JP4119509B2 - Endoscope device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus. , Further In detail, industrial endoscope equipment characterized by the wireless communication part In place Related.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In non-destructive inspection of compressor blades (hereinafter referred to as blades) inside jet engines using industrial endoscopes, the blade edges are chipped or cracked due to the inhalation of birds, stones, or ice while the jet engine is in operation. Such damage may be found.
[0003]
In this case, even if the damaged part is small, if the jet engine is used as it is, the stress concentrates on the damaged part and the damaged part may become large. When a damaged blade is no longer suitable for use, the jet engine is generally disassembled and repaired. The damaged blade is removed from the engine and repaired by grinding to a shape that does not cause stress concentration in the damaged part, or is replaced with a new one.
[0004]
In general, in a jet engine, a hole (hereinafter referred to as an access port) for inspecting a blade or the like is provided for each blade. An industrial endoscope is inserted into the engine from this access port, and a nondestructive inspection is performed while bending the distal end of the insertion portion.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in non-destructive inspection using conventional industrial endoscopes, inspection devices such as light source devices for supplying illumination light to industrial endoscopes and camera control units for displaying endoscopic images are inspected. Each object is moved and connected together with an industrial endoscope, and the bending operation must be performed at the operation unit in order to curve the distal end of the insertion unit, which causes problems such as complicated inspection. For example, as disclosed in JP-A-60-48011 and JP-A-6-335450, an endoscope that transmits an endoscope image wirelessly has been proposed. Even when applied to an industrial endoscope, in order to bend the distal end of the insertion portion as described above, the bending operation must be performed by the operation portion of the industrial endoscope.
[0006]
In addition, as described above, a plurality of access ports for inspecting blades and the like are provided. However, in the conventional inspection, there is one observation apparatus that performs image observation with respect to one industrial endoscope. When inspecting a plurality of access ports at a time, it is necessary to prepare a plurality of industrial endoscopes and observation devices, and an endoscope that transmits the above endoscope images wirelessly. Even when using a mirror, it is necessary to change the frequency of radio waves for wireless transmission for each of multiple endoscopes, and to prepare multiple observation devices that can receive each radio wave. However, there is a problem that the inspection becomes more complicated and the inspection cost becomes enormous.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is an industrial endoscope apparatus that can perform reliable remote control with a simple configuration. Place It is intended to provide.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A first endoscope apparatus according to the present invention includes an elongated insertion portion having observation means, endoscope identification information storage means storing its own endoscope identification information, and an endoscope acquired by the observation means. Endoscopic image information relating to an image and transmission of the endoscope identification information stored in the endoscope identification information storage means, or reception of identification information from the outside By radio A plurality of endoscopes having an endoscope-side information transmitting / receiving means capable of being connected to the endoscope and performing a predetermined operation on the endoscope; Operation A device identification information storage means for storing its own device identification information, and the endoscope image information and the endoscope identification information from the endoscope side information transmitting / receiving means in the endoscope. Receive , Ma Or transmitting the device identification information stored in the device identification information storage unit. By radio And an operation device side information transmitting / receiving unit that enables the image display unit to display the endoscopic image from the endoscope. 1 And the endoscope is based on the device identification information from the operation device received by the endoscope-side information transmission / reception means. The concerned Whether it can be operated by the operating device Whether or not Recognizing, the operating device transmits the device identification information of the device itself to the endoscope, the endoscope identification information transmitted from the endoscope is received by the operating device side information transmitting / receiving means, Which said endoscope is concerned Whether it can be operated by the operating device Whether or not The image display means is controlled to display on the image means the type of the endoscope that is recognized and operable.
[0009]
A second endoscope apparatus according to the present invention includes an elongated insertion portion having observation means, endoscope identification information storage means storing its own endoscope identification information, and an endoscope acquired by the observation means. Endoscopic image information relating to an image and transmission of the endoscope identification information stored in the endoscope identification information storage means, or reception of identification information from the outside By radio Endoscope-side information transmission / reception means enabling 1 Two endoscopes, a plurality of operation devices for connecting to the endoscope and performing a predetermined operation on the endoscope, and device identification information storage means storing its own device identification information; , Receiving the endoscope image information and the endoscope identification information from the endoscope side information transmitting / receiving means in the endoscope, and another device stored in the device identification information storage means in the other operation device Receiving identification information, or transmitting its own device identification information stored in its own device identification information storage means By radio A plurality of operation devices each including an operation device-side information transmission / reception unit and an image display unit for displaying the endoscopic image from the endoscope, wherein the endoscope includes: Based on the device identification information from the operation device received by the endoscope side information transmission / reception means, which operation device is in a state in which the operation device can be operated Whether or not Recognizing, the operating device transmits the device identification information of the device itself to the endoscope, the endoscope identification information transmitted from the endoscope is received by the operating device side information transmitting / receiving means, The endoscope is It can be operated by the operation device Whether or not Recognize and recognize which operation device has the authority to operate the connected endoscope based on the mutual device identification information received by the operation device side information transmission / reception means, and transmit / receive the operation device side information Controlling the image display means to display on the image display means the type of the operating device in a state where the endoscope to be connected can be operated based on the mutual device identification information received by the means. Features.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0015]
First embodiment:
1 to 8 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an industrial endoscope apparatus, and FIG. 2 is a configuration of a distal end of an insertion portion of the endoscope of FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the main body of the endoscope of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is an external view showing the configuration of the operation box of FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is the configuration of the operation box of FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electric circuit mounted on the processing board of FIG. 3, FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electric circuit mounted on the operation board of FIG. 5, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the effect | action at the time of power activation of the 1 industrial endoscope apparatus.
