JPH07313454A - Image pickup device for endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an image pickup device which is usable in two kinds of endoscopes varying in connector shapes, facilitates switch operation at an endoscope controller and is simplified in connection between a connector socket for connection and a signal processing circuit. CONSTITUTION:The endoscope 2 for reuse and the endoscope 3 for disposition have the electric connectors 22 and 23, respectively varying in the shapes. The electric connector 22 of the endoscope 2 for reuse is freely attachably and detachably connected to the electric connector socket 26 disposed at a video processor 6 and the electric connector 23 of the other endoscope 3 for disposition is connected to the electric connector socket 32 disposed at one end of a junction cable 8. The electric connector 33 disposed at the other end of this junction cable 8 is made freely attachably and detachably connectable to the electric connector socket 26 of the video processor 6.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope image pickup apparatus which can be used both as a reusable type and as a disposable electronic endoscope.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, for example, a C
An electronic endoscope has been developed in which a solid-state imaging device such as a CD is provided and an observation image is transmitted in a state of being converted into an electric signal by the solid-state imaging device. Further, a television camera mounting type endoscope in which a television camera having a built-in solid-state image sensor is mounted in the optical endoscope is also used.

An electronic endoscope such as an electronic endoscope of this type or an endoscope equipped with a television camera is detachably connected to an endoscope control device such as a video processor for use. A monitor is connected to the endoscope control device, and a signal processing circuit for reproducing a video signal sent from the solid-state image sensor of the electronic endoscope on the video reproduction screen of the monitor to display the video. Also, a control unit for controlling the operation of the endoscope is built in. Further, a connector receiver which serves as a receiving side connector of the endoscope side connector is provided together with various switches for controlling the operation of the endoscope apparatus or the endoscope imaging apparatus.

Further, one end of a signal cable is connected to the operation portion or the grip portion of the endoscope. An endoscope-side connector is attached to the other end of this signal cable. Then, the endoscope-side connector is detachably connected to the connector receiver of the endoscope control device, and the endoscope imaging device is used.

[0005]

Generally, a medical endoscope is subjected to a plurality of steps of reprocessing treatment such as cleaning, sterilization, disinfection, rinsing, and drying after the patient is used for diagnosis, surgery and the like. Then, the clean endoscope, which has completed the regeneration processing operation, is used for the surgery and diagnosis of the next new patient.

By the way, when an endoscope is used for a patient with an infectious disease, there is a problem that a relatively long time is required for the sterilization step and the disinfection step of the reprocessing work. Therefore, in order to efficiently perform endoscopic diagnosis, surgery, etc. on patients, use disposable endoscopes for patients with infectious diseases and reusable endoscopes for other patients. The method used may be adopted.

In this case, the disposable endoscope needs to be cheaper than the reusable endoscope in order to reduce the cost for the endoscope equipment of the hospital. Therefore, a disposable endoscope has a simpler structure than a reusable endoscope. For example, an endoscope in which the shape of the connector on the endoscope side is adopted as a reusable endoscope. Side connector is different.

Therefore, a proposal has been made for an endoscope control device capable of controlling two types of endoscopes having different endoscope-side connectors (Japanese Patent Application No. 5-38660). In this proposal, a first connection connector receiver for connecting a reusable first endoscope to a endoscope control device and a second connection for connecting a disposable second endoscope. It is characterized in that it is provided with a connector receiver for.

However, in the prior art example of the above-mentioned proposal, since the two connector connector receivers are provided on the operation panel of the endoscope control device, the area occupied by the connector connector receivers is widened to control the endoscope imaging device. The area occupied by the control switch becomes smaller. Therefore, there is a problem that it becomes difficult to operate the control switch.

Further, it is necessary to provide two systems of connection between the two connector receivers and the signal processing circuit inside the endoscope control device. Therefore, there is a problem that the connection between the two connection connector receivers and the signal processing circuit inside the endoscope control device becomes complicated.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. It is possible to control two types of endoscopes having different endoscope-side connectors, and the control switch is easy to operate.
An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope image pickup device in which connection between a connector receiver for connection and a signal processing circuit inside the endoscope control device is easy.

