Operating Room Lighting Uniformity via Dynamic LED Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating room lighting systems require dividing the area into checkerboard-like partial zones and assign a fixed number of lighting elements to each zone, leading to non-uniform lighting.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a lighting fixture with multiple LED lighting elements, a stationary camera, an image processing system, and a control unit that sequentially switches on lighting elements, acquires images, and adjusts parameters to ensure uniform lighting across customizable zones, using methods like least-squares analysis to maintain desired brightness distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the operating area is divided into checkerboard-like partial zones with fixed lighting element assignments, then the lighting control structure is simplified, but uniform lighting across the operating area cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of lighting elements where each LED can be independently adjusted in intensity based on real-time feedback from camera images. The control unit continuously analyzes imaging data and modifies lighting parameters to achieve uniform illumination, replacing the static fixed-zone assignment with a dynamic adaptive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a feedback loop where the camera continuously captures images of the operating area, the image processing system analyzes the lighting uniformity, and the control unit adjusts individual LED intensities based on this analysis. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures uniform lighting while maintaining manageable system complexity.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple lighting elements are controlled independently with adjustable parameters, then uniform lighting can be achieved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system performs self-adjustment through automated image analysis and control algorithms. The system independently evaluates its own lighting performance via camera feedback and automatically modifies LED intensities without requiring manual intervention, reducing the operational complexity despite the increased number of controllable parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages complexity by dynamically changing only the necessary parameters (LED intensity values) based on image analysis results. The control unit selectively adjusts individual LED parameters rather than managing all possible system parameters, optimizing control efficiency while achieving uniform lighting.
3Measurement precision
If sequential switching of lighting elements is performed for image acquisition, then accurate brightness measurement is possible, but the initialization time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sequential switching and image acquisition during the initialization phase to establish baseline brightness measurements for each LED. This preliminary action captures the necessary measurement data before normal operation begins, allowing subsequent lighting adjustments to be made more quickly based on pre-acquired reference information.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Guarantees uniform lighting across the operating area by dynamically adjusting lighting elements based on real-time imaging data, allowing for flexible zone definitions and minimizing brightness deviations, with rapid switching to avoid human perception of flicker.
Implementation Method 1
at least one camera (7), which is aligned stationarily in relation to the operating area
Implementation Method 2
These are LED lighting elements
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a process are provided for uniformly lighting an operating area for performing the lighting of an operating area (2) of a bed (30) by means of a lighting unit (3) such that a selected lighting field (13) is lighted uniformly. The image signals of a camera (7) are sent to an image processing unit (17), in which the image signals are analyzed and the individual lighting elements (6) are switched via the control unit (18). A lighting situation is acquired in the process for initializing and operating this lighting system and a lighting field (13) of interest is selected. The image signals are analyzed during the operation and sent to the control unit (18) in order to switch the lighting elements (6) such that uniform lighting is obtained in the first lighting field (13).