JP2006247158A - Electronic endoscope system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To smoothly jet washing water from the distal end of the insertion part of an electronic scope in an electronic endoscope system. <P>SOLUTION: Data concerning water feeding processing (a first time initial flow rate value, a first time flow rate time and first time reduction period) calculated based on the characteristic of a water feeding duct of the electronic scope 10 is stored in an EEPROM of the electronic scope 10. The data is fed from the EEPROM to a water feeding device 20 through a processor 100 to be stored in a ROM 33. A mode just after the start of the water feeding processing is set with a keyboard etc. The level of a water feeding quantity during surgery is set with a front panel. In the case when a reduction control mode is selected, when a first switch button 16A is pressed first and a water feeding switch SWL is turned on, water is fed at the level of the first time initial flow rate value during the first time flow rate time. After the passage of the first time flow rate time, the level of water feeding is lowered from the first time initial flow rate value to the set flow rate value in the first time reduction period. Moreover, with the increase of the number of times of water feeding, a initial flow rate value, a flow rate time and a reduction period are reduced. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic endoscope system, and more particularly to a water supply mechanism that supplies cleaning water to the tip of a scope.

  A medical electronic endoscope system includes a scope having an insertion portion that is inserted into a patient's body, an image processing processor that performs predetermined image processing on a captured image acquired by the scope, and image processing performed by the processor. And a TV monitor that displays the captured image. A light guide is inserted into the insertion portion of the scope, and emitted light (illumination light) of a light source provided in the image processor is guided to the distal end of the insertion portion by this light guide. Illumination light reflected by the inner wall surface of the body is imaged on the light receiving surface of the CCD via an objective optical system provided at the distal end of the insertion portion. A captured image inside the body is acquired by appropriately controlling the driving of the CCD.

During the operation of the scope, depending on the state of the treatment, an operation of injecting washing water onto the inner wall surface of the patient's internal organ may be performed. Therefore, in the electronic endoscope system described above, equipped with a tank that stores cleaning water, by appropriately operating the operation button and foot switch provided in the operation unit of the scope, the cleaning water is sent from the tank to the tip of the scope, An operation of washing away dirt and blood adhering to the inner wall surface of a body organ is performed. The cleaning water is fed through a water supply pipe provided in the scope.
JP 2003-70730 A

  However, the length and diameter of the insertion portion are different for each scope selected according to the digestive organ to be examined, and the length and diameter of the water supply pipe are also different accordingly. Therefore, even if the operation button or the like of the operation unit is operated, the cleaning water may not be immediately discharged with the expected water supply amount from the distal end of the insertion unit. As a result, smooth treatment may be hindered.

  The present invention solves the above-described problems, and aims to speed up the supply of cleaning water in an electronic endoscope system.

  An electronic endoscope system according to the present invention includes a scope in which a transport pipeline for ejecting liquid to a predetermined site is formed, an image processing apparatus that performs predetermined image processing on an image signal acquired by the scope, A tank in which the liquid is stored; a liquid feeding means for sending the liquid from the tank to the transport line; and a liquid feeding control means for controlling the liquid feeding of the liquid feeding means. The liquid supply amount at the start which is the liquid supply amount immediately after the start of the liquid, and the liquid supply time at the start which is the time for liquid supply at the level of the liquid supply amount at the start from the start of liquid supply by the liquid supply means It has the 1st control mode controlled based on the characteristic of a way and the number of times of accumulation liquid feeding.

  The flow rate setting means can set the flow rate of the liquid per unit time that is sent from the tank to the transport pipeline during the treatment. Thereafter, the liquid feeding amount by the liquid feeding means is decreased from the liquid feeding amount at the start to the flow rate set by the flow rate setting means in a predetermined decrease period.

  Preferably, the liquid supply control means further decreases the start-time liquid supply amount, the start-time liquid supply time, and the decrease period as the cumulative liquid supply number increases.

  Preferably, the scope includes an initial start liquid supply time that is a start liquid supply time at the first liquid supply time, an initial start liquid supply amount that is a start liquid supply amount at the first liquid supply, The storage unit stores a first reduction period that is a decrease period at the time of liquid feeding, and more preferably, the liquid feeding control unit transmits the cumulative number of times of liquid feeding and the scope in the first control mode. Based on the initial start liquid supply time, the initial initial liquid supply amount, and the initial decrease period, the start initial liquid supply time, the initial initial liquid supply amount, and the decrease period are decreased.