[0012]

According to the present invention, an observing optical system is provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion, and an image pickup device for photoelectrically converting an image based on the observing optical system is provided. And a second connector each having a second connector, a second electronic endoscope of a reusable type, a second electronic endoscope of a disposable type, and an endoscope for controlling the operation of each image sensor An endoscope imaging apparatus having a mirror control device, wherein the endoscope control device is provided with a connector portion to which the first connector can be connected, a connector detachably connectable to the connector portion, and the first connector. And a reusable relay means having a connector part to which the two connectors can be detachably connected.

[0013]

With this configuration, when the reusable first electronic endoscope is connected to the endoscope control device, the first connector is directly connected to the connector portion provided in the endoscope control device. When connecting the second electronic endoscope which is disposable, on the other hand, the second connector of the second electronic endoscope is connected to the connector portion of the relay means, and the second electronic endoscope of the second electronic endoscope is connected. It can be used by connecting the connector to the connector part of the endoscope control device.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 8 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration of an endoscope imaging apparatus of the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 shows a reusable endoscope in the first embodiment. 3 shows the configuration of the disposable endoscope in the first embodiment, FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the relay cable in the first embodiment, and FIG. 5 shows the outline of the signal processing circuit of the video processor. 6 shows the operation panel of the video processor, FIG. 7 shows that the image formation range of the objective lens and the image area of the solid-state image sensor are in an eccentric relationship, and FIG. 8 shows interpolation enlargement processing of the subject. The explanatory view for explaining is shown.

As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope imaging apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a reuse endoscope 2 which is a reusable first electronic endoscope and a second disposable endoscope. The reusable endoscope 1 or the disposable endoscope 2 which is connected via the disposable endoscope 3 which is the electronic endoscope and the light guide cable 4 which is the transmission means of the illumination light is illuminated. A light source device 5 that supplies light, and a video processor 6 as an endoscope control device that performs signal processing and the like for imaging means built in the reuse endoscope 2 or the disposable endoscope 3 connected thereto.
And a color monitor 7 for displaying a video signal output from the video processor 6, and a relay cable 8 serving as relay means that is relayed when the disposable endoscope 3 is connected to the video processor 6. Composed.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the reusable reusable endoscope 2 and the disposable endoscope 3 are each formed of an elongated and rigid insertion portion 11 and a rear end of this insertion portion 11. A large-diameter grip portion 12 to be gripped by an operator, and a signal cable 13 extended from a rear end of the grip portion 12,
The light guide base 1 protruding from the side of the grip portion 12
4 and.

As shown in FIG. 1, this light guide base 1
4 is connected to a connector provided at one end of the light guide cable 4, and the light guide connector 16 at the other end is connected to the light source device 5.
Of the illumination light supplied from the light source device 5 to the light guide 17 (see FIG. 2) in the reuse endoscope 2 or the disposable endoscope 3 via the light guide cable 4. Can be supplied.

Although FIG. 1 shows a state in which the light guide cable 4 is connected to the light guide cap 14 of the disposable endoscope 3, the light guide cable 4 may be connected to the reuse endoscope 2. That is, the light guide cable 4 is used as both the reuse endoscope 2 and the disposable endoscope 3. It can be reused by sterilization, disinfection, etc., and has resistance to sterilization, disinfection, etc.

The light guide 17 shown in FIG. 2 is inserted into the insertion portion 11 of each of the reuse endoscope 2 and the disposable endoscope 3, and the illumination light supplied through the light guide base 14 is transmitted. The light is emitted from the end surface of the light guide attached to the illumination window at the tip end to the subject side such as the affected area in front, and illuminates the subject side.

An observation window is formed adjacent to the illumination window at the tip of the insertion section 11, an objective lens 18 as an observation optical system is attached, and a solid state having a photoelectric conversion function is formed at its image forming position. The image sensor 19 is arranged.

The solid-state image pickup device 19 is connected to one end of a signal line 21, and the signal line 21 is inserted through the insertion portion 11.
Is further extended from the grip portion 12 to the outside and is inserted through the signal cable 13, and the distal end of the signal cable 13 is provided with different shapes for the reuse endoscope 2 and the disposable endoscope 3. To electrical connectors 22, 23 (as first and second connectors).

