JPH10308114A - Light source equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a light source equipment that is able to detect leakage of lights other than the light with wavelength band limited by a band-pass filter and secures the supply of a band limited illumination light suitable for use in diagnosis. SOLUTION: A part of wideband light from HID lamp 2 is detected with an optical fiber 12 arranged on an optical path which penetrates the first band- pass filter 5 restricting a band to be used as excitation light and is led to an optical detector 15 through the second band-pass filter 14 set to a transparent band different from the restricted wavelength band of the first band-pass filter 5. And, detection signals of the optical detector 15 are compared with the reference voltage Vr by a comparator 16. When the leakage light is passed due to deterioration of the first band-pass filter 5 and so on, the level of the detection signal of the optical detector 15 exceeds the reference voltage Vr and LED18 emits light, being notified to an operator.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a light source device for generating illumination light used for optical observation such as fluorescence observation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, endoscopes have been widely used in the medical and industrial fields. The endoscope illuminates an inspection site or the like with illumination light generated by the light source device, thereby enabling optical observation.

[0003] Also, when performing fluorescence observation using an endoscope, a fluorescent observation light source device is used. As a conventional example, there is, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-97439.

In particular, in fluorescence observation, since the intensity of the fluorescence is very small, it is generally practiced to provide a band limiting filter (bandpass filter) in the light source device so that light other than the fluorescence does not enter the fluorescence observation means. Will be

[0005]

In order to observe the inside of a body cavity using fluorescent light in a conventional transendoscopic manner, of the light generated from a white light lamp, light on the short wavelength side, for example, ultraviolet light or blue light The fluorescent image is observed by irradiating light.

In such an apparatus, a band-pass filter is used to extract light on the short wavelength side from the white light lamp. In an apparatus using such a band-pass filter, heat generated by the white light lamp is used. Since light other than short wavelengths leaks due to cracks due to the influence or changes over time, it may sometimes hinder fluorescence observation.

However, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-97439 has not considered this point at all.

(Object of the Invention) The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has been made suitable for diagnosis by detecting that light other than a wavelength whose wavelength is band-limited by a band-pass filter has leaked out. An object of the present invention is to provide a light source device capable of securing supply of band-limited illumination light.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Light source means for generating broadband illumination light, band limiting filter means for limiting the wavelength band of the illumination light output from the light source means, and illumination transmitted through the band limiting filter means. A transmission light detection unit that detects light; and a transmission characteristic detection unit that detects a change state of a light transmission characteristic of the band-limit filter unit in accordance with an output of the transmission light detection unit. Since the change state of the light transmission characteristic of the band-limited illumination light transmitted through the means can be detected, the band-limited filter suitable for diagnosis can be obtained by replacing the band-limiting filter means if detected. The supply of illumination light can be secured.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 and 2 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a light source device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. Shows the transmission characteristics of The present embodiment is a light source device having a function of detecting that light in a band other than a predetermined band has leaked and notifying an operator.

As shown in FIG. 1, a light source device 1 for fluorescence observation according to a first embodiment of the present invention uses a high-pressure metal vapor discharge lamp 2 as a light source for generating excitation light for generating fluorescence. This high-pressure metal vapor discharge lamp (hereinafter, HID)
The lamp 2 is a general term for a high-pressure mercury lamp, a metal halide lamp, a high-pressure sodium lamp, and the like, and is also called a high-intensity discharge lamp.

The HID lamp 2 is turned on when a lighting power is supplied from a power supply circuit 3. The light of the HID lamp 2 is provided with a heat cut filter 4 on its optical path, and a heat component due to infrared rays is removed.

On the optical path in front of the heat cut filter 4, a first band-pass filter 5 as a filter for limiting a band that transmits only short-wavelength light for exciting fluorescence is provided.
Is arranged. The light transmitted through the band pass filter 5 is collected by the condenser lens 6 and is incident on the end face of the light guide connector 8 of the endoscope 7 (see FIG. 3).

As shown in FIG. 3, the light guide connector 8
The light incident on the end face is transmitted by the light guide 9, is emitted from the tip face, is irradiated on an examination site such as an affected part, and excites the administered drug to generate fluorescence. Then, by observing the fluorescence, the inspection site can be diagnosed with a fluorescence image.

In the light source device 1 according to the present embodiment, the light passes through the first bandpass filter 5 and passes through the light guide 9 of the endoscope 7.
There is provided transmitted light monitoring means 11 for detecting or monitoring the optical characteristics of the light supplied to the device. This transmitted light monitoring means 11
More specifically, detects the transmitted light of the first bandpass filter 5 in order to detect the leaked light.

For example, one end of the optical fiber 12 is arranged in the optical path between the first bandpass filter 5 and the condenser lens 6, and the light incident on one end is transmitted to the other end. The leak light detector 13 on the end side detects the light.

The transmitted light detector 13 converts the light emitted from the other end of the optical fiber 12 into a second bandpass filter 1.
4 through a photodetector 15 such as a photodiode.

The output signal photoelectrically converted by the photodetector 15 is applied to, for example, a non-inverting input terminal of a comparator 16 and compared with a reference voltage value Vr applied to the other inverting input terminal. The reference voltage value Vr is set by dividing the constant voltage Vcc by the resistance of the variable resistor 17.

