DE102009026455A1 - Stereomicroscope, particularly operating microscope, has observation channels, whose distance defines stereo basis, step gap lighting unit, main objective and tube lens for generating intermediate image of object - Google Patents

Abstract

The stereomicroscope (11) has two observation channels, whose distance defines a stereo basis, a step gap lighting unit (12), a main objective (5) and a tube lens (18) for generating an intermediate image of an object (6). The step gap lighting unit has a deflecting element (7d) for a step gap lighting-optical path, which deflects the optical path onto the object plane over the main objective. The deflecting element is arranged for the step gap lighting-optical path on an axis of the stereo basis.

Description

The The present invention relates to a stereomicroscope with slit illumination, in particular a surgical microscope with slit illumination; the latter is also known as an operating slit lamp. A generic Microscope describes the preamble of claim 1.

For Eye examinations used diagnostic slit lamps are from the Prior art has long been known. Such slit lamps sit down together from the actual slit illumination unit, the (stereo) microscope as well as the device mechanics for the coupling of microscope and Lighting device.

The Slit lighting unit of a slit lamp has the function of as bright as possible slit image on the object to be examined to create. For this one uses mostly the principle of the Köhler's Lighting in which the light source through a collector system in a lens is imaged. The lens in turn forms the arranged next to the collector system gap in the object plane. This kind of lighting supplies regardless of the structure the light source a very homogeneous slit image.

When Microscope of such a slit lamp is usually a stereomicroscope used. For the construction and operation of stereo or surgical microscopes be referred to the extensive state of the art. A device mechanics the slit illumination unit couples with the stereomicroscope. at Diagnostic slit lamps, the slit image by means of deflection prisms the object (human eye) steered while the stereomicroscope regardless of the slit illumination unit latter "downstream" is, so that between the main lens and the object (eye) located Space occupied at least partially by the slit illumination unit is. Due to the device mechanism mentioned finds a coupling of microscope and slit illumination, which allows the slit illumination beam path within a certain angle to pivot around the observation beam path, wherein the pivoting plane substantially through the stereo base of the stereomicroscope on the one hand and through the connecting line the eyes on the other hand runs.

Surgical slit lamps are a combination of a surgical microscope with a swivel Slit lighting, designed for examination on the horizontal Patients. Such operating slit lamps are from different suppliers available in the market.

surgical microscopes The company Zeiss use a slit lighting unit which (from the main observer from) both beside and below the main lens can be arranged on the microscope body. An arcuate guide rail allows an adjustment of the slit illumination unit via a relatively large angle (40 to 60 degrees), the Center of the associated circle is located substantially in the object plane. The surgical microscope has two for stereoscopic viewing Observation channels on whose distance defined as a stereo base becomes. The two axes of the observation channels tension a plane parallel to the plane containing the Circular arc of the guide rail contains. In these Models, the slit lighting with a fiber lighting with realized the result that the fiber lighting less bulky fails, but worse optical lighting properties having.

The Model "Hi-R 900" of the company Möller stops Stereomicroscope with integrated slit lamp dar. Here is next one guided over the main objective of the microscope Object lighting offered a further position-fixed slit lighting, the latter being seen from the main lens, as opposed to the main observer is arranged and generates an illumination beam path, the one relatively large angle to the main axis of the main objective. A vertical one Slit lighting does not allow "optical section" and thus no stray light that makes structure-transparent objects visible can. When the built-in oblique gap lighting is however, the "optical section" not for All application areas of a surgical microscope optimal. About that In addition, the integrated slit lamp is voluminous.

The Applicant's model "M844 F40" represents a surgical microscope for ophthalmic surgery, in which a precision slit lamp with variable gap width and length in one Range +/- 23 degrees over the patient's eye movable is.

Slit lamps or slit illumination units used below the main objective have the disadvantage that, due to their size, they considerably restrict the free working space and, in particular in surgical microscopes, make compliance with sterility conditions more difficult. Furthermore, ophthalmic modules can no longer or only very cumbersome on the tripod or surgical microscope are grown. Particular mention should be made here of the BIOM (Binocular Indirect Ophthalmic Microscope), in which an auxiliary lens is connected in front of the main objective. Such additional optics are needed in particular for intraocular surgery, for example in order to be able to examine microscopically the fundus or fundus-near vitreous areas of the human eye. By doing Brochure "SDI II, BIOM II" of Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH from the year 1998 An additional optics is described which has a lens (ophthalmoscope lens) to be arranged near the object to be observed and a lens "reduction lens" to be arranged close to the main objective. This makes it possible to view the fundus at a large viewing angle without contact glass, with this additional optics designated BIOM II generating an inverted image which is converted into an erect, stereoscopically correct image by another additional optics designated SDI II (Stereoscopic Diagonal Inverters) ,

In order to remedy the disadvantages associated with such an SDI system, in the DE 103 32 603 B4 the Applicant an alternative inverter system consisting of plan and concave mirrors proposed.

