U.S. patent application number 11/362734 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-29 for endoscope system.
This patent application is currently assigned to PENTAX Corporation. Invention is credited to Tadashi Takahashi.
Application Number | 20060142639 11/362734 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26618304 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060142639 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Takahashi; Tadashi |
June 29, 2006 |
Endoscope system
Abstract
An endoscope system includes a processor. The processor is
physically connectable to different endoscopes to receive and
process signals from an endoscope that is selectively physically
connected to the processor. The processor includes a database that
stores pieces of endoscope data each corresponding to a different
endoscope. Each piece of endoscope data is associated with
ownership information. The pieces of endoscope data indicate
whether usage of a physically connected endoscope is authorized.
The ownership information indicates a term for which the physically
connected endoscope is allowed to be utilized. An output outputs
the ownership information.
Inventors: |
Takahashi; Tadashi;
(Saitama-ken, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBLUM & BERNSTEIN, P.L.C.
1950 ROLAND CLARKE PLACE
RESTON
VA
20191
US
|
Assignee: |
PENTAX Corporation
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
26618304 |
Appl. No.: |
11/362734 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10188096 |
Jul 3, 2002 |
7033316 |
|
|
11362734 |
Feb 28, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/117 ;
600/118 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 1/05 20130101; A61B
1/04 20130101; A61B 1/00059 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/117 ;
600/118 |
International
Class: |
A61B 1/04 20060101
A61B001/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 6, 2001 |
JP |
2001-206644 |
Aug 31, 2001 |
JP |
2001-263445 |
Claims
1. An endoscope system comprising: a processor configured to be
physically connected to each of a plurality of different endoscopes
to receive and process signals from an endoscope that is
selectively physically connected to said processor, said processor
including a database that stores a plurality of pieces of endoscope
data each corresponding to a different endoscope, each piece of
endoscope data being associated with ownership information, said
pieces of endoscope data indicating whether usage of a physically
connected endoscope is authorized and said ownership information
indicating a term for which said physically connected endoscope is
allowed to be utilized; and an output configured to output said
ownership information.
2. The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein said output
is configured to output said ownership information of the endoscope
currently physically connected to said processor.
3. The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein said output
comprises a monitor configured to display an image captured by an
imaging device provided to the endoscope.
4. The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein said
processor is provided with an input configured to enable manual
inputting of the ownership information to be stored to said
database.
5. The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein said
processor obtains said ownership information from a memory, which
is included in the endoscope, to store said ownership information
into said database.
6. The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein said
ownership information includes information on whether the
physically connected endoscope is purchased.
7. The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein said
ownership information includes information on whether the
physically connected endoscope is leased.
8. The endoscope system according to claim 7, wherein said
ownership information includes information on whether a term of
lease of the endoscope is less than a predetermined period.
9. An endoscope system comprising: a processor configured to be
physically connected to each of a plurality of different endoscopes
to receive and process signals from an endoscope that is
selectively physically connected to said processor, said processor
including a database that stores a plurality of pieces of endoscope
data each corresponding to a different endoscope, said pieces of
endoscope data indicating whether usage of a physically connected
endoscope is authorized and each piece of said endoscope data being
associated with specification information indicating design
specifications of said physically connected endoscope; and an
output configured to output said specification information.
10. The endoscope system according to claim 9, wherein said output
is configured to output said specification information of the
endoscope currently physically connected to said processor.
11. The endoscope system according to claim 9, wherein said output
comprises a monitor configured to display an image captured by an
imaging device provided to the endoscope.
12. The endoscope system according to claim 9, wherein said
processor is provided with an input configured to enable manual
inputting of the specification information to be stored to said
database.
13. The endoscope system according to claim 9, wherein said
processor obtains said specification information from a memory,
which is included in the endoscope, to store said specification
information to said database.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/188,096, filed Jul. 3, 2002, the disclosure
of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an endoscope system adapted
to manage data of a plurality of endoscopes.
[0003] There are endoscopes provided with a solid state imaging
device for capturing images inside a human body. Such endoscopes,
so called electronic endoscopes, are normally connected to a
processor that transforms the output signals from the solid state
imaging device into image signals so that output devices such as
monitors and video printers can display or print the image captured
by the solid state imaging device.
[0004] The endoscope is connected detachably to the processor so
that the endoscope can be changed to a suitable type in accordance
with the location of the human body to be inspected or treated with
the endoscope. That is, the endoscope and the processor can be used
in various combinations.
[0005] The endoscope is usually provided with a memory, such as an
EEPROM, into which various kinds of data related to the endoscope
are stored. Data stored into the memory includes, for example, type
and serial number of the endoscope, and calibration data for
adjusting the white balance of the image captured by the solid
state imaging device. The calibration data for adjusting the white
balance includes the amount of brightness increase/decrease of red
and blue colors, which will be referred hereinafter as "wb(r)" and
"wb(b)", respectively.
