Light source device, endoilluminator and method for setting a light spot in a observation object
The light source device with adjustable apertures in the light path addresses the challenge of switching between illumination modes in endoilluminators, improving visibility and detection of peripheral complications during surgeries.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CARL ZEISS MEDITEC AG
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-25
Smart Images
Figure EP2025082134_25062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] 1 PATERIS
[0002] Applicant: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, 07745 Jena
[0003] Our reference number: Z50416-WO ath / ehä
[0004] Light source device, endoilluminator and method for setting a luminous spot in an object under observation
[0005] The present invention relates to a light source device with a coupling point for connecting an optical fiber and an endoilluminator. The invention also relates to a method for adjusting the illumination light distribution of a luminous field in an object under observation.
[0006] Endoilluminators are used to illuminate the interior of the eye, for example, during vitrectomy operations. These devices consist of a thin light guide that is inserted into the eye to illuminate the interior using light emitted from the exit end of the light guide. A handpiece is typically attached to the light guide, allowing a medical professional to grasp the endoilluminator. The light originates from a light source device, which typically includes a light source and optics for coupling the light from the light source into the entry end of the light guide. Various light guide designs can be used, each providing different illumination of the eye. The choice of light guide design depends on the surgeon's preference and the specific procedure.One possible type of optical fiber is the spot optical fiber, also called a focal optical fiber, which, due to its straight cut at the outlet, creates a kind of flashlight effect, i.e., a spatially highly defined illuminated field with a sharp edge. A sharply defined illuminated field is particularly advantageous for vitreous visualization (Tyndall effect / dark-field illumination) or for visualizing detailed information. Furthermore, only a dedicated area of the retina is exposed to the light, which could potentially be phototoxic. However, the strong spatial limitation of the illuminated field, as well as the sharp transition between the illuminated and dark areas, has the disadvantage that the periphery is only minimally visible to the physician, and thus, for example, potential complications in this area are difficult to detect.
[0007] In addition to the spot fiber optic cable, another type of fiber optic cable is the so-called widefield fiber optic cable. This cable, with its conical shape, allows for a wider dispersion of light over a large angle, creating an illuminated field with ambient lighting. Depending on the fiber's shape, either uniform illumination across the entire angle (cone) or a central emphasis (truncated cone) can be achieved. The advantage is that the entire area of the retina can be viewed within the illuminated field, ensuring that no complications are overlooked. However, compared to the illuminated field of a spot fiber optic cable, some detailed information may be lost in this type of illumination.
[0008] From DE 10 2022 113 469 A1, an endoilluminator with a light source device is known, in which an optical assembly for influencing the illumination light distribution in the illuminated field is provided. The optical assembly can, for example, be an aperture with an adjustable aperture or an aperture wheel with several different apertures. It can also be an LCD display or a micromirror matrix.
[0009] In contrast to this prior art, a first object of the present invention is to provide a light source device and an endoilluminator that enable the adjustment of the illumination distribution of a luminous field in an observation object using simple means. Furthermore, a second object of the invention is to provide an advantageous method for adjusting the illumination distribution of a luminous field in an observation object. Z50416-WO 3 PATERIS
[0010] The first problem is solved by a light source device according to claim 1 and an endoilluminator according to claim 15. The second problem is solved by a method for adjusting the illumination light distribution of a luminous field in an observation object according to claim 17. The dependent claims contain advantageous embodiments of the invention.
[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention, a light source device is provided. The light source device, which can be used in particular in an endoilluminator, for example for illumination in posterior segment surgery, comprises a light source, a coupling point for coupling a light guide such that the light entry end of a coupled light guide is arranged in a light entry plane, a light path between the light source and the light entry plane, optics in the light path for generating a luminous spot in the light entry plane by means of a beam of rays emanating from the light source, and at least one aperture with an aperture effect.
[0012] Furthermore, the light source device includes a selection mechanism that allows the aperture effect of at least one aperture to be selectively applied at at least one first position and a second position in the light path. The first and second positions are distinct from each other. Preferably, the first and second positions are positions at which the apertures result in differently sharply defined angular distributions of the luminous intensity in the luminous spot formed in the plane of light entry.
[0013] The light source can be either a self-luminous light source (primary light source) or a non-self-luminous light source (secondary light source). A self-luminous light source can be, for example, a luminescent emitter such as a light-emitting diode (LED), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a gas discharge lamp, etc., or a thermal radiator such as an incandescent lamp. A non-self-luminous light source is, for example, the exit end of a light guide, the image of a self-luminous light source, etc. Therefore, in this description, the term "light source" should refer to both primary and secondary light sources.
[0014] The light source device according to the invention utilizes the fact that the effect of an aperture depends on its position in the beam path. For example, if an aperture is arranged in a position in the beam path where it acts as an aperture diaphragm, the angular spectrum of the light arriving at the light entrance plane, and thus the angular distribution in the luminous spot, is sharply defined. In contrast, the same aperture in a different position in the beam path leads to a less sharply defined angular spectrum and thus to a less sharply defined angular distribution in the luminous spot. By appropriately positioning the aperture, a luminous spot with a sharply defined angular distribution or a less sharply defined angular distribution can therefore be generated in the light entrance plane where the light entrance end of a coupled optical fiber is located.Since the angles of incidence into the optical fiber essentially correspond to the angles of emergence from the optical fiber, the illumination light emerging from the exit end of the optical fiber and forming the luminous field also exhibits a sharply defined or a less sharply defined angular distribution, depending on the position of the aperture in the light source device. The sharply defined angular distribution produces a luminous field similar to that of a spot optical fiber, while the less sharply defined angular distribution produces a luminous field similar to that of a wide-field optical fiber. With the light source device according to the invention, the luminous field in the observed object can thus be varied without having to change the optical fiber. As in DE 10 2022 113 469 A1, the aperture in the light source device according to the invention also does not need to have rotational symmetry.The maximum angle up to which light rays arriving at the entry end of the optical fiber can be transmitted by the optical fiber Z50416-WO 5 PATERIS is determined by the numerical aperture of the optical fiber.
