JP2007007339A - Endoscope system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope system capable of improving operability when observing a subject. <P>SOLUTION: This endoscope system is provided with: an endoscope having an imaging part capturing an image of the subject and outputting the captured subject's image as imaging signals; and a processor capable of connecting a moving image recording device recording video signals obtained by processing the imaging signals output from the endoscope as a moving image, to a still image recording device recording the video signals as a still image, and capable of changing over between an operation state supplying a voltage and a clock signal necessary for the operation of the imaging part and a waiting state stopping the supply of the voltage and the clock signal necessary for the operation of the imaging part. When detecting the output of a first command signal for changing over from the operation state to the waiting state, the processor outputs a moving image recording stop signal for temporarily stopping the recording of the moving image to the moving image recording device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope system, and particularly to an endoscope system including a processor having a function capable of switching between an operation state and a standby state.

  Conventionally, endoscope systems have been widely used in the medical field, the industrial field, and the like. The conventional endoscope system includes, for example, an endoscope that captures an image of a subject and an image processing device that performs image processing on the image of the subject captured by the endoscope. It has a configuration. For example, the control device proposed in Patent Document 1 has a configuration including a main part of the above-described conventional endoscope system.

  In addition, in a conventional endoscope system, by an instruction from an operator or the like, for example, among devices such as an endoscope and an image processing device, the devices and functions that are not used Some have a configuration corresponding to a standby state in which power supply to the apparatus is selectively stopped or reduced, or the function is temporarily disabled.

JP 2003-116872 A

  For example, during observation using one endoscope, the switching from the operation state as a normal activation state, in which the endoscope and the image processing apparatus are in use, to the standby state described above is performed. This is performed when it is necessary to replace one endoscope with another endoscope.

  However, in the conventional endoscope system, even when the endoscope, the image processing apparatus, and the like are switched to the standby state, power supply to a predetermined circuit included in the image processing apparatus is not stopped. Therefore, for example, in a digital video recorder as a moving image recording apparatus connected to the predetermined circuit of the image processing apparatus, a moving image is recorded even during an operation of replacing the endoscope. .

  In general, an operation performed on a moving image recording apparatus such as a digital video recorder is performed in an unclean area. Therefore, when performing an operation of replacing the endoscope, the operator or the like, for example, performs an operation of switching the endoscope, the image processing apparatus, and the like from the operation state to the standby state, and then further moves to the moving image recording apparatus. On the other hand, a complicated operation such as separately performing an operation for stopping the recording of the moving image during the operation of exchanging the endoscope in the unclean area is forced. As a result, when observing a subject using a conventional endoscope system, there is a problem that operability in the observation is deteriorated. And the control apparatus proposed by patent document 1 also has the subject similar to such a subject.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope system capable of improving the operability when observing a subject as compared with the related art.

  The first endoscope system according to the present invention includes an endoscope that includes an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject and outputs the captured image of the subject as an imaging signal, and the endoscope that is output from the endoscope. A moving image recording apparatus that records a video signal obtained by performing signal processing on an imaging signal as a moving image, and a video signal obtained by performing signal processing on the imaging signal output from the endoscope is recorded as a still image. An operation state of supplying a voltage and a clock signal required for the operation of the imaging unit to the imaging unit, and a voltage and a clock signal required for the operation of the imaging unit. And a processor having a function capable of switching to a standby state in which the supply of power is stopped, and the processor detects an output of a first instruction signal for switching from the operating state to the standby state. When, with respect to the moving image recording apparatus, and outputs the moving image recording stop signal to pause the recording of the moving image.

  In the second endoscope system according to the present invention, in the first endoscope system, the processor detects an output of a second instruction signal for switching from the standby state to the operation state. In this case, the moving image recording apparatus performs processing and control for resuming the recording of the moving image that has been paused.

  The third endoscope system according to the present invention is the first or second endoscope system, wherein the processor is configured to output a video signal among the moving image recording device and the still image recording device. It is characterized by detecting a possible device and performing processing for indicating the detection result.

  In a fourth endoscope system according to the present invention, in the first to third endoscope systems, when the processor is in the standby state, the processor indicates a predetermined state for indicating the standby state. A process for displaying the character string is performed.

  In a fifth endoscope system according to the present invention, in the first to fourth endoscope systems, the first instruction signal is a signal output when a predetermined switch is pressed for a predetermined period or more. It is characterized by being.

