Endoscope system

Abstract

To provide an endoscope system capable of reducing an operator's burden by enhancing the convenience of various types of endoscopes.SOLUTION: An endoscope system 1 includes: a control device 30; an endoscope 10 that is connected to the control device; and a tag holder 20 that has an RFID tag 21 for storing related information of the endoscope 10 as one of a plurality of types of endoscopes with different usable number of times. The control device 30 includes: a communication unit 34 that performs wireless communication with the RFID tag 21; an arithmetic unit 31 that acquires related information from the RFID tag 21 via the communication unit 34 and determines whether or not the endoscope 10 is usable based on the acquired related information; and an image signal generation unit 33 that generates an image signal of an observation image from the endoscope 10 when the endoscope 10 is determined to be usable, and does not generate the image signal when the endoscope 10 is determined to be unusable.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope system. [Background technology]

[0002] The endoscope has an insertion section that houses an observation optical system including an objective lens and an optical fiber bundle, and a base section that supports the insertion section and is held by an operator such as a surgeon. The light of the observation image that enters the observation optical system is received by an image fiber and an image sensor built into the endoscope and converted into an image signal. A controller connected to the endoscope converts the image signal into a video signal that can be displayed by a monitor, and outputs it to the monitor.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a treatment tool management system that includes a treatment tool with an IC tag and an endoscope device with an IC tag reader. The endoscope device reads a flag recorded in the treatment tool's IC tag and determines whether the treatment tool has been used. Patent Document 1 uses this determination to prevent a used treatment tool from being mistakenly reused. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-255698 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Conventionally, endoscopes have been sterilized or disposed of after each surgery. Currently, there are several types of endoscopes that have different numbers of times they can be used, such as endoscopes that can be used an unlimited number of times, endoscopes that can be used a limited number of times, and endoscopes that are limited to single use (i.e., disposable). Medical institutions often manage a large number of such various endoscopes, and the number of items to be checked and set for the endoscope increases, which increases the burden on operators such as practitioners when using them.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an endoscopic system that can reduce the burden on operators by improving the convenience of various types of endoscopes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An endoscopic system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a control device, an endoscope connected to the control device, and a tag holder having an RFID tag that stores related information of the endoscope as one of multiple types of endoscopes with different numbers of times it can be used, and the control device includes a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the RFID tag, a calculation unit that acquires the related information from the RFID tag via the communication unit and determines whether or not the endoscope can be used from the acquired related information, and an image signal generation unit that generates an image signal of an image observed by the endoscope when it is determined that the endoscope can be used, and does not generate the image signal when it is determined that the endoscope cannot be used.

[0008] Determining whether the endoscope is usable or not may include confirming whether the endoscope is usable multiple times without limit, multiple times with limited limit, or single time.

[0009] The control device may include an input unit that receives an operation by an operator. The image signal generating unit may adjust the image signal based on an adjustment item selected via the input unit and preset for the endoscope. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an endoscope system that can reduce the burden on an operator by improving the convenience of various types of endoscopes. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an endoscope system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2]1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of an endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a tag holder according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or similar reference numerals are used to designate the same functions and configurations, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In the following description, the term "operator" refers to a person who uses the endoscope system according to this embodiment, such as a surgeon, an assistant, or other assistants.

[0013] The endoscope system according to this embodiment is a device that displays an observation image obtained by an endoscope on a monitor. The endoscope according to this embodiment is one of several types of endoscopes that have different numbers of times that they can be used. These endoscopes are classified into endoscopes that can be used multiple times without limit (hereinafter referred to as reusable endoscopes), endoscopes that can be used a limited number of times (hereinafter referred to as semi-disposable endoscopes), and endoscopes that are limited to single use (hereinafter referred to as disposable endoscopes). In other words, the number of times that each endoscope can be used is predetermined. The number of times that a semi-disposable endoscope can be used is set to a value that takes into consideration the durability, specifications, purpose, observation target, etc. of the endoscope.

[0014] When a usable endoscope is connected to the control device, the endoscope system displays the observation image on the monitor. On the other hand, when an unusable endoscope is connected to the control device, the endoscope system does not display the observation image on the monitor. Instead, an image signal is output to the monitor informing the operator that the number of attempts has been exceeded and / or that the endoscope is unusable. Through such operations, the operator can easily determine whether the endoscope he or she is attempting to use is usable or not.

