Endoscopic system, control program and display method

Abstract

This invention provides an endoscope system, control program, and display method capable of providing useful information corresponding to the examination stage to the operator of the endoscope. The system control unit (44) determines the examination stage based on the endoscope (1). The display device (7) switches the displayed image according to the determination result based on the stage by the system control unit (44). The examination stage based on the endoscope (1) includes a first stage of inserting the endoscope (1) into the subject and a second stage of removing the endoscope (1) from the subject. When the examination stage is determined to be the first stage, the display device (7) displays a screen containing information to assist in inserting the endoscope (1) into the subject; when the examination stage is determined to be the second stage, the display device (7) displays a screen containing information to assist in observing the images obtained by the endoscope (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an endoscope system, control program, and display method. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, there were known endoscope systems that had a camera element at the tip of the endoscope and were able to display real-time images obtained by the camera element. Furthermore, Patent Document 1 describes an industrial endoscope system that automatically determines, based on the real-time image, that the tip of the endoscope has reached the target position and switches the display screen accordingly.

[0003] Patent document 2 describes an insertion assistance device that determines whether the tip of the insertion part has reached a predetermined position based on a camera image and switches the display output state accordingly. Patent document 3 describes a medical image processing device that changes the image displayed on a monitor according to a mode corresponding to the usage state of an external medical device.

[0004] Previous technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-77832

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-83289

[0008] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-226170 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0010] Typically, in endoscopic examinations such as those involving the colon, the endoscope is inserted into the patient's body, and observation is performed while the endoscope is being withdrawn. In this type of examination, the information useful to the endoscopic operator, such as the physician, differs between the insertion of the endoscope and the observation during withdrawal.

[0011] For example, during the stage of inserting the endoscope into the patient's body, it is necessary not to apply excessive load to the patient's body. Therefore, the operation of the endoscope is difficult, and information that helps the endoscope's insertion part to be smoothly inserted into the patient's body is useful.

[0012] On the other hand, during the observation phase while the endoscope is being withdrawn from the patient's body, the endoscope is not as easy to operate as it is during insertion. However, information for auxiliary observation is useful in order to avoid missing abnormal areas in observations based on real-time images, etc.

[0013] However, the aforementioned prior art cannot provide useful information corresponding to the examination stage to the endoscopic operator.

[0014] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide an endoscope system, control program and display method capable of providing useful information corresponding to the examination stage to the operator of the endoscope.

[0015] means for solving technical problems

[0016] The endoscope system of the present invention includes: a discrimination unit for discerning the stage of an endoscope-based examination; and a display unit for switching displayed images based on the discrimination result of the discrimination unit. The examination stage includes a first stage of inserting the endoscope into a subject and a second stage of removing the endoscope from the subject. When the examination stage is determined to be the first stage, the display unit displays a screen including information for assisting in inserting the endoscope into the subject. When the examination stage is determined to be the second stage, the display unit displays a screen including information for assisting in observing the images obtained by the endoscope.

[0017] The control program of the present invention is used to enable the computer to function as the discrimination unit and the display unit of the aforementioned endoscope system.

[0018] The display method of the present invention determines the stage of an endoscope-based examination and switches the displayed image according to the determination result of the examination stage. The examination stage includes a first stage of inserting the endoscope into the subject body and a second stage of removing the endoscope from the subject body. When the examination stage is determined to be the first stage, a screen including information for assisting in inserting the endoscope into the subject body is displayed. When the examination stage is determined to be the second stage, a screen including information for assisting in observing the image obtained by the endoscope is displayed.

[0019] Another endoscope system of the present invention includes: a discrimination unit for discriminating the stage of an endoscope-based examination; and a display unit for switching displayed images based on the discrimination result of the discrimination unit. The examination stage includes a first stage in which the endoscope is inserted into a first part of a subject and a second stage in which the endoscope is inserted into a second part of the subject different from the first part. The display unit displays a screen based on the discrimination result of the discrimination unit. The screen includes at least one of information for assisting the insertion of the endoscope into the part of the subject in which the endoscope is inserted and information for assisting the observation of the inserted part.

[0020] Another control program of the present invention is used to enable the computer to function as the discrimination unit and the display unit of the above-described endoscope system.

[0021] Another display method of the present invention determines the stage of an endoscopy-based examination and switches the displayed image according to the determination result of the examination stage, wherein the examination stage includes a first stage of inserting the endoscope into a first part of the subject body and a second stage of inserting the endoscope into a second part of the subject body different from the first part, and displays a screen according to the determination result of the examination stage, the screen including at least one of information for assisting the insertion of the endoscope into the part of the subject body into which the endoscope is inserted and information for assisting the observation of the inserted part.

[0022] Invention Effects

[0023] According to the present invention, an endoscope system, control program, and display method are provided that can provide useful information corresponding to the stage of the examination to the operator of the endoscope. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of an endoscope device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the endoscope device 100 shown.

[0026] Figure 3 It means Figure 2 This is an example of a functional block diagram of the system control unit 44 of the control device 4 shown.

[0027] Figure 4 This is an example of a screen displayed on the display device 7 during the insertion phase of the endoscope 1 in Embodiment 1.

[0028] Figure 5 This is an example of a screen displayed on the display device 7 during the removal phase of the endoscope 1 in Embodiment 1.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of display control processing based on the control device 4 in Embodiment 1.

[0030] Figure 7 This is an example of a screen displayed on the display device 7 during the esophageal insertion stage of the endoscope 1 in Embodiment 2.

[0031] Figure 8This is an example of a screen displayed on the display device 7 during the gastric insertion stage of the endoscope 1 in Embodiment 2.

[0032] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of display control processing based on the control device 4 in Embodiment 2.

[0033] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a light source device 5 capable of switching and illuminating light with different emission spectra.

[0034] Figure 11 It means by Figure 10 A diagram showing an example of the spectrum of light produced by the light source device 5. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] (Implementation Method 1)

[0037] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of an endoscope device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Endoscopic device 100 is an example of the endoscopic system of the present invention. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the endoscope device 100 includes an endoscope 1, a control device 4 connected to the endoscope 1, and a light source device 5.

[0039] The control device 4 is connected to the display device 7 and the input unit 6. The display device 7 displays video images obtained through the endoscope 1 inside the patient's body, and the input unit 6 is an interface for inputting various information to the control device 4. The control device 4 controls the endoscope 1, the light source device 5, and the display device 7.

[0040] The display device 7 has a display surface in which display pixels are arranged in a two-dimensional manner, and displays an image based on the image data by drawing pixel data constituting image data on each display pixel of the display surface. The display device 7 is configured as a display unit that switches the displayed image according to instructions from the control device 4.