When the output signal of the photodetector 15 becomes equal to or higher than the reference voltage Vr, the output of the comparator 16 is inverted, and a light emitting diode (LED and LED) as notification means connected to its output terminal. (Abbreviation) 18 emits light to visually notify the operator.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic intensity distribution with respect to the wavelength of the HID lamp 2 and transmission characteristics with respect to the wavelengths of the first and second bandpass filters 5 and 14. As shown in FIG. 2, the HID lamp 2 as a light source lamp has a spectrum distribution of almost uniform intensity over a wide wavelength range (in the case of a Xe lamp, an Hg lamp and a metal halide lamp have a plurality of high-luminance bright lines). On the other hand, the first band-pass filter 5 has a short wavelength side light,
It has the property of transmitting light from 0 nm to around 450 nm.

On the other hand, the second band-pass filter 14
It is a band different from the transmission band of the first bandpass filter 14, and has a longer wavelength side than the band as a transmission region, and more specifically, has a characteristic of transmitting light from 550 nm to 600 nm. The second band pass filter 14
Can be changed not only in this transmission wavelength region but also in a range that does not overlap with the transmission wavelength region of the first bandpass filter 5.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. HI
The broadband light including white light and the like emitted by the D lamp 2 is cut by the heat cut filter 4 into infrared rays.

Further, the light is band-limited by the first band-pass filter 5 so that only light in a predetermined wavelength band is transmitted. At this time, the predetermined light is light in an ultraviolet region to a blue region (for example, light from 400 nm to 450 nm).
It is. This light is transmitted through an endoscope 7 through a condenser lens 6.
Is guided to the light guide 9, and the guided light is irradiated as excitation light into a body cavity (not shown), and is used to observe fluorescence based on the excitation light.

A part of the light transmitted through the first band-pass filter 5 is guided by the optical fiber 12,
The light outside the predetermined wavelength band is transmitted through the band-pass filter 14 and the light is detected by the photodetector 15. At this time, if the first bandpass filter 5 transmits only light in a predetermined wavelength band, the light transmitted through the second bandpass filter 14 is extremely weak.

Therefore, the voltage value obtained by electrically converting the light intensity by the photodetector 15 is small, and when compared with a predetermined reference voltage value Vr by the comparator 16, the voltage value is smaller than the reference voltage value Vr.

On the other hand, when the first band-pass filter 5 is cracked due to the influence of heat, or its performance is deteriorated due to a change over time, light leakage exists. That is, light outside the predetermined wavelength band leaks to the transmitted light side of the first bandpass filter 5.

In such a case, the amount of light transmitted through the second bandpass filter 14 increases. Therefore, the voltage value converted by the photodetector 15 becomes large,
Thus, when compared with a predetermined reference voltage value Vr, the reference voltage value becomes larger than the reference voltage value Vr.

As described above, the first band-pass filter 5
When the characteristic change occurs due to cracks in the optical transmission characteristic due to the temporal change or the like, and the leaked light increases, the light is compared with the reference voltage value Vr by the comparator 16 and becomes equal to or higher than the reference voltage value Vr. In this case, the leakage light is detected, and the LED 18 as the notification means is made to emit light to notify the operator.

When the LED 18 emits light, the first band-pass filter 5 is replaced with a new one, for example, so that light in a predetermined wavelength band where the LED 18 does not emit light can be set.

This embodiment has the following effects. First
By detecting the deterioration of the transmission characteristic of the band-pass filter 5 or the like, it is possible to immediately notify the operator of the deterioration of the fluorescent image due to the leakage light, so that the band-limited illumination light always suitable for diagnosis (in this case, Can supply excitation light). Therefore, it is possible to provide an environment where fluorescence observation can be performed with high accuracy at all times.

Next, a first modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 shows the configuration of a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus having a first modification of the first embodiment, FIG. 4 shows the configuration of a rotary filter, and FIG. 5 shows the configuration of each filter attached to the rotary filter. Shows transmission characteristics.

A fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus 21 as a fluorescence diagnostic apparatus using the endoscope 7 shown in FIG. 3 is mounted on the endoscope 7 for observing the inside of a body cavity, An external television camera 22 that captures a fluorescent image and a normal endoscopic image,
A light source device 23 of a first modified example for supplying light to the endoscope 7,
Camera control units (abbreviated as CCU) 24 and 25 for performing signal processing on image signals captured by the television camera 22; an image processing device 26 for performing image processing on output signals of the CCUs 24 and 25; A television monitor 27 for displaying a video signal output from the optical fiber 26, an optical fiber 28 for extracting a part of a fluorescent image of the television camera 22, a spectroscope 29 for measuring a wavelength characteristic of fluorescence from the optical fiber 28, And a computer 30 that performs processing such as analyzing the wavelength characteristics of the spectroscope 29 and determining the presence or absence of bacteria.

The endoscope 7 has an elongated insertion portion 31. An operation portion 32 is provided at the rear end of the insertion portion 31. The TV camera 22 is detachably connected to the rear end of the operation portion 32. An eye 33 is provided.

