JP2014113212A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope apparatus capable of easily managing information about an observation object, an endoscope, an endoscope processor, and image processing.SOLUTION: An external storage unit 140 comprises a plurality of storage regions, and stores a multiple information items contained in observation record data in storage regions, associating the information items with each other. The external storage unit 140 stores, for example, the information of a patient having an observation object, the date and time of the observation, the ID of the doctor who performed the observation, the model information of an endoscope 110 and an endoscope processor 120, and the information about image processing, in association with each other. The patient information is a patient ID in one-to-one correspondence to one patient, the medical doctor information is a doctor ID in one-to-one correspondence to one doctor, and the model information of the endoscope 110 and the endoscope processor 120 is the IDs in one-to-one correspondence to the models of the endoscope 110 and the endoscope processor 120. The other items of the observation record data are stored in the same manner.

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus including a storage device.

  An endoscope apparatus including an endoscope scope that is inserted into a human body and captures an image inside the body, an endoscope processor that receives an image from the endoscope scope and performs image processing, and a storage device that stores the image. Are known. In order to manage the endoscope apparatus, a configuration in which a server collectively manages cleaning information and the like is known (Patent Document 1). In this configuration, the endoscope apparatus is managed by providing sensors at the entrances and exits of the examination room and the washing room, and detecting tag identification information via an IC chip attached to the endoscope apparatus.

JP 2009-66260 A

  However, since the endoscope processor stores information on the object to be observed, the endoscope scope, the endoscope processor, and the image processing, it can be detected even if a sensor is provided at the entrance / exit of the examination room or the washing room. I can't.

  The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and an object thereof is to obtain an observation object, an endoscope scope, an endoscope processor, and an endoscope apparatus that can easily manage information related to image processing. To do.

  An endoscope apparatus according to the present invention includes an endoscope scope (110) that images an observation target and outputs image data, and an endoscope processor (120) that receives an image from the endoscope scope and performs image processing. ) And a storage unit (122, 140) for storing information relating to an observation object, an endoscope scope, an endoscope processor, and image processing.

  It is preferable that the endoscope processor creates a processed image by image processing, and the storage unit stores information separately from the processed image.

  When the storage unit is connected to a specific endoscope processor, it is preferable that only the information corresponding to the connected endoscope processor can be read.

  When the storage unit is connected to a specific endoscope scope, it is preferable that only information corresponding to the connected endoscope scope can be read.

  It is preferable that the endoscope apparatus is used by a plurality of users, the storage unit stores a plurality of pieces of information, and the storage unit is capable of reading only information corresponding to the users who are using it.

  The information related to the observation object includes the date and time when the observation object was imaged and / or the name of the observation object, and the information related to the endoscope scope includes the model name, serial number, and / or endoscope of the endoscope scope. The scope software version information includes the endoscope processor type information, the endoscope processor model name, serial number, and / or the endoscope processor software version information, and the image processing information includes image information. The image enhancement setting value used for image enhancement processing for emphasizing a part of the image and the image adjustment setting value used for adjusting the image are preferable.

  It is preferable that the endoscope processor reads information from the storage unit and performs image processing according to the information, and the endoscope scope images the observation object according to the information.

  According to the present invention, an endoscope apparatus capable of easily managing information on an observation object, an endoscope scope, an endoscope processor, and image processing is obtained.

It is the block diagram which showed the endoscope apparatus by this invention. It is the figure which showed the information memorize | stored in the external storage part roughly. It is the figure which showed the information memorize | stored in the external storage part roughly. It is the figure which showed the monitor which displays a search result. It is the figure which showed the display used in order to set the information to memorize | store. It is the figure which showed the display used in order to set the information to memorize | store. It is the flowchart which showed the preservation | save process. It is the flowchart which showed the reproduction process.

  Hereinafter, an endoscope apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows an endoscope apparatus 100. The endoscope apparatus 100 includes an endoscope scope 110 that images an observation target and outputs image data, an endoscope processor 120 that receives an image from the endoscope scope 110 and performs image processing, and an observation target An object, an endoscope scope 110, an endoscope processor 120, and an external storage unit 140 that stores information related to image processing. Hereinafter, information related to the observation object, the endoscope scope 110, the endoscope processor 120, and the image processing is referred to as observation record data.

