JP2000166860A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce movements of the eyes of an operator, when he uses an endoscopic equipment which is provided with a hardness adjusting means and an insertion shape detecting means, and to improve the operability of the endo scope. SOLUTION: An image pickup signal obtained with the CCD 26 of an endoscope 4 is turned into an image signal with a video processor 5 and displayed on a monitor 6 as an endoscope image. An insertion shape detecting device 12 detects the position of a source coil 31, that produces a magnetic field and detects the shape of a probe 11 for detecting the insertion shape by a signal from a sense coil 32, and an insertion shape image obtained by detecting an insertion portion 22 and turning it into an image is combined by a video processor 5 and displayed on the monitor 6. The hardness information of the insertion portion 22, which the insertion shape detecting device 12 obtains by decoding the rotational position information of a hardness adjusting knob 23 is combined with the video processor 5 and displayed on the monitor 6. In other words, an endoscope image, an insertion shape image and hardness information are displayed on a single monitor 6, and movement of the eyes lessened and improving operability is improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus provided with means for adjusting the hardness of an insertion portion and means for detecting the insertion shape of the insertion portion.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, by inserting an elongated insertion portion into a body cavity, an incision is not required, thereby observing a site to be inspected in the body cavity. 2. Description of the Related Art An endoscope apparatus capable of performing various treatments / treatments by inserting a treatment tool into a tool channel is widely used. Such an endoscope apparatus includes an image pickup means such as a CCD for picking up an image of a subject at the distal end of the insertion section, or an image pickup means formed separately from the endoscope. There is a configuration that can be attached to the eye. In an endoscope apparatus having such an imaging means, an imaging signal from the imaging means is converted into a video signal by a video processor and can be displayed on a monitor.

[0003] In the case of examining a body cavity, for example, a lower gastrointestinal tract, using such an endoscope apparatus, at the stage of inserting the insertion portion from the anus to the sigmoid colon, a softer insertion portion is more insertable. It is good, but at the stage of passing through the sigmoid colon and inserting it to the back, if the insertion portion is too soft, the insertability will be poor. Therefore, for such a case, there is provided an insertion shape detecting means for detecting the insertion shape of the insertion portion and a hardness adjusting means capable of arbitrarily adjusting the hardness (or flexibility) of the insertion portion. An endoscope apparatus has been used conventionally.

[0004] An example of an endoscope apparatus provided with the hardness adjusting means is, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 62-7846.
The endoscope device of this example has a hardness adjusting means constituted by a coil spring disposed in the insertion portion in the longitudinal direction, and the coil spring is compressed by pressing the coil spring forward from the rear end side. The insertion portion is configured to be hardened. Further, as a configuration of the hardness adjusting means different from that of Japanese Patent Publication No. 62-7846, for example, a coil spring disposed in the insertion portion in the longitudinal direction and a wire inserted in the coil spring are provided. By pulling the portion backward, the distal end of the coil spring fixed to the distal end of the wire is pulled rearward, and the coil spring is compressed to harden the insertion portion. When using an endoscope device having a hardness adjusting means such as these,
In order to confirm the state of the hardness, conventionally, the scale or the like displayed on the hardness adjusting operation means such as a knob for operating the hardness adjusting means has been checked.

[0005] An example of an endoscope apparatus provided with the insertion shape detecting means is disclosed in, for example, JP-A-8-107875. In the endoscope apparatus of this example, a plurality of source coils for generating a magnetic field are arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion, and a plurality of sense coils for detecting a magnetic field generated from each of the source coils mount the patient. An insertion shape detection device, which is placed on the bed to be placed and obtains signals output from these sense coils, detects the position of each source coil, thereby detecting the insertion shape of the insertion portion, and detecting the insertion shape of the insertion portion. Is displayed on the monitor.

[0006]

However, when an endoscopic examination is performed using an endoscope apparatus provided with the hardness adjusting means and the inserted shape detecting means described in the prior art, the endoscope is connected to a video processor. The operator observes the subject image on the monitor, checks the insertion shape image on the monitor connected to the insertion shape detection device, and further checks the hardness of the insertion portion with the scale of the hardness adjustment operation means. It was necessary to move the line of sight, and the operability was impaired. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and reduces the movement of the operator's line of sight when using an endoscope apparatus including a hardness adjustment unit and an insertion shape detection unit, thereby improving operability. An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope apparatus.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an endoscope for observing a subject image by inserting an elongated insertion portion into a subject such as a body cavity, and the like. An imaging unit that is built in or configured separately from the endoscope, and captures a subject image to be observed by the endoscope, and a unit that obtains a first video signal from an imaging signal obtained by the imaging unit. Insertion shape detection means for detecting an insertion shape of the insertion portion in the subject, means for imaging the insertion shape detected by the insertion shape detection means to obtain a second video signal, and hardness of the insertion portion Adjusting means for adjusting the hardness, means for imaging information such as a numerical value indicating the hardness set in the hardness adjusting means to obtain a third video signal, the first video signal and the second video signal And at least two types of video signals among the third video signals Synthesizing means for forming, is characterized by comprising display means for displaying the image signal synthesized by said synthesizing means.

