JP6861300B2 - Lighting equipment and its diagnostic method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a lighting device.

For example, Japanese Patent No. 4732783 describes a light guide, a phosphor arranged on the tip side of the light guide, a semiconductor laser light source that emits excitation light that excites the phosphor, and the excitation light to the rear end of the light guide. A lighting device for an endoscope provided with a condensing lens for condensing light is disclosed.

The document also discloses an endoscopic system having an endoscope with a built-in endoscopic illuminator.

An object of the present invention is to provide a lighting device and a diagnostic method for efficiently performing a diagnostic test for diagnosing the presence or absence of a failure.

The lighting device according to the present invention includes a lighting system that emits illumination light, an impact sensor that detects an impact, a memory that stores impact information detected by the impact sensor, and impact information stored in the memory. Based on the above, it has a light source controller that performs a diagnostic test for diagnosing the presence or absence of a failure of the lighting system.

The diagnostic method according to the present invention is a diagnostic method for a lighting device having an illumination system that emits illumination light, an impact sensor that detects an impact, and a memory that stores information on the impact detected by the impact sensor. Based on the impact information stored in the memory, a diagnostic test for diagnosing the presence or absence of a failure of the lighting system is performed.

According to the present invention, there is provided a lighting device and a diagnostic method for efficiently performing a diagnostic test for diagnosing the presence or absence of a failure.

FIG. 1 shows an endoscope system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 shows the functional blocks of the endoscopic system shown in FIG. FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of the activation of the endoscope system and the accompanying processing in the lighting device. FIG. 4 is a graph showing the measurement results of test items for measuring the brightness of the illumination light emitted from the optical system with respect to the current supplied to the light source, which is carried out in the diagnosis in the complete test mode. FIG. 5 is a graph showing the measurement results of test items for measuring the brightness of the illumination light emitted from the optical system with respect to the current supplied to the light source, which is carried out in the diagnosis by the simple test mode. FIG. 6 is a graph showing the measurement results of test items for measuring the brightness of the illumination light emitted from the optical system with respect to the current supplied to the light source in another simple test mode. FIG. 7 is a graph showing another measurement result of a test item for measuring the brightness of the illumination light emitted from the optical system with respect to the current supplied to the light source in the same simple test mode as in FIG. FIG. 8 shows a composite impact sensor having the function of an impact sensor and the function of a memory. FIG. 9 shows the impact sensing element shown in FIG. 8 in an exploded manner. FIG. 10 shows a cross section of the impact sensing element shown in FIG. 8 before and after receiving an impact. FIG. 11 shows another impact sensing element having the function of an impact sensor and the function of a memory. FIG. 12 shows the elastic member and the mover shown in FIG. 11 before and after receiving the impact. FIG. 13 schematically shows another impact sensing element having an impact sensor function and a memory function. FIG. 14 schematically shows an impact sensing element according to a modification of the impact sensing element shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the impact sensing unit of the impact sensing element shown in FIG. FIG. 16 schematically shows an impact sensing unit shown in FIG. 15 that has been impacted in the lateral direction. FIG. 17 schematically shows the impact sensing unit shown in FIG. 15 that received an impact along the vertical axis. FIG. 18 schematically shows an impact sensing element according to a modification of the impact sensing element shown in FIG. FIG. 19 schematically shows an impact sensing unit shown in FIG. 18 that has been impacted in the lateral direction. FIG. 20 schematically shows the impact sensing unit shown in FIG. 18 that received an impact along the vertical axis.

FIG. 1 shows the endoscope system 100 according to the embodiment. The endoscope system 100 displays an endoscope 110 that captures an object to be observed, a control device 160 that processes an image captured by the endoscope 110, and an image captured by the endoscope 110. It has a monitor 180.

The endoscope 110 is composed of a wireless endoscope, and signals are transmitted and received wirelessly between the endoscope 110 and the control device 160.

The endoscope 110 has a hollow elongated insertion portion 130 that is inserted into an empty space such as a lumen or a conduit of an observation object, and an operation portion 120 that is connected to the proximal end side of the insertion portion 130. There is.

The insertion portion 130 includes a tip rigid portion 132 located at the tip, a curved portion 134 connected to the proximal end side of the distal rigid portion 132, and a flexible pipe portion 136 connected to the proximal end side of the curved portion 134. Have. The curved portion 134 is configured to be bendable in a desired direction by operating the operating portion 120. The flexible tube portion 136 is bendable, and can be curved, for example, according to the shape of a lumen, a conduit, or the like of an observation object.

The operation unit 120 has an operation dial 122 for bending the bending unit 134. The operation unit 120 is equipped with a battery 124 that supplies electric power to electrical components inside the endoscope 110 (for example, a lighting device 200, an image sensor 272, and a transmitter 274, which will be described later).

Normally, the battery 124 is removed from the operation unit 120 while the endoscope 110 is not in use, and is attached to the operation unit 120 at the next use. Therefore, power is not supplied to the endoscope 110 while the endoscope 110 is not in use.

Since the wireless endoscope 110 does not have a universal cord, the posture and position of the endoscope 110 can be changed without being pulled by the universal cord, which is excellent in convenience.

FIG. 2 shows the functional blocks of the endoscope system 100 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the endoscope system 100 has an endoscope 110, a control device 160, and a monitor 180 as described above.

The endoscope 110 has a built-in lighting device 200. The lighting device 200 has a lighting system 210 for illuminating an observation object. The illumination system 210 includes a light source 212, a coupling lens 214, an optical fiber 216 as a light guide member, and an optical conversion element 218 that converts incident light into illumination light.

The light source 212 and the coupling lens 214 are arranged inside the operation unit 120. The optical fiber 216 extends through the insertion portion 130. The light conversion element 218 is arranged inside the tip rigid portion 132 of the insertion portion 130.

The light source 212 is not limited to this, but in the present embodiment, it is composed of a laser light source, for example, a laser diode. The coupling lens 214 couples the light emitted from the light source 212 to the optical fiber 216. The optical fiber 216 guides the incident light to the optical conversion element 218. The light conversion element 218 converts the light incident from the optical fiber 216 into illumination light having a desired quality.

The illumination light having the desired quality is preferably light having a wide light distribution and a substantially constant intensity distribution. The light conversion element 218 is composed of, for example, a diffuser that diffuses incident light. The light conversion element 218 may also be composed of a phosphor that absorbs the incident light and emits light having a wavelength different from the wavelength of the incident light.

The endoscope system 100 has an imaging system 270 for imaging an object to be observed. The image pickup system 270 includes an image pickup element 272 that receives light from an observation object and outputs an image signal of an optical image of the observation object, and a transmitter 274 that wirelessly transmits an image signal output from the image pickup element 272. It has a receiver 276 that receives an image signal transmitted from the transmitter 274 and an image processing circuit 278 that processes the image signal received by the receiver 276.

The image sensor 272 is arranged inside the tip rigid portion 132 of the insertion portion 130. The transmitter 274 is arranged inside the operation unit 120. The receiver 276 and the image processing circuit 278 are arranged inside the control device 160. Here, the image processing circuit 278 is arranged inside the control device 160, but a part of the image processing circuit 278 may be arranged inside the endoscope 110.

Between the use of the endoscope 110 and the next use, for example, when the endoscope 110 is not in use, such as when cleaning, the operator mistakenly handles the endoscope 110 and drops the endoscope 110 onto the floor. If the endoscope 110 is impacted due to a collision or collision with another object, it is conceivable that the lighting system 210 of the lighting device 200 will be damaged. If the optical fiber 216 or the optical conversion element 218 of the illumination system 210 is damaged, there is a possibility that a problem such as not emitting illumination light having a desired quality may occur at the next use.

This is not limited to the wireless endoscope 110, but also applies to a normal endoscope having a universal cord.

In order to avoid a situation in which illumination light having a desired quality is not emitted, the illumination device 200 diagnoses whether or not the illumination system 210 is out of order when the endoscope system 100 is started, and the illumination system 210 is not damaged. It is configured to drive after confirming. If the operator accidentally releases the endoscope, the wireless endoscope without the universal cord may fall to the ground as it is. Therefore, it is more important to drive the wireless endoscope after confirming that the lighting system is undamaged.

The illuminating device 200 further detects an impact received by the endoscope 110 while the endoscope 110 is not in use, in other words, while the illuminating device 200 is not being driven, and based on the detection result, the illuminating device 200 detects the impact. It is configured to change the content of the diagnostic test for diagnosing the presence or absence of failure of the lighting system 210. It may be said that there is no power supply to the lighting device 200 while the lighting device 200 is not driven.

