JP6360788B2 - Endoscope storage - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an endoscope vault for storing an endoscope apparatus.

  Endoscopic devices that have been sterilized are stored in an endoscope storage when not in use. For such an endoscope storage, for example, Patent Document 1 has been proposed. The endoscope storage of Patent Document 1 measures a period after the endoscope apparatus is stored, and notifies whether or not this period is within a period in which the safety of the device can be ensured. In addition, the endoscope storage of Patent Literature 1 compares the stored image of the endoscope apparatus with the external image of the endoscope apparatus in a normal state stored in advance. It is determined whether or not the appearance of the endoscope apparatus is normal.

JP 2008-54861 A

  Endoscopic devices are usually sent for repair when a failure is discovered. Here, even if it is not a failure, it is desirable to perform maintenance of the endoscope apparatus when the function of the endoscope apparatus is deteriorated. However, it is difficult to discriminate such functional deterioration only from the appearance of the endoscope apparatus. In addition, the endoscope apparatus is stored in a storage until it is necessary for a user (doctor, nurse, engineer, etc.). Therefore, for the endoscope apparatus stored in the endoscope storage, the timing that requires maintenance is easily overlooked. In addition, it is not preferable to provide a mechanism for checking the deterioration of function in the endoscope apparatus itself because it leads to an increase in the size of the endoscope apparatus.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an endoscope storage capable of collecting information necessary for checking a deterioration in function of a stored endoscope apparatus. For the purpose.

In order to achieve the above object, an endoscope storage according to the first aspect of the present invention holds an endoscope apparatus including a bending portion and an operation portion for bending the bending portion, and performs the operation. An endoscope holding part having a mechanism for operating the part, and a bending amount of the bending part when the operation part of the held endoscope apparatus is bent by the mechanism. And an information collecting unit that collects as function information for generating maintenance information indicating a function deterioration.

In order to achieve the above object, an endoscope storage according to a second aspect of the present invention holds an endoscope device including a bending portion and an operation portion for bending the bending portion, and performs the operation. An operation amount of the operation unit until the bending unit is bent by the operation of the operation unit of the endoscope apparatus being held by the mechanism. And an information collection unit that collects the play amount of the operation unit as function information for generating maintenance information indicating a decrease in the function of the endoscope apparatus.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the endoscope storage store | warehouse | chamber which can collect information required in order to check the function deterioration of the stored endoscope apparatus can be provided.

It is a figure showing composition of an endoscope management system concerning each embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the endoscope management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an endoscope management system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an endoscope management system according to the third embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope management system according to each embodiment of the present invention. The endoscope management system 1 includes an endoscope storage 100 and a server 200. The endoscope storage 100 and the server 200 are communicatively connected via a network 300. The network 300 is, for example, a wired LAN line or a wireless LAN line. The endoscope storage 100 and the server 200 are provided in a hospital, for example. However, the endoscope storage 100 and the server 200 are not necessarily provided in the same facility. Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 1, one endoscope storage 100 is connected to the server 200. However, a plurality of endoscope storages 100 may be connected to the server 200.

  The endoscope storage unit 100 includes an endoscope holding unit 102, an information collecting unit 104, an information recording unit 106, an information determining unit 108, a display unit 110, and an information communication unit 112.

  The endoscope holding unit 102 is a part for holding the endoscope apparatus inside the endoscope storage 100. The endoscope holding unit 102 is configured as a suspension unit for suspending the endoscope apparatus, for example.

  The information collecting unit 104 collects function information from the endoscope apparatus held in the endoscope holding unit 102. The function information is information used to generate maintenance information that is information indicating a decrease in the function of the endoscope apparatus, and includes a bending amount, a play amount, an air supply amount, a water supply amount, and an image quality. The bending amount is a bending amount (bending angle) of the bending portion when a certain amount of operation amount is given to the operation portion for operating the bending portion of the endoscope apparatus. The play amount is an operation amount of the operation unit that causes the bending portion to bend. The air supply amount is a flow rate of gas sent from the insertion portion of the endoscope apparatus when air is supplied from the air supply apparatus to the endoscope apparatus. The water supply amount is a flow rate of the liquid sent from the insertion portion of the endoscope apparatus when water is supplied from the water supply apparatus to the endoscope apparatus. A method for collecting these function information will be described in detail later.