[0016]
(Constitution)
As shown in FIG. 1, an industrial endoscope apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an endoscope apparatus) 1 of the present embodiment is an electronic device having a curved portion 4 at the distal end of an insertion portion 3 extending from a main body portion 2. An endoscope 5 that is an endoscope and an operation box 6 for operating the endoscope 5 wirelessly are configured.
[0017]
As shown in FIG. 2, the distal end portion 3a of the insertion portion 3 of the endoscope 5 has a distal end main body 11, an imaging optical system 12 is disposed on the distal end main body 11, and a solid-state imaging device, for example, a CCD 13 is located at the focal position. Is arranged. The CCD 13 is connected to a processing substrate 33 (described later) provided inside the main body 2 of the endoscope 5 by a signal line 14 provided in the insertion portion 3. Further, the distal end body 11 is provided with an illumination LED 16 formed integrally with the illumination optical system 15, and the illumination LED 16 is connected to the inside of the body portion 2 by a power line 17 provided in the insertion portion 2. Is connected to a processing substrate 33 which will be described later.
[0018]
The tip body 11 is fixed to a tip piece 18, and the tip piece 18 is fixed to a bending piece 19 forming the bending portion 4 with a rivet 20 so as to be freely rotatable. That is, the bending piece 19 is fixed to the distal end of the insertion portion 3 so as to be rotatable along the rivet 20 and constitutes the bending portion 4. Further, an operation wire 21 is fixed to the tip piece 18 and is connected to a bending mechanism 32 (described later) provided inside the main body 2 through the coil pipe 22 provided in the insertion portion 3. . The coil pipe 22 is fixed to the insertion portion 3, and the bending portion 4 is covered with a protective rubber 23.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 3, the insertion portion 3 is fixed to the main body portion 2, the coil pipe 22 passing through the insertion portion 3 is fixed to the main body portion 2, and the operation wire 21 is wound around the pulley 30. ing. The pulley 30 is connected to the shaft of the motor 31, and the operation wire 21 is advanced and retracted by the rotation of the motor 31. A bending mechanism 32 is constituted by the pulley 30 and the motor 31.
[0020]
The main body 2 includes the bending mechanism 32, a processing board 33 on which an electric circuit 61 having functions shown in a block diagram to be described later is mounted, a communication antenna 34, a battery 35 as a power source, and a microphone 36 as a sensor. Is provided.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 4, the operation box 6 includes a communication antenna 41, an image display unit 42 including a liquid crystal monitor, an operation lever 43, and a speaker 40.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 5, a battery 44 as a power source, an operation board 45 on which an electric circuit 80 having functions shown in a block diagram to be described later is mounted, and the image display unit 42 are incorporated in the operation box 6. . Further, the operation board 45 has a bearing 46, and the operation lever 43 is attached so as to move simultaneously in four directions, front, rear, left and right. Four switches 47 are provided in each of the four directions in which the operation lever 43 is tilted. In FIG. 5, two switches 47 in the front-rear direction are shown. That is, the switch 47 in the direction in which the operation lever 43 is tilted is pushed by the operation lever 43, and the switch 47 is turned on.
[0023]
Further, a power line 48 from the battery 44, a signal line 49 for supplying signals and power to the image display unit 42, a connection line 50 to the antenna 41, and a connection line 51 to the speaker 40 are connected to the operation board 45, respectively. Yes.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 6, in the electric circuit 61 mounted on the processing board 33 provided inside the main body 2, various timing signals for obtaining a video signal from the timing generation circuit 62 are created. Are sent to the drive circuit 63, the video processing circuit 64, and the frame memory 65.
[0025]
The drive circuit 63 generates various pulse signals for driving the CCD 13 and is connected to the CCD 13 at the tip of the insertion portion 3. The CCD 13 converts the image into an electrical signal at the tip, and the signal output from the CCD 13 is output to the image processing circuit 64.
[0026]
The video processing circuit 64 converts the electrical signal from the CCD 13 into a video signal and outputs it to the frame memory 65. The frame memory 65 converts the input video signal into a digital signal and stores it. The output of the frame memory 65 is a digital output and is connected to the compression circuit 66.
[0027]
The compression circuit 66 compresses the received digital signal by, for example, the MPEG system to reduce the data amount. The output of the compression circuit 66 is connected to the image signal buffer 67. The image signal buffer 67 temporarily stores an image digital signal, and sends out a necessary amount of digital data to the synthesis / separation circuit 69 in accordance with a request from the communication control circuit 68 connected next.
[0028]
The synthesizing / separating circuit 69 converts the digital signal of the control signal and the digital signal of the image signal into one communication data. The output of the synthesis / separation circuit 69 is connected to the transmission input of the transmission / reception circuit 70 that converts the signal into a high-frequency signal. The transmission output of the transmission / reception circuit 70 is connected to the antenna 34.
[0029]
The overall control circuit 71 collects information on the entire endoscope apparatus 1 and performs control so that each circuit operates in cooperation. The overall control circuit 71 collects and processes information from each part, sends an appropriate command to each part, and operates so that the endoscope apparatus 1 performs a predetermined function.