Therefore, the lighting device 200 has an impact sensor 222 that detects an impact and a memory 224 that stores the impact detected by the impact sensor 222.

The impact sensor 222 and the memory 224 are configured to be reusable. The impact sensor 222 and the memory 224 do not include a form of detecting an impact or storing information due to damage to a member, such as a disconnection of a wire rod.

The impact sensor 222 is configured to detect an impact while the illuminator 200 is not driven, in other words, while the illuminator 200 is not receiving power. The impact sensor 222 may be configured to detect an impact while the lighting device 200 is being driven.

The impact sensor 222 is arranged near, for example, the optical conversion element 218. When the optical conversion element 218 is damaged or falls off, the laser light emitted from the optical fiber 216 is not properly converted by the optical conversion element 218, and is diffused, for example, when the optical conversion element 218 is a diffuser. Laser light that is not sufficiently diffused by the body and therefore deviates from the desired quality can be emitted from the tip of the insertion portion 130 of the endoscope 110. That is, the light conversion element 218 is an important optical component for emitting illumination light having a desired quality. Therefore, the vicinity of the optical conversion element 218 is one of the candidates considered to be suitable as a place for arranging the impact sensor 222.

The impact sensor 222 is arranged near, for example, the optical fiber 216. When the optical fiber 216 is damaged, the laser light emitted from the optical fiber 216 is not properly guided, and in some cases, it may be emitted from the tip of the insertion portion 130 of the endoscope 110. As such, the optical fiber 216 is also an important optical component for the emission of illumination light of the desired quality. Therefore, the vicinity of the optical fiber 216 is also one of the candidates considered to be suitable as a place for arranging the impact sensor 222.

The impact sensor 222 is arranged inside, for example, the tip rigid portion 132. The hard tip portion 132 is also a place where it is considered that the endoscope 110 often collides with the floor or other objects when the endoscope 110 is not used, and is also a place where it is considered that a strong impact is easily received when the endoscope 110 is used. .. Therefore, the inside of the tip rigid portion 132 is also one of the candidates considered to be suitable as a place for arranging the impact sensor 222.

The impact sensor 222 is arranged inside the operation unit 120, for example. The operation unit 120 is a location that is considered to be susceptible to a strong impact when the endoscope 110 falls on the floor. Therefore, the inside of the operation unit 120 is also one of the candidates considered to be suitable as a place for arranging the impact sensor 222.

The impact sensor 222 is not limited to the locations described here, and may be arranged near other optical components that are important for emitting laser light of safe intensity or at other locations that are considered to be susceptible to strong impact. ..

The lighting device 200 may have only one impact sensor 222, or may have a plurality of impact sensors 222. The plurality of impact sensors 222 may be arranged at the locations described herein and / or other locations.

The impact sensor 222 is composed of, for example, a single impact sensing element. A single impact sensing element is configured to detect an impact along, for example, a plurality of axes, eg, three axes.

Alternatively, the impact sensor 222 may be composed of a composite of a plurality of impact sensing elements. Each impact sensing element is configured to detect an impact along one axis, for example. In this case, the impact sensor 222 may include three impact sensing elements that detect impacts along different axes. Alternatively, each impact sensing element may be configured to detect an impact in one direction. In this case, the impact sensor 222 preferably includes six impact sensing elements that detect impacts in different directions.

The impact sensor 222 may have, for example, a plurality of impact sensing elements having different sensitivities. In this case, the memory 224 has a plurality of storage elements for storing the impacts detected by the plurality of impact sensing elements.

For example, both the impact sensor 222 and the memory 224 are composed of mechanical elements. Here, the mechanical element means an element that functions without using electricity. That is, the impact sensor 222 and the memory 224 are configured to function without using electricity. That is, the impact sensor 222 is composed of a mechanical sensor. Further, the memory 224 is composed of a mechanical memory.

For example, the impact sensor 222 is configured to detect an impact exceeding a predetermined magnitude. Correspondingly, the memory 224 is configured to store the history of the impact detected by the impact sensor 222.

The impact sensor 222 and the memory 224 are integrally configured, for example. In other words, the impact sensor 222 and the memory 224 are composed of a single mechanical element. Specific examples of such mechanical elements will be described later with reference to FIGS. 8 to 12.

Alternatively, the impact sensor 222 may be composed of mechanical elements, and the memory 224 may be composed of electrical elements. Here, the electric element means an element that functions by utilizing electricity. A specific example thereof will be described later with reference to FIGS. 13 to 20.

The illuminator 200 also has a light source controller 226 that controls the light source 212. The light source controller 226 may be composed of, for example, a microcomputer or an integrated circuit that operates according to pre-programmed software. The light source controller 226 is configured to control the light source 212 according to various drive modes.

The drive mode is, for example, a normal mode in which illumination light for observing an object to be observed by the endoscope system 100 is emitted, and a diagnostic test for diagnosing the presence or absence of a failure of the illumination system 210 when the endoscope system 100 is started. Includes a diagnostic mode that emits illumination light for the purpose.

For safety, for example, the light source controller 226 uses the light source 212 so that the illumination light for the diagnostic test, which is weaker than the light emitted from the light source 212 in the normal mode in the diagnostic mode, is emitted from the light source 212. Control.

The diagnostic mode includes a plurality of test modes for a plurality of test items prepared for the diagnostic test, depending on the test items performed or omitted in the diagnostic test.

The plurality of test modes are divided into a complete test mode in which all the test items are carried out with respect to a plurality of test items prepared for the diagnostic test, and a non-complete test mode different from the complete test mode. The diagnostic test in the non-complete test mode can be performed in a shorter time than the diagnostic test in the complete test mode.

The non-complete test mode omits the execution of at least one test item in multiple test items, and executes both the simple test mode in which the remaining test items in the multiple test items are executed and the multiple test items. Includes test skip mode and not.

The simple test mode includes various modes depending on the test items for which implementation is omitted.

In the diagnostic mode, the light source controller 226 selects one test mode from a plurality of test modes based on the impact information stored in the memory 224, and drives the light source 212 according to the selected test mode. It is configured in.

In the diagnostic mode, the light source controller 226 is also configured to diagnose the presence or absence of failure of the lighting system 210 based on the image signal output from the image sensor 272.

In the diagnostic mode, a shutter 242 is provided at the tip of the insertion portion 130 of the endoscope 110 so that the illumination light emitted from the illumination system 210 is reflected by the shutter 242 and then enters the image pickup device 272. .. The shutter 242 is composed of, for example, a white balance cap. The shutter 242 may be made of any member as long as it has an appropriate reflectance.

[Operation of the light source device when the endoscope system is started]
Next, the operation of the lighting device 200 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of activation of the endoscope system 100 and processing in the lighting device 200 accompanying the activation. The processing of FIG. 3 is mainly performed by the light source controller 226.

In the flowchart of FIG. 3, the lighting device 200 shifts to driving the light source 212 in the normal mode after the diagnosis at the time of starting the endoscope system 100 from the state before starting the endoscope system 100, or the lighting system 210. It shows up to the notification of the failure of.

After the endoscope system 100 is activated in step S1, the light source controller 226 checks the impact information stored in the memory 224 in step S2. For example, the impact sensor 222 is configured to detect an impact exceeding a predetermined size, and the memory 224 stores the history of the impact detected by the impact sensor 222 (the impact is detected). It is configured in. In this case, the impact information stored in the memory 224 is the history of the impact detected by the impact sensor 222.

In step S3, the light source controller 226 determines whether or not the history of the impact stored in the memory 224 indicates that the impact sensor 222 has detected the impact. When it is determined that the impact history indicates that the impact sensor 222 has detected the impact, the process proceeds to step S4. On the contrary, when it is determined that the impact history indicates that the impact sensor 222 did not detect the impact, the process proceeds to step S8.

If the impact history is determined in step S3 to indicate that the impact sensor 222 has detected an impact, in step S4 the light source controller 226 selects the complete test mode and drives the light source 212 according to the complete test mode. At the same time, the presence or absence of failure of the lighting system 210 is diagnosed based on the image signal output from the image sensor 272. Diagnosis in the complete test mode is referred to as a complete check for convenience.

The light source controller 226 also notifies that the diagnosis is being made in full test mode while making the diagnosis. For example, the light source controller 226 causes the monitor 180 to display a message indicating that the diagnosis is being performed in the complete test mode. After that, the process proceeds to step S5.

