Medical light source device and medical observation system

Abstract

To secure light volume of laser beams emitted to a subject while securing safety.SOLUTION: A medical light source device 3 includes: a first light source 32 for emitting laser beams; a second light source for emitting measurement light, to a light guide, for measuring a state of connection between the light guide for guiding laser beams and an emission optical system for irradiating a subject with laser beams through the light guide; and a control part 38 for controlling output of the laser beams in the first light source 32 on the basis of return light of the measurement light output from the second light source.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a medical light source device and a medical observation system.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in a medical observation system for observing a subject, a narrow-band and highly coherent laser beam may be used as light for observing the subject. Such a medical observation system includes, for example, a rigid endoscope, a light guide, and a medical light source device shown below. The medical light source device emits a laser beam. The light guide connects the rigid endoscope and the medical light source device, and guides the laser beam emitted from the medical light source device to the rigid endoscope. The rigid endoscope is inserted into the subject, and irradiates the laser beam guided by the light guide into the subject from the tip. Further, the rigid endoscope captures the subject image inside the subject.

[0003] Here, the light guide can be easily removed from the rigid endoscope without using tools. That is, when the light guide comes off the rigid endoscope, there is a risk that the laser beam emitted from the emission end of the light guide irradiates the user. And in order to ensure safety, it is necessary to design so that the laser beam emitted from the emission end of the light guide satisfies the requirements defined by the laser standard indicating the "Safety Standard for Laser Products". When designed in this way, as a result, the amount of the laser beam emitted from the emission end of the light guide is limited by the laser standard, and it is difficult to ensure the amount of the laser beam emitted from the tip of the rigid endoscope.

[0004] Also, conventionally, a medical observation system that emits a laser beam from a medical light source device has been proposed only when it is detected that the light guide and the rigid endoscope are connected (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the medical observation system described in Patent Document 1, a detection attachment containing a detectable object such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) ​​tag is used to detect when the light guide and the rigid endoscope are connected. Specifically, the light guide is equipped with a detection element that detects the object to be detected as described above. By connecting a detection attachment to the rigid endoscope and then connecting the light guide to the detection attachment, the object to be detected built into the detection attachment is detected using the detection element provided on the light guide. This allows the system to detect that the light guide and the rigid endoscope are connected.

[0005] If the medical light source device is configured to emit laser light only when the light guide and the rigid endoscope are connected, then if the light guide becomes detached from the rigid endoscope, no laser light will be emitted from the light guide's output end. In other words, with such a configuration, the laser light emitted from the tip of the rigid endoscope should be designed to meet the requirements specified in the laser standard that outlines the "safety standards for laser products." When designed in this way, the amount of laser light emitted from the output end of the light guide can be set to a high intensity without being limited by the laser standard, thus ensuring sufficient light output from the tip of the rigid endoscope. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 7018331 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, the medical observation system described in Patent Document 1 has the following problems if the connection procedure for the detection attachment is incorrect. In other words, if the detection attachment is connected to the light guide first, the system will detect that the light guide and the rigid endoscope are connected, even though they are not. As a result, laser light will be emitted from the light guide's output end even though the light guide and rigid endoscope are not connected. In other words, safety cannot be ensured. Therefore, there is a need for a technology that can ensure safety while also ensuring sufficient light intensity of the laser beam emitted to the subject.

[0008] This disclosure is made in view of the above, and aims to provide a medical light source device and a medical observation system that can ensure the amount of laser light emitted to a subject while ensuring safety. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the medical light source device according to this disclosure comprises a first light source that emits laser light, a second light source that emits measurement light to the light guide for measuring the connection state between a light guide that guides the laser light and an emission optical system that irradiates the subject with the laser light via the light guide, and a control unit that controls the output of the laser light in the first light source based on the reflected light of the measurement light emitted from the second light source.

[0010] The medical observation system according to this disclosure comprises a medical light source device that emits laser light, a light guide that guides the laser light, and an emission optical system that irradiates a subject with the laser light via the light guide. The medical light source device comprises a first light source that emits laser light, a second light source that emits measurement light to the light guide to measure the connection state between the light guide and the emission optical system, and a control unit that controls the output of the laser light from the first light source based on the reflected light of the measurement light emitted from the second light source. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the medical light source device and the medical observation system of the present disclosure, it is possible to ensure the amount of laser light emitted to the subject while ensuring safety.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a medical observation system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the light source device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the optical measuring device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the timing of pulsed light emission in the measurement light. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an OTDR waveform. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a first OTDR waveform. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second OTDR waveform. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a third OTDR waveform. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the lighting drive control executed by the control unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the lighting drive control executed by the control unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the lighting drive control executed by the control unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a modification of the embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited by the embodiments described below. Further, in the description of the drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0014] 〔Schematic Configuration of Medical Observation System〕 Figure 1 is a diagram showing a medical observation system 1 according to an embodiment. The medical observation system 1 is a system used in the medical field for observing a subject (in vivo). As shown in FIG. 1, this medical observation system 1 includes an insertion portion 2, a light source device 3, a light guide 4, a camera head 5, a first transmission cable 6, a display device 7, a second transmission cable 8, a control device 9, and a third transmission cable 10.

[0015] The insertion portion 2 corresponds to the emission optical system according to the present disclosure. In the present embodiment, the insertion portion 2 is composed of a rigid endoscope. That is, the insertion portion 2 has an elongated shape that is entirely rigid or partially flexible and the other part is rigid, and is inserted into the living body. Inside this insertion portion 2, an optical system (not shown) configured using one or more lenses and condensing a subject image is provided.

[0016] Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the insertion portion 2 is provided with a fiber connection portion 21 to which the connector CN1 of the light guide 4 is detachably connected. Inside the insertion portion 2, an optical fiber 22 and a concave lens 23 are provided. The optical fiber 22 extends from the fiber connection portion 21 to the tip side of the insertion portion 2, and guides the light incident through the fiber connection portion 21 to the tip side of the insertion portion 2. The concave lens 23 is provided at the tip of the insertion portion 2, and irradiates the light guided by the optical fiber 22 from the tip of the insertion portion 2 into the living body.