[0041] The endoscope 1 includes: an insertion part 10, which is a tubular component extending in one direction and inserted into the body being examined; an operation part 11, which is provided at the base end of the insertion part 10 and is provided with operation components for performing observation mode switching operation, video recording operation, forceps operation, air and water delivery operation, and suction operation; a bend button 12, which is provided adjacent to the operation part 11; and a universal plug 13, which includes connector parts 13A and 13B for detachably connecting the endoscope 1 to the light source device 5 and the control device 4, respectively.

[0042] In addition, although Figure 1 The details are omitted, but the operating part 11 and the insertion part 10 are provided with various channels such as forceps holes for inserting forceps for collecting biological tissues such as cells or polyps, air and water supply channels, and suction channels.

[0043] The insertion part 10 is composed of a flexible part 10A, a curved part 10B provided at the front end of the flexible part 10A, and a rigid front end part 10C provided at the front end of the curved part 10B.

[0044] The bending portion 10B is configured to bend freely by rotating the bending knob 12. Depending on the part of the subject being examined using the endoscope 1, the bending portion 10B can be bent in any direction and at any angle, thereby allowing the front end portion 10C to face the desired direction.

[0045] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the endoscope device 100 shown.

[0046] The light source device 5 includes a light source processor 51 and a light source unit 52. The light source unit 52 emits illumination light for illuminating the subject. The illumination light emitted from the light source unit 52 enters the light guide 53 built into the universal plug 13, and passes through the illumination lens 50 provided at the front end 10C of the insertion part 10 to illuminate the subject.

[0047] As the light source unit 52, a white light source that emits white light or multiple light sources that include a white light source and a light source that emits other colors of light (e.g., a blue light source that emits blue light) can be used. Multiple illumination lenses 50 can be provided on the front end face of the front end 10C in correspondence with the type of light emitted from the light source unit 52.

[0048] Furthermore, the light source unit 52 can switch and illuminate light with different emission spectra. Figure 10 , Figure 11 The specific structure of the light source unit 52, which is capable of switching and irradiating illumination light with different emission spectra, will be described.

[0049] The light source processor 51 is connected to the system control unit 44 of the control device 4. The light source processor 51 controls the light source unit 52 according to the instructions from the system control unit 44.

[0050] The endoscope 1 has a camera optical system including an objective lens 21 and a lens group 22, an image sensor 23 that passes through the camera optical system to capture images of the subject, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 24, a memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) 25, a communication interface (I / F) 26, a camera control unit 27, and a light guide 53 for guiding the illumination light emitted from the light source unit 52 to the illumination lens 50.

[0051] The light guide 53 extends from the front end 10C to the connector portion 13A of the universal plug 13. When the connector portion 13A of the universal plug 13 is connected to the light source device 5, the illumination light emitted from the light source portion 52 of the light source device 5 can enter the light guide 53.

[0052] The camera element 23 can be a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, etc.

[0053] The imaging element 23 has a light-receiving surface with multiple pixels arranged in a two-dimensional shape. The optical image formed on this light-receiving surface by the aforementioned imaging optical system is converted into electrical signals (imaging signals) in each pixel and output to the ADC 24. The imaging element 23 can be, for example, an imaging element equipped with color filters such as primary or complementary colors. The set of imaging signals output from each pixel of the light-receiving surface of the imaging element 23 is called the imaging image signal.

[0054] Alternatively, when using a light source unit 52 that generates illumination light by splitting the white light emitted from a white light source through multiple color filters in a time-division manner, the imaging element 23 can use an imaging element without a color filter.

[0055] The imaging element 23 can be arranged at the front end 10C with the light-receiving surface perpendicular to the optical axis Ax of the objective lens 21, or it can be arranged at the front end 10C with the light-receiving surface parallel to the optical axis Ax of the objective lens 21.

[0056] The imaging optical system mounted on the endoscope 1 consists of optical components such as lenses and prisms (including the aforementioned lens group 22) located in the light path from the subject between the imaging element 23 and the objective lens 21. Sometimes, the imaging optical system consists only of the objective lens 21.

[0057] The ADC24 converts the image signal output from the image sensor 23 into a digital signal of a specified number of bits.

[0058] The memory 25 temporarily records the camera signal digitally converted by the ADC 24.

[0059] Communication I / F 26 is connected to the communication interface (I / F) 41 of control device 4. Communication I / F 26 transmits the camera signal recorded in memory 25 to control device 4 through the signal line in universal plug 13.

[0060] The camera control unit 27 is connected to the system control unit 44 of the control device 4 via the communication I / F 26. The camera control unit 27 controls the camera element 23, ADC 24 and memory 25 according to the instructions received from the system control unit 44 via the communication I / F 26.

[0061] The control device 4 includes a communication I / F 41, a signal processing unit 42, a display controller 43, a system control unit 44, and a recording medium 45, which are connected to the endoscope 1 via a communication I / F 26 through a universal plug cord 13.

[0062] The communication I / F41 receives the camera signal transmitted from the communication I / F26 of the endoscope 1 and transmits it to the signal processing unit 42.

[0063] The signal processing unit 42 has a built-in memory that temporarily records the camera signals received from the communication I / F 41. It processes the camera image signals (such as de-mosaicing or gamma correction) that are a set of camera signals recorded in the memory to generate camera image data in a form capable of undergoing the recognition processing described later. The camera image data generated by the signal processing unit 42 is recorded in a recording medium 45 such as a hard disk or flash memory.

[0064] The display controller 43 displays a captured image based on the captured image data generated by the signal processing unit 42 on the display device 7. The coordinates of each pixel data constituting the captured image data generated by the signal processing unit 42 are associated with the coordinates of any display pixel on the display surface constituting the display device 7 and managed accordingly.

[0065] The system control unit 44 controls each part of the control device 4 and sends commands to the camera control unit 27 of the endoscope 1 and the light source processor 51 of the light source device 5, thereby centrally controlling the entire endoscope device 100. For example, the system control unit 44 controls the camera element 23 via the camera control unit 27. Furthermore, the system control unit 44 controls the light source unit 52 via the light source processor 51.

[0066] The system control unit 44 includes various processors, RAM, and ROM (Read Only Memory) for executing programs.

[0067] Various processors include general-purpose processors that execute programs to perform various processes, such as CPUs (Central Processing Units), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and other processors whose circuit structure can be changed after manufacturing, such as Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs) or Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), which have circuit structures specifically designed to perform specific processes, such as dedicated circuits.

[0068] More specifically, these various processors are structured as circuits composed of semiconductor elements and other circuit components.

[0069] The system control unit 44 can be composed of one of various processors, or it can be composed of a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (e.g., a combination of multiple FPGAs or a combination of CPU and FPGA).

[0070] Figure 3 It means Figure 2 This is an example of a functional block diagram of the system control unit 44 of the control device 4 shown.

[0071] The processor of the system control unit 44 functions as a display control device, which includes a camera image data acquisition unit 44A, a stage discrimination unit 44B, and a display control unit 44C, by executing a check assistance program stored in the ROM built into the system control unit 44.