[0006] The endoscope type and serial number are read by the
processor as the endoscope is connected, and displayed on, for
example, a monitor. An operator can check the information about the
endoscope from the serial number by searching a database, for
example, constructed in an independent computer. There is, however,
information which should be checked whenever the endoscope is used.
Such information requires repetitive search work which burdens the
operator.
[0007] Therefore, there is a need for an endoscope system that
allows the operator to check information about the endoscope in use
in a simpler manner.
[0008] The calibration data for white balance, wb(r) and wb(b), is
also read by the processor to adjust the white balance of the image
generated in the processor based on the output signals from the
solid state imaging device.
[0009] The color balance adjusting abilities, however, are slightly
different between each processor. Therefore, the processor often
fails to achieve proper white balance by adjusting the colors in
accordance with the calibration data obtained from the endoscope.
In such case, proper white balance is achieved by performing
manually a fine adjustment.
[0010] Recently, processors have been developed that are provided
with a memory for storing the calibration data obtained as a result
of the fine adjustment mentioned above. The calibration data is
stored in the memory in association with data intrinsic to the
endoscope, such as serial number, to construct a database. The
processor can utilize the calibration data in the database whenever
the endoscope is connected and used again in the future. In this
way, the processor eliminates the necessity of repetitive manual
fine adjustment of the white balance.
[0011] The number of endoscopes, however, of which data can be
registered to the database is restricted because of the finite
available memory space thereof. Thus, if there is not available
memory space for storing data of a new endoscope, unimportant data
such as that of old or seldom used endoscopes should be deleted
manually to free up memory space. Such manual operation is a
cumbersome task and may cause deletion of important data such as
that of new or frequently used endoscopes if proper care is not
used when manually deleting data.
[0012] Therefore, there is also a need for an endoscope system that
manages the database of endoscope data such that the deletion of
important data is prevented.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention provides the advantage in that, in an
endoscope system, important data of endoscopes in a database is
prevented from being unintentionally deleted. The present invention
also provides the advantage that the operator can check information
about the endoscope in use in a simple manner.
[0014] According to an aspect to the invention, an endoscope system
including a database and a database managing device is provided.
The database is configured to store a plurality of pieces of
endoscope data. Each piece of the endoscope data corresponds to a
different endoscope and is associated with ownership information
indicating a term for which the corresponding endoscope is allowed
to be utilized. The database managing device is configured to
select one of the plurality of pieces of endoscope data stored in
the database and replace it with a new piece of endoscope data
corresponding to a new endoscope. The database managing device
selects the piece of endoscope data to be replaced based on the
ownership information. In this manner, the database managing device
can select and replace the piece of endoscope data of the database
so that, for example, the endoscope data that corresponds to the
endoscopes allowed to be utilized for relatively long term remains
in the database.
[0015] The ownership information may include information on whether
the corresponding endoscope is purchased or not. Purchased
endoscopes are generally allowed to be used permanently and
therefore the piece of endoscope data corresponding to purchased
endoscopes should be left in the database. Accordingly, the
database managing device may select and replace the piece of
endoscope data related to the endoscope that is not purchased in
preference to purchased endoscope data.
[0016] Alternatively, the ownership information may include
information on whether the corresponding endoscope is leased or
not. Since the leased endoscope is allowed to be utilized for only
a limited term, the database managing device may select the piece
of endoscope data related to the endoscope being leased in
preference to other endoscope data and replace it with the new
endoscope data.
[0017] In addition, the ownership information may include
information on whether a term of lease of the endoscope is less
than a predetermined period. In this case, the database managing
device may select the piece of endoscope data related to the term
of lease less than the predetermined period in preference to other
endoscope data. Alternatively, the database managing device may
select the piece of endoscope data related to the term of lease
which has already expired since such endoscope may not be utilized
in the future again.
[0018] Optionally, each of the pieces of the endoscope data is
associated with registration information including a date of when
the piece of endoscope data is stored into the database, and the
database managing device selects one piece of the endoscope data to
be replaced based on the registration information among a plurality
of pieces of the endoscope data selected based on the ownership
information. In particular, the database managing device may select
the piece of endoscope data related to the registration information
including the oldest date since such old endoscope data may have
less importance than those registered later.
[0019] Alternatively, each of said pieces of endoscope data is
associated with used date information including a date of the
corresponding endoscope being used for the last time. The database
managing device selects one piece of the endoscope data to be
replaced based on the used date information among a plurality of
pieces of the endoscope data selected based on said ownership
information. In particular, the database managing device may select
the endoscope data related to the used data information including
the oldest date, since the endoscope not used for a long time may
be seldom used also in the future.
[0020] Optionally, the database and the database managing device
are provided to a processor configured to be connected to the
endoscope for receiving and processing signals from the
endoscope.
