JP2002369789A - Endoscope apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope apparatus by which an optical communication signal and an optically diagnostic light can be transmitted through an optical fiber bundle and an optically connecting means and interference between the optically diagnostic light and the signal light at a connecting part can be suppressed to a minimum. SOLUTION: The endoscope apparatus is characterized by being provided with a light guide cable 19 with an optical fiber bundle 21 for guiding an illuminating light generated by a light source means 26 to endoscopes 1 and 30, a mounting part 20b provided on a main body part 2 and for freely removably mounting a light cable 19 in such a way that one end face of the optical fiber bundle 21 can be held on an illuminating light path of a light source means 26, a connecting means 18a provided on the light guide cable 19 and freely removably connecting the other end face of the optical fiber bundle 21 with the endoscopes 1 and 30, the first light transmitting and receiving means 28 provided on the mounting part 20b and transmitting and receiving an optical communication signal to one end face of the mounted optical fiber bundle 21 and the second light transmitting and receiving means 25 transmitting and receiving the optical communication signal to the other end face of the optical fiber bundle 21 connected with the endoscopes 1 and 30.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus, and more particularly, to an endoscope apparatus having improved optical transmission means.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an elongated insertion portion has been inserted into a body cavity,
2. Description of the Related Art An electronic endoscope apparatus for capturing and observing an endoscopic image in a body cavity by a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD provided at a distal end of an insertion section is widely used.

A conventional example of such an electronic endoscope apparatus is shown in FIG.
It is shown in FIG. As shown, this endoscope device
Electronic endoscope 1 and light source device 2 connected to electronic endoscope 1
, A processor device 3 and a monitor device 4. The illuminating light emitted from the light source device 2 is transmitted by the light guide 5 provided in the electronic endoscope 1 and emitted from the distal end of the insertion section 6 to illuminate the inside of the body cavity. The illuminated endoscopic image in the body cavity forms an image on an image sensor 8 via an imaging optical system 7 provided at the tip of the insertion section 6.

On the other hand, the processor device 3 generates a drive signal and a power supply for driving the image pickup device 8 by a built-in image pickup device drive circuit 16, and captures these drive signals and electric power through an electric signal line 9. Transmit to element 8. As a result, the imaging element 8 photoelectrically converts the formed endoscope image and outputs it as an electrical imaging signal. Therefore, the electric signal line 9 may require a plurality of systems such as a driving signal, a power supply, and an imaging signal. However, in FIG. In FIG. 2, the signal lines of the plurality of systems are shown as representatives.

[0005] The output image signal is input to a video signal processing circuit 17 incorporated in the processor device 3 via the electric signal line 9. The video signal processing circuit 17 converts the input image pickup signal into a composite or component television video signal known as, for example, NTSC or PAL, or Y / C, RGB, etc., to the monitor device 4 outside the processor device 3. Is output. Monitor device 4
Displays an endoscope image on a screen based on an input video signal. Therefore, the surgeon can observe an endoscopic image in the body cavity. In the electronic endoscope device as described above, the electronic endoscope 1, the light source device 2, and the processor device 3 are generally detachable at their connection portions for convenience of storage, disinfection, sterilization, and handling of the device. It is configured so that

In recent years, with the development of optical communication technology, in the above-described electronic endoscope apparatus, the above-described drive signal and image signal of the image sensor 8 and the power supply are transmitted by optical communication means. Attempts have been made to transmit through optical fibers for transmitting light energy. For example, JP-A-60-209717
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication, No. Sho 66-105, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 2-130515, and the like, make it possible to know part of such attempts.

[0007] That is, JP-A-60-209717 discloses that
A light transmitted through an optical fiber such as an optical fiber is photoelectrically converted in the electronic endoscope 1 to obtain a power source, and a drive signal is generated using the power source to drive the image sensor 8. The disclosed technology is disclosed. Further, in this technique, the imaging signal output from the imaging element 8 is converted into modulated light by the light emitting element and output. The output modulated light is again transmitted to the electronic endoscope 1 via an optical fiber or the like.
The signal is transmitted outside and converted into an electric signal, that is, an original imaging signal by a phototransistor. By inputting the obtained imaging signal to the processor device 3, the imaging device can be used as an electronic endoscope device.

[0008] Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-6105 discloses Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.
As with JP-A-209717, a technique for transmitting a drive signal of the image sensor 8 and an output image signal through an optical fiber bundle constituted by optical fibers is disclosed. Further, in this publication, as one of the embodiments of the invention, a part of the optical fiber bundle constituting the light guide 5 for transmitting the examination light is diverted to the optical fiber bundle used for signal transmission. Is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 2-30515 discloses an external T as an imaging device for an endoscope, not an electronic endoscope device.
An image pickup signal output from an image pickup device provided in the V camera device and a signal such as a remote switch ON / OFF are transmitted to a T camera.
A method of transmitting the data to the processor device 3 via an optical fiber cable provided inside the endoscope connected to the V camera device is disclosed.

