JP7138462B2 - Endoscope device, control method for endoscope device - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an endoscope device in which a light source unit can be selectively attached and detached, and a control method for the endoscope device.

Conventionally, endoscope devices have been widely used in the industrial and medical fields. In the industrial field, endoscope devices are used, for example, to inspect (observe) internal flaws and corrosion of boilers, turbines, engines, and the like.

In such examinations, it is required that the endoscope apparatus be easily carried into a facility such as a factory or taken outside. For this reason, especially in industrial endoscope apparatuses, a configuration is known in which various functional units such as a light source unit, various control units, and a power supply unit are integrally provided in an operation section connected to an insertion section. It is

As a technique for improving the usability of an endoscope apparatus in which various functional units are provided in the operation portion, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an element unit (light source unit) integrally provided with a heat sink in the operation portion. On the other hand, by adopting a detachable structure, the cooling efficiency of the light emitting element is improved, and in the unlikely event that the light emitting element becomes unable to emit light due to the life of the light emitting element, the user can replace the light source unit. is disclosed.

JP 2010-162167 A

However, when the light source unit is provided in the operation section of the portable endoscope apparatus as described above, the light source unit is required to have a small size and a simple configuration. Therefore, in this type of endoscope apparatus, it may be difficult to supply optimal illumination light for various uses such as inspections.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an endoscope apparatus and a control method for the endoscope apparatus that can appropriately observe a subject using appropriate illumination light according to the application. for the purpose.

An endoscope apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes an insertion section, a housing to which a proximal end of the insertion section is connected, and a body that is detachably attached to the housing. a light source unit supplied to a unit, a discrimination unit configured to discriminate the type of the light source provided in the light source unit, an imaging element configured to generate an image based on the image of the subject, and a control unit, wherein the light source unit is a light source unit equipped with a light source that emits white light or a light source unit that includes a light source that emits infrared light, and is selectively attached to the housing; The setting for controlling the amount of light during observation of the subject is changed according to the type of the light source selected, and the exposure time of the imaging element or the light source is supplied according to the result determined by the determination unit. When at least one of the current values of the drive current is changed and the light source discriminated by the discriminating unit is the light source emitting the infrared light, the exposure time of the imaging device is longer than the light source emitting the white light. Change the setting so that the
An endoscope apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes an insertion section, a housing to which a proximal end of the insertion section is connected, and a body that is detachably attached to the housing and that emits illumination light to a subject. a light source unit supplied to a unit, a discrimination unit configured to discriminate the type of the light source provided in the light source unit, an imaging element configured to generate an image based on the image of the subject, and a control unit, wherein the light source unit is a light source unit equipped with a light source that emits white light or a light source unit that includes a light source that emits ultraviolet light, and is selectively attached to the housing; The setting for controlling the amount of light during observation of the subject is changed according to the type of the light source selected, and the exposure time of the imaging element or the light source is supplied according to the result determined by the determination unit. At least one of the current values of the drive current is changed, and when the light source determined by the determining unit is the light source emitting the ultraviolet light, the exposure time of the imaging device is longer than the light source emitting the white light. Change the setting so that the
An endoscope apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes an insertion section, a housing to which a proximal end of the insertion section is connected, and a body that is detachably attached to the housing and that emits illumination light to a subject. a light source unit supplied to a unit, a determination unit that determines the type of light source provided in the light source unit, and a control unit, and the housing includes the light source unit that includes the light source that emits ultraviolet light. can be attached, and the control unit changes settings for controlling the amount of light during observation of the subject according to the type of the light source determined by the determination unit, and the light source is the ultraviolet light is the light source emitting light, an alarm is issued to alert the inspector.
An endoscope apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes an insertion section, a housing to which a proximal end of the insertion section is connected, and a body that is detachably attached to the housing and that emits illumination light to a subject. a light source unit to be supplied to a unit, a determination unit that determines the type of the light source provided in the light source unit, and a control unit, and the housing includes the light source unit having a reference light source, or the It is possible to selectively attach the light source unit having another light source with a larger light quantity than the reference light source. changing the setting for controlling the light intensity at the time of observation, and when the light source is the other light source, changing the setting so that the current value of the driving current is larger than the light source used as the reference, and the light intensity The light source unit having the other light source with a large λ is provided with a cooling fan for cooling the light source unit.

Further, a control method for an endoscope apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes an insertion section, a housing to which a base end of the insertion section is connected, and a housing detachably attached to the housing to irradiate a subject. a light source unit that supplies illumination light to the insertion section, a discrimination section that discriminates the type of the light source provided in the light source unit, an imaging device that generates an image based on the image of the subject, a control section, wherein the light source unit is a light source unit that includes a light source that emits white light or a light source unit that includes a light source that emits infrared light, and is selectively attached to the housing for controlling an endoscope In the method, the control unit changes settings for controlling the amount of light during observation of the subject according to the type of the light source determined by the determination unit, Accordingly, at least one of the exposure time of the image sensor and the current value of the drive current supplied to the light source is changed, and if the light source determined by the determination unit is a light source that emits the infrared light, A setting is changed so that the exposure time of the imaging element is longer than that of the light source emitting the white light.

