System

Abstract

To provide a system capable of determining a state of a light emitting part in a light source device connected to an endoscope.SOLUTION: A light source device that includes a light emitting unit and a sensor that measures a characteristic value of the light emitting unit and is capable of supplying light emitted from the light emitting unit to an endoscope, wherein the processor performs light emission control for causing the light emitting unit to emit light under a first condition in a first case where an endoscope is not connected to the light source device or in a second case where the endoscope is connected to the light source device and the endoscope is in an unused state, acquires a characteristic value of the light emitting unit that emits light by the light emission control from the sensor, and determines a state of the light emitting unit on the basis of the characteristic value and a reference value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a light source device having a plurality of LEDs (light emitting diodes), each of which emits illumination light of a different color to illuminate a subject; an LED drive unit that generates a drive current for each LED; an optical sensor that detects the illuminance value of the illumination light of each LED; a memory that stores, as a table, illuminance values ​​within a predetermined range corresponding to the drive current when each LED is emitting light normally; and a control unit that refers to the table and determines whether the illuminance value of any of the LEDs detected by any of the optical sensors is an illuminance value within a predetermined range corresponding to the drive current, and if it determines that the illuminance value of any of the LEDs is not an illuminance value within the predetermined range, detects an abnormality in one of the optical sensors or one of the LEDs. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 56477 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technology of the present disclosure provides a system capable of determining the state of a light-emitting unit in a light source device connected to an endoscope. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A system according to one aspect of the disclosed technology comprises a light source device having a light emitting unit and a sensor for measuring a characteristic value of the light emitting unit and capable of supplying light emitted by the light emitting unit to an endoscope, and a processor, wherein the processor performs light emission control to cause the light emitting unit to emit light under a first condition in a first case in which an endoscope is not connected to the light source device, or in a second case in which an endoscope is connected to the light source device but is in an unused state, acquires a characteristic value of the light emitting unit emitted by the light emission control from the sensor, and determines the state of the light emitting unit based on the characteristic value and a reference value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the technique of the present disclosure, it is possible to determine the state of a light-emitting unit in a light source device connected to an endoscope. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external view showing an endoscope device 2 according to one embodiment of the disclosed technique. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the light source unit 30 shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the light-emitting unit 31 shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example (part 1) of the control unit 40. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a specific example of step S13 and step S14 shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a second example of processing by the control unit 40. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example (part 3) of the control unit 40. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] FIG. 1 is an external view showing an endoscopic device 2 according to one aspect of the technology of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscopic device 2 includes an endoscope 10, a control device 11, and a display device 19. The control device 11 includes a light source unit 30 and a control unit 40, and the control unit 40 performs overall control of the entire endoscopic device 2 in accordance with operations input by an operator via an input device (such as an operation switch, keyboard, or mouse). The control unit 40 includes a processor and a memory. The control unit 40 may be provided in a device separate from the control device 11. The control device 11 forms a system including a light source device and a processor.

[0009] The endoscope 10 is exemplified as a flexible endoscope, and includes a flexible insertion section 13 that is inserted into a body cavity of a patient, an operation section 15 provided at the base end portion of the insertion section 13, a universal cord 17 provided on the operation section 15, and an endoscope connector 18 that is provided at the end of the universal cord 17 and connected to a connector 12 of the control device 11. The endoscope 10 is not limited to a flexible endoscope, and may be another type of endoscope such as a rigid endoscope.

[0010] An observation window, an illumination window, etc. are provided on the distal end surface of the insertion section 13. A distal end section 14 constituting the distal end of the insertion section 13 is provided with an imaging section and the like including an objective optical system that forms an optical image from subject light from the observation site taken in by the observation window, and an imaging element that converts the optical image formed by the objective optical system into an image signal. The imaging element is, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, etc. The imaging section is controlled by the control section 40.

[0011] The image signal output from the imaging unit is transmitted to the endoscope connector 18 via a transmission cable that is inserted through the insertion unit 13, the operation unit 15, and the interior of the universal cord 17 to the endoscope connector 18. The control unit 40 processes this image signal to generate an image to be displayed, and performs display control to output and display this image on the display device 19. The control unit 40 starts the display control when, for example, an examination start button provided on the input device is operated, and ends the display control when an examination end button provided on the input device is operated.

[0012] A light emitting portion of a light guide that transmits light to be irradiated onto the observation site from the illumination window is disposed at the tip portion 14. The light guide is inserted through the insertion portion 13, the operation portion 15, and the inside of the universal cord 17 to the endoscope connector 18. A light guide rod 20 that is connected to the light guide is provided so as to protrude from the endoscope connector 18.

[0013] The operation unit 15 includes an angle knob for adjusting the orientation of the tip surface of the insertion unit 13 in the up, down, left, and right directions, an air supply / water supply button for ejecting air and water from the tip surface of the insertion unit 13, and a release button for recording captured images as still images. The orientation of the tip surface of the insertion unit 13 is adjusted by bending a bending portion provided near the base end of the tip portion 14.

