Abstract:
An endoscope system has at least one of an endoscope including a first discrimination section having readable characteristic information for discriminating each endoscope, a peripheral device including a second discrimination section having readable characteristic information for discriminating each peripheral device, and a third discrimination section having readable characteristic information for discriminating an operator operating the endoscope or the peripheral device. A reading section is capable of reading the characteristic information of the first, second or third discrimination section. A management section manages a status of use of the endoscope and information related to the peripheral device and the endoscope.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-148060, filed May 19, 2000, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an endoscope system consisting of endoscopes and peripherals connecting the endoscopes with one another. 
     When an endoscope is used, it is required to clean/disinfect the endoscope to prevent subsequent patients from being infected. For that reason, it is desirable that such an endoscope have visible cleaning information (cleaner used, cleaning/disinfection date, person who cleaned/ disinfected the endoscope, etc.). 
     Further, to prevent damage to an endoscope and to clarify inspection timing, it is preferable to store information such as use history (day when the endoscope was used, cumulative times of use (cleaning/disinfection), users, previous inspection/maintenance day) and the like. 
     Conventionally, however, a user who uses the endoscope checks and records such characteristic information. 
     Namely, the conventional technique has disadvantages as follows: 
     (1) If there are a plurality of endoscopes, it is inconvenient to discriminate and manage each of them. 
     (2) Even if information is managed by a computer, it is necessary to input the information every time it is required, which takes labor. 
     In case of cleaning/disinfecting the endoscopes between tests, in particular, it is difficult to record the above-stated information in a short time although it is desirable to make the cleaning/disinfection time as short as possible so as to conduct tests efficiently. 
     Further, as for an endoscope into which a memory is incorporated to store the above-stated information, if the memory is broken, the information stored therein may be damaged or lost. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope system capable of automatically conducting maintenance/recording of endoscope information which has been conventionally conducted by a user thereby lessening the user&#39;s burden and improving the reliability of information maintenance. 
     To obtain the above object, an endoscope system according to the first aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising: 
     at least one of an endoscope including a first discrimination section having readable characteristic information for discriminating each endoscope, a peripheral device including a second discrimination section having readable characteristic information for discriminating each peripheral device and a third discrimination section having readable characteristic information for discriminating an operator operating the endoscope or the peripheral device; 
     a reading section capable of reading the characteristic information of one of the first, second and third discrimination sections; and 
     management means for managing a status of use of the endoscope and information related to the peripheral device and the endoscope based on a reading result of the reading section. 
     In addition, an endoscope system according to the second aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising: 
     a discrimination section provided integrally with an endoscope and having readable characteristic discrimination information for discriminating each endoscope; 
     a reading section reading the discrimination information on the endoscope from the discrimination section; and 
     individual information conversion section converting the discrimination information on the endoscope read by the reading section into individual information on the endoscope. 
     Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
     FIG. 1 is an overall view of an endoscope system in the first embodiment according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an endoscope, peripheral devices thereof and a cleaner in the first embodiment according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a data notation listing cleaning information on the endoscope system in the first embodiment according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is an overall view of an endoscope system in the second embodiment according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a light source device and a video processor in the second embodiment according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a data notation listing cleaning information on the endoscope system in the second embodiment according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a light source device and a video processor contained in a trolley  61  in an endoscope system in the third embodiment according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a light source device in an endoscope system in the fourth embodiment according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a connector section of an endoscope in an endoscope system in the sixth embodiment according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another connector section of the endoscope in the endoscope system in the sixth embodiment of an endoscope in the third embodiment according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another connector section of an endoscope in an endoscope system in the seventh embodiment according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a connector section of an endoscope in an endoscope system in the eighth embodiment according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of a folding stopper section of an endoscope in an endoscope system in the ninth embodiment according to the present invention; and 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an attachment member for a columnar transponder in a modification of the ninth embodiment according to the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     First Embodiment 
     The first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to  3 . FIG. 1 is an overall view of an endoscope system in this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an endoscope, peripheral devices thereof and a cleaner. FIG. 3 is a data notation listing cleaning information. 
     In FIG. 1, reference symbol  1  denotes an endoscope,  2  denotes an endoscope information management device,  3  denotes an endoscope cleaner (to be referred to simply as “cleaner” hereinafter) and  4  denotes a reader. 
     A columnar transponder  11  is attached to the endoscope  1 . If there are provided a plurality of endoscopes  1 , a plurality of columnar transponders  11  are attached to the respective endoscopes  1 . 