A control method for an endoscope apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes an insertion section, a housing to which a proximal end of the insertion section is connected, and illumination light detachably attached to the housing and irradiated to a subject. to the insertion section, a discrimination section that discriminates the type of the light source provided in the light source unit, an imaging device that generates an image based on the image of the subject, and a control section, In the method for controlling an endoscope device, wherein the light source unit is a light source unit that includes a light source that emits white light or a light source unit that includes a light source that emits ultraviolet light, and is selectively attached to the housing. The control unit changes settings for controlling the amount of light during observation of the subject according to the type of the light source determined by the determination unit, and performs the imaging according to the result determined by the determination unit. At least one of the exposure time of the element and the current value of the driving current supplied to the light source is changed, and the white light is emitted when the light source discriminated by the discriminating unit emits the ultraviolet light. A control method for an endoscope apparatus, characterized in that the setting is changed so that the exposure time of the imaging element is longer than that of the light source .

A control method for an endoscope apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes an insertion section, a housing to which a proximal end of the insertion section is connected, and illumination light detachably attached to the housing and irradiated to a subject. to the insertion portion, the light source unit having a reference light source and another light source having a larger light amount than the reference light source, and the other light source having a larger light amount a cooling fan that cools the light source unit provided in the light source unit; a discrimination unit that discriminates the type of the light source provided in the light source unit; and a control unit. A control method for an endoscope device capable of selectively attaching the light source unit having a light source or the light source unit having another light source with a larger light quantity than the reference light source, the control method comprising: The unit changes settings for controlling the amount of light during observation of the subject according to the type of the light source discriminated by the discriminating unit, and when the light source is the other light source, the light source used as the reference Change the setting so that the current value of the drive current is greater than

Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately observe a subject using appropriate illumination light according to the application.

Perspective view of an endoscope device FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the endoscope device with the light source unit removed; Functional block diagram of endoscope device with replaceable light source unit FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a light source unit and a light source mounting portion; Principal part cross-sectional view showing the connection state between the light source unit and the light source mounting part Cross-sectional view of main parts with the light source unit removed from the light source mounting part Flowchart showing a control information setting routine of the endoscope apparatus (Part 1) Flowchart showing the control information setting routine of the endoscope apparatus (Part 2) Flowchart showing a drive control routine for an endoscope device FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a display section when using a first light source unit having a first light emitting element capable of emitting white light as a light source; Explanatory drawing showing a display example of the display section when using the second light source unit having the second light emitting element capable of emitting infrared light as a light source. Explanatory drawing showing a display example of the display section when using the third light source unit having the third light emitting element capable of emitting ultraviolet light as a light source. Explanatory diagram showing a display example of the display section when using a fourth light source unit having a fourth light emitting element as a light source capable of emitting white light with a larger amount of light than the first light emitting element. Explanatory drawing showing a display example of an alarm screen when a third light-emitting element capable of emitting ultraviolet light is connected.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings relate to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an endoscope device, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the endoscope device with the light source unit removed, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the light source unit and the light source mounting portion; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the main part showing the connection state between the light source unit and the light source mounting portion; FIG. 6 is a view from the light source mounting portion; 7 and 8 are flow charts showing the control information setting routine of the endoscope device, FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the drive control routine of the endoscope device, and FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a display portion when a first light source unit having a first light emitting element capable of emitting light as a light source is used. FIG. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of the display section when using the second light source unit as FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of the display section, and FIG. 13 shows the display section when using the fourth light source unit whose light source is the fourth light emitting element capable of emitting white light with a larger amount of light than the first light emitting element. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example, and FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an alarm screen when a third light emitting element capable of emitting ultraviolet light is connected.

The endoscope apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is, for example, an endoscope apparatus used in the industrial field, and includes an insertion section 2 that can be inserted into a subject such as a gas turbine engine or piping in a power plant. and a light source unit 4 attached to the operating section 3 in a replaceable and detachable manner. Here, the operation unit 3 can selectively replace and attach two or more types of light source units 4 .

The insertion portion 2 is composed of a flexible tubular part in which a distal end portion 5, a bending portion 6, and a flexible tubular portion 7 are connected in order from the distal end side.

As shown in FIG. 3, an imaging unit 8 is provided inside the distal end portion 5 . The image pickup unit 8 includes an observation optical system 8a and an image pickup element 8b optically connected to the base end side of the observation optical system 8a. The distal end of the observation optical system 8a of the imaging unit 8 is exposed to the outside of the distal end portion 5, thereby forming an observation window on the distal end surface of the distal end portion 5. As shown in FIG.

An illumination optical system 9 is provided inside the distal end portion 5 . A distal end of a light guide 10 is optically connected to the proximal end of the illumination optical system 9 . Also, the tip of the illumination optical system is exposed to the outside of the tip portion 5 , thereby forming an illumination window on the tip surface of the tip portion 5 .

The bending portion 6 is for directing the distal end portion 5 in a desired direction, and is configured, for example, by connecting a plurality of bending pieces (not shown). Here, the bending portion 6 of the present embodiment is configured so as to be actively bent in all directions around the insertion axis O including up, down, left, and right directions.

The up, down, left, and right directions in each part of the insertion section 2 are defined for convenience in association with, for example, the up, down, left, and right directions of an image captured by the imaging element 8b.

