JP2016209084A

JP2016209084A - Endoscope system

Info

Publication number: JP2016209084A
Application number: JP2015092978A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 勉浦川; Tsutomu Urakawa; 英明木内; Hideaki Kiuchi; 川田　晋; Susumu Kawada; 晋川田
Original assignee: Olympus Corp
Current assignee: Olympus Corp
Priority date: 2015-04-30
Filing date: 2015-04-30
Publication date: 2016-12-15

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope system capable of setting an optimum light volume of a light-emitting device according to a combination of an endoscope and an information processing device to be used.SOLUTION: An endoscope system 1 includes: an endoscope 2 having an imaging device 10, an optical transmission module 11 for converting an imaging signal to an optical signal and outputting it, a first optical fiber 12a, a first optical connector 13a, and a first light volume attenuation rate storage unit 14 for storing a light volume attenuation rate of the endoscope 2; and an information processing device 3 having a second optical connector 13c, a second optical fiber 12c, an optical reception module 20 for converting the optical signal to an electric signal and outputting it, a second light volume attenuation rate storage unit 27 for storing a light volume attenuation rate of the information processing device 3, and a light volume measuring unit 22 for measuring the light volume. The endoscope system 1 further includes a light volume setting unit 15 for setting a light volume of a light emitting device on the basis of the light volume attenuation rate, and a light volume setting storage unit 16 for storing the light volume set by the light volume setting unit 15.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

本発明は、画像情報を光伝送方式で伝送する内視鏡システムに関する。 The present invention relates to an endoscope system that transmits image information by an optical transmission method.

従来、医療分野においては、患者等の被検体の臓器を観察する際に内視鏡システムが用いられている。内視鏡システムは、例えば先端に撮像素子が設けられ、可撓性を有する細長形状をなし、被検体の体腔内に挿入される挿入部を有する内視鏡と、ケーブルおよびコネクタを介して挿入部と接続して撮像素子が撮像した体内画像の画像処理を行う情報処理装置と、体内画像を表示する表示装置と、を備える。 Conventionally, in the medical field, an endoscope system is used when observing an organ of a subject such as a patient. An endoscope system is provided with an imaging element at the tip, has an elongated shape having flexibility, and has an insertion portion to be inserted into a body cavity of a subject, and is inserted through a cable and a connector. An information processing apparatus that performs image processing of an in-vivo image captured by an image sensor while connected to the unit, and a display device that displays the in-vivo image.

近年、より鮮明な画像観察を可能とする高画素数の撮像素子が開発されており、内視鏡への高画素数の撮像素子の使用が検討されている。また、被検体への導入のしやすさを考慮し、挿入部の細径化が求められている。さらに、挿入部の細径化を実現しながら、撮像素子と情報処理装置との間で大容量の信号を高速に伝送するために、光ファイバおよび光導波路を用いた伝送方式が内視鏡システムでも採用されている。 In recent years, an image sensor having a high pixel number that enables clearer image observation has been developed, and the use of an image sensor having a high pixel number for an endoscope has been studied. In addition, considering the ease of introduction into a subject, the insertion portion is required to have a small diameter. Furthermore, in order to transmit a large-capacity signal between the image sensor and the information processing device at high speed while realizing a reduction in the diameter of the insertion section, a transmission method using an optical fiber and an optical waveguide is an endoscope system. But it has been adopted.

このような技術として、撮像部が撮像信号をＥ／Ｏ変換部により光信号に変換し、前記光信号を光ファイバにより伝送して情報処理装置内のＯ／Ｅ変換部に出力する内視鏡システムが開示されている（例えば、特許文献１参照）。 As such a technique, an endoscope in which an imaging unit converts an imaging signal into an optical signal by an E / O conversion unit, transmits the optical signal through an optical fiber, and outputs the optical signal to an O / E conversion unit in an information processing apparatus. A system is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

特開２０１０−１９４０３７号公報JP 2010-194037 A

特許文献１のような内視鏡システムでは、伝送する光信号における光量の減衰を考慮して設計が行われている。光量の減衰は、例えば、光送信モジュール内、内視鏡内の伝送路である光ファイバ、送信側光コネクタ部、受信側光コネクタ部、情報処理装置内の伝送路である光ファイバ、光受信モジュールと光ファイバとの接続部および光受信モジュール内で発生する。 In an endoscope system like patent document 1, design is performed in consideration of attenuation of light quantity in an optical signal to be transmitted. Attenuation of light quantity is, for example, an optical fiber that is a transmission path in an optical transmission module, an endoscope, a transmission-side optical connector section, a reception-side optical connector section, an optical fiber that is a transmission path in an information processing apparatus, or an optical reception It occurs in the connection between the module and the optical fiber and in the optical receiving module.

従来の内視鏡システムでは、減衰の発生しうる各部において、理論上の最大値となる減衰量に基づき光送信モジュール内の発光素子の光量を設定しているが、各部における光量の減衰がすべて最大値となることはないため、最適な光量に設定するのは困難であった。また、理論上の最大値となる減衰量に基づき光送信モジュール内の発光素子の光量を設定すると、必要以上に大きな光量を出力することとなり、発光素子の寿命が短くなっていた。 In the conventional endoscope system, the light quantity of the light emitting element in the optical transmission module is set based on the theoretically maximum attenuation amount in each part where attenuation can occur. Since the maximum value is not reached, it has been difficult to set the optimum light amount. In addition, when the light amount of the light emitting element in the optical transmission module is set based on the attenuation amount that is the theoretical maximum value, an unnecessarily large amount of light is output, and the life of the light emitting element is shortened.

本発明は、上記に鑑みてなされたものであって、使用する内視鏡と情報処理装置の組み合わせに応じて最適な発光素子の光量が設定可能な内視鏡システムを提供することを目的とする。 The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope system in which an optimal light amount of a light emitting element can be set according to a combination of an endoscope and an information processing device to be used. To do.