[0030]
An ID memory 72 is connected to the overall control circuit 71 and stores unique data necessary for communication. An output from the microphone 36 as a sensor is connected to the overall control circuit 71 via an amplifier 73 and an A / D converter 74. That is, the microphone 36 converts the voice of the person who operates the endoscope 5 into an electrical signal, and the electrical signal is amplified by the amplifier 73, and the output of the amplifier 73 is connected to the A / D converter 74. It is converted into a digital signal and input to the overall control circuit 71. The overall control circuit 71 outputs the digitized signal from the microphone as a control signal to the control signal buffer 75, and the control signal buffer 75 outputs the digital control signal to the synthesis / separation circuit 69 in accordance with a request from the communication control circuit 68. To do.
[0031]
The combining / separating circuit 69 combines the image digital signal from the image signal buffer 67 and the digital control signal from the control signal buffer 75 and outputs the combined signal to the transmitting / receiving circuit 70.
[0032]
The control signal buffer 75 can send data in the reverse direction. That is, the signal from the antenna 36 is received by the transmission / reception circuit 70, the reception output of the transmission / reception circuit 70 is output to the control signal buffer 75, and the output of the control signal buffer 75 is input to the overall control circuit 71.
[0033]
The overall control circuit 71 is also connected to the bending control circuit 76, and the bending control circuit 76 drives the bending mechanism 32 provided in the main body 2.
[0034]
A communication control circuit 68 is connected to the transmission / reception circuit 70, the control signal buffer 75, the image signal buffer 67, and the overall control circuit 71. The communication control circuit 68 performs communication-related circuits while exchanging information with the overall control circuit 71. Control.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 7, in the electric circuit 80 provided on the operation board 45 of the operation box 6, the antenna 41 is connected to the transmission / reception circuit 81. A synthesis / separation circuit 82 is connected to the reception output of the transmission / reception circuit 81. The signal output of the combining / separating circuit 82 is connected to the image signal buffer 83 and the control signal buffer 84.
[0036]
The control signal buffer 84 is connected to the communication control circuit 85 for input / output of control signals, and the output of the image signal buffer 83 is connected to the expansion circuit 86. The output of the decompression circuit 86 is input to the frame memory 87. The output of the frame memory 87 is connected to the video circuit 88, and the output of the video circuit 88 is connected to the image display unit 42.
[0037]
A communication control circuit 85 is connected to the combining / separating circuit 82, the image signal buffer 83, and the control signal buffer 84, and the communication control circuit 85 is connected to the operation control circuit 89. An ID memory 90 is connected to the operation control circuit 89.
[0038]
The operation control circuit 89 is connected to the switch 47 of the operation lever 43 and further connected to the D / A converter 91. The output of the D / A converter 91 is connected to the amplifier 92, and the output of the amplifier 92 is the speaker. 40.
[0039]
The control signal buffer 84 can send data in the reverse direction and receives a control signal from the operation control circuit 89. The output of the control signal buffer 84 is connected to the transmission input of the transmission / reception circuit 81. Further, the operation control circuit 89 is connected to the frame memory 87 and can write data into the frame memory 87.
[0040]
(Function)
First, the first operator inserts the insertion portion 3 of the endoscope 5 into an access port for inspecting a blade or the like, and completes the insertion to the second worker who operates the operation box 6 using the microphone 36 as voice information. introduce. When the insertion of the insertion part 3 is completed, the first worker holds the main body part 2 or attaches the main body part 2 to a main body part holding member (not shown) and maintains the insertion state of the endoscope 5.
[0041]
In this state, in the endoscope 5, an observation target such as a blade at the distal end of the endoscope 5 is illuminated by illumination light of the LED 16 at the distal end. Upon receiving the illumination light, an observation image is formed on the imaging surface of the CCD 13.
[0042]
The output of the CCD 13 driven by the drive circuit 63 is sent to the video processing circuit 64 and converted into a normal television signal, and the video signal from the video processing circuit 64 is output to the frame memory 65. The frame memory 65 digitizes the TV signal and stores it in the memory. At this time, the drive circuit 63, the video processing circuit 64, and the frame memory 65 operate according to the timing signal from the timing generation circuit 62.
[0043]
A digital image signal is sent from the frame memory 65 to the compression circuit 66 together with a timing signal. The compression circuit 66 performs MPEG digital video signal compression, and the output of the compression circuit 66 is sent to the image signal buffer 67.
[0044]
The image signal buffer 67 sends a predetermined amount of image data to the synthesis / separation circuit 69 in accordance with a command from the communication control circuit 68. The synthesis / separation circuit 69 synthesizes the digital signal from the control signal buffer 75 and the image data and converts them into a communication packet. In the transmission / reception circuit 70, the digital signal put in the communication packet is subjected to high frequency modulation and transmitted from the antenna 34.
[0045]
On the other hand, an audio signal provided from the microphone 36 as a sensor provided in the main body 2 of the endoscope 5 enters the amplifier 73 and is radiated. The output of the amplifier 73 enters an A / D converter 74 and is converted into a digital signal. The audio digital signal passes through the overall control circuit 71 and is sent to the control signal buffer 75. The audio signal sent to the control signal buffer 75 is sent to the synthesis / separation circuit 69. Thereafter, it is transmitted from the antenna 34 as described above.
