JP2011244937A - Endoscope system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To recognize information related to gas supply when acquiring a video of image data, in the case of using an endoscope system including a light source device and a gas supply device.SOLUTION: This endoscope system including an endoscope 1, the gas supply device 2 installed with a gas cylinder 60, the light source device provided with an air pump 23, the gas supply device 3, and a processor device 4 connected to the light source device 2 includes: a gas supply information generation part 85 which inputs the information related to a gas supply state from a device performing the gas supply of the gas supply device 3 and the light source device 2 and generates gas supply information; and an image data generation part 86 performing processing of recording the gas supply information acquired by the gas supply information generation part 85 in the image data when performing image processing based on a video signal acquired from a solid-state imaging element 81 and generating the image data.

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope system provided with a gas supply device for supplying carbon dioxide gas to an endoscope connected with a light source device capable of supplying air into a body cavity.

When a treatment or examination is performed using an endoscope, gas is supplied into a body cavity from an air supply line provided in the endoscope in order to secure a visual field of the endoscope and an operation area of the treatment tool. Conventionally, air is mainly used as a gas to be sent into the body cavity, but in recent years, carbon dioxide (CO ₂ gas) has been used. Since carbon dioxide has good bioabsorbability, it causes little damage to the subject. For this reason, carbon dioxide tends to be used as an air supply source.

  When air is supplied, an air pump provided in the light source device is used. When carbon dioxide is supplied, a gas supply device is used. A gas cylinder filled with carbon dioxide gas is attached to the gas supply device, and the gas cylinder is consumed to feed carbon dioxide gas. Inside the endoscope, the air path and the carbon dioxide gas path are merged to supply gas from the tip. Therefore, the air from the air pump and the carbon dioxide gas from the gas cylinder must be selectively switched. A technique for performing this switching is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

JP 2006-14961 A

  In patent document 1, an operator can use arbitrary gas by comprising so that two types of gas, air and a carbon dioxide gas, can be supplied as an air supply source. Carbon dioxide gas is used from the viewpoint of reducing damage to the subject. However, depending on the operator, air may be supplied according to the conventional method from the viewpoint of getting used to the operation feeling. The air is supplied from the light source device, and the carbon dioxide gas is supplied from the gas supply device, and the air is supplied using separate and independent devices.

  When performing inspection or treatment using an endoscope, a video signal of an observation field of the endoscope is acquired from a solid-state imaging device provided at the distal end of the endoscope, and predetermined image processing is performed on the video signal. By doing so, image data (endoscopic image) is generated. This image processing is performed by a processor device, and image data is displayed on a monitor connected to the processor device, so that an operator can visually recognize an endoscopic image.

  The endoscopic image may be displayed on the monitor and recorded, and the recorded endoscopic image may be used after examination or treatment. As described above, two types of air and carbon dioxide can be supplied into the body cavity. And, when the image data is used later, whether the image data was treated (surgery) under the condition of supplying carbon dioxide, or treated under the condition of supplying air Cannot be recognized from the image data. Also, various conditions such as the amount of carbon dioxide or air supplied, the pressure of the supplied air, and the like cannot be recognized from the image data.

  In the technique of Patent Document 1, whether the air supply source is air or carbon dioxide is displayed on the operation panel of the light source device. Further, the air supply amount, the air supply pressure, and the like are displayed on the light source device or the gas supply device according to the supplied gas. Therefore, information such as the air supply amount and the air supply pressure is displayed on a screen other than the monitor connected to the processor device, and is separated from the image data. For this reason, the image when the image data was taken was in a situation where air or carbon dioxide gas was supplied, and what value was the air supply amount or pressure etc. I can't recognize that.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to make it possible to recognize information related to air supply when an image of image data is acquired when an endoscope system including a light source device and a gas supply device is used.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a first endoscope system according to the present invention includes an endoscope inserted into a body cavity having a solid-state imaging device at a distal end and carbon dioxide gas for supplying air into the body cavity. An endoscope system comprising: a gas supply device having a gas cylinder filled therein; a light source device provided with an air pump for supplying air into the body cavity; and a processor device connected to the gas supply device and the light source device. The processor device includes an air supply information generation unit configured to input information related to an air supply state from an apparatus performing air supply among the gas supply device and the light source device, and generate air supply information; Image data for performing processing to record the air supply information acquired by the air supply information generation unit in the image data when image processing is performed based on the video signal acquired from the solid-state imaging device to generate image data Characterized in that it comprises a forming unit.