上述した課題を解決し、目的を達成するために、本発明にかかる内視鏡システムは、情報処理装置に内視鏡が接続された内視鏡システムにおいて、前記内視鏡は、被検体を撮像する撮像素子と、前記撮像素子から出力される撮像信号を光信号に変換して出力する発光素子を有する光送信モジュールと、前記光送信モジュールから出力された前記光信号を伝送する第１の光ファイバと、前記光送信モジュールと接続される前記第１の光ファイバの他端を保持する第１の光コネクタと、前記内視鏡の光量減衰率を記憶する第１の光量減衰率記憶部と、を有するとともに、前記情報処理装置は、前記第１の光コネクタと着脱可能に接続される第２の光コネクタと、前記第２の光コネクタに保持され、前記第１の光ファイバから出力される前記光信号を伝送する第２の光ファイバと、前記第２の光ファイバが伝送した前記光信号を電気信号に変換して出力する受光素子を有する光受信モジュールと、前記情報処理装置の光量減衰率を記憶する第２の光量減衰率記憶部と、前記光受信モジュールにより電気信号に変換された前記光信号の光量を測定する光量測定部と、を有し、さらに前記内視鏡システムは、前記発光素子が出力する光の光量を、前記内視鏡の光量減衰率と前記情報処理装置の光量減衰率とに基づき設定する光量設定部と、前記光量設定部が設定した光量を、前記内視鏡および前記情報処理装置の識別情報とともに記憶する光量設定記憶部と、を備えることを特徴とする。 In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an endoscope system according to the present invention is an endoscope system in which an endoscope is connected to an information processing device. The endoscope includes a subject. An image pickup device that picks up an image, an optical transmission module having a light emitting device that converts an image pickup signal output from the image pickup device into an optical signal and outputs the optical signal, and a first that transmits the optical signal output from the optical transmission module An optical fiber, a first optical connector that holds the other end of the first optical fiber connected to the optical transmission module, and a first light amount attenuation rate storage unit that stores the light amount attenuation rate of the endoscope And the information processing device is held by the second optical connector and is detachably connected to the first optical connector, and is output from the first optical fiber. The optical signal A second optical fiber to be transmitted, an optical receiver module having a light receiving element for converting the optical signal transmitted by the second optical fiber into an electrical signal and outputting the electrical signal, and a light quantity attenuation rate of the information processing apparatus are stored. A second light amount attenuation rate storage unit; and a light amount measurement unit that measures the amount of light of the optical signal converted into an electrical signal by the optical receiver module, and the endoscope system further includes: A light amount setting unit that sets a light amount of light to be output based on a light amount attenuation rate of the endoscope and a light amount attenuation rate of the information processing device; and a light amount set by the light amount setting unit And a light amount setting storage unit for storing the information together with the identification information of the information processing apparatus.

また、本発明にかかる内視鏡システムは、上記発明において、前記内視鏡システムの光信号の伝送状態を判定する判定部を備え、前記判定部は、前記内視鏡が前記情報処理装置に接続される度に前記光量測定部が測定する光量と、前記初期値記憶部が記憶する初期光量により、伝送状態を判定することを特徴とする。 The endoscope system according to the present invention further includes a determination unit that determines a transmission state of an optical signal of the endoscope system according to the above-described invention, and the determination unit includes the endoscope in the information processing apparatus. The transmission state is determined based on the light amount measured by the light amount measurement unit and the initial light amount stored in the initial value storage unit each time the connection is made.

また、本発明にかかる内視鏡システムは、上記発明において、前記判定部が光信号の伝送状態が不良と判定した場合、伝送状態が低下している旨を表示する表示装置を備えることを特徴とする。 Further, the endoscope system according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, when the determination unit determines that the transmission state of the optical signal is defective, the display device displays that the transmission state is lowered. And

また、本発明にかかる内視鏡システムは、上記発明において、前記発光素子の駆動電流を増幅させる電流制御部を備えることを特徴とする。 The endoscope system according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, a current control unit for amplifying the drive current of the light emitting element is provided.

また、本発明にかかる内視鏡システムは、情報処理装置に内視鏡が接続された内視鏡システムにおいて、前記内視鏡は、被検体を撮像する撮像素子と、前記撮像素子から出力される撮像信号を光信号に変換して出力する発光素子を有する光送信モジュールと、前記光送信モジュールから出力された前記光信号を伝送する第１の光ファイバと、前記光送信モジュールと接続される前記第１の光ファイバの他端を保持する第１の光コネクタと、を有するとともに、前記情報処理装置は、前記第１の光コネクタと着脱可能に接続される第２の光コネクタと、前記第２の光コネクタに保持され、前記第１の光ファイバから出力される前記光信号を伝送する第２の光ファイバと、前記第２の光ファイバが伝送した前記光信号を電気信号に変換して出力する受光素子を有する光受信モジュールと、前記光受信モジュールにより電気信号に変換された前記光信号の光量を測定する光量測定部と、を有し、さらに前記内視鏡システムは、前記内視鏡と前記情報処理装置が最初に接続された際、前記光量測定部が測定した光量を前記内視鏡および前記情報処理装置の識別情報とともに記憶する光量設定記憶部と、前記内視鏡システムの光信号の伝送状態を判定する判定部と、前記光受信モジュールにより電気信号に変換され、前記光量測定部が測定した前記光信号の初期光量を記憶する初期値記憶部と、をさらに備え、前記判定部は、前記内視鏡が前記情報処理装置に接続される度に前記光量測定部が測定する光量と、前記初期値記憶部が記憶する初期光量とを対比して伝送状態を判定することを特徴とする。 The endoscope system according to the present invention is an endoscope system in which an endoscope is connected to an information processing device, and the endoscope is output from an imaging element that images a subject and the imaging element. An optical transmission module having a light emitting element that converts an imaging signal to be converted into an optical signal and outputs the optical signal, a first optical fiber that transmits the optical signal output from the optical transmission module, and the optical transmission module A first optical connector that holds the other end of the first optical fiber, and the information processing apparatus includes a second optical connector that is detachably connected to the first optical connector; A second optical fiber that is held by a second optical connector and transmits the optical signal output from the first optical fiber; and the optical signal transmitted by the second optical fiber is converted into an electrical signal. Output A light receiving module having a light receiving element; and a light amount measuring unit that measures a light amount of the optical signal converted into an electric signal by the light receiving module, and the endoscope system further includes: A light amount setting storage unit that stores the light amount measured by the light amount measurement unit together with identification information of the endoscope and the information processing device when the information processing device is first connected; and an optical signal of the endoscope system A determination unit that determines a transmission state of the optical signal, and an initial value storage unit that stores an initial light amount of the optical signal that is converted into an electrical signal by the optical reception module and measured by the light amount measurement unit, and the determination unit The transmission state is determined by comparing the light quantity measured by the light quantity measurement unit every time the endoscope is connected to the information processing apparatus and the initial light quantity stored in the initial value storage unit. To.