  Preferably, the storage unit stores a limit number of times of liquid feeding, which is the number of times of liquid feeding in which a predetermined amount of liquid remains in the liquid feeding conduit by repeating the liquid feeding by the liquid feeding unit, and the liquid feeding control unit When the cumulative number of times of liquid feeding reaches the limit number of times of liquid feeding, the liquid is fed at the flow rate set by the flow rate setting means from the start of liquid feeding.

  Preferably, the start-time liquid supply amount, the start-time liquid supply time, the initial decrease period, and the limit liquid supply frequency are determined by the volume of the transport pipeline.

  Preferably, the liquid feeding control means has a second control mode for maintaining the liquid feeding amount at a level set by the user from the start of liquid feeding by the liquid feeding means, and more preferably, the first or Selection means for selecting one of the second control modes is provided.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the liquid feeding from the tank to the transportation pipeline is controlled according to the characteristics of the transportation pipeline of the scope to be used and the cumulative number of liquid feeding. That is, liquid feeding is started based on the characteristics of the scope and the amount of liquid remaining in the transportation pipeline at the start of liquid feeding. Therefore, the liquid can always be ejected from the scope tip in an appropriate amount.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of an electronic endoscope system to which an embodiment according to the present invention is applied. The electronic scope 10 is connected to the processor 100. A TV monitor 150 is connected to the processor 100. Also connected to the processor 100 are a video recorder 160 that records an image of the observation region on a recording medium such as a video tape, a video printer 170 that prints an image of the observation region, and a keyboard 134 that inputs character information and the like. .

  The electronic scope 10 includes a bending portion 18, an insertion portion 17, an operation portion 16, a connecting pipe 12, and a connector portion 15. The curved portion 18 is rigid and includes the distal end portion 14. The flexible insertion portion 17 is inserted into the body of the subject. The operation unit 16 is provided with an operation lever 16D for operating the bending portion 18 and the like. The electronic scope 10 is detachably connected to the processor 100 via the connection pipe 12 and the connector unit 15. The connector unit 15 is inserted into the connection unit 102 of the processor 100. When treatment, examination, and the like are started, the operator holds the operation unit 16 of the electronic scope 10 and inserts the insertion unit 17 into the body of the subject.

  The water supply device 20 can be connected to the electronic scope 10 via the scope connection tube 52, and the scope connection tube 52 is connected to the water supply port 11 of the electronic scope 10. Further, the water supply device 20 is electrically connected to the processor 100 via the signal cable 104.

  In the electronic scope 10, a water jet water supply channel 13 for passing a liquid such as water is formed from the water supply port 11 of the operation unit 16 to the distal end portion 14. The liquid that has entered from the water supply port 11 passes through the water supply channel 13 and is ejected from a water jet nozzle that is the tip (exit) of the water supply channel 13. The water supply channel 13 is a treatment such as an air supply, water supply channel (not shown) or forceps provided in the scope for the purpose of removing an object attached to an objective lens (not shown) provided at the distal end portion 14. This is a separate conduit from the forceps channel (not shown) through which the instrument is inserted, and is uniquely provided in the scope.

  In addition to the operation lever 16D, the operation unit 16 includes a water supply control switch button (hereinafter referred to as a first switch button) 16A, an injection amount up switch button (hereinafter referred to as a second switch button) 16B, an injection amount down switch button (hereinafter referred to as a first switch button). 3 switch buttons) 16C. The first switch button 16A is a switch for executing water supply. The second switch button 16B is a switch for increasing the injection flow rate of the liquid injected into the water supply channel 13. The third switch button 16 </ b> C is a switch for reducing the injection flow rate of the liquid injected into the water supply channel 13. The first, second, and third switch buttons 16A, 16B, and 16C are normally operated by the thumb, index finger, and middle finger of the left hand of the operator, respectively. The configuration of injecting the liquid into the water supply channel 13 will be described later.