A light guide 10 and a signal line 8c electrically connected to an image pickup device 8b are inserted into the flexible tube portion 7 (see FIG. 3), and an illustration for bending the bending portion 6 is provided. A plurality of (for example, four) pulling wires or the like are inserted.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the operation unit 3 includes an operation unit main body 15 as a housing having, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

Here, the operation section main body 15 has a function as a grip section for a user or the like to grip the operation section 3 along the longitudinal direction. For this reason, the posture of the operation unit 3 can change according to the state in which it is held by the user or the like. The direction and the other end direction are defined as base end directions, and the four directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction are defined as up, down, left and right directions.

In addition, leg portions 16 are protruding from the distal end side and the proximal end side of the lower surface of the operation portion main body 15, so that the operation portion 3 of the present embodiment can be used while being placed on a desk or the like. It's becoming

A display portion 17 having a flat, substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape is integrally provided on the upper portion of the operation portion main body 15 on the distal end side. A display 20 such as an LCD (liquid crystal display) is incorporated on the upper surface of the display unit 17 .

Here, in order to improve the visibility of the display 20 by a user or the like when holding the operation portion main body 15, the display portion 17 of the present embodiment extends from the base end to the tip in the longitudinal direction of the operation portion main body 15. It is arranged so as to incline toward the side at a predetermined elevation angle.

Further, a concave portion 25 is formed on the upper surface of the operation portion main body 15 on the base end side of the display portion 17 . The concave portion 25 includes a bending lever 26 for bending the bending portion 6 , a pointing device 27 for operating a cursor displayed on the display portion 17 (display 20 ), and various types of endoscope apparatus 1 . A plurality of switches 28 to which functions etc. are assigned are arranged.

A light source mounting portion 30 for detachably mounting the light source unit 4 below the display portion 17 is provided at the tip of the operation portion main body 15 .

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the light source mounting portion 30 is composed of a plate-like component arranged so as to be exposed from the tip of the operation portion main body 15. As shown in FIG. The front end surface of the operating portion main body 15 formed by the light source mounting portion 30 is set as a surface to be joined 31 to which the light source unit 4 is joined so that the light source unit 4 can be attached and detached.

A circular fitting recess 31a is provided on the joint surface 31, and a connector portion 34 in which a signal terminal 32 and a pair of power supply terminals 33 are integrally housed inside the fitting recess 31a, The base end side of the light guide 10 and are protrudingly provided.

Further, the light source mounting portion 30 is provided with guide pins 31b and guide holes 31c for positioning with the light source unit 4 on both left and right sides of the fitting recess 31a. is provided with a screw hole 31d.

Further, the light source mounting portion 30 is connected to the base end side of the insertion portion 2 at a position deviated downward from the fitting recess 31a.

The light source unit 4 has a plate-like light source unit main body 40 that is detachable from the light source mounting portion 30 .

One surface of the light source unit main body 40 is set as a joint surface 41 for joining with the joint surface 31 set on the operation portion main body 15 . In order to allow the light source unit main body 40 to function as a heat sink, a plurality of radiator plates 42 are integrally formed and projected from the other surface of the light source unit main body 40 .

On the joint surface 41 of the light source unit main body 40, an annular fitting convex portion 41a that can be fitted into the fitting concave portion 31a of the operation portion main body 15 is provided.

A mounting substrate 43 is provided inside the fitting convex portion 41a (see FIGS. 5 and 6). A power contact 45 electrically corresponding to each power terminal 33 of the main body 15 is provided. When the light source unit 4 is attached to the operation portion main body 15, the signal contacts 44 and the power contacts 45 are configured to be electrically connected to the corresponding signal terminals 32 and power terminals 33, respectively. It is

A light-emitting element 46 such as a light-emitting diode is mounted on the mounting substrate 43 as a light source, and the light-emitting element 46 is electrically connected to each power contact 45 . Here, as the light-emitting element 46, for example, a first light-emitting element 46A capable of emitting white light, a second light-emitting element 46B capable of emitting infrared light, and a light emitting element 46B capable of emitting ultraviolet light can be used as a reference standard light source. Either the third light emitting element 46C or the fourth light emitting element 46D capable of emitting white light with a larger amount of light than the first light emitting element 46A is employed. Here, for example, the first to third light emitting elements 46 are composed of light emitting elements having the same rated current, but the second light emitting element 46B that emits infrared light and the third light emitting element 46B that emits ultraviolet light. The light emitting element 46C emits less light when the same driving control is performed as compared with the first light emitting element 46A which emits white light. Further, for example, the fourth light emitting element 46D is configured by a light emitting element having a rated current higher than that of the first light emitting element 46A, and by increasing the supply current, the fourth light emitting element 46D can produce a larger amount of light than the first light emitting element 46A. It is possible to emit white light.

The light emitting element 46 (that is, any one of the first to fourth light emitting elements 46A to 46D) is arranged at a position corresponding to the proximal end of the light guide 10 protruding inside the fitting recess 31a of the operation portion main body 15. It is A lens 47 is provided on the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 46 to collect the illumination light emitted from the light-emitting element 46 . Then, when the light source unit 4 is attached to the operation section main body 15 , the light emitting element 46 is configured such that the emitted light is condensed by the lens 47 and then incident on the base end of the light guide 10 . That is, the light source unit 4 can supply illumination light to the illumination optical system 9 of the insertion section 2 via the light guide 10 .

An identification resistor 48 is mounted on the mounting substrate 43 as an identification portion for generating an identification signal corresponding to the type of the light emitting element 46 , and the identification resistance 48 is electrically connected to the signal contact 44 . ing.