A sixth endoscope system according to the present invention is the second to fifth endoscope systems,
The second instruction signal is a signal that is output substantially simultaneously with the pressing of the predetermined switch.

  According to a seventh endoscope system of the present invention, in the first to fourth endoscope systems, the endoscope has an endoscope-side connector portion having a locking portion, and the processor A configuration that can be engaged with the locking portion and that can release the connection state with the endoscope-side connector portion when the locking portion is moved in the connection release direction. A processor-side connector section, and a lock detection section that detects a connection state of the endoscope-side connector section and the processor-side connector section, and the lock detection section is moved in the connection release direction. By detecting the contact of the stop portion, it is detected that the connection state between the processor-side connector portion and the endoscope-side connector portion is released, and a connection state detection signal is used as the first instruction signal. Feature to output To.

  According to the endoscope system of the present invention, it is possible to improve the operability when observing a subject compared to the conventional system.

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

(First embodiment)
1 to 7 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of an endoscope system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of operation switch groups in the processor of the endoscope system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the processor of the endoscope system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed in the processor of the present embodiment when switching from the operating state to the standby state is performed. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for displaying an apparatus capable of outputting and recording a video signal, which is displayed on a monitor by processing performed by the processor of the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen different from that shown in FIG. 5, which is displayed on the monitor by processing performed by the processor of the present embodiment and shows a device capable of outputting and recording video signals. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen that is displayed on the monitor by the processing performed by the processor according to the present embodiment and that is in a standby state.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope system 1 is inserted into a subject such as a living body, captures an image of a subject such as a living tissue inside the subject, and the captured image of the subject is used as an imaging signal. Signal processing is performed on the output endoscope 2, the light source device 3 that emits illumination light for illuminating the subject imaged by the endoscope 2, and the imaging signal output from the endoscope 2. Thus, a main part is configured including a processor 4 that generates and outputs a video signal.

  The endoscope 2 includes an operation unit 2a provided with a scope switch group 13 and an insertion unit 2b inserted into the subject. In addition, the endoscope 2 is detachably connected to the light source device 3 via a universal cord 12 that is configured to be detachable on the base end side with respect to a connector 2c provided in the operation unit 2a. Furthermore, the endoscope 2 is detachably connected to the processor 4 by a connector 14 provided on the distal end side of the universal cord 12. Further, the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2b in the endoscope 2 is provided with an objective optical system (not shown) that forms an image of a subject and an imaging position of the objective optical system, and is imaged by the objective optical system. An imaging unit 2d configured to include an imaging element such as a CCD (charge coupled device) that captures an image of the subject and outputs it as an imaging signal is provided.

  For example, when the operator operates the switch or the like, the scope switch group 13 having a switch or the like corresponds to each of the switch and the like for the endoscope 2 and the processor 4 or the like. Instruction signals for performing various operation instructions such as adjustment of the image enhancement level, change of the zoom level, and change of the image size of the image of the subject displayed on the monitor 32 described later are output.

  The processor 4 is configured to be detachable with respect to the connector 14 provided on the distal end side of the universal cord 12 extending from the endoscope 2, and also to the digital video recorder 30, the keyboard 31 and the monitor 32. It is configured to be detachable. The processor 4 includes switches and the like. The processor 4 includes an operation switch group 5 that outputs an instruction signal for an operator to give various operation instructions to the processor 4 and the like, and a PC card 6 that is a nonvolatile recording medium. A removable PC card slot 7 is provided on the exterior surface. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the operation switch group 5 is for switching between a standby state (hereinafter referred to as a standby state) and an operation state (hereinafter referred to as an active state) in the endoscope 2, the processor 4, and the like. It has an active switch 5a that outputs each instruction signal, and a main power switch 5b that outputs an instruction signal for switching between a power-on state and a power-off state of the processor 4.

  The active switch 5a includes, for example, an LED (not shown) that is turned off when the endoscope 2 and the processor 4 are in a standby state and is turned on when the endoscope 2 and the processor 4 are in an active state. Is provided.

  For example, the active switch 5a may have a configuration in which switching to the standby state by pressing is invalidated by setting in the setting menu of the processor 4. Further, an LED (not shown) provided in the active switch 5a may be configured to always be turned off when switching to the standby state is disabled in the setting menu of the processor 4.

