JP5030671B2 - Illumination device and endoscope device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an illumination device that is inserted into a subject and illuminates the interior, and an endoscope device that observes the inside of the subject.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, endoscope apparatuses have been widely used for observing the inside of a subject such as the inside of a mechanical structure in the industrial field and the patient's body in the medical field. Such an endoscope apparatus has an insertion portion to be inserted into the subject, and observation means is provided at the tip of the insertion portion, so that the inside of the subject can be observed. Yes. In addition, the endoscope apparatus further includes an apparatus capable of irradiating laser light or ultraviolet light. By irradiating the subject with the laser light or ultraviolet light, fluorescence observation is performed, or observation is performed while observing with an observation means. A sample may be processed. In addition, the inside of the subject observed with the endoscope apparatus often does not have sufficient brightness to be observed with the observation means. For this reason, the endoscope apparatus incorporates an illumination device for illuminating the inside of the subject.

As such an illuminating device, a light source unit that emits laser light, a light guide that guides laser light emitted from the light source, and a fluorescent member that emits illumination light using the laser light guided by the light guide as excitation light Have been proposed (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2). According to such an illuminating device, it is said that it is small and can reduce power consumption compared with the case where a light source such as a halogen lamp is used.
JP 2006-296656 A JP 2006-288535 A

However, in the endoscope devices disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the built-in illumination device illuminates under a planned illumination condition when the illumination is turned on in a state where the light source unit or the fluorescent member is damaged. You will not be able to. That is, when the light source unit is turned on in a damaged state, the laser light is irradiated onto the fluorescent member with a light amount larger than the planned light amount, that is, the illumination light is emitted with a light amount larger than the planned light amount. There was a case. In addition, when the fluorescent member is turned on in a damaged state, even if the fluorescent light is irradiated onto the fluorescent member with the planned light amount, illumination light larger than the planned light amount may be emitted. . Alternatively, the laser light may pass through without exciting the fluorescent member and be irradiated to the outside.
The same applies to the case where a device that irradiates laser light or ultraviolet light is built in the endoscope device. When irradiation is started in a state where the configuration of the device has been damaged, the expected light quantity In some cases, laser light or ultraviolet light is irradiated with a larger amount of light.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances. Even when there is an abnormality when emitting light from a light source unit to start irradiation of a subject, a large amount of light differs from planned conditions. An illumination apparatus and an endoscope apparatus that can prevent the subject from being irradiated with the lens are provided.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention proposes the following means.
The present invention is an illuminating device that illuminates the interior of the subject by having an insertion portion that is inserted into the subject, and is provided on the proximal end side of the insertion portion according to the supplied current A light source unit that emits laser light, a light source driving unit that supplies current to the light source unit, and a proximal end side to a distal end side of the insertion unit, and guides the laser light from the light source unit to the distal end side. A light guide for illumination that emits light, a fluorescent member that is provided at the tip of the light guide for illumination, emits illumination light using the laser light as excitation light, and detects the light quantity of at least one of the laser light or the illumination light A light detection unit; and a control unit that controls the light source driving unit based on the detected light amount, and the control unit starts the emission of the illumination light from the fluorescent member. Monitor the light quantity detected by While by increasing the amount of current supplied to the light source unit is characterized by setting the light quantity of the laser light or the illumination light.

  According to the illumination device of the present invention, when starting emission of illumination light from the fluorescent member, the control unit monitors the amount of laser light or illumination light detected by the light detection means. For this reason, it is possible to detect whether the illumination light is illuminated under conditions different from the planned illumination conditions when there is an abnormality in the light source unit, the illumination light guide, or the fluorescent member. At this time, the control unit rapidly increases the amount of current supplied to the light source unit by the light source driving unit so that the laser light and the illumination light have a desired light amount, even if there is an abnormality. It is possible to prevent the amount of laser light or illumination light from being irradiated to the outside.

  In the illumination device, when the control unit starts emitting the illumination light from the fluorescent member, the control unit causes the light detection unit to detect the light amount while gradually increasing the amount of current supplied to the light source unit. Thus, it is more preferable to prepare a table representing the relationship between the current amount and the light amount in advance, and to determine the current amount based on the table after the creation.

  According to the illumination device according to the present invention, when the emission of illumination light from the fluorescent member is started, the control unit creates a table indicating the relationship between the amount of current and the amount of light, and the control unit is based on the table thereafter. Thus, the amount of current supplied from the light source driving unit can be set, and thereby a desired amount of illumination light can be emitted.

  In the illumination device, the control unit is preset with a reference light amount value of the light amount detected by the light detection unit and an upper limit current value of the current amount supplied to the light source unit, More preferably, when the amount of current reaches the upper limit current value before the amount of light detected by the light detection means reaches the reference light amount value, the supply of current to the light source unit is stopped. It is said that.

  According to the illumination device of the present invention, the control unit determines whether the amount of current supplied by the light source driving unit has reached the upper limit current value, and whether the amount of light detected by the light detection means has reached the reference light amount value. Monitor. Here, if the light source unit is deteriorated or damaged, it may become impossible to emit laser light with a desired light amount even if the amount of current is increased, and illumination light is emitted from the fluorescent member with a desired light amount. It becomes impossible to do. Further, when the fluorescent member is deteriorated or damaged, illumination light cannot be emitted from the fluorescent member with a desired light amount even if the current value is increased to increase the light amount of the laser light. In other words, the control unit monitors the upper limit current value and the reference light amount value, so that even if a current corresponding to the upper limit current value is supplied to the light source unit, it corresponds to the reference light amount value due to deterioration or damage of the light source unit or the fluorescent member. The case where the illumination light is not illuminated with the amount of light can be detected. If detected, the control unit stops supplying the current to the light source unit, so that a current exceeding the upper limit current value is supplied to promote deterioration and damage of the light source unit and the fluorescent member. Can be prevented.

  In the illumination device, the light detection unit includes an output-side light detection unit that detects an output-side light amount that is a light amount of the illumination light, and the control unit monitors the output-side light amount, It is more preferable to set the amount of illumination light.

  According to the illuminating device according to the present invention, the output side light detection unit of the light detection unit detects the output side light amount and monitors it by the control unit, thereby directly evaluating the illumination light illuminated on the subject. The amount of illumination light can be set.

  In the illumination device, the output-side light detection unit of the light detection unit detects, as the output-side light amount, a light amount having a wavelength substantially equal to the laser light emitted from the light source unit in the illumination light. It is more preferable to have a first optical sensor.