The electric connector 22 of the reusable endoscope 2 has a disk-shaped insulating plate provided with a plurality of conductive pins 24 serving as signal transmitting portions. The ring-shaped frame body that covers the signal transmission portion is provided with a notch 25, which serves as a positioning type for mounting (connection). This electrical connector 22
A heat-resistant member is waterproofed so as to have sufficient resistance to repeated sterilization, disinfection, washing, and the like.

The electric connector 22 can be directly and detachably connected to the electric connector receiver 26 provided in the video processor 6 shown in FIGS.

On the other hand, the electric connector 23 of the disposable endoscope 3 is formed of a card edge type in order to reduce the cost, and the signal is transmitted to both sides of the card-like projecting substrate by, for example, the print pattern 27. A portion is formed, and a positioning convex portion 28 is further provided on one side portion side thereof. Further, it is not heat-resistant or waterproof, and has a simpler structure than the electric connector 22 of the reuse endoscope 2.

Since the electric connector 23 has a shape and structure that cannot be directly connected to the electric connector receiver 26 of the video processor 6, it can be detachably connected through the relay cable 8 shown in FIG.

A reusable relay cable 8 shown in FIG.
Is provided with an electrical connector receiver 32 to which the electrical connector 23 of the disposable endoscope 3 can be detachably connected at one end of the cable 31, and the electrical connector receiver 26 of the video processor 6 at the other end. An electric connector 33 that is detachably connectable to is provided. The contact point of the electrical connector receiver 32 and the contact point of the electrical connector 33 are connected by a signal line in the cable 31.

The relay cable 8 is heat-resistant, waterproofed, etc., and has resistance to repeated sterilization, disinfection, cleaning and the like. Further, the electric connector receiver 32 is formed with a slot to be fitted into the convex portion of the electric connector 23, and a pin 34 formed on the inner surface of the slot so as to be electrically connected to each other by contacting the printed pattern 27 of the convex portion. A signal transmitting portion is formed, and a positioning recess 35 is provided on one side of the slot, and the projection 28 is fitted into the recess 35 so that the electrical connector receiver 32 is formed.
The electrical connector 23 can be connected to. The electric connector 33 on the insertion side of the video processor 6 into the electric connector receiver 26 has the same structure as the electric connector 22 of the reuse endoscope 2.

When the disposable endoscope 3 is used, first, the electrical connector 23 of the disposable endoscope 3 is connected to the electrical connector receiver 32 of the relay cable 8, and the electrical connector 33 is electrically connected to the video processor 6. It can be connected to the connector receiver 26. FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the electric system of the video processor 6 in a state in which the disposable endoscope 3 is connected to the electric connector receiver 26 via the relay cable 8.

Inside the video processor 6, a signal processing circuit 36 for performing signal processing for the image pickup means built in the endoscopes 3 and 2 shown in FIG. A control circuit 37 for controlling the function of the processor 6 is provided.

The signal processing circuit 36 includes a drive circuit 4
A drive signal is output from 1 and applied to the solid-state imaging device 19. The image pickup signal output from the solid-state image pickup device 19 by this drive signal is sampled and held by the sample hold circuit 42 in pixel units or the like to separate color signals, and then input to the preprocess circuit 43.

In the preprocess circuit 43, AGC, γ
After various signal processing such as correction is performed, the A / D converter 4
It is converted into a digital signal at 4 and temporarily stored in the memory 45. The digital signal stored in the memory 45 is interpolated by the interpolation enlargement processing unit 46, converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 47, and further converted into a standard video signal by the post-process circuit 48. It is converted and output to the color monitor 7.

The address controller 49 controls the writing / reading to / from the memory 45 and the interpolation enlargement processing unit 46. The address controller 49 is controlled by the control circuit 37.