[0014] The universal cord 17 is covered with a tubular, elongated, flexible outer wall portion. The transmission cable, light guide, air supply / water supply tubes, etc., which are inserted and disposed inside the insertion section 13 and the hollow portion inside the operation section 15, are inserted and disposed inside the tube inside the outer wall portion.

[0015] The endoscope connector 18 is connected to the connector 12 of the control device 11. The endoscope connector 18 and the connector 12 allow the supply of power from the control device 11 to the endoscope 10, the transmission of image signals from the endoscope 10 to the control device 11, and the transmission and reception of control signals between the endoscope 10 and the control device 11 to be performed non-contact, preferably without the connection of physical electrical wires. The supply of power from the control device 11 to the endoscope 10, the transmission of image signals from the endoscope 10 to the control device 11, and the transmission and reception of control signals between the endoscope 10 and the control device 11 may be performed by physical electrical wires.

[0016] The control device 11 is equipped with a light source unit 30, which is one aspect of a light source device. The light source unit 30 has a plurality of light-emitting units including semiconductor devices such as laser diodes or light-emitting diodes. When the endoscope connector 18 is attached to the connector 12 of the control device 11, the light guide rod 20 of the endoscope 10 is connected to the light source unit 30 via the connector 12, and the light emitting unit of the light source unit 30 is aligned with the light guide rod 20. As a result, light from the light source unit 30 is transmitted to the tip 14 of the endoscope 10 via the light guide rod 20 and the light guide.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the light source unit 30 shown in FIG. The light source unit 30 is provided with, inside a housing 37, a plurality of (four in the illustrated example) light-emitting units 31 that generate light of different colors, optical members (dichroic mirror 34, dichroic mirror 35, and dichroic mirror 36) configured to be able to introduce one or more lights generated by the four light-emitting units 31 into the light guide of the endoscope 10, and four sensors 32 configured to be able to measure the characteristic values ​​of each of the four light-emitting units 31. In the example of Fig. 2, one sensor 32 is provided corresponding to each of the four light-emitting units 31.

[0018] The housing 37 is provided with an opening 37A through which the light guide rod 20 of the endoscope 10 can be inserted. The housing 37 is provided with a shielding mechanism 38 including a movable shutter member 38A and a drive unit that drives the shutter member 38A.

[0019] The four light-emitting units 31 and the shielding mechanism 38 are controlled by a control unit 40. The sensor 32 is capable of measuring the amount of light emitted from the corresponding light-emitting unit 31 as a characteristic value of that light-emitting unit 31, and is configured with a light-receiving element such as a photodiode or a photoresistor, for example.

[0020] The four light-emitting units 31 generate light in four wavelength bands with different center wavelengths. The four light-emitting units 31 include, for example, a light-emitting unit 31B that generates light in a blue wavelength band (hereinafter referred to as B light), a light-emitting unit 31V that generates light in a purple wavelength band (hereinafter referred to as V light), a light-emitting unit 31G that generates light in a green wavelength band (hereinafter referred to as G light), and a light-emitting unit 31A that generates light in an amber (or red) wavelength band (hereinafter referred to as A light). The types and number of colors of light generated by the light source unit 30 are not limited to those in this embodiment.

[0021] The light-emitting unit 31G, dichroic mirror 36, dichroic mirror 35, and opening 37A are arranged in this order on a straight line. The G light emitted from the light-emitting unit 31G passes through the dichroic mirror 36 and the dichroic mirror 35 and enters the light guide rod 20 inserted through the opening 37A.

[0022] The dichroic mirror 36 is provided with its light reflecting surface facing the left side in the figure, tilted at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the path of the G light. The light emitting unit 31A is provided in a position facing the light reflecting surface of the dichroic mirror 36. The A light emitted from the light emitting unit 31A is reflected by the dichroic mirror 36 and enters the dichroic mirror 35, then passes through the dichroic mirror 35 and enters the light guide rod 20.

[0023] The dichroic mirror 35 is provided with its light reflecting surface facing the right side in the figure, tilted at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the path of the G light. The light emitting unit 31B is provided in a position facing the light reflecting surface of the dichroic mirror 35. The dichroic mirror 34 is provided between the light emitting unit 31B and the dichroic mirror 35. The B light emitted from the light emitting unit 31B passes through the dichroic mirror 34 and enters the dichroic mirror 35, where it is reflected and enters the light guide rod 20.

[0024] The dichroic mirror 34 has a light reflecting surface facing upward in the figure and is tilted at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the path of the B light. The light emitting unit 31V is provided at a position facing the light reflecting surface of the dichroic mirror 34. The V light emitted from the light emitting unit 31V is reflected by the dichroic mirror 34 and enters the dichroic mirror 35, and is then reflected by the dichroic mirror 35 and enters the light guide rod 20. In this way, the light source unit 30 can supply a combined light, which is a combination of two or more of the G light, A light, B light, and V light, to the light guide of the endoscope 10.