[0021] According to another aspect to the invention, an endoscope
system including a processor and an output device is provided. The
processor is connectable to various endoscopes to receive and
process signals from the endoscopes being connected. The processor
includes a database configured to store a plurality of pieces of
endoscope data each corresponding to a different one of said
endoscopes. Each piece of the endoscope data is associated with
ownership information which indicates a term for which the
corresponding endoscope is allowed to be utilized. The output
device is configured to output the ownership information so that an
operator of the endoscope system can confirm the ownership
information.
[0022] Optionally, the output device outputs the ownership
information of the endoscope currently connected to the processor
so that the operator can confirm the ownership information of the
endoscope currently connected.
[0023] Optionally, the output device is a monitor for displaying an
image captured by an imaging device provided to the endoscope. In
this case, the ownership information can be displayed, for example,
simultaneously with the image captured by the imaging device.
[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, specifications
information, indicating the design specifications of the
corresponding endoscope, is associated with each piece of the
endoscope data in the database instead of the ownership information
and outputted from the output device so that the operator can
confirm the specifications of the endoscope.
[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, an endoscope
system including a database and a database managing device is
provided. The database is configured to store a plurality of pieces
of endoscope data each corresponding to a different endoscope. Each
piece of the endoscope data is associated with term information
which indicates a term the corresponding piece of endoscope data is
valid. In order to prevent the database from being filled with
invalid endoscope data, the database managing device is configured
to selectively delete the piece of endoscope data in the database
based on the term information.
[0026] According to another aspect of the invention, an endoscope
including a storage device configured to store ownership
information and/or specifications information is provided. The
ownership information includes a term for which the endoscope is
allowed to be utilized, while the specifications information
indicates design specifications of the endoscope.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 schematically shows the configuration of an
electronic endoscope system according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[0028] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary data format of a memory provided
to an electronic endoscope in the electronic endoscope system of
FIG. 1:
[0029] FIG. 3 shows an example of the data stored in the memory of
the electronic endoscope in FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary structure of a database
established in a memory of a processor in the electronic endoscope
system of FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a main routine representing
the operation of the processor of the electronic endoscope system
shown in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0032] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a subroutine DISPLAY SCOPE
INFORMATION of the main routine shown in FIG. 5;
[0033] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a subroutine ENDOSCOPE
REGISTRATION of the main routine in FIG. 5;
[0034] FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a subroutine SELECT DATA of
the subroutine ENDOSCOPE REGISTRATION in FIG. 7;
[0035] FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a subroutine DISPLAY DATE
& TIME of the main routine shown in FIG. 5;
[0036] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a subroutine ADJUSTMENT of
the main routine shown in FIG. 5;
[0037] FIG. 11 shows a modification of the subroutine SELECT DATA
shown in FIG. 8;
[0038] FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the operation of the
processor when the electronic endoscope is connected according to
another embodiment of the invention;
[0039] FIG. 13 schematically shows a modified configuration of the
electronic endoscope system of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0041] FIG. 1 schematically shows the configuration of an
electronic endoscope system 1 according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0042] The electronic endoscope system 1 includes an electronic
endoscope 100 and a processor 200 for processing signals from the
electronic endoscope 100.
[0043] The electronic endoscope 100 includes an flexible inserting
tube 110 to be inserted into a human body and an operation portion
120 connected to the proximal end of the inserting tube 110. The
electronic endoscope 100 further includes a connector 130 which is
detachably connected to the processor 200.
[0044] A solid state imaging device such as a CCD 104 and an
objective optical system 101 for forming an optical image on a
light receiving surface of the CCD 104 are provided to the distal
end portion of the inserting tube 110.
[0045] Further, one or more operation buttons 107 are provided to
the operation portion 120 for controlling the operation of the
processor 200.
[0046] Further, a memory such as an EEPROM 102 is provided to the
electronic endoscope 100 for storing data related to the endoscope
100, in particular, data intrinsic to each endoscope. In the
present embodiment, the EEPROM 102 is located in the connector
130.
[0047] The processor 200 includes a CPU 201 which is connected to
the operation buttons 107 and the EEPROM 102 via an signal cable
108. The CPU 210 controls the operation of the processor 200 in
accordance with the signals from the operation buttons 107. The CPU
210 also accesses the EEPROM 102 to retrieve data stored
therein.
[0048] The CPU 201 is further connected to an input unit, such as a
keyboard 400, via an interface 212, to control the operation of the
processor 200 in accordance with the commands inputted from the
keyboard 400.
[0049] The processor 200 is also provided with an operation panel
207. A plurality of operation buttons (not shown) are arranged on
the operation panel 207 such that an operator of the endoscope
system 1 can press each button. Each button outputs a signal to the
CPU 201, as being pressed, to control the operation of the
processor 200.
[0050] The processor includes a light source 203 optically
connected to the end of a light guide 103 that is arranged
throughout the electronic endoscope 100 from the connector 130 to
the tip end of the inserting tube 110. The light emitted from the
light source 203 is transmitted through the light guide 103 to
illuminate the area in front of the tip end of the inserting tube
110.