  Furthermore, the function of the active switch 5a that outputs an instruction signal for switching between the standby state and the active state in the endoscope 2 and the processor 4 or the like is set by, for example, setting in the setting menu of the processor 4 A similar function may be assigned to a switch or the like included in the scope switch group 13 of the endoscope 2.

  The digital video recorder 30 as a moving image recording device has a configuration capable of recording an image of a subject displayed on the monitor 32 as a moving image based on a video signal output from the processor 4.

  When the operator operates the plurality of keys, the keyboard 31 having a plurality of keys, etc. corresponds to each of the plurality of keys, for example, a contrast level corresponding to the endoscope 2, the processor 4, and the like. Instruction signals for performing various operation instructions such as adjustment, adjustment of the image enhancement level, change of the zoom level, and change of the image size of the image of the subject displayed on the monitor 32 are output.

  The monitor 32 displays an image of a subject captured by the endoscope 2 as an endoscopic image based on the video signal output from the processor 4.

  Further, the processor 4 has a switching power supply circuit 21 and a signal processing circuit 22 inside as shown in FIG.

  The switching power supply circuit 21 includes a standby power supply output circuit 21A and a normal power supply output circuit 21B. The switching power supply circuit 21 is supplied from a commercial power supply or the like outside the processor 4 when the active switch 5a is off and the main power switch 5b is on, that is, when the processor 4 is in an active state. After the converted AC voltage is converted into a DC voltage, the voltage V1 is supplied from the standby power supply output circuit 21A to the signal processing circuit 22, and the voltage V2 is supplied from the normal power supply output circuit 21B to the signal processing circuit 22. To do.

  The standby power output circuit 21A as a DC voltage output circuit supplies the voltage V1 to the signal processing circuit 22 when the processor 4 is in an active state. The standby power output circuit 21A has a terminal OE for inputting a signal from the signal processing circuit 22. For example, when an H level signal is input to the terminal OE for a predetermined period, the endoscope 2 and the processor 4 can be detected to be in a standby state. The standby power output circuit 21A stops supplying the voltage V1 to the signal processing circuit 22 when the endoscope 2, the processor 4, and the like are in the standby state. In the present embodiment, the switching from the standby state to the active state in the endoscope 2 and the processor 4 or the like is performed substantially simultaneously with the timing when the active switch 5a is pressed, but from the active state to the standby state. The switching is performed, for example, when the active switch 5a is pressed for 1 second or more in order to avoid an erroneous switching operation. Therefore, the standby power output circuit 21A detects that the endoscope 2, the processor 4, and the like are in a standby state when an H level signal is input to the terminal OE for 1 second or more as the predetermined period. be able to.

  A normal power output circuit 21B as a DC voltage output circuit supplies a voltage V2 to the signal processing circuit 22 when the processor 4 is in a power-on state. Further, the normal power output circuit 21B stops supplying the voltage V2 to the signal processing circuit 22 when the processor 4 is turned off.

  The signal processing circuit 22 includes a first signal processing circuit 22 </ b> A, a second signal processing circuit 22 </ b> B, a reference potential point 23, and an inverter 24.

  The first signal processing circuit 22A includes, for example, an analog circuit such as an imaging element driving circuit (not shown) for driving an imaging element (not shown) provided in the imaging unit 2d of the endoscope 2. The first signal processing circuit 22A is configured as a circuit that generates and supplies a voltage and a clock signal necessary for the operation of the imaging unit 2d in the endoscope 2 based on the voltage V1 supplied from the standby power output circuit 21A. ing. Furthermore, the first signal processing circuit 22A supplies a voltage and a clock signal necessary for the operation of the imaging unit 2d to the imaging unit 2d of the endoscope 2 when the processor 4 is in an active state, By performing signal processing such as A / D conversion on the imaging signal output from the mirror 2, the imaging signal is converted into a video signal, and the video signal is output to the second signal processing circuit 22B. When the processor 4 is in the standby state, the first signal processing circuit 22A stops supplying the voltage necessary for the operation and the supply of the clock signal to the imaging unit 2d of the endoscope 2 and performs the first signal processing. The supply of the drive voltage to the image sensor drive circuit (not shown) included in the circuit 22A itself is also stopped.