     A user  5  holds a nameplate type transponder  12 . If there are a plurality of users  5 , the users  5  hold different nameplate type transponders  12 , respectively. The nameplate type transponder  12  also serves as a name tag or the like and the user is supposed to always carry the transponder  12 . 
     In addition, a nameplate type transponder  13  is detachably provided at the cleaner  3 . If there are provided a plurality of cleaners  3 , a plurality of different nameplates type transponders  13  are attached to the respective cleaners  3 . 
     The columnar transponder  11  and the nameplate type transponder  12  are used in combination with an antenna  15  and the reader  4 . These transponders are already commercially available, as non-contact ID systems, from, e.g., Texas Instruments, Inc. Further, each of the columnar transponder  11  and the nameplate type transponder  12  is normally referred to as a transponder, an automatic radio responder or an electric wave reflector. 
     In addition, the columnar transponder  11  is enclosed in a glass and is watertight. The columnar transponder  11  can be, therefore, cleaned along with the endoscope  1 . 
     The antenna  15  is connected to the reader  4 . The antenna  15  may be movably provided to be away from the reader  4  or may be fixed integrally to the reader. 
     The reader  4  transmits an electric wave toward the columnar transponder  11  and the nameplate type transponder  12  by way of the antenna  15 , and supplies energy for response to the columnar transponder  11  and the nameplate type transponder  12 . Further, the transponders  11  and  12  are applied with electric power by means of electromagnetic induction and thereby transmit recognition signals which they have, respectively. It is, therefore, unnecessary to supply power to the transponders  11  and  12 , and it is possible to realize a small-sized, wireless encoder system. 
     Furthermore, the reader  4  is switched from a transmit state to a reception state, thereby allowing the reader  4  to receive the recognition signals by way of the antenna  15  and discriminate the transponders. Since the signal reception and transmission are conducted over electric waves, the columnar transponder  11 , the nameplate type transponder  12 , the antenna  15  and the reader  4  can be provided in a non-contact manner. Namely, this discrimination means and the reading means constitute a communication device employing non-contact radio transmission. 
     The above-stated transponders can be shaped freely such as a columnar shape, a disk shape or a cylindrical shape according to purposes. The antenna  15  can be freely set such as a pole type or a gate type according to purposes, as well. 
     The cleaner  3  is connected to the reader  4  by a connection cable  21 . The endoscope information management device  2  is connected to the reader  4  by a connection cable  22 . 
     The endoscope information management device  2  is provided with an input device  25  such as a keyboard or an external computer. The reader  4  is provided with a display device  26 . The display device  26  is constituted to be capable of displaying information on the endoscope information management device  2 . 
     The endoscope  1  is constituted to comprise an elongated insertion section  31  inserted into an observation target region, an operation section  32  coupled to the proximal end portion of the insertion section  31  and also serving as a grip section, a universal cord  33  including therein a signal cable extended from the sidewall portion of the operation section  32 , a light guide and the like, and a connector section  34  provided on the extended tip end portion of the universal cord  33 . 
     The endoscope  1  is detachably connected to an external light source device  35  using the connector section  34 . The connector section  34  is provided with a connection section  38  for detachably connecting a connection cord  37  leading to a video processor  36 . 
     The video processor  36  is provided with a monitor  39  for displaying observed images. In addition, a VTR deck, a video printer, a video disk, an image file recorder and the like, which are not shown, can be connected to the video processor  36 . 
     The columnar transponder  11  is fixed to a region in the middle of the universal cord  33  by a tape-like fixing member  40 . 
     As shown in FIG. 2, the endoscope information management device  2  is disposed on the upper surface of the main body of the cleaner  3 . Accordingly, all the discrimination means of the columnar transponder  11 , the nameplate transponder  12  and the nameplate type transponder  13  are provided in a state in which they are positioned adjacent to the antenna  15  of the reader  4 . 
     Description will now be given to a case where the endoscope system is actually used. First, the following preparation is made. 
     (1) Registration of endoscope  1 . 
     The columnar transponder  11  of the endoscope  1  is read by the antenna  15  and a scope identification signal  41  of the transponder  11  is transferred to the endoscope information management device  2  by way of the reader  4 . Further, the input device  25 , such as a keyboard or an external computer, inputs the type name and the serial number of the endoscope  1  into the endoscope information management device  2  and register individual information on the endoscope  1 . 
     (2) Registration of user  5 . 