[0051] An diaphragm 210 is provided on the light path of the light
emitted from the light source 203 to restrict the amount of light
introduced into the light guide 103. An diaphragm controller 211
controls the opening size of the diaphragm 210, or the amount of
light introduced into the light guide 103, in accordance with
signals from the CPU 201. The operator can freely control the
opening size of the diaphragm 210 by operating the keyboard 400 or
the operation panel 207.
[0052] First and second signal processors 204 and 205 are provided
to the processor 200 to display images captured by the CCD 104 on a
monitor 300. The first signal processor 204 receives the signal
from the CCD 104 via a CCD signal cable 109 and transforms it into
RGB digital image data represented in 256 levels of gray scale. The
first signal processor 204 outputs the digital image data to the
second signal processor 205 which generates video signal, such as
NTSC, from the digital image data. The second signal processor 205
further adjusts the white balance of the video signal based on
calibration data wb(r) and wb(b) received from the CPU 201 as will
be described later. The second signal processor 205 outputs the
video signal to the monitor 300 so that the monitor 300 displays
the image captured by the CCD 104.
[0053] Note that the output device to which the second signal
processor 205 may be connected is not limited to the monitor 300,
however, the second signal processor 205 may also be connected to
other kinds of output devices such as a video printer, for
example.
[0054] A CRT controller 206 is provided to the processor to
superimpose text information on the image displayed on the monitor
300. The CRT controller 206 generates video signals representing
the text information requested by the CPU 201 and output the video
signals to the monitor 300 in synchronization with the video signal
from the second signal processor 205. In this way, the processor
200 superimposes arbitrary text information, such as information
obtained from the CPU 201, on the image captured by the CCD
104.
[0055] The processor 200 is also provided with a Real Time Clock
(RTC) 209 and a memory 208. The RTC 209 provides information on
current date & time to the CPU 201. The memory 208 is adapted
to include a database for data related to endoscopes, as will be
described later.
[0056] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary data format of the EEPROM 102, and
FIG. 3 shows an example of the data stored in the EEPROM 102.
[0057] In the present embodiment, the storage capacity of the
EEPROM 102 is 16 bytes and the following information are stored in
the EEPROM 102 in the following order.
[0058] 1) "serial no." (three bytes): the serial number of the
electronic endoscope 100 which is unique for each endoscope. The
"serial no." may be set to one of values from 1 through 16777215
(0x1 through 0xffffff in hexadecimal digit).
[0059] 2) "scope name" (six bytes): six alphanumeric characters
representing the type of the electronic endoscope 100.
[0060] 3) "wb(r)" (one byte): a calibration value of the red color
brightness for adjusting white balance of the image captured by the
CCD 104.
[0061] 4) "wb(b)" (one byte): a calibration value of the blue color
brightness for adjusting white balance of the image captured by the
CCD 104. Both "wb(r)" and "wb(b)" can take a value between -128 and
127. As shown in FIG. 3, "wb(r)" and "wb(b)" are respectively set
to -4 and 10 (0x7c and 0x8a in hexadecimal digit) in the present
embodiment. This indicates the brightness of red color should be
decreased by four levels in gray scale, while the brightness of
blue should be increased by ten levels.
[0062] 5) "ownership" (one byte): a variable representing whether
the endoscope is purchased or leased. "ownership"=0, 1 and 2 (0x0,
0x1, and 0x2 in hexadecimal digit) respectively represents whether
the endoscope is purchased, leased for a long term (a term not less
than 30 days, for example), or leased for a short term (term less
than 30 days, for example).
[0063] 6) "spect" (one byte): a variable representing the
specifications of the design of the electronic endoscope 100. If
the electronic endoscope 100 is a standard type, then "spec" is set
to 0. If the electronic endoscope is a custom made one, then "spec"
is set to a value corresponding to the particular design
specifications. In the present embodiment, "spect" is set to 1
which indicates the optical system 101 includes a lens applied with
special coatings.
[0064] 7) "expiration" (three bytes): the expiration date of the
lease of the electronic endoscope 100. The first one byte of
"expiration" indicates the year, the next one the month, and the
last one the day. In the example shown in FIG. 3, value 040331 is
assigned to "expiration" which indicates the expiration of the
lease is Mar. 31, 2004 If the electronic endoscope 100 is a
purchased one, then 000000 is assigned to "expiration". It should
be noted that, in some embodiments of the invention, expiration
indicates the expiration date of the service life of the endoscope
instead of the expiration date of the lease.
[0065] Among the items recited above, the "serial no.", "scope
name", "ownership", and "expiration" are examples of information
for managing the endoscope, while "wb(r)", "wb(b)", and "spect" are
examples of information representing the characteristics of the
endoscope.
[0066] The data of EEPROM 102 are copied to the memory 208 of the
processor 200 as the electronic endoscope 100 is connected to the
processor 200 for the first time to register the endoscope to the
database.
[0067] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary structure of the database
established in the memory 208 of the processor 200. The database
includes 39 records, each record being defined for storing data
related to one specific endoscope. Thus, data of 39 endoscopes can
be stored in the database.
