Endoscope processor and endoscope system

Abstract

To provide an endoscope processor capable of detecting an abnormality of a current which occurs on an endoscope which is coupled to the endoscope processor.SOLUTION: An endoscope processor is coupled to an endoscope and comprises a power supply part, a measurement part, an abnormality detecting part, a control part, and a storage part. The power supply part is configured to supply power to the endoscope. The measurement part is configured to measure a current value of a power source current flowing from the power supply part to the endoscope. The abnormality detecting part is configured to detect an abnormality of the power supply current on the basis of the current value measured. The control part is configured to generate current information related to the measured current value. The storage part is configured to store the current information. The control part is configured so that: in response to detection of an abnormality of the power source current, the control part causes the storage part to store the current information as abnormality current information; and in response to reception of an instruction to output the current information, the control part reads out the current information from the storage part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope processor that supplies power to an endoscope and an endoscope system. [Background technology]

[0002] An endoscope processor is equipped with a power supply unit that supplies the power required for each part of the endoscope, such as the image sensor and light-emitting element. In some endoscope processors, a fuse is provided in the power supply unit that is connected to a commercial power source to protect the endoscope from currents that exceed the allowable limit (Patent Document 1). A typical fuse has a conductor that forms part of the path through which power is supplied, and when a current that exceeds the allowable limit flows, the conductor breaks, interrupting the power supply path and cutting off the power supply to the endoscope. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-340921 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Due to factors such as aging of the endoscope, a large inrush current may occur inside the endoscope when it is started up, or a current with large fluctuations or an abnormal current may occur when each part of the endoscope is operating. However, with the endoscope processor, once the power supply is cut off, the abnormal current generated in the endoscope connected to the endoscope processor and operating cannot be detected. Therefore, even if a user wants to know the magnitude or frequency of the abnormal current generated in the endoscope that has deteriorated over time, the endoscope processor cannot tell the user.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope processor and an endoscope system that are capable of detecting an abnormality in the current generated in an endoscope connected to the endoscope processor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an endoscope processor connected to an endoscope. The endoscope processor includes: a power supply configured to supply power to the endoscope; a measuring unit configured to measure a current value of a power supply current flowing from the power supply unit to the endoscope; an abnormality detection unit configured to detect an abnormality in the power supply current based on the measured current value; a controller configured to generate current information related to the measured current value; a storage unit configured to store the current information, The control unit is configured to store the current information as abnormal current information in the memory unit when an abnormality in the power supply current is detected, and to read the current information from the memory unit when an instruction to output the current information is received.

[0007] the measurement of the current value is performed at the time of starting up the endoscope connected to the endoscope processor or at regular time intervals after starting up the endoscope connected to the endoscope processor; It is preferable that the control unit be configured to generate the current information and store it in the storage unit every time the current value is measured.

[0008] It is preferable that the storage section has a first storage area configured to store the current information for a first period from when storage of the current information starts.

[0009] the storage unit further includes a second storage area configured to store the abnormal current information; It is preferable that the control unit is configured to store the abnormal current information from the current information stored in the first storage area in the second storage area when an abnormality in the power supply current is detected or when the first period has elapsed.

[0010] the endoscope processor is further connected to a display device; It is preferable that the control unit is configured to generate a display image indicating that a second period longer than the first period has elapsed since the start of storing the current information, and output the image to the display device.

[0011] the storage unit further includes a second storage area configured to store the abnormal current information; the endoscope processor is further connected to a display device; It is preferable that the control unit is configured to generate a display screen indicating that the amount of abnormal current information stored in the second storage area reaches the upper limit of the storage capacity of the second storage area, or that the remaining capacity of the storage capacity falls below a predetermined amount, and output the screen to the display device.

[0012] It is preferable that the second storage area is configured not to store new abnormal current information when the amount of information reaches the upper limit of the storage capacity or when the remaining capacity of the storage capacity falls below a predetermined amount.

[0013] It is preferable that the abnormality detection unit is configured not to detect an abnormality in the power supply current when the amount of information reaches the upper limit of the storage capacity or when the remaining capacity of the storage capacity falls below a predetermined amount.

[0014] the endoscope processor is further connected to an external storage device; It is preferable that the control unit is configured to delete abnormal current information stored in the second storage area that includes the oldest current value measurement information from the abnormal current information stored in the second storage area, and store new abnormal current information in the second storage area, when at least a portion of the abnormal current information stored in the second storage area is stored in the external storage device.

