JP2019141510A - Endoscope system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an endoscope system capable of reducing the number of pins of a connector of an endoscope to make the connector compact.SOLUTION: An endoscope system 1 comprises: an endoscope 2 including therein, an imaging element for outputting a photographed image signal; and a processor 3 which is electrically connected to the endoscope through a transmission path. The endoscope 2 has a resistance R1 for causing the processor 3 to identify a kind of the endoscope 2 for providing a set value according to a kind of the endoscope 2 from the processor 3. The processor 3 comprises: a determination part 33 for acquiring identification information from the resistance R1 of the endoscope 2 through the transmission path in a start time, determines a kind of the endoscope 2 based on identification information, and after the determination, outputting a determination completion signal; and a switch part 31 for, when the determination completion signal from the determination part 33 is input, switching the transmission path from an operation state for determining the kind of the endoscope 2 in a start time to a normal operation state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope system that determines the type of an endoscope connected to a processor.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, endoscope systems that include an endoscope that captures a subject inside a subject and a processor that generates an observation image of the subject captured by the endoscope are widely used in the medical field, the industrial field, and the like. It is used.

  The endoscope is configured to be connected to the processor by a connector provided at the end of the cable. In addition, different types of endoscopes are connected to the processor according to usage. For this reason, when the endoscope is connected, the processor determines the type of the endoscope and performs setting (for example, setting of image processing parameters) according to the determined type of endoscope. .

  For example, Patent Literature 1 includes an endoscope having a resistance having a resistance value that differs for each type, and a processor that reads the resistance value of the connected endoscope and determines the type of the endoscope. An endoscopic system is disclosed.

  In such an endoscope system, a plurality of signal lines such as a power supply line, a clock line, a synchronization signal line, a data communication line, and a signal line for determining the type of endoscope are provided between the endoscope and the processor. It has been. Therefore, a plurality of pins corresponding to a plurality of signal lines are also provided on the connector of the endoscope.

JP 2007-14423 A

  However, if a plurality of signal lines are provided between the endoscope and the processor, a plurality of pins corresponding to a plurality of signals must be provided on the connector, which causes a problem that the size of the connector increases.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope system capable of reducing the number of pins of a connector of an endoscope and reducing the size of the connector.

  An endoscope system according to an aspect of the present invention includes an endoscope that includes an imaging element that outputs a captured image signal, and a processor that electrically connects the endoscope via a transmission path. In the endoscope system, the endoscope has a first type for causing the processor to identify the type of the endoscope in order to provide a setting value according to the type of the endoscope from the processor. And having an identification circuit, wherein the processor acquires identification information from the first identification circuit of the endoscope via the transmission path at the time of activation, and determines the type of the endoscope based on the identification information. A discrimination circuit that outputs a discrimination completion signal after discrimination and a discrimination completion signal are input, and the type of the endoscope at the time of starting the transmission path is discriminated by inputting the discrimination completion signal from the discrimination circuit Switch from operation to normal operation It includes a replacement unit.

  According to the endoscope system of the present invention, the number of pins of the connector of the endoscope can be reduced and the connector can be reduced.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the endoscope system of 1st Embodiment. It is a block part which shows an example of a structure of the endoscope system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the table which a discrimination | determination part has. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation | movement at the time of power activation of an endoscope system. It is a block part which shows an example of a structure of the endoscope system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the table which a discrimination | determination part has.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an endoscope system according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope system 1 of the present embodiment includes an endoscope 2, a processor 3, and an image display unit 4.

  The endoscope 2 can be introduced into a subject such as a human body and has a configuration for optically imaging a predetermined observation site in the subject. The subject into which the endoscope 2 is introduced is not limited to a human body, and may be another living body or an artificial object such as a machine or a building.

  The endoscope 2 includes an insertion unit 10 introduced into the subject, an operation unit 11 located at the proximal end of the insertion unit 10, a universal cord 12 extending from the operation unit 11, and a base of the universal cord 12. And a connector portion 13 disposed on the end side. The endoscope 2 is electrically connected to the processor 3 via a transmission path including a communication signal line 36 described later.

  The insertion portion 10 includes a distal end portion 14 disposed at the distal end, a bendable bending portion 15 disposed on the proximal end side of the distal end portion 14, and an operation portion 11 disposed on the proximal end side of the bending portion 15. A flexible tube portion 16 having flexibility connected to the distal end side of the tube is connected. The endoscope 2 may have a form called a so-called rigid endoscope that does not include a flexible portion in the insertion portion 10.

  The distal end portion 14 is provided with an imaging unit 17 including an objective optical system and an imaging element. In addition, the operation section 11 is provided with an angle operation knob 18 for operating the bending of the bending section 15.

  A connector portion 13 connected to the processor 3 is provided at the base end portion of the universal cord 12. The processor 3 to which the endoscope 2 is connected is connected to an image display unit 4 constituted by a monitor or the like via a cable.