[0046]
In the operation box 6, the high frequency signal received by the antenna 41 is sent to the reception circuit of the transmission / reception circuit 81. The receiving circuit of the transmitting / receiving circuit 81 performs demodulation to obtain a digital signal in a communication packet state. This digital signal is sent to the synthesis / separation circuit 82, where it is divided into an image signal and a control signal.
[0047]
The digital image signal is sent to the image signal buffer 83 and temporarily stored. The digital image signal stored in the image signal buffer 83 is sent to the decompression circuit 86, where the data is decompressed and returned to the original digital data.
[0048]
The returned image digital signal is stored in the frame memory 87. The digital image signal is converted into an analog signal by the frame memory 87 and then sent to the video circuit 88 to be returned to a normal video signal. The output of the video circuit 88 is sent to the image display unit 42 and displayed as a normal image.
[0049]
That is, the image obtained at the endoscope tip in this way can be observed on the image display unit 42 of the operation box 6.
[0050]
The audio digital signal separated by the synthesis / separation circuit 82 is temporarily stored in the control signal buffer 84. Thereafter, the audio digital signal sent to the D / A converter 91 via the operation control circuit 89 is converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 91, and after being amplified by the amplifier 92, is sent to the speaker 40.
[0051]
That is, the sound picked up by the microphone 36 of the endoscope 5 can be heard from the speaker 40 of the operation box 6.
[0052]
Further, by operating the operation lever 43 of the operation box 6, an operation signal from the switch 47 is sent to the operation control circuit 89. The digital operation information converted from the operation signal by the operation control circuit 89 is sent to the control signal buffer 84. The digital operation information from the control signal buffer 84 is sent to the transmission / reception circuit 81, subjected to high frequency modulation and sent from the antenna 41.
[0053]
Digital operation information sent from the antenna 41 of the operation box 6 is received by the antenna 34 in the endoscope 5, demodulated by the transmission / reception circuit 70, and sent to the control signal buffer 75. The digital operation information from the control signal buffer 75 is sent to the overall control circuit 71. The overall control circuit 71 sends a bending control signal to the bending control circuit 76 based on the digital operation information.
[0054]
Thereby, the bending control of the bending portion 4 of the distal end portion 3a of the endoscope 5 can be performed by the operation of the operation lever 43 of the operation box 6.
[0055]
Next, the operation of communication contents when power is turned on will be described with reference to FIG. When the operation box 6 is turned on, the operation box 6 first sends its own ID stored in the ID memory 90 to the endoscope 5 and inquires about 1D of the endoscope 5. In the endoscope 5, the ID of the operation box 6 is stored in the overall control circuit 71, and thereafter, control is performed so that commands other than those with the ID of the operation box 6 are not recognized as commands.
[0056]
Next, the endoscope 5 returns its own ID stored in the ID memory 72 to the operation box 6. Thereafter, when an instruction is sent to the endoscope 5 in the operation box 6, the ID of the endoscope 5 is added to the instruction together with the ID of the operation box 6. Then, the operation box 6 returns OK to the endoscope 5 side, and the endoscope 5 also returns OK to the operation box 6 so that the subsequent communication relationship is established.
[0057]
(effect)
As described above, in the present embodiment, wireless communication is performed, the operation box 6 and the endoscope 5 exchange their IDs to recognize each other's ID, and then the operation box 6 has the endoscope 5. Endoscope image information and audio information are obtained from the control box 6 and the operation box 6 controls the bending of the bending portion of the endoscope 5 on the basis of these information. Therefore, the overall configuration of the endoscope apparatus 1 is simple, and The endoscope can be reliably remotely controlled by information from the endoscope, and the examination efficiency of the endoscope apparatus 1 can be improved.
[0058]
In the present embodiment, the microphone has been described as an example of the sensor. However, the sensor may be a temperature sensor that detects an external temperature provided in the distal end portion of the endoscope or a bending sensor that detects the bending angle of the bending portion. One or a plurality of these sensors are provided in the endoscope, information from these sensors is transmitted to the operation box, and sensor information is used on the operation box side, thereby enabling more efficient inspection.
[0059]
Second embodiment:
FIGS. 9 to 12 relate to the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the industrial endoscope apparatus, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the operation box of FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the industrial endoscope apparatus of FIG. 9 when the power is turned on, and FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display example displayed on the image display unit of the operation box of FIG.
[0060]
Since the second embodiment is almost the same as the first embodiment, only different points will be described, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.
[0061]
(Constitution)
In the first embodiment, one operation box corresponds to one endoscope. However, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. One operation box 6a is provided for the endoscope 5a and the second endoscope 5b.
[0062]
The difference in configuration from the specific first embodiment is that there are a plurality of endoscopes, so one is selected from a plurality of endoscopes, that is, the first endoscope 5a and the second endoscope 5b. As shown in FIG. 10, a function switch 101 serving as an ID selection unit is connected to the operation board 45 and provided to the operation box 6.
Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.
[0063]
(Function)
As shown in FIG. 11, when the operation box 6 is powered on, the operation control circuit 89 in the operation box 6 reads the ID of the operation box from the ID memory 90, converts it into a control signal, and sends it to the control signal buffer 84. At this time, ID inquiry commands for the endoscopes (first endoscope 5 a and second endoscope 5 b) are also sent to the control signal buffer 84.
[0064]
Thereafter, the operation control circuit 89 sends a transmission command to the communication control circuit 85. As a result, the control signal converted into a high frequency signal by the transmission / reception circuit 81 is transmitted from the antenna 40.
