JP7285773B2 - endoscope system - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to endoscope systems.

Generally, an endoscope system includes an endoscope device (scope) and a processor connected to the endoscope device. In recent years, an endoscope system using a connector that supplies power from the processor to the endoscope device in a non-contact manner has been used in consideration of the trouble of attaching and detaching the waterproof cap when cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope device after use. ing.

In such an endoscope system, by connecting the endoscope device side connector and the processor side connector, a transmission path composed of a transmitting element and a receiving element facing each other is provided between the endoscope device and the processor. is formed. Control signals and video signals are transmitted (communicated) between the endoscope apparatus and the processor via this transmission path.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an endoscope device in which a power transmission coil, a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element for optical communication, and a contact portion are arranged on the connecting surfaces of an endoscope-side connector and a processor-side connector. disclosed.

Japanese Patent No. 5978238

However, the endoscope apparatus-side connector and the processor-side connector described in Patent Document 1 each have only one light-emitting element and one light-receiving element (optical communication device), so that the video signal and the control signal are multiplexed. communication is assumed to be Therefore, if the optical communication device fails, it blacks out and communication becomes impossible. In addition, since the video signal and the control signal must be synchronized and communicated, there are large restrictions.

Further, when there is an abnormality in the communication of the optical communication device during the initial operation of the endoscope system, it is possible to determine whether the optical communication device itself, the video signal path, or the control signal path has a failure. difficult.

The present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a technique for checking the communication states of all optical communication devices during the initial operation of the endoscope system.

In order to solve the above problems, an endoscope system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:
an endoscopic device;
a processor that enables optical communication of control signals and video signals by being connected to the endoscope device,
The endoscope apparatus includes an endoscope control unit that controls the optical communication, a light emitting element and a light receiving element that form a control signal path, and a light emitting element that forms a video signal path,
The processor has a processor control unit that controls the optical communication, a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element that configure the control signal path, and a light-receiving element that configures the video signal path,
The endoscope control unit
a process of confirming opening of the control signal path by transmitting initial control data to the processor control unit via the control signal path and receiving the initial control data returned from the processor control unit;
a process of transmitting initial video data to the processor control unit via the video signal path and transmitting a notification indicating that the initial video data has been transmitted to the processor control unit via the control signal path; ,
a process of confirming the opening of the video signal path by receiving a reception completion notification indicating that the initial video data and the notification have been received from the processor control unit via the control signal path; Execute.

Further features related to the present disclosure will become apparent from the description of the specification and the accompanying drawings. In addition, the present disclosure is achieved and attained by means of the elements and combinations of various elements and aspects of the detailed description that follows and the claims that follow.
It should be understood that the description herein is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the scope or application of the claims in any way.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to check the communication states of all optical communication devices during the initial operation of the endoscope system.

It is a figure which shows the whole external appearance structural example of an endoscope system. It is a figure which shows the example of a schematic internal structure of an endoscope system. FIG. 10 is a view of a state before connecting the endoscope apparatus-side connector and the processor-side connector, as seen from a certain direction; FIG. 3B is a view of a state in which the endoscope device-side connector and the processor-side connector are connected, viewed from the same direction as in FIG. 3A; It is a figure which shows the structure of the optical contactless transmission/reception part of each connector. 3B is a view of the state before the endoscope apparatus-side connector and the processor-side connector are connected, viewed from the _X1 direction (see FIG. 3B: a direction different from the direction of FIG. 3A); FIG. FIG. 3D is a view of the endoscope device-side connector and the processor-side connector in a connected state, viewed from the _X1 direction (the same direction as in FIG. 3D); It is a figure which shows the internal structural example of an endoscope apparatus and a processor related to an initial operation. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the initial operation of the endoscope system;

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, an endoscope system will be described as an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Observation target regions in the endoscope system are, for example, respiratory organs, digestive organs, and the like. Respiratory organs and the like are, for example, lungs, bronchi, and ear, nose, and throat. Digestive organs include, for example, the large intestine, small intestine, stomach, esophagus, duodenum, uterus, and bladder. When observing a target site as described above, it is more effective to use an image that emphasizes a specific body structure.

<Configuration of endoscope system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall appearance of an endoscope system according to this embodiment. The endoscope system 1 includes an endoscope device 100 , a processor 200 and a monitor 300 .

The endoscope apparatus 100 includes an elongated tubular insertion portion 11 to be inserted into the subject, an operation portion 15 disposed on the proximal end side of the insertion portion 11, and a connectable portion connected to the operation portion 15 at one end. It has a flexible tube 17 and an endoscope device side connector 110 to which the other side of the connecting flexible tube 17 is connected. An imaging element is provided at the distal end portion 12 of the insertion portion 11, and can image the inside of the patient's body, for example. The captured image is converted into an optical signal, transmitted to the processor 200 and displayed on the monitor 300 connected to the processor 200 .

The operation section 15 is used to operate each section of the endoscope apparatus 100 including the insertion section 11, and is provided with, for example, an operation knob for adjusting the orientation of the distal end portion 12 of the insertion section 11. .