本発明では、予め内視鏡および情報処理装置の光量減衰率を測定し、内視鏡内および情報処理装置内に光量減衰率を記憶させることにより、使用する内視鏡および情報処理装置の組み合わせに応じて発光素子の最適な光量の設定が可能となる。また、これにより、発光素子の過剰な光量出力を抑制できるため、発光素子の長寿命化を図ることができる。 In the present invention, the combination of the endoscope and the information processing device to be used is obtained by measuring the light amount attenuation rate of the endoscope and the information processing device in advance and storing the light amount attenuation rate in the endoscope and the information processing device. Accordingly, it is possible to set the optimum light amount of the light emitting element. In addition, this makes it possible to suppress an excessive light amount output of the light-emitting element, thereby extending the life of the light-emitting element.

図１は、本発明の実施の形態にかかる内視鏡システムの概略構成を示す模式図である。FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an endoscope system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 図２は、本発明の実施の形態にかかる内視鏡システムの要部のブロック図である。FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a main part of the endoscope system according to the embodiment of the present invention. 図３は、本発明の実施の形態にかかる内視鏡システムにおける発光素子の光量設定および伝送状態の判定を説明するフローチャートである。FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the light amount setting of the light emitting element and the determination of the transmission state in the endoscope system according to the embodiment of the present invention. 図４は、本発明の実施の形態の変形例にかかる内視鏡システムの要部のブロック図である。FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a main part of an endoscope system according to a modification of the embodiment of the present invention.

以下の説明では、本発明を実施するための形態（以下、「実施の形態」という）として、内視鏡システムについて説明する。また、この実施の形態により、この発明が限定されるものではない。さらに、図面の記載において、同一部分には同一の符号を付している。 In the following description, an endoscope system will be described as a mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiment”). Moreover, this invention is not limited by this embodiment. Furthermore, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same part in description of drawing.

（実施の形態）
図１は、本発明の実施の形態にかかる内視鏡システムの概略構成を示す模式図である。図２は、本発明の実施の形態にかかる内視鏡システムの要部のブロック図である。 (Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an endoscope system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a main part of the endoscope system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

図１および２に示すように、実施の形態にかかる内視鏡システム１は、被検体内に導入され、被検体の体内を撮像して被検体内の画像信号を生成する内視鏡２と、内視鏡２が撮像した画像信号に所定の画像処理を施すとともに内視鏡システム１の各部を制御する情報処理装置３（外部プロセッサ）と、内視鏡２の照明光を生成する光源装置４と、情報処理装置３による画像処理後の画像信号を画像表示する表示装置５と、を備える。 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an endoscope system 1 according to an embodiment includes an endoscope 2 that is introduced into a subject, images the inside of the subject, and generates an image signal in the subject. An information processing device 3 (external processor) that performs predetermined image processing on an image signal captured by the endoscope 2 and controls each part of the endoscope system 1, and a light source device that generates illumination light of the endoscope 2 4 and a display device 5 for displaying an image signal after image processing by the information processing device 3.

内視鏡２は、被検体内に挿入される挿入部６と、挿入部６の基端部側であって術者が把持する操作部７と、操作部７より延伸する可撓性のユニバーサルコード８と、を備える。 The endoscope 2 includes an insertion unit 6 to be inserted into a subject, an operation unit 7 on the proximal end side of the insertion unit 6 and held by an operator, and a flexible universal extending from the operation unit 7. Code 8 is provided.

挿入部６は、照明ファイバ（ライトガイドケーブル）、電気ケーブル２８および光ファイバ１２等を用いて実現される。挿入部６は、撮像素子を内蔵した先端部６ａと、複数の湾曲駒によって構成された湾曲自在な湾曲部６ｂと、湾曲部６ｂの基端部側に設けられた可撓性を有する可撓管部６ｃと、を有する。先端部６ａには、照明レンズを介して被検体内を照明する照明部、被検体内を撮像する観察部、処置具用チャンネルを連通する開口部６ｄおよび送気・送水用ノズル（図示せず）が設けられている。 The insertion portion 6 is realized using an illumination fiber (light guide cable), an electric cable 28, an optical fiber 12, and the like. The insertion portion 6 includes a distal end portion 6a having a built-in image sensor, a bendable bending portion 6b constituted by a plurality of bending pieces, and a flexible flexible member provided on the proximal end side of the bending portion 6b. A pipe portion 6c. The distal end portion 6a includes an illumination unit that illuminates the inside of the subject through an illumination lens, an observation unit that images the inside of the subject, an opening 6d that communicates with the treatment instrument channel, and an air / water supply nozzle (not shown). ) Is provided.

