JP2006141671A - Electronic endoscope and endoscope apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus capable of measuring the use frequency for each time zone of an electronic endoscope for enabling the details of the use conditions of the electronic endoscope to be recognized. <P>SOLUTION: The electronic endoscope 10 is provided with a first CPU 15 for measuring the cumulative time of a use state wherein the electronic endoscope 10 is attached to the video processor 30 of an endoscope apparatus 1 and the power of the electronic endoscope 10 is turned to an ON state as the use time and obtaining the use frequency for each time zone on the basis of the use time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic endoscope and an endoscope apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus that measures the usage frequency or the number of connections of an electronic endoscope according to time zones.

  Conventionally, an apparatus for measuring the number of connections of an electronic endoscope has been proposed. Knowing the number of times an electronic endoscope is connected makes it possible to objectively know the necessity of inspection and maintenance.

Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus for measuring the connection of an electronic endoscope.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-171090

  However, the apparatus of Patent Document 1 measures only one type of the number of times an electronic endoscope is connected to a video processor. In addition, since the frequency of use of the electronic endoscope by time zone cannot be measured, it is impossible to grasp the details of the usage status of the electronic endoscope.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus capable of measuring the usage frequency or the number of connections of the electronic endoscope according to time zones so that details of the usage status of the electronic endoscope can be grasped.

  The electronic endoscope or the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention uses the accumulated time of the usage state in which the electronic endoscope is attached to the video processor of the endoscope apparatus and the power supply of the electronic endoscope is turned on. A control unit is provided that measures the time and calculates the usage frequency for each time zone based on the usage time.

  Preferably, the image processing apparatus further includes a video signal processing unit that performs signal processing on an image signal obtained by imaging and outputs a vertical synchronization signal, and the control unit measures usage time based on the number of times the vertical synchronization signal is output. .

  More preferably, the control unit temporarily stores the first and second counters corresponding to the output of the vertical synchronization signal, and adds the value of the first counter by a first constant value each time the vertical synchronization signal is output. Each time the value of the first counter becomes equal to or greater than the first parameter, the first counter is set to the first initial value, the value of the second counter is incremented by a second constant value, and the value of the second counter becomes equal to or greater than the second parameter. Each time the second counter is set to the second initial value, the usage time is added by a third constant value to measure the usage time.

  More preferably, the value of the first parameter is set corresponding to the vertical synchronization frequency corresponding to the interval at which the vertical synchronization signal is output.

  More preferably, the control unit temporarily stores a third counter corresponding to the output of the vertical synchronization signal, and sets the value of the third counter to a third constant value every time the value of the second counter becomes equal to or larger than the second parameter. When the value of the third counter is added by a third constant value, the recorded value of the usage by time period corresponding to the added value of the third counter is added by 1, thereby adding time. Measure usage by band.

  More preferably, the first to third constant values are all 1, and the first and second initial values are both 0.

  More preferably, the endoscope apparatus includes an electronic endoscope, and the electronic endoscope has a control unit.

  Preferably, the video processor includes a control unit, and the control unit records the use time and the use frequency for each time zone in the memory separately for each electronic endoscope to be mounted.

  More preferably, the memory is a non-volatile memory.

  In another electronic endoscope or endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, the number of times the electronic endoscope is attached to the video processor of the endoscope apparatus is measured as the first connection number, and the electronic endoscope is A control unit is provided that is attached to the video processor and measures the number of times that the power supply of the electronic endoscope is turned on continuously for a predetermined time or more as the second connection number.

  Preferably, each time the electronic endoscope is attached to the video processor, the control unit adds 1 to the recorded value of the first connection count, and the electronic endoscope is attached to the video processor and continuously electronic for a certain time or more. The first and second connection counts are measured by adding 1 to the recorded value of the second connection count when the power supply of the endoscope is turned on.

  More preferably, the image processing apparatus further includes a video signal processing unit that performs signal processing on an image signal obtained by imaging and outputs a vertical synchronization signal, and the control unit is configured to perform electronic endoscope based on the number of times the vertical synchronization signal is output. The second connection is made by measuring the time when the mirror is attached to the video processor and the electronic endoscope is continuously turned on, and determining whether or not the measured time is longer than a certain time. Count the number of times.

