illumination unit 1 MA.2 Optical central axis and geometric symmetry axis of the second illumination unit 2 Ob is facing the illumination device 100, and therefore the surface of the object being illuminated (operating table) Obj. Obj is an illuminated object (operating table) that has an illuminated surface Ob. S.1 Intersection of the central axis MA.1 and the illuminated surface Ob S.2 Intersection of the central axis MA.2 and the illuminated surface Ob Ueb: Superimposed region on the illuminated surface Ob between two light fields Lf1 and Lf2.

Claims

1. An illumination device (100) for illuminating a surface (Ob) of an object (Obj), the illumination device (100) comprising: at least two lighting units (1, 2, 3); A control device (10) for performing signal processing; Including, Each lighting unit (1, 2, 3) has a maximum irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，１ , Ee ｍａｘ，２ ) configured to illuminate said surface (Ob), The lighting device (100) illuminates the surface (Ob) with a maximum overall irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，ｇｅｓ ) and is configured to illuminate The maximum overall irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，ｇｅｓ ) is the maximum irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，１ , Ee ｍａｘ，２ ) and The control device (10) - driving and controlling each lighting unit (1, 2, 3) independently of any other lighting unit or each other lighting unit; This allows the maximum irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，１ , Ee ｍａｘ，２ ), and is configured to change The lighting device (100) is configured to: ｍａｘ，ｇｅｓ ) or the maximum irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，１ , Ee ｍａｘ，２ ) and configured to detect user preferences related to The control device (10) further automatically, in response to the detection of the user setting: The maximum overall irradiance (Ee) that the lighting device (100) achieves on the surface (Ob) when the lighting device (100) operates according to the user settings. ｍａｘ，ｇｅｓ ) at least approximately, The predicted maximum overall irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，ｇｅｓ ) to a predetermined upper limit (Ee) of the maximum irradiance on the surface (Ob). ｍａｘ，ｒｅｑ ) compared to The predicted maximum overall irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，ｇｅｓ ) is the upper limit (Ee ｍａｘ，ｒｅｑ ), Depending on the detected user settings, at least one lighting unit (1, 2, 3) is driven and controlled as follows: After the driving control, the actual achieved maximum total irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，ｇｅｓ ) is the upper limit (Ee ｍａｘ，ｒｅｑ ) drive control is performed so that the following occurs: A lighting device (100).

2. Each lighting unit (1, 2, 3) of the lighting device (100) generates a light field (Lf １ , Lf ２ , Lf ３ ), The control device (10) The maximum irradiance (Ee) that the lighting units (1, 2, 3) actually achieve on the surface (Ob) ｍａｘ，１ , Ee ｍａｘ，２ ) is calculated for each lighting unit (1, 2, 3) of the lighting device (100), the light field (Lf) generated by the lighting units (1, 2, 3) on the illuminated surface (Ob); １ , Lf ２ , Lf ３ ) are positioned relative to each other, The maximum overall irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，ｇｅｓ ) is calculated by comparing the detected user setting with the determined maximum irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，１ , Ee ｍａｘ，２ ) and the generated light field (Lf １ , Lf ２ , Lf ３ and the determined positioning of The lighting device (100) of claim 1.

3. The lighting device (100) comprises an imaging system with at least one camera (4.1, 4.2), The control device (10) controls the lighting units (1, 2, 3) during the measurement period. At each time point during the measurement period, In a first alternative, exactly one lighting unit (1, 2, 3) is switched on and the or each other lighting unit is switched off, In a second alternative, exactly one lighting unit (1, 2, 3) is switched off and a specific other lighting unit or each other lighting unit is switched on; The drive control is configured as follows: The imaging system (4.1, 4.2) captures a sequence of images of the illuminated surface (Ob) for each light field (Lf) of each lighting unit (1, 2, 3). １ , Lf ２ , Lf ３ ) is the field of view (Bf) of each at least one camera (4.1, 4.2) of said imaging system. １ , Bf ２ ) and the sequence comprises at least one image of the surface (Ob) for each lighting unit (1, 2, 3), the images being generated while the lighting units (1, 2, 3) are switched on in the first alternative and switched off in the second alternative, The control device (10) By evaluating the sequence of images, it is possible to determine which light field (Lf １ , Lf ２ , Lf ３ ) originates from which lighting unit (1, 2, 3), Using this information, the light field (Lf １ , Lf ２ , Lf ３ ) are positioned relative to each other; The lighting device (100) of claim 2.

