JP2007185341A - Light source device for endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a light source device for an endoscope capable of preventing a filter member from deteriorating. <P>SOLUTION: A pinion gear 64 rotates when a system control circuit determines that the accumulative using time of a first infrared cut filter held by a first holder 69 and being used exceeds a predetermined upper limit time. A first slider 66 and a second slider 68 move toward a light path of illumination light L and so as to space apart from the light path of the illumination light L respectively from the condition shown by the rotation of the pinion gear 64. The rotation of the pinion gear drive motor is stopped and a second infrared cut filter held by a second holder 70 is used when the second slider 68 comes into contact with a second switch 62. At this time a warning message showing that the first infrared filter must be changed is shown on a monitor. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a light source device used in an endoscope apparatus.

  An electronic endoscope apparatus is generally composed of a processor including a light source device for illuminating a body tissue that is a subject, and a video scope including an electronic camera that images the illuminated body tissue. Illumination light from the light source of the light source device is emitted from the distal end portion of the video scope to the subject via a light guide inserted into the video scope. Then, the video signal obtained by the image sensor of the electronic camera is transmitted to the processor, and the subject image is displayed on the monitor by performing predetermined processing on the video signal in the processor.

In a light source device, a filter such as an infrared cut filter is generally used to remove an infrared component of illumination light emitted from a light source and use only a predetermined color component for object observation (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-219103 (see paragraphs [0022] to [0024], FIGS. 2 to 6 etc.)

  When a filter member such as an infrared cut filter is used for a long period of time, the filter member gradually deteriorates due to a temperature difference or the like generated between a region through which illumination light passes in the filter member and its peripheral region. If the filter member that has been deteriorated is used further continuously, the original function of removing a predetermined color component may not be performed.

  An object of this invention is to implement | achieve the light source device of the endoscope apparatus which can replace | exchange a filter member at an appropriate timing.

  The light source device for an endoscope apparatus according to the present invention measures a light source that emits illumination light for illuminating a subject, a first filter for allowing illumination light to pass through, and a cumulative usage time of the first filter. When the measuring means, the judging means for judging whether or not the accumulated usage time exceeds the predetermined upper limit time, the second filter, and the judging means determine that the accumulated usage time has exceeded the upper limit time, the first In order to use the second filter instead of the filter, a moving means for moving the second filter on the optical path of the illumination light is provided.

  The moving means preferably links the first filter and the second filter so as to move in directions opposite to each other.

  The light source device for an endoscope apparatus includes a first sensor that detects that the first filter is on the optical path of the illumination light, and a second sensor that detects that the second filter is on the optical path of the illumination light. It is preferable to further include a sensor.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the light source device for an endoscope apparatus further includes a warning unit that warns that the accumulated usage time of the first filter has exceeded the upper limit time. In this case, if it is determined that the first filter is replaceable and the accumulated usage time has exceeded the upper limit time, and the light source device is started without the first filter being replaced, the warning means warns again. It is more desirable to do.

  It is preferable that the first filter is replaceable, and the measuring unit measures the accumulated usage time of the replaced first filter. In the light source device for an endoscope apparatus, it is preferable that either the first filter or the second filter can be selectively used regardless of the accumulated usage time of the first filter.

  It is preferable that the light source device for an endoscope apparatus is provided with a filter unit in which a first filter and a second filter are arranged. In this case, it is more preferable that the filter unit is replaceable, and it is even more preferable that the filter unit further includes a third sensor that detects that the filter unit is in a predetermined position during use.

  The first filter and the second filter are, for example, infrared cut filters.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the light source device of the endoscope apparatus which can replace | exchange a filter member at an appropriate timing is realizable.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the electronic endoscope apparatus 10.

  The electronic endoscope apparatus 10 includes a video scope 20 used for imaging in a body cavity of a patient, and a processor 30 that supplies illumination light to the video scope 20 and processes a video signal sent from the video scope 20. Prepare. The video scope 20 is detachably connected to the processor 30, and a monitor 60 is connected to the processor 30. Further, the processor 30 is provided with a system control circuit 50 that controls the entire processor 30.

  The processor 30 includes a light source 32 including a xenon lamp (not shown) that emits illumination light for illuminating a subject, a light source 34, a filter unit 42, and the like. When power is supplied to the light source 32 by the light source power source 34, the light source 32 emits illumination light. The illumination light emitted from the light source 32 enters the filter unit 42.

  The filter unit 42 is provided with a first infrared cut filter 40 (first filter) and a second infrared cut filter 41 (second filter) for removing the infrared component of the illumination light. . The first infrared cut filter 40 is a filter that is normally used, and the second infrared cut filter 41 is the same type of filter as the first infrared cut filter 40, and is primarily degraded first infrared cut filter. This is a preliminary filter used instead of the filter 40.

