Surgical Lamp Light Source Arrangement for Uniform Color Rendering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical lights with multiple light sources of different spectra often result in inconsistent color perception and irritating shadow edges due to varying radiation spectra across the illuminated field, which can hinder the surgeon's ability to concentrate.
Innovation Solution
A surgical light design with light-emitting elements having multiple light sources of different spectra, where the light sources are arranged close to the optical axis to ensure their emissions are superimposed uniformly before reaching the optical imaging system, achieving a predetermined color temperature with a high color rendering index, thereby minimizing shadow edges and maintaining consistent color perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple light sources with different emission spectra are used in surgical lights, then the color rendering index can be improved, but the radiation spectrum becomes inconsistent across the illuminated field, causing varying color perception and irritating shadow edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources with different emission spectra (e.g., blue, green, red LEDs) into a single integrated module where their emissions are superimposed before reaching the operating field. This merging approach ensures that all light sources contribute uniformly to the overall spectrum, achieving consistent color perception and high color rendering index while eliminating shadow edges with color fringes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions each light source at a specific distance from the optical axis (less than 4-5 mm) to optimize the superposition of their emissions. This local positioning ensures that the radiation from different spectral sources overlaps uniformly across the illuminated field, maintaining spectral consistency while achieving the desired color rendering performance.
2Area of stationary object
If light sources are positioned farther from the optical axis to increase illumination coverage, then the illuminated area expands, but shadow edges become more pronounced with color fringes
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the emissions from multiple light sources positioned close to the optical axis, the patent creates a unified light field where shadows are illuminated from multiple spectral angles simultaneously. This eliminates the color fringes that would otherwise appear at shadow edges, while the combined illumination from multiple sources still provides adequate coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positional parameter of light sources, placing them at a distance of less than 4-5 mm from the optical axis rather than farther positions. This parameter change ensures uniform superposition of emissions and eliminates shadow edges with color fringes, while the combination of multiple sources maintains adequate illumination coverage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If light sources are positioned closer to the optical axis to reduce shadow edges, then shadow fringes are minimized, but the illuminated area coverage may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for the reduced coverage from individual sources by merging the emissions from multiple light sources positioned close to the optical axis. The combined illumination from blue, green, and red LEDs provides sufficient overall coverage while maintaining uniform spectral composition that eliminates shadow edges with color fringes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the illumination task among multiple light sources (blue LED, green LED, red LED) positioned close to the optical axis. Each source contributes to a specific spectral portion, and their combined effect provides both adequate coverage and uniform color rendering without shadow edges.
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
The solution provides a uniform color temperature with a high color rendering index, reducing shadow fringes and enhancing the surgeon's perception by ensuring consistent color representation across the surgical field, thus improving operational clarity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light-emitting element and at least one optical imaging system, wherein the light-emitting element has at least two light sources and each light source emits emissions of one spectrum
Implementation Method 2
at least one optical imaging system, wherein the light sources of the light-emitting element are arranged at a distance from an optical axis of the light-emitting element such that the emissions from the light sources are superimposed at the same location before they impinge on the optical imaging system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
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AI summary
The lamp (100) has a lighting element (110) including light sources (120, 130, 140) e.g. LED, sending emissions of a spectrum with different spectra. The light sources are arranged at a small distance from an optical axis of the lighting element such that the emissions of the light sources are overlaid before the emissions impinge an optical imaging system. A distance of a center of each light source to the optical axis of the lighting element is less than 3 millimeters. An independent claim is also included for a method for controlling a color temperature of a surgical operating lamp.