Controlling and/or operating a medical device by means of a light pointer

1. A system for controlling or operating a medical device associated with a display on which medical images or control or operating elements are displayed, the system comprising:

a light pointer which projects a single delimited light cursor, wherein the light pointer comprises switchable or selectable light sources of one or more wavelengths, or a wavelength modifier, as its light source, or wherein the light pointer comprises a switchable or controllable cursor-forming unit for forming the projected light cursor, the light pointer further comprising a multi-deck switch for controlling light projection, the multi-deck switch exhibiting a first triggering point for producing the light cursor, and a second triggering point for changing the light properties of the light cursor;

a light detection device which is associated with the display and comprises a photosensitive surface or layer on the display for determining the presence and location and wavelength or form of the single light cursor projected by the light pointer; and

a converter which converts the captured presence and location information into control or operating commands for the medical device, wherein the converter is configured to create a variety of different control or operating commands or inputs assigned to different wavelengths or different forms of the light cursor.

2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the light pointer is a laser pointer.

3. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the display is a monitor screen or a touch screen.

4. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the light detection device comprises a position-detecting light grid or laser grid covering the surface of the display.

5. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the light detection device comprises a camera or camera system which monitors the display.

6. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the medical device is a medical or surgical navigation or treatment planning system.

7. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the light pointer comprises a light slit or a lens or an object lens.

8. A method for controlling or operating a medical device associated with a display on which medical images or control or operating elements are displayed, the method comprising:

receiving a single delimited light cursor at a display, wherein the single delimited light cursor is projected onto the display by means of a light pointer, wherein the light pointer comprises switchable or selectable light sources of one or more wavelengths, or a wavelength modifier, as its light source, or wherein the light pointer comprises a switchable or controllable cursor-forming unit for forming the projected light cursor, and wherein the light pointer further comprises a multi-deck switch for controlling light projection, the multi-deck switch exhibiting a first triggering point for producing the light cursor, and a second triggering point for changing the light properties of the light cursor;

detecting the presence and location and wavelength or form on the display of the single light cursor projected by the light pointer by means of a photosensitive surface or layer on the display; and

converting the captured presence and location information into control or operating commands for controlling or operating the medical device, comprising creating a variety of different control or operating commands or inputs assigned to different wavelengths or different forms of the light cursor.

9. The method according to claim 8 , wherein the medical device is controlled or operated in one or more of the following ways:

a control command or input is effected by pointing the light cursor at a spot for a predetermined or extended period of time;

a control command or input is effected by pointing the light cursor at a spot, projecting the cursor at a first wavelength in order to highlight an element on the display, and then changing the wavelength in order to effect a control or operating command with respect to the element;

a control command or input is effected by pointing the light cursor at a spot and then projecting a predetermined succession of light beams in order to effect a control or operating command with respect to the element;

a control command or input is effected by pointing the light cursor at a spot in order to highlight an element on the display and then projecting a predetermined succession of light beams in order to effect a control or operating command with respect to the element;

a control command or input is effected by pointing the light cursor at a spot on the display and then projecting a predetermined succession of light beams in order to effect a control or operating command with respect to the element;

a control command or input is effected by pointing the light cursor at a spot on the display in order to highlight an element on the display and then projecting a predetermined succession of light beams in order to effect a control or operating command with respect to the element;

a control command or input is effected by pointing the light cursor at a spot on the display and then altering the form of the cursor in order to effect a control or operating command with respect to the element;

a control command or input is effected by pointing the light cursor at a spot on the display in order to highlight an element on the display and then altering the form of the cursor in order to effect a control or operating command with respect to the element;

the cursor is made visible by highlighting an element on the display by means of a control software for the display.