  The information recording unit 106 is a recording unit for recording the function information collected by the information collecting unit 104 and the maintenance information generated by the information determining unit 108.

  The information determination unit 108 generates maintenance information based on the function information collected by the information collection unit 104. The maintenance information is information indicating the degree of functional deterioration of the endoscope apparatus or information indicating the necessity of maintenance. The maintenance information is generated, for example, by comparing the function information with a predetermined threshold value indicating the functional deterioration of the endoscope apparatus. Details will be described later.

  Based on the maintenance information generated by the information determination unit 108, the display unit 110 displays information indicating the degree of functional deterioration of the endoscope apparatus or information indicating the necessity of maintenance. For example, the display unit 110 is an LED, and is configured to light an LED of a different color according to the amount of function reduction of the endoscope apparatus. Further, for example, the display unit 110 is configured to turn on the LED when there is a need for maintenance of the endoscope apparatus.

  The information communication unit 112 communicates with the server 200 via the network 300. For example, the information communication unit 112 transmits the function information collected by the information collection unit 104 to the server 200 via the network 300. In addition, the information communication unit 112 receives maintenance information from the server 200 via the network 300.

  The server 200 includes an information recording unit 202, an information determination unit 204, an information communication unit 206, and a display unit 208.

  The information recording unit 202 is a recording unit for recording the function information transmitted via the information communication unit 112 and the maintenance information for each endoscope apparatus generated by the information determination unit 204. The information recording unit 202 may be provided as a separate body from the server 200 or may be provided in a facility different from the server 200 that can communicate via the network 300.

  The information determination unit 204 generates maintenance information based on the function information recorded in the information recording unit 202.

  The information communication unit 206 communicates with the endoscope storage 100 via the network 300. For example, the information communication unit 206 receives function information from the endoscope storage 100 via the network 300. In addition, the information communication unit 206 transmits the maintenance information generated by the information determination unit 204 to the endoscope storage 100 via the network 300.

  Based on the maintenance information generated by the information determination unit 204, the display unit 208 displays information indicating the degree of functional deterioration of the endoscope apparatus or information indicating the necessity of maintenance. For example, the display unit 208 is an LCD, and is configured to display character information indicating the degree of functional deterioration of the endoscope apparatus. Further, for example, the display unit 208 is configured to display character information indicating that when there is a need for maintenance of the endoscope apparatus.

[First Embodiment]
Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the endoscope management system according to the first embodiment. 2 that are the same as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. The description of the same configuration as in FIG. 1 is omitted.

  The endoscope storage 100 in the present embodiment includes a box-shaped main body 100a and a door 100b attached to the main body 100a. The main body 100a houses the endoscope device 400 therein. 2A is a diagram showing an endoscope management system before the endoscope apparatus 400 is stored in the endoscope storage 100. FIG. FIG. 2B is a diagram showing the endoscope management system after the endoscope apparatus 400 is stored in the endoscope storage 100.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the endoscope apparatus 400 has an elongated shape configured to be inserted into, for example, a lumen of a living body, and includes an insertion portion 402 including an imaging element at the tip. Yes. The insertion part 402 mainly has a hard part and a curved part. The hard part is a non-curved part formed at the distal end position of the insertion part 402. The bending portion is a portion that bends in the insertion portion 402, and includes a portion that bends actively according to the operation of the operation unit 404 by the user and a portion that bends passively by an external force. The operation unit 404 includes an angle knob 404a operated by a user. The angle knob 404a is rotated by the user. In accordance with the rotation of the angle knob 404a, the actively curved portion of the bending portion is bent.

  In addition, the main body 100a of the endoscope storage 100 includes a knob rotation unit 102a and a suspension unit 102b as an example of an endoscope holding unit 102, a camera 104a as an example of an information collection unit 104, an information communication unit 112, and the like. have.