[0017] The light source device 3 corresponds to the medical light source device according to the present disclosure. This light source device 3 is connected to the connector CN2 of the light guide 4, and supplies light (ordinary light such as white light or excitation light (laser light)) specified by the control device 9 to the incident end of the light guide 4 under the control of the control device 9. In the present embodiment, the light source device 3 is configured separately from the control device 9, but is not limited thereto, and a configuration provided in the control device 9 may be adopted. The detailed configuration of the light source device 3 will be described in the "Configuration of the Light Source Device" described later.

[0018] The light guide 4 has a connector CN1 on the output end that is detachably connected to the fiber connection section 21, and a connector CN2 on the input end that is detachably connected to the connector CN3 (see Figure 2) of the light source device 3. The light guide 4 has an optical fiber (not shown) inside and supplies light (normal light such as white light or excitation light (laser light)) from the light source device 3 to the optical fiber 22 via the fiber connection section 21. The light supplied to the optical fiber 22 is irradiated into the living body via the concave lens 23. The normal light and excitation light (laser light) reflected from the living body, and the fluorescence emitted from fluorescent substances in the living body when they are excited by the excitation light, are focused by the optical system in the insertion section 2.

[0019] The camera head 5 is detachably connected to the eyepiece 24 in the insertion section 2. The camera head 5 then captures an image of the subject focused by the insertion section 2 under the control of the control device 9 and generates an image signal (hereinafter referred to as the captured image).

[0020] The first transmission cable 6 has one end detachably connected to the control device 9 and the other end detachably connected to the camera head 5. The first transmission cable 6 transmits captured images and the like output from the camera head 5 to the control device 9, and also transmits control signals, synchronization signals, clock signals, and power, etc., output from the control device 9 to the camera head 5. Furthermore, the transmission of captured images, etc., from the camera head 5 to the control device 9 via the first transmission cable 6 may be done by transmitting the captured images, etc., as optical signals or as electrical signals. The same applies to the transmission of control signals, synchronization signals, and clock signals from the control device 9 to the camera head 5 via the first transmission cable 6.

[0021] The display device 7 is composed of a display display using liquid crystal or organic EL (Electro Luminescence), and under the control of the control device 9, it displays an image based on a video signal from the control device 9. The second transmission cable 8 has one end detachably connected to the display device 7 and the other end detachably connected to the control device 9. The second transmission cable 8 then transmits the video signal processed by the control device 9 to the display device 7.

[0022] The control device 9 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), etc., and comprehensively controls the operation of the light source device 3, the camera head 5, and the display device 7. For example, the control device 9 outputs a control signal to the light source device 3 according to the observation mode, such as normal observation mode or fluorescence observation mode, and causes the light source device 3 to emit light corresponding to the observation mode (normal light such as white light or excitation light (laser light)). The control device 9 also performs various image processing on the captured image output from the camera head 5 and generates a video signal for displaying the captured image. The control device 9 then outputs this video signal to the display device 7 via the second transmission cable 8, causing the display device 7 to display the captured image based on the video signal. The third transmission cable 10 has one end detachably connected to the light source device 3 and the other end detachably connected to the control device 9. The third transmission cable 10 transmits control signals from the control device 9 to the light source device 3.

[0023] [Configuration of the light source device] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the light source device 3. Next, the configuration of the light source device 3 will be explained with reference to Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, the light source device 3 comprises a visible light source 31, first and second excitation light sources 32 and 33, first to third dichroic mirrors 34 to 36, a light measuring instrument 37, a control unit 38, and a memory 39. The visible light source 31 is a light source used in both the normal observation mode and the fluorescence observation mode, and emits (lights up) normal light such as white light, which is in the visible wavelength band. In this embodiment, the visible light source 31 is composed of an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that emits white light (normal light).

[0024] The first excitation light source 32 corresponds to the first light source in this disclosure. This first excitation light source 32 is a light source used in fluorescence observation mode and is composed of a semiconductor laser that emits excitation light (hereinafter referred to as the first laser light) having a peak wavelength of approximately 405 nm. The first laser light is excitation light that excites protoporphyrin, which is taken up into cells after administration of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) to a subject and biosynthesized in the mitochondria. Furthermore, when the protoporphyrin is excited by the first laser light, it emits fluorescence having peak wavelengths of approximately 636 nm and 705 nm, respectively.

[0025] The second excitation light source 33 corresponds to the first light source in this disclosure. This second excitation light source 33 is a light source used in fluorescence observation mode and is composed of a semiconductor laser that emits excitation light (hereinafter referred to as the second laser light) in the near-infrared wavelength band (peak wavelength: approximately 808 nm). The second laser light is excitation light that excites indocyanine green (fluorescent substance). Furthermore, when the indocyanine green is excited by the second laser light, it emits fluorescence having a peak wavelength (approximately 835 nm) that is longer than the peak wavelength of the second laser light.

[0026] In this embodiment, the light emitted from the visible light source 31 and the first and second excitation light sources 32 and 33 (normal light and the first and second laser light) is designed to be in the classes shown in Tables 1 and 2 below (laser standards indicating "safety standards for laser products" (e.g., IEC60825-1:2014 or 2007)).

[0027] [Table 1] [Table 2] Table 1 lists the classes of light emitted from the "tip of the insertion part 2". For example, as shown in Table 1, when normal light and the second laser beam are emitted simultaneously, the second laser beam is designed to be Class 1. Also, for example, when the first and second laser beams are emitted simultaneously, the first and second laser beams are designed to be Class 1. Furthermore, for example, when only the second laser beam is emitted, the second laser beam is designed to be Class 1.

[0028] Table 2 lists the classes of light emitted from the "exit end of the light guide 4". For example, as shown in Table 2, when normal light and the second laser beam are emitted simultaneously, the second laser beam is designed to be Class 3R. Also, for example, when the first and second laser beams are emitted simultaneously, the first and second laser beams are designed to be Class 3R. Furthermore, for example, when only the second laser beam is emitted, the second laser beam is designed to be Class 3R.