The connecting flexible tube 17 connects between the operation section 15 and the endoscope apparatus side connector 110, and is composed of a tubular member having a tube wall made of a flexible member. Various signal lines, an LCB (Light Carrying Bundle), etc. are inserted through the tube of the connecting flexible tube 17 . The various signal lines include, for example, drive signal lines and pixel signal lines for the imaging device provided inside the distal end portion 12 of the insertion portion 11, switch signal lines from switches provided in the operation portion 15, and the like. .

The endoscope device-side connector 110 is configured to be detachable from a processor-side connector 210 provided in the processor 200 . The endoscope device 100 is connected to the processor 200 for signal connection and power connection while the endoscope device side connector 110 is connected to the processor side connector 210 . An optical wireless communication system is used for data communication between the endoscope apparatus 100 and the processor 200 . A wireless power supply system or a wired power supply system may be used for the transmission and reception of electric power.

The processor 200 is a device that integrally includes a signal processing device that processes signals from the endoscope device 100 and a light source device that irradiates the inside of a body cavity where natural light does not reach through the endoscope device 100 . In another embodiment, the signal processing device and the light source device may be configured separately.

The endoscope system 1 according to this embodiment is configured to allow hot-swapping between the endoscope apparatus 100 and the processor 200 . That is, it is possible to connect the endoscope device-side connector 110 to the processor-side connector 210 or remove the endoscope device-side connector 110 from the processor-side connector 210 while the main power supply of the processor 200 is kept ON. can.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic internal configuration example of the endoscope system 1 of this embodiment. The endoscope apparatus 100 includes an LCB 101 (light guide) for guiding irradiation light from a light source device 201 (described later) of the processor 200, a light distribution lens 102 provided at the output end of the LCB 101, an objective lens 103, An imaging device 104 receives return light from an irradiated portion (observation portion) via an objective lens 103 , a driver signal processing circuit 105 for driving the imaging device 104 , and a first memory 106 .

Irradiation light from the light source device 201 enters the LCB 101 and propagates by repeating total reflection within the LCB 101 . The irradiation light that has propagated through the LCB 101 is emitted from the emission end of the LCB 101 arranged in the distal end portion 12 of the insertion portion 11 and illuminates the observation site through the light distributing lens 102 . Return light from the irradiated portion forms an optical image at each pixel on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 104 via the objective lens 103 .

The imaging element 104 is arranged in the distal end portion 12 of the insertion portion 11 and is, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor. The imaging element 104 accumulates an optical image (return light from the living tissue) formed by each pixel on the light receiving surface as electric charge according to the light amount, and generates and outputs R, G, and B image signals. . Note that the imaging device 104 is not limited to a CCD image sensor, and may be replaced with a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor or other types of imaging devices. The image pickup device 104 is driven by a driver signal processing circuit 105, and pixel signals for one field or one frame are read from the image pickup device 104 at predetermined time intervals (for example, 1/60 second or 1/30 second intervals).

The processor 200 includes a light source device 201, a system controller 202, an optical filter 203, an optical filter driver 204, a pre-stage signal processing circuit 205, a color conversion circuit 206, a post-stage signal processing circuit 207, and a second memory 208. It has

Processor 200 may include an operation panel (not shown). There are various forms in the configuration of the operation panel. As a specific configuration of the operation panel, for example, hardware keys for each function mounted on the front surface of the processor 200, a touch panel GUI (Graphical User Interface), a combination of hardware keys and a GUI, and the like are conceivable. The operating panel enables the operator to input instructions such as a mode switching operation, for example.

The system controller 202 executes various programs stored in a memory (not shown) and controls the entire endoscope system 1 in an integrated manner. The system controller 202 uses control signals to control the operation and timing of various circuits within the processor 200 so that the endoscope apparatus 100 connected to the processor 200 can perform appropriate processing. Also, the system controller 202 may be connected to the operation panel described above. In this case, the system controller 202 changes each operation of the endoscope system 1 and parameters for each operation according to instructions from the operator input from the operation panel.

As the light source device 201, for example, a high-brightness lamp such as a xenon lamp, a halogen lamp, a mercury lamp, a metal halide lamp, or an LED (Light Emitting Diode) can be used. Irradiation light from the light source device 201 is light (or light including at least the visible light region) having a spectrum mainly extending from the visible light region to the invisible infrared light region. Irradiation light from the light source device 201 enters the optical filter 203 .

The color conversion circuit 206 has a matrix circuit 211 , a gain 212 , a WB 213 and a color correction circuit 214 .

<External configuration of the connector>
The connection relationship between the endoscope device side connector 110 and the processor side connector 210 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3E. FIG. 3A is a diagram of a state before the endoscope device-side connector 110 and the processor-side connector 210 are connected, viewed from a certain direction (perpendicular to the insertion direction of the endoscope device-side connector 110).

As shown in the left diagram of FIG. 3A, the endoscope device-side connector 110 includes a wireless power supply receiving coil 1101 provided on a contactless power receiving board, and an optical contactless transmitting/receiving section 1102 (optical communication device). , is equipped with The LCB 101 of the endoscope device 100 protrudes from the endoscope device-side connector 110 .