  The knob rotation unit 102a is a mechanism that has an opening having the same shape as the angle knob 404a provided in the endoscope apparatus 400 and is configured to be rotatable. The knob rotating portion 102a is configured to rotate at a constant angle at a constant speed, for example, when the door 100b is closed. Therefore, the knob rotating portion 102a rotates the angle knob 404a by rotating in a state where the angle knob 404a is fitted in the opening. Note that the rotation amount of the knob rotating unit 102a is, for example, 180 degrees. However, the rotation amount of the knob rotating portion 102a is not necessarily 180 degrees.

  The suspension part 102b holds the endoscope apparatus 400 inside the endoscope storage 100 when the endoscope apparatus 400 is suspended.

  The camera 104a is provided at a position where the insertion unit 402 can be imaged. The camera 104a has an image sensor and captures an image of the insertion unit 402 of the endoscope apparatus 400 as function information.

  Next, the operation of the endoscope management system according to this embodiment will be described. After the user finishes using the endoscope apparatus 400, the user cleans and sterilizes the endoscope apparatus 400. Thereafter, the user suspends the operation unit 404 of the endoscope apparatus 400 while fitting the angle knob 404a of the endoscope apparatus 400 into the knob rotating unit 102a provided inside the main body 100a of the endoscope storage 100. The endoscope apparatus 400 is set in the endoscope storage 100 by suspending it on 102b. Thereafter, the user closes the door 100b as shown in FIG. Thereby, the endoscope apparatus 400 is accommodated in the endoscope storage 100.

  When the door 100b of the endoscope storage 100 is closed, the knob rotating unit 102a rotates, for example, 180 degrees. As the knob rotating portion 102a rotates, the angle knob 404a also rotates, and the bending portion of the insertion portion 402 bends according to the rotation of the angle knob 404a.

  Further, when the door 100b of the endoscope storage 100 is closed, that is, when the rotation of the knob rotation unit 102a is started, the camera 104a starts capturing an image of the insertion unit 402 as function information. And the camera 104a complete | finishes the imaging of the image of the insertion part 402, when rotation of the knob rotation part 102a is complete | finished.

  After completion of imaging by the camera 104a, the information communication unit 112 transmits an image obtained by the camera 104a to the server 200 as function information.

  The image of the insertion unit 402 as function information transmitted from the endoscope storage 100 is received via the information communication unit 206 of the server 200. The image of the insertion unit 402 received via the information communication unit 206 is recorded in the information recording unit 202. Thereafter, the information determination unit 204 reads the image of the insertion unit 402 from the information recording unit 202, and generates maintenance information regarding the bending amount and the play amount from the read image.

  When generating maintenance information related to the bending amount, the information determination unit 204 calculates the bending amount of the insertion unit 402 by image analysis. The calculation of the bending amount by image analysis is performed, for example, by comparing the image of the insertion unit 402 in a suspended state with the image of the insertion unit 402 in a bending state as function information. After calculating the bending amount of the insertion unit 402, the information determination unit 204 calculates the bending amount of the insertion unit 402 and the original insertion unit 402 when the angle knob 404a is rotated by a predetermined amount (180 degrees in the example). It is determined whether or not the difference from the bending amount is an allowable value or less.

  Further, when generating maintenance information regarding the play amount, the information determination unit 204 calculates the play amount of the insertion unit 402 by image analysis. The play amount is calculated by image analysis, for example, by measuring the time from the start of image capturing to the start of bending of the insertion unit 402 (corresponding to the amount of rotation of the angle knob 404a). After calculating the play amount of the insertion unit 402, the information determination unit 204 determines whether the difference between the calculated play amount of the insertion unit 402 and the play amount of the original insertion unit 402 is equal to or less than an allowable value.