[0015] It is preferable that the abnormality detection unit is configured to resume detecting abnormalities in the power supply current when at least a portion of the abnormal current information stored in the second storage area is stored in the external storage device.

[0016] It is preferable that the abnormality in the power supply current is a state in which an inrush current exceeding a predetermined current value occurs when the endoscope connected to the endoscope processor is started, or a state in which the change in the current value after the endoscope connected to the endoscope processor is started exceeds a predetermined change.

[0017] It is preferable that the measurement unit is configured to cut off the power supply current when the measured current value exceeds an allowable current value.

[0018] It is preferable that the control unit is configured to further store in the memory unit, as accompanying information accompanying the current information, time information indicating the start-up time or the elapsed time since start-up of the endoscope connected to the endoscope processor, and model information of the endoscope.

[0019] Another aspect of the present invention is an endoscope system including the endoscope processor and an endoscope connected to the endoscope processor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the endoscope processor and endoscope system described above, it is possible to know an abnormality in the current generated in the endoscope connected to the endoscope processor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of an endoscope system according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment and a second embodiment of a configuration related to abnormality detection in an endoscope system. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a flow of the first embodiment of the endoscope system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] (Electronic Endoscope System) Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an electronic endoscope system 1 according to one embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the electronic endoscope system 1 includes an electronic scope 100, an electronic endoscope processor 200, a monitor (display device) 300, and a storage (external storage device) 400.

[0023] The electronic scope 100 has an insertion tube 101 that is inserted into a human body cavity, and a connection part 102 that connects to the processor 200. The electronic scope 100 is detachably connected to the processor 200 via the connection part 102.

[0024] The electronic endoscope processor 200 includes a system controller 202 and a timing controller 206. The system controller 202 executes various programs stored in a memory 204 and comprehensively controls the entire electronic endoscope system 1. The system controller 202 is also connected to an operation panel 208 and changes various settings of the electronic endoscope system 1 in response to instructions input by a user to the operation panel 208. The timing controller 206 outputs clock pulses to each circuit in the electronic endoscope system 1 to adjust the timing of the operation of each part.

[0025] The electronic endoscope processor 200 includes a light source device 210 that supplies illumination light to the electronic endoscope 100. The light source device 210 includes, for example, a plurality of LEDs (not shown) that emit light of a predetermined color wavelength band. The light emitted from the LEDs is combined using an optical element such as a dichroic mirror, and the combined light is collected by a collecting lens (not shown) as illumination light, and then incident on the entrance end of the LCB (Light Carrying Bundle) 11 of the electronic endoscope 100, which is a bundle of optical fiber strands.

[0026] Illumination light entering the LCB 11 from the entrance end propagates through the LCB 11, exits from the exit end of the LCB 11 located in the tip 101A of the insertion tube 101 of the electronic scope 100, and is irradiated onto the subject via a light distribution lens 104. Light reflected from the subject forms an optical image on the light receiving surface of a solid-state image sensor 108 via an objective lens 106.

[0027] The imaging element 108 is configured to capture an image of a patient's biological tissue, which is a subject, and output an image signal corresponding to the amount of light received. The imaging element 108 is, for example, a single-chip color CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) image sensor with various filters, such as an IR (Infra Red) cut filter 108a and a Bayer array color filter 108b, arranged on the light-receiving surface, and generates primary color signals of R (Red), G (Green), and B (Blue) corresponding to the optical image formed on the light-receiving surface. A single-chip color CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor may also be used instead of the single-chip color CCD image sensor.

[0028] An LED 118 is disposed at the distal end 101A of the insertion tube 101 of the electronic scope 100. The LED 118's light emission is controlled by a control signal generated by a light source drive circuit 117 disposed within the connection unit 102. The LED 118 is a purple LED that emits light in a purple wavelength band (for example, a wavelength of 395 to 435 nm). The purple LED light emitted from the LED 118 is irradiated onto the subject via a light distribution lens 119 disposed at the exit. The LED 118 is disposed at the distal end 101A so that the light emitted by the LED 118 is not guided by the LCB 11, which absorbs a portion of the light. The LCB 11 has transmission characteristics in which the transmittance varies depending on the wavelength band of the light. Therefore, the LED 118 emits light in a wavelength band whose light transmittance through the light guide is equal to or less than the transmittance of the wavelength band of the light emitted by the light source device 210.