As shown in the right diagram of FIG. 3A, the processor-side connector 210 has a concave structure for inserting the endoscope device-side connector 110, and includes a wireless power supply transmitter coil 2101 and an optical contactless transmitter/receiver. 2102 , a non-contact power supply board portion 2103 , and an endoscope lock lever 2104 .

FIG. 3B is a view of the endoscope apparatus side connector 110 and the processor side connector 210 in a connected state viewed from the same direction as in FIG. 3A. When the endoscope apparatus-side connector 110 is inserted into the recess of the processor-side connector 210, the wireless power supply receiving coil 1101 and the wireless power supply transmitting coil 2101 of the processor 200 face each other as shown in FIG. 3B. located to In addition, the optical contactless transmission/reception section 1102 of the endoscope device side connector 110 and the optical contactless transmission/reception section 2102 of the processor side connector 210 face each other, whereby optical data communication between the endoscope device 100 and the processor 200 is performed. becomes possible.

FIG. 3C is a diagram showing the configuration of the facing surfaces (optical non-contact transmission/reception units) of the endoscope device-side connector 110 and the processor-side connector 210 . As shown in the left diagram of FIG. 3C, the optical contactless transmitter/receiver 1102 of the endoscope device-side connector 110 includes a photodiode 123-1 and laser diodes 125-1 to 125-3. Laser diodes 125-1 and 125-2 are for transmitting video signals and constitute a video signal path. The laser diode 125-3 is for transmitting control signals and the photodiode 123-1 is for receiving control signals, which constitute the control signal path.

As shown in the right diagram of FIG. 3C, the optical contactless transmitter/receiver 2102 of the processor-side connector 210 includes a laser diode 223-1 and photodiodes 225-1 to 225-3. Photodiodes 225-1 and 225-2 are for receiving video signals and constitute a video signal path. Photodiode 225-3 is for receiving control signals and laser diode 223-1 is for transmitting control signals, which constitute the control signal path. Further, the optical contactless transmission/reception section 2102 has an insertion section 2105 for receiving the LCB 101 .

By connecting the endoscope device side connector 110 to the processor side connector 210, the laser diode 125-1 faces the photodiode 225-1 and the laser diode 125-2 faces the photodiode 225-2. Thereby, two video signal transmission paths are formed from the endoscope device side to the processor side. Similarly, laser diode 125-3 faces photodiode 225-3, and photodiode 123-1 faces laser diode 223-1. Thereby, a control signal transmission path from the endoscope device side to the processor side and a control signal transmission path from the processor side to the endoscope device side are formed.

In this way, between the endoscope apparatus 100 and the processor 200, four sets (a plurality of sets) of transmission lines each having a pair of opposing laser diodes and photodiodes are formed. A video signal path and a control signal path are separated. Note that the number of transmission lines may be four or more.

FIG. 3D is a view of the state before the endoscope device-side connector 110 and the processor-side connector 210 are connected, viewed from the _X1 direction (see FIG. 3B: a direction different from the direction of FIG. 3A). As shown in FIG. 3D, a wireless power supply receiving coil 1101 (power receiving unit) is provided on the _X1 direction side surface of the endoscope apparatus side connector 110, and the _X1 direction side surface of the recess of the processor side connector 210 is provided. is provided with a transmission side coil 2101 (power transmission unit) for wireless power supply.

FIG. 3E is a view of the endoscope device-side connector 110 and the processor-side connector 210 connected together in the _X1 direction (the same direction as in FIG. 3D). As shown in FIG. 3E , when the endoscope apparatus-side connector 110 is inserted into the recess of the processor-side connector 210 , the wireless power supply receiving coil 1101 faces the wireless power supply transmitting coil 2101 . By facing the wireless power supply receiving coil 1101 and the wireless power supply transmitting coil 2101 in this way, power can be transferred from the processor 200 to the endoscope apparatus 100 in a non-contact manner. The transfer of electric power is not limited to the wireless power supply method described above, and a wired power supply method in which each connector is provided with a contact portion that makes contact with each other may be employed.

<Configuration example for checking the communication state of the optical communication device during initial operation>
(1) Internal Configuration Example of Endoscope Apparatus 100 and Processor 200 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an internal configuration example of a processor 200. FIG. In FIG. 4, only the components related to the initial operation are shown, and other necessary components shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are omitted.

The endoscope apparatus 100 includes a first controller 120 (endoscope control section) that controls the overall operation of the endoscope apparatus 100, and a second controller 121 (endoscope control section) that controls operations related to image processing. , a power receiving unit 122 (receiving coil for wireless power supply) that wirelessly receives power supplied from the processor 200, and at least one photodiode that receives (receives) control information and the like transmitted from the processor 200 by optical communication. 123-1, at least one transimpedance amplifier 124-1 that amplifies the signal level such as control information received by the photodiode 123-1, and a limiting that converts the amplitude of the amplified signal to a voltage signal of constant amplitude. An amplifier 129-1, at least one laser diode 125-3 that returns received control information and the like to the processor 200 side, a laser driver 126-3 that drives the laser diode 125-3, and an image captured by the imaging device 104. Two (plural) laser diodes 125-1 and 125-2 that transmit signals and the like to the processor 200 by optical communication, and two (plural) laser drivers that drive the laser diodes 125-1 and 125-2. 126-1 and 126-2. The first controller 120 can be configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processor Unit), and the second controller 121 can be configured by, for example, an FPGA.