[0068] Each record includes the following items in the following
order,
[0069] 1) "register no.",
[0070] 2) "scope name"
[0071] 3) "serial no.",
[0072] 4) "wb(r)",
[0073] 5) "wb(b)",
[0074] 6) "ownership
[0075] 7) "spec",
[0076] 8) "expiration",
[0077] 9) "registered date & time",
[0078] 10) "used date & time",
[0079] 11) "count".
[0080] "register no." is utilized for identifying the record. In
the present embodiment, a serial number from 1 to 39 is assigned to
the records.
[0081] "scope name", "serial no.", "wb(r)" and "wb(b)",
"ownership", "spec", and "expiration", are items same as that in
the EEPROM 102.
[0082] "registered date & time" is the date and time when the
electronic endoscope 100 is connected to the processor 200 for the
first time. "registered date & time" includes six figures date
information and four figures time information. If "registered date
& time" is set to "021015.1424", for example, then it
represents Oct. 15, 2002, 2:24 p.m.
[0083] "used date & time" is the date and time when the
electronic endoscope 100 was connected to the processor 200, or
used, for the last time. The format of "used date & time" is
the same as that of "registered date & time".
[0084] "count" is the number of times the electronic endoscope 100
is connected to the processor 200, or used. This variable may be
used as an indication of the frequency the endoscope is used.
[0085] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a main routine of the
operation of the processor 200 according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0086] At first, the CPU 201 of the processor 200 initializes a
variable "current_scope" to 0 (S100). The variable "current_scope"
is for storing the "register no." of the record in which the data
of the endoscope currently connected to the processor 200 is
stored. If 0 is assigned to "current_scope", it represents that no
endoscope is currently connected to the processor 200.
[0087] After the initialization of "current_scope", the CPU 201
remains in an idle state until the electronic endoscope 100 is
connected to the processor 200(S102).
[0088] When the electronic endoscope 100 is connected to the
processor 200 (S102: Yes), the CPU 201 accesses the EEPROM 102 of
the electronic endoscope 100 and obtains the data stored therein
(S104). Next, the first and second signal processors 204, 205
transform the output signal from the CCD 104 into video signal to
display the image captured by the CCD on the monitor 300
(S106).
[0089] Then, the CPU 201 executes a subroutine DISPLAY SCOPE NAME
to display the information of the electronic endoscope 100
currently connected to the processor 200 on the monitor 300 (S108).
Then, a subroutine ENDOSCOPE REGISTRATION is executed to store the
data obtained from the EEPROM 102 into the database established in
the memory 208 (S110).
[0090] Next, the white balance of the image captured by the CCD 104
of the electronic endoscope 100 is adjusted using the calibration
value ("wb(r)", "wb(b)") obtained form the EEPROM 102 (S112). That
is, the CPU 201 sends the calibration value of "wb(r)" and "wb(b)"
to the second signal processor 205 so that the second signal
processor 205 adjusts the color balance of the image signals
generated there.
[0091] After S112, the processor watches whether the electronic
endoscope 100 is still connected, and as long as the electronic
endoscope 100 is still connected to the processor 200 (S114:Yes),
the processor 200 displays the current date and time on the monitor
300 by executing a subroutine DISPLAY DATE & TIME (S116), and
also performs various kinds of adjustments in accordance with
manual operation by the operator by executing a subroutine
ADJUSTMENT (S118).
[0092] If the electronic endoscope 100 is disconnected from the
processor 200 (S114:No), the operation of the processor 200 returns
to S100.
[0093] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the subroutine DISPLAY SCOPE
INFORMATION called in S108 of the main routine shown in FIG. 5.
[0094] In this routine, the CPU 201 sends the alphanumeric
characters of the "scope name" obtained from the EEPROM 102 to the
CRT controller 206 to superimpose the type of the electronic
endoscope 100 on the image captured by the CCD 104 and displayed on
the monitor 205 (S152). The CPU 201 also generates a text
information that corresponds to the specifications of the
electronic endoscope indicated by "spec" and sends it to the CRT
controller 206. Thus, the specifications of the electronic
endoscope 100 are also superimposed on the image captured by the
CCD 102 (S154). Note that other information obtained from the
EEPROM 102 such as serial number and data on white balance may also
be superimposed on the image displayed by the monitor 300 instead
of or together with the scope type and specifications of the
electronic endoscope 100.
[0095] Next, the CPU 201 decides whether the currently connected
endoscope is a purchased one or a leased one. This is done by
checking the value of "ownership" obtained from the EEPROM 102
(S156).
[0096] If "ownership" indicates the endoscope is leased, i.e.,
"ownership"=1 or 2, then the CPU 201 sends a command to the CRT
controller 206 to superimpose characters "lease" on the image
displayed on the monitor 300. Thus, the operator can notice that
the currently used endoscope is a leased one (S158). Note that the
date of expiration of the term of lease may also be displayed on
the monitor 300.