  According to this endoscope system, air supply information related to air supply is recorded in the image data. As a result, it is possible to recognize information related to the gas supplied into the body cavity when the video indicated by the image data is acquired. This image data is displayed on the monitor so that the surgeon can visually recognize the video and the air supply information, and the air supply information can be recognized together with the video even when used after the examination or treatment.

  A second endoscope system according to the present invention is the first endoscope system, wherein the processor device stops the air pump when it detects the start of feeding carbon dioxide from the gas supply device. An air supply source control unit that performs control to preferentially supply the carbon dioxide gas, and the air supply information generation unit is configured to control the carbon dioxide gas and the air based on the air supply control of the air supply source control unit. Which gas is being supplied is generated as air supply information.

  According to this endoscope system, which gas is air or carbon dioxide gas is generated as air supply information. As a result, the monitor can display whether the gas supplied with the image is carbon dioxide or air, and it is an image when any gas is supplied even when image data is used later. You will be able to recognize.

  A third endoscope system of the present invention is a second endoscope system, an observation site detecting means for detecting an observation site of the endoscope, and the carbon dioxide gas provided in the gas supply device. An air supply amount detecting means for detecting an air supply amount, wherein the air supply information generating unit is observation part specifying data inputted from the observation part detecting means and air supply amount data inputted from the air supply amount detecting means Is generated as the air supply information.

  According to this endoscope system, observation site specifying data and air supply amount data are generated as air supply information. There is an appropriate air supply amount depending on the observation site, and by recording the observation site and the air supply amount in the image data, the surgeon monitors whether the air is supplied with the appropriate air supply amount according to the observation site. It can be recognized by the display, and even after the examination or treatment, it can be recognized whether or not the image is supplied with an appropriate amount of air supply corresponding to the observation site based on the image data.

  A fourth endoscope system according to the present invention is the third endoscope system, comprising a time measuring unit that measures a time from when the gas supply device starts supplying carbon dioxide, The air supply information generation unit generates time data measured by the time measurement unit as the air supply information.

  According to this endoscope system, time data can be further recorded as air supply information. This makes it possible to recognize how much time has elapsed since the start of air supply based on the image data.

  A fifth endoscope system according to the present invention is any one of the first to fourth endoscope systems, wherein the processor device records the image data generated by the image data generation unit in an external device. A data input / output device capable of inputting image data from an external device, and a monitor capable of displaying the image data generated by the image data generation unit and the image data input from the data input / output device on a screen; It is characterized by providing.

  According to this endoscope system, the image data in which the video and the air supply information are recorded can be displayed on the monitor, and the image data can be output to the external device. When performing the examination or treatment again on the same subject, the image data stored in the external device is displayed on the monitor, so that the air supply information unique to the subject can be recognized. As a result, the air supply state can be optimally set and the examination or treatment can be performed.

  In the present invention, image data is generated based on a video signal, and air supply information related to air supply when the video is captured is recorded in the image data. Thus, by displaying the image data on the monitor, the surgeon can confirm the air supply information together with the video. After the examination or treatment, the air supply information when the video indicated by the image data is captured is displayed. Be able to recognize.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of an endoscope system. FIG. It is a block diagram explaining the connection relation of each apparatus. It is a block diagram explaining the schematic structure of the processor apparatus.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an endoscope system according to the present invention, and includes an endoscope 1, a light source device 2, a gas supply device 3, a processor device 4 (described later), and an observation site detection device 5 (described later). It has a schematic configuration. The endoscope 1 is inserted into a body cavity for examination or treatment. An example of treatment using the endoscope 1 is endoscopic surgery. The light source device 2 is a device for mainly supplying illumination light, and has an air pump 23 for supplying air into the body cavity. The gas supply device 3 is a carbon dioxide supply device for supplying carbon dioxide (CO ₂ gas) into the body cavity. The processor device 4 performs image processing for processing an image acquired using the endoscope 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the light source device 2 and the gas supply device 3 constitute separate devices, but they may be constructed as an integrated device.