  The first to third switch buttons 16A, 16B, and 16C described above are a switch for recording an observation region image in the video recorder 160 and a switch for printing the observation region image on the video printer 170, respectively. This is also used as a switch for displaying a still image of the observation site on the monitor 150. When the water supply device 20 is connected to the processor 100, the first to third switch buttons 16A, 16B, and 16C function as switches for water supply control as described above. When the water supply device 20 is not connected to the processor 100, the first switch button 16A, the second switch button 16B, and the third switch button 16C are recorded on the video recorder 160, printed by the video printer 170, and on the monitor 150, respectively. It functions as a switch for executing still image display. Whether or not the water supply device 20 is connected to the processor 100 is detected by the presence or absence of signal exchange between the water supply device 20 and the processor 100 via the signal cable 104.

  The scope connection tube 52 is a flexible tube, and includes a water supply base 52A and a device base 52B at both ends of the tube. The water supply base 52 </ b> A is attached to the water supply opening 11 of the electronic scope 10, and the water supply base 52 </ b> B is attached to the outlet 23 </ b> B of the water supply apparatus 20.

  The water feeding device 20 is provided with a tank 40 and stores cleaning water for cleaning a predetermined part. A tank tube 50 is inserted into the tank 40, and the liquid in the tank 40 is sent to the water feeding device 20 through the tank tube 50. The tank tube 50 is connected to the inlet 23 </ b> A of the water supply device 20.

  A rotary pump 21 that sends the liquid in the tank 40 to the electronic scope 10 is provided in the water feeder 20. The rotary pump 21 is operated by driving a motor (not shown here). Further, a connection tube 25 that connects the inflow port 23A and the outflow port 23B is provided inside the water supply device 20, and the tank 40 is connected to the water supply channel 13 via the tank tube 50, the connection tube 25, and the scope connection tube 52. Communicate. The configuration of the rotary pump 21 is substantially the same as that of a rotary tube pump that supplies a chemical solution or the like conventionally used. The connection tube 25 is disposed in close contact with the disk-shaped rotary pump 21, and pressing members (not shown) are provided on the outer periphery of the rotary pump 21 at equal intervals. Since the connection tube 25 is pressed outward in the radial direction of the pump 21, when the rotary pump 21 rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. 1, the liquid in the tank 40 flows through the tank tube 50, the connection tube 25, and the scope connection tube 52. It is sent to the water supply channel 13.

  The front panel of the water supply device 20 is provided with an injection speed setting switch 27, a liquid crystal display unit 26, and a main power switch 31 for turning on / off the main power supply of the water supply device. This is a switch for setting the injection speed of the liquid injected into the body of the subject, that is, the amount of liquid injected into the body of the subject per unit time in a stepwise manner.

  As described above, the liquid is injected into the body of the subject through the water supply channel 13 of the electronic scope 10. Therefore, the amount of liquid injected into the subject's body per unit time corresponds to the injection flow rate of the liquid injected into the water supply channel 13. The injection speed can be set in five stages by turning the knob of the injection speed setting switch 27. While the injection rate is set / changed by operating the injection rate setting switch 27, the injection rate is displayed on the display unit 26. In the present specification, the liquid amount value set by the injection speed setting switch 27 is referred to as “set flow value”.

  The operator operates the infusion rate setting switch 27 to set the set flow rate value in advance before starting the treatment. Then, after the treatment is started, the second and third switch buttons 16B and 16C of the operation unit 16 of the electronic scope 10 are appropriately operated according to the situation to change the injection flow rate.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the electronic endoscope system. Light emitted from the lamp 112 in the processor 100 is incident on an incident end of a light guide (not shown) provided in the electronic scope 10 through the diaphragm 116. The light emitted from the lamp 112 is guided to the distal end side of the electronic scope 10 by the light guide, and is irradiated to the observation site through the light projecting optical system.

  The light reflected at the observation site is imaged on a light receiving surface of an image sensor 19 such as a CCD via an objective lens (not shown) at the distal end portion 14 of the electronic scope 10, and an optical image of the observation site is formed on the image sensor 19. Formed on the light receiving surface. The optical image is photoelectrically converted by driving the image sensor 19 and an image signal is generated. In the present embodiment, the NTSC system is applied as a color television system, and image signals for one frame (one field) are sequentially read out every 1/30 (1/60) second interval, and an initial signal processing circuit. 55.