[0008]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 7 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is an explanatory view for explaining the overall configuration of an endoscope apparatus, FIG. 2 is an explanatory view for explaining a configuration of a hardness adjusting means, and FIG. Is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the photo reflector,
4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the rotary encoder, FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the electric system, FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a monitor display when no image is synthesized, and FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of monitor display during the operation.

As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes an examination table 3 on which a patient 2 is placed, and an examination table 3 on which the patient 2 is placed.
An endoscope 4 for inserting into a body cavity or the like to obtain an imaging signal corresponding to a subject image in the body cavity or the like, and a video for obtaining a video signal that can be displayed on a monitor from the imaging signal obtained by the endoscope 4 A processor 5, a monitor 6 for rendering a video signal obtained by the video processor 5, an imaging signal cable 7 for transmitting at least an imaging signal from the endoscope 4 to the video processor 5, and an insertion into the endoscope 4 Then, an insertion shape detection probe 11 for emitting a magnetic field used for obtaining an insertion shape of the endoscope 4 into a body cavity or the like, and an insertion shape detection device 12 for detecting the insertion shape of the endoscope 4 A cable 13 for electrically connecting the insertion shape detection device 12 to the insertion shape detection probe 11, and a cable 14 for electrically connecting the insertion shape detection device 12 to the examination table 3.
A cable 15 for electrically connecting the insertion shape detection device 12 to the endoscope 4;
2 and a cable 16 for electrically connecting the video processor to the video processor.

The endoscope 4 has an operation section 21 for grasping and operating the endoscope 4 and an insertion section 22 provided at the distal end of the operation section 21 for insertion into a body cavity or the like. It is configured. The operation section 21 includes a hardness adjustment knob 23 which is a hardness adjustment operation means for performing an operation of adjusting the hardness of the insertion section 22, and the insertion shape detection probe 11.
Has a probe insertion port 24 into which a can be inserted. A probe channel 25 capable of guiding the inserted shape detecting probe 11 inserted from the probe insertion port 24 is provided in the operation section 21 and the insertion section 22. The distal end portion 22a located at the distal end of the insertion section 22 is an objective optical system 27 for imaging a subject image, and an imaging unit for imaging the subject image formed by the objective optical system 27. A CCD 26 is provided. This CC
A signal line 28 for transmitting an image signal obtained by the CCD 26 extends from D26. The signal line 28 is connected to the video processor via the insertion section 22, the operation section 21, and the image signal cable 7. 5 is electrically connected.

A plurality of source coils 31 for generating a magnetic field are arranged on the insertion shape detecting probe 11 at predetermined intervals. These source coils 31
Is connected to the insertion shape detecting device 12 via a cable 13.
Is driven by a drive signal given by

The examination table 3 has the source coil 31
A plurality of sense coils 32 for three-dimensionally detecting the direction of the magnetic field generated from the sensor are provided. The signals from these sense coils 32 are transmitted via the cable 14
It is provided to the insertion shape detecting device 12.

As shown in FIG. 2, the operation unit 21 includes:
A rotation shaft 41 of the hardness adjusting knob 23, and the rotation shaft 41
A cam mechanism 42 for converting the turning movement of the insertion section 22 into a linear movement in the longitudinal direction of the insertion section 22 and a hardness adjusting wire 43 pulled by the cam mechanism 42 in the longitudinal direction of the insertion section 22 are provided. The hardness adjusting wire 43 extends to a predetermined position near the tip of the insertion portion 22. The hardness adjusting wire 43 is inserted through a hardness adjusting coil spring 44 provided in the insertion portion 22, and when the hardness adjusting wire 43 is pulled toward the proximal side in the longitudinal direction, the distal end of the hardness adjusting wire 43. The hardness adjusting coil spring 44 whose tip is fixed to the end is compressed, so that the hardness of the insertion portion 22 is hardened.
Therefore, when the hardness adjusting knob 23 is rotated, the insertion portion 2
2 is adjusted. That is, the hardness adjusting wire 43 and the hardness adjusting coil spring 44 are used.
, Hardness adjustment knob 23, rotation shaft 41, cam mechanism 42
Constitutes hardness adjusting means for adjusting the hardness of the insertion portion 22.

