JP2007044405A - Endoscope insertion shape detecting probe - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope insertion shape detecting probe capable of detecting the shape of an insertion tube of an endoscope when the endoscope is used. <P>SOLUTION: The endoscope insertion shape detecting probe comprises a probe body 20, a module 30 and a connector 40. A general circuit 41 is disposed in the connector 40, and a patient circuit 31 is disposed across the module 30, a cable 11 and the connector 40. A DC/DC convertor 42 is connected to the general circuit 41 and the patient circuit 31, and the electric power is generated in the patient circuit 31 by the DC/DC convertor 42. A photocoupler 43 is connected to the general circuit 41 and the patient circuit 31. A light source 44 is incorporated in the general circuit 41, and is connected to an optical feeding fiber 21. A light receiving element 32 is connected to a curvature detecting fiber 22, and a curvature signal generated by the light receiving element 32 is transmitted to the photocoupler 43 via an output part 33, an A/D convertor 34 and a parallel/serial converting circuit 35. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope insertion shape detection probe capable of detecting the shape of an insertion tube when an endoscope is used.

  Conventionally, it has been required to detect the shape of an insertion tube when an endoscope is used. The present applicant has proposed that the posture of the insertion tube of the endoscope is detected by using a posture detection sensor (see Patent Document 1) using an optical fiber having a light absorbing portion on the side surface. (See Patent Document 2 to Patent Document 4).

However, such an endoscope has a problem in that it cannot detect the shape of an existing endoscope because a posture detection sensor needs to be incorporated in an insertion tube of the endoscope at the time of manufacture.
US Pat. No. 6,127,672 JP 2002-253481 A JP 2003-052614 A JP 2001-169998 A

  In order to detect the shape of the insertion tube of an existing endoscope, it is conceivable to apply posture detection to a probe or the like extending along the insertion tube of the endoscope. An electrical signal is sent from such a shape detection probe to a signal processing device such as an endoscope processor or a general-purpose personal computer, and the insertion shape of the endoscope is displayed on a monitor or the like by performing appropriate signal processing.

  By the way, in order to ensure safety, it is required to insulate the signal processing device and the shape detection probe. In order to perform insulation, it is necessary to use an insulation device between the signal processing device and the shape detection probe, and it is a problem that many devices must be used for detecting the insertion shape of the endoscope. . In addition, when an insulation system is incorporated into the shape detection probe, the shape detection probe becomes large, which is inconvenient for the user to use.

  The endoscope insertion shape detection probe of the present invention is provided across a connector part having a general circuit connected to a signal processing device, a detection part electrically connected to the connector part, and the connector part and the detection part. A patient circuit that is electrically insulated from the general circuit; a light receiving unit that forms a patient circuit in the detection unit and generates an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of received light; and a first optically connected to the light receiving unit in the detection unit It has an exit part and a first entrance part for entering light, and the amount of light transmitted from the first entrance part to the first exit part changes according to the bending angle, and is formed in the endoscope. Curvature detecting means that can be inserted into the channel, and light emitted from the first emitting portion while being electrically connected to the general circuit and the patient circuit in the connector portion and maintaining electrical insulation between the general circuit and the patient circuit. Depending on the power generated by the light receiving means. Is characterized by comprising a signal transmitting means for transmitting the curvature signal is a signal to the common circuit.

  In the connector section, the patient circuit is electrically connected to the general circuit and the patient circuit, and the patient circuit is powered based on the power supplied from the signal processing device to the general circuit while maintaining electrical insulation between the general circuit and the patient circuit. It is preferable that a power generation means is provided, and a curvature signal is sent from the light receiving means to the signal transmission means by the power generated in the patient circuit.

  In addition, it is preferable to provide amplification means for forming a patient circuit in the detection unit and amplifying the curvature signal by electric power generated in the patient circuit.

  Further, it is preferable to include an A / D converter that forms a patient circuit in the detection unit and converts a curvature signal, which is an analog signal, into a digital signal by electric power generated in the patient circuit.

  In addition, it is preferable to include a parallel / serial conversion unit that forms a patient circuit in the detection unit and performs parallel / serial conversion on the curvature signal converted into a digital signal based on electric power generated in the patient circuit.