On the other hand, the processor 200 outputs a first controller 220 (processor control unit) that controls the overall operation of the processor 200 and each Enable signal (for example, Enable-0 to Enable-2) for controlling power supply and stop. At the same time, in response to an Enable signal from the second controller 221 (processor control unit) that controls operations related to image processing, the post-stage signal processing circuit 207, and the second controller 221, the endoscope apparatus 100 is wirelessly power transmission unit 222 (transmitting coil for wireless power supply) that starts and stops power supply by, at least one laser diode 223-1 that transmits control information to the endoscope apparatus 100 by optical communication, and a laser diode 223-1, at least one photodiode 225-3 for receiving control information and the like returned from the endoscope apparatus 100, and control information and the like received by the photodiode 225-3. Transimpedance amplifier 226-3 that amplifies the signal level of, at least one limiting amplifier 227-3 that converts the amplitude of the amplified signal into a voltage signal of constant amplitude, and transmission from the endoscope apparatus 100 by optical communication Two (plurality) photodiodes 225-1 and 225-2 for receiving (light-receiving) received video signals and the like, and the signal levels of the received video signals and the like are amplified by the photodiodes 225-1 and 225-2. from two (multiple) transimpedance amplifiers 226-1 and 226-2, limiting amplifiers 227-1 and 227-2 that convert the amplitude of the amplified signal to a constant amplitude voltage signal, and the second controller 221; A first power IC 228 for starting and stopping power supply to the laser diode 223-1, the laser driver 224-1, the transimpedance amplifier 226-3 and the limiting amplifier 227-3 in response to the Enable signal of the second power IC 228; In response to an Enable signal from the controller 221, the power supply to the photodiodes 225-1 and 225-2, the transimpedance amplifiers 226-1 and 226-2, and the limiting amplifiers 227-1 and 227-2 is started and stopped. and a second power IC 229 that performs The first controller 220 can be configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processor Unit), and the second controller 221 can be configured by, for example, an FPGA.

As indicated by dotted lines in FIG. 4, laser diodes 125-1 and 125-2, laser drivers 126-1 and 126-2 of the endoscope apparatus 100, photodiodes 225-1 and 225-2 of the processor 200, transformers Impedance amplifiers 226-1 and 226-2 and limiting amplifiers 227-1 and 227-2 form a video signal path.

Also, the photodiode 123-1, the transimpedance amplifier 124-1, the laser diode 125-3, the laser driver 126-3 and the limiting amplifier 129-1 of the endoscope apparatus 100, and the laser diode 223-1 of the processor 200, Laser driver 224-1, photodiode 225-3, transimpedance amplifier 226-3, and limiting amplifier 227-3 constitute a control signal path.

In the processor 200, the first controller 220, the second controller 221, and the post-stage signal processing circuit 207 constitute a power ON state holding side circuit. Also, components other than the first controller 220, the second controller 221, and the post-stage signal processing circuit 207 constitute a power supply ON/OFF switching circuit. The components of the power ON state holding circuit (first controller 220, second controller 221, post-stage signal processing circuit 207) keep the power ON regardless of whether the endoscope system is used or whether the endoscope apparatus 100 is inserted or removed. can be kept On the other hand, the components of the power supply ON/OFF switching side circuit are controlled by the second controller 221 so that the power supply is turned off when the endoscope apparatus 100 is removed. However, the power transmission unit 222, the first power IC 228, and the second power IC 229 are connected to the power supply even when the endoscope apparatus 100 is removed, but the power supply from each is disabled. It's becoming

By making the endoscope apparatus 100 and the processor 200 contactless, the circuit on the endoscope apparatus 100 side can be used as a patient side circuit, and the circuit on the processor 200 side can be used as a secondary side circuit. .

The operation of inserting and removing the endoscope device 100 will be briefly described. For example, when a mechanism switch or a sensor (for example, an optical sensor) provided in the processor-side connector 210 detects that the endoscope device 100 is inserted into or removed from the processor 200, a trigger signal is generated, and the first controller 220 sent to. Upon receiving the trigger signal, the first controller 220 determines that the insertion/removal operation of the endoscope apparatus 100 has been performed, and notifies the second controller 221 of the reception of the trigger signal (detection of the insertion/removal operation of the endoscope apparatus 100). Notice. When the second controller 221 receives the notification when the endoscope device is inserted, the second controller 221 sends an Enable-0 signal, an Enable-1 signal, and an Enable-2 signal for enabling power supply to the power transmission unit 222, the first power IC 228, and the second power IC 228. 2 to the power IC 229 respectively. In addition, when the second controller 221 receives the notification when the endoscope device is removed, the second controller 221 transmits the Enable-0 signal, the Enable-1 signal, and the Enable-2 signal to the power transmission unit 222, when disabling the power supply. Stop transmitting to the first power IC 228 and the second power IC 229 respectively.