  The initial signal processing circuit 55 performs predetermined image processing including amplification processing on the color image signal, and generates a luminance signal and a color difference signal as a video signal. The generated video signal is sent to the processor signal processing circuit 128 of the processor 100 and the luminance signal is sent to the system control circuit 122. The processor signal processing circuit 128 is provided with a frame memory (not shown) for temporarily storing a video signal for one frame sent from the initial signal processing circuit 55. The video signal is stored once in the frame memory. Thereafter, predetermined processing is performed on the video signal. The processed video signal is output to the monitor 150 or the like as a video signal such as an NTSC composite signal, a Y / C separation signal (so-called S video signal), or an RGB separation signal, whereby a subject image is displayed on the monitor 150.

  The system control circuit 122 is a circuit that controls the operation of the processor 100, and outputs a control signal to each circuit such as the lamp control unit 111 and the processor signal processing circuit 128. In the timing control circuit 130, a clock pulse for adjusting the processing timing of the signal is output to each circuit in the processor 100, and a synchronization signal accompanying the video signal is sent to the processor signal processing circuit 128. A diaphragm 116 that adjusts the amount of light irradiated to the observation site is opened and closed by driving a diaphragm motor (not shown). The system control circuit 122 outputs a control signal to the motor via the peripheral driver 129 based on the luminance signal sent sequentially. As a result, the diaphragm 116 opens and closes so that the amount of light applied to the observation site is appropriate.

  The EEPROM 57 in the electronic scope 10 stores scope information that is data relating to scope characteristics. In the present embodiment, the scope information includes an initial initial flow rate value, an initial control time, an initial decrease period, and a limit number of times of water supply. The initial initial flow rate value is a unit time immediately after the first switch button 16A is first pressed in a state where the water supply device 20 is connected to the processor 100 and the first switch button 16A functions as a water supply control switch button. This is the amount of cleaning water sent from the winning tank 40 to the water supply channel 13 (hereinafter referred to as water supply amount). The initial control time is the length of time that the water supply level is maintained at the initial flow rate value after the water supply from the tank 40 to the water supply channel 13 is first started. Further, as described above, the set flow rate value is set by the injection rate setting switch 27 of the water feeding device 20. The initial decrease period is the length of the period during which the water supply level is lowered from the initial initial flow rate value to the set flow rate value after the initial flow rate time has elapsed.

  If the start / stop of water supply is repeated, the remaining amount of washing water in the water supply channel 13 after the water supply stop gradually increases. When water supply is performed a predetermined number of times and the amount of remaining cleaning water reaches a predetermined amount, immediately after the first switch button 16A is pressed, the cleaning water can be jetted at the set flow rate level. Become. In the present specification, the above-mentioned limit water supply number is the predetermined number of times.

  After the electronic scope 10 is connected to the processor 100, when the water supply process has not been performed once and no washing water remains in the water supply channel 13, when the first switch button 16A is pressed, During the initial flow rate time, water is supplied from the tank 40 to the water supply channel 13 at the level of the initial initial flow rate value. As the number of times of water supply increases, the remaining amount of washing water in the water supply channel 13 increases. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the initial flow rate value and reduce the flow time and the decrease period in accordance with the increase in the number of times of water supply. Then, after the water supply frequency reaches the limit water supply frequency, in a state where a predetermined amount of washing water remains in the water supply channel 13, if the water is supplied at the set flow rate level immediately after the first switch button 16A is pressed. Immediately, the cleaning water is jetted from the jet nozzle at the set flow rate level.

  The values of the limit water supply number, the initial initial flow value, the initial flow time, and the initial decrease period are calculated in advance based on the length and diameter of the water supply channel 13 and the volume determined by these. That is, depending on the type of the electronic scope 10 connected to the processor 100, the values of the limit water supply count, initial initial flow rate value, initial flow rate time, and initial decrease period stored in the EEPROM 57 are different.