  More preferably, the endoscope apparatus includes an electronic endoscope, and the electronic endoscope has a control unit.

  More preferably, the video processor has a control unit, and the control unit records the first and second connection times in the memory separately for each electronic endoscope to be mounted.

  More preferably, the memory is a non-volatile memory.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an apparatus capable of measuring the usage frequency or the number of connections of the electronic endoscope according to time period so that details of the usage status of the electronic endoscope can be grasped. it can.

  Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. An endoscope apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is an electronic endoscope apparatus including an electronic endoscope 10, a connection unit 20, a video processor 30, a keyboard 50, and a TV monitor 70 (see FIG. 1).

  The electronic endoscope 10 incorporates an objective optical system (not shown), an image sensor 11 and the like at the tip, and images the inside of the body as a subject.

  The electronic endoscope 10 includes an imaging device 11 such as a CCD, an AGC (auto gain controller) 12, a video signal processing IC 13, a first CPU 15, a first memory 16, and a second memory 17 (see FIG. 2). The electronic endoscope 10 is connected to the video processor 30 via the connection unit 20.

  A signal obtained by imaging in the imaging element 11 is input to the video signal processing IC 13 via the AGC 12, and various signal processing is performed. The video signal subjected to signal processing is output to the video processor 30. The video signal processing IC 13 is controlled by the first CPU 15. The video signal processing IC 13 and the first CPU 15 are connected by serial communication for data transmission / reception. The video signal processing IC 13 outputs a vertical synchronization signal Vsync to an interrupt terminal (not shown) of the first CPU 15. The video signal processing IC 13 outputs a CCD drive signal for driving the image sensor 11.

  The first CPU 15 is a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a ROM (read only memory), a RAM (random access memory), an SCI (serial communication interface), and an I / O port (input / output port) (not shown). The first CPU 15 controls each part of the electronic endoscope 10 and performs serial communication with the second CPU 31 of the video processor 30.

  The first CPU 15 measures the first and second connection times and the usage time. The first connection number is the number of times that the electronic endoscope 10 is attached to the video processor 30. The second connection number is the number of times that the electronic endoscope 10 is attached to the video processor 30 and the power source of the electronic endoscope 10 is turned on continuously for a predetermined time or more. The usage time is an accumulated time of the usage state in which the electronic endoscope 10 is connected to the video processor 30 and the power source of the electronic endoscope 10 is turned on. In the first embodiment, the fixed time in the second connection count is 3 minutes.

  1st CPU15 calculates | requires the use frequency (use time distribution) according to the time zone connected based on use time.

  The first and second memories 16 and 17 are non-volatile memories (EEPROM etc.) for storing the setting values of each part of the electronic endoscope 10 and are connected to the first CPU 15. The first memory 16 stores an endoscope name and serial number, a register setting value of the video signal processing IC 13, and the like as storage items other than the usage time of the electronic endoscope 10.

  The second memory 17 is a usage time (usage time recording value) of the electronic endoscope 10, and first and second connection times (first and second connection times recording value) to the video processor 30 of the electronic endoscope 10. , The usage by use time zone (usage record value) is stored. The use time recorded value of the electronic endoscope 10 changes corresponding to the storage time variable t, the first connection number recorded value changes corresponding to the first connection number variable c, and the second connection number recorded value. Changes corresponding to the second connection frequency variable c2, and the usage record value changes corresponding to the cumulative time period usage variable st set for each value of the third counter vc3.

  The RAM of the first CPU 15 stores a storage time variable t for measuring the usage time of the electronic endoscope 10 based on the number of vertical synchronization signals Vsync output from the video signal processing IC 13, and the first to third counters vc1. ˜vc3 is temporarily stored. The first and second counters vc1 and vc2 are variables for measuring the storage time variable t. The third counter vc3 is a variable for specifying an address (storage area) in which the value of the usage variable st by cumulative time period is written in the second memory 17. The vertical synchronization signal Vsync is output once every 1/60 seconds when the video signal system is NTSC (vertical synchronization frequency is 60 Hz), and is output once every 1/50 seconds when the video signal system is PAL. (Vertical synchronization frequency is 50 Hz).