[0015] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an endoscope system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the endoscope system 1 includes an endoscope 10, a tag holder 20, and a control device 30. This embodiment will be described by taking an ophthalmic endoscope as an example of the endoscope 10. However, the endoscope applied to the endoscope system 1 is not limited to an intraocular endoscope. In other words, the endoscope 10 is configured according to its intended use, and has equipment suited to that intended use.

[0016] First, the endoscope 10 will be described. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the endoscope 10. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 2. As described above, the endoscope 10 is an intraocular endoscope as an example, which is inserted into a human eyeball to observe fundus tissue such as the retina. As shown in Fig. 2, the endoscope 10 includes an insertion section 11, a base section 12, a cord (cable) 13, and two plugs 14A and 14B.

[0017] The insertion part 11 has a tubular shape to be inserted into the eyeball, and includes an outer tube (skin) 15 that defines its outer shape. The outer tube 15 is a hollow tubular member. An optical fiber bundle 42 of an observation optical system 41 and an optical fiber bundle 46 of an illumination optical system 45 are housed inside the outer tube 15.

[0018] The optical fiber bundle 42 of the observation optical system 41 is composed of a number of optical fibers 43. The optical fiber bundle 42 extends from the tip 11a through the cord 13 to the plug 14A, and transmits light focused by an objective lens (not shown) attached to the tip 11a to the control device 30.

[0019] The optical fiber bundle 46 of the illumination optical system 45 is composed of a large number of optical fibers 47. The optical fiber bundle 46 extends from the tip 11a to the plug 14B via the cord 13, and transmits light emitted from the light source 39 to the tip 11a, irradiating the observation area with the light. The light source 39 may be provided as a device separate from the control device 30 (see FIG. 1), or may be built into the control device 30.

[0020] The base 12 is a rod-shaped member thicker than the insertion portion 11, and supports the insertion portion 11 while functioning as a gripping portion to be gripped by the surgeon. A cord 13 is connected to the rear end of the base 12. The cord 13 houses the optical fiber bundle 42 and the optical fiber bundle 46, and branches at its end into a cord 13a that houses the optical fiber bundle 42 and a cord 13b that houses the optical fiber bundle 46.

[0021] A plug 14A is attached to the end of the cord 13a, and the plug 14A is inserted into a socket (not shown) provided in the control device 30. This optical fiber bundle 42 is optically coupled to the optical path to an image sensor 36 such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) provided in the control device 30. Similarly, a plug 14B is attached to the end of the cord 13b, and the plug 14B is inserted into a socket (not shown) provided in the light source 39. This optical fiber bundle 46 is optically coupled to the optical path from the light source 39.

[0022] Next, the tag holder 20 will be described. 1, the tag holder 20 includes an RFID tag 21 that can be read by wireless communication with a communication unit 34 (described later) of the control device 30. In other words, the tag holder 20 accommodates (holds) the RFID tag 21 therein. The tag holder 20 is connected to the endoscope 10 via a connecting cord 22. The connecting cord 22 connects, for example, between a gripping portion 23 of the tag holder 20 and a plug 14A of the endoscope 10.

[0023] 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the tag holder 20 according to this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the tag holder 20 is formed as a cylindrical plug to be inserted into a socket 40 of the control device 30. However, the shape of the tag holder 20 is arbitrary as long as it has a shape that allows it to be temporarily held by the control device 30. For example, the tag holder 20 may be shaped like a rectangular card having a predetermined thickness. The control device 30 is also not limited to the above-mentioned socket 40, and may have a mechanism for temporarily holding the tag holder 20 depending on the shape of the tag holder 20.

[0024] Tag holder 20 is inserted into socket 40. After tag holder 20 is inserted into socket 40, it may be temporarily locked by locking mechanism 24 provided on tag holder 20 and socket 40. In this case, locking mechanism 24 is composed of, for example, groove 25 formed in tag holder 20 and ball plunger 26 provided on the peripheral wall of socket 40.

[0025] The tag holder 20 may be formed integrally with the plug 14A. That is, the plug 14A may also function as the tag holder 20. In this case, the RFID tag 21 is embedded in the plug 14A.