[0015] The selection device can include a positioning device that enables the selective positioning of at least one aperture or, if at least two apertures, each with an aperture effect, at least one of the at least two apertures, at least in the first or second position in the light path. An aperture with a variable aperture opening, an aperture wheel, a display, or a micromirror matrix as used in DE 10 2022 113 469 A1 are then unnecessary, allowing the aperture to be kept simple. The positioning device can be a displacement device with which the at least one aperture can be displaced along an optical axis of the optics. In this case, the light source device can manage with a single aperture. The displacement device can, for example, include a linear motor with which the aperture can be displaced along the optical axis.Furthermore, at least one rail can be provided on which the aperture is mounted for guidance. In an alternative embodiment, in which at least two apertures, each with an aperture effect, are provided, the positioning device can have at least two insertion devices arranged at different positions. One of the at least two apertures is arranged on each insertion device. Each insertion device is designed to insert the aperture arranged on it into the light path between the light source and the light entry plane. The insertion device can, for example, be a sliding mechanism with which an aperture arranged on the sliding mechanism can be pushed into the light path, particularly perpendicular to the optical axis of the optics; a folding mechanism with which an aperture attached to the folding mechanism can be folded into the light path; etc. In the case of a sliding mechanism, the displacement can, for example, be...This can be achieved using a linear motor; in the case of a hinged mechanism, a linear motor with a suitable gearbox or a rotary motor could be used. Basically, any device that can insert and remove an attached aperture into the light path is suitable as the insertion device Z50416-WO 6 PATERIS. Sliding and hinged mechanisms are easier to implement compared to a displacement device, but require at least two apertures, as there must be at least two positions, each with at least one insertion device. Different insertion devices can also be present at different positions. For example, a sliding mechanism could be present at one position and a hinged mechanism at another.
[0016] Although the light source device according to the invention can be implemented with just one aperture with a fixed diameter or, optionally, with several apertures, each with a fixed diameter, the adjustment options for the illumination light distribution in the illuminated field lighting the object can be further increased if at least one of the apertures has a variable aperture. For example, an iris diaphragm can be used as an aperture with a variable aperture. Since the aperture does not need to be rotationally symmetrical, slit apertures with an adjustable slit width are also suitable.
[0017] If at least one aperture with a variable aperture dimension is present, the selection device can have an aperture at at least the first or second position in the light path, which has an aperture with at least two adjustable aperture dimensions, wherein one of the adjustable aperture dimensions is so large that the aperture effect does not occur in the light path, and at least one other of the adjustable aperture dimensions is small enough that an aperture effect occurs in the light path. In such an embodiment, the selection device can in particular have two or more apertures fixed in their position, each of which has a variable aperture dimension. The effect of the aperture in the respective position is then brought about by the fact that the aperture dimension of the aperture is set by a Z50416-WO 7 PATERIS
[0018] The dimension in which the aperture has no diaphragm effect is reduced to a dimension in which the aperture does have a diaphragm effect. Inserting or folding an aperture into the light path, or moving an aperture along the light path, is then unnecessary to achieve the diaphragm function at a selected position. Furthermore, no installation space needs to be considered for a positioned device, allowing the light source assembly to be designed particularly compactly. Naturally, this design of the selection mechanism can also be combined with a selection mechanism that includes a positioning device.
[0019] Although the light source device may be equipped with a manually operated actuator for controlling the positioning device to position the aperture, it may be advantageous for it to have a motor for motor-driven positioning of the at least one aperture in the light path or for motor-driven adjustment of the aperture dimension of the at least one aperture with an adjustable aperture dimension. Furthermore, in addition to the motor, the light source device then also includes a motor controller designed to control the motorized positioning of the at least one aperture or to control a motorized adjustment of the aperture dimension of the at least one aperture with an adjustable aperture dimension based on instruction signals.The optical fiber, into which the light from the light source is coupled, typically has a handpiece that allows a medical professional to move and align the optical fiber relative to the object being observed. The described motorization offers the possibility of incorporating adjustment elements on such a handpiece. These elements generate instruction signals for the motorized positioning of at least one aperture or for the motorized adjustment of the aperture dimensions of at least one aperture with an adjustable aperture size, enabling the physician to change the positioning or aperture dimensions at the handpiece. For this purpose, a data-connected interface (Z50416-WO 8 PATERIS) can be assigned to the motor control unit. This interface is designed for wired or wireless reception of instruction signals from the handpiece of an attached optical fiber.
[0020] Additionally or alternatively, the motor control unit can be assigned a memory containing retrievable instruction data sets that specify a diaphragm effect to be produced at a particular position in the light path. This makes it possible to define diaphragm effects to be produced at specific positions in the light path, which can be adjusted from the handpiece. For this purpose, the light source device can have a data interface connected to the motor control unit, designed for wired or wireless reception of selection signals from a handpiece or a coupled optical fiber, with each selection signal representing an instruction data set to be retrieved from the memory by the motor control unit.For example, if instruction data sets are stored in memory, each specifying a particular aperture effect for a specific position, it is sufficient to retrieve one of these instruction data sets to bring about the aperture effect specified in the retrieved instruction data set for the given position. For this purpose, buttons assigned to the instruction data sets can be located on the handpiece. Pressing one of these buttons then sends a selection signal via the interface to the motor control unit, which prompts the motor control unit to retrieve the instruction data set assigned to that button from memory and to bring about the aperture effect specified in that instruction data set at the position taken from the retrieved instruction data set.In this way, for example, one button can be provided for a light field similar to a spot light guide and another for a light field similar to a wide-field light guide, allowing medical professionals to quickly and easily switch between illumination modes. Of course, additional instruction data sets and buttons can also be available, generating light fields that lie between these two extremes. If, in addition to the automated setting of an aperture effect taken from an instruction data set, a free Z50416-WO 9 PATERIS.