  The endoscope scope 110 includes, for example, an image sensor 111 that is inserted into a human body and images an observation target, an analog signal processing circuit 112 that receives an analog signal from the image sensor 111 and converts the analog signal into a digital signal, and an image sensor A drive circuit 113 for driving 111, a scope timing controller 114 for controlling the drive timing of the analog signal processing circuit 112 and the drive circuit 113, a scope CPU 115 for controlling the timing controller, firmware of the endoscope scope 110, and the like are stored. It mainly includes a scope memory 116 and a light guide fiber 117 that irradiates an observation object with illumination light received from the endoscope processor 120. The endoscope scope 110 functions based on various adjustment values in order to operate normally and output appropriate image data. These adjustment values are information relating to the endoscope scope 110 and are included in the observation record data.

  An image captured by the image sensor 111 is transmitted as image data from the endoscope scope 110 to the endoscope processor 120. The scope memory 116 stores the firmware of the endoscope scope 110, firmware version information, the model name of the endoscope scope 110, the serial number, and the like. The endoscope scope 110 firmware, firmware version information, endoscope scope 110 model name, and serial number are information related to the endoscope scope 110 and are included in the observation record data.

  The endoscope processor 120 includes a processor CPU 121 that controls the operation of the endoscope processor 120, an internal storage unit 122 that stores observation record data, a processor memory 123 that stores firmware and the like of the endoscope processor 120, and a light source. 124 mainly.

  The processor CPU 121 is connected to the scope CPU 115 and acquires information stored in the scope memory 116 via the scope CPU 115. The processor memory 123 stores firmware of the endoscope processor 120, firmware version information, a model name of the endoscope processor 120, a manufacturing number, and the like. The firmware of the endoscope processor 120, the firmware version information, the model name of the endoscope processor 120, and the serial number are information regarding the endoscope processor 120 and are included in the observation record data.

  The signal processing unit 125 receives image data from the analog signal processing circuit 112, performs predetermined image processing, and outputs a processed image. The predetermined image processing is, for example, gain adjustment processing, white balance adjustment processing, contour enhancement processing, and pixel enhancement processing. The gain adjustment process is a process of adjusting the gain of the image data to adjust the signal level of the image data to a level suitable for observation. The white balance adjustment process is a process for adjusting the color balance by adjusting the white balance of the image data. The contour emphasizing process is a process for emphasizing a subject image, for example, the contour of the affected part to clarify the range of the affected part, thereby making it easier to observe and find the affected part. The pixel enhancement process is a process that emphasizes only the reflected light of a specific wavelength, thereby making it easy to see the affected part that returns the reflected light of a specific wavelength. These image processes are performed using setting values determined by the user and various setting values determined according to the characteristics of the image sensor 111, the endoscope scope 110, and the endoscope processor 120. These set values are included in the observation record data.

  The processor timing controller 127 is connected to the processor CPU 121, the signal processing unit 125, and the scope CPU 115, and synchronizes each member under the control of the processor CPU 121.

  The internal storage unit 122 is observation record data, for example, information on an observation target, firmware of the endoscope processor 120, firmware version information, a model name of the endoscope processor 120, a serial number, information on image processing, and processed Store the image. Information related to image processing is various set values used in predetermined image processing. The firmware of the endoscope processor 120, the firmware version information, the model name of the endoscope processor 120, the serial number, and information related to image processing are stored as a file separate from the processed image.

  A front panel 126 is connected to the scope CPU 115. The front panel 126 includes a screen and operation buttons. The screen displays information necessary for operating the endoscope apparatus 100. The operation unit includes a plurality of operation buttons. The user operates the operation button to operate the endoscope apparatus 100 or inputs information related to the observation target to the endoscope processor 120. The information regarding the observation target is, for example, the name of the user, the name of the subject, the age, and the name of the observation target. These are stored in the internal storage unit 122 and the external storage unit 140.

  The light source 124 emits illumination light. The illumination light enters the light guide fiber 117 through the condenser lens 128 and the diaphragm 129. The diaphragm 129 is composed of a rotary shutter, and adjusts the amount of illumination light and the light emission timing. The opening degree and timing of the diaphragm 129 are controlled by a motor 130 connected to the processor CPU 121. The opening degree and timing of the diaphragm 129 are included in the observation record data.

