Endoscope system, priority communication method, and priority communication program

Abstract

An endoscope system 1 comprises: a plurality of communication devices 5; a relay device 6 that connects the plurality of communication devices so as to be capable of communicating with each other by Ethernet; and a priority allocation device 73 that refers to a priority table in which provisional priorities are associated with each of the plurality of communication devices 5, and allocates actual priority to a communication device 5, among the plurality of communication devices, that is connected to the relay device 6. The plurality of communication devices 5 include an image processing device 7 for processing a captured image acquired by an endoscope 2. The relay device 6 performs priority communication of the communication device 5 connected to the relay device 6 in accordance with the actual priority.

Description

Endoscope system, priority communication method, and priority communication program

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope system, a priority communication method, and a priority communication program.

[0002] Conventionally, an endoscope system for observing the inside of a subject using an endoscope has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The endoscope system described in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of communication devices and a relay device that connects the plurality of communication devices so that they can communicate with each other. Here, the plurality of communication devices are configured with an audio input unit, an ultrasound device, an insufflation device, an electric scalpel device, a printer, a room light, an electric operating table, a wireless power supply device, and a processor.

[0003] International Publication No. 2019 / 116644

[0004] However, priority levels in priority communication using Ethernet (registered trademark) Quality of Service (QoS) technology can only be set to eight levels, from 0 to 7. Therefore, if a priority level is assigned to each communication device, priority communication can only be performed for up to eight devices. In the endoscope system described in Patent Document 1, eight or more types of communication devices can be connected to a relay device. Which devices are connected to the relay device depends on the diagnosis or surgical procedure. Therefore, the user must set the priority level of priority communication for each communication device connected to the relay device depending on the diagnosis or surgical procedure. This makes it difficult to improve convenience. Therefore, there is a demand for a technology that can improve convenience without forcing the user to perform the cumbersome task of setting priorities.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an endoscope system, a priority communication method, and a priority communication program that can improve convenience.

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the endoscopic system of the present invention comprises a plurality of communication devices, a relay device that connects the plurality of communication devices to each other so that they can communicate with each other via Ethernet, and a priority assignment device that refers to a priority table in which temporary priorities are associated with the plurality of communication devices and assigns actual priorities to communication devices connected to the relay device among the plurality of communication devices, wherein the plurality of communication devices include an image processing device that processes captured images acquired by an endoscope, and the relay device performs priority communication of the communication devices connected to the relay device in accordance with the actual priorities.

[0007] The priority communication method of the present invention is a priority communication method executed by an endoscopic system, and includes a step in which a priority assignment device refers to a priority table in which temporary priorities are associated with multiple communication devices that are connected to each other via Ethernet via a relay device, and assigns actual priorities to communication devices connected to the relay device among the multiple communication devices, and a step in which the relay device performs priority communication for the communication devices connected to the relay device in accordance with the actual priorities, and the multiple communication devices include an image processing device that processes captured images acquired by an endoscope.

[0008] The priority communication program of the present invention is a priority communication program executed by an endoscopic system, and causes the endoscopic system to execute the following steps: a priority assignment device refers to a priority table in which temporary priorities are associated with multiple communication devices connected to each other via Ethernet via a relay device, and assigns actual priorities to communication devices connected to the relay device among the multiple communication devices; and the relay device performs priority communication for the communication devices connected to the relay device in accordance with the actual priorities, and the multiple communication devices include an image processing device that processes captured images acquired by the endoscope.

[0009] The endoscope system, the priority communication method, and the priority communication program according to the present invention can improve convenience.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an endoscope system according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an endoscope system according to an embodiment. Fig. 3 is a diagram explaining exchanges between a plurality of communication devices and a priority assignment device via a relay device. Fig. 4 is a diagram explaining a first modification of the embodiment. Fig. 5 is a diagram explaining a first modification of the embodiment. Fig. 6 is a diagram explaining a second modification of the embodiment. Fig. 7 is a diagram explaining a third modification of the embodiment.

[0011] Hereinafter, a mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as an embodiment) will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below. Furthermore, in the description of the drawings, the same parts are given the same reference numerals.