[0029] The connection unit 102 of the electronic endoscope 100 includes a driver signal processing circuit 112. Image signals of the subject are input to the driver signal processing circuit 112 from the image sensor 108 at a predetermined frame rate (e.g., 1 / 30 seconds). The driver signal processing circuit 112 performs image correction and signal conversion processing on the image signals input from the image sensor 108 to conform to a transmission protocol, and outputs the resulting signals to the image processing unit 216 of the electronic endoscope processor 200. The driver signal processing circuit 112 also accesses the memory 114 to read model information about the electronic endoscope 100. The model information about the electronic endoscope 100 stored in the memory 114 includes, for example, the number of pixels and sensitivity of the image sensor 108, the operable frame rate, and the model number, as well as information such as the maximum inrush current and maximum rated current when driving each component, such as the image sensor 108 and the LED 118. The driver signal processing circuit 112 outputs the model information read from the memory 114 to the system controller 202. In this way, the electronic scope 100 captures images of biological tissues in the body cavity and generates captured images using the imaging element 108. The connection part 102 is also provided with a communication circuit for transmitting a control signal to a pump (not shown) that supplies physiological saline or the like to a balloon (not shown) attached to the tip part 101A.

[0030] The system controller 202 performs various calculations and generates control signals based on the model information of the electronic endoscope 100. Using the generated control signals, the system controller 202 controls the operation and timing of each circuit within the electronic endoscope processor 200 so that processing appropriate for the electronic endoscope 100 connected to the electronic endoscope processor 200 is performed.

[0031] The timing controller 206 supplies timing signals consisting of clock pulses to the driver signal processing circuit 112, the light source driving circuit 117, the image processing unit 216, and the light source device 210 in accordance with timing control by the system controller 202. The driver signal processing circuit 112 drives the image sensor 108 with timing signals synchronized with the frame rate of the video processed on the electronic endoscope processor 200 side in accordance with the clock pulses supplied from the timing controller 206. The light source driving circuit 117 drives the LED 118 in accordance with the clock pulses supplied from the timing controller 206.

[0032] The image processing unit 216 includes an image processing circuit, and performs predetermined signal processing such as demosaic processing, matrix calculation, and Y / C separation on the image signal input from the driver signal processing circuit 112 at one frame cycle, and further processes it to generate screen data for monitor display. The generated screen data for monitor display is converted into a predetermined video format signal. The converted video format signal is output to the monitor 300. As a result, an image of the subject is displayed on the display screen of the monitor 300.

[0033] (First embodiment) Next, a first embodiment of a configuration for detecting abnormalities in the electronic endoscope processor 200 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a first embodiment of the processor 200. As shown in FIG. 2, the processor 200 includes a power supply unit 220, a measurement unit 260, an abnormality detection unit 230, a control unit 240, and a storage unit 250.

[0034] The power supply unit 220 is configured to supply power to each component of the processor 200 and the electronic scope 100. The power supply unit 220 includes a main switch as a power switch, and an AC-DC converter and multiple DC-DC converters that are switching power supplies. The processor 200 starts up when the user turns on the main switch and shuts down when the user turns off the main switch. The AC-DC converter generates a DC voltage based on the external AC commercial power supply 10 and supplies the generated DC voltage to the DC-DC converter. There may be three DC-DC converters, including DC-DC converters 220a and 220b shown in FIG. 2. The DC-DC converter 220a supplies a DC current to the driver signal processing circuit 112 and the image sensor 108 at a rated current and a rated voltage (e.g., +5 V) for driving the image sensor 108 of the electronic scope 100. The DC-DC converter 220b supplies DC current at a rated voltage (for example, +15 V) and a rated current to the light source drive circuit 117 and the LED 118 to drive the LED 118 of the electronic scope 100. The other DC-DC converter supplies DC voltage to each of the subsequent components in the processor 200, such as the system controller 202, timing controller 206, memory 204, image processing unit 216, and light source device 210.

[0035] The processor 200 does not include a typical fuse that forms part of the path of the power supplied from the commercial power supply 10 and includes a conductor that melts when an allowable amount of current flows.

[0036] The measurement unit 260 is configured to measure the current value of the power supply current flowing from the power supply unit 220 to the electronic scope 100. Specifically, the current value of the power supply current is the current value of an inrush current generated when the electronic scope 100 connected to the processor 200 is started up. The measurement unit 260 is disposed on the supply path of the power supply current from the power supply unit 220 to the electronic scope 100. The measurement unit 260 is also connected to the system controller 202, measures the current value of the inrush current, and outputs information on the measurement value to the abnormality detection unit 230.