As the identification resistor 48, first to fourth identification resistance values (first to fourth resistance values) different from each other are set in association with the first to fourth light emitting elements 46A to 46D. Resistors 48A-48D are employed. That is, the identification resistor 48 has a first resistance value and is mounted on the mounting board 43 together with the first light emitting element 46A. A second identification resistor 48B mounted on the mounting board 43 together with the second light emitting element 46B, and a third identification resistor having a third resistance value and mounted on the mounting board 43 together with the third light emitting element 46C. 48C, or a fourth identification resistor 48D having a fourth resistance value and mounted on the mounting board 43 together with the fourth light emitting element 46D.

Here, the light source unit 4D in which the fourth light emitting element 46D is mounted as a light source is provided with a cooling fan 49 for further increasing the cooling efficiency. It is

The light source unit main body 40 is provided with a guide hole 41b and a guide pin 41c corresponding to the guide pin 31b and the guide hole 31c of the operating portion main body 15 on both left and right sides of the fitting protrusion 41a, and screw holes 31d. A screw insertion hole 41d corresponding to is provided.

In addition, the light source unit body 40 is provided with an inverted U-shaped escape groove 41 e to avoid interference with the base end side of the insertion portion 2 .

Regarding the light source unit 4 configured as described above, the light source unit mounted with the first light emitting element 46A and the first identification resistor 48A is the first light source unit 4A, the second light emitting element 46B and the second light emitting element 46B. The second light source unit 4B is the light source unit mounted with the second identification resistor 48B, the third light source unit 4C is the light source unit mounted with the third light emitting element 46C and the third identification resistor 48C, and the fourth light source unit 4C. The light source unit in which the light emitting element 46D and the fourth identification resistor 48D are mounted is referred to as a fourth light source unit 4D when necessary.

Such a light source unit 4 is positioned with respect to the operating portion main body 15 by inserting the guide pin 31b into the guide hole 41b and inserting the guide pin 41c into the guide hole 31c. In this positioned state, the fitting convex portion 41a is fitted into the fitting concave portion 31a so that the signal contact 44 and each power contact 45 and the signal terminal 32 and each power terminal 33 are connected. and optical connection between the light emitting element 48 and the light guide 10 are realized. The light source unit 4 is fastened and fixed to the operation portion main body 15 by screws (not shown) inserted through the screw insertion holes 41d and the screw holes 31d, thereby maintaining the connection states described above.

As shown in FIG. 3, the operation section 3 of the endoscope apparatus 1 has a control unit 50, a power supply circuit 51, and an image processing circuit 52 inside.

In this embodiment, an example in which the control unit 50 and the power supply circuit 51 are arranged inside the operation unit main body 15 and the video processing circuit 52 is arranged inside the display unit 17 is shown. can be changed as appropriate according to the layout of various mechanisms arranged inside the operation unit 3 . For example, the control unit 50 and the power supply circuit 51 can be arranged inside the display section 17 , and conversely, the video processing circuit 52 can also be arranged inside the operation section main body 15 .

The control unit 50 controls the entire endoscope apparatus 1, and includes a control section 55 and a storage section 56 as a storage medium. Various control programs and various setting information for the endoscope apparatus 1 are recorded in advance in the storage unit 56 .

The control unit 55 is configured mainly by a CPU or the like, for example. The control unit 55 reads out various programs and various setting information recorded in the storage unit 56, and variously controls the endoscope apparatus 1 according to user operation signals input from the pointing device 27, the switch 28, or the like. I do. For example, the control unit 55 performs driving control of the imaging device 8b and the light emitting device 46, display control of the display 20 through the video processing circuit 52, and the like.

During such control, the control unit 55 determines the type of the light source of the light source unit 4 currently attached to the operation unit 3 (operation unit main body 15) (that is, in the present embodiment, the first to fourth which one of the light emitting elements 46A to 46D). That is, the signal terminal 32 is connected to the control section 55, and the control section 55 emits light based on a control signal (voltage signal) corresponding to the resistance value of the identification resistor 48 mounted on the light source unit 4. The type of element 46 is determined. In this manner, the control unit 55 of this embodiment realizes the function as a determination unit.

Then, based on the determination result of the type of the light emitting element 46, the control unit 55 appropriately changes various settings for controlling the amount of light during observation of the subject, and changes various information displayed on the display unit 17 or the like. After appropriately changing the settings, each part of the endoscope apparatus 1 is controlled.

The power supply circuit 51 can supply power to each part of the insertion section 2 and the operation section 3 based on the control signal from the control section 55 .

A power supply terminal 33 provided on the light source mounting portion 30 is electrically connected to the power supply circuit 51 . As a result, while the light source unit 4 is attached to the light source attachment portion 30 (the operation portion main body 15), the power supply circuit 51 keeps the light emitting element 46 of the light source unit 4 (and the light source unit 4 connected to the fourth light source). In the case of the unit 4D, power can be supplied to the cooling fan 49) based on the control signal from the control section 55 as well.

The video processing circuit 52 receives, for example, an imaging signal from the imaging element 8b through the control section 55 and various control signals from the control section 55 . Based on the input signal, the video processing circuit 52 generates a video signal for displaying incidental information such as an endoscopic image and examination information on the display 20 of the display unit 17 .

Next, the control information setting control of the endoscope apparatus 1, which is changed according to the light source unit 4 attached to the operation section 3, will be described according to the control information setting routine shown in FIGS.