[0072] The camera image data acquisition unit 44A sequentially acquires camera image data obtained by processing camera signals through the signal processing unit 42. The camera signals are obtained by capturing images of the subject body through the camera element 23.

[0073] The stage discrimination unit 44B determines the examination stage using endoscope 1 based on various information. The discrimination of the examination stage based on various information performed by the stage discrimination unit 44B can be based on a specific algorithm based on various information, or it can be based on a machine learning model that combines various information with information from the search stage.

[0074] The examination phase using endoscope 1 includes, for example, an insertion phase in which the insertion portion 10 of endoscope 1 is inserted into the subject body and a withdrawal phase in which the insertion portion 10 of endoscope 1 is withdrawn from the subject body. The insertion phase is an example of the first phase of the present invention. The withdrawal phase is an example of the second phase of the present invention. Furthermore, in addition to the insertion phase, the examination phase using endoscope 1 may also include a phase before the insertion portion 10 of endoscope 1 is inserted into the subject body or a phase after the insertion portion 10 of endoscope 1 is withdrawn from the subject body.

[0075] For example, the stage determination unit 44B determines the examination stage based on the camera image data acquired by the camera image data acquisition unit 44A. Specifically, in examinations such as those involving the large intestine using an endoscope, after the insertion part 10 of the endoscope 1 is inserted into the cecum, the insertion part 10 of the endoscope 1 is withdrawn. Therefore, it is possible to determine that the period up to the detection of the cecum based on the camera image data is the insertion stage, and the period after the detection of the cecum based on the camera image data is the withdrawal stage.

[0076] The display control unit 44C sends instructions to the display controller 43 to control the screen displayed on the display device 7. Specifically, the display control unit 44C displays a screen on the display device 7 containing information corresponding to the determination result of the inspection stage based on the stage determination unit 44B.

[0077] Figure 4 This is an example of a screen displayed on the display device 7 during the insertion phase of the endoscope 1 in Embodiment 1.

[0078] If the stage determination unit 44B determines that the examination stage is the insertion stage of the endoscope device 100, the display control unit 44C will, for example,... Figure 4 The screen 60 shown is displayed on the display device 7. The screen 60 includes a real-time image 61, a colon map 62, and an inserted shape image 63.

[0079] The left side of screen 60 becomes the main area, and the real-time image 61 is configured in this main area. The right side of screen 60 becomes the sub-area, and the colon map 62 and the inserted shape image 63 are configured in this sub-area.

[0080] Real-time image 61 is a dynamic image that represents images obtained in real time from the camera signals continuously output from the camera element 23.

[0081] The colon mapping image 62 and the insertion shape image 63 constitute insertion assistance information for assisting the insertion part 10 of the endoscope 1 into the body of the patient. The colon mapping image 62 is an example of a mapping image inside the body of the patient into which the endoscope 1 is inserted, and is an image representing the colon of the patient into which the endoscope 1 is inserted. The colon mapping image 62 can be, for example, an image obtained by photographing inside the patient, or it can be a pre-prepared image of a general colon.

[0082] The insertion shape image 63 is an image showing the insertion shape of the insertion portion 10 of the endoscope 1 inserted into the patient's body. For example, the insertion shape image 63 is an image generated based on the detection result of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating element provided in the front end portion 10C of the endoscope 1. At this time, for example, the endoscope device 100 also includes a magnetic field detection device that detects the magnetic field from the magnetic field generating element of the endoscope 1 inserted into the patient's body from the outside, and the system control unit 44 generates the insertion shape image 63 based on the detection result of the magnetic field detection device.

[0083] Furthermore, the inserted shape image 63 can be an image generated based on the detection result of the magnetic field of the magnetic field detection element provided in the front end 10C of the endoscope 1. At this time, for example, the endoscope device 100 also includes a magnetic field generating element that generates a magnetic field from the outside of the subject toward the inside of the subject, and the system control unit 44 generates the inserted shape image 63 based on the detection result of the magnetic field of the magnetic field detection element provided in the endoscope 1.

[0084] By observing the colon map 62 and the insertion shape image 63, the operator of the endoscope 1 can easily insert the insertion part 10 of the endoscope 1 into the patient's body.

[0085] Figure 5 This is an example of a screen displayed on the display device 7 during the removal phase of the endoscope 1 in Embodiment 1.

[0086] If the stage determination unit 44B determines that the examination stage is the removal stage of the endoscope device 100, then the display control unit 44C will, for example, set the examination stage to the removal stage of the endoscope device 100. Figure 5 The screen 70 shown is displayed on the display device 7. The screen 70 includes a real-time image 61, thumbnail information 71, and a colon camera mapping 72.

[0087] and Figure 4 Similarly, real-time image 61 is configured in the main area. Thumbnail information 71 and colon camera map 72 replace it. Figure 4 The large intestine mapping diagram 62 and the inserted shape image 63 shown are arranged in the sub-region (the region on the left).

[0088] The thumbnail information 71 and the colonic imaging map 72 constitute observation aid information for assisting the observation of the imaging images obtained by the endoscope 1. The observation aid information may, for example, be information for assisting diagnosis based on the imaging images obtained by the endoscope 1.

[0089] Thumbnail information 71 is information representing multiple still images obtained at reduced size when endoscope 1 is inserted into or removed from the subject. Figure 5 In the example shown, thumbnail information 71 contains four still images, and each still image is labeled with a sequence number "01", "02", "03", and "04".

[0090] And, as Figure 5 As shown in the example, thumbnail information 71 may include other textual information related to each still image. Figure 5 (The part marked with "~~~~"). This text information may include, for example, the location or time of obtaining the corresponding still image, the opinion entered by the operator when obtaining the corresponding still image, or the result of image analysis when obtaining the corresponding still image.

[0091] exist Figure 4 In the colonic mapping diagram 62 shown, the colonic camera mapping diagram 72 indicates the location from which the above still images were obtained through the aforementioned serial numbers.

[0092] By observing the thumbnail information 71 and the colonic imaging map 72, the operator of the endoscope 1 can easily observe the imaging images obtained by the endoscope 1 or make diagnoses based on the imaging images obtained by the endoscope 1.

[0093] And, as Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the system control unit 44 can display a screen containing the real-time image 61 and insertion assistance information on the display device 7 during the insertion phase, and also display a screen containing the real-time image 61 and observation assistance information on the display device 7 during the removal phase. Thus, during inspections performed primarily while observing the real-time image 61, useful assistance information for both the insertion phase and each of the insertion phases can be displayed simultaneously with the real-time image 61.

[0094] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of display control processing based on the control device 4 in Embodiment 1. During an examination using the endoscope 1, the control device 4, for example, performs... Figure 6 The processing shown.