  The endoscope 1 will be described. The endoscope 1 includes an insertion portion 11, a main body operation portion 12, and a universal cord 13, and is schematically configured. The insertion part 11 is inserted into the body cavity of the subject, and the main body operation part 12 becomes a mechanism part for the operator to hold and operate. A light source connector 14 detachably connected to the light source device 2 is provided at the end of the universal cord 13. An illumination window and an observation window 15 (not shown) are provided at the distal end portion of the insertion unit 11, and an image of a subject (inside the body cavity) is acquired through the observation window 15 in a state where illumination light is irradiated into the body cavity. A camera unit is mounted inside the observation window 15, and this camera unit is configured to include an objective lens, a solid-state imaging device 81 described later, and the like.

  The endoscope 1 is provided with a liquid and gas supply mechanism. The liquid is used to clean the observation window 15 when it is contaminated with internal dirt, and is also used to clean the inner wall of the body cavity for good inspection of the body wall and for perfusion. It is done. On the other hand, the gas is used to inflate the body cavity, and in addition to this, it is also used to remove liquid adhering to the surface after the observation window 15 is washed. In a general endoscope, the liquid supplied into the body cavity is water and the gas is air.

  For this purpose, an air / liquid feeding path 16 is built in the insertion portion 11, and a tip portion thereof is an injection nozzle 17 directed toward the observation window 15 on the tip surface of the insertion portion 11. The air / liquid supply path 16 is branched into an air supply path 18 and a liquid supply path 19 at a midway position of the insertion portion 11, and extends inside the main body operation section 12. The main body operation section 12 is provided with an air / water supply valve 20, and the air supply path 18 and the liquid supply path 19 are connected to the air / water supply valve 20 provided in the main body operation section 12. An air supply path 21 and a liquid supply path 22 are connected to the air / water supply valve 20, and they are communicated and blocked by operating the air / water supply valve 20.

  The air supply passage 18 and the air supply passage 21 constitute an air supply conduit, and the liquid supply passage 19 and the liquid supply passage 22 constitute a liquid supply conduit. The air supply / liquid supply path 16 is a common line of the air supply pipe and the liquid supply pipe, and the pressurized air or the cleaning liquid is selectively supplied to the injection nozzle 17. Further, the air supply path 21 and the liquid supply path 22 are extended from the main body operation unit 12 to the inside of the universal cord 13 and led to the light source connector 14.

  The light source device 2 is provided with an illumination lamp (not shown) for supplying illumination light, and illumination light from the illumination lamp is provided at the distal end of the insertion portion 11 via the universal cord 13 and the main body operation portion 12. It is transmitted by a light guide extended to the endoscope observation means. Thereby, illumination light is supplied from the observation window 15. In addition, an electrical connector (not shown) branched from the universal cord 13 is provided, and this electrical connector is detachably connected to the processor device 4.

  The light source device 2 includes an air pump 23 for supplying pressurized air (air) to the air supply path 18, and a pressurized air pipe 24 is connected to the air pump 23. The liquid supply path 19 is a path for supplying the cleaning liquid, and the cleaning liquid is supplied from the liquid supply tank 25. The liquid supply tank 25 is installed outside the light source device 2. A double flexible pipe 26 is connected to the liquid feed tank 25, the inner pipe is a cleaning liquid pipe 26a, and the outer pipe is a pressurized pipe 26b. A pipe connecting member 27 is connected to the distal end portion of the double flexible tube 26, and this pipe connecting member 27 is detachably connected to a pipe line connecting portion 28 provided in the light source connector 14.

  One end of the cleaning liquid pipe 26a of the double flexible pipe 26 is immersed in the cleaning liquid stored in the liquid feeding tank 25, and one end of the pressurizing pipe 26b is exposed above the liquid surface. A gas supply pipe 29 serving as a carbon dioxide gas path is connected to the gas supply device 3, and the gas supply pipe 29 is connected to a pressurization pipe 26b. Therefore, the pressurizing pipe 26 b branches in the middle, and one of the pressurizing pipes 26 b becomes the gas supply pipe 29 and the other is led to the liquid feeding tank 25. The pressurization pipe 26 b is connected to the gas supply pipe 29 and also connected to the pressurization air pipe 24 from the air pump 23 inside the light source connector 14. Thereby, by supplying carbon dioxide gas and air from the pressurized pipe 26b exposed at the upper part of the liquid supply tank 25, it is possible to apply pressure to the liquid level of the cleaning water. Further, in addition to the air / water supply valve 20, the main body operation unit 12 is provided with a suction valve 30 and a treatment instrument introduction section 31 for inserting a treatment instrument.

  FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the light source device 2 and the gas supply device 3. The light source device 2 is schematically configured to include the air pump 23, the light source controller 50, the power switch 51, and the pump switch 52 described above. The air pump 23 pumps pressurized air (air) by pump pressure. Thereby, the air by the pump pressure of the air pump 23 is sent from the pressurized air piping 24. The light source controller 50 performs control for operating or stopping the air pump 23.

  The power switch 51 is a switch for selecting whether the light source device 2 is turned on or off. When this switch is off, not only the air pump 23 but also illumination light is not supplied. The pump switch 52 is a switch for operating the air pump 23. When the power switch 51 is turned on, the light source controller 50 automatically operates the air pump 23.

  The gas supply device 3 is provided with a gas cylinder 60 in a detachable manner, and includes a gas controller 61, a first regulator 62, a second regulator 63, a valve 64, a check valve 65, a first pressure gauge 66, a second pressure gauge 67, and a power source. A switch 68, a fuel gauge 69, a warning display 70, and a valve switch 71 are schematically configured. The gas cylinder 60 is a carbon dioxide gas cylinder filled with carbon dioxide gas. Since the carbon dioxide in the gas cylinder 60 is consumed by use, it can be removed from the gas supply device 3 and replaced at an empty timing or at an arbitrary timing.

  The gas controller 61 performs overall control of the gas supply device 3. The first regulator 62 is connected to the gas cylinder 60 and depressurizes the carbon dioxide gas delivered from the gas cylinder 60. Since the carbon dioxide gas from the gas cylinder 60 has a high pressure, the pressure is reduced in two stages. For this purpose, the second regulator 63 further decompresses the carbon dioxide gas decompressed by the first regulator 62. The valve 64 is provided between the second regulator 63 and the gas supply pipe 29 via the check valve 65, and controls whether to communicate or block by open / close control. As the valve 64, an electromagnetic opening / closing valve can be used. For example, opening / closing control can be performed by energizing a solenoid. The check valve 65 is provided to prevent the gas from the gas supply pipe 29 from flowing in.

  The first pressure gauge 66 detects the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas in the gas cylinder 60, and the second pressure gauge 67 detects the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas decompressed by the second regulator 63. The detected result is output to the gas controller 61, whereby the remaining amount of carbon dioxide in the gas cylinder 60 can be recognized. The power switch 68 is a switch for turning on or off the power of the gas supply device 3. The fuel gauge 69 displays the remaining amount of carbon dioxide gas recognized by the gas controller 61. The warning display 70 displays a warning when the first pressure gauge 66 or the second pressure gauge 67 detects an abnormal pressure. Note that the warning may be a warning sound. The valve switch 71 is connected to the valve 64 and is a switch that performs open / close control. The valve 64 is basically controlled to be opened and closed by the gas controller 61, but it can also be manually controlled by operating the valve switch 71.

  The processor device 4 is connected to the endoscope 1, the light source device 2, and the gas supply device 3, and the processor device 4 and the endoscope 1 are connected by a universal cord 13. The processor device 4 and the light source device 2 are connected by a first communication line 72, and the processor device 4 and the gas supply device 3 are connected by a second communication line 73. That is, the light source device 2 and the gas supply device 3 are connected via the processor device 4, and the processor device 4 controls the light source device 2 and the gas supply device 3.

  FIG. 3 shows the configuration and connection relationship of the processor device 4. The solid-state image sensor 81 constituting the camera unit attached to the distal end of the insertion portion 11 of the endoscope 1 photoelectrically converts incident light from the observation window 15. Convert it into an electrical signal. This electric signal is obtained by capturing the image of the field of view of the observation window 15 as an electric signal, that is, an image signal obtained by converting the image into data. This video signal is output to the processor device 4 via the light source connector 14.

  The processor device 4 is a device that performs image processing, and includes an information acquisition unit 82, an air supply source control unit 83, a time measurement unit 84, an air supply information generation unit 85, an image generation unit 86, an image memory 87, and an external interface 88. It has a general configuration. Further, the processor device 4 is configured to be connected to a monitor 89 for performing screen display.