[0097] If "ownership", however, indicates that the endoscope is
purchased, i.e., "ownership"=0, then S158 is skipped, and the
operation of the processor 200 returns to the main flow shown in
FIG. 5.
[0098] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the subroutine ENDOSCOPE
REGISTRATION called in S110 of the main routine of FIG. 5.
[0099] In this routine, the CPU 201 decides whether or not the data
related to the currently connected endoscope is already registered
with the database in the memory 208 (S202). This is achieved by
searching within the memory 208 for a record including data that
matches the "scope name" and "serial no." obtained from the EEPROM
102.
[0100] If there is a record including the above mentioned data
(S202:Yes), it means the data of the electronic endoscope 100
currently connected is already registered. In this case, the
"register no." of the record found is set to "current_scope" (S204)
and the operation of the processor 200 proceeds to S220 which will
be described later.
[0101] If a record including the above mentioned data is not found
(S202:No), it means the electronic endoscope 100 is not yet
registered. In this case, the CPU 201 checks whether there is still
any available memory space, or open records, within the memory 208
to store the data obtain from the EEPROM 102 (S206).
[0102] In the case there is still an open record (S206:Yes), the
"register no." of the open record is set to "current scope" (S212).
If there are more than one open records, the smallest "register
no." is preferably selected and set to the "current scope". After
execution of S212, the operation of the processor 200 proceeds to
S216 which will be described later.
[0103] In the case no open record is found (S206:No), then the CPU
201 checks the term of lease, or "expiration", of each record in
the memory 208 (S208). If CPU 201 finds any records of which term
of lease has already expired (S208:Yes), then the CPU 201 deletes
the data of that record except the register number (S210), since
such data are not valid and therefore should not remain in the
database. Then, the record deleted at S210 became an open record.
Further, the CPU 201 sets the register number of the record to
"current_scope" (S212).
[0104] If there is no record having an expired term of lease
(S208:No), then a subroutine SELECT DATA is executed to select one
of the records to be freed up for storing the data of the new
endoscope (S214). During this subroutine, the register number of
the record freed up is set to "current_scope" as will be described
later.
[0105] After the execution of S212 or S214, the CPU 201 stores the
data obtained from EEPROM 102, into the record identified by
"current_scope" (S216). Specifically, the CPU 201 stores "serial
no.", "scope name", "wb(r)", "wb(b)", "ownership", "spec", and
"expiration" obtained from the EEPROM 102 into the record. In this
manner, the data of the new endoscope is automatically registered
with the database.
[0106] It should be noted that instead of data obtained from the
EEPROM 102, data manually inputted from the keyboard 400 may be
stored into the record specified by "current_scope" so that, for
example, data of endoscopes that do not have memories can also be
registered to the processor 200.
[0107] Next, the CPU 201 obtains the current date and time
information from the RTC 209 and stores it in "registered date
& time" of the record specified by "current_scope" (S218). This
is to make a record of the date and time of registration of the new
electronic endoscope 100.
[0108] After the execution of S218 or S204, "used date & time"
and "count" of the record specified by "current scope" are updated.
That is, the current time information obtained from the RTC 209 is
overwritten to "used date & time" (S220), and "count" is
incremented by one (S222). After S222, the operation of the
processor 200 returns to the main flow shown in FIG. 5.
[0109] FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the subroutine SELECT DATA
called in S214 of the subroutine ENDOSCOPE REGISTRATION of FIG. 7.
In this subroutine, one record is selected to free up and thereby
prepare an open record for storing new data obtained from the
currently connected electronic endoscope 100. Records including
data of leased endoscopes is selected in preference to other
records, and records of endoscopes leased for short terms are
selected in further preference to records of endoscopes leased for
long terms. Thus, data of endoscopes that the user owns or can keep
for a longer time tend to remain in the database.
[0110] Specifically, the CPU first checks whether there are any
records including data of an endoscope leased for a snort term,
i.e. "ownership"=2 (S252). If there are any (S252:Yes), then the
CPU 201 select the record having the oldest "registered date &
time" among those records (S254), since the term of lease of such
endoscope expires first.
[0111] If there isn't any record of which "ownership" is 2
(S252:No), then the CPU 201 searches for records related to
endoscopes leased for long terms, i.e., "ownership"=1 (S256). If
there are any (S256:Yes), then the CPU 201 selects the record
having the oldest "registered date & time" among those records
this time also (S258).
[0112] If there isn't any record of which "ownership" is 1
(S256:No), i.e., if there isn't any endoscopes leased, then the CPU
201 selects the record having the oldest "registered date &
time" among the records including data of purchased endoscope
(S260).
[0113] After the execution of S254, S258, or S260, the data of the
selected record is deleted except "register no." (S262). Further,
the "register no." of the selected record is set to "current_scope"
(S264). After S264, the operation of the processor 200 returns to
the subroutine ENDOSCOPE REGISTRATION shown in FIG. 7.