[0026] The RFID tag 21 is an electronic tag of a known configuration having an antenna, a communication unit that communicates with a communication unit 34 (described later) of the control device 30 using the antenna, a storage unit, and a control unit that controls these. The RFID tag 21 is a so-called passive tag, and stores the above-mentioned information related to the endoscope 10. The RFID tag 21 may be a so-called active tag, but from the viewpoint of making the tag holder 20 smaller and lighter, a passive tag that does not require a battery is advantageous.

[0027] When the tag holder 20 is properly inserted into the socket 40, the RFID tag 21 is accommodated in a position that allows wireless communication with the communication unit 34. Such a position is, for example, the tip side portion of the tag holder 20 as shown in Fig. 4. The position of the RFID tag 21 in the tag holder 20 can be set arbitrarily as long as it allows communication with the communication unit 34. However, in either case, the surrounding portion of the RFID tag 21 is formed of a non-magnetic material so that wireless communication can be performed between the tag holder 20 and the communication unit 34.

[0028] The RFID tag 21 stores relevant information about the endoscope 10. This relevant information is one of a number of types of endoscopes that have different usable times. That is, the endoscope 10 is one of a reusable endoscope, a semi-disposable endoscope, and a disposable endoscope, and the RFID tag 21 stores relevant information about the endoscope having the tag. The usable number is the current number of times that the endoscope 10 can be used (i.e., the remaining number), and its initial value (i.e., the maximum value) is set in advance. The relevant information is sent to the calculation unit 31 of the control device 30 via the communication unit 34.

[0029] The related information includes, for example, identification information of the endoscope 10 (e.g., a serial number), the type by application, the model, the manufacturing date, an infinite multiple use flag, a finite multiple use flag, a used flag, an expiration date, the cumulative number of uses, the number of times that the device can be used, etc. The related information may selectively include any of these information depending on the specifications of the endoscope.

[0030] Next, the control device 30 will be described. 1, the control device 30 includes a calculation unit 31, a storage unit 32, an image signal generation unit 33, a communication unit 34, and an input unit 35. The calculation unit 31 includes a calculation circuit including a CPU, and reads programs stored in the storage unit 32 to execute various processes and control each circuit. The storage unit 32 is composed of memories such as RAM and ROM, and stores at least the programs executed by the calculation unit 31. The calculation unit 31 also includes a timer circuit that measures time. The timer circuit may be constructed using a timer element, or may be virtually constructed by executing software.

[0031] The image signal generating unit 33 includes an image signal processing circuit including an analog front end (AFE) and a digital signal processor (DSP), and converts the detection signal of the observation image output by the image sensor 36 into an image signal of the observation image. The image signal generating unit 33 can also receive image data stored in the storage unit 32 via the calculation unit 31, and generate an image signal of an image based on the image data. For example, it can also display an image corresponding to the number of times N that the endoscope 10 can be used. Furthermore, the image signal generating unit 33 includes an interface circuit that outputs an image signal indicating the observation image to the monitor 50.

[0032] The communication unit 34 is a so-called RFID reader / writer, and includes an antenna (or coil) and a transmitting / receiving circuit, and performs wireless communication with the RFID tag 21. This wireless communication is near field communication (NFC) defined by standards such as ISO / IEC or JIS.

[0033] The input unit 35 is an interface circuit between the control device 30 and an operator. The input unit 35 is composed of a switch, a touch panel, or the like, and receives operations by the operator. The input unit 35 detects the operation by the operator and outputs the detection signal to the calculation unit 31.

[0034] The control device 30 may include a count display unit 37. The count display unit 37 is a display circuit configured with a 7-segment LED or a liquid crystal panel, etc. The count display unit 37 displays the number of times N that the endoscope 10 can be used based on the control of the calculation unit 31. The number of times N that the endoscope 10 can be used may be displayed on the monitor 50 by an image signal generated by the image signal generation unit 33. In this case, the number display unit 37 may be omitted. In either case, the remaining number of times that the endoscope 10 can be used can be intuitively understood.