     The nameplate type transponder  12  owned by the user  5  is read by the antenna  15  and a user discrimination signal  42  of the transponder  12  is transferred to the endoscope information management device  2  by way of the reader  4 . Using the input device  25 , individual information such as user name is registered in the endoscope information management device  2 . 
     (3) Registration of cleaner  3 . 
     The nameplate type transponder  13  of the cleaner  3  is read by the antenna  15  and a cleaner discrimination signal  43  of the transponder  13  is transferred to the endoscope information management device  2  by way of the reader  4 . Using the input device  25 , the type name and the serial number of the cleaner  3  are inputted into the endoscope information management device  2  to thereby register therein discrimination information on the cleaner  3 . 
     After the completion of the above-stated preparation, operation is actually carried out according to the following procedures: 
     (1) The endoscope  1  which has been examined is attached to the cleaner  3 . 
     (2) The columnar transponder  11  of the endoscope  1  is read (scanned) by the antenna  15  and a scope discrimination signal  41  is fetched into the reader  4 . 
     (3) The nameplate type transponder  12  of the user  5  is scanned by the antenna  15  and the user discrimination signal  42  is fetched into the reader  4 . 
     (4) The nameplate type transponder  13  of the cleaner  3  is scanned by the antenna  15  and the cleaner discrimination signal  43  is fetched into the reader  4 . 
     (5) The cleaner  3  is actuated. 
     (6) Cleaning information  44  is sequentially transferred to the reader  4  during the operation of the cleaner  3 . The cleaning information is data as shown in FIG.  3 . 
     (7) The scope discrimination signal  41 , the user discrimination signal  42 , the cleaner discrimination signal  43  and the cleaning information  44  which are stored in the reader  4 , are transferred to the endoscope information management device  2  simultaneously with the end of the operation of the cleaner  3 . Transfer contents may be displayed on the display device  26  before transfer. After checking display contents, a transfer switch (not shown), for example, provided on the reader  4  is depressed to thereby start transfer. 
     (8) The endoscope information management device  2  updates endoscope management information on the endoscope  1  stored therein. In addition, the peripheral device transmits operation information or the like to the endoscope information management device  2 . The transmitted information is processed by and added to the endoscope management information by the endoscope information management device  2 . The endoscope information management device  2  also records and updates the respective pieces of information. 
     (9) The user  5  looks at the information on the endoscope  1 , checks, for example, whether or not the endoscope  1  has been already cleaned/disinfected and judges whether or not the endoscope may be used for a test. 
     (10) Thereafter, a test is conducted. 
     As stated above, the endoscope information management device  2  obtains the information on the endoscope  1  and that on the peripheral device and creates endoscope management information. Therefore, information such as the cleaning information (cleaner used, cleaning/disinfection date, person who cleaned/disinfected the endoscope, etc.), use history (day when the endoscope was used, cumulative times of use (cleaning/disinfection), users, previous inspection/maintenance day) and the like are automatically managed by the endoscope information management device  2 . Accordingly, the user can employ an endoscope the cleaning information on which is clearly displayed on the display device  26 , prevent the endoscope from being damaged and definitely know inspection timing. 
     The cleaning/disinfection information and use history of the endoscope  1  are automatically managed and the user can promptly check the management status. The columnar transponder  11  can be freely attached and detached to/from the endoscope. Due to this, even if the endoscope  1  is damaged, the columnar transponder  11  can be attached to another endoscope  1  and the endoscope can be used. 
     Further, even if the transponder  11  is damaged, a new transponder may be registered while associating the new transponder with the existing endoscope. Thus, there is no fear that endoscope management information is lost. 
     Second Embodiment 
     Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to  6 . FIG. 4 is an overall view of an endoscope system in this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a light source device and a video processor. FIG. 6 is a notation view listing data on use of the video processor. 
     As in the case of the preceding first embodiment, a columnar transponder  11  is attached to an endoscope  1 . 
     A doctor (person who conducts a test)  51  owns a nameplate type transponder  12 . If there are plurality of doctors (persons who conducts tests)  51 , the doctors  51  own the individual nameplate type transponders  12 , respectively. The doctor  51  is supposed to always carry the nameplate type transponder  12  which also serves as a nameplate. 
     The video processor  36  which is one of peripheral devices, is provided with a nameplate type transponder  13 . If there are a plurality of video processors  36 , a plurality of nameplate type transponders  13  are attached to the respective video processors  36 . 