  According to the illumination device of the present invention, the laser light from the light source unit is desired by detecting the light amount of the wavelength substantially equal to the laser light by the first photosensor of the output side light detection unit and monitoring by the control unit. It is possible to directly evaluate whether or not the fluorescent member is irradiated with the amount of light and whether or not the fluorescent member is irradiated to the outside through the fluorescent member.

  In the illumination device, the output-side light detection unit of the light detection unit may use, as the output-side light amount, a light amount of a wavelength other than the wavelength of the laser light emitted from the light source unit in the illumination light. It is more preferable to have a second optical sensor to detect.

  According to the illumination device of the present invention, the second light sensor of the output side light detection unit detects the light amount of a wavelength other than the wavelength of the laser light and monitors it by the control unit, so that it is preferably excited by the laser light. Thus, it is possible to more suitably evaluate whether or not a desired amount of illumination light is output.

  In the illumination device, the light detection unit includes an input-side light detection unit that detects an input-side light amount that is a light amount of the laser light, and the control unit monitors the input-side light amount, It is more preferable to set the amount of illumination light.

  According to the illumination device of the present invention, the input-side light detection unit of the light detection unit detects the input-side light amount and monitors it by the control unit, thereby directly evaluating and illuminating the laser light that excites the fluorescent member. The amount of light can be set.

  In the illumination device, the light detection unit includes an input-side light detection unit that detects an input-side light amount that is the light amount of the laser light, and an output-side light that detects an output-side light amount that is the light amount of the illumination light. And the control unit monitors the relationship between the input-side light amount and the output-side light amount when starting emission of the illumination light from the fluorescent member, and the relationship is preset. When it is out of range, it is more preferable to stop the supply of current to the light source unit.

  According to the illumination device according to the present invention, the input-side light detection unit of the light detection unit detects the input-side light amount, and the output-side light detection unit detects the output-side light amount, and is monitored by the control unit. The amount of illumination light can be set by comprehensively evaluating the laser light on the input side and the illumination light on the output side.

Further, the present invention is characterized by comprising the above-described illumination device and observation means provided at the distal end of the insertion portion and observing the inside of the subject.
According to the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, the illumination apparatus can irradiate the subject with illumination light without suddenly increasing the amount of light even if there is an abnormality.

  Further, the present invention is an endoscope apparatus that has an insertion portion that is inserted into the subject and observes the inside of the subject, and is provided and supplied on the proximal end side of the insertion portion A light source unit that emits laser light in response to an electric current; a light source driving unit that supplies current to the light source unit; and a proximal end side to a distal end side of the insertion unit, and the laser light from the light source unit A light guide that guides light to the front end side, a light detection means that detects the light amount of laser light at least on one of the front end side and the base end side of the light guide, and the light source drive unit controlled based on the detected light amount And controlling the laser light by gradually increasing the amount of current supplied to the light source unit while monitoring the light amount detected by the light detection means when driving the light source unit. The amount of light is set.

  According to the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, when the irradiation of the laser light from the light source unit is started, the control unit monitors the light amount of the laser light detected by the light detection unit. For this reason, it is possible to detect whether or not the subject is irradiated with laser light different from the planned condition when there is an abnormality in the light source unit or the light guide. At this time, the control unit sets the laser light to have a desired light amount while gradually increasing the amount of current supplied to the light source unit by the light source driving unit. It can prevent that light is irradiated outside.

  Further, the present invention is an endoscope apparatus that has an insertion portion that is inserted into the subject and observes the inside of the subject, and is provided and supplied on the proximal end side of the insertion portion A light source unit that emits ultraviolet light in response to an electric current; a light source driving unit that supplies current to the light source unit; and a base end side to a distal end side of the insertion unit, and the ultraviolet light from the light source unit A light guide that guides light to the distal end side, light detection means that detects the amount of ultraviolet light on at least one of the distal end side and the proximal end side of the light guide, and controls the light source driving unit based on the detected light amount A controller that controls the ultraviolet light by gradually increasing the amount of current supplied to the light source while monitoring the amount of light detected by the light detection means when driving the light source. The amount of light is set.

  According to the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, when the irradiation of ultraviolet light from the light source unit is started, the control unit monitors the amount of ultraviolet light detected by the light detection unit. For this reason, when there is an abnormality in the light source unit, the light guide, or the like, it is possible to detect whether or not the subject is irradiated with ultraviolet light different from the planned condition. At this time, the control unit sets the ultraviolet light to have a desired light amount while gradually increasing the amount of current supplied to the light source unit by the light source driving unit. It can prevent that light is irradiated outside.

  According to the illumination device and the endoscope device of the present invention, even if there is an abnormality by setting the amount of light by gradually increasing the amount of current supplied to the light source unit by the control unit, a large amount of light differs from the planned condition. Thus, it is possible to prevent the object from being irradiated.

Embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes an elongated insertion section 2 that is inserted into a subject, and an apparatus main body section 3 that is provided on the proximal end side of the insertion section 2. And a monitor 4 connected to the apparatus main body 3. The insertion portion 2 may be a flexible type having flexibility or a rigid type having a certain shape. The insertion section 2 and the apparatus main body section 3 are provided with observation means 5 for observing the subject on the distal end side of the insertion section 2 and illumination means 6 for illuminating the subject observed by the observation means 5. The endoscope apparatus 1 has a configuration including an illuminating device 1a having an insertion portion 2, an illuminating means 6, and a control portion 8 described later.

  More specifically, the observation means 5 includes an objective optical system 5a that is exposed at the distal end of the insertion portion 2, and a CCD that is an imaging element provided at the imaging position of the objective optical system 5a inside the insertion portion 2. (Charge Coupled Device) 5b, a video signal processing circuit 5c built in the apparatus main body 3, and a signal cable 5d disposed in the insertion section 2 and connecting the CCD 5b and the video signal processing circuit 5c. Then, the observation image of the subject imaged by the objective optical system 5a is converted into an electric signal by the CCD 5b and transmitted as an image signal by the signal cable 5d. The transmitted image signal can be generated as a video signal by the video signal processing circuit 5 c and output to the monitor 4 connected to the apparatus main body 3 to be displayed as a video.