When the endoscope apparatus 100 is inserted into the processor 200 and receives (while receiving) an Enable-0 signal for enabling power supply, power supply to the power transmission section 222 is enabled, and the power transmission section 222 , start supplying power to the endoscope apparatus 100 . Then, the power reception unit 122 of the endoscope apparatus 100 receives power from the power transmission unit 222, power is supplied to the first controller 120 and the second controller 121 of the endoscope apparatus 100, and the first controller 120 and the second controller 120 are supplied with power. 121 begins to operate. The power receiving unit 122 also supplies power to the photodiode 123-1, the transimpedance amplifier 124-1, the laser diodes 125-1 to 125-3, and the laser drivers 126-1 to 126-3.

Further, when the first power IC 228 receives (while receiving) an Enable-1 signal for enabling power supply from the second controller 221, the laser diode 223-1, the laser driver 224-1, the photodiode 225-3, transimpedance amplifier 226-3 and limiting amplifier 227-3, and activates them. Further, when the second power IC 229 receives (while receiving) an Enable-2 signal for enabling power supply from the second controller 221, the photodiodes 225-1 and 225-2 and the transimpedance amplifier 226 -1 and 226-2 as well as the limiting amplifiers 227-1 and 227-2 and start them up.

On the other hand, when the endoscope device 100 is removed from the processor 200 and the transmission of the Enable-0 signal is stopped, the power supply to the power transmission unit 222 is disabled and the power supply to the endoscope device 100 is also stopped. . Also, when the transmission of the Enable-1 signal is stopped, the power supply to the first power IC 228 is disabled, and the laser diode 223-1, laser driver 224-1, photodiode 225-3, and transimpedance amplifier 226-3 are disabled. and the limiting amplifier 227-3 are no longer supplied with power, and stop their operations. Furthermore, when the transmission of the Enable-2 signal is stopped, the power supply to the second power IC 229 is disabled, and the photodiodes 225-1 and 225-2, the transimpedance amplifiers 226-1 and 226-2, and the limiting amplifier 227-1 and 227-2 are no longer supplied with power, and their operation ceases.

(2) Details of initial operation when the endoscope apparatus 100 is inserted into the processor 200 FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the initial operation of the endoscope system according to this embodiment. The initial operation of this embodiment is performed when the endoscope apparatus 100 is started. In the following description, the second controller 121 on the endoscope device side and the second controller 221 on the processor side may be described as main bodies of operation, but the first controller 120 on the endoscope device side and the first controller on the processor side 220 may instruct the second controller 121 and the second controller 221 to operate.

(i) Step S1
The processor-side first controller 220 determines whether or not the endoscope device 100 is connected to the processor 200 , that is, whether or not the endoscope device-side connector 110 is connected to the processor-side connector 210 . The connection between the endoscope device-side connector 110 and the processor-side connector 210 can be detected, for example, by turning on a mechanical switch or by a sensor (not shown). is configured to output a detection signal. In the case of a mechanical switch, a circuit that outputs a detection signal when the switch is turned on may be provided. Then, the first controller 220 determines that the endoscope apparatus 100 has been connected (inserted) by receiving the detection signal from the switch or sensor.

If connection of the endoscope apparatus 100 to the processor 200 is not detected (NO in step S1), the first controller 220 generates a non-trigger signal and transmits it to the second controller 221 (see FIG. step not shown in 5). When responding to the non-trigger signal, the second controller 221 sends an Enable-0 signal, an Enable-1 signal, and an Enable-2 signal that enable power supply to the power transmission unit 222, the first power IC 228, and the second power IC 229. Transmission does not start (waiting for transmission of Enable signal). As a result, power transmission section 222, laser diode 223-1, laser driver 224-1, photodiodes 225-1 to 225-3, transimpedance amplifiers 226-1 to 226-3, limiting amplifiers 227-1 to 227-3. is not supplied with power and is controlled without operating. Then, the process moves to step S1 again.

If connection of the endoscope apparatus 100 to the processor 200 is detected (YES in step S1), the process proceeds to step S2.

(ii) Step S2
The processor-side first controller 220 starts powering on the endoscope apparatus 100 . Specifically, when the first controller 220 receives a detection signal indicating that the endoscope apparatus-side connector 110 and the processor-side connector 210 are connected, it generates a trigger signal and sends it to the second controller 221. Send. In response to the trigger signal, the second controller 221 transmits an Enable-0 signal for enabling power supply to the power transmission unit 222, thereby controlling the power supply state. In response to the Enable-0 signal for enabling power supply, power supply to the power transmission unit 222 is enabled, and the power transmission unit 222 starts power transmission (power supply) to the power reception unit 122 of the endoscope apparatus 100. do.

Also, the second controller 221 transmits an Enable-1 signal for enabling power supply to the first power IC 228 in response to the trigger signal, thereby controlling the power supply state. Then, in response to the Enable-1 signal for enabling power supply, power supply to the first power IC 228 is enabled, and the first power IC 228 is activated and becomes operable.