A plurality of, for example, three photoreflectors 46 are arranged in a radial direction at a position facing the back surface of the hardness adjusting knob 23 of the operation section 21 and are respectively arranged toward the back surface of the hardness adjusting knob 23. Has been established. As shown in FIG. 3, the photoreflector 46
6a and a light receiving element 46b. When a light beam emitted forward from the light emitting element 46a is reflected and incident on the light receiving element 46b, it is detected.
7 is transmitted. And the hardness adjusting knob 2
A disk 48 for reflecting the light beam from the photoreflector 46 is attached to the back surface 3 according to the turning position of the hardness adjusting knob 23. FIG.
A light reflecting plate 48a having a shape shown by oblique lines is attached. The light reflecting plate 48a is configured such that, for example, the combination of the reflection and non-reflection of the light beam with respect to the three photoreflectors 46 is different depending on the rotation positions of the hardness adjustment knob 23 in, for example, eight stages from stage 0 to stage 7. Is formed. That is, the photo reflector 46 and the disc 48
Constitutes a so-called rotary encoder which is a rotation position detecting means for detecting the rotation position of the hardness adjusting knob 23 in, for example, eight steps. Since the turning position of the hardness adjusting knob 23 corresponds to the hardness level of the insertion section 22 by the hardness adjusting means, the signal output from the rotary encoder via the signal line 47 corresponds to the hardness of the insertion section 22. Signal.

As shown in FIG. 5, the insertion shape detecting device 12 includes a source coil driving section 51 for driving the source coil 31 and a source coil driving section 51 for driving the source coil 31.
A source coil control unit 52 for controlling a magnetic field generated by the source coil 31, a signal detection unit 53 for detecting a signal from a sense coil 32 for detecting a magnetic field generated by the source coil 31, and a signal detection unit 53 Signal storage unit 54 for temporarily storing the output signal of
The signal information stored in the source coil 3 is read out.
A position analysis unit 55 for analyzing the coordinate position of No. 1 and an insertion shape image obtained by imaging the insertion shape of the insertion unit 22 based on the coordinate position information of the source coil 31 obtained by the position analysis unit 55 are output as video signals. A signal from the photoreflector 46, for example, by inputting a signal from the photoreflector 46, and a control unit 57 for controlling each unit of the insertion shape detection device 12, such as the source coil control unit 52 and the signal storage unit 54. A decoding unit 58 for obtaining the hardness level of the insertion unit 22 represented by steps 0 to 7; and a communication for transmitting the hardness level information obtained by the decoding unit 58 to a video processor under the control of the control unit 57. It has a portion 59.

The video signal obtained by the insertion shape image generation section 56 and the hardness level information output from the communication section 59 are as follows:
It is provided to the video processor 5 via the cable 16.

The video processor 5 includes the CCD 2
6, a CCD driving unit 61 for generating a driving signal for driving
A video signal processing unit 62 for obtaining a video signal including an endoscope image from the imaging signal obtained by the CCD 26, and a control unit 63 for controlling the video signal processing unit 62 and each unit of the video processor 5
A communication unit 64 that communicates with the communication unit 59 of the insertion shape detection device 12 to receive the hardness level information; and a character that is controlled by the control unit 63 and obtains a video signal including character information indicating the hardness level. A generating unit 65 combines the first video signal from the video signal processing unit 62, the second video signal from the insertion shape image generating unit 56, and the third video signal from the character generating unit 65. An image synthesizing section 66 and a monitor driving section 67 for converting a video signal from the image synthesizing section 66 into a video signal that can be output to the monitor 6 are provided.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. First, the insertion shape detecting probe 11 is inserted into the probe channel 25 from the probe insertion port 24 of the endoscope 4. Then, the tip position of the insertion shape detecting probe 11 is adjusted to, for example, the tip position of the insertion portion 22. Here, by adjusting the positions of the tips, the probe 1 for detecting the insertion shape can be used.
1 and the insertion shape of the insertion portion 22 correspond to each other. Next, the endoscope 4 is inserted into the body cavity of the patient 2 placed on the examination table 3.
Is inserted. Then, the CCD 26 is moved by the objective optical system 27 disposed at the distal end 22a of the insertion section 22.
The subject image is formed on the light receiving surface of. This CCD 26
Driven by a drive signal from the CCD drive unit 61 of the video processor 5, an image pickup signal corresponding to a subject image is output to the signal line. The imaging signal output to the signal line 28 is supplied to the video signal processing unit 62 of the video processor 5 via the insertion unit 22, the operation unit 21, and the imaging signal cable 7 in this order. The video signal processing unit 62 extracts a video signal component included in the imaging signal, performs video signal processing such as color balance adjustment on the video signal, and outputs the processed video signal to the image synthesis unit 66. The image synthesizing unit 66 supplies only the video signal from the video signal processing unit 62 to the monitor driving unit 67 when not synthesizing the video signal from the character generating unit 65 or the insertion shape image generating unit 56. The monitor driving section 67 drives the monitor 6 and displays the CCD 2 on the monitor 6 screen.
6, an endoscope image 71 as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed.