  The second signal processing circuit 22B is a CPU (central processing unit) 22b and a digital circuit such as a superimpose circuit (not shown) for superimposing a character string or the like on an endoscopic image displayed on the monitor 32, for example. And an analog circuit not included in the first signal processing circuit 22A. The second signal processing circuit 22B is configured as a circuit that is driven by the voltage V2 supplied from the normal power supply output circuit 21B and performs various processes. Further, the second signal processing circuit 22B performs signal processing on the video signal output from the first signal processing circuit 22A when the processor 4 is in an active state. The video signal is output to the digital video recorder 30 as a moving image.

  When connected to the processor 4, the CPU 22 b controls the light source device 3, the PC card 6, the digital video recorder 30, the keyboard 31, and the monitor 32 that are connected to the second signal processing circuit 22 </ b> B. I do. The CPU 22b controls the active switch 5a to turn off an LED (not shown) in the standby state and to turn on an LED (not shown) in the active state. Further, the CPU 22b performs control such as changing a set value for each of the digital circuit and the analog circuit included in the second signal processing circuit 22B.

  The CPU 22b is connected to the output terminal of the inverter 24, and when the H level signal is input from the inverter 24 for a period of 1 second or more, the endoscope 2 and the processor 4 are in a standby state. Detect. When the CPU 22b detects that the endoscope 2, the processor 4, and the like are in a standby state, for example, the second signal processing circuit 22B performs control to stop outputting the moving image to the digital video recorder 30. This is performed for each digital circuit and analog circuit.

  The reference potential point 23 is configured as a terminal to which a predetermined potential is applied, which is connected to one end of the active switch 5a. When the active switch 5a is turned on, the reference potential point 23 is connected to the input terminal of the inverter 24. An L level signal based on the above is supplied.

  The inverter 24 has an input terminal connected to the other end of the active switch 5a, and an output terminal connected to the terminal OE and the CPU 22b of the standby power output circuit 21A. The inverter 24 inverts the L level signal input when the active switch 5a is turned on, and outputs the inverted signal to the terminal OE of the standby power output circuit 21A and the CPU 22b as an H level signal.

  Next, the operation of the endoscope system 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

  First, after connecting each part of the endoscope system 1, the surgeon turns on and activates each part of the endoscope system 1. At this time, the endoscope 2 and the processor 4 are assumed to be in an active state, and the digital video recorder 30 is assumed to be capable of recording a moving image output from the processor 4.

  Thereafter, the operator inserts the insertion portion 2b of the endoscope 2 into the subject such as a living body, and then is illuminated with illumination light emitted from the light source device 3 at a desired site inside the subject. A subject such as a living tissue is imaged. The image of the subject imaged by the endoscope 2 is photoelectrically converted by an imaging element (not shown) provided in the imaging unit 2d of the endoscope 2, and is output to the processor 4 as an imaging signal.

  The imaging signal output from the endoscope 2 is input to the processor 4 and then subjected to signal processing such as A / D conversion in the first signal processing circuit 22A, and then the second signal processing circuit as a video signal. 22B is output. Then, the video signal output from the first signal processing circuit 22A is subjected to signal processing in the second signal processing circuit 22B, and then output to the digital video recorder 30 as a moving image. Thereby, the digital video recorder 30 records the moving image output from the second signal processing circuit 22B.

  Note that the video signal after the signal processing is performed in the second signal processing circuit 22B is not limited to one output and recorded as a moving image to the digital video recorder 30, but is illustrated as a substantially similar moving image, for example. It may be output and recorded to a VTR (Video Tape Recorder) that does not, or output and recorded as a still image to the PC card 6 and a printer (not shown). As described above, when there are a plurality of devices that can be output and recording destinations of the video signal after the signal processing, the second signal processing circuit 22B determines whether the device is based on the connection state of each of the devices. For each, it is detected whether the video signal can be output and recorded. The second signal processing circuit 22B can output and record a moving image to, for example, a digital video recorder (abbreviated as DV) 30 and a VTR (not shown) as a moving image recording device. When it is detected that still images can be output and recorded to the PC card 6 and a printer (not shown) as a still image recording device, video signals can be output to and recorded from the four types of devices described above. In order to indicate this, a process for displaying a screen as shown in FIG. In addition, the second signal processing circuit 22B is for the reason that, for example, the endoscope 2 and the processor 4 are in a standby state, or the digital video recorder 30 and a VTR (not shown) are not turned on. When it is detected that the output and recording of the moving image is impossible, for example, to indicate that the output and recording of the video signal can be performed only for two types of devices, such as the PC card 6 and a printer (not shown). Then, a process for displaying a screen as shown in FIG. 6 on the monitor 32 is performed. By the processing as described above performed by the second signal processing circuit 22B, the operator confirms, for example, the screen display as shown in FIG. 6 when the endoscope 2 and the processor 4 are switched to the standby state. Thus, a device capable of outputting and recording a video signal can be easily recognized.

  When performing an operation of replacing the endoscope 2 with another endoscope when the digital video recorder 30 is in the active state and the moving image is recorded as described above, the operator First, the endoscope 2 and the processor 4 are switched from the active state to the standby state by pressing the active switch 5a provided in the operation switch group 5 of the processor 4 for a predetermined time, that is, for one second or more. The instruction signal is output.

  When the active switch 5a is pressed for 1 second or longer (step S1 in FIG. 4), an H level signal is input to the terminal OE and the CPU 22b of the standby power output circuit 21A for 1 second or longer. Thereby, the terminal OE and the CPU 22b of the standby power output circuit 21A detect that the endoscope 2, the processor 4, and the like have been switched from the active state to the standby state.

  In the standby state, the processor 4 notifies the operator and the like that the endoscope 2 and the processor 4 are in the standby state in a visually understandable manner, for example, as shown in FIG. A process for displaying the standby state notification screen 500 is performed such that a character string “System standby ...” as a character string is superimposed and displayed on the endoscope image. In the standby state notification screen 500, the predetermined character string is always displayed while the endoscope 2, the processor 4, and the like are in the standby state. Note that the screen background in the standby state notification screen 500 may be composed of, for example, a color bar to make it easier to visually recognize that the endoscope 2 and the processor 4 are in the standby state. good.

  The standby power output circuit 21A detects that the endoscope 2, the processor 4 and the like have switched from the active state to the standby state, and stops supplying the voltage V1 to the first signal processing circuit 22A.

  When the supply of the voltage V1 from the standby power output circuit 21A is stopped, the first signal processing circuit 22A stops the supply of the voltage necessary for the operation and the supply of the clock signal to the endoscope 2 (FIG. 4). Step S2).

  On the other hand, when the CPU 22b of the second signal processing circuit 22B detects that the endoscope 2 and the processor 4 are switched from the active state to the standby state, the digital video recorder 30 is recording the moving image. Whether or not is detected. When the CPU 22b detects that the digital video recorder 30 is recording a moving image (step S3 in FIG. 4), the CPU 22b causes the digital video recorder 30 to pause recording of the moving image. A moving image recording stop signal, which is a signal, is output (step S4 in FIG. 4). Thereafter, when the CPU 22b detects that a moving image recording stop confirmation signal, which is a signal indicating that recording of a moving image is temporarily stopped, is output from the digital video recorder 30 based on the moving image recording stop signal ( In step S5) in FIG. 4, in order to indicate that the endoscope 2 and the processor 4 are in a standby state, the active switch 5a is controlled to turn off an LED (not shown) (step S6 in FIG. 4). When the CPU 22b detects that the digital video recorder 30 is not recording a moving image (step S3 in FIG. 4), the CPU 22b performs the processes shown in steps S4 and S5 in FIG. Without any effect, the active switch 5a is controlled to turn off the LED (not shown) (step S6 in FIG. 4).

  Note that the processing and control described above are performed in the processor 4, whereby the endoscope 2, the processor 4, and the like are switched from the active state to the standby state. Further, in the endoscope 2 and the processor 4 in the standby state, when the active switch 5a is further pressed to switch from the standby state to the active state, the processor 4 captures an image in the endoscope 2. Processing and control for resuming supply of voltages and clock signals necessary for the operation of the unit 2d, and processing and control for the digital video recorder 30 for resuming recording of the temporarily stopped moving image, are not shown. Control is performed on the active switch 5a for lighting the LED.

  Note that the light source device 3 of the present embodiment detects the state of the processor 4 when the endoscope 2, the processor 4, and the like are configured to emit a first amount of irradiation light when the endoscope 2 and the processor 4 are in the active state. Thus, as the control based on the detection result, the control may be performed so that the light amount of the irradiation light is set to the second light amount that is smaller than the first light amount.

  Specifically, the light source device 3 detects the state of the processor 4. For example, when the processor 4 detects that the processor 4 is in a standby state or a power-off state, the light amount of the irradiation light is set as the second light amount, Further, for example, when it is detected that the processor 4 is in the active state, control may be performed so that the amount of irradiation light is set to the first amount of light. By performing the control as described above, the light source device 3 can reduce power consumption when the processor 4 is in a standby state or a power-off state.