The control circuit 37 includes a controller 51.
The display position designating means 52 and the enlargement magnification designating means 53 arranged inside are connected to each other. In this case, the display position instruction means 52 and the enlargement magnification instruction means 53 are provided with external input means such as a push switch. Then, the display position designating unit 52 sets a specific portion on the image area of the solid-state image pickup device 19 as a display area (angle of view of the endoscope), and the corresponding enlargement ratio and interpolation ratio of the image are set. A control signal to be expressed is output from the enlargement magnification instruction means 53 to the address controller 49 via the control circuit 37, and the address controller 49 controls the memory 45 and the interpolation enlargement processing unit 46.

FIG. 6 shows the operation panel 5 of the video processor 6.
4 is shown. The operation panel 54 has a power switch 55,
Freeze switch 56, release switch 57, still selection switch (for example, press hard copy switch and AUX switch simultaneously) 58, VTR switch 59, metering switch 60, AGC (automatic sensitivity adjustment) switch 61, color bar switch 62, white balance An electrical connector receiver 26 for connecting the endoscope 2 and the endoscope 3 via the relay cable 8 is provided together with various switches such as the switch 63, the red adjustment switch 64, and the blue adjustment switch 65.

The electrical connector receiver 26 is provided with a plurality of, for example, slot-shaped pin receivers 38 which are electrically connected to the pins 24 of the electrical connectors 22 and 33 and which are electrically connected to the pins 24. Further, a convex portion 39 is provided on the exterior portion around the pin receiver 38, and the electric connector 22 is provided.
The erroneous connection is prevented by making the connection only when the cutouts 25 and 33 are set to be fitted with the convex portion 39.

The electrical connector 33 of the relay cable 8
In FIG. 5, as identification means for identifying the electrical connector 22 of the reuse endoscope 2, two specific pins are made conductive as shown in FIG. 5, and two pin receivers that come into contact with these two pins at the time of connection. Is connected to the control circuit 37.

On the other hand, two pins corresponding to the electric connector 22 of the reuse endoscope 2 are set in an open state where they do not conduct. Then, the control circuit 37 determines whether the two pins are conductive or non-conductive at the start of the operation, and if it determines that they are conductive, it performs the interpolation enlargement process.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described. For example, when the endoscope 3 for disposables is used, the relay cable 8 is connected to the electric connector 23, and the electric connector 33 of the relay cable 8 is connected to the electric connector receiver 26 of the video processor 6 so that the imaging system thereof is obtained. Can be set to a usable state. Further, the connector of the light guide cable 4 is connected to the light guide base 14, and the light guide connector 16 at the other end of the light guide cable 4 is connected to the light source device 5.

Then, the light guide 17 of the endoscope 3 for disposable is inserted from the light source device 5 through the light guide cable 4.
Illumination light is supplied to. This illumination light is the light guide 17
Is guided to the distal end portion of the insertion portion 11 and emitted from the illumination window on the distal end surface to the outside to illuminate the subject.

Further, an image of the illuminated subject is formed on the solid-state image pickup device 19 by the objective lens 18, photoelectrically converted by the solid-state image pickup device 19, and converted into an image pickup signal (image signal). The image signal output from the solid-state imaging device 19 is a signal processing circuit 36 of the video processor 6.
Is input to the pre-process circuit 43 via the sample-hold circuit 42.

In the pre-process circuit 43, the output image signal from the solid-state image pickup device 19 is detected, and various signal processes such as AGC (auto gain control) and γ correction are performed. Further, the output signal from the preprocessing circuit 43 is A / D converted by the A / D converter 44 and output as a digital signal. This digital signal is input to the interpolation enlargement processing unit 46 via the memory 45.

At this time, the optical axis position O1 of the image forming range H1 of the objective lens 18 of the disposable endoscope 3 and the optical axis position of the image area of the solid-state image pickup device 19 are set in the factory-shipped state due to manufacturing errors or the like. As shown in FIG. 7, there may be an eccentricity arrangement between O2 and O2. Therefore, when it is judged from the state of the identifying pin that the endoscope 3 is for disposal, the eccentricity correction provided in the video processor 6 is performed. Function works.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a bottomed cylindrical body (2) serving as a reference for correction is provided at the distal end portion of the disposable endoscope 3.
I cover it with a dotted chain line), and take an image of what has a reference mark of a certain length formed at the reference position on the bottom,
From the image sent from the memory 45, the controller 51 performs image processing on the relative shift amount and image forming magnification of the optical axis position O1 of the image forming range H1 of the objective lens 18 with respect to the optical axis position O2 of the image area of the solid-state image pickup device 19. Then, the display position to be eccentrically corrected and displayed and the enlargement magnification are set in the display position instruction means 51 and the enlargement magnification instruction means 53 so that the control circuit 37 can be instructed.