  In the filter unit 42, usually only the first infrared cut filter 40 is disposed on the optical path of the illumination light, and the illumination light passes through the first infrared cut filter 40 and the diaphragm 36. The filter unit 42 is provided with a gap for the illumination light to pass through.

  The diaphragm 36 is opened and closed by a diaphragm drive motor 38 to adjust the amount of illumination light. The aperture control circuit 44 controls the aperture 36 by driving the aperture drive motor 38 based on the instruction signal from the system control circuit 50. The illumination light that has passed through the aperture 36 is collected by the condenser lens 35 and enters the incident end 12A of the light guide 12 on the scope 20 side.

  The light guide 12 transmits the illumination light incident on the incident end 12A to the distal end portion of the video scope 20 where the observation site is located. The illumination light that has passed through the light guide 12 is emitted from the emission end 12 </ b> B, and is irradiated toward the subject via the orientation lens 22. The light reflected by the observation site that is the illuminated subject reaches the CCD 28 through the objective lens 24 and the excitation light cut filter 26. The CCD 28 is driven by the image sensor driving circuit 54 under the control of the timing control circuit 52 on the processor 30 side.

  Charges for forming a video signal of the subject image are accumulated on the light receiving surface of the CCD 28. Here, the NTSC system is applied as the color television system, and the video signal generated in the CCD 28 is sequentially read out every field period, that is, every 1/60 second interval.

  The read video signal is subjected to various processes such as an amplification process, a conversion process from an analog video signal to a digital video signal, and a white balance adjustment to generate a luminance signal and a color difference signal. The luminance signal and the color difference signal are sent to the video signal processing circuit 46 of the processor 30, converted into a video signal such as an NTSC signal, and output to the monitor 60. As a result, the subject image is displayed on the monitor 60.

  Since the first infrared cut filter 40 is gradually deteriorated when used for a long period of time, the cumulative use time that serves as a guideline for replacing the first infrared cut filter 40, that is, the first infrared ray in advance. An upper limit time is set for the accumulated time for the illumination light to pass through the cut filter 40. Information indicating the upper limit time is stored in a memory 51 provided in the system control circuit 50. Further, the memory 51 also stores information indicating the actual accumulated usage time of the first infrared cut filter 40.

  The processor 30 is provided with a real-time clock controller 56 (RTC / measurement means). From the real-time clock controller 56, a signal indicating the time is sent to the system control circuit 50. When the processor 30 is activated and the light source 32 starts emitting illumination light, the system control circuit 50 calculates the accumulated usage time of the first infrared cut filter 40 based on the signal received from the real-time clock controller 56, It is determined whether or not the cumulative usage time of the first infrared cut filter 40 has exceeded the upper limit time.

  When the system control circuit 50 determines that the accumulated usage time of the first infrared cut filter 40 has exceeded the upper limit time, the second infrared cut filter 41 is placed on the optical path of the illumination light in the filter unit 42. The 1 infrared cut filter 40 is moved away from the optical path. A second infrared cut filter 41 is used instead of the first infrared cut filter 40.

  Further, a signal indicating that the accumulated use time of the first infrared cut filter 40 has exceeded the upper limit time is transmitted from the system control circuit 50 to the monitor 60, and the accumulated use time has exceeded the upper limit time on the monitor 60. In addition to prompting the replacement of the first infrared cut filter 40, a notification message indicating that the use of the first infrared cut filter 40 has been stopped is displayed.

  When the operation of the light source device 48 stops, the system control circuit 50 uses the time elapsed since the last start of illumination light emission as the usage time of the first infrared cut filter 40. The calculation process added to the accumulated use time of the 1st infrared cut filter 40 memorize | stored until then is performed. The calculated new accumulated time is stored in the memory 51.

  A front panel 58 is provided on the surface of the processor 30. When the front panel 58 is operated, a signal corresponding to the operation is sent to the system control circuit 50, and various operations are performed according to the user's instructions.

  For example, even when the cumulative usage time of the first infrared cut filter 40 does not exceed the upper limit, the filter to be used is changed from the first infrared cut filter 40 to the second infrared cut filter 41 by the operation of the front panel 58. Switched. As described above, since the filter can be replaced regardless of the accumulated usage time, even if some sudden abnormality occurs in the first infrared cut filter 40, the subject observation can be continued without any trouble.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the inside of the light source device 48 and the peripheral portion of the light source device 48 as viewed from above. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the inside of the filter unit 42 as viewed from the light source 32 side.