  Accordingly, in the first embodiment, the use of the electronic endoscope 10 is performed using the vertical synchronization signal output from the video signal processing IC 13 which is a circuit element used for video signal processing in the electronic endoscope 10. It becomes possible to measure time.

  The value of the first counter vc1 is an integer that is greater than or equal to the first initial value and less than or equal to the first parameter P1, and is incremented by a first constant value each time the vertical synchronization signal Vsync is output. When the value of the first counter vc1 becomes equal to or greater than the first parameter P1, the value of the first counter vc1 is set to the first initial value, and the value of the second counter vc2 is added by a second constant value. The value of the second counter vc2 is an integer that is greater than or equal to the second initial value and less than or equal to the second parameter P2. When the value of the second counter vc2 becomes equal to or greater than the second parameter P2, the value of the second counter vc2 is set to the second initial value, and the value of the storage time variable t corresponding to the usage time of the electronic endoscope 10; The value of the third counter vc3 is added by a third constant value. The value of the third counter vc3 is an integer greater than or equal to the third initial value.

  In the first embodiment, the first to third constant values are all 1, and the first to third initial values are all 0.

  The value of the first parameter P1 is set corresponding to the video signal system. In the first embodiment, the value of the first parameter P1 is set to 60 when the video signal system is NTSC, and is set to 50 when the video signal system is PAL. In the first embodiment, the value of the second parameter P2 is set to 360.

  Therefore, when the video signal system is NTSC, when the value of the first counter vc1 becomes 60 or more, it is set to 0, and the value of the second counter vc2 is increased by 1. When the video signal system is PAL, it is set to 0 when the value of the first counter vc1 reaches 50 or more, and the value of the second counter vc2 is increased by 1. That is, the value of the second counter vc2 increases by 1 every second. When the value of the second counter vc2 becomes 360 or more, the value of the second counter vc2 is set to 0, and the value of the storage time variable t of the electronic endoscope 10 and the value of the third counter vc3 are increased by 1. It is. The value of the storage time variable t is an integer greater than or equal to 0 and increases by 1 every 6 minutes. Therefore, the actual use time is represented by 6 × t minutes.

  The RAM of the first CPU 15 temporarily stores a first connection count variable c for the electronic endoscope 10 to measure the first connection count with the video processor 30. The first connection number variable c is an integer, and is incremented by 1 each time the electronic endoscope 10 is connected to the video processor 30.

  The RAM of the first CPU 15 temporarily stores a second connection count variable c2 for the electronic endoscope 10 to measure the second connection count with the video processor 30. The second connection number variable c2 is an integer, and is incremented by 1 when the electronic endoscope 10 is connected to the video processor 30 continuously to the third parameter P3 or more. In the first embodiment, the value of the third parameter P3 is 180. Specifically, the second connection number variable c2 is incremented by 1 when the value of the second counter vc2 is 180 and the value of the third counter vc3 is 0. That is, the second connection count variable c2 is incremented by 1 only when a predetermined time (3 minutes in both NTSC and PAL) has elapsed after the connection of the electronic endoscope 10.

  As a result, it is possible to record a plurality of types of connection counts between the electronic endoscope 10 and the video processor 30, and the details of the usage status of the electronic endoscope 10 can be understood.

  The RAM of the first CPU 15 temporarily stores a cumulative use time zone usage variable st for measuring the usage frequency at which the electronic endoscope 10 is connected to the video processor 30 for each connection time zone. The cumulative usage variable by time zone st is a function of the third counter vc3, and the value of the cumulative usage variable by time zone st is set for each value of the third counter vc3.

  Specifically, when the value of the third counter vc3 is incremented by 1, the value of the cumulative usage variable by st corresponding to the added value of the third counter vc3 is incremented by 1.

  Thereby, since the usage time frequency distribution of the electronic endoscope 10 can be obtained, the details of the usage state of the electronic endoscope 10 can be understood.

  Knowing the details of the usage state of the electronic endoscope 10 enables effective feedback to the development of an endoscope apparatus (for example, an endoscope with improved durability) according to the usage state.

  The electronic endoscope 10 has a switch (not shown). This is a dip switch for switching the video signal system of the electronic endoscope 10 to NTSC or PAL, and is connected to the first CPU 15. The value of the video signal system discrimination variable vnp is set to 0 or 1 corresponding to the connection status of this switch. The value of the video signal system discrimination variable vnp is temporarily stored in the RAM of the first CPU 15.

