Surgical Light Proximity Detection with Overlapping Sensor Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical light systems are susceptible to blockage by medical professionals or equipment, leading to inaccurate distance measurements and inconsistent light output.
Innovation Solution
The surgical light head incorporates a plurality of distance sensors mounted along the periphery of the housing, obliquely angled toward the center line of focus, with overlapping field of views to ensure accurate proximity detection and adjust light output accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single distance sensor is used in conventional surgical lights, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to susceptibility to blockage by medical professionals or equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single distance sensor into multiple segmented sensors (typically three or more) arranged in a triangular or radial pattern around the light housing. Each sensor covers a specific angular sector, and their combined fields of view create overlapping detection zones. This segmentation allows the system to maintain accurate distance measurements even when some sensors are blocked, as other sensors can compensate and provide valid distance data.
2Reliability
If multiple distance sensors are arranged to have overlapping field of views, then the reliability of distance detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-point detection approach to a multi-dimensional detection array. Multiple distance sensors are positioned at different angular locations around the housing, creating a spatial distribution of detection zones. The overlapping fields of view form a three-dimensional detection volume that encompasses the target area from multiple angles, ensuring that at least one sensor maintains an unobstructed line of sight to the target regardless of the blocking position.
3Measurement precision
If distance sensors are positioned to cover the target area, then the measurement precision is improved, but the sensors become more susceptible to blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection capabilities of multiple distance sensors into a unified measurement system. The individual detection zones of multiple sensors are combined to create a comprehensive detection volume that covers the entire target area. When one sensor is blocked, the system merges data from other unblocked sensors to maintain accurate distance measurement, effectively combining redundant detection paths to overcome the blocking problem.
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
This configuration enhances the accuracy of distance measurements by minimizing the impact of blockages and ensures consistent illumination by dynamically adjusting light attributes based on detected distances.
Implementation Method 1
a distance sensor that measures a distance from the light housing to the object to be illuminated
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical light head and proximity detection method includes a housing, a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in the housing and configured to direct light at a target region of interest, and a plurality of distance sensors arranged in the housing. At least two of the distance sensors have field of views that overlap to define a common detection region of interest and the common detection region of interest at least partially overlaps with the target region of interest. The light head may have a plurality of integrally formed tilted seats that position the distance sensors relative to a center line of focus of the surgical light head. The distance sensors may be integrated in the housing via an optical component that is sealed relative to the housing and covers the distance sensor while enabling transmission and receipt of distance sensing signals therethrough.