During the operation of the eccentricity correction function, the address controller 49 changes the read start address from the memory 45 via the control circuit 37 in response to a signal from the display position designating means 52 of the controller 51.

As a result, the subject image H arranged in an eccentric state on the image area of the solid-state image sensor 19 is changed from the state of FIG. 8A (corresponding to FIG. 7) to that of FIG. 8B. The solid-state image sensor 19 is moved toward the center of the image area. That is, the optical axis position O1 of the image forming range H1 of the objective lens 18 is the optical axis position O of the image area of the solid-state image sensor 19.
It is moved to the movement position O3 which is separated by the distance L1 in the direction of 2.

Further, in the state shown in FIG. 8B in which the subject image H has been moved toward the center of the image area of the solid-state image pickup device 19, the display position designating means 52 allows the specific image on the image area of the solid-state image pickup device 19 to be specified. A portion (a portion without a missing portion at the substantial center on the image area of the solid-state image sensor 19 as shown by a dotted rectangular frame in FIG. 8B) is a display area (angle of view of the endoscope) H2
Is set as. Then, a control signal representing the enlargement ratio and the interpolation ratio of the image corresponding to this is sent from the enlargement ratio instruction means 53 via the control circuit 37 to the address controller 4.
9 and the interpolation enlargement processing unit 46 is driven.

The image signal from the interpolation enlargement processing unit 46 is D / A converted by the D / A converter 47 and then input to the post-process circuit 48, where it is subjected to signal processing and then output to the color monitor 7. It Then, as shown in FIG. 8C, the subject image is displayed on the entire screen of the color monitor 7 in a state where a specific display area H2 on the image area of the solid-state image pickup device 19 is enlarged. Therefore, the insertion section 11 of the disposable endoscope 3 can be inserted into a patient via a trocar or the like (not shown) to perform an endoscopic examination.

On the other hand, when the reuse endoscope 2 is used, the electric connector 22 can be connected to the electric connector receiver 26 of the video processor 6 without the relay cable 8. Further, the connector of the light guide cable 4 is connected to the light guide base 14, and the light guide connector 16 at the other end of the light guide cable 4 is connected to the light guide connector receiver of the light source device 5.

Then, the setting can be made in substantially the same manner as described for the disposable endoscope 3 described above, and the endoscopic examination can be performed by inserting the insertion portion 11 into the patient via a trocar or the like not shown. The eccentricity correction function does not normally operate in the case of the reuse endoscope 2. This is because the optical axis position O1 of the objective lens 18 and the optical axis position O2 of the image area of the solid-state image sensor 19 are sufficiently aligned as compared with the disposable endoscope 3. The eccentricity correction function may operate even in the case of the reuse endoscope 2.

In the endoscope image pickup apparatus 1 having the above structure, the relay cable 8 is provided as a relay means, so that one video processor 6 shares the reuse endoscope 2 and the disposable endoscope 3 in common. Can be connected. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the space for the entire equipment required for endoscopic inspection as compared with the case where a video processor dedicated to the endoscope for reuse and a video processor dedicated to the endoscope for disposables are provided respectively. The cost of the entire mirror imaging device can be reduced.

Then, the reusable endoscope 2 for reuse is used for patients other than infectious diseases, and the disposable endoscope 3 is used for patients with infectious diseases to make contact with patients with infectious diseases. Used disposable endoscope 3 contaminated by
Can be discarded. Therefore, a used disposable endoscope 3 contaminated by contact with a patient with an infectious disease.
Since the troublesome regeneration processing work can be omitted, the efficiency of endoscopic diagnosis and surgery can be improved.