  In the present embodiment, in order to avoid the abnormal end of the recording of the moving image in the digital video recorder 30, the processor 4 immediately enters the power-off state when the main power switch 5b is turned off. Instead, the digital video recorder 30 may have a configuration in which the power is turned off after it is detected that the recording of the moving image has been completed.

  As described above, the endoscope system 1 according to the present embodiment provides an instruction for switching from the active state to the standby state and an instruction for stopping the recording of the moving image to the active switch 5a. It can be performed only by operation. As a result, the endoscope system 1 of the present embodiment can improve the operability when observing the subject compared to the conventional system.

(Second Embodiment)
8 and 9 relate to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an endoscope-side connector unit included in the endoscope of the present embodiment and a processor-side connector unit included in the processor of the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration when the endoscope side connector portion and the processor side connector portion of FIG. 8 are connected.

  The endoscope system according to the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as that of the endoscope system 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 described above, and further has the configuration described below. ing. Therefore, detailed description of portions having the same configuration as in the first embodiment is omitted. Moreover, about the component similar to 1st Embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted using the same code | symbol.

  The endoscope 2 according to the present embodiment has an endoscope side connector portion 101 shown in FIG. 8 instead of the connector 14 shown in FIG. On the other hand, the processor 4 according to the present embodiment includes a processor-side connector unit 201 configured to be detachable from the endoscope-side connector unit 101 inside the processor 4. Further, a part of the processor-side connector portion 201 is disposed so as to be exposed toward the outer surface of the processor 4.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the endoscope side connector portion 101 includes a lock portion 111 formed of an elastic member such as a resin, an endoscope side contact portion 121, and an endoscope side fitting portion 131. It is configured.

  The lock part 111 has an extension part 112 bonded to the universal cord 12 and the endoscope-side contact part 121 and a knob part 113 provided at a part of the extension part on the base end side, and The locking portion 114 is provided on the distal end side.

  The knob portion 113 can move the locking portion 114 of the lock portion 111 in the arrow B direction shown in FIG. 8 by performing an operation that is pressed in the arrow A direction shown in FIG.

  The locking portion 114 has a configuration that can be engaged with a later-described tapered portion 214 provided in the processor 4. In a state where the endoscope side connector portion 101 is connected to the processor side connector portion 201, the locking portion 114 is engaged with the taper portion 214, and the universal cord 12 is pulled in the direction of the operation portion 2a. Even if it is a case, it has the structure that the connection state of the endoscope side connector part 101 and the processor side connector part 201 is not cancelled | released.

  The endoscope-side contact portion 121 includes one or a plurality of signals (not shown) including a signal line provided in the universal cord 12 for transmitting an imaging signal output from the endoscope 2, for example. One end of each line is disposed. Further, the endoscope-side contact portion 121 is connected to contact with a processor-side contact portion 221 described later when the endoscope-side connector portion 101 is connected to the processor-side connector portion 201. It has a configuration.

The endoscope side fitting portion 131 is provided at a position substantially opposite to the lock portion 111 across the central axis of the universal cord 12, and a processor side fitting portion 231, which will be described later, provided in the processor 4. On the other hand, it has a shape and size that can be inserted.
As shown in FIG. 8, the processor-side connector portion 201 includes an opening 211 formed by a shape and a size into which the locking portion 114 of the lock portion 111 can be inserted, a tapered portion 214, and a processor-side contact portion 221. The endoscope side fitting portion 131 is configured to have a processor side fitting portion 231 formed with a shape and a dimension into which the endoscope side fitting portion 131 can be inserted.

  The tapered portion 214 has a configuration that can be engaged with the locking portion 114 inserted from the opening 211. Further, the taper portion 214 is formed between the endoscope-side connector portion 101 and the processor-side connector portion 201 when the locking portion 114 is moved in a connection release direction described later by operating the knob portion 113. The connection state can be canceled.

  The processor-side contact portion 221 includes, for example, a signal line for transmitting an imaging signal output from the endoscope 2 provided in the universal cord 12 and each of one or a plurality of signal lines (not shown). The other end of each signal line (not shown) connected to the one end is disposed. The processor-side contact portion 221 is configured to contact and connect to the endoscope-side contact portion 121 when the endoscope-side connector portion 101 is connected to the processor-side connector portion 201. have.