  The video processor 30 includes a second CPU 31, a third memory 32, an RTC (real time clock) 33, an aperture control circuit 35, a light source 36, an aperture 37, a signal processing circuit 41, a CRTC (CRT controller) 42, and a panel switch group 43. (See FIG. 3).

  The video processor 30 converts the image signal of the subject imaged by the electronic endoscope 10 into a video signal that can be observed on the TV monitor 70. Further, the video processor 30 illuminates the subject via the distal end portion of the electronic endoscope 10. Light from the light source 36 is irradiated to the subject from the tip portion through the light guide 18.

  The second CPU 31 is a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a ROM (read only memory), a RAM (random access memory), an SCI (serial communication interface), and an I / O port (input / output port) (not shown). The second CPU 31 controls each part of the video processor and performs serial communication with the first CPU 15 of the electronic endoscope 10.

  The signal processing circuit 41 converts the image signal output from the video signal processing IC 13 of the electronic endoscope 10 into a signal to be displayed on the TV monitor 70. The signal processing circuit 41 outputs a luminance signal among the image signals to the second CPU 31. The second CPU 31 controls the diaphragm control circuit 35 based on the luminance signal, changes the diaphragm condition of the diaphragm 37, and adjusts the amount of light emitted from the light source 36 to the subject via the light guide 18 (automatic light control process). .

  The vertical synchronization signal Vsync output from the video signal processing IC 13 of the electronic endoscope 10 is input to the second CPU 31 via the signal processing circuit 41.

  When the keys of the keyboard 50 and the switches of the panel switch group 43 are operated, the second CPU 31 performs processing corresponding thereto.

  The second CPU 31 reads the date / time from the RTC 33 and displays it on the TV monitor 70 via the CRTC 42. The second CPU 31 displays various character information such as a patient name, age, sex, and doctor name on the TV monitor 70 via the CRTC 42.

  The third memory 32 is a non-volatile memory (EEPROM or the like) for storing setting values of each part of the video processor 30 and is connected to the second CPU 31.

  The procedure of the initial setting process by the first CPU 15 of the electronic endoscope 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The initial setting process is performed every time the electronic endoscope 10 is connected to the video processor 30. When the initial setting process is started in step S1, the registers of the first CPU 15 and the video signal processing IC 13 are set in step S2, used in the operation program installed in the first CPU 15, and variables temporarily stored in the RAM are initialized. Set to a value. The first to third counters vc1 to vc3 are set to 0, respectively.

  In step S3, the value of the first connection number variable c is set to the first connection number recorded value read from the second memory 17, the value of the first connection number variable c is incremented by 1, and the added first connection number is added. The value of the variable c is stored in the second memory 17 as the first connection number recording value. That is, the first connection number represents the number of connections that are unconditionally counted as one connection when connected.

  In step S <b> 4, the value of the storage time variable t is set to the usage time recorded value read from the second memory 17. The storage time variable t is then used for usage time recording in interrupt processing.

  In step S5, the value of the video signal system discrimination variable vnp is set according to the state of the switch. When the switch is in the state of selecting NTSC for the video signal system, the value of the video signal system determination variable vnp is set to 0, and when the switch is in the state of selecting PAL for the video signal system, the value of the video signal system determination variable vnp is set. The value is set to 1.

  In step S6, the initial setting process is terminated. After completion of the initial setting process, a circulation process, that is, a main operation (not shown) of the electronic endoscope is performed.

  With reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5, the procedure of the usage time storage process executed as the interrupt process in the first embodiment will be described. The interrupt process is started after the initial setting process of FIG. The interrupt processing corresponds to the output of the vertical synchronization signal Vsync from the video signal processing IC 13 once per field (once every 1/60 seconds when the video signal system is NTSC, 1 / when PAL is used). Once every 50 seconds).

  When interrupt processing is started in step S11, the value of the first counter vc1 is incremented by 1 in step S12. In step S13, it is determined whether the video signal system of the electronic endoscope 10 is set to NTSC or PAL. Specifically, it is determined by examining the value of the video signal system discrimination variable vnp.