The first power IC 228 activates the laser diode 223-1, laser driver 224-1, photodiode 225-3, transimpedance amplifier 226-3, and limiting amplifier 227-3 by starting power supply to them. do.

Also, the second controller 221 transmits an Enable-2 signal for enabling power supply to the second power IC 229 in response to the trigger signal, thereby controlling the power supply state. Then, in response to the Enable-2 signal for enabling power supply, power supply to the second power IC 229 is enabled, and the second power IC 229 is activated and becomes operable.

The second power IC 229 starts supplying power to the photodiodes 225-1 and 225-2, the transimpedance amplifiers 226-1 and 226-2, and the limiting amplifiers 227-1 and 227-2 (power ON).

(iii) Step S3
When power is supplied from the power transmission unit 222, the power reception unit 122 of the endoscope apparatus 100 supplies power to the first controller 120 and the second controller 121, thereby activating the first controller 120 and the second controller 121. and put it in an operable state. Power receiving unit 122 supplies power to photodiode 123-1, transimpedance amplifier 124-1, laser diodes 125-1 to 125-3, and laser drivers 126-1 to 126-3 to activate them. , in an operable state. This enables mutual information communication between the processor 200 and the endoscope apparatus 100 by optical transmission. Further, the imaging element 104 is activated by the second controller 121, so that an image (including a still image) of the observation target region can be captured.

(iv) Step S4
The second controller 121 on the endoscope device side receives initial control data of the endoscope device 100 and the imaging element 104 (for example, scope ID, model, number of times of use and connection time of the endoscope device 100, transmission band information). , for example, from the first memory 106 (see FIG. 2, not shown in FIG. 4), and using the band for initial control data transmission (no matter what model of endoscope device 100 is connected, the processor 200 to obtain the initial data) to the control signal path. Specifically, the second controller 121 transmits initial control data to the laser diode 125-3 via the laser driver 126-3.

After that, the laser diode 125-3 transmits (optically transmits) the initial control data to the control signal path on the processor side. At this time, the photodiode 225-3 on the processor side receives (lights) the initial control data from the laser diode 125-3, and transmits the data to the second controller 221 via the transimpedance amplifier 226-3 and the limiting amplifier 227-3. Send to

(v) Step S5
The second controller 221 receives the initial control data transmitted through the control signal path, and confirms (analyzes) the contents of the received initial data.

(vi) Step S6
The second controller 221 sends (returns) the initial control data to the control signal path. Specifically, the second controller 221 notifies the laser driver 224-1 of the transmission band information included in the initial control data.

Further, the second controller 221 may determine whether to permit continued use of the connected endoscope device 100 based on information such as the number of times the endoscope device has been used and the connection time included in the initial data. If the number of times of use or the connection time exceeds a predetermined number of times/predetermined time, a message to stop using the connected endoscope apparatus 100 is displayed on the monitor 300, or the laser driver 224-1 Also, the power supply to the laser diode 223-1 may be controlled so as not to be effective.

The initial control data is then sent to the laser diode 223-1 via the laser driver 224-1. The laser diode 223-1 transmits (optically transmits) the initial control data to the control signal path on the endoscope device side. At this time, the photodiode 123-1 on the endoscope apparatus side receives (lights) the initial control data from the laser diode 223-1, and transmits the initial control data via the transimpedance amplifier 124-1 and the limiting amplifier 129-1. 2 to the controller 121 .

(vii) Step S7
The second controller 121 receives the initial control data transmitted through the control signal path.

(viii) Step S8
The second controller 121 confirms that the transmission/reception of the control signal path has been opened by confirming that the initial control data has been returned from the processor 200 .

Here, if transmission/reception of the initial control data fails in any of steps S4 to S7, the opening of the control signal path cannot be confirmed. Therefore, the second controller 121 notifies the user that there is an abnormality in the control signal path.

(ix) Step S9
After confirming the opening of the control signal path, next, the opening of the video signal path is confirmed. The second controller 121 controls the initial video data of the endoscope apparatus 100 and the imaging device 104 (for example, protocol information, test pattern, sensor information (imaging (video) rate, imaging method, etc.), and other data arbitrarily set by the manufacturer. information, etc.) is acquired, for example, from the memory 106 (see FIG. 2, not shown in FIG. 4) and transmitted to the video signal path using the band for initial video data transmission. Specifically, the second controller 121 transmits initial image data to the laser diodes 125-1 and 125-2 via the laser drivers 126-1 and 126-2.

Here, the initial video data may be transmitted in the same band as the initial control data described above, or may be transmitted in a different band or at a different transmission rate. As described above, since the control signal path and the video signal path are separated (configured in different systems), the control signal and the video signal can be communicated asynchronously.

If the endoscope apparatus 100 has only one imaging device 104, the same test pattern can be transmitted to the two laser diodes 125-1 and 125-2. The two laser diodes 125-1 and 125-2 may be used separately for each color imaged by one imaging device 104. FIG. Moreover, when using a plurality of image sensors 104, different test patterns may be transmitted according to the respective image sensors.