[0012] 1 and 2 are diagrams showing the configuration of an endoscopic system 1 according to an embodiment. For ease of explanation, Fig. 1 omits the relay device 6 and shows only a processing device 7 out of multiple communication devices 5. For ease of explanation, Fig. 2 shows only two of the multiple communication devices 5, including the processing device 7. The endoscopic system 1 is used in the medical field and is a system for observing the inside of a subject (inside a living organism) using an endoscope 2. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2 , the endoscopic system 1 includes an endoscope 2, a light source device 3, a display device 4, multiple communication devices 5, and a relay device 6 (Fig. 2).

[0013] In this embodiment, the endoscope 2 is a so-called flexible endoscope. A portion of the endoscope 2 is inserted into a living body, captures images of the living body, and outputs image signals generated by the image capture. As shown in FIG. 1 , the endoscope 2 includes an insertion section 21, an operation section 22, and a universal cord 23.

[0014] The insertion section 21 is a section that is at least partially flexible and is inserted into a living body. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the insertion section 21 includes a distal end section 24, a freely bendable bending section 25 (Figure 1) composed of a plurality of bending pieces, and a long, flexible flexible tube section 26 (Figure 1) that is connected to the proximal end side of the bending section 25. An imaging section 244 (Figure 2) is built into the distal end section 24. The insertion section 21 is inserted into a living body, and captures an image of a subject (object of observation) such as biological tissue that is located in a position where external light does not reach, using the imaging section 244.

[0015] The operation unit 22 is connected to the base end portion of the insertion section 21. The operation unit 22 receives various operations for the endoscope 2. As shown in Fig. 1 , the operation unit 22 includes a bending knob 221 for bending the bending section 25 in the up-down and left-right directions, a treatment tool insertion section 222 that extends from the operation unit 22 to the tip of the insertion section 21 and inserts treatment tools such as biopsy forceps, an electric scalpel, and an examination probe into the body cavity of the subject, an air supply conduit 223 that extends from the operation unit 22 to the tip of the insertion section 21 and supplies air into the body cavity of the subject, and a plurality of switches 224 for operating peripheral devices such as an air supply device (not shown) and a water supply device (not shown).

[0016] The universal cord 23 incorporates at least a light guide 241 ( FIG. 2 ) and a cable assembly 245 ( FIG. 2 ) that bundles one or more signal lines. The light guide 241 is made of glass fiber or the like and forms a light guide path for light emitted by the light source device 3. As shown in FIG. 1 , the universal cord 23 branches at the end opposite to the end connected to the operation unit 22. The branched ends of the universal cord 23 are provided with a connector 231 that is detachable to the light source device 3 and a connector 232 that is detachable to the processing device 7. A portion of the light guide 241 extends from the end of the connector 231. The universal cord 23 transmits illumination light emitted from the light source device 3 to the distal end 24 via the connector 231 (light guide 241), the operation unit 22, and the flexible tube portion 26. The universal cord 23 also transmits image signals captured by an imaging unit 244 provided at the distal end 24 to the processing device 7 via the connector 232. The cable assembly 245 includes a signal line for transmitting an image signal, a signal line for transmitting a drive signal for driving the imaging unit 244, and a signal line for transmitting and receiving information including unique information related to the endoscope 2 (imaging unit 244). Note that, in this embodiment, the signal lines are described as transmitting electrical signals, but they may also be used to transmit optical signals, or may be used to transmit signals between the endoscope 2 and the processing device 7 by wireless communication.

[0017] The output end side of the light guide 241 is inserted into the tip portion 24. As shown in Fig. 2, the tip portion 24 includes an illumination lens 242, an optical system 243 for collecting light, and an imaging unit 244 that is provided at the imaging position of the optical system 243 and receives the light collected by the optical system 243, photoelectrically converts the light into an electrical signal, and performs predetermined signal processing.

[0018] The optical system 243 is configured using one or more lenses, and forms a subject image on the light receiving surface of an image sensor 244a that configures the imaging unit 244. The optical system 243 may have an optical zoom function that changes the angle of view and a focus function that changes the focus.

