WO2023117662A1

WO2023117662A1 - Medical imaging apparatus, in particular an endoscope, exoscope and/or laparoscope

Info

Publication number: WO2023117662A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/086059
Authority: WO
Inventors: Benedikt Köhler
Original assignee: Karl Storz Se & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2021-12-21
Filing date: 2022-12-15
Publication date: 2023-06-29
Also published as: DE102021133947A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a medical imaging apparatus, in particular an endoscope, exoscope and/or laparoscope, comprising: a light source for illuminating a region to be viewed, an optical system, and an image-capturing device for capturing image information relating to the region to be viewed; wherein the light source has a first excitation spectrum and a second excitation spectrum and the optical system has a filter device having a filter spectrum, and the optical system supplies the image information relating to the region to be viewed, which is illuminated by the relevant excitation spectrum, to the image capturing device in a manner filtered by the filter spectrum; wherein the light source, the image capturing device and/or the optical system are or is designed to be exchangeable with one another by means of an exchange device in order to create different operating modes; wherein the first excitation spectrum is emitted in a first test step and the second excitation spectrum is emitted in a subsequent second test step, and, for the relevant test step, the test unit carries out a comparison of the spectral distribution of the filtered image information with a reference spectral distribution such that correctly paired allocation of the relevant image capturing device to the relevant optical system and/or to the relevant light source is confirmed for the relevant test steps when the spectral distribution is consistent with the reference spectral distribution.

Description

Medical imaging device, in particular endoscope, exoscope and/or laparoscope

The invention relates to a medical imaging device, in particular an endoscope, an exoscope and/or a laparoscope, with a light source for illuminating a viewing area, an optical system and an image recording device for recording image information of the viewing area, the light source having a first excitation spectrum and a second excitation spectrum and the optics have a filter device with a filter spectrum and the optics of the image recording device transmit the image information of the observation area illuminated with the respective excitation spectrum filtered by means of the filter spectrum, so that physiological parameters of the observation area can be determined by means of an evaluation unit based on a spectral distribution of the filtered image information and wherein the Light source, the image recording device and/or the optics is or are designed to be interchangeable with one another for setting up different operating modes by means of a changing device and the evaluation unit has a test unit and the spectral distribution of the filtered image information is compared with a reference spectral distribution by means of the test unit.

[02] With previously known, modular medical imaging systems, it is possible to combine different endoscope optics, exoscope optics, laparoscope optics and, for example, different light sources. In particular, imaging devices that are used for spectral analysis imaging, such as fluorescence imaging, hyperspectral imaging or multispectral imaging, are susceptible to incorrect combinations of individual components. A correct combination of individual components is a prerequisite for correct functioning, since in particular excitation wavelengths and corresponding filters in the form of observation filters must be matched to one another. In the case of an incorrect combination of corresponding individual components, a non-function or an even more critical malfunction with, for example, the output of incorrect image information when examining a patient is possible.

[03] Various systems are known for detecting possible incorrect combinations of individual components, but these must always have complex system components or additional testing devices. Known devices are therefore complicated and expensive to construct or to use, if they are used at all.

[04] The object of the invention is to improve the prior art.

[05] This object is achieved by a medical imaging device, in particular an endoscope Exoscope and/or a laparoscope, with a light source for illuminating a viewing area, an optic and an image recording device for recording image information of the viewing area, the light source having a first excitation spectrum and a second excitation spectrum and the optics having a filter device with a filter spectrum, and the optics the image recording device transmits the image information of the observation area illuminated with the respective excitation spectrum filtered by means of the filter spectrum, so that physiological parameters of the observation area can be determined by means of an evaluation unit based on a spectral distribution of the filtered image information and wherein the light source, the image recording device and/or the optics are used to set up different operating modes a changing device is or are designed to be interchangeable and the evaluation unit has a test unit and the spectral distribution of the filtered image information is compared with a reference spectral distribution by means of the test unit, with the first excitation spectrum in a first test step and the second excitation spectrum in a subsequent second test step being light source is emitted and the spectral distribution of the filtered image information is compared with a reference spectral distribution for the respective test step by means of the test unit, so that the respective image recording device can be assigned to the respective optics and/or the respective light source with a correct pairing Compliance of the spectral distribution with the reference spectral distribution for the respective test steps is confirmed.

[06] By means of such a medical imaging device, in particular by carrying out a first test step and a subsequent second test step, light that is emitted differently by the light source in the form of a first excitation spectrum and a second excitation spectrum can be used to determine correspondingly continuous or blocking areas of the filter device and thus to check whether a corresponding light source "fits" the selected optics and/or the selected imaging device, i.e. the desired excitation wavelengths of the light source are allowed to pass through or blocked as desired, so that the corresponding light spectra can be used to determine the physiological parameters.