[0021] Since the aperture setting can be adjusted via the handpiece, medical personnel can customize the automatically set aperture setting to their liking, for example, to fine-tune it. The interface for receiving instruction signals can also be used for receiving selection signals.
[0022] A change in the angular distribution of the illuminating light generating the illuminated field can also change the intensity of the illuminating light within the illuminated field. To compensate for changes in the intensity of the illuminating light within the illuminated field, the light source device can include an intensity control for adjusting the light source intensity based on intensity signals. This can be achieved with a data interface connected to the intensity control, designed to receive intensity signals from the handpiece of an attached light guide, allowing medical personnel to easily adjust the intensity of the illuminating light. Additionally or alternatively, the intensity control can be connected to the motor control.In this case, the motor control outputs intensity signals to the intensity control unit. These signals depend on the setting signals for positioning at least one aperture or for setting the aperture dimension of an aperture with an adjustable aperture dimension. This allows for automated adjustment of the illumination intensity to the set aperture effect. If a memory is available in which adjustable light source intensities are stored, the intensity signals can contain information for retrieving these stored intensities. This memory can be the same memory that also stores the retrievable instruction data sets.In this case, the instruction data records stored in memory can also contain information for adjusting the light source intensity, which then forms the basis for the automated adjustment of the light source intensity. If, in addition to the automated adjustment of the light source intensity, manual adjustment of the light source intensity using the handpiece is also possible, medical personnel can override the automatically set Z50416-WO 10 PATERIS.
[0023] Adjust the intensity of the light source according to your wishes, e.g. to fine-tune the automatically set intensity.
[0024] According to the first aspect of the invention, an endoilluminator with a light source device according to the invention is also provided. Due to the light source device according to the invention present in the endoilluminator, it exhibits the properties and advantages described with regard to the adjustment of the luminous field in the object under observation. In particular, the endoilluminator can have a light guide coupled to the light source device with a handpiece, with which the described instruction signals and / or the described selection signals and / or the described intensity signals can be generated.
[0025] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for adjusting the illumination light distribution of a luminous field in an object under observation is provided by means of a light source device according to the invention. In the method according to the invention, the illumination light distribution is adjusted by bringing about the diaphragm effect of at least one diaphragm at at least one first position and a second position in the light path between the light source and the light entry plane. The properties and advantages achievable with the method according to the invention will become apparent from the description of the light source arrangement according to the invention and its further embodiments.
[0026] Further features, properties and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures.
[0027] Figure 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a light source arrangement with an optic comprising two lenses and a positioning device for positioning apertures. Z50416-WO 11 PATERIS
[0028] Figure 2 shows beams of light to illustrate the aperture effect of an aperture with a specific opening diameter in a position in front of the first lens of the optics.
[0029] Figure 3 shows the imaging beam path of optics 104.
[0030] Figure 4 shows the aperture effect of the aperture in a position between the lenses of the optics.
[0031] Figure 5 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a light source arrangement with a positioning device for positioning an aperture, wherein the aperture is in a first position.
[0032] Figure 6 shows the second exemplary embodiment with the aperture in a second position.
[0033] Figure ? shows an exemplary embodiment of an endoilluminator with a light source arrangement that includes a positioning device for positioning apertures.
[0034] A first exemplary embodiment of a light source device 100 with at least one aperture and a selection device, which enables the aperture effect of the at least one aperture to be selectively brought about at at least one first position and a second position in the light path, is described below with reference to Figure 1. In this first exemplary embodiment, the selection device, which enables the aperture effect of the at least one aperture to be selectively brought about at at least one first position and a second position in the light path, is a positioning device for positioning apertures.
[0035] The light source device 100 comprises a light source 101, a coupling point 110, a light entry plane 115, a light path between the light source 101 and the light entry plane 115, and optics 104 located in the light path. In the present embodiment, the light source 101 is the exit end 101 of an optical fiber 103. It is therefore a secondary light source in this exemplary embodiment, since it does not emit its own light. In alternative embodiments, instead of the exit end 101 of the optical fiber 103, the image of a light source, which would also represent a secondary light source, can be arranged at the location of the exit end 101. As a further alternative, a primary light source, i.e., a self-illuminating light source, can be arranged at the location of the exit end 101.A self-illuminating light source can be, for example, a luminescent emitter such as an LED, a gas discharge lamp, etc., or a thermal emitter such as an incandescent lamp.
[0036] The coupling point 110 of the light source device 100 is a location where an optical fiber 111 with an optical fiber entry end 113 can be mechanically coupled such that the plane of the optical fiber entry end 113 lies in the light entry plane 115. For coupling the optical fiber 111, the coupling point can have any conventional coupling mechanism, provided that it can be ensured that the plane of the optical fiber entry end 113 lies in the light entry plane 115.
