JP2006034985A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope which can store information on each user even when a plurality of users use an identical endoscope. <P>SOLUTION: An endoscope 2 to pick up the image of the inside of a celom is connected to an image processor 3 to signal-process the image signals from the endoscope 2. The image processor 3 has a keyboard 32 to input information on users using the endoscope 2. A non-volatile memory 12 to store the information inputted by the keyboard 32 is set in the endoscope 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus that is inserted into a subject and performs imaging or the like.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an endoscope apparatus has been proposed that has means for storing setting information for properly displaying an imaging signal from an endoscope on the endoscope side.
For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-113820, a memory for storing unique data relating to the display color of an image to be observed is provided on the electronic endoscope side, and the unique data adjusted on the control unit side is stored on the electronic endoscope side. Store in the memory at
In Japanese Patent Publication No. 8-22272, the endoscope main body is provided with a rewritable storage unit for storing various information necessary as a setting condition at the time of imaging and displaying, and the storage unit control on the video process side is provided. The various information is read and written by means.
In addition, an endoscope apparatus that stores setting information for appropriately displaying an imaging signal from an endoscope on the signal processing apparatus side has also been proposed.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-11820 Japanese Patent Publication No. 8-22272

However, in hospital facilities with a plurality of users, a plurality of users often use the same scope.
However, when a plurality of users store setting information for appropriately displaying an imaging signal from the endoscope on the endoscope side, the following means cannot be performed in the above-described conventional example.
a. Storing the setting information for each of a plurality of users in the same endoscope;
b. Reading the setting information for each user from the endoscope.
Therefore, even if one user stores the setting information in one endoscope, when another user uses the same scope, the setting information is overwritten and new setting information is stored. The user cannot read out the setting information stored by himself / herself, which is a problem.

(Object of invention)
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide an endoscope apparatus capable of storing information for each user even when a plurality of users use the same endoscope. And

The present invention includes an endoscope that images the inside of a body cavity, and a signal processing device that performs signal processing on imaging signal data from the endoscope, and the endoscope and the signal processing device are detachable. In the device
Input means for inputting information of a user who uses the endoscope;
A storage unit that is provided in the endoscope and stores the information of the user input by the input unit;
It is characterized by providing.

  According to the present invention, even when a plurality of users use the same endoscope, information for each user can be stored.

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

  1 to 8 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an endoscope system including the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an endoscope including an image processing apparatus having a communication function in FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of start-up after turning on the power supply in the endoscope, and FIG. 4 is a processing operation of data received from the image processing apparatus or the cleaning apparatus having a communication function through a serial interface. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an operation for accumulating the number of times the endoscope is energized. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of processing received data transmitted from the endoscope through a serial interface and received by an image processing apparatus having a communication function. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a processing operation that is transmitted from an image processing apparatus having a communication function through a serial interface, and FIG. 8 is a processing operation for determining the number of energizations. Shows the low chart.

An endoscope system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an endoscope 2, an image processing device 3A having a function of communicating with the endoscope 2, for example, as peripheral devices (peripheral devices) connectable to the endoscope 2, and Endoscopy is made up of an image processing device 3B having no communication function, a cleaning device 3C having a function of communicating with the endoscope 2, and a monitor 4 connected to the image processing device 3A or the image processing device 3B. Alternatively, when performing an endoscopic diagnosis, an image processing apparatus 3A is connected to the endoscope 2, and an image processing apparatus is configured as an endoscope apparatus having a configuration in which a monitor 4 is further connected to the image processing apparatus 3A. This is performed as an endoscope apparatus having a configuration in which the apparatus 3B is connected and the monitor 4 is further connected to the image processing apparatus 3B.
In addition, after performing an endoscopic examination or diagnosis, the endoscope 2 is cleaned by connecting a cleaning device 3C to the endoscope 2.

  The endoscope 2 has a communication function 2a, which is used for endoscopy or medical examination by the device discrimination function 2b from the device discrimination data sent from the connected peripheral device. Whether it is a peripheral device or not, and if it is determined that it is a peripheral device used at the time of endoscopy or medical examination, the storage unit 2c accumulates the number of times of use by 1, and other than at the time of endoscopic examination or medical examination If it is determined that the peripheral device is used in the above, the number of uses is not changed.

  Specifically, since the two image processing apparatuses 3A and 3B are used at the time of endoscopy or diagnosis, the energization is performed even when the endoscope 2 is connected to either of the two image processing apparatuses 3A or 3B. The number of times used is accumulated as the number of uses.

On the other hand, peripheral devices other than the image processing device 3A having a communication function such as the cleaning device 3C receive data such as the number of energizations from the endoscope 2, but are used for purposes other than endoscopy or diagnosis. The energization count is not accumulated as the usage count.
FIG. 2 shows a specific configuration of an endoscope apparatus 5 including the endoscope 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and an image processing apparatus 3A and a monitor 4 connected to the endoscope 2 for example. .

  The endoscope 2 includes an objective lens 7 disposed at the distal end of the insertion portion 6, a CCD 8 as a solid-state imaging device, and a CCD driving power source 9 in the image processing apparatus 3A for imaging a subject and converting it into an electrical signal. A regulator 11 that converts the supplied CCD drive voltage into a desired voltage, an EEPROM that stores and holds a plurality of data related to the endoscope 2, such as the type of the endoscope 2, the type of the CCD 8, and the cumulative number of energizations A rewritable nonvolatile memory 12 such as a flash ROM, a process for accumulating the number of energizations, a communication process for transmitting / receiving the plurality of data to / from the image processing apparatus 3A via a serial interface, and writing the plurality of data to the nonvolatile memory 12 Or, it performs multiple operations such as reading, ROM, RAM, watchdog timer (WDT), serial communication CPU 13 which is a one-chip microcomputer incorporating a controller (SIO), a parallel communication controller (PIO), a counter (CTC), etc., and is controlled by the CPU 13 to transmit and receive the plurality of data through a single signal line. In order to prevent malfunction of the selector 15, the CPU 13 and the non-volatile memory 12 for switching between the receiving side and the receiving side, a power supply voltage detector 16 for detecting a fluctuation or a drop in the power supply voltage and outputting a reset signal, and a detachable connection For example, the connector 17 includes a light guide (not shown) that transmits illumination light and emits the light from the distal end surface.

  The image processing apparatus 3A includes a CCD driving power source 9 for supplying power to the CCD 8 in the endoscope 2, a video signal processing circuit 18 for performing image processing of a video signal photoelectrically converted by the CCD 8, and a plurality of operations. A CPU 21 that performs processing, a program that operates the CPU 21, and a rewritable ROM 22 that stores and holds a plurality of data transmitted from the endoscope 2 through a serial interface, a calculation memory RAM 23, and a plurality of data serially stored in the endoscope 2 In order to communicate through the interface, a serial communication controller (SIO) 24, a parallel communication controller (PIO) 25 that serially converts the plurality of data and transmits / receives them, and a watchdog timer (WDT) 26 for preventing the CPU 21 from running away. Counter timer (CTC) 27, video signal processing circuit 8, a display controller 28 for controlling the display of the endoscope image and patient data, date / time, comments, etc. processed by the image 8, a display memory 29 as a display controller memory, an endoscope image from the video signal processing circuit 18, and A video signal switching circuit 30 for switching display data of patient data, date / time, and comments output from the display controller 28, a control signal generation circuit 31 for performing switching control of the video signal switching circuit 30, and a keyboard 32 for inputting patient data, comments, and the like. The operation panel 33 for operating the image processing apparatus 3A, an LED 34, a buzzer 35, a connector 36, a light control unit and a light source unit (not shown), and the like.