[0114] FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the subroutine DISPLAY DATE
& TIME called in S116 of the main routine shown in FIG. 5.
[0115] In this subroutine, the CPU 201 checks whether or not the
date and time information of a variable "date & time" indicates
the exact time by comparing "date & time" with the date and
time information from the RTC 209 (S302).
[0116] If the difference between the two pieces of the date and
time information is less than a second, then the CPU 201 decides
the two pieces of the date and time information are same
(S302:Yes). In this case, the operation of the processor 200
immediately returns to the main flow of FIG. 5 without updating the
"date & time".
[0117] If the difference between the two pieces of date and time
information is not less that one second (S302:No), then the date
and time information from the RTC 209, or the current date and
time, is set to "date & time" (S304). Then, the CPU 201
generates text information indicating the date and time stored in
"date & time" such as "May 21, 2002, 15:20:31", for example,
and sends it to the CRT controller 206 to superimpose the current
date and time on the image displayed by the monitor 300 (S306). In
this manner, time information displayed is updated every
second.
[0118] After the execution of S306, the operation of the processor
200 returns to the main flow shown in FIG. 5.
[0119] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the subroutine ADJUSTMENT
called in S118 of the main routine shown in FIG. 5. This routine is
for allowing the operator to manually adjust the white balance of
the image captured by the CCD 104, and the opening size of the
diaphragm 210.
[0120] In this routine, the CPU 201 decides whether or not the
adjustment of white balance is requested by checking the signals
from the keyboard 400, the operation panel 207, and the operation
buttons 107 (S352). If there is a request (S352:Yes), then the CPU
201 rewrites the value of the "wb(r)", "wb(b)" in the record
specified by "current scope" in accordance with the signal from the
keyboard 400, the operation panel 207, or the operation buttons 107
(S354). Further, the CPU 201 sends the value of latest "wb(r)" and
"wb(b)" to the second signal processor 205 so that the second
signal processor 205 re-adjusts the white balance of the image
generated there (S356).
[0121] After the execution of S356 or in the case there isn't any
request for white balance adjustment (S352:No), the CPU 201 checks
again the output signals from the keyboard 400, the operation panel
207, and the operation buttons 107 to decide whether or not the
adjustment of diaphragm size is requested (S358).
[0122] If there is a request (S358:Yes), then the CPU 201
opens/closes the diaphragm 210, via the diaphragm controller 211,
in accordance with the request from the keyboard 400, the operation
panel 207, or the operation buttons 107 to control the amount of
light introduced into the light guide 103 (S360).
[0123] If the execution of S360 is completed or in the case there
isn't any request (S358:No), the operation of the processor returns
to the main flow of FIG. 5.
[0124] It should be noted that the operation of processor 200
described in FIG. 5 through FIG. 10 may be modified in many ways
within the scope of the invention.
[0125] For example, S254, S258, and S260 in the subroutine SELECT
DATA shown in FIG. 8 may be replaced with steps that selects the
record including the oldest mused date & times instead of the
oldest "registered date & time" as shown in FIG. 11 (see S254*,
S258*, and S260*). If S254, S258, and S260 are replaced with S254*,
S258*, and S260*, respectively, the data related to the endoscope
seldom used, and may have not high possibility to be used again in
the future, is deleted to free up the memory space for registering
data of the new endoscope.
[0126] FIG. 12 shows a flow chart of the operation of the processor
200 when the electronic endoscope is connected according to another
embodiment of the invention.
[0127] In this embodiment, the processor 200 first obtains the data
stored in the EEPROM 102 of the electronic endoscope 100 (S302). A
part of or all of the data obtained are displayed on the monitor
300 if a predetermined command is inputted to the keyboard 400,
operation panel 207, or the operation buttons 107 so that the
operator can confirm the data of the electronic endoscope 100
(S304, S306).
[0128] Next, the processor 200 decides whether the currently
connected electronic endoscope 100 is already registered with the
database in the memory 208 by searching for a record including the
"serial no." and "scope name" that matches those obtained from the
electronic endoscope 100 (S308).
[0129] If there is a record including the same data (S308:Yes),
which indicates the currently connected electronic endoscope 100 is
already registered, then the operation of the processor 200
proceeds to S324 and S326 which will be described later.
[0130] If, however, there isn't any record including same data
(S308:No), that is, the currently connected electronic endoscope
100 is a new one, the processor 200 displays a message asking the
operator whether or not the new electronic endoscope 100 should be
registered with the database, and accepts an instruction from the
operator via the keyboard 400, the operation panel 207, or the
operation buttons 107 (S310).
[0131] If the operator inputs an instruction not to register the
new electronic endoscope 100e, the processor exits the present
routine. If an instruction to register the new electronic endoscope
100 is inputted, then the processor 200 checks whether the database
established in the memory 208 is full or not (S312). This is
achieved by counting the number of endoscopes already registered
with the database. If the number is less than 39, which means the
database is not yet full (S312:No), then the processor 200 stores
the endoscope data obtained in S302 into an open record in the
memory 208 (S314). Note that, in S314, the processor 200 may
display the content of the database and let the operator select the
open record into which the data should be stored.