  If vnp = 0, that is, if the video signal system is NTSC, it is determined in step S14 whether the value of the first counter vc1 is 60 or more. If the value of the first counter vc1 is 60 or more, the usage time storage main process is performed in step S15, and the interrupt process is terminated in step S18. The detailed procedure of the usage time storage main process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. If the value of the first counter vc1 is not 60 or more, the interrupt process ends in step S18.

  If vnp = 1, that is, if the video signal system is PAL, it is determined in step S16 whether the value of the first counter vc1 is 50 or more. When the value of the first counter vc1 is 50 or more, the use time storage main process is performed in step S17, and the interrupt process ends in step S18. If the value of the first counter vc1 is not 50 or more, the interrupt process ends in step S18.

  Next, the usage time storage main process will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the process proceeds to steps S15 and S17 in FIG. 5, the value of the first counter vc1 is set to 0 and the value of the second counter vc2 is incremented by 1 in step 31.

  In step S32, it is determined whether or not the value of the second counter vc2 is 180. If the value of the second counter vc2 is 180, it is determined in step S33 whether the value of the third counter vc3 is zero. If the value of the third counter vc3 is 0, in step S34, the value of the second connection number variable c2 is set to the second connection number recorded value read from the second memory 17, and the value of the second connection number variable c2 is set. 1 is added, and the value of the added second connection number variable c2 is stored in the second memory 17 as a second connection number recording value. That is, in the series of processes of steps S32 to S34, the second connection number variable c2 is set only when 3 minutes have passed since the connection of the electronic endoscope 10 (3 minutes for both NTSC and PAL). 1 is added. As described above, the second connection number is counted by recognizing that the electronic endoscope 10 is connected for the first time when a predetermined time has elapsed since the electronic endoscope 10 was connected. The second connection number represents the number of times the electronic endoscope 10 is connected for actual use.

  If the value of the second counter vc2 is not 180 in step S32 and if the value of the third counter vc3 is not 0 in step S33, the process proceeds to step S35.

  In step S35, it is determined whether or not the value of the second counter vc2 is 360 or more. If the value of the second counter vc2 is 360 or more, in step S36, the value of the second counter vc2 is set to 0, the value of the storage time variable t is added by 1, and the value of the added storage time variable t is It is stored in the second memory 17 as a usage time recorded value.

  In step S37, the value of the third counter vc3 is incremented by 1, and the value of the cumulative usage variable for each time zone st is set to the usage record value read from the second memory 17 corresponding to the value of the third counter vc3. Then, the value of the cumulative usage variable by time zone st is incremented by 1, and the value of the cumulative usage variable by time zone st is stored in the second memory 17 as a usage recording value corresponding to the value of the third counter vc3. Then, the usage time storage main process ends. If it is determined in step S35 that the value of the second counter vc2 is not 360 or more, the use time storage main process ends.

  In the first embodiment, based on the value stored by the cumulative usage variable by time zone st corresponding to the value of the third counter vc3, the connection time of the electronic endoscope 10 with the video processor 30 (= electronic internal Usage frequency distribution corresponding to the usage time of the endoscope 10 can be obtained (see Table 1).

  In [Table 1], the data actually stored in the second memory 17 is the usage variable st by cumulative time period. That is, the data of st = 45 is stored in a specific address of the second memory 17 (this address is A1), the data of st = 44 is stored in the next (A1 + 1) address, and the next (A1 + 2) address. In addition, data of st = 42,..., And the continuous use frequency by use time period of 6 minutes, 12 minutes, 18 minutes,.

  From the usage time recording method of the first embodiment, the usage frequency fr (j) in a certain usage time zone (the value of the third counter vc3 is j) is set to a cumulative usage time zone variable st corresponding to this st ( j), the relational expression fr (j) = st (j) −st (j + 1) holds. For example, the usage frequency fr (j) when the value j of the third counter vc3 is 6, that is, the usage period is 36 minutes or more and less than 42 minutes (0.6 hours or more and less than 0.7 hours) is fr (6) = st ( 6) -st (7) = 28-21 = 7.