Light guide 9 inserted into insertion portion 31
Denotes a light guide cable 34 extended from the operation unit 32
The light guide connector 8 at the end thereof can be detachably attached to the light source device 23.
Note that the endoscope 7 is provided with a channel 39 through which a treatment tool and the like are inserted.

The HID lamp 2 and the like are built in the light source device 23 as in the first embodiment. In this modification, a plurality of filters 34A, 34B, 34C are used instead of the first bandpass filter 5 in the light source device 1 of FIG.
A rotary filter 35 (see FIG. 4) is provided. By rotating the rotary filter 35 with a motor 36, a filter 34J (J = A or B or C) disposed on the optical path can be switched. ing.

As shown in FIG. 4, three filter-shaped filters 34A, 34B and 34C are attached to the rotary filter 35, and the transmission characteristics of each filter 34J are shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the filter 34A transmits light in the visible light range (in other words, white light) (specifically, from 400 nm to 70 nm).
It shows a transmission characteristic of transmitting 0 nm light), and is used in the case of normal endoscopic image observation.

Similarly to the first bandpass filter 5, the filter 34B emits light in a predetermined wavelength band to be excited for fluorescence observation, that is, light in an ultraviolet region to a blue region for excitation (more specifically, light in the blue region). It has the property of transmitting light (from 400 nm to around 450 nm) and is used for fluorescence observation.

The filter 34C transmits ultraviolet light in a shorter wavelength band than the filter 34B (specifically, 300 n
m) to 450 nm, and is used when bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori are removed (sterilized) by this ultraviolet light.

That is, the light source device 23 includes excitation light for fluorescence observation, illumination light for normal observation for normal observation,
The endoscope 7 is provided with a function of supplying ultraviolet light for removing bacteria to the endoscope 7.

In the light source device 23, the motor 36
The rotary encoder 37 is attached to the rotation shaft of the motor 36, and the rotational position of the motor 36 is detected, so that the filter 34J set on the optical path can be detected. Is input to

The output of the leak light detecting section 13 is input to a computer 30. When the leak light is detected, the image processing device 26 informs the television monitor 27 that the leak light has been detected.
It can be displayed via.

Further, the output terminal of the leakage light detection unit 13 and the LED
An analog switch 38 is provided between the optical switch 18 and the switch 18. When a predetermined filter 34 </ b> B is arranged on the optical path, the analog switch 38 is turned on. In addition, when the filter 34C is arranged, it may be turned on.

Opening and closing (ON / ON) of this analog switch 38
OFF) is controlled by the computer 30 based on the output signal of the rotary encoder 37.

The light from the light source device 23 is guided by the light guide 9 of the endoscope 7, and is further applied to an examination site such as the stomach wall 40 in the body cavity from the distal end surface through the illumination lens 41.

The reflected light or fluorescent light from the inspection site forms an image by the objective lens 42 provided at the tip. The leading end face of the image guide 43 is arranged at the image forming position, and the image is transmitted to the rear end face by the image guide 43. An eyepiece 44 is arranged facing the rear end face,
In the case of normal observation, it is possible to perform magnified observation with the naked eye.

When the television camera 22 is mounted on the eyepiece 33, the CCD 4 is rotated via a rotatable mirror 46.
7 and the like. The mirror 46 is set to a state shown by a solid line in FIG. 3 by a switching means (not shown) in the case of normal observation. In this state, light incident on the television camera 22 is reflected by the mirror 46 and further reflected by the reflection mirror 48. After that, an image is formed on the CCD 47 by the lens 49.

The image signal photoelectrically converted by the CCD 47 is subjected to signal processing by the CCU 24 to generate a video signal, and a normal endoscope image is displayed on the television monitor 27 via the image processing device 26.

When the movable mirror 46 is retracted from the optical path as shown by the dotted line, the light incident on the television camera 22 is partially reflected by the half mirror 51 disposed on the optical path and collected by the lens 52. The light is guided to one end face on the incident side of the optical fiber 28.

The light incident on one end face of the optical fiber 28 is guided to a spectroscope 29, which measures the wavelength characteristics of the fluorescence, and inputs the measured data to a computer 30. .

The computer 30 determines whether or not bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori are present in the living tissue by comparing the input spectrum data with the reference fluorescence spectrum data. In other words, when bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori are present in the living tissue, the presence or absence of bacteria is determined by utilizing the fact that the wavelength characteristics of fluorescence change.

The light transmitted through the half mirror 51 is
For example, it is incident on a dichroic mirror 53 that reflects red wavelength fluorescent light and transmits other green fluorescent light. The light transmitted through the dichroic mirror 53 is the first ICC
D (image intensifier with CCD) 54, the light reflected by dichroic mirror 53 is further reflected by reflection mirror 55, and then reflected by second ICCD 5.
The light is received at 6.

The image signals photoelectrically converted by the first and second ICCDs 54 and 56 are input to the CCU 25, and after signal processing, a fluorescent image is displayed on the television monitor 27 via the image processing device 26. I have.