[0025] The combined light travels from the dichroic mirror 35 to the opening 37A or the light guide rod 20 inserted through the opening 37A. The shielding mechanism 38 can be in a shielding state or a non-shielding state. In the shielding state, the shutter member 38A is inserted between the dichroic mirror 35 and the opening 37A to prevent at least a portion of the combined light from entering the opening 37A or the light guide rod 20 inserted through the opening 37A. In the non-shielding state, the shutter member 38A is retracted from between the dichroic mirror 35 and the opening 37A to allow all of the combined light to enter the opening 37A or the light guide rod 20 inserted through the opening 37A. The endoscope 10 may be attachable to the connector 12 only when the shielding mechanism 38 is in the non-shielding state, or may be attachable to the connector 12 when the shielding mechanism 38 is in either the shielding state or the non-shielding state.

[0026] The sensor 32 includes a sensor 32G provided in correspondence with the light-emitting unit 31G and capable of measuring the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting unit 31G, a sensor 32B provided in correspondence with the light-emitting unit 31B and capable of measuring the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting unit 31B, a sensor 32V provided in correspondence with the light-emitting unit 31V and capable of measuring the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting unit 31V, and a sensor 32A provided in correspondence with the light-emitting unit 31A and capable of measuring the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting unit 31A.

[0027] A half mirror 33G is provided between the light-emitting unit 31G and the dichroic mirror 36. A part of the G light emitted from the light-emitting unit 31G is reflected by the half mirror 33G and enters the sensor 32G, and the rest of the G light passes through the half mirror 33G and enters the dichroic mirror 36.

[0028] A half mirror 33A is provided between the light emitting unit 31A and the dichroic mirror 36. A part of the light A emitted from the light emitting unit 31A is reflected by the half mirror 33A and enters the sensor 32A, and the rest of the light passes through the half mirror 33A and enters the dichroic mirror 36.

[0029] A half mirror 33V is provided between the light-emitting unit 31V and the dichroic mirror 34. A part of the V light emitted from the light-emitting unit 31V is reflected by the half mirror 33V and enters the sensor 32V, and the rest of the V light passes through the half mirror 33V and enters the dichroic mirror 34.

[0030] A half mirror 33B is provided between the light-emitting unit 31B and the dichroic mirror 34. A part of the B light emitted from the light-emitting unit 31B is reflected by the half mirror 33B and enters the sensor 32B, and the rest of the B light passes through the half mirror 33B and enters the dichroic mirror 34.

[0031] Note that the sensor 32 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 2 as long as it is configured to receive a portion of the light emitted by the corresponding light-emitting unit 31. For example, the dichroic mirror 34 may be configured to reflect a portion of the B light downward in the figure, and the sensor 32B may be provided on the reflection path of that portion of the B light. In this case, the half mirror 33B is not necessary.

[0032] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the light-emitting unit 31 shown in Fig. 2. The light-emitting unit 31 includes a light-emitting element 310 configured as a semiconductor device such as an LED or an LD (Laser Diode), a drive circuit 311 that drives the light-emitting element 310, and a phosphor 312 that emits fluorescence using the light emitted by the light-emitting element 310 as excitation light.

[0033] The phosphor 312 is provided according to the color to be emitted by the light-emitting unit 31, and is not essential. Furthermore, although not essential, the drive circuit 311 may be provided with a measurement circuit 311A ​​that measures the drive current or drive voltage of the light-emitting element 310. Similarly, although not essential, the light-emitting unit 31 may be provided with a temperature sensor 310A such as a thermistor that measures the temperature of the light-emitting element 310. The drive voltage, drive current, and temperature of the light-emitting element 310 are each one of the characteristic values ​​of the light-emitting unit 31 that includes the light-emitting element 310. The measurement circuit 311A ​​and the temperature sensor 310A each constitute a sensor corresponding to the light-emitting unit 31.

[0034] The control unit 40 may perform APC (auto power control) control, which acquires a measurement value of the emitted light intensity of the light-emitting unit 31 from the sensor 32 corresponding to that light-emitting unit 31 and controls the drive current and drive voltage of the light-emitting element 310 of that light-emitting unit 31 so that the measurement value approaches a predetermined set light intensity. This makes it possible to bring the emitted light intensity of the light-emitting unit 31 closer to the target light intensity even if the emitted light intensity of the light-emitting unit 31 fluctuates due to temperature drift or the like.

[0035] In the first or second case, the control unit 40 performs light emission control to make the light-emitting units 31 emit light under the first condition, acquires the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting units 31 emitted under the light emission control from the sensor 32, and performs a process (state determination process) for each of the four light-emitting units 31 to determine the state of that light-emitting unit 31 based on the acquired amount of light emitted (hereinafter referred to as the measured amount of light P1) and a reference value P2 of the amount of light based on the first condition. The state of the light-emitting units 31 includes performance related to the amount of light emitted (the degree of decrease in the amount of light emitted, which indicates the degree to which the amount of light actually obtained has decreased compared to the target amount of light emitted). The decrease in the amount of light emitted can occur due to deterioration over time or a malfunction of components included in the light-emitting units 31, etc.