  In the electronic scope 10, a scope control unit 56 that controls the operation of the electronic scope 10 is provided. The scope control unit 56 controls the initial signal processing circuit 55 and reads scope information from the EEPROM 57. When the electronic scope 10 is connected to the processor 100, data is transmitted and received between the scope control unit 56 and the system control circuit 122, and scope information is sent from the scope control unit 56 to the system control circuit 122 of the processor 100. Further, the scope information is sent from the system control circuit 122 to the water feeder 20.

  The front panel 123 is provided with a setting switch (not shown) for setting a reference luminance value used as a standard in automatic light control, and the value set by the operator operating the setting switch. A corresponding signal is sent to the system control circuit 122. The reference luminance value data is temporarily stored in a RAM (not shown) in the system control circuit 122.

  The water supply device 20 is connected to the system control circuit 122 via the signal cable 104 and a keyboard 134 is connected. Further, the first switch button 16 </ b> A, the second switch button 16 </ b> B, and the third switch button 16 </ b> C of the electronic scope 10 are connected to the system control circuit 122 via the scope control unit 56.

  When the water feeder 20 is connected to the processor 100, when the first switch button 16A, the second switch button 16B, or the third switch button 16C is pressed, a control signal is sent from the system control circuit 122 to the water feeder. . Further, the scope information sent from the scope control unit 56 is sent to the water feeding device 20 with the signal cable 104 written therein.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the water supply device 20. Power is supplied from the power supply circuit 38 to each circuit in the water feeding device 20. The operation of the water supply device 20 is controlled by a water supply control circuit 35. An injection rate setting switch 27 and a display unit 26 are connected to the water supply control circuit 35, and each switch signal is sent to the water supply control circuit 35. When the injection speed setting switch 27 is operated, the set flow rate value that has been set is temporarily stored in the RAM 39 as data. The display unit 26 is provided with an LCD (liquid crystal panel), an LCD driver, and a backlight (none of which are shown). A control signal is output from the water supply control circuit 35 based on the data in the RAM 39, and its control is performed. The LCD driver drives the LCD based on the signal. When the backlight is turned on, the set injection flow rate (set flow value) is displayed.

  The scope information read from the EEPROM 57 by the scope control unit 56 of the electronic scope 10 and sent from the water supply device 20 via the processor 100 is stored in a ROM (PROM) 33. As a result, the initial initial flow rate value, the initial flow rate time, the initial decrease period, and the limit water supply frequency calculated according to the characteristics of the water supply channel 13 of the electronic scope 10 are stored in the ROM 33.

  When the first switch button 16A is pressed, the water supply process from the tank 40 to the water supply channel 13 is started. As described above, the injection flow rate set by the injection rate setting switch 27 is stored in the RAM 39, and the initial initial flow rate value sent from the electronic scope 10 is stored in the ROM 33.

  In the present embodiment, the mode for performing the water supply process at the initial flow rate level from the start of the water supply process is the “decrease control mode (first mode)”, and the mode for performing the water supply process at the set flow rate level from the start of the water supply process is “ This is referred to as “maintenance control mode (second mode)”. The mode of the decrease control mode will be described later.

  When the first switch button 16A of the electronic scope 10 is pressed, the water supply switch SWL is turned on. When the ON signal of the water supply switch SWL is input, the water supply control circuit 35 receives the initial initial flow rate value stored in the ROM 33, the initial flow rate time, the initial decrease period, the limit water supply count, and the set flow rate value stored in the RAM 39. read out. Then, a control signal is output to the motor drive circuit 37 according to the water supply mode set by the front panel 123 or the keyboard 134. While the first switch button 16 </ b> A is pressed, the water in the tank 40 continues to flow toward the water supply channel 13 of the electronic scope 10. When the first switch button 16A is no longer pressed (when the finger is released from the first switch button 16A), the water supply switch SWL is turned off and the water supply operation is stopped.

  The motor 41 is a direct current motor driven according to PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control, and the rotary pump 21 rotates according to the rotation of the motor 41. In the motor drive circuit 37, a drive signal is output to the motor 41 based on the control signal sent from the water supply control circuit 35. The correspondence relationship between the water supply level such as the initial flow rate value and the set flow rate value and the rotation speed of the motor 41 is stored in advance in the ROM 36 as a table.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of an initialization routine executed by the system control circuit 122 when the electronic scope 10 is connected to the processor 100. In step S100, the timer 34 is reset. Next, it is checked in step S102 whether scope information has been acquired. That is, the electronic scope 10 is connected to the processor 100, and it is checked whether the scope information read from the EEPROM 57 is sent via the processor 100 under the control of the scope control unit 56. If the acquisition of the scope information is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S104.