  In the first embodiment, based on the recorded value by the usage variable by time zone st corresponding to the value of the third counter vc3, the usage time zone (value j of the third counter vc3) and the usage time by cumulative time zone. A relationship graph of the variable st (see FIG. 7), a usage time zone (value j of the third counter vc3) and a relationship graph of the usage frequency fr (see FIG. 8) can be obtained. These tables and graphs make it possible to know in detail the usage status of the electronic endoscope 10. For example, from FIG. 8, the usage frequency fr (j for a usage time zone of 36 minutes or more and less than 42 minutes (0.6 hours or more and less than 0.7 hours) (corresponding to the value j of the third counter vc3 being 6). It can be seen that the value of) is 7 and is the most used time zone.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the video processor 30 further includes a fourth memory 34 (see FIG. 9), and the electronic endoscope 10 does not include the second memory 17 (not shown). In the first embodiment, the usage time storage process is performed by the first CPU 15, and the first and second connection count recording values, the usage time recording values, and the usage recording values for each connection time zone are stored in the second memory 17. However, in the second embodiment, the usage time storage process is performed by the second CPU 31, and the first and second connection count recording values, the usage time recording values, and the usage recording values for each connection time zone are the first. 4 memory 34 stores. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  The second CPU 31 measures the first and second connection times and the usage time. The second CPU 31 obtains the usage frequency (usage time distribution) for each time zone connected based on the usage time.

  In the first embodiment, the values of the first to third counters vc1 to vc3, the storage time variable t, the first connection number variable c, the second connection number variable c2, the cumulative use time zone usage variable st, and the video The value of the signal system discrimination variable vnp is temporarily stored in the RAM of the first CPU 15, but is temporarily stored in the RAM of the second CPU 31 in the second embodiment.

  The fourth memory 34 stores the first and second connection count recording values, usage time recording values, usage recording values by connection time, serial number, and endoscope name of the connected electronic endoscope 10. . For each electronic endoscope, a usage time recording value or the like is written in a different address (storage area) of the fourth memory 34 (see FIG. 12). The address for writing the usage time recording value of the electronic endoscope attached to the video processor 30 in the fourth memory 34 is specified by the variable va. The serial number and endoscope name of the electronic endoscope 10 are read from the first memory 16 by the second CPU 31. Corresponding to the serial number and endoscope name, the value of the variable va is set as follows. As shown in FIG. 12, the recorded usage time value and the like of the electronic endoscope 10 previously attached to the video processor 30 are stored in the divided addresses (storage areas) of the fourth memory 34. Therefore, the serial number and endoscope name of the electronic endoscope 10 connected this time are sequentially compared with the serial number and endoscope name of each electronic endoscope stored in each section of the fourth memory 34. Then, the value of va corresponding to the matched electronic endoscope is set in the variable va. For example, assuming that the serial number and the endoscope name of the electronic endoscope 10 connected this time coincide with “endoscope-2” in FIG. 12, va = A040 is set. The variable va indicating the address is temporarily stored in the RAM of the second CPU 31. In FIG. 12, the data length of address 1 is 16 bits (= 2 bytes).

  The procedure of the usage time storage process in the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. When processing of the main program of the second CPU 31 is started in step S51, initial setting processing by the second CPU 31 is performed in step S52. The initial setting process by the second CPU 31 is a process corresponding to step S2 of the initial setting process by the first CPU 15 described in FIG. Each register of the second CPU 31 is set, each register of the peripheral IC is set, and various variables are set. The value of the video signal system discrimination variable vnp is set according to the video signal system setting state of the endoscope apparatus.

  In step S53, an endoscope connection confirmation process by the second CPU 31 is performed. Specifically, it is checked whether the electronic endoscope 10 is connected to or removed from the video processor 30 via the connection unit 20. Details of the endoscope connection confirmation process will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S54, communication processing with the electronic endoscope 10 is performed. Specifically, commands are exchanged between the electronic endoscope 10 and the video processor 30. In step S55, processing corresponding to key input on the keyboard 50 is performed. In step S56, processing corresponding to the switch input of the panel switch group 43 is performed. For example, it is processing such as turning on the lamp of the light source 36 or changing the brightness (reference value) of the image displayed on the TV monitor 70.

  In step S57, other processing such as time display is performed. Steps S53 to S57 are repeated.

  Details of the endoscope connection confirmation process in step S53 of FIG. 10 will be described (see FIG. 11). In step S <b> 71, it is determined whether or not the electronic endoscope 10 is newly connected to the video processor 30. When the electronic endoscope 10 is newly connected, data such as a serial number and an endoscope name is read from the electronic endoscope 10 in step S72.