[0065]
On the endoscope side, a plurality of, for example, the first endoscope and the second endoscope, which have received the ID of the operation box 6 and the ID inquiry command from the antenna 34, set the ID of the operation box 6 in the respective overall control circuits 71. Remember. Thereafter, it retrieves its own ID from the ID memory 72 and sends it to the operation box 6.
[0066]
At this time, in order to avoid that the communication timing overlaps and communication cannot be performed, each of the overall control circuits 71 of the first endoscope and the second endoscope generates a return timing based on its own ID. Determined by random numbers.
[0067]
The operation control circuit 89 of the operation box 6 to which the ID is returned from each of the first endoscope and the second endoscope stores the ID of each of the first endoscope and the second endoscope, and commands thereafter Is sent with the ID of each first endoscope or second endoscope attached to each endoscope.
[0068]
The first endoscope or the second endoscope that has received the command from the operation box 6 checks whether the ID attached to the command is equal to its own ID or not by the overall control circuit 71 for each command. In the case of an instruction with its own ID, the instruction is executed.
[0069]
In this way, a plurality of endoscopes can be controlled from one operation box 6.
[0070]
To select the endoscope you want to operate, follow the steps below. That is, for example, when an image inside the pipe as shown in FIG. 12A is being observed on the image display unit 42, pressing the function switch 101 causes the image display unit 42 to display the image display unit 42 in FIG. A selection menu as shown is displayed. At this time, by operating the operation lever 43, the endoscope to be operated is selected by moving the arrow up and down.
[0071]
Specifically, the operation control circuit 89 detects that the function switch 101 has been pressed, and sends the display data shown in FIG. Next, the operation control circuit 89 detects that the switch 47 is pushed by the operation lever 43, and changes the position of the displayed arrow. When the function switch 101 is pressed again, the operation control circuit 89 determines the selected endoscope from the position of the arrow at that time.
Other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0072]
(effect)
Thus, in this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, when there are a plurality of endoscopes, the endoscope on the side to be operated by the function switch 101 and the operation lever 43 of the operation box 6 is selected. Based on the command, the operation control circuit attaches the ID of the endoscope to be operated to the command to be sent, so that only the endoscope to be operated can be selected and operated.
[0073]
Third embodiment:
FIGS. 13 to 15 relate to a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the industrial endoscope, and FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the industrial endoscope of FIG. 15 and 15 are diagrams showing selection menus displayed on the image display unit of the operation box shown in FIG.
[0074]
Since the third embodiment is almost the same as the first embodiment and the second embodiment, only different points will be described, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.
[0075]
The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment and the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, a single endoscope 5 includes a plurality of function switches 101, for example, a first operation. It is operated by the box 6a and the second operation box 6b. Other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment.
[0076]
(Function)
In order to simplify the description, for example, after the communication described in the first embodiment is already performed between the first operation box 6a and the endoscope 5 and the communication is established (see FIG. 8), the second A flow of communication when the operation box 6b is turned on will be described.
[0077]
As shown in FIG. 14, when the power of the second operation box 6b is turned on, the operation control circuit 89 of the second operation box 6b sends out its own ID. Receiving the ID, the endoscope 5 recognizes that the number of operation boxes to be operated has increased, and additionally stores the ID in the overall control circuit 71. Thereafter, the ID of the endoscope 5 is sent back, and the second operation box 6b establishes a communication relationship with the endoscope 5.
[0078]
On the other hand, the first operation box 6a that has received the ID of the second operation box 6b sends its own ID to the second operation box 6b. As a result, the second operation box 6b confirms and stores the ID of the first operation box 6a. At this time, the second operation box 6b determines that the priority position of the second operation box 6b is lower than that of the first operation box 6a, and while there is no command to operate from the first operation box 6a, the endoscope 5 No operation command is sent to. A communication relationship is established in such a relationship.
[0079]
Although the normal operation is performed in the first operation box 6a, when the operation of the endoscope 5 is to be performed in the second operation box 6b, the function switch 101 is set like the endoscope selection in the second embodiment. By pressing the button, a selection menu as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on the image display unit 42, and the operation right is given to the second operation box 6b by selecting the operation lever 43 with the button. The second operation box 6b to which the operation right is given recognizes that it has the operation right and sends an operation command to the endoscope 5.
[0080]
In this state, the second operation box 6b has a higher priority than the first operation box 6a, and the transfer of the transfer operation right is selected by the second operation box 6b.
Other operations are the same as those of the second embodiment.
[0081]
(effect)
Thus, in this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the second embodiment, when there are a plurality of operation boxes, the endoscope is operated with the operation box having the operation right, and the operation right is set to other operations. When transferring to a box, the operation box is selected with the function switch 101 and the operation lever 43, the right of operation is transferred, and the priority order is changed, so that a plurality of operation boxes can operate one endoscope.
[0082]
Fourth embodiment:
16 to 20 relate to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the industrial endoscope apparatus, and FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the operation box of FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electric circuit mounted on the image transmission apparatus of FIG. 16, FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a circuit formed by the operation box of FIG. 16, and FIG. 20 is an industrial internal view of FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the effect | action of a mirror apparatus.
[0083]
Since the fourth embodiment is almost the same as the first embodiment, only different points will be described, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.