[0037] The optics 104, arranged in the light path between the exit end 101 of the optical fiber 103 and the light entry plane 115, forms a luminous spot in the light entry plane 115, the light from which enters the optical fiber 111 through the optical fiber entry end 113. In the present exemplary embodiment, it comprises two lenses 105, 106, which are shown only schematically in Figure 1. The optics 104 can also comprise more than two lenses, and it is also possible for two of the additional lenses to be connected to each other in the form of a kit element. For example, the optics 104 can consist of two lenses 105, 106, each configured as a kit element. Each kit element consists of two interconnected lens elements. Unlike the schematic figure, the lenses 105, 106 can also have different lens diameters.
[0038] The light source device 100 has a positioning device with which an aperture 117A, 117B can be inserted into the light path at different points along the light path. In the present exemplary Z50416-WO 13 PATERIS
[0039] In this embodiment, the positioning device comprises two aperture carriers 119A, 119B, which hold the apertures 117A, 117B and which are each moved perpendicular to the optical axis OA of the optics by means of a linear motor 121A, 121B.
[0040] 104 can be inserted into the light path. The linear motors 121 A, 121 B can, for example, be attached to a housing of the light source device 100 (not shown).
[0041] In the present exemplary embodiment, the aperture 117A is located between the exit end 101 of the light guide 103 and the first lens.
[0042] The aperture diameter 123 of the aperture 117A is arranged in the optical system 104. The aperture diameter 123 is chosen such that the aperture 117A acts as an aperture diaphragm, i.e., it exhibits the aperture action of an aperture diaphragm. An aperture diaphragm is understood to be a diaphragm that, viewed from an object point on the optical axis or from an image point on the optical axis, appears at the smallest aperture angle 2a, or whose image appears from an object point OP on the optical axis OA or from an image point BP on the optical axis OA at the smallest aperture angle 2a, if a lens is located between the diaphragm and the object point OP or the image point BP.
[0043] In the present embodiment, three elements in the light path can act as aperture stops: aperture 117A, the lens mount of lens 105, and the lens mount of lens 106. Viewed from an object point OP on the optical axis OA, the opening angle limited by aperture 117A and the opening angle limited by the image of the lens mount of lens 106 produced by the first lens 105 must therefore be determined and compared. The opening angle of the lens mount of lens 105 is irrelevant here, since in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1, it is always larger than the opening angle 2a limited by aperture 117A when viewed from the object point OP on the optical axis OA.The aperture 117A is the aperture stop if the opening angle 2a defined by the aperture 117A is smaller than the opening angle limited by the image of the lens mount of the second lens 106 as viewed from the object point OP on the optical axis OA. Z50416-WO 14 PATERIS.
[0044] Whether the aperture 117A acts as an aperture diaphragm can be determined for a given position along the optical axis OA by selecting the diameter of its aperture opening 123. In the present exemplary embodiment, this diameter is chosen such that the aperture 117A acts as an aperture diaphragm. If the aperture 117A shown in Figure 1 were positioned too close to the exit end 101 of the optical fiber 100 with an unchanged diameter of its aperture opening 123, for example, if it were directly adjacent to the exit end 101 of the optical fiber, the opening angle limited by the aperture 117A would be larger than the opening angle limited by the lens mount of the first lens 105. Therefore, in this position, the aperture 117A would not function as an aperture diaphragm with an unchanged diameter of its aperture opening 123 and would thus lose its aperture function.The lens mount of one of the two lenses 105, 106 would then act as the aperture stop, provided no other stop is arranged in the light path. If the opening dimension of aperture 123 of aperture 117A exceeds a certain size, aperture 117A loses its aperture function.
[0045] The aperture diaphragm 117A defines the maximum opening angle 2a of a divergent beam of rays emanating from an object point OP on the optical axis OA. However, an image is not only created for object points located on the optical axis OA, but also for object points located away from the optical axis OA, which are subsequently referred to as object field points OFP. Beams of rays emanating from such object field points OFP have an opening angle 2a' and a principal ray HS. The principal ray HS is the ray that passes through the center of the entrance pupil. In the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2, where the aperture 117A acts as an aperture diaphragm and is positioned between the object (i.e., the exit end 101 of the optical fiber 103) and the first lens 105 of the optics 104, the aperture 117A itself constitutes the entrance pupil. Therefore, the main rays in Figures 2 to 4 pass through the center of aperture 117A.The principal rays each have an angle 9° to the optical axis OA. The larger this angle 9° is, the smaller the aperture 123° appears when viewed from the corresponding object field point OFP, which results in the opening angle Z50416-WO 15 PATERIS.
[0046] The opening angle 2a' of such a beam is reduced compared to the opening angle 2a of a beam emanating from the optical axis. The reduction is proportional to cos(9).
[0047] In the case schematically depicted in Figure 2, the aperture position and the diameter of the aperture opening 123 are chosen not only so that the aperture 117A acts as an aperture diaphragm, but also so that all beams of light emanating from object field points OFP and passing through the aperture 117A also pass through the optics 104, which are only schematically indicated in Figure 2. The angles 0 of the object field imaged by the optics 104 depend on the field stop of the optical system. The field stop is the diaphragm that appears at the smallest angle when viewed from the center of the aperture diaphragm or the center of its images. The field stop can, in particular, also lie in the object plane or in the image plane and thus be determined, for example, by the dimensions of the object.In the representation shown in Figure 2, it is assumed that the field stop is defined by the extension of the exit end 101 of the light guide 103 in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis OA.