[07] The following terms are explained in this context:

[08] A "medical imaging device" can be any technical and/or electronic device that is suitable for recording, processing and/or forwarding an image or image information of a viewing area in a medical environment and displaying it on a screen, for example such medical imaging device an endoscope, a dual endoscope Stereo endoscope, an exoscope or a stereo exoscope. Such an "endoscope" is a mostly narrow and elongate imaging device which is suitable for inserting it into a cavity or through a mostly small opening and within the cavity and/or the area behind the small opening an image of a viewing area, in the case of a "stereo endoscope" by means of two cameras or two image sensors. An "exoscope" is a comparable device that is used, for example, in medical interventions from the outside for imaging, i.e. in a so-called open surgical intervention. The "stereo" property of the respective endoscope or exoscope describes the ability to use two optical paths and / or two optics to record a stereoscopic image of the viewing area. A corresponding dual endoscope or dual exoscope is able to record two separate images without, for example, a stereoscopic reconstruction taking place. In this context, it should be noted that a respective "endoscope" in the actual sense, as described above, can also be integrated within an endoscope system with additional devices, such as a cable guide, additional sensors and/or a display device for displaying image information on an external monitor Furthermore, "endoscope" and "endoscope systems" are sometimes used synonymously here. The same can apply mutatis mutandis to exoscopes and/or laparoscopes. [09] A "light source" is, for example, an LED, an incandescent lamp or another light-emitting device. Furthermore, such a light source can also be realized in that a light generated by means of an LED or another light-generating device is transmitted by means of a light guide, for example, for example a glass fiber or a glass fiber bundle, to a corresponding location in the viewing area. Such a light source serves to illuminate the viewing area with light of corresponding light spectra, which are also called "illumination spectra". The process of emitting the light or spectrum of light into the viewing area is called "illuminating".

[10] A "viewing area" describes the area, the volume or the area which is viewed using the medical imaging device and from which a corresponding image is to be generated. Such a viewing area is, for example, an organ, a bone, a Portion of a human or animal body or another area of interest for related consideration.

[11] "Optics" describes the entirety of all components that direct light and/or image information or an image along an optical path, for example, in particular in the direction of an image sensor, camera sensor or other light sensor. The arrangement of the respective sensor, for example on a proximal section or also on a distal section, irrelevant, also the length of a light path. For example, such an optic includes lenses, mirrors, cover plates, protective plates or also filters and, depending on the configuration of a corresponding device, also separation points or coupling points.

[12] An "image recording device", which can be designed as an "image sensor", for example, is, for example, an electronic chip or another similar device, by means of which light passing through the respective optics and/or a corresponding image are recorded and converted into electronic signals can. For example, such an image recording device is an image sensor or a set of image sensors which has or have, for example, a CCD chip, a CMOS chip or a comparable electronic component.

[13] In this context, "recording" describes the process in which the image, for example from the viewing area, is directed to the image recording device by means of the optics and converted into corresponding image information. This is done, for example, by generating corresponding electrical or electronic signals in a CCD chip or another electronic image sensor. The respective "image information" is then in particular further-processable, for example electronic, information about the image, for example a corresponding amount of information on the color and/or brightness of a respective pixel or similar information. [14] A special, targeted illumination spectrum is emitted from the light source in such a way that this illumination spectrum serves as an "excitation spectrum" for checking a corresponding assignment according to the invention, ie for example a check for an expected permeability or an expected impermeability of a corresponding filter or a filter device and/or or is matched to a corresponding interaction for determining physiological parameters.

[15] A "filter device" is an optical component or a set of optical components, for example a set of filters and/or lenses, and can therefore be part of the designated optics. A filter device acts in particular in such a way that certain wavelength ranges of a complete light spectrum attenuated or reduced or let through or also completely prevented from continuing along the optical path. In this context, such a filter device has a corresponding "filter spectrum" which, analogously to a light spectrum, shows the respective intensity of the wavelengths that are passed or retained by a respective filter or the filter device described in its entirety. In this context, there is talk of a transmission filter spectrum, which describes the transmitted intensity component in the respective light spectrum, as well as a degree of retention, which indicates which component is not transmitted. In this context, for example, so-called gradient filters are known, which have a continuously changing filter effect over a filter area. Furthermore, so-called cut-off filters are known, which hold back or let through spectral ranges that are separated from one another relatively sharply.

[16] In this context, an "evaluation unit" is used to record and evaluate the corresponding light wavelengths, light spectra or the like and to draw appropriate conclusions from them. An evaluation unit is, for example, a computer that, in particular, uses the optics and the image recording device to record the data pixel by pixel Evaluate image information in such a way that it is possible to draw conclusions about physiological parameters.

[17] "Physiological parameters" of the viewing area are, for example, oxygen concentrations, fat content, blood flow values, hemoglobin concentrations or also a water content in, for example, an organ under consideration and/or the tissue of the respective organ in the viewing area. Such physiological parameters can be determined, for example, using corresponding light spectra, in that an absorbance for a wavelength or a corresponding wavelength range or several absorbances for one wavelength or for several wavelength ranges of a light spectrum is analyzed and a corresponding physiological parameter is inferred or also certain absorption wavelength ranges assigned to a hemoglobin concentration, another absorption wavelength or several such absorption wavelengths or absorption wavelength ranges to a water content or a third absorption wavelength or several absorption wavelengths or absorption wavelength ranges to an oxygen content in the blood. Corresponding wavelength ranges for determining different physiological parameters can be the same, overlapping or different or can be used in different combinations.

[18] A "spectral distribution" describes, for example, a total of a respective illuminance for different light wavelengths of the visible or invisible light spectrum, i.e. in particular a distribution of spectral colors of light.