     Moreover, an antenna  15  is connected to the reader  4 . As shown in FIG. 5, the antenna  15  is fixed to the video processor  36  while protruding toward the front wall of the processor  36  and disposed at a position at which the antenna  15  can communicate with a columnar transponder  11  and the like. 
     It is noted that the antenna  15  may be provided to be movable and detachable. 
     The video processor  36  is connected to a reader  4 . A monitor  46  is connected to the video processor  36 . Further, the reader  4  is connected to an endoscope information management device  2 . 
     Ways to use the columnar transponder  11 , the nameplate type transponder  13 , the antenna  15  and the reader  4  are almost the same as those described in the preceding first embodiment except that the registration of the video processor  36  is conducted in this embodiment. 
     Namely, after the completion of preparation for registration, operation is actually conducted according to the following procedures: 
     (1) The endoscope  1  used for a test is attached to the video processor  36 . 
     (2) After attaching the endoscope  1  to the processor  36  and allowing the reader  4  to conduct read operation, the antenna  15  reads (scans) the columnar transponder  11  of the endoscope  1  and a scope identification signal  41  is fetched into the reader  4 . 
     (3) The nameplate type transponder  12  of the doctor (person who conducts a test)  51  is scanned by the antenna  15  and a doctor discrimination signal  52  is fetched into the reader  4 . 
     (4) The nameplate type transponder  13  of the video processor  36  is scanned by the antenna  15  and processor information  53  is fetched into the reader  4 . 
     It is noted that the nameplate type transponder  13  can be automatically scanned upon actuating the reader  4  if the transponder  13  is positioned adjacent to the antenna  15  as shown in FIG.  5 . 
     (5) The video processor  36  is actuated. 
     (6) The reader  4  is provided with a data display function. By turning on, for example, a display switch provided on the reader  4 , endoscope management information  54  is read from the endoscope information management device  2  and displayed on the monitor  46  by way of the video processor  36 . 
     (7) The doctor (person who conducts a test)  51  and the user  5  look at the information on the endoscope  1 , check, for example, whether or not the endoscope  1  has been already cleaned/disinfected, and judge whether or not the endoscope  1  may be used for a test. 
     (8) Thereafter, a test is conducted. 
     At this moment, test information  55  is sequentially transferred to the reader  4  during the operation of the video processor  36 . The test information  55  is data the contents of which are shown in FIG.  6 . 
     (9) The doctor discrimination signal  52 , the scope discrimination signal  41 , the processor information  53  and the test information  55  stored in the reader  4  are transferred to the endoscope information management device  2  simultaneously with the end of the operation of the video processor  36 . 
     At this moment, transfer contents may be displayed on the display device  26  prior to transfer. After checking display contents, a transfer switch provided on the reader  4  is, for example, turned on to thereby start transfer. 
     (10) The endoscope information management device  2  updates the endoscope management information  54  on the endoscope  1  stored therein. 
     The cleaning/disinfection information on the endoscope  1  can be checked before employing the endoscope  1  and it is, therefore, possible to prevent the endoscope  1  which has not been disinfected yet from being erroneously employed. 
     Furthermore, information on use of the video processor  36  can be automatically managed and used to judge whether or not it is necessary to inspect the endoscope  1 . 
     Third Embodiment 
     Next, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.  7 . 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing that a light source device  35  and a video processor  36  are contained in a trolley  61  in an endoscope system. 
     In this embodiment, the above-stated antenna  15  is attached to the front wall of the trolley  61 . The remaining constitution is the same as that described in the preceding embodiments. 
     It is possible for the antenna  15  to communicate with an endoscope  1 , the light source device  35 , a columnar transponder  11  of the video processor  36 , and a nameplate type transponder  12  without moving the antenna  15 . 
     If the light source device  35  and the video processor  36  are provided at higher portions of the trolley  61 , it is also possible for the nameplate type transponder  12  of the doctor (person who conducts a test)  51  to communicate without moving the antenna  15 . 
     In addition to the same advantages as those of the first and second embodiments, the third embodiment has an advantage in that communicating operation can be easily carried out. 
     Fourth Embodiment 
     Next, the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.  8 . FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a light source device  35  in an endoscope system in this embodiment. 
     In this embodiment, an antenna  15  is formed into a gate shape, provided on the front wall of the light source device  35  and concentrically arranged with an endoscope connection section  62 . 