  The lock detection unit 301 includes, for example, a contact sensor, and is disposed in the processor 4 at a position that contacts the locking unit 114 when the locking unit 114 moves in a connection release direction to be described later. The lock detection unit 301 detects the connection state of the endoscope side connector unit 101 and the processor side connector unit 201. For example, when the locking unit 114 comes into contact, the lock detection unit 301 outputs a connection state detection signal to the standby power output circuit. It has a configuration that outputs to 21A and the CPU 22b.

  Next, the operation of the endoscope system 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

  First, after connecting each part of the endoscope system 1, the surgeon turns on and activates each part of the endoscope system 1. At this time, the endoscope 2 and the processor 4 are assumed to be in an active state, and the digital video recorder 30 is assumed to be capable of recording a moving image output from the processor 4. Furthermore, each part of the endoscope-side connector part 101 and the processor-side connector part 201 has a locking part 114 in the tapered part 214 as shown in FIG. 9 in a state where the endoscope 2 is connected to the processor 4. , The endoscope side contact portion 121 is in contact with the processor side contact portion 221, and the endoscope side fitting portion 131 is fitted in the processor side fitting portion 231. Suppose it is a thing.

  Thereafter, the operator inserts the insertion portion 2b of the endoscope 2 into the subject such as a living body, and then is illuminated with illumination light emitted from the light source device 3 at a desired site inside the subject. A subject such as a living tissue is imaged. The image of the subject imaged by the endoscope 2 is photoelectrically converted by an imaging element (not shown) provided in the imaging unit 2d of the endoscope 2, and is output to the processor 4 as an imaging signal.

  The imaging signal output from the endoscope 2 is input to the processor 4 and then subjected to signal processing such as A / D conversion in the first signal processing circuit 22A, and then the second signal processing circuit as a video signal. 22B is output. Then, the video signal output from the first signal processing circuit 22A is subjected to signal processing in the second signal processing circuit 22B, and then output to the digital video recorder 30 as a moving image. Thereby, the digital video recorder 30 records the moving image output from the second signal processing circuit 22B.

  When performing an operation of replacing the endoscope 2 with another endoscope when the digital video recorder 30 is in the active state and the moving image is recorded as described above, the operator First, the locking portion 114 provided in the lock portion 111 of the endoscope side connector portion 101 is pressed in the arrow A1 direction shown in FIG. 9 to move the locking portion 114 in the arrow B1 direction shown in FIG. Let As a result, the locking portion 114 and the tapered portion 214 are not engaged. Then, the surgeon releases the connection state between the endoscope-side connector portion 101 and the processor-side connector portion 201 by pulling the universal cord 12 while pressing the knob portion 113 in the arrow A1 direction shown in FIG. be able to.

  Further, in a state where the knob portion 113 is pressed in the direction of the arrow A1 shown in FIG. 9, the locking portion 114 moves in the direction of the arrow B1 shown in FIG. The stop 114 comes into contact. Thereby, the lock | rock detection part 301 outputs a connection state detection signal to 21 A of standby power supply output circuits, and CPU22b.

  Based on the connection state detection signal, the standby power output circuit 21A detects that the endoscope 2 and the processor 4 have switched from the active state to the standby state, and stops supplying the voltage V1 to the first signal processing circuit 22A. .

  When the supply of the voltage V1 from the standby power output circuit 21A is stopped, the first signal processing circuit 22A stops the supply of the voltage necessary for the operation and the supply of the clock signal to the endoscope 2.

  Based on the connection state detection signal output from the lock detection unit 301, the CPU 22b detects that the endoscope 2, the processor 4, and the like have been switched from the active state to the standby state. Then, the CPU 22b performs substantially the same control and processing as the control and processing shown in steps S3 to S6 in FIG. That is, the CPU 22b outputs a moving image recording stop signal to the digital video recorder 30, and after detecting that a moving image recording stop confirmation signal is output from the digital video recorder 30, the active switch 5a is not shown. Control to turn off the LED.

  In the present embodiment, the lock detection unit 301 is not limited to a contact sensor, and may be a photo interrupter, for example.

  As described above, the endoscope system 1 according to the present embodiment provides the endoscope 2 with an instruction for switching from the active state to the standby state and an instruction for stopping the recording of the moving image. This operation can be performed in accordance with an operation for releasing the connection state of the endoscope-side connector unit 101 and the processor-side connector unit 201 when performing an operation of replacing the endoscope with another endoscope. As a result, the endoscope system 1 of the present embodiment can improve the operability when observing the subject compared to the conventional system.