  The illuminating means 6 includes a laser diode 6a that is a light source part that is built in the apparatus main body 3 and emits laser light, and an illumination light guide 6b that is disposed in the insertion part 2 from the proximal end side to the distal end side. The fluorescent member 6c provided inside the distal end of the insertion portion 2 and the illumination optical system 6d provided exposed at the distal end of the insertion portion 2 are provided. The laser diode 6a can emit a laser beam having a specific wavelength when supplied with a current. In the present embodiment, for example, a blue laser can be emitted. The illumination light guide 6b is a soft optical fiber. The laser diode 6a is connected to the base end of the illumination light guide 6b, whereby the laser light emitted from the laser diode 6a is guided to the distal end of the illumination light guide 6b, that is, the distal end side of the insertion portion 2. Lighted. The fluorescent member 6c is connected to the tip of the illumination light guide 6b, and the laser light guided by the illumination light guide 6b is irradiated to the fluorescent member 6c, thereby exciting the fluorescent member 6c. Thus, the illumination light, which is white light with a light amount corresponding to the light amount of the laser light, is emitted to the tip side. The emitted illumination light is focused by the illumination optical system 6d and illuminates the tip side.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus main body 3 includes a light source driving unit 7 that supplies current to the laser diode 6a and a control unit 8 that controls the amount of current supplied from the light source driving unit 7. In addition, an operation unit 9 is connected to the control unit 8. The operation unit 9 includes a power switch 9a for turning on / off the power supply of the entire apparatus, an illumination switch 9b for turning on / off illumination light by the illumination means 6, and illumination when the illumination switch 9b is on. An illumination knob 9c for adjusting the amount of light is provided. When the power switch 9a is in the ON state, it is possible to manually turn on / off the illumination by the illumination unit 6 and adjust the light amount through the control unit 8 by the operation of the operation unit 9. It has become. In the present embodiment, the illumination light amount 9c of the operation unit 9 can be used to adjust the light amount of the illumination light in 8 levels from level 0 (zero light amount) and level 1 to the maximum light amount level 8. By operating 9c, the operation unit 9 outputs a dimming command value dimn (n is an integer) corresponding to each level n (n is an integer from 0 to 8 (hereinafter the same)) to the control unit 8. .

  The light source drive unit 7 includes a DA converter 7a that DA converts a current command value In (n is an integer) output from a control unit 8 to be described later, and an amplifier 7b that amplifies the current command value In that is DA converted by the DA converter 7a. And a current limiting circuit 7c for supplying a current to the laser diode 6a with a corresponding amount of current based on the amplified current command value In. The laser diode 6a emits laser light with a light amount corresponding to the current command value In (current amount). A shunt 7d is inserted between the current limiting circuit 7c and the laser diode 6a, and the amount of current supplied from the current limiting circuit 7c to the laser diode 6a is detected and output as a detection signal. . The output detection signal is input to the control unit 8 via the amplifier 7e and the AD converter 7f, and the control unit 8 performs feedback control based on the detected current amount. A current cutoff circuit 7g is inserted between the current limiting circuit 7c and the amplifier 7b, and the control unit 8 can output a cutoff signal to the current cutoff circuit 7g. Can interrupt the input of the current command value In to the current limiting circuit 7c based on the cutoff signal, and stop the supply of current to the laser diode 6a.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the insertion section 2 and the apparatus main body section 3 are provided with light detection means 10 that detects the laser light and the amount of illumination light in the illumination means 6. More specifically, the light detection means 10 includes an input side light detection unit 11 that detects a light amount PLD of laser light emitted from the laser diode 6a as an input side light amount, and an illumination light emitted from the fluorescent member 6c as an output side light amount. And an output side light detection unit 12 for detecting the amount of light. The input-side light detection unit 11 is a photodiode that can detect a light amount having a wavelength substantially equal to that of the laser light, and is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the proximal end of the illumination light guide 6b and leaks from the inside to the outer peripheral surface. It is possible to detect a part of.

  The output-side light detection unit 12 is built in the apparatus main body unit 3, and includes a first optical sensor 12a that is a photodiode that detects a light amount PFL having a wavelength substantially equal to the laser light in the illumination light, and illumination. And a second optical sensor 12b that is a photodiode that detects a light quantity PFO having a wavelength other than the wavelength of the laser light. Here, the light guide 13 for detection which is a soft optical fiber is arrange | positioned from the front end side to the base end side at the insertion part 2, and the output side light detection part 12 is passed through the beam splitter 14 at the base end. The first optical sensor 12a and the second optical sensor 12b are connected. Further, a prism 15 for receiving a part of the illumination light from the illumination optical system 6d is provided on the side of the illumination optical system 6d of the illumination means 6, and the tip of the detection light guide 13 is connected. Has been. For this reason, the illumination light that has entered the prism 15 is guided to the proximal end side by the detection light guide 13, is split by the beam splitter 14 inside the apparatus main body 3, and the first light of the output side light detection unit 12. Are input to the optical sensor 12a and the second optical sensor 12b. Thereby, the light amounts PFL and PFO in each wavelength region of the illumination light are detected by the first optical sensor 12a and the second optical sensor 12b. In the light detection means 10, the light amounts PLD, PFL, and PFO detected by the first light sensor 12a and the second light sensor 12b of the input side light detection unit 11 and the output side light detection unit 12 are It is output as a detection signal, amplified by each amplifier 16a, 16b, 16c, AD converted by each AD converter 17a, 17b, 17c, and input to the control unit 8.

  Although not shown, the control unit 8 includes a CPU that performs various arithmetic processes, a ROM that stores a program for performing various arithmetic processes, a RAM that is a recording unit, and the like. The RAM of the control unit 8 has a minimum dimming command value dim (min) (dim0 in this embodiment) and a maximum dimming command value dim for each of the dimming command values dimn output from the operation unit 9. (Max) (in this embodiment, dim8) is recorded, and the control unit 8 can determine whether the dimming command value dimn input based on these is a normal value. Further, in the RAM of the control unit 8, a reference light amount value PLDn (n is an integer) scheduled as the light amount of the laser light from the laser diode 6a corresponding to each dimming command value dimn, and emitted from the fluorescent member 6c. Among the illumination lights, a reference light amount value PFLn (n is an integer) scheduled as a light amount having a wavelength substantially equal to the laser light, and a reference light amount value PFOn (n is a predetermined light amount having a wavelength other than the wavelength of the laser light) Integer). Further, the RAM of the control unit 8 represents the amount of current supplied from the light source driving unit 7 to the laser diode 6a corresponding to each dimming command value dimn, and the current command value In (n output to the light source driving unit 7 Is an integer). Then, as shown in FIG. 2, the dimming command value dimn, the current command value In, and the reference light amount values PLDn, PFLn, and PFOn are related to each other and created as one table T. Recorded in RAM. That is, the control unit 8 refers to the table T based on the input dimming command value dimn, and outputs a current command value In that becomes a desired reference light amount value PLDn, PFLn, PFOn to the light source driving unit 7. It is possible. In the table T, the initial current command value In0 (n is an integer) represents the current command value In that realizes the reference light amount values PLDn, PFLn, and PFOn in the initial state (at the time of shipment). Further, an upper limit current value Imax representing the upper limit of the current supplied to the laser diode 6a and a lower limit current value Imin representing the lower limit are recorded in the RAM of the control unit 8. Here, the current command value In is set to be equal to or lower than the upper limit current value Imax, and the lower limit current value Imin is set to 0.