  The moving mechanism provided in the filter unit 42 for moving the first and second infrared cut filters 40 and 41 includes a pinion gear 64 and a first slider 66 and a second slider 68 that engage with the pinion gear 64, respectively. Including. A first holder 69 that holds the first infrared cut filter 40 and a second holder 70 that holds the second infrared cut filter 41 are attached to the ends of the first and second sliders 66 and 68, respectively. ing.

  The first infrared cut filter 40 is disposed at the center of the first holder 69 (see FIG. 3), and the illumination light L passes only through the first infrared cut filter 40 in the state shown in FIG. Note that a pair of first sliders 66 is provided, and a gap D through which the illumination light L passes is provided between the pair of first sliders 66 (see FIG. 3). Similarly to the first infrared cut filter 40, the second infrared cut filter 41 is also arranged at the center of the second holder 70, and the second slider 68 has the same shape as the first slider 66.

  When the system control circuit 50 determines that the accumulated usage time of the first infrared cut filter 40 has exceeded the upper limit time, a pinion gear drive motor (not shown) for rotating the pinion gear 64 under the control of the system control circuit 50 Is driven, and the pinion gear 64 rotates. As the pinion gear 64 rotates, the first slider 66 moves to the optical path side of the illumination light L and the second slider 68 moves away from the optical path of the illumination light L from the state shown in FIG.

  A first switch 61 and a second switch 62 are provided on the inner wall surface 42 </ b> I of the filter unit 42. The first and second switches 61 and 62 are both micro switches, and are provided to detect contact of the first and second sliders 66 and 68, respectively. When the first infrared cut filter 40 contacts the first switch 61, the first switch 61 is turned on, and at this time, it is detected that the first infrared cut filter 40 is on the optical path of the illumination light L. . Similarly, regarding the second switch 62, when the second infrared cut filter 41 contacts the second switch 62, it is detected that the second infrared cut filter 41 is on the optical path of the illumination light L.

  When the second slider 68 comes into contact with the second switch 62 and the system control circuit 50 detects that the second infrared cut filter 41 is on the optical path of the illumination light L, the system control circuit 50 detects the pinion gear drive motor. Stop rotating. As a result, the second infrared cut filter 41 newly disposed on the optical path of the illumination light L is used instead of the first infrared cut filter 40.

  In this way, only the single pinion gear 64 and the pinion gear drive motor are used to move the first slider 66 and the second slider 68 in an interlocking manner and move the first and second infrared cut filters 40 and 41 in opposite directions. By being used, the structure of the moving mechanism in the filter unit 42 is simplified.

  The filter unit 42 can be replaced with a new filter unit including an unused first infrared cut filter. Therefore, when the use of the first infrared cut filter 40 is stopped and a notification message indicating that the spare second infrared cut filter 41 is substituted is displayed on the monitor 60, the user, for example, The filter unit 42 is replaced at an appropriate timing such as immediately after a series of subject observations are completed.

  The light source device 48 is provided with a third switch 63. The third switch 63 is a micro switch similar to the first and second switches 61 and 62, and is turned on when the outer wall surface 42O of the filter unit 42 contacts. When the third switch 63 is in the ON state, the filter unit 42 is in a predetermined position during use, that is, the original position when the first infrared cut filter 40 is used (shown in FIG. 2). (Position) is detected.

  A coil spring 67 is provided in the vicinity of the third switch 63. The coil spring 67 presses the filter unit outer wall surface 42O. A unit stopper 65 is provided between the outer wall surface 42P opposite to the filter unit outer wall surface 42O and the wall surface 30S of the processor 30.

  When it is determined that the accumulated usage time of the first infrared cut filter 40 has exceeded the upper limit time, the unit stopper 65 is retracted into the filter unit 42 under the control of the system control circuit 50. For this reason, the filter unit 42 pressed by the coil spring 67 moves slightly so that the outer wall surface 42P is in contact with the processor wall surface 30S.

  When the filter unit 42 moves in this way, the third switch 63 is turned off. Then, a signal indicating that the third switch 63 has been turned off is sent to the system control circuit 50, and the filter unit 42 is moved to a predetermined position, that is, when the first infrared cut filter 40 is used. It is detected that it is not in position. When it is detected that the filter unit 42 is not in a predetermined position, a signal indicating that is transmitted from the system control circuit 50 to the monitor 60, and a warning message is displayed on the monitor 60.