[0035] The control device 30 may include an alarm unit 38. The alarm unit 38 is a sound wave generating circuit constituted by a speaker, a buzzer, or the like. When the usable number of times N is zero, the alarm unit 38 generates an alarm sound under the control of the calculation unit 31. A warning using sound is more likely to draw the operator's attention than a display of the usable number of times N. Therefore, it is possible to strongly urge the operator to replace the endoscope 10.

[0036] Next, the operation of the endoscope system 1 will be described. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the endoscope system 1. In the initial state of the endoscope system 1, the plug 14A of the observation optical system is already inserted into a socket (not shown) of the control device 30, and the two are optically connected. In addition, the plug 14B of the illumination optical system is already inserted into a socket (not shown) of the light source 39, and the two are optically connected. Meanwhile, the tag holder 20 has not yet been inserted into the socket 40 (see FIG. 4). In addition, the image signal generating unit 33 does not generate an image signal of an observation image, and the monitor 50 remains invisible. In addition, when the plug 14A also serves as the tag holder 20, in the initial state, the plug 14A is not inserted into the socket.

[0037] From the above-mentioned state, first, the tag holder 20 is inserted into the socket 40 (see FIG. 4) (step S11). The calculation unit 31 attempts to detect the RFID tag 21 by transmitting a data read command or the like to the RFID tag 21 via the communication unit 34. When the RFID tag 21 is detected, the calculation unit 31 acquires related information of the endoscope 10 from the RFID tag 21 via the communication unit 34 (step S12).

[0038] Next, the calculation unit 31 determines whether the endoscope 10 can be used (steps S13 to S17). As described below, this determination may include confirmation of any of unlimited multiple use, finite multiple use, and single use.

[0039] First, the calculation unit 31 checks from the related information whether or not there is a limit on the number of times the endoscope 10 can be used (step S13). For example, the calculation unit 31 checks from the related information whether or not an infinite multiple use flag is enabled. If there is no limit on the number of times the endoscope 10 can be used (NO in step S13), the endoscope 10 is determined to be a reusable endoscope, and the process proceeds to step S18.

[0040] On the other hand, if there is a limit on the number of uses (YES in step S13), the endoscope 10 can be determined to be a semi-disposable endoscope or a disposable endoscope. Therefore, the calculation unit 31 checks whether or not a finite number of uses is set (step S14). For example, it checks whether or not a finite number of uses flag is enabled from the acquired related information. If a finite number of uses is set (YES in step S14), the endoscope 10 can be determined to be a semi-disposable endoscope. Conversely, if a finite number of uses is not set (NO in step S14), the endoscope 10 is an endoscope that can be used only once. In other words, the endoscope 10 can be determined to be a disposable endoscope.

[0041] If the endoscope 10 is determined to be a semi-disposable endoscope, the calculation unit 31 determines whether the usable number N acquired as related information is 1 or more (step S16). If the usable number N is 0 (NO in step S16), the endoscope 10 is determined to be unusable, and the process proceeds to step S23. If the usable number N is 1 or more (YES in step S16), the endoscope 10 is determined to be usable, and the process proceeds to step S18.

[0042] Disposable endoscopes are usually limited in use within a specified period (i.e., validity period) to ensure a sterilized state. Therefore, if the endoscope 10 is determined to be a disposable endoscope, the calculation unit 31 checks the validity period of the endoscope 10 from the acquired related information (step S15). If the date of confirmation of the validity period is not within the validity period of the endoscope 10 (NO in step S15), the endoscope 10 is determined to be unusable, and the process proceeds to step S23.

[0043] On the other hand, if the expiration date confirmation date is within the expiration date of the endoscope 10 (YES in step S15), the calculation unit 31 further judges whether or not the endoscope 10 has been used from the acquired related information (step S17). For example, the calculation unit 31 checks whether or not the used flag stored in the RFID tag 21 is valid, or whether or not a used tag has been written to the RFID tag 21. If the endoscope 10 has been used (YES in step S17), it is determined that the endoscope 10 is unusable, and the process proceeds to step S23. If the endoscope 10 is unused (NO in step S17), it is determined that the endoscope 10 is usable, and the process proceeds to step S18.