  The information acquisition unit 82 is connected to the gas controller 61 via the second communication line 73. Thereby, various information is acquired from the gas controller 61. The air supply source control unit 83 is connected to the light source controller 50 via the first communication line 72. The air supply source control unit 83 controls to preferentially supply carbon dioxide. This is because carbon dioxide has better absorbability in the body than air, and damage to the subject is reduced. The air supply source control unit 83 controls the light source controller 50 to stop the operation of the air pump 23 when the gas controller 61 notifies the start of the supply of carbon dioxide gas (sets the air pump 23 to a non-operating state). This control is performed via the first communication line 72.

  The time measuring unit 84 measures time. Time measurement is started when the gas supply device 3 acquires information indicating that the gas supply of the carbon dioxide gas has been started from the gas controller 61, and time measurement is stopped when information indicating that the supply of carbon dioxide has been stopped is acquired. Then, after the time measurement is stopped, the measured time is reset (returned to zero). The measured time is output to the insufflation information generation unit 85 as time data.

  The air supply information generation unit 85 generates information related to the supply of carbon dioxide as air supply information. This air supply information is gas supply information. As the air supply information, information on which gas, air or carbon dioxide, is being supplied, the value of the air supply pressure of the gas being supplied, the amount of gas supplied, the amount of carbon dioxide remaining, etc. There is. These pieces of information are generated based on data acquired from the gas controller 61. The air supply information generation unit 85 can generate air supply information based on the time data acquired from the time measurement unit 84 or the observation site identification data acquired from the observation site detection device 5. In addition, when air is supplied, the air supply information can be generated by obtaining necessary information from the light source controller 50 of the light source device 2.

  The image generator 86 performs image processing on the video signal output from the solid-state image sensor 81 to generate image data for one frame. For this purpose, it has an image processing function. However, the image generation unit 86 records the air supply information together with the video when generating the image data to generate the image data. At this time, the air supply information may be recorded in the image data after the image data is generated based on the video signal from the solid-state imaging device 81, or the air supply information is generated when the image data is generated from the video signal. May also be generated.

  The image data basically displays a video based on the video signal largely in the center thereof, and the air supply information is provided (embedded) in the blank area. For example, the air supply information is displayed with the corners on the screen as blank areas. Alternatively, it may be displayed so as to be superimposed so as not to affect the visibility of the image to be observed by superimpose or the like.

  The image data generated by the image generation unit 86 is displayed on the monitor 89. Thereby, the operator can recognize the information regarding the air supply together with the image of the field of view of the observation window 15 only by visually recognizing the monitor 89. The image data is stored in the image memory 87. A video signal is always output from the solid-state image pickup device 81, and the image generation unit 86 always generates image data, whereby a moving image can be displayed on the monitor 89. All image data may be recorded in the image memory 87. For example, only image data at the timing when the operator operates a shutter button (not shown) provided on the main body operation unit 12 is recorded. May be.

  The image memory 87 is connected to the external interface 88. The external interface 88 is an interface that enables input / output of image data with an external device other than the processor device 4. For example, image data can be output to an external device such as a storage device capable of storing a large amount of image data, a portable recording device, or another computer connected via a network. It is also possible to input data.

  The above is the schematic configuration. When performing inspection or treatment using the endoscope 1, first, the power switch 51 of the light source device 2 is turned on to start supplying illumination light. Then, the gas supply device 3 is started by turning on the power switch 68 of the gas supply device 3. When starting the supply of carbon dioxide, control is performed to stop the supply of air. This is because carbon dioxide gas is preferentially controlled from the viewpoint of reducing damage to the subject.

  The gas controller 61 notifies the processor device 4 through the second communication line 73 when the supply of carbon dioxide gas is started. Since the valve 64 is opened when the power switch 68 is turned on, it is possible to detect the start of carbon dioxide gas supply. The start of carbon dioxide gas supply may be detected by any method. The notification from the gas controller 61 is notified to the air supply source control unit 83 by the information acquisition unit 82. The air supply source control unit 83 controls the light source controller 50 to stop the operation of the air pump 23 via the first communication line 72. In addition, you may detect by the method arbitrarily which gas is sent out among carbon dioxide gas and air. For example, it may be detected by inputting whether or not the air pump 23 is operated from the light source controller 50.