[0095] First, the control device 4 determines the examination stage in which the endoscope 1 is used (step S61). Next, based on the result of step S61, the control device 4 determines whether the examination stage in which the endoscope 1 is used is an insertion stage in which the endoscope 1 is inserted into the patient's body (step S62). If it is not an insertion stage (step S62: "No"), the control device 4 returns to step S61.

[0096] In step S62, if it is the insertion stage (step S62: "Yes"), the control device 4 starts displaying the real-time image 61 in the main area (left side area) of the display device 7 (step S63). Then, the control device 4 starts displaying insertion assistance information (intestinal map 62 and insertion shape image 63) in the sub-area (right side area) (step S64).

[0097] Next, the control device 4 determines the examination stage in which the endoscope 1 has been used (step S65). Then, based on the result of step S65, the control device 4 determines whether the examination stage in which the endoscope 1 has been used is the removal stage in which the endoscope 1 is removed from the patient (step S66). If it is not the removal stage (step S66: "No"), the control device 4 returns to step S65.

[0098] In step S66, if the process is in the unplugging stage (step S66: "Yes"), the control device 4 begins to display observation assistance information (thumbnail information 71 and colon camera mapping 72) in the sub-region (step S67) and ends a series of processes.

[0099] Thus, the endoscope device 100 of Embodiment 1 determines the examination stage based on the endoscope 1. In the case of the insertion stage, it displays a screen containing insertion assistance information to assist the insertion of the endoscope 1 into the patient's body; in the case of the withdrawal stage, it displays a screen containing observation assistance information to assist the observation of the images obtained by the endoscope 1. Therefore, useful information corresponding to the examination stage can be provided to the endoscope operator.

[0100]

[0101] The structure of the stage discrimination unit 44B that determines the inspection stage based on the camera image data has been described, but it is not limited to this structure.

[0102] For example, the stage determination unit 44B can determine the examination stage based on the detection result of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating element provided in the front end portion 10C of the endoscope 1. At this time, for example, the endoscope device 100 also includes a magnetic field detection device that detects the magnetic field from the magnetic field generating element of the endoscope 1 inserted into the subject from the outside, and the stage determination unit 44B determines the examination stage based on the detection result of the magnetic field detection device.

[0103] Furthermore, the stage determination unit 44B can determine the examination stage based on the detection result of the magnetic field of the magnetic field detection element provided in the front end portion 10C of the endoscope 1. At this time, for example, the endoscope device 100 also includes a magnetic field generating element that generates a magnetic field from outside the subject toward inside the subject, and the stage determination unit 44B determines the examination stage based on the detection result of the magnetic field of the magnetic field detection element provided in the endoscope 1.

[0104] Furthermore, the stage determination unit 44B can determine the examination stage based on acceleration information obtained from the accelerometer provided in the front end portion 10C of the endoscope 1. For example, in the insertion stage, the endoscope 1 moves towards the front end of the endoscope 1, and in the withdrawal stage, the endoscope 1 moves to the side opposite to the direction of the front end of the endoscope 1. Therefore, by determining the direction of movement of the endoscope 1 based on the aforementioned acceleration information, it is possible to determine whether the examination stage is the insertion stage or the withdrawal stage.

[0105] Furthermore, when the endoscope 1 can switch and illuminate with light of different emission spectra, the stage discrimination unit 44B can determine the examination stage based on the switching of the illumination light illuminated by the endoscope 1. For example, in Figure 2 The light source device 5 shown is configured to switch between white light and special light for image enhancement.

[0106] This switching can be based on a light source switching operation performed by the operator of the endoscope 1, or it can be an automatic switching based on camera image data obtained by the camera image data acquisition unit 44A. Typically, white light can be used during the insertion stage and special light can be used during the withdrawal stage, so the examination stage can be determined based on the switching of the illumination light irradiated by the endoscope 1.

[0107]

[0108] The system control unit 44 displays a mapping diagram (colon mapping diagram 62) inside the subject and an image of the insertion shape of the endoscope 1 (insertion shape image 63) as information to assist the insertion of the endoscope 1 into the subject, but is not limited to this structure.

[0109] For example, the system control unit 44 can display either the mapping diagram (colon mapping diagram 62) inside the subject body or the image of the insertion shape of the endoscope 1 (insertion shape image 63) on the display device 7 as information to assist the insertion of the endoscope 1 into the subject body.

[0110] Alternatively, the system control unit 44 can display information such as the elapsed time since the endoscope 1 was first inserted into the patient as information to assist in the insertion of the endoscope 1 into the patient on the display device 7. This allows the operator of the endoscope 1 to easily monitor the load on the patient during insertion.

[0111]

[0112] The structure of the system control unit 44 for displaying still images (thumbnail information 71) obtained by the imaging element 23 in the endoscope 1 and information indicating the position of the subject in which the still images are obtained (colonic imaging map 72) as information for auxiliary observation has been described, but it is not limited to this structure.

[0113] For example, the system control unit 44 may be configured to display only still images (thumbnail information 71) obtained by the imaging element 23 in the endoscope 1 on the display device 7 as information for auxiliary observation. Furthermore, the thumbnail information 71 may not contain the aforementioned text information or serial number.

[0114] Furthermore, the system control unit 44 can be structured to display various information detected based on the image obtained by the camera element 23 in the endoscope 1 as information for auxiliary observation on the display device 7.

[0115] Information detected from the image acquired by the imaging element 23 may be, for example, information related to the region of interest. Information related to the region of interest may include, for example, images of lesions such as tumors or the outlines of lesions. Alternatively, information related to the region of interest may include the number or size of detected lesions.

[0116] Furthermore, information detected from the image obtained by the camera element 23 can be used to select similar case images based on the image obtained by the camera element 23. For example, camera images from various past cases are stored in a database inside or outside the endoscope device 100. The system control unit 44 searches the database for images similar to those obtained by the camera element 23 and displays the images obtained through the search as similar case images on the display device 7.

[0117] Furthermore, the system control unit 44 can be structured to display information on the display device 7 as auxiliary observation information, indicating the location where the endoscope 1 is inserted into the patient's body. For example, the names of tumors that are likely to occur in different parts of the large intestine are stored in a database inside or outside the endoscope device 100. The system control unit 44 determines the location where the endoscope 1 is inserted into the large intestine, searches the database for the names of tumors that are likely to occur in the determined location, and displays the names of the tumors obtained through the search on the display device 7. The location where the endoscope 1 is inserted into the large intestine can be determined, for example, using an image obtained by the imaging element 23 or a combination of the magnetic field generating element and the magnetic field detection device.

[0118] Furthermore, the system control unit 44 can be structured to display information on the display device 7 as information to assist observation, indicating the recommended observation method for inserting the endoscope 1 into the patient's body. For example, for each part of the large intestine, the recommended observation method for real-time images is stored in a database inside or outside the endoscope device 100. The system control unit 44 determines the location for inserting the endoscope 1 into the large intestine, searches the database for the recommended observation method for the determined location, and displays the observation method obtained through the search on the display device 7. The location for inserting the endoscope 1 into the large intestine can be determined, for example, using an image obtained by the imaging element 23 or a combination of the magnetic field generating element and the magnetic field detection device.