[0048] For object field points OFP at the edge of the object, the largest angle 0, hereinafter referred to as 0max, occurs. As can be seen in Figure 2, the rays from an object field point OFP at the edge of the object that pass through aperture 117A have an opening angle 2a'. For a homogeneously luminous object that emits light equally in all directions, the intensity of the light introduced by a beam into the system of aperture 117A and optics 104 shown in Figure 2 depends on the beam cross-section in the plane of aperture 117A and thus on the opening angle 2a or 2a' of the beam. Since the opening angle depends on cos(0), the beam cross-section in the plane of aperture 117A depends on cos 2(0) such that the beam cross-section at an angle 0max of, for example, 18° is reduced by approximately 10% compared to a beam emanating from an object point OP on the optical axis OA, i.e., compared to a beam with 0 = 0. This intensity reduction can be neglected in most applications. Thus, the illumination of optic 104 is achieved with a largely uniform luminous intensity up to the critical angle Omax.
[0049] Figure 3 schematically shows the imaging beam path of the optics 104 of the first exemplary embodiment. The optics 104 is designed such that the first lens 105 forms an intermediate image of the exit end 101 in an intermediate image plane 125, which lies in the focal plane of the second lens 106. Consequently, the second lens 106 images the intermediate image towards infinity, so that essentially collimated beams are present on the image side of the second lens 106. This results in the divergent beam originating from the object point OP on the optical axis OA with the opening angle 2a becoming a beam parallel to the optical axis OA on the image side of the second lens 106.A divergent beam of rays emanating from an object field point OFP at the edge of the object field, with a principal ray angle of Omax to the optical axis OA and an aperture angle of 2a', is also transformed by the optics 104 into a parallel beam of rays exhibiting an angle 0'max to the optical axis. The angle 0'max is determined by the angle Omax of the principal ray of the beam and of the optics 104. A beam of rays emanating from an object field point whose principal ray has an angle 0 with 0° < 0 < Omax is transformed in the light-incidence plane 115 into a parallel beam of rays in which all rays exhibit the same angle 0° < 0' < 0'max to the optical axis OA. Thus, all rays of a divergent beam of rays emanating from a point in the object field, with a principal ray exhibiting an angle 0 to the optical axis OA, arrive at the light-incidence plane 115 at the same angle 0' to the optical axis OA.Since aperture 117A prevents principal rays with angles greater than 0'max from occurring, no parallel beams of light with angles greater than 0'max arrive at the light entry plane 115. A luminous spot with a sharp angular boundary at 0'max is thus formed in the light entry plane. As explained above, the luminous intensity of the light transmitted by the beams decreases only slightly up to approximately 0° = 18°, resulting in a largely homogeneous luminous intensity up to 0'max. Z50416-WO 17 PATERIS.
[0050] Since light rays entering the inlet end 113 of the light guide 111 at an angle 9' exit at the same angle from its outlet end (not shown), the light guide 111 produces an illuminated field in the observed object with an illumination profile in which the luminance is largely constant up to a critical angle and then drops sharply, as shown in Figure 1. Therefore, a spot-like illumination can be achieved with aperture 117A, in which only a central area is illuminated largely uniformly and there is virtually no peripheral or ambient illumination. The size of the critical angle 9'max is determined by the position of aperture 117A between the outlet end 101 of the light guide 103 and the first lens 105, together with the diameter of the aperture opening 123.
[0051] As can be seen directly from Figure 3, shifting the aperture 117A towards the exit end 101 of the light guide 103 causes the center of the aperture opening 123 to move closer to the exit end 101, thereby increasing the angle Ornax of the object field points OFP at the edge of the object field to the optical axis OA. Consequently, the luminous spot in the light entry plane 115, and thus also the luminous field in the object, has a larger critical angle 9'max, at which the luminous intensity drops sharply. Simultaneously, the opening angle and thus the diameter of the beams increase, so that for an angle 9, more luminous intensity is transmitted and the luminous spot has a higher luminous intensity than is the case for the same angle 9 in the original position.
[0052] If, on the other hand, the diameter of the aperture 123 is increased, the angle 9max of the principal rays of the object field points OFP at the edge of the object field to the optical axis OA remains constant, and only the aperture angle is increased. Therefore, increasing the diameter of the aperture only increases the luminous intensity in the luminous spot, without changing the critical angle at which the luminous intensity drops sharply.
[0053] The following explains, with reference to Figure 4, the effect of aperture 117B (aperture effect of aperture 117B) from Figure 1. In this figure, the beam-limiting rays for an object point OP on the optical Z50416-WO 18 PATERIS
[0054] The optical axis OA and the object field points OFP at the edge of the exit end 101 of the optical fiber 103 are shown. The principal rays for the beams emanating from the object field points OFP at the edge of the exit end 101 are also shown. The principal ray for the object point OP on the optical axis OA lies on the optical axis OA. Furthermore, in Figure 4, the lens mount 124 of the first lens 105 is intended to serve as the aperture diaphragm.
[0055] As can be seen in the figure, the aperture 117B behaves differently for a beam of light emanating from an object point OP on the optical axis OA than for a beam of light emanating from an object field point OFP located at the edge of the exit end 101. A beam of light emanating from an object point OP on the optical axis OA is essentially unaffected by the aperture shown, as long as the diameter of the aperture opening 123 has a minimum diameter Dmin or exceeds it. In contrast, a beam of light emanating from an object field point OFP at the edge of the exit end 101 is blocked asymmetrically by the aperture 117B, as long as the diameter of the aperture opening 123 does not reach a maximum diameter Dmax.For an aperture where the diameter of the aperture 123 lies between Dmin and Dmax, this results in a reduction of the cross-sectional area of a beam of light emanating from an object point OFP at the edge of the object field after passing through aperture 117B, while the cross-sectional area of a beam emanating from the object point OP on the optical axis OA remains unchanged. With an aperture diameter of Dmax or larger, aperture 117B loses its aperture effect.