  The curvature detection means includes a second light emitting section for emitting light and a first incident section, and a light transmission means for supply for transmitting light from the first incident section to the second light emitting section. And a second incident part for extending light that extends along the light transmission means for supply and a first emission part, and transmits light from the second incidence part to the first emission part at a bending angle. Accordingly, the detection light transmission means for changing the amount of light transmitted from the second incident part to the first emission part, and the second emission part and the second incident part are integrally covered with the second emission. It is preferable to include a mirror that reflects light emitted from the unit.

  Further, it is preferable that a general circuit is formed in the connector portion, and a light source that is optically connected to the first incident portion in the connector portion and emits light incident on the first incident portion is provided.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the detection part is waterproof.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to insulate the endoscope insertion shape detection probe and the signal processing device without providing an insulation device. At the same time, it is possible to maintain user convenience by preventing the endoscope insertion shape detection probe from becoming large.

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

  First, the configuration of the endoscope insertion shape detection probe 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an external view of an endoscope insertion shape detection probe to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

  The endoscope insertion shape detection probe 10 includes a probe main body 20, a module 30, and a connector 40. The probe body 20 is connected to the module 30. The module 30 is connected to the connector 40 via the cable 11.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the probe main body 20 is inserted into the forceps channel 51 of the endoscope 50. When the endoscope 50 is used, the probe main body 20 is inserted into the body together with the insertion tube 52 of the endoscope 50. The shape of the probe body 20 changes along the insertion tube 52 when inserted into the body.

  The shape of the probe body 20 is detected by the module 30. A signal corresponding to the shape detected by the module 30 is sent to the signal processing device 60 via the connector 40. In the signal processing device 60, predetermined signal processing is performed on the input signal. A signal that has undergone predetermined signal processing is sent to the monitor 61, and the shape of the probe body 20 is displayed.

  Next, the configuration of the probe body 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the probe body 20. The probe body 20 includes a light supply fiber 21, a curvature detection fiber 22, a mirror 23, and a sheath 24. The outer diameter of the probe body 20 is designed to be thinner than the inner diameter of the forceps channel of the endoscope that is scheduled to be used.

  The light supply fiber 21 and the curvature detection fiber 22 are optical fibers, and can transmit light incident from one end to the other end. One end of the light supply fiber 21 is optically connected to a light source (not shown in FIG. 2) provided inside the module 30. Light emitted from the light source enters one end of the light supply fiber 21 and exits from the other end.

  The curvature detection fiber 22 extends along the light supply fiber 21. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of curvature detection fibers 22 are arranged so as to surround the light supply fiber 21 as a core.

  One end of the light supply fiber 21 and one end of the plurality of curvature detection fibers 22 are both covered by a single mirror 23. Accordingly, the light emitted from the light supply fiber 21 is reflected by the mirror 23 and enters the curvature detection fiber 22.

  The light supply fiber 21, the curvature detection fiber 22, and the mirror 23 are covered with a sheath 24. The sheath 24 is formed of a biocompatible member.

  The curvature detection fiber 22 is bonded to the sheath 24 together with the mirror 23 in the vicinity of the end on the mirror 23 side (see reference numeral A in FIG. 3). Further, the curvature detection fiber 22 is bonded to the sheath 24 in the vicinity (see reference numeral B in FIG. 3) where the light loss portion 25 is provided as will be described later. An adhesive capable of absorbing light is used for bonding the sheath 24 and the curvature detection fiber 22 and bonding the sheath 24 and the mirror 23.

  The curvature detecting fiber 22 is provided with an optical loss portion 25. The optical loss unit 25 will be described with reference to FIG. The curvature detection fiber 25 is formed by coating the core 26 with a clad 27. By losing a part of the clad 27, the optical loss part 25 is formed.

  A portion where the clad 27 is lost, that is, the light loss portion 25 is filled with an adhesive used for bonding to the sheath 24. Accordingly, a part or all of the light incident on the light loss unit 25 is absorbed, so that the light transmitted by the curvature detection fiber 22 is lost in the light loss unit 25.

  The position and direction in which the optical loss portion 25 is provided are determined for each curvature detection fiber 22. The position where the light loss unit 25 is provided is determined such that the distance from the module 30 or the distance from the mirror 23 is the length determined for each curvature detection fiber 22.

  The direction in which the light loss portion 25 is provided is the first radial direction from the center of the curvature detection fiber 22 or the first direction from the center of the curvature detection fiber 22 in a cross section parallel to the longitudinal direction of the curvature detection fiber 22. The first radial direction is one of the second radial directions inclined by 90 °.