  As described above, the scope information sent via the processor 100 is stored in the ROM 33. Further, the set flow rate value set by the switch 27 is stored in the RAM 39. In step S104, the initial initial flow rate value (Li0), the initial control time (TA), the initial decrease period (TB), and the limit water supply number (M) in the scope information are read from the ROM 33. Next, in step S106, “0” is set to a variable n indicating the cumulative number of water supply times. In other words, the value of the variable n indicates the current number of times of water supply. This is the end of the initialization routine.

  FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of the water supply control routine by the system control circuit 122 and the water supply control circuit 35. In step S200, it is checked whether the first switch button 16A has been pressed and the water supply switch SWL has been turned on. That is, it is checked whether the user has instructed the start of water supply of the cleaning water in the tank 40. If it is confirmed that the first switch button 16A has been pressed and the start of water supply has been instructed, the process proceeds to step S202.

  In step S202, as the water supply switch SWL is confirmed to be turned on, the value of the cumulative water supply number n is incremented by “1”. Next, the process proceeds to step S204. In step S204, it is checked whether or not the value of the cumulative water supply number n is “1”. That is, after the electronic scope 10 is connected, the first switch button 16A is pushed for the first time, and it is checked whether or not the first water supply process is started. If the cumulative water supply count n is “1” and it is confirmed that this is the first water supply process, the process proceeds to step S206. In step S206, initial water supply control is performed. That is, the initial initial flow value (Li0) is set to the current initial flow value Lin, the initial control time (TA) is set to the current control time T1n, and the initial decrease period (TB) is set to the current decrease period T2n.

  If it is confirmed in step S204 that the cumulative water supply number n is not “1” and it is not the first water supply process, the process proceeds to step S208. In step S208, it is checked whether or not the value of the cumulative water supply number n exceeds the limit water supply number M. If it is confirmed that the cumulative water supply number n has not reached the limit water supply number M, the process proceeds to step S210.

  In step S210, the current initial flow rate value Lin is calculated based on the formula (1), the current control time T1n is calculated based on the formula (2), and the current decrease period T2n is calculated based on the formula (3).

Lin = Li (n−1) − (Li0−LiM) / M (1)

T1n = T1 (n-1) -TA / M (2)

T2n = T2 (n-1) -TB / M (3)

(However, Lin: current initial flow rate value of the number of times of water supply n times,
n: Cumulative number of water delivery (current number of water delivery),
Li0: initial initial flow rate value,
LiM: set flow rate value,
M: Limit water supply frequency,
T1n: Current control time of the number of times of water supply n,
TA: initial control time,
T2n: Current decrease period of the nth water supply,
TB: First decrease period)

  As shown in the equation (1), the current initial flow rate value of the nth water supply is calculated from the current initial flow rate value at the time of the previous (n-1) water supply execution and the initial flow rate value and the set flow rate value. The value obtained by subtracting the flow value obtained by dividing the difference by the limit number of times of water delivery is set. As shown in Equation (2), the current control time of the nth water supply is obtained by subtracting the time obtained by dividing the initial flow rate time by the limit water supply number from the previous (n-1) current control time. Value is set. As shown in Equation (3), the number of water supply times is obtained by subtracting the value obtained by dividing the initial decrease period by the limit number of water supply times from the previous (n-1) current decrease period in the nth current reduction period. Value to be set.

  The data of the current initial flow rate value, the current control time, and the current decrease period calculated in step S210 are recorded in the ROM 33 in preparation for the water supply process after the next time.

  When values are set in the current initial flow rate value, the current control time, and the current decrease period in step S206 or S210, the process proceeds to step S212. In step S212, it is checked whether or not the decrease control mode is selected. If it is confirmed that the decrease control mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S214 in FIG.