  Further, the RAM 8 of the control unit 8 records an allowable value ΔPLD of the detected light amount PLD of the laser light with respect to the reference light amount value PLDn of the laser light. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the RAM of the control unit 8 has a light amount PLD of the laser light emitted from the laser diode 6a and an illumination light emitted from the fluorescent member 6c by the laser light substantially equal to the wavelength of the laser light. A graph M showing the relationship between the light amount PFL of the wavelength is recorded. In FIG. 3, a solid line M1 indicates a relationship between the light quantity PLD and the light quantity PFL at the time of shipment. The dotted line M2 represents the upper limit of the light quantity PFL having a wavelength substantially equal to the wavelength of the laser light in the illumination light in relation to the light quantity PLD of the laser light, and the alternate long and short dash line M3 represents the lower limit. Yes.

As shown in FIG. 4, the RAM of the control unit 8 has a wavelength other than the wavelength of the laser light in the light amount PLD of the laser light emitted from the laser diode 6a and the illumination light emitted from the fluorescent member 6c by the laser light. A graph N showing the relationship with the amount of light PFO is recorded. In FIG. 4, a solid line N1 indicates the relationship between the light quantity PLD and the light quantity PFO at the time of shipment. The dotted line N2 represents the upper limit of the light quantity PFO having a wavelength other than the wavelength of the laser light in the illumination light in relation to the light quantity PLD of the laser light, and the alternate long and short dash line N3 represents the lower limit. . And the control part 8 monitors the state of the illumination means 6 based on the graphs M and N shown in FIG.3 and FIG.4, and the detection result by the light detection means 10, and is controlling the light source drive part 7. FIG.
Next, details of the control of the control unit 8 in each of the operation of the endoscope apparatus 1 of the present embodiment and the case where the illumination light emission is started and the case where the illumination light emission is continuously performed are performed. Will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the power switch 9a is turned on when the power switch 9a of the operation unit 9 is off and the system is stopped (step S1), preparation for starting the system is started (step S2). Is activated (step S3). If the power switch 9a is turned off, the system is stopped again (step S1). Immediately after the power switch 9a is turned on in the system start-up state (step S3), the illumination switch 9b is in an off state and the illumination means 6 is in an extinguished state (step S4). If an operation failure is detected for some reason in this state, the operation mode is shifted to the error mode, and the control unit 8 outputs a cutoff signal to the current cutoff circuit 7g of the light source driving unit 7. As a result, the current supply to the laser diode 6a is forcibly cut off, and no laser light is emitted from the laser diode 6a even when the illumination switch 9b is turned on, that is, no illumination light is emitted from the fluorescent member 6c (step). S5).

  Further, if the lighting switch 9b of the operation unit 9 is turned on from the light-off state (step S4), the control unit 8 starts calibration as preparation for lighting (step S6). It should be noted that the lighting switch 9b may be automatically turned on when the power switch 9a is turned on. Here, when a malfunction is detected for some reason, the mode shifts to an error mode (step S5).

  On the other hand, when the calibration is completed, the illumination unit 6 is turned on with the light amount adjusted by the illumination knob 9c (step S7). In this state, the control unit 8 constantly monitors the state of the illumination means 6 (step S8), and if an operation failure is confirmed, the control unit 8 shifts to an error mode and forcibly cuts off the supply of current to the laser diode 6a. Then, the illumination from the fluorescent member 6c stops (step S5). Next, details of the control flow at the start of lighting preparation (step S6) and at the lighting state (step S7) will be described.

  First, a control flow at the start of lighting preparation in step S6, that is, when emission of illumination light is started will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 6, first, the control unit 8 sets the dimming command value dimn to n = 1 to 8 regardless of which level the illumination knob 9c of the operation unit 9 is set to in the initial state. Set in ascending order. That is, in the initial state, the dimming command value dimn is set to “n = 0” (FIG. 6: Step S11). Next, 1 is added to n, that is, n = 1 (FIG. 6: Step S12), a current command value corresponding to the added dimming command value dim1 is output, and a current is supplied from the light source driver 7 to the laser diode 6a. Supply. At this time, the controller 8 refers to the table T shown in FIG. 2 and extracts the initial current command value I10 corresponding to the dimming command value dim1. Then, the control unit 8 gradually increases the current command value I from a value sufficiently smaller than the initial current command value I10, that is, gradually increases the amount of current supplied from the light source driving unit 7 to the laser diode 6a (FIG. 6: Step). S13, FIG. 7A), the light quantity PLD of the laser light emitted from the laser diode 6a is increased (FIG. 7B).

  At this time, the control unit 8 monitors whether or not the current command value I to be output corresponds to the amount of current supplied from the light source driving unit 7 to the laser diode 6a based on the current value detected from the shunt 7d. Yes. Further, it is monitored whether or not the current command value that is gradually increased is equal to or less than the upper limit current value Imax (FIG. 6: step S14, FIG. 8A). Here, in FIG. 8, when the current command value I becomes larger than the upper limit current value Imax as indicated by a point A1 in (a) and a point B1 in (b), the laser diode 6a is deteriorated or damaged. Then, it is determined that there is an abnormality (FIG. 6: step S19), and the process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S5 shown in FIG. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the deterioration or damage of the laser diode 6a from being promoted by supplying a current exceeding the upper limit current value Imax to the laser diode 6a. In the present embodiment, the upper limit current value Imax is a single value, but a plurality of upper limit current values Imax may be provided corresponding to each current command value In.