[0056] In the light-incidence plane 115, the reduced beam cross-section results in a reduction in the luminous intensity of the beams with 0' = 9'max compared to the luminous intensity of the beam with 0' = 0, provided the aperture diameter is smaller than Dmax. This reduction also occurs at angles 0' that are larger than an angle 0'min determined by the aperture diameter 123 and smaller than 0'max, increasing progressively up to 0'max. Up to angles 0' = 0'min, the beams are transmitted completely, so that no decrease in luminous intensity occurs up to 0' = 0'min. This results in a luminous intensity distribution in the light-incidence plane 115 that is largely constant for beams with 0 < 9' < 9'min and decreases with increasing angle 9' for beams with 9'min < 9' < 9'max.As a result, the observed object has uniform illumination up to a certain angle, and at higher angles, ambient illumination occurs with decreasing intensity.
[0057] When the aperture 117B is shifted towards the intermediate image plane 125, the blocking of the light bundles becomes less and less, until the aperture 117B either has no effect in the intermediate image plane 125 and in the vicinity of the intermediate image plane, depending on the diameter of the aperture opening 123 - and the aperture 117B thus loses its aperture effect - or sharply cuts off large angles 9', since every point in the intermediate image plane 125 corresponds to an angle 9' in the light entry plane 115.
[0058] As aperture 117B is moved further towards the second lens 106, the blocking of the beam cross-section of the large 9' beams increases again. Furthermore, more and more beams with smaller 9' beams are also clipped as aperture 117B approaches the first lens 105. In addition, the clipping becomes increasingly symmetrical as aperture 117B approaches the first lens 105. Therefore, immediately behind the first lens 105, aperture 117 has an effect approximately equivalent to lens mount 124.
[0059] The effect of aperture 117B in various positions between lenses 105 and 106 of optics 104, as described with reference to Figure 4, is illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. Figures 5 and 6 show an exemplary embodiment of the light source device according to the invention, in which, instead of several apertures 117A, 117B that can be inserted into the beam path, only a single aperture 117C is present, which can be moved along the optical axis between lenses 105 and 106 of optics 104 by means of a linear motor 127. Furthermore, at least one guide rail 129 can also be provided to prevent the aperture 117C from tilting in the beam path. Z50416-WO 20 PATERIS
[0060] Figure 5 shows aperture 117C near the first lens 105 and the illumination profile resulting from aperture 117C in the position shown, which illustrates the luminous intensity as a function of angle 9'. Figure 6, in contrast, shows aperture 117C near the second lens 106 and the illumination profile resulting from lens 106 in the position shown in Figure 6. The different fall-off behavior of the luminous intensity at large angles 9' for the two aperture positions is evident from the illumination profiles. These different fall-off behaviors result in varying degrees of ambient illumination of the observed object.
[0061] The light source device 100 described with reference to Figures 5 and 6 can be used, in particular, as a light source for an endoilluminator. Such an endoilluminator is shown schematically in Figure 7. In addition to a light source formed by a light source device 100 according to the invention, the endoilluminator includes a light guide 111 with a light entry end, which is mechanically coupled to the light source device 100 such that its light entry end 113 lies in the light entry plane 115 of the light source device 100. A handpiece 133 for manipulating the light guide 111 is also arranged on the light guide 111. In the present exemplary embodiment, the handpiece 133 is equipped with a first button 135 and a second button 137. However, the handpiece can have more than the two buttons shown in Figure 7 and / or other types of actuating elements, such as an actuating wheel, a slider, etc.exhibit.
[0062] The buttons can be used to actuate a motor control unit 131 of the light source device 100 for controlling the linear motor 127. This motor control unit 131 generates positioning signals for the linear motor 129, which it uses to move the aperture 117C between the lenses 105 and 106. The motor control unit 131 generates the positioning signals based on instruction signals that can be triggered by the buttons 135, 137 located on the handpiece 133 of the light source device 100. Pressing the first button 135 can, for example, cause the handpiece 133 to send a first instruction signal to the motor control 131 Z50416-WO 21 PATERIS, which causes the motor control 131 to generate a positioning signal for the linear motor 127, which causes the aperture 117C to be moved towards the lens 105 using the linear motor 127 as long as the button 135 is pressed.Pressing the second button 137, on the other hand, can trigger the output of a second instruction signal to the motor control 131, which in turn causes the motor control to generate a positioning signal. This signal then moves the aperture 117C towards the aperture 106 using the linear motor 127, as long as button 137 is pressed. The aperture 117C can then be used to continuously adjust the angular distribution of the light rays in the luminous spot formed in the light entry plane 115, and thus the luminous intensity exiting the light guide 111 at its exit end 113, so that different illumination profiles can be created in the observed object.
[0063] If the light source device 100 is a light source arrangement 100 as described with reference to Figure 1, instead of the light source arrangement described with reference to Figures 5 and 6, the first button 135 and the second button 137 can, for example, generate instruction signals that cause the aperture 117A to be inserted into the beam path to produce a first aperture effect when the first button 135 is pressed, and the aperture 117B to produce a second, different aperture effect when the second button 137 is pressed. Inserting an aperture into the light path by pressing the corresponding button can automatically cause any other aperture already present in the light path to be removed from the light path.However, it is also possible to control the light source device 100 in such a way that two or more apertures, for example aperture 117A and aperture 117B from Figure 1, can be arranged simultaneously in the light path to achieve a combined aperture effect. For this purpose, the buttons 135, 137 can be designed, for example, such that the first pressing of a button generates an instruction signal which causes the motor control 131 to insert an aperture assigned to the corresponding button into the light path, and pressing the same button again after the aperture has been inserted into the light path (Z50416-WO 22 PATERIS) causes the aperture to be removed from the light path. A single press of each button would then cause the apertures assigned to these buttons to be inserted into the light path simultaneously.Of course, this configuration need not be limited to two apertures 117A, 117B that can be inserted into the light path. Three or more apertures 117 with corresponding linear motors 121 can also be present. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine an aperture, as described as aperture 117A with reference to Figure 1, with an aperture 117C, as described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. In this case, the handpiece 133 could, for example, have three buttons, one of which, when pressed, generates an instruction signal to insert aperture 117A into the light path, and the other two, when pressed, generate instruction signals to move aperture 117C along the optical axis OA.