  The position and direction where the optical loss portion is provided will be further described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a diagram for illustrating the positions of the optical loss portions 25 in the plurality of curvature detection fibers 22 around the light supply fiber 21. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the direction of the light loss portion 25 in the plurality of curvature detection fibers 22 around the light supply fiber 22.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the first and second curvature detection fibers 22a and 22b, an optical loss unit 25 is provided at the same position. In the third and fourth curvature detection fibers 22c and 22d, the optical loss unit 25 is provided at the same position. However, the positions where the optical loss portions 25 are provided in the first and third curvature detection fibers 22a and 22c are different.

  Thus, the optical loss part 25 is provided in the same position in the two curvature detection fibers 22 which form one set. However, the position where the optical loss unit 25 is provided is determined so as to be different for each group.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, in the first and third curvature detection fibers 22a and 22c, an optical loss portion 25 is provided in the first radial direction D1 from the center of the fiber. On the other hand, in the second and fourth curvature detection fibers 22b and 22d, the optical loss portion 25 is provided in the second radial direction D2 from the center of the fiber.

  As described above, the direction in which the optical loss portion 25 is provided is determined in the first radial direction D1 from the center of the fiber in one of the two curvature detection fibers 22 forming one set, and the fiber in the other. Is defined in the second radial direction D2.

  Based on the amount of light emitted from the exit end of the curvature detection fiber 22, the bending angle of the curvature detection fiber 22 in the optical loss portion 25 can be obtained. The principle will be briefly described below.

  The light incident on the optical fiber is totally reflected at the interface between the core and the clad and is transmitted from the incident end to the output end without substantially losing the amount of light. On the other hand, in the curvature detection fiber 22, part or all of the light incident on the light loss part 25 is absorbed. Accordingly, the light loss increases as the amount of light incident on the light loss portion 25 increases.

  As shown in FIG. 8, as the curvature detection fiber 22 is bent in a direction opposite to the direction in which the light loss portion 25 is provided (downward in FIG. 8), the light L incident on the light loss portion 25 increases. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, the light L incident on the light loss portion 25 decreases as the curvature detection fiber 22 bends in the direction in which the light loss portion 25 is provided.

  When a certain amount of light is incident on the curvature detecting fiber 22, the amount of light emitted from the exit end and the bending angle at the light loss portion 25 have a certain correspondence. Therefore, the bending angle of the curvature detection fiber 22 and the insertion tube 52 in the light loss portion 25 is obtained by detecting the amount of light received at the emission end.

  For example, when six curvature detection fibers 22 having different positions where the optical loss portion 25 is provided are used, bending angles of the probe main body 20 at six locations where the optical loss portion 25 is provided are obtained. As shown in FIG. 10, the shape of the probe main body 20 can be detected based on the bending angle at the point P where each light loss portion 25 is provided and the distance between the adjacent points P.

  Note that bending angles in the first and second directions D1 and D2 are detected from the curvature detection fiber 22 in which the optical loss portions 25 are provided in the first and second directions D1 and D2, respectively. Therefore, the bending direction and the bending angle of the optical loss portion 25 can be obtained from the bending angles in both directions.

  Next, the configuration of the module 30 and the connector 40 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the module 30 and the connector 40.

  A general circuit 41 is formed in the connector 40. A patient circuit 31 is formed across the module 30, the cable 11, and the connector 40. The patient circuit 31 is insulated from the general circuit 41 by an insulation circuit described later.

  Note that the module 30 is waterproof, so that water can be prevented from entering the inside. That is, a waterproof cap (not shown) is provided at a connection portion between the probe main body 20 and the module 30 and a connection portion between the cable 11 and the module 30, and the module 30 is waterproofed.

  When the connector 40 is connected to the signal processing device 60, power is supplied from the signal processing device 60 to the general circuit 41. The components forming the general circuit 41 are driven by electric power supplied to the general circuit 41. Further, as described later, a signal corresponding to the bending angle of the curvature detection fiber 22 can be output from the general circuit 41 to the signal processing device 60.

  A DC / DC converter 42 is provided in the connector 40 and is connected to the general circuit 41 and the patient circuit 31. The DC / DC converter 42 is an insulation type DC / DC converter, and generates electric power in the patient circuit 31 while maintaining electrical insulation based on electric power supplied to the general circuit 41. Note that the power generated in the patient circuit 31 for safety is adjusted to be lower than the power supplied to the general circuit 41.