  On the other hand, when the current command value I is less than or equal to the upper limit current value Imax, the light amount PLD of the laser light emitted from the laser diode 6a and the light amounts PFL and PFO of the illumination light excited by the laser light and emitted from the fluorescent member 6c. Monitoring is performed (FIG. 6: Step S15). That is, referring to the graph M shown in FIG. 3, it is confirmed whether the relationship between the detected light amount PLD of the laser light and the light amount PFL having a wavelength substantially equal to the laser light in the illumination light is located in the range M4. In addition, referring to the graph N shown in FIG. 4, is the relationship between the detected light quantity PLD of the laser light and the light quantity PFO having a wavelength other than the wavelength of the laser light in the illumination light located in the range N4? Confirm (FIG. 6: Step S15a). In the graphs M and N, when the light amounts PFL and PFO of the illumination light are located outside the ranges M4 and N4 with respect to the light amount PLD of the laser light, it is determined that there is an abnormality (FIG. 6: step). S19) The process ends, and the process proceeds to step S5 shown in FIG. Note that the details of step S19 when the process is determined to be abnormal in steps S15a and S15a are the same as steps S33 to S35 at the time of lighting shown in FIG. 11, and the detailed description thereof will be described later. Performed when lighting.

  Further, referring to the table T, a comparison is made between the reference light amount value PLD1 of the laser light corresponding to the current dimming command value dim1 and the light amount PLD of the laser light detected by the input side light detection unit 11 (FIG. 6). : Step S15b, FIG. 7 (b)). When the detected light amount PLD of the laser light is smaller than the reference light amount value PLD1, the process proceeds to step S13 again, and the current command value I is gradually increased (FIG. 7A).

  On the other hand, as indicated by a point B2 in FIG. 7B, the light amount PLD of the detected laser light is substantially equal to the reference light amount value PLD1, and the ranges M4 and M4 in the graphs M and N shown in FIGS. If it is within N4, the process proceeds to the next step S16, and the control unit 8 sets the current command value I1 corresponding to the dimming command value dim1 in the table T to the detected light amount PLD and the reference light amount value PLD1. Is rewritten to the current command value (point B2 in FIG. 7B) (point A2 shown in FIG. 7A). Next, it is determined whether the currently set dimming command value dimn is the dimming command value dim8 that is the maximum dimming command value dim (max) (step S17). At present, since the dimming command value is “dimn = dim1 (n = 1)”, the process proceeds to step S12 again, and 1 is added to n, that is, the dimming command value dim2 described above. repeat. In this way, the above steps are performed from the dimming command value dim1 to dim8, and when it is confirmed in step S17 that the dimming command value is “dimn = dim8 (n = 8)”, the preparation for lighting ends, The lighting state is established (FIG. 5: Step S7).

  As described above, when starting emission of illumination light from the fluorescent member 6c, the state of the laser diode 6a is changed due to deterioration or damage by rewriting the current command value In of the table T recorded in advance. However, in correspondence with each level of the illumination knob 9c of the operation unit 9, that is, the dimming command value dimn, the laser light is emitted from the laser diode 6a by always stabilizing the light amount at a value substantially equal to the reference light amount value PLDn. Therefore, it is possible to stably irradiate illumination light with a desired light amount from the fluorescent member 6c. Here, in the calibration, the light control command value dim1 in which the light amounts of the laser light and the illumination light are small are sequentially performed, and the adjustment of the current command value In is gradually increased from a small value in each light control command value dimn. ing. For this reason, even if the laser diode 6a or the fluorescent member 6c is deteriorated or damaged, a laser beam is suddenly emitted from the laser diode 6a with a large amount of light, and a large amount of illumination light is emitted from the fluorescent member 6c. There is no end. Even if the fluorescent member 6c is damaged and the laser light is transmitted to the outside, it is possible to prevent the laser light having a large amount of light from being irradiated to the outside. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 7B, the dimming command value dimn is performed in ascending order, and the adjustment of the current command value I is gradually increased from a small value. Even if the laser beam is directly irradiated to the outside, it is possible to determine whether or not there is an abnormality at the level of the light amount equal to or less than the limit light amount PLDth that satisfies the safety class 1 (JIS C 6802-1) of the laser beam.

  The control unit 8 performs the calibration and also monitors the relationship between the laser light amount PLD and the illumination light amounts PFL and PFO based on the graphs M and N. For this reason, even if the light amount PLD of the laser light is small at the time of calibration, an abnormal state of the illumination light is detected based on the relative evaluation of the light amount PLD of the laser light and the light amounts PFL and PFO of the illumination light. The use can be stopped in a state where the light amounts PLD, PFL, and PFO of the laser light and the illumination light are small.

  The calibration is performed step by step for each dimming command value dimn as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and FIG. As shown in (b), the light quantity PLD of the laser beam may be monitored while continuously increasing the current command value I. When the light amount PLD of the laser light becomes equal to the reference light amount value In0 of the laser light corresponding to each dimming command value dimn, the current command value I at that time is set as the current command value In corresponding to each dimming command value dimn. You should rewrite sequentially.

  Next, the control flow in the lighting state (step S7) shown in FIG. 5 will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, when the level of the illumination knob 9c of the operation unit 9 is changed in the lighting state, the dimming command value dimn corresponding to the control unit 8 is output from the operation unit 9, and the control unit 8 The optical command value dimn is received (FIG. 10: Step S21). Next, the controller 8 confirms whether or not the received dimming command value dimn is between a pre-recorded minimum dimming command value dim (min) and a maximum dimming command value dim (max) (FIG. 10: Step S22). Here, if the dimming command value dimn is smaller than the minimum dimming command value dim (min) or larger than the maximum dimming command value dim (max) for some reason, there is an error in the received signal. (FIG. 10: step S27), the process proceeds to step S5 shown in FIG.