[0029] The first dichroic mirror 34 is a dichroic mirror that transmits the first laser beam and reflects the second laser beam in the same direction as the propagation direction of the first laser beam. The second dichroic mirror 35 is a dichroic mirror that transmits the first and second laser beams and reflects normal light in the same direction as the propagation direction of the first and second laser beams. The third dichroic mirror 36 transmits the first and second laser beams and normal light, and reflects the measurement light emitted from the light measuring instrument 37 in the same direction as the propagation direction of the first and second laser beams and normal light.

[0030] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the optical measuring instrument 37. The optical measuring instrument 37 is an optical measuring instrument for measuring the connection status between the light guide 4 and the insertion section 2 (fiber connection section 21) using an OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer). As shown in Figure 3, this optical measuring instrument 37 comprises a light transmitter 371, a beam splitter 372, a light receiver 373, and a signal processing unit 374.

[0031] The light transmitter 371 corresponds to the second light source in this disclosure. Although not shown in detail in the illustration, the light transmitter 371 consists of a pulse generator and a semiconductor laser that generates phase-aligned coherent light (measurement light), and emits pulsed measurement light under the control of the signal processing unit 374. The wavelength band of the measurement light is different from the wavelength band of the normal light described above, the wavelength band of the first laser light described above, the wavelength band of fluorescence emitted from protoporphyrin when protoporphyrin is excited by the first laser light, the wavelength band of the second laser light described above, and the wavelength band of fluorescence emitted from indocyanine green when indocyanine green is excited by the second laser light. Specifically, the measurement light is laser light having a peak wavelength of about 1310 nm.

[0032] Figure 4 shows the timing of pulsed light emission in the measurement light. Then, under the control of the signal processing unit 374, the light transmitter 371 pulses measurement light at a frequency less than the time standard corresponding to the class specified in the laser standard that indicates the "safety standards for laser products" for the laser light (first and second laser beams) emitted from the output end of the light guide 4. Specifically, in this embodiment, as shown in Table 2, the class of the laser light emitted from the exit end of the light guide 4 is "Class 3R". The time reference corresponding to "Class 3R" is 0.25 seconds. Therefore, as shown in Figure 4, the light transmitter 371 pulses the measurement light with a period of 0.2 seconds, which is less than 0.25 seconds.

[0033] The beam splitter 372 transmits the measurement light emitted from the transmitter 371 and directs it toward the third dichroic mirror 36. The beam splitter 372 also reflects the reflected light from the light guide 4 and the third dichroic mirror 36 toward the receiver 373. Although not shown in detail in the illustration, the light receiver 373 includes a photodiode, an amplifier, and an A / D converter, and outputs a signal (digital signal) corresponding to the light intensity level of the reflected light to the signal processing unit 374.

[0034] The signal processing unit 374 converts the time from when the light transmitter 371 pulses out measurement light until the light receiver 373 receives the reflected light into a distance from the light source device 3, and generates an OTDR waveform that shows the light intensity level of the reflected light relative to that distance.

[0035] Figure 5 illustrates the OTDR waveform. Specifically, Figure 5(a) shows the optical fiber 100 connected to connector CN3 of the light source device 3. Figure 5(b) shows the OTDR waveform corresponding to the optical fiber 100. Here, we will explain the OTDR waveform using the example of a case where the optical fiber 100 shown in Figure 5 is connected to the connector CN3 of the light source device 3. As shown in Figure 5, the optical fiber 100 has a configuration in which the first and second optical fibers 101 and 102 are connected in series with connector CN4, and connectors CN5 and CN6 are provided at both ends, respectively. Connector CN5 is connected to connector CN3 of the light source device 3.

[0036] Furthermore, as the measurement light emitted from the light source device 3 passes through each of the connectors CN3 to CN5, Fresnel reflection occurs at each of the connectors CN3 to CN5. In addition, Rayleigh scattering occurs as the measurement light travels through the first and second optical fibers 101 and 102, respectively. Therefore, in the OTDR waveform corresponding to the optical fiber 100, as shown in Figure 5(b), there are peaks P1 to P3 in the light intensity level of the reflected light corresponding to Fresnel reflection at distances D1 to D3 from the light source device 3 to each connector CN3 to CN5. In addition, in the OTDR waveform corresponding to the optical fiber 100, reflected light corresponding to Rayleigh scattering is detected between distances D1 and D2 corresponding to the position of the first optical fiber 101, and between distances D2 and D3 corresponding to the position of the second optical fiber 102, and the light intensity level of the reflected light gradually decreases as the distance increases. Furthermore, if there is a bent portion 102A (Figure 5(a)) in the second optical fiber 102, the light intensity level of the reflected light decreases sharply at distance D4 from the light source device 3 to the portion 102A in the OTDR waveform corresponding to the optical fiber 100.

[0037] The control unit 38 is implemented by a controller such as a CPU or MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing various programs stored in the memory 39, thereby controlling the operation of the entire light source device 3. Note that the control unit 38 may be composed of integrated circuits such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA, not just a CPU or MPU. Then, the control unit 38 drives the light source specified by the control device 9 from among the visible light source 31 and the first and second excitation light sources 32 and 33, according to the control signal output from the control device 9. At this time, the control unit 38 performs a specific lighting drive control. Further details regarding the lighting drive control will be explained in the "Operation of the Control Unit" section below.

[0038] Memory 39 stores programs executed by the control unit 38, as well as information necessary for the processing performed by the control unit 38.

[0039] [Operation of the control unit] Next, the lighting drive control performed by the control unit 38 described above will be explained. In explaining the lighting drive control, we will assume the following three combinations of the light guide 4 and insertion part 2 as appropriate combinations. The first combination involves connecting a 10mm diameter insertion part 2 (part 1) to a 5mm diameter light guide 4. The second combination involves connecting a 10mm diameter insertion part 2 (part 2) to a 2mm diameter light guide 4. The third combination involves connecting a 5mm diameter insertion part 2 to a 1mm diameter light guide 4.