When the computer 30 determines from the analysis of the spectral data from the spectroscope 29 that bacteria are present, the computer 36 rotates the motor 36 so that the filter 34C is positioned on the optical path. Ultraviolet light for sterilization is guided through the light guide 9, and bacteria in the body cavity are eradicated by the irradiation of the ultraviolet light.

Next, the operation of the fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus 21 will be described. When observing a normal endoscopic image, the computer 30 rotates the motor 36 by referring to a normal switch by a selection switch (not shown), and refers to the rotation position signal of the rotary encoder 37 to filter 34A.
Are set on the optical path.

In this state, the computer 30 turns off the analog switch 38. Further, in this state, the output of the leak light detection unit 13 is not taken in.

Then, with the filter 34A positioned on the optical path, the light of the HID lamp 2 passes through the rotary filter 35 to become white light, and this white light passes through the light guide 9 of the endoscope 7 and enters the body cavity. Is irradiated to the examination site side such as the stomach wall 40.

The image formed by the reflected light forms an image guide 43.
Is transmitted by the CCD 47 of the external television camera 22.
Is imaged. At this time, the external TV camera 22
3, the movable mirror 46 is arranged at the position indicated by the solid line in FIG.
Is received at.

The image signal of the CCD 47 is input to the CCU 24 which normally generates an endoscope image, and after signal processing,
An endoscope image is displayed on the television monitor 27 via the image processing device 26.

On the other hand, at the time of the fluorescence observation, the computer 30 rotates the motor 36 by instructing the fluorescence observation with a selection switch (not shown).
7, the filter 34B is set so as to be positioned on the optical path.

In this state, the computer 30 turns on the analog switch 38. Further, in this state, when the output of the leaked light detection unit 13 becomes “H”, the computer 30 becomes a state in which the output can be captured as an interrupt signal.

Then, with the filter 34B positioned on the optical path, the light of the HID lamp 2 passes through the filter 34B of the rotary filter 35 to become excitation light, and this excitation light passes through the light guide 9 of the endoscope 7. Irradiation is performed on the inspection site side in the body cavity.

The fluorescence generated from the tissue side of the examination site is imaged by the image guide 43 and the external television camera 22. At this time, in the external television camera 22, the movable mirror 46 is moved to a position indicated by a dotted line, and two ICCDs 54 and 56 for observing red and green fluorescence detect fluorescence, for example.
An image is generated by the CCU 25.

Further, each image is subjected to processing such as weighting, linear correction, and difference by the image processing device 26, and then displayed on the television monitor 27 in pseudo color as an image determined to be a lesion site and a normal site. At the time of this fluorescence observation, a part of the fluorescence is taken out by the optical fiber 28 and the wavelength characteristic of the fluorescence is measured by the spectroscope 29.

The spectroscopic data obtained by the spectroscopy is analyzed by the computer 30 to determine the presence or absence of bacteria. If it is determined that bacteria are present, the rotary filter 35 is set to a state where the filter 34C is positioned on the optical path, and in that case, bacteria are removed by sterilizing ultraviolet light incident on the light guide 7 side. .

When the time required for sterilization has elapsed, the computer 30 again rotates the motor 36 to
B is set on the optical path so that the fluorescent image can be observed again.

In the fluorescence observation state, leakage light is detected. When the filter 34B is in a state where leakage light is generated due to cracks or the like, the operator is notified by the light emission of the LED 18 as in the first embodiment. When the state is reached and the leakage light is present, the computer 30 is notified of the existence of the leakage light by an interrupt signal. The computer 30 is connected to the television monitor 27 via the image processing device 26.
Is displayed on the display surface, and the operator is notified.

Since the operator constantly observes the television monitor 27 to make a diagnosis or the like, if the operator performs a display in which leakage light exists on the display surface, the operator can immediately know the occurrence of the leakage light. .

According to the first modification, the following effects can be obtained. When fluorescence observation is performed, the presence or absence of bacteria is determined based on the spectral characteristic data at that time, and if it is determined that bacteria are present, it is possible to eliminate the bacteria. In addition to the same effects as in the first embodiment, when leakage light is detected, it can be displayed on the television monitor 27. Therefore, when the leakage light is detected, the operator can immediately know that the leakage light has occurred.

Next, a second modification of the first embodiment is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 shows an endoscope apparatus provided with a second modification of the first embodiment, FIG. 7 shows a configuration of a rotary filter, and FIG. 8 shows transmission characteristics of a filter attached to the rotary filter.

As shown in FIG. 6, an endoscope device 61 includes an endoscope 7, a light source device 62 for supplying illumination light for normal observation to a light guide 7 of the endoscope 7, and a channel of the endoscope 7. 3
A light source device 64 having a function of supplying excitation light to the optical fiber 63 inserted through the light source device 9 and a spectroscope 29.
And a computer 30 for analyzing the spectral data.

The light guide 9 of the endoscope 7 has a light source device 6
The white light emitted from the lamp 65 by the lamp 2 is supplied through the condenser lens 66 and is applied to an examination site such as the stomach wall 40. In this state, normal observation can be performed with the naked eye from the eyepiece 44.

On the other hand, similarly to the first modification, the light source device 64 of the second modification can be used as an excitation light source for fluorescence observation, and also detects the presence or absence of bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori. And has a function of generating ultraviolet light for eradication when the presence of bacteria is detected.