This routine is, for example, repeatedly executed by the control unit 55 at set time intervals based on the control program read from the storage unit 56 while the endoscope apparatus 1 is powered on. Then, the control section 55 first checks whether or not the light source unit 4 is properly connected to the operation section 3 in step S101.

That is, the control section 55 checks whether or not the light source unit 4 is correctly connected based on whether or not a control signal is input from the signal terminal 32, for example.

If it is determined in step S101 that no signal is input from the signal terminal 32 and the light source unit 4 is removed from the operation section 3, the control section 55 proceeds to step S112 to After turning off the power of the device 1, the routine exits.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S101 that the predetermined control signal is input from the signal terminal 32 and the light source unit 4 is correctly connected to the operation section 3, the control section 55 proceeds to step S102. .

When the process proceeds from step S101 to step S102, the control section 55 determines the type of the light source unit 4 currently connected to the operation section 3 based on the control signal currently input from the signal terminal 32. 4 light source units 4A to 4D, and after storing the result of the determination, the process proceeds to step S103.

When proceeding from step S102 to step S103, the control section 55 checks whether or not the light source unit 4 has just been replaced with respect to the operation section 3 based on the determination result of step S102.

If it is determined in step S103 that the light source unit 4 has not been replaced immediately, the control section 55 exits the routine.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S<b>103 that the light source unit 4 has just been replaced, the control section 55 proceeds to step S<b>104 to change the control information based on the new light source unit 4 .

When proceeding from step S103 to step S104, the control section 55 checks whether the light source unit 4 newly connected to the operation section 3 is the first light source unit 4A.

If it is determined in step S104 that the newly connected light source unit 4 is not the first light source unit 4A, the controller 55 proceeds to step S106.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S104 that the newly connected light source unit 4 is the first light source unit 4A, the control section 55 proceeds to step S105 and selects the first light source unit 4A from the storage section 56. After reading out the control information (first control information), the process proceeds to step S106.

When proceeding from step S104 or step S105 to step S106, the control section 55 checks whether or not the light source unit 4 newly connected to the operation section 3 is the second light source unit 4B.

If it is determined in step S106 that the newly connected light source unit 4 is not the second light source unit 4B, the controller 55 proceeds to step S108.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S106 that the newly connected light source unit 4 is the second light source unit 4B, the control section 55 proceeds to step S107 to select the second light source unit 4B from the storage section 56. After reading out the control information (second control information), the process proceeds to step S108.

When proceeding from step S106 or step S107 to step S108, the control section 55 checks whether or not the light source unit 4 newly connected to the operation section 3 is the third light source unit 4C.

If it is determined in step S108 that the newly connected light source unit 4 is not the third light source unit 4C, the controller 55 proceeds to step S110.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S108 that the newly connected light source unit 4 is the third light source unit 4C, the control section 55 proceeds to step S109 to select the third light source unit 4C from the storage section 56. After reading the control information (the third control information), the process proceeds to step S110.

When proceeding from step S108 or step S109 to step S110, the control section 55 checks whether the light source unit 4 newly connected to the operation section 3 is the fourth light source unit 4D.

If it is determined in step S110 that the newly connected light source unit 4 is not the fourth light source unit 4D, the controller 55 proceeds to step S113 (see FIG. 8).

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S110 that the newly connected light source unit 4 is the fourth light source unit 4D, the control section 55 proceeds to step S111 to select the fourth light source unit 4D from the storage section 56. After reading out the control information (fourth control information), the process proceeds to step S113.

When proceeding from step S110 or step S111 to step S113, the control unit 55 performs various controls based on the control information read in step S105, step S107, step S109, or step S111 in the processing up to step S118. Set information. It should be noted that the setting of the control information does not necessarily have to change all of the various types of control information shown below, and it is also possible to change items other than the control information shown below.

That is, in step S113, the control section 55 sets various information to be notified to the user according to the type of the light source unit 4 currently connected to the operation section 3. FIG.

For example, the control unit 55 makes settings for displaying an indicator corresponding to the type of the light source unit 4 currently connected to the operation unit 3 on the display 20 of the display unit 17 . Furthermore, for example, when the light source unit 4 currently connected to the operation unit 3 is the third light source unit 4C mounted with the third light emitting element 46C capable of emitting ultraviolet light, the user should be aware of how to handle the illumination light. Make settings related to alarms to call attention to

In subsequent step S<b>114 , the control unit 55 sets the drive current to be supplied to the light emitting element 46 .

For example, when the light source unit 4 currently connected to the operation unit 3 is any one of the first to third light source units 4A to 4C, the control unit 55 sets the default driving current. On the other hand, when the light source unit 4 currently connected to the operation section 3 is the fourth light source unit 4D, the control section 55 sets a drive current higher than the default drive current.

In subsequent step S115, the control unit 55 sets the exposure time of the imaging element 8b.

For example, when the light source unit 4 currently connected to the operation unit 3 is one of the first and fourth light source units 4A and 4D, the control section 55 sets the default exposure time. On the other hand, when the light source unit 4 currently connected to the operation unit 3 is one of the second and third light source units 4B and 4C, the control unit 55 sets the exposure time longer than the default exposure time. set the time.

In subsequent step S116, the control unit 55 sets the frame rate of the imaging device 8b.