In step S5, the light source controller 226 determines whether or not the lighting system 210 has a failure. If it is determined that there is no failure in the lighting system 210, the process proceeds to step S6. On the contrary, when it is determined that the lighting system 210 has a failure, the process proceeds to step S10.

If it is determined in step S5 that there is no failure in the lighting system 210, the light source controller 226 resets the impact information stored in the memory 224, for example, the impact history in step S6. After that, the process proceeds to step S7.

In step S7, the light source controller 226 drives the light source 212 in the normal mode.

If the impact history is determined in step S3 to indicate that the impact sensor 222 did not detect an impact, in step S8 the light source controller 226 selects a non-complete test mode and follows the non-complete test mode. While driving the light source 212, the presence or absence of failure of the lighting system 210 is diagnosed based on the image signal output from the image sensor 272. Here, the light source controller 226 selects a simple test mode as the incomplete test mode and diagnoses the presence or absence of a failure of the lighting system 210. Diagnosis in the simple test mode is called a simple check for convenience.

The light source controller 226 also notifies that the diagnosis is being performed in the simple test mode while the diagnosis is being performed. For example, the light source controller 226 causes the monitor 180 to display a message indicating that the diagnosis is being performed in the simple test mode. After that, the process proceeds to step S9.

In step S9, the light source controller 226 determines whether or not the lighting system 210 has a failure. If it is determined that there is no failure in the lighting system 210, the process proceeds to step S7. On the contrary, when it is determined that the lighting system 210 has a failure, the process proceeds to step S10.

If it is determined in step S5 or step S9 that the lighting system 210 has a failure, in step S10, the light source controller 226 notifies that the lighting system 210 has a failure. For example, the light source controller 226 causes the monitor 180 to display a message indicating that the lighting system 210 has a failure.

[Example of test items for diagnostic test]
FIG. 4 is a graph showing the measurement results of the test items performed in the diagnosis in the complete test mode. Further, FIG. 5 is a graph showing the measurement results of the test items performed in the diagnosis in the simple test mode. In these graphs, the horizontal axis represents the magnitude of the current supplied to the light source 212, and the vertical axis represents the intensity (luminance) of the light emitted from the illumination system 210, specifically, the light emitted from the light conversion element 218. It shows the intensity of the light reflected by the shutter 242 and incident on the image sensor 272.

In the complete test mode, the light source controller 226 first _{supplies the current of the current value I 1} to the light source 212, and based on the image signal output from the image sensor 272, sets the light intensity value P ₁ with _{respect to the current value I 1.} Measure. The light intensity value P ₁ may be, for example, the sum of the output signals of each pixel of the image sensor 272. Next, the light source controller 226 changes the magnitude of the current supplied to the light source 212 to the current value I ₂ , and measures the light intensity value P ₂ with respect to the current value I _2. Hereinafter, in the same manner, the light source controller 226 _{supplies currents of current values I 3} , I ₄ , and I ₅ , and measures light intensity values P ₃ , P ₄ , and P _5.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, light intensity values P _{1 to} P _{5 for each of the five current values I 1 to} I 5 are obtained. The light source controller 226 fails in the lighting system 210 when _{all of the five} light intensity values P _{1 to} P _{5 for the five current values I 1 to} I 5 are within the respective standard ranges S _{1 to} S _5. Judge that there is no. When any one of the _five light intensity values P _{1 to} P _{5 with respect to the five current values I 1 to} I _{5 is out of the respective standard range S 1 to} S ₅ , the light source controller 226 is the lighting system 210. Judge that there is a failure in.

Here, for convenience, after measuring the light intensity values P _{1 to} P _{5 for all of the five current values I 1 to} I 5, the five light intensity values P _{1 to} P ₅ are in the respective standard ranges S _{1 to S. Although} it was explained as determining whether or not it is within the range of 5, when the light intensity value is measured for one current value, it is determined whether or not the measured light intensity value is within the standard range. You may. In this case, when it is found that the measured light intensity value is not within the standard range, the lighting system 210 may be notified that there is a failure, and the measurement of the light intensity value for the remaining current value may be omitted. .. By doing so, when the lighting system 210 has a failure, the time required for the diagnostic test can be shortened.

On the other hand, in the simple test mode, the light source controller 226 _{supplies the current of the current value I 5} to the light source 212, and based on the image signal output from the image sensor 272, sets the light intensity value P ₅ with _{respect to the current value I 5.} Measure. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, the light intensity value P ₅ obtained for one of the current values I _5. The light source controller 226 determines that the lighting system 210 has no failure when _{the light intensity value P 5} is within the standard range S _5. When the light intensity value P ₅ is out of the standard range S ₅ , the light source controller 226 determines that the lighting system 210 has a failure.

Here, keep simple test mode, the light intensity values P ₅ for the highest current value I ₅ are measured, the current value (check point) is not limited thereto. The light intensity value for any of the other current values I _{1 to} I _{4 may be measured.}

Here, the measurement of the light intensity value for one current value and the determination of the presence or absence of failure of the lighting system 210 based on the measured light intensity value are set as one test item. In the complete test mode, five test items are performed, and in the simple test mode, one test item is performed.

As can be seen from the above description, in the lighting device 200 according to the present embodiment, the endoscope 110 receives an impact exceeding a predetermined size, and therefore, there is a possibility that the lighting system 210 may have a failure. Is a diagnostic test in a complete test mode that carries out all the test items, in other words, a diagnostic test that carefully checks for the presence or absence of failure of the lighting system 210, and conversely, the endoscope 110 has a predetermined size. Diagnostic test in simple test mode, in other words, when there is virtually no possibility that the lighting system 210 has failed, omitting at least one test item and performing the test item. For example, a diagnostic test with a short required time, or a diagnostic test in a test omission mode in which no test item is executed, in other words, the diagnostic test itself is omitted.

As a result, a diagnostic test for diagnosing the presence or absence of failure of the lighting system 210 is efficiently performed. That is, if there is virtually no possibility that the lighting system 210 has failed while the endoscope 110 is not in use, the implementation of at least one test item or the implementation of all test items is omitted. Therefore, the time required for the diagnostic test can be shortened.

The measurement of the light intensity (luminance) of the illumination light emitted from the light conversion element 218 with respect to the current supplied to the light source 212 described here is only one example of the test items. Further, the difference between the complete test mode and the simple test mode is not limited to the difference in the number of current values.

The test items are, for example, measurement of the light intensity (brightness) of the illumination light emitted from the light conversion element 218 with respect to the current supplied to the (α) light source 212, and the color tone of the illumination light emitted from the (β) light conversion element 218. (Γ) The measurement of the brightness unevenness of the illumination light emitted from the light conversion element 218 is included.

In the test item (α), as described above, the intensity (luminance) of the illumination light emitted from the light conversion element 218 with respect to the current supplied to the light source 212 is measured. The brightness measurement is performed based on the image signal output from the image sensor 272. The presence or absence of failure of the lighting system 210 is determined by whether or not the measured brightness is within a predetermined brightness range (standard range).

In the test item (β), the color tone of the illumination light emitted from the light conversion element 218 is measured. The color tone measurement is performed based on the image signal output from the image sensor 272. The presence or absence of failure of the lighting system 210 is determined by whether or not the measured color tone is within the range of the predetermined color tone.

In the test item (γ), the brightness unevenness of the illumination light emitted from the light conversion element 218 is measured. The measurement of the luminance unevenness is performed based on the image signal output from the image sensor 272. The presence or absence of failure of the lighting system 210 is determined by whether or not the measured luminance unevenness is within a predetermined luminance unevenness range.

The following is an example of a combination of the test items carried out in the complete test mode and the test items carried out in the simple test mode.

[Example of test items of diagnostic test 1]
In the complete test mode, the test item (α) is performed for the five current values. In the simple test mode, the test item (α) is performed for one current value.

Let the test item (α) for one current value be one test item. That is, in the complete test mode, five test items (α) are performed, and in the simple test mode, one test item (α) is performed. The number of test items (α) is merely an example, and it is sufficient that the number of test items (α) in the complete test mode is larger than the number of test items (α) in the simple test mode.

[Example 2 of test items of diagnostic test]
The test item (α) is performed in both the complete test mode and the simple test mode. The standard range in the complete test mode and the standard range in the simple test mode are different. Specifically, the standard range in the simple test mode is wider than the standard range in the complete test mode.

The test item (α) is performed for, for example, one current value. Of course, the test item (α) may be performed for a plurality of current values.

[Example 3 of test items of diagnostic test]
In the complete test mode, the test item (α) and the test item (β) are performed in order. In the simple test mode, only the test item (α) is performed.