  When the dimming command value dimn is not less than the minimum dimming command value dim (min) and not more than the maximum dimming command value dim (max), the current command value corresponding to the dimming command value dimn from the table T In is read (FIG. 10: step S23). Next, the control unit 8 reads the lower limit current value Imin and checks whether the current command value In is equal to or higher than the lower limit current value Imin (FIG. 10: step S24). If the current command value In is smaller than the lower limit current value Imin for some reason, the current command value In is set to the lower limit current value Imin (FIG. 10: Step S24a), and the set current command value In is sent to the light source drive unit 7. Output (FIG. 10: Step S26). When the current command value In is equal to or greater than the lower limit current value Imin, the control unit 8 reads the upper limit current value Imax and checks whether the current command value In is equal to or less than the upper limit current value Imax (FIG. 10: Step S25). . When the current command value In is larger than the upper limit current value Imax for some reason, the current command value In is set to the upper limit current value Imax (FIG. 10: Step S25a), and the set current command value In is set to the light source driving unit 7. (FIG. 10: Step S26). If the current command value In is equal to or lower than the upper limit current value Imax, the current command value In is output to the light source driving unit 7 (FIG. 10: Step S26).

  That is, when the current command value In is in the range from the lower limit current value Imin to the upper limit current value Imax, the current value command value In is output, and is outside the range from the lower limit current value Imin to the upper limit current value Imax. In this case, the lower limit current value Imin or the upper limit current value Imax is reset and the current command value In is output. Then, a current is supplied from the light source driver 7 to the laser diode 6a with a current amount corresponding to the output current command value In, and laser light is emitted from the laser diode 6a. Here, since the table T is rewritten by performing calibration as described above, the current corresponding to the current command value In is supplied, whereby the reference light amount value PLDn corresponding to the dimming command value dimn. It is possible to emit laser light with a light amount PLD substantially equal to. For this reason, when the illumination light guide 6b and the fluorescent member 6c are in a good state, illumination light having a light amount corresponding to the light amount PLD of the laser light is emitted from the fluorescent member 6c to illuminate the subject. it can.

  Next, details of a control flow for monitoring the illumination means 6 in the lighting state shown in step S8 of FIG. 5 will be described based on FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 8 includes a light amount PLD of the laser light detected by the input side light detection unit 11 of the light detection unit 10, a first light sensor 12 a of the output side light detection unit 12, and The respective light amounts PFL and PFO of the illumination light detected by the second optical sensor 12b are input (FIG. 11: Step S31), and the control unit 8 monitors each detection result. That is, the control unit 8 reads the recorded allowable value ΔPLD, and determines whether or not the detected light amount PLD of the laser light is in the range of + ΔPLD to −ΔPLD with respect to the current reference light amount value PLDn. This is performed (FIG. 11: Step S32). If it is outside the range of + ΔPLD to −ΔPLD, it is determined that there is an abnormality (FIG. 11: step S35), and the process proceeds to step S5 shown in FIG. As such a case, it is conceivable that the laser diode 6a is deteriorated or damaged after the calibration, or the light source driving unit 7 is damaged.

  Next, when the laser light quantity PLD is within the range of + ΔPLD to −ΔPLD, the graph M shown in FIG. 3 is read, and the laser light quantity PLD and the wavelength of the illumination light, which is substantially equal to the laser light. It is determined whether or not the relationship with the light quantity PFL is within the range M4 (FIG. 11: Step S33). And when it is outside the range M4, it judges that it is abnormal (FIG. 11: step S35), and transfers to step S5 shown in FIG. In such a case, when the upper limit line M2 is exceeded, the fluorescent member 6c is damaged and part of the laser light guided by the illumination light guide 6b is transmitted and leaks directly to the outside. For example, the first optical sensor 12a of the output side light detection unit 12 may directly detect the laser light. If the lower limit line M3 is exceeded, the illumination light guide 6b is broken and part or all of the laser beam does not reach the fluorescent member 6c, and in particular, the amount of light having the same wavelength as the laser beam is present. The case where it has fallen is considered. Alternatively, a case may be considered in which illumination light is suitably emitted from the fluorescent member 6c, but detection is not accurately performed due to damage to the detection light guide 13.

  Next, when it is within the range M4 in the graph M, the graph N shown in FIG. 4 is read, and the relationship between the light amount PLD of the laser light and the light amount PFO of the illumination light having a wavelength other than the wavelength of the laser light. Is within the range N4 (FIG. 11: step S34). If it is outside the range N4, it is determined as abnormal (FIG. 11: Step S35), and the process proceeds to Step S5 shown in FIG. As such a case, when the upper limit line N2 is exceeded, the fluorescent member 6c is damaged and the output of the illumination light is increased. In addition, when the lower limit line N3 is exceeded, there may be a case where the fluorescent member 6c is damaged and the excitation by the laser beam is not suitably performed and the output of the illumination light is reduced. Alternatively, a case may be considered in which illumination light is suitably emitted from the fluorescent member 6c, but detection is not accurately performed due to damage to the detection light guide 13. If the lower limit line M3 is exceeded in the graph M shown in FIG. 3 and the lower limit line N3 is exceeded in the graph N shown in FIG. 4, it is determined that the detection light guide 13 is likely to be damaged. can do. On the other hand, if it is within the range N4 in the graph N, it is determined that neither the laser light nor the illumination light is abnormal, and the process proceeds to step S7 shown in FIG. 5 again to maintain the lighting state. The control flow shown in FIG.

  As described above, the light amount PLD of the laser light emitted from the laser diode 6a and the light amount PFL of the illumination light emitted from the fluorescent member 6c by the input side light detection unit 11 and the output side light detection unit 12 during lighting. The PFO can be monitored quantitatively, and the subject can be illuminated with illumination light emitted from the fluorescent member 6c while maintaining a stable light amount automatically by the control unit 8 at normal times.

  In this embodiment, the control unit 8 monitors both the light quantity PLD of the laser beam on the input side and the light quantities PFL and PFO of the illumination light on the output side, and the relationship between the two is outside the preset range. Check whether or not. For this reason, when there is an abnormality, the control unit 8 can grasp the occurrence of the abnormality more reliably, and whether there is a cause in the input side, that is, the laser diode 6a, or in the output side, that is, the fluorescent member 6c. Therefore, it can be identified more accurately and in detail whether there is a cause in the illumination light guide 6b positioned in the middle or in the detection light guide 13 on the detection side. Further, when there is an abnormality, the control unit 8 automatically stops the supply of current to the laser diode 6a based on the detection result, so that the laser light or the illumination light has a large amount of light depending on the cause. In addition, it is possible to prevent the laser light from being transmitted to the outside through the fluorescent member 6c. In particular, in the light detection means 10, the output-side light detection unit 12 includes a first light sensor 12 a and a second light sensor 12 b that have a wavelength substantially equal to the laser light, other wavelengths, and a plurality of wavelength regions. Since the amount of illumination light is detected separately, the cause of the abnormality can be specified more accurately and in detail.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail with reference to drawings, the concrete structure is not restricted to this embodiment, The design change etc. of the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention are included.