The light source device 64 shown in FIG. 7 is different from the light source device 23 shown in FIG. 3 in that a mercury lamp 2 'is adopted as the HID lamp 2 and the rotary filter 35 provided with three filters 34A, 34B and 34C is provided. Thus, a rotary filter 35 'provided with two filters 34B and 34C is employed.

A dichroic mirror 68 is provided on the optical path between the bandpass filter 12 and the condenser lens 6.
The dichroic mirror 68 has the property of reflecting light in the wavelength band of fluorescence and transmitting short-wavelength light such as other excitation light, and reflects the fluorescence guided by the optical fiber 63. Then, the light is led to the spectroscope 29 so that spectral data can be obtained.

FIG. 8 shows the transmission characteristics of the two filters 34B and 34C attached to the rotary filter 35 '. As shown in FIG. 8, one filter 34B has a wavelength of 400 n.
m to 450 nm, and the other filter 34C
Transmits light having a wavelength of 300 nm to 450 nm. Other configurations are the same as those described in the first modification, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of the endoscope device 61 having the second modification will be described. When performing normal endoscope observation, it is possible to perform observation under white light with illumination light from the light source device 62.

When it is desired to inspect the presence or absence of bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori, an optical fiber 63 is inserted into the channel 39 of the endoscope 7 as shown in FIG. The spectroscope 29 is set to be connected so that fluorescence can be taken into the spectroscope 29.

The light guide 9 has a light source device 62.
Is set to a state where illumination light from is not supplied, and a state where light from the light source device 64 is supplied to the optical fiber 63 is set. In this case, the computer 30 sets the rotary filter 35 'such that the filter 34B is located on the optical path. The computer 30 is connected to the analog switch 3
8 is turned on, and when the leak light detection unit 13 detects the leak light, the LED 18 is turned on.

The light generated from the mercury lamp 2 ′ passes through the heat cut filter 4, passes through the filter 34 B of the rotary filter 35 ′, becomes light of a specific wavelength band, passes through the dichroic mirror 68 and the condenser lens 6, and passes through the optical fiber 63. Then, the light is incident on one end face on the incident side, and the light is irradiated on an examination site such as the stomach wall 40 in the body cavity to generate fluorescence.

More specifically, the light incident on the rotary filter 35 'is transmitted through the filter 34B,
Light from 00 nm to 450 nm is irradiated into the body cavity, and the light generates fluorescence.

A part of the fluorescent light enters the optical fiber 63, enters the spectroscope 29 through the condenser lens 5 and the dichroic mirror 68 from the end face on the hand side, and is separated. The spectral light separated by the spectroscope 29 is photoelectrically converted by a photodetector (not shown) and is taken into the computer 30.

The computer 30 analyzes the change in the wavelength characteristic of the fluorescence to determine the presence or absence of bacteria. If bacteria are present, the rotary filter 35 'is rotated via a motor 36, and a filter 3 is used instead of the filter 34B.
4C is arranged on the optical path.

By arranging the filter 34C on the optical path, the body cavity is irradiated with ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 300 nm to 450 nm, and can kill bacteria. Then, when a standard time required for the sterilization process elapses from the analyzed data, the computer 30 starts the rotation filter 3.
5 'is rotated via the motor 36, and the filter 34B is arranged on the optical path instead of the filter 34C.

Then, the presence or absence of bacteria is determined based on the data again input to the computer 30 via the spectroscope 29, and the same processing is performed until no bacteria are detected, whereby the bacteria can be reliably removed. Other actions are first
This is the same as the embodiment.

The second modification has the following effects. Since the analysis and sterilization using blue light for judging the presence or absence of bacteria can be performed continuously, efficient eradication becomes possible.

The light source device 64 of the second modification can also be used as an excitation light source for fluorescent observation when the light guide connector 8 of the endoscope 7 is connected to the light source device 64. In this case, it is necessary to attach and use the television camera 22 or the like that captures a fluorescent image to the eyepiece 33 of the endoscope 7.

In the second modification, the rotation filter 35 '
Is rotated to switch the plurality of filters 34B and 34C provided on the rotary filter 35 'so as to generate light for removing bacteria. As shown in FIG. 9, laser light from a laser light source is used as excitation light. It may be configured to irradiate ultraviolet light of a germicidal lamp when bacteria are detected.

That is, in the light source device 71 shown in FIG.
The half mirror 74 supplies one end of the optical fiber 73 inserted into the channel 39 of the endoscope 7 with the laser light as the excitation light, reflected by the half mirror 74, and supplies the reflected light to the stomach wall 40 and the like from the other end of the optical fiber 73. Irradiate the site. As a laser light source, a light source that generates blue laser light such as an N2 laser or a He-cd laser can be adopted.

The fluorescence from the living tissue such as the stomach wall 40 excited by the laser light is detected by the optical fiber 73, and a part of the light guided by the optical fiber 73 passes through the half mirror 74 and is spectrally separated. The spectroscopic data which is incident on the spectrometer 29 and is spectroscopically measured by the spectrometer 29 is sent to the computer 30 and the presence or absence of bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori is determined by analyzing the data.