After that, the laser diodes 125-1 and 125-2 transmit (optically transmit) the initial video data to the video signal path on the processor side. At this time, the photodiodes 225-1 and 225-2 on the processor side receive (receive) the initial image data from the laser diodes 125-1 and 125-2 on the endoscope device side, respectively, and the transimpedance amplifier 226-1 , 226-2 and limiting amplifiers 227-1 and 227-2 to the second controller 221.

Also, in this step S9, the second controller 121 on the endoscope device side transmits a notification to the control signal path indicating that the initial video data has been transmitted to the video signal path. Then, the notification is transmitted (optically transmitted) to the control signal path on the processor side via the laser driver 126-3 and the laser diode 125-3. When the photodiode 225-3 on the processor side receives the notification, it transmits it to the second controller 221 via the transimpedance amplifier 226-3 and the limiting amplifier 227-3.

(x) Step S10
The second controller 221 receives the initial video data from the video signal path and checks (analyzes) the content of the received initial video data.

Also, in step S10, the second controller 221 receives the notification (notification indicating that the second controller 121 on the endoscope device side has transmitted the initial image data to the image signal path) from the control signal path.

(xi) Step S11
In step S10, the second controller 221 confirms that the initial video data has been received and that the notification has been received. to (optical transmission).

(xii) Step S12
The second controller 121 receives the reception completion notification from the control signal path. This confirms that transmission/reception of the video signal path has been opened. Here, if transmission/reception of the initial video data fails in any of steps S9 to S11, the opening of the video signal path cannot be confirmed. Therefore, the second controller 121 notifies the user that there is an abnormality in the video signal path.

(xiii) Step S13
When transmission/reception of the video signal path is opened, the second controller 121 acquires video information (video data) imaged by the imaging device 104 and transmits it to the video signal path. Specifically, the video data is transmitted to the processor 200 via the laser drivers 126-1 and 126-2 and the laser diodes 125-1 and 125-2, and finally processed by the post-stage signal processing circuit 207, It is displayed on the monitor 300 . Note that the video data is communicated in a band different from that of the initial control data and the initial video data.

As described above, the communication state of the control signal path is confirmed, and then the communication state of the video signal path is confirmed. After that, the communication state of the video signal path may be confirmed in parallel with the confirmation of the communication state of the control signal path.

<Effects of this embodiment>
According to the endoscope system of this embodiment, a plurality of sets of optical communication devices (light-emitting elements and light-receiving elements) forming a control signal path, and a plurality of sets of optical communication devices (light-emitting elements and light-receiving elements) forming a video signal path. After confirming transmission/reception of initial data on the control signal path (after establishment of the control signal path), confirmation of transmission/reception of initial data on the video signal path is executed. This makes it possible to check the communication states of all optical communication devices in the initial operation. Also, the control signal and the video signal can be communicated asynchronously.

Furthermore, even if an element on the video signal path fails, communication between the endoscope apparatus 100 and the processor 200 is possible, and even if an element on the control signal path fails, video signals can be transmitted and received. do not.

<Specific matters of this disclosure>
(1) Specific matter 1
an endoscopic device;
a processor that enables optical communication of control signals and video signals by being connected to the endoscope device,
The endoscope apparatus includes an endoscope control unit that controls the optical communication, a light emitting element and a light receiving element that form a control signal path, and a light emitting element that forms a video signal path,
The processor has a processor control unit that controls the optical communication, a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element that configure the control signal path, and a light-receiving element that configures the video signal path,
The endoscope control unit
a process of confirming opening of the control signal path by transmitting initial control data to the processor control unit via the control signal path and receiving the initial control data returned from the processor control unit;
a process of transmitting initial video data to the processor control unit via the video signal path and transmitting a notification indicating that the initial video data has been transmitted to the processor control unit via the control signal path; ,
a process of confirming the opening of the video signal path by receiving a reception completion notification indicating that the initial video data and the notification have been received from the processor control unit via the control signal path;
An endoscope system characterized by executing

(2) Specific matter 2
In specific matter 1,
The endoscope control unit
An endoscope system that executes a process of confirming the opening of the video signal path after a process of confirming the opening of the control signal path.

(3) Specific matter 3
In specific matter 1,
The endoscope control unit
An endoscope system that executes a process of confirming the opening of the video signal path in parallel with the process of confirming the opening of the control signal path.

(4) Specific matter 4
In any one of specific matters 1 to 3,
The endoscope control unit
If the opening of the control signal path cannot be confirmed, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the control signal path,
An endoscope system that determines that there is an abnormality in the video signal path when the opening of the video signal path cannot be confirmed.

(5) Specific matter 5
In any one of specific matters 1 to 4,
When the endoscope device is connected, the processor provides a first power source that supplies power to the control signal path, a second power source that supplies power to the video signal path, and a power supply to the endoscope device. a power transmission unit for supplying power,
The endoscope system, wherein the endoscope apparatus further includes a power receiving section that receives power from the power transmitting section.

(6) Specific matter 6
In any one of specific matters 1 to 5,
The endoscope control unit
The endoscope system, wherein after confirming opening of the control signal path and opening of the video signal path, processing of the image data acquired by the endoscope apparatus is started.