  In the illumination means 6, the laser diode 6a is incorporated in the apparatus main body 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be provided inside the insertion portion 2 as long as it is mounted so as to be able to irradiate the fluorescent member 6c on the distal end side with laser light emitted from itself. In addition, a soft optical fiber is used for the illumination light guide 6b. However, the light guide 6b is not limited to this. If the insertion portion 2 is not curved and deformed as in the rigid type, a rigid rod is used. A lens or the like may be used. The same applies to the detection light guide 13 of the light detection means 10. In addition, the fluorescent member 6c is provided at the distal end of the insertion portion 2, but is not limited thereto. For example, the illumination light may be guided to the distal end side by a light guide provided at an intermediate position of the insertion portion 2 and disposed on the distal end side of the fluorescent member 6c.

  Moreover, in the light detection means 10, although the input side light detection part 11 shall be provided in the base end outer peripheral surface of the light guide 6b for illumination, it is not restricted to this. For example, it may be a type built in the laser diode 6a. Alternatively, the illumination light guide 6b may be branched at the proximal end and connected to one of the branched branches. Or it is good also as what is provided in the front-end | tip of the light guide 6b for illumination. Furthermore, it is good also as what is provided in multiple places, such as the base end and front-end | tip of the illumination light guide 6b. In this case, there is an advantage that the abnormality of the illumination light guide 6b can be detected more suitably by detecting both the input and output sides of the illumination light guide 6b.

  Further, in the light detection means 10, the output side light detection unit 12 is built in the apparatus main body 3 and detects the illumination light guided by the detection light guide 13, but is not limited thereto. Not. For example, it is good also as what is provided in the front end side of the fluorescent member 6c in the front-end | tip of the insertion part 2, and detects the illumination light inject | emitted from the fluorescent member 6c directly. However, the diameter of the insertion portion 2 can be reduced by guiding the illumination light to the base end side by the detection light guide 13 and detecting it inside the apparatus main body portion 3. Moreover, although the output side light detection part 12 shall be comprised with the 1st optical sensor 12a and the 2nd optical sensor 12b, it is not restricted to this. For example, the light amount may be detected for a predetermined wavelength region or all wavelengths by one optical sensor. Further, the wavelength region of the illumination light may be further subdivided and detected by a large number of optical sensors. By doing in this way, the state of illumination light can be detected in more detail.

  Further, the light detection means 10 includes the input side light detection unit 11 and the output side light detection unit 12, but is not limited thereto, and may include only one of them. . The relationship between the laser light quantity PLD and the illumination light quantities PFL and PFO is monitored based on the graphs M and N shown in FIGS. However, it is not limited to this. Only one of the illumination light amounts PFL and PFO may be monitored, and it is not a relative relationship, but simply one of the laser light amount PLD or the illumination light amounts PFL and PFO. It is good also as what monitors only. However, by detecting the input-side light amount and the output-side light amount and monitoring them with the graphs M and N shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 as described above, both can be comprehensively evaluated and the light amount can be set. Further, when there is an abnormality, the cause can be specified accurately and in detail.

  Further, as described above, at the time of preparation for lighting (FIG. 5: step S6, FIG. 6), the control unit 8 uses the table T as a reference for the reference light amount value PDLn of the laser light corresponding to the dimming command value dimn. However, the current command value is adjusted, but the present invention is not limited to this. The amount of illumination light may be used as a reference (reference light amount value), or the amount of light in a specific wavelength region of illumination light may be used as a reference. Further, as described above, the table T is a table associated with the dimming command value dimn, but is not limited thereto. It may be simply a graph in which the current command value I (current amount) is related to the amount of laser light or illumination light, and the correlation of the graph may be corrected by calibration. Further, the control unit 8 calibrates the table T at the time of lighting preparation. However, the control unit 8 is not limited to this. The control unit 8 simply adjusts the illumination knob 9c of the operation unit 9 by gradually increasing the current command value I. It is good also as what sets so that it may become the light quantity of the laser beam or illumination light corresponding to a position.

  Moreover, at the time of lighting as described above (FIG. 5: Steps S7, S8, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11), the control unit 8 uses the table T to output the current command value In corresponding to the input dimn. In response to this, laser light or illumination light is irradiated with a corresponding light amount, and if the light amount is within an allowable value with respect to the reference light amount value, the light amount is not changed. No. For example, while outputting the current command value In, feedback control is performed by the detected light amounts PLD, PFL, and PFO of the laser light and illumination light, and the current command value In is always adjusted so as to be substantially equal to the reference light amount value. It is good as a thing.

  Moreover, the relationship between the laser light quantity PLD and the illumination light quantities PFL and PFO is monitored based on the graphs M and N shown in FIGS. However, it is not limited to this. Only one of the illumination light quantities PFL and PFO may be monitored. However, by monitoring with the graphs M and N shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 as described above, the illumination light can be evaluated in more detail and the light quantity can be set. The cause can be identified in detail.

  Further, the endoscope apparatus 1 includes the illumination unit 6 and is configured to irradiate illumination light. The light detection unit 10 detects at least one light amount of the laser light or the illumination light, and the control unit 8 detects the light amount. While the amount of current supplied to the laser diode 6a is gradually increased while monitoring the amount of emitted light, the amount of laser light or illumination light is set. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as means for irradiating the subject with laser light, a light source unit that emits laser light and a light guide that is disposed in the insertion unit 2 and guides the laser light from the light source unit to the distal end side of the insertion unit 2 The present invention can also be applied to an endoscope apparatus provided. Alternatively, it can be applied as means for irradiating a subject with ultraviolet light instead of laser light. That is, in these endoscope apparatuses, the light source unit detects the laser beam (ultraviolet light) by at least one of the distal end side and the proximal end side of the light guide by the light detection unit, and monitors the light amount detected by the control unit. The amount of laser light (ultraviolet light) is set by gradually increasing the amount of current supplied to. Thus, when the light source unit is driven to start irradiating the subject with laser light (ultraviolet light), even if there is an abnormality, a large amount of laser light (ultraviolet light) is suddenly irradiated to the outside. Can be prevented.