An AC drive current is supplied from a source coil drive unit 51 of the insertion shape detection device 12 to the source coils 31 arranged at predetermined intervals on the insertion shape detection probe 11 inserted into the insertion portion 22. And source coil 3
1 is generating a magnetic field. At this time, the source coil control unit 52 supplies a drive current with different timing or a drive current with different frequency to each source coil 31 via the source coil 51, so that each source coil 31 , Are controlled so as to generate magnetic fields having different timings or frequencies. The magnetic field generated from the source coil 31 penetrates the insertion section 22 and the patient 2 and is detected by the plurality of sense coils 32 arranged on the examination table 3. Each sense coil outputs a signal for detecting the source of the magnetic field, that is, the three-dimensional direction of the source coil 31, and the three-dimensional position of the source coil 31 is determined by the arrangement of the plurality of sense coils 32. A signal for detection is output via the cable 14. At this time, since the magnetic fields having different timings or frequencies are emitted from the plurality of source coils 31, the position of each source coil 31 can be detected from the signal obtained by the sense coil 32. It has become. A signal transmitted from the sense coil 32 via the cable 14 is provided to a signal detection unit 53 of the insertion shape detection device 12. The signal detector 53 amplifies the signal level of the signal from the sense coil 32 and converts the signal level into a digital signal as needed.
Then, the output signal from the signal detection unit 53 is temporarily stored in the signal storage unit 54. The signals stored in the signal storage unit 54 are read by the position analysis unit 55, and the position analysis unit 55 analyzes the three-dimensional position coordinates of each source coil 31. The information on the three-dimensional position coordinates is given to the insertion shape image generation unit 56, and the insertion shape image generation unit 56 determines the insertion shape of the insertion shape detection probe 11 from the three-dimensional position information of each source coil 31, that is, Insertion part 2
2 is formed into an image by analyzing the insertion shape of the image processor 2, and the image forming unit 66 of the video processor 5 uses the insertion shape image as a video signal.
Give to.

A signal from a photo reflector 46 constituting a rotary encoder disposed in the vicinity of the hardness adjusting knob 23 is transmitted via a signal line 47 to the insertion shape detecting device 1.
2 decoding section 58. This decoding unit 58
Obtains, for example, numerical information in the range of 0 to 7 corresponding to the turning position of the hardness adjusting knob 23. At this time, since the hardness adjusting knob 23 corresponds to the hardness level of the insertion section 22, the numerical information in the range of, for example, 0 to 7 obtained by the decoding section 58 is the hardness level information indicating the hardness level. The hardness level information is transmitted from the communication unit 59 controlled by the control unit 57 to the communication unit of the video processor 5,
The character generator 6 via the controller 63 of the video processor 5
5 given. The character generation unit 65 converts the character information including the hardness level information into a video signal, and
Give to 6.

Here, in order to adjust the hardness of the insertion portion 22, the hardness adjustment knob 23 is turned. Then, the image synthesizing unit 66 outputs the first video signal from the video signal processing unit 62, the second video signal from the insertion shape image generation unit 56,
The third video signal from the character generation unit 65 is image-combined, and an image based on the first video signal, that is, an endoscope image 71 and the second video are displayed on the monitor 6 screen as shown in FIG. An image based on the signal, that is, an insertion shape image 72, and a display based on the third video signal, that is, a hardness level information display 73 are combined and displayed. At this time, the endoscope image 71, the inserted shape image 72, and the hardness level information display 73 are displayed on one monitor 6.
, The operator's line of sight moves less,
With good operability, the inserted shape image and the hardness level information can be confirmed together with the endoscope image. Then, after a predetermined period has passed since the composite image shown in FIG.
The image displayed on the monitor 6 screen returns to the image shown in FIG.