[0036] (First example of the first condition) The first example is a case where the control unit 40 does not perform APC control. In this case, the first condition includes setting the setting value of the light emission amount of the light-emitting unit 31 to any value that can be set by the light-emitting unit 31, and driving the light-emitting element 310 with a drive current and drive voltage corresponding to that value. Preferably, the first condition further includes setting the shielding mechanism 38 to a shielding state, and shielding at least a portion of the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 31 by the shutter member 38A.

[0037] In this first example, the factory default value of the measured light intensity measured by the sensor 32 corresponding to the light-emitting unit 31 when the light-emitting unit 31 is caused to emit light under the first condition is known, and this value constitutes the above-mentioned reference value P2. By comparing this reference value P2 with the measured light intensity P1 obtained during the above-mentioned light emission control, it is possible to determine the degree of decrease in the emitted light intensity of the light-emitting unit 31. For example, if the measured light intensity P1 is significantly lower than the reference value P2, it can be determined that the light-emitting unit 31 has deteriorated or is abnormal.

[0038] (Second example of the first condition) The second example is an example in which APC control is performed. In this case, the first condition includes setting the setting value of the light emission amount of the light-emitting unit 31 to a value that is 80% or more (preferably, the upper limit) of the upper limit that can be set for the light-emitting unit 31. It is preferable that the first condition further includes setting the shielding mechanism 38 to the shielded state.

[0039] In this second example, the factory default value of the measured light intensity measured by the sensor 32 corresponding to the light-emitting unit 31 when the light-emitting unit 31 is caused to emit light under the first condition is known, and this value constitutes the reference value P2 described above. In the second example, after a predetermined time has elapsed since light emission control of the light-emitting unit 31 was performed under the first condition (when the emitted light intensity has stabilized due to APC control), the measured light intensity P1 measured by the sensor 32 corresponding to the light-emitting unit 31 is compared with the reference value P2, thereby making it possible to accurately determine the degree of decrease in the emitted light intensity of the light-emitting unit 31. For example, if the difference between the reference value P2 and the measured light intensity P1 is large, even though the reference value P2 and the measured light intensity P1 should be close to each other due to APC control, it can be determined that the light-emitting unit 31 has deteriorated or is abnormal.

[0040] When APC control is performed, if the setting value for the light emission amount of the light-emitting unit 31 under the first condition is too low, even if the light-emitting unit 31 has deteriorated or is malfunctioning, the reference value P2 and the measured light amount P1 may approach each other by adjusting the drive current and drive voltage of the light-emitting element 310 under APC control. By setting the setting value under the first condition to a sufficiently large value, it becomes possible to detect a decrease in the light emission amount of the light-emitting unit 31 that cannot be fully adjusted by APC control. In particular, if the setting value is set to the upper limit, even when APC control is performed, if the light emission amount of the light-emitting unit 31 has decreased compared to the factory setting, this can be accurately determined.

[0041] The first case is when the endoscope 10 is not connected to the light source unit 30. The control unit 40 detects whether or not the endoscope 10 is connected to the light source unit 30 by, for example, a mechanical sensor provided in the connector 12, a circuit that detects the electrical connection between the endoscope 10 and the connector 12, or the like.

[0042] The second case is when the endoscope 10 is connected to the light source unit 30 and is in an unused state. The unused state of the endoscope 10 includes a state in which the above-mentioned display control is not executed by the control unit 40 and a state in which power is not supplied from the control device 11 to the endoscope 10.

[0043] A state in which display control is not being executed includes a state in which the endoscope 10 is connected to the connector 12 and power is being supplied from the control device 11 to the endoscope 10, before the display control is started (i.e., before the examination starts), or a state in which the display control has ended (i.e., after the examination has ended).

[0044] Note that, even if the endoscope 10 is connected to the connector 12, display control is inevitably not performed when power is not supplied from the control device 11 to the endoscope 10. Therefore, this state can also be considered as one of the states in which display control is not performed.

[0045] Depending on the endoscopic device 2, it is also conceivable that when the endoscope 10 is connected to the connector 12 and power is supplied from the control device 11 to the endoscope 10, the above-mentioned display control will start regardless of whether the examination start button is operated. In this case, it is conceivable that the endoscope 10 will be in a standby state, hooked onto a hook or the like of an endoscope cart that holds the control device 11 and the display device 19, until the start of the examination. In this way, a state in which the endoscope 10 is held in a specific location while power is being supplied to the endoscope 10 and display control is being performed, can also be said to be an unused state of the endoscope 10. The state in which the endoscope 10 is held in a specific location can be determined based on, for example, changes in the image captured by the endoscope 10, information from an acceleration sensor provided in the endoscope 10, etc.

[0046] Fig. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example (part 1) of the control unit 40. After the control device 11 is powered on, when the control unit 40 detects that the endoscope 10 is not connected to the light source unit 30, the control unit 40 performs the processes shown in Fig. 4. It is assumed that the shielding mechanism 38 is in the shielding state in the initial state immediately after the control device 11 is powered on.