  As a result of these determinations, when both the difference in bending amount and the difference in play amount are equal to or less than the allowable values, the information determination unit 204 generates maintenance information indicating that the bending function of the insertion unit 402 is not deteriorated. On the other hand, when at least one of the difference in bending amount and the difference in play amount of the insertion unit 402 exceeds the allowable value, the information determination unit 204 displays maintenance information indicating that the bending function of the insertion unit 402 is degraded. Generate. Note that the information determination unit 204 may also generate maintenance information indicating that the function degradation of the insertion unit 402 and the angle knob 404a has occurred and the degree of function degradation (the magnitude of the difference). . Furthermore, when the difference is very large, the information determination unit 204 may generate information indicating that a failure has occurred in the endoscope apparatus 400 as maintenance information.

  Maintenance information generated by the information determination unit 204 is recorded in the information recording unit 202. Further, display is performed on the display unit 208 based on the maintenance information generated by the information determination unit 204. From the information displayed on the display unit 208, the user can know whether the endoscope apparatus stored in the endoscope storage 100 needs to be maintained.

  As described above, in the endoscope storage 100 of the present embodiment, functional information of the endoscope apparatus 400 is collected only by the user setting the endoscope apparatus 400 in the endoscope storage 100. Thereby, it is possible to check whether the bending function of the insertion section 402 of the endoscope apparatus 400 is lowered and the function of the operation section 404 is lowered without enlarging the endoscope apparatus 400 itself.

  In addition, by transmitting the function information collected in the endoscope storage 100 to the server 200, particularly when there are a plurality of endoscope storages 100, the endoscopes stored in the individual endoscope storages 100 are displayed. The mirror device 400 can be centrally managed.

  Here, the endoscope storage 100 of the present embodiment is an example that does not include the information recording unit 106, the information determination unit 108, and the display unit 110. However, the endoscope storage 100 of the present embodiment may include the information recording unit 106, the information determination unit 108, and the display unit 110. In this case, an image as functional information obtained by the camera 104 a is recorded in the information recording unit 106 of the endoscope storage 100. Then, the information determination unit 108 generates maintenance information as in the case of the server 200. Display is performed on the display unit 110 based on the maintenance information.

  In addition, the endoscope storage 100 of the present embodiment collects function information for obtaining a bending amount or a play amount by the camera 104a. On the other hand, the function information for obtaining the bending amount or the play amount may be collected by a method other than the camera 104a. For example, the function information may be collected by a plurality of light-shielding photo interrupters instead of the camera 104a. In this case, the photo interrupter is arranged at a position where light is sequentially shielded according to the curvature of the insertion portion 402. Then, the amount of bending is calculated by counting the number of photo interrupters shielded by the bending of the insertion portion 402. Also, the play amount is calculated by measuring the time until the first photo interrupter is shielded from light.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an endoscope management system according to the second embodiment. 3 that are the same as those in FIG. 1 or 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. The description of the same configuration as in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 is omitted.

  The endoscope storage 100 in this embodiment also has a box-shaped main body 100a and a door 100b attached to the main body 100a, and the endoscope device 400 is accommodated inside the main body 100a. FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an endoscope management system before the endoscope apparatus 400 is stored in the endoscope storage 100. FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an endoscope management system after the endoscope apparatus 400 is stored in the endoscope storage 100.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the endoscope apparatus 400 in the present embodiment is configured so that an air / water supply apparatus connection section 500 can be connected to the operation section 404. The air / water supply device connecting portion 500 has a hollow body having a substantially cylindrical shape. An air supply pipe 502 for supplying air, a water supply base 504 for supplying water, and a conduit 506 are formed in the main body. The gas sent from the air supply pipe 502 or the liquid sent from the water supply base 504 flows into the conduit 506.

  In addition, the main body 100a of the endoscope storage 100 according to the present embodiment includes a suspension unit 102b as the endoscope holding unit 102, an air / water supply device 104b as an example of the information collection unit 104, and an air supply pipe connection unit. 104c, a water supply base connection part 104e, a flow meter 104f, and an insertion part connection part 104h.