The output from the video signal switching circuit 30 is displayed on the monitor 4, and the endoscope 2 and the image processing device 3 </ b> A are connected by a cable 37.
The configuration in the image processing apparatus 3B in FIG. 1 is, for example, the configuration in the image processing apparatus 3A except for the part that communicates with the endoscope 2 through a serial interface. The configuration in 3C is, for example, the configuration in the image processing apparatus 3A excluding video-related parts such as the video processing circuit 18, but both have a CCD drive power source 9 and are included in the endoscope 2. Supply power.

Next, operations of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to flowcharts of operations in the endoscope 2 in FIGS. 3 to 5 and operations in the image processing apparatus 3A in FIGS.
First, when the power is turned on after the endoscope 2 is connected to the image processing apparatus 3A, or when the endoscope 2 is connected to the image processing apparatus 3A that is turned on, the inside of the image processing apparatus 3A shown in FIG. A voltage is supplied from the CCD drive power supply 9 to the endoscope 2 via the connectors 17 and 36 and the cable 37, and imaging of the subject is started by the CCD 8, and the voltage converted into a desired voltage by the regulator 11 is supplied. The CPU 13 is activated by a program supplied to the CPU 13, the nonvolatile memory 12, the power supply voltage detector 16, and the selector 15 and stored in the ROM inside the CPU 13.

  The CPU 13 performs initialization such as initialization of the SIO, PIO, WDT, and CTC in the CPU 13 and the CPU 13 by the program (see step S1 in FIG. 3), and then determines the device connected to the endoscope 2 In order to do this, a determination data request command of the apparatus is transmitted from the SIO in the CPU 13 to the image processing apparatus 3A via the selector 15 (step S2 in FIG. 3) and waits for a certain time (step S3 in FIG. 3).

  The image processing apparatus 3A has an endoscope image display process, an image quality adjustment process, patient data (ID.No., patient name, sex, date of birth, age, etc.) and comment data management (registration / registration) by the configuration of FIG. Read), control of the keyboard 32, the operation panel 33, the LED 34, and the buzzer 35 is performed. When the determination data request command transmitted from the endoscope 2 is received, as shown in step S19 of FIG. If it is determined whether it is a discrimination data request command, and it is recognized that it is a discrimination data request command, discrimination data indicating that the connected apparatus is the image processing apparatus 3A is transmitted (step S20 in FIG. 6). .

  The endoscope 2 determines whether or not the determination data transmitted from the image processing device 3A has been received within the predetermined time (step S4 in FIG. 3). When the determination data is received within the predetermined time, the endoscope 2 The data is stored in ROM, RAM, or nonvolatile memory 12.

  Next, an endoscope information request command is transmitted from the image processing apparatus 3A to the endoscope 2 as shown in FIG. 7 (step S24), and an energization count request command is transmitted to the endoscope 2 (step S24). Step S25).

  The endoscope 2 that has received the command (endoscope information & energization count request command) determines that this command is shown in FIG. 4 (step S9), and further (by step S4 in FIG. 3). From the received discrimination data, it is recognized that the connecting device is the image processing device 3A (step S10), and endoscope information (endoscope type, CCD information, serial No. of the endoscope 2, etc.) and accumulated. After the energization frequency data is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 3A (step S12), the energization frequency is incremented by 1 (step S13), and the data reception process is terminated.

  The operation of accumulating the energization frequency (step S13) may be performed before the process of transmitting the endoscope information & energization frequency data (that is, step S12), and the discrimination data is received in FIG. After S4), it may be recognized from the discrimination data that the image processing apparatus 3A is used, and an operation of accumulating the number of energizations may be performed.

  In order to accumulate the number of energizations, as shown in FIG. 5, first, the number of energizations accumulated until the previous time is read from the nonvolatile memory 12 (step S15), and the CPU 13 accumulates the number of energizations by +1 (step S15). S16) A process of writing the energization count accumulated in the nonvolatile memory 12 is performed (step S17).

  The image processing apparatus 3A that has received the endoscope information and the energization count data sent from the endoscope 2 determines whether the received data is the endoscope information & energization count data as shown in step S21 of FIG. If it is determined that it is endoscope information & energization count data, energization count data is determined from the received data (step S22).

  In this energization frequency data determination process, as shown in FIG. 8, a determination value is determined from the received endoscope information, and the received energization frequency is compared with the determination value (step S27). Is equal to or greater than the determination value, the CPU 21, the display controller 28, the display memory 29, the control signal generation circuit 31, and the video signal switching circuit 30 in the image processing apparatus 3A in FIG. 4 (step S28), the buzzer 35 is sounded (step S29), and the LED 34 is turned on or blinked (step S30).

  Thus, the user can know the inspection time of the endoscope 2. Note that only one or two of the plurality of means may be performed as means for notifying the inspection time. The energization count data received from the endoscope 2 controls the CPU 21, the display controller 28, the display memory 29, the control signal generation circuit 31, and the video signal switching circuit 30 according to instructions from the keyboard 32 or the operation panel 33. Thus, the energization frequency data may be displayed on the monitor 4.

  On the other hand, when the endoscope 2 is connected to the cleaning device 3C, the connecting device of the cleaning device 3C is the cleaning device 3C in the same manner as when the cleaning device 3C is connected to the image processing device 3A after the power of the cleaning device 3C is turned on. The discrimination data indicating is transmitted. Thereafter, the endoscope 2 determines that it is a device other than the image processing device in step S10 in FIG. 4, and transmits the endoscope information and the energization count data to the device 36 (step S11). Terminates the data reception process without accumulating the number of energizations.

  In FIG. 4, the operation of determining that the apparatus is other than the image processing apparatus 3A (step S10) may be performed after receiving the determination data (after step S4) in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the endoscope 2 is connected to an image processing apparatus 3B that does not have a communication function, the endoscope 2 transmits a determination data request command (step S2), but the image processing apparatus 3B transmits a determination data. Therefore, the endoscope 2 does not receive the discrimination data.

  The endoscope 2 waits for a predetermined time in step S3 of FIG. 2 and, when no discrimination data is received (step S4), counts down the number of repetitions n (step S6), and then sends a discrimination data request command again. (Step S2) When the command transmission is performed n times and n becomes 0 (Step S5), it is considered that the image processing apparatus 3B is connected, and the number of communication is accumulated (Step S7).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the number of energizations is to be accumulated by determining peripheral devices connected to the endoscope 2 with a relatively simple configuration. The desired number of times of use that must be accumulated (accumulated) as the number of times of use as when the mirror 2 is used for endoscopic examination (endoscopy) can be accurately obtained.