4. The lighting device (100) is configured to set the maximum irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，１ ) and configured to detect user preferences related to The control device (10) is configured to drive and control the first lighting unit (1) in such a way that, in response to the drive control, the first lighting unit (1) provides a maximum irradiance (Ee) on the surface (Ob) according to the user setting. ｍａｘ，１ ) and The control device (10) further comprises: The maximum overall irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，ｇｅｓ ) and The predicted maximum overall irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，ｇｅｓ ) is the upper limit (Ee ｍａｘ，ｒｅｑ ), A specific second lighting unit (2, 3) or at least one second lighting unit (2, 3) of the lighting device (100), which is different from the first lighting unit (1), is driven and controlled as follows: A specific or each driven second lighting unit (2, 3) produces a maximum irradiance (Ee) on the surface (Ob) that is lower than before the driving control. ｍａｘ，２ ) and configured to control the drive to achieve This allows the maximum overall irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，ｇｅｓ ) is the upper limit (Ee ｍａｘ，ｒｅｑ ) becomes: The lighting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the control device (10) is configured to determine a lighting unit subset; the lighting unit subset comprises at least one lighting unit (1, 2) of the lighting device (100), and at least one further lighting unit (3) of the lighting device (100) does not belong to the lighting unit subset, The control device (10) further comprises: - each of the maximum irradiances (Ee ｍａｘ，１ , Ee ｍａｘ，２ ) and Specific required maximum irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，１ , Ee ｍａｘ，２ ) or each determined maximum irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，１ , Ee ｍａｘ，２ ) to the maximum overall irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，ｇｅｓ ) in the prediction, The lighting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The lighting device (100) is configured to detect user settings; The detected user settings include: the lighting unit subset, or a particular lighting unit (3) or each lighting unit (3) of the lighting device (100) that does not belong to the lighting unit subset; Identify the the control device (10) is configured to determine the lighting unit subset using the detected user settings. The lighting device (100) of claim 5.

7. Each lighting unit generates a light field (Lf １ , Lf ２ , Lf ３ ) on the surface, The control device (10) the light field (Lf) achieved by the lighting units (1, 2, 3) on the illuminated surface (Ob); １ , Lf ２ , Lf ３ ) are positioned relative to each other, The lighting unit subset is the light fields of the lighting units (1, 2) of the lighting unit subset overlap; the light field of a particular lighting unit (3) of the lighting device (100) that does not belong to the lighting unit subset or of each lighting unit (3) that does not belong to the lighting unit subset does not overlap with the light field of a lighting unit (1, 2) of the lighting unit subset; It is asked to be, is configured to be, 7. The lighting device (100) of claim 5 or claim 6.

8. The control device (10) is configured to detect an event that changes irradiance; The event that changes the irradiance is the maximum overall irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，ｇｅｓ ), or at least cause a change in the maximum overall irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，ｇｅｓ ) is suitable for changing The control device (10) further comprises: In response to said detection of said event that changes irradiance, The maximum overall irradiance (Ee) that the lighting device (100) actually achieves on the surface (Ob) ｍａｘ，ｇｅｓ ) and The determined actual achieved total irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，ｇｅｓ ) is the upper limit (Ee ｍａｘ，ｒｅｑ ), At least one lighting unit (1, 2, 3) is driven and controlled as follows: After the driving control, the maximum overall irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，ｇｅｓ ) is the upper limit (Ee ｍａｘ，ｒｅｑ ) drive control is performed so that the following occurs: The lighting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. at least one lighting unit (1, 2) is connected to said distance sensor (4.1, 4.2, 6.2) such that the position and orientation of said distance sensor (4.1, 4.2, 6.2) cannot be changed relative to said lighting unit (1, 2); The distance sensors (4.1, 4.2, 6.2) measure the distance (dist) between the connected lighting units (1, 2) and the illuminated surface (Ob) in a contactless manner. １ , dist ２ ) is configured to measure a measure of The control device (10) may determine the measured distance (dist) as a specific event that changes irradiance or a non-specific event that changes irradiance. １ , dist ２ ) change in the The lighting device (100) of claim 8.