[0084]
(Constitution)
The fourth embodiment is partially different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the endoscope and the operation box. That is, as shown in FIG. 16, in the present embodiment, an image transmission device 111 that includes a fiberscope 110 and has a TV power camera (not shown) for capturing an endoscopic image is attached to the eyepiece 110a. In this embodiment, the endoscope 105 is provided in addition to the endoscope 5 of the first embodiment, and an image is transmitted from the antenna 34 provided in the image transmission device 111 to the operation box 106 of the present embodiment. The
[0085]
The operation box 106 according to the present embodiment includes an operation interface 121 and a personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as a personal computer) 122. A part of the functions of the operation box 6 according to the first embodiment is the operation interface 121. The other configuration is provided in the personal computer 122.
[0086]
The operation interface 121 is provided with an antenna 41 and an operation lever 43. By inserting the operation interface 121 into the PCMCIA card slot 123 of the personal computer 122, the operation interface 6 and the personal computer 122 are used to operate the operation box 6 in the first embodiment. Fulfills the same function.
[0087]
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, the operation interface 121 is provided with a PIMCIA connector 131 to be inserted into the PCMCIA card slot 123. The connector 131 is connected to the communication control board 132, and the communication control board 132. An antenna 41 and an operation lever 43 are connected to the terminal.
[0088]
The operation lever 43 provided in the operation interface 121 is supported by a bearing 46 and can be tilted in the front, rear, left and right directions as in the first embodiment. The switch 47 provided in the above is pressed to operate the switch 47.
[0089]
As shown in FIG. 18, in the image transmission apparatus 111, the image signal from the TV camera 111a enters the frame memory 65 and is digitized. Thereafter, the image data is transmitted from the antenna 34 in the same manner as the endoscope 5 of the first embodiment.
[0090]
As shown in FIG. 19, the operation box 106 according to the present embodiment, which includes the operation interface 121 and the personal computer 122, has the same overall functional block as that of the first embodiment. The functions provided in the interface 121 and the other parts are functions that the personal computer 122 takes charge of. The two functions are electrically connected by a PCMCIA interface.
[0091]
The configuration on the personal computer 122 side including the operation interface 121 is basically the same as that of the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the operation interface 121 itself does not function unless it is installed in the PIMCIA card slot 123 of the personal computer 122. .
[0092]
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 20, in the present embodiment, an operation signal from the operation lever 43 of the operation interface 121 is sent to a personal computer 122 having a different specification, such as the position of the PIMCIA card slot on the left, right, or front. It is supposed to be converted and read.
[0093]
That is, when the operation interface 121 is attached to the personal computer 122, the position of the PIMCIA card slot 123 provided in the personal computer 122 is operated by operating a keyboard or the like on a selection screen (not shown) displayed on the image display unit 42. As shown in FIG. 19, the operation control circuit 89 reads the direction data from the direction data memory 141 based on the position of the PIMCIA card slot 123, and either side of the operation interface 121 is vertically or horizontally (U , D, R, L) direction information is obtained, and the operation signals from the four switches 47 arranged on the operation lever 43 are converted and read.
[0094]
That is, as shown in FIG. 20, when the operation interface 121 is inserted into the personal computer 122 from the left side, the antenna 41 side indicates the R direction as shown on the left side of the drawing. In other words, when the operation lever 43 is tilted to the antenna 41 side, the distal end of the endoscope 105 is bent to the right. Specifically, if the four switches 47 at this time are switches 47 (1), 47 (2), 47 (3), 47 (4) clockwise from the antenna 41 side, the operation control circuit 89 According to the direction data from the data memory 141, the bending portion 4 of the endoscope 105 is switched in the “right” direction when the switch 47 (1) is pressed, and in the “up” direction when the switch 47 (2) is pressed. When the switch 47 (3) is pressed, the operation signals from the four switches 47 are converted and read so as to bend in the “left” direction and when the switch 47 (4) is pressed in the “down” direction. .
[0095]
When the operation interface 121 is inserted into the personal computer 122 from the front side, the antenna 41 side indicates the D direction as shown in the lower center of the figure. In other words, when the operation lever 43 is tilted to the antenna 41 side, the distal end of the endoscope 105 is bent downward. That is, in this case, the operation control circuit 89 switches the bending portion 4 of the endoscope 105 according to the direction data from the direction data memory 141 in the “down” direction when the switch 47 (1) is pressed. ) Is pressed in the “right” direction, the switch 47 (3) is pressed in the “up” direction, and the switch 47 (4) is pressed in the “left” direction. The operation signals from the four switches 47 are converted and read.
[0096]
Further, when the operation interface 121 is inserted into the personal computer 122 from the right side, the antenna 41 side indicates the L direction as shown on the right side of the drawing. In other words, when the operation lever 43 is tilted to the antenna 41 side, the distal end of the endoscope 105 is curved leftward. That is, in this case, the operation control circuit 89 switches the bending portion 4 of the endoscope 105 according to the direction data from the direction data memory 141 in the “left” direction when the switch 47 (1) is pressed. ) Is pressed in the “down” direction, the switch 47 (3) is pressed in the “right” direction, and the switch 47 (4) is pressed in the “up” direction. The operation signals from the four switches 47 are converted and read.
[0097]
Although not shown, this function is selected by a selection screen for the mounting direction of the operation interface 121 similar to the selection screen shown in FIG. Here, these functions are realized by the CPU operating by software in the personal computer 122.