  When connected to the image processing apparatus 3A having the communication function, the image processing apparatus 3A determines the inspection time from the accumulated number of energizations, displays the inspection time on the monitor 4, and turns on the buzzer 35, the LED 34 or the lamp. By notifying by flashing, etc., the user can know the inspection time.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. 9 to 13 are flowcharts showing the operation of the second embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 9, 10, and 13 show the operation in the endoscope 2, and FIG. 9 shows the power ON in the endoscope 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing operations for a plurality of data request commands received via the serial interface from the image processing apparatus 3A or 3C. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for determining the number of energizations and determining the determination result. It is a flowchart which shows a processing operation.

  11 and 12 show the operation in the image processing apparatus 3A, and FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the plurality of data when the plurality of data transmitted from the endoscope 2 is received by the serial interface. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing operation when transmitting from the image processing apparatus 3A to the endoscope 2 through a serial interface.

  First, when the endoscope 2 is connected to the image processing apparatus 3A, as in the first embodiment, the endoscope 2 to which power is supplied from the CCD drive power supply 9 in the image processing apparatus 3A is shown in FIG. After the initial setting (step S31), the system waits for a predetermined time (step S32).

  After detecting that the endoscope 2 is connected to the image processing apparatus side by a plurality of scope detection pins (not shown) on the connector 17 of the endoscope 2, the image processing apparatus 3 </ b> A makes a count request within the predetermined time. Command data such as a command, an endoscope information request command, an energization count request command, and a data determination result request command are transmitted (step S53).

  The means for detecting that the apparatus side is connected to the endoscope 2 may be based on mechanical contact between the detection pin on the connector 17 and the cable 37 and the connector 36. Detection may be performed based on the voltage level supplied to 36.

  The endoscope 2 that has received the command data determines that the connected device is a device (3A or 3C) having a communication function. If the received command data is a count request command (step S37), it is determined that the command data is connected to the image processing apparatus 3A, and the number of energizations is accumulated (step S38).

  When the received command data is endoscope information or energization count request command (step S39), endoscope information or energization count data is transmitted (step S40). In step S41), after the energization count determination process (step S42), determination result data is transmitted (step S43). The method of accumulating the number of energizations is the same as the flowchart of FIG.

The operation of determining the number of energizations in step S42 is shown in FIG. 13. The number of energizations is read from the non-volatile memory 12 (step S57), and the number of energizations is determined by the endoscope type, CCD type, and scope characteristics. For example, if the number of energizations is equal to or greater than the determination value, the determination result is set to 1 (step S60), indicating that it is the inspection time.
On the other hand, for example, when it is less than the determination value, the determination result is set to 0 (step S59), indicating that it is not the inspection time.

  The endoscope information, the energization count data, and the determination result transmitted from the endoscope 2 are received by the image processing apparatus 3A, and it is determined whether it is endoscopic information or energization count data as shown in FIG. After step S45), if this is the case, it is stored in a memory such as ROM 22 or RAM 23 (step S46).

  In addition, if the determination result data is determined (step S47), the determination result data is determined to be 1 (step S48). If the determination result is 1, the first embodiment is performed. In the same manner as described above, it is displayed on the monitor that the inspection time is reached (step S49), the buzzer 35 is sounded (step S50), and the LED 34 is turned on or blinked (step S51).

  Thus, the user can know the inspection time of the endoscope 2. Note that only one or two of the plurality of means may be performed as means for notifying the inspection time.

  In addition to the method of transmitting determination result data from the endoscope 2, the energization frequency data determination process is performed by using the energization frequency data received from the endoscope 2 as shown in FIG. 8 of the first embodiment. A method of performing all the determination processes on the processing device 3A side may be used.

  Further, only one of the count request command, the endoscope information, the energization count request command, and the determination result request command data transmitted from the image processing apparatus 3A may be transmitted. On the other hand, when the endoscope 2 is connected to the cleaning device 3C, the cleaning device 3C is the connecting device and the cleaning device 3C is the endoscope information request command, the energization count request command, the data, as in the case where the endoscope 2 is connected to the image processing device 3A. Command data such as a determination result request command is transmitted, but a count request command is not transmitted.

  The endoscope 2 that has received the command data determines that the connected device is a device having a communication function, and has not received a count request command (step S37), and therefore connected to the cleaning device 3C. The number of energizations is not accumulated. Processing for other command data is executed (steps S39 to S43).

  On the other hand, when the endoscope 2 is connected to the image processing apparatus 3B having no communication function, the endoscope 2 waits for a certain period of time after the power is turned on (step S32 in FIG. 9), but the image processing apparatus 3B stores the data Since the endoscope 2 does not have a transmission function, the endoscope 2 does not receive data at the time of determination of data reception after waiting for a certain time (step S33), the connection device regards it as the image processing device 3B, and a certain time has elapsed. After (step S34), the number of energizations is accumulated (step S35).

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, by determining the peripheral device connected to the endoscope 2, it is determined whether or not the number of energizations is to be accumulated. From this, the desired number of uses of the endoscope 2 is determined. Can know.

  Further, when the number of energizations is accumulated after a predetermined time has elapsed, for example, when the peripheral device connected to the endoscope 2 is checked for operation, the peripheral device is turned off immediately after the power is turned on. Since the power is turned off within the predetermined time, the number of energizations is not accumulated.

  When connected to the image processing apparatus 3A having a communication function, the endoscope 2 determines the inspection time from the accumulated number of energizations and transmits the determination result to the image processing apparatus 3A. In the image processing apparatus 3A, The user can know the inspection time by displaying the inspection time on the monitor 4 and notifying the buzzer 35, the LED 34 or the lamp by lighting or blinking from the determination result. In the first and second embodiments, when the endoscope 2 and the image processing device 3A transmit and receive the plurality of data and commands, the data and the A response command may be sent back to the transmission side in order to indicate whether the command reception side has been transmitted normally.

  In addition to the method in which the connection device transmits the data to the endoscope 2, the means for determining the connection device may determine the connection device according to the shape of the connector on the connection device side. You may use a method together.

The power supply for supplying voltage to the CPU 13, regulator 11, power supply voltage detector 16, nonvolatile memory 12, and selector 15 in the endoscope 2 is connected to the endoscope 2 in addition to the CCD drive power supply 9. A unique power source may be provided in a plurality of devices.
In addition to the electronic endoscope, the endoscope 2 may be an optical endoscope (fiber scope) using an image guide.

  As described above, according to the first and second embodiments, the energization count is accumulated only when the specific peripheral device is determined by the means for determining the peripheral device connected to the endoscope 2, and the endoscope It memorize | stores in the non-volatile memory 12 provided in 2 side.

  On the other hand, the inspection time is determined from the information regarding the inspection time of the endoscope 2 and the number of energizations stored in the nonvolatile memory 12 on the endoscope 2 side, and the determination result is displayed, alarmed, lit or flashed. Inform the inspection time.