[0047] First, the control unit 40 executes a state determination process (step S100) including steps S11 to S14. In step S11, the control unit 40 performs light emission control to cause the light-emitting unit 31 to emit light under a first condition. Next, the control unit 40 acquires the emitted light amount of the light-emitting unit 31 from the sensor 32 corresponding to the light-emitting unit 31 that was activated in step S11 as a measured light amount P1 (step S12). Next, the control unit 40 determines the state of the light-emitting unit 31 based on the acquired measured light amount P1 and a reference value P2 based on the first condition (step S13). Details of step S13 will be described later. The control unit 40 performs the processes of steps S11 to S13 for each of the four light-emitting units 31, and then executes a process according to the determination result for each light-emitting unit 31 (step S14). Details of step S14 will be described later.

[0048] After step S100, the control unit 40 controls the shielding mechanism 38 to the non-shielding state (step S15). Next, when the control unit 40 detects that the endoscope 10 is connected to the light source unit 30 (step S16), it starts supplying power to the endoscope 10.

[0049] Next, when the control unit 40 detects the user's operation of the examination start button (step S17), it starts imaging control using the imaging element included in the endoscope 10 and display control to output the image obtained by that imaging control to the display device 19 (step S18).

[0050] Next, when the control unit 40 detects the user's operation of the examination end button (step S19), it ends the image capture control and the display control (step S20). Next, when the control unit 40 detects that the endoscope 10 has been removed from the light source unit 30 (step S21), it controls the shielding mechanism 38 to the shielded state (step S22).

[0051] Fig. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a specific example of step S13 and step S14 shown in Fig. 4. The process shown in Fig. 5 is performed for each of the four light-emitting units 31.

[0052] In step S13, the control unit 40 derives a value obtained by dividing the measured light amount P1 by the reference value P2 as an index α indicating the degree of decrease in the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting unit 31 being evaluated. Then, the control unit 40 determines whether the index α exceeds 0.9 (step S141). If the determination in step S141 is YES, the control unit 40 determines that the light-emitting performance of the light-emitting unit 31 being evaluated is within the allowable range (the highest of five levels), and ends the state determination process.

[0053] If the index α is 0.9 or less (step S141: NO), the control unit 40 determines whether the index α exceeds 0.7 (step S142). If the determination in step S142 is YES, the control unit 40 determines that the light-emitting performance of the light-emitting unit 31 being determined is within the acceptable range (second from the top out of five levels), records information indicating the index α or the level of the light-emitting performance as a log in memory (step S143), and ends the state determination process. Note that in step S143, the control unit 40 does not output the determination result to the display device 19. In step S143, the control unit 40 may transmit the log to a server that manages the endoscope device 2.

[0054] If the index α is 0.7 or less (step S142: NO), the control unit 40 determines whether the index α exceeds 0.6 (step S144). If the determination in step S144 is YES, the control unit 40 determines that the light-emitting performance of the light-emitting unit 31 being determined is within the acceptable range (third from the top out of five levels), records information indicating the index α or the level of the light-emitting performance as a log in memory (step S145), and ends the state determination process. Note that in step S145, the control unit 40 does not output the determination result to the display device 19. In step S145, the control unit 40 may transmit the log to a server that manages the endoscope device 2.

[0055] If the index α is 0.6 or less (step S144: NO), the control unit 40 determines whether the index α exceeds 0.4 (step S146). If the determination in step S146 is YES, the control unit 40 determines that the light-emitting performance of the light-emitting unit 31 being determined is within the acceptable range (fourth from the top out of five levels), records information indicating the index α or the level of the light-emitting performance in memory as a log, and further notifies the user that the light-emitting performance of the light-emitting unit 31 has deteriorated. For example, the control unit 40 outputs and displays first error information based on the index α or the information indicating the level of the light-emitting performance to the display device 19 (step S147). Thereafter, the control unit 40 terminates the state determination process. The first error information is, for example, a message calling attention, such as "The light-emitting power of a specific light-emitting unit 31 has deteriorated, so please take care."

[0056] If the index α is 0.4 or less (step S146: NO), the control unit 40 determines that the performance of the light-emitting unit 31 being evaluated is outside the acceptable range (lowest of five levels), records information indicating the index α or the level of light-emitting performance in memory as a log, and further notifies the user that use of the light source unit 30 should be stopped. For example, the control unit 40 outputs second error information based on the index α or the information indicating the level of light-emitting performance to the display device 19 for display (step S148). Thereafter, the control unit 40 terminates the state determination process. The second error information may be, for example, a message warning users to prohibit use, such as, "A specific light-emitting unit 31 has deteriorated, so please stop using it and request maintenance." It is preferable that the second error information be information indicating that use of the light source unit 30 is not recommended, rather than the first error information.

[0057] 5, the processing of step S143 and the processing of step S145 each constitute a first processing. The processing of step S147 and the processing of step S148 each constitute a second processing. The cases where step S142 is YES and step S144 is YES respectively correspond to cases where it is determined that the state of light-emitting unit 31 is at the first stage. The cases where step S146 is YES and step S146 is NO respectively correspond to cases where it is determined that the state of light-emitting unit 31 is at the second stage (a stage worse than the first stage, a stage in which the degree of decrease in the amount of light emitted by light-emitting unit 31 is greater than the first stage).