[0044] As described above, if it is determined that the endoscope 10 is unusable, the process proceeds to step S23. In step S23, the image signal generating unit 33 does not generate an image signal of the observation image. As a result, no image of the observation image appears on the monitor 50. The monitor 50 is supposed to display the observation image. Therefore, it is highly likely that the operator (particularly the surgeon) is paying attention to the monitor 50. Because no observation image appears on the monitor 50, treatment cannot be performed using the endoscope 10, and it is immediately clear that the endoscope 10 is unusable. This makes it possible to prevent the misuse of an endoscope that is unusable due to an expiration date or the like.

[0045] When the process proceeds to step S23, the image signal generating unit 33 may generate an image signal indicating that the endoscope 10 cannot be used. In this case, an image indicating that the endoscope 10 cannot be used is displayed on the monitor 50. Because an image indicating that the endoscope 10 cannot be used is displayed, it can be immediately understood that the problem is not a malfunction of the endoscopic system 1, but that the endoscope 10 cannot be used.

[0046] If an alarm unit 38 is provided, in addition to the process of step S23, an alarm sound may be output from the alarm unit 38 (step S24). Even if the operator overlooks the usable number N displayed on the number display unit 37 or monitor 50, or if the operator is in a place where the number display unit 37 or monitor 50 cannot be seen, the operator can immediately understand that the endoscope 10 cannot be used by the notification using sound. When the process of step S23 or step S24 has been executed, the series of processes ends.

[0047] As described above, if it is determined that the endoscope 10 is usable, the process proceeds to step S18. In step S18, an operation by the operator on the input unit 35 is accepted. Specifically, the operator selects an adjustment item related to the display of the observation image that has been preset for the endoscope 10 via the input unit 35. If the operator has operated the input unit 35 (YES in step S18), the image signal generation unit 33 adjusts the image signal to be output to the monitor 50 based on the adjustment item selected via the input unit 35 and preset for the endoscope 10 (step S19).

[0048] The adjustment items related to the display of the observation image are, for example, focal length, viewing direction, angle of view, zoom amount, color tone, contrast, and brightness, which are associated with the identification information of the endoscope 10 and stored in advance in the storage unit 32. Furthermore, the adjustment items are selected according to the type of the endoscope 10, for example, the surgeon identifies the affected area from the change in color of the tissue. Meanwhile, the observation image displayed on the monitor 50 changes depending on the type of the endoscope 10. Therefore, it is necessary to make the observation image displayed on the monitor 50 match the one expected by the surgeon. In step S18, the optimal value (combination of multiple adjustment items, if there are multiple adjustment items) for reducing the discomfort felt by the surgeon from the displayed observation image is automatically selected according to the type based on the identification information, and the operator can further fine-tune the value using the input unit 35 according to the situation. By selecting such adjustment items, the color tone of the image is immediately adjusted, and the surgeon can omit the adjustment each time. In other words, the burden on the operator in adjusting the image can be reduced.

[0049] In parallel with the generation of the image signal of the observed image, the calculation unit 31 updates the usage history of the endoscope 10. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed during which the RFID tag 21 was detected (step S21). That is, in step S21, it is determined whether or not the tag holder 20 has been inserted to a predetermined position in the socket 40 for a predetermined time or more. This determination can be made, for example, by determining whether or not the continuous communication time between the communication unit 34 and the RFID tag 21 has elapsed for a predetermined time. The above-mentioned predetermined time can be set arbitrarily, and is, for example, about 30 seconds, taking into consideration the time it takes to notice the erroneous insertion of the tag holder 20.

[0050] If the period during which the RFID tag 21 is detected does not elapse for a predetermined time (NO in step S21), the calculation unit 31 determines that the tag holder 20 has been removed from the socket 40 or shifted from a predetermined position within the socket 40, and ends the series of processes. This makes it possible to prevent the subtraction of the usable number of times N (step S18) from being executed due to accidental insertion, removal, or shifting of the tag holder 20.

[0051] On the other hand, if the period during which the RFID tag 21 is detected has elapsed for a predetermined time (YES in step S21), the calculation unit 31 updates the usage history of the endoscope 10 (step S22). The specific process for updating the usage history differs depending on the type of the endoscope 10.