  Thus, the configuration is easy, and the number of times of use can be accumulated only when the endoscope 2 is used at the time of diagnosis, for example, so that the number of times of use in the desired state can be obtained accurately. The desired inspection time can be accurately known.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the endoscope 2 and the image processing apparatus 3 in the endoscope apparatus 5 ′ including the third embodiment of the present invention.
The endoscope 2 has an objective lens 7 disposed at the distal end of the insertion portion 6 in order to image a subject and convert it into an electrical signal, and an electronic device having, for example, a CCD 8 as a solid-state imaging device disposed at the imaging position thereof. The endoscope 2 further includes a regulator 11 that converts a CCD drive voltage supplied from a CCD drive power supply 9 in the image processing apparatus 3 into a desired voltage, an EEPROM that stores and holds a plurality of data, or A plurality of rewritable nonvolatile memories 12 such as a flash ROM, a communication process for transmitting / receiving the plurality of data to / from the image processing apparatus 3 via a serial interface, and a process for rewriting or reading the plurality of data to / from the nonvolatile memory 12 The ROM, RAM, watchdog timer (WDT), serial communication controller (SIO), CPU 13 which is a one-chip microcomputer incorporating a Larel communication controller (PIO), a counter (CTC), and the like, controlled by the CPU 13 to transmit / receive the plurality of data through one signal line 14, and is either a transmission side or a reception side In order to prevent malfunction of the selector 15, the CPU 13 and the non-volatile memory 12 for switching between them, a power supply voltage detector 16 that detects a fluctuation or a drop in the power supply voltage and outputs a reset signal, a connector 17, a light guide (not shown), etc. It is composed of

The image processing apparatus 3 includes a CCD driving power source 9 for supplying a voltage to the CCD 8 in the endoscope 2, a video signal processing circuit 18 for performing image processing of a video signal photoelectrically converted by the CCD 8, and a plurality of operations. A CPU 21 that performs processing, a program that operates the CPU 21, and a rewritable ROM 22 that stores and holds a plurality of data transmitted from the endoscope 2 through a serial interface, a calculation memory RAM 23, and a plurality of data serially stored in the endoscope 2 In order to communicate through the interface, a serial communication controller (SIO) 24, a parallel communication controller (PIO) 25 that serially converts and transmits the plurality of data, and a watch dog timer (WDT) 26 for preventing the CPU 21 from running away. , Counter timer (CTC) 27, video signal processing circuit 1 The display controller 28 for controlling the display of the endoscope image and the user name / patient data / date / time / comment, the display memory 29 as a display controller memory, and the endoscope image from the video signal processing circuit 18 And a video signal switching circuit 30 for switching display data of user name / patient data / date / time / comment output from the display controller 28, a control signal generation circuit 31 for performing switching control of the video signal switching circuit 30, and user name / patient data A keyboard 32 for inputting a comment, a user name display switch, a display setting parameter storage switch, a display setting parameter read switch, a display setting selection switch, and other switches for operating the image processing apparatus 3, and R and B of the image Gain adjustment switch, image magnification ratio switch, image enhancement Operation panel 33, LED 34, buzzer 35, connector 36 and dimming control (not shown) having switches for setting display setting parameters necessary for appropriately displaying video signals such as a bell changeover switch and a sub screen display switch. Part and a light source part.
A signal from the video signal switching circuit 30 is output to the monitor 4, and the endoscope 2 and the image processing device 3 are connected by a cable 37.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing details of the video processing circuit 18 in the present embodiment. The video signal transmitted from the endoscope 2 is A / D converted by the A / D converter 40, and then the endoscope image is enlarged by the enlarger 41, and the image processor 42, for example, Color tone adjustment and enhancement processing such as R and B gain adjustment of the video signal or edge enhancement is performed.

  Thereafter, a small screen of the endoscopic image is created and synthesized by the small screen synthesis unit 43, and D / A conversion is performed by the D / A conversion unit 44. Each image processing means (that is, the enlargement unit 41, the image processing unit 42, and the sub-screen composition unit 43) in the video processing circuit 18 is controlled by a control signal from the CPU 21 and is stored in the RAM 23. The display screen is set based on each display setting parameter such as B gain, image enhancement, and sub-screen display ON / OFF.

  FIG. 16 shows an example of a switch for adjusting the gain of the R and B signals of the video signal among the plurality of display setting parameters on the operation panel 33. 45 and 46 are switches for increasing and decreasing the gain of R (red color signal), 47 and 48 are switches for increasing and decreasing the gain of B (blue color signal), 49 and 50 Are LEDs for displaying the increase and decrease of R and B, respectively.

  When the switches 45 to 48 are pressed once, they are inputted to the CPU 21 via the PIO 25, and the CPU 21 changes the gain parameter of R or B stored in the RAM 23 by 1 and stores it again in the RAM 23. Then, the video signal processing circuit 18 is controlled to adjust the R or B gain by one parameter.

  Further, the display of the LED 49 or 50 on the operation panel 33 is changed by 1 through the PIO 25. In addition to the R and B gain adjustment switches, switches for setting other video signal display setting parameters, such as an image enlargement ratio switching switch, an image enhancement level switching switch, and a sub-screen display switch, Similar to the B gain adjustment switch, it is input to the CPU 21 via the PIO 25.

  Then, the CPU 21 changes the parameters in the RAM 23 and adjusts the video signal processing circuit 18 to perform display settings for the screen displayed on the monitor 4.

  Subsequently, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. 17 to 19 show display screens of the monitor 4. 17 and 18 show the user name display screen 4a, which shows before and after input of the user name, respectively. FIG. 19 shows a display screen 4 b of an endoscopic image captured by the endoscope 2.

  20 to 25 show a flowchart showing the operation of the present embodiment and a memory map of the nonvolatile memory 12 in the endoscope 2. More specifically, FIGS. 20 and 21 are flowcharts showing storage processing of the display setting parameters in the image processing apparatus 3 and the endoscope 2, and FIG. 22 is the non-volatile memory 12 during the storage processing of the display setting parameters. The memory map of is shown. 23 and 24 are flowcharts showing a display setting parameter reading process in the image processing apparatus 3 and the endoscope 2, and FIG. 25 is a memory map of the nonvolatile memory 12 during the display setting parameter reading process. .

First, storage processing of each display setting parameter will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, after connecting the endoscope 2 to the image processing device 3, a user name display switch (not shown) on the operation panel 33 is turned on (step S61 in FIG. 20). This ON signal is input to the CPU 21 via the PIO 25. The CPU 21 displays the user name display screen 4a (FIG. 17) on the monitor 4 by controlling the display controller 28 and the video signal switching circuit 30 with the ON signal.

  After the display, a user name character is input by the keyboard 32 (step S62). The input character signal is input to the CPU 21 via the SIO 24. The CPU 21 controls the display controller 28 to display characters on the monitor 4 (FIG. 18), and when a user input character is determined (for example, when a RETURN key is input from the keyboard 32), the CPU 23 stores the character in the RAM 23. Stores user input characters.

  Then, after the user name display switch is turned off (step S63), the OFF signal is input to the CPU 21 via the PIO 25, and the CPU 21 controls the video signal switching circuit 30 so that the monitor 4 has an endoscope. The image display screen 4b (FIG. 19) is displayed.

  After the display, by pressing each display setting parameter switch on the operation panel 33 while checking the screen of the monitor 4, it is input to the CPU 21 via the PIO 25, and the CPU 21 sets each display setting set by the switch. The display screen is set by storing the parameters in the RAM 23 and controlling the video signal processing circuit 18 (step S64).

  After setting the display setting parameter, a memory switch (not shown) on the operation panel 33 is turned on (step S65). The ON signal is input to the CPU 21 via the PIO 25.

  The CPU 21 first reads out the user name stored in the RAM 23 and transmits it to the endoscope 2 via the SIO 24 together with the user name storage command (step S66). On the endoscope 2 side, after receiving the user name (step S70 in FIG. 21), the CPU 13 stores the user name in the nonvolatile memory 12 (step S71).