[19] By setting up "operating modes", an operator is enabled, for example, to record different physiological parameters with the same basic device of a medical imaging device, for example with the same handle that has the image recording device Compilation of components of the medical imaging device serve to record a white light image of the observation area to provide operators. For this purpose, for example, different optics with a different filter device may be necessary, but different operating modes can also be implemented with one optic. An exchange of optics is indicated, for example, if a modified fluorescent substance is to be used in fluorescence imaging of the observation area. This example can then be continued for a hyperspectral recording, a fluorescence recording and further recordings. For this purpose, for example, an optical system can be removed by disconnecting it from a changing device and then exchanged by attaching a different optical system to the changing device. The same applies mutatis mutandis to different light sources and/or different image recording devices, that is to say, for example, different image sensors. A "changing device" can be designed mechanically in any way, for example as a threaded connection, plug-in connection, bayonet connection or another mechanically detachable connecting technical solution.

[20] A "testing unit" by means of which the spectral distribution of the filtered image information is compared with a reference spectral distribution is, for example, an algorithm integrated within the evaluation unit, a computer program or an electronic circuit, by means of which the spectral distribution of the filtered image information is a reference spectral distribution is compared, the comparison then being used to draw conclusions about the correct pairing or incorrect pairing assignments can be drawn. The process of comparing is an "alignment", whereby the alignment can be carried out both electronically or in a simpler way. In the simplest case, the alignment could also be carried out by the operator using one eye, for example with the aid of a spectrometer, using the missing or existing spectral ranges can be shown. In particular, a comparison is made in such a way that a comparison is made with a threshold value, for example, so that a positive result is given in the sense of the presence of certain light wavelengths and/or light spectra when, for example, 50%, 60%, 75% are exceeded , 80%, 90% or 95% of a maximum possible transmission intensity is determined, with the threshold value being determined particularly expediently based on the properties of the optics or optics, the image sensor, the exposure time, an amplification of the image sensor used and/or other parameters .

[21] The basis for the comparison is a "reference spectral distribution", which represents an expected value for the comparison. For example, a filter device of an optic has a filter that blocks a specifically known wavelength, so that this wavelength is left out in the reference spectral distribution. The wavelength is anyway contained in the spectral distribution of the filtered image information, the spectral distribution corresponds to the filtered image information not the reference spectral distribution, so the adjustment fails. A corresponding step in which such a comparison takes place is referred to as a "test step". One test step or also several test steps can be carried out, with each test step being able to cover parameters that differ from one another in particular.

[22] As a result, either a "correct pairing" or an "incorrect pairing" assignment is determined. An assignment is correct when, for example, the functional optics for the image recording device, for the correct light source and for the purpose (e.g. a multispectral recording) are combined with the correct filter device for this exemplary multispectral recording. If one of the components is "wrongly" assigned, for example a white light source is selected, hyperspectral optics are installed or other components are put together incorrectly, then this assignment is "wrong with the pairing". It should be noted here that, depending on the combination of components and the desired application, one "wrong" component or several "wrong" components is or are sufficient to achieve a "wrong pairing" assignment. This is due, among other things, to the fact that an optic, for example, for is suitable for several purposes and would only supply incorrect image information in a specific purpose.The same applies to the light sources and/or the image recording devices. [23] In order to be able to carry out the corresponding adjustment more precisely and unambiguously, the light source has a third excitation spectrum, a fourth excitation spectrum and/or a further excitation spectrum, with the third excitation spectrum being measured after the second test step in a subsequent third test step and the fourth excitation spectrum in a subsequent fourth test step and/or the further excitation spectrum are emitted by the light source in a subsequent further test step and the spectral distribution of the filtered image information is compared with a reference spectral distribution for the respective test step by means of the test unit, so that the respective image recording device can be correctly paired with the respective Optics and/or the respective light source is confirmed if the spectral distribution matches the reference spectral distribution for the respective test steps.

[24] Likewise, in a respective test step, for example, the first excitation spectrum and the second excitation spectrum or a number of other excitation spectra can be emitted by the light source and subjected to a joint test step in each case, so that, for example, two or more specific excitation spectra can be used simultaneously, with a comparison of the Spectral distribution of the filtered image information is carried out with a reference spectral distribution for the respective test step by one corresponding assignment to be recognized as pairing correct or pairing wrong.

[25] In one embodiment, the light source has a first partial light source, a second partial light source, a third partial light source and/or a further partial light source, the first partial light source having the first excitation spectrum, the second partial light source having the second excitation spectrum, the third partial light source having the third excitation spectrum and /or the further partial light source has the further excitation spectrum.

[26] This means that a respective excitation spectrum can be emitted with the respective partial light source and, for example, a respective partial light source can also be switched on and off independently of another partial light source or of the other partial light sources, so that the observation area can be illuminated sequentially and in a targeted manner with the respective excitation spectrum .

[27] A "partial light source" is a component of the light source, which can be designed, for example, as an individual light-emitting unit, for example as a color LED or as another light-emitting unit. The light source can thus, for example, be formed from a plurality of LEDs emitting different color spectra be so that a respective color and/or a respective wavelength of light can be emitted by means of the LED as the respective excitation spectrum. [28] In particular, the respective partial light sources or also all the respective partial light sources are LEDs.

[29] In order to be able to use the medical imaging device in a particularly flexible and user-friendly manner, the image information has first partial image information, second partial image information, third partial image information and/or further partial image information, so that the respective image recording device can be assigned to the respective optics and/or for the respective light source is confirmed on the basis of the respective partial image information if the spectral distribution matches the reference spectral distribution.

[30] Such "partial image information" is, for example, a corresponding, differently executed image recording, for example a white-light image, a multispectral image, a hyperspectral image or a similar image, which is recorded in particular alternately, so that, for example, a user has a superimposed image consisting in particular of a white-light image and a multispectral image can be displayed.