[0019] The imaging unit 244 captures an image of the observation target under the control of the light source device 3. As shown in Fig. 2, the imaging unit 244 includes an imaging element 244a and a signal processing unit 244b.

[0020] The image sensor 244a receives the subject image transmitted through the optical system 243 and converts it into an electrical signal (analog signal). Examples of the image sensor 244a include a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), which is a rolling shutter type image sensor in which multiple pixels are arranged two-dimensionally in horizontal line units, and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), which is a global shutter type image sensor. Examples of the image sensor 244a include a monochrome image sensor without a color filter on its light-receiving surface, and a color image sensor with a color filter on its light-receiving surface. Examples of the color filter include an RGB primary color filter consisting of red, green, and blue, and a CMYG complementary color filter consisting of cyan, magenta, yellow, and green.

[0021] For ease of explanation, the image signal generated by the image sensor 244a capturing an image will be referred to as a captured image below.

[0022] The signal processing unit 244b outputs a captured image (digital signal) by performing signal processing on the captured image (analog signal) generated by the imaging element 244a under the control of the light source device 3. For example, the signal processing unit 244b performs signal processing on the captured image (analog signal) generated by the imaging element 244a, such as processing to remove reset noise, processing to multiply the analog signal by an analog gain that amplifies the analog signal (hereinafter referred to as analog gain adjustment processing), and A / D conversion.

[0023] Here, the endoscope 2 has a storage unit 27 ( FIG. 2 ) that stores data including identification information of the endoscope 2. The identification information includes the endoscope 2's unique information (ID), model year, spec information, transmission method, and specifications of the imaging unit 244 (imaging element 244 a) used in the endoscope 2 (resolution of the imaging element 244 a, presence or absence of a color filter, type of color filter, etc.). The storage unit 27 may also temporarily store captured images generated by the imaging element 244.

[0024] The light source device 3 emits light under the control of the processing device 7. The light source device 3 is realized using any light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) light source, a laser light source, a xenon lamp, or a halogen lamp. The light source device 3 may also include one or more lenses. The light generated by the light source device 3 passes through the light guide 241 and the illumination lens 242 and is emitted from the tip of the tip portion 24 toward the object of observation.

[0025] Examples of light emitted from the light source device 3 include light having a wavelength band of visible light (white light), narrowband light having light in a specific wavelength band, or excitation light that excites substances contained in the object of observation.

[0026] The display device 4 displays the endoscopic image received from the processing device 7 (image processing unit 71) via a video cable. The display device 4 is configured using a monitor such as a liquid crystal or organic EL (Electro Luminescence) monitor.

[0027] Examples of the multiple communication devices 5 include, in addition to the processing device 7, a high-frequency cauterization power supply device, an ultrasonic bipolar surgery device, a high-speed pneumoperitoneum device, an arthroscopic ultrasonic surgery device, a surgical environment integration system, a small intestine endoscopy system, an ultrasonic observation device, an endoscopic insertion shape observation device, an AI image diagnosis support device, an image recording device, and a service PC. These multiple communication devices 5 include a memory unit 51 (FIG. 2) that stores unique information (ID) of the communication device 5.

[0028] The relay device 6 is configured by a hub or a router, and connects a plurality of communication devices 5 to each other so that they can communicate with each other via Ethernet (registered trademark).

[0029] The processing device 7 corresponds to the image processing device according to the present invention. As shown in FIG.

[0030] Under the control of the control unit 73, the image processing unit 71 performs predetermined image processing on the captured image received from the endoscope 2 to generate an endoscopic image.

[0031] Examples of image processing performed by the image processing unit 71 include optical black subtraction processing (clamping processing), white balance adjustment processing, demosaic processing, color correction matrix processing, gamma correction processing, YC processing that converts RGB signals into luminance color difference signals (Y, Cb / Cr signals), digital gain adjustment that multiplies by digital gain, noise removal, and filter processing that emphasizes structure.

[0032] The image processing unit 71 described above is configured using a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a dedicated processor such as various arithmetic circuits that execute specific functions such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. Note that the image processing unit 71 may be configured using a CPU, ASIC, GPU, or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0033] The input unit 72 is realized using a keyboard, a mouse, a switch, and a touch panel, and accepts various operations by the user.