  FIG. 22 shows a memory map of the nonvolatile memory 12 in the display setting parameter storing process. The user name (for example, “USER1”) is stored in, for example, address 00h of the non-volatile memory 12, and the next address 01 is address address data (for example, 80h) for storing display setting parameters stored in association with the user name. Store.

  After the user name is stored in the nonvolatile memory 12, a response command is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 3 (step S72 in FIG. 21). On the image processing apparatus 3 side, after receiving the response command via the SIO 24 (step S67 in FIG. 20), each display setting parameter stored in the RAM 23 is read out and via the SIO 24 together with the display setting parameter storage command. It transmits to the endoscope 2 (step S68).

  On the endoscope 2 side, the display setting parameters are received (step S73 in FIG. 21), stored in the address 80h of the nonvolatile memory 12, and stored in association with the user name stored in advance (step S74).

  The CPU 13 stores the parameter in the nonvolatile memory 12 and then transmits a response command to the image processing apparatus 3 (step S75). The image processing apparatus 3 receives the response command via the SIO 24 and stores it. The process ends (step S69 in FIG. 20).

  When each display setting parameter is stored in the nonvolatile memory 12 for each of a plurality of users, the storage process is repeated. At that time, the memory map in the nonvolatile memory 12 in the endoscope 2 stores address address data for storing display setting parameters corresponding to the user name + user name in the order of addresses 02, 04,. The display setting parameter corresponding to the name is stored at addresses 84, 88,... (See FIG. 25).

  In the storage process, the display setting parameters are set after the user name is set. However, the order is not limited, and the user name may be set after setting the setting parameters first.

Next, reading processing of each display setting parameter will be described.
First, after connecting the endoscope 2 to the image processing apparatus 3, a user name display switch (not shown) in the operation panel 33 is turned on (step S76 in FIG. 23). This ON signal is input to the CPU 21 via the PIO 25. The CPU 21 displays the user name display screen 4a (FIG. 17) on the monitor 4 by controlling the display controller 28 and the video signal switching circuit 30 with the ON signal.

  After the display, the user name characters are input using the keyboard 32 (step S77). The input character signal is input to the CPU 21 via the SIO 24. The CPU 21 controls the display controller 28 to display characters on the monitor 4 (FIG. 18), and when a user input character is determined (for example, when a RETURN key is input from the keyboard 32), the user is stored in the RAM 23. Stores input characters.

  When the user name display switch is turned off (step S78), the OFF signal is input to the CPU 21 via the PIO 25, and the CPU 21 displays the endoscopic image on the monitor 4 by controlling the video signal switching circuit 30. The screen 4b (FIG. 19) is displayed. After the display, a read switch (not shown) in the operation panel 33 is turned on (step S79).

  The ON signal is input to the CPU 21 via the PIO 25. The CPU 21 first reads out the user name stored in the RAM 23 and transmits it to the endoscope 2 via the SIO 24 together with a display setting parameter read command (step S80). On the endoscope 2 side, after receiving the user name (step S85 in FIG. 24), the CPU 13 reads display setting parameters corresponding to the user name.

  FIG. 25 shows a memory map of the nonvolatile memory 12 during the display setting parameter reading process. First, the user name stored at address 00h in the nonvolatile memory 12 is read (step S86 in FIG. 24), and it is confirmed whether it matches the received user name (step S87).

  If they match, the address address for storing the display setting parameter stored in association with the user name stored at address 01 is read, the display setting parameter corresponding to the user name is read (step S88), and image processing is performed. It transmits to the apparatus 3 (step S89). On the image processing apparatus 3 side, the display setting parameter is received via the SIO 24 (step S81 in FIG. 23). The CPU 21 stores the received display setting parameter in the RAM 23 and controls the video signal processing circuit 18 to set the display screen of the monitor 4 (step S83).

  On the other hand, if the received user name does not match the user name at address 00h on the endoscope 2 side, the address value for reading the user name from the nonvolatile memory 12 is +02 (h) (FIG. 24). Step S90), the next user name is read, and it is confirmed whether or not it matches the received user name (Step S87).

  If they match, the display setting parameter corresponding to the user name is read from the nonvolatile memory 12 and transmitted to the image processing device 3 as in the reading process. However, if the address value exceeds, for example, 1Eh (as the address value of the last user name) (step S91), it is determined that it does not match all the user names stored in the nonvolatile memory 12, and No Data A command is transmitted (step S92).

  The image processing apparatus 3 receives the command via the SIO 24, determines whether it is a No Data command (step S82 in FIG. 23), and confirms that this is the case. In order to indicate that the corresponding display setting parameter does not exist in the nonvolatile memory 12 in the endoscope 2, the display controller 28 and the video signal switching circuit 30 are controlled to display No Data on the monitor (step) S84).

  In the reading process, the user name display switch on the operation panel 33 is turned off and then the read switch is pressed. However, it may be pressed before the user name display switch is turned off.

  In the present embodiment, each switch of the operation panel 33 may be controlled so as to turn on an LED (not shown) corresponding to each switch when each switch is ON. May be on the keyboard side.

  As described above, in this embodiment, by inputting the user name, the display setting parameters for each user can be stored and read, and the display screen for each user can be easily set.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The hardware configuration of this embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.

26, 28, 30, 31, and 32 show a flowchart showing the operation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention and a memory map of the nonvolatile memory 12 in the endoscope 2.
Specifically, FIGS. 26 and 28 are flowcharts showing storage processing of the display setting parameters in the image processing apparatus 3 and the endoscope 2, and FIG. 30 is a flowchart of the nonvolatile memory 12 during the storage processing of the display setting parameters. It is a memory map. FIGS. 31 and 32 are flowcharts showing the display setting parameter reading processing in the image processing apparatus 3 and the endoscope 2. FIG. 27 shows an example of the selection switch, and FIG. 29 shows a correspondence table between the selection numbers and the address addresses of the nonvolatile memory 12 corresponding to the selection numbers.

First, storage processing for each display setting parameter will be described.
First, the CPU 21 changes each display setting parameter stored in the RAM 23 by pressing a display setting parameter switch on the operation panel 33 while checking the display screen 4b (FIG. 19) of the endoscope image on the monitor 4. Then, while storing again, the display screen of the monitor 4 is set by adjusting the video signal processing circuit 18 (step S93 in FIG. 26).

  After the display screen is set, a selection number for selecting one of, for example, three storage areas of the nonvolatile memory 12 of the endoscope 2 is selected by a selection switch on the operation panel 33 (step S94).

  FIG. 27 shows an example of the selection switch. Each time the selection switch 52 is pressed, it is input to the CPU 21 via the PIO 25 and the storage area number is changed as 1 → 2 → 3 → 1... And stored in the RAM 23, and the LED 53 is controlled via the PIO 25. Turn on the selected area number.

Since the selection number is assigned to each user, the selection switch 52 selects the selection number, so that display setting parameters can be stored and read for each user.
After the selection by the selection switch 52, when the storage switch in the operation panel 33 is turned on (step S95 in FIG. 26), it is input to the CPU 21 via the PIO 25.

