Endoscope arrangement state determination method, control device, and recording medium

Abstract

An endoscope arrangement state determination method includes: an observation step of observing an arrangement state of an endoscope (E) arranged in a treatment tank (31) of an endoscope regeneration processor (1) based on an operation of a top cover (11) of the treatment tank (31), an observation unit (D1) or an observation unit (D2) acquiring an observation image; a determination step of a control unit (D3) determining whether the arrangement state is appropriate based on the observation image, using as a determination reference whether a prescribed portion (a scale line (E2a) or the like) of the endoscope is included in a prescribed area (a detection range (A)) defined by a prescribed portion (an identification pin (33a)) of the treatment tank (31); and a step of a notification unit (a display unit (23), a display unit (D5), or the like) notifying a result of the determination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope configuration state determination method, control device, and recording medium for determining whether an endoscope is properly configured relative to the processing slot of an endoscope reprocessor. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional endoscope regeneration processors exist for cleaning, disinfecting, and regenerating endoscopes used in examinations. When using such processors, the endoscope is positioned in a coiled state inside the processing tank. In this case, as long as the endoscope's orientation (such as the coiling of the insertion section) is followed as instructed in the instruction manual, the medication can be evenly distributed across the endoscope's surface, ensuring proper regeneration. Therefore, to ensure accurate regeneration, a technique is needed to determine whether the endoscope regeneration processor is being used with the appropriate endoscope orientation.

[0003] As a technique for determining the placement status of an endoscope, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-230492 discloses an endoscope cleaning apparatus. This apparatus has an endoscope detection sensor installed at a predetermined position on the side of the tank body. This endoscope sensor detects when the endoscope is stored and positioned in the predetermined location. In the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-230492, the endoscope detection sensor consists of a pair of optical sensors, each having a light-emitting part that emits light and a light-receiving part that receives light from the light-emitting part.

[0004] However, the accuracy of the determination of the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-230492 is low.

[0005] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide an endoscope configuration state determination method that can accurately determine whether the endoscope is configured in the processing slot of the endoscope regeneration processor in an appropriate configuration state. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Methods for solving problems

[0007] An endoscope configuration status determination method according to one aspect of the present invention includes: an observation step, wherein the configuration status of an endoscope configured in the processing slot of an endoscope regeneration processor is observed based on the action of opening and closing the top cover of the processing slot, and the observation unit acquires an observation image; a determination step, including at least a first determination method, wherein the determination unit determines whether the configuration status is appropriate based on the observation image and using whether a predetermined portion of the endoscope is included within a predetermined range defined by a predetermined portion within the processing slot as a determination criterion; and a notification step, wherein the notification unit notifies the result of the determination. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a 3D view of the endoscope regeneration processor.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a top view of the endoscope regeneration processor.

[0010] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which an endoscope is configured in the processing slot of the endoscope regeneration processor.

[0011] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the terminal holding section of the endoscope regeneration processor.

[0012] Figure 5 This is the main view of the observation terminal of the endoscope regeneration processor.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a rear view of the observation terminal of the endoscope regeneration processor.

[0014] Figure 7 This is an illustration of a reading device that can be easily attached to and detached from the observation terminal.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for determining the configuration status of an endoscope.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for determining the configuration status of an endoscope.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a flowchart representing a subroutine for determining the configuration status of an endoscope based on a specific color ratio.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a flowchart representing a subroutine for determining the configuration status of an endoscope based on its configuration at a specific location.

[0019] Figure 12 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the state of the top cover being closed and the observed image.

[0020] Figure 13 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the state of the top cover being closed and the observed image.

[0021] Figure 14 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the fully closed top cover and the observed image.

[0022] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an evaluation area set based on two identification pins.

[0023] Figure 16This is an illustrative diagram showing an example of a specific part of an endoscope present within the evaluation area.

[0024] Figure 17 The first variation is a three-dimensional view of an endoscope regeneration processor.

[0025] Figure 18 The second variation is a structural diagram of a decision system that includes a neural network. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the endoscope regeneration processor 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a top view of the endoscope regeneration processor 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state in which the endoscope E is disposed in the processing slot 31 of the endoscope regeneration processor 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] The endoscope regeneration processor 1 is a device for regenerating contaminated endoscopes E and their components or accessories. The regeneration process described herein is not particularly limited and can include rinsing with water, cleaning to remove organic matter or other contaminants, disinfection to neutralize specified microorganisms, sterilization to remove or kill all microorganisms, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the endoscope regeneration processor 1 can also be used for the regeneration of dilators or endoscope sheaths in tubular medical devices.

[0029] Additionally, in the following explanation, the downward direction indicates the direction of gravity, the upward direction indicates the direction opposite to the direction of gravity, and the height indicates the height relationship along the direction of gravity.

[0030] In this embodiment, the endoscope regeneration processor 1 includes: a top cover 11 serving as a cover, which has a cover plate 13 serving as a transparent portion; a regeneration processor body 21; and a terminal holding portion 111 disposed on the top cover 11. The terminal holding portion 111 holds the observation terminal D that receives the observation wave.