The test item (α) is performed for, for example, one current value in both the complete test mode and the simple test mode. Of course, the test item (α) may be performed for a plurality of current values. Further, in the complete test mode, the test item (α) may be performed for a current value larger than the current value in the simple test mode.

In the complete test mode, it is determined whether or not the lighting system 210 has a failure every time the test item is completed. If it is determined that there is a failure in the lighting system when the test item (α) is completed, the lighting system 210 is notified that there is a failure without performing the remaining test items (β), and a diagnostic test is performed. To finish.

[Example 4 of test items of diagnostic test]
In the complete test mode, the test item (α) and the test item (β) are performed in order. In the simple test mode, only the test item (β) is performed.

The test item (α) is performed for, for example, one current value. Of course, the test item (α) may be performed for a plurality of current values.

In the complete test mode, it is determined whether or not the lighting system 210 has a failure every time the test item is completed. If it is determined that there is a failure in the lighting system when the test item (α) is completed, the lighting system 210 is notified that there is a failure without performing the test item (β), and the diagnostic test is completed. To do.

[Example 5 of test items of diagnostic test]
In the complete test mode, the test item (α) and the test item (β) are performed in order. In the simple test mode, the test item (γ) is performed.

The test item (α) is performed for, for example, one current value. Of course, the test item (α) may be performed for a plurality of current values.

In the complete test mode, it is determined whether or not the lighting system 210 has a failure every time the test item is completed. If it is determined that there is a failure in the lighting system when the test item (α) is completed, the lighting system 210 is notified that there is a failure without performing the test item (β), and the diagnostic test is completed. To do.

[Example of test items of diagnostic test 6]
In the complete test mode, the test item (α) and the test item (γ) are performed in order. In the simple test mode, only the test item (γ) is performed.

The test item (α) is performed for, for example, one current value. Of course, the test item (α) may be performed for a plurality of current values.

In the complete test mode, it is determined whether or not the lighting system 210 has a failure every time the test item is completed. If it is determined that there is a failure in the lighting system when the test item (α) is completed, the lighting system 210 is notified that there is a failure without performing the test item (γ), and the diagnostic test is completed. To do.

[Example of test items of diagnostic test 7]
The case where the time required for the test item (β) is assumed to be shorter than the time required for the test item (α) will be described.

In the complete test mode, the test item (β) and the test item (α) are performed in order. In the simple test mode, only one of the test item (α) or the test item (β) is performed. In the simple test mode, it is preferable to carry out the test item (β) from the viewpoint of further shortening the time required for the simple check.

The test item (α) is performed for, for example, one current value. Of course, the test item (α) may be performed for a plurality of current values.

In the complete test mode, it is determined whether or not the lighting system 210 has a failure every time the test item is completed. If it is determined that the lighting system 210 has a failure when the test item (β) is completed, the lighting system 210 is notified that there is a failure without performing the test item (α), and a diagnostic test is performed. finish. As a result, if there is a failure in the lighting system 210, it can be notified earlier and the diagnostic test can be completed earlier.

[Example of test items of diagnostic test 8]
The case where the time required for the test item (α) is assumed to be shorter than the time required for the test item (β) will be described.

In the complete test mode, the test item (α) and the test item (β) are performed in order. In the simple test mode, only one of the test item (α) or the test item (β) is performed. In the simple test mode, it is preferable to carry out the test item (α) from the viewpoint of further shortening the time required for the simple check.

The test item (α) is performed for, for example, one current value. Of course, the test item (β) may be performed for a plurality of current values.

In the complete test mode, it is determined whether or not the lighting system 210 has a failure every time the test item is completed. If it is determined that there is a failure in the lighting system when the test item (α) is completed, the lighting system 210 is notified that there is a failure without performing the test item (β), and the diagnostic test is completed. To do. As a result, if there is a failure in the lighting system 210, it can be notified earlier and the diagnostic test can be completed earlier.

[Example of test items of diagnostic test 9]
The impact sensor 222 includes a high-sensitivity first impact sensing element and a low-sensitivity second impact sensing element. The memory 224 has a first storage element that stores the impact detected by the first impact sensing element and a second storage element that stores the impact detected by the second impact sensing element. The simple test mode has a first simple test mode and a second simple test mode.

The light source controller 226 selects the test mode based on the impact information stored in the first storage element and the second storage element. For example, the light source controller 226 indicates that the impact information stored in the first storage element indicates that the first impact sensing element has detected an impact, and the impact is stored in the second storage element. If the information in indicates that the second impact sensing element has detected an impact, select the full test mode.

Further, the light source controller 226 indicates that the impact information stored in the first storage element indicates that the first impact sensing element has detected the impact, and the impact stored in the second storage element. If the information in the above indicates that the second impact sensing element did not detect an impact, the first simplified test mode is selected.

Further, the light source controller 226 indicates that the impact information stored in the first storage element indicates that the first impact sensing element did not detect the impact, and is stored in the second storage element. If the impact information present indicates that the second impact sensing element did not detect the impact, select the second simplified test mode.

In the complete test mode, the test item (α) is performed for the five current values. In other words, in the complete test mode, five test items (α) are performed by changing the current value. In the first simple test mode, a test item (α) is performed for three current values. In other words, in the first simple test mode, three test items (α) are performed by changing the current value. In the second simple test mode, the test item (α) is performed for one current value. In other words, in the second simple test mode, one test item (α) is performed.

[Example 10 of test items of diagnostic test]
The simple test mode has a first simple test mode and a second simple test mode. The configuration of the impact sensor 222 and the memory 224 is the same as in the case of Example 9. The method of selecting the first simple test mode and the second simple test mode is the same as in the case of Example 9.

In the complete test mode, the test item (β), the test item (α), and the test item (γ) are performed in order. In the first simple test mode, the test item (α) and the test item (γ) are performed in order. In the second simple test mode, only the test item (α) is performed.

The time required for the test item (β) is shorter than the time required for the test item (α). The time required for the test item (α) is shorter than the time required for the test item (γ). That is, in the complete test mode and the first simple test mode, the test item having a short required time is performed first, and the test item having a long required time is performed later.

The test item (α) is performed for, for example, one current value. Of course, the test item (β) may be performed for a plurality of current values.

In the complete test mode, if it is determined that there is a failure in the lighting system when the test item (β) is completed, the lighting system 210 is performed without performing the remaining test items (α) and test items (γ). Notify that there is a failure and end the diagnostic test. Further, in the complete test mode and the first simple test mode, if it is determined that there is a failure in the lighting system when the test item (α) is completed, the remaining test items (γ) are not performed. Notifies that there is a failure in the lighting system 210 and ends the diagnostic test.

[Example of test items of diagnostic test 11]
In the test item (α) in the simple test mode, the presence or absence of failure of the lighting system 210 is determined by whether or not the measured brightness is within the predetermined brightness range (standard range), but instead it is determined by endoscopy. It may be judged by comparing with the brightness measured at the time of the previous use of the mirror 110.

6 and 7 are graphs similar to FIG. 5, and in such a simple test mode, a test item (α) for measuring the brightness of the illumination light emitted from the illumination system 210 with respect to the current supplied to the light source 212 is set. It is a graph shown. In the graph, P _p indicates the previously measured luminance value, P _n indicates the luminance value measured this time, S _a indicates the standard range for the luminance values P _p , P _{n , and S b} is the luminance value. P _p, indicates the standard range for the difference _(P n -P _p) of _{P n, S c} is the lowest standard range luminance value _P p, for _{P n.}

The light source controller 226 stores the brightness value measured last time. The light source controller 226 supplies a current to the light source 212, and measures the _{luminance value P n} with respect to the current value based on the image signal output from the image sensor 272. Next, the light source controller 226 obtains the difference (P _{n −} P _p ) _{between the brightness value P n} measured this time and the brightness value P _{p measured last time.} Subsequently, the light source controller 226 compares the _{difference (P n −} P _p ) with the standard range S _b.

As shown in FIG. 6, even when the luminance value P _n measured this time is out of the standard range S _a , the difference (P _{n −} P _p ) is within the standard range S _b. In this case, the light source controller 226 determines that there is no failure in the lighting system 210. On the contrary, when the difference (P _{n −} P _p ) is out of the standard range S _b , the light source controller 226 determines that the lighting system 210 has a failure.

However, as shown in FIG. 7, the luminance value P _n measured this time is out of the standard range S _a, but the difference (P _{n −} P _p ) is within the standard range S _b. even, the brightness value P _n measured this time, if they deviate from the lowest standard range S _c, the light source controller 226 determines that there is a fault in the illumination system 210. The minimum standard range _Sc is a standard range in which the brightness of the illumination light emitted from the illumination system 210 must satisfy at least.