[0098]
Although the operation lever 43 is provided on the operation interface 122 side in the fourth embodiment, it is not necessary to provide the operation lever on the operation interface side, and a keyboard switch of the personal computer 122 may be used as a substitute for the operation lever. . In this case, an operation lever and a switch are not required in the operation interface.
Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.
[0099]
(Function)
When the image transmission apparatus 111 attached to the endoscope 105 is turned on, the operation box 106 including the operation interface 121 and the personal computer 122 is not shown, but the ID of the endoscope 5 and the ID of the first embodiment is not shown. In addition, when the image is captured from the endoscope 105 after the ID is exchanged with the endoscope 105, the TV camera of the image transmission apparatus 111 captures the image from the eyepiece portion 110 of the endoscope 105. Then, the image transmission apparatus 111 adds the ID of the endoscope 105 and performs transmission from the antenna 34 to the operation box 106 by the same operation as in the first embodiment.
Other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0100]
(effect)
According to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, a fiberscope type endoscope can also be used, and by using the operation interface 121, a general-purpose personal computer 122 having a PIMCIA card slot 123 can be used. Compared to the first embodiment, since the operation interface 121 having a simple configuration may be prepared in addition to the personal computer 122, the configuration can be further reduced.
[0101]
Although the operation lever 43 is provided on the operation interface 121 side in the fourth embodiment, it is not necessary to provide an operation lever on the operation interface side, and a keyboard switch of the personal computer 122 may be used as a substitute for the operation lever. . In this case, an operation lever and a switch are not required in the operation interface.
[0102]
In each of the above embodiments, communication is performed by wireless communication means. However, the communication means is not limited to this, and for example, optical communication using visible light or infrared light, ultrasonic communication means, or the like may be used. A similar system can be realized.
[0103]
In each of the above embodiments, the antenna is fixed. However, the antenna may be detachable and connected by a connector. In this case, the antenna can be connected by a coaxial cable and installed in a remote place, or can be directly connected by a coaxial cable. In other words, it can be used by connecting directly to places where radio waves should not be skipped or when electromagnetic waves are strong and communication by radio waves is not possible.
[0104]
In each of the above embodiments, the video endoscope provided with the CCD at the distal end of the endoscope and the fiber scope using the image guide fiber have been described as examples. However, instead of this, the rigid endoscope using the relay lens system is used. May be used.
[0105]
[Appendix]
(Additional Item 1) An endoscope including an elongated insertion unit having an observation unit and an information transmission unit that transmits endoscope image information wirelessly, and a reception unit that wirelessly receives endoscope image information. In the endoscope apparatus provided with the endoscope image observation apparatus that has been
The endoscope is
Endoscopy identification information storage means that stores its own endoscope identification information, the information transmission means wirelessly transmits the endoscope identification information to the outside,
The endoscopic image observation device includes:
Device identification information storage means storing its own device identification information, and device information transmission means for transmitting the device identification information to the outside by radio
An endoscope apparatus characterized by that.
[0106]
(Additional Item 2) The endoscope includes a device identification information receiving unit that receives the device identification information from the device information transmitting unit.
The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein the endoscope apparatus is characterized.
[0107]
(Additional Item 3) The endoscope includes a device identification unit that identifies the device identification information.
The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 2, characterized in that:
[0108]
(Additional Item 4) The endoscopic image observation apparatus includes:
The receiving means includes an endoscope identification means for receiving the endoscope identification information and identifying the endoscope identification information.
The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein the endoscope apparatus is characterized.
[0109]
(Additional Item 5) The endoscopic image observation apparatus includes:
The receiving means includes an endoscope identification means for receiving the endoscope identification information and identifying the endoscope identification information.
The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 2 or 3, wherein
[0110]
(Additional Item 6) The endoscope image observation apparatus transmits an endoscope control signal for controlling the endoscope based on the endoscope identification information identified by the endoscope identification unit. With signal means
The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 5, wherein the endoscope apparatus is characterized.
[0111]
(Additional Item 7) In the endoscope, the device identification information receiving unit receives the endoscope control signal.
The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 6, wherein the endoscope apparatus is characterized.
[0112]
(Additional Item 8) The endoscope is controlled based on the endoscope control signal.
The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 7, wherein the endoscope apparatus is characterized.
[0113]
(Additional Item 9) The endoscopic image observation apparatus includes display means for displaying an image based on the endoscopic image information.
The endoscope apparatus according to any one of additional items 1 to 8, wherein
[0114]
(Additional Item 10) In the endoscope image observation apparatus, the endoscope control signal means is configured to be separable.
The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 6, wherein the endoscope apparatus is characterized.
[0115]
(Additional Item 11) The endoscope obtains the endoscope image information by an imaging unit provided at a distal end of the insertion portion.
The endoscope apparatus according to any one of additional items 1 to 10, wherein
[0116]
(Additional Item 12) The endoscope includes an image transmission unit that optically transmits an endoscopic image from the distal end to the proximal end of the insertion portion.
The endoscope apparatus according to any one of additional items 1 to 10, wherein
[0117]
(Additional Item 13) The endoscope includes an imaging unit that obtains the endoscopic image information from an endoscopic image transmitted by the image transmission unit.
The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 12, wherein the endoscope apparatus is characterized by that.
[0118]
(Additional Item 14) In an endoscope provided with an elongated insertion portion having observation means, and information transmission means for transmitting endoscope image information wirelessly,
Equipped with endoscope identification information storage means storing its own endoscope identification information,
The information transmitting means transmits the endoscope identification information to the outside by radio.