[0119] Furthermore, the system control unit 44 can be a structure that displays information representing past examination results within the subject as information for auxiliary observation on the display device 7. For example, the system control unit 44 retrieves information representing the results of past examinations performed on the subject to which the endoscope 1 is inserted from an internal or external database of the endoscope device 100, and displays the information representing the retrieved examination results on the display device 7. The information representing the examination results may be, for example, an image obtained by imaging during the examination or an analysis result based on that image.

[0120] Furthermore, the system control unit 44 can display information on the display device 7 indicating the time elapsed since the endoscope 1 was first removed from the patient's body as information for auxiliary observation. As a result, the operator of the endoscope 1 can easily grasp the load on the patient's body as the endoscope 1 is removed while performing the removal operation.

[0121] <Examples of inserting and observing auxiliary information>

[0122] Alternatively, during the insertion phase, the system control unit 44 can display an image captured by the imaging element 23 under conditions where white light is irradiated onto the subject as information to assist insertion on the display device 7. During the withdrawal phase, the system control unit 44 can display an image captured by the imaging element 23 under conditions where special light with a different emission spectrum than white light is irradiated onto the subject as information to assist observation on the display device 7. The image captured by the imaging element 23 under the special light irradiation is suitable for the aforementioned observation or diagnosis.

[0123] For example, during the insertion phase, the system control unit 44, while controlling the light source device 5 to illuminate white light, displays a screen containing a real-time image 61 based on the image signal obtained by the image sensor 23 on the display device 7. Furthermore, during the removal phase, the system control unit 44, while controlling the light source device 5 to illuminate special light, displays a screen containing a real-time image 61 based on the image signal obtained by the image sensor 23 on the display device 7. Figure 10 , Figure 11 The structure of the light source device 5, which is capable of switching and irradiating illumination light with different emission spectra, will be described.

[0124] (Implementation Method 2)

[0125] Regarding Embodiment 2, the differences from Embodiment 1 will be described. In Embodiment 1, a structure was described that distinguishes between the insertion and withdrawal stages and displays useful information for each stage. In Embodiment 2, a structure is described that distinguishes which part of the endoscope 1's insertion section 10 is inserted into the patient's body and displays useful information for each stage.

[0126] The following describes an examination performed by inserting the insertion portion 10 of endoscope 1 through the esophagus into the stomach from the mouth of the subject. The examination stages determined by the stage discrimination unit 44B include, for example, the esophageal insertion stage where the insertion portion 10 of endoscope 1 is inserted into the esophagus and the gastric insertion stage where the insertion portion 10 of endoscope 1 is inserted into the stomach. The esophagus is an example of the first part of the subject's body. The stomach is an example of the second part of the subject's body.

[0127] For example, the stage discrimination unit 44B determines the esophageal insertion stage and the stomach insertion stage based on the camera image data obtained by the camera image data acquisition unit 44A.

[0128] Figure 7 This is an example of a screen displayed on the display device 7 during the esophageal insertion stage of the endoscope 1 in Embodiment 2.

[0129] If the stage determination unit 44B determines that the examination stage is the esophageal insertion stage of the endoscope device 100, the display control unit 44C will, for example,... Figure 7 The screen 80 shown is displayed on the display device 7. The screen 80 includes a real-time image 61, an esophageal map 101, and an inserted shape image 63.

[0130] Real-time image 61 is positioned in the main region (the region on the left). Esophageal map 101 and inserted shape image 63 are positioned in the sub-region (the region on the right).

[0131] Real-time image 61 is a dynamic image that represents images obtained in real time from the camera signals continuously output from the camera element 23.

[0132] The esophageal mapping diagram 101 and the insertion shape image 63 constitute esophageal insertion assistance information for assisting the insertion part 10 of the endoscope 1 to be inserted into the esophagus.

[0133] Esophageal mapping diagram 101 is an image representing the esophagus of the subject to be examined, into which endoscope 1 is inserted. Esophageal mapping diagram 101 can be, for example, an image obtained by photographing the subject, or an image of a pre-prepared general esophagus. Figure 7 In the example shown, the insertion shape image 63 represents the shape of the insertion portion 10 of the endoscope 1 inserted into the esophagus of the patient.

[0134] By observing the esophageal mapping diagram 101 and the insertion shape image 63, the operator of the endoscope 1 can easily insert the insertion part 10 of the endoscope 1 into the esophagus.

[0135] Figure 8 This is an example of a screen displayed on the display device 7 during the gastric insertion stage of the endoscope 1 in Embodiment 2.

[0136] If the stage determination unit 44B determines that the examination stage is the gastric insertion stage of the endoscope device 100, then the display control unit 44C will, for example, […]. Figure 8 The screen 90 shown is displayed on the display device 7. The screen 90 includes a real-time image 61, a stomach map 102, and an inserted shape image 63.

[0137] and Figure 7 Similarly, real-time image 61 is positioned in the main region. Stomach map 102 and inserted shape image 63 are used instead. Figure 7 The esophageal mapping diagram 101 and the inserted shape image 63 shown are arranged in the sub-region.

[0138] The stomach mapping image 102 and the insertion shape image 63 constitute stomach insertion assistance information for assisting the insertion part 10 of the endoscope 1 to be inserted into the stomach of the patient.

[0139] Stomach mapping diagram 102 is an image representing the stomach of the subject to be examined, where endoscope 1 is inserted. Stomach mapping diagram 102 can be, for example, an image obtained by photographing the subject, or a pre-prepared image of a general stomach. Figure 8 In the example shown, the insertion shape image 63 represents the shape of the insertion portion 10 of the endoscope 1 inserted into the stomach of the patient.

[0140] By observing the stomach mapping diagram 102 and the insertion shape image 63, the operator of the endoscope 1 can easily insert the insertion part 10 of the endoscope 1 into the stomach.

[0141] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the display control processing based on the control device 4 in Embodiment 2. During an examination using the endoscope 1, the control device 4, for example, performs... Figure 9 The processing shown.

[0142] First, the control device 4 determines the examination stage in which the endoscope 1 is used (step S91). Next, based on the result of step S91, the control device 4 determines whether the examination stage in which the endoscope 1 is used is the esophageal insertion stage, in which the endoscope 1 is inserted into the esophagus of the patient (step S92). If it is not the esophageal insertion stage (step S92: "No"), the control device 4 returns to step S91.

[0143] In step S92, if the esophageal insertion stage is in progress (step S92: "Yes"), the control device 4 begins to display the real-time image 61 in the main area (left side area) of the display device 7 (step S93). Furthermore, the control device 4 begins to display esophageal insertion auxiliary information (esophageal mapping diagram 101 and insertion shape image 63) in the sub-area (right side area) (step S94).