     Since the antenna  15  is arranged on the front wall of the light source device  35 , it is further ensured that the antenna  15  communicates with the endoscope  1 . Further, since the antenna  15  is gate-shaped, the endoscope system can be constituted in a compact fashion. The other advantages are the same as those of the second embodiment. 
     Fifth Embodiment 
     The fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. 
     In this embodiment, a reader  4  is, for example, integrated into a video processor  36  shown in, for example, FIG.  5 . 
     According to this embodiment, it is not required to discriminate the video processor  36  itself and the antenna  15  can be freely arranged. Due to this, the space saving of the system and the reliability of communication improve. The other advantages are the same as those of the second embodiment. 
     Sixth Embodiment 
     The sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views of a connector section  34  of an endoscope  1 . 
     FIG. 9 shows that a groove section  71  is provided on the exterior package of the connector section  34  of the endoscope  1  and a columnar transponder  11   a  is contained in the groove section  71 . The groove section  71  has such a shape and a size as to allow the columnar transponder  11  to be tight fitted thereinto. After tight fitting and containing the cylindrical transponder  11  into the groove section  71 , the groove section  71  is covered with and closed by a seal  72 . 
     FIG. 10 shows that a disk shaped transponder  11   b  instead of the cylindrical transponder  11   a  is employed. Namely, a disk-shaped groove section  73  for fitting thereinto the disk-shaped transponder  11   b  is provided on the exterior package of the connector section  34  of the endoscope  1  and the disk-shaped transponder  11   b  is contained in the groove section  73 . The groove section  73  containing therein the disk-shaped transponder  11   b  is covered with and closed by a seal  72 . Further, resin out of which the disk-shaped transponder  11   b  is formed has sufficient durability against chemicals used for cleaning, disinfection and sterilization. For example, the resin may be denatured PPO, fluoroplastic, PSU or silicon. 
     Since the columnar transponder  11   a  or the disk-shaped transponder  11   b  is contained in the groove section  71  or  73  and the groove section  71  or  73  is covered with the seal  72 , the columnar transponder  11   a  or the disk-shaped transponder  11   b  is not protruded or exposed outside. Due to this, the columnar transponder  11   a  or the disk-shaped transponder  11   b  is not an obstacle to handling the endoscope  1  and there is less probability that the transponder  11   a  or  11   b  is damaged. 
     Furthermore, since the columnar transponder  11   a  or the disk-shaped transponder  11   b  is provided on the rigid part of the endoscope  1 , they do not prevent the movement of the soft part thereof when handing the endoscope  1 . 
     Furthermore, while the transponder  11  made of glass tends to be broken if impact is applied thereto, the strength of the transponder  11  can be intensified by forming the transponder  11  out of resin. Besides, since durability against medicine is ensured, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the transponder  11 . Furthermore, the transponder  11  is molded, the shape thereof can be freely changed. 
     The other functions and advantages are the same as those in the first and second embodiments. 
     Seventh Embodiment 
     The seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.  11 . FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a connector section  34  of an endoscope  1 . 
     In this embodiment, a groove section  75  is provided on the exterior package of the connector section  34  of the endoscope  1 , and a columnar transponder  11  is contained in the groove section  75 . The groove section  75  has such a size as to tight fit the columnar transponder  11  thereinto. The opening portion of the groove section  31  containing therein the columnar transponder  11  is covered with a plate  76 . A plate fixing section  77  on which the plate  76  is superimposed is formed on the peripheral edge of the groove section  75 . The plate  76  is fixed to the plate fixing section  77  using fixing screws  78 . 
     In this embodiment as well as the preceding embodiments, since the columnar transponder  11  is not protruded toward the outer surface of the endoscope  1 , there is less probability that the columnar transponder  11  is an obstacle to the replacement of the transponder  11  by another transponder while handling the endoscope  1  and that the transponder  11  is damaged. The other advantages of this embodiment are the same as those in the first and second embodiments. 
     It is noted that product name and serial number may be put on the surface of the plate  76  fixedly attached to the plate fixing section  77 . 
     Eighth Embodiment 
     The eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.  12 . FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an exterior package portion of a connector section  34  of an endoscope  1 . 
     In this embodiment, a groove section  82  having such a size as to be able to contain therein a disk-shaped transponder  81  is provided on the inner wall surface of the exterior package of the connector section  34 . This disk-shaped transponder  81  is molded of resin. The disk-shaped transponder  81  is contained in the groove section  82 . The groove section  82  is covered with and closed by a seal  83 . The disk-shaped transponder  81  is molded of resin. 