先端部６ａには、集光用の光学系の結像位置に設けられ、光学系が集光した光を受光して電気信号に光電変換して所定の信号処理を施す撮像素子１０と、撮像素子１０から入力された画像情報を含む電気信号を光信号に変換して情報処理装置３に送信する発光素子を有する光送信モジュール１１と、内視鏡２の光量減衰率を記憶する第１の光量減衰率記憶部１４と、発光素子が出力する光の光量を内視鏡２の光量減衰率と情報処理装置３の光量減衰率とに基づき設定する光量設定部１５と、光量設定部１５が設定した光量を、内視鏡２および情報処理装置３の識別情報とともに記憶する光量設定記憶部１６と、が配置される。光送信モジュール１１は、発光素子から出力される光信号を伝送する第１の光ファイバ１２ａの端部を、図示しないフェルールを介して保持固定している。 The tip 6a is provided at the imaging position of the condensing optical system, receives the light collected by the optical system, photoelectrically converts it into an electrical signal, and performs predetermined signal processing, and imaging An optical transmission module 11 having a light emitting element that converts an electrical signal including image information input from the element 10 into an optical signal and transmits the optical signal to the information processing apparatus 3, and a first light amount attenuation rate of the endoscope 2 is stored. A light amount attenuation unit storage unit 14, a light amount setting unit 15 that sets the amount of light output from the light emitting element based on the light amount attenuation rate of the endoscope 2 and the light amount attenuation rate of the information processing device 3, and a light amount setting unit 15 A light amount setting storage unit 16 that stores the set light amount together with the identification information of the endoscope 2 and the information processing device 3 is disposed. The optical transmission module 11 holds and fixes the end of the first optical fiber 12a that transmits the optical signal output from the light emitting element via a ferrule (not shown).

操作部７は、湾曲部６ｂを上下方向および左右方向に湾曲させる湾曲ノブ７ａと、被検体の体腔内に生体鉗子、レーザメス等の処置具が挿入される処置具挿入部７ｂと、情報処理装置３、光源装置４、送気装置、送水装置および送ガス装置等の周辺機器の操作を行う複数のスイッチ部７ｃと、を有する。処置具挿入部７ｂから挿入された処置具は、内部に設けられた処置具用チャンネルを経て挿入部６先端の開口部６ｄから表出する。 The operation unit 7 includes a bending knob 7a that bends the bending portion 6b in the vertical direction and the left-right direction, a treatment instrument insertion portion 7b in which a treatment instrument such as a biological forceps and a laser knife is inserted into the body cavity of the subject, and an information processing device 3. A plurality of switch units 7c for operating peripheral devices such as the light source device 4, the air supply device, the water supply device, and the gas supply device. The treatment tool inserted from the treatment tool insertion portion 7b is exposed from the opening 6d at the distal end of the insertion portion 6 through a treatment tool channel provided inside.

ユニバーサルコード８は、照明ファイバ、電気ケーブル２８および第１の光ファイバ１２ａ等を用いて構成される。ユニバーサルコード８は、基端で分岐しており、分岐した一方の端部が第１のコネクタ８ａであり、他方の基端が照明コネクタ８ｂである。第１のコネクタ８ａは、情報処理装置３の第２のコネクタ８ｃに対して着脱自在である。照明コネクタ８ｂは、光源装置４に対して着脱自在である。第１のコネクタ８ａには、第１の光ファイバ１２ａを保持する第１の光コネクタ１３ａが内蔵され、第２のコネクタ８ｃには、第２の光ファイバ１２ｃを保持する第２の光コネクタ１３ｃが内蔵される。先端部６ａに内蔵される撮像素子１０が撮像した画像信号は、光送信モジュール１１、第１の光ファイバ１２ａ、第２の光ファイバ１２ｃ、ならびに第１の光ファイバ１２ａおよび第２の光ファイバ１２ｃをつなぐ光信号（図２に点線で示す）を介して光受信モジュール２０に伝送する。 The universal cord 8 is configured using an illumination fiber, an electric cable 28, a first optical fiber 12a, and the like. The universal cord 8 is branched at the base end, one end of the branch is the first connector 8a, and the other base end is the lighting connector 8b. The first connector 8 a is detachable with respect to the second connector 8 c of the information processing device 3. The illumination connector 8b is detachable from the light source device 4. The first connector 8a incorporates a first optical connector 13a that holds the first optical fiber 12a, and the second connector 8c has a second optical connector 13c that holds the second optical fiber 12c. Is built-in. The image signal captured by the image sensor 10 incorporated in the distal end portion 6a includes the optical transmission module 11, the first optical fiber 12a, the second optical fiber 12c, and the first optical fiber 12a and the second optical fiber 12c. Is transmitted to the optical receiving module 20 via an optical signal (indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 2).

情報処理装置３は、光送信モジュール１１から送信された画像情報を含む光信号を電気信号に変換する受光素子を有する光受信モジュール２０と、光受信モジュール２０から出力された画像情報をもとに、表示装置５に表示する体内画像を生成する画像処理部２１と、光受信モジュール２０が受信した光信号の光量を測定する光量測定部２２と、内視鏡システム１の動作を支持する動作指示信号等の各種信号の入力を行う入力部２３と、内視鏡システム１を動作させるための各種プログラムを記憶する記憶部２４と、各部の駆動制御や、各部の情報の入出力制御を行う制御部２５と、を有する。また、制御部２５は、内視鏡システム１の光信号の伝送状態を判定する判定部２６と、情報処理装置３の光量減衰率を記憶する第２の光量減衰率記憶部２７と、光受信モジュール２０が受信し、光量測定部２２が測定した光信号の初期光量を記憶する初期値記憶部２９と、を備える。 The information processing apparatus 3 includes an optical receiver module 20 having a light receiving element that converts an optical signal including image information transmitted from the optical transmitter module 11 into an electrical signal, and image information output from the optical receiver module 20. The image processing unit 21 that generates an in-vivo image to be displayed on the display device 5, the light amount measuring unit 22 that measures the light amount of the optical signal received by the light receiving module 20, and the operation instruction that supports the operation of the endoscope system 1. An input unit 23 for inputting various signals such as signals, a storage unit 24 for storing various programs for operating the endoscope system 1, and a control for performing drive control of each unit and input / output control of information of each unit Part 25. The control unit 25 also includes a determination unit 26 that determines the transmission state of the optical signal of the endoscope system 1, a second light amount attenuation rate storage unit 27 that stores the light amount attenuation rate of the information processing device 3, and optical reception. An initial value storage unit 29 that stores the initial light amount of the optical signal received by the module 20 and measured by the light amount measurement unit 22;