  In step S214, the timer 34 is started. Next, the process proceeds to step S216, and the current initial flow rate value Lin is output from the system control circuit 122 to the water supply control circuit 35 of the water supply device 20. A control signal is output to the motor drive circuit 37 so that the motor 51 rotates in accordance with the current initial flow rate value Lin. Thereby, when the decrease control mode is selected, the supply of the cleaning water is started at the level of the current initial flow rate value Lin immediately after the first switch button 16A is pressed.

  Next, in step S218, the timer 34 is checked to check whether or not the current control time T1n has elapsed since the start of water supply. If the current control time T1n has not elapsed, the process of step S216 is repeated. That is, water supply with the current initial flow rate value Lin is continued until the current control time T1n elapses.

  If it is confirmed in step S218 that the current control time T1n has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S220. In step S220, a process of gradually decreasing the flow rate value is executed. In the present embodiment, during the elapse of the current decrease period T2n, the water supply level is controlled to decrease from the current initial flow rate value Lin to the set flow rate value LiM.

  Next, in step S222, the elapsed time measured by the timer 34 is compared with the total time of the control time T1n and the decrease period T2n. In other words, it is checked whether or not the decrease period T2n has elapsed since the flow rate reduction process in step S220 was started. If not, the flow rate reduction process in step S220 described above is repeated. When it is confirmed that the decrease period T2n has elapsed, the flow rate decrease process ends, and the process proceeds to step S224. In step S224, the level of the water supply amount is fixed to the set flow rate value LiM. As a result, the subsequent water supply is continued at the set flow rate value LiM.

  Next, in step S226, it is checked whether or not the water supply switch SWL is on while the first switch button 16A is being pressed. When the ON state of the water supply switch SWL continues, the process of step S224 is repeated. When it is confirmed that the water supply switch SWL is off and the first switch button 16A is not pressed, the process returns to step S200 in FIG.

  If it is confirmed in step S208 in FIG. 5 that the cumulative number n of times of water supply has reached the limit number M of times of water supply, the process proceeds to step S224 in FIG. As a result, after the number of times of water supply reaches the limit number of times of water supply M, the wash water is sent from the tank 40 to the water supply channel 13 at the set flow rate value LiM immediately after the first switch button 16A is pressed.

  If it is confirmed in step S212 in FIG. 5 that the maintenance control mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S224 in FIG. That is, in the maintenance control mode, the wash water is sent from the tank 40 to the water supply channel 13 at the set flow rate value LiM immediately after the first switch button 16A is pressed.

  FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing a change in the water supply amount when the decrease control mode is selected. For example, in the case of the first water supply process, as shown by the line P1, the level of the water supply amount is maintained at Li0 while the initial control time TA elapses, and the water supply amount is maintained while the initial decrease period TB elapses when TA elapses. Is controlled so as to decrease from the initial initial flow rate value Li0 to the set flow rate value LiM (S1 to S2). That is, a process of decreasing the water supply amount every 1 msec (milliseconds) is executed by a value obtained by dividing the difference between the initial initial flow rate value Li0 and the set flow rate value LiM by the initial decrease period TB.

  In FIG. 7, the change in the water supply amount in the second and subsequent water supply processes is representatively shown by line P2 (two-dot chain line) and line P3 (one-dot chain line). Line P2 indicates the (n-1) th water supply process, and line P3 indicates the nth water supply process. By the process of step S208 described above, the initial flow rate value, the control time, and the decrease period are reduced by the (n-1) th time from the first time and decreased by the nth time from the (n-1) th time.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the reduction control mode is selected by appropriately operating the front panel 123 and the keyboard 134 of the water supply device 20, water is supplied at an initial flow rate value higher than the set flow rate value during the control time. After the control time has elapsed, the flow rate is decreased from the initial flow rate value to the level of the set flow rate value during the decrease period. Accordingly, the entire water supply channel 13 is filled with the liquid in a short time after the water supply switch SWL is turned on, and the water jet nozzle is ejected from the water jet nozzle that is the tip (exit) of the water supply channel 13.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the start / stop of water supply is repeated, and the initial flow rate value, the control time, and the decrease period are gradually reduced as the number of times of water supply increases. Therefore, as the number of times of water supply increases, the time until the amount of liquid ejected from the water jet nozzle reaches the set flow rate value is further shortened. As a result, the water supply operation is always performed smoothly regardless of the number of times of water supply.