From the DE 10 2004 028 471 A1 and the corresponding one US 7,382,529 B2 The applicant is known a slit illumination unit, in which by means of a free-form surface, a rectangular illumination beam path is generated. This avoids the loss of light when using a mechanical slit aperture.

at An operation slit lamp depends on the type of object illumination depending on whether the anterior ocular media or the posterior ocular media should be made visible. Shall the anterior eye media be visualized, the gap is imaged so that between Observation and illumination axis as large as possible Angle exists and the fundus remains dark. To structures to make it even more visible, it is advantageous when the gap width changes during the examination can be. Furthermore, the gap itself can be vertical or parallel to the stereo basis. In parallel position, please note that the stereoscopic vision is limited because the Slit image is no longer perpendicular to the plane, which the visual axes (Stereo base) of the microscope contains. In parallel position of Slit image is the cross-disperse of the observer reduced while it is maximum in a vertical position. Areas beyond the lens to the retina are often considered in the regredienten light. Here the object structure is observed in "transmitted light" and thus recognized by Absorbtionsunterschiede. The "transmitted light" is generated by secondary radiation by direct reflection on surfaces such as the lens or the fundus (retina). Around Setting the type of lighting, the slit image is left or panned right out of sight; the lighting is shining So past the object to be observed on the fundus. observation objects The lens receives its regressed light either from the reflex of the posterior lens surface or fundus.

For a fundus analysis is, as stated above, an optical accessory necessary. In addition to the above Additional optics, BIOM and SDI, are concave or convex auxiliary lenses in use, which are mostly used as contact lenses, and where one distinguishes between concave and convex optics. Concave lenses provide an upright, virtual intermediate image of the fundus, while convex lenses have an inverted, provide a real intermediate image of the fundus. With a so-called three-mirror contact glass, the three peripherally arranged mirror surfaces different Inclination, different zones of the vitreous humor can be and fundus periphery. Regarding the lighting using the slit lamp applies to all types of additional lenses, that the size of the pupil of the eye is the maximum limited viewing and illumination adjustable angle. To further details regarding this topic to the relevant literature on slit lamp microscopy pointed.

task The present invention is, in microscopes of the type mentioned, especially in surgical microscopes to realize a slit illumination, the through the main lens of the microscope and the location of the Object-defined workspace does not significantly restrict so that enough space for any needed Zusatzmodule exists, and wherein also the mentioned "optical Cut "for different applications with best possible cross-disperse should be adjustable.

These Task is by a stereomicroscope according to claim 1 solved. Advantageous embodiments emerge the dependent claims and the description below.

The stereomicroscope according to the invention has two observation channels whose spacing is usually referred to as a stereo base. The main objective and tube lenses of the stereomicroscope generate an intermediate image of an object to be imaged in an object plane. This intermediate image is known to be presented to the eyes of a viewer via the eyepieces. Furthermore (or alternatively) documentation outputs may be provided. By means of a slit illumination unit, a gap lighting explained in detail above, for example for ophthalmological examinations or operations, can be realized. This slit illumination unit has a deflection element for a slit illumination beam path, which directs the slit illumination beam path via the main objective to the object plane. Such a structure of a stereomicroscope is an exemplary embodiment in the already acknowledged in the introduction DE 10 2004 028 471 A1 shown. As essential to the invention it is now proposed that the deflecting element for the slit lighting beam path is arranged on the axis of a stereo base. This is to be understood that the deflection element is located substantially on a connecting line between the axes of the observation channels between the main objective and Tubuslinsen.

The Invention brings several advantages: First, the work space essentially between the main lens and the object plane of the stereomicroscope be kept free of the slit illumination unit; latter For example, in a plane (horizontal) above the main lens (seen from the object) may be arranged. By means of a deflecting element for the slit illumination beam path this is about the main objective is directed to the object plane so that said Deflection element is integrated in the stereomicroscope. By arranging the Deflection element on the axis of a stereo base can be an optimal Querdisperation be achieved. This has the consequence that in the "optical Cut "a high plasticity and increased Depth perception of the imaged by slit image illumination Object can be perceived. When inventive Stereo microscope can without space and design problems additional ophthalmic optics, such as BIOM and additionally any contact glass used.