  In step S73, the address of the fourth memory 34 in which the recorded usage time value of the electronic endoscope 10 is stored is set in the address variable va from the read serial number. In step S74, the values of the first to third counters vc1 to vc3 are set to zero. In step S75, the value of the first connection number variable c is set to the first connection number recorded value read from the address of the fourth memory 34 corresponding to the value of the address variable va, and the value of the first connection number variable c is set to 1. And the value of the added first connection number variable c is stored as the first connection number recording value in the address of the fourth memory 34 corresponding to the value of the address variable va. In step S76, the value of the storage time variable t is set to the use time recording value read from the address of the fourth memory 34 corresponding to the value of the address variable va.

  In step S77, the interrupt process by the second CPU 31 is enabled, and the endoscope connection confirmation process ends. The processes in steps S72 to S77 are performed only once when it is determined that the electronic endoscope 10 is newly connected.

  The interrupt processing by the second CPU 31 is the same as the interrupt processing by the first CPU 15 described with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, in step S34 of FIG. 6, the value of the second connection number variable c2 is set to the second connection number recorded value read from the address of the fourth memory 34 corresponding to the value of the address variable va. The value of the second connection count variable c2 is incremented by 1, and the added value of the second connection count variable c2 is stored as the second connection count record value at the address of the fourth memory 34 corresponding to the value of the address variable va. Further, in step S36 of FIG. 6, the value of the storage time variable t is incremented by 1, and the address of the fourth memory 34 corresponding to the value of the address variable va is set to the value of the added storage time variable t as the use time recording value. To remember. Further, in step S37 of FIG. 6, the value of the third counter vc3 is incremented by 1, and the fourth time memory corresponding to the value of the accumulated time zone usage variable st corresponds to the value of the address variable va and the value of the third counter vc3. The usage record value read from address 34 is set, the value of the usage variable st by cumulative time period is incremented by 1, and the value of the usage variable st by cumulative time period added is set to the value of the third counter vc3. The corresponding usage record value is stored in the address of the fourth memory 34 corresponding to the value of the address variable va, and the usage time storage main process ends. Other steps are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

  If it is determined in step S71 that the electronic endoscope 10 is not newly connected, it is determined in step S78 whether or not the electronic endoscope 10 has been removed from the video processor 30.

  When the electronic endoscope 10 is removed from the video processor 30, in step S79, the interrupt process by the second CPU 31 is disabled in order to stop the measurement of the usage time, and the endoscope connection confirmation process ends. . If the electronic endoscope 10 has not been detached from the video processor 30, the endoscope connection confirmation process ends. That is, when the electronic endoscope 10 is neither newly connected nor removed, the endoscope connection confirmation process in FIG. 11 is terminated without performing substantially anything.

  In the second embodiment, the usage time of the electronic endoscope 10 is measured using the vertical synchronization signal output from the signal processing circuit 41 which is a device used for video signal processing in the video processor 30. Is possible.

  In the second embodiment, for each electronic endoscope 10 connected to the video processor 30, two types of connection count recording values, usage time recording values, and usage recording values for each connection time may be stored. It is possible to know the usage time, the number of connections, the usage frequency distribution for each usage time zone, etc. for each electronic endoscope 10.

  In both the first and second embodiments, the usage time is measured based on the number of outputs of the vertical synchronization signal Vsync. However, a timer element such as an interval timer is additionally added to measure the usage time. May be performed.

  In addition, in both the first and second embodiments, one control means (CPU) measures the usage time, the first and second connection counts, and obtains the usage frequency for each time zone. May perform measurements.