  The notification from the gas controller 61 is also output to the air supply information generation unit 85. Thereby, the air supply information generating unit 85 recognizes that the supply of carbon dioxide gas has been started and the air supply has been stopped. That is, it recognizes which gas is sent from carbon dioxide or air. The air supply information generation unit 85 outputs information indicating which gas is being supplied to the image generation unit 86 as selection data.

  The image generation unit 86 performs image processing based on the video signal from the solid-state image sensor 81 and records the air supply information input from the air supply information generation unit 85 in the image data. As a result, image data is generated in which selection data (information indicating that carbon dioxide gas has been selected) is added to a blank area or the like of the video in the field of view of the endoscope. The image generation unit 86 sequentially processes the image of the visual field that changes over time, but selection data is included in all the image data. This selection data does not change unless the air supply source is changed.

  The generated image data is displayed on the screen of the monitor 89. Thereby, the surgeon can recognize which gas is being fed only from the screen of the monitor 89 without visually recognizing devices other than the monitor 89 such as the light source device 2 and the gas supply device 3. When performing an examination or treatment using the endoscope 1, the surgeon visually recognizes the monitor 89 and performs an operation. Accordingly, the line of sight must always be concentrated on the monitor 89, and the line of sight must not be moved unnecessarily to other devices. For this reason, by recording the selection data in the image data, the air supply source can be confirmed without removing the line of sight from the monitor 89.

  The image data is also output to the image memory 87. Image data stored in the image memory 87 can be output to the external interface 88, and image data can be stored in the external device by connecting an external storage device, portable recording device, or the like.

  The image data recorded in the external device is used for follow-up observation. At this time, the image data includes selection data as air supply information together with the video. Accordingly, in the follow-up observation or the like, it is possible to recognize whether the image is an image when carbon dioxide gas is supplied or an image when air is supplied.

  As described above, when the image generation unit 86 of the processor device 4 generates image data, the air supply information is recorded in the video of the field of view of the endoscope to generate image data. As a result, the information relating to the air supply when the image indicated by the image data is captured is recorded in the image data, so that the image and the air supply information are collectively displayed on the monitor 89, and the image is displayed after the examination or treatment. When using the data, it is possible to recognize the air supply situation when the video is taken.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, the observation site | part detection apparatus 5 is output to the air supply information production | generation part 85, and observation site | part specific data other than the said selection data can also be recorded as air supply information. The observation site detection device 5 is a device that detects an observation site observed by an observation means provided at the distal end of the endoscope 1. For example, in a large intestine endoscope, a magnet is provided at the distal end of the endoscope and the magnet is used. An endoscope insertion shape observation apparatus that senses and detects a shape can be applied. In addition, the operator may set information on the target site in the observation site detection device 5 in advance, or specify the target site depending on the type of the endoscope 1 connected to the processor device 4. May be. Further, an insertion amount detection device that detects the amount of insertion when the insertion portion 11 is inserted into the body cavity may be provided, and the target region may be specified based on the detected insertion amount. In any case, the observation target part is specified by the observation part detection device 5. Information on this target part becomes observation part specifying data.

  The air supply information generation unit 85 outputs the selection data and the observation site specifying data to the image generation unit 86 as air supply information. Thereby, which gas is selected in the image data generated by the video signal and the air supply information, and information on the observation site are recorded. As a result, the air supply source information and the observation site information are displayed on the monitor 89 together with the image of the field of view of the observation window 15. When the image data is used later, it becomes possible to recognize which observation site the image of the field of view is and whether the supplied gas is carbon dioxide or air.

  In addition, the air supply information generation unit 85 can also generate carbon dioxide gas supply amount data as the air supply information. The gas supply device 3 is provided with a first pressure gauge 66 and detects the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas delivered from the gas cylinder 60. Based on the amount of change in pressure detected by the first pressure gauge 66, the flow rate of the carbon dioxide gas delivered from the gas cylinder 60 can be recognized. That is, the amount of carbon dioxide supplied can be detected. In addition, it can replace with the 1st pressure gauge 66, and can also detect the air_supply amount of a carbon dioxide gas by providing the flow meter which detects a flow volume.