[0031] exist Figure 1 , 2 In this invention, the terminal holding unit 111 holds the observation terminal D such that the observation terminal D is disposed on the surface of the top cover 11, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, such as Figure 17 As shown, the observation terminal D can also be mounted on the end of the top cover 11 in a manner that exposes it from the top cover 11. In this case, the terminal holding part 111 for holding the observation terminal D is provided on the end face of the other end of the top cover 11 at a predetermined angle, for example.

[0032] The top cover 11 is configured with its back facing the processing slot 31 of the regeneration processor body 21. The top cover 11 can open and close the processing slot 31 by rotating about a hinge 11a. That is, one end of the top cover 11 is connected to the regeneration processor body 21 via the hinge 11a, and the other end rotates about that end. When closed, the top cover 11 covers the processing slot 31. The top cover 11 has a cover frame 12, a cover plate 13 as a transparent part, a gas filter 14, and a finger hook part 15. A gyroscope sensor can also be provided on the top cover 11 to send angular velocity information to the observation terminal E.

[0033] The cover frame 12 is provided around the periphery of the top cover 11. The material of the cover frame 12 is not particularly limited, for example, metal or resin. The cover frame 12 has a pad 12a on its back side that is provided around the upper edge of the processing groove 31. When the top cover 11 is in the closed state, the pad 12a is in close contact with the upper edge of the processing groove 31.

[0034] The cover plate 13 is light-transmitting. Examples of light-transmitting materials constituting the cover plate 13 include resin or ceramic. Examples of resins include polycarbonate, which is chemically resistant and transparent to visible light. The cover plate 13 is disposed inside the cover frame 12. The cover plate 13 is not particularly limited, but it may also have a cover vent 13a at one end, where it bulges out in a dome shape.

[0035] The gas filter 14 consists of a filter media storage container and filter media stored in the filter media storage container, and is detachably installed on the vent 13a. The gas filter 14 has a filter vent 14a at the top. Figure 2 The gas filter 14 takes in the gas from the treatment tank 31 through the cover exhaust port 13a, and discharges the gas after deodorization and other filtrations through the filter exhaust port 14a.

[0036] The finger hook part 15 is connected to the other end of the cover frame 12 in a manner that allows the user to hook their finger. A clip 15a is provided on the inside of the finger hook part 15.

[0037] The main body 21 of the regeneration processor has a locking part 22, a display part 23 serving as a notification part, an operation part 24, a water supply hose connection port 25, a communication part 26, a control part 27, and a processing tank 31.

[0038] A locking part 22 is provided on the other end of the upper part of the regeneration processor body 21. Under the control of the control part 27, the locking part 22 locks or releases the locking of the clip 15a. When the locking part 22 locks the clip 15a, the top cover 11 is locked in the closed state. Alternatively, by connecting the locking part 22 to the foot pedal 28, the foot pedal can be used to release the fastener 15a from the lock.

[0039] Display unit 23 is located at the corner of the upper part of the regeneration processor body 21. Display unit 23 has a display panel and provides various notifications to the user under the control of control unit 27.

[0040] The operation unit 24 has an instruction input button, which can input various instructions to the endoscope regeneration processor 1.

[0041] The water supply hose connection port 25 is connected to the faucet via the water supply pipe W.

[0042] The communication unit 26 is configured to connect to the control unit 27 and can communicate with the observation terminal D via wired or wireless means under the control of the control unit 27. The communication unit 26 can also be configured to communicate with external devices via a network.

[0043] The control unit 27 controls the various components within the endoscope regeneration processor 1. The control unit 27 has a processor and a memory, and is capable of executing various programs stored in the memory. The functions of the control unit 27 are achieved by reading and executing programs stored in the memory.

[0044] The control unit 27 is connected to the observation terminal D via the communication unit 26. When an anomaly determination result is input from the observation terminal D, the control unit 27 notifies the user of the anomaly. The anomaly notification can be a warning display on the display unit 23 or a warning tone output from a speaker (not shown). Additionally, when an anomaly determination result is input from the observation terminal D, the control unit 27 can also control the process to stop playback.

[0045] Here, the control unit 27 is connected to an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader 27a. The reader 27a is, for example, located at the opposite corner of the display unit 23, across the processing slot 31, on the other end of the upper part of the regeneration processor body 21.

[0046] The reading device 27a is capable of communicating with an RFID tag (not shown) located on the endoscope E's body connector E4 or similar device using radio waves or electromagnetic waves in a non-contact manner.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, the processing slot 31 is located on the upper part of the regeneration processor body 21. Figure 3 As shown, when the top cover 11 is in the open state, the processing tank 31 is exposed. The processing tank 31 has a concave shape to accommodate the endoscope E undergoing regeneration, and liquids such as storage cleaning solution, disinfectant, and rinsing solution. Figure 2 , 3As shown, the treatment tank 31 has an air and water supply connector 32, a retaining net 33, a cleaning housing 34, a water level gauge 35, a medicine nozzle 36, a water supply circulation nozzle 37, a circulation port 38, and a drain port 39.

[0048] In the processing tank 31, the cleaning tube T connects the regeneration processor body 21 to the endoscope E. The cleaning tube T has an endoscope-side connector T1 that connects to the endoscope E and a processor-side connector T2 that connects to the regeneration processor body 21. The regeneration processor-side connector T2 has a nozzle T3 that ejects liquid in a liquid-filled state.