  A photocoupler (PC) 43 is provided in the connector 40 and is connected to the general circuit 41 and the patient circuit 31. The PC 43 can transmit an electrical signal from the patient circuit 31 to the general circuit 41 while maintaining electrical insulation between the general circuit 41 and the patient circuit 31.

  The general circuit 41 is provided with a light source 44. That is, the light source 44 is provided in the connector 40. The light source 44 is caused to emit light by the electric power supplied to the general circuit 41. The light source 44 is optically connected to the emission end of the light supply fiber 21. The light supply fiber 21 passes through the module 30 and the cable 11 and extends to the connector 40. As described above, the light emitted from the light source 44 is used as the light for detecting the bending angle of the curvature detecting fiber 22.

  The patient circuit 31 includes a light receiving element 32, an output unit 33, an A / D converter 34, a parallel / serial conversion circuit 35, a DC / DC converter 42, and a PC 43. The light receiving element 32, the output unit 33, the A / D converter 34, and the parallel / serial conversion circuit 35 are provided in the module 30.

  The light receiving element 32 is optically connected to the exit end of the curvature detecting fiber 22. The light receiving element 32 is a photodiode, for example, and can detect the amount of light received. That is, an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of received light is output as a curvature signal. A light receiving element 32 is provided for each curvature detection fiber 22.

  The curvature signal generated in the light receiving element 32 is sent to the output unit 33. The curvature signal is amplified at the output unit 33 and sent to the A / D converter 34. The curvature signal is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal by the A / D converter 34.

  The curvature signal converted into the digital signal is sent to the parallel / serial conversion circuit 35. The curvature signal is converted from a parallel signal to a serial signal in the parallel / serial conversion circuit 35. The curvature signal converted into the serial signal is sent to the PC 43.

  As described above, the curvature signal is sent to the general circuit 41 by the PC 43 while maintaining the insulation between the general circuit 41 and the patient circuit 31. The curvature signal sent to the general circuit 41 is further sent to the signal processing device 60.

  As described above, a curvature signal based on the amount of light emitted from each curvature detection fiber 22 is sent to the signal processing device 60 via the connector 40. Predetermined signal processing is performed on the plurality of curvature signals in the signal processing device 60, and the shape of the probe body 20, that is, the shape of the insertion tube 52 of the endoscope 50 is displayed on the monitor 61.

  Therefore, according to the endoscope insertion shape detection probe 10 of the present embodiment as described above, no insulating device is required between the endoscope insertion shape detection probe 10 and the signal processing device 60. This is because in the endoscope insertion shape detection probe 10, the general circuit 41 and the patient circuit 31 are insulated.

  Further, since the insulation is performed at the connector 40 connected to the signal processing device 60, the probe main body 20 and the module 30 can be prevented from being enlarged. Since the probe body 20 and the module 30 are touched by the operator when the endoscope insertion shape detection probe 10 is used, it is possible to reduce inconvenience in use if the size of these parts is prevented. is there.

  Further, since the light source 44 is provided in the connector 40, it is possible to supply power from the general circuit 41. Accordingly, it is possible to emit a large amount of light compared to the case where power is supplied from the patient circuit 31.

  Moreover, since the light source 44 is provided in the connector 40, the heating inside the module 30 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of an output error due to the temperature of the attendance element 32.

  In addition, since the light source 44 that consumes a large amount of power is not provided in the patient circuit 31, the power generated in the patient circuit 31 can be reduced. Keeping the generated power low makes it easy to keep the temperature of the patient circuit 31 low. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of output error due to the temperature of the light receiving element 32.

  Further, since the module 30 is waterproof, it is possible to prevent the electronic device from being damaged by sterilizing the probe main body 20 and the module 30 that may become dirty during use by immersing them in the disinfecting liquid.

  In this embodiment, the connector 40 has a housing and is connected to the housing of the signal processing device 60. However, the connector 40 may be configured to be connected inside the signal processing device 60 as a connector board.

  In the present embodiment, the curvature signal is converted into a serial signal using the parallel / serial conversion circuit 35. However, the same effect as in the present embodiment can be obtained without the curvature signal.