  In addition, in the endoscope system 1 of 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment, the structure can be variously changed in the range which does not deviate from the summary of invention.

The figure which shows the structure of the principal part of the endoscope system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the operation switch group in the processor of the endoscope system of 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the internal structure in the processor of the endoscope system of 1st Embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed in the processor of the first embodiment when switching from an operation state to a standby state is performed. The figure which shows an example of the screen for showing the apparatus which can output and record a video signal displayed on a monitor by the process which the processor of 1st Embodiment performs. The figure which shows an example different from FIG. 5 of the screen for showing the apparatus which can output and record a video signal displayed on a monitor by the process which the processor of 1st Embodiment performs. The figure which shows an example of the screen for showing that it is a standby state displayed on a monitor by the process which the processor of 1st Embodiment performs. The figure which shows the structure of the endoscope side connector part which the endoscope of 2nd Embodiment has, and the processor side connector part which the processor of 2nd Embodiment has. The figure which shows the structure when the endoscope side connector part and processor side connector part of FIG. 8 are connected.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope system, 2 ... Endoscope, 2a ... Operation part, 2b ... Insertion part, 2c ... Connector, 2d ... Imaging part, 3 ... Light source device 4 ... Processor, 5 ... Operation switch group, 5a ... Active switch, 5b ... Main power switch, 6 ... PC card, 7 ... PC card slot, 12 ... Universal Code: 13 ... Scope switch group, 14 ... Connector, 21 ... Switching power supply circuit, 21A ... Standby power supply output circuit, 21B ... Normal power supply output circuit, 22 ... Signal processing circuit, 22A ... first signal processing circuit, 22B ... second signal processing circuit, 23 ... reference potential point, 24 ... inverter, 30 ... digital video recorder, 31 ... keyboard, 32. ..Monitor, 1 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope side connector part, 111 ... Lock part, 112 ... Extension part, 113 ... Knob part, 114 ... Locking part, 121 ... Endoscope side contact Contact part 131... End-side fitting part 201... Processor-side connector part 211... Opening part 214... Taper part 221. ..Processor side fitting part, 301 ... Lock detection part, 500 ... Standby state notification screen

Claims (7)

An endoscope including an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject and outputs the captured image of the subject as an imaging signal;
A moving image recording device that records a video signal obtained by performing signal processing on the imaging signal output from the endoscope as a moving image, and signal processing on the imaging signal output from the endoscope It is possible to connect a still image recording apparatus that records a performed video signal as a still image, an operation state in which a voltage and a clock signal necessary for the operation of the imaging unit are supplied to the imaging unit, and the imaging unit A processor having a function capable of switching between a standby state for stopping supply of a voltage and a clock signal necessary for the operation of
A moving image for temporarily stopping recording of a moving image to the moving image recording device when the processor detects the output of a first instruction signal for switching from the operating state to the standby state; An endoscope system characterized by outputting an image recording stop signal.   Further, when the processor detects the output of the second instruction signal for switching from the standby state to the operation state, the processor records the paused moving image to the moving image recording apparatus. The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein processing and control for restarting are performed.   Further, the processor detects a device capable of outputting a video signal from the moving image recording device and the still image recording device, and performs a process for indicating the detection result. Or the endoscope system of Claim 2.   The processor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the processor is in the standby state, the processor performs processing for displaying a predetermined character string for indicating the standby state. An endoscope system according to any one of the above.   The endoscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first instruction signal is a signal output when a predetermined switch is pressed for a predetermined period or longer. .   The endoscope system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the second instruction signal is a signal output substantially simultaneously with the pressing of the predetermined switch. The endoscope has an endoscope-side connector portion having a locking portion, and the processor is engageable with the locking portion, and the locking portion moves in a connection release direction. A processor-side connector unit having a configuration capable of releasing the connection state with the endoscope-side connector unit, and the connection state of the endoscope-side connector unit and the processor-side connector unit. And a lock detection unit that
The lock detection unit detects that the locking unit moved in the connection release direction has come into contact, thereby releasing the connection state between the processor-side connector unit and the endoscope-side connector unit. The endoscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a connection state detection signal is output as the first instruction signal.

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