[0049] The endoscope E, for example, includes: an endoscope operating section E1; an elongated insertion section E2 extending from the endoscope operating section E1 toward its front end; a universal cable E3 extending from the endoscope operating section E1; and a scope connector E4 extending from the front end of the universal cable E3. An endoscope-side connector T1 is connected to the endoscope operating section E1 and the scope connector E4.

[0050] An air and water supply connector 32 is disposed on the wall of the treatment tank 31. The air and water supply connector 32 is connected to the regeneration processor-side connector T2. Figure 3 The diagram shows eight air and water supply connectors 32, but is not limited to eight. Each air and water supply connector 32 is connected to a circulation port 38 via a conduit. When the control unit 27 drives the circulation pump, the air and water supply connectors 32 deliver liquid drawn from the circulation port 38 to the endoscope E. Additionally, when the control unit 27 drives the air compressor, the air and water supply connectors 32 deliver air drawn from the atmosphere to the endoscope E.

[0051] A retaining net 33 is installed at the bottom of the treatment tank 31. The material of the retaining net is not particularly limited; for example, metal or resin can be used. The retaining net 33 includes: an identification pin 33a with a mark indicating the height of the disinfection water level; an operating part receiving part 33b for mounting the endoscope operating part E1; an endoscope connector receiving part 33c for mounting the endoscope connector E4; and a hook 33d for hooking the insertion part E2 and the universal cable E3. The user positions the endoscope operating part E1 on the operating part receiving part 33b, positions the endoscope connector E4 on the endoscope connector receiving part 33c, and winds the insertion part E2 and the universal cable E3 through the inside of the hook 33d. The user holds the endoscope E in the retaining net 33 so that it is positioned below the mark on the identification pin 33a and does not exceed the disinfection water level.

[0052] Such a setting state of the endoscope E is indicated in the instruction manual of the endoscope E or the instruction manual of the endoscope regeneration processor 1, etc., according to each model of the endoscope E. That is, in order to perform proper regeneration processing of the endoscope E, each endoscope E is pre-set to a configuration state in which the parts (especially the insertion part E2, etc.) wrapped in the holding net 33, etc., are arranged so that they are not tightly attached to each other.

[0053] The cleaning housing 34 is installed in the center of the retaining net 33. Accessories such as air / water supply buttons, suction buttons, or covers removed from the endoscope E are housed within the cleaning housing 34. The lower part of the cleaning housing 34 is connected to a bottom connector located at the bottom of the regeneration processor body 21. Under the control of the control unit 27, the cleaning housing 34 supplies air or water through the bottom connector. Accessories are not particularly limited; examples include suction buttons, air / water supply buttons, or front end covers that are installed on the endoscope E during use and removed from the endoscope E during regeneration.

[0054] The water level gauge 35 confirms the water level of the liquid in the cleaning tank and outputs the confirmation result to the control unit 27.

[0055] The liquid nozzle 36 is located on the platform section, which is positioned one level higher than the periphery of the processing tank 31. The liquid nozzle 36 is connected to the liquid tank inside the regeneration processor body 21, and the liquid in the liquid tank is sprayed into the processing tank 31 by the liquid pump driven by the control unit 27.

[0056] A water circulation nozzle 37 is installed on the platform section. The water circulation nozzle 37 is connected to the circulation port 38 via a pipe. When the control unit 27 drives the circulation pump, the water circulation nozzle 37 sprays the liquid taken from the circulation port 38 into the treatment tank 31. In addition, under the control of the control unit 27, the water circulation nozzle 37 discharges water supplied from the water supply pipe W into the treatment tank 31 via the water supply hose connection port 25.

[0057] The circulation port 38 and the drain port 39 are respectively located at the bottom of the treatment tank 31, and are equipped with mesh filters. Figure 2 The circulation port 38 draws in liquid from the treatment tank 31. The drain port 39 connects to an external draining mechanism to drain the liquid from the treatment tank 31 to the outside. Additionally, the drain port 39 can be connected to a medicine tank under the control of the control unit 27. When the drain port 39 is connected to the medicine tank, the medicine used in the treatment tank 31 is recycled back to the medicine tank.

[0058] The chemical solution used in the endoscope regeneration processor 1 is, for example, a peracetic acid solution. The peracetic acid solution is diluted to a specified concentration within the endoscope regeneration processor 1 with water supplied from the water supply pipe W. The solution is stored in a solution tank and sprayed from the solution nozzle 36 into the processing tank 31 during endoscope E disinfection. After disinfection of endoscope E, the solution is returned to the solution tank for reuse in the next regeneration process. The concentration of the solution decreases depending on the number of days and cycles used.

[0059] Terminal holding part 111 is provided on the surface side of the top cover 11 opposite to the rear side. Figure 2 The material of the terminal holding part is not particularly limited; for example, metal or resin can be used. The terminal holding part 111 is configured to hold the viewing terminal D in a position where it can be viewed within the processing groove 31 via the cover plate 13. That is, the terminal holding part 111 is disposed on the outer surface of the top cover 11.