[0040] Furthermore, the internal optical fibers (not shown) are different in the 5mm diameter light guide 4 in the first combination, the 2mm diameter light guide 4 in the second combination, and the 1mm diameter light guide 4 in the third combination. Also, the internal optical fibers 22 and concave lenses 23 are different in the 10mm diameter insertion section 2 (part 1) in the first combination, the 10mm diameter insertion section 2 (part 2) in the second combination, and the 5mm diameter insertion section 2 in the third combination.

[0041] Furthermore, the memory 39 pre-stores information indicating the first to third OTDR waveforms that were previously measured by the optical measuring instrument 37. Figures 6 through 8 show the first to third OTDR waveforms, respectively. The first OTDR waveform shown in Figure 6 is the OTDR waveform measured by the light measuring instrument 37 with the first combination of light guide 4 and insertion part 2 connected to the light source device 3. In this first OTDR waveform, peaks P11 to P14 exist at distances D11 to D14, respectively. Peak P11 at distance D11 corresponds to Fresnel reflection at connector CN1. Peak P12 at distance D12 corresponds to Fresnel reflection at fiber connection section 21. Peak P13 at distance D13 corresponds to Fresnel reflection at the incident surface of concave lens 23. Peak P14 at distance D14 corresponds to Fresnel reflection at the exit surface of concave lens 23. Furthermore, the information indicating that peaks P11 to P14 exist at distances D11 to D14, and the information indicating that there are four peaks P11 to P14, are features unique to the first combination and are stored in memory 39 as information representing the first OTDR waveform.

[0042] Furthermore, the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distances D11 and D12 corresponds to Rayleigh scattering in the optical fiber within the 5 mm diameter light guide 4 in the first combination, and exhibits behavior unique to that optical fiber. The information (gradient and amount of change) indicating the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distances D11 and D12 is a characteristic unique to the first combination, and this information (gradient and amount of change) is stored in memory 39 as information representing the first OTDR waveform with a specific width centered on it.

[0043] Furthermore, the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distances D12 and D13 corresponds to Rayleigh scattering in the optical fiber 22 within the 10 mm diameter insertion section 2 (part 1) in the first combination, and exhibits behavior specific to that optical fiber 22. The information (gradient and amount of change) indicating the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distances D12 and D13 is a characteristic specific to the first combination, and this information (gradient and amount of change) is stored in memory 39 as information representing the first OTDF waveform with a specific width centered on it.

[0044] Furthermore, the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distance D13 and distance D14 corresponds to Rayleigh scattering in the concave lens 23 within the 10 mm diameter insertion section 2 (part 1) in the first combination, and exhibits behavior unique to the concave lens 23. The information (gradient and amount of change) indicating the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distance D13 and distance D14 is a characteristic unique to the first combination, and this information (gradient and amount of change) is stored in memory 39 as information representing the first OTDF waveform with a specific width centered on it.

[0045] The second OTDR waveform shown in Figure 7 is the OTDR waveform measured by the light measuring instrument 37 with the second combination of light guide 4 and insertion part 2 connected to the light source device 3. In this second OTDR waveform, peaks P21 to P24 exist at distances D21 to D24, respectively. Peak P21 at distance D21 corresponds to Fresnel reflection at connector CN1. Peak P22 at distance D22 corresponds to Fresnel reflection at fiber connection section 21. Peak P23 at distance D23 corresponds to Fresnel reflection at the incident surface of concave lens 23. Peak P24 at distance D24 corresponds to Fresnel reflection at the exit surface of concave lens 23. Furthermore, the information indicating the existence of peaks P21 to P24 at distances D21 to D24, and the information indicating that there are four peaks P21 to P24, are features unique to the second combination and are stored in memory 39 as information indicating the second OTDR waveform.

[0046] Furthermore, the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distances D21 and D22 is due to Rayleigh scattering in the optical fiber within the 2 mm diameter light guide 4 in the second combination, and exhibits behavior specific to that optical fiber. The information (gradient and amount of change) indicating the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distances D21 and D22 is a characteristic specific to the second combination, and this information (gradient and amount of change) is stored in memory 39 as information representing the second OTDR waveform with a specific width centered on it.

[0047] Furthermore, the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distances D22 and D23 corresponds to Rayleigh scattering in the optical fiber 22 within the 10 mm diameter insertion section 2 (part 2) in the second combination, and exhibits behavior specific to that optical fiber 22. The information (gradient and amount of change) indicating the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distances D22 and D23 is a characteristic specific to the second combination, and this information (gradient and amount of change) is stored in memory 39 as information representing the second OTDR waveform with a specific width centered on it.

[0048] Furthermore, the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distances D23 and D24 corresponds to Rayleigh scattering in the concave lens 23 within the 10 mm diameter insertion section 2 (part 2) in the second combination, and exhibits behavior unique to the concave lens 23. The information (gradient and amount of change) indicating the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distances D23 and D24 is a characteristic unique to the second combination, and this information (gradient and amount of change) is stored in memory 39 as information representing the second OTDR waveform with a specific width centered on it.

[0049] The third OTDR waveform shown in Figure 8 is the OTDR waveform measured by the light measuring instrument 37 with the third combination of light guide 4 and insertion part 2 connected to the light source device 3. In this third OTDR waveform, peaks P31 to P34 exist at distances D31 to D34, respectively. Peak P31 at distance D31 corresponds to Fresnel reflection at connector CN1. Peak P32 at distance D32 corresponds to Fresnel reflection at fiber connection section 21. Peak P33 at distance D33 corresponds to Fresnel reflection at the incident surface of concave lens 23. Peak P34 at distance D34 corresponds to Fresnel reflection at the exit surface of concave lens 23. Furthermore, the information indicating the existence of peaks P31 to P34 at distances D31 to D34, and the information indicating that there are four peaks P31 to P34, are characteristics unique to the third combination and are stored in memory 39 as information indicating the third OTDR waveform.

[0050] Furthermore, the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distances D31 and D32 is due to Rayleigh scattering in the optical fiber within the 1 mm diameter light guide 4 in the third combination, and exhibits behavior unique to that optical fiber. The information (gradient and amount of change) indicating the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distances D31 and D32 is a characteristic unique to the third combination, and this information (gradient and amount of change) is stored in memory 39 as information representing the third OTDR waveform with a specific width centered on it.