(7) Specific matter 7
In any one of specific matters 1 to 6,
The endoscope system, wherein the initial control data and the initial video data are optically communicated in different bands.

(8) Specific matter 8
In specific matter 6,
The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein the initial control data and the video data are optically communicated in different bands, and the initial video data and the video data are optically communicated in different bands.

<Other forms>
The functions of the present embodiment described above can also be realized by software program codes. In this case, a storage medium recording the program code is provided to the system or device, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or device reads the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code itself and the storage medium storing it constitute the present disclosure. Storage media for supplying such program codes include, for example, flexible disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-Rs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, and ROMs. etc. are used.

Also, based on the instructions of the program code, the OS (operating system) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments. may Furthermore, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory of the computer, the CPU of the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program code. may implement the functions of the above-described embodiment.

Furthermore, by distributing the program code of the software that realizes the functions of the embodiment via a network, it can be transferred to storage means such as the hard disk and memory of the system or device, or storage media such as CD-RW and CD-R. , and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or device may read and execute the program code stored in the storage means or the storage medium at the time of use.

Finally, it should be understood that the processes and techniques described herein are not inherently related to any particular apparatus and can be implemented by any suitable combination of components. Moreover, various types of general purpose devices can be used in accordance with the teachings described herein. It may prove beneficial to construct specialized apparatus to perform the method steps described herein. Moreover, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiments. For example, some components may be omitted from all components shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, components across different embodiments may be combined as appropriate. This disclosure has been described with reference to specific examples, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous combinations of hardware, software and firmware suitable for implementing the present disclosure. For example, the described software can be implemented in a wide variety of programming or scripting languages, such as assembler, C/C++, perl, Shell, PHP, Java, and the like.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the control lines and information lines are those considered necessary for explanation, and not all the control lines and information lines are necessarily shown on the product. All configurations may be interconnected.

Additionally, other implementations of the present disclosure will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from consideration of the specification and embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed herein. Various aspects and/or components of the described embodiments may be used singly or in any combination. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with the scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.

1 endoscope system 100 endoscope device 104 imaging device 120 first controller 121 on the endoscope device side second controller 122 on the endoscope device side power receiving unit 123-1 photodiode 124-1 on the endoscope device side Transimpedance amplifiers 125-1 and 125-2 on the endoscope device side Laser diodes 126-1 and 126-2 on the endoscope device side Laser driver 110 on the endoscope device side Connector 200 on the endoscope device side Processor 207 Subsequent stage Signal processing circuit 210 Processor-side connector 220 Processor-side first controller 221 Processor-side second controller 222 Power transmission section 223-1 Processor-side laser diodes 224-1, 224-2 Processor-side laser drivers 225-1, 225- 2, 225-3 Photodiodes 226-1, 226-2, 226-3 on the processor side Transimpedance amplifier 228 on the processor side First power IC
229 second power IC
300 monitor

Claims (8)

an endoscopic device;
a processor that enables optical communication of control signals and video signals by being connected to the endoscope device,
The endoscope apparatus includes an endoscope control unit that controls the optical communication, a light emitting element and a light receiving element that form a control signal path, and a light emitting element that forms a video signal path,
The processor has a processor control unit that controls the optical communication, a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element that configure the control signal path, and a light-receiving element that configures the video signal path,
The endoscope control unit
a process of confirming opening of the control signal path by transmitting initial control data to the processor control unit via the control signal path and receiving the initial control data returned from the processor control unit;
a process of transmitting initial video data to the processor control unit via the video signal path and transmitting a notification indicating that the initial video data has been transmitted to the processor control unit via the control signal path; ,
a process of confirming the opening of the video signal path by receiving a reception completion notification indicating that the initial video data and the notification have been received from the processor control unit via the control signal path; Execution, endoscope system. In claim 1,
The endoscope control unit
An endoscope system that executes a process of confirming the opening of the video signal path after a process of confirming the opening of the control signal path. In claim 1,
The endoscope control unit
An endoscope system that executes a process of confirming the opening of the video signal path in parallel with the process of confirming the opening of the control signal path. In any one of claims 1 to 3,
The endoscope control unit
If the opening of the control signal path cannot be confirmed, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the control signal path,
An endoscope system that determines that there is an abnormality in the video signal path when the opening of the video signal path cannot be confirmed. In any one of claims 1 to 4,
When the endoscope device is connected, the processor provides a first power source that supplies power to the control signal path, a second power source that supplies power to the video signal path, and a power supply to the endoscope device. a power transmission unit for supplying power,
The endoscope system, wherein the endoscope apparatus further includes a power receiving section that receives power from the power transmitting section. In any one of claims 1 to 5,
The endoscope control unit
The endoscope system, wherein after confirming opening of the control signal path and opening of the video signal path, processing of the image data acquired by the endoscope apparatus is started. In any one of claims 1 to 6,
The endoscope system, wherein the initial control data and the initial video data are optically communicated in different bands. In claim 6,
The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein the initial control data and the video data are optically communicated in different bands, and the initial video data and the video data are optically communicated in different bands.

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