     Since the disk-shaped transponder  81  is provided inside the exterior package of the connector section  34 , there is no need to take measures to ensure that the transponder  81  is chemical-proof and the selection range of resin used for the transponder widens. Namely, if resin having good formability is selected, the degree of freedom for the shape of the disk-shaped transponder  81  increases, as well. 
     It is noted that the transponder to which this embodiment can be applied should not be limited to a disk-shaped transponder. 
     Ninth Embodiment 
     The ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.  13 . FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of a folding stopper member of an endoscope  1 . 
     In this embodiment, a columnar transponder  11   c  or a cylindrical transponder  11   d  is provided in the interior package of the folding stopper member  91  of the endoscope  1 . The columnar transponder  11   c  is formed into a column shape and the cylindrical transponder  11   d  is formed into a cylinder shape. 
     A cable  92  for transmitting image signals and the like is disposed on the internal portion of the folding stopper member  91 . A shield member  93  for electrically shielding the cable  92  is provided around the cable  92 . 
     As a member for shielding the cable  92 , a helical tube or a mesh member as well as a generally cylindrical member such as the shield member  93  may be used. 
     Further, a cylindrical fixing member  94  for fixing the shield member  93  is positioned on the outer periphery of the shield member  93 . The columnar transponder  11   c  or the cylindrical transponder lid is fixedly provided on the inner surface of the cylindrical fixing member  94 . 
     In this embodiment, since the columnar transponder  11   c  or the cylindrical transponder  11   d  is positioned outside of the shield member and the transponder  11   c  or  11   d  is electrically shielded, the transponder  11   c  or  11   d  does not electromagnetically, adversely affect the endoscope  1  even if it is driven. 
     Furthermore, if the communication frequency of the columnar transponder  11   c  or the cylindrical transponder  11   d  is set in a frequency range in which the frequency does not affect the EMC performance of the endoscope  1 , the electromagnetically adverse effect of the transponder on the endoscope  1  is further reduced. 
     The communication frequency of the columnar transponder  11   c  or the cylindrical transponder  11   d  is preferably lower than the drive frequency of the CCD of an electronic endoscope, i.e., 1 MHz or lower, most preferably about 120 to 140 kHz. 
     Moreover, if the cylindrical transponder  11   d  is employed, the transponder  11   d  can be efficiently, surely arranged inside the folding stopper member  91 . 
     The other functions and advantages are the same as those of the preceding first and second embodiments. 
     In a modification, a cylindrical fixing member  95  as shown in FIG. 14 is provided on the exterior package of the folding stopper member  91 . A groove section  96  is formed in part of the outer periphery of a cylindrical fixing member  95 . The cylindrical transponder  11   c  is disposed within the groove section  96 . 
     Here, the cylindrical fixing member  95  has the same shape as that of the cylindrical transponder  11   d  stated above and has such a size as to be able to be arranged within the folding stopper member  91 . Further, the groove section  96  has such a size as to be able to contain therein the cylindrical transponder  11   c . The cylindrical transponder  11   c  is tight fitted into and fixed to the groove section  96 . 
     According to this modification, even if the cylindrical transponder  11   c  is employed, the transponder  11   c  can be surely arranged within the folding stopper member  91 . The other functions and advantages are the same as the preceding embodiments. 
     Tenth Embodiment 
     In the above-stated second embodiment, the information held by the columnar transponder is CCD information indicating the type of the CCD of the endoscope. Each CCD has a characteristic color tone. If a different CCD is used, it is impossible to make the color tone thereof exactly the same as the previous CCD. A video processor has color tone correction data on the respective CCD&#39;s of the endoscope  1 . 
     Further, a reader  4  transmits the CCD information obtained from a columnar transponder to the video processor. 
     In response to the CCD information, the video processor changes a color tone to be outputted based on the color tone correction data held by the processor. 
     According to this embodiment, the difference in color tone according to the endoscope  1  (or CCD, in particular) can be corrected and the color tone of a displayed image does not change even if the endoscope  1  is replaced. Accordingly, a user does not need to adjust a color tone. 
     It is noted that the present invention should not be limited to the above-stated embodiments and that various changes and modifications may be made. For example, the position at which the transponder is attached should not be limited to a position in the vicinity of the connector of the endoscope and may be at the position of the operation section of the endoscope. Further, not only a read-only transponder but also a writable transponder may be employed. 
     Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.