When it is determined that bacteria are present,
The computer 30 controls to open the shutter 75 on the optical path of the mercury lamp 2 ′ so that the ultraviolet light of the mercury lamp 2 ′ is collected by the condenser lens 6 and supplied to one end of the optical fiber 76.

The optical fiber 76 is inserted into the channel 39 of the endoscope 7 similarly to the optical fiber 73, and irradiates the other end with ultraviolet light guided toward the living tissue such as the stomach wall 40, and the like. Is to be sterilized.

Next, the operation will be described. The blue light is generated by the laser 72, and is transmitted through the half mirror 74 to the optical fiber 7.
3 guides blue light. The optical fiber 73 is used for the endoscope 7.
And irradiates the living tissue with blue light via the optical fiber 73.

At this time, if bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori are present in the living tissue, the wavelength characteristics of the fluorescence change, and the fluorescence is detected via the optical fiber 73. Then, the change in the fluorescence, that is, the detected fluorescence spectrum is analyzed by comparing it with the reference fluorescence spectrum by the spectroscope 29 and the computer 30 to determine the presence or absence of bacteria.

If it is determined that bacteria are present, the computer 30 opens the shutter 75 disposed at a position facing the optical fiber 76 on the optical path of the mercury lamp 2 'functioning as a germicidal lamp to open the germicidal lamp. The living tissue is irradiated with ultraviolet light from a lamp to sterilize it.

According to the light source device 71, it is possible to detect the presence of sterilization such as Helicobacter pylori and to irradiate a germicidal lamp only when sterilization is present, thereby minimizing the influence on normal tissues and eliminating bacteria. it can.

(Second Embodiment) A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG.
Shows the configuration of the light source device of the second embodiment, and FIG. 11 shows the configuration of the indicator.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the light source device 81 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, one end of a second optical fiber 82 is disposed on the optical path immediately after the HID lamp 2 and is incident on one end thereof. The transmitted light is transmitted to the other end, and the light emitted from the other end is detected by the second detector 83. That is, the illumination light of the HID lamp 2 as the light source is guided to the second detector 83 by the second optical fiber 82, and the light intensity (light amount) of the illumination light is guided by the second detector 83. Is to be detected.

Immediately after the band-pass filter 5, one end of the optical fiber 12 is disposed as in the first embodiment, and the light incident on one end of the optical fiber 12 is transmitted to the other end. The light emitted from the other end is detected by the first detector 15.
To detect.

The outputs of the first and second photodetectors 15 and 83 are amplified by first and second amplifiers 84 and 85, respectively, and then differentially output by the first and second amplifiers 84 and 85. The signal is input to a differential amplifier 86 that obtains a signal.

The output of the second amplifier 85 is input to a third amplifier 87 for further amplifying. The differential amplifier 8
The output signals of the sixth and third amplifiers 87 are respectively input to first and second A / D converters 88 and 89 for converting into digital signals, and are converted from analog signals to digital signals, respectively. 90, the first and second indicators 91A and 91B are input to the first and second indicators 91A and 91B, respectively.
And the signals input to the second indicators 91A and 91B are displayed stepwise.

FIG. 11 shows, for example, a configuration example of the first indicator 91A, in which five types of two kinds of LEDs, green and red, are arranged, and the areas of the green and red LEDs are respectively divided.

The signal terminal of each LED is connected to the A / D converter 88
, And 89, and the LEDs are sequentially lit according to the level of the digital signal.

For example, the lowest LED in FIG. 11 indicates the signal level of the lowest bit, and the highest LED indicates the signal level of the highest bit. Therefore, as the level of the digital signal input to the first indicator 91A increases from the lower level, the LEDs to be lit are sequentially illuminated from the lower one to the upper one. The same applies to the configuration of the second indicator 91B.

The number of LEDs and the colors of the LEDs are not limited to those described in the present embodiment. Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.

The light from the HID lamp 2 is detected by an optical fiber 82, and this light is converted into an electric signal by a photo detector 83. Further, from this light, light further transmitted through the band-pass filter 5 is detected by the optical fiber 12, and this light is converted into an electric signal by the photodetector 15.

The signals from the photodetectors 15 and 83 are amplified by amplifiers 84 and 85, respectively, and the signals corresponding to the respective light intensities are passed through the band-pass filter 5 by the differential amplifier 86 obtaining a differential output. The detected light amount can be detected.

The output of the operational amplifier 86 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 88, and the first indicator 91A is turned on according to the light amount. In other words, when the bandpass filter 5 transmits only light in a predetermined wavelength band, the difference between the signals of the amplifiers 84 and 85 is maximized, and the signal of the amplifier 84 and 85 is degraded due to the deterioration or cracking of the bandpass filter 5. The difference decreases.

By displaying the signal level of the difference with the first indicator 91A, it is possible to detect the influence of heat of the bandpass filter 5 and the change with time. For example, when the band-pass filter 5 is operating normally, FIG.
All five LEDs shown in FIG. 1 are turned on, and when the influence of heat or a temporal change occurs, the LEDs are sequentially turned off from the upper LED in FIG.