[Structure example 1 of impact sensor 222 and memory 224]
An example of one configuration of the impact sensor 222 and the memory 224 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10. FIG. 8 shows a composite impact sensor 300 having the function of the impact sensor 222 and the function of the memory 224. FIG. 9 shows the impact sensing element 310 shown in FIG. 8 in an exploded manner. FIG. 10 shows a cross section of the impact sensing element 310 shown in FIG. 8 before and after receiving an impact.

The composite impact sensor 300 has an impact sensing element 310 that senses and stores an impact in one direction. The impact sensing element 310 is composed of a mechanical element. The impact sensing element 310 has a stator 312 and a mover 314. Both the stator 312 and the mover 314 are made of an insulator. The stator 312 is fixed to the endoscope 110 in a state where the impact sensing element 310 is installed in the endoscope 110. The mover 314 is attached to the end of the stator 312. Hereinafter, the end portion on the side on which the mover 314 is mounted is referred to as a tip end portion, and the end portion on the opposite side thereof is referred to as a base end portion.

For example, the stator 312 is shaped like a cylinder and the mover 314 is shaped like a bottomed cylinder. In other words, the mover 314 has a recess. The impact sensing element 310 having the stator 312 and the mover 314 is not limited to this, but has, for example, a diameter of about 100 μm and a length of about several mm. The shapes of the stator 312 and the mover 314 are merely examples, and are not limited to these, and may be shaped into other shapes as long as they have the functions described here. ..

The stator 312 and the mover 314 are formed so as to be fitted to each other. The mover 314 is held by the stator 312 with an appropriate frictional resistance with respect to the stator 312, and is fixed along the axis of the stator 312, more specifically, from the tip end to the base end portion. When the child 312 receives an impact exceeding a predetermined size, it is configured to move with respect to the stator 312.

The stator 312 and the mover 314 are preferably configured so that the mover 314 does not completely come off the stator 312. Further, the stator 312 and the mover 314 are preferably configured so that the mover 314 is less likely to move in the direction closer to the stator 312 than in the direction away from the stator 312. Such adjustment is performed, for example, by surface processing on the surface where the stator 312 and the mover 314 are in contact with each other.

The stator 312 has a pair of stator electrodes 322. The pair of stator electrodes 322 are provided on the end faces of the tip portions apart from each other. A pair of wirings 324 are connected to the pair of stator electrodes 322, respectively. The wiring 324 extends from the base end portion through the internal space of the stator 312. The wiring 324 is connected to the detection circuit 328. The detection circuit 328 is configured to apply a voltage between the pair of wirings 324 and detect the current flowing through the wirings 324. The detection circuit 328 is included in the light source controller 226. In other words, the light source controller 226 includes a detection circuit 328.

The mover 314 has a mover electrode 326. The mover electrode 326 is formed in a ring shape. The mover electrode 326 is provided on the bottom surface of the recess of the mover 314 so as to face the end face of the stator 312 when the mover 314 is attached to the stator 312.

One end of the wire 342 is connected to the mover 314. The wire 342 passes through the internal space of the stator 312 and extends from the proximal end. The other end of the wire 342 is connected to the wire winder 344. The wire winder 344 is configured to wind the wire 342 as needed. The winding of the wire 342 by the wire winder 344 gives the mover 314 a force that brings the mover 314 closer to the stator 312. The wire winder 344 is not limited to this, but is provided inside, for example, the operation unit 120. The wire 342 has a good affinity with the endoscope 110.

After the use of the endoscope 110 is completed, the wire 342 is wound by the wire winder 344 with an appropriate force. As a result, a force in the direction toward the stator 312 is applied to the mover 314. When the mover 314 is separated from the stator 312, the mover 314 approaches the stator 312 and the mover 314 abuts on the stator 312 as shown on the left side of FIG.

Here, the moderate force has a force sufficient to move the mover 314, but does not have a force sufficient to damage the structure of the mover 314 and the wire 342. Means. Further, when the mover 314 comes into contact with the stator 312, more accurately, the mover electrode 326 provided on the bottom surface of the recess of the mover 314 is fixed on the end surface of the tip end portion of the stator 312. It means that it comes into contact with the child electrode 322. Further, the fact that the mover 314 is separated from the stator 312 means that the mover electrode 326 provided on the bottom surface of the recess of the mover 314 and the stator electrode 322 provided on the end surface of the tip end portion of the stator 312. It means that there is a gap between them.

Winding of the wire 342 by the wire winder 344 is performed, for example, by driving the wire winder 344 by the light source controller 226 at the end of driving the lighting device 200.

After that, the wire winder 344 sends out the wire 342, and the wire 342 is loosened. In the loosened state of the wire 342, the mover 314 is maintained in a state of being held by the stator 312, and the movement of the mover 314 with respect to the stator 312 by impact is not hindered by the wire 342. In other words, the wire 342 is loosened to the extent that it does not interfere with the movement of the mover 314 due to the impact.

In a state where the stator 314 is in contact with the stator 312, the pair of stator electrodes 322 of the stator 312 are electrically connected to each other via the mover electrodes 326 of the mover 314. Therefore, the pair of wires 324 connected to the pair of stator electrodes 322 are conductive with each other.

When the endoscope 110 holding the stator 312 receives an impact from the tip end portion to the base end portion of the stator 312, the stator 312 moves together with the endoscope 110, but is movable. The child 314 tries to stay in its original position due to inertia. As a result, the mover 314 separates from the stator 312, as shown on the right side of FIG. When the mover 314 is separated from the stator 312, the pair of stator electrodes 322 of the stator 312 are separated from the mover electrode 326 of the mover 314, so that the pair of wires 324 are conductive to each other. Absent.

Prior to the use of the endoscope 110, for example, at the start of driving the lighting device 200, the detection circuit 328 in the light source controller 226 applies a voltage between the pair of wires 324 and examines the current flowing through the wires 324. If the mover 314 is in contact with the stator 312, the detection circuit 328 detects the current flowing through the wiring 324, and if the mover 314 is away from the stator 312, the detection circuit 328 is wiring. The current flowing through 324 is not detected.

Based on the detection result of such a detection circuit 328, when the detection circuit 328 detects a current, the light source controller 226 may change the impact sensing element 310, and thus the endoscope 110, while the endoscope 110 is not in use. If it is determined that no impact exceeding a predetermined magnitude has been received, and conversely, if the detection circuit 328 does not detect a current, the impact sensing element 310, and thus the endoscope, is used while the endoscope 110 is not in use. The mirror 110 determines that it has received an impact exceeding a predetermined size. Subsequently, the light source controller 226 selects the test mode of the diagnostic mode based on the determination result.

In this way, the impact sensing element 310 mechanically senses the impact in the form of movement of the mover 314 with respect to the stator 312, and impacts in the form of whether or not the stator 312 and the mover 314 are in contact with each other. The presence or absence of is mechanically memorized.

The sensitivity of the impact sensing element 310 is, in other words, the minimum impact that induces the movement of the mover 314 with respect to the stator 312, that is, the impact of the predetermined magnitude described above is, for example, the mass of the mover 314 or the stator 312. It is adjusted by designing the frictional resistance between the mover 314, the length L of the portion where the mover 314 overlaps the stator 312 when the mover 314 comes into contact with the stator 312, and the like.

The high-sensitivity first impact sensing element and the low-sensitivity second impact sensing element in the above-mentioned [Example 9 of test items of the diagnostic test] are, for example, the mass of the mover 314 and the stator 312 and the mover 314. It is provided by manufacturing the impact sensing element 310 by changing the frictional resistance between the two, the length L of the portion where the mover 314 in contact with the stator 312 overlaps the stator 312, and the like.

The impact sensing element 310 is installed, for example, in a portion where an impact is likely to be erroneously applied when cleaning the endoscope 110, with the stator 312 oriented in a direction in which the impact is likely to be received. It is good.

Alternatively, the plurality of impact sensing elements 310 may be installed so as to face different directions from each other. For example, six impact sensing elements 310 may be installed along three axes orthogonal to each other in the positive and negative directions.

[Structure example 2 of impact sensor 222 and memory 224]
Another configuration example of the impact sensor 222 and the memory 224 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 shows an impact sensing element 410 having the function of the impact sensor 222 and the function of the memory 224. FIG. 12 shows the elastic member 442, the elastic member 444, and the mover 452 shown in FIG. 11 before and after receiving the impact.