光源装置４は、光を発する光源や、集光レンズ等を用いて構成される。光源装置４は、情報処理装置３の制御のもと、光源から光を発し、照明コネクタ８ｂ、ユニバーサルコード８の照明ファイバおよび第１のコネクタ８ａを介して接続された内視鏡２へ、被写体である被検体内に対する照明光として供給する。 The light source device 4 is configured using a light source that emits light, a condensing lens, and the like. The light source device 4 emits light from the light source under the control of the information processing device 3, and the subject is sent to the endoscope 2 connected via the illumination connector 8b, the illumination fiber of the universal cord 8, and the first connector 8a. Is supplied as illumination light to the inside of the subject.

表示装置５は、液晶または有機ＥＬ（ＥｌｅｃｔｒｏＬｕｍｉｎｅｓｃｅｎｃｅ）を用いた表示ディスプレイ等を用いて構成される。表示装置５は、映像ケーブル５ａを介して情報処理装置３によって所定の画像処理が施された画像を含む各種情報を表示する。これにより、術者は、表示装置５が表示する画像（体内画像）を見ながら内視鏡２を操作することにより、被検体内の所望の位置の観察および性状を判定することができる。 The display device 5 is configured using a display or the like using liquid crystal or organic EL (Electro Luminescence). The display device 5 displays various types of information including images that have been subjected to predetermined image processing by the information processing device 3 via the video cable 5a. Thereby, the surgeon can observe and characterize a desired position in the subject by operating the endoscope 2 while viewing the image (in-vivo image) displayed on the display device 5.

本発明の実施の形態にかかる内視鏡２および情報処理装置３は、第１の光量減衰率記憶部１４または第２の光量減衰率記憶部２７をそれぞれ備えている。第１の光量減衰率記憶部１４は、発光素子から出力された光信号が第１の光ファイバ１２ａに入力される際の光送信モジュール１１内部の光量減衰率、第１の光ファイバ１２ａを伝送する際の内視鏡２内部の伝送路での光量減衰率、および第１の光コネクタ１３ａでの光量減衰率の積算である内視鏡２の光量減衰率を記憶する。 The endoscope 2 and the information processing apparatus 3 according to the embodiment of the present invention each include the first light amount attenuation rate storage unit 14 or the second light amount attenuation rate storage unit 27. The first light amount attenuation rate storage unit 14 transmits the light amount attenuation rate inside the optical transmission module 11 when the optical signal output from the light emitting element is input to the first optical fiber 12a, and the first optical fiber 12a. The light amount attenuation rate in the transmission path inside the endoscope 2 and the light amount attenuation rate of the endoscope 2 that is an integration of the light amount attenuation rate in the first optical connector 13a are stored.

内視鏡２の光量減衰率は、内部の光量減衰率が既知の情報処理装置３に光量減衰率を測定したい内視鏡２を接続し、光量測定部２２にて光受信モジュール２０が受信した光信号の光量を測定することにより算出する。光送信モジュール１１の発光素子からの光量を１００μＡとして光信号を出力し、情報処理装置３の光量減衰率が３０％である場合に、光受信モジュール２０で受信した光信号の光量が５０μＡであれば、内視鏡システム１で５０％の光量が減衰しているため、内視鏡２の光量減衰率は２０％であることがわかる。算出した光量減衰率は、内視鏡２の識別情報とともに第１の光量減衰率記憶部１４に記憶される。 The light amount attenuation rate of the endoscope 2 is received by the light receiving module 20 at the light amount measuring unit 22 by connecting the endoscope 2 that wants to measure the light amount attenuation rate to the information processing device 3 whose internal light amount attenuation rate is known. It is calculated by measuring the light quantity of the optical signal. When an optical signal is output with the light amount from the light emitting element of the optical transmission module 11 being 100 μA and the light amount attenuation rate of the information processing device 3 is 30%, the light amount of the optical signal received by the optical reception module 20 is 50 μA. For example, since the light amount of 50% is attenuated in the endoscope system 1, it can be seen that the light amount attenuation rate of the endoscope 2 is 20%. The calculated light amount attenuation rate is stored in the first light amount attenuation rate storage unit 14 together with the identification information of the endoscope 2.

第２の光量減衰率記憶部２７は、第２の光コネクタ１３ｃでの光量減衰率、第２の光ファイバ１２ｃを伝送する際の情報処理装置３内部の伝送路での光量減衰率、第２の光ファイバ１２ｃから光受信モジュール２０への出力の際の光量減衰率、光受信モジュール２０内部の光量減衰率の積算である情報処理装置３の光量減衰率を記憶する。 The second light amount attenuation rate storage unit 27 includes a light amount attenuation rate in the second optical connector 13c, a light amount attenuation rate in the transmission path inside the information processing apparatus 3 when transmitting the second optical fiber 12c, The light amount attenuation rate at the time of output from the optical fiber 12 c to the light receiving module 20 and the light amount attenuation rate of the information processing apparatus 3 that is an integration of the light amount attenuation rate inside the light receiving module 20 are stored.