When the battery is deteriorated to the extent that replacement is required, the upper green LED is turned off and only the lower red LED is turned on. By visually recognizing this state, the user can know that the bandpass filter 5 should be replaced.

On the other hand, the signal output from the photodetector 83 is amplified by the amplifiers 85 and 87, the signal is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 89, and the second indicator 91B is turned on according to the output. I do.

The digital signal has a value corresponding to the light amount of the HID lamp 2. That is, since the LEDs of the second indicator 91B are sequentially turned on in accordance with the light intensity of the HID lamp 2, a decrease in output due to the life of the HID lamp 2 can be detected.

Therefore, the present embodiment has the following effects. In addition to the effects of the first embodiment, it is possible to quickly know the deterioration of the fluorescent image due to the decrease in output due to the life of the HID lamp 2.

Further, the indicators 91A and 91 indicate the deterioration of the band pass filter 5 and the decrease of the output of the HID lamp 2.
By indicating step by step 1B, it is possible to more reliably know the replacement time.

In FIG. 10, the heat cut filter 4 is disposed between the HID lamp 2 and the second optical fiber 82 so that the light passing through the heat cut filter 4 by the second optical fiber 82 can be used. Detect and detect optical fiber 12
Alternatively, the light passing through the band-pass filter 5 may be detected.

For example, in FIG.
Although the upper end of 2 is located near the center of the optical path, it extends to the upper end of the optical path and is arranged so as to cover the entire area in the vertical direction as the detection light incident on the optical fiber 12, and this optical fiber 12 is A moving unit that moves in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface may be provided.

As described above, means for detecting transmitted light is formed, and means for scanning the optical fiber 12 occupying a small part in the optical path and taking in light from the part so as to cover the entire area in the optical path. When the optical fiber 12 is provided, even if the optical fiber 12 changes its characteristic in the transmitted light due to the deterioration or cracking of an arbitrary part of the entire area of the bandpass filter 5 on the optical path, the leakage light (or the leakage light in that case) (Deterioration light) can be detected and guided to the photodetector 15, so that a change in the characteristics of the bandpass filter 5 can be detected more reliably.

Note that the present invention also includes embodiments and the like constituted by partially combining parts of the structures and the like in the above-described embodiments and the like.

[Supplementary Notes] Light source means for generating broadband illumination light, band-limiting filter means for limiting a wavelength band of the illumination light output from the light source means, and transmitted-light detection means for detecting illumination light transmitted through the band-limit filter means. A light source device comprising:

[0119] 2. Light source means for generating broadband illumination light, band-limiting filter means for limiting a wavelength band of the illumination light output from the light source means, and transmitted-light detection means for detecting illumination light transmitted through the band-limit filter means. And a transmission characteristic detecting means for detecting a change state of a light transmission characteristic of the band limiting filter means in accordance with an output of the transmitted light detecting means.

The light source device of 3.2, wherein the transmitted light detecting means detects light in a band set as an opaque area of the band limiting filter means. 4.3. The light source device according to 4.3, wherein the transmitted light detection unit includes a second filter unit that transmits at least a part of a band set as an opaque region of the band-limiting filter unit. apparatus. 5.2 The light source device according to 5.2, further comprising display means for displaying a change state of the light transmission characteristic of the band limiting filter means in accordance with an output of the transmission characteristic detection means.

6. Light source means for generating broadband illumination light, light source light detection means for detecting the light intensity of the illumination light generated from the light source means, and band limiting for limiting the wavelength band of the illumination light output from the light source means Filter means, transmitted light detecting means for detecting the light intensity of illumination light transmitted through the band-limiting filter means, and the band-limiting filter according to outputs of the light source light detecting means and the output means of the transmitted light detecting means. A light source device comprising: a transmission characteristic detecting unit that detects a change state of the light transmission characteristic of the unit.

7.6. The light source device according to 7.6, wherein the transmission characteristic detecting means has a comparing means for comparing an output signal of the transmitted light detecting means with an output signal of the transmitted light detecting means. 8.6 The light source device according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising a display unit that displays a change state of the light transmission characteristic of the band limiting filter unit according to an output signal of the transmitted light detection unit. 9.8. The light source device according to 9.8, wherein the display means displays the change state of the light transmission characteristic of the band limiting filter means in a stepwise manner.

The light source device according to 10.6, wherein the transmission characteristic detecting means displays a change state of illumination light intensity generated by the light source means in accordance with an output signal of the light source light detecting means. A light source device comprising means.

11. The light source device according to 11.10, wherein the light source state display means displays a change in the intensity of illumination light generated by the light source means in a stepwise manner. 12. The light source device according to 12.2, wherein the transmitted light detection unit includes a scanning unit so as to cover an entire optical path of the band-limiting filter unit disposed on an optical path of the light source unit.

13. To observe the fluorescence endoscopically,
In a fluorescence observation light source device comprising a combination of a high-pressure metal vapor discharge lamp emitting white light for generating blue light for exciting fluorescence from tissue and a band-pass filter transmitting blue light, the blue light transmitted through the band-pass filter is used. A first light detecting means for detecting light other than light, a comparator for comparing an output of the first light detecting means, and an output of the first light detecting means being equal to or more than the predetermined value. In such a case, a fluorescent observation light source device is configured by first display means for notifying an operator.