The impact sensing element 410 is a mechanical element that senses and stores an impact along one axis. The impact sensing element 410 has a box-shaped stator 420. The box-shaped stator 420 is not limited to this, and has, for example, a size of 20 mm × 20 mm × 10 mm. The stator 420 is fixed to the endoscope 110 in a state where the impact sensing element 410 is installed in the endoscope 110.

The stator 420 has a bottom plate 422, a top plate 424, a side plate 426, a side plate 428, a back plate 430, and a front plate 432. Here, the names "bottom plate", "top plate", "side plate", "back plate", and "front plate" are conveniently named according to the posture shown in FIG. 11, and have a special meaning. Does not have.

The bottom plate 422 and the top plate 424 are connected to each other by a side plate 426 and a side plate 428 at intervals. The back plate 430 and the front plate 432 close the openings of the frame-shaped structure formed by the bottom plate 422, the top plate 424, the side plates 426, and the side plates 428. The bottom plate 422, the top plate 424, the side plate 426, the side plate 428, the back plate 430, and the front plate 432 define an internal space that is shielded from the outside.

The stator 420 is shaped like a rectangular parallelepiped box, but the rectangular parallelepiped box is just an example, and the stator 420 is not limited to this, even if it is shaped into another shape. It doesn't matter at all.

An elastic member 442 is fixed to the bottom plate 422, and an elastic member 444 is fixed to the top plate 424. The elastic member 442 extends inward from the bottom plate 422, and the elastic member 444 extends inward from the top plate 424. The elastic member 442 and the elastic member 444 extend along one axis, are in contact with each other, and are pressed against each other.

Both the elastic member 442 and the elastic member 444 have conductivity. The elastic member 442 and the elastic member 444 are connected to the detection circuit 446. The detection circuit 446 is configured to apply a voltage between the elastic member 442 and the elastic member 444 to detect the current flowing through the elastic member 442 and the elastic member 444. The detection circuit 446 is included in the light source controller 226. In other words, the light source controller 226 includes a detection circuit 446.

The impact sensing element 410 also has a mover 452 disposed inside the stator 420. The mover 452 is fixed to one end of the mover support rod 454. The other end of the mover support rod 454 is fixed to the rotary rod 456. The rotary rod 456 extends between the bottom plate 422 and the top plate 424 and is rotatably supported. One end of the rotary rod 456 is connected to the rotary actuator 458. The rotary actuator 458 is configured so that the rotary rod 456 can be rotated in the forward and reverse directions as needed. The rotation of the rotary rod 456 by the rotary actuator 458 rotates the mover support rod 454 around the rotary rod 456, whereby the mover 452 is moved along the arc.

The mover 452 is made of an insulator. The mover 452 is arranged between the elastic member 442 and the elastic member 444 by the rotary actuator 458 in the preparatory stage of impact detection, for example, after the use of the endoscope 110 is completed, as shown on the left side of FIG. Will be done.

When the mover 452 is not arranged between the elastic member 442 and the elastic member 444, the rotary actuator 458 turns the mover support rod 454 to move the mover 452, and the mover 452 becomes the elastic member 442. The elastic member 442 and the elastic member 444 are deformed against the restoring force of the elastic member 444, and are inserted and arranged between the elastic member 442 and the elastic member 444.

The arrangement of the mover 452 between the elastic member 442 and the elastic member 444 is performed, for example, by driving the rotary actuator 458 by the light source controller 226 at the end of driving the lighting device 200. The rotary actuator 458 has, for example, a built-in encoder and has an angle detection function for detecting the rotation angle of the rotary rod 456. Using this angle detection function, between the elastic member 442 and the elastic member 444. The arrangement of the mover 452 is controlled.

In the state where the mover 452 is arranged between the elastic member 442 and the elastic member 444, the electrical connection between the conductive elastic member 442 and the elastic member 444 is cut off by the insulating mover 452. Therefore, the elastic member 442 and the elastic member 444 do not conduct with each other.

When the endoscope 110 holding the stator 420 is impacted, for example, along an axis orthogonal to both the axis of the elastic member 442 and the elastic member 444 and the axis of the mover support rod 454, it is fixed. The child 420 moves with the endoscope 110, but the mover 452 tries to stay in its original position due to inertia. As a result, as shown on the right side of FIG. 12, the mover 452 is disengaged from between the elastic member 442 and the elastic member 444. In a state where the mover 452 is disengaged from between the elastic member 442 and the elastic member 444, the elastic member 442 and the elastic member 444 are in contact with each other and are electrically connected to each other.

Prior to the use of the endoscope 110, for example, at the start of driving the lighting device 200, the detection circuit 446 in the light source controller 226 applies a voltage between the elastic member 442 and the elastic member 444, and the elastic member 442 and the elastic member 442 and the elastic member 442. Examine the current flowing through 444. If the mover 452 is arranged between the elastic member 442 and the elastic member 444, the detection circuit 446 does not detect the current flowing through the elastic member 442 and the elastic member 444, and the elastic member 442 and the elastic member 444 do not detect the current. If the mover 452 is disengaged from between, the detection circuit 446 detects the current flowing through the elastic member 442 and the elastic member 444.

Based on the detection result of the detection circuit 446, the light source controller 226, when the detection circuit 446 does not detect the current, causes the impact sensing element 410, and thus the endoscope, while the endoscope 110 is not in use. The 110 determines that it has not received an impact exceeding a predetermined magnitude, and conversely, when the detection circuit 446 detects a current, the impact sensing element 410, and thus the endoscope, is used while the endoscope 110 is not in use. The mirror 110 determines that it has received an impact exceeding a predetermined size. Subsequently, the light source controller 226 selects the test mode of the diagnostic mode based on the determination result.

In this way, the impact sensing element 410 mechanically senses the impact in the form of the mover 452 coming off from between the elastic member 442 and the elastic member 444, and the elastic member 442 and the elastic member 444 are in contact with each other. The presence or absence of impact is mechanically memorized in the form of whether or not.

In other words, the sensitivity of the impact sensing element 410 is such that the minimum impact that induces the detachment of the mover 452 from between the elastic member 442 and the elastic member 444, that is, the impact of the predetermined magnitude described above is, for example, the elastic member 442. It is adjusted by designing the materials and dimensions of the elastic member 444 and the mover 452.

The high-sensitivity first impact sensing element and the low-sensitivity second impact sensing element in the above-mentioned [Example 9 of test items of the diagnostic test] have, for example, the elastic modulus of at least one of the elastic member 442 and the elastic member 444. It is provided by modifying the impact sensing element 410. The impact sensing element 410 having a large total elastic modulus of the elastic member 442 and the elastic member 444 has higher sensitivity than the impact sensing element 410 having a small total elastic modulus of the elastic member 442 and the elastic member 444.

The impact sensing element 410 is installed in a portion where there is a high possibility of accidentally giving an impact when cleaning the endoscope 110, for example, by aligning the moving direction of the mover 452 with the direction in which the impact is likely to be received. It should be done.

Alternatively, the plurality of impact sensing elements 410 may be installed so as to face different directions from each other. For example, the three impact sensing elements 410 may be installed along the three axes orthogonal to each other in the moving direction of the mover 452.

The impact sensing element 410 described here has a configuration in which both the elastic member 442 and the elastic member 444 have conductivity, but instead of having both the elastic member 442 and the elastic member 444 having conductivity, Electrodes may be provided on the surfaces of the elastic member 442 and the elastic member 444 facing each other.

[Structure example 3 of impact sensor 222 and memory 224]
Another configuration example of the impact sensor 222 and the memory 224 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 schematically shows an impact sensing element 510 having a function of the impact sensor 222 and a function of the memory 224.

The impact sensing element 510 is an element that senses and stores an impact along one axis. The impact sensing element 510 has an impact sensing unit 510a that senses an impact along one axis, and a storage unit 510b that stores the impact detected by the impact sensing unit 510a. The impact sensing unit 510a is composed of a mechanical element. The storage unit 510b is composed of an electric element.

The impact sensing unit 510a has a movable electrode 512, an elastic support 514 that supports the movable electrode 512, and a fixed electrode 516. The movable electrode 512 is formed in a spherical shape. The elastic support 514 supports the movable electrode 512 at a distance from the fixed electrode 516. The elastic support 514 is composed of, for example, a spring. The impact sensing unit 510a is configured such that the movable electrode 512 comes into contact with the fixed electrode 516 when an impact exceeding a predetermined size is received. The movable electrode 512, the elastic support 514, and the fixed electrode 516 are all conductive. The elastic support 514 and the fixed electrode 516 are isolated from each other and fixed to the endoscope 110 in a state where the impact sensing element 510 is installed on the endoscope 110.