  The air / water supply device 104b has an air supply pump that sends out gas (for example, air) through the air supply pipe connection 104c and a water supply pump that sends out liquid (for example, water) through the water supply connection 104e. doing. The air supply pipe connection part 104c is a connection part for connecting the air supply pipe 502 and the air supply / water supply apparatus 104b. The water supply base connection part 104e is a connection part for connecting the water supply base 504 and the air / water supply device 104b.

  The flow meter 104f measures the flow rate of gas or liquid that flows in from the insertion portion 402 via the insertion portion connection portion 104h. The insertion portion connection portion 104h is a connection portion for connecting the insertion portion 402 and the insertion portion connection portion 104h.

  Next, the operation of the endoscope management system according to this embodiment will be described. After the user finishes using the endoscope apparatus 400, the user cleans and sterilizes the endoscope apparatus 400. Thereafter, the user connects the insertion section 402 of the endoscope apparatus 400 to the insertion section connection section 104h of the endoscope storage 100, and connects the pipe 506 of the air / water supply apparatus connection section 500 to the endoscope apparatus 400. Further, the operation unit 404 of the endoscope apparatus 400 is suspended from the suspension unit 102b in a state where the air supply pipe 502 is connected to the air supply pipe connection unit 104c and the water supply base 504 is connected to the water supply base connection unit 104e. By doing so, the endoscope apparatus 400 is set in the endoscope storage 100. Thereafter, the user closes the door 100b as shown in FIG. Thereby, the endoscope apparatus 400 is accommodated in the endoscope storage 100.

  When the door 100b of the endoscope storage 100 is closed, gas or liquid is sent out from the air / water supply device 104b. When the gas is sent out from the air / water supply device 104b, the gas flows into the air supply pipe 502 through the air supply pipe connecting portion 104c, and is further sent out from the insertion portion 402 of the endoscope device 400 through the conduit 506. The Similarly, when a liquid is delivered from the air / water supply device 104b, the liquid flows into the water supply base 504 through the water supply base connection portion 104e, and further passes through the conduit 506 to the insertion portion 402 of the endoscope device 400. Is sent from.

  Further, when the door 100b of the endoscope storage 100 is closed, that is, when the gas or liquid delivery from the air / water supply device 104b is started, the flow meter 104f connects the insertion portion connection portion 104h from the insertion portion 402. The flow rate of the gas or liquid flowing in through is measured.

  After the air supply or water supply from the air / water supply device 104b is completed, the information communication unit 112 transmits the flow rate information obtained by the flow meter 104f to the server 200 as function information.

  Flow rate information as function information transmitted from the endoscope storage 100 is received via the information communication unit 206 of the server 200. Information on the flow rate of the insertion unit 402 received via the information communication unit 206 is recorded in the information recording unit 202. Thereafter, the information determination unit 204 reads flow rate information from the information recording unit 202 and generates maintenance information related to the flow rate from the read information.

  When generating the maintenance information regarding the flow rate, the information determination unit 204 determines whether the difference between the flow rate read from the information recording unit 202 and the flow rate to be measured by the flow meter 104f is equal to or less than an allowable value.

  As a result of this determination, when the flow rate difference is equal to or smaller than the allowable value, the information determination unit 204 generates maintenance information indicating that the function of the insertion unit 402 is not deteriorated. On the other hand, when the flow rate difference exceeds the allowable value, the information determination unit 204 generates maintenance information indicating that the function of the insertion unit 402 is degraded. Note that the information determination unit 204 may also generate maintenance information indicating the degree of function deterioration (the magnitude of the difference). Furthermore, when the difference is very large, the information determination unit 204 may generate information indicating that a failure has occurred in the endoscope apparatus 400 as maintenance information.

  Maintenance information generated by the information determination unit 204 is recorded in the information recording unit 202. Further, display is performed on the display unit 208 based on the maintenance information generated by the information determination unit 204. From the information displayed on the display unit 208, the user can know whether the endoscope apparatus stored in the endoscope storage 100 needs to be maintained.