  CPU21 is stored in RAM23, reads a selection number and each display setting parameter, and transmits to endoscope 2 with a display setting parameter storage command via SIO24 (Step S96). On the endoscope 2 side, after receiving the selection number and the display setting parameter (step S98 in FIG. 28), the CPU 13 first reads an address corresponding to the selection number (step S99).

  FIG. 29 shows a table representing the address address of the nonvolatile memory 12 corresponding to the selection number stored in the ROM in the CPU 13. When the selection numbers 1, 2, and 3 are received, the CPU 13 reads 00h, 04h, and 08h from the internal ROM, respectively. For example, when the address value is 00h from the read address, the display setting parameter is stored at address 00h in the nonvolatile memory 12 (step S100), and a response command is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 3 (step S101). . The image processing apparatus 3 receives the response command (step S97 in FIG. 26) and ends the storage process.

Next, a process for reading each display setting parameter will be described.
First, after connecting the endoscope 2 to the image processing device 3, the selection switch in the operation panel 33 is pressed to select it (step S <b> 102 in FIG. 31), which is input to the CPU 21 via the PIO 25 and stored in the RAM 23. The selected selection number is stored.

  When a readout switch (not shown) in the operation panel 33 is turned on (step S103), the operation is input to the CPU 21 via the PIO 25. The CPU 21 reads out the selection number stored in the RAM 23 and transmits it to the endoscope 2 together with the display setting parameter read command via the SIO 24 (step S104).

  On the endoscope 2 side, after receiving the selection number (step S107 in FIG. 32), the CPU 13 reads an address corresponding to the selection number from a table (FIG. 29) stored in the ROM in the CPU 13 (step S107). In step S108, the display setting parameter stored in the address address of the nonvolatile memory 12 is read out (step S109). Thereafter, the read display setting parameter is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 3 (step S110).

  In the image processing apparatus 3, when the display setting parameter is input to the CPU 21 via the SIO 24 (step S105 in FIG. 31), the CPU 21 stores the received display setting parameter in the RAM 23 and also the video signal processing circuit 18. To set display setting parameters (step S106).

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, by selecting the selection number assigned to each user by the selection switch 52, it is possible to store and read the display setting parameter for each user, and to set the display screen for each user. Can be done easily.

  As described above, according to the third and fourth embodiments, the endoscope apparatus 5 ′ provides a plurality of pieces of setting information for appropriately displaying an imaging signal for each user in the same endoscope 2. Since the information can be stored and read out for each user, once the user sets the setting information in the same endoscope 2, no resetting is required.

Further, since the storage unit for storing the setting information is provided on the endoscope side, it is not necessary to provide the following means (a) and (b) on the image processing device side.
(A) Means for identifying an endoscope (b) Storage unit for storing setting information set for each user in all connected endoscopes Accordingly, the configuration can be simplified.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 33 is a schematic block diagram of the endoscope apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. The endoscope device 60 includes a scope unit 8 endoscope unit 61) that is inserted into an affected part of a patient's body cavity, a processor body unit 64 to which the scope unit 61 is connected by connectors 62 and 63, patient data, and the like. It consists of a keyboard 65 for inputting. In addition to the display monitor 66, an external storage device 67 such as a filing device can be connected.

  The scope unit 61 has a solid-state image sensor 68 such as a CCD at the distal end of the insertion unit, and the solid-state image sensor 68 captures an image of the affected area in the body cavity. An output signal from the image pickup device is input to the video signal processing circuit 70 of the processor main body 64 through the signal line and the connectors 62 and 63, and is further monitored from the video signal processing circuit 70 through the character signal superimposing circuit 71. 66.

  Then, the image signal of the affected part imaged by the solid-state imaging device 68 at the distal end portion of the scope unit 61 is subjected to video signal processing in the processor main body 64 and is displayed on the monitor 66 with the patient data superimposed thereon. ing.

  The scope unit 61 is provided with a storage unit 72, and the storage unit 72 is connected to a CPU 73 provided in the processor main body unit 64 via a connector 62.

The storage unit 72 stores data necessary for management during repair / inspection. This stored data includes the user's facility name, department, etc., history of repair inspection, etc., and if there is no facility name, department information in the storage section 72 in the scope section 61 immediately after delivery. The facility name and department are input from the keyboard 65 connected to the processor main body 64, and the input data such as the facility name and department are written into the storage unit 72 in the scope unit 61 by the CPU 73.
Further, the data written in the storage unit 72 in the scope unit 61 transfers information to the external storage device 67 via the CPU 73.

  FIG. 34 is a schematic block diagram showing an embodiment at the time of repair / inspection. The storage unit 72 in the scope unit 61 is connected to the personal computer 76 by connecting the connector 77 of the adapter cable 75 to the connector 62. At the time of repair and inspection, user information such as the user's facility name and department to which the user belongs is read from the storage unit 72, and the history of repair and inspection is written into the storage unit 72 after the repair and inspection are completed.

  FIG. 35 is a schematic block diagram showing an embodiment of the storage unit 72. The storage unit 72 includes a writable nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM 77, and is controlled by a CPU or the like in a connected processor.

  FIG. 36 is a schematic block diagram showing another embodiment of the storage unit 72. In addition to a writable non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM 77 in the storage unit 72, a CPU 78 is further provided. The data may be exchanged by communicating with each other.

  According to the endoscope apparatus 60 of the present embodiment, since the user's facility name, user information such as the department to which the user belongs and the history of repair / inspection are stored in the storage unit 72, It is possible to grasp malfunctions due to the usage and contribute to the improvement of services. Further, by transferring the data to the external storage device 67, it is possible to cope with the history data to be updated without increasing the memory capacity of the storage unit 72.

[Appendix]
1-0. In an endoscope that is inserted into a subject and connected to a peripheral device,
Determining means for determining the connected peripheral device;
Based on the determination result of the determination means, an integration means for integrating the number of energizations of the endoscope by the peripheral device;
Storage means for storing the integration result of the integration means;
An endoscope provided with

1-0-1. The endoscope has a communication function for transmitting and receiving to a connected peripheral device, and the determination means transmits the device determination information to the connected peripheral device by the communication function. The endoscope according to appendix 1-0, wherein the connected peripheral device is determined from the response result. 1-0-2. The endoscope according to appendix 1-0, wherein the storage means is a memory capable of rewriting the number of energizations.

1-1. In an endoscope apparatus comprising: an endoscope for imaging a body cavity; and a plurality of peripheral devices including a specific peripheral device that can be connected to the endoscope and is indispensable for endoscopic examination.
The endoscope includes means for discriminating peripheral devices connected to the endoscope;
Means for accumulating the number of energized peripheral devices connected to the endoscope;
Means for transmitting the accumulated energization count to the connected peripheral device;
A storage means for storing the cumulative number of energizations is provided on the endoscope side,
The endoscope apparatus characterized in that the storage means can rewrite the accumulated energization count.

1-2. The means for accumulating the number of energized times is only when a specific peripheral device is determined among a plurality of peripheral devices connectable to the endoscope by means for determining a peripheral device connected to the endoscope. The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 1-1, wherein the number of energizations is accumulated after the specific peripheral device is identified.

1-3. Means for storing information related to the inspection time of the endoscope, and means for determining the inspection time from information related to the cumulative number of energizations and the inspection time are provided on the endoscope side or the specific peripheral device side, The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 1-2, further comprising means for displaying, warning, lighting, or blinking the determination result determined by the means for determining the inspection time on the specific peripheral device side.

1-4. Some peripheral devices among the endoscope and a plurality of peripheral devices connectable to the endoscope have means for communicating via a serial interface, and the endoscope is connected to the endoscope Note that the means for discriminating the part of the connected peripheral devices performs the discrimination based on the discriminating information about the some peripheral devices transmitted from the some peripheral devices through a serial interface. Endoscope device.
1-5. The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 1-4, wherein the endoscope is an electronic endoscope in which a solid-state imaging device is disposed on a distal end side of an insertion portion.

2-1. In an endoscope apparatus having an endoscope for imaging the inside of a body cavity and a peripheral device detachable from the endoscope,
An endoscope apparatus characterized in that a storage unit for storing a plurality of pieces of information essential for using an endoscope is provided on the endoscope side, and the storage unit is rewritable.

2-2. In an endoscope apparatus having an endoscope for imaging the inside of a body cavity and a signal processing device for processing image signal data from the endoscope, wherein the endoscope and the signal processing device are detachable,
A plurality of setting information for appropriately displaying an imaging signal from the endoscope set for each of a plurality of users;
A storage unit for storing identification information for identifying the user is provided on the endoscope side,
Means for inputting the plurality of setting information and the identification information from an operation unit provided in the endoscope apparatus;
The plurality of setting information input from the operation unit is associated with the identification information input from the operation unit, stored in the storage unit on the endoscope side, and the plurality of setting information input from the operation unit More, a control means for appropriately displaying the imaging signal from the endoscope,
Means for reading out the plurality of setting information in association with the identification information from a storage unit provided on the endoscope side;
Control means for appropriately displaying an imaging signal from an endoscope according to the read setting information;
An endoscopic device characterized by comprising:

2-3. The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 2-2, wherein the identification information for identifying the user can be displayed on a monitor.
2-4. The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 2-2, wherein the plurality of setting information set for each user includes a parameter for adjusting a color tone of the imaging signal.
2-5. The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 2-2, wherein the plurality of setting information set for each user includes a parameter for adjusting a gain of an RGB signal of the imaging signal.

2-6. The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 2-2, wherein the plurality of setting information set for each user includes a parameter relating to an enlargement ratio of an endoscopic image obtained from an imaging signal.
2-7. The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 2-2, wherein the plurality of setting information set for each user includes a parameter related to a small-screen display of an endoscopic image obtained from an imaging signal.
2-8. The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 2, wherein the plurality of setting information set for each user includes a parameter related to an image enhancement level of an endoscopic image obtained from an imaging signal.

(Background of Appendix 2-1 to 2-8)
(Conventional technology)
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an endoscope apparatus has been proposed that has means for storing setting information for properly displaying an imaging signal from an endoscope on the endoscope side.
For example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-113820, a memory for storing unique data relating to the display color of an image to be observed is provided on the electronic endoscope side, and the unique data adjusted on the control unit side is on the electronic endoscope side. Store in memory.

In Japanese Patent Publication No. 8-22272, the endoscope main body is provided with a rewritable storage unit for storing various information necessary as a setting condition at least for imaging and displaying, and by a storage unit control unit on the video process side. The various information is read and written.
In addition, an endoscope apparatus that stores setting information for appropriately displaying an imaging signal from an endoscope on the signal processing apparatus side has also been proposed.

(Issue to solve)
However, in hospital facilities with a plurality of users, a plurality of users often use the same scope.
However, when a plurality of users store setting information for appropriately displaying an imaging signal from the endoscope on the endoscope side, the following means cannot be performed in the above-described conventional example.
a. The setting information is stored for each of a plurality of users in the same endoscope.
b. The setting information is read from the endoscope for each user.
Therefore, even if one user stores the setting information in one endoscope, when another user uses the same scope, the setting information is overwritten and new setting information is stored. The user cannot read out the setting information stored by himself / herself, which is a problem.

On the other hand, in a facility having a plurality of endoscopes, when storing the setting information on the signal processing device side where the endoscope is attached / detached, it is necessary to store the setting information for each endoscope. Therefore, the following measures are necessary.
c. An identification unit for identifying the endoscope is provided on the endoscope side.
d. The signal processing device includes an identification unit for identifying each endoscope from an identification unit provided for each endoscope.
Further, the signal processing device side has to store the setting information for all the endoscopes used by the user, leading to an increase in the size of the device, which is a problem.

(the purpose)
In view of these circumstances, an endoscope apparatus that can store and read setting information for each user and can be easily configured even when a plurality of users use the same scope is provided. For the purpose.

(Means and actions for solving the problems)
(means)
This endoscope apparatus stores a plurality of information indispensable for using an endoscope in an endoscope apparatus that has an endoscope for imaging the inside of a body cavity and a device that is detachable from the endoscope. A storage unit for performing the operation is provided on the endoscope side, and the storage unit is rewritable.
Further, in an endoscope apparatus that includes an endoscope that images a body cavity and a signal processing device that performs signal processing on imaging signal data from the endoscope, and the endoscope and the signal processing device are detachable. A storage unit configured to store a plurality of setting information for appropriately displaying an imaging signal from the endoscope set for each of a plurality of users and identification information for identifying the user; A means for inputting the plurality of setting information and the identification information and a plurality of setting information input from the operation unit are input from the operation unit by an operation unit provided on the mirror side and provided in the endoscope apparatus. The control means for appropriately displaying the imaging signal from the endoscope from the plurality of setting information input from the operation unit while being stored in the storage unit on the endoscope side in association with the identification information And from a storage unit provided on the endoscope side In association with the identification information, and means for reading the plurality of setting information, by the read configuration information, also characterized by having a control means for properly display an image pickup signal from the endoscope.
Further, the identification information for identifying the user can be displayed on a monitor.

  On the other hand, the plurality of setting information set for each user includes a parameter for adjusting the color tone of the imaging signal, a parameter for adjusting the gain of the RGB signal of the imaging signal, and an enlargement ratio of the endoscopic image obtained from the imaging signal , A parameter related to a small-screen display of an endoscopic image obtained from an imaging signal, or a parameter related to an image enhancement level of an endoscopic image from which an imaging signal can be obtained.

(Function)
In the same scope, the endoscope apparatus can store and read out a plurality of setting information for appropriately displaying an imaging signal for each user in the same endoscope. Once the user sets the setting information, no resetting is required.
Moreover, since the storage unit for storing the setting information is provided on the endoscope side, it is not necessary to provide the following means on the signal processing device side.

a. Means for identifying the endoscope b. In all the endoscopes to be connected, the configuration can be facilitated by the storage unit that stores the setting information set for each user.

3-1. An electronic endoscope apparatus in which a scope and an endoscope apparatus are detachable, wherein a non-volatile storage unit is provided on the scope side, and information such as a facility name and a department to which the scope is written is stored in the storage unit. mirror.
3-2. After connecting the scope and the endoscopic device, if the facility name and department information are not stored in the storage unit in the scope, enter the facility name and department in the endoscope device, etc. The electronic endoscope apparatus according to appendix 3-1, wherein the electronic endoscope apparatus is written in a sex storage unit.

3-3. An electronic endoscope apparatus in which a scope and an endoscope apparatus are detachable, wherein a non-volatile storage unit is provided on a scope side, and information such as repair and inspection records is written in the storage unit. .
3-4. In an electronic endoscope apparatus in which the scope and the endoscope apparatus are detachable, a non-volatile storage unit is provided on the scope side, and information such as a facility name, a department to which the scope belongs, and information such as repair and inspection records are read out from the storage unit. An electronic endoscope characterized by that.
3-5. In an electronic endoscope apparatus in which the scope and the endoscope apparatus are detachable and an external storage device is connectable, a nonvolatile storage unit is provided on the scope side, information such as repair and inspection records is read, and the external storage device An electronic endoscope characterized by transferring information.

(Background of Appendix 3-1 to 3-5)
(Conventional technology)
In recent years, electronic endoscopes using a solid-state imaging device such as a charge coupled device (CCD) have been widely used.

  Since the electronic endoscope has an imaging means for performing photoelectric conversion, the output signal can be easily recorded by signal processing, VTR, an image filing device, or the like.

  Since an electronic endoscope is used by being inserted into, for example, an affected part in a body cavity, periodic inspection and maintenance management is required.

  By the way, there are various types of electronic scopes depending on the target part, ranging from long and short and thin to large diameters, and they are used according to the application. There are cases where it is used with a single processing device or with a plurality of processing devices for a plurality of electronic scopes.

(Issue to solve)
Endoscopes are inserted into body cavities, and due to the particularity of use, it is necessary to ensure safety. Therefore, regular inspection is required. In addition, when an abnormality is found by a user's pre-use inspection or the like, maintenance and repairs are performed.
However, in the current management at the time of repair and inspection, the identification for each scope is managed only by the serial number. For this reason, the history of repairs and inspections and information on the user side cannot be searched from the scope main body, and management of only the manufacturing number has to construct and manage a database for each manufacturing number, which is very troublesome.

(Means and actions for solving the problems)
(means)
In an electronic endoscope in which the scope and the endoscope device are detachable, a non-volatile storage unit is provided on the scope side, and information on the user's facility name, department, etc., the history of inspection and repair, etc. are stored in the storage unit. It is characterized by writing and reading information.

(Function)
According to the endoscope apparatus of the present invention, it is provided on the scope side. Management is facilitated by reading out information on the user's facility name, department, etc. and the history of inspection / repair from the storage unit and using it as management information for inspection / repair.

The block diagram of the endoscope system provided with Example 1 of this invention. The block diagram of the endoscope apparatus containing the image processing apparatus provided with the communication function in FIG. The flowchart figure which shows the operation | movement at the time of starting after the power supply ON in an endoscope. The flowchart figure which shows the processing operation | movement of the data received with the serial interface from the image processing apparatus or washing | cleaning apparatus which has a communication function. The flowchart figure of the operation | movement which accumulate | stores the energization frequency of an endoscope. The flowchart figure which shows the processing operation | movement of the reception data transmitted with the serial interface from the endoscope, and was received by the image processing apparatus which has a communication function. The flowchart figure of the processing operation which transmits by the serial interface from the image processing apparatus which has a communication function. The flowchart figure of the processing operation which determines the frequency | count of electricity supply in Example 2 of this invention. The flowchart figure which shows the starting operation | movement after the power supply ON in an endoscope. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing operations for a plurality of data request commands received from an image processing apparatus or the like through a serial interface. The flowchart figure which shows the operation | movement operation | movement of several data when the several data transmitted from the endoscope are received by the serial interface. The flowchart figure which shows the processing operation in the case of transmitting to an endoscope from an image processing apparatus etc. with a serial interface. The flowchart figure which shows the processing operation which discriminate | determines the energization frequency and determines a discrimination | determination result. The block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the endoscope and image processing apparatus of Example 3 of this invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of a video signal processing circuit. The figure which shows an example of the switch for performing the gain adjustment of R and B signal of a video signal among several display setting parameters in an operation panel. The figure which shows a user name display screen. The figure which shows a user name display screen. The figure which shows the display screen of the endoscopic image imaged with the endoscope. The flowchart figure which shows the memory | storage process of the display setting parameter in an image processing apparatus. The flowchart figure which shows the memory | storage process of the display setting parameter in an endoscope. The figure which shows the memory map of the non-volatile memory in the memory | storage process of a display setting parameter. The flowchart figure which shows the reading process of the display setting parameter in an image processing apparatus. The flowchart figure which shows the reading process of the display setting parameter in an endoscope. The figure which shows the memory map of the non-volatile memory during the reading process of a display setting parameter. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing display setting parameter storage processing in an image processing apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The figure which shows the specific example of a selection switch. The flowchart figure which shows the memory | storage process of the display setting parameter in an endoscope. The figure which shows the correspondence table of the selection number and the address address of the non-volatile memory corresponding to this. The figure which shows the memory map of the non-volatile memory in the memory | storage process of a display setting parameter. The flowchart figure which shows the reading process of the display setting parameter in an image processing apparatus. The flowchart figure which shows the reading process of the display setting parameter in an endoscope. The whole endoscope apparatus provided with Example 5 of the present invention. The figure which shows the structure at the time of repair and inspection. The figure which shows the structural example of a memory | storage part. The figure which shows the other structural example of a memory | storage part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscopy system 2 ... Endoscope 2a ... Communication function 2b ... Apparatus discrimination | determination function 2c ... Memory | storage part 3A ... Image processing apparatus which has a communication function 3B ... Image processing apparatus which does not have a communication function 3C ... It has a communication function Cleaning device 4 ... Monitor 5 ... Endoscope device 6 ... Insertion unit 7 ... Objective lens 8 ... CCD
9 ... CCD drive power supply 11 ... Regulator 12 ... Non-volatile memory 13 ... CPU
15 ... Selector 16 ... Power supply voltage detector 17 ... Connector 21 ... CPU
22 ... ROM
23 ... RAM
24 ... SIO
25 ... PIO
26 ... WDT
28 ... Display controller 29 ... Display memory 30 ... Video signal switching circuit 31 ... Control signal generation circuit 32 ... Keyboard 33 ... Operation panel 34 ... LED
35 ... Buzzer 36 ... Connector 37 ... Cable

Claims (5)

In an endoscope apparatus having an endoscope for imaging the inside of a body cavity and a signal processing device for processing image signal data from the endoscope, wherein the endoscope and the signal processing device are detachable,
Input means for inputting information of a user who uses the endoscope;
A storage unit that is provided in the endoscope and stores the information of the user input by the input unit;
An endoscope apparatus comprising:   The input means is a setting for performing signal processing on identification information for identifying a user who uses the endoscope and an imaging signal from the endoscope based on contents set for each user. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information is input, and the storage unit stores the identification information and the setting information in association with each other as the information. Reading means for reading identification information related to a desired user from among the identification information stored in the storage unit;
Control means for controlling to perform signal processing on the imaging signal from the endoscope based on the setting information corresponding to the identification information read by the reading means;
The endoscope apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: The input means inputs at least one of information of the user who uses the endoscope or history information of inspection and repair,
The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores the user information and the history information.   A memory that checks whether or not the user information is stored in the storage unit, and controls to store the user information input from the input unit in the storage unit if not stored. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a control unit.

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