[0060] Figure 4 This is a front view of the observation terminal D of the endoscope regeneration processor 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a rear view of the observation terminal D of the endoscope regeneration processor 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] like Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the observation terminal D is, for example, a tablet-type portable information terminal. The observation terminal D has an observation unit D1, a control unit D3, and a notification unit D5. Preferably, the observation terminal D has an observation unit D2, a communication unit D4, an external connection connector D6, or a gyroscope sensor D7.

[0062] An observation unit D1 is disposed on the front surface of the observation terminal D. An observation unit D2 is disposed on the rear surface of the observation terminal D. The observation units D1 and D2 can utilize a known camera structure. The observation units D1 and D2 have an imaging element composed of a CMOS or CCD, etc., to capture images of the external environment, and output the captured images as observation images P to the control unit D3. The observation units D1 and D2 may also have wide-angle lenses. These wide-angle lenses can be fixed to the observation terminal D or detachable from the observation terminal D.

[0063] That is, the observation unit D1, which is the receiving unit, receives the light reflected in the processing tank 31 and transmitted through the cover plate 13. The light mentioned here is not limited to visible light, but may also be far-infrared, infrared or ultraviolet light.

[0064] The control unit D3 has a processor and a memory, and controls the operation of each part in the observation terminal D.

[0065] The control unit D3 can determine the endoscope configuration status based on the captured image or video image, while the observation terminal D may not need to make this determination and instead allow an external device to do so. In the case where an external device makes the determination, the captured image is output to the external device via the communication unit D4 (described later) or the external connection connector D6. Examples of such external devices include smartphones, tablets, personal computers, playback processors, or cloud computing.

[0066] Furthermore, the determination result from the control unit D3 or an external device can be output to the display unit D3 of the observation terminal D, or it can be output to an external device. Examples of external devices that can be used as the destination for the determination result output include smartphones, tablets, personal computers, reprocessors, or alarm devices.

[0067] As an example of outputting to an external device, for instance, the communication unit D4 communicates with the communication unit 26 to output the determination result to the control unit 27 of the regeneration processor main body 21. If the input determination result is "incorrect configuration", the control unit 27 can, for example, execute a program to display a warning on the display unit 23 of the regeneration processor main body 21, or lock the operation unit 24 to prevent further processing from starting.

[0068] Under the control of the control unit D3, the display unit D5 can display various information on the display panel. The display unit D5 can also display the judgment result. The display unit D5 has a touch panel superimposed on the display panel, which can be used to input various instructions through touch operation.

[0069] External connector D6 connects the observation terminal D to an external device. For example, a USB socket can be used as an external connector D6. Figure 7 As shown, the external connector D6 can connect the detachable RFID reader 40 as an external device.

[0070] The gyroscope sensor D7 is composed of a piezoelectric element, a silicon oscillator, etc., and detects the angular velocity generated by changes in the posture of the observation terminal D. Furthermore, the gyroscope sensor D7 outputs the detected angular velocity to the control unit D3.

[0071] Next, a method for determining the configuration state of the endoscope E in the endoscope regeneration processor 1 with this structure will be described. The configuration state determination of the endoscope E is, for example, according to... Figure 8 The configuration status determination procedure is executed according to the flowchart shown. After the user places the endoscope E in the processing slot 31, the configuration status determination procedure is executed, for example, by the control unit D3 of the observation terminal D. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration status determination can also be performed by an external device as described above. In other words, the determination unit in the present invention can be integrated with the observation terminal D or it can be separate.

[0072] (Example 1)

[0073] When the program starts, the observation unit acquires image information (S103, observation step).

[0074] Following the observation step, the control unit D3 and other determination units that determine the configuration status, based on the image information, will determine, for example... Figure 16 As illustrated, whether the specified portion E2a of the endoscope is included within the specified range A of the specified portion 33a in the processing tank is used as an indicator to determine whether the configuration is appropriate or inappropriate (S108, determination step).

[0075] exist Figure 16 In this example, a retaining net pin 33a is shown as a designated part within the treatment tank, but the present invention is not limited to this; any part that is fixed in a position within the treatment tank 31 can be used. Other examples of designated parts within the treatment tank include the retaining net pin 33a, the retaining net hook 33d, the cleaning housing 34, the water level gauge 35, the liquid nozzle 36, and a thermometer (not shown).

[0076] exist Figure 16 In the diagram, a circle is used to illustrate the defined range A, but the invention is not limited to this; it can also be other shapes such as ellipse or polygon, or as shown in the diagram. Figure 15 The example shown is the overlapping portion of two figures. Furthermore, the size and shape of the defined range A can be changed according to endoscope information such as type. The method for obtaining endoscope information is described in detail in Variation 1 of Example 1. The defined range A only needs to be one or more, and can also be as follows... Figure 16 As illustrated, it is installed in multiple locations.

[0077] exist Figure 16 In the example shown, E2a is a designated part of the endoscope, which illustrates the endoscope's scale lines. However, the present invention is not limited to this; any component that constitutes the endoscope, such as the endoscope tip, can be used.