  In the present embodiment, the light source 44 is provided in the connector 40, but a light source outside the endoscope insertion shape detection probe may be used. However, in order to simplify the configuration of the device group for detecting the insertion shape of the endoscope, it is preferable to provide the light source 44 in the connector 40 as in the present embodiment.

It is an external view of an endoscope insertion shape detection probe to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. It is a figure for demonstrating the usage condition of an endoscope insertion shape detection probe. It is a perspective view of a probe body. It is sectional drawing perpendicular | vertical to the longitudinal direction of the fiber for light supply, and the fiber for curvature detection. It is sectional drawing perpendicular | vertical to the longitudinal direction of the fiber for curvature detection in an optical loss part. It is a figure for showing the position of the optical loss part in the plurality of curvature detection fibers around the optical fiber. It is a figure for showing the direction of the optical loss part in the some fiber for curvature detection around the fiber for light supply. It is a 1st figure for demonstrating the change of the transmission amount of the light by the bending direction of the fiber for curvature detection. It is a 2nd figure for demonstrating the change of the transmission amount of the light by the bending direction of the curvature detection fiber. It is a figure for showing that the shape of an insertion tube is detectable by the bending angle in each optical loss part. It is a block diagram for showing roughly an internal configuration of a module and a connector.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Endoscope insertion shape detection probe 20 Probe main body 21 Optical supply fiber 22 Curvature detection fiber 30 Module 31 Patient circuit 32 Light receiving element 33 Output part 34 A / D converter 35 Parallel / serial conversion circuit 40 Connector 41 General circuit 42 DC / DC converter 43 Photocoupler (PC)
44 Light source

Claims (8)

A connector portion having a general circuit connected to the signal processing device;
A detection unit electrically connected to the connector unit;
A patient circuit provided across the connector part and the detection part, and electrically insulated from the general circuit;
A light receiving means for forming the patient circuit in the detection unit and generating an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of received light;
The detecting unit includes a first emitting unit optically connected to the light receiving means and a first incident unit for entering light, and the first incident unit is configured to change the first incident unit according to a bending angle. A curvature detection means capable of being inserted into a channel formed in an endoscope, in which the amount of transmission of light to one emitting portion is changed;
According to the light emitted from the first emission part while being electrically connected to the general circuit and the patient circuit in the connector part and maintaining electrical insulation between the general circuit and the patient circuit. An endoscope insertion shape detection probe comprising: a signal transmission means for transmitting a curvature signal, which is an electrical signal generated by the light receiving means, to the general circuit. In the connector portion, the electric power is electrically connected to the general circuit and the patient circuit, and the electric power supplied from the signal processing device to the general circuit is maintained while maintaining electrical insulation between the general circuit and the patient circuit. Power generating means for generating power to the patient circuit based on
The endoscope insertion shape detection probe according to claim 1, wherein the curvature signal is transmitted from the light receiving unit to the signal transmission unit by electric power generated in the patient circuit.   The endoscope insertion shape detection probe according to claim 2, further comprising an amplifying unit that forms the patient circuit in the detection unit and amplifies the curvature signal by electric power generated in the patient circuit.   4. The A / D converter according to claim 2, further comprising an A / D converter that forms the patient circuit in the detection unit and converts a curvature signal, which is an analog signal, into a digital signal by electric power generated in the patient circuit. The endoscope insertion shape detection probe as described.   A parallel / serial conversion unit that forms the patient circuit in the detection unit and performs parallel / serial conversion on the curvature signal converted into the digital signal based on electric power generated in the patient circuit is provided. Item 5. The endoscope insertion shape detection probe according to Item 4. The curvature detection means includes
A light transmission means for supply that has a second emitting part for emitting light and the first incident part, and transmits light from the first incident part to the second emitting part;
A second incident part for extending light and the first emission part extending along the supply light transmission means, and the light from the second incidence part to the first emission part. A detection light transmission means for transmitting and changing a transmission amount of light from the second incident part to the first emission part according to a bending angle;
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a mirror that integrally covers the second emitting part and the second incident part and reflects light emitted from the second emitting part. The endoscope insertion shape detection probe according to any one of the above.   The general circuit is formed in the connector portion, and a light source that is optically connected to the first incident portion in the connector portion and emits light incident on the first incident portion is provided. The endoscope insertion shape detection probe according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The endoscope insertion shape detection probe according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is waterproof.

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