Failure prediction system of ultrasonic endoscope apparatus, failure prediction method of ultrasonic endoscope apparatus, and failure prediction program of ultrasonic endoscope apparatus

Provided are a failure prediction system of an ultrasonic endoscope apparatus, a failure prediction method of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus, and a non-transitory computer readable recording medium storing a failure prediction program of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus capable of predicting a failure occurrence timing in the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus. A system controller includes an abnormality detection unit that acquires a reception signal of an ultrasonic vibrator of an ultrasonic endoscope and detects an abnormality of an ultrasonic endoscope apparatus including the ultrasonic endoscope, a storage control unit that stores information on the abnormality detected by the abnormality detection unit in association with time information, and a failure prediction unit that predicts a failure timing of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus on the basis of the plurality of pieces of abnormality information stored by the storage control unit and time information corresponding the information.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-016088, filed on Jan. 31, 2019. Each of the above application(s) is hereby expressly incorporated by reference, in its entirety, into the present application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a failure prediction system of an ultrasonic endoscope apparatus, a failure prediction method of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus, and a non-transitory computer readable recording medium storing a failure prediction program of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

An ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus that respectively drives a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators inside a subject (for example, a patient's body) and transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to acquire an ultrasound image inside the subject is already known (for example, see JP2009-285175A and JP1994-269452A (JP-H06-269452A)), JP2009-285175A and JP1994-269452A (JP-H06-269452A) disclose such an ultrasonic endoscope apparatus. The apparatus disclosed in JP2009-285175A and JP1994-269452A (JP-H06-269452A) performs abnormality detection such as disconnection on the basis of a reception signal of an ultrasonic vibrator in a case where ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic vibrator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The ultrasonic endoscope apparatus includes an ultrasonic endoscope and a main body to which the ultrasonic endoscope is connected. Since the ultrasonic endoscope is expensive, it is desirable to be able to predict a failure timing before a serious failure occurs. Further, since the main body is also expensive and the main body is not easily replaceable, it is desirable to be able to predict a failure timing before a serious failure occurs, in the main body.

The abnormality detection method disclosed in JP2009-2851754 and JP1994-269452A (JP-H06-269452A) performs abnormality detection based on a reception signal measured at a specific timing. Accordingly, in a case where a serious failure occurs at the specific timing, the failure can be detected. However, in a state where such a failure does not occur, it is not possible to predict a failure occurrence timing in the future.

In consideration of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the invention is to provide a failure prediction system of an ultrasonic endoscope apparatus, a failure prediction method of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus, and a non-transitory computer readable recording medium storing a failure prediction program of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus capable of predicting a failure occurrence timing in the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a failure prediction system of an ultrasonic endoscope apparatus comprising: an abnormality detection unit that acquires a reception signal of an ultrasonic vibrator of an ultrasonic endoscope and detects an abnormality of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus including the ultrasonic endoscope on the basis of the reception signal; a storage control unit that stores information on the abnormality detected by the abnormality detection unit in association with time information; and a failure prediction unit that predicts a failure timing of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus on the basis of a plurality of pieces of the abnormality information stored by the storage control unit and the time information corresponding to the plurality of pieces of abnormality information.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a failure prediction method of an ultrasonic endoscope apparatus, comprising: an abnormality detection step of acquiring a reception signal of an ultrasonic vibrator of an ultrasonic endoscope and detecting an abnormality of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus including the ultrasonic endoscope on the basis of the reception signal; a storage control step of storing information on the abnormality detected in the abnormality detection step in association with time information; and a failure prediction step of predicting a failure timing of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus on the basis of a plurality of pieces of the abnormality information stored in the storage control step and the time information corresponding to the plurality of pieces of abnormality information.

According to still another aspect of the invention, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable recording medium storing a failure prediction program of an ultrasonic endoscope apparatus, for causing a computer to execute: an abnormality detection step of acquiring a reception signal of an ultrasonic vibrator of an ultrasonic endoscope and detecting an abnormality of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus including the ultrasonic endoscope on the basis of the reception signal; a storage control step of storing information on the abnormality detected in the abnormality detection step in association with time information; and a failure prediction step of predicting a failure timing of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus on the basis of a plurality of pieces of the abnormality information stored in the storage control step and the time information corresponding to the plurality of pieces of abnormality information.