Further, the operation panel 5 of the video processor 6
Since it suffices to provide only one electric connector receiver 26 in FIG. 4, the area occupied by the electric connector receiver can be made smaller than in the case where two electric connector receivers 26 are provided, and the control switch for controlling the endoscope imaging apparatus 1 can be provided in a wide area. Can be placed. Therefore, the control switch is easy to operate and the electric connector receiver 2 is provided.
The connection between the signal processing circuit 6 and the signal processing circuit 36 inside the video processor 6 can be simplified.

Further, the signal processing circuit 36 provided in the video processor 6 is provided with an eccentricity for correcting an eccentricity state between the image forming range H1 of the objective lens 18 of the disposable endoscope 3 and the image area of the solid-state image pickup device 19. Since the correction function is provided, it is possible to prevent a missing portion of the subject image from occurring in the image area of the solid-state image sensor 19. Therefore, by making the image forming range H1 of the objective lens 18 of the disposable endoscope 3 larger than the image area of the solid-state image pickup device 19, it is possible to prevent a missing portion from occurring in the image area of the solid-state image pickup device 19. The light quantity of the objective lens 18 can be effectively used, and a bright endoscopic image can be obtained.

Further, at the time of assembling the disposable endoscope 3, the positioning accuracy of the optical axis alignment between the image forming range H1 of the objective lens 18 of the disposable endoscope 3 and the image area of the solid-state image pickup device 19 is improved. Since it is not necessary to significantly increase the cost, the cost of the disposable endoscope 3 can be reduced.

Further, since the positioning projection 28 is provided on the electrical connector 23 of the disposable endoscope 3 and the positioning recess 35 is provided on the electrical connector receiver 32 of the relay cable 8, the electrical power of the disposable endoscope 3 is improved. It is possible to prevent a connection error when connecting the connector 23 and the electrical connector receiver 32 of the relay cable 8.

The electrical connector 23 of the disposable endoscope 3 has a built-in ROM in which the data of the display position designating means 52 and the enlargement magnification designating means 53 in the controller 49 are stored in advance at the time of factory shipment. When the electric connector 23 of the mirror 3 is connected to the electric connector receiver 26 of the video processor 6 through the relay cable 8, the display position indicating means 52 in the controller 49 which is different for each product.
Alternatively, the control circuit 37 of the video processor 6 may read the data of the enlargement magnification instruction means 53.

9 and 10 show a disposable endoscope 67 and a relay cable 68 in a modification of the first embodiment.
The disposable endoscope 67 shown in FIG. 9 is the same as the disposable endoscope 3 shown in FIG. 2 in the first embodiment.
An electric connector 69 having the same structure as the electric connector receiver 32 shown in FIG.

The relay cable 68 shown in FIG.
An electric connector receiver 70 having the same structure as the electric connector 23 shown in FIG. 3 is provided in place of the electric connector receiver 32 provided at one end of the cable 31 shown in FIG. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The operation of this modification is almost the same as that of the first embodiment. In addition to the effects similar to those of the first embodiment, the electrical connector 70 of the relay cable 68 is of the plug type, which has the advantage of facilitating disinfection and cleaning. The disposable endoscope 67 serves as a receptacle-type electric connector 69, which is not easy to disinfect and clean, but is disposable so that there is no problem.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This is a modification of the reuse endoscope 2 according to the first embodiment. That is, the reuse endoscope 71 in the present embodiment is composed of an optical rigid endoscope 72 and a television camera 73 detachably mounted on the rigid endoscope 72 (television camera mounting type) electronic. It is a formula endoscope. This TV camera 73
A camera cable 74 extends from the rear end, and an electric connector 75 is provided at the end of the camera cable 74.

The rigid endoscope 72 has a rigid insertion portion 76.
And a grip portion 77 formed at the rear end of the insertion portion 76,
The light guide cap 14 is formed on the grip portion 77, and the light guide cable 4 shown in FIG. 1 can be connected to the grip portion 77. .