  As described above, in the endoscope storage 100 of the present embodiment, functional information of the endoscope apparatus 400 is collected only by the user setting the endoscope apparatus 400 in the endoscope storage 100. Thereby, without enlarging the endoscope apparatus 400 itself, for example, the function deterioration of the insertion section 402 of the endoscope apparatus 400 is checked, such as blocking of the insertion section 402 or a hole in the insertion section 402. be able to.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, the function information collected in the endoscope storage 100 is transmitted to the server 200, so that each of the endoscopes can be stored especially when there are a plurality of endoscope storages 100. Centralized management of the endoscope apparatus 400 stored in the storage 100 can be performed.

  Here, the endoscope storage 100 of the present embodiment is an example that does not include the information recording unit 106, the information determination unit 108, and the display unit 110. However, the endoscope storage 100 of the present embodiment may include the information recording unit 106, the information determination unit 108, and the display unit 110. In this case, the flow rate information as the function information obtained by the flow meter 104 f is recorded in the information recording unit 106 of the endoscope storage 100. Then, the information determination unit 108 generates maintenance information as in the case of the server 200. Display is performed on the display unit 110 based on the maintenance information.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an endoscope management system according to the third embodiment. 4 that are the same as those in FIG. 1 or 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. The description of the same configuration as in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 is omitted.

  The endoscope storage 100 in this embodiment also has a box-shaped main body 100a and a door 100b attached to the main body 100a, and the endoscope device 400 is accommodated inside the main body 100a. FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an endoscope management system before the endoscope apparatus 400 is stored in the endoscope storage 100. FIG. 4B is a diagram showing the endoscope management system after the endoscope apparatus 400 is stored in the endoscope storage 100.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the endoscope apparatus 400 in the present embodiment is configured so that an image acquisition apparatus connection unit 600 can be connected to the operation unit 404. The image acquisition device connection unit 600 has a substantially cylindrical main body. An electrical contact 602 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the main body. A connector 604 is formed on the main body. Further, the main body has a signal line 606 that is electrically connected to the electrical contact 602.

  In addition, the main body 100a of the endoscope storage 100 in the present embodiment includes a suspension unit 102b as the endoscope holding unit 102, an image acquisition device 104i as an example of the information collection unit 104, and a connector 104k. ing. The image acquisition device 104 i controls the operation of the image sensor provided in the insertion unit 402 of the endoscope device 400 and transmits an image input via the signal line 606 to the information communication unit 112. The connector 104k is an opening having a shape corresponding to the shape of the main body of the image acquisition device connection unit 600. The electrical contact 104j is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the connector 104k so as to come into contact with the electrical contact 602 when the main body of the image acquisition device connection unit 600 is connected via the connector 104k.

  Next, the operation of the endoscope management system according to this embodiment will be described. After the user finishes using the endoscope apparatus 400, the user cleans and sterilizes the endoscope apparatus 400. Thereafter, the user moves the operation unit 404 of the endoscope apparatus 400 in a state where jigs for measuring image quality such as a white balance cap 104m and a color chart 104n are set at the distal end of the insertion part 402 of the endoscope apparatus 400. The endoscope apparatus 400 is set in the endoscope storage 100 by being suspended on the suspension part 102b. Thereafter, the user closes the door 100b as shown in FIG. Thereby, the endoscope apparatus 400 is accommodated in the endoscope storage 100.

  When the door 100b of the endoscope storage 100 is closed, the image acquisition device 104i uses a signal line 606 to cause the imaging device provided in the insertion unit 402 of the endoscope device 400 to image the jig. Send commands through

  An image acquired by imaging with an imaging element provided in the insertion unit 402 is input to the image acquisition device 104 i via the signal line 606.

  After completing the image acquisition, the information communication unit 112 transmits the image obtained by the image acquisition device 104i to the server 200 as function information.

  An image as function information transmitted from the endoscope storage 100 is received via the information communication unit 206 of the server 200. An image received via the information communication unit 206 is recorded in the information recording unit 202. Thereafter, the information determination unit 204 reads an image from the information recording unit 202 and generates maintenance information related to image quality from the read information.