[0037] The measurement unit 260 is preferably configured to interrupt the electrical continuity between the power supply unit 220 and the electronic scope 100 and cut off the power supply current when the measured current value exceeds the allowable current value. This prevents excessive current from flowing through the electronic scope 100, which could damage various components of the electronic scope 100. Specifically, the measurement unit 260 is preferably configured with a conduction control element that controls the electrical continuity between the power supply unit 220 and the electronic scope 100. The conduction control element is configured to switch the connection state with the power supply unit 220 between an ON state and an OFF state depending on the magnitude of the power supply current input from the power supply unit 220. The allowable current value is higher than the current value considered to be an abnormal current (described below) and, although it varies depending on the conduction control element, is, for example, 1.25 times the rated current. The measurement unit 260 in the example shown in FIG. 2 includes two electronic fuses (eFuses) 230a and 230b as conduction control elements. The electronic fuse 230a is disposed on the power supply path between the DC-DC converter 220a and the driver signal processing circuit 112. The electronic fuse 230b is disposed on the power supply path between the DC-DC converter 220b and the light source drive circuit 117. The electronic fuses 230a and 230b are each connected to the system controller 202. From the perspective of continuing to measure the power supply current in order to detect abnormal current when an electronic scope other than the electronic scope 100 is connected to the processor 200, it is preferable that the electronic fuses 230a and 230b, which have cut off the continuity between the power supply unit 220 and the electronic scope 100, restore the continuity between the power supply unit 220 and the electronic scope 100, for example, by a user's operation input on the operation panel 208.

[0038] The abnormality detection unit 230 and the control unit 240 are software modules that are realized by the system controller 202 reading and executing a program stored in the memory 204 .

[0039] The anomaly detection unit 230 is configured to detect an anomaly in the power supply current based on the measured current value when the processor 200 is started. In the first embodiment, an anomaly in the power supply current refers to a state in which an inrush current (abnormal current) whose maximum current value exceeds a specified current value occurs when the electronic scope 100 connected to the processor 200 is started. Such an anomaly in the power supply current mainly occurs due to the following reasons: dielectric breakdown due to aging (ion migration or whisker generation) of the terminals and wiring of each part of the electronic scope 100; failure of elements such as the image sensor 108 and LED 118; a short circuit caused by submersion of the electronic scope 100 in water; application of a rated voltage or supply of a rated current to a different type of electronic scope connected to the processor 200; etc. The anomaly detection unit 230 determines that an inrush current whose maximum current value exceeds, for example, 1.5 to 2 times the maximum current value of a normally occurring inrush current is an abnormal current and detects an anomaly in the power supply current. On the other hand, the anomaly detection unit 230 determines that an inrush current whose maximum current value does not satisfy the above condition is not an abnormal current, and does not detect it as an anomaly in the power supply current.

[0040] The control unit 240 is configured to generate current information related to the measured current value. The current information related to the current value includes data on the maximum current value of the inrush current. When the abnormality detection unit 230 detects an abnormality in the power supply current, the control unit 240 stores the current information as abnormal current information in the storage unit 250. In this way, a history of abnormal current is recorded. When the control unit 240 receives an instruction to output the current information to the monitor 300 or the storage 400, the control unit 240 reads the current information from the storage unit 250 and outputs the read information. The storage 400 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or USB storage, and is detachably attached to the processor 200. This allows the user to know the magnitude of the inrush current that is thought to have occurred in the electronic scope 100 when the electronic scope 100 is started. Since the output current information includes the abnormal current information, the user can know that an abnormally large inrush current (abnormal current) has occurred inside the electronic scope 100.

[0041] The memory unit 250 is connected to the control unit 240 and is configured to receive and store current information generated by the control unit 240. The current information read and output by the control unit 240 allows the user to know the magnitude of inrush currents that have occurred in the electronic scope 100 in the past, allowing for analysis of the history of abnormal currents and malfunctions of the electronic scope 100.