情報処理装置３の光量減衰率は、内部の光量減衰率が既知の内視鏡２と光量減衰率を測定したい情報処理装置３とを接続し、光量測定部２２にて光受信モジュール２０が受信した光信号の光量を測定することにより算出する。光送信モジュール１１の発光素子からの光量を１００μＡとして光信号を出力し、内視鏡２の光量減衰率が１５％である場合に、光受信モジュール２０で受信した光信号の光量が６０μＡであれば、内視鏡システム１で４０％の光量が減衰しているため、情報処理装置３の光量減衰率は２５％であることがわかる。算出した光量減衰率は、情報処理装置３の識別情報とともに第２の光量減衰率記憶部２７に記憶される。 The light quantity attenuation rate of the information processing device 3 is such that the endoscope 2 whose internal light quantity attenuation rate is known is connected to the information processing device 3 for which the light quantity attenuation rate is to be measured, and the light reception module 20 receives the light quantity measurement unit 22. It is calculated by measuring the light quantity of the optical signal. When an optical signal is output with the light quantity from the light emitting element of the optical transmission module 11 being 100 μA and the light quantity attenuation rate of the endoscope 2 is 15%, the light quantity of the optical signal received by the optical reception module 20 is 60 μA. For example, the light amount attenuation rate of the information processing apparatus 3 is 25% because the light amount is attenuated by 40% in the endoscope system 1. The calculated light amount attenuation rate is stored in the second light amount attenuation rate storage unit 27 together with the identification information of the information processing device 3.

内視鏡２および情報処理装置３の光量減衰率は、同一機種であっても同一ではなく、個体毎に異なるものである。本発明の実施の形態にかかる内視鏡システム１では、内視鏡２および情報処理装置３毎に光量減衰率を測定し記憶させることにより、使用する内視鏡２および情報処理装置３の組み合わせに応じた最適な発光素子の光量が設定可能となる。また、これにより、最適な光量より大きな光量での出力を抑制できるので、発光素子の長寿命化を図ることもできる。 The light quantity attenuation rates of the endoscope 2 and the information processing device 3 are not the same even if they are the same model, and are different for each individual. In the endoscope system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the combination of the endoscope 2 and the information processing device 3 to be used is measured and stored for each endoscope 2 and the information processing device 3. It is possible to set an optimum light amount of the light emitting element according to the above. In addition, since the output with a light amount larger than the optimum light amount can be suppressed, the life of the light emitting element can be extended.

次に、本発明の実施の形態にかかる内視鏡システムにおける発光素子の光量設定および伝送状態の判定について説明する。図３は、本発明の実施の形態にかかる内視鏡システム１における発光素子の光量設定および伝送状態の判定を説明するフローチャートである。 Next, the light quantity setting of the light emitting element and the determination of the transmission state in the endoscope system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the light amount setting of the light emitting element and the determination of the transmission state in the endoscope system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

まず、情報処理装置３の第２のコネクタ８ｃに内視鏡２の第１のコネクタ８ａが接続されると（ステップＳ１）、光量設定部１５は、情報処理装置３から識別情報を取得する（ステップＳ２）。情報処理装置３の識別情報には、情報処理装置３の光量減衰率が含まれており、第２の光量減衰率記憶部２７に記憶される光量減衰率が光量設定部１５に送信される。また、第１の光量減衰率記憶部１４から内視鏡２の光量減衰率も取得する。 First, when the first connector 8a of the endoscope 2 is connected to the second connector 8c of the information processing device 3 (step S1), the light amount setting unit 15 acquires identification information from the information processing device 3 ( Step S2). The identification information of the information processing device 3 includes the light amount attenuation rate of the information processing device 3, and the light amount attenuation rate stored in the second light amount attenuation rate storage unit 27 is transmitted to the light amount setting unit 15. Further, the light amount attenuation rate of the endoscope 2 is also acquired from the first light amount attenuation rate storage unit 14.

光量設定部１５は、送信された情報処理装置３の識別情報に基づき、内視鏡２と情報処理装置３とが初めて接続されたか否かを確認する（ステップＳ３）。初めて接続された場合は（ステップＳ３；Ｙｅｓ）、ステップＳ４以降で発光素子の光量が設定され、初めての接続でない場合は（ステップＳ３；Ｎｏ）、ステップＳ１０に移行する。 The light quantity setting unit 15 checks whether or not the endoscope 2 and the information processing device 3 are connected for the first time based on the transmitted identification information of the information processing device 3 (step S3). When it is connected for the first time (step S3; Yes), the light quantity of the light emitting element is set after step S4. When it is not the first connection (step S3; No), the process proceeds to step S10.

内視鏡２と情報処理装置３とが初めて接続された場合（ステップＳ３；Ｙｅｓ）、光量設定部１５は、内視鏡２の光量減衰率と情報処理装置３の光量減衰率により発光素子の光量を算出する（ステップＳ４）。例えば、光量設定部１５は、内視鏡２の光量減衰率と情報処理装置３の光量減衰率とから求められる光量のテーブルを有し、該テーブルから発光素子の光量を算出できる。 When the endoscope 2 and the information processing device 3 are connected for the first time (step S3; Yes), the light amount setting unit 15 determines the light emitting element based on the light amount attenuation rate of the endoscope 2 and the light amount attenuation rate of the information processing device 3. The amount of light is calculated (step S4). For example, the light amount setting unit 15 has a light amount table obtained from the light amount attenuation rate of the endoscope 2 and the light amount attenuation rate of the information processing device 3, and can calculate the light amount of the light emitting element from the table.

光量設定部１５が算出した発光素子の光量に発光素子の光量を設定し（ステップＳ５）、光量設定記憶部１６は、光量設定部１５が算出した発光素子の光量を、内視鏡２および情報処理装置３の識別情報とともに記憶する（ステップＳ６）。 The light amount of the light emitting element is set to the light amount of the light emitting element calculated by the light amount setting unit 15 (step S5), and the light amount setting storage unit 16 uses the light amount of the light emitting element calculated by the light amount setting unit 15 as the endoscope 2 and the information. It memorize | stores with the identification information of the processing apparatus 3 (step S6).