For example, when the light source unit 4 currently connected to the operation unit 3 is one of the first and fourth light source units 4A and 4D, the control unit 55 sets the default frame rate (for example, 60 fps ). On the other hand, when the light source unit 4 currently connected to the operation unit 3 is one of the second and third light source units 4B and 4C, the control unit 55 secures the exposure time of the image sensor 8b. Therefore, a frame rate (for example, 30 fps) smaller than the default frame rate is set. Note that when the light source unit 4 currently connected to the operation unit 3 is one of the second and third light source units 4B and 4C, the exposure time set in step S115 described above is set at the default frame rate. It is also possible to set a default frame rate if it can be ensured by

As described above, in the control information setting routine of the present embodiment, various settings for controlling the amount of light during observation of the subject are appropriately changed in steps S114 to S117.

In subsequent step S117, the control unit 55 sets the threshold for the internal temperature of the operation unit 3, and exits the routine.

For example, when the light source unit 4 currently connected to the operation unit 3 is any one of the first to third light source units 4A to 4C, the control unit 55 sets a default threshold value. On the other hand, when the light source unit 4 currently connected to the operating section 3 is the fourth light source unit 4D, the control section 55 controls the operation of the cooling fan 49 to prevent the internal temperature of the operating section 3 from rapidly rising. is difficult to assume, so set a higher threshold than the default threshold.

Next, drive control of the endoscope apparatus 1 performed based on the various setting information described above will be described according to a drive control routine of the endoscope apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

This routine is, for example, repeatedly executed by the control unit 55 at set time intervals while the power of the endoscope apparatus 1 is ON. , display control of the display 20 through the video processing circuit 52 is performed.

In this display control, when the imaging signal from the imaging element 8b is input, the control unit 55 performs control for displaying the endoscopic image 21 based on the video signal on the display 20 (FIG. 10). (See FIG. 13).

In addition, the control unit 55 performs display control for displaying the indicator 22 set in the above-described step S113 on the display 20 as one of supplementary information for endoscopic observation.

In this case, for example, when the light source unit 4 currently connected to the operation unit 3 is the first light source unit 4A mounted with the first light emitting element 46A capable of emitting white light, the control unit 55, for example, , as shown in FIG. 10, control is performed to display the first indicator 22A in which the character "white" is added to the mark with the light source on.

Further, for example, when the light source unit 4 currently connected to the operation unit 3 is the second light source unit 4B mounted with the second light emitting element 46B capable of emitting infrared light, the control unit 55, for example, 11, control is performed to display the second indicator 22B in which the character "IR" is added to the mark with the light source on.

Further, for example, when the light source unit 4 currently connected to the operation unit 3 is the third light source unit 4C mounted with the third light emitting element 46C capable of emitting ultraviolet light, the control unit 55, for example, As shown in 12, a third indicator 22C is displayed in which the letters "UV" are attached to the mark where the light source is lit.

Further, for example, the light source unit 4 currently connected to the operation unit 3 is a fourth light source unit 4D mounted with a fourth light emitting element 46D capable of emitting white light with a larger amount of light than the first light emitting element 46A. In this case, for example, the control unit 55 performs control to display a fourth indicator 22D in which the light source is illuminated with a large amount of light and the letters "white" are added, as shown in FIG. .

When proceeding from step S201 to step S202, the control unit 55 checks whether or not observation control is currently being performed (that is, whether or not the imaging device 8b, the light emitting device 46, etc. are being driven and controlled).

If it is determined in step S202 that observation control is currently being performed, the controller 55 advances to step S206 to check whether or not the observation switch for turning on/off observation control is turned off. Note that the observation switch is assigned to one of the switches 28 provided on the operation unit body 15, for example.

If the controller 55 determines in step S206 that the observation switch is not turned off (that is, that it is turned on), the control unit 55 proceeds to step S207. The process proceeds to step S209.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S202 that observation control is not currently being performed, the controller 55 proceeds to step S203 and checks whether or not the observation switch has been turned on.

Then, if it is determined in step S203 that the observation switch is not turned on (that is, turned off), the control section 55 exits the routine as it is.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S203 that the observation switch has been turned on, the control section 55 proceeds to step S204 to determine whether the light source unit 4 currently connected to the operation section 3 is the third light source unit 4C. Check whether or not

If it is determined in step S204 that the light source unit 4 currently connected to the operation section 3 is the third light source unit 4C, the control section 55 proceeds to step S205 to drive the third light source unit 4C. Before the operation, an alarm is output through the speaker 57 (see FIG. 3) or the like to warn the user about the handling of the illumination light, and the display 20 of the display unit 17 indicates that the ultraviolet light source has been connected. (see, for example, FIG. 14), the process proceeds to step S207. This warning may be issued either by the speaker 57 or by the display 20. FIG. Furthermore, as a method of warning, vibration or the like may be used.

When proceeding from step S204, step S205, or step S206 to step S207, the control unit 55 checks whether the internal temperature of the operation unit 3 is equal to or higher than the threshold set in step S117.

Then, if it is determined in step S207 that the internal temperature of the operation unit 3 is less than the threshold, the control unit 55 exits the routine after executing observation control.

That is, in step S208, for example, the control unit 55 drives and controls the light emitting element 46 based on the drive current set in step S114 described above, and the exposure time set in step S115 described above and the exposure time set in step S116 described above. Based on the obtained frame rate, the imaging device 8b is driven and controlled.