[0042] According to one embodiment, when an abnormality in the power supply current is detected, the system controller 202 preferably generates display screen data displaying abnormal current information and displays the data on the monitor 300. This allows the user to easily know that an abnormally large inrush current (abnormal current) has occurred inside the electronic scope 100. When an abnormal current occurs in the electronic scope 100, some internal functions may be damaged, allowing for early detection of damage to the electronic scope 100. Furthermore, each time an abnormality is detected, the user can be prompted to check the abnormality, allowing for early repairs or other necessary repairs to the electronic scope 100. If a video signal of an object image is being output to the monitor 300, the output of the video signal is stopped, or the screen data is output so that the display screen is displayed superimposed on the object image displayed on the monitor 300. If abnormalities in the power supply current are detected frequently, it is preferable to continuously display the screen data on the monitor 300. The display is continued for the period during which multiple abnormalities are continuously detected, for example, continuously. On the other hand, according to another embodiment, it is also preferable that the system controller 202 generates display screen data for displaying the abnormal current information and displays it on the monitor 300 after a second period described below has elapsed since the system controller 202 started storing the current information.

[0043] The instruction to output the current information may be given, for example, by a user inputting a predetermined operation to the operation panel 208, or may be given by the control unit 240 when an abnormality in the power supply current is detected or at regular intervals. When the instruction to output the current information is given, the control unit 240 reads the current information from the memory unit 250 and outputs it to the monitor 300, the storage 400, etc.

[0044] The control unit 240 is preferably configured to generate current information each time a current value is measured and store the information in the storage unit 250. This allows a history of all inrush currents that occur in the electronic scope 100 to be recorded, and the magnitude of the current value to be known.

[0045] The control unit 240 is preferably configured to further store the startup time of the electronic scope 100 and model information of the electronic scope 100 in the storage unit 250 as accompanying information accompanying the current information. The system controller 202 stores the startup time of the electronic scope 100 and the elapsed time since startup of the electronic scope 100 at the time of measuring the current value. The startup time information is obtained by the control unit 240 from startup time data held by the system controller 202 at the timing of measuring the current value and stored in the storage unit 250. The model information is read from the memory 114 by the driver signal processing circuit 112 and acquired by the control unit 240. For example, when the current information is generated, the control unit 240 generates the accompanying information in association with the current information. The accompanying information is stored in the storage unit 250 together with the current information. Since the accompanying information is useful for analyzing the history of abnormal currents, by referring to the current information read from the storage unit 250 together with the accompanying information, a malfunction occurring in the electronic scope 100 can be efficiently analyzed.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, the storage unit 250 preferably includes a first memory (first storage area) 250a, and preferably further includes a second memory (second storage area) 250b.

[0047] The first memory 250a is connected to the system controller 202. The first memory 250a is configured to store the current information for a first period (e.g., one month) from the start of storing the current information. Therefore, when the first period has elapsed since the control unit 240 started storing the current information, the control unit 240 overwrites the newly generated current information stored in the first memory 250a during the first period with the newly generated current information and saves it. At this time, it is preferable that the oldest information stored in the first memory 250a be overwritten first. This allows the most recent current information useful for analyzing the history of abnormal currents to be retained in the first memory 250a. It is preferable that the current information be stored continuously in the first memory 250a. Therefore, it is preferable that the next first period begins at the same time as the first period elapses, so that multiple first periods are consecutive.

[0048] The second memory 250b is connected to the first memory 250a and to the system controller 202 via the first memory 250a. The second memory 250b is configured to store abnormal current information. The control unit 240 is configured to store the abnormal current information among the current information stored in the first memory 250a in the second memory 250b when an abnormality in the power supply current is detected or when a first period has elapsed, as in step S3 of FIG. 3, which will be referred to later. The accompanying information is stored in the second memory 250b together with the abnormal current information. By storing the abnormal current information in the second memory 250b in this way, even if the current information stored in the first memory 250a is overwritten, the user can access the same information as the abnormal current information that was overwritten and erased from the first memory 250a, and can perform analysis of the abnormal current history based on more information. The second memory 250b stores more abnormal current information for a period (second period) that exceeds the recording period (first period) of the first memory 250a.

[0049] It is preferable that the control unit 240 is configured to, for example, generate a display image indicating that a second period (e.g., three months) longer than the first period has elapsed since the start of storage of the current information, and output the image to the monitor 300. The user can look at the content displayed on the monitor 300 and take measures such as saving the abnormal current information in the second memory 250b to a recording medium such as the storage 400 so that the abnormal current information stored in the second memory 250b is not inadvertently overwritten by newly generated abnormal current information after the second period has elapsed.