The storage unit 510b has a capacitor 522 and an electric resistance 524. The capacitor 522 and the electric resistance 524 are connected in series. One end of the capacitor 522 is electrically connected to the elastic support 514 and the other end is electrically connected to the electrical resistance 524. One end of the electrical resistor 524 is electrically connected to the fixed electrode 516 and the other end is electrically connected to the capacitor 522.

After the end of use of the endoscope 110, for example, at the end of driving the illuminator 200, the capacitor 522 is electrically connected to the voltage source 526, as shown on the left side of FIG. As a result, the capacitor 522 is charged. The voltage source 526 may be, for example, a battery 124 that supplies electric power to the lighting device 200, the image sensor 272, the transmitter 274, and the like inside the endoscope 110. The storage of the capacitor 522 may be controlled by, for example, the light source controller 226.

When the endoscope 110 holding the elastic support 514 and the fixed electrode 516 receives an impact in the direction in which the movable electrode 512 and the fixed electrode 516 are separated from each other, the fixed electrode 516 and the elastic support 514 are subjected to the endoscope 110. The movable electrode 512 tries to stay in its original position due to inertia. As a result, the movable electrode 512 moves with respect to the fixed electrode 516. The movable electrode 512 is then moved in the opposite direction by the restoring force of the elastic support 514. That is, the movable electrode 512 vibrates. The amplitude of vibration of the movable electrode 512 is proportional to the magnitude of the impact. When the magnitude of the impact is greater than a predetermined magnitude, the movable electrode 512 comes into contact with the fixed electrode 516, as shown in the center of FIG. As a result, the capacitor 522 is discharged.

Prior to the use of the endoscope 110, for example, at the start of driving the illuminator 200, the capacitor 522 is electrically connected to the detection circuit 528, as shown on the right side of FIG. The detection circuit 528 detects the presence or absence of storage in the capacitor 522. For example, the detection circuit 528 forcibly discharges the capacitor 522, measures the current flowing at that time, and compares the current value with a predetermined value to determine the presence or absence of electricity storage. The detection circuit 528 is included in the light source controller 226.

Based on the detection result of the detection circuit 528, when the detection circuit 528 detects the storage of the capacitor 522, the light source controller 226 displays the impact sensing element 510, and thus the endoscope, while the endoscope 110 is not in use. The mirror 110 determines that it has not received an impact exceeding a predetermined size, and conversely, when the detection circuit 528 does not detect the storage of the capacitor 522, the impact sensing is performed while the endoscope 110 is not in use. It is determined that the element 510, and thus the endoscope 110, has received an impact exceeding a predetermined size. Subsequently, the light source controller 226 selects the test mode of the diagnostic mode based on the determination result.

In this way, the impact sensing element 510 mechanically senses the impact in the form of contact between the movable electrode 512 and the fixed electrode 516, and electrically stores the presence or absence of the impact in the form of storing electricity in the capacitor 522.

The sensitivity of the impact sensing element 510 is, in other words, the minimum impact that induces contact between the movable electrode 512 and the fixed electrode 516, that is, the impact of the predetermined magnitude described above is, for example, the mass of the movable electrode 512 or the movable electrode 512. It is adjusted by designing the distance between the fixed electrodes 516, the elastic modulus of the elastic support 514, and the like.

The high-sensitivity first impact sensing element and the low-sensitivity second impact sensing element in the above-mentioned [Example 9 of test items of the diagnostic test] are, for example, the distance between the movable electrode 512 and the fixed electrode 516 and the elasticity. It is provided by manufacturing the impact sensing element 510 by changing the elastic modulus of the support 514. The impact sensing element 510 having a short distance between the movable electrode 512 and the fixed electrode 516 has higher sensitivity than the impact sensing element 510 having a long distance between the movable electrode 512 and the fixed electrode 516. Further, the impact sensing element 510 having a small elastic modulus of the elastic support 514 has higher sensitivity than the impact sensing element 510 having a large elastic modulus of the elastic support 514.

If the endoscope 110 is not used for a long period of time, the storage of the capacitor 522 is lost by the spontaneous discharge even if the endoscope 110 is not impacted. In this case, regardless of the presence or absence of the actual impact, the light source controller 226 performs a diagnostic test in the complete test mode in the same manner as when the endoscope 110 receives an impact exceeding a predetermined magnitude.

[Modification 1 of Impact Sensing Element 510]
A modified example of the impact sensing element 510 shown in FIG. 13 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17. FIG. 14 schematically shows an impact sensing element 540 according to this modification. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the impact sensing unit 540a of the impact sensing element 540 shown in FIG. FIG. 16 schematically shows an impact sensing unit 540a that has received an impact in the lateral direction. FIG. 17 schematically shows an impact sensing unit 540a that has received an impact along the vertical axis.

The impact sensing element 540 according to this modification is an element that senses and stores an impact along three axes. The impact sensing element 540 has an impact sensing unit 540a that senses an impact along three axes and a storage unit 540b that stores the impact detected by the impact sensing unit 540a. The impact sensing unit 540a is composed of a mechanical element. The storage unit 540b is composed of an electric element. The configuration of the storage unit 540b is the same as the configuration of the storage unit 510b of the impact sensing element 510.

The impact sensing unit 540a has a movable electrode 542, an elastic support rod 544 that supports the movable electrode 542, an elastic support 546 that supports the elastic support rod 544, and a fixed electrode 548. The movable electrode 542, the elastic support rod 544, the elastic support 546, and the fixed electrode 548 all have conductivity. The movable electrode 542 is formed in a spherical shape. The fixed electrode 548 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape.

The elastic support rod 544 is elastically deformable and supports the movable electrode 542 so as to be movable in the lateral direction. Here, the lateral direction is a direction orthogonal to the axis of the elastic support rod 544 in the non-deformed state. In the lateral direction, it can be decomposed into components along two axes orthogonal to the axis of the elastic support rod 544. Further, the elastic support 546 is elastically deformable and supports the movable electrode 542 and the elastic support rod 544 so as to be movable along the vertical axis. Here, the vertical axis is an axis parallel to the axis of the elastic support rod 544 in the non-deformed state. That is, the composite of the elastic support rod 544 and the elastic support 546 supports the movable electrode 542 so as to be movable along the three axes.

The movable electrode 542 is supported inside the fixed electrode 548 by the elastic support rod 544 and the elastic support 546. The movable electrode 542 is arranged at a distance from the peripheral wall and the bottom wall of the fixed electrode 548. Preferably, the movable electrode 542 is arranged on the central axis of the bottomed cylindrical fixed electrode 548. The elastic support 546 and the fixed electrode 548 are insulated from each other. For example, the elastic support 546 is fixed to the open end of the fixed electrode 548 via an insulator. The fixed electrode 548 is electrically connected to one end of the capacitor 522. The other end of the capacitor 522 is electrically connected to one end of the electrical resistance 524. The other end of the electrical resistance 524 is electrically connected to the elastic support 546.

The fixed electrode 548 and the elastic support 546 are fixed to the endoscope 110 in a state where the impact sensing element 540 is installed on the endoscope 110.

After the end of use of the endoscope 110, for example, at the end of driving the lighting device 200, the capacitor 522 is charged.

When the endoscope 110 holding the fixed electrode 548 and the elastic support 546 is impacted in the lateral direction, the movable electrode 542 vibrates in the lateral direction. When the magnitude of the impact is greater than the predetermined magnitude, the movable electrode 542 contacts the peripheral wall of the fixed electrode 548, as shown in FIG. As a result, the capacitor 522 is discharged.

Further, when the endoscope 110 receives an impact along the vertical axis, the movable electrode 542 vibrates along the vertical axis. When the magnitude of the impact is greater than the predetermined magnitude, the movable electrode 542 contacts the bottom wall of the fixed electrode 548, as shown in FIG. As a result, the capacitor 522 is discharged.

Prior to the use of the endoscope 110, for example, at the start of driving the lighting device 200, the presence or absence of electricity stored in the capacitor 522 is detected. Based on the detection result, the light source controller 226 selects the test mode of the diagnostic mode.

[Modification 2 of Impact Sensing Element 510]
Another modification of the impact sensing element 510 shown in FIG. 13 will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 20. FIG. 18 schematically shows an impact sensing element 560 according to this modification. FIG. 19 schematically shows an impact sensing unit 560a that has received an impact in the lateral direction. FIG. 20 schematically shows an impact sensing unit 560a that has received an impact along the vertical axis.