An objective lens 18 shown by a dotted line in the drawing and a relay lens system 79 for relaying an image formed by the objective lens 18 to the eyepiece 78 side are provided inside the insertion portion 76. It can be observed with the naked eye through an eyepiece lens (not shown) in the eyepiece unit 78. The distal end side of the television camera 73 can be detachably connected to the eyepiece 78, and an imaging lens 81 and a solid-state image pickup device 19 are provided inside the television camera 73. The image transmitted to the side further forms an image on the solid-state imaging device 19 via the imaging lens 81. The electric connector 75 of the television camera 73 has the same structure as the electric connector 22 of the reuse endoscope 2.

When the reuse endoscope 71 is used, the television camera 73 is used for the eyepiece 7 of the rigid endoscope 72.
8 and the electric connector 75 of the television camera 73 is connected to the electric connector receiver 26 of the video processor 6.
Connected to. The other configurations are similar to those of the first embodiment, and the description of the configuration is omitted.

Since the rigid endoscope 72 and the television camera 73 are separate bodies in the endoscope imaging apparatus of the second embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration, the reprocessing operation of the reuse endoscope 71 can be easily performed. Like That is, the optical rigid endoscope 7
2 can have higher heat resistance and the like than those having a built-in solid-state image sensor, and can perform a reprocessing operation in a single time by steam sterilization at high temperature and high pressure. On the other hand, since the TV camera 73 is not inserted into the patient's body,
Simple regeneration work is enough.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This is a replacement of the relay cable 8 in the first embodiment with a relay connector 88. That is, the relay connector 88 in this embodiment is detachably connectable to the electrical connector receiver 89 to which the electrical connector 23 of the disposable endoscope 3 can be detachably connected and the electrical connector 9 to be detachably connectable to the electrical connector receiver 26 of the video processor 6.
0 is provided, and the other ends (signal transmitting portions) of the electrical connector receiver 89 and the electrical connector 90 are electrically connected to each other.

The electrical connector receiver 89 is the first
The electrical connector receiver 32 in the embodiment and the electrical connector 90 have the same structure as the electrical connector 33 in the first embodiment. The other configurations are similar to those of the first embodiment, and the description of the configuration is omitted.

When the relay connector 88 is used, the electric connector 23 of the disposable endoscope 3 is replaced with the relay connector 88.
Connected to the electrical connector receiver 89 of
0 is connected to the electrical connector receptacle 26 of the video processor 6. Other functions are similar to those of the first embodiment.

In the endoscope image pickup device having the above structure, since no cable is used as the relay means, the connecting portion between the electrical connector 23 of the disposable endoscope 3 and the electrical connector receiver 89 of the relay connector 88 is a video. Since the processor 6 is fixed near the electrical connector receiver 26 and the connection points are concentrated near one point, the connection work is simplified. In addition, it becomes easy to confirm the presence / absence of a connection (since there is only one connection point).

FIG. 13 shows a relay connector 91 in a modification of the third embodiment. This relay connector 91 is a plug type electrical connector 92 having the same structure as the electrical connector 23 of FIG. 3 instead of the electrical connector receiver 89 of FIG.
Is provided. Further, in this modification, the disposable endoscope 68 shown in FIG. 9 is used. The other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment.

This modification has the same operation and effect as the third embodiment, and has the advantage that the relay connector 91 can be easily disinfected and washed.

Further, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This is a modification of the disposable endoscope 3 of the first embodiment to a connector integrated type. That is, the disposable endoscope 94 in this embodiment has a rigid insertion portion 95, a grip portion 96 formed at the rear end of the insertion portion 95, and an electrical connector 97 formed at the rear end of the grip portion 96. The light guide cap 14 is provided on the grip portion 96.

An objective lens 18 and a solid-state image sensor 19 shown by dotted lines in the figure are provided at the tip of the insertion portion 95. The electric connector 97 is directly connected to the rear end of the grip portion 96 and has the same structure as the electric connector 23 of the disposable endoscope 3 in the first embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

When the disposable endoscope 94 is used, the electrical connector 97 of the disposable endoscope 94 is connected to the electrical connector receiver 32 of the relay cable 8 shown in FIG. 4, and the electrical connector 33 is a video. It can be used by connecting to the electrical connector receiver 26 of the processor 6.