[0064] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 7, the motor controller 131 also includes a memory 143, which can be configured, for example, as an SSD, a hard disk drive, a USB stick, etc. This memory contains retrievable instruction data sets. These can, for example, include instructions for positioning the aperture 117C in a specific position in the light path or specific aperture configurations in the light path, such as configuration 1: aperture 117A only in the light path, configuration 2: aperture 117B only in the light path, and configuration 3: both aperture 117A and aperture 117B in the light path. The selection of the corresponding position or configuration can be made, for example, using one or more buttons on the handpiece 133, using a voice command if the motor controller 131 has a voice recognition unit, or using an input at an operating console of the light source device 100 (not shown).Pressing the button, issuing a voice command, or entering a command at the console then triggers the retrieval of the corresponding instruction data record from memory 143 and its transmission to the motor control unit 131. In this way, frequently used pension positions or configurations, for example, can be accessed quickly and easily. Z50416-WO 23 PATERIS.
[0065] Since certain aperture positions and their associated effects also impact the maximum transmissible luminous intensity, the light source device 100 in this exemplary embodiment includes an intensity control 145 for controlling the intensity of the light source. In this exemplary embodiment, the luminous intensity at the exit end 101 of the light guide 103 is controlled by controlling the intensity of a primary light source 147, whose light is transmitted by the light guide 103. However, it is also possible to control the amount of light coupled into the light guide 103, for example, by means of an aperture positioned upstream of the light guide 103. If the light source of the light source device 100 is itself a primary light source, the luminous intensity of the light source of the light source device 100 can, of course, also be controlled directly.The intensity control 145 compensates for changes in luminous intensity due to altered aperture position and / or aperture dimensions 123 by adjusting the luminous intensity coupled into the light guide 103. Similar to the aperture motor control, the intensity control can be operated, for example, via buttons and associated instruction signals on the endoilluminator handpiece 133, via a console on the light source device 100, or by voice command. Furthermore, the intensity control can receive instructions from the motor control 131, so that a specific aperture position or configuration automatically adjusts the luminous intensity of the light source.
[0066] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 7, the instruction signals and / or selection signals are transmitted wirelessly from the handpiece 133, for example via Bluetooth or WiFi, and received by an interface 141 connected to the motor controller 131 and, if applicable, the intensity controller 145. This interface, such as a Bluetooth or WiFi interface, then transmits the received instruction signals to the motor controller 131 and, if applicable, to the intensity controller 145. Of course, the transmission of the instruction signals can also be wired, in which case the interface 141 is an interface for receiving wired signals, for example, a USB interface, an Ethernet interface, etc.
[0067] The present invention has been described in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments for illustrative purposes. However, a person skilled in the art will recognize that deviations from the exemplary embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
[0068] For example, at least one of the linear motors 121A, 121B shown in Figure 1 can itself be moved along the optical axis OA by means of a linear motor 127, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. If, for example, the linear motor 121A can be moved along the optical axis OA by means of another linear motor 127, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the aperture 117A can be positioned arbitrarily between the optical fiber exit end 101 and the first lens 105 when it is placed in the light path. Similarly, the lens 117B can be positioned arbitrarily between the first lens 105 and the second lens 106 if the linear motor 121B itself can be moved along the optical axis OA by means of a linear motor 127, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. In this way, a wide variety of configurations of the aperture 117A and 117B can be realized.
[0069] As can be seen from the explanations of the effect of the respective apertures with reference to Figures 3 and 4, the apertures cease to have any effect (aperture effect) when the aperture opening reaches or exceeds a certain aperture dimension. Therefore, in alternative exemplary embodiments, two or more apertures can be fixedly arranged at specific positions in the light path, with the apertures then having an aperture opening with an adjustable aperture dimension. For example, the apertures can be iris diaphragms. Slit diaphragms with an adjustable slit width can also be used. If no aperture effect is desired in the respective position, see Z50416-WO 25 PATERIS
[0070] The aperture dimension of the corresponding aperture is set so large that the aperture no longer has any effect. Conversely, if an aperture effect is desired, the aperture dimension is reduced until the desired effect is achieved. Naturally, such exemplary embodiments can also be combined with the exemplary embodiments described with reference to Figures 1, 5, and 6. For example, in such a combined exemplary embodiment, aperture 117A from Figure 1 can be fixedly positioned in the light path, designed as an aperture with an adjustable aperture dimension, and combined with aperture 117C from Figures 5 and 6.
[0071] The invention shall therefore be limited only by the attached claims.