[0034] The storage unit 74 stores various programs (including the priority communication program according to the present invention) executed by the control unit 73, and data including various parameters required for the processing of the control unit 73. The storage unit 74 is realized, for example, using a ROM in which various programs are pre-installed, and a RAM or hard disk that stores calculation parameters and data for each process.

[0035] The control unit 73 is configured using a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or a dedicated processor such as various arithmetic circuits that execute specific functions such as an ASIC, etc. The control unit 73 controls the operation of the entire processing device 7.

[0036] [Regarding Interaction Between Multiple Communication Devices and the Priority Assignment Device Via a Relay Device] In this embodiment, the priority assignment device according to the present invention is provided in the processing device 7 (control unit 73). Hereinafter, the priority assignment device provided in the control unit 73 will be referred to as the priority assignment device 731. Next, the interaction between multiple communication devices 5 and the priority assignment device 731 via the relay device 6 (corresponding to the priority communication method according to the present invention) will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the interaction between multiple communication devices 5 and the priority assignment device 731 via the relay device 6. Note that in FIG. 3, for ease of explanation, the communication devices 5 connectable to the relay device 6 are designated as communication devices 5A to 5Z. The number of communication devices 5 connectable to the relay device 6 is not limited to 26 and may be any other number. Furthermore, FIG. 3 illustrates a state in which eight communication devices 5 are connected to the relay device 6, and only four of the eight communication devices 5 are illustrated: communication devices 5A, 5C, 5E, and 5Z.

[0037] A communication device 5 connected to a relay device 6 transmits unique information (ID) stored in a memory unit 51 provided in the communication device 5 to the priority assignment device 731 via the relay device 6 and requests assignment of its own priority.

[0038] The priority assignment device 731 recognizes the connected communication device 5 from the unique information (ID) transmitted from the communication device 5 connected to the relay device 6. The priority assignment device 731 also refers to the priority table stored in the storage unit 74 and assigns an actual priority to the connected communication device 5.

[0039] 3B, the priority table stored in the storage unit 74 is a table in which a provisional priority is associated with each of all communication devices 5 (communication devices 5A to 5Z in the example of FIG. 3) that can be connected to the relay device 6. Among all communication devices 5, a treatment device that treats biological tissue by applying treatment energy to the biological tissue is set to a provisional priority higher than that of other communication devices 5. Examples of such treatment devices include a high-frequency cautery power supply device and an ultrasonic bipolar surgical device.

[0040] Specifically, the priority assignment device 731 refers to the provisional priority of each of the connected communication devices 5 recognized as described above in the priority table, and assigns actual priorities from 7 to 0 in order of the communication devices 5 with the highest provisional priority. In the example of Fig. 3, of the connected communication devices 5, communication device 5A has the highest provisional priority, and therefore is assigned a priority of 7. Furthermore, of the connected communication devices 5, communication device 5C has the second highest provisional priority after communication device 5A, and therefore is assigned a priority of 6. Furthermore, of the connected communication devices 5, communication device 5Z has the lowest provisional priority, and therefore is assigned a priority of 0.

[0041] The priority assignment device 731 then notifies each of the connected communication devices 5 of the actual assigned priority via the relay device 6 .

[0042] Thereafter, the connected communication device 5 assigns its own actual priority to the communication data and transmits the communication data with the assigned actual priority to the relay device 6. For example, the communication device 5 transmits communication data with the assigned actual priority to the PCP of the Ethernet frame or the DSCP of the IP header to the relay device 6. In the example of FIG. 3 , communication device 5A transmits communication data with the assigned priority of 7 to the relay device 6. Furthermore, communication device 5C transmits communication data with the assigned priority of 6 to the relay device 6. Furthermore, communication device 5E transmits communication data with the assigned priority of 1 to the relay device 6. Furthermore, communication device 5Z transmits communication data with the assigned priority of 0 to the relay device 6.