  Further, the endoscope 2 includes a universal cord 12, an operation unit 11, and a cable (not shown) inserted through the insertion unit 10. Furthermore, the endoscope 2 is inserted into the universal cord 12, the operation unit 11, and the insertion unit 10, and is an optical fiber bundle (not shown) that is a light guide that transmits illumination light from the light source unit provided in the processor 3. have.

  The cable inserted through the universal cord 12, the operation unit 11, and the insertion unit 10 is configured to electrically connect the connector unit 13 and the imaging unit 17. When the connector unit 13 is connected to the processor 3, the imaging unit 17 is electrically connected to the processor 3 via a cable. As a result, the drive signal and power are supplied from the processor 3 to the imaging unit 17 and the optical image is transmitted from the imaging unit 17 to the processor 3 via the cable.

  The processor 3 is provided with an image processing unit (not shown). The image processing unit generates a video signal based on the output signal of the image sensor output from the imaging unit 17 and outputs the video signal to the image display unit 4. That is, in the present embodiment, an optical image (endoscopic image) picked up by the image pickup device of the image pickup unit 17 provided at the distal end portion 14 is displayed on the image display unit 4 as a video.

  The light guide is configured to transmit the light emitted from the light source unit of the processor 3 to the illumination window as the illumination light emitting unit of the distal end portion 14. The light source unit may be configured to be disposed on the operation unit 11 or the distal end portion 14 of the endoscope 2.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the endoscope system according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table included in the determination unit.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the endoscope 2 includes a communication block 20, a buffer 21 with input tolerant, and a resistor R1 as a termination resistor. The communication block 20, the buffer 21, and the resistor R <b> 1 are provided in the connector unit 13 of the endoscope 2.

  The processor 3 includes a communication block 30, a switching unit 31, an analog-digital converter (hereinafter referred to as ADC) 32, a determination unit 33, a power supply control unit 35, and a resistor R2. The communication block 20 and the communication block 30 are configured to be connected via a communication signal line 36.

  The determination unit 33 includes a table 34 for determining the type of the endoscope 2 according to the output of the ADC 32. In addition, although the power supply control part 35 is a structure provided in the processor 3, it is not limited to this, You may be provided in the endoscope 2. FIG.

  When the processor 3 is activated (power is turned on) in a state where the endoscope 2 is connected to the processor 3, the processor 3 determines the type of the connected endoscope 2. In an initial state where the power of the processor 3 is turned on, the power control unit 35 stops supplying power to the buffer 21 of the endoscope 2. In the initial state where the power of the processor 3 is turned on, the signal path is switched by the switching unit 31 so that the resistor R1 and the resistor R2 are connected.

  Thereby, the partial pressure value of the resistance R1 of the endoscope 2 and the resistance R2 of the processor 3 is input to the ADC 32. The ADC 32 converts the input partial pressure value from an analog value to a digital value and outputs it to the determination unit 33.

  The determination unit 33 determines the type of the endoscope 2 with reference to the table 34 shown in FIG. For example, when the output result of the ADC 32 is “0000” to “0111”, the determination unit 33 determines that the type of the endoscope 2 is type A and outputs “001” as the output result. Further, when the output result of the ADC 32 is “1000” to “1111”, the determination unit 33 determines that the type of the endoscope 2 is type B, and outputs “010” as the output result. The output result from the determination unit 33 is output to a control unit (not shown). Further, when the determination of the type of the endoscope 2 is completed, the determination unit 33 outputs a determination completion signal to the switching unit 31 and the power supply control unit 35.

  In this way, the resistor R1 constitutes a first identification circuit for identifying the type of the endoscope 2 by the processor 3 in order to provide a set value corresponding to the type of the endoscope 2 from the processor 3. To do. And the discrimination | determination part as a discrimination | determination circuit acquires identification information from resistance R1 as a 1st discrimination | determination circuit, discriminate | determines the kind of endoscope 2 based on identification information, and outputs a discrimination | determination completion signal after completion | finish of discrimination | determination To do.

  The switching unit 31 switches the signal path so that the communication block 20 and the communication block 30 are connected according to the determination completion signal from the determination unit 33. That is, the switching unit 31 is configured to switch the transmission path from the operation for determining the type of the endoscope 2 at the time of activation to the normal operation by receiving the determination completion signal from the determination unit 33. Yes.

  When the determination completion signal is input from the determination unit 33, the power control unit 35 turns on the power to the buffer 21 of the endoscope 2. Thereby, communication between the communication block 20 and the communication block 30 is established. Then, the control unit performs control so that a setting value corresponding to the type of the endoscope 2 determined by the determination unit 33 is transmitted to the endoscope 2. Thereby, information such as a set value corresponding to the determined type of the endoscope 2 is transmitted from the communication block 30 of the processor 3 to the communication block 20 of the endoscope 2. As a result, a set value (for example, an image processing parameter) corresponding to the type of the endoscope 2 is set in the endoscope 2 and a desired operation is executed.