[31] In one embodiment, the first excitation spectrum, the second excitation spectrum, the third excitation spectrum and/or the further excitation spectrum is/are designed to correspond to the filter spectrum of the filter device of the respective optics and/or to correspond to a recording spectrum of the image recording device.

[32] Thus, for example, a corresponding

Excitation spectrum or a corresponding sequence of respective excitation spectra are used in such a way that, for example, a spectral distribution typical of "wrong" optics, i.e. incompatible optics, is specifically addressed, so that, for example, one or two different excitation spectra are adapted to corresponding transparent areas of the filter spectrum and, for example, one or two or several further excitation spectra are adapted to corresponding blocking spectra or absorption spectra of the filter spectrum, so that, for example, a kind of "optical fingerprint" of a corresponding filter spectrum can be specifically addressed and queried and evaluated by means of the image recording device.

[33] In order to be able to redundantly determine an assignment, in particular a redundant assignment, of the respective image recording device with the respective light source and/or with the respective optics, an information carrier is assigned to the respective image recording device, the respective light source and/or the respective optics, whereby the information carrier has identity information and the identity information can be read out by means of the test unit, in particular without contact, so that by comparing the identity information with reference information, the correct pairing of the respective image recording device with the respective light source and/or with the respective optics can be determined.

[34] An "information carrier" can be any technical unit that contains information, for example, identity information, can store and reproduce. Such storage can take place mechanically, electrically, electromagnetically, magnetically or in some other way. "Identity information" is, for example, an identification number, an assignment number or an article number of an image recording device, a light source and/or a respective optic, so that a one-to-one assignment or, for example, a type-wise assignment of the respective component is made possible. "Reference information" is, for example, a list of possible permissible combinations stored in a respective component or also a list of possible impermissible combinations, which is used to determine the matching assignment or an incorrect matching assignment accordingly. Accordingly, the goal of a clear identification of the corresponding components of a system can also be achieved by means of a mechanical identifier or a corresponding communication interface.

[35] In one embodiment, the information carrier is a barcode, a magnetic chip or an electromagnetic chip, in particular an RFID chip.

[36] In order to create a further or alternative possibility of redundancy, the adjustment and/or the comparison is initiated based on a change in a comparison operator, which in particular is continuously checked by means of the evaluation unit, the comparison operator being a representation of a natural Lighting, a representation of a reference identifier and/or a representation of a time sequence.

[37] It is thus also possible, for example, for an operator to re-initiate the adjustment and/or comparison in the event of a structural change, for example when removing the optics or disassembling the medical imaging device, and to carry out a corresponding check.

[38] A "comparison operator" is, for example, corresponding information that is queried in particular continuously. Such a comparison operator can represent natural lighting, i.e., for example, a normal lighting spectrum with natural light Image recording device a removal of the optics and thus an intrusion of natural lighting is detected, so that the comparison and / or the comparison is initiated again.Furthermore, such a comparison operator can also be a representation of a reference identifier, so for example an optical identifier within the optics, such as an identification ring, a line code or the like, so that a one-to-one assignment is possible using this reference identifier, which is evaluated, for example, by the image recording device , 5 seconds, 2 seconds or at an interval of another period of time as appropriate Alignment and/or a corresponding comparison is carried out, ie a regular check of the correct pairing assignment takes place.

[39] In order to enable the operator to operate the medical imaging device conveniently, in particular, the adjustment and/or comparison is initiated, in particular, by an operator acting on the evaluation unit and/or on the test unit, in particular by triggering an operating process by triggering a start-up, setting up different operating modes, triggering an image comparison and/or triggering a system check.

[40] In this way, for example, when a corresponding medical imaging device of the corresponding taxation computer is started up, such an adjustment and/or comparison can be carried out, so that there is no time delay.

[41] An "action" by an operator is, for example, pressing a switch, a button or a corresponding simulated switch on a touch display, switching on the device or another manual action by the operator on the evaluation unit and/or on the test unit , The evaluation unit and/or also the test unit can be combined, for example, in an operating computer of the medical imaging device. An “operating process” in this context is, for example, switching on the device or also the triggering of a startup or a corresponding adjustment, for example a white balance. In this context, an "image balance" is in particular a black balance, a white balance, a color balance or another form of optical comparison to increase the precision of a representation.

[42] In one embodiment, if the respective image recording device, the respective light source and/or the respective optics are assigned incorrectly, an error signal can be output by means of an output device, whereby in particular the commissioning, the setting up of different operating modes, the image comparison and/or the system check can be carried out by means of a Effect of the error signal on the evaluation unit can be interrupted.

[43] Thus, for example, an operator can be signaled directly that, for example, incorrect optics have been combined with a corresponding light source, so that error-free use of the medical imaging device is not possible.

[44] An "error signal" is, for example, a warning lamp, an output text or a signal tone, the only decisive factor here being that the operator is signaled that an incorrect pairing assignment has been made.

[45] In a further embodiment, if the respective image recording device is incorrectly assigned to a pairing, the respective light source and / or the respective optics by means of

Output device correction information, in particular correction information to an operator, can be output.

[46] Such correction information can be used, for example, to indicate to the operator that not only has an incorrect pairing been assigned, as is signaled by the output of the error signal, but also that, for example, an indication of alternative optics to be used is given, so that the operator is given the opportunity and assistance for correcting and correctly paired assignment of corresponding individual components.