According to the above-described embodiment, the endoscope image, the insertion shape image, and the hardness level information are displayed on one monitor 6, so that the movement of the operator's line of sight is reduced, and the hardness adjustment is performed. When the endoscope apparatus 1 including the means and the insertion shape detecting means is used, the movement of the operator's line of sight when using the endoscope apparatus 1 can be reduced, and the operability can be improved.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be variously modified without departing from the gist of the invention. For example, the synthesizing of the video signal by the image synthesizing unit 66 may be performed not only only when the hardness adjustment knob 23 is operated but also constantly. In addition, a case where only an endoscope image is displayed and a case where a composite image is displayed may be switched by an operator's selection. Also, for example, the probe channel 25
Is not limited to the one provided exclusively for inserting the insertion shape detecting probe 11, but may also serve another purpose such as inserting a treatment tool such as forceps. Further, for example, instead of providing the insertion shape detection probe 11 formed separately from the endoscope 4, a configuration in which the source coil 31 is provided in the insertion section itself of the endoscope may be adopted. Also, for example, instead of integrally providing the hardness adjusting means in the endoscope 4, a probe provided with the hardness adjusting means is provided, and the hardness adjusting probe is inserted into a probe channel provided in the endoscope 4. It may be. Further, for example, the synthesized image displayed on the monitor 6 is not limited to an image obtained by synthesizing three types of video signals of the first video signal, the second video signal, and the third video signal. An image obtained by combining two types of video signals may be used. Even with such a configuration, the movement of the operator's line of sight can be reduced as compared with the related art, and the operability is improved. Also, for example, an endoscope image is
As shown in FIG. 6, not only the subject image itself taken by the imaging means, but also an image in which, for example, character information or the like representing patient information is synthesized. Also, for example, the endoscope 4
The present invention is not limited to a so-called electronic endoscope having an image pickup means at the distal end of the insertion section 22, but may be a so-called optical endoscope for optically transmitting a subject image obtained at the distal end of the insertion section to the eyepiece of the operation section. . In this case, an imaging unit is attached to the eyepiece unit, and an imaging signal from the imaging unit is supplied to the video processor 5.

Generally, for example, an endoscope used for observing a lower digestive tract or the like includes a hardness adjusting mechanism for adjusting the hardness of the insertion portion and a magnetism for detecting the insertion shape of the insertion portion. In some cases, the generated insertion shape detecting source coil is integrally assembled. As described above, when the hardness adjusting mechanism and the insertion shape detecting source coil are integrally assembled with the endoscope, for a user who does not need these components for the time being, the cost of the endoscope becomes a division height, It is uneconomical.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show examples of the configuration of an endoscope in which a hardness adjusting mechanism and an insertion shape detecting source coil can be selectively added later. As shown in FIG. 8, an endoscope 101 includes an elongated insertion portion 102 inserted into a body cavity or the like.
And an endoscope 101 connected to the proximal end side of the insertion portion 102.
And an operation unit 103 for gripping and operating. The operating section 103 has a probe insertion port 111 into which a hardness adjusting probe 121 as a hardness adjusting mechanism can be inserted.
Is connected to a probe channel 112 inserted from the operation unit 103 to the vicinity of the distal end of the insertion unit 102. The distal end of the probe channel 112 is attached to the distal end component 104 that constitutes the distal end of the insertion section 102. The distal end component 104 has a hole 114 through which a screw 113 is inserted from the front of the distal end component 104 toward the center of the probe channel 112 in the insertion portion 102. The hardness adjusting probe 121 includes a flexible, substantially cylindrical and elongated tube 122, a hardness adjusting coil spring 123 disposed in the tube 122 and extending to change the hardness of the hardness adjusting probe 121. A hardness adjusting wire 124 is inserted into the hardness adjusting coil spring 123 to extend the hardness adjusting coil spring 123 by pulling the tip of the hardness adjusting coil spring 123.
A hardness adjustment knob 125 for rotating the hardness of the hardness adjustment probe 121 when the hardness is adjusted, and a rotation motion of the hardness adjustment knob 125 converted into a linear motion for pulling the rear end of the hardness adjustment wire 124. A hard adjusting operation section main body 126 having a cam mechanism, a flexible, substantially cylindrical and elongated tube 128 having a rear end connected to the end of the tube 122 via a connecting member 127, and a tube 128 attached to the end of the tube 128. A screw hole 129a into which the screw 113 is screwed has a substantially cylindrical connection member 129 formed on the front surface.

When attaching the hardness adjusting probe 121 to the endoscope 101, first, the hardness adjusting probe 121 is inserted through an insertion opening, and the connecting member 129 is brought into contact with the rear surface of the distal end member 104. Then, the screw 113 is inserted into the hole 114 from the front outside of the tip component member 104, and the screw 113 is inserted into the screw hole 129 a of the connection member 129.
Screwing the connecting member 129 to the distal end component 1
04 Secure to the back. At this time, the hardness adjustment knob 12
5 is the outside of the probe insertion port 111, that is, the endoscope 101.
Is located on the outside of the camera so that the operator can operate it. When the hardness adjusting knob 125 is rotated in this state, the hardness adjusting wire 1 is moved by the cam mechanism.
The rear end of the hardness adjusting coil spring 123 fixed to the tip of the hardness adjusting wire 124 is pulled, the hardness adjusting coil spring 123 is extended, and the hardness of the hardness adjusting probe 121 is adjusted. By
The hardness of the insertion section 102 is adjusted.

As described above, the hardness adjusting probe 121 is freely attachable to the endoscope 101. By attaching the hardness adjusting probe 121 to the endoscope 101, the hardness of the endoscope 101 is increased. The adjustment mechanism can be selectively added later.