The impact sensing element 560 according to the present modification is an element that senses and stores an impact along three axes, like the impact sensing element 540 according to the modification 1. The impact sensing element 560 has an impact sensing unit 560a that senses an impact along three axes and a storage unit 560b that stores the impact detected by the impact sensing unit 560a. The configuration of the storage unit 560b is the same as the configuration of the storage unit 510b of the impact sensing element 510.

The impact sensing unit 560a has a movable electrode 562, an elastic support 564 that supports the movable electrode 562, and a fixed electrode 566. The movable electrode 562, the elastic support 564, and the fixed electrode 566 are all conductive. The movable electrode 562 is formed in a spherical shape. The fixed electrode 566 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape.

The elastic support 564 is elastically deformable and supports the movable electrode 562 so as to be movable along three axes. The movable electrode 562 is supported inside the fixed electrode 566 by an elastic support 564 at a distance from the peripheral wall and the bottom wall of the fixed electrode 566.

The elastic support 564 and the fixed electrode 566 are insulated from each other. The fixed electrode 566 is electrically connected to one end of the capacitor 522. The other end of the capacitor 522 is electrically connected to one end of the electrical resistance 524. The other end of the electrical resistance 524 is electrically connected to the elastic support 564.

The fixed electrode 566 and the elastic support 564 are fixed to the endoscope 110 in a state where the impact sensing element 560 is installed in the endoscope 110.

After the end of use of the endoscope 110, for example, at the end of driving the lighting device 200, the capacitor 522 is charged.

When the endoscope 110 holding the fixed electrode 566 and the elastic support 564 receives a lateral impact, the movable electrode 562 vibrates laterally. When the magnitude of the impact is larger than the predetermined magnitude, the movable electrode 562 contacts the peripheral wall of the fixed electrode 566, as shown in FIG. As a result, the capacitor 522 is discharged.

Further, when the endoscope 110 receives an impact along the vertical axis, the movable electrode 562 vibrates along the vertical axis. When the magnitude of the impact is greater than the predetermined magnitude, the movable electrode 562 contacts the bottom wall of the fixed electrode 566, as shown in FIG. As a result, the capacitor 522 is discharged.

Prior to the use of the endoscope 110, for example, at the start of driving the lighting device 200, the presence or absence of electricity stored in the capacitor 522 is detected. Based on the detection result, the light source controller 226 selects the test mode of the diagnostic mode.

[Other configuration examples of impact sensor 222 and memory 224]
Both the impact sensor 222 and the memory 224 may be composed of electrical elements. Further, the impact sensor 222 may be configured to detect the magnitude of the impact. In this case, the memory 224 is configured to store the magnitude of the impact detected by the impact sensor 222. Such an impact sensor 222 is composed of, for example, an acceleration sensor. Further, the memory 224 is composed of, for example, a semiconductor memory. In this case, since both the acceleration sensor and the semiconductor memory are electrical elements that require power supply, a battery that supplies power to the impact sensor 222 and the memory 224, together with the impact sensor 222 and the memory 224, is installed separately from the battery 124. It is provided inside the endoscope 110.

[Other configuration examples]
In the embodiment, the impact sensor 222 detects the impact received by the endoscope 110 while the lighting device 200 is not driven, the memory 224 stores the impact information, and the light source is used when the endoscope system 100 is started. An example in which the controller 226 acquires impact information has been described, but the impact received by the endoscope 110 while the lighting device 200 is being driven is used for the impact sensor 222 and the memory 224 to drive the lighting device 200. The light source controller 226 may be configured to acquire impact information.

Claims (20)

A lighting system that emits illumination light and
An impact sensor that detects impact and
A memory that stores impact information detected by the impact sensor, and
A lighting device including a light source controller that performs a diagnostic test for diagnosing the presence or absence of a failure of the lighting system based on the impact information stored in the memory. In the light source controller, when the history of the impact stored in the memory indicates that the impact sensor did not detect the impact, it is shorter than the case where the impact sensor detects the impact. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the diagnostic test is performed by a feasible method. The light source controller is configured to control a light source included in the illumination system, and the light source controller stores the light source in the memory before driving the light source in a normal mode of emitting illumination light for observation. based on the information of the impact stored, it drives the light source in a diagnostic mode that emits illumination light for the diagnostic test, the lighting device according to claim 1. The diagnostic mode includes a plurality of test modes, and in the diagnostic test, the light source controller performs one test from the plurality of test modes based on the impact information stored in the memory. The lighting device according to claim 3, wherein a mode is selected and the light source is driven according to the selected test mode. The light source controller has a complete test mode in which all test items are executed for a plurality of test items prepared for the diagnostic test based on the impact information stored in the memory, and a complete test mode. The lighting device according to claim 4, wherein one of the non-complete test modes different from the above is selected. The non-complete test mode is a simple test mode in which the execution of at least one test item in the plurality of test items is omitted, and the remaining test items in the plurality of test items are executed , and the plurality of tests. The luminaire according to claim 5, comprising at least one of a test omission modes in which none of the items are performed. The lighting device according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the impact sensor and the memory is configured to function even when there is no power supply to the lighting device. When the impact history stored in the memory indicates that the impact sensor did not detect the impact, the light source controller selects the incomplete test mode and the result of the diagnosis by the incomplete test mode. The lighting device according to claim 5 , wherein the lighting device is driven in the normal mode when the lighting system indicates that there is no failure. When the shock history stored in the memory indicates that the shock sensor did not detect the shock, the light source controller drives the lighting device in the normal mode without performing the diagnostic test. The lighting device according to claim 8. When the impact history stored in the memory indicates that the impact sensor has detected an impact, the light source controller selects the complete test mode, and the result of the diagnosis by the complete test mode is the illumination. The lighting device according to claim 5 , wherein the lighting device is driven in the normal mode when it indicates that there is no failure in the system. The plurality of test items are measurement of the intensity of the illumination light emitted from the illumination system with respect to the magnitude of the current supplied to the light source, measurement of the color tone of the illumination light emitted from the illumination system, and emission from the illumination system. The lighting device according to claim 5, further comprising measuring at least one of measurement of uneven brightness of illumination light. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the stored contents of the memory are reset when the driving of the lighting device is completed. The impact sensor and the memory have a stator and a mover attached to the stator.
The stator and the mover are formed so as to be fitted to each other, the stator and the mover are both made of an insulator, and the stator and the mover are fixed to each other. when the child and the movable element is fitted to one another, and a stator electrode and the movable electrode in contact with each other, the lighting device according to claim 1. The impact sensor and the memory further include a wire having one end connected to the mover and a wire winder having the other end of the wire connected to the mover.
The illumination according to claim 13 , wherein the wire winder is configured to wind the wire, and the mover is fitted to the stator by winding the wire by the wire winder. apparatus. The impact sensor and the memory have two elastic members fixed to the stator and a mover movably supported by the stator.
The two elastic members are conductive and are in contact with each other.
The mover is made of an insulator and is supportably inserted between the two elastic members.
The two elastic members, holding said movable element which is inserted between the two, when impacted above a predetermined magnitude, the mover is configured to disengage, in claim 1 The luminaire described. The impact sensor and the memory further include a mover support rod rotatably supported with respect to the stator and a rotary actuator for turning the mover support rod.
The lighting device according to claim 15 , wherein the mover is fixed to the mover support rod and is inserted between the two elastic members by turning the mover support rod by the rotary actuator. The impact sensor has a movable electrode, an elastic support that supports the movable electrode, and a fixed electrode, and the movable electrode is attached to the fixed electrode when an impact exceeding a predetermined size is received. It is configured to be in contact and
The lighting device according to claim 1 , wherein the memory has a capacitor having one end electrically connected to the movable electrode and the other end electrically connected to the fixed electrode. Equipped with an endoscope with a built-in lighting device
The lighting device is
A lighting system that emits illumination light and
An impact sensor that detects impact and
A memory that stores impact information detected by the impact sensor, and
An endoscope system including a light source controller that performs a diagnostic test for diagnosing the presence or absence of a failure of the lighting system based on the impact information stored in the memory. The endoscope system according to claim 18 , wherein the endoscope is a wireless endoscope, and the endoscope system is a wireless endoscope system. It is a diagnostic method of a lighting device having a lighting system that emits illumination light, an impact sensor that detects an impact, and a memory that stores information on the impact detected by the impact sensor.
A method of diagnosing a lighting device that performs a diagnostic test for diagnosing the presence or absence of a failure of the lighting system based on the impact information stored in the memory.

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