[0078] After the determination step, the notification unit notifies the result of the determination (S111, notification step). The notification unit may notify both the case of "appropriate configuration" and the case of "inappropriate configuration", or it may only notify the case of "inappropriate configuration". In the latter case, if the determination result is "appropriate configuration", the regeneration processor 1 allows reprocessing (S110). The permission mentioned here may be that the regeneration processor automatically starts reprocessing, or it may be that the operation of reprocessing can be started by the operation unit 24 of the regeneration processor.

[0079] As a notification unit, any device capable of communicating with the decision function and having a notification function can be appropriately used. For example, the display unit 23 provided in the regeneration processor 21 or the display unit D5 of the observation terminal D can be used.

[0080] Notifications issued by the notification department can be based on visual information, auditory information, or other methods.

[0081] (Modification 1 of Example 1)

[0082] The control unit D3 can obtain the endoscope information of the endoscope E in step S101 before obtaining the image information (S103, observation step), and can also investigate whether the endoscope information of the endoscope E has been obtained.

[0083] Here, for example, endoscope information can be obtained by reading an RFID tag located on the endoscope E's endoscope connector E4, etc., by a reading device 27a provided in the regeneration processor body 21. That is, when the user brings the endoscope connector E4, etc., close to the reading device 27a, the control unit 27 obtains information related to the endoscope E (endoscope information) through the reading device 27a. The control unit 27 transmits the obtained endoscope information to the observation terminal D via wireless communication between the communication unit 26 and the communication unit D4. Thus, the control unit D3 obtains the endoscope information.

[0084] exist Figure 1 , 2 In this invention, a reading device 27a is disposed outside the processing tank 31, but the invention is not limited thereto, and the reading device 27a may also be disposed inside the processing tank 31.

[0085] Alternatively, if the reading device 40 is connected to the external connector D6, the control unit D3 can directly obtain information related to the endoscope E by bringing the endoscope connector E4 or similar components close to the reading device 40. Furthermore, the reading device can also be pre-installed in the observation terminal D.

[0086] Alternatively, the endoscope E can be photographed by the observation unit D1 or the observation unit D2, and the model of the endoscope E can be determined based on the shape and identification number identified by image recognition, etc., thereby enabling the control unit D3 to also obtain endoscope information.

[0087] Alternatively, the control unit D3 can also obtain endoscope information by the user manually inputting it or by using voice input.

[0088] Alternatively, the control unit D3 can also obtain endoscopic information by acquiring information from the medical records input into the external device during endoscopic diagnosis.

[0089] In step S101, if it is determined that no endoscope information has been obtained, the control unit D3 remains in standby mode. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S101 that endoscope information has been obtained, the control unit D3 proceeds to the next step.

[0090] (Modification 2 of Example 1)

[0091] Alternatively, the process can proceed from step S101 to step S102. In step S102, the control unit D3 investigates whether a trigger for starting imaging in the configuration state of the endoscope E has been generated. However, imaging and determination can be performed continuously instead of performing S102.

[0092] As a trigger, for example, the posture of the observation terminal D can be calculated based on the angle from the gyroscope sensor D7 when the user moves the top cover 11 from the fully open state to the closed state.

[0093] Alternatively, if the user inputs voice into the observation terminal D, the control unit D3 can also use the prescribed command recognized by voice recognition as a trigger to start shooting.

[0094] Alternatively, a switch (not shown) can be provided on hinge 11a that activates whenever the top cover 11 rotates a predetermined angle, and the activation signal generated by this switch can be used as a trigger to start shooting. In this case, control unit D3 can receive signals from the switch provided on hinge 11a via wired or wireless means.

[0095] Alternatively, the control unit D can be triggered by a user's prescribed operation on various switches, such as the foot pedal 28, located on the regeneration processor main body 21. In this case, the control unit D3 can receive a prescribed signal generated on the regeneration processor main body 21 due to the user's operation via wireless or wired communication between the communication unit 26 and the communication unit D4.

[0096] Alternatively, the control unit D3 can also be triggered by the user pressing the shooting button displayed on the display unit D5 of the observation terminal D.

[0097] In step S102, if it is determined that no trigger for the start of shooting has been generated, the control unit D3 remains in standby mode. On the other hand, in step S102, if it is determined that a trigger for the start of shooting has been generated, the control unit D3 proceeds to step S103, and takes a picture of the configuration state of the endoscope E arranged in the processing tank 31 through the observation unit D1 or the observation unit D2, and obtains an observation image P (observation step).

[0098] (Modification 3 of Example 1)

[0099] In Example 1, it is sufficient to observe one or more types of images; the observation terminal D can also capture multiple observation images of different types. Various shooting methods can be used to obtain multiple observation images P.

[0100] As a method for capturing multiple observation images of different types, it is also possible to capture images using light with different predetermined wavelengths (first wavelength, second wavelength). The wavelengths mentioned here are not limited to visible light, as described above, but also include far-infrared, infrared, or ultraviolet light. By using different wavelengths, the amount and position of reflection from the subject and its surroundings differ. Therefore, by comparing observation images with different wavelengths, it is possible to exclude undesirable images caused by halos from the selected object.