As shown in FIG. 9, an insertion shape detecting probe 131 can be attached to the endoscope 101. The insertion shape detection probe 131 includes a flexible, substantially cylindrical and elongated tube 132,
A plurality of insertion shape detection source coils 133 arranged at predetermined intervals in the tube 132; a signal line 134 extending from the insertion shape detection source coil 133 and bundled and extending from the rear end of the tube 132; Tube 1
A substantially cylindrical connecting member 12 having a screw hole 129a attached to the front end thereof and screwing the screw 113 formed on the front surface.
9.

The insertion of the insertion shape detecting probe 131 thus configured to the endoscope 101 is performed in the same procedure as when the hardness adjusting probe 121 is mounted. The insertion shape detection source coil 133 of the insertion shape detection probe 131 attached to the endoscope 101 includes:
A drive current is supplied from an insertion shape detection device (not shown) via a signal line 134, and the insertion shape detection source coil 1 is supplied.
33 generates a magnetic field, a magnetic field is detected by a sense coil (not shown) for detecting a magnetic field attached to an examination table (not shown) on which a patient is placed, and the insertion shape detection device receives a signal from the sense coil. The position of the insertion shape detection source coil is detected, and the insertion shape of the insertion shape detection probe 131 is detected, whereby the insertion shape of the insertion section 102 is detected.

As described above, the insertion shape detecting probe 131 can be attached to the endoscope 101 freely.
By attaching the insertion shape detection probe 131 to the endoscope 101, the insertion shape detection source coil 133 can be selectively added to the endoscope 101.

Each of the hardness adjusting probe 121 and the insertion shape detecting probe 131 has a substantially identical shape in the probe channel 112, for example, a cylindrical shape having a diameter of several mm. The inner diameter of the probe 112 for adjusting hardness is
1 and slightly larger than both the outer diameter of the insertion shape detecting probe 131. Thus, the endoscope 101 is provided with the hardness adjusting probe 121.
And the insertion shape detecting probe 131 can be attached.

According to the endoscope 101 configured as described above, the hardness adjusting mechanism and the insertion shape detecting source coil can be selectively added later, and a user who does not need these components for the time being can be provided. Has the effect of being economical.

The endoscope 101 may be provided with a plurality of probe channels 112. In this case, a plurality of holes 114 for inserting screws 113 and a plurality of probe insertion ports 111 are formed corresponding to the number of probe channels 112. As described above, according to the endoscope 101 provided with the plurality of probe channels 112, both the hardness adjustment mechanism and the insertion shape detection source coil can be added to the endoscope 101, and the user has a wider range of choices. Is obtained.

On the other hand, in general, an endoscope having an insertion section in which a plurality of source coils for generating a magnetic field for detecting the insertion shape of the insertion section are integrally incorporated at predetermined intervals has conventionally had a diameter within the insertion section. A space having a size of several mm was formed, and the source coil was housed in this space. Then, a wasted space corresponding to the inner diameter of the source coil occurs,
In some cases, the outer diameter of the insertion portion is increased, and the other built-in components such as the light guide are pressed, thereby deteriorating the durability of the other built-in components such as the light guide. Therefore, a configuration of an endoscope in which a source coil is disposed in the insertion portion while preventing the insertion portion from having a large diameter will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. As shown in FIG. 10, an endoscope 201 has an elongated insertion portion 202 to be inserted into a body cavity or the like, and an operation for gripping and operating the endoscope 201 is provided continuously at a base end side of the insertion portion 202. A universal cord 204 extending from the side of the operation unit 203 and connecting to an external device; and a light guide provided at an end of the universal cord 204 and connecting to a light source device (not shown) which is an external device. It comprises a connector 205 and a cable 206 that branches off from the universal cord 204 and has a connector 207 at the end for connecting to an insertion shape detection device (not shown) that is an external device. A plurality of source coils 211 are formed at predetermined intervals on the outer skin of the insertion portion 202 by a configuration described later. These source coils 211 are connected to the connector 207, the cable 206, the universal cord 204, the operation unit 20 from the insertion shape detecting device.
3. A drive current is supplied through a signal line 212 passing through the insertion section 202, and thereby each source coil 211
Generates a magnetic field.

As shown in FIG. 11, the outer skin of the insertion portion 202 is formed by laminating a spiral tube 221, a metal net tube 222, an insulating tape 223, a source coil 211, and a resin layer 224 in this order from the inner layer side. Have been. That is, the endoscope 201 is configured such that no useless space corresponding to the inner diameter of the source coil 211 is generated. According to the endoscope 201 described above, since there is no useless space corresponding to the inner diameter of the source coil 211, it is possible to arrange the source coil 211 in the insertion section 202 while preventing the insertion section 202 from increasing in diameter. it can. In addition, since a space for the built-in component of the insertion portion 202 can be secured, the durability of the built-in component such as the light guide can be improved.