  The amount of change in pressure detected by the first pressure gauge 66 is output to the gas controller 61. The gas controller 61 calculates the amount of carbon dioxide supplied based on the amount of change in pressure, and outputs it to the processor device 4 as air supply data. This air supply amount data is input to the air supply information generation unit 85. The air supply information generation unit 85 outputs two data of selection data and air supply amount data to the image generation unit 86 as air supply information. Thereby, it is possible to recognize how much carbon dioxide gas is actually supplied to the observation visual field image indicated by the image data. In addition, although carbon dioxide gas was demonstrated here, it is the same also when air is supplied.

  At this time, the air supply information generation unit 85 outputs three data of selection data, air supply amount data, and observation site specifying data to the image generation unit 86, and the image generation unit 86 converts the three data into image data. Image data can also be generated by including them. An unlimited amount of carbon dioxide cannot be supplied into the body cavity, and an appropriate amount of supplied air is limited so as not to be a burden on the subject.

  The appropriate air supply amount varies depending on the observation site. For example, the appropriate value of the amount of carbon dioxide supplied differs between the stomach and the duodenum. For this reason, the flow rate is limited so that an appropriate amount of air is supplied depending on the site of the examination or treatment of the endoscope 1. Therefore, the air supply information is recorded with the observation part specifying data and the air supply amount data and recorded in the image data. As a result, the observation region and the air supply amount are displayed on the monitor 89 together with the image, so that the surgeon can restrict the flow rate so as to obtain an appropriate air supply amount. Further, when the image data is used later, it is possible to recognize whether or not the video represented by the image data is supplied to the observation site at an appropriate flow rate. Note that the air supply information generation unit 85 stores an appropriate gas supply amount and outputs it to the image generation unit 86 so that the appropriate air supply amount can be recognized from the image data.

  At this time, by recording the observation site and the air supply amount in the image data, it is possible to set the air supply amount unique to the subject when the same subject is examined or treated again. An appropriate air supply amount is determined within a certain range depending on the observation site. However, the appropriate air volume for all subjects is not the same. For example, the stomach size may vary depending on the subject. Is excessive for some subjects and short for some subjects.

  Therefore, observation part specifying data and air supply amount data are recorded in the image data. In the image data, an actual image of the body cavity actually captured is recorded, and the target region and the air supply amount are also recorded. Thereby, based on the state in the body cavity indicated by the image, the optimum air supply amount specific to the subject is recognized. For this reason, it becomes possible to set to the optimal air supply amount according to the subject.

  For this purpose, image data acquired in the past is displayed on the monitor 89. The processor device 4 is provided with an external interface 88, and an external device that stores image data is connected to the external interface 88. Then, past image data of the same subject is input from the external device to the image memory 87 and displayed on the monitor 89. Thus, the surgeon can set the optimum air supply amount specific to the subject with reference to the past image data.

  In addition, time data can be included in the air supply information. When the valve 64 is opened, the gas controller 61 notifies the processor device 4 to that effect via the second communication line 73. The information acquisition unit 82 of the processor device 4 issues a time measurement command to the time measurement unit 84 when the notification is input. This becomes a trigger, and the time measurement unit 84 starts time measurement. Then, the time measuring unit 84 outputs the measured time to the air supply information generating unit 85 as time data. The air supply information generation unit 85 can record time data in the image data generated by the image generation unit 86 by providing the air supply information with time data.

  By supplying carbon dioxide into the body cavity, the inside of the body cavity gradually expands. The inside of the body cavity expands over time, and the operator stops the air supply when the necessary air supply amount is secured. The air supply information generation unit 85 can record time data from the time when air supply is started in the image data. Thereby, based on the image data, the degree of expansion inside the body cavity can be recognized from the video according to the time from the start of air supply.

  Then, by recording time data and air supply amount data as the air supply information in the image data, it is possible to recognize the air supply speed of the carbon dioxide gas (air supply amount per unit time). The air supply information generation unit 85 generates air supply speed data by dividing the air supply amount data by the time data, and outputs this as air supply information to the image generation unit 86. There is also an optimum air supply speed. If the air supply speed is excessively high, the body cavity of the subject expands rapidly, causing damage to the subject. On the other hand, if the speed is too low, the examination time or the treatment time becomes long, and the subject is still painful.