[0072] Z50416-WO 26 PATERIS
[0073] 100 light source devices
[0074] 101 End of Exit
[0075] 103 optical fibers
[0076] 104 Optics
[0077] 105 lens
[0078] 106 lens
[0079] 111 Optical fibers
[0080] 113 Fiber optic entry end
[0081] 115 Light entry plane
[0082] 117A,B,C Aperture
[0083] 119A,B Aperture carrier
[0084] 121A,B Linear motor
[0085] 123 aperture
[0086] 124 lens mount
[0087] 125 Intermediate image plane
[0088] 127 Linear motor
[0089] 129 rail
[0090] 131 Position control
[0091] 133 Handpiece
[0092] 135 key
[0093] 137 key
[0094] 139 End of journey
[0095] 141 Interface
[0096] 143 storage
[0097] 145 Intensity control
[0098] 147 primary light source
[0099] OA optical axis
[0100] OP Object Point
[0101] OFP object field point
Claims
Z50416-WO 27 PATERIS Patent claims 1. Light source device (100) comprising a light source (101), a coupling point for coupling a light guide (111) such that the light entry end (113) of a coupled light guide (111) is arranged in a light entry plane (115), a light path between the light source (101) and the light entry plane (115), optics (104) in the light path for generating a luminous spot in the light entry plane (115) by means of a beam of rays emanating from the light source (101), and at least one aperture (11A, 117B, 117C) with an aperture effect, characterized by a selection device (119A, 119B, 121A, 121B, 127) which allows for the selective activation of the aperture effect of the at least one aperture (117A, 117B, 117C) at one of at least one first position and one second position in the light path, wherein the first position and the second position differ from each other.
2. Light source device (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the first position and the second position are positions at which the at least one aperture (117A, 117B, 117C) lead to differently sharply defined angular distributions of the luminous intensity in the luminous spot formed in the light entry plane (115).
3. Light source device (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the selection device comprises a positioning device (119A, 119B, 121A, 121B, 127) which selectively positions the at least one aperture (117C) or, if at least two apertures (117A, 117B) each with a Z50416-WO 28 PATERIS Aperture effect is present, at least one of the at least two apertures (117A, 117B) is enabled at at least the first position or the second position in the light path.
4. Light source device (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that the optics have an optical axis and the positioning device comprises a displacement device (127) with which the aperture (117C) or at least one of the at least two apertures (117A, 117B) can be displaced along an optical axis (OA).
5. Light source device (100) according to claim 3 or claim 4, characterized in that at least two apertures (117A, 117B) with an aperture effect are provided and the positioning device has at least two insertion devices (119A, 119B, 121A, 121B) which are arranged at different positions, wherein one of the at least two apertures (117A, 117B) is arranged on each insertion device (119A, 119B, 121A, 121B) and each insertion device (119A, 119B, 121A, 121B) is configured to insert the aperture (117A, 117B) arranged on it into the light path between the light source (101) and the light entry plane (115).
6. Light source device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one of the apertures (117A, 117B, 117C) has an aperture opening (123) with adjustable has opening dimensions.
7. Light source device (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the selection device has an aperture (117A, 117B, 117C) at at least a first position or the second position in the light path, which has an aperture opening (123) with at least two adjustable opening dimensions, wherein one of the adjustable opening dimensions is such that the Z50416-WO 29 PATERIS The aperture effect does not occur, and at least one other of the adjustable aperture dimensions is small enough for the aperture effect to occur.
8. Light source device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by a motor (121 A, 121 B, 127) for motor-driven positioning of the at least one aperture (11A, 117B, 117C) in the light path or for motor-driven adjustment of the aperture dimension of the at least one aperture with an aperture opening (123) with adjustable aperture dimension, and a motor control (131) for controlling the motor-driven positioning of the at least one aperture (117A, 117B, 117C) or for controlling a motorized adjustment of the aperture dimension of the at least one aperture with an aperture opening (123) with adjustable aperture dimension based on instruction signals.
9. Light source device (100) according to claim 8, characterized by an interface (141) connected to the motor control (131) for data processing purposes, which is designed to receive instruction signals from a handpiece (133) of a coupled light guide (111).
10. Light source device (100) according to claim 8 or claim 9, characterized in that a memory (143) is assigned to the motor control (131) in which retrievable instruction data sets are stored for retrieval, which specify at least one aperture effect to be brought about in a certain position in the light path.
11. Light source device (100) according to claim 10, characterized by an interface (141) connected to the motor control (131) for data transmission, which is designed to receive selection signals from a handpiece (133) of a coupled optical fiber (111), Z50416-WO 30 PATERIS wherein the selection signals each represent an instruction data set to be retrieved from the memory (143) by the motor control (131).
12. Light source device (100) according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized by an intensity control (145) for adjusting the intensity of the light source (101) on the basis of intensity signals.
13. Light source device (100) according to claim 12, characterized by an interface (141) connected to the intensity control (145) via data technology, which is designed to receive intensity signals from a handpiece (133) of a coupled optical fiber (1 11 ).
14. Light source device (100) according to claim 12 or claim 13, characterized in that the intensity control (145) is connected to the motor control (131) for receiving intensity signals output by the motor control (131), wherein the intensity signals depend on the setting signals for positioning the at least one aperture or for setting the aperture dimension of the aperture with an aperture opening having an adjustable aperture dimension.
15. Light source device (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that a memory (143) is provided in which adjustable intensities of the light source (101) are stored, and the intensity signals contain information for retrieving adjustable intensities of the light source (101) stored in the memory.
16. Endoilluminator with a light source device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15. Z50416-WO 31 PATERIS 17. Endoilluminator according to claim 16, characterized by a light guide (111) coupled to the light source device (100) with a handpiece (133) with which instruction signals and / or selection signals and / or intensity signals can be generated.
18. Method for adjusting the illumination light distribution of a luminous field in an observation object by means of a light source device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the adjustment of the illumination light distribution is carried out by bringing about the aperture effect of the at least one aperture (117A, 117B, 117C) at one of the at least one first position and second position in the light path between the light source (101) and the light entry plane (115).