10. the lighting units include contact sensors (8.1, 8.2), the contact sensors (8.1, 8.2) being configured to detect contact with the lighting units (1, 2, 3); the control device (10) is configured to use a touch of the lighting unit (1, 2, 3) detected by the contact sensor (8.1, 8.2) as a specific event for changing irradiance or a non-specific event for changing irradiance.

10. The lighting device (100) of claim 8 or claim 9.

11. The lighting device (100) is configured to be able to activate and deactivate a restricted mode; The control device (10) When the limit mode is activated, the lighting device (100) ｍａｘ，ｇｅｓ ) and If the maximum overall irradiance is greater than the upper limit, the actual achieved maximum overall irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，ｇｅｓ ) is the upper limit (Ee ｍａｘ，ｒｅｑ ) becomes: When the limit mode is deactivated, the upper limit (Ee ｍａｘ，ｒｅｑ ) is configured to allow for an excess of The lighting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. 1. A lighting method for illuminating a surface (Ob) of an object (Obj) using a lighting device (100) comprising at least two lighting units (1, 2, 3) for illuminating said surface (Ob), said method comprising the steps of: Each lighting unit (1, 2, 3) has a maximum irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，１ , Ee ｍａｘ，２ illuminating said surface (Ob) with The maximum irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，１ , Ee ｍａｘ，２ ) is the maximum irradiance (Ee) of a particular separate lighting unit (2, 3, 1) or of each separate lighting unit (2, 3, 1). ｍａｘ，２ , Ee ｍａｘ，１ ) and can be changed independently of The lighting device (100) illuminates the surface (Ob) with a maximum overall irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，ｇｅｓ ) illuminating the object with The maximum overall irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，ｇｅｓ ) is the maximum irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，１ , Ee ｍａｘ，２ ) and At least once, the maximum overall irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，ｇｅｓ ) or a user setting associated with each of the maximum irradiances (Ee ｍａｘ，１ , Ee ｍａｘ，２ ) detecting Said detection of said user settings triggers the following steps, which are performed automatically: The maximum overall irradiance (Ee) that the lighting device (100) achieves on the surface (Ob) when the lighting device (100) operates according to the user settings. ｍａｘ，ｇｅｓ ) at least approximately predicting The predicted maximum overall irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，ｇｅｓ ) to a predetermined upper limit (Ee) of the maximum irradiance on the surface (Ob). ｍａｘ，ｒｅｑ ) and comparing it with The predicted maximum overall irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，ｇｅｓ ) is the upper limit (Ee ｍａｘ，ｒｅｑ ), and controlling at least one lighting unit (1, 2, 3) depending on the detected user settings as follows: After the driving control, the maximum overall irradiance (Ee) of the lighting device (100) actually achieved on the surface (Ob) ｍａｘ，ｇｅｓ ) is the upper limit (Ee ｍａｘ，ｒｅｑ ) a step of controlling the drive so that: triggering, lighting method.

13. At least once, the maximum irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，１ ) and find user settings related to The maximum overall irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，ｇｅｓ The step of predicting the maximum overall irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，ｇｅｓ ) predicting the The step of driving and controlling at least one lighting unit (1, 2, 3) comprises: - driving and controlling the first lighting unit (1) as follows, wherein in response to the driving control, the first lighting unit (1) provides a maximum irradiance (Ee) on the surface (Ob) according to the user setting. ｍａｘ，１ and controlling the driving of the drive shaft to achieve the The predicted maximum overall irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，ｇｅｓ ) is the upper limit (Ee ｍａｘ，ｒｅｑ ), A step of driving and controlling a specific second lighting unit (2, 3) or at least one second lighting unit (2, 3) of the lighting device (100) different from the first lighting unit (1), controlling the second lighting unit (2, 3) to be driven so that the or each second lighting unit (2, 3) achieves a lower maximum irradiance on said surface (Ob) than before said controlling. Including, This allows the actually achieved maximum overall irradiance (Ee ｍａｘ，ｇｅｓ ) is the upper limit (Ee ｍａｘ，ｒｅｑ ) becomes:

13. The illumination method according to claim 12.

Images