  Further, the initial flow rate value, the control time, the decrease period, and the limit water supply frequency are calculated based on the characteristics of the water supply channel 13 of the electronic scope 10. Therefore, based on the type of the electronic scope 10, in other words, based on the length and thickness of the water supply channel 13, the time from when the first switch button 16A is pressed until the start of the injection of the washing water to the affected area is more appropriately set. It can be shortened.

  In this embodiment, the start / stop of the water supply of the cleaning water is controlled by operating the first switch button 16A, but the present invention is not limited to this. A foot switch is provided in the water supply device 20, and the first switch Water supply control may be enabled by both the button 16A and the foot switch. In that case, the water supply by operation of a foot switch is also counted by the above-mentioned cumulative water supply frequency.

1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of an electronic endoscope system to which an embodiment according to the present invention is applied. It is a block diagram of an electronic endoscope system. It is a block diagram of a water supply apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the initialization routine for the water supply process performed by a system control circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the first half of the water supply process performed by the water supply control circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the second half of the water supply process performed by the water supply control circuit. It is a graph which shows the change of the level of the water supply amount in reduction control mode.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Electronic scope 13 Water supply channel 16A 1st switch button 16B 2nd switch button 16C 3rd switch button 19 Image pick-up element 20 Water supply apparatus 33 ROM
34 Timer 35 Water supply control circuit 40 Tank 56 Scope control unit 57 EEPROM

Claims (7)

A scope in which a transport pipeline for injecting liquid to a predetermined site is formed;
An image processing apparatus that performs predetermined image processing on an image signal acquired by the scope;
A tank in which the liquid is stored;
Liquid feeding means for sending the liquid from the tank to the transport pipeline;
A liquid feed control means for controlling the liquid feed of the liquid feed means,
The liquid feeding control means is
At the start time, which is the amount of liquid delivered at the start, which is the amount of liquid delivered immediately after the start of liquid delivery by the liquid delivery means, and from the start of the liquid delivery by the liquid delivery means, at the level of the liquid delivery amount at the start. An electronic endoscope system having a first control mode for controlling a liquid feeding time based on a characteristic of the transport pipeline and a cumulative number of times of liquid feeding. A flow rate setting means for setting the flow rate of the liquid per unit time to be sent from the tank to the transport line during the treatment;
The liquid feeding control means decreases the liquid feeding amount by the liquid feeding means from the starting liquid feeding amount to the flow rate set by the flow rate setting means in a predetermined decrease period after the start liquid feeding time has elapsed. The electronic endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein:   3. The electron according to claim 2, wherein the liquid supply control unit further decreases the start-time liquid supply amount, the start-time liquid supply time, and the decrease period as the cumulative number of liquid supply times increases. Endoscope system. The scope includes an initial start liquid supply time that is the initial start liquid supply time at the first liquid supply, an initial start liquid supply amount that is the initial start liquid supply amount at the first liquid supply, Having a storage means for storing an initial decrease period which is the decrease period at the time of liquid feeding;
In the first control mode, the liquid supply control means includes the cumulative liquid supply count, the initial start liquid supply time transmitted from the scope, the initial start liquid supply amount, and the initial decrease period. 4. The electronic endoscope system according to claim 3, wherein the start-time liquid supply time, the start-time liquid supply amount, and the decrease period in the second and subsequent liquid supply are reduced. The storage means stores a limit number of times of liquid feeding which is the number of times of liquid feeding in which a predetermined amount of the liquid remains in the liquid feeding pipe line by repeating liquid feeding by the liquid feeding means,
The liquid feeding control means feeds the liquid at a flow rate set by the flow rate setting means from the start of liquid feeding when the cumulative liquid feeding number reaches the limit liquid feeding number. The electronic endoscope system according to claim 3.   6. The electronic endoscope system according to claim 5, wherein the starting liquid supply amount, the starting liquid supply time, the initial decrease period, and the limit liquid supply frequency are determined by a volume of the transport pipe. . The liquid feeding control means has a second control mode for maintaining the liquid feeding amount at a level set by a user from the start of liquid feeding by the liquid feeding means,
The electronic endoscope system according to claim 1, further comprising selection means for selecting either the first or second control mode.

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