Further, when proceeding from step S206 or step S207 to step S209, the control unit 55 exits the routine after stopping the observation control.

That is, in step S209, the control unit 55 stops driving the light emitting element 46 and stops driving the imaging element 8b.

According to this embodiment, the light source unit 4 for supplying illumination light to the subject to be examined to the insertion section 2 is detachably attached to the operation section main body 15 . When the light source unit 4 is attached, the control unit 55 determines the type of the light emitting element 46 (light source) provided in the light source unit 4, and observes the subject according to the determined type of the light emitting element 46. and a procedure for changing the setting for controlling the amount of light at different times, it is possible to appropriately observe the subject using appropriate illumination light according to the application.

That is, by configuring the light source unit 4 to be detachably attached to the operation section main body 15, an appropriate light source 46 can be selected according to the application. Then, when the light source unit 4 is attached to the operation unit body 15, the type of the light emitting element 46 provided in the light source unit 4 is discriminated, and according to the discriminated type of the light emitting element 46, during observation of the subject. By changing the setting for controlling the amount of light in , it is possible to observe the subject with the optimum amount of light from the optimum light source.

In this case, the control of the amount of light during observation of the subject is performed by changing the setting of at least one of the current value of the driving current supplied to the light emitting element 46 and the exposure time of the imaging element 8b. As a result, it is possible to appropriately observe the object under simple control. At that time, if a long exposure time is required, an appropriate exposure time can be secured by changing the frame rate of the image sensor 8b.

In addition, by displaying the type of light source currently connected to the operation unit 3 on the display 20 of the display unit 17, the user can accurately recognize the type of the current light source.

Moreover, when the third light source unit 4C capable of emitting ultraviolet light is connected, an alarm is issued before the light is emitted, so that the endoscope apparatus 1 can be realized with more safety in mind.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible, which are also within the technical scope of the present invention.

For example, each functional unit (circuit) such as a control unit, a storage unit, a power supply circuit, and a video processing circuit in the above-described embodiments is conceptual, and does not necessarily correspond to specific hardware or software routines. Of course, it does not correspond to one-to-one.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example of a configuration in which the display unit is provided integrally with the operation unit has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The part may be configured separately.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Endoscope apparatus 2... Insertion part 3... Operation part 4... Light source unit 4A... First light source unit 4B... Second light source unit 4C... Third light source unit 4D... Fourth light source unit 5... Tip part 6... Bending portion 7... Flexible tube portion 8... Imaging unit 8a... Observation optical system 8b... Imaging element 8c... Signal line 9... Illumination optical system 10... Light guide 15... Operation unit body 16... Leg 17... Display unit 20 ... Display 21 ... Endoscope image 22A ... First indicator 22B ... Second indicator 22C ... Third indicator 22D ... Fourth indicator 25 ... Recess 26 ... Curved lever 27 ... Pointing device 28 ... Switch 30 ... Light source attachment Portions 31: surface to be joined 31a: fitting recess 31b: guide pin 31c: guide hole 31d: screw hole 32: signal terminal 33: power supply terminal 34: connector portion 40: light source unit main body 41: joining surface 41a: fitting Convex portion 41b... Guide hole 41c... Guide pin 41d... Screw insertion hole 41e... Escape groove 42... Radiation plate 43... Mounting board 44... Signal contact 45... Power contact 46... Light emitting element (light source)
46A... First light emitting element 46B... Second light emitting element 46C... Third light emitting element 46D... Fourth light emitting element 47... Lens 48... Identification resistor 48... Light emitting element 48A... First identification resistor 48B... Second identification resistor 48C... Third identification resistor 48D... Fourth identification resistor 49... Cooling fan 50... Control unit 51... Power supply circuit 52... Video processing circuit 55... Control unit 56... Storage unit 57... speaker

Claims (14)