[47] According to a further embodiment, a comparison between a respective image recording device and a respective light source or partial light source can be carried out in such a way that, for example, the respective light source or the respective partial light source is controlled by means of feedback from the image recording device in such a way that, for example, using a signal on the image recording device incoming image signal, a recognized light spectrum and/or a non-recognized light spectrum is emitted by means of the respective light source or by means of the respective partial light source.

[48] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments. Show it

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a

Laparoscope system with a control unit, FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of different optics for the laparoscope system of FIG.

Figure 3a to c diagrams for representing different filter spectra of filter systems contained in the optics,

Figure 4 is a diagram showing the

Illumination intensity of different light wavelengths of a light source,

Figure 5 is a diagram showing an RGB

camera signal with broadband optics and/or hyperspectral optics,

Figure 6 is a diagram showing a

camera signal with a fluorescence optics effective in the infrared spectral range,

Figure 7 is a diagram showing a

camera signal with additional fluorescence optics effective in the short-wave spectral range,

Figure 8 is a diagram showing the inherent filter properties of two different optics without an additional filter, and

FIG. 9 shows a process sequence for starting up the laparoscope system from FIG. 1 with a component check. [49] A laparoscope system 101 is used to view an object 150 in a viewing area 160. The object 150 can be an organ, for example, which is to be viewed in a medical examination context. The laparoscope system 101 is formed from a handle area 103 and a shaft area 105 . Furthermore, the laparoscope system 101 has a tip 107 . The handle area 103 has a camera head 111 on which the laparoscope system 101 can be held by an operator (not shown). A connecting cable 113 is arranged on the handle 111 and connects the camera head 111 to a control unit 119 . The control unit 119 has operating elements 120 and a screen 123 with a display panel 124 .

[50] A shaft optics 131 is arranged in the shaft area 105 and is detachably connected to the camera head 111 at a coupling point 117 . The shaft optics 131 can thus be exchanged in that the shaft optics 131 can be separated from the camera head 111 at the coupling point 117 .

[51] Within the shaft optics 131, a filter system 137 is shown schematically. Light incident through an objective lens 133, which is guided along an optical axis 139, is filtered by the filter system 137, so that the filtered image information is guided through a lens system 121 within the camera head 111 to an image sensor 115. The image sensor 115 is an RGB sensor, for example. A light source 135, which consists of 13 LEDs of different colors, is used for this Illumination of the object 150 in the viewing area 160. A filtered image, i.e. filtered image information, of the object 150 is thus recorded by means of the image sensor 115 and sent to the control unit 119 by means of the connecting cable 113 for display in the display field 124 of the screen 123.

[52] Various other shaft optics are available for exchange:

[53] A white light optics 231 with an objective lens 233 and a light source 235 is equipped with a filter system 237.

[54] A fluorescence optics 241 with an objective lens 243 and a light source 245 is equipped with a filter system 247 .

[55] A fluorescence optics 251 with an objective lens 253 and a light source 255 is equipped with a filter system 257 .

[56] The structure of the different shaft optics is analogous to the structure of the shaft optics 131 described above. Each shaft optics can also contain an RFID chip (not shown), by means of which, for example, an identifier of the respective shaft optics can be read out to check compatibility with the respective grip is enabled.

[57] A diagram 301 represents the filter spectrum of the

Filter system 237. An abscissa 303 describes it the wavelength of the corresponding light between 400 nm and 1,000 nm, an ordinate 305 a transmitted light component. A transmission spectrum 307 between 400 nm and 1000 nm represents that between 400 nm and 1000 nm the light is transmitted unhindered. The filter system 237 is therefore completely transparent in the spectral range shown, and the optics 231 are consequently suitable for broadband imaging or also for hyperspectral imaging.

[58] A diagram 311 shows the representation analogous to diagram 301 for the fluorescence optics 241, i.e. for the filter system 247. The light wavelength is plotted on an abscissa 313, and a corresponding percentage transmission is plotted on the ordinate 315. A transmission spectrum 317 extends from 400 nm to 730 nm, so that light of this wavelength is allowed to pass through unhindered. A cut-off spectrum 318 between 730 nm and 830 nm blocks corresponding wavelengths of light. A transmission spectrum 319 between 830 nm and 1,000 nm in turn represents a corresponding transmission of the light wavelengths. The filter system 247 is thus used to filter out excitation light suitable for the desired fluorescence observation, with the fluorescence reaction in this example being expected with light wavelengths above 830 nm, so can pass through the filter system 247.

[59] Analogous to this, a diagram 321 shows the corresponding values for the fluorescence optics 251 with the filter system 257. An abscissa 323 shows the light wavelength, an ordinate 325 the corresponding percentage pass rate. The diagram 321 has a transmission spectrum 327 between 450 nm and 1,000 nm, corresponding light passes unhindered through the optics. A blocking spectrum 328 between 400 nm and 450 nm filters out corresponding wavelengths of light. The filter system 257 is thus suitable for using fluorescence in the ultraviolet light spectrum by filtering out the corresponding excitation light between 400 nm and 450 nm and allowing light of a fluorescence reaction above 450 nm to pass through.