[0050] When the second period has elapsed since the control unit 240 started storing the current information, the control unit 240 overwrites the abnormal current information stored in the second memory 250b during the second period with the newly generated abnormal current information. At this time, it is preferable that the oldest information stored in the second memory 250b be overwritten. This allows the most recent abnormal current information useful for analyzing the history of abnormal currents to be retained in the second memory 250b.

[0051] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of the processor 200 according to the first embodiment. When the main switch of the processor 200 to which the electronic scope 100 is connected is turned on and the electronic scope 100 is started up, the current value of the inrush current is measured in step S1, and current information is generated. At this time, information on the start-up time of the electronic scope 100 and scope information are acquired as accompanying information and stored in the first memory 250a together with the current information (step S2). When the first period has elapsed since the start of storage of the current information (YES in step S3), the next first period begins. Meanwhile, if abnormal current information is included in the current information stored in the first memory 250a (YES in step S4), the abnormal current information stored during the first period is stored in the second memory 250b in step S5, and is displayed on the monitor 300, for example, to notify the user in step S6. The current information generated during the new first period is overwritten on the information stored in the first memory 250a during the previous first period in step S2 and stored until the main switch of the processor 200 is turned off or the power of the electronic scope 100 is turned off and power is no longer supplied to the electronic scope 100 (NO in step S7).

[0052] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the configuration for detecting abnormalities in the electronic endoscope processor 200 will be described. The configuration of the second embodiment is shown in the same manner as the block diagram of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 2, and the parts of the second embodiment that correspond to the parts of the first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0053] The current value of the power supply current measured by the measuring unit 260 in the second embodiment is the amount of change dI / dt in the current value after the processor 200 connected to the electronic scope 100 is started. Specifically, the measuring unit 260 is configured to measure the current power supplied from the power supply unit 220 at regular time intervals (for example, 1 to 2 seconds) and measure the amount of change in the current value per time interval.

[0054] In the second embodiment, a power supply current abnormality refers to a state in which the change in current value dI / dt after startup of the electronic scope 100 connected to the processor 200 exceeds a predetermined change. Such a change in current value dI / dt occurs due to the same causes as those described above that cause an inrush current whose maximum current value exceeds a predetermined value in the first embodiment. In particular, this occurs depending on the degree of damage to elements in the electronic scope 100 and the function of the damaged elements. For example, an abnormal current occurs due to damaged circuits such as the LED 118, the image sensor 108, or the communication circuit during pump operation. The abnormality detection unit 230 determines that a current whose measured change in current value dI / dt exceeds, for example, two to four times the normal change in current value (for example, 200 mA / sec or less) is an abnormal current and detects an abnormal power supply current. The abnormality detection unit 230 determines that a change in current value dI / dt that does not satisfy the above condition is not an abnormal current and does not detect an abnormal power supply current. This makes it possible to determine whether the operation of the electronic scope 100, whose current consumption fluctuates, is normal or abnormal. Examples of abnormal operation of the electronic scope 100 include: 1) when the amount of inrush current when the processor 200 starts up is too large, making it impossible to start up each part of the electronic scope 100; 2) when each part of the electronic scope 100 starts up when the processor 200 starts up, but the amount of inrush current is so large that internal elements are damaged, but the parts continue to operate and function; and 3) when a part of the electronic scope 100 (such as the LED 118 or the image sensor 108) that performs a specific function operates (such as lighting at maximum light intensity, operating at high gain, or taking high-frame photos) more current flows than normal, preventing the function from being performed.

[0055] The current information generated by the control unit 240 includes data on the amount of change dI / dt in the current value measured at regular time intervals. This allows the user to know the magnitude of the current change that is thought to have occurred in the electronic scope 100 while it is running after it is turned on. Furthermore, since the output current information includes abnormal current information, the user can know that an abnormal current change (abnormal current) has occurred inside the electronic scope 100. Furthermore, the current information read and output by the control unit 240 allows the user to know the magnitude of current changes that have occurred in the electronic scope 100 in the past, allowing for analysis of the history of abnormal currents and analysis of malfunctions in the electronic scope 100. Furthermore, the extent of damage to each part of the electronic scope 100 can be estimated, and the cause of abnormal operation can be analyzed.

[0056] The control unit 240 is preferably configured to generate current information each time a current value is measured and sequentially store the information in the storage unit 250. This allows a history to be recorded of all current changes that may occur in the electronic scope 100, making it possible to know the magnitude of the change.