[0058] According to the processing example shown in FIG. 4, the state of each light-emitting unit 31 in the light source unit 30 is determined when the endoscope 10 is not connected to the light source unit 30. Therefore, before using the endoscope 10, deterioration or abnormality of the light-emitting unit 31 can be determined and the control device 11 can be notified as to whether it is possible to use the endoscope 10. By performing such a determination before the start of an endoscopic examination, the examination can be performed efficiently. Furthermore, since the above determination is not performed during an examination (while the endoscope is in use), the load on the endoscope device 2 during the examination can be reduced. Furthermore, the first condition can be determined arbitrarily, and the accuracy of determining the state of the light-emitting unit 31 can be improved.

[0059] 4, when the endoscope 10 is not connected to the light source unit 30, the shielding mechanism 38 is controlled to the shielding state. Therefore, even when step S11 in the state determination process is performed, light emitted from the light-emitting unit 31 to be determined can be prevented from being emitted to the outside from the connector 12. This makes it possible to determine the state of the light-emitting unit 31 without causing discomfort to the user. Furthermore, strong light can be prevented from being emitted from the connector 12, thereby improving safety. Note that the shielding mechanism 38 is not essential and may be omitted. In this case, steps S15 and S22 in FIG. 4 can be deleted.

[0060] Fig. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a second example of processing by the control unit 40. In Fig. 6, the same processes as those in Fig. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0061] When the control device 11 is powered on, the control unit 40 controls the shielding mechanism 38 to the non-shielding state (step S31). Next, when the control unit 40 detects that the endoscope 10 is connected to the light source unit 30 (step S32), it starts supplying power to the endoscope 10.

[0062] Next, when the control unit 40 detects the user's operation of the test start button (step S33: YES), it performs the processes of steps S18 to S22. When the control unit 40 has not detected the user's operation of the test start button (step S33: NO), it determines whether or not a state determination process has been executed since the power was turned on (step S34). When the determination in step S34 is NO, the control unit 40 executes the state determination process in step S100. When the determination in step S34 is YES, the control unit 40 returns the process to step S33.

[0063] 7 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example (part 3) of the control unit 40. In FIG. 7, the same processes as those in FIG. 4 are assigned the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. When the power supply of the control device 11 is turned on, the control unit 40 executes the processes of steps S15 to S20, and then executes the process of step S100. After step S100, the control unit 40 executes the processes of steps S21 and S22.

[0064] 6 and 7, the state determination process is performed before the start of display control or after the end of display control with the endoscope 10 connected to the light source unit 30. Therefore, when the process of step S11 in the state determination process is performed, the image displayed on the display device 19 does not flicker. This allows the state determination process to be performed without the user being aware of it.

[0065] The control unit 40 may perform light intensity ratio control, which causes two or more of the multiple light-emitting units 31 to emit light and controls the ratio of the emitted light intensities of the two or more light-emitting units 31 to a preset value. This light intensity ratio control is performed by controlling each of the two or more light-emitting units 31 so that the ratio of the emitted light intensities measured by the sensors 32 corresponding to each of the two or more light-emitting units 31 becomes the preset value.

[0066] For example, suppose that B light, G light, V light, and A light are emitted, respectively, and the light intensity ratio of the four colors of light is controlled to a preset value. In this case, a target value TG for the amount of light measured by sensor 32G, a target value TB for the amount of light measured by sensor 32B, a target value TV for the amount of light measured by sensor 32V, and a target value TA for the amount of light measured by sensor 32A are set, and the ratios among the target values ​​TG, TB, TV, and TA become the preset values.

[0067] Assume that, as a result of the state determination process, the state of only light-emitting unit 31G is the third highest out of five levels, while the states of the other light-emitting units 31 are the highest out of five levels. In this case, control unit 40 lowers target value TG from its initial value, and then lowers target values ​​TB, TV, and TA from their initial values ​​by the amount of the reduction so that the ratios of target values ​​TG, TB, TV, and TA maintain the preset values. This allows the ratio of the light intensities of the four light-emitting units 31 to be controlled to the preset values ​​even if light-emitting unit 31G has deteriorated. If step S146 is YES or if step S146 is NO, control unit 40 may not perform the light intensity ratio control.

[0068] In the above description, the emitted light amount has been used as an example of the characteristic value of light-emitting unit 31, but the characteristic value is not limited to this. For example, control unit 40 may acquire the drive current or drive voltage measured by measurement circuit 311A ​​included in light-emitting unit 31 as the characteristic value of that light-emitting unit 31, and determine the state of that light-emitting unit 31 based on this characteristic value and reference value P2.