  As described above, by providing the third switch 63, the unit stopper 65, and the like, it is possible to urge the replacement of the filter unit 42 with certainty. That is, when the light source device 48 is designed so that a warning message is displayed only when the second switch 62 detects the contact of the second slider 68, the object observation is terminated after the warning, and the light source device 48 is again turned on. When activated, the first infrared cut filter 40 is moved on the optical path of the illumination light L (returns to the state shown in FIG. 2), so the first and second infrared cut filters 40, The warning message is not displayed on the monitor 60 until 41 moves. Therefore, a quick and reliable warning cannot be made.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, when the object observation is finished after the warning is issued and the light source device 48 is started again without replacing the filter unit 42, the filter unit 42 may not be in the original position. Since it is detected by the 3 switch 63, another warning is promptly issued.

  As described above, when the second infrared cut filter 41 is used, the position of the filter unit 42 is slightly different from that when the first infrared cut filter 40 is used. The lengths of the first and second sliders 66 and 68 are adjusted so that both 40 and 41 are on the optical path of the illumination light L in use.

  When the filter unit 42 is replaced, the replacement door 37 provided on the processor wall surface 30S is opened. When the replacement door 37 is opened, the light source 32 disposed integrally with the heat sink 33 in the lamp house 39 can also be replaced by removing the screw 31.

  When the filter unit 42 is replaced with a new filter unit and the filter to be used is replaced with the unused first infrared cut filter from the first infrared cut filter 40, the memory 51 stores the new replaced unit. Information indicating that the accumulated usage time for the first infrared cut filter is “0” is stored. When the use of the new first infrared cut filter is started, the system control circuit 50 calculates the accumulated usage time for the new first infrared cut filter.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the normally used first infrared cut filter 40 needs to be replaced, the second infrared cut filter 41 is used promptly instead of the first infrared cut filter 40. It is possible to continue the subject observation and prompt the user to replace the first infrared cut filter 40.

  The replacement method of the first infrared cut filter 40 is not limited to the present embodiment in which the entire filter unit 42 is replaced. For example, only the first infrared cut filter 40 may be replaced independently. Further, the moving mechanism in the filter unit 42 is not limited to this embodiment. For example, even if a rotary filter in which the first infrared cut filter 40 and the second infrared cut filter 41 are arranged on the same plane is rotated. good.

  In addition, the second infrared cut filter 41 that is assumed to be used for a short period of time is not necessarily the same type as the first infrared cut filter 40.

It is a block diagram of an electronic endoscope apparatus. It is a figure which shows roughly the inside of the light source device seen from the upper part, and the peripheral part of a light source device. It is a figure which shows roughly the inside of the filter unit seen from the light source side.

Explanation of symbols

10 Electronic Endoscope Device (Endoscope Device)
32 light source 40 first infrared cut filter (first filter)
41 2nd infrared cut filter (2nd filter)
42 Filter unit 48 Light source device 50 System control circuit (determination means / measurement means)
56 Real-time clock controller (measuring means)
60 Monitor (Warning means)
61 First switch (first sensor)
62 Second switch (second sensor)
63 Third switch (third sensor)
64 pinion gear (moving means)
66 First slider (moving means)
68 Second slider (moving means)

Claims (11)

A light source that emits illumination light for illuminating a subject;
A first filter for passing the illumination light;
Measuring means for measuring the cumulative usage time of the first filter;
A judging means for judging whether or not the cumulative use time exceeds a predetermined upper limit time;
A second filter;
If the determination means determines that the accumulated usage time exceeds the upper limit time, the second filter is placed on the optical path of the illumination light in order to use the second filter instead of the first filter. A light source device for an endoscope apparatus, comprising: a moving means for moving the endoscope device.   The light source device for an endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving means interlocks the first filter and the second filter so as to move in directions opposite to each other.   A first sensor for detecting that the first filter is on the optical path of the illumination light; and a second sensor for detecting that the second filter is on the optical path of the illumination light. The light source device for an endoscope apparatus according to claim 1.   The light source device for an endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a warning unit that warns that the accumulated usage time of the first filter has exceeded the upper limit time.   When the light source device is started in a state where the first filter is not replaced after it is determined that the first filter is replaceable and the accumulated usage time exceeds the upper limit time, the warning means The light source device for an endoscope apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a warning is given again.   2. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first filter is replaceable, and the measuring unit measures the accumulated use time of the replaced first filter. 3. Light source device.   2. The light source for an endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein either the first filter or the second filter can be selectively used regardless of an accumulated usage time of the first filter. apparatus.   The light source device for an endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a filter unit in which the first filter and the second filter are arranged.   The light source device for an endoscope apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the filter unit is replaceable.   The light source device for an endoscope apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a third sensor that detects that the filter unit is in a predetermined position during use. The light source device for an endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first filter and the second filter are infrared cut filters.

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