It is advantageous if the deflection element for the slit illumination beam path at least in part outside the observation channels is arranged. In this case, the deflecting element in particular right next to the right or left of the left observation channel be arranged. Not to the optical picture quality affect the deflector should be complete outside the observation channels or the cross section the observation tufts are arranged.

It is also advantageous if the deflection for the Slit illumination beam path at least partially along the axis the stereo base is displaceable. Starting from an arrangement, in which a slit illumination axis is substantially perpendicular is redirected to and through the main objective current axis comes as a displacement only the diameter of the main objective along the axis of the stereo base, more precisely the (within the scope of the main lens), which contains the stereo base, in question. Out of this tendon would namely the deflector no longer illuminates the slit illumination beam path (completely) over the main lens to the object field to steer. As the deflector usefully outside the observation channels is arranged, comes for a meaningful shift only the tendon area outside an observation channel and within the main lens in question. It has been shown that this angular range due to the optimal Cross-dispering is completely sufficient to be effective Slit lighting in the sense of the diagnostic slit lamp to achieve.

The Invention is of great advantage in a stereomicroscope Can be realized with a classic lighting unit, as with simple Means the slit illumination unit are integrated into the microscope can. Thus, no complicated additional constructions necessary. For this purpose, from the illumination beam path of a classic Lighting unit for illuminating the object to be imaged by means of at least one output element of the slit illumination beam path decoupled. In the at least one outcoupling it can they are (semitransparent) mirrors. So, for example a part or 100 percent of the illumination beam path decoupled and then by known means (mechanical Slit or free-form surface lens) a slit illumination beam path be generated. This is then in the direction of the deflecting element directed for the slit illumination beam path, this over directs the main objective of the microscope onto the object plane.

In the embodiment mentioned, it is possible, for example, to connect the coupling-out element, which is needed for the actual decoupling of the slit illumination beam path, if necessary. For this purpose, the actual decoupling element is introduced into the illumination beam path of the classical illumination unit as required, or a decoupling element fixedly arranged in the illumination beam path is actively switched. The latter option can be realized for example by means of a micromirror array, which can be used as a beam splitter. Depending on the orientation of the micromirrors, a part of the illumination beam path can be coupled out and used as a slit illumination beam path. Further details on the use of micromirror arrays as beam splitters are the DE 10 2005 040 471 B to be taken from the applicant. Of course, a gap illumination beam path can be permanently coupled, which is used in the further course as needed or not (for example, shutdown by shutter). Of course, it is also possible to use a separate slit lighting unit in addition to the classic lighting unit.

It may also be useful if the deflection element for the slit illumination beam path comprises or represents a micromirror array. Such a micromirror array is suitable for producing various light field geometries. By appropriate orientation of the individual Mi Crevice of the micromirror array can be generated in this way a gap as a luminous field.

With regard to the use of micromirror arrays for the production of different light field geometries, see the patent DE 10 2006 022 590 B referred to the applicant. Of course, it is also possible to use the micromirror array in addition to a known slit illumination unit (using a mechanical slit or a free-form surface lens). By suitable alignment of the micromirrors, light losses, which can occur when using conventional mirrors, can be avoided (see the aforementioned US Pat DE 10 2006 022 590 B ).

Farther It may be useful if every observation channel of the stereomicroscope a deflection element for a slit illumination beam path assigned. In this case, for example, would be right from the right and left of the left observation channel each have a deflecting element arranged for the slit illumination beam path. By means of appropriate arranged decoupling and / or other deflecting elements can then between the two deflection elements for the slit illumination beam path, guide them to the object plane via the main objective, be switched. If appropriate, too be thought of a simultaneous operation of these deflecting elements.

In In another embodiment, the diameter of the The main objective of the stereomicroscope is enlarged be about the positioning or shift range for the deflection element for the slit illumination beam path to be able to choose larger, thus also the angles between the axis of the slit illumination beam path and the observation axes could become larger.

It It should be noted that the above features of the invention, as far as can be recognized by the person skilled in the art, also independently be used in other combinations or in isolation can, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Around to better illustrate the invention and its advantages are in the Figures illustrated embodiments closer explained.