[0101] As a method to obtain multiple observation images P of different kinds, for example, images can be taken from different angles inside the processing tank 31. For example, after the endoscope E is placed in the processing tank 31, more than two observation images can be taken during the period from before the top cover 11 is closed to after it is closed, thereby obtaining images of the processing tank 31 taken from different angles. For example, using the gyroscope sensor disposed on the observation terminal D or the top cover 11, the control unit D3 can trigger the start of the shooting at each time when the observation terminal D changes to a predetermined angle according to the movement of the top cover 11. In this case, the user can be guided by voice using the observation terminal D or the endoscope regeneration processor 1 so that the speed of closing the top cover does not become too fast, and a known mechanism to prevent closing too quickly can be mounted on the hinge 11a.

[0102] For example, it can be based on Figure 9 The flowchart shown illustrates the process for obtaining multiple observation images P of different types. Furthermore, in... Figure 9 In the middle, to and Figure 8 The same processing steps are labeled with the same step numbers. When proceeding from step S103 to step S104, the control unit D3 investigates whether the observed image P captured in step S103 is the final image. This final image is the image captured with the top cover 11 fully closed (see reference). Figure 14 Furthermore, in this embodiment, the final image is an image captured with the processing slot 31 facing directly.

[0103] Then, if it is determined in step S104 that the observed image P captured this time is not the final image, the control unit D3 returns to step S102. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S104 that the observed image P captured this time is the final image, the control unit D3 proceeds to step S105. Note that it is also possible to determine whether it is the final image by detecting the state of the hinge 11a on the endoscope regeneration processor 1 side and sending the detected signal to the observation terminal D.

[0104] By repeatedly performing this process from step S102 to step S104, the control unit D3 acquires multiple (at least two) observation images P taken under different conditions during the period from before the top cover 11 is closed to after it is closed.

[0105] When proceeding from step S104 to step S105, the control unit D3 compares the acquired multiple observation images P to remove defective images or select an image for judgment. Specifically, when the processing tank 31 is made of a material such as stainless steel, depending on the angle at which the observation image P is captured, the insertion part E2 of the endoscope E may sometimes be reflected onto the surface of the processing tank 31, appearing as a virtual image on the observation image P. Additionally, due to reflections of light from indoor lamps in the processing tank, halos may sometimes appear in the image, resulting in a partial loss of the endoscopic image. Therefore, by comparing the observation images P captured from various angles, the control unit D3 can exclude defective images from the judgment criteria on the observation images P.

[0106] (Modification 4 of Example 1)

[0107] Specifically, the processing of step S108 in Embodiment 1 can, for example, be carried out according to Figure 11 The subroutine shown is executed.

[0108] That is, the control unit D3 extracts the last acquired image from the multiple acquired observation images P (S301).

[0109] When an image is extracted, the control unit D3 sets one or more specified ranges A on the extracted image as evaluation areas corresponding to the type of endoscope E, etc. (S302).

[0110] Next, the control unit D3 performs an evaluation within the specified range A, as shown in the above embodiment (S303).

[0111] As a result, if all the evaluation values ​​in the specified range A are appropriate, the control unit D determines that the endoscope E is in an appropriate configuration state (S307) and exits the subroutine.

[0112] On the other hand, if the evaluation value in at least any one of the specified ranges A is inappropriate, the control unit D extracts the image obtained one before the currently extracted image (S306) and returns to the processing in step S302.

[0113] However, if the currently extracted image is the first image obtained (in the case of "yes" in S305), the control unit D determines that the endoscope E configured in the processing slot 31 is in an inappropriate configuration state and exits the subroutine.

[0114] (Example 2)

[0115] In addition to the determination based on the configuration of a specific location illustrated in Example 1 (S108), a determination method different from S108 may also be implemented.

[0116] For example, such as Figure 9 As illustrated, after step S105, the control unit D3 can also determine whether the endoscope E is properly positioned in the processing slot 31 based on the ratio of a specific color in the observed image (S106).

[0117] For example, according to Figure 10 The subroutine shown is used to determine the configuration status of the endoscope based on the ratio of that specific color. When the subroutine starts, the control unit D3 extracts the observation image P obtained through the processing in step S103.

[0118] For example, if the insertion part E2 of the endoscope E is black, and the color of other parts such as the processing groove 31 is a color other than black, if the observation image P in the evaluation area A that reflects the insertion part E2 and the processing groove 31 is binarized (S202), the ratio of the two colors in the image can be used as an evaluation value to roughly determine the ratio of the insertion part E2 and the processing groove 31 in each evaluation area A. Therefore, if the ratio of the two colors when each endoscope E (insertion part E2) is properly arranged is calculated as a threshold, the control unit D3 can evaluate whether the endoscope E is properly arranged in each evaluation area A by comparing each threshold with each evaluation value (S203). The color of the endoscope and other colors in the image can be appropriately selected, for example, by setting the display of colors above the threshold as black and colors below the threshold as white through binarization processing.

[0119] Binarization can be applied to the entire captured image or to a specified area within the image. When applying binarization to a specified area, for example, binarization can be performed from the center of the image outwards, or binarization can be performed on a region defined starting from a specific marker.

[0120] When proceeding from step S203 to step S204, the control unit D3 investigates whether the evaluation value is appropriate. The method for determining appropriateness can be appropriately set based on factors such as the type of endoscope and the binarization threshold. For example, if the color ratio of the endoscope is below a specified ratio, it is determined that the configuration is appropriate.