[60] A diagram 401 has an abscissa 403 with a corresponding light wavelength between 400 nm and 1,000 nm. Furthermore, the diagram 401 has an ordinate 405 with a value between 0% and 100%. Diagram 401 is a bar diagram in which specific illumination intensities for 13 different wavelengths are plotted as an example. These are possible emitted light wavelengths, for example from the light source 135 and the light sources 235, 245 and 255. The following are shown: an illumination intensity 411 (400 nm), 412 (450 nm), 413 (500 nm), 414 (550 nm) , 415 (600 nm), 416

(650nm), 417 (700nm), 418 (750nm) 419 (800nm), 420 (850nm), 421 (900nm), 422 (950nm) and 423 (1,000nm)

[61] Different partial light sources of the corresponding light source, for example the light source 135, can each be switched on separately from one another or together, so that the object 150 can be illuminated with different light wavelengths. This is used, as further explained below, to detect a

Allocation of optics 231, 241 and 251 used:

[62] A diagram 501 has an abscissa 503, which is also scaled between 400 nm and 1,000 nm light wavelength. Furthermore, the diagram 501 has an ordinate 505 which is scaled between 0% and 100%. Diagram 501 represents a respective camera signal of image sensor 115 for three different light colors: a function 511 for the blue partial sensor of the RGB sensor, a function 513 for the green partial sensor of the RGB sensor, and a function 515 for the red partial sensor. In an area 521, the respective functions 513 and 515 are changed by the filter properties of the filter system 237 in such a way that the corresponding light wavelengths are attenuated and/or filtered out, i.e. the white-light optics 231 can be identified based on their filter properties in connection with the transmitted light spectrum. In the case of the white-light optics 231, there is a filter system 237 with complete transmission of all light wavelengths between 400 nm and 1000 nm. For this purpose, the observation area or a reference surface can now be illuminated with the 13 different light colors (cf. diagram 401, FIG. 4) in any order and an image signal from the image sensor 115 can be evaluated. In the case of the white-light optics 231, all light colors can be seen here, so the white-light optics 231 can be identified. If, for example, the light according to the illumination intensity 413 with 500 nm would not match the If the image sensor 115 can be recorded, it could not be a question of white-light optics or there could be a disturbance in the light path.

[63] A diagram 601 has an abscissa 603, which is also scaled between 400 nm and 1,000 nm light wavelength. Furthermore, the diagram 601 has an ordinate 605 which is scaled between 0% and 100%. Diagram 601 represents a respective camera signal of image sensor 115 for three different light colors: a function 611 for the blue partial sensor of the RGB sensor, a function 613 for the green partial sensor of the RGB sensor, and a function 615 for the red partial sensor. The diagram is thus structured analogously to diagram 501, but represents the recognizable functions with the fluorescence optics 241. In this diagram 601, the undisturbed course of the light intensities (e.g. analogous to diagram 501) is changed by the filter system 241, namely in one area 621 is attenuated by the filter system 241, since the filter system 241 filters between 730nm and 830nm. Consequently, the intensities of function 611 (blue) and function 615 (red) are strongly attenuated. If, for example, the observation area or a reference surface is now illuminated with the illumination intensity 418 and the illumination intensity 419, a lack of detection of these wavelengths can be determined in the image sensor 115 and the fluorescence optics can thus be identified. Provided full intensity signals with respect to these illumination intensities were recognizable, a different lens, for example the erroneously mounted white-light lens 231, would be identifiable.

[64] A diagram 701 has an abscissa 703, which is also scaled between 400 nm and 1,000 nm light wavelength. Furthermore, the diagram 501 has an ordinate 705 which is scaled between 0% and 100%. Diagram 701 represents a respective camera signal of image sensor 115 for three different light colors: a function 711 for the blue partial sensor of the RGB sensor, a function 713 for the green partial sensor of the RGB sensor, and a function 715 for the red partial sensor. Diagram 701 is thus structured analogously to diagram 501 and diagram 601, but represents the recognizable functions with the fluorescence optics 251. In this diagram 701, the undisturbed course of the light intensities (e.g. analogous to diagram 501) is changed by the filter system 251 , namely weakened in a region 721 by the filter system 251, since the filter system 251 filters between 400 nm and 450 nm. Consequently, the intensities of function 711 (blue) are strongly attenuated. If, for example, the observation area or a reference surface is now illuminated with the illumination intensity 411, a lack of detection of these wavelengths can be established in the image sensor 115 and the fluorescence optics can thus be identified. If signals with full intensity with respect to this illumination intensity at 400nm were recognizable, a different optic would be for example, the incorrectly mounted white-light optics 231 or the incorrectly mounted fluorescence optics 241 can be identified.

[65] It should be mentioned in this context that, for example, if a corresponding fluorescence optic is used frequently in alternation with a white-light optic for certain medical interventions, illumination is carried out with the corresponding "characteristic" illumination intensities of the light source, i.e. such wavelengths are used first which enable quick and clear identification of incorrectly or correctly mounted optics.

[66] A diagram 801 is mentioned as an example for recognizing different optics without using a special filter system such as the filter system 237, 247 or 257. The diagram 801 has an abscissa 803 to represent the light wavelengths between 400 nm and 1000 nm and an ordinate 805 to represent a qualitative transmission of a respective optics analogous to the optics 131, 231, 241 and 241. For this purpose, the ordinate 805 is scaled between 0% and 100%. The following representation serves to clarify the corresponding relationships and does not depict any specific optics. It is assumed that a function 811, which shows 100% transmission between 400 nm and 1000 nm, represents "ideal" optics, i.e. complete light transmission in all wavelength ranges, which cannot be achieved in reality. The respective lenses, glasses and /or other components of the optics filter light differently, so that in reality certain wavelength ranges are weakened and let through. In this context, the "quality" of the optics is also used as a quality feature for the realistic imaging of the corresponding wavelengths.