The endoscope 201 is different from the insertion section 202 shown in FIG. 11 in place of the insertion section 202 shown in FIG.
02a may be provided. As shown in FIG.
The outer skin of the insertion portion 202a is, in order from the inner layer side, the spiral tube 22
1, metal net tube 222, insulating tape 223, amorphous tape 231, source coil 211, resin layer 22
4 are stacked. That is, the insertion portion 202a in FIG. 12 differs from the insertion portion 202 in FIG. 11 in that the source coil 211 is wound around the outer periphery of the amorphous tape 231. That is, the insertion unit 2 in FIG.
02, the source coil 211 has an air core, whereas in the insertion section 202a of FIG. 12, the source coil 211 has a core made of an amorphous tape 231. The amorphous tape 231 increases the magnetic field output from the source coil 211. Therefore, the source coil 211 is inserted into the insertion section 2 in FIG.
The number of windings is reduced as compared with the case of the configuration No. 02. Note that permalloy may be provided instead of the amorphous tape 231. According to the endoscope 201 having the insertion portion 202a having the configuration shown in FIG. 12 described above, the number of turns of the source coil 211 is reduced as compared with the endoscope 201 having the insertion portion 202 having the configuration shown in FIG. As a result, the diameter of the insertion portion can be reduced.

[Appendix] (Appendix 1-1) An endoscope for observing an image of a subject by inserting an elongated insertion portion into a subject such as a body cavity or the like, which is built in the endoscope or the endoscope An imaging unit configured separately from a mirror to capture a subject image to be observed by the endoscope; a unit to obtain a first video signal from an imaging signal obtained by the imaging unit; and the subject of the insertion unit Insertion shape detection means for detecting an insertion shape in the apparatus, means for imaging the insertion shape detected by the insertion shape detection means to obtain a second video signal, and hardness adjustment means for adjusting the hardness of the insertion portion; The information such as a numerical value indicating the hardness set in the hardness adjusting means is imaged to obtain a third image.
Means for obtaining at least two kinds of video signals among the first video signal, the second video signal, and the third video signal; and An endoscope apparatus comprising: display means for displaying a video signal.

(Additional Item 1-2) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 1-1, wherein the first video signal, the second video signal, and the Third
At least two types of video signals are automatically synthesized by the synthesizing means for a predetermined period.

(Additional Item 1-3) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 1-1, wherein at least two of the first video signal, the second video signal, and the third video signal are provided. Kinds of video signals are always combined by the combining means.

(Additional Item 1-4) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 1-1, wherein all of the three types of the first video signal, the second video signal, and the third video signal are provided. Are synthesized by the synthesizing means.

(Additional Item 1-5) In the endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 1-1, the first video signal optionally includes character information.

(Additional Item 1-6) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 1-1, wherein: a means for obtaining the first video signal;
A first device having at least the synthesizing unit and the display unit, at least a part of a unit for acquiring information such as a numerical value indicating hardness set in the hardness adjusting unit, and at least a part of the insertion shape detecting unit A second device having at least a portion, and the first device, capable of transmitting information such as a numerical value indicating the hardness set in the hardness adjusting means from the second device to the first device, Communication means provided in each of the second devices.

(Additional Item 2-1) In the endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 1-1, the insertion shape detecting means may include a magnetic field generating element inserted into the insertion portion to generate a magnetic field; A magnetic field detection element disposed outside the endoscope for detecting a magnetic field from the magnetic field generation element.

(Additional Item 2-2) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 2-1 wherein the magnetic field generating element is formed of a coil.

(Additional Item 2-3) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 2-1 wherein the magnetic field detecting element is formed of a coil.

(Additional Item 2-4) In the endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 2-1, the magnetic field generating element is configured separately from the endoscope.

(Additional Item 2-5) In the endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 2-1, the magnetic field generating element is integrally incorporated in the endoscope.

(Additional Item 3-1) In the endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 1-1, the hardness adjusting means may include a coil spring inserted through the insertion portion and a coil spring inserted through the insertion portion. And a wire to be pulled and extended.

(Additional Item 3-2) In the endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 1-1, the hardness adjusting means is formed separately from the endoscope.

(Additional Item 3-3) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 1-1, wherein the hardness adjusting means is integrated with the endoscope.

(Additional Item 3-4) In the endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 1-1, the hardness adjusting means has a hardness adjusting operation means for setting and operating the hardness by the hardness adjusting means.

(Additional Item 3-5) In the endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 3-4, the hardness adjusting operation means is a rotating knob.

(Additional Item 3-6) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 3-5, further comprising means for detecting a turning position of the knob.