[0121] Furthermore, if the endoscope is deemed to be properly configured, it can also be used as follows: Figure 10As illustrated, the control unit D3 enters step S207, and after determining that the endoscope E is properly configured in the processing slot 31, proceeds to exit the subroutine. However, the present invention is not limited to this; it may also be a process where, after determining in S106 that the endoscope is properly configured, S108 is executed, and the results of S106 and S108 are combined to make a final determination.

[0122] exist Figure 9 In the main program, when moving from step S106 to step S107, the control unit D3 investigates whether it was determined in step S106 that an endoscope E was properly configured in the processing tank 31.

[0123] Then, if the control unit D3 determines that the configuration is not appropriate after processing in step S106, it proceeds from step S107 to step S111, and exits the program after issuing a warning through the display unit 23 of the regeneration processor main body 21 or the display unit D5 of the observation terminal D.

[0124] On the other hand, if the control unit D3 determines that the configuration is appropriate after processing in step S106, it proceeds from step S107 to step S108 as described in Embodiment 1.

[0125] (Example 3)

[0126] If the configuration state is inappropriate, the notification unit may also notify the user of information to make the configuration state appropriate after Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2.

[0127] Information used to correct the configuration can be visual, auditory, or other methods. Examples of visually-based notifications include displaying the correct configuration on the notification screen or showing sample images of the incorrectly configured area and the correct configuration side-by-side. Examples of auditorily-based notifications include guiding the user to the correct configuration while simultaneously showing them the correct hand position.

[0128] (Example 4)

[0129] The configuration status of the endoscope E can also be determined using a decision system 50 containing a learned neural network. Figure 18 An example of a decision system using a neural network is shown.

[0130] The decision system 50 is, for example, constructed in the control unit D3. The decision system 50 is configured to have a variable acquisition unit 51, a decision parameter acquisition unit 52, and multiple neural networks 53 serving as decision units.

[0131] The variable acquisition unit 51 may be input with a variable group, such as the type of endoscope E, the type of endoscope regeneration processor 1, the type of observation terminal D, the position of the observation unit when the observation terminal D is configured, the type of observation unit, or the number of endoscopes E configured in the processing tank 31. Alternatively, it is not necessary to input all variables constituting the variable group into the variable acquisition unit 51; at least one variable selected from the variable group may be input as the variable input to the variable acquisition unit 51.

[0132] The determination parameter acquisition unit 52 generates determination parameters associated with the variables input to the variable acquisition unit 51, and outputs them to the corresponding neural network 53. That is, the determination parameter acquisition unit 52 determines one or more corresponding neural networks 53 based on the variable set, and outputs determination parameters to the neural network 53. Here, the determination parameters output to the neural network 53 can, for example, use pixel data of a detection range A set on the observed image P based on the variable set.

[0133] Each neural network 53 is configured to have: an input layer 53a, which is input with decision parameters from the decision parameter acquisition unit 52; an intermediate layer 53b, which performs calculations on the decision parameters input to the input layer 53a; and an output layer 53c, which outputs the calculation results of the intermediate layer 53b.

[0134] Here, the intermediate layer 53b is configured as an arrangement of multiple artificial neurons. In each artificial neuron, the rules for the operation from input to output, as well as multiple weighting coefficients for the operation, are set through pre-performed machine learning and other methods.

[0135] Furthermore, when the decision parameters are input to the input layer 53a, the intermediate layer 53b performs calculations in each artificial neuron, for example, for the detection range A, obtaining a probability of consistency of 90% (i.e., a probability that the endoscope E is properly configured is 90%) or a probability of consistency of 10% (i.e., a probability that the endoscope E is improperly configured is 10%). Then, the output layer 53c outputs the calculation result.

[0136] In this structure, it is also possible to reliably determine whether the endoscope E is configured in the processing slot 31 of the endoscope regeneration processor 1 in an appropriate configuration state.

[0137] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the structure for performing the first and second determinations in the control unit D3 of the observation terminal D has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first and second determinations can also be performed by the control unit 27 of the endoscope regeneration processor 1.

[0138] Alternatively, the control unit can be implemented using a computer consisting of one or more processors, logic circuits, memory, input / output interfaces, and computer-readable recording media. In this case, a program for implementing the functions of each component or the entire main unit can be recorded on a recording medium, and the computer system can read and execute the recorded program. For example, the processor is at least one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). For example, the logic circuit is at least one of an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and a FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0139] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and alterations are possible.

Claims

1. A method for determining the configuration status of an endoscope, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The observation step involves the observation unit acquiring multiple observation images of the configuration state of the endoscope disposed in the processing slot of the endoscope regeneration processor, wherein the multiple observation images are captured from different angles. The defective image removal step involves the determination unit removing defective images from the multiple observation images taken from different shooting angles based on the multiple observation images; The determination step includes at least a first determination method and a second determination method different from the first determination method. The first determination method is determined by the determination unit based on the observed image, using whether a specified part of the endoscope is included within a specified range defined by a specified part in the processing tank as a judgment criterion, to determine whether the configuration state is appropriate. The second determination method is determined by the determination unit based on the observed image, calculating the ratio of at least a portion of specific colors, and determining whether the configuration state is appropriate based on the comparison result of the ratio of the specific colors with a threshold. as well as The notification step, at least in the case where the configuration state is determined to be inappropriate, involves the notification unit notifying the result of the determination. The specified part within the processing groove is the pin that holds the retaining mesh of the endoscope, and the specified part of the endoscope is the scale line of the insertion part. The insertion parts of the endoscope, which are wound around the retaining mesh of the processing groove, are configured in a state where they are not tightly attached to each other as an appropriate configuration.