  When generating the maintenance information regarding the image quality, the information determination unit 204 allows the difference between the image quality information such as the color, brightness, and white balance of the image read from the information recording unit 202 and the reference image quality information. Determine if it is less than or equal to the value.

  As a result of the determination, when the difference in image quality is equal to or less than the allowable value, the information determination unit 204 generates maintenance information indicating that there is no deterioration in image quality. On the other hand, when the difference in image quality exceeds the allowable value, the information determination unit 204 generates maintenance information indicating that the image quality of the insertion unit 402 is degraded. Note that the information determination unit 204 may also generate maintenance information indicating the degree of function deterioration (the magnitude of the difference). Furthermore, when the difference is very large, the information determination unit 204 may generate information indicating that a failure has occurred in the endoscope apparatus 400 as maintenance information.

  Maintenance information generated by the information determination unit 204 is recorded in the information recording unit 202. Further, display is performed on the display unit 208 based on the maintenance information generated by the information determination unit 204. From the information displayed on the display unit 208, the user can know whether the endoscope apparatus stored in the endoscope storage 100 needs to be maintained.

  As described above, in the endoscope storage 100 of the present embodiment, functional information of the endoscope apparatus 400 is collected only by the user setting the endoscope apparatus 400 in the endoscope storage 100. Thereby, it is possible to check the functional deterioration of the image sensor provided in the insertion portion 402 of the endoscope apparatus 400 without enlarging the endoscope apparatus 400 itself.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, the function information collected in the endoscope storage 100 is transmitted to the server 200, so that each of the endoscopes can be stored especially when there are a plurality of endoscope storages 100. Centralized management of the endoscope apparatus 400 stored in the storage 100 can be performed.

  Here, the endoscope storage 100 of the present embodiment is an example that does not include the information recording unit 106, the information determination unit 108, and the display unit 110. However, the endoscope storage 100 of the present embodiment may include the information recording unit 106, the information determination unit 108, and the display unit 110. In this case, the image as the function information obtained by the image acquisition device 104 i is recorded in the information recording unit 106 of the endoscope storage 100. Then, the information determination unit 108 generates maintenance information as in the case of the server 200. Display is performed on the display unit 110 based on the maintenance information.

  The embodiments described above include various stages of the invention, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, the techniques of the first to third embodiments described above may be used in combination.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Endoscope management system, 100 Endoscope storage, 100a main body, 100b Door, 102 Endoscope holding part, 102a Knob rotation part, 102b Suspension part, 104 Information collection part, 104a Camera, 104b Air supply / water supply apparatus, 104c Air supply pipe connection part, 104e Water supply base connection part, 104f Flow meter, 104h Insertion part connection part, 104i Image acquisition device, 104j Electrical contact, 104k connector, 104m White balance cap, 104n Color chart, 106 Information recording part, 108 Information determination unit, 110 Display unit, 112 Information communication unit, 200 Server, 202 Information recording unit, 204 Information determination unit, 206 Information communication unit, 208 Display unit, 300 Network, 400 Endoscope device, 402 Insertion unit, 404 Operation unit, 404a Angle knob, 00 air water apparatus connection portion, 502 air pipe, 504 water-feed mouthpiece, 506 line, 600 image obtaining apparatus connection portion, 602 electrical contacts 604 connector, 606 signal lines

Claims (2)

An endoscope holding unit that holds a endoscope unit including a bending unit and an operation unit for bending the bending unit, and has a mechanism for operating the operation unit ;
The bending amount of the bending portion when the operation portion of the endoscope apparatus which is the holding is bent by the mechanism, as the function information to generate maintenance information indicating the depression of the endoscope apparatus An information collection unit to collect,
Endoscope storage. An endoscope holding unit that holds a endoscope unit including a bending unit and an operation unit for bending the bending unit, and has a mechanism for operating the operation unit;
The play amount of the operation unit is determined by the operation amount of the operation unit until the bending unit bends when the operation unit of the held endoscope device is operated by the mechanism. An information collection unit that collects as function information for generating maintenance information indicating the functional degradation of
Endoscope storage.

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