  An external storage unit 140 and a monitor 150 are detachably connected to the endoscope processor 120. The external storage unit 140 is, for example, an SD card, and includes observation record data, for example, information related to an observation object, firmware of the endoscope scope 110 and the endoscope processor 120, firmware version information, and a model of the endoscope processor 120. The name, serial number, information on image processing, the amount of illumination light emitted from the light source 124 and the light emission timing, and the processed image are stored. The observation record data is stored as a file separate from the processed image. When connected to a specific endoscope processor 120 or a specific endoscope scope 110, the external storage unit 140 can read only information corresponding to the connected endoscope scope 110 or the endoscope processor 120. To. The monitor 150 displays the processed image received from the signal processing unit 125 and information regarding the observation target.

  The user can search the observation record data stored in the external storage unit 140 by operating the endoscope processor 120. When desired information is input using the operation buttons provided on the front panel 126, the processor CPU 121 retrieves information that matches the input information from information stored in the external storage unit 140 and displays the information on the monitor 150. To do. Further, the external storage unit 140 may be capable of reading information according to a password set by the user. That is, the information corresponding to the password can be displayed on the monitor 150 only when the password preset by the user is input.

  In addition, the settings of the endoscope scope 110 and the endoscope processor 120 can be changed using the observation record data stored in the external storage unit 140. When the user searches the information stored in the external storage unit 140 using the above-described method and selects desired information from the searched information, the endoscope scope 110 and the endoscope processor are used using the desired information. The setting of 120 is changed.

  Next, observation recording data stored in the internal storage unit 122 and the external storage unit 140 will be described using the external storage unit 140 as an example with reference to FIG.

  The external storage unit 140 includes a plurality of storage areas, and stores the plurality of pieces of information included in the observation record data in association with each other. For example, the patient information having the observation object, the observation date and time, the ID of the doctor who performed the observation, the model information of the endoscope scope 110 and the endoscope processor 120, and information related to image processing are stored in association with each other. The patient information is a patient ID corresponding to one patient on a one-to-one basis, the doctor information is a doctor ID corresponding to one doctor on a one-to-one basis, and the model information of the endoscope scope 110 and the endoscope processor 120 is: The IDs correspond to the types of the endoscope scope 110 and the endoscope processor 120 on a one-to-one basis. Other observation record data is stored in the same manner.

  Next, password information stored in the internal storage unit 122 and the external storage unit 140 will be described using the external storage unit 140 as an example with reference to FIG.

  The external storage unit 140 includes a plurality of storage areas, and stores the password information in the storage area in association with the plurality of information. For example, patient information having an object to be observed, observation date and time, doctor ID who performed observation, model information of the endoscope scope 110 and endoscope processor 120, and / or information related to image processing and one password are stored in association with each other. To do. Other observation record data is stored in the same manner.

  Next, a method in which the user searches for information stored in the external storage unit 140 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the user operates the operation button and inputs a desired word to the endoscope processor 120, the processor CPU 121 searches the external storage unit 140 for information that matches the input word and displays it on the monitor 150. FIG. 4 shows a monitor 150 that displays matching information.

  The searchable information varies depending on the user. For example, when the user is a service person of the endoscope apparatus 100, that is, a person who performs maintenance and repair, information necessary for maintenance and repair of the endoscope scope 110 and the endoscope processor 120, for example, set values of the endoscope scope 110 Is displayed. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the serviceman from viewing personal information such as patient information. When the service person inputs the model of the endoscope scope 110, the adjustment value of the endoscope scope 110 is displayed. For example, when the user is a doctor, setting values that can be set when the endoscope scope 110 and the endoscope processor 120 are used for observation are displayed. When the doctor inputs the patient name, the patient name, observation date and time, model names of the endoscope scope 110 and endoscope processor 120 that performed the observation, and information related to image processing are displayed.