14. A light source device for fluorescence observation according to 14.13, wherein second detection means for detecting white light of the high-pressure metal vapor discharge lamp, an output of the first detection means, and a second detection means A fluorescence observation light source device comprising a comparing means for obtaining a ratio or a difference between the outputs of the means, and a second display means for displaying the output of the comparing means in addition to the first display means. 15. The light source device for fluorescence observation according to 15.13, wherein the display device is an indicator in which a plurality of LEDs are arranged.

16. A light source that generates ultraviolet light, a light source that generates blue light, an optical fiber that guides the light endoscopically into a body cavity, and a spectrum that generates fluorescence when the tissue is irradiated with the blue light. Fluorescence diagnostic treatment comprising an analyzer that decomposes and analyzes into light, and shutter means for detecting the presence of bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori from the spectrum thereof and irradiating the ultraviolet light into the body cavity in synchronization with the presence of bacteria. apparatus.

(Background of Supplementary Notes 16 to 21) On the other hand, when Helicobacter pylori is present in gastric mucus, it is said that ulcers are liable to be generated and cancer is highly likely to occur. There is a known method of removing Helicobacter pylori using conventional drugs, but the drug must be taken continuously. (Purpose of Supplementary Notes 16 to 21) Fluorescence that minimizes the effect on normal tissues by detecting the presence of bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori and irradiating it with ultraviolet light for sterilization only when bacteria are present, thereby enabling fluorescence to be removed. Provision of diagnostic treatment equipment. (Effects of Supplementary Notes 16 to 21) By detecting the presence of bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori and irradiating ultraviolet light only when the bacteria are present, the influence on normal tissues is extremely reduced,
Bacteria can be eliminated.

17. The fluorescence diagnostic / treatment device according to item 16, wherein
The fluorescent diagnostic treatment apparatus wherein the light source that generates the ultraviolet light is a high-pressure metal vapor discharge lamp. 18. The fluorescence diagnostic treatment apparatus according to 18.16, wherein the switching between the ultraviolet light and the blue light is performed by switching a plurality of filters.

19. A light source that generates ultraviolet light, a light source that generates blue light, an optical fiber that guides the ultraviolet light and blue light into a body cavity, and irradiates a tissue with the blue light to decompose fluorescence generated into a spectrum. Control means for detecting the presence of bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori from the spectrum, determining the presence of the bacteria, and irradiating the body with the ultraviolet light when the presence of the bacteria is determined. Means for fluorescence diagnostic treatment.

20. A fluorescence diagnostic treatment apparatus according to item 19.19,
The fluorescent diagnostic treatment apparatus, wherein the optical fiber is a light guide of an endoscope. 21. The fluorescent diagnostic treatment apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the optical fiber is inserted into a channel of an endoscope. 22. The fluorescence diagnostic treatment apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the control means is a computer.

[0132]

As described above, according to the present invention, light source means for generating broadband illumination light, band limiting filter means for limiting the wavelength band of illumination light output from the light source means, A transmission light detection unit that detects illumination light transmitted through the restriction filter unit; and a transmission characteristic detection unit that detects a change state of the light transmission characteristic of the band restriction filter unit according to an output of the transmission light detection unit. Therefore, it is possible to detect the change state of the light transmission characteristic of the band-limited illumination light transmitted through the band-limiting filter means, and if it is detected, the band-limiting filter means may be replaced. Thus, it is possible to always ensure the supply of band-limited illumination light suitable for diagnosis.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a light source device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic characteristic diagram showing transmission characteristics and the like of a filter.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus including a first modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing a configuration of a rotary filter.

FIG. 5 is a characteristic diagram showing wavelength characteristics of each filter attached to the rotary filter.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of an endoscope apparatus including a second modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a front view showing the configuration of a rotary filter.

8 is a characteristic diagram showing transmission characteristics of a filter attached to the rotary filter of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a light source device having a function of removing bacteria.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a light source device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of an indicator.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Light source device 2 ... HID lamp 3 ... Power supply 4 ... Heat cut filter 5 ... First band pass filter 6 ... Condenser lens 7 ... Endoscope 8 ... Light guide connector 9 ... Light guide 11 ... Transmitted light monitoring means 12 ... Optical fiber 13 Leakage light detector 14 Second bandpass filter 15 Photodetector 16 Comparator 17 Variable resistor 18 LED 21 Fluorescence observation endoscope device 22 Television camera 24, 25 CCU 28 optical fiber 29 spectroscope 30 computer

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Masaya Yoshihara 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yumi Hirao 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optics (72) Inventor Nobuyuki Michiguchi 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A light source unit for generating a broadband illumination light, a band limiting filter unit for limiting a wavelength band of the illumination light output from the light source unit, and an illumination light transmitted through the band limiting filter unit is detected. A light source device, comprising: transmitted light detection means; and transmission characteristic detection means for detecting a change state of light transmission characteristics of the band limiting filter means according to an output of the transmitted light detection means.