(Additional Item 3-7) In the endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 3-6, the means for detecting the turning position of the knob may include: a light reflecting means provided on the knob; Light detecting means for detecting light reflected by the light reflecting means.

(Additional Item 3-8) In the endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 3-6, information such as a numerical value indicating the hardness set in the hardness adjusting means may be stored in a rotating position of the knob. It is the corresponding numerical value.

(Additional Item 4-1) An endoscope having an elongated insertion portion, imaging means provided in the endoscope, and a video signal which can be displayed on a monitor is obtained from a signal obtained by the imaging means. A video processor that renders on a monitor screen, a hardness changing unit that is inserted into the insertion unit and changes the hardness of the insertion unit, an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the hardness changing unit, and an adjustment mechanism that is provided in the adjustment mechanism. Position detection means for detecting the adjustment position, insertion shape detection means for detecting the shape of the insertion portion, display means for converting the shape of the insertion portion detected by the insertion shape detection means into an image signal,
Communication means for transmitting information on the adjustment position of the adjustment mechanism obtained by the position detection means to the video processor,
The video processor acquires information on the adjustment position of the adjustment mechanism from the communication unit, synthesizes a video signal from the display unit on the monitor screen, and displays information on the adjustment position of the adjustment mechanism on the monitor screen. An endoscope apparatus characterized in that:

[0057]

As described above, according to the present invention,
When the endoscope apparatus provided with the hardness adjustment unit and the insertion shape detection unit is used, the movement of the operator's line of sight when using the endoscope device is reduced, and the operability can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 to FIG. 7 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an entire configuration of an endoscope apparatus.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a hardness adjusting unit.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a photoreflector.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a rotary encoder.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electric system.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of monitor display when images are not synthesized.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a monitor display during image composition.

8 and 9 are used to explain the configuration of an endoscope provided with a hardness adjusting means separate from the endoscope and a probe channel into which an insertion shape detection probe can be inserted, and FIG. Explanatory drawing including a partial cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an endoscope when hardness adjusting means is inserted into a probe channel.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view including a partial cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an endoscope when an insertion shape detection probe is inserted into a probe channel.

FIGS. 10 to 12 are used to explain the configuration of an endoscope in which a source coil is disposed in an insertion portion, and FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the entire configuration of the endoscope.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 10 showing another configuration of the insertion portion.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope apparatus 4 ... Endoscope 5 ... Video processor 6 ... Monitor 11 ... Insertion shape detection probe 12 ... Insertion shape detection device 21 ... Operation part 22 ... Insertion part 23 ... Hardness adjustment knob 26 ... CCD 31 ... Source Coil 32 ... Sense coil 43 ... Hardness adjusting wire 44 ... Hardness adjusting coil spring 46 ... Photo reflector 48 ... Disc 48a ... Light reflecting plate 51 ... Source coil driving unit 52 ... Source coil control unit 53 ... Signal detecting unit 54 ... Signal Storage unit 55 Position analysis unit 56 Insertion shape image generation unit 57 Control unit 58 Decoding unit 59 Communication unit 62 Video signal processing unit 63 Control unit 64 Communication unit 65 Character generation unit 66 Image synthesis unit 67 ... Monitor drive unit

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Chieko Aizawa 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Makoto Toriyama 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Takayasu Miyagi, Inventor 2-43-2, Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Oka ▲ Saki ▼ Tsugio, Hatagaya 2-chome, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 43-2, Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hiroki Moriyama 2-43, Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (72) Inventor Yasuo Hirata 2-chome, Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 43-2 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Katsuyoshi Sasakawa 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo e Inside Linpus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hiroshi Ishii 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Industries Co., Ltd. (72) Yoshinao Daimei 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical Industrial Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 2H040 BA00 BA23 DA11 DA16 DA19 DA21 DA54 DA56 GA01 GA02 GA11 4C061 AA04 BB00 CC06 CC07 DD03 FF29 FF50 GG11 HH51 HH60 JJ17 LL02 LL03 NN05 WW04 WW10 A04 CC03 FC12 FE11 HA12

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An endoscope for observing a subject image by inserting an elongated insertion portion into a subject such as a body cavity, and being built in the endoscope or separately from the endoscope, Imaging means for imaging a subject image to be observed by the endoscope; means for obtaining a first video signal from an imaging signal obtained by the imaging means; and detecting an insertion shape of the insertion section in the subject. Insertion shape detection means, means for imaging the insertion shape detected by the insertion shape detection means to obtain a second video signal, hardness adjustment means for adjusting the hardness of the insertion portion, Means for obtaining a third video signal by imaging information such as a numerical value indicating hardness, and at least two types of video signals among the first video signal, the second video signal, and the third video signal Combining means for combining The endoscope apparatus characterized by comprising a display means for displaying the image signal.