[0051] Furthermore, the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distances D32 and D33 corresponds to Rayleigh scattering in the optical fiber 22 within the 5 mm diameter insertion section 2 in the third combination, and exhibits behavior specific to that optical fiber 22. The information (gradient and amount of change) indicating the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distances D32 and D33 is a characteristic specific to the third combination, and this information (gradient and amount of change) is stored in memory 39 as information representing the third OTDR waveform with a specific width centered on it.

[0052] Furthermore, the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distances D33 and D34 corresponds to Rayleigh scattering in the concave lens 23 within the 5 mm diameter insertion section 2 in the third combination, and exhibits behavior unique to the concave lens 23. The information (gradient and amount of change) indicating the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distances D33 and D34 is a characteristic unique to the third combination, and this information (gradient and amount of change) is stored in memory 39 as information representing the third OTDR waveform with a specific width centered on it.

[0053] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the lighting drive control performed by the control unit 38. Figures 10 to 12 are diagrams illustrating the lighting drive control performed by the control unit 38. First, the control unit 38 constantly monitors whether the connection of the light guide 4 to the light source device 3 has been detected by the detection unit (not shown) (step S1). If the control unit 38 determines that the connection of the light guide 4 to the light source device 3 has been detected (step S1: Yes), the control unit 38 starts the operation of the light measuring instrument 37 (step S2). As a result, the light measuring instrument 37 (signal processing unit 374) starts generating the OTDR waveform.

[0054] After step S2, the control unit 38 performs the following determination process to determine whether the light guide 4 and the insertion unit 2 are properly connected, based on the information indicating the first to third OTDR waveforms stored in the memory 39 and the OTDR waveform generated by the optical measuring instrument 37 (step S3). Here, the decision process executed in step S3 consists of a first and a second decision process.

[0055] The first determination process is as follows: The control unit 38 determines whether the light guide 4 and the insertion unit 2 are properly connected based on the information indicating the first to third OTDR waveforms stored in the memory 39 and the information indicating the peaks in the OTDR waveforms generated by the optical measuring instrument 37.

[0056] Specifically, in the first determination process, the control unit 38 determines whether there are peaks P11 to P14 at distances D11 to D14, respectively, based on the information indicating the first OTDR waveform in the OTDR waveform generated by the optical measuring instrument 37. The control unit 38 also determines whether the number of peaks in the OTDR waveform generated by the optical measuring instrument 37 is four, which is the number of peaks based on the information indicating the first OTDR waveform.

[0057] Furthermore, in the first determination process, the control unit 38 determines whether there are peaks P21 to P24 at distances D21 to D24, based on the information indicating the second OTDR waveform in the OTDR waveform generated by the optical measuring instrument 37. The control unit 38 also determines whether the number of peaks in the OTDR waveform generated by the optical measuring instrument 37 is four, which is the number of peaks based on the information indicating the second OTDR waveform.

[0058] Furthermore, in the first determination process, the control unit 38 determines whether there are peaks P31 to P34 at distances D31 to D34, respectively, based on the information indicating the third OTDR waveform in the OTDR waveform generated by the optical measuring instrument 37. The control unit 38 also determines whether the number of peaks in the OTDR waveform generated by the optical measuring instrument 37 is four, which is the number of peaks based on the information indicating the third OTDR waveform.

[0059] The control unit 38 then determines "Yes" in the first determination process if the OTDR waveform generated by the optical measuring instrument 37 has four peaks, and there are peaks P11 to P14 at distances D11 to D14, peaks P21 to P24 at distances D21 to D24, or peaks P31 to P34 at distances D31 to D34. On the other hand, in all other cases, the control unit 38 determines "No" in the first determination process.

[0060] The second determination process is as follows: The control unit 38 determines whether the light guide 4 and the insertion unit 2 are properly connected based on information indicating the first to third OTDR waveforms stored in the memory 39 and information indicating the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light within a range defined by a specific distance in the OTDR waveform generated by the optical measuring instrument 37.

[0061] Specifically, in the second determination process, the control unit 38 determines whether the OTDR waveform generated by the optical measuring instrument 37 satisfies all of the following first conditions (1) to (3). (1) The information (gradient and amount of change) in the OTDR waveform generated by the optical measuring instrument 37 that shows the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distance D11 and distance D12 falls within a specific range centered on the information (gradient and amount of change) that shows the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distance D11 and distance D12 based on the information showing the first OTDR waveform. (2) The information (gradient and amount of change) in the OTDR waveform generated by the optical measuring instrument 37 that shows the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distance D12 and distance D13 falls within a specific range centered on the information (gradient and amount of change) that shows the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distance D12 and distance D13 based on the information showing the first OTDR waveform. (3) The information (gradient and amount of change) in the OTDR waveform generated by the optical measuring instrument 37 that shows the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distance D13 and distance D14 falls within a specific range centered on the information (gradient and amount of change) that shows the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distance D13 and distance D14 based on the information showing the first OTDR waveform.

[0062] Furthermore, in the second determination process, the control unit 38 determines whether the OTDR waveform generated by the optical measuring instrument 37 satisfies all of the second conditions (4) to (6) shown below. (4) The information (gradient and amount of change) in the OTDR waveform generated by the optical measuring instrument 37 that shows the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distance D21 and distance D22 falls within a specific range centered on the information (gradient and amount of change) that shows the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distance D21 and distance D22 based on the information showing the second OTDR waveform. (5) The information (gradient and amount of change) in the OTDR waveform generated by the optical measuring instrument 37 that shows the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distance D22 and distance D23 falls within a specific range centered on the information (gradient and amount of change) that shows the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distance D22 and distance D23 based on the information showing the second OTDR waveform. (6) The information (gradient and amount of change) in the OTDR waveform generated by the optical measuring instrument 37 that shows the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distance D23 and distance D24 falls within a specific range centered on the information (gradient and amount of change) that shows the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distance D23 and distance D24 based on the information showing the second OTDR waveform.