An endoscope characterized by that.
[0119]
(Additional Item 15) In an endoscopic image observation apparatus including a receiving unit that wirelessly receives endoscopic image information,
Device identification information storage means for storing its own device identification information;
Information transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting the device identification information to the outside;
An endoscopic image observation apparatus comprising:
[0120]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, there is an effect that reliable remote control can be performed with a simple configuration.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an industrial endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a distal end of an insertion portion of the endoscope shown in FIG.
3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the main body of the endoscope shown in FIG.
4 is an external view showing the configuration of the operation box in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electric circuit mounted on the processing substrate of FIG.
6 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the operation box of FIG.
7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electric circuit mounted on the operation board of FIG.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the industrial endoscope apparatus of FIG. 1 when the power is turned on.
FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an industrial endoscope apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the operation box in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the industrial endoscope apparatus of FIG. 9 when the power is turned on.
12 is a diagram showing a display example displayed on the image display unit of the operation box in FIG. 9;
FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an industrial endoscope according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the industrial endoscope of FIG.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a selection menu displayed on the image display unit of the operation box in FIG. 13;
FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of an industrial endoscope apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
17 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the operation box in FIG. 16;
18 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electric circuit mounted on the image transmission apparatus of FIG.
FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the operation box in FIG. 16;
FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the industrial endoscope apparatus of FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1. Industrial endoscope device
2 ... Main body
3 ... Insertion section
4. Curved part
5 ... Endoscope
6. Operation box
11 ... tip body
12 ... Imaging optical system
13 ... CCD
15 ... Optical system for illumination
16 ... LED
32 ... Bending mechanism
33 ... Processed substrate
34, 41 ... Antenna
35, 44 ... Battery
36 ... Microphone
40 ... Speaker
42. Image display section
43 ... Control lever
45 ... Operation board
47 ... Switch
62 ... Timing generation circuit
63 ... Drive circuit
64. Video processing circuit
65, 87 ... frame memory
66. Compression circuit
67, 83: Image signal buffer
68, 85 ... Communication control circuit
69, 82. Synthesis separation circuit
70, 81 ... transmission / reception circuit
71 ... Overall control circuit
72, 90 ... ID memory
73, 92 ... Amplifier
74 ... A / D converter
75, 84 ... control signal buffer
76 ... Bending control circuit
86. Expansion circuit
88 ... Video circuit
89 ... Operation control circuit
91 ... D / A converter

Claims (2)

An elongated insertion part having observation means;
Endoscope identification information storage means storing its own endoscope identification information;
Wireless transmission of endoscope image information related to an endoscope image acquired by the observation means and the endoscope identification information stored in the endoscope identification information storage means, or reception of identification information from the outside Endoscope-side information transmission / reception means enabled by
A plurality of endoscopes having:
Connected to the endoscope, an operation device for performing a predetermined operation with respect to the endoscope,
Device identification information storage means for storing its own device identification information;
Reception of the endoscope image information and the endoscope identification information from said endoscope-side information transmitting and receiving means in the endoscope, were or, itself of the stored in the device identification information storage means of its own Operating device side information transmitting / receiving means for enabling wireless transmission of device identification information;
Image display means for displaying the endoscopic image from the endoscope;
One and operating device that having a,
Comprising
The endoscope is
Based on the device identification information from the operating device received by the endoscope-side information transceiver unit recognizes whether the operable state by the operation device,
The operating device is:
Sending the device identification information of itself to the endoscope;
Receiving said endoscope identification information transmitted from the endoscope by the operating device side information transmitting and receiving means recognizes whether any the endoscope is in an operational state by the operation device,
An endoscope apparatus characterized by controlling the image display means to display the type of the endoscope in an operable state on the image means. An elongated insertion part having observation means;
Endoscope identification information storage means storing its own endoscope identification information;
Wireless transmission of endoscope image information related to an endoscope image acquired by the observation means and the endoscope identification information stored in the endoscope identification information storage means, or reception of identification information from the outside Endoscope-side information transmission / reception means enabled by
And one endoscope that have a,
A plurality of operation devices for connecting to the endoscope and performing a predetermined operation on the endoscope,
Device identification information storage means for storing its own device identification information;
Receiving the endoscope image information and the endoscope identification information from the endoscope side information transmitting / receiving means in the endoscope, and other device identification stored in the device identification information storage means in the other operation device Operation device side information transmitting / receiving means for wirelessly receiving information, or transmitting the device identification information stored in the device identification information storage device of the device itself;
Image display means for displaying the endoscopic image from the endoscope;
A plurality of operating devices,
Comprising
The endoscope is
Based on the device identification information from the operation device received by the endoscope-side information transmission / reception means , recognizes which operation device is in an operable state,
The operating device is:
Sending the device identification information of itself to the endoscope;
The endoscope identification information transmitted from the endoscope is received by the operation device-side information transmission / reception means, and it is recognized whether or not the endoscope is operable by the operation device.
Recognizing which operation device has the operation authority of the endoscope to be connected based on the device identification information of each other received by the operation device side information transmitting / receiving means,
The image display so as to display on the image display means the type of the operation device that is operable to operate the connected endoscope based on the device identification information received by the operation device side information transmitting / receiving device. An endoscope apparatus characterized by controlling the means.

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