[0144] Next, the control device 4 determines whether the examination stage using the endoscope 1 has been completed (step S95). Then, based on the result of step S95, the control device 4 determines whether the examination stage using the endoscope 1 is the gastric insertion stage, where the endoscope 1 is inserted into the stomach of the patient (step S96). If it is not the gastric insertion stage (step S96: "No"), the control device 4 returns to step S95.

[0145] In step S96, if the stomach insertion stage is in progress (step S96: "Yes"), the control device 4 begins to display stomach insertion auxiliary information (stomach mapping diagram 102 and insertion shape image 63) in the sub-region (step S97) and ends a series of processes.

[0146] Thus, the endoscope device 100 of Embodiment 2 determines the examination stage based on the endoscope 1. If it is the esophageal insertion stage, it displays a screen containing esophageal insertion assistance information to assist the insertion of the endoscope 1 into the esophagus; if it is the gastric insertion stage, it displays a screen containing gastric insertion assistance information to assist the insertion of the endoscope 1 into the stomach. Therefore, useful information corresponding to the examination stage can be provided to the endoscope operator.

[0147] <Examples of variations of parts 1 and 2>

[0148] As examples of the first and second sites, the esophagus and stomach have been described, but the first and second sites are not limited to these. For example, when performing a colonic examination using endoscope 1, the first and second sites can be two of the following: the sigmoid colon, descending colon, transverse colon, and ascending colon. Furthermore, the insertion sites can be determined to be three or more, and the system control unit 44 can display information on the display device 7 regarding the insertion of the auxiliary insertion unit 10 into the target site for each determined insertion site.

[0149]

[0150] The structure of the stage discrimination unit 44B that determines the inspection stage (insertion site) based on the camera image data has been described, but it is not limited to this structure.

[0151] For example, the stage determination unit 44B can determine the examination stage based on the detection result of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating element provided in the front end portion 10C of the endoscope 1. At this time, for example, the endoscope device 100 also includes a magnetic field detection device that detects the magnetic field from the magnetic field generating element of the endoscope 1 inserted into the subject from the outside, and the stage determination unit 44B determines the examination stage based on the detection result of the magnetic field detection device.

[0152] Furthermore, the stage determination unit 44B can determine the examination stage based on the detection result of the magnetic field of the magnetic field detection element provided in the front end portion 10C of the endoscope 1. At this time, for example, the endoscope device 100 also includes a magnetic field generating element that generates a magnetic field from outside the subject toward inside the subject, and the stage determination unit 44B determines the examination stage based on the detection result of the magnetic field of the magnetic field detection element provided in the endoscope 1.

[0153] (A combination of Implementation Method 1 and Implementation Method 2)

[0154] Implementation method 1 and implementation method 2 can be combined. That is, the system control unit 44 can, for example, determine the insertion stage and the withdrawal stage of each of the multiple parts in the test body, and display the insertion assistance information or observation assistance information of each inserted part on the display device 7 according to the determined stage.

[0155] (Regarding the light source device 5)

[0156] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a light source device 5 capable of switching and illuminating light with different emission spectra. Figure 11 It means by Figure 10 A diagram showing an example of the spectrum of light produced by the light source device 5.

[0157] like Figure 10 As shown, Figure 2 The light source device 5 shown includes a light source processor 51, a light source unit 52, and an optical path coupling unit 54.

[0158] The light source unit 52 has, for example, multiple semiconductor light sources, which are individually turned on or off. When on, illumination light illuminating the object being observed is emitted by controlling the amount of light emitted by each semiconductor light source. In this embodiment, the light source unit 52 has LEDs of four colors: V-LED (Violet Light Emitting Diode) 52a, B-LED (Blue Light Emitting Diode) 52b, G-LED (Green Light Emitting Diode) 52c, and R-LED (Red Light Emitting Diode) 52d.

[0159] like Figure 11 As shown, V-LED52a produces violet light V with a center wavelength of 405±10nm and a wavelength range of 380~420nm. B-LED52b produces blue light B with a center wavelength of 450±10nm and a wavelength range of 420~500nm. G-LED52c produces green light G with a wavelength range of 480~600nm. R-LED52d produces red light R with a center wavelength of 620~630nm and a wavelength range of 600~650nm.

[0160] The light source processor 51 controls V-LED 52a, B-LED 52b, G-LED 52c, and R-LED 52d. By independently controlling each of the LEDs 52a to 52d, the light source processor 51 can independently change the amount of violet light (V), blue light (B), green light (G), or red light (R) to emit light. Furthermore, in normal observation mode, the light source processor 51 controls each of the LEDs 52a to 52d to emit white light with a light intensity ratio of Vc:Bc:Gc:Rc. Additionally, Vc, Bc, Gc, and Rc > 0.

[0161] Furthermore, in the special observation mode, the processor 51 controls each of the LEDs 52a to 52d to emit special light with a light intensity ratio of Vs:Bs:Gs:Rs, which are narrow-band light of short wavelengths: violet light (V), blue light (B), green light (G), and red light (R). This light intensity ratio Vs:Bs:Gs:Rs differs from the ratio Vc:Bc:Gc:Rc used in the normal observation mode and is appropriately determined according to the observation objective. For example, when emphasizing superficial blood vessels, it is preferable that Vs is greater than the other Bs, Gs, and Rs; when emphasizing mid-to-deep blood vessels, it is preferable that Gs is greater than the other Vs, Gs, and Rs.

[0162] according to Figure 10 , Figure 11 The structure of the light source device 5 shown can be switched to illuminate light with different emission spectra by means of instructions from the control device 4.

[0163] (Control Procedure)

[0164] The control program stored in the ROM of the control device 4 is stored in a non-transitory storage medium that can be read by a computer. Such a "computer-readable storage medium" includes, for example, optical media such as CD-ROM (Compact Disc-ROM) or magnetic storage media such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or memory cards. Furthermore, this program can also be provided via download from a network.

[0165] (Another approach to endoscopic systems)

[0166] As an example of the endoscope system of the present invention, the endoscope device 100 has been described, but the endoscope system of the present invention can be implemented by multiple devices connected to each other via a network. For example, it can be configured such that at least a portion of the processing based on the control device 4 is performed by other devices connected to the endoscope device 100 via a network.

[0167] (Another way of displaying the device)

[0168] As an example of the display unit of the present invention, display device 7 has been described; however, the display unit of the present invention can be implemented by multiple display devices. In this case, the main area can be constituted by one of the multiple display devices, and the sub-areas can be constituted by the remaining display devices.

[0169] As explained above, the following matters are disclosed in this specification. (1)

[0171] An endoscope system comprising:

[0172] The discrimination unit determines the stage of an endoscopic examination; and

[0173] The display unit switches the displayed image based on the discrimination result from the discrimination unit described above.

