JP2003102682A - Electronic endoscope and electronic endoscope system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To delete data on a proper electronic endoscope when registering the electronic endoscope to a processor for the electronic endoscope in a state where electronic endoscopes are registered in a database of the full storage capacity of the database in the electronic endoscope outputting images in a body cavity as an electric signal by a solid state image pickup device provided at its tip. SOLUTION: The electronic endoscope has a storage means having information indicating the using form of the endoscope stored thereon. The electronic endoscope also has a specification storage means having information indicating whether the electronic endoscope has been made by normal specification or a special order specification stored thereon.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic endoscope that outputs an image inside a body cavity as an electric signal by a solid-state image pickup device provided at the tip, an electronic endoscope system including the electronic endoscope, and the like. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An electronic endoscope equipped with a solid-state image sensor such as a CCD at its tip generally processes an electric signal from the solid-state image sensor and outputs an endoscopic image to an output means such as a monitor or a video printer. It is used with a processor for electronic endoscopes.

The electronic endoscope is detachably connected to the electronic endoscope processor. In addition, a processor for an electronic endoscope is usually connectable to multiple types of electronic endoscopes,
Therefore, by appropriately using an electronic endoscope suitable for a region to be observed / treated by connecting it to the electronic endoscope processor, the electronic endoscope can be used even when a plurality of types of electronic endoscopes are used. The number of processors for use is only one.

Further, the electronic endoscope generally has a nonvolatile semiconductor memory element such as an EEPROM. In this storage element,
The type, serial number, white balance value, etc. of the electronic endoscope are stored. When the electronic endoscope is connected to the processor for the electronic endoscope, the processor for the electronic endoscope reads various data stored in the storage element, displays the type of the electronic endoscope on the monitor, and white balance. Is set to a value suitable for the electronic endoscope.

The video signal processing circuit for monitor output, which is generated by the signal processing circuit of the endoscope processor, has a slight variation for each endoscope processor.
If the white balance value in the endoscope stored in the storage element is set as it is, the white balance may be slightly shifted. Therefore, in order to avoid manually resetting the white balance value each time the electronic endoscope is attached to the endoscope processor, the endoscope processor sets the electronic endoscope type and serial number once set. It is necessary to store the white balance value for each. That is, when the electronic endoscope is reconnected, the white balance value stored in the endoscope processor is used. When the white balance value is automatically reset by such a method, the endoscope processor refers to the white balance value corresponding to the electronic endoscope based on the type and serial number of the connected electronic endoscope. It has a kind of database.

Further, by counting the number of times the electronic endoscope is mounted on the electronic endoscope processor and recording it in the database, the frequency of use of the electronic endoscope used by the electronic endoscope processor can be determined. You can judge. This frequency of use can be used, for example, for maintenance of the endoscope.

In such an electronic endoscope processor, a new electronic endoscope cannot be registered in a state where the electronic endoscope is registered in the database up to the full storage capacity. In such a case, conventionally, unnecessary electronic endoscope data is manually deleted, and then a new electronic endoscope is registered. Here, the usage modes of the electronic endoscope that can be registered in the database include those sold to users (hospitals, etc.), those leased to users for a long time (usually several months or more) under a rental contract, and medical examinations. For example, it is categorized as being rented to the user for a short period (usually within a few weeks). In addition, the electronic endoscope that can be registered in the database is a normal specification one, and the hardness of the insertion tube of the electronic endoscope and the objective optical system It is categorized as custom-made specifications that have changed specifications such as lens coating.

However, since the conventional electronic endoscope does not include the information indicating the above-mentioned usage pattern and specifications, the electronic endoscope is newly registered in the database in a state in which the database is fully stored in the database. When registering an endoscope, it is possible to leave an electronic endoscope that has already been returned or a custom-designed electronic endoscope that is rarely used in the database, and delete an electronic endoscope that is frequently used from the database. It was

Further, since the electronic endoscope does not have information on the usage and specifications of the electronic endoscope, the usage and specifications of the electronic endoscope cannot be confirmed while the electronic endoscope is in use. , There was a risk of accidentally using an electronic endoscope with improper specifications.

[0010]

In view of the above problems, the present invention registers an electronic endoscope in a processor for an electronic endoscope in a state where the electronic endoscope is registered in the database up to the full storage capacity of the database. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic endoscope capable of deleting appropriate electronic endoscope data when doing so. Moreover, it aims at preventing an endoscope user from accidentally using an electronic endoscope having an inappropriate specification.

[0011]

In order to solve the above problems, the electronic endoscope has a usage pattern storage means in which information indicating a usage pattern of the electronic endoscope itself is stored. Further, the electronic endoscope, the processor for the electronic endoscope to which the electronic endoscope is connected, and the electronic endoscope in which data such as characteristic values and management information of the electronic endoscope are recorded for each electronic endoscope In an electronic endoscope system having an electronic endoscope database system for managing a database for use in an electronic endoscope, the electronic endoscope processor has usage pattern reading means for reading the contents of usage pattern storage means of the electronic endoscope, Database system for electronic endoscopes
It has a memory means for storing a database, and a usage pattern storage means for saving the contents of the usage pattern storage means read by the usage pattern reading means in the memory means for each electronic endoscope.

Therefore, when registering a new electronic endoscope in the database, if the electronic endoscope has been registered in the database up to the storage capacity, the usage mode of the electronic endoscope stored in the memory means is changed. By referring to the information shown, the electronic endoscope to be deleted from the database can be determined.

The electronic endoscope processor stores a database stored in the memory means of the electronic endoscope database system in order to refer to the information indicating the usage pattern of the electronic endoscope stored in the memory means. It is preferable that the contents can be output to an output device such as a monitor.

[0014] Preferably, the information indicating the usage pattern is information indicating whether the electronic endoscope has been purchased, is a long-term rental product, or is a short-term rental product.

Further, the usage pattern storage means may be a non-volatile semiconductor memory element that stores information indicating the usage pattern of the electronic endoscope, and sets the information indicating the usage pattern of the electronic endoscope. It may be a switch.

Further, the switch may be arranged on the operation section of the electronic endoscope, or may be arranged on the connector section for connecting the electronic endoscope to the electronic endoscope processor.

Further, the electronic endoscope has a cover member capable of covering the switch, and when the cover covers the switch, the cover does not exert a force for changing the setting of the switch on the switch. As described above, the switch may be protected. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the user of the electronic endoscope from intentionally or mistakenly operating the switch to reset the information indicating the usage pattern of the electronic endoscope. .

Further, in order to solve the above problems, the electronic endoscope has a specification storing means for storing information indicating whether the electronic endoscope is a normal specification or a custom-made specification. Further, the electronic endoscope, the processor for the electronic endoscope to which the electronic endoscope is connected, and the electronic endoscope in which data such as characteristic values and management information of the electronic endoscope are recorded for each electronic endoscope In an electronic endoscope system having an electronic endoscope database system for managing an electronic endoscope database, an electronic endoscope processor has a specification reading unit for reading the contents of a specification storage unit of the electronic endoscope, The endoscope database system has a specification storing unit that classifies the information read by the specification reading unit for each endoscope and stores the information in the memory unit.

Therefore, when a new electronic endoscope is registered in the database when the electronic endoscope has been registered in the database up to the full storage capacity, whether the electronic endoscope stored in the memory means has the normal specifications or not. The electronic endoscope to be deleted from the database can be determined by referring to the information indicating the custom-made specifications.

In order to refer to the information stored in the memory means, which indicates whether the electronic endoscope is of a normal specification or a custom-made specification,
It is preferable that the processor for an electronic endoscope can output the contents of the database stored in the memory means of the database system for an electronic endoscope to an output device such as a monitor. It should be noted that the “custom-made specifications” in the present specification are specifications such as hardness of the insertion tube of the electronic endoscope and coating of a lens of an objective optical system of the electronic endoscope according to the wishes of the user of the electronic endoscope. Is a change.

Further, the electronic endoscope processor may be configured to be able to output the contents of the use mode storage means and the specification storage means of the electronic endoscope to an output device such as a monitor.

With such a configuration, when the electronic endoscope is used, it is possible to confirm the usage mode of the electronic endoscope and whether the electronic endoscope is a normal specification or a custom-made specification. Therefore, there is no risk of accidentally using an electronic endoscope having an inappropriate specification.

[0023]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an overall view of an electronic endoscope system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The electronic endoscope system 1 is an electronic endoscope 100.
And an electronic endoscope processor 200 to which the electronic endoscope 100 is detachably mounted.

The electronic endoscope 100 includes an objective optical system 101.
And EEP in which various information of this electronic endoscope is stored
ROM (nonvolatile semiconductor memory element) 102 and CCD 1
04, the light guide 103, and the endoscope control cable 1
08, CCD signal cable 109, and operation button 10
7 and. EEPROM 102 and operation button 10
7 is connected to a CPU 201 (described later) of the electronic endoscope processor 200 via an endoscope control cable 108.

The electronic endoscope processor 200 is a CPU 2
01, light source 203, front stage signal processing circuit 204, rear stage signal processing circuit 205, CRT controller (hereinafter referred to as CRTC) 206, operation panel 207, memory 208, RT
It has a C (Real Time Clock) 209, a diaphragm 210, a diaphragm control circuit 211, and an input device interface 212. The rear signal processing circuit 205, CRTC 206, operation panel 207, memory 208, RTC 209, aperture control circuit 211, and input device interface 212 are each connected to the CPU 201. Here, the latter-stage signal processing circuit 205, the CRTC 206, the RTC 209, the aperture control circuit 211, and the input device interface 212 are the CPU 20.
Controlled by 1.

An external input device such as a keyboard 400 is connected to the input device interface 212 controlled by the CPU 201, and the CPU 201 controls the electronic endoscope 100 and the electronic endoscope processor 200 based on the input. To do. Similarly, operation buttons are arranged on the operation panel 207 of the electronic endoscope processor 200, and operation button signals generated by pressing these operation buttons are input to the CPU 201. Control of the endoscope processor 200, the electronic endoscope 100, and the like is performed.

The light source unit 2 of the electronic endoscope processor 200
Reference numeral 03 causes light to enter the incident end of the light guide 103 of the electronic endoscope 100 via the diaphragm 210. The light incident on the incident end of the light guide 103 passes through the light guide 103 and reaches the exit end of the light guide 103 exposed at the tip of the insertion tube 110 of the electronic endoscope 100, and the electronic endoscope 10
The inside of the body cavity in front of the tip of the insertion tube 110 of No. 0 is illuminated. Aperture 2
The opening degree of 10 is controlled by the aperture control circuit 211. Here, the operator of the endoscope system 1 can arbitrarily set the opening degree of the diaphragm 210 by operating the keyboard 400 or the operation panel 207 of the electronic endoscope processor 200.

An image formed by the objective optical system 101 of the electronic endoscope 100 is formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 104. CCD 10
Reference numeral 4 converts the formed image into an image signal. This video signal is transmitted to the pre-stage signal processing circuit 204 in the electronic endoscope processor 200 via the CCD signal cable 109. The front stage signal processing circuit 204 takes out this video signal and transfers it to the rear stage signal processing circuit 205. The post-stage signal processing circuit 205 processes the video signal and converts it into a video signal such as an NTSC signal that can be output to a monitor. The post-stage signal processing circuit 205 also adjusts the white balance based on the control signal from the CPU 201. The signal converted by the post-stage signal processing circuit 205 is displayed as an image on the monitor 300 connected to the electronic endoscope processor 200. Although the image captured by the CCD 104 is output to the monitor 300 in the first embodiment of the present invention, the output destination is not limited to the monitor, and another output such as a video printer may be used. It may be configured to output to a device.

Further, based on the input of the keyboard 400, C
The PU 201 can switch the operations of the electronic endoscope 100 and the electronic endoscope processor 200, and can superimpose text information on the image displayed on the monitor 300 (text information displayed on the image displayed on the monitor 300). See below for how to superimpose). Similarly, the operation panel 207 is operated to operate the electronic endoscope 100.
Also, the operation of the electronic endoscope processor 200 can be switched, and text information can be superimposed on the image displayed on the monitor 300. Similarly, the operation button 107 arranged on the operation unit 120 of the electronic endoscope 100.
Can be operated to switch the operations of the electronic endoscope 100 and the electronic endoscope processor 200, and text information can be superimposed on an image displayed on the monitor 300. Since the operation button 107 of the electronic endoscope 100 is operated to perform the above control, the signal generated by operating the operation button 107 is the endoscope control cable 1
It is transmitted to the CPU 201 via 08.

The CRTC 206 is used to superimpose character information. The video signal generated by the CRTC 206 is output to the monitor 300 in synchronization with the video signal generated by the post-stage signal processing circuit 205, and the image by the CRTC 206 is the post-stage signal processing circuit 2.
Superimposed on the image by 05. CPU2
01 can control the CRTC 206 to superimpose arbitrary character information on the image by the subsequent signal processing circuit 205 (that is, the image captured by the CCD 104 of the electronic endoscope 100).

For example, the CCD 104 of the electronic endoscope 100
The EEP of the electronic endoscope 100 is added to the image captured by the
It is possible to display the information stored in the ROM 102.

FIG. 2 shows the data structure of the EEPROM 102 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. EEPROM
The storage capacity of 102 used here is 13 bytes,
The first 3 bytes are the serial number of the electronic endoscope ("ser
ial no. "), the next 6 bytes are the model number of the electronic endoscope (" scope
name "), followed by a 4-byte area with white balance value (red," white balance R "), white balance value (blue," white balance B "), electronic endoscope usage pattern (" use ") , And the specifications of the electronic endoscope 100 ("specificat
Each 1-byte data of "ion") is stored in order.

FIG. 3 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
An example of the contents of the EEPROM 102 is shown. "serial no."
Is numerical data that can take values from 1 to 16777215 (0x1 to 0xffffff in hexadecimal notation), and different values are assigned to each electronic endoscope. Electronic endoscope processor 20
The CPU 201 of 0 can discriminate the endoscope by referring to this "serial no.". In this example, the numerical value 820523 (0x0c852b) is assigned to "serial no.".

The "scope name" stores character data (6 alphanumeric characters) corresponding to the model number of the electronic endoscope 100. The CPU 201 of the electronic endoscope processor 200 can determine the type of endoscope by referring to this "scope name". In this example, "scope n
The character string "FG-26D" (0x46472d323644) is assigned to "ame".

In addition, "white balance R" and "white ba
lance B "is a numerical value that takes a value from -128 to +127, respectively. CPU of the electronic endoscope processor 200
201 denotes R and B obtained from the preceding signal processing circuit 204.
Image signals of "white balance R" and "white b"
Monitor 3 after weighting according to the value of "alance B"
The post-stage signal processing circuit 205 is controlled so as to generate a signal that can be output to 00. In this example, "white balance
R "and" white balance B "each have the value -4 (0x7
c) and the value +10 (0x8a) are assigned.
Here, the pre-stage signal processing circuit 204 has 25 colors for each of RGB.
Digital data of 6 gradations is generated and transmitted to the subsequent signal processing circuit 205. Therefore, in this example, the R image signal is adjusted to be darker by 4 gradations and the image signal of B is adjusted at 10 gradations in the post-stage signal processing circuit 205, and then output to the monitor 300.

"Use" is a 1-byte flag indicating whether the electronic endoscope 100 has been purchased, is a long-term rental product, or is a short-term rental product. Here, if the electronic endoscope 100 has been purchased, the value 0 (0x0) is set to "use", and if it is a long-term rental product, the value 1 (0x1) is set to "use", If it is a short-term rental item,
A numerical value 2 (0x2) is set in "use". Therefore, the CPU 201 of the electronic endoscope processor 200 can determine the usage mode of the endoscope by referring to this "use". In this example, the value 0 (0x0) is assigned to "use".

"Specification" is a 1-byte flag indicating the specifications of the endoscope. Here, the electronic endoscope 10
If 0 is the normal specification, the numerical value 0 (0x0) is specified for "specification"
Is set, on the other hand, if it is a custom order, the numerical value 1 (0x1) is set in "specification". In this example, "specif
The numerical value 1 (0x1) is assigned to "ication".

Here, in the embodiment of the present invention,
Since the contents of the EEPROM 102 can be displayed on the monitor 300, when the electronic endoscope is used, it is possible to confirm the usage mode of the electronic endoscope and whether the electronic endoscope is a normal specification or a custom-made specification. it can. Therefore, there is no risk of accidentally using an electronic endoscope having an inappropriate specification.

CPU according to the first embodiment of the present invention
The control unit 201 controls the electronic endoscope 100 and the electronic endoscope processor 200, and builds a database for managing the electronic endoscope 100 in the memory 208. FIG. 4 shows an example of the database according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the first embodiment of the present invention, up to 39 electronic endoscopes can be registered in the database. This database has a record assigned to each endoscope, and each record is "register no.", "Scopename", "
serial no. "," white balance "(R Gain / B Gain),"
use "," specification "," registered date "," used da
It has te "and" counter "items.

"Register no." Is a serial number from 1 to 39 used to identify a record. "s
cope name "," serial no. "," white balance "(R Gain
/ BGain), "use" and "specification" are the same as the respective information stored in the EEPROM 102 of the electronic endoscope 100. This information is provided when the electronic endoscope is first connected to the electronic endoscope processor 200.
It is read from the EPROM 102 and recorded in the database. Regarding the "white balance", while the electronic endoscope is connected, the electronic endoscope processor 2
If the white balance is readjusted at 00, the numerical value of the white balance after the readjustment is recorded in the database.

The "registered date" is composed of 6-digit date data and 4-digit time data. The first two digits of the date data are the last two digits of the year number, and the two digits following the date data
The digit represents the month, and the following two digits represent the day. In other words, "971213.1313" means "December 13, 1997 1 pm
"13 hours", "001015.0924" is "October 1, 2000
9:24 am on the 5th ". Note that "registered dat
e "means that the electronic endoscope is the first processor 20 for the electronic endoscope.
It is the date and time when it was connected to 0.

"Used date" means "scope name" and "serial"
This is the date and time when the electronic endoscope identified by "no." was last connected to the electronic endoscope processor 200. The format of "used date" is the same as the format of "registered date". .

"Counter" means "scope name" and "serial n"
The number of times the electronic endoscope specified by “o.” is connected to the electronic endoscope processor 200.

The electronic endoscope 1 having the EEPROM 102 having the contents shown in FIG.
The procedure for newly registering 00 is shown below.

FIG. 5 is a flow of an endoscope registration routine executed when the electronic endoscope 100 is connected to the electronic endoscope processor 200. It should be noted that this routine is executed by the CPU 201 executing a program stored in the memory 208.

When this routine starts, the first step
S101 is executed. In step S101, the contents of the EEPROM 102 of the electronic endoscope are read out and stored in the memory 20.
Save in 8 temporarily. In addition, by operating the keyboard 400, the operation button 107 of the electronic endoscope 100, or the operation panel 207 of the electronic endoscope processor 200,
A part or all of the contents of the EEPROM 102 stored in the memory 208 can be displayed on the monitor 300. Then, the process proceeds to step S102.

In step S102, whether the recorded record of the combination of "serial no." And "scope name" read in step S101 exists in the database, that is, the electronic endoscope 100 is registered in the database. It is judged whether it has been completed. Here, if the electronic endoscope 100 is already registered (S102: Ye
s), this routine is ended. On the other hand, the electronic endoscope 100
If is not registered (S102: No), step S10
Go to 3.

In step S103, a message asking whether to register the electronic endoscope 100 is displayed on the monitor 300, and an input from the keyboard 400, the operation button 107 or the operation panel 207 is accepted. If the registration of the electronic endoscope 100 is instructed by operating the keyboard 400, the operation button 107 or the operation panel 207 (S103: Yes), the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if it is instructed not to register the electronic endoscope 100 in step S103 (S103: No), this routine is ended.

In step S104, the number of endoscopes registered in the database is counted, and whether the value is the maximum value (39 in this embodiment), that is, the endoscope is registered until the storage capacity of the database is full. It is determined whether or not it has been done. Here, if the endoscope is registered up to the full storage capacity of the database (S10
4: Yes), and proceeds to step S105.

In step S105, a message asking whether to delete the registered endoscope record and register the electronic endoscope 100 is displayed, and the keyboard 4 is pressed.
00, an operation button 107 or an input from the operation panel 207 is accepted. If an instruction to delete the registered endoscope record is given by operating the keyboard 400, the operation button 107, or the operation panel 207 (S105: Yes), the process proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, if it is instructed not to delete the registered endoscope record in step S105 (S105: No),
This routine ends.

In step S106, the contents of the database are displayed on the monitor 300 and the input from the keyboard 400 is accepted. While checking the contents of the database displayed on this screen, the user of the electronic endoscope system 1
Delete the "register no." Of the record to be deleted from the keyboard 400
Enter using. That is, the user can select the "use" or "specific ratio" of the record of each endoscope registered in the database.
The endoscope whose record should be deleted can be arbitrarily determined with reference to the content of "n". The CPU 201 erases the data in the input "register no." record.
Then, the process proceeds to step S107.

In step S107, the contents of the EEPROM 102 are copied to the "register no." Record input from the keyboard 400 in step S106. In addition,
The date and time at this time is read from the RTC 209, and the value is substituted for "registered date" and "used date" of the "register no." Record input from the keyboard 400. Also, "register" input from the keyboard 400
Substitute 1 for "counter" of the "no." record, and then end this routine.

On the other hand, in step S104, if there is still room in the storage capacity of the database (S104: N
o), the process proceeds to step S110. In step S110,
The contents of the database are displayed on the monitor 300, and the input from the keyboard 400 is accepted. The user of the electronic endoscope system 1 inputs "register no." Of an arbitrary record in which no data is input by using the keyboard 400 while confirming the contents of the database displayed on this screen.

Then, the contents of the EEPROM 102 are copied to the "register no." Record input from the keyboard 400. The date and time at this time is RTC209
, And substitutes the value for "registered date" and "used date" of the record of "register no." Input from the keyboard 400. Also, the keyboard 400
"Counter" of the record of "register no." Entered by
Substitute 1 for. Then, this routine is finished.

FIG. 6 shows an endoscope system 1000 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the electronic endoscope system 1000 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the EEPROM 1102 of the electronic endoscope 1100 stores information corresponding to “use” and “specification” in the first embodiment of the present invention. Instead, these parameters are set by the switch member 1106 of the electronic endoscope 1100. Further, the switch member 1106 is a cover member 1115.
Is covered by. The cover member 1115 prevents the switch member 1106 from receiving a force that changes the setting of the switch member 1106.
06 is protected. Therefore, it is prevented that the user of the electronic endoscope intentionally or mistakenly operates the switch member 1106 to reset the information corresponding to the above "use" and "specification". Since the other parts are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

The switch 1106 member is composed of three switches 1106a, 1106b, 1 which can be turned ON / OFF.
It has 106c. In addition, the switches 1106a, 1
106b and 1106c are arranged in the connector portion 1130 of the electronic endoscope 1100. The switch 11
06a, 1106b, and 1106c may be anything that can be turned ON / OFF, such as a rotary switch and a DIP switch. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the switches 1106a and 1106b are used to set the usage mode of the electronic endoscope 1100, and the switch 1106 is used.
The specifications of the electronic endoscope 1100 are set using c.

That is, if both the switches 1106a and 1106b are OFF, the electronic endoscope 11
00 is a purchased product, and if “the switch 1106a is OFF and the switch 1106b is ON”, the electronic endoscope 1100 is a long-term rental product.
If 06a is on and switch 1106b is off, the electronic endoscope 1100 is a short-term rental item.

If the "switch 1106c is OFF", the electronic endoscope 1100 has a normal specification, and if the "switch 1106c is ON", the electronic endoscope 1100 is a custom-made specification.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the switches 1106a, 1106b and 1106c are connected to the switch processing circuit 1105 installed in the connector section 1130 of the electronic endoscope 1100 by a cable 1105a. The switch processing circuit 1105 is connected to the electronic endoscope processor 20 via the endoscope control cable 1108.
0 is connected to the CPU 201, and the switch 1106
a, 1106b, and 1106c are each "ON"
It can be transmitted to the CPU 201 whether it is “OFF” or “OFF”.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the switch processing circuit 1105 determines the states of the switches 1106a, 1106b and 1106c and sends the result to the CPU 201. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The switch 1106 is not limited to this.
a, 1106b and 1106c are CPU2
01 connected to three I / O ports (not shown)
The U201 may directly determine the state of the switch member 1106.

Further, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the switches 1106a, 1106b and 1106c are arranged in the connector portion 1130 of the electronic endoscope 1100, but the present invention is limited to the above structure. For example, the switches 1106a, 1106b, and 1106c may be arranged on the operation unit 1120 of the electronic endoscope 1100.

A procedure for newly registering the electronic endoscope 1100 in the database according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an endoscope registration routine executed when the electronic endoscope 1100 is connected to the electronic endoscope processor 200. It should be noted that this routine is executed by the CPU 201 executing a program stored in the memory 208.

When this routine starts, the first step
S201 is executed. In step S201, the contents of the EEPROM 1102 of the electronic endoscope 1100 and the contents set by the switch member 1106 are read out and stored in the memory 20.
Save in 8 temporarily. It should be noted that the keyboard 400, the operation button 1107 of the electronic endoscope 1100, or the operation panel 207 of the electronic endoscope processor 200 is operated, and a part of the setting contents by the EEPROM 1102 and the switch member 1106 stored in the memory 208. Alternatively, all of them can be displayed on the monitor 300. Then, the process proceeds to step S202.

In step S202, in step S201
"Serial no." And "scope" read from EEPROM 1102
Whether or not the recorded record of the combination of "name" exists in the database, that is, the electronic endoscope 1100.
Is being registered in the database. If the electronic endoscope 1100 has already been registered (S202: Yes), this routine ends. On the other hand, if the electronic endoscope 1100 is not registered (S202:
No), and proceeds to step S203.

In step S203, a message asking whether to register the electronic endoscope 1100 is displayed on the monitor 300, and an input from the keyboard 400, the operation button 1107 or the operation panel 207 is accepted. Here, the keyboard 400, the operation button 1107, or the operation panel 2
If the registration of the electronic endoscope 1100 is instructed by the operation of 07 (S203: Yes), the process proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, if it is instructed not to register the electronic endoscope 1100 in step S203 (S203: N).
o), this routine ends.

In step S204, the number of endoscopes registered in the database is counted, and whether the value is the maximum value (39 in this embodiment), that is, the endoscope is registered up to the full storage capacity of the database. It is determined whether or not it has been done. Here, if the endoscope is registered up to the full storage capacity of the database (S20
4: Yes), and proceeds to step S205.

In step S205, a message asking whether to delete the registered endoscope record and register the electronic endoscope 1100 is displayed, and the keyboard 400, the operation button 1107, or the operation panel 207 is used. Accepts input. If it is instructed to delete the registered endoscope record by operating the keyboard 400, the operation button 1107, or the operation panel 207 (S205: Yes), the process proceeds to step S206. On the other hand, if it is instructed not to delete the registered endoscope record in step S205 (S205: N
o), this routine ends.

In step S206, the contents of the database are displayed on the monitor 300 and the input from the keyboard 400 is accepted. The user of the electronic endoscope system 1000 inputs the "register no." Of the record to be cleared using the keyboard 400 while confirming the contents of the database displayed on this screen. That is, the user can specify the "use" or "spec" of each endoscope record registered in the database.
The endoscope whose record should be deleted can be arbitrarily determined with reference to the contents of "ification." The CPU 201 erases the data in the input record of "register no." Then, the process proceeds to step S207.

In step S207, the contents of the EEPROM 1102 and the contents set by the switch member 1106 are copied to the "register no." Record input from the keyboard 400 in step S206. The date and time at this time is read from the RTC 209, and the value is substituted into the "registered date" and "used date" of the "register no." Record input from the keyboard 400. Also, 1 is substituted for "counter" of the "register no." Record input from the keyboard 400. Then, this routine is finished.

On the other hand, in step S204, if there is still room in the storage capacity of the database (S204: N
o), the process proceeds to step S210. In step S210,
The contents of the database are displayed on the monitor 300, and the input from the keyboard 400 is accepted. The user of the electronic endoscope system 1000 inputs "register no." Of an arbitrary record in which no data is input by using the keyboard 400 while confirming the contents of the database displayed on this screen.

Next, the contents of the EEPROM 1102 and the contents set by the switch member 1106 are copied to the "register no." Record input from the keyboard 400. The date and time at this time is read from the RTC 209, and the value is input from the keyboard 400 using the "reg
"registered date" and "used" for records of "ister no."
Substitute for "date". Substitute 1 for "counter" of the record of "register no." input from the keyboard 400. Then, this routine ends.

[0074]

As described above, according to the electronic endoscope, the electronic endoscope processor and the electronic endoscope system of the present invention, the electronic endoscope is registered in the database up to the full storage capacity of the database. In this state, when the electronic endoscope is registered in the processor for the electronic endoscope, it becomes possible to delete appropriate data of the electronic endoscope. Further, it is possible to prevent the endoscope user from mistakenly using the electronic endoscope having an inappropriate specification.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an overall view of an electronic endoscope system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a memory map showing the data structure of the EEPROM of the electronic endoscope according to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is an example of contents of an EEPROM of the electronic endoscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an example of a database according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow of an endoscope registration routine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing an overall view of an electronic endoscope system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an endoscope registration routine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of sign]

1 Electronic endoscope system 100 electronic endoscope 101 Objective Optical System 102 EEPROM 103 Light guide 104 CCD 107 operation buttons 108 endoscope control cable 109 CCD signal cable 110 insertion tube 120 control panel 130 Connector part 200 Electronic Endoscope Processor 201 CPU 203 light source 204 Pre-stage signal processing circuit 205 Rear signal processing circuit 206 CRT controller 207 Operation panel 208 memory 209 RTC 210 aperture 211 Aperture control circuit 212 Input device interface 300 monitors 400 keyboard 1105 Switch processing circuit 1105a cable 1106 Switch member 1106a switch 1106b switch 1106c switch

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. An electronic endoscope for outputting an image inside a body cavity as an electric signal by a solid-state image sensor provided at the tip of the endoscope, wherein the electronic endoscope is a usage mode of the electronic endoscope. An electronic endoscope having a usage pattern storage unit that stores information to be displayed. 2. The information indicating the usage pattern is information indicating whether the electronic endoscope has been purchased, is a long-term rental item, or is a short-term rental item. The electronic endoscope according to claim 1. 3. The usage pattern storage means is a non-volatile semiconductor memory device in which information indicating a usage pattern of the electronic endoscope is stored. Electronic endoscope. 4. The electronic endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the usage pattern storage means is a switch for setting information indicating a usage pattern of the electronic endoscope. 5. The electronic endoscope according to claim 4, wherein the switch is arranged in an operation unit of the electronic endoscope. 6. The switch is arranged in a connector portion of the electronic endoscope, which is connected to a processor for electronic endoscope corresponding to the electronic endoscope. The electronic endoscope according to claim 4. 7. The electronic endoscope has a cover member capable of covering the switch, and when the cover covers the switch, the cover changes the setting of the switch. The electronic endoscope according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the switch is protected so that no action is exerted on the switch. 8. An electronic endoscope for outputting an image inside a body cavity as an electric signal by a solid-state imaging device provided at the tip of the endoscope, wherein the electronic endoscope is a normal specification. An electronic endoscope having a specification storing means in which information indicating whether the specification is a custom specification is stored. 9. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein the specification storage means is a non-volatile semiconductor storage device that stores information indicating whether the electronic endoscope is a normal specification or a custom-made specification. Endoscope. 10. The electronic endoscope according to claim 8, wherein the specification storage means is a switch for setting the electronic endoscope to a normal specification or a custom-made specification. 11. The electronic endoscope according to claim 10, wherein the switch is arranged in an operation unit of the electronic endoscope. 12. The switch of the electronic endoscope,
The electronic endoscope according to claim 10, wherein the electronic endoscope is arranged in a connector portion connected to a processor for an electronic endoscope corresponding to the electronic endoscope. 13. The electronic endoscope includes a cover member capable of covering the switch, and when the cover covers the switch, the cover changes the setting of the switch. 13. The electronic endoscope according to claim 10, wherein the switch is protected so that no action is exerted on the switch. 14. The electronic endoscope according to claim 1, an electronic endoscope processor to which the electronic endoscope is connected, a characteristic value and management of the electronic endoscope. An electronic endoscope system having an electronic endoscope database system that manages an electronic endoscope database that records data such as information for each electronic endoscope, wherein the electronic endoscope processor is the The electronic endoscope database system includes a memory unit that stores a database and a usage pattern reading unit that reads the contents of the usage pattern storage unit of the electronic endoscope. An electronic endoscope system, further comprising: a usage pattern storage unit that stores the contents of the usage pattern storage unit in the memory unit for each electronic endoscope. 15. The electronic endoscope according to any one of claims 8 to 13, an electronic endoscope processor to which the electronic endoscope is connected, and characteristic values and management of the electronic endoscope. An electronic endoscope system having an electronic endoscope database system that manages an electronic endoscope database that records data such as information for each electronic endoscope, wherein the electronic endoscope processor is the The electronic endoscope database system has a specification reading unit for reading the contents of the specification storing unit of the electronic endoscope, and the electronic endoscope database system stores the database and the information read by the specification reading unit. An electronic endoscope system, comprising: a specification storage unit that classifies each endoscope and stores it in the memory unit. 16. The electronic endoscope processor is capable of outputting the contents of the database stored in the memory means of the electronic endoscope database system to an output device such as a monitor. The electronic endoscope system according to claim 14 or 15. 17. The electronic endoscope according to claim 14, wherein the database system for electronic endoscope is built in the processor for electronic endoscope. system. 18. A processor for an electronic endoscope to which the electronic endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is connected, wherein the processor for the electronic endoscope is the electronic endoscope. Read the contents of the usage pattern storage means of
A usage pattern reading unit, wherein the electronic endoscope processor reads the usage pattern reading unit, and is used by an electronic endoscope usage pattern storage unit connected to the electronic endoscope processor. A processor for an electronic endoscope, which is capable of outputting contents to an output device such as a monitor. 19. A processor for an electronic endoscope to which the electronic endoscope according to any one of claims 8 to 13 is connected, wherein the processor for the electronic endoscope is the electronic endoscope. A specification reading unit for reading the contents of the specification storage unit of the electronic endoscope, wherein the electronic endoscope processor is an electronic endoscope connected to the electronic endoscope processor read by the specification reading unit. The contents of the specification storage means of the mirror can be output to an output device such as a monitor,
Processor for electronic endoscope.