[0043] Then, the relay device 6 performs priority communication (priority control in QoS) according to the actual priority assigned to the communication data transmitted from the communication device 5. For example, the relay device 6 employs a method such as PQ (Priority Queuing) or WRR (Weighted Round Robin) for scheduling the priority communication.

[0044] The present embodiment described above provides the following advantages: The endoscope system 1 according to the present embodiment includes the priority assignment device 731 that refers to the priority table as described above and assigns actual priorities to the multiple communication devices 5. Therefore, the endoscope system 1 according to the present embodiment does not require the user to perform the cumbersome task of assigning priorities, thereby improving convenience.

[0045] In particular, in the priority table, the provisional priority associated with a treatment device is set higher than the provisional priority associated with other communication devices 5. In other words, a treatment device that is likely to have an effect on the subject is set higher in priority, so that surgery or the like can be performed smoothly.

[0046] Other Embodiments Although the embodiments for carrying out the present invention have been described above, the present invention should not be limited to the above-described embodiments. In the above-described embodiments, the configurations of the following modified examples 1 to 3 may be adopted.

[0047] (Variation 1) Figures 4 and 5 are diagrams illustrating Variation 1 of the embodiment. Specifically, Figure 4 is a diagram showing a priority table according to Variation 1. Note that, for ease of explanation, communication devices that are not connected to the relay device 6 are shaded in Figure 4. Figure 5 is a diagram showing actual priorities assigned to multiple communication devices 5 connected to the relay device 6 based on the priority table shown in Figure 4. The priority assignment device 731 according to Variation 1 employs a different method of assigning actual priorities from the method of assigning actual priorities described in the above-described embodiment.

[0048] Specifically, in the priority table according to the first modification, as shown in Fig. 4, a tentative priority and a communication bandwidth required for communication by each of the communication devices 5 are associated with each of the communication devices 5. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the required communication bandwidth will be referred to as a required bandwidth. For example, a high-frequency cautery power supply, which is a communication device 5, is associated with a tentative priority of 10 and a required bandwidth of 10 Mbps.

[0049] In addition, a communication bandwidth to be used is preset for each actual priority. For ease of explanation, the communication bandwidth preset as the communication bandwidth to be used will be referred to as the set bandwidth below. For example, if a total communication bandwidth of 1000 Mbps is available, 125 Mbps, which is divided into eight, is preset as the set bandwidth for each actual priority from 7 to 0. Note that the set bandwidth does not need to be the same for all of the actual priorities from 7 to 0, and may be different.

[0050] The priority assignment device 731 of this variant example 1 then refers to the priority table, adds up the required bandwidth for each communication device 5, and assigns the same implementation priority to two or more communication devices 5 within a range that does not exceed the set bandwidth.

[0051] As a specific example, a method for assigning actual priorities in the priority assignment device 731 according to the first modification will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 for a case where the set bandwidth is 125 Mbps. First, the priority assignment device 731 determines which communication devices 5 are assigned an actual priority of 7. Specifically, the priority assignment device 731 assigns the actual priority of 7 to the communication devices 5 connected to the relay device 6 in descending order of provisional priority, so long as the total bandwidth obtained by adding up the required bandwidths does not exceed 125 Mbps. In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the total bandwidth obtained by adding up the required bandwidths of the radiofrequency ablation power supply device with the highest provisional priority and the ultrasonic bipolar surgical device with the next highest provisional priority among the communication devices 5 connected to the relay device 6 is 110 Mbps. Therefore, the priority assignment device 731 assigns an actual priority of 7 to the radiofrequency ablation power supply device and the ultrasonic bipolar surgical device (FIG. 5).

[0052] Next, the priority assignment device 731 determines which communication device 5 to assign an actual priority of 6 to. In the example shown in Fig. 4, among the communication devices 5 connected to the relay device 6, the high-speed insufflation device has the next highest provisional priority after the high-frequency cautery power supply device and the ultrasonic bipolar surgical device, and its provisional priority is 120 Mbps. Therefore, the priority assignment device 731 assigns an actual priority of 6 to only one high-speed insufflation device (Fig. 5).

[0053] Then, the priority assignment device 731 assigns actual priorities 5 to 0 in order in the same manner (FIG. 5).