その後、光送信モジュール１１から光信号が出力されると（ステップＳ７）、光量測定部２２は、光受信モジュール２０が受信し電気信号に変換した光信号の初期光量を測定する（ステップＳ８）。初期値記憶部２９は、初期光量を、内視鏡２および情報処理装置３の識別情報とともに記憶する（ステップＳ９）。 Thereafter, when an optical signal is output from the optical transmission module 11 (step S7), the light quantity measurement unit 22 measures the initial light quantity of the optical signal received by the optical reception module 20 and converted into an electrical signal (step S8). The initial value storage unit 29 stores the initial light amount together with the identification information of the endoscope 2 and the information processing device 3 (step S9).

一方、内視鏡２と情報処理装置３との接続が初めての接続ではない場合（ステップＳ３；Ｎｏ）、光量設定部１５は、光量設定記憶部１６から使用する内視鏡２と情報処理装置３との組み合わせ時の光量設定値を取得し（ステップＳ１０）、取得した光量に発光素子の光量を設定する（ステップＳ１１）。光量設定値が前回使用時と同じであり、電源を切っても設定した光量が保持されている場合は、発光素子の光量設定を行う必要はない。 On the other hand, when the connection between the endoscope 2 and the information processing device 3 is not the first connection (step S3; No), the light amount setting unit 15 uses the endoscope 2 and the information processing device used from the light amount setting storage unit 16. 3 is acquired (step S10), and the light amount of the light emitting element is set to the acquired light amount (step S11). If the light intensity setting value is the same as the previous use and the set light intensity is retained even when the power is turned off, it is not necessary to set the light intensity of the light emitting element.

光送信モジュール１１から光信号が出力されると（ステップＳ１２）、光量測定部２２は、光受信モジュール２０が受信し電気信号に変換した光信号の光量を測定（ステップＳ１３）する。判定部２６はステップＳ１３で測定した光量に基づき伝送状態を判定する（ステップＳ１４）。 When an optical signal is output from the optical transmission module 11 (step S12), the light quantity measurement unit 22 measures the light quantity of the optical signal received by the optical reception module 20 and converted into an electrical signal (step S13). The determination unit 26 determines the transmission state based on the light amount measured in step S13 (step S14).

判定部２６による伝送状態の判定は、ステップＳ１３で測定した光量と、初期値記憶部２９が記憶する初期光量との対比により行い、例えば、ステップＳ１３で測定した光量が初期光量の５０％以下となった場合、伝送状態が不良であると判定する。また、ステップＳ１３で測定した光量が一定値以下となった場合、伝送状態が不良であると判定する。 The determination of the transmission state by the determination unit 26 is performed by comparing the light amount measured in step S13 with the initial light amount stored in the initial value storage unit 29. For example, the light amount measured in step S13 is 50% or less of the initial light amount. If it becomes, it is determined that the transmission state is bad. Moreover, when the light quantity measured in step S13 becomes a certain value or less, it is determined that the transmission state is defective.

判定部２６が、伝送状態が良好であると判定した場合（ステップＳ１４；Ｙｅｓ）、光量設定および伝送状態の判定を終了し、伝送状態が不良と判定した場合（ステップＳ１４；Ｎｏ）、表示装置５等により、伝送状態が不良である旨の警告を出力する（ステップＳ１５）。 When the determination unit 26 determines that the transmission state is good (step S14; Yes), the determination of the light amount setting and the transmission state ends, and when the transmission state is determined to be defective (step S14; No), the display device 5 or the like, a warning that the transmission state is bad is output (step S15).

上記のように、本発明の実施の形態にかかる内視鏡システムでは、使用する内視鏡２および情報処理装置３の組み合わせに応じて、簡易に発光素子を最適な光量に設定することができる。また、一度光量を設定した内視鏡２と情報処理装置３は、その識別情報とともに設定した光量を光量設定記憶部１６に記憶するので、再度同じ組み合わせで使用する場合、光量設定記憶部１６から光量を取得すればよく、再設定の必要はない。本実施の形態では、光量設定部１５および光量設定記憶部１６は内視鏡２に配置されるが、情報処理装置３側に配置されていてもよい。 As described above, in the endoscope system according to the embodiment of the present invention, the light emitting element can be easily set to the optimum light amount according to the combination of the endoscope 2 and the information processing device 3 to be used. . In addition, the endoscope 2 and the information processing device 3 that have once set the light amount store the light amount set together with the identification information in the light amount setting storage unit 16, and therefore when the same combination is used again, the light amount setting storage unit 16 What is necessary is just to acquire light quantity, and it is not necessary to reset. In the present embodiment, the light quantity setting unit 15 and the light quantity setting storage unit 16 are arranged in the endoscope 2, but may be arranged on the information processing apparatus 3 side.

また、内視鏡２に発光素子の駆動電流を増幅させる電流制御部を設けて、伝送状態が不良である場合に、電流制御部により発光素子の駆動電流を増幅させて、出力する光信号の光量を増幅させてもよい。図４は、本発明の実施の形態の変形例にかかる内視鏡システムの要部のブロック図である。実施の形態の変形例にかかる内視鏡システム１Ａでは、発光素子の駆動電流を増幅させる電流制御部１７を備え、判定部２６により伝送状態が不良と判定した場合に、電流制御部１７により発光素子の駆動電流を増幅し、光送信モジュール１１が送信する光信号の光量が上げられる。 In addition, a current control unit that amplifies the drive current of the light emitting element is provided in the endoscope 2, and when the transmission state is poor, the drive current of the light emitting element is amplified by the current control unit, and the output optical signal The amount of light may be amplified. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a main part of an endoscope system according to a modification of the embodiment of the present invention. The endoscope system 1A according to the modification of the embodiment includes a current control unit 17 that amplifies the drive current of the light emitting element, and emits light from the current control unit 17 when the determination unit 26 determines that the transmission state is defective. The drive current of the element is amplified, and the light quantity of the optical signal transmitted by the optical transmission module 11 is increased.