  Next, a display used for setting information stored in the external storage unit 140 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The user can select whether observation record data is automatically stored in the external storage unit 140 or determined for each observation. When the user desires to store automatically, the user selects “Auto” on the screen shown in FIG. When the user desires to determine observation record data to be stored for each observation, the user selects “Manual” on the screen shown in FIG. In this case, when the observation is started, the screen shown in FIG. The user selects observation record data to be stored in the external storage unit 140 with reference to the screen shown in FIG. Use the operation buttons to check or uncheck the check box displayed on the left side of the information name. The checked observation record data is stored in the external storage unit 140.

  Next, the storage process will be described with reference to FIG. The saving process is repeatedly executed while the endoscope scope 110 is connected to the endoscope processor 120.

  In the first step S <b> 71, observation recording data currently used by the endoscope apparatus 100 is stored in the external storage unit 140. In the next step S72, it is determined whether or not the observation record data has been changed. If changed, the process returns to step S71, and the observation record data is stored in the external storage unit 140 again. If it has not been changed, the process ends.

  Next, the reproduction process will be described with reference to FIG. The reproduction process is repeatedly executed while the endoscope scope 110 is connected to the endoscope processor 120.

  In the first step S81, observation record data that matches the words input by the user is displayed on the monitor 150.

  In the next step S82, the user selects desired data from the displayed observation record data. Then, based on the selected data, the information related to image processing is changed in the endoscope processor 120, the adjustment value of the endoscope scope 110 is changed in the endoscope scope 110, and the opening degree and timing of the diaphragm 129 are changed. Adjust.

  In the next step S86, the observation record data is stored in the external storage unit 140 in association with the current doctor ID, patient ID, etc., and the process is terminated.

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to easily manage the observation object, the endoscope scope 110, the endoscope processor 120, and information regarding image processing.

  In addition, the endoscope scope 110 and the endoscope processor 120 can be easily changed to the same settings as those used in past observations. Thereby, the lesioned part can be observed with the same setting, and the change of the lesioned part can be grasped in detail.

  By using a password, the information to be displayed can be changed according to the user, and a large amount of information can be displayed to complicate the operation, personal information can be referred to an inappropriate person, or unnecessary information can be referenced. It does not confuse the user who did.

  The internal storage unit 122 may store the same information as the information stored in the external storage unit 140.

  Although it has been described that the information stored in the external storage unit 140 is searched, the information stored in the internal storage unit 122 may be searched.

  The screen provided in the front panel 126 may display information displayed on the monitor 150.

  The information stored in the internal storage unit 122 and the external storage unit 140 may be compressed. For example, a run length method is used as the compression method.

  Note that the information shown in FIG. 6 is an example, and the user can also select other information.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Endoscope apparatus 110 Endoscope scope 111 Image pick-up element 112 Analog signal processing circuit 113 Drive circuit 114 Scope timing controller 115 Scope CPU
116 Scope Memory 117 Light Guide Fiber 120 Endoscope Processor 121 Processor CPU
122 internal storage unit 123 processor memory 124 light source 125 signal processing unit 126 front panel 127 processor timing controller 128 condenser lens 129 aperture 130 motor 140 external storage unit 150 monitor

Claims (7)

An endoscope scope for imaging an observation object and outputting image data;
An endoscope processor that receives an image from the endoscope scope and performs image processing;
An endoscope apparatus comprising: the observation object, the endoscope scope, the endoscope processor, and a storage unit that stores information related to the image processing. The endoscope processor creates a processed image by the image processing,
The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores the information separately from the processed image.   The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the storage unit is connected to a specific endoscope processor, only the information corresponding to the connected endoscope processor can be read.   The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the storage unit is connected to a specific endoscope scope, only the information corresponding to the connected endoscope scope can be read. The endoscope apparatus is used by a plurality of users, the storage unit stores a plurality of the information,
The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit can read out only information corresponding to a user who is using the storage unit. The information related to the observation object includes the date and time when the observation object is imaged and / or the name of the observation object,
The information related to the endoscope scope includes the model name, serial number, and / or version information of the endoscope scope software,
The information related to the endoscope processor includes the model name, serial number, and / or version information of the software of the endoscope processor,
The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information related to the image processing includes an image enhancement setting value used for image enhancement processing for emphasizing a part of the image and an image adjustment setting value used for adjusting the image. The endoscope processor reads the information from the storage unit, performs image processing according to the information,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the endoscope scope images an observation object according to the information.

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