It is a block diagram of an endoscope apparatus. It is a circuit block diagram of an electronic endoscope. It is a circuit block diagram of a video processor. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the initial setting process by 1st CPU of the electronic endoscope in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the use time memory | storage process in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the usage time storage main process in 1st Embodiment. It is a graph which shows the relationship between a use time zone (the value of a 3rd counter), and the use variable classified by time zone. It is a graph which shows the relationship between a use time zone (the value of a 3rd counter), and a use frequency. It is a circuit block diagram of the video processor in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the main program of 2nd CPU in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the endoscope connection confirmation process in 2nd Embodiment. It is an address map of the 4th memory in a 2nd embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Endoscope apparatus 10 Electronic endoscope 11 Image pick-up element 12 AGC (auto gain controller)
13 Video signal processing IC
15 First CPU
16 First Memory 17 Second Memory 18 Light Guide 20 Connection 30 Video Processor 31 Second CPU
33 RTC
34 Fourth memory 41 Signal processing circuit 42 CRTC
43 Panel switch group 50 Keyboard 70 TV monitor c First connection number variable c2 Second connection number variable st Usage variable by accumulated time zone t Storage time variable va Address variable vc1 to vc3 First to third counters vnp Video signal system discrimination variable

Claims (15)

  Accumulated time of use state in which the electronic endoscope is attached to the video processor of the endoscope apparatus and the power source of the electronic endoscope is turned on is measured as the use time, and based on the use time, by time zone An electronic endoscope or an endoscope apparatus provided with a control unit for obtaining a usage frequency. It further includes a video signal processing unit that performs signal processing on an image signal obtained by imaging and outputs a vertical synchronization signal,
The electronic endoscope or the endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit measures the usage time based on the number of times the vertical synchronization signal is output.   The control unit temporarily stores first and second counters corresponding to the output of the vertical synchronization signal, and adds the value of the first counter by a first constant value each time the vertical synchronization signal is output. Each time the value of the first counter becomes greater than or equal to the first parameter, the first counter is set to a first initial value, the value of the second counter is added by a second constant value, and the value of the second counter is 3. The electronic internal unit according to claim 2, wherein the second counter is set to a second initial value every time two or more parameters are set, and the usage time is added by a third constant value to measure the usage time. 4. Endoscope or endoscopic device.   4. The electronic endoscope or endoscope apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the value of the first parameter is set corresponding to a vertical synchronization frequency corresponding to an interval at which the vertical synchronization signal is output. .   The control unit temporarily stores a third counter corresponding to the output of the vertical synchronization signal, and sets the value of the third counter to the third constant value every time the value of the second counter becomes equal to or greater than the second parameter. When the value of the third counter is added by the third constant value, the recorded value of the usage by time period corresponding to the added value of the third counter is added by one. The electronic endoscope or the endoscope apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the usage frequency for each time zone is measured.   6. The electronic endoscope or endoscope apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first to third constant values are all 1, and the first and second initial values are both 0. .   The electronic endoscope according to claim 5, wherein the endoscope apparatus includes an electronic endoscope, and the electronic endoscope includes the control unit.   The said video processor has the said control part, The said control part divides | segments for every electronic endoscope with which it is mounted | worn, and records the said usage time and the said usage frequency according to a time slot | zone in memory. The endoscope apparatus according to Item 5.   The endoscope apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the memory is a nonvolatile memory.   The number of times the electronic endoscope is attached to the video processor of the endoscope apparatus is measured as the first connection number, and the electronic endoscope is attached to the video processor and continuously for a predetermined time or more. An electronic endoscope or an endoscope apparatus including a control unit that measures the number of times the power of the power is turned on as the second connection number.   Each time the electronic endoscope is attached to the video processor, the control unit increments the recorded value of the first connection count by 1, and the electronic endoscope is attached to the video processor and continuously for a certain time or more. The first and second connection counts are measured by adding 1 to the recorded value of the second connection count when the electronic endoscope is powered on. The electronic endoscope or the endoscope apparatus according to 10. It further includes a video signal processing unit that performs signal processing on an image signal obtained by imaging and outputs a vertical synchronization signal,
The control unit measures the time when the electronic endoscope is attached to the video processor and the power of the electronic endoscope is continuously turned on based on the number of times the vertical synchronization signal is output. The electronic endoscope or endoscope according to claim 11, wherein the second connection count is measured by determining whether or not the measured time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time. apparatus.   The electronic endoscope according to claim 12, wherein the endoscope apparatus includes an electronic endoscope, and the electronic endoscope includes the control unit.   13. The video processor according to claim 12, wherein the video processor includes the control unit, and the control unit records the first and second connection times in a memory separately for each electronic endoscope to be mounted. The endoscope apparatus described. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the memory is a nonvolatile memory.