DE20022631U1 - Beam splitter module for microscopes - Google Patents

Description

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Beam splitter module for microscopes

The invention relates to a beam splitter module which can be used in particular for surgical microscopy.

Conventional beam splitter modules for microscopy have been offered for a wide variety of purposes or have been published in a wide variety of designs. They always include a beam input and at least two beam outputs, one of which (observation beam path) serves the viewer and a second serves a recording unit (photo or video camera). In 3D microscopes, these beam paths are designed as stereo beam paths. Variants are also known in which only one of two stereo partial beam paths is used for recording image data or for reflecting information. The corresponding image data is then only monoscopic or one-dimensional.

Modular systems are also known which consist of several beam splitters arranged one above the other and can be combined as required to fulfil several functions, such as mirroring out image data and simultaneously mirroring in image data while simultaneously using the observation beam path and, if necessary, with the additional use of an assistant tube.

The disadvantage of these structures is that they reduce the light intensity in the individual beam paths due to the many beam splitters, which sometimes varies from path to path. Furthermore, such

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relatively high, voluminous structures (composite modules) are not considered practical because they make ergonomic working difficult. Last but not least, the known modular structures lead to a relatively high weight, which is particularly disadvantageous for surgical microscopes that are mounted on stands.

The invention has the object of eliminating these disadvantages and of creating a new beam splitter which can be used universally and can fulfil all of the tasks mentioned without having a disadvantageously high weight or a disadvantageously large construction volume; in particular, it should be provided with several stereoscopic partial beam paths with integrated two- or three-dimensional image acquisition options and with a two- or three-dimensional image data input.

This problem is solved by applying the features of claim 1.

The subject matter of the invention is designed as a single module. It integrates beam splitters, an internal image sensor or video system and, according to the invention, enables the following four standard functionalities, which can be permanently present and are always connected to all other optional functionalities.

20 standard functions:
beam splitter;
observation beam path;

internal recording beam path or reflection beam path and

Monoscopic external assistant/documentation exits or entrances.

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In detail, the invention solves the problems set by the features of claim 1. The invention results in a compact beam splitter module that can be used universally. It is small and therefore allows ergonomic working.

Further user functions that increase the usefulness of the beam splitter and further embodiments of the invention and the preferred embodiments are explained in more detail in the following description of the figures. They show:

Fig.1 Functionality A with two assistant stereo partial beam paths and an internal mono documentation output;

Fig.2 functionality B with an internal stereo documentation output;

Fig.3 the functionality C with an internal mono-

Documentation output and internal data input;

Fig.4 the functionality D with an internal stereo data mirroring;

Fig.5 the functionality E with an external mono data mirroring

with an external documentation input and an internal mono documentation output that captures both the image of the object and the reflected data;

Fig.6 the functionality F with an external stereo data input via the right and left documentation input and an internal stereo documentation input, which also captures reflected data;

Fig.7 shows a module according to the invention in plan view in section; Fig.8 shows a section through the beam splitter of the module of Fig.7; Fig.9 shows a longitudinal section through the structure of Fig.7;

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Fig.10 shows a mounting frame according to the invention for a preferably used optics in a bottom view;

Fig.11 the mounting frame of Fig. 10 in side view with the mounted optics and

Fig.12 the optics in side view with a video camera housing.

The figures are described in a comprehensive manner. The same reference symbols mean the same components. The same reference symbols with different indices mean different components with the same or similar tasks or properties.

The following breakdown into 12 points corresponds to a breakdown into twelve preferred functionalities. The order of the functionalities is arbitrary and in no way restrictive.

The preferred design of a beam splitter module realized as a prototype is shown in Figures 7 to 12.

1) Beam splitter 2: The stereoscopic main beam paths (1A/B) emanating from the main objective and magnification changer of a microscope (not shown) are each split into three separate beam paths or the two partial beam paths (1A/B) of a stereoscopic main beam path (1A/B) are split into 3 x 2 first, second or third partial beam paths 6A, 6B, 7A ₁

7B, 10A, 10B, of which an external stereoscopic observation beam path (6A/B) usually takes over the entire image content of the main beam path (1A/B). Thus, a first beam path (6A/B) is guided through to the binocular tube - which can preferably be rotated by ±30° and is not shown.