[0063] Furthermore, in the second determination process, the control unit 38 determines whether the OTDR waveform generated by the optical measuring instrument 37 satisfies all of the third conditions (7) to (9) shown below. (7) The information (gradient and amount of change) in the OTDR waveform generated by the optical measuring instrument 37 that shows the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distance D31 and distance D32 falls within a specific range centered on the information (gradient and amount of change) that shows the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distance D31 and distance D32 based on the information showing the third OTDR waveform. (8) The information (gradient and amount of change) indicating the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distance D32 and distance D33, generated by the optical measuring instrument 37, falls within a specific range centered on the information (gradient and amount of change) indicating the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distance D32 and distance D33, based on the information showing the third OTDR waveform. (9) The information (gradient and amount of change) in the OTDR waveform generated by the optical measuring instrument 37 that shows the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distance D33 and distance D34 falls within a specific range centered on the information (gradient and amount of change) that shows the change in the light intensity level of the reflected light between distance D33 and distance D34 based on the information showing the third OTDR waveform.

[0064] The control unit 38 then determines "Yes" in the second determination process if the OTDR waveform generated by the optical measuring instrument 37 satisfies all of the first conditions, all of the second conditions, or all of the third conditions. Otherwise, the control unit 38 determines "No" in the second determination process.

[0065] If the result of the determination process (step S3) is "No" in either the first or second determination process, the control unit 38 determines that the light guide 4 and the insertion part 2 are not properly connected (step S4: No), and returns to step S3.

[0066] For example, Figure 10 shows the OTDR waveform generated by the optical measuring instrument 37 when a light guide 4 with a diameter of 5 mm is connected to the light source device 3, but the insertion part 2 is not connected to the light guide 4. The OTDR waveform shown in Figure 10 has two peaks, not the four peaks indicated by the information for the first to third OTDR waveforms. Therefore, the control unit 38 determines "No" in the first determination process (step S3) and concludes that the light guide 4 and the insertion unit 2 are not properly connected (step S4: No).

[0067] Furthermore, for example, Figure 11 shows an OTDR waveform generated by the optical measuring instrument 37 when a light guide 4 with a diameter of 5 mm is connected to the light source device 3, and an insertion part 2 (part 1) with a diameter of 10 mm is connected to the light guide 4, but the light guide 4 and the insertion part 2 are not properly connected. The OTDR waveform shown in Figure 11 shows that the light guide 4 and the insertion section 2 are not properly connected, resulting in the appearance of a new peak P15 near distance D12 that is not a characteristic specific to the first combination described above. As a result, the number of peaks is 5, not the number of peaks (4) based on the information showing the first to third OTDR waveforms. Therefore, the control unit 38 determines "No" in the first determination process (step S3) and determines that the light guide 4 and the insertion section 2 are not properly connected (step S4: No).

[0068] On the other hand, if the determination process (step S3) determines "Yes" in both the first and second determination processes, the control unit 38 determines that the light guide 4 and the insertion unit 2 are properly connected (step S4: Yes), and the control unit 38 starts operating the light source specified by the control device 9 from among the visible light source 31 and the first and second excitation light sources 32 and 33, according to the control signal output from the control device 9 (step S5). As a result, light (at least one of the normal light and the first and second laser light) is output from the light source.

[0069] After step S5, the control unit 38 performs the same determination process as in step S3 (step S6). If the result of the determination process (step S6) is "Yes" in both the first and second determination processes, the control unit 38 determines that the light guide 4 and the insertion part 2 are properly connected (step S7: Yes), and returns to step S6.

[0070] On the other hand, if the determination process (step S6) determines "No" in either the first or second determination process, the control unit 38 determines that the light guide 4 and the insertion unit 2 are not properly connected (step S7: No), and stops the operation of the light source that started operating in step S5 (step S8). As a result, the output of light from the light source (normal light and at least one of the first or second laser beams) stops.

[0071] For example, if the light guide 4 and insertion part 2 in the first combination described above were connected to the light source device 3, but the light guide 4 became detached from the insertion part 2 due to an external force, the OTDR waveform generated by the light measuring instrument 37 would be the OTDR waveform shown in Figure 10. The control unit 38 then determines, as a result of the determination process (step S6), that the light guide 4 and insertion part 2 are not properly connected (step S7: No) because the first determination process determined "No", and stops the output of light from the light source (step S8).

[0072] Furthermore, for example, if the light guide 4 and insertion part 2 in the first combination described above were connected to the light source device 3, but an external force causes the light guide 4 and insertion part 2 to become improperly connected, the OTDR waveform generated by the light measuring instrument 37 will be the OTDR waveform shown in Figure 11. Then, the control unit 38, as a result of the determination process (step S6), determines that the light guide 4 and insertion part 2 are not properly connected (step S7: No) because the first determination process determined "No", and stops the output of light from the light source (step S8).

[0073] According to the embodiment described above, the following effects are achieved. In the light source device 3 according to this embodiment, the control unit 38 determines whether the light guide 4 and the insertion unit 2 are properly connected based on the reflected light of the measurement light emitted from the light transmitter 371. Based on this determination result, the control unit 38 controls the output of the first and second laser beams from the first and second excitation light sources 32 and 33. Therefore, if the light guide 4 becomes detached from the insertion part 2, or if the light guide 4 and the insertion part 2 are not properly connected, the output of the first and second laser beams can be stopped. In other words, as a result of this configuration, the laser beam emitted from the tip of the insertion part 2 can be designed to meet the requirements specified in the laser standards that indicate the "safety standards for laser products". Furthermore, as the first and second laser beams emitted from the output end of the light guide 4 can be made to have a high light intensity such as Class 3R, the light intensity of the first and second laser beams emitted from the tip of the insertion part 2 can be ensured. Therefore, according to the light source device 3 of this embodiment, it is possible to ensure the amount of laser light emitted to the subject while ensuring safety.

[0074] Furthermore, in the light source device 3 according to this embodiment, the control unit 38 determines whether the light guide 4 and the insertion unit 2 are properly connected based on the OTDR waveform generated by the light measuring instrument 37 (information indicating peaks in the OTDR waveform and information indicating changes in the light intensity level of reflected light within a range defined by a specific distance in the OTDR waveform). Therefore, with a simple configuration, it is possible to easily and accurately determine whether the light guide 4 and the insertion part 2 are properly connected.