[0054] The above-described first modification provides the same effects as the above-described embodiment, as well as the following effects: Even if the number of communication devices 5 connected to the relay device 6 exceeds eight, the more than eight communication devices 5 can perform priority communication by allocating actual priorities as described above.

[0055] The actual priority assignment method described above according to the first modification may be performed all the time, or may be performed when eight or more communication devices 5 are connected to the relay device 6. The same applies to the second modification described below.

[0056] (Variation 2) Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating Variation 2 of the embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 6 corresponds to Fig. 5 and shows actual priorities assigned to a plurality of communication devices 5 connected to a relay device 6 based on the priority table shown in Fig. 4. A priority assignment device 731 according to this variation 2 employs a different method of assigning actual priorities from the method described in Variation 1 above.

[0057] As a specific example, the method of assigning actual priorities in the priority assignment device 731 according to the second modification will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 6 for a case where the set bandwidth is 125 Mbps. First, the priority assignment device 731 determines the communication devices 5 to be assigned the actual priority 7. Specifically, the priority assignment device 731 assigns the actual priority 7 to the communication devices 5 connected to the relay device 6 in descending order of provisional priority, so long as the total bandwidth obtained by adding up the required bandwidth does not exceed 125 Mbps. At this time, the priority assignment device 731 checks whether the total bandwidth exceeds 125 Mbps. If the total bandwidth exceeds 125 Mbps, the priority assignment device 731 assigns the actual priority 7 to one or more communication devices 5 with high provisional priorities among the communication devices 5 used to calculate the total bandwidth. On the other hand, if the total bandwidth does not exceed 125 Mbps, the priority assignment device 731 further adds up the required bandwidth in descending order of provisional priority. If the total bandwidth does not exceed 125 Mbps, the actual priority of 7 is assigned to the communication device 5 used in calculating the total bandwidth. In the example of FIG. 4 , among the communication devices 5 connected to the relay device 6, the total bandwidth required by the high-frequency cauterization power supply, which has the highest provisional priority, and the ultrasonic bipolar surgical device, which has the second highest provisional priority, is 110 Mbps. Furthermore, the total bandwidth required by the ultrasonic cauterization power supply, the ultrasonic bipolar surgical device, and the high-speed insufflation device, which has the second highest provisional priority, is 230 Mbps. Therefore, the high-speed insufflation device is assigned an actual priority of 6. Here, the total bandwidth required by the ultrasonic cauterization power supply, the ultrasonic bipolar surgical device, and the surgical environment integrated system, which has the second highest provisional priority, is 120 Mbps. Therefore, the priority assigner 731 assigns an actual priority of 7 to the radiofrequency cautery power supply, the ultrasonic bipolar surgical device, and the rapid insufflation device (FIG. 6).

[0058] Then, the priority assignment device 731 uses the same procedure to sequentially assign actual priorities from 6 to 0. In the examples of Figures 4 and 6, the nine communication devices 5 connected to the relay device 6 are assigned actual priorities from 7 to 1 (Figure 6).

[0059] According to the above-described Modification 2, in addition to the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment and Modification 1, the following effects are achieved: According to Modification 2, the set bandwidth for each priority can be used without waste.

[0060] (Variation 3) Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating Variation 3 of the embodiment. In the above-described embodiment, the priority assignment device 731 is provided within the processing device 7, but this is not limiting, and the priority assignment device 731 may be provided independently of the plurality of communication devices 5, as in Variation 3 shown in Fig. 7. Even when the priority assignment device 731 is provided as in Variation 3 described above, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment are achieved.