As means for transmitting the signal of the remote switch, optical communication may be used as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-130515, or an electric signal line 9 may be used as an electric signal.
Other than those using, for example, those using infrared communication. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the electronic endoscope 1
The infrared light-emitting element 11 connected to the remote switch 10 provided in the device emits and emits a signal such as ON / OFF of the remote switch 10 as an infrared light signal. The emitted infrared light signal passes through the translucent window 12 provided on the exterior of the electronic endoscope 1 and reaches the translucent window 13 provided on the exterior of the processor device 3. The light passes through the translucent window 13 and is received by the infrared light receiving element 14 provided in the processor device 3. The infrared light receiving element 14 converts the received infrared light signal into an electric signal and outputs the electric signal. The output electric signal is input to a remote signal processing circuit 15 provided in the processor device 3, and the remote signal processing circuit 15 operates the video signal processing circuit 17 based on the input signal, and Circuit 17
Outputs a video signal of a predetermined process based on ON / OFF of the remote switch 10. According to such a configuration, a remote switch function that can change the video signal output by operating the remote switch 10 can be obtained. Note that the remote switch 10, the infrared light emitting element 11, and the translucent window 12 may be configured as separate units from the electronic endoscope 1, and this unit may be detachable from the electronic endoscope 1. it can. However, in such a configuration, for example, when an obstacle or the like exists between the infrared light emitting element 11 and the infrared light receiving element 14, there is a possibility that a problem such as the remote switch not being effective may occur. Therefore, in order to prevent the occurrence of such a problem, it can be said that it is desirable to transmit the remote switch signal by an optical signal or to use a transmission unit using the electric signal line 9.

When the optical communication technology is applied to the signal transmission of the electronic endoscope apparatus or the endoscope image pickup apparatus as in the conventional example described above, for example, the signal waveform distortion due to the inductance and impedance of the electric signal line 9 is reduced. And the effect that the influence of unnecessary radiation electromagnetic waves can be reduced.

In order to obtain the above-mentioned effects, the signals transmitted by the optical communication technique include the above-described image pickup device drive signal and power supply in an electronic endoscope apparatus and an endoscope image pickup apparatus, or an image pickup signal and a remote switch. However, the present invention is not limited to remote signals and the like. For example, the television video signal obtained by miniaturizing the processor device 3 and providing the electronic endoscope 1 in the electronic endoscope 1, a synchro signal of an imaging device for an endoscope as disclosed in JP-A-62-247320, and charging. Complete signal, or power and exposure adjustment signal, and
An optical signal or the like output by a medical sensor device (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-544 or the like) that can be used together with the electronic endoscope device can be transmitted by optical communication technology.

[0013]

In the prior art as described above, the optical fiber for signal transmission and the connection structure of the optical fiber to the processor device 3 are light guides for transmitting illuminating light. 5 must be provided separately. That is, in the conventional configuration, it is necessary to provide two or more optical fiber bundles for the illuminating light and the signal transmission in the electronic endoscope apparatus. Also, two systems of optical connection means for making the endoscope main body and the light source device or the processor device detachable must be provided. Therefore, the number of components increases as compared with the case where the number of optical fiber bundles is one, and the assembling work is complicated. Therefore, the entire endoscope device becomes expensive.

In connection with this, Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-6105 mentioned above discloses an optical fiber for signal transmission and a bundle of optical fibers for transmission of diagnostic light in the fourth embodiment. Although the configuration is disclosed, the configuration disclosed herein is such that the fiber bundle is branched near both ends of the optical fiber bundle. From a different point of view, two optical fiber bundles are integrated at the center. It is a configuration that has just been changed. for that reason,
Eventually, like the other conventional examples described above, two systems of optical connection means are required, and an increase in cost cannot be avoided.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to transmit an optical communication signal and illuminating light via an integrated optical fiber bundle and integrated optical connection means. In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope apparatus capable of minimizing the interference between the illuminating light and the signal light at the connection part.

[0016]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an endoscope apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a light source means for generating illumination light; a main body having an exterior housing the light source means; A light guide cable having an optical fiber bundle for guiding the illumination light generated by the means to the endoscope; and a light guide cable provided on the main body, and having one end face of the optical fiber bundle on the illumination optical path of the light source means. A mounting portion for detachably mounting the light cable so as to be held by the light guide cable, connecting means for detachably connecting the other end face of the optical fiber bundle to the endoscope, and the mounting portion; First optical transmission / reception means provided in the unit for transmitting / receiving an optical communication signal to / from one end face of the attached optical fiber bundle, and the other end face of the optical fiber bundle connected to the endoscope Light against Characterized by comprising a second light transmitting and receiving means for transmitting and receiving signals the signal.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 1 to 7 show a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope system as an endoscope apparatus according to the present embodiment transmits and receives illumination light and an optical communication signal to and from the electronic endoscope 1 and the optical endoscope 30. Light source device 2 and light guide cable 1
9 is provided. The electronic endoscope 1 is configured to be detachable from the light guide cable 19. Specifically, the LG base 18b of the electronic endoscope 1 is detachably connected to the LG base (connection means) 18a of the light guide cable 19. The light guide cable 19 is configured to be detachable from the light source device 2. Specifically, the light guide connector 20a of the light guide cable 19 is detachably connected to the light guide connector (mounting portion) 20b of the light source device 2. The light guide cable 19 includes an optical fiber bundle (optical fiber bundle) 21 therein, and the optical fiber bundle 2
One end of the optical fiber bundle 21 is exposed on the LG base 18a side, and the other end of the optical fiber bundle 21 is exposed on the light guide connector 20a side.

An optical fiber bundle 22 is also provided inside the electronic endoscope 1. One end of the optical fiber bundle 22 is exposed on the LG base 18b side, and the other end of the optical fiber bundle 22 is connected to the electronic endoscope 1. Is exposed on the distal end side of the insertion portion 6. Electronic endoscope 1
An image pickup device 8 is provided at the tip of the insertion section 6 of the first embodiment, and an electric signal line 9 extends from the image pickup device 8 via an amplifier 23. The electric signal line 9 extends inside the insertion section 6 and is connected to a light emitting element 25 provided on the LG base 18b. In addition, a power source 125 such as a battery and an image sensor driving circuit 16 are provided in the electronic endoscope 1, and these elements 16 and 125 are respectively connected to the image sensor via an electric signal line 9 ′. 8 is connected.

The light source device 2 has a lamp 26 for supplying illumination light (illumination light) and a condenser optical system 27. The lamp 26 is positioned inside the exterior of the light source device 2 that is the main body. The light guide connector 20b of the light source device 2 is provided with a light receiving element 28.
The light receiving element 28 is connected to the video signal processing circuit 17 also provided in the light source device 2. Light source device 2
In addition, a power supply circuit 29 is also provided inside, and the power supply circuit 29 is provided with a lamp 26 and a video signal processing circuit 17.
To supply power to them. The power supply circuit 29 is connected to a commercial power supply provided outside the light source device 2 to receive power supply. Also,
The video signal processing circuit 17 in the light source device 2 is connected to the monitor device 4 outside the light source device 2. The LG base 18a of the light guide cable 19 is connected to the L of the optical endoscope 30.
The G base 18c is also configured to be detachable.

The optical endoscope 30 includes an optical fiber bundle 31 in addition to the optical fiber bundle 22 similar to the electronic endoscope 1. One end of the optical fiber bundle 31 is exposed on the LG base 18c side, and the other end of the optical fiber bundle 31 is exposed on the eyepiece 32 side of the optical endoscope 30. The optical endoscope 30 includes an observation optical system 33 in the insertion section 6 and an eyepiece optical system 34 in the eyepiece section 32.

The eyepiece 32 of the optical endoscope 30 includes
An endoscope imaging device 36 is detachably connected by the mount 35. The imaging device 36 for an endoscope is provided with an imaging optical system 37 and an imaging device 8. The imaging device 8 is provided with a light emission provided on a mount 35 via the amplifier 23 and the electric signal line 9. Connected to element 25. Note that, similarly to the electronic endoscope 1, a power supply 125 and an image sensor driving circuit 16 are provided in the endoscope imaging device 36, and these elements 16, 125 are connected via the electric signal line 9 '. It is connected to the image pickup device 8 in the endoscope image pickup device 36.

In the above configuration, when the light guide cable 19 and the electronic endoscope 1 are connected by the LG bases 18a and 18b, the optical fiber bundle 21 in the light guide cable 19 is connected to the electronic endoscope 1. The optical fiber bundle 22 and the light emitting element 25 are optically connected to each other.
Further, when the light guide cable 19 and the optical endoscope 30 are connected by the LG bases 18a and 18c, the optical fiber bundle 21 in the light guide cable 19 becomes the optical fiber bundle 22 in the optical endoscope 30 and the optical fiber bundle 22 in the optical endoscope 30. The fiber bundle 31 is optically connected. Further, the light guide cable 19 and the light source device 2 are connected to the light guide connector 20.
a and 20b, the optical fiber bundle 21 in the light guide cable 19 is optically connected to the light receiving element 28 in the optical device 2, and the lamp 26 and the condensing optical system in the optical device 2. The optical connection is made via a connection 27.

The mount 3 of the endoscope imaging device 36
5 is connected to the eyepiece 32 of the optical endoscope 30, the eyepiece optical system 34 of the optical endoscope 30 is connected to the endoscope imaging device 36.
The optical fiber bundle 31 of the optical endoscope 30 is optically connected to the light emitting element 26 of the endoscope image pickup device 36 while being optically connected to the image pickup device 8 via the imaging optical system 37. It has become.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual view of the configuration of the optical fiber bundle 21 provided inside the light guide cable 19.
As illustrated, the optical fiber bundle 21 includes a plurality of optical fibers 3.
8. Optical fiber 38 one by one
Are arranged so as to be at corresponding positions on the end face 39 on the LG base 18a side and the end face 40 on the light guide connector 20a side. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the optical fibers 38 are arranged so that the end face 39 and the end face 40 have a mirror image arrangement relationship. The optical fiber bundle 21 may have a configuration such as a multi-core hollow fiber disclosed in, for example, JP-A-2000-2661967.

FIG. 3 shows a state in which the light source device 2 and the light guide cable 19 are connected by light guide connectors 20a and 20b. As shown, the light guide connector 20a on the light guide cable 19 side is shown.
Is composed of a gripping portion 41, a positioning portion 42, an LG rod 43, and a base 44.
1. The optical fiber bundle 21 is inserted and arranged in the positioning portion 42 and the LG rod 43. In addition, the positioning unit 4
A part 2 of the outer peripheral surface is D-cut, thereby forming a flat part 45 (see FIG. 3B). The configuration of the base 44 will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

The light guide connector 20 on the light source device 2 side
b has a hole 46 into which the positioning part 42 is fitted when the light guide connector 20a is connected, and two holes 47 into which the base 44 and the LG rod 43 are fitted. Hole 46
Abutment surface 48 is provided at the back of the device, and this abutment surface 48 functions as a stopper that comes into contact with abutment surface 49 of positioning portion 42 when light guide connector 20a is connected. Until the abutting surface 49 abuts against the abutting surface 48, the light guide connector 2
0a is inserted and connected to the light guide connector 20b,
Illumination light emitted from a lamp 26 provided in the light source device 2 and condensed by a condensing optical system 27 enters the end face of the base 44. Further, the hole 46 has a flat portion 50 (FIG. 3) in contact with the flat portion 45 of the positioning portion 42.
(C) of FIG. 2) is provided.
When the light guide connector 20a is connected, the light guide connector 20a acts as a rotation stopper.

As described above, FIG. 4 shows the structures of the base 44 and the light guide connector 20b of the light source device 2 in detail. As shown, the LG rod 43
Is screwed to the base 44 by a screw 51. Further, as described above, the optical fiber bundle 21 is inserted into the LG rod 43, and the end face 40 of the optical fiber bundle 21 is exposed near the screw 51. On the other hand, a rod-shaped optical member 52 that transmits light is fitted in the base 44, and the rod-shaped optical member 52 is rotatable inside the base 44.

As shown in FIG. 5, the base 44 and the LG
A groove 54 (see FIG. 5B) is provided at the end 53 of the rod-shaped optical member 52 located on the connection side with the rod 43, and an optical member 55 is fitted into and joined to the groove 54. Have been. A reflection surface 56 that totally or partially reflects light incident from the end 53 is formed on the joint surface between the rod-shaped optical member 52 and the optical member 55. This reflection surface 5
Reference numeral 6 denotes, for example, coating the joining surface between the rod-shaped optical member 52 and the optical member 55 with a thin film having a predetermined refractive index or reflectance, or the difference between the refractive index of the rod-shaped optical member 52 and the refractive index of the optical member 55. This is realized by providing a difference between the two and performing total reflection.

As shown in FIG. 5, the LG rod 43
Is provided with a notch portion 57 whose position relative to the flat portion 45 of the positioning portion 42 is limited in design. The notch portion 57 is joined to the rod-shaped optical member 52 and integrated therewith. The inserted optical member 55 is fitted. In this fitted state, the base 44 is externally fitted to the rod-shaped optical member 52, and the base 44 and the LG rod 43 are screwed by the screw 51.
Is fixed, and the end portion 53 of the rod-shaped optical member 52 is fixed.
Faces the end face 40 of the optical fiber bundle 21 and the optical fiber bundle 2
1, the rod-shaped optical member 52 and the optical member 55 are optically connected.

The light guide connector 20b on the side of the light source device 2 is provided with a groove 58 at a part of a hole crossed by the LG rod 43 and the base 44 of the light guide connector 20a. An electric circuit board 59 on which the element 28 is mounted is provided. Electric circuit board 5
9 is already connected to the video signal processing circuit 17 described in FIG. In a state where the light guide connector 20a and the light guide connector 20b are connected,
The light receiving element 28 faces the optical member 55 exposed at the cutout 57 provided in the LG rod 43.

With the above configuration, the rod-shaped optical member 5
The light transmitted through 2 is incident on the optical fibers constituting a part of the optical fiber bundle 21 from the end face 40. The light transmitted through the optical fiber constituting another part of the optical fiber bundle 21 enters the optical member 55 and is reflected by the reflection surface 56, and is emitted from the notch portion 57 to receive the light receiving element. The light is received by 26. That is, the light receiving element 26 and the optical member 55
Constitutes first optical receiving means for transmitting and receiving optical communication signals to and from the end face 40 of the optical fiber bundle 21 (only reception in this embodiment).

FIGS. 6 and 7 show the LG base 18 b provided on the electronic endoscope 1 and the LG base 18 a provided on the light guide cable 19 in detail. FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a state in which the LG base 18a and the LG base 18b are separated. As described above, the end face 39 of the optical fiber bundle 21 provided inside the light guide cable 19 is optically exposed to the LG base 18a on the light guide cable 19 side. Also, light guide cable 1
The LG base 18a on the ninth side is constituted by a rotatable sleeve 61 having a female screw 60 on the inner peripheral surface of the end.

On the other hand, a male screw 62 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the end of the LG base 18b on the side of the electronic endoscope 1, and the male screw 62 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve 61 of the LG base 18a. The female screw 60 can be screwed.
An abutting surface 63 is provided at the end of the sleeve 61, and an abutting surface 64 is provided on the LG base 18b. When the screw 60 is screwed, L
The connection between the G base 18a and the LG base 18b is achieved.

The LG on the light guide cable 19 side
The end of the optical fiber bundle 21 in the base 18a passes through the inside of the LG rod 65, and a key groove 66 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the LG rod 65 (see also FIG. 6C). On the other hand, a key 67 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the LG base 18b on the side of the electronic endoscope 1 (see also FIG. 6B), and when the LG base 18a and the LG base 18b are connected, When the key groove 66 and the key 67 are engaged, the optical fiber bundle 21 in the light guide cable 19 and the optical fiber bundle 22 in the electronic endoscope 1 are optically controlled such that their angular positions are uniquely determined. Connected.

The end face 68 of the optical fiber bundle 22 in the electronic endoscope 1 is exposed by the LG base 18b, and is optically connected to the optical fiber bundle 21 when the light guide cable 19 is connected to the LG base 18a. Is configured to
In the electronic endoscope 1, the optical fiber bundle 22a and the optical fiber bundle 22
b and two systems. The optical fiber bundle 22a is provided inside the insertion section 6 of the electronic endoscope 1 as already described with reference to FIG. 1, but the optical fiber bundle 22b is connected to the light emitting element 25 provided in the electronic endoscope 1. It is optically connected and constitutes a second optical transmission / reception means (only transmission in this embodiment) together with the light emitting element 25.

FIG. 7 shows the LG base 18 a and the LG base 18.
b is connected. In this connection state, the optical fiber bundle 22a of the electronic endoscope 1 is optically connected only to the optical fiber of the optical fiber bundle 21 of the light guide cable 19 which is located opposite to the rod-shaped optical member 52. Further, the optical fiber bundle 22b of the electronic endoscope 1 is optically connected only to the optical fiber of the optical fiber bundle 21 which is located opposite to the optical member 55.

Next, the operation of the endoscope apparatus having the above configuration will be described.

First, when using an endoscope apparatus, L
The electronic endoscope 1 and the light guide cable 19 are connected via the G bases 18a and 18b, and the light guide cable 19 and the light source device 2 are connected via the light guide connectors 20a and 20b.

When the light source device 2 is driven in this connection state, the illuminating light emitted from the lamp 26 in the light source device 2 is condensed by the light condensing optical system 27 and is transmitted to the base 44 of the light guide connector 20a. Rod-shaped optical member 52 from the end
Incident on. The illuminating light incident on the rod-shaped optical member 52 is transmitted through the rod-shaped optical member 52 and the rod-shaped optical member 5.
The light exits from the second end 53 and enters the optical fiber bundle 21. However, at this time, the illuminating light is transmitted to the optical fiber bundle 21.
Does not enter the portion of the optical fiber that is optically connected to the optical member 55 among the optical fibers 38 constituting

The illuminating light incident on the optical fiber bundle 21 is transmitted through the optical fiber bundle 21, exits from the end face 39 of the optical fiber bundle 21, and is incident on the optical fiber bundle 22 a from the end face 68 of the optical fiber bundle 22. I do. However, at this time, the illuminating light does not enter the optical fiber bundle 22b that faces the portion of the optical fiber 38 of the optical fiber bundle 21 that is optically connected to the optical member 55. The illuminating light incident on the optical fiber bundle 22a is transmitted through the optical fiber bundle 22a, and is emitted from the distal end of the insertion section 6 of the electronic endoscope 1 to irradiate the body cavity tissue 69.

On the other hand, the imaging device driving circuit 16 and the power supply 125 provided in the electronic endoscope 1 supply the imaging device driving signal and the power supply to the imaging device 8 via the electric signal line 9 ′. As a result, the imaging element 8 is driven, and the tissue 69 in the body cavity illuminated by the illuminating light is imaged through the imaging optical system 7, and the electric imaging signal is transmitted through the amplifier 23 and the electric signal line 9. Output to the light emitting element 25. The light emitting element 25 converts the input electric imaging signal into an optical signal, and emits this to the optical fiber bundle 22b. The optical signal that has entered the optical fiber bundle 22b enters a part of the optical fiber bundle 21 in the light guide cable 19 via the optical fiber bundle 22b. At this time, as described above, the optical signal is not incident on some of the optical fibers 38 of the optical fiber bundle 21 that transmit the illuminating light. And
The optical signal incident on the optical fiber bundle 21 is transmitted through the optical fiber bundle 21 to reach the light guide connector 20a, is also incident on the optical member 55, is reflected by the reflection surface 56, and is emitted from the notch 57. The light is received by the light receiving element 28. The light receiving element 28 reconverts the received optical signal into an electrical image signal and outputs the signal to the video signal processing circuit 17 provided in the light source device 2. Video signal processing circuit 17
Converts the input image signal into a video signal,
This is output to the monitor device 4 outside the light source device 2. The monitor device 4 displays an endoscope image on the monitor screen 70 based on the input video signal.

Note that the optical endoscope 30 basically achieves the same optical signal flow as that of the electronic endoscope 1 if the mount 35 is used, and thus will not be described repeatedly.

As described above, the endoscope apparatus according to the embodiment includes the light source means 26 for generating illumination light, and the light source means 26.
A light guide cable 19 having an optical fiber bundle 21 for guiding illumination light generated by the light source means 26 to the endoscopes 1 and 30; And one end face 40 of the optical fiber bundle 21
And a mounting portion 20b for detachably mounting the light cable 19 so that the light cable 19 can be held on the illumination light path of the light source means 26, and the other end face 39 of the optical fiber bundle 21 to the endoscopes 1, 30. Connecting means 18a for detachably connecting the optical fiber bundle 21 and first optical transmitting / receiving means 26 and 55 provided on the mounting part 20b and transmitting and receiving optical communication signals to and from one end face 40 of the mounted optical fiber bundle 21. And second optical transmitting and receiving means 22b and 25 for transmitting and receiving optical communication signals to and from the other end face 39 of the optical fiber bundle 21 connected to the endoscopes 1 and 30. Specifically, the optical paths of the incident light and the output light in a part of the optical fiber 21 constituting the light guide 19 are made independent of the optical path of the illuminating light, and the light emitting element 25 for optical communication and A light receiving element 28 is provided to transmit an optical signal.

That is, the optical fiber bundle 21 held on the illumination light path of the light source means 26 can be used alone as a transmission means for transmitting illumination light and a transmission means for transmitting an optical communication signal as an image signal. One end of the optical fiber bundle 21 is connected to the mounting portion 20b, and the other end of the optical fiber bundle 21 is connected to the endoscopes 1 and 30 only. The optical connection between the optical transmission / reception means and the optical fiber bundle 21 is achieved, so that both the illumination light and the optical communication signal can be transmitted and received. In other words, according to the endoscope apparatus of the present embodiment, the optical communication signal and the illuminating light can be transmitted via the integrated optical fiber bundle 21 and the integrated optical connection means.

As described above, if both the illuminating light and the optical communication signal (imaging signal) can be transmitted simultaneously by the light guide cable 19 having only one optical fiber bundle 21, two optical fiber bundles 21 are prepared. The assembly of the light guide cable 19 itself is easier and simpler than in the case where the light guide cable 19 is used, so that the light guide cable 19 can be provided at a low cost.

In the endoscope apparatus of the present embodiment, it is also possible to dispose the illuminating light lamp 26 and the light emitting / receiving elements 25 and 28 for optical communication separately or to provide a light shielding plate between them. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the influence of the illuminating light on the light emitting / receiving elements 25 and 28 and the problem derived from the temperature. That is, it is possible to minimize the interference between the illuminating light and the signal light at the connection portion.

It should be noted that the light guide cable 19 according to the present embodiment can maintain connection compatibility with an optical endoscope generally used in the current market. That is, two optical fiber bundles 22 (22a and 22a) are provided in the endoscope.
It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which an endoscope which is not separated in b) and in which the entire optical fiber bundle 22 plays a role of transmitting the illuminating light can be connected and used.

In this embodiment, the power supply 125
Alternatively, the imaging device driving circuit 16 may be provided in the light source device 2, and a power supply or an imaging device driving signal may be supplied to the electronic endoscope 1 via an electric signal line provided in the light guide cable 19. Alternatively, the video signal processing circuit 17
May be provided in the electronic endoscope 1 so that the video signal is converted into an optical signal and transmitted through the light guide cable 19 (optical fiber bundle 21). Alternatively, the light receiving element 28 may be provided in the electronic endoscope 1 and the light emitting element 25 may be provided in the light source device 2. Further, the signal to be transmitted is not limited to an imaging signal or a video signal, and may be, for example, an imaging device driving signal or a signal of a remote switch 10 provided in the electronic endoscope 1, such as a signal disclosed in the related art. Any signal may be transmitted as long as the signal needs to be transmitted in use of the endoscope. In this case, the light emitting element 2
5 and the light receiving element 28 may both be provided in the endoscopes 1, 30 and the light source device 2, but in such a form, the first and second optical transmitting and receiving means are just It will be positioned as a means of performing both reception.

As shown in FIG. 8, two types of bases 44 having and without an optical member 55 are prepared, and these are selectively attached to and detached from the light guide connector 20a as necessary. You may make it exchangeable. In this case, even when the light guide cable 19 is connected and used to an optical endoscope generally used in the market at present, it is possible to use the optical endoscope so as to eliminate the loss of the illuminating light. In addition, by providing a plurality of optical members 55, light emitting elements 25, and light receiving elements 28, not only a single kind of optical signal but also a plurality of optical signals are transmitted through one system of optical fiber bundle 21. It is also possible.

FIG. 9 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. Since the present embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, the same components as those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, in the light guide connector 20a of the first embodiment, the light receiving element 28 is provided in the groove 54 of the rod-shaped optical member 52, and the electric light is provided on the outer periphery of the LG rod 43. The contacts 71a and 71b supply and output the power of the light receiving element 28 and the output signal. Also, the electrical contacts 71a, 71
b is formed in a ring shape extending over the entire circumference of the LG rod 43, and the LG rod 43 and the electrical contacts 71a,
The electrical contact 71b and the electrical contact 71a and the electrical contact 71b are electrically insulated by an insulating ring 72. Further, the light guide connector 20a is connected to the light source device 2
(See FIG. 1), the electrical contacts 71
Reference numerals a and 71b denote video signal processing circuits 17 (see FIG. 1) via electrical contacts provided in the light source device 2, respectively.
Is to be connected to. The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

Accordingly, in such a configuration, as in the first embodiment, the optical signal transmitted by the optical fiber bundle 21 of the light guide cable 19 is received by the light receiving element 28 and output as an electrical image signal. Is done. The output image signal is output to the electrical contact 71a or the electrical contact 71b.
Is input to the video signal processing circuit 17 in the light source device 2 via the. The subsequent operation is the same as in the first embodiment.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the first
The same operation and effect as those of the embodiment can be obtained, and since the electrical contacts 71a and 71b are formed in a ring shape, even if the LG rod 43 rotates, no trouble occurs in signal transmission. The flat portion 45 provided on the 42 becomes unnecessary. Therefore, even at the time of connection to the light source device 2, the light guide connector 20a can freely rotate,
During use, the light guide cable 19 does not generate unnecessary vibration. Therefore, the optical fiber bundle 2
1 hardly causes damage due to rubbing, and the durability of the light guide cable 19 itself is improved.

FIGS. 10 to 12 show another example of the configuration of the endoscope apparatus. In the following, components common to the first embodiment and FIGS. 14 and 15 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

As shown in FIG. 10, the image pickup signal of the electronic endoscope 1 and the output signal of the remote switch 10 provided in the electronic endoscope 1 are generated by the configuration and operation already described in the first embodiment. Are input to the video signal processing circuit 17 and the remote signal processing circuit 15 via the light receiving element 28 built in the light source device 2. The video signal processing circuit 17 processes the imaging signal and outputs the same to an image synthesis circuit 75 built in the light source device 2.

On the other hand, the remote signal processing circuit 15 is connected via a cable 73 to a server 74 constituted by a hard disk or the like provided outside the light source device 2. Further, the server 74 outputs the content stored in the server 74 as data to the light source device 2 via the cable 73 in accordance with the signal input content from the remote signal processing circuit 15. The data output from the server 74 is input to an image synthesizing circuit 75 built in the light source device 2.
The image synthesizing circuit 75 forms an image in which the video signal input from the video signal processing circuit 17 and the data of the server 74 are synthesized, and outputs this image as a video signal to the monitor device 4 outside the light source device 2. The monitor device 4 displays an image based on the input video signal.

The contents displayed on the screen of the monitor device 4 are shown in FIG. FIG. 11A shows an example in which, in addition to an endoscope image 81 of the electronic endoscope 1, image data 82 of a still image or a moving image stored in the server 74 is displayed. FIG. 11B shows an example in which text data 83 such as a document stored in the server 74 is displayed in addition to the endoscope image 81 and the image data 82 by the electronic endoscope 1.

The server 74 includes, as external input devices other than the light source device 2, for example, an external storage device 84 such as a PC card 76 and an optical disk 77, an image input device such as a scanner 78, and a contact / non-contact IC. An IC card reader 85 that enables data input of the card 79 can be connected. By connecting these to the server 74, the server 74 can recognize external data, paper charts, documents, or patient data.

FIG. 12 shows an electronic endoscope 1 in this configuration.
A specific example of the remote switch 10 provided above is shown. Remote switch 1 shown in FIG.
Numeral 0 has a joystick function, and can be operated in four directions and push directions indicated by arrows in the figure. The remote switch 10 shown in FIG. 12B has a dial function, and can be operated in the rotation direction and the push direction indicated by arrows in the figure. By operating such a remote switch 10,
For example, in the display example shown in FIG. 11A, a plurality of image data 82 can be scroll-displayed. Further, an operation of selecting an arbitrary one from the displayed image data 82 is also possible. Alternatively, in the display example shown in FIG. 11B, scroll display of text data 83 and the like is possible. Further, when the displayed image data is a moving image, operations such as fast-forward, rewind, and stop of the moving image can be performed on the remote switch 10. Of course, the operation menu of the server 74 can be displayed on the screen of the monitor device 4 and the operation can be selected.

With the configuration and operation as described above, the user can easily access the recorded contents of the server 74 when using the electronic endoscope 1. Therefore, even during use of the endoscope apparatus, the user may, for example, take a X
Patient diagnostic images and medical records, examination data,
Or if necessary, data such as literature related to medical content such as cases and correspondence, intraoperative complications and equipment, drugs, human atlas, recorded images and data of similar cases, hospital management data such as equipment, drugs, schedules, etc. as necessary It is possible to search and display on the screen of the monitor device 4.

FIG. 13 shows a system capable of efficiently displaying not only a main image obtained from a plurality of imaging means but also a sub-image without lowering the resolution.

Conventional examples related to such a system include JP-A-4-341232 and JP-A-4-307024. JP-A-4-341232 discloses that
Means for simultaneously displaying video signals obtained from a plurality of image sensors arranged at the end of the endoscope on one high-definition monitor is disclosed, but the imaging means is limited to one endoscope. . Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-307024 discloses a means for displaying two endoscopes on one normal monitor.
This is not suitable for displaying multiple images.

The system shown in FIG. 13 has the following configuration to solve such a problem. That is, the illustrated endoscope system is mainly composed of an endoscope or an endoscope imaging device (hereinafter referred to as imaging means) 10.
1 and a plurality of imaging means 102a, 102b, 102c ...
Camera control unit (hereinafter, CC
U. ) 103, a high-definition monitor 10 having 1080 or more scanning lines and a screen aspect ratio of 16: 9.
The CCU 103 includes a connector 105 for connecting the main imaging unit 101 and connectors 106a, 106b, 106c for connecting the secondary imaging units 102a, 102b, 102c,... Are provided. Further, the imaging means 101, 102a,
.. Output a conventional NTSC video signal having an aspect ratio of 4: 3. To display NTSC signals, about 350 scanning lines are required.

In such a configuration, the image of the imaging means 101 mainly used during the operation is displayed on the main display area 1 of the monitor 104.
07, and images of the imaging means 102a, 102b, 102c,...
4 is displayed in the sub display area 108.

As described above, the treatment can be easily performed by photographing, for example, the angle on the back side of the organ by the imaging means 102, which is not visible in the image from the imaging means 101 mainly used. Normally, when displaying on a monitor,
With this system, a vertical resolution of about 350 lines (≒ 1080 lines ÷ 3) can be obtained for sub-pictures whose resolution is insufficient.

The display format of the main video is also 4: 3 (1
2: 9), and if this display method is used, there is no overlap with the sub-picture and no loss of the picture occurs.
It can be displayed efficiently.

According to the technical contents described above, the following various configurations can be obtained.

(In the configuration of FIGS. 1 to 9) A part or all of a light guide optical fiber bundle that connects a light source device and the endoscope main body to supply illumination light for illuminating an observation target from a distal end of the endoscope main body, Or an endoscope device formed in an optical communication circuit for transmitting an optical signal output from a light source device, wherein the light guide is disposed at a position corresponding to each of an incident end and an emission end of the illumination light regularly. To change the optical path of light entering or exiting the optical fiber bundle at a position corresponding to each of the optical fiber bundles regularly at both the incident end and the exit end. An endoscope apparatus comprising: an optical path changing unit.

2. The signal transmitted by the optical signal includes a drive signal of an image sensor, an image signal of an image sensor output, an output signal of a remote switch provided in the endoscope main body or an attached device connected to the endoscope main body, an endoscope. 2. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the endoscope apparatus is a part or all of signals generated by the endoscope main body or the light source device main body, such as a synchro signal, a charging signal, and an exposure adjustment signal of a camera. 3. The signal transmitted by the optical signal is, in addition to the one described in the second item, a part or all of an output signal of a device used by being connected to the endoscope main body or the light source device main body, the first item or 3. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 2. 4. 4. The endoscope according to claim 3, wherein the output signal of the remote switch is an operation signal for searching, reproducing, or operating medical information or an image stored in a storage device connected to the endoscope device. apparatus.

(In the configuration of FIG. 13) It has a plurality of imaging means and a means for displaying those images on the same monitor. The aspect ratio of the screen of the display monitor for displaying those images is 16: 9 and the number of scanning lines is In the case of many high-definition monitors, the main image is displayed on the monitor screen at a size of 12: 9 with respect to the horizontal length 16 of the display monitor, and the main image is similarly displayed at a size of 4: 3. An imaging apparatus for an endoscope, comprising: means for displaying up to three images.

[0072]

As described above, according to the endoscope apparatus of the present invention, the optical communication signal and the inspection light can be transmitted through the integral optical fiber bundle and the integral optical connection means. Interference between the illuminating light and the signal light at the connection portion can be minimized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a configuration of an optical fiber bundle provided in a light guide cable.

3A is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a light source device and a light guide cable are connected by a light guide connector, FIG. 3B is a view in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 3A, and FIG. 3C is a view in FIG. It is an arrow B view.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view showing details of a light guide connector.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a light guide connector on a light guide cable side.

FIG. 6 (a) is an LG base provided on an electronic endoscope,
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where an LG base provided on the light guide cable is separated, FIG. 4 (b) is a view in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 4 (a), and FIG.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the LG base provided on the electronic endoscope is connected to the LG base provided on the light guide cable.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a main part according to a modification of the first embodiment.

9A is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an endoscope apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part X in FIG.

FIG. 10 is an overall view showing another configuration example of the endoscope apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing contents displayed on a screen of a monitor device in the endoscope device of FIG. 10;

12 is a perspective view showing a specific example of a remote switch provided on the electronic endoscope in the endoscope device of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of a system capable of efficiently displaying a main video and a sub video obtained from a plurality of imaging units without lowering the resolution.

FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram showing a first example of a conventional endoscope apparatus.

FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram showing a second example of a conventional endoscope apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 30 endoscope 2 light source device (main body) 18a LG base (connection means) 19 light guide cable 20b light guide connector (mounting part) 21 optical fiber bundle (optical fiber bundle) 25 light emission Element (second light transmitting / receiving means) 26 ... Lamp (light source means) 28 ... Light receiving element (first light transmitting / receiving means)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Satoshi Takekoshi 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Industries Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Shinsho Yasukui 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo No. Within Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Kazuo Manju 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo F-term within Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. 4C061 AA00 BB02 CC06 DD03 FF12 FF45 FF46 JJ19 LL02 LL03 NN01 NN03 NN05 NN07 NN09 SS01 UU05 WW10 WW18 YY02 YY03 5C022 AA09 AB15 AC42 AC75 AC77 AC78 5C054 AA02 CA04 CD03 CH02 DA10 EA03 HA12

Claims (1)

[Claims] A light source unit for generating illumination light; a main body having an exterior for storing the light source unit; and an optical fiber bundle for guiding the illumination light generated by the light source unit to an endoscope. A light guide cable, a mounting portion provided on the main body portion, the mounting portion for detachably mounting the light cable so that one end face of the optical fiber bundle can be held on an illumination optical path of the light source means, and the light guide cable. Connecting means for detachably connecting the other end face of the optical fiber bundle to the endoscope; and optical communication with one end face of the mounted optical fiber bundle provided in the mounting portion. A first optical transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals; and a second optical transceiver for transmitting and receiving optical communication signals to and from the other end face of the optical fiber bundle connected to the endoscope. This The endoscope apparatus according to claim.