an insertion section;
a housing to which the proximal end of the insertion section is connected;
a light source unit that is detachably attached to the housing and that supplies illumination light to be applied to a subject to the insertion portion;
a discrimination unit that discriminates the type of the light source provided in the light source unit;
an imaging device that generates an image based on the image of the subject;
a control unit;
The light source unit is a light source unit provided with a light source that emits white light or a light source unit provided with a light source that emits infrared light, and is selectively attached to the housing,
The control unit changes settings for controlling the amount of light during observation of the subject according to the type of the light source determined by the determination unit, and controls the imaging device according to the determination result of the determination unit. or the current value of the driving current supplied to the light source, and if the light source determined by the determination unit is a light source that emits the infrared light, the white light is emitted. An endoscope apparatus, wherein a setting is changed so that the exposure time of the imaging element is longer than that of the light source. When the light source determined by the determination unit is the light source that emits the infrared light, the control unit reduces the frame rate of the image sensor according to the change in the exposure time setting of the image sensor. 2. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting is changed. an insertion section;
a housing to which the proximal end of the insertion section is connected;
a light source unit that is detachably attached to the housing and that supplies illumination light to be applied to a subject to the insertion portion;
a discrimination unit that discriminates the type of the light source provided in the light source unit;
an imaging device that generates an image based on the image of the subject;
a control unit;
The light source unit is a light source unit that includes a light source that emits white light or a light source unit that includes a light source that emits ultraviolet light, and is selectively attached to the housing,
The control unit changes settings for controlling the amount of light during observation of the subject according to the type of the light source determined by the determination unit, and controls the imaging device according to the determination result of the determination unit. or the current value of the driving current supplied to the light source is changed, and when the light source determined by the determination unit is a light source that emits the ultraviolet light, the white light is emitted. An endoscope apparatus, wherein a setting is changed so that the exposure time of the imaging element is longer than that of the light source. When the light source determined by the determination unit is the light source that emits the ultraviolet light, the control unit adjusts the frame rate of the imaging device to decrease as the exposure time setting of the imaging device is changed. 4. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the setting is changed. an insertion section;
a housing to which the proximal end of the insertion section is connected;
a light source unit that is detachably attached to the housing and that supplies illumination light to be applied to a subject to the insertion portion;
a discrimination unit that discriminates the type of the light source provided in the light source unit;
a control unit;
The housing is capable of mounting the light source unit including the light source that emits ultraviolet light,
The control unit changes settings for controlling the amount of light during observation of the subject according to the type of the light source determined by the determination unit, and the light source is the light source that emits the ultraviolet light. 1. An endoscope apparatus, characterized in that it issues an alarm to call attention to an examiner. 4. The inner device according to claim 3, wherein when the light source determined by the determination unit is the light source that emits the ultraviolet light, the control unit issues an alarm by sound before causing the light source to emit light. optic device. an imaging device that generates an image based on the image of the subject;
a display unit that displays the image generated by the imaging device,
6. When the light source determined by the determination unit is the light source that emits the ultraviolet light, the control unit issues an alarm by displaying on the display unit before causing the light source to emit light. The endoscope device according to . The housing is capable of selectively mounting the light source unit having a reference light source or the light source unit having another light source with a larger light amount than the reference light source,
3. The control unit, when the light source discriminated by the discriminating unit is the other light source, changes the setting so that the current value of the driving current is larger than that of the light source serving as the reference. The endoscope device according to 1 or 3. an insertion section;
a housing to which the proximal end of the insertion section is connected;
a light source unit that is detachably attached to the housing and that supplies illumination light to be applied to a subject to the insertion portion;
a discrimination unit that discriminates the type of the light source provided in the light source unit;
a control unit;
The housing is capable of selectively mounting the light source unit having a reference light source or the light source unit having another light source with a larger light amount than the reference light source,
The control unit changes settings for controlling the amount of light during observation of the subject according to the type of the light source determined by the determination unit, and when the light source is the other light source, the light source is the reference. changing the settings so that the current value of the driving current is greater than that of the light source;
The endoscope apparatus, wherein the light source unit having the other light source with a large amount of light includes a cooling fan for cooling the light source unit. The housing is selectively attached with a plurality of types of the light source units having different types of the light source,
4. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light source unit includes an identification section for causing the control section to identify the type of the light source of the light source unit attached to the housing. . a display unit that displays the image generated by the imaging device,
4. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control section displays information on the light source discriminated by the discriminating section on the display section. an insertion section, a housing to which the proximal end of the insertion section is connected, a light source unit detachably attached to the housing and supplying illumination light to the insertion section to irradiate a subject, and the light source unit. A discrimination unit that discriminates the type of the provided light source , an imaging device that generates an image based on the image of the subject, and a control unit, and the light source unit includes a light source that emits white light. A light source unit or a light source unit equipped with a light source that emits infrared light, and a control method for an endoscope selectively attached to the housing,
The control unit changes settings for controlling the amount of light during observation of the subject according to the type of the light source determined by the determination unit, and performs the imaging according to the result determined by the determination unit. At least one of the exposure time of the element and the current value of the driving current supplied to the light source is changed, and when the light source determined by the determination unit is a light source that emits the infrared light, the white light is emitted. A control method for an endoscope apparatus, characterized in that the setting is changed so that the exposure time of the imaging element is longer than that of the light source. an insertion section, a housing to which the proximal end of the insertion section is connected, a light source unit detachably attached to the housing and supplying illumination light to the insertion section to irradiate a subject, and the light source unit. A discrimination unit that discriminates the type of the provided light source, an imaging device that generates an image based on the image of the subject, and a control unit, and the light source unit includes a light source that emits white light. A control method for an endoscope apparatus, which is a unit or a light source unit having a light source that emits ultraviolet light and is selectively attached to the housing,
The control unit changes settings for controlling the amount of light during observation of the subject according to the type of the light source determined by the determination unit, and controls the imaging device according to the determination result of the determination unit. or the current value of the driving current supplied to the light source is changed, and when the light source determined by the determination unit is a light source that emits the ultraviolet light, the white light is emitted. A control method for an endoscope apparatus, characterized by changing settings so that the exposure time of the imaging element is longer than that of the light source. An insertion section, a housing to which the proximal end of the insertion section is connected, and a light source unit that is detachably attached to the housing and supplies illumination light to the insertion section to irradiate a subject, serving as a reference. A light source unit having a light source, a light source unit having another light source with a larger light quantity than the reference light source, and a cooling fan provided in the light source unit having the other light source with a larger light quantity for cooling the light source unit. and a determination unit that determines the type of the light source provided in the light source unit, and a control unit, and the housing includes the light source unit having the reference light source, or the reference light source. A control method for an endoscope apparatus capable of selectively attaching the light source unit having another light source with a larger amount of light than the to change the setting for controlling the amount of light during observation of the subject, and when the light source is the other light source, the setting is changed so that the current value of the driving current is greater than that of the reference light source. A control method for an endoscope apparatus, characterized by:

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