[0061] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Endoscope system 2 Endoscope 3 Light source device 4 Display device 5, 5A to 5Z Communication equipment 6 Relay device 7 Processing device 21 Insertion section 22 Operation section 23 Universal cord 24 Tip section 25 Bending section 26 Flexible tube section 27 Memory section 51 Memory section 71 Image processing section 72 Input section 73 Control section 74 Memory section 221 Bending knob 222 Treatment tool insertion section 223 Air supply conduit 224 Switch 231, 232 Connector 241 Light guide 242 Illumination lens 243 Optical system 244 Imaging section 244a Imaging element 244b Signal processing section 245 Collector cable 731 Priority assignment device

Claims

1. An endoscope system comprising: a plurality of communication devices; a relay device that connects the plurality of communication devices to each other so that they can communicate with each other via Ethernet; and a priority assignment device that refers to a priority table in which temporary priorities are associated with the plurality of communication devices, and assigns actual priorities to communication devices connected to the relay device among the plurality of communication devices, wherein the plurality of communication devices include an image processing device that processes captured images acquired by an endoscope, and the relay device performs priority communication of the communication devices connected to the relay device in accordance with the actual priorities.

2. The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein the priority assignment device is provided within the image processing device.

3. The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein the priority assignment device is provided independently of the plurality of communication devices.

4. The endoscope system of claim 1, wherein the priority table associates the communication bandwidth required for communication between the plurality of communication devices with each of the plurality of communication devices, and the communication bandwidth to be used is set in advance for each of the actual priorities, and the priority assignment device refers to the priority table and assigns the same actual priority to two or more of the communication devices within a range that does not exceed the communication bandwidth to be used when the sum of the required communication bandwidths for each of the communication devices is reached.

5. An endoscopic system as described in claim 1, wherein the plurality of communication devices include a treatment device that treats biological tissue by applying treatment energy to the biological tissue, and the provisional priority associated with the treatment device is set higher than the provisional priority associated with other communication devices.

6. A priority communication method executed by an endoscope system, comprising the steps of: a priority assignment device referring to a priority table in which temporary priorities are associated with multiple communication devices connected to each other via Ethernet via a relay device, and assigning actual priorities to communication devices connected to the relay device among the multiple communication devices; and a step in which the relay device performs priority communication for the communication devices connected to the relay device in accordance with the actual priorities, wherein the multiple communication devices include an image processing device that processes captured images acquired by an endoscope.

7. The priority communication method according to claim 6, wherein the priority assignment device is provided within the image processing device.

8. The priority communication method according to claim 6, wherein the priority assignment device is provided independently of the plurality of communication devices.

9. A priority communication method as described in claim 6, wherein the priority table associates the communication bandwidth required for communication between the plurality of communication devices with each of the plurality of communication devices, and the communication bandwidth to be used is set in advance for each of the actual priorities, and the priority assignment device refers to the priority table and assigns the same actual priority to two or more of the communication devices within a range that does not exceed the communication bandwidth to be used when the sum of the required communication bandwidths for each of the communication devices is reached.

10. A priority communication method as described in claim 6, wherein the plurality of communication devices include a treatment device that treats biological tissue by applying treatment energy to the biological tissue, and the provisional priority associated with the treatment device is set higher than the provisional priority associated with other communication devices.

11. A priority communication program to be executed by an endoscope system, the program causing the endoscope system to execute the following steps: a priority assignment device refers to a priority table in which temporary priorities are associated with multiple communication devices connected to each other via Ethernet via a relay device, and assigns actual priorities to communication devices connected to the relay device among the multiple communication devices; and the relay device performs priority communication for the communication devices connected to the relay device in accordance with the actual priorities, wherein the multiple communication devices include an image processing device that processes captured images acquired by an endoscope.

12. The priority communication program according to claim 11, wherein the priority assignment device is provided within the image processing device.

13. The priority communication program according to claim 11, wherein the priority assignment device is provided independently of the plurality of communication devices.

14. The priority communication program of claim 11, wherein the priority table associates the communication bandwidth required for communication between the plurality of communication devices with each of the plurality of communication devices, and the communication bandwidth to be used is set in advance for each of the actual priorities, and the priority assignment device refers to the priority table and assigns the same actual priority to two or more of the communication devices within a range that does not exceed the communication bandwidth to be used when the sum of the required communication bandwidths for each of the communication devices is reached.

15. The priority communication program described in claim 11, wherein the plurality of communication devices include a treatment device that treats biological tissue by applying treatment energy to the biological tissue, and the provisional priority associated with the treatment device is set higher than the provisional priority associated with other communication devices.

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