1 shows a stereomicroscope according to the prior art with a (slit) illumination unit in a schematic side view;

2 shows an embodiment of a stereomicroscope according to the invention and

3 shows elements of the (slit) illumination unit and the main lens of the stereomicroscope 2 in plan view.

1 schematically shows the structure of a stereomicroscope 11 with a lighting unit 12 , Since the construction of a stereoscopic microscope 11 is well known, only the essential elements, here the main objective 5 and the tube lenses 18 shown in detail. Further, partly optional additional elements such as zoom system, filters, decoupling systems, connected documentation devices and details of the binocular tube are not shown in detail here. The microscope optics generated by an object 6 in an object plane an upright, usually greatly enlarged image, of an observer looking through the eyepiece of the microscope 15 is perceived stereoscopically. With 9 is the microscope axis referred to in this illustration with the main axis of the main objective 5 falls together. The connected lighting unit 12 consists essentially of a light source 1 with appropriate lamp supply 16 , a panel 3 and downstream lenses 2 and 4 , which focus the illumination beam path in the object plane. Lamp and lamp supply can also be optionally arranged outside the microscope, wherein the light is introduced into the microscope via a light guide (fiber cable). By means of a deflecting element 7 the illumination beam path is over the main objective 5 of the stereomicroscope 11 directed to the object plane to there the object 6 suitable to illuminate. With 10 is the illumination optics of the lighting unit 12 designated. The illumination optics 10 is also suitable for slit lighting when a corresponding slit 3 is used. One too 1 similar structure for slit lighting is from the already mentioned DE 10 2004 028 471 A1 known. For details, reference is expressly made to this document.

Will the in 1 Although the structure used for a stereomicroscope with slit illumination is used, the disadvantage of limiting the effectively usable working space (between main objective 5 and object 6 ), however, the disadvantage remains that the slit illumination beam path has a relatively large angle to the main axis 9 includes and is fixed in position, so that the already described "optical section" is not optimal for all applications, especially a surgical microscope.

A stereomicroscope according to the invention 11 is in 2 shown, the representation of 1 is taken over. Identical elements are identified by the same reference numerals, so that a repetition of the description of this Components can be dispensed with. Unlike the stereomicroscope 11 out 1 is any necessary lens optics in a generalized way as a lens 2 shown. This does not preclude further lenses or other optical elements being part of the illumination optics 10 are. With 7b and 7c is a combination of deflectors referred to in 3 are shown in more detail. 14 denotes the illumination axis of the illumination unit 12 , The deflecting element 7a Can be used for classic lighting (as related to 1 and the deflection there 7 described) are used. The deflecting element for the slit lighting is now with 7d designated.

For better understanding are the 2 and 3 explained together. In 3 are the main elements of the lighting unit 12 as well as the main lens 5 of the stereomicroscope 11 shown in plan view. Shown again are the light source 1 as well as the lens 2 (as a placeholder for a suitable kind of lens optics), where on its own representation of the (slit) aperture 3 was dispensed with imaging optics. There are various ways of realizing a classic lighting and slit lighting and corresponding combinations of these possibilities conceivable.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, a classic lighting variant is combined with the slit lighting. These are elements of the classic lighting unit, here shown light source 1 , Lens 2 and deflecting element 7a , provided next to elements for slit lighting. The latter have decoupling elements 7b and 7c on, which is at least part of the light source 1 decouple generated illumination beam path for slit illumination. The decoupled part thus represents the slit illumination beam path, that of the deflection 7d towards the main lens 5 is redirected (see also 2 ). In 3 is next to the deflecting element 7a also the deflecting element 7 out 1 shown. Both deflecting elements 7 and 7a can be used alternatively or together, if appropriate light sources are provided or corresponding deflection or decoupling, in order to use said deflecting elements. Alternatively to a decoupling by the decoupling elements 7b and 7c It is also possible to provide an additional light source with corresponding slit illumination optics, which generates a slit illumination beam path, that of the deflection element 7d towards the main lens 5 is steered.

How out 3 can be seen, is the deflecting element 7d for the slit illumination beam path on the axis 17 the stereo base 13 arranged. As a stereo base 13 is known, the distance of the observation channels of a stereomicroscope called. These observation channels are with 8th designated. They correspond to the cross section of the observation tufts. Due to the arrangement of the deflecting element 7d is an optimal cross-disperse ensured. The images produced with the resulting slit illumination show high plasticity and increased depth perception. It makes sense, the deflection 7d with respect to the axis 17 movable / displaceable design, so that the deflecting element 7d between the outer edges of the observation channels 8th and the outer edge of the main lens 5 along the axis 17 can be moved. The maximum shift range is then the diameter of the main objective 5 specified. In practice, it has been shown that with this arrangement, only small angles between the slit illumination beam path and the observation beam paths passing through the observation channels, for example between four and six degrees, are required for the various fields of application.