[67] A function 813 depicts a transmission behavior of an assumed "real" white-light optics, in particular between 400 nm and about 750 nm a relatively undisturbed transmission behavior with a transmission of light over, for example, about 80% can be observed. In the area above a by means of a The transmission of the assumed white-light optics drops sharply at the wavelength of about 750 nm marked 821 in diagram 801, so that hardly any light is transmitted here.It should be mentioned that this is not relevant for the white-light display, since an operator has a wavelength above 750 nm can no longer see with the eyes.

[68] A function 815 depicts a transmission behavior of an assumed "real" hyperspectral optics, with both between 400 nm and about 750 nm and in the range between 750 nm and 950 nm a relatively undisturbed transmission behavior with a transmission of light over, for example, about 80% to be observed In the range above a wavelength of about 950 nm, identified by a marking 823 in the diagram 801, the transmission of the assumed hyperspectral optics then also falls, so that hardly any light is then transmitted above 1000 nm Hyperspectral analysis between 400nm and 100nm ensures sufficient light transmission.

[69] A distinction between the two assumed optics (white light and hyperspectral) can now be made analogously to the above-mentioned examples in that the two assumed to be executed without a filter analogous to the example of the optics 231 (cf. also transmission behavior Figure 3a). Optics are tested with a light wavelength of illumination intensity 419, 420, 421 and/or 422, i.e. between 800 nm and 950 nm. If white-light optics without any additional filters are installed, the corresponding wavelengths would only be transmitted in a weakened or greatly weakened manner and recorded by means of an image sensor. If a hyperspectral mode were selected, reliable imaging would not be possible, the optics would be assigned "wrongly paired" and recognizable as such. Analogously, if the wavelengths 800nm, 850nm and 900nm were allowed to pass, hyperspectral optics would be recognizable as such and, for example, in a white light mode to be tolerated and recognized as "matched" in hyperspectral mode so that the laparoscope system 101 can be used correctly.

[70] For all examples, the listed value of about 80% of an intensity as a threshold value for a detection is given as an example, which can also be, for example, 50%, 60% or 75% or some other appropriate value. Depending on the optics, image sensor used, exposure time, amplification factor of the used Image sensor and/or other parameters can thus be used

Threshold can be set, which represents a presence of a corresponding light wavelength measurable.

[71] A process sequence 901 represents an example of a possible starting procedure when starting up the laparoscope system 101. First, a corresponding optical system is mounted 903 on the handle 111 by an operator. It is assumed here that an optical system that is not correctly paired, that is to say that it is incorrectly paired, is mounted on the grip 111, that is to say the corresponding combination of light source, filter system and image sensor is not suitable for the desired function.

[72] By means of an operator input 905, which includes, for example, pressing the button 120 on the control unit 119, the operator triggers a booting of the entire unit. A white balance 907 then takes place, in which the laparoscope system 101 is directed, for example, in the direction of a white reference surface. Then, in the course of the white balance, a respective sequence of partial light sources is switched analogously to the examples described above, specifically in three different configurations. In the present case it is assumed that initially all illumination intensities are activated, then only illumination intensities 418 and 419 and subsequently illumination intensity 411. The possible configurations of the optics 231, 241 and 251 can thus be checked. [73] A comparison 909, a comparison 911 and a comparison 913 with the expected spectral range, which would have to be recognizable by means of the sensor 115 if a respective optics were correctly mounted, are carried out for the respective illumination of the sequence. Finally, a check 915 is carried out as to whether, in the case of an optic that has been assigned the correct pairing, transmitted and blocked light wavelengths can be detected on the image sensor 115 .

[74] It is assumed here that an incorrect compilation was recognized, then a corresponding output text 125 is output 917 on the display field 124 of the screen 123, in which the operator is prompted to mount correct optics on the grip 111.

Reference List

101 Laparoscope System

103 grip area

105 shank area

107 tip

111 handle

113 connection cable

115 image sensor

117 coupling point

119 control unit

120 button

121 lens system

123 screen

124 display panel

125 output text

131 shaft optics

133 objective lens

135 light source

137 filter system

139 Optical axis

150 object

160 viewing area

231 white light optics

233 objective lens

235 light source

237 filter system

241 fluorescence optics

243 objective lens 245 light source

247 filter system

251 fluorescence optics

253 objective lens

255 light source

257 filter system

301 chart

303 abscissa

305 ordinates

307 pass spectrum

309 stop spectrum

311 diagram

313 abscissa

315 ordinates

317 pass spectrum

318 stop spectrum

319 pass spectrum

321 diagram

323 abscissa

325 ordinates

327 pass spectrum

328 stop spectrum

401 diagram

403 abscissa

405 ordinates

411 illumination intensity

412 illumination intensity

413 illumination intensity 414 illumination intensity

415 illumination intensity

416 illumination intensity

417 illumination intensity

418 illumination intensity

419 illumination intensity

420 illumination intensity

421 illumination intensity

422 illumination intensity

423 illumination intensity

501 diagram

503 abscissa

505 ordinates

511 function

513 function

515 function

521 area

601 diagram

603 abscissa

605 ordinates

611 function

613 function

615 function

701 chart

703 abscissa

705 ordinates

711 function

713 function 715 function

801 chart

803 abscissa

805 ordinate 811 function

813 function

815 function

821 mark

901 Procedure 903 Assemble

905 operator input

907 white balance

909 comparison

911 comparison 913 comparison

915 check

917 edition

Claims

Patent Claims:

1. Medical imaging device (101), in particular endoscope, exoscope and / or laparoscope, with a light source (135, 235, 345, 255) for illuminating a viewing area (160), an optics (131, 231, 241, 251) and a Image recording device (115) for recording image information of the observation area (160), the light source (135, 235, 345, 255) having a first excitation spectrum (411) and a second excitation spectrum (412) and the optics (131) having a filter device (137) with a filter spectrum and the optics (131) of the image recording device (115) forwards the image information of the observation area (160) illuminated with the respective excitation spectrum (411, 412) filtered by means of the filter spectrum, so that an evaluation unit (119) uses a spectral distribution of the filtered Image information physiological parameters of the viewing area (160) can be determined and wherein the light source (135, 235, 345, 255), the image recording device (115) and / or the optics (131, 231, 241, 251) for setting up different operating modes by means of a changing device (117) is or are designed to be interchangeable and the evaluation unit (119) has a test unit (119) and the test unit (119) is used to compare the spectral distribution of the filtered image information with a reference spectral distribution, characterized in that the first excitation spectrum (411 ) in a first test step and the second excitation spectrum (412) is emitted by the light source (135, 235, 345, 255) in a subsequent second test step and the spectral distribution of the filtered image information is compared using the test unit (119). a reference spectral distribution for the respective test step is carried out, so that the respective image recording device (115) is assigned to the respective optics (131, 231, 241, 251) and/or the respective light source (135, 235, 345, 255) in the correct pairing if the Spectral distribution is confirmed with the reference spectral distribution for the respective test steps. 2. Medical imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that the light source (135, 235, 345, 255) has a third excitation spectrum (413), a fourth excitation spectrum (414) and/or a further excitation spectrum (415, 416, 417, 418 , 419, 420, 421, 422, 423), wherein after the second test step the third excitation spectrum (413) in a subsequent third test step, the fourth excitation spectrum (414) in a subsequent fourth test step and/or the further excitation spectrum (415, 416, 417, 418, 419, 420, 421, 422, 423) are emitted by the light source (135, 235, 345, 255) in a subsequent further test step and the spectral distribution of the filtered image information is compared using the test unit (119). a reference spectral distribution for the respective test step is carried out, so that the respective image recording device (115) is assigned to the respective optics (131, 231, 241, 251) and/or the respective light source (135, 235, 345, 255) in the correct pairing if the Spectral distribution is confirmed with the reference spectral distribution for the respective test steps. 3. Medical imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the light source (135, 235, 345, 255) is a first partial light source, a second partial light source, a third partial light source and / or has a further partial light source, the first partial light source having the first excitation spectrum (411), and the second partial light source having the second excitation spectrum

(412), the third partial light source has the third excitation spectrum (413) and/or the further partial light source has the further excitation spectrum (415, 416, 417, 418, 419, 420, 421, 422, 423). 4. Medical imaging device according to claim 3, characterized in that the respective partial light sources are LEDs. 5. Medical imaging device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the image information has first partial image information, second partial image information, third partial image information and/or further partial image information, so that the respective image recording device can be assigned to the respective optics (131, 231, 241, 251) and/or to the respective light source (135, 235, 345, 255) if the spectral distribution matches the reference spectral distribution based on the respective partial image information. 6. Medical imaging device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first excitation spectrum (411), the second excitation spectrum (412), the third excitation spectrum

(413) and/or the further excitation spectrum (415, 416, 417, 418, 419, 420, 421, 422, 423) corresponding to the filter spectrum of the filter device of the respective optics (131, 231, 241, 251) and/or corresponding to one

Recording spectrum of the image recording device (115) is or are formed.

7. Medical imaging device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective image recording device (115), the respective light source (135, 235, 345, 255) and/or the respective optics (131, 231, 241, 251) an information carrier assigned, wherein the information carrier has identity information and the identity information can be read out by means of the checking unit (119), in particular without contact, so that by comparing the identity information with reference information, the correct pairing of the respective image recording device with the respective light source (135, 235, 345 , 255) and/or with the respective optics (131, 231, 241, 251). 8. Medical imaging device according to claim 7, characterized in that the information carrier is a barcode, a magnetic chip or an electromagnetic chip, in particular an RFID chip. 9. The medical imaging device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment and/or the comparison is initiated based on a change in a comparison operator which is in particular continuously checked by the evaluation unit, the comparison operator including in particular a representation of natural lighting, a representation of a reference identifier and /or is a representation of a chronological sequence. 10. Medical imaging device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment and / or the comparison by means of an action

(120) of an operator on the evaluation unit (119) and/or on the test unit (119), in particular by means triggering an operating process (120), in particular by triggering commissioning, setting up different operating modes, triggering image comparison, and/or triggering a system check. 11. Medical imaging device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that if the respective image recording device (115), the respective light source (135, 235, 345, 255) and/or the respective optics (131, 231, 241, 251) an error signal can be output by means of an output device (123), wherein in particular the commissioning, the setting up of different operating modes, the image comparison and/or the system check can be interrupted by the error signal acting on the evaluation unit. 12. The medical imaging device as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that if the respective image recording device (115), the respective light source (135, 235, 345, 255) and/or the respective optics (131, 231, 241, 251) are misassigned to a pairing correction information (125), in particular correction information, can be output to an operator by means of the output device (123).