[0132] In the case the database in the memory 208 is full
(S312:Yes), that is, 39 endoscopes are already registered with the
database, the processor 200 displays a message on the monitor
asking whether the data of one of the registered endoscopes should
be replaced with that of the new endoscope, and accepts an
instruction from the operator via the keyboard 400, operation panel
207, or the operation button 107 (S316).
[0133] If an instruction not to replace data is accepted, the
processor 200 exits the present routine without registering the new
endoscope with the database (S316:No).
[0134] If an instruction to replace data is accepted (S316:YES),
then the processor 200 displays the content of the database in the
memory 208 on the monitor 300 and lets the operator select the
record, or the registered endoscope, of which data should be
replaced (S318). Thus, the operator can select the endoscope to be
canceled by comparing the data, such as "ownership". "spec", and
"expiration", of each registered endoscope and inputting the
register number of one from the keyboard 400, for example.
[0135] Next, the processor 200 deletes the data in the record
corresponding to the register number inputted, except the register
number itself, and stores the data obtained from the EEPROM 102 of
the electronic endoscope 100 (S320).
[0136] After performing S314 or S320, the processor 200 stores the
current date and time outputted from the RTC 209 into the
"registered date & time" of the record into which the processor
200 has just stored the data in S314 or S320 (S322).
[0137] The processor 200 also set the current date and time
obtained from the RTC 209 into the "used data & time" of the
record which includes the data of the currently connected endoscope
100 (S324). Further, the processor 200 increments "count" of the
same record (S326) and exits the present routine.
[0138] FIG. 13 schematically shows a modified configuration of the
electronic endoscope system 1 of FIG. 1. Note that the electronic
endoscope system of FIG. 13 is essentially same as the system of
FIG. 1 except the points described hereinafter.
[0139] The modified electronic endoscope system 1a of FIG. 13 has a
switch device 106 which is provided to the connector 130 of the
endoscope 100. The switch device 106 is configured to memorize, by
its state, a part of the information that is stored in the EEPROM
102 in the electronic endoscope system 1 of FIG. 1. In the present
case, the switch device 106 memorizes information related to the
ownership, the specifications and the expiration of the endoscope
100. Other information on the endoscope 100 that are recited in
FIG. 2 are stored in the EEPROM 102 as in the system of FIG. 1. The
processor 200 obtains the information of the endoscope 100 partly
from the EEPROM 102 and partly from the switch device 106, by
checking the state of the switch device 106, and stores those data
into the memory 208 if the endoscope 100 is a new one.
[0140] The switch device 106 includes four switch elements 106a,
106b and 106c such as dip switches each having ON and OFF states.
However, two or more rotary switches having many states may also be
used for switch elements 106a, 106b and 106c instead of dip
switches.
[0141] The state of first and second switch elements 106a and 106b
represents information related to the ownership of the endoscope
100. For example, if the states of first and second switch elements
106a and 106b are both OFF, it indicates the endoscope is a
purchased one. If the first switch element 106a is OFF while the
second switch element 106b is ON, the endoscope 100 is leased for a
long term. Further, if the first switch element 106a is ON while
the second switch element 106b is OFF, the endoscope 100 is leased
for a short term.
[0142] The state of the third switch element 106c indicates the
specifications of the endoscope. That is, the third switch element
106c Is set ON for the endoscope 100 of standard specifications,
and OFF for the endoscope 100 having special specifications.
[0143] The switch device 106 further includes a fourth switch
element 106d for setting the expiration date of the lease of the
endoscope. The fourth switch element 106d may be a rotary switch by
which the date month and year of expiration can be set up.
[0144] The switch device 106 further includes a switch state
detector 105 which is connected to each of the switch elements
106a, 106b, 106c and 106d via a cable 105a. The switch state
detector 105 generates signals corresponding to the states of the
switch elements and outputs it to the CPU 201 via the signal cable
108.
[0145] A watertight cover member 110 is also provided detachably to
the connector 130 to prevent the switch elements 106a-106d from
being operated unintentionally.
[0146] It should be noted that the switch state detector 105 may be
replaced with a plurality of I/O ports, each connected to different
one of the switch elements 106a-106d. In this case, the CPU 201
itself detects the state of each switch elements 106a-106d via the
I/O ports to obtain information related to the ownership, the
specifications and the expiration of the endoscope 100.
[0147] It should be also noted that the switch device 106 may be
provided to the operation portion 120 of the endoscope 100 instead
of to the connector 130.
[0148] The present disclosure relates to the subject matters
contained in Japanese Patent Application No. P2001-206644, filed on
Jul. 6, 2001, and Japanese Patent Application No P2001-263445,
filed on Aug. 31, 2001, which are expressly incorporated herein by
reference in their entireties.
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