1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an endoscope apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a table showing a table recorded in a control unit in the endoscope apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of laser light recorded in a control unit and the amount of light having a wavelength substantially equal to the wavelength of laser light in illumination light in the endoscope apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the light amount of a laser recorded in a control unit and the light amount of a wavelength other than the wavelength of the laser light in the illumination light in the endoscope apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the whole control by a control part in the endoscope apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the calibration in lighting preparation among the control by a control part in the endoscope apparatus of embodiment of this invention. In the endoscope apparatus of embodiment of this invention, (a) At the time of calibration, it is a graph which shows the relationship between time and an electric current command value, (b) It is a graph which shows the relationship between time and the light quantity of a laser beam. In the endoscope apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, (a) a graph showing the relationship between time and current command value when the current command value becomes the upper limit current value by calibration, (b) time and laser light It is a graph which shows the relationship with a light quantity. In the endoscope apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, as a modification of the control of the control unit, (a) a graph showing the relationship between time and current command value during calibration, (b) time and the amount of laser light It is a graph which shows the relationship. In the endoscope apparatus of embodiment of this invention, it is a flowchart which shows the detail of control of the illumination in lighting during control by a control part. In the endoscope apparatus of embodiment of this invention, it is a flowchart which shows the detail of the monitoring of the light quantity in lighting during control by a control part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Endoscope apparatus 1a Illuminating device 2 Insertion part 6a Light source part 6b Illumination light guide 6c Fluorescent member 7 Light source drive part 8 Control part 10 Light detection means 11 Input side light detection part 12 Output side light detection part 12a First light Sensor (light sensor)
12b Second optical sensor (optical sensor)
13 Light guide for detection I, In Current command value (current amount)
Imax Upper limit current value PLD Light quantity of the laser beam (light quantity on the input side)
PFL, PFO Illumination light intensity (output-side light intensity)
PLDn Reference light intensity value M, N graph (Relation between input light intensity and output light intensity)
M4, N4 range T table

Claims (11)

An illumination device that illuminates the interior of the subject with an insertion portion that is inserted into the subject,
A light source unit that is provided on the base end side of the insertion unit and emits laser light in accordance with a supplied current;
A light source driving unit for supplying current to the light source unit;
An illumination light guide disposed from the proximal end side to the distal end side of the insertion portion and guiding the laser light from the light source portion to the distal end side;
A fluorescent member that is provided at the tip of the illumination light guide and emits illumination light using the laser light as excitation light;
A light detecting means for detecting a light amount of at least one of the laser light or the illumination light;
A control unit for controlling the light source driving unit based on the detected light amount,
When starting the emission of the illumination light from the fluorescent member, the control unit gradually increases the amount of current supplied to the light source unit while monitoring the amount of light detected by the light detection unit, and the laser light Or the illuminating device characterized by setting the light quantity of the said illumination light. The lighting device according to claim 1.
The control unit, when starting emission of the illumination light from the fluorescent member, causes the light detection means to detect the light amount while gradually increasing the amount of current supplied to the light source unit, and thereby the current amount and the light amount. A table representing the relationship between the current and the current amount is determined in advance, and the current amount is determined based on the table after the table is created. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2,
In the control unit, a reference light amount value of the light amount detected by the light detection unit and an upper limit current value of the current amount supplied to the light source unit are set in advance and detected by the light detection unit. The lighting device is characterized in that, when the current amount reaches the upper limit current value before the light amount reaches the reference light amount value, the supply of current to the light source unit is stopped. In the illuminating device in any one of Claims 1-3,
The light detection means includes an output side light detection unit that detects an output side light amount that is a light amount of the illumination light,
The said control part sets the light quantity of the said illumination light, monitoring the said output side light quantity, The illuminating device characterized by the above-mentioned. The lighting device according to claim 4.
The output-side light detection unit of the light detection unit includes a first optical sensor that detects, as the output-side light amount, a light amount having a wavelength substantially equal to the laser light emitted from the light source unit in the illumination light. A lighting device characterized by that. In the illuminating device of Claim 4 or Claim 5,
The output-side light detection unit of the light detection unit includes a second optical sensor that detects a light amount of a wavelength other than the wavelength of the laser beam emitted from the light source unit, as the output-side light amount. A lighting device comprising: In the illuminating device in any one of Claims 1-6,
The light detection means includes an input side light detection unit that detects an input side light amount that is a light amount of the laser light,
The said control part sets the light quantity of the said illumination light, monitoring the said input side light quantity, The illuminating device characterized by the above-mentioned. In the illuminating device in any one of Claims 1-3,
The light detection means includes an input-side light detection unit that detects an input-side light amount that is the light amount of the laser light, and an output-side light detection unit that detects an output-side light amount that is the light amount of the illumination light,
The control unit monitors the relationship between the input-side light amount and the output-side light amount when starting emission of the illumination light from the fluorescent member, and when the relationship falls outside a preset range. Stops the supply of current to the light source unit. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
An endoscope apparatus comprising: an observation unit that is provided at a distal end of the insertion portion and observes the inside of the subject. An endoscope apparatus for observing the inside of a subject having an insertion portion inserted into the subject,
A light source unit that is provided on the base end side of the insertion unit and emits laser light in accordance with a supplied current;
A light source driving unit for supplying current to the light source unit;
A light guide disposed from the proximal end side to the distal end side of the insertion portion and guiding the laser light from the light source portion to the distal end side;
A light detection means for detecting the amount of laser light at least on one of the front end side and the base end side of the light guide;
A control unit for controlling the light source driving unit based on the detected light amount,
The controller sets the light quantity of the laser light by gradually increasing the amount of current supplied to the light source part while monitoring the light quantity detected by the light detection means when driving the light source part. Endoscopic device characterized. An endoscope apparatus for observing the inside of a subject having an insertion portion inserted into the subject,
A light source unit that is provided on the base end side of the insertion unit and emits ultraviolet light according to a supplied current;
A light source driving unit for supplying current to the light source unit;
A light guide disposed from the proximal end side to the distal end side of the insertion portion and guiding the ultraviolet light from the light source portion to the distal end side;
A light detecting means for detecting the amount of ultraviolet light on at least one of the distal end side and the proximal end side of the light guide;
A control unit for controlling the light source driving unit based on the detected light amount,
The controller sets the light quantity of the ultraviolet light by gradually increasing the amount of current supplied to the light source part while monitoring the light quantity detected by the light detection means when driving the light source part. Endoscopic device characterized.

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