[0052] When the endoscope 10 is a reusable endoscope, the RFID tag 21 stores the cumulative number of uses as information related to the endoscope 10. The calculation unit 31 adds 1 to the acquired cumulative number of uses and writes the value to the RFID tag 21. The number of uses display unit 37 may display the updated cumulative number of uses. The updated cumulative number of uses can be confirmed using an RFID tag reader (not shown) or the like. For example, by checking this cumulative number of uses when inspecting the endoscope, it is possible to appropriately consider replacing it with a new one, for example.

[0053] When the endoscope 10 is a semi-disposable endoscope, the RFID tag 21 stores the number of times it can be used N as information related to the endoscope 10. The calculation unit 31 subtracts 1 from the acquired number of times it can be used N and writes the value to the RFID tag 21. At this time, the calculation unit 31 may display the updated number of times it can be used N on the monitor 50 or the number display unit 37. The displayed value is the remaining number of times the endoscope 10 can be used, including the current surgery. Therefore, the operator can immediately understand how many times the endoscope 10 currently being used can be used.

[0054] When the endoscope 10 is a disposable endoscope, the RFID tag 21 stores a used flag as information related to the endoscope 10. The calculation unit 31 activates the used flag stored in the RFID tag 21. Alternatively, the calculation unit 31 writes a new tag indicating that the endoscope 10 has been used into the RFID tag 21. This sets that the endoscope 10 has been used.

[0055] The order of steps S13 and S14 may be reversed. That is, in step S14, it is determined whether a finite number of uses is set, and if multiple uses are set, the process of step S13 is executed. If there is no limit on the number of uses, it can be determined that the endoscope is a reusable endoscope, and if there is a limit on the number of uses, it can be determined that the endoscope is a semi-disposable endoscope. In the former case, the process proceeds to step S18, and in the latter case, the process proceeds to step S16.

[0056] Furthermore, instead of executing the processes of steps S13 and S14, it may be determined whether the endoscope 10 is a reusable endoscope, a semi-disposable endoscope, or a disposable endoscope based on the identification information read from the RFID tag 21. If the endoscope 10 is determined to be a reusable endoscope, the process proceeds to step S18, and if the endoscope 10 is determined to be a semi-disposable endoscope, the process proceeds to step S16. Also, if the endoscope 10 is determined to be a disposable endoscope, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0057] In this embodiment, the type of endoscope, which has a different number of times it can be used, is identified, and the usability of the endoscope is judged according to the identified type. As a result, it is possible to prevent misuse of the endoscope, and the management burden associated with this can be reduced. Furthermore, by simply selecting a preset adjustment value (optimum value) according to the identified endoscope, it is possible to display an observation image having a desired color tone, etc. In other words, it is possible to increase the convenience of the endoscope and reduce the burden on the operator.

[0058] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but is defined by the claims, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1...endoscopic system, 10...endoscope, 11...insertion section, 11a...tip section, 12...base section, 13...cord, 14A...plug, 14B...plug, 15...outer tube, 20...tag holder, 21...RFID tag, 22...connecting rope, 23...holding section, 24...locking mechanism, 25...groove, 26...ball plunger, 30...control device, 31...arithmetic section, 32...storage section, 33...image signal generating section, 34...communication section, 35...input section, 36...image sensor, 37...count display section, 38...alarm section, 39...light source, 40...socket, 41...observation optical system, 42...optical fiber bundle, 43...optical fiber, 45...illumination optical system, 46...optical fiber bundle, 47...optical fiber, 50...monitor

Claims

1. A control device; an endoscope connected to the control device; a tag holder having an RFID tag that stores information related to the endoscope as one of a plurality of types of endoscopes having different usable times; Equipped with The control device includes: A communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the RFID tag; a calculation unit that acquires the related information from the RFID tag via the communication unit and determines whether or not the endoscope can be used based on the acquired related information; an image signal generating unit which generates an image signal of an image observed by the endoscope when it is determined that the endoscope is usable, and does not generate the image signal when it is determined that the endoscope is unusable; 23. An endoscope system comprising:

2. The determination of whether the endoscope is usable includes determining whether the endoscope is usable for unlimited multiple use, limited multiple use, or single use. The endoscope system according to claim 1 .

3. The control device includes an input unit that receives an operation by an operator, The image signal generating unit adjusts the image signal based on an adjustment item selected via the input unit and set in advance for the endoscope. The endoscope system according to claim 1 .

Images