  Therefore, by recording the air supply speed data in the image data, the air supply speed is displayed on the monitor 89, and if the air supply speed is not appropriate, the operator adjusts the air supply amount. Also, the air supply speed varies depending on the subject. Therefore, by recording the air supply speed data in the image data, it is possible to set an appropriate air supply speed based on the video and the air supply speed data when the same subject is inspected or treated later. it can.

  In addition, the remaining amount data of the gas cylinder 60 can be displayed on the monitor 89. The remaining amount data of the gas cylinder 60 indicates the remaining amount of carbon dioxide gas, and a separate remaining amount detecting means is provided in the gas supply device 3, or the remaining amount is recognized based on the pressure detected by the first pressure gauge 66. You may make it do. The gas controller 61 outputs the remaining amount data to the processor device 4 and displays the remaining amount data on the monitor 89 connected to the processor device 4.

  The remaining amount data is recorded in the image data, which is effective when the same subject is examined or treated again. In other words, as described above, the air supply amount data is a necessary air supply amount specific to the subject, and by recording this in the image data, the air supply amount necessary for the second examination or treatment is recognized. it can. By displaying the remaining amount of the gas cylinder 60 on the monitor 89, when the remaining amount data is smaller than the air supply amount data, it can be recognized in advance that the remaining amount of the gas cylinder 60 is insufficient during the examination or treatment. In this case, by replacing the gas cylinder 60 with a necessary remaining amount, the remaining amount will not be insufficient during inspection or treatment.

  Further, although the image generation unit 86 embeds the air supply information in the image data, the image generation unit 86 may record the air supply information in the additional information related to the image data. For example, the air supply information can be recorded in additional information (tag data such as a header and footer) added to the image data. In this case, the video of the subject can be configured as image data (video data), and the air supply information can be configured as character information (text data or numerical data). However, the air supply information is only incidental data added to the image data, and the image data and the air supply information constitute integral information.

  In this way, by operating the air-feed information in a data format such as character information instead of image data, the image data stored in the database is manipulated (for example, only image data using carbon dioxide gas is extracted from a series of past image data. Etc.), and so on. When image data is displayed on the screen of the monitor 89, the air supply information is displayed as character information.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Endoscope 2 Light source apparatus 3 Gas supply apparatus 4 Processor apparatus 5 Observation site | part detection apparatus 23 Air pump 50 Light source controller 60 Gas cylinder 61 Gas controller 68 Power switch 81 Solid-state image sensor 82 Information acquisition part 83 Air supply source control part 84 Time measurement part 85 Air supply information generator 86 Image generator 87 Image memory 88 External interface 89 Monitor

Claims (5)

An endoscope that is inserted into a body cavity provided with a solid-state imaging device at the tip, a gas supply device that is attached with a gas cylinder filled with carbon dioxide gas for supplying air into the body cavity, and for supplying air into the body cavity An endoscope system comprising a light source device provided with an air pump, a gas supply device, and a processor device connected to the light source device,
The processor device includes:
An insufflation information generation unit for generating insufflation information by inputting information on an insufflation state from an apparatus performing insufflation among the gas supply device and the light source device;
Image data generation that performs processing to record the air supply information acquired by the air supply information generation unit in the image data when image processing is performed based on the video signal acquired from the solid-state imaging device to generate image data And
An endoscope system comprising: The processor device includes an air supply source control unit that performs control to stop the air pump and supply the carbon dioxide gas preferentially when detecting the start of carbon dioxide gas supply from the gas supply device,
The air supply information generation unit generates, as air supply information, which of the carbon dioxide gas and the air is being supplied based on the air supply control of the air supply source control unit. The endoscope system according to claim 1. Observation site detection means for detecting the observation site of the endoscope;
An air supply amount detecting means for detecting an air supply amount of the carbon dioxide gas provided in the gas supply device;
With
The air supply information generation unit generates observation part specifying data input from the observation part detection unit and air supply amount data input from the air supply amount detection unit as the air supply information. The endoscope system described. A time measuring unit for measuring the time since the gas supply device started feeding carbon dioxide;
The endoscope system according to claim 3, wherein the air supply information generation unit generates time data measured by the time measurement unit as the air supply information. The processor device includes:
A data input / output device that records image data generated by the image data generation unit in an external device, and allows image data to be input from the external device;
A monitor that enables image data generated by the image data generation unit and image data input from the data input / output device to be displayed on a screen;
The endoscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:

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