[0174] The aforementioned examination process includes a first stage of inserting the endoscope into the patient's body and a second stage of removing the endoscope from the patient's body.

[0175] If the examination stage is determined to be the first stage, the display unit displays a screen containing information to assist the insertion of the endoscope into the patient's body. If the examination stage is determined to be the second stage, the display unit displays a screen containing information to assist the observation of the images obtained by the endoscope. (2)

[0177] According to the endoscope system described in (1), wherein,

[0178] The aforementioned discrimination unit determines the aforementioned examination stage based on the image obtained by the imaging element provided in the aforementioned endoscope. (3)

[0180] According to the endoscope system described in (1), wherein,

[0181] The aforementioned discrimination unit determines the aforementioned examination stage based on the detection result of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating element in the aforementioned endoscope. (4)

[0183] According to the endoscope system described in (1), wherein,

[0184] The aforementioned discrimination unit determines the aforementioned examination stage based on the detection result of the magnetic field of the magnetic field detection element provided in the aforementioned endoscope. (5)

[0186] According to the endoscope system described in (1), wherein,

[0187] The aforementioned discrimination unit determines the aforementioned examination stage based on acceleration information obtained from the accelerometer contained in the aforementioned endoscope. (6)

[0189] According to the endoscope system described in (1), wherein,

[0190] The endoscope can switch and illuminate different light emission spectra, and the discrimination unit determines the examination stage based on the switching of the illumination light illuminated by the endoscope. (7)

[0192] According to any one of (1) to (6) of the endoscope system, wherein,

[0193] If the inspection stage is determined to be the first stage, the display unit displays a screen containing a real-time image obtained by the camera element in the endoscope and information for assisting the insertion. If the inspection stage is determined to be the second stage, the display unit displays a screen containing the real-time image and information for assisting the observation. (8)

[0195] The endoscope system according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein,

[0196] The information used to assist in the above insertion includes an image of the insertion shape of the endoscope. (9)

[0198] The endoscope system according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein,

[0199] The information used to assist in the above insertion includes a mapping map within the subject body. (10)

[0201] The endoscope system according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein,

[0202] The information used to assist in the insertion includes information indicating the time elapsed since the endoscope was first inserted into the patient's body. (11)

[0204] The endoscope system according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein,

[0205] The information used to assist in the above observation includes still images obtained by the imaging elements contained in the endoscope. (12)

[0207] According to any one of (1) to (11) of the endoscope system, wherein,

[0208] The information used to assist the above observation includes information related to the area of ​​interest detected from the image obtained by the camera element in the endoscope. (13)

[0210] According to any one of (1) to (12) of the endoscope system, wherein,

[0211] Information used to assist the above observations includes images of similar cases selected based on images obtained from the imaging elements present in the endoscope. (14)

[0213] According to any one of (1) to (13) of the endoscope system, wherein,

[0214] Information used to assist the above observations includes information on tumors that are likely to occur at the site in which the endoscope is inserted into the patient. (15)

[0216] The endoscope system according to any one of (1) to (14), wherein,

[0217] Information used to assist the above observation includes information indicating the recommended observation method for the site where the endoscope is inserted into the subject. (16)

[0219] According to any one of (1) to (15) of the endoscope system, wherein,

[0220] Information used to support the above observations includes information representing past examination results within the subject body. (17)

[0222] According to any one of (1) to (16) of the endoscope system, wherein,

[0223] The information used to assist in the aforementioned insertion includes images obtained by the imaging element in the endoscope under conditions in which white light is irradiated onto the subject.

[0224] The information used to assist the above observation includes the image obtained by the imaging element when the subject is irradiated with light whose emission spectrum is different from that of the white light. (18)

[0226] According to any one of (1) to (17) of the endoscope system, wherein,

[0227] Information used to assist in the above observation includes information on the time elapsed since the endoscope was first removed from the subject's body. (19)

[0229] A control program for enabling a computer to function as the discrimination unit and the display unit of any one of the endoscope systems described in (1) to (18). (20)

[0231] A display method that determines the endoscopic examination stage and switches the displayed image according to the determination result of the examination stage, wherein,

[0232] The aforementioned examination process includes a first stage of inserting the endoscope into the patient's body and a second stage of removing the endoscope from the patient's body.

[0233] If the examination stage is determined to be the first stage, a screen containing information for assisting the insertion of the endoscope into the subject is displayed; if the examination stage is determined to be the second stage, a screen containing information for assisting the observation of the images obtained by the endoscope is displayed. (twenty one)

[0235] An endoscope system comprising:

[0236] The discrimination unit determines the stage of an endoscopic examination; and

[0237] The display unit switches the displayed image based on the discrimination result from the discrimination unit described above.

[0238] The aforementioned examination phase includes a first phase of inserting the endoscope into a first site within the subject body and a second phase of inserting the endoscope into a second site within the subject body that is different from the first site.

[0239] The display unit displays a screen based on the discrimination result of the discrimination unit. The screen includes at least one of the following: information for assisting the insertion of the endoscope into the part of the body being examined, and information for assisting in observing the insertion site. (twenty two)

[0241] According to the endoscope system described in (21), wherein,

[0242] The aforementioned discrimination unit determines the aforementioned examination stage based on the image obtained by the imaging element provided in the aforementioned endoscope. (twenty three)

[0244] According to the endoscope system described in (21) or (22), wherein,

[0245] The information used to assist in the above insertion includes a mapping of the insertion site. (twenty four)

[0247] According to any one of (21) to (23) of the endoscope system, wherein,

[0248] The information used to assist the above observations includes information on tumors that are likely to occur at the insertion sites. (25)

[0250] According to any one of (21) to (24) of the endoscope system, wherein,

[0251] The information used to assist the above observation includes information indicating the observation method recommended for the insertion site. (26)

[0253] According to any one of (21) to (25) of the endoscope system, wherein,

[0254] The first and second parts mentioned above refer to the esophagus and stomach. (27)

[0256] According to any one of (21) to (25) of the endoscope system, wherein,

[0257] The first and second parts mentioned above refer to two parts of the sigmoid colon, descending colon, transverse colon, and ascending colon. (28)

[0259] A control program for enabling a computer to function as the discrimination unit and display unit of any one of the endoscope systems described in (21) to (27). (29)

[0261] A display method that determines the endoscopic examination stage and switches the displayed image according to the determination result of the examination stage, wherein,

[0262] The aforementioned examination phase includes a first phase of inserting the endoscope into a first site within the subject body and a second phase of inserting the endoscope into a second site within the subject body that is different from the first site.

[0263] The screen is displayed based on the judgment results of the above-mentioned examination stage. The screen includes at least one of the following: information for assisting the insertion of the endoscope into the part of the body in which the endoscope is inserted and information for assisting the observation of the insertion site.