2. The method for determining the configuration status of an endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The endoscope configuration status determination method includes an endoscope information acquisition step, in which the endoscope information is acquired by an endoscope information reading unit. The determination unit changes at least one of the specified location and the specified range based on the endoscope information.

3. The method for determining the configuration status of an endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The observation steps include at least two observation methods.

4. The method for determining the configuration status of an endoscope according to claim 3, characterized in that, The observation steps include: A first observation method, wherein the observation unit observes the configuration state of the endoscope from a first angle; and The second observation method involves the observation unit observing the configuration state of the endoscope from a second angle different from the first angle.

5. The method for determining the configuration status of an endoscope according to claim 4, characterized in that, Relative to the main body of the endoscope regeneration processor, one end of the cover that opens and closes the processing tank is rotatable while the other end is fixed. In the observation step, The observation section is disposed on the surface of the cover. The first observation method and the second observation method are implemented by changing the opening and closing angle of the cover.

6. The method for determining the configuration status of an endoscope according to claim 3, characterized in that, The observation steps include: The third observation method involves irradiating the endoscope with light of a first wavelength and observing the configuration of the endoscope using the observation section; and The fourth observation method involves irradiating the endoscope with light of a second wavelength that is different from the first wavelength, and the observation unit observes the configuration state of the endoscope.

7. The method for determining the configuration status of an endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The endoscope configuration status determination method includes an endoscope information acquisition step, in which the endoscope information reading unit acquires endoscope information. The determination unit changes the threshold based on the endoscopic information.

8. The method for determining the configuration status of an endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the configuration is inappropriate, The notification department provides information to make the configuration status appropriate.

9. The method for determining the configuration status of an endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The variable acquisition part acquires the variable. The decision-making unit performs the decision based on decision parameters associated with the variable.

10. The method for determining the configuration status of an endoscope according to claim 9, characterized in that, The variable is selected from at least one of the group consisting of the type of endoscope, the type of endoscope regeneration processor, the type of observation unit, and the number of endoscopes disposed in the processing tank.

11. The method for determining the configuration status of an endoscope according to claim 9, characterized in that, The decision parameter acquisition unit acquires the decision parameters input to the decision unit after machine learning.

12. The method for determining the configuration status of an endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the determination step, starting from the observation image obtained later as a time series, it is sequentially determined whether a second part, which is a predetermined part of the endoscope, is included within a predetermined range starting from a first part, which is a predetermined part within the processing tank.

13. The method for determining the configuration status of an endoscope according to claim 12, characterized in that, The last observed image obtained as part of the time series was taken with the lid of the processing tank closed during the opening and closing process. In the determination step, starting from the last observed image, it is sequentially determined whether the second part is included within a predetermined range starting from the first part, which is a predetermined part within the processing tank.

14. A control device, characterized in that, The control device has a processor. The processor performs the following processing: Multiple observation images of the configuration state of the endoscope configured in the processing slot of the endoscope regeneration processor are obtained, and the multiple observation images are captured from different angles; Based on the multiple observation images, defective images are removed from the multiple observation images taken from different angles; Images were captured of a first portion, which is a designated area within the processing tank, and a second portion, which is a designated area of ​​the endoscope. as well as Determine whether the second part is included within a predetermined range from the first part, calculate the ratio of at least a portion of a specific color, compare the ratio of the specific color with a threshold value, and determine whether the configuration state is appropriate. The specified part within the processing groove is the pin that holds the retaining mesh of the endoscope, and the specified part of the endoscope is the scale line of the insertion part. The insertion parts of the endoscope, which are wound around the retaining mesh of the processing groove, are configured in a state where they are not tightly attached to each other as an appropriate configuration.

15. A recording medium having a program recorded thereon, the program causing a computer to perform the following processes: Multiple observation images of the configuration state of the endoscope configured in the processing slot of the endoscope regeneration processor are obtained, and the multiple observation images are captured from different angles; Remove defective images from the multiple observation images taken from different angles; Starting with the last observed image obtained as a time series, it is sequentially determined whether a second part, which is a predetermined part of the endoscope, is included within a predetermined range starting from a first part, which is a predetermined part within the processing tank, and whether the configuration state is appropriate. as well as Based on the observed image, the ratio of at least a portion of specific colors is calculated, and the ratio of the specific colors is compared with a threshold value to determine whether the configuration state is appropriate. The specified part within the processing groove is the pin that holds the retaining mesh of the endoscope, and the specified part of the endoscope is the scale line of the insertion part. The insertion parts of the endoscope, which are wound around the retaining mesh of the processing groove, are configured in a state where they are not tightly attached to each other as an appropriate configuration.

Images