[0069] For example, assume that the control unit 40 does not perform APC control. In this case, the first condition includes setting the drive current or drive voltage of the light-emitting unit 31 to an arbitrary value and driving the light-emitting element 310 according to that setting. This setting value constitutes the reference value P2 described above. By comparing this reference value P2 with the drive current or drive voltage measured by the measurement circuit 311A ​​when light-emission control is being performed under the first condition, it is possible to determine whether the drive circuit 311 of the light-emitting unit 31 has deteriorated or is malfunctioning. For example, if the measured drive current or drive voltage is significantly different from the reference value P2, it can be determined that the drive circuit 311 of the light-emitting unit 31 has deteriorated or is malfunctioning.

[0070] Alternatively, the control unit 40 may acquire the temperature of the light-emitting element 310 measured by the temperature sensor 310A included in the light-emitting unit 31 as a characteristic value of the light-emitting unit 31, and determine the state of the light-emitting unit 31 based on this characteristic value and the reference value P2.

[0071] For example, assume that the control unit 40 does not perform APC control. In this case, the first condition includes causing the light-emitting unit 31 to emit light at an arbitrary light intensity. The temperature value measured by the temperature sensor 310A included in the light-emitting unit 31 when the light-emitting unit 31 emits light under this first condition is known, and this value constitutes the reference value P2 described above. By comparing this reference value P2 with the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 310A during light-emitting control under the first condition, it is possible to determine whether the light-emitting element 310 of the light-emitting unit 31 or its peripheral elements has deteriorated or is abnormal. For example, if the temperature measured during light-emitting control is significantly higher than the reference value P2, it can be determined that the light-emitting element 310 or its peripheral elements has deteriorated or is abnormal.

[0072] In this embodiment, each process is executed by a computer. The computer may execute these processes by a processor, a program, or a combination thereof. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a computer for specific applications, a system such as a workstation, or other hardware element capable of executing a program.

[0073] The processor may be composed of one or more pieces of hardware, and the type of hardware is not limited. For example, the processor may be composed of hardware such as a programmable logic device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a dedicated circuit for executing specific processes such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), or an NPU (Neural Processing Unit). The processor also has various units or means for executing various processes in the present embodiment. The hardware may also be a combination of different types of hardware. When multiple pieces of hardware are configured to execute one or more processes of a certain processor, the multiple pieces of hardware may exist in devices physically separated from each other or in the same device. In any of the embodiments, the order of the processes performed by the processor is not limited to the order described above and may be changed as appropriate. The hardware may be composed of an electric circuit or the like, which is a combination of circuit elements such as semiconductor devices.

[0074] Furthermore, the present embodiment may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, microcode, or a combination thereof. Software, firmware, and microcode may be configured by a program. A program may also be, for example, a group of program modules, each function of which may be implemented by a processor configured to perform the respective function. The program may be program code or multiple code segments stored in one or more non-transitory computer-readable media (e.g., storage media or other storages). The program may be stored in multiple non-transitory computer-readable media that reside in physically separate devices. A program code or a code segment may represent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. A program code or a code segment may be connected to another code segment or a hardware circuit by sending or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents.

[0075] As explained above, this specification describes at least the following:

[0076] (1) a light source device having a light emitting unit and a sensor for measuring a characteristic value of the light emitting unit, and capable of supplying light emitted by the light emitting unit to an endoscope; a processor, The processor performs light emission control to cause the light emitting unit to emit light under a first condition in a first case where an endoscope is not connected to the light source device, or in a second case where an endoscope is connected to the light source device but is unused, acquires from the sensor a characteristic value of the light emitting unit that has emitted light under the light emission control, and determines the state of the light emitting unit based on the characteristic value and a reference value.

[0077] (2) The system according to (1), the processor performs display control to output an image captured by the endoscope to a display device; The unused state includes a state in which the display control is not yet executed.

[0078] (3) The system according to (1) or (2), The unused state includes a state in which no power is supplied to the endoscope.

[0079] (4) A system according to any one of (1) to (3), The processor performs the light emission control in the first case, acquires from the sensor characteristic values ​​of the light-emitting unit that emits light through the light emission control, and determines the state of the light-emitting unit based on the characteristic values ​​and the reference value.

[0080] (5) A system according to any one of (1) to (4), the light-emitting unit includes a plurality of light-emitting units, a shielding mechanism capable of shielding at least a portion of the light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting units and combined; The system, wherein the first condition includes blocking light emitted from the light-emitting unit by the blocking mechanism.

[0081] (6) (5) The system according to (5), The system wherein the processor controls the blocking mechanism to a state capable of blocking the light when the endoscope transitions from a state connected to the light source device to a state not connected to the light source device.

[0082] (7) A system according to any one of (1) to (6), The state of the light-emitting unit is the degree of reduction in the amount of light emitted.

[0083] (8) A system according to any one of (1) to (7), The characteristic value is the amount of light emitted by the system.

[0084] (9) The system according to (8), The processor acquires the emitted light amount from the sensor and controls the emitted light amount to approach a set light amount.

[0085] (10) The system according to (9), The system, wherein the first condition includes setting a setting value for the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting unit to a value that is 80% or more of an upper limit value that can be set by the light-emitting unit.

[0086] (11) The system according to (10), The system, wherein the first condition includes setting the set value to the upper limit value.