[0264] Industrial availability

[0265] According to the present invention, an endoscope system, control program, and display method are provided that can provide useful information corresponding to the examination stage to the operator of the endoscope.

[0266] Symbol Explanation

[0267] 1-Endoscope, 4-Control device, 5-Light source device, 6-Input unit, 7-Display device, 10-Insertion unit, 10A-Flexible part, 10B-Bending part, 10C-Front end, 11-Operating unit, 12-Angle button, 13-Universal plug cord, 13A, 13B-Connector unit, 21-Objective lens, 22-Lens group, 23-Image sensor, 24-ADC, 25-Memory, 26, 41-Communication I / F, 27-Image control unit, 42-Signal processing unit, 43-Display controller, 44-System control unit, 44A-Image data acquisition unit, 44 B - Stage discrimination unit, 44C - Display control unit, 45 - Recording medium, 50 - Illumination lens, 51 - Light source processor, 52 - Light source unit, 52a - V-LED, 52b - B-LED, 52c - G-LED, 52d - R-LED, 53 - Light guide, 54 - Optical path coupling unit, 60, 70, 80, 90 - Screen, 61 - Real-time image, 62 - Colon map, 63 - Inserted shape image, 71 - Thumbnail information, 72 - Colon camera map, 100 - Endoscopic device, 101 - Esophagus map, 102 - Stomach map.

Claims

1. An endoscope system comprising: The discrimination unit determines the stage of an endoscopic examination; and The display unit switches the displayed image based on the discrimination result of the discrimination unit. The examination process includes a first stage of inserting the endoscope into the patient's body and a second stage of removing the endoscope from the patient's body. If the examination is determined to be in the first stage, the display unit shows a screen including information to assist in inserting the endoscope into the patient's body. If the examination is determined to be in the second stage, the display unit shows a screen including information to assist in observing the images obtained by the endoscope. The discrimination unit determines the stage of the examination based on the image obtained by the imaging element in the endoscope. The information used to assist the observation includes information related to the region of interest detected from images obtained by the camera elements in the endoscope.

2. The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein, The discrimination unit determines the stage of the examination based on the detection result of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating element in the endoscope.

3. The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein, The discrimination unit determines the stage of the examination based on the detection result of the magnetic field of the magnetic field detection element in the endoscope.

4. The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein, The discrimination unit determines the stage of the examination based on acceleration information obtained from the accelerometer in the endoscope.

5. The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein, The endoscope can switch and illuminate different light emission spectra, and the discrimination unit determines the stage of the examination based on the switching of the illumination light illuminated by the endoscope.

6. The endoscopic system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, If the examination is determined to be in the first stage, the display unit displays a screen including a real-time image obtained by the camera element in the endoscope and information for assisting the insertion. If the examination is determined to be in the second stage, the display unit displays a screen including the real-time image and information for assisting the observation.

7. The endoscopic system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The information used to assist in the insertion includes an image of the insertion shape of the endoscope.

8. The endoscopic system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The information used to assist in the insertion includes a mapping map within the subject.

9. The endoscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The information used to assist the insertion includes information indicating the elapsed time since the endoscope was first inserted into the patient's body.

10. The endoscopic system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The information used to assist the observation includes still images obtained by the imaging elements contained in the endoscope.

11. The endoscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, Information used to aid the observation includes images of similar cases selected based on images obtained from the imaging elements present in the endoscope.

12. The endoscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, Information used to aid the observation includes information on tumors that are likely to occur at the site in which the endoscope is inserted into the patient.

13. The endoscopic system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, Information used to assist the observation includes recommended observation methods indicating the site of insertion of the endoscope into the patient's body.

14. The endoscopic system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The information used to assist the observation includes information representing past examination results within the subject.

15. The endoscopic system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The information used to assist in the insertion includes an image obtained by the imaging element in the endoscope under conditions in which white light is shone onto the subject. The information used to assist the observation includes an image obtained by the imaging element under conditions in which the subject is irradiated with light whose emission spectrum is different from that of the white light.

16. The endoscopic system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, Information used to assist the observation includes information indicating the elapsed time since the endoscope was first removed from the subject.

17. A program product comprising a control program for enabling a computer to function as the discrimination unit and the display unit of the endoscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

18. A display method comprising determining a stage of an endoscopic examination and switching a displayed image based on the determination result of the stage of the examination, wherein, The examination process includes a first stage of inserting the endoscope into the patient's body and a second stage of removing the endoscope from the patient's body. If the examination is determined to be in stage 1, a screen is displayed that includes information to assist in inserting the endoscope into the patient's body. If the examination is determined to be in stage 2, a screen is displayed that includes information to assist in observing the images obtained by the endoscope. The stage of the examination is determined based on images obtained from the imaging elements contained in the endoscope. The information used to assist the observation includes information related to the region of interest detected from images obtained by the camera elements in the endoscope.

19. An endoscope system comprising: The discrimination unit determines the stage of an endoscopic examination; and The display unit switches the displayed image based on the discrimination result of the discrimination unit. The examination process includes a first stage of inserting the endoscope into a first site within the subject body and a second stage of inserting the endoscope into a second site within the subject body, which is different from the first site. The display unit displays a screen based on the discrimination result of the discrimination unit. The screen includes at least one of the following: information for assisting in the insertion of the endoscope into the body of the patient, and information for assisting in observing the insertion site. The discrimination unit determines the stage of the examination based on the image obtained by the imaging element in the endoscope. The information used to assist the observation includes information related to the region of interest detected from images obtained by the camera elements in the endoscope.

20. The endoscopic system according to claim 19, wherein, The information used to assist in the insertion includes a mapping of the insertion site.

21. The endoscopic system according to claim 19, wherein, The information used to assist the observation includes information indicating tumors that are likely to occur at the insertion site.

22. The endoscopic system according to claim 19, wherein, The information used to assist the observation includes information on recommended observation methods for the insertion site.

23. The endoscopic system according to claim 19, wherein, The first and second parts are the esophagus and stomach.

24. The endoscopic system according to claim 19, wherein, The first and second parts refer to two parts of the sigmoid colon, descending colon, transverse colon, and ascending colon.

25. A recording medium having a control program recorded thereon, the control program being used to enable a computer to function as the discrimination unit and the display unit of the endoscope system of claim 19.

26. A display method that determines a stage of an endoscopic examination and switches the displayed image based on the determination result of the examination stage, wherein, The examination process includes a first stage of inserting the endoscope into a first location within the subject body and a second stage of inserting the endoscope into a second location within the subject body, different from the first location. A screen is displayed based on the determination of the examination stage, and the screen includes at least one of the following: information assisting in the insertion of the endoscope into the location within the subject body and information assisting in observing the insertion location. The stage of the examination is determined based on images obtained from the imaging elements contained in the endoscope. The information used to assist the observation includes information related to the region of interest detected from images obtained by the camera elements in the endoscope.

Images