[0057] The control unit 240 is preferably configured to store the elapsed time since the start-up of the electronic scope 100 in the storage unit 250 as the accompanying information, instead of the start-up time of the electronic scope 100. The start-up time information is stored in the storage unit 250 when storage of current information starts, and the elapsed time information is stored in the storage unit 250 for each timing of measurement of the current value.

[0058] In the second embodiment, the second memory 250b is preferably configured to store abnormal current information. The storage capacity of the second memory 250b is preferably larger than the amount of information that the first memory 250a can store during the first period, and more preferably is large enough to store a plurality of pieces of information related to abnormalities that the first memory 250a can store during the first period.

[0059] The control unit 240 is preferably configured to generate display screen data indicating that the amount of abnormal current information stored in the second memory 250b has reached its upper limit or that the remaining storage capacity has fallen below a predetermined level (e.g., when one month's worth of abnormal information can no longer be stored), and output the generated display screen data to the monitor 300. For example, a message or image indicating that the amount of abnormal current information stored in the second memory 250b has reached its upper limit or that the remaining storage capacity has fallen below a predetermined level is displayed on the display screen. The measurement frequency of the change in current value dI / dt is higher than the measurement frequency of the inrush current, and accordingly, the amount of current information generated increases. Furthermore, the frequency with which the current changes increases as the electronic scope 100 deteriorates and the frequency with which each component is driven increases, leading to greater changes in current. Therefore, from the viewpoint of knowing the amount of change in the current value that exceeds a predetermined amount of change, it is preferable to output the display screen for the second memory 250b when the storage capacity satisfies the above condition, instead of when the first period has elapsed.

[0060] The second memory 250b is preferably configured not to store new abnormal current information when the amount of information stored in the second memory 250b reaches its upper limit or when the remaining storage capacity falls below a predetermined amount. The abnormality detection unit 230 is also preferably configured not to detect a power supply current abnormality when the amount of information reaches its upper limit or when the remaining storage capacity falls below a predetermined amount. As described above, the amount of current information related to the current value change dI / dt tends to increase, and the frequency of current changes tends to increase. This can quickly cause the amount of information stored in the second memory 250b to approach its upper limit. Therefore, by not storing new abnormal current information or not detecting an abnormality in the power supply current when the above conditions are met, it is possible to avoid overwriting the abnormal current information stored in the second memory 250b and making it impossible to analyze the abnormal current history. Furthermore, the user can be prompted to save the stored current information to a recording medium such as the storage 400.

[0061] When the control unit 240 is configured not to store new abnormal current information or not to detect abnormalities in the power supply current when the above conditions are met, it is preferable that the control unit 240 stores at least a portion of the abnormal current information stored in the second memory 250b in the storage 400, and then deletes the abnormal current information stored in the second memory 250b that includes the information with the oldest current measurement time among the abnormal current information stored in the second memory 250b, and stores the new abnormal current information in the second memory 250b. Since the condition for deleting the abnormal current information stored in the second memory 250b is that the abnormal current information be saved in the storage 400, the old abnormal current information is continuously retained, enabling more effective analysis of the abnormal current history. Furthermore, by overwriting the oldest information stored in the second memory 250b, the most recent current information useful for analyzing the abnormal current history can be retained in the second memory 250b. It is preferable that all of the abnormal current information stored in the second memory 250b be stored in the storage 400. The control unit 240 can store the stored abnormal current information in the storage 400 when the user inputs a specified operation on the operation panel 208, or when the amount of information reaches the upper limit of the storage capacity, or when the remaining storage capacity falls below a specified amount.

[0062] In this case, the abnormality detection unit 230 is preferably configured to resume detection of an abnormality in the power supply current by storing at least a portion of the abnormal current information stored in the second memory 250b as described above in the storage 400. By saving the abnormal current information in the storage 400 in this manner, it is possible to perform effective analysis of the abnormal current history while overwriting the information stored in the second memory 250b with the abnormal current information newly generated by resuming the abnormality detection.

[0063] In the processor 200 of the second embodiment, for example, after displaying on the monitor 300 as the processor 200 of the first embodiment does in step S6 shown in Figure 3, if the amount of information stored in the second memory 250b reaches the upper limit of the storage capacity or the remaining storage capacity falls below a predetermined amount, the abnormality detection unit 230 stops detecting an abnormality and saving the abnormal current information in the second memory 250b, and then waits for the abnormal current information stored in the second memory 250b to be saved in the storage 400, after which the abnormality detection unit 230 resumes detecting an abnormality and overwrites and saves the abnormal current information in the second memory 250b.