[0075] Furthermore, in the light source device 3 according to this embodiment, the light transmitter 371 pulses measurement light with a period less than the time standard corresponding to the class specified in the laser standard that indicates the "safety standards for laser products" for the laser light (first and second laser light) emitted from the output end of the light guide 4. Therefore, if the light guide 4 becomes detached from the insertion section 2, the system can detect that the light guide 4 has become detached from the insertion section 2 based on the measurement light emitted from the light transmitter 371, before the first and second laser beams are emitted from the output end of the light guide 4 for the specified time reference period, and stop the output of the first and second laser beams. Thus, safety can be sufficiently ensured.

[0076] Furthermore, in the light source device 3 according to this embodiment, the wavelength band of the measurement light is different from the wavelength band of normal light, the wavelength band of the first laser light, the wavelength band of fluorescence emitted from protoporphyrin when protoporphyrin is excited by the first laser light, the wavelength band of the second laser light, and the wavelength band of fluorescence emitted from indocyanine green when indocyanine green is excited by the second laser light. Therefore, the measurement light does not interfere with various observations in normal observation mode or fluorescence observation mode.

[0077] (Other embodiments) While we have described the forms for implementing this disclosure, this disclosure should not be limited to the embodiments described above. In the embodiment described above, the connection state between the light guide 4 and the insertion part 2 was measured using an OTDR, but this is not the only configuration. Other configurations can be used as long as the connection state between the light guide 4 and the insertion part 2 is measured based on the reflected light of the measurement light. For example, a configuration can be used in which the connection state between the light guide 4 and the insertion part 2 is measured based on the integrated value of the reflected light of the measurement light, without using an OTDR waveform.

[0078] In the embodiments described above, the first light source according to this disclosure consisted of two first and second excitation light sources 32 and 33, but is not limited to this. The number of first light sources according to this disclosure is not limited to two; it may be one, three or more.

[0079] In the embodiments described above, the light source device 3 according to this disclosure was mounted on a medical observation system 1 in which the insertion part 2 was composed of a rigid endoscope, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the light source device 3 according to this disclosure may be mounted on a surgical microscope that magnifies and observes a predetermined field of view inside a subject (in vivo) or on the surface of a subject (on the biological surface) (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-42981, International Publication No. 2017 / 065018).

[0080] In the embodiment described above, in step S8, the control unit 38 stopped the operation of the light source that started operating in step S5. However, it is not limited to this, and the control unit may be configured to reduce the light output to a level that ensures safety without stopping the light output. In the embodiment described above, if only normal light is emitted from the visible light source 31, the normal light is different from laser light, which requires safety considerations, and therefore the above-described lighting drive control does not need to be performed. In other words, after the control unit 38 determines that the connection of the light guide 4 to the light source device 3 has been detected (step S1: Yes), it may start the operation of the visible light source 31 in step S5 without performing the determination process (step S3), etc. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, if normal light and at least one of the first and second laser beams are emitted simultaneously, in step S8, only the output of the laser beam may be stopped.

[0081] In the embodiment described above, if "No" is determined in step S4, and in at least one of the cases where "No" is determined in step S7, the control unit 38 may cause an external notification unit to broadcast warning information indicating that the light guide 4 and the insertion unit 2 are not properly connected. For example, the control unit 38 may, via the control device 9, cause the display device 7, which acts as a notification unit, to display the warning information. The notification unit according to this disclosure is not limited to the display device 7; other display devices or speakers that output the warning information by sound may also be used. Furthermore, users such as doctors can recognize that the light guide 4 and the insertion part 2 are not properly connected by recognizing this warning information. This improves convenience.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, both the first and second determination processes were executed as the determination process (steps S3, S6), but the system is not limited to this, and only the first determination process may be executed. That is, in steps S4, S7, the control unit 38 determines that if the first determination process determines "No" as a result of the determination process (steps S3, S6), the light guide 4 and the insertion part 2 are not properly connected (steps S4, S7: No), and if the first determination process determines "Yes", the control unit 38 determines that the light guide 4 and the insertion part 2 are properly connected (steps S4, S7: Yes).

[0083] Incidentally, if the optical fiber in the light guide 4, the optical fiber 22 in the insertion section 2, or the concave lens 23 deteriorates over time, the light intensity level of the reflected light in those areas will decrease. In other words, it will be easier for the second determination process to determine "No". For this reason, in the embodiment described above, if the second determination process determines "No", the control unit 38 may have an external notification unit notify the external notification unit of warning information indicating that the optical fiber in the light guide 4 or the optical fiber 22 in the insertion section 2 has deteriorated over time. Examples of such notification units include the display device 7 described above, other display devices other than the display device 7, or a speaker that outputs the warning information by voice.

[0084] Figure 12 shows a modified example of the embodiment. Specifically, Figure 12 shows an OTDR waveform generated by the optical measuring instrument 37 in a state where a light guide 4 with a diameter of 5 mm is connected to the light source device 3, but the insertion part 2 is not connected to the light guide 4, and there is a break in the optical fiber inside the light guide 4. For example, if a break occurs in the optical fiber within the light guide 4, as shown in Figure 12, the light intensity level of the reflected light drops sharply at the distance where the break occurs. As a result, it becomes easier for the second determination process to determine "No". When the second determination process determines "No", the control unit 38 sends a warning message to an external notification unit.

[0085] Incidentally, if foreign matter or dirt is attached to the end face of the light guide 4, or if condensation occurs on the incident or exit surface of the concave lens 23, the OTDR waveform generated by the light measuring instrument 37 will show a large peak in the reflected light intensity level at the distance corresponding to the end face of the light guide 4 or the incident or exit surface of the concave lens 23, compared to the normal state. For this reason, in such cases, the control unit 38 may have an external notification unit send a warning message indicating that foreign matter or dirt is attached or that condensation has occurred. Examples of such notification units include the display device 7 described above, other display devices other than the display device 7, or a speaker that outputs the warning message by voice. Furthermore, if condensation occurs on the incident or exit surface of the concave lens 23, the control unit 38 may be configured to operate a heater (not shown) to apply heat to the concave lens 23 and remove the condensation.