In addition, the deflecting element 7d also in certain areas around the axis 17 the stereo base 13 be pivotable around the gap more accurately to the object 6 to be able to adjust. Such adjustments of the gap position, but also changes and corrections of the gap shape and position can be realized particularly advantageous if a micromirror array as a deflection 7d is used for the slit illumination beam path. For this purpose, reference is made to what has already been said. Of course, the decoupling elements 7b and 7c be designed as micromirror arrays and fulfill the function of beam splitters and / or beam deflectors.

Another advantage of the illustrated stereomicroscope 11 is the free working space, ie the working distance between object 6 and main lens 5 can be kept completely free of elements of the slit illumination, so that, for example, during operations or examinations the doctor has sufficient room for maneuver. On the other hand, the built-slit lamp according to 2 and 3 also the additional use of additional optics, such as the described BIOM and SDI optics. Alternatively or additionally, the contact lenses already described can be placed on the eye to be examined. This allows a good observation of the retina, so that any "membrane" on the retina can be detected early and possibly operated on.

In a further embodiment, each observation channel 8R and 8L a deflecting element 7d assigned to a slit illumination beam path. In this case, for example, not shown deflecting elements 7a ' and 7d ' in accordance way on the left observation channel 8L to arrange. In the illustration according to 3 would be the deflection 7a and 7d to reflect on a straight line perpendicular to the stereo base 13 stands and runs through the middle. By suitable pivoting of the coupling element 7b and by means of a further deflecting element 7c ' that has an analogous function as the deflector 7c then has, for example, in a simple way, the further deflection 7d ' on the left observation channel 8L be put into operation.

The present invention is particularly suitable for surgical microscopes, especially in ophthalmology.

1

light source

2

lens

3

cover

4

lens

5

main objective

6

object

7

deflecting

7a; 7d

deflecting

7b 7c

outcoupling

8th, 8R, 8L

cross-section the observation tufts, observation channel

9

microscope axis

10

illumination optics

11

microscope

12

(Gap) lighting unit

13

stereobasis

14

illumination axis

15

observer

16

lamp supply

17

axis the stereo base

18

tube lenses

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 10332603 B4 [0010]
• - DE 102004028471 A1 [0011, 0016, 0031]
• - US 7382529 B2 [0011]
• - DE 102005040471 B [0021]
• - DE 102006022590 B [0023, 0023]

Cited non-patent literature

• - Prospectus "SDI II, BIOM II" of Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH from 1998 [0009]

Claims (7)

Stereomicroscope ( 11 ) with two observation channels ( 8R . 8L ) whose distance is a stereo base ( 13 ), with a slit illumination unit ( 12 ) and a main objective ( 5 ) and tube lenses ( 18 ) for generating an intermediate image of an object to be imaged in an object plane ( 6 ), wherein the slit illumination unit ( 12 ) a deflecting element ( 7 ; 7d ) for a slit illumination beam path, this through the main objective ( 5 ) to the object plane, characterized in that the deflecting element ( 7d ) for the slit illumination beam path on the axis ( 17 ) of a stereo base ( 13 ) is arranged. Stereomicroscope according to claim 1, characterized in that the deflecting element ( 7d ) for the slit illumination beam path at least partially outside the observation channels ( 8R . 8L ) is arranged. Stereomicroscope according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the deflecting element ( 7d ) for the slit illumination beam path at least in part along the axis ( 17 ) of the stereo base ( 13 ) is displaceable. Stereomicroscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a lighting unit ( 12 ) for illuminating the object to be imaged ( 6 ) is provided, wherein the slit illumination beam path by means of at least one decoupling element ( 7b . 7c ) can be coupled out of the illumination beam path. Stereomicroscope according to claim 4, characterized in that the decoupling elements ( 7b . 7c ) comprise a micromirror array. Stereomicroscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deflecting element ( 7d ) comprises a micromirror array for the slit illumination beam path. Stereomicroscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each observation channel ( 8R . 8L ) of the stereomicroscope ( 11 ) a deflecting element ( 7d ) is assigned for a slit illumination beam path.