本実施の形態の変形例では、光量設定部１５が、内視鏡２Ａと情報処理装置３の実測された光量減衰率に基づき発光素子が出力する光の光量を設定するため、発光素子の最大出力より低い光量での光信号の出力が可能となる。したがって、判定部２６により伝送状態が低下したと判定された場合であっても、発光素子の最大出力まで電流制御部１７により駆動電流を増幅することができ、メンテナンスの負担を軽減できる。 In the modification of the present embodiment, the light amount setting unit 15 sets the light amount of the light output from the light emitting element based on the actually measured light amount attenuation rates of the endoscope 2A and the information processing device 3, and thus the maximum light emitting element is set. It is possible to output an optical signal with a light amount lower than the output. Therefore, even when the determination unit 26 determines that the transmission state has decreased, the drive current can be amplified by the current control unit 17 up to the maximum output of the light emitting element, and the maintenance burden can be reduced.

１内視鏡システム
２内視鏡
３情報処理装置
４光源装置
５表示装置
６挿入部
６ａ先端部
６ｂ湾曲部
６ｃ可撓管部
６ｄ開口部
７操作部
７ａ湾曲ノブ
７ｂ処置具挿入部
７ｃスイッチ部
８ユニバーサルコード
８ａ第１のコネクタ
８ｂ照明コネクタ
８ｃ第２のコネクタ
１０撮像素子
１１光送信モジュール
１２ａ第１の光ファイバ
１２ｃ第２の光ファイバ
１３ａ第１の光コネクタ
１３ｃ第２の光コネクタ
１４第１の光量減衰率記憶部
１５光量設定部
１６光量設定記憶部
１７電流制御部
２０光受信モジュール
２１画像処理部
２２光量測定部
２３入力部
２４記憶部
２５制御部
２６判定部
２７第２の光量減衰率記憶部
２８電気ケーブル
２９初期値記憶部 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Endoscope system 2 Endoscope 3 Information processing apparatus 4 Light source apparatus 5 Display apparatus 6 Insertion part 6a Tip part 6b Bending part 6c Flexible tube part 6d Opening part 7 Operation part 7a Bending knob 7b Treatment tool insertion part 7c Switch part 8 Universal cord 8a 1st connector 8b Illumination connector 8c 2nd connector 10 Imaging element 11 Optical transmission module 12a 1st optical fiber 12c 2nd optical fiber 13a 1st optical connector 13c 2nd optical connector 14 1st 15 Light amount setting unit 16 Light amount setting unit 16 Light amount setting storage unit 17 Current control unit 20 Optical receiving module 21 Image processing unit 22 Light amount measuring unit 23 Input unit 24 Storage unit 25 Control unit 26 Determination unit 27 Second light amount attenuation rate Storage unit 28 Electric cable 29 Initial value storage unit

Claims

In an endoscope system in which an endoscope is connected to an information processing device,
The endoscope is
An image sensor for imaging a subject;
An optical transmission module having a light emitting element that converts an imaging signal output from the imaging element into an optical signal and outputs the optical signal;
A first optical fiber for transmitting the optical signal output from the optical transmission module;
A first optical connector for holding the other end of the first optical fiber connected to the optical transmission module;
A first light amount attenuation rate storage unit for storing a light amount attenuation rate of the endoscope;
And the information processing apparatus includes:
A second optical connector detachably connected to the first optical connector;
A second optical fiber that is held by the second optical connector and transmits the optical signal output from the first optical fiber;
An optical receiver module having a light receiving element that converts the optical signal transmitted by the second optical fiber into an electrical signal and outputs the electrical signal;
A second light amount attenuation rate storage unit for storing the light amount attenuation rate of the information processing device;
A light quantity measuring unit for measuring the light quantity of the optical signal converted into an electrical signal by the optical receiving module;
The endoscope system further includes:
A light amount setting unit that sets a light amount of light output from the light emitting element based on a light amount attenuation rate of the endoscope and a light amount attenuation rate of the information processing device;
An endoscope system comprising: a light amount setting storage unit that stores the light amount set by the light amount setting unit together with identification information of the endoscope and the information processing apparatus.

A determination unit for determining a transmission state of the optical signal of the endoscope system;
The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines a transmission state based on a light amount measured by the light amount measurement unit every time the endoscope is connected to the information processing apparatus. .

The endoscope system according to claim 2, further comprising a display device that displays that the transmission state is low when the determination unit determines that the transmission state of the optical signal is defective.

The endoscope system according to claim 1, further comprising a current control unit that amplifies a driving current of the light emitting element.

In an endoscope system in which an endoscope is connected to an information processing device,
The endoscope is
An image sensor for imaging a subject;
An optical transmission module having a light emitting element that converts an imaging signal output from the imaging element into an optical signal and outputs the optical signal;
A first optical fiber for transmitting the optical signal output from the optical transmission module;
A first optical connector for holding the other end of the first optical fiber connected to the optical transmission module;
And the information processing apparatus includes:
A second optical connector detachably connected to the first optical connector;
A second optical fiber that is held by the second optical connector and transmits the optical signal output from the first optical fiber;
An optical receiver module having a light receiving element that converts the optical signal transmitted by the second optical fiber into an electrical signal and outputs the electrical signal;
A light quantity measuring unit for measuring the light quantity of the optical signal converted into an electrical signal by the optical receiving module;
And an endoscope system further comprising:
A light amount setting storage unit that stores the light amount measured by the light amount measurement unit together with identification information of the endoscope and the information processing device when the endoscope and the information processing device are first connected;
A determination unit for determining a transmission state of an optical signal of the endoscope system;
An initial value storage unit that stores an initial light amount of the optical signal that is converted into an electrical signal by the light receiving module and measured by the light amount measurement unit;
The determination unit determines a transmission state by comparing a light amount measured by the light amount measurement unit each time the endoscope is connected to the information processing apparatus and an initial light amount stored in the initial value storage unit. An endoscope system characterized by that.