A second beam path (7A/B) is used - especially with the same

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Intensity - branched to the three-dimensional assistant/documentation output (Fig. 1 -4) and a third beam path 10 is divided in such a way that its two stereo partial beam paths 1OA, 10B are spatially separated, so that image information can be fed in or out for monitoring purposes. Depending on the structure, the feeding in or out is done stereoscopically or monoscopically.

2) First (minimal) mounting variant: for a binocular tube in the main beam path for viewing the surgical field

3) Second (removed) mounting variant: For monocular observation and/or reflection, right- and/or left-side attachment of various additional optical devices for observation of the surgical field or for other documentation purposes while maintaining a binocular tube in the main beam path.

According to further improved designs, the following additional functions can be provided:

4) Integration of a - preferably exchangeable - telecentric imaging optics 5,15a, b: In particular with fine focusing of different focal lengths in the monitoring beam paths 7A, 7B, and/or in the internal stereo beam path (10A/B), Fig. 7 - 9).

5) Monocular recording: imaging of the surgical field on one or more (image) sensor surfaces 4B, 4A, 14a, b in one of the inner beam paths 10A, 10B or in one of the documentation beam paths 7A, 7B (e.g. on one or more camera chips (CCD or 3CCD)) (Fig. 1, 3, 5, 7-9)

6) Binocular recording: imaging of the surgical field on two separately arranged (image) sensor surfaces in both of the inner beam paths 10A and 10B or in both of the documentation beam paths 7A and 7B, if both are sensors.

(Camera chips (CCD or preferably 3CCD), each of which is assigned to a stereo partial beam path (Fig. 2, 6 and if necessary 7-9).

7) Monocular recording/data input: imaging of the surgical field onto one or more (image) sensor surfaces 4A, 4B through one of the third stereo partial beam paths 10B with simultaneous monocular data input 9A into the second of the third stereo partial beam paths 10A, (Fig. 3).

8) Binocular data reflection: in both stereoscopic third partial beam paths (monitoring beam paths). (Fig. 4)

9) Monocular data input/monitoring: (2D) via the

right or left third stereo beam path 10A, 10B or into the left or right assistant/documentation beam path 3A, 3B with simultaneous imaging of this data and the underlying or superimposed two-dimensional surgical field onto one or more

(Image) sensor surfaces 4A or 4B, e.g. camera chips (CCD or 3CCD) (Fig. 5)

10) Binocular data projection/monitoring: (3D) via the right and left assistant/documentation beam path (3A/B) with simultaneous binocular imaging of this data and the three-dimensional surgical field on two separate, single or multiple (image) sensor surfaces 4A, 4B. (Fig. 6) It is not mandatory that the images of the surgical field and the reflected images must be superimposed. They can also be superimposed using suitable switches.

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or switches can be designed so that one can see only the operating field and one only the reflected field or both, as desired.

11) Curved (image) sensor surfaces and/or curved

Display surfaces: For optimal adaptation to the respective

Optical beam paths, not shown in detail.

12) Integrated rotation attachment 20, 24: allows - if necessary step by step - rotation of an eyepiece tube attachment on the beam splitter module. (Fig. 7-9)

The functionality A according to Fig. 1 is thus used according to the invention when a stereoscopic observation beam path (6A/B) and a stereoscopic assistant beam path (7A/B) are desired and, in addition, a monoscopic recording on an inner beam path 10B is desired. As an alternative to the beam path 10B with the sensor surface 4B, the right beam splitter 2A could also be connected to a corresponding monoscopic beam path for recording purposes.

Functionality B according to Fig. 2 will be used if recording in the inner beam path (10A/B) is desired, e.g. similar to the well-known LEICA-3 module for stereoscopic video recording.

The functionality C according to Fig. 3 is used when, on the one hand, observation and recording (inner beam path 10B) are to be carried out and, on the other hand, information is to be reflected, e.g. via the inner beam path 10A from a display 9A.

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Functionality D according to Fig. 4 is used, in particular, for image injection of stereoscopic patient data such as CT or MRI information, whereby both stereoscopic images (both from the main beam path (1A/B) and from the inner reflection beam paths (10A/B) can be perceived through both the stereoscopic observation beam path (6A/B) and the stereoscopic assistant beam path (7A/B). No longer shown, but within the scope of the invention, are switching elements that enable switching between the images visible in the observation beam path and in the assistant beam path.

Functionality E according to Fig. 5 is used when reflected information is to be recorded together with the image of the main beam path (IAJB) . This structure can be used, particularly for documentation purposes, to record the total information available to the surgeon. With functionality E, this is monoscopic, while with functionality F according to Fig. 6, this is also possible stereoscopically.

In the structure according to Fig. 7, an asymmetrical arrangement of the module 11G or its sensor housing 18 can be clearly seen. This is preferred in order to provide sufficient space for accessories such as lighting devices or the like. The sensor housing 18 has a cable feedthrough 34 so that the sensors 14A or 14B can be connected. The representation of 14A and 14B is intended to leave open whether this is a video camera or a display. In the specific case, 14A can also represent a video camera, while 14B represents a display. This structure would therefore correspond to Fig. 3 functionality C. The sensors 14A and 14B are preceded by - preferably exchangeable - imaging optics 15A, 15B, which, as shown, are preferably adjustable. The adjustment is carried out via an adjusting device 17A, which is adjusted to the

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Optics 15A is effective. The optics 15A is arranged in a lens mount 35A, which sits on a mounting frame 27.

As can be seen better from Fig. 10 - 12, the mounting frame 27 serves to securely and adjustably hold the optics in the sensor housing. This type of assembly is new and just as inventive, regardless of the other features of the invention described above. The advantage of this structure with the mounting frame 27 is a logistically simple method of producing the optics, which can be exchanged in a few simple steps and are easy to adjust. The lens mount 35 is attached to the mounting frame 27 using mounting screws 29, and the frame is attached to the sensor housing using holding and adjusting screws 30 A - D.

As can be seen from Fig. 7, the holding and fastening screw 3OC rests against a support wall 36 of the module, while the screws 3OE and D are held in the module body and enable adjustment. For reasons of space, the adjustment device 17B for the imaging optics 15B is not mounted on the side but on top and is accessible from above. The imaging optics 15 are also not only offset asymmetrically, but also positioned obliquely upwards at an angle of approx. 12°. This advantageously allows the prisms 12 of the beam splitters 2A and 2B to be set particularly low. This saves installation height.

The prisms shown in Fig. 7-9 are merely symbolic. The person skilled in the art knows the detailed arrangement of the surfaces depending on the functionalities provided according to the invention.

Fig. 9 also shows the rotating ring 20 with the guide ring 24, which serves as a holder for accessories or a binocular tube 16, which, as is known, can be clamped in the rotating ring 20 by means of a clamping screw 23. The rotating ring 20 has locking recesses on its underside, which can be

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a spring-loaded locking ball. The guide ring 24 is cut out at the side so that the clamping screws 23 have an angular play around the main axis 37. This enables a binocular tube or other accessories attached to the beam splitter module according to the invention to be rotated. For example, the structure could be rotated step by step in locking steps.

The beam splitter module in question is therefore an easy-to-install, optimally integrated and multifunctional component. The height is minimized and as much space as possible is left for additional microscopy accessories.

Within the scope of the invention, functionalities that are not directly described here can also be combined from those specified above.

The following list of reference symbols is part of the description of the figures. It and the further information in the patent claims complete the disclosure of the present patent application.

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List of reference symbols

1A: Stereoscopic main beam paths emanating from the surgical microscope, here right beam path

1B: Stereoscopic main beam paths emanating from the surgical microscope, here left beam path

2A: Right-side beam splitter

2B: Left-side beam splitter

3A: Data input via documentation input, here on the right

3B: Data input via documentation input, here on the left

4A: One or more (image) sensor surfaces, here on the right

4B: One or more (image) sensor surfaces, here on the left

5A: Interchangeable imaging optics for sensor surfaces on the right, different focal length

5B: Interchangeable imaging optics for sensor surfaces on the left, different focal length

6A: External stereoscopic observation beam path to the ±30° rotatable binocular tube, here on the right

6B: External stereoscopic observation beam path to the ±30° rotatable binocular tube, here on the left

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7�Agr;: External assistant/documentation output right

7B: External assistant/documentation exit left

8A: Replaceable imaging optics for data reflection on the right

8B: Replaceable imaging optics for data reflection on the left

9A: Data mirroring display right

9B: Data mirroring display left

1OA: Internal beam path right

1OB: Internal beam path left

11 a to g - Beam splitter module

12 a, b, c, d Prisms of the beam splitters 2A, 2B

13 Connection to the microscope

14 a, b Sensor area (video camera) or display areas

15 a, b imaging optics

16 Binocular tube

17 Adjustment device for imaging optics

18 Sensor housing

19 Module body

20 Rotating ring

21 locking ball
22 locking spring

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23 Clamping screw

24 Guide ring

25 side angle

26 elevation angle

27 Mounting frame

28 Recess

29 mounting screws

30 a, b, c, d, e Holding and adjusting screws

31 Retaining wall 32 Separating layer

33 a, b threaded flange

34 Cable entry

35 a, b lens mount

36 Retaining wall 37 Main axis

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Claims (11)

1. Beam splitter module for microscopes, in particular for surgical microscopes for viewing objects along a main axis, with a beam input through a connection area for connection to a stereoscopic microscope output, with a first stereoscopic beam path for an observer with a first left and a first right stereo partial beam path ( 6 B, 6 A) with at least one second stereoscopic beam path with a second left and a second right stereo partial beam path ( 7 B, 7 A) and with at least one third left and a third right stereo partial beam path ( 10 B, 10 A), characterized in that at least one of the second and third stereo partial beam paths ( 7 B, 7 A, 10 B, 10 A) is designed for reflecting out and/or reflecting in image information, wherein at least one of the first, second or third stereo partial beam paths ( 6 B, 6 A, 7 B, 7 A, 10 B, 10 A) is designed for reflecting out image information of the object being viewed in each case and at least one other the first, second or third stereo partial beam paths ( 6 A, 6 B, 7 A, 7 B, 10 A, 10 B) are designed to reflect image information for the observer. 2. Beam splitter module according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the stereo partial beam paths ( 7 B, 7 A, 10 B, 10 A) is designed both for reflecting out and for reflecting in image information. 3. Beam splitter module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an imaging system ( 5 ; 15 ) with fine adjustment ( 17 ) for focusing and/or zooming is arranged in at least one stereo partial beam path ( 10B , 10A ). 4. Beam splitter module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one reflecting stereo partial beam path ( 7 B, 7 A) is designed such that it simultaneously captures image information about the object and image information reflected in via another stereo partial beam path ( 10 A, 10 B) and makes it reflectable out simultaneously (superimposed) or one after the other. 5. Beam splitter module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one stereo partial beam path ( 10 B, 10 A) is terminated with one or more sensor surfaces ( 4 a, 4 B) for image recording. 6. Beam splitter module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one stereo partial beam path ( 10 B, 10 A) is terminated with a camera ( 14 a, 14 b), in particular a video camera, which with its spatial longitudinal extension - in the operating position - assumes an inclined position with respect to a normal to the main axis 37 of the microscope. 7. Beam splitter module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the beam splitter comprises a prism ( 12 ) whose spatial extension is at least partially placed directly in the connection region ( 13 ) of the beam splitter module. 8. Beam splitter module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one stereo partial beam path contains a switch by means of which an observer can optionally direct reflected image information into the observation beam path or block it inwards, or that by means of the switch an observer can optionally reflect image information out or block it outwards. 9. Beam splitter module according to claim 8, characterized in that the switch is constructed or controllable mechanically, electrotechnically or electronically, or that at least one beam splitter is equipped with electro-optical partial viewing surfaces that can be activated or deactivated by electrical voltage. 10. Beam splitter module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one stereo partial beam path is designed for observing and reflecting image information via an observer's eye. 11) Beam splitter module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all stereo partial beam paths ( 6 B, 6 A, 7 B, 7 A, 10 B, 10 A) emerge essentially from one housing plane.