According to the invention, it is possible to provide a failure prediction system of an ultrasonic endoscope apparatus, a failure prediction method of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus, and a non-transitory computer readable recording medium storing a failure prediction program of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus capable of predicting a failure occurrence timing in the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Overview of Ultrasonic Diagnosis Apparatus

An outline of an ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10including a failure prediction system according to an embodiment of the invention will be described with reference toFIGS.1to4.FIG.1is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10,FIG.2is an enlarged plan view of a distal end part of an insertion part22of an ultrasonic endoscope12and the vicinity thereof. InFIG.2, for ease of illustration, a balloon37to be described later is shown by a broken line.FIG.3is a diagram showing a cross section of a distal end part40of the insertion part22of the ultrasonic endoscope12, taken along a section I-I shown inFIG.2.FIG.4is a block diagram showing a configuration of the ultrasonic endoscope12and the ultrasonic processor device14.

The ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10is used for observing a state of an observation target portion in the body of a patient that is a subject using ultrasonic waves (hereinafter, referred to as ultrasonic diagnosis). Here, the observation target portion is a portion that is difficult to inspect from a body surface (outside) of the patient, which is the gallbladder or pancreas, for example. By using the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10, a state of the observation target portion and the presence or absence of an abnormality thereof may be ultrasonically diagnosed through the digestive tract such as the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, small intestine, and large intestine that are body cavities of the patient.

As shown inFIG.1, the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10includes the ultrasonic endoscope12, an ultrasonic processor device14, an endoscope processor device16, a light source device18, a monitor20, and a console100. Further, as shown inFIG.1, a water supply tank21a, a suction pump21b, and an air supply pump21care provided as accessory devices of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10. Further, a pipeline (not shown) that serves as a flow path for water and gas is formed in the ultrasonic endoscope12. The ultrasonic processor device14, the endoscope processor device16, and the light source device18configure a main body of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10.

As shown inFIG.1, the ultrasonic endoscope12includes an insertion part22that is inserted into a body cavity of a patient, and an operation part24that is operated by an operator (user) such as a doctor or a technician. Further, as shown inFIGS.2and3, an ultrasonic vibrator unit46including a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators48is attached to a distal end part40of the insertion part22.

With the function of the ultrasonic endoscope12, the operator may acquire an endoscope image of an inner wall of the body cavity of the patient and an ultrasound image of the observation target portion. The endoscope image is an image obtained by imaging the inner wall of the body cavity of the patient using an optical technique. The ultrasound image is an image obtained by receiving reflected waves (echoes) of ultrasonic waves transmitted from the body cavity of the patient toward the observation target portion and imaging a reception signal thereof.

The ultrasonic processor device14is connected to the ultrasonic endoscope12through a universal cord26and an ultrasound connector32aprovided at an end part thereof, as shown inFIG.1. The ultrasonic processor device14controls the ultrasonic vibrator unit46of the ultrasonic endoscope12to transmit ultrasonic waves to the ultrasonic vibrator unit46. Further, the ultrasonic processor device14images a reception signal in a case where the ultrasonic vibrator unit46receives reflected waves (echoes) of ultrasonic waves to generate an ultrasound image.

As shown inFIG.1, the endoscope processor device16is connected to the ultrasonic endoscope12through the universal cord26and an endoscope connector32bprovided at an end part of the universal cord26. The endoscope processor device16acquires image data of an observation target adjacent portion imaged by the ultrasonic endoscope12(specifically, an imaging element86to be described later), and performs predetermined image processing with respect to the acquired image data to generate an endoscope image. The observation target adjacent portion is a portion of the inner wall of the body cavity of the patient, which is adjacent to the observation target portion.

As shown inFIG.1, the light source device18is connected to the ultrasonic endoscope12through the universal cord26and a light source connector32cprovided at the end part thereof. The light source device18emits white light, formed of three primary colors of red light, green light and blue light, or specific wavelength light in imaging the observation target adjacent portion using the ultrasonic endoscope12. The light emitted from the light source device18propagates in the ultrasonic endoscope12through a light guide (not shown) included in the universal cord26, and then, is emitted from the ultrasonic endoscope12(specifically, an illumination window88to be described later). Thus, the observation target adjacent portion is illuminated by the light from the light source device18.

In this embodiment, the ultrasonic processor device14and the endoscope processor device16are configured by two devices (computers) that are separately provided. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration, and both the ultrasonic processor device14and the endoscope processor device16may be configured by a single device.

As shown inFIG.1, the monitor20is connected to the ultrasonic processor device14and the endoscope processor device16, and displays an ultrasound image generated by the ultrasonic processor device14and an endoscope image generated by the endoscope processor device16. Regarding the display of the ultrasound image and the endoscope image, either one of the images may be switched and displayed on the monitor20, or both the images may be simultaneously displayed. Further, