JP2005013484A - Probe type observation device and endoscope apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a small-sized and portable probe type observation device in relation to the probe type observation device and an endoscope apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: This probe type observation device is provided with a probe body 45 to be inserted in a treatment instrument channel 3 of an endoscope for observing a subject X; a magnifying optical system 2 disposed in the tip of the probe body 45 and having a magnification higher than that of the observation optical system of the endoscope; a high magnification imaging means imaging the subject X via the magnifying optical system 2; an image display part 50 displaying the image picked up by the high magnification imaging means; and an image recording part 51 recording the image displayed on the image display part 50. The image display part 50 and the image record part 51 are connectable to the base of the probe body 45 and provided in a portable casing 48. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a probe type observation apparatus and an endoscope apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, histological observation of the mucosal epithelium including cells and glandular structures has been attracting attention as important in the early detection and early diagnosis of cancer. For that purpose, in addition to normal magnification endoscopic observation, magnifying glass observation at a histological observation level magnification (about 20 to 1000 times with a general microscope) is necessary. As an apparatus for meeting these demands, an endoscope apparatus is known that has an ordinary magnification observation means and a high magnification magnification observation means simultaneously (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This endoscope apparatus includes an endoscope that has an observation means at the tip and is inserted into a body cavity, an endoscope processor that performs predetermined processing on an image captured by the observation means, and an image that is processed by the processor. An endoscope display unit such as a monitor to be displayed, a probe type observation device that can be inserted into a treatment instrument channel of the endoscope and has a magnifying observation means at the tip, and a high-magnification image captured by the magnifying observation means are predetermined. A high-magnification processor for processing and a high-magnification display unit such as a monitor for displaying an image processed by the high-magnification processor are provided.
[0003]
According to this endoscope apparatus, while observing a suspicious part such as a cancer cell at a high magnification with a magnifying observation means while observing at a normal magnification with an observation means, the histology can be maintained while the cells remain alive. Can be observed. The normal magnification image obtained by the observing means and the high magnification image obtained by the magnifying observation means are displayed on the respective display units. The doctor performs each operation while viewing each of these images and performs a diagnosis by recording if necessary.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
US Pat. No. 5,846,185
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the endoscope apparatus described in Patent Document 1, since a processor and a display unit similar to those of the endoscope main body are connected to the probe type observation apparatus, it cannot be easily carried, and the endoscope There was an inconvenience that an installation space similar to that of the main body was required. Therefore, when using the probe type observation device, the examination room becomes narrow or cannot be used easily when necessary.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a probe-type observation apparatus and an endoscope apparatus that are small and easy to carry.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following means.
The invention according to claim 1 is a probe main body that can be inserted into a treatment instrument channel of an endoscope for observing a subject, and an enlargement that is arranged at the tip of the probe main body and has a higher magnification than the observation optical system of the endoscope. An optical system, a high-magnification imaging unit that images a subject via the magnifying optical system, an image display unit that displays a captured image captured by the high-magnification imaging unit, and a captured image displayed on the image display unit There is provided a probe-type observation device provided with a portable casing that can be connected to the proximal end of the probe main body and is portable.
[0008]
In the probe-type observation apparatus according to the present invention, the probe body is connected to a portable housing that can be carried with one hand. It can be inserted into the channel and high magnification images can be observed. In addition, since the image display unit and the image recording unit are provided in a portable housing, observation can be performed while holding the portable housing, and installation space is not required, and it can be easily carried and used when necessary. Can be done.
[0009]
The invention according to claim 2 provides the probe type observation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the portable housing is detachable from the probe main body.
In the probe-type observation apparatus according to the present invention, the portable housing and the probe main body are detachable, so that either one of them can be easily replaced, and the portable housing or the probe main body having different performance and characteristics can be appropriately used. Can be exchanged. Further, for example, even if any trouble or failure occurs in the probe main body or the portable housing during long-term use, it is not necessary to perform overall repair. In other words, only one of the defective portions can be replaced, and appropriate measures can be taken within a minimum range. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time and cost for repairs.
[0010]
The invention according to claim 3 is the probe type observation device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an optical fiber having one end connected to the magnifying optical system and inserted into the probe body, and the high magnification imaging. Means provide a probe type observation apparatus provided in the portable housing and connectable to the other end of the optical fiber.
In the probe-type observation apparatus according to the present invention, the image of the subject magnified by the magnifying optical system of the probe main body is guided to the high-magnification imaging means in the portable housing by the optical fiber in the probe main body. Imaged by means. As described above, since the high-magnification imaging means such as a CCD is provided in the portable housing, the probe main body can be easily configured and the diameter can be reduced.
[0011]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the probe type observation device according to any one of the first to third aspects, a switch disposed in the portable housing and operating the image recording unit is disposed at a tip of the probe main body. And an illuminating unit that irradiates the subject with light, and the illuminating unit irradiates light in synchronization with the operation of the switch.
In the probe type observation apparatus according to the present invention, when the subject is being observed at a high magnification, the subject can be irradiated with an appropriate amount of light when it is desired to record an image. In other words, when the doctor wants to record a specific part for cancer cells, when the switch is pressed to activate the image recording operation, the illumination means irradiates the specific part with light in synchronism with this. By doing so, it is possible to reliably irradiate the specific part with light, and to observe the specific part clearly. In particular, when recording a still image, the amount of light increases, so that it is possible to pick up an image at a high shooting speed. Therefore, a clear still image can be obtained without being affected by the blur of the probe body.
[0012]
The invention according to claim 5 is the probe-type observation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a remote controller that wirelessly transmits a control signal for operating the image recording unit, and the portable housing includes the remote controller. Provided is a probe type observation apparatus provided with a receiving means for receiving a control signal.
In the probe-type observation device according to the present invention, for example, when a doctor observes a subject, for example, it can be easily performed by a foot switch type remote controller that is stepped on with a foot or by a third party operation by a doctor's instruction. A high-magnification image of the subject can be recorded. Thereby, since the doctor can perform image recording without releasing his / her hand from the operation unit or the like, the reliability of the operation can be improved. In particular, since wireless communication is used, there is no obstruction such as wiring, and operability can be ensured. It also has no impact on carrying.
[0013]
The invention according to claim 6 is an endoscope apparatus that images a subject via an observation optical system provided at a distal end portion, the endoscope section having a treatment instrument channel, and the endoscope section An endoscope main body having an endoscope display unit that is connected to the proximal end of the endoscope and displays the captured image, and the probe-type observation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is insertable into the treatment instrument channel. And an endoscope apparatus in which the portable housing and the endoscope body are capable of wireless communication with each other.
[0014]
In the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, when observing with an observation optical system, a suspicious part such as a cancer cell is found, and a high-magnification observation of the subject is performed with a probe-type observation apparatus for detailed observation. Sometimes, the endoscope main body and the probe-type observation apparatus can communicate with each other wirelessly, so that the probe-type observation apparatus can be controlled from the endoscope main body and necessary information can be acquired from the probe-type observation apparatus. For example, the operation of the image recording unit is controlled from the endoscope body by wireless communication, or a high-magnification image captured by the magnification observation system is sent to the endoscope body by wireless communication, and the endoscope display unit together with the endoscope image Can be displayed. Therefore, the portable probe type observation apparatus can be used with simple and easy operation when necessary without using wiring or the like. Further, since no wiring or the like is used, the operability of doctors and the like is not affected.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a probe-type observation apparatus and an endoscope apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
An endoscope apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is an apparatus that images a subject X through an observation optical system 2 provided at a distal end portion as shown in FIG. An endoscope main body 6 having a mirror section 4, a monitor (endoscope display section) 5 that is connected to the proximal end of the endoscope section 4 and displays a captured image, and the treatment instrument channel 3 can be inserted. A probe type observation device 7.
[0016]
The endoscope section 4 includes a long insertion section 10 that can be bent flexibly and an operation section 11 provided at the rear end of the insertion section 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the insertion unit 10 has an observation imaging unit 15 for normal observation and an irradiation unit 16 that irradiates the subject X with illumination light supplied from the endoscope body 6 at the tip. is doing. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the treatment instrument channel 3 extends in the length direction in the insertion section 10 so as to penetrate from the treatment instrument insertion port 17 provided in the vicinity of the operation section 11 to the distal end of the insertion section 10. Are formed along.
[0017]
As shown in FIG. 2, the observation imaging means 15 is arranged at the imaging optical system 2 such as an objective lens arranged at the distal end of the insertion portion 10 and the imaging position of the observation optical system 2. An endoscope CCD 18 that is a solid-state imaging device is used. The cable 19 connected to the endoscope CCD 18 is pulled out to the rear end of the insertion portion 10 through the insertion portion 10 and connected to the endoscope body 6.
The irradiation unit 16 includes an illumination lens 20 disposed at the distal end of the insertion unit 10 and an LG fiber bundle 21 that is a bundle of optical fibers that guides the illumination light supplied from the endoscope body 6 to the illumination lens 20. Have.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 1, the operation unit 11 includes a plurality of switches 25 and an operation knob 26. The switch 25 is a programmable switch capable of setting a desired function. For example, one of the switches 25 is pressed when an endoscope image of the subject X imaged by the endoscope CCD 18 is recorded. Functions as a switch. A signal from the switch 25 is sent to the endoscope body 6 via the cable 27.
The operation knob 26 bends the insertion portion 10 in an arbitrary direction to control the direction of the observation imaging means 15 and the irradiation portion 16 disposed at the tip. Thereby, the subject X can be observed from an arbitrary angle.
[0019]
The endoscope main body 6 is connected to a light source device 30 that supplies illumination light to the irradiation unit 16 and a rear end of a cable 19 connected to the endoscope CCD 18, and captures an image signal captured by the endoscope CCD 18. A processor 31 for processing and a recording device 32 connected to the processor 31 for recording a video signal output from the processor 31 are provided. The monitor 5 is connected to the processor 31 and displays a video signal output from the processor 31. The processor 31 is connected to an input means 33 such as a keyboard, and adds various information such as the name, ID number, and diagnostic information of the subject to the image captured by the endoscope CCD 18. Is possible.
[0020]
The light source device 30 includes, for example, a lamp 35 that generates white light, and a rotary filter 36 to which red, green, and blue color transmission filters that convert the white light generated from the lamp 35 into frame sequential light are attached; A condensing lens 37 that condenses the surface sequential light and enters the LG fiber bundle 21 is provided. The operation of the lamp 35 is controlled by one of the switches 25 arranged in the operation unit 11.
[0021]
The processor 31 includes a CCD drive circuit 38 that drives the endoscope CCD 18 and a video processing circuit 39 that performs signal processing on an imaging signal output from the endoscope CCD 18 to generate a video signal. . The processor 31 is connected to the cable 27 via the cable 40, and the CCD drive signal from the CCD drive circuit 38 is sent to the endoscope CCD 18, and the image pickup signal from the endoscope CCD 18 is converted into an image. It is sent to the processing circuit 39. Further, the processor 31 outputs a video signal to the recording device 32 and the monitor 5 based on the signal of the switch 25 sent via both cables 27 and 40.
[0022]
The processor 31 is provided with an endoscope transmission / reception antenna 41 connected to a transmission / reception unit (not shown). Thereby, for example, by pressing a switch 25 provided in the operation unit 11, a switch 52 of the probe type observation device 7 described later can be controlled, that is, a remote signal for operating the memory 51 can be transmitted. It is possible. The remote signal is a weak radio wave with low output.
[0023]
The recording device 32 is, for example, a hard disk device, and records the video signal of the endoscope sent from the processor 31 with a file name as needed. The monitor 5 is a display device, for example, and displays an endoscope video signal sent from the processor 31.
[0024]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the probe type observation device 7 includes a probe insertion portion (probe main body) 45 that can be inserted into the treatment instrument channel 3 of the endoscope portion 4, and a tip of the probe insertion portion 45. A magnifying optical system 46 disposed at a higher magnification than the observation optical system 2 of the endoscope, a probe CCD (high magnification imaging means) 47 for imaging the subject X through the magnifying optical system 46, and a probe insertion unit A casing (portable casing) 48 that can be connected to the base end of 45 and can be carried with one hand is provided.
[0025]
The probe insertion part 45 is formed so as to be able to bend flexibly, and its tip part is provided so as to be able to protrude and retract from the tip surface 10 a of the insertion part 10. Further, the probe insertion portion 45 can be brought into close contact with the subject X when protruding from the distal end surface 10a.
The magnifying optical system 46 is, for example, an objective lens, and is built in the tip of the probe insertion portion 45. The probe CCD 47 is disposed at the image forming position of the magnifying optical system 46. Further, a cable 49 is connected to the probe CCD 47 and is connected to the casing 48 through the probe insertion portion 45.
[0026]
The casing 48 is formed in a small shape like a digital camera, for example, and is detachably connected to the probe insertion portion 45. The casing 48 includes a liquid crystal display (image display unit) 50 that displays a high-magnification captured image captured by the probe CCD 47, and a memory (image recording unit) 51 that records the high-magnification captured image displayed on the liquid crystal display 50. And a switch 52 for operating the memory 51. The liquid crystal display 50 is connected to the cable 49 and can display a high-magnification captured image. The memory 51 is, for example, a card type such as smart media (registered trademark), and can be taken out from the casing 48. The switch 52 is disposed, for example, on the upper portion of the casing 48. By pressing the switch 52, a high-magnification image captured by the probe CCD 47 can be recorded in the memory 51.
[0027]
The casing 48 and the endoscope body 6 can communicate with each other wirelessly. That is, the casing 48 is provided with a probe transmission / reception antenna 53 connected to a transmission / reception unit (not shown) so that wireless communication can be performed with the endoscope transmission antenna 41. In other words, the operation of the switch 52 is controlled by the switch 25 of the operation unit 11 by receiving the remote signal.
[0028]
A case where the subject X is observed with the endoscope apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described below.
In order to perform observation inside a body cavity using the endoscope apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, first, the light source device 30 is activated by pressing the desired switch 25 of the operation unit 11 and emitted from the light source device 30. Illumination light is emitted from the illumination lens 20 via the LG fiber bundle 21. Further, the processor 31 is operated to drive the endoscope CCD 18.
In this state, the insertion part 10 of the endoscope part 4 is inserted into the body cavity of the subject. At this time, by operating the operation knob 26 provided in the operation unit 11, the distal end of the insertion unit 10 is directed in a desired direction. By doing so, the insertion portion 10 can be smoothly inserted into the body cavity, and illumination light can be reliably irradiated to a desired position to be observed.
[0029]
In addition, an image signal picked up by the observation optical system 2 and the endoscope CCD 18 is sent to the processor 31 via the cables 27 and 40 and converted into a video signal by the video processing circuit 39. The converted video signal is recorded by the recording device 32 and sent to the monitor 5 to be displayed as an endoscopic image. At this time, by inputting predetermined information such as a subject name, a subject ID number, information on an observation site, etc. from the input means 33, it is possible to display on the monitor 5 together with the endoscopic image. is there.
Here, when the doctor looks at the endoscopic image displayed on the monitor 5 and finds a suspicious part (subject X) such as a cancer cell, for example, the subject X is observed in more detail. In order to perform this detailed observation, for example, in order to clarify the contrast of the subject X, a predetermined process such as pigment dispersion is performed on the subject X, and then the probe type observation device 7 is applied to the endoscope unit 4. Set. That is, the probe insertion portion 45 of the probe type observation device 7 is inserted into the treatment instrument channel 3 from the treatment instrument insertion port 17 of the endoscope section 4.
[0030]
Then, while looking at the endoscopic image of the monitor 5, the probe insertion portion 45 is protruded from the distal end surface 10 a of the insertion portion 10 and is brought into close contact with the subject X. By doing so, the subject X is magnified to a high magnification, for example, a cell level by the magnification observation system 46, and the magnified high magnification image is captured by the probe CCD 47 and displayed on the liquid crystal display 50 via the cable 49. Further, the doctor presses the switch 52 as necessary while looking at the liquid crystal display 50, and causes the memory 51 to store the high-magnification captured image displayed on the liquid crystal display 50. In this way, the doctor can observe the subject X in detail using the endoscopic image displayed on the monitor 5 and the high-magnification captured image displayed on the liquid crystal display 50.
[0031]
Further, when using the probe type observation device 7, the doctor can store the high-magnification captured image displayed on the liquid crystal display 50 in the memory 51 by pressing the switch 25 of the operation unit 11. . That is, when the switch 25 of the operation unit 11 is pressed, a remote signal is transmitted from the endoscope transmission / reception antenna 41. When the remote signal is transmitted, the probe transmission / reception antenna 53 receives the remote signal and stores the high-magnification captured image in the memory 51.
Thereby, since the doctor can also operate the probe type observation apparatus 7 only by operating the operation part 11, it can concentrate on operation, without releasing a hand. Further, since the operation can be performed intensively at one place on the operation unit 11, operability is improved.
[0032]
According to the probe type observation device 7 of the present embodiment described above, the casing 48 is small and can be carried with one hand, so that it can be used without requiring an installation space as in the prior art. Therefore, it can be easily carried and used only when necessary during endoscopy. Further, since no installation space is required, for example, an inspection room for performing inspection can be used effectively. Further, since the casing 48 has a small shape that can be carried with one hand, it can be fixed in the vicinity of the operation unit 11, for example. By doing so, the doctor can easily view the liquid crystal display 50 when operating the operation unit 11 and can concentrate on the operation.
[0033]
Furthermore, since the casing 48 and the probe insertion part 45 are detachable, either one can be easily replaced, and the casing 48 or the probe insertion part 45 having different performance and characteristics can be appropriately replaced depending on the situation. . Further, even when a problem occurs in the probe insertion portion 45 due to long-term use, only the probe insertion portion 45 can be removed and repaired. That is, since the replacement of each unit is possible, the time and cost for repair can be reduced.
[0034]
Further, according to the endoscope apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the casing 48 and the endoscope body 6 can communicate with each other wirelessly, and the operation of the memory 51 of the probe type observation apparatus 7 can be performed only by operating the operation unit 11. Yes. Therefore, it is possible to concentrate on the operation without releasing the hand. Moreover, since it is wireless communication, it does not require wiring or the like and does not affect the operability of doctors.
[0035]
In the above embodiment, the remote signal for operating the memory 51 from the endoscope body 6 toward the casing 48 is wirelessly communicated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various signals such as video signals may be wirelessly communicated with each other. Absent. For example, a high-magnification captured image displayed on the liquid crystal display 50 may be sent to the processor 31 by wireless communication and displayed on the monitor 5 simultaneously with the endoscopic image. Further, each information input by the input means 33 may be sent to the casing 48 by wireless communication, and various information together with the high-magnification captured image may be displayed on the liquid crystal display 50 and stored in the memory 51.
[0036]
Further, when the switch 52 of the casing 48 is pressed, the operation signal may be transmitted to the light source device 30 by wireless communication. In this case, it is possible to synchronize the switch 52 and the light amount increase by setting so that the light amount of the light source device 30 is increased when the operation signal is input. That is, when imaging the subject X at a high magnification, it is possible to irradiate stronger illumination light, so that a clearer image can be obtained. It is also possible to store a high-magnification image in the memory 51 as a moving image or a still image. Especially in the case of a still image, the switch 52 can be used like a shutter. In this case, since the amount of light increases when the switch 52 is pressed, a clearer image with less blur can be obtained by increasing the shutter speed.
[0037]
Furthermore, the switch 52 and the light source device 30 may be operated in association with each other using wireless communication. For example, the timing for capturing a high-magnification image may be synchronized when the subject X is irradiated with light of a desired color. That is, the rotary filter 36 rotates so as to sequentially generate red, green, and blue light every 1/60 seconds, for example. May be combined. In this way, imaging can be performed at the timing when light having a wavelength that is easily absorbed by the dye is irradiated according to the dye dispersed on the subject X. Therefore, a high-magnification image of the subject X with clearer contrast can be obtained.
[0038]
Next, a second embodiment of the probe type observation apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that, in the probe-type observation device 7 of the first embodiment, the probe CCD 47 is arranged at the tip of the probe insertion portion 45, whereas in the second embodiment, In the probe type observation device 60, the probe CCD 47 is arranged in a casing (portable housing) 61.
[0039]
That is, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the probe-type observation device 60 has an image guide fiber bundle (one end connected to the magnifying optical system 46 and inserted into the probe insertion portion (probe main body) 62. Optical fiber) 63 is provided. The probe CCD 47 is optically connected to the other end of the image guide fiber bundle 63. At this time, the casing 61 and the probe insertion portion 62 are
The connection means 64 is detachably connected.
[0040]
The casing 61 includes a liquid crystal display 50, a memory 51, and a switch 52 as in a digital camera, and also includes the probe CCD 47 so as to protrude from one end face of the casing 61, for example. For example, a mount (not shown) is formed around the probe CCD 47, and a male screw is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the mount.
The connecting means 64 is, for example, a coupling, and a female screw (not shown) that can be screwed into the male screw of the mount is formed on the inner peripheral surface on one end side. Thereby, the connection means 64 can be connected to the probe CCD 47. The connection means 64 has an optical system 64a such as an objective lens inside. Further, a female screw (not shown) is formed on the inner peripheral surface on the other end side of the connecting means 64.
[0041]
The probe insertion portion 62 is formed to be flexible and bendable, and can be inserted through the treatment instrument channel 3. Further, the magnifying optical system 46 is disposed at the tip of the probe insertion portion 62, and the image guide fiber bundle 63 is built in from the magnifying optical system 46 along the length direction of the probe insertion portion 62. A male screw (not shown) that can be screwed into a female screw formed on the inner peripheral surface on the other end side of the connecting means 64 is formed on the outer peripheral surface on the proximal end side of the probe insertion portion 62. Thereby, the probe insertion part 62 can be connected to the other end side of the connection means 64. Further, an optical system 62 a such as an objective lens connected to the image guide fiber bundle 63 is built in the proximal end of the probe insertion portion 62.
That is, the magnified image magnified by the magnification optical system 46 is led to the base end side by the image guide fiber bundle 63 as it is, and formed on the probe CCD 47 by the optical system 62a and the optical system 64a. It has become.
[0042]
According to the probe type observation device 60 configured as described above, since the probe CCD 47 is arranged in the casing 61, the probe insertion portion 62 can be easily configured only by the magnifying optical system 46 and the image guide fiber bundle 63. Parts cost can be reduced. Further, since the number of parts can be reduced, the diameter can be reduced. Furthermore, even if some trouble occurs in the probe insertion portion 62 due to long-term use, only the probe insertion portion 62 can be repaired or replaced, and appropriate measures can be taken. That is, since the expensive probe CCD 47 is arranged in the casing 61, only the low-cost probe insertion portion 62 can be repaired or replaced by a single item. Therefore, the running cost can be reduced during long-term use.
[0043]
Next, a third embodiment of the probe type observation apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
The difference between the third embodiment and the first embodiment is that the probe-type observation device 7 of the first embodiment uses the illumination light supplied from the light source device 30 of the endoscope body 6 to produce a high-magnification image. In contrast to the imaging, the probe type observation device 70 of the third embodiment
The point is that white illumination light is emitted from an LED (illumination means) 71 arranged at the tip.
[0044]
That is, the probe type observation device 70 of the present embodiment includes the four LEDs 71 arranged at equal intervals around the enlarged observation system 46 at the tip of the probe insertion portion 72 as shown in FIGS. Yes. The LED 71 emits light in synchronization with the operation of the switch 52 of the casing 48.
According to this probe-type observation apparatus 70, when imaging the subject X at a high magnification, in addition to the illumination light of the irradiation unit 16 disposed at the distal end of the insertion unit 10, stronger illumination from the vicinity of the magnification observation system 46 Since light irradiation can be performed, a clearer image can be obtained. Further, since the LED 71 emits light only when it is necessary to press the switch 52, the light can be efficiently emitted. Particularly in the case of still images, the switch 52 can be used like a shutter, and when the switch 52 is pressed, the amount of light increases, so that the shutter speed can be increased to obtain a clearer image with less blur. it can.
[0045]
The LED 71 is not limited to white, and any color may be adopted. In particular, the color of the light may be changed according to the pigment dispersed on the subject X. For example, when methylene blue pigment is sprayed, a red LED, which is light having a wavelength that is easily inhaled by methylene blue, may be employed. In this case, when there are malignant cells such as cancer cells that absorb a large amount of pigment and benign cells that do not absorb the pigment very much, irradiation with red light gives a clear and clear contrast. A magnification image can be obtained.
[0046]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the probe type observation apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the fourth embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
The difference between the fourth embodiment and the first embodiment is that in the probe type observation device 7 of the first embodiment, the memory 51 is operated by pressing the switch 52 or sending a remote signal from the endoscope body 6. On the other hand, in the probe type observation device 80 of the fourth embodiment, the memory 51 can be operated even from a foot switch (remote controller) 81.
[0047]
That is, the probe type observation apparatus 80 of the present embodiment includes the foot switch 81 that wirelessly transmits a control signal for operating the memory 51, as shown in FIG. The foot switch 81 has a transmission antenna 81a connected to a transmission unit (not shown), and sends the control signal from the transmission antenna 81a when the switch is pressed. The control signal is a weak radio wave with low output. The casing 48 is provided with a receiving antenna (receiving means) 82 connected to a receiving unit (not shown) that receives a control signal transmitted from the transmitting antenna 81a of the foot switch 81. The receiving antenna 82 may have a function of simultaneously receiving a remote signal transmitted from the transmitting antenna 41 of the endoscope body 6.
[0048]
According to the probe type observation device 80, when a doctor observes the subject X, a high-magnification image can be recorded without releasing the hand from the operation unit 11, so that the operability can be improved. it can. In addition, since it is wireless communication, wiring and the like are unnecessary and operability is not affected. Further, the carrying of the probe type observation device 80 is not affected.
In this embodiment, the foot switch 81 is used as a remote controller. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a handy-type remote controller operated by hand may be used. In this case, recording in the memory 51 is possible by the operation of a third party in accordance with a doctor's instruction.
[0049]
The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
For example, you may make it the structure which combined the structure of the probe type observation apparatus of each said embodiment timely. For example, the probe CCD disposed at the tip of the probe insertion portion of the first embodiment may be disposed in the casing, an LED may be provided at the tip of the probe insertion portion, or a foot switch may be used simultaneously.
In particular, in the probe type observation apparatus of the second embodiment, a digital camera may be used instead of a casing having an optical system such as a liquid crystal display, a memory, a switch for operating the memory, and a CCD. In this case, the probe insertion part may be attached to the optical system via connection means such as an adapter.
[0050]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the probe-type observation apparatus according to the present invention, observation can be performed while holding a portable housing, installation space is not required, and it can be easily carried and used when necessary. .
Further, according to the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, the endoscope main body and the probe-type observation apparatus can communicate with each other wirelessly, so that the portable probe-type observation apparatus is necessary without using wiring or the like. Sometimes it can be used reliably with a simple and easy operation. In particular, since no wiring or the like is used, the operability of a doctor or the like is not affected.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of an endoscope apparatus and a probe type observation apparatus according to the present invention.
2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a distal end of an insertion portion of the endoscope apparatus and the probe type observation apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the probe type observation apparatus according to the present invention.
4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a distal end of an insertion portion of the probe type observation apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of the probe type observation apparatus according to the present invention.
6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a distal end of an insertion portion of the probe type observation apparatus shown in FIG.
7 is a front end view of an insertion portion of the probe type observation apparatus shown in FIG. 5. FIG.
FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the probe-type observation apparatus according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
X subject
1 Endoscopic device
2 Observation optical system
3 treatment instrument channel
4 Endoscope part
5 Monitor (Endoscope display part)
6 Endoscope body
7, 60, 70, 80 Probe type observation device
45, 62, 72 Probe insertion part (probe body)
46 Magnifying optical system
47 Probe CCD (High magnification imaging means)
48, 61 Casing (portable housing)
50 Liquid crystal display (image display)
51 Memory (image recording unit)
52 switch
63 Image guide fiber bundle (optical fiber)
71 LED (lighting means)
81 Foot switch (remote controller)
82 Receiving antenna (receiving means)

Claims (6)

A probe main body that can be inserted into a treatment instrument channel of an endoscope for observing a subject, a magnifying optical system that is disposed at the tip of the probe main body and has a higher magnification than the observation optical system of the endoscope, and the magnifying optical system A high-magnification imaging unit that images a subject via the image display unit, an image display unit that displays a captured image captured by the high-magnification imaging unit, and an image recording unit that records the captured image displayed on the image display unit Prepared,
The probe-type observation apparatus, wherein the image display unit and the image recording unit are provided in a portable casing that can be connected to a proximal end of the probe main body and can be carried. In the probe type observation device according to claim 1,
A probe-type observation apparatus, wherein the portable housing is detachable from the probe body. In the probe type observation device according to claim 1 or 2,
An optical fiber having one end connected to the magnifying optical system and inserted into the probe body;
The probe-type observation apparatus, wherein the high-magnification imaging means is provided in the portable housing and can be connected to the other end of the optical fiber. In the probe type observation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A switch disposed in the portable housing and operating the image recording unit; and an illumination unit disposed at the tip of the probe body and irradiating the subject with light.
The probe-type observation apparatus, wherein the illumination unit irradiates light in synchronization with the operation of the switch. In the probe type observation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A remote controller that wirelessly transmits a control signal for operating the image recording unit;
A probe-type observation apparatus, wherein the portable casing is provided with receiving means for receiving the control signal. An endoscope apparatus that images a subject via an observation optical system provided at a distal end part,
An endoscope body having a treatment instrument channel, an endoscope main body having an endoscope display section connected to a proximal end of the endoscope section and displaying the captured image, and the treatment instrument channel can be inserted. A probe type observation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
An endoscope apparatus, wherein the portable housing and the endoscope body are capable of wireless communication with each other.

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