[0086] Furthermore, the following configurations also fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. (1) A medical light source device comprising: a first light source that emits laser light; a second light source that emits measurement light to the light guide for measuring the connection state between a light guide that guides the laser light and an emission optical system that irradiates the subject with the laser light via the light guide; and a control unit that controls the output of the laser light in the first light source based on the reflected light of the measurement light emitted from the second light source. (2) A light measuring instrument for measuring the connection state by OTDR, further comprising the second light source, which generates an OTDR waveform indicating the light intensity level of the reflected light with respect to the distance from the medical light source device, wherein the control unit controls the output of the laser light in the first light source based on the OTDR waveform, as described in (1). (3) The medical light source device according to (2), wherein the control unit controls the output of the laser light in the first light source based on information indicating a peak in the OTDR waveform. (4) The medical light source device according to (3), wherein the control unit determines whether there is a peak in the light intensity level of the reflected light at a specific distance from the medical light source device based on the OTDR waveform, and controls the output of the laser light in the first light source based on the determination result. (5) The medical light source device according to (3) or (4), wherein the control unit determines whether the number of peaks in the OTDR waveform is a specific number and controls the output of the laser light in the first light source based on the determination result. (6) The medical light source device according to any one of (2) to (5), wherein the control unit controls the output of the laser light in the first light source based on information indicating a change in the light intensity level of the reflected light within a range defined by a specific distance from the medical light source device in the OTDR waveform. (7) The medical light source device according to any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein the control unit causes the notification unit to notify warning information indicating a warning based on the reflected light. (8) The medical light source device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the second light source causes the measurement light to pulse with respect to the laser light emitted from the light guide after it has been emitted from the first light source, at a period of less than a time standard corresponding to a class specified in the laser standard indicating the safety standards for laser products. (9) The medical light source device according to any one of (1) to (8) above, wherein the laser light is an excitation light that generates fluorescence from the subject when irradiated onto the subject, and the measurement light is in a wavelength band different from the wavelength band of the excitation light and the fluorescence. (10) A medical observation system comprising a medical light source device that emits laser light, a light guide that guides the laser light, and an emission optical system that irradiates a subject with the laser light via the light guide, wherein the medical light source device comprises a first light source that emits laser light, a second light source that emits measurement light to the light guide to measure the connection state between the light guide and the emission optical system, and a control unit that controls the output of the laser light in the first light source based on the reflected light of the measurement light emitted from the second light source. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 1. Medical observation system 2 Insertion part 3 Light source device 4 Light Guide 5 Camera head 6. First transmission cable 7 Display device 8. Second transmission cable 9 Control device 10. Third transmission cable 21 Fiber optic connection 22 Optical Fibers 23 Concave lens 24 Eyepiece 31 Visible light source 32 First excitation light source 33 Second excitation light source 34. The first dichroic mirror 35. The second dichroic mirror 36. The third dichroic mirror 37 Light measuring instrument 38 Control Unit 39 memory 100 optical fibers 101 First optical fiber 102 The second optical fiber 102A Damaged part 371 Light transmitter 372 Beam Splitter 373 Photoreceiver 374 Signal Processing Unit CN1~CN6 Connectors D1~D4,D11~D14,D21~D24,D31~D34 distance Peaks P1-P3, P11-P15, P21-P24, P31-P34

Claims

1. A medical light source device, A first light source that emits laser light, An optical measuring instrument for measuring the connection state between a light guide that guides the laser light by OTDR and an output optical system that irradiates the laser light onto a subject via the light guide, comprising a second light source that emits measurement light to the light guide to measure the connection state, and an optical measuring instrument that generates an OTDR waveform indicating the light intensity level of the reflected light of the measurement light emitted from the second light source with respect to the distance from the medical light source device, A medical light source device comprising a control unit that controls the output of the laser light in the first light source based on the OTDR waveform.

2. The control unit, A medical light source device according to claim 1, which controls the output of the laser light in the first light source based on information indicating a peak in the OTDR waveform.

3. The control unit, The medical light source device according to claim 2, which determines whether or not there is a peak in the light intensity level of the reflected light at a specific distance from the medical light source device based on the OTDR waveform, and controls the output of the laser light in the first light source based on the determination result.

4. The control unit, The medical light source device according to claim 2, which determines whether the number of peaks in the OTDR waveform is a specific number and controls the output of the laser light in the first light source based on the determination result.

5. The control unit, A medical light source device according to claim 1, which controls the output of the laser light in the first light source based on information indicating a change in the light intensity level of the reflected light within a range defined by a specific distance from the medical light source device in the OTDR waveform.

6. The control unit, The medical light source device according to claim 1, which provides warning information indicating a warning based on the OTDR waveform from a notification unit.

7. The second light source is, A medical light source device according to claim 1, wherein the measurement light is pulsed with respect to the laser light emitted from the light guide after being emitted from the first light source, at a period less than a time standard corresponding to a class specified in the laser standard indicating the safety standards for laser products.

8. The aforementioned laser light This is excitation light that, when irradiated onto the subject, causes fluorescence to be generated from the subject. The aforementioned measurement light is The medical light source device according to claim 1, wherein the wavelength band is different from the wavelength band of the excitation light and the fluorescence.

9. A medical light source device that emits laser light, A light guide that guides the laser light, The system comprises an output optical system that irradiates the laser light onto the subject via the light guide, The aforementioned medical light source device is A first light source that emits the aforementioned laser light, An optical measuring instrument for measuring the connection state between the light guide and the emission optical system by OTDR, comprising a second light source that emits measurement light to the light guide to measure the connection state, and an optical measuring instrument that generates an OTDR waveform indicating the light intensity level of the reflected light of the measurement light emitted from the second light source with respect to the distance from the medical light source device, A medical observation system comprising a control unit that controls the output of the laser light in the first light source based on the OTDR waveform.

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