In the endoscope image pickup apparatus having the above-mentioned structure, since the disposable endoscope 94 is integrated with the electric connector 97, it is not necessary to dispose of the camera cable 13 portion shown in FIG. . Therefore, the resources are not wasted. Further, the disposable endoscope 94 can be made inexpensive.

FIG. 15 shows a disposable endoscope 98 according to a modification of the fourth embodiment. This disposable endoscope 98 is the same as the disposable endoscope 94 shown in FIG.
A recessed type (receptacle type) electrical connector 9 to which the electrical connector receiver 70 of FIG.
9 is provided. In this modified example, the relay means shown in FIG.
Relay cable 68 is used. Other configurations are first
It is similar to the embodiment.

This modification has the same operation and effect as the fourth embodiment, and also has the electrical connector receiver 70 of the relay means.
Since it is a convex type (plug type), it is possible to provide a relay means that is easy to perform in the processing steps such as disinfection and cleaning during reuse and is easy to clean.

Note that, for example, in the first embodiment, the reuse endoscope 2 may have a flexible insertion portion,
The disposable endoscope 3 may also have a flexible insertion portion. The same applies to the other embodiments. Note that different embodiments and the like can be configured by partially combining the embodiments and modified examples described above, and these also belong to the present invention.

[Additional Remarks] (1) The endoscope imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the relay means comprises a relay connector.

(2) The endoscope imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the relay means is a relay cable.

[0080]

As described above, according to the present invention, the observation optical system is arranged at the distal end of each insertion portion, and the image pickup device for photoelectrically converting an image based on the observation optical system is provided. A first reusable type electronic endoscope having a first connector and a second connector, a second electronic endoscope having a disposable type, and controlling operations of respective image pickup devices In the endoscope imaging device having the endoscope control device, a connector portion provided in the endoscope control device, to which the first connector can be connected, and a connector detachably connectable to the connector portion. Further, since the reusable relay means having the connector portion to which the second connector is detachably connectable is provided, two types of endoscopes having different connector shapes can be controlled and Endoscope The connection between the connector section and the signal processing circuit inside the endoscope control apparatus can be made easier than when the control apparatus is provided with two connector sections. In addition, since the space for other control switches and the like can be widened, it is easy to operate the control switches and the like.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of an endoscope imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a reuse endoscope according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a disposable endoscope in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a relay cable according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of a signal processing circuit of a video processor.

FIG. 6 is a front view showing an operation panel of the video processor.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing that the image forming range of the objective lens and the image area of the solid-state image sensor have an eccentric relationship.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining interpolation enlargement processing of a subject.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a disposable endoscope according to a modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a relay cable according to a modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a reuse endoscope according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of a relay connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of a relay connector according to a modification of the third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of a disposable endoscope according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram showing a disposable endoscope in a modification of the fourth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope imaging device 2 ... Reuse endoscope 3 ... Disposable endoscope 4 ... Light guide cable 5 ... Light source device 6 ... Video processor 7 ... Color monitor 8 ... Relay cable 11 ... Insert part 12 ... Gripping part 13 ... Signal cable 18 ... Objective lens 19 ... Solid-state image sensor 21 ... Signal line 22, 23, 33 ... Electrical connector 25 ... Notch 26, 32 ... Electrical connector receiving 27 ... Print pattern 28 ... Convex part 31 ... Cable

Front Page Continuation (72) Inventor Shinji Yamashita 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Akihiko Mochida 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optics Kogyo Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Ichiro Funabashi 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Masao Uehara 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optics Kogyo Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Nobuyuki Sakamoto 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Hideki Koyanagi 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optics Industry Co., Ltd.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An observation optical system is arranged at the tip of each insertion portion, each of which is provided with an image pickup device for photoelectrically converting an image based on the observation optical system, and has first and second connectors having different shapes from each other. And a second electronic endoscope of a reusable type, a second electronic endoscope of a disposable type, and an endoscope control device for controlling the operation of each image sensor. In the endoscope image pickup device, a connector portion provided in the endoscope control device and capable of connecting the first connector, and a connector detachably connectable to the connector portion and the second connector are detachable. And a reusable relay means having a connectable connector section.