[0087] (12) A system according to any one of (7) to (11), the light-emitting unit includes a plurality of light-emitting units, The processor controls the ratio of the light emitted by two or more of the plurality of light-emitting units to emit light and to a predetermined value, based on the degree of decrease in the light emitted by the light-emitting units.

[0088] (13) A system according to any one of (1) to (12), The processor determines the state of the light-emitting unit in multiple stages and performs different processing depending on the determined stage.

[0089] (14) The system according to (13), The system, wherein the processing includes at least one of a first processing for recording information based on the determined state and a second processing for recording and notifying the information.

[0090] (15) The system according to (14), The processor is When it is determined that the state of the light-emitting unit is at the first stage, the first process is performed; The system performs the second process when it determines that the state of the light-emitting unit is at a second stage in which the degree of decrease in the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting unit is greater than that at the first stage.

[0091] (16) The system according to (15), The second stage is further divided into several stages: The system wherein the content of the notification in the second process differs for each of the plurality of stages.

[0092] (17) The system according to (16), When it is determined that the degree of decrease in the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting unit is greater than a predetermined value among the multiple stages, the system does not perform light intensity ratio control, which causes two or more of the multiple light-emitting units to emit light and controls the ratio of the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting units to a default value. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 2 Endoscopic devices 10 Endoscopy 11 Control device 12 Connectors 13 Insertion section 14 Tip 15 Control section 17 Universal Code 18 Endoscope Connector 19 Display device 20 Light guide rod 30 Light source unit 31, 31A, 31B, 31G, 31V Light emitting part 32, 32A, 32B, 32G, 32V sensors 33A, 33B, 33G, 33V Half mirror 34, 35, 36 Dichroic mirror 37 Case 37A aperture 38 Shielding mechanism 38A Shutter member 40 Control Unit 310 Light-emitting element 310A Temperature Sensor 311 Drive circuit 311A measurement circuit 312 Phosphor

Claims

1. a light source device having a light emitting unit and a sensor for measuring a characteristic value of the light emitting unit, and capable of supplying light emitted by the light emitting unit to an endoscope; a processor, The processor performs light emission control to cause the light-emitting unit to emit light under a first condition in a first case where an endoscope is not connected to the light source device, or in a second case where an endoscope is connected to the light source device but is unused, acquires from the sensor a characteristic value of the light-emitting unit that has emitted light through the light emission control, and determines the state of the light-emitting unit based on the characteristic value and a reference value.

2. 10. The system of claim 1, the processor performs display control to output an image captured by the endoscope to a display device; The unused state includes a state in which the display control is not executed.

3. 3. The system of claim 2, The unused state includes a state in which no power is supplied to the endoscope.

4. 10. The system of claim 1, The processor performs the light emission control in the first case, acquires from the sensor the characteristic value of the light emitting unit that emits light through the light emission control, and determines the state of the light emitting unit based on the characteristic value and the reference value.

5. 5. The system of claim 4, the light-emitting unit includes a plurality of light-emitting units, a shielding mechanism capable of shielding at least a portion of the light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting units and combined; The system, wherein the first condition includes blocking light emitted from the light-emitting unit by the blocking mechanism.

6. 6. The system of claim 5, The system further comprises: a processor that controls the shading mechanism to a state capable of shading the light when the endoscope transitions from a state connected to the light source device to a state disconnected from the light source device.

7. 10. The system of claim 1, The state of the light-emitting unit is the degree of reduction in the amount of emitted light.

8. 8. The system of claim 7, The characteristic value is the amount of light emitted.

9. 9. The system of claim 8, The processor acquires the amount of emitted light from the sensor and controls the amount of emitted light to approach a set amount of light.

10. 10. The system of claim 9, The first condition includes setting the setting value of the light emission amount of the light-emitting unit to a value that is 80% or more of an upper limit value that can be set in the light-emitting unit.

11. 11. The system of claim 10, The system, wherein the first condition includes setting the set value to the upper limit value.

12. 12. A system according to any one of claims 7 to 11, comprising: the light-emitting unit includes a plurality of light-emitting units, The processor controls the ratio of the light emitted by two or more of the plurality of light-emitting units to emit light and to a predetermined value, based on the degree of decrease in the light emitted by the light-emitting units.

13. 13. The system of claim 12, The processor determines the state of the light-emitting unit in multiple stages and performs different processing depending on the determined stage.

14. 14. The system of claim 13, The system, wherein the processing includes at least one of a first processing for recording information based on the determined state and a second processing for recording and notifying the information.

15. 15. The system of claim 14, The processor: When it is determined that the state of the light-emitting unit is at the first stage, the first process is performed; The system performs the second process when it determines that the state of the light-emitting unit is at a second stage in which the degree of decrease in the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting unit is greater than that of the first stage.

16. 16. The system of claim 15, The second stage is further divided into multiple stages, The content of the notification in the second process differs for each of the multiple stages.

17. 17. The system of claim 16, The system does not execute the light intensity ratio control when it is determined that the degree of reduction in the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting unit is greater than a predetermined value in one of the plurality of stages.

Images