  Next, the operation of the endoscope system configured as described above will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the endoscope system when the power is turned on. The processing in FIG. 4 is started when the power of the processor 3 is turned on after the endoscope 2 is connected to the processor 3.

  When the power of the processor 3 is turned on, the ADC 32 acquires a partial pressure value between the resistance R1 of the endoscope 2 and the resistance R2 of the processor 3 and converts it into a digital value (step S1). Next, the determination unit 33 determines the type of the endoscope 2 from the digital value converted by the ADC 32 (step S2). At this time, the determination unit 33 determines the type of the endoscope 2 from the digital value converted by the ADC 32 with reference to the table 34.

  The resistance value of the resistor R1 of the endoscope 2 is different for each type of the endoscope 2, and the resistance value of the resistor R2 of the processor 3 is a constant value. For this reason, the divided voltage values of the resistors R1 and R2 are different for each type of the endoscope 2, and the processor 3 can determine the type of the endoscope 2 based on the divided values of the resistors R1 and R2. it can.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the determination by the determination unit 33 has been completed (step S3). If the determination by the determination unit 33 is not completed (step S3: NO), the process returns to step S1 and the same processing is repeated. On the other hand, when the determination by the determination unit 33 is completed (step S3: YES), the signal path is switched by the switching unit 31 (step S4). This switching of the signal path is executed when a determination completion signal from the determination unit 33 is input to the switching unit 31. Specifically, the signal path from the state in which the resistor R1 of the endoscope 2 and the resistor R2 of the processor 3 are connected to the state in which the communication block 20 of the endoscope 2 and the communication block 30 of the processor 3 are connected. Switch.

  Finally, power is turned on to the buffer 21 of the endoscope 2 (step S5), and the process is terminated. The power supply to the buffer 21 of the endoscope 2 is executed by the power supply control unit 35 to which the determination completion signal is input from the determination unit 33. As a result, communication from the communication block 30 to the communication block 20 can be performed.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the type of the endoscope 2 is determined using the communication signal line 36 for connecting the communication block 20 of the endoscope 2 and the communication block 30 of the processor 3. When the determination of the type of the endoscope 2 is completed, the signal path is switched by the switching unit 31 so that the communication block 20 of the endoscope 2 and the communication block 30 of the processor 3 are connected to communicate with the communication block 20. Communication with block 30 is established.

  That is, the endoscope system 1 of the present embodiment shares a communication signal line (line) and a signal line (line) for determining the type of the endoscope 2. When the power of the processor 3 is turned on, the type of the endoscope 2 is determined using the communication signal line 36. When the determination of the type of the endoscope 2 is completed, the communication block 30 is used to communicate with the communication block 30. Communication is performed with the block 20. As a result, the endoscope system 1 does not need to provide a signal line for determining the type of the endoscope 2 and can reduce the number of pins of the connector unit 13 while maintaining the conventional operation.

  Therefore, according to the endoscope system of the present embodiment, the number of pins of the connector of the endoscope can be reduced and the connector can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the type of the endoscope 2 is determined using the communication signal line 36, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, between the endoscope 2 and the processor 3, the image signal line for transmitting the image signal from the image sensor provided with the imaging unit 17 and the image sensor provided with the image unit 17 are synchronized. A clock signal line for transmitting a signal and a driving clock is provided. Therefore, the endoscope system 1 shares the image signal line and the signal line for determining the type of the endoscope 2, or shares the clock signal line and the signal line for determining the type of the endoscope 2. May be used.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the endoscope system according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table included in the determination unit. In FIG. 5, the same components as those in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the endoscope 2a is configured by adding a communication block 40, an input tolerant buffer 41, and a resistor R3 to the endoscope 2 of FIG.

  Further, the processor 3a is configured by adding a communication block 50, a switching unit 51, and an ADC 52 to the processor 3 of FIG. Further, the processor 3a is configured to include a determination unit 33a and a table 34a instead of the determination unit 33 and the table 34 of FIG. The communication block 40 and the communication block 50 are configured to be connected via a communication signal line 53.

  In the present embodiment, the communication signal line 53 for performing communication from the endoscope 2a to the processor 3a also has an identification circuit for determining the type of the endoscope 2a. In an initial state in which the power of the processor 3a is turned on, the signal path is switched by the switching unit 51 so that the resistor R3 and the resistor R4 are connected.

  Thereby, the partial pressure value of the resistor R3 as the second identification circuit of the endoscope 2a and the resistor R4 of the processor 3a is input to the ADC 52. The ADC 52 converts the input partial pressure value from an analog value to a digital value and outputs it to the determination unit 33a.

  In addition to the output result from the ADC 52, the output result from the ADC 32 is also input to the determination unit 33a. The determination unit 33a refers to the table 34a illustrated in FIG. 6 and determines the type of the endoscope 2a according to the output result from the ADC 32 and the output result from the ADC 52. That is, the determination unit 33a determines the type of the endoscope 2a according to the divided voltage value of the resistors R1 and R2 and the divided voltage value of the resistors R3 and R4.

  For example, when the output result of the ADC 32 is “0000” to “0111” and the output result of the ADC 52 is “0000” to “0011”, the determination unit 33a determines the type of the endoscope 2a as type A, “001” is output as the output result.

  When the determination of the type of the endoscope 2a is completed, the determination unit 33a outputs a determination completion signal to the switching unit 31, the switching unit 51, and the power supply control unit 35. Similar to the first embodiment, the switching unit 31 switches the signal path so that the communication block 20 and the communication block 30 are connected in accordance with the determination completion signal from the determination unit 33a. Moreover, the switching part 51 will switch a signal path | route so that the communication block 40 and the communication block 50 may be connected, when the discrimination completion signal from the discrimination | determination part 33a is input.

  When the determination completion signal is input from the determination unit 33a, the power control unit 35 turns on the power to the buffer 21 and the buffer 41 of the endoscope 2a. As a result, communication between the processor 3a and the endoscope 2a is established, and data communication can be performed between the processor 3a and the endoscope 2a. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  As described above, the endoscope system 1 of the present embodiment shares the communication signal line 36 for communicating from the processor 3a to the endoscope 2a and the signal line for determining the type of the endoscope 2a. In addition, the communication signal line 53 for communicating from the endoscope 2a to the processor 3a and the signal line for determining the type of the endoscope 2a are shared. As a result, the endoscope system 1 does not need to provide a signal line for determining the type of the endoscope 2a, and can reduce the number of pins of the connector unit 13 while maintaining the conventional operation.

  In the present embodiment, since the determination unit 33a determines the type of the endoscope 2a according to the two output results of the ADC 32 and the ADC 52, the determination accuracy of the endoscope 2a is higher than that of the first embodiment. Can be improved.

  Note that the steps in the flowchart in this specification may be executed in a different order for each execution by changing the execution order and executing a plurality of steps at the same time as long as it does not contradict its nature.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscopy system, 2, 2a ... Endoscope, 3, 3a ... Processor, 4 ... Image display part, 10 ... Insertion part, 11 ... Operation part, 12 ... Universal cord, 13 ... Connector part, 14 ... Tip 15, bending portion, 16, flexible tube portion, 17, imaging unit, 18, angle operation knob, 20, 30, 40, 50, communication block, 21, 41, buffer, 31, 51, switching unit, 32 , 52 ... ADC, 33, 33a ... discriminating part, 34, 34a ... table, 35 ... power supply control part, 36, 53 ... communication signal line.

Claims (7)

An endoscope system having an endoscope including an image pickup device that outputs a captured image signal, and a processor that electrically connects the endoscope via a transmission path,
The endoscope is
In order to provide a setting value according to the type of the endoscope from the processor, a first identification circuit for causing the processor to identify the type of the endoscope,
The processor is
At startup, identification information is acquired from the first identification circuit of the endoscope via the transmission path, the type of the endoscope is determined based on the identification information, and after completion of the determination, a determination completion signal Discriminating circuit for outputting
When the determination completion signal is input from the determination circuit, a switching unit that switches the transmission path from an operation for determining the type of the endoscope at the time of activation to a normal operation,
An endoscope system comprising:   The endoscope system according to claim 1, further comprising a power control unit that starts supplying power to the endoscope when the determination completion signal is input from the determination circuit.   The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein the first identification circuit includes a terminal resistor corresponding to a type of the endoscope. The processor has a resistor;
The endoscope system according to claim 3, wherein the determination circuit determines the type of the endoscope based on a partial pressure value between the resistance and the terminal resistance. The transmission path communicates an image signal line for outputting the image signal to the processor, a clock signal line for inputting a synchronization signal and a driving clock to the endoscope, and communication between the endoscope and the processor. A communication signal line to perform,
The first identification circuit is connected to any of the image signal line, the clock signal line, and the communication signal line,
The determination circuit is connected to any one of the image signal line, the clock signal line, and the communication signal line via the switching unit when the processor is activated. The endoscope system described. The endoscope further includes a connector portion connectable to the processor,
The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein the first identification circuit is provided in the connector unit. The endoscope has a second identification circuit for determining the type of the endoscope,
The determination circuit of the processor acquires identification information from the first identification circuit and the second identification circuit of the endoscope, and determines the type of the endoscope based on the identification information. The endoscope system according to claim 1.

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