[0064] The above describes in detail the endoscopic processor and endoscopic system of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications may be made within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

[0065] For example, in each of the above embodiments, the distal end of the insertion tube 101 has one LED 118, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of LEDs 118 may be arranged at the distal end 101A of the insertion tube 101. In this case, according to one embodiment, it is preferable that the light emitted by each of the LEDs 118 provided at the distal end 101A be light of a wavelength band having an optical transmittance in the LCB 11 equal to or lower than that of the light emitted from the light source device 210, in order to efficiently suppress a decrease in the amount of light. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1. Electronic endoscope system 10 Commercial power supply 11 LCB 100 Electronic Scope 101 Insertion tube 101A Tip 102 Connection 104 Orientation Lens 108 image sensor 112 Driver signal processing circuit 117 Light source driving circuit 118 LED 119 Orientation Lens 200 processor (endoscope processor) 202 System Controller 204 memory 206 Timing Controller 208 Operation Panel 210 Light source device 216 Image Processing Unit 220 Power supply section 220a, 220b DC-DC converter 230 Abnormality detection unit 240 Control Unit 250 Storage section 250a First memory (first storage area) 250b Second memory (second storage area) 260 Measuring section 260a, 260b electronic fuse 300 Display device (monitor) 400 Storage (external storage device)

Claims

1. An endoscope processor connected to an endoscope, a power supply configured to supply power to the endoscope; a measuring unit configured to measure a current value of a power supply current flowing from the power supply unit to the endoscope, and to cut off the power supply current when the measured current value of the power supply current exceeds an allowable current value; an abnormality detection unit configured to detect, as an abnormality in the power supply current based on the measured current value of the power supply current, a state in which an inrush current that exceeds a predetermined current value and is lower than the allowable current value occurs when the endoscope connected to the endoscope processor is started up; a controller configured to generate current information relating to a current value of the measured power supply current; a storage unit configured to store the current information, the control unit is configured to store the current information as abnormal current information in the storage unit when an abnormality in the power supply current is detected, and to read the current information from the storage unit when an instruction to output the current information is received, the measurement of the current value of the power supply current is performed at the time of starting up the endoscope connected to the endoscope processor or at regular time intervals after starting up the endoscope connected to the endoscope processor; the control unit is configured to generate the current information and store it in the storage unit every time a current value of the power supply current is measured, the storage unit has a first storage area configured to store the current information for a first period from when storage of the current information starts, the storage unit further includes a second storage area configured to store the abnormal current information; The control unit is configured to store the abnormal current information, among the current information stored in the first storage area, in the second storage area when the first period has elapsed.

2. the endoscope processor is further connected to a display device; The endoscope processor according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to generate a display image indicating that a second period longer than the first period has elapsed since the start of storing the current information, and output the image to the display device.

3. The endoscope processor is further connected to a display device, The endoscope processor according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to generate a display screen indicating that the amount of abnormal current information stored in the second storage area reaches an upper limit of the storage capacity of the second storage area or that the remaining capacity of the storage capacity falls below a predetermined amount, and output the generated screen to the display device.

4. The endoscope processor according to claim 3, wherein the second memory area is configured not to store new abnormal current information when the amount of information reaches the upper limit of the memory capacity or when the remaining capacity of the memory capacity falls below a predetermined amount.

5. The endoscope processor according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the abnormality detection unit is configured not to detect an abnormality in the power supply current when the amount of information reaches an upper limit of the memory capacity or when the remaining capacity of the memory capacity falls below a predetermined amount.

6. the endoscope processor is further connected to an external storage device; The endoscope processor according to claim 5, wherein the control unit is configured to delete abnormal current information from the abnormal current information stored in the second storage area that includes information with the oldest measurement time of the current value of the power supply current, and store new abnormal current information in the second storage area, when at least a portion of the abnormal current information stored in the second storage area is stored in the external storage device.

7. The endoscope processor according to claim 6, wherein the abnormality detection unit is configured to resume detection of abnormalities in the power supply current when at least a portion of the abnormal current information stored in the second storage area is stored in the external storage device.

8. An endoscope processor according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit is configured to further store in the memory unit time information indicating the start-up time or the elapsed time since start-up of the endoscope connected to the endoscope processor, and model information of the endoscope, as accompanying information accompanying the current information.

9. The endoscope processor according to any one of claims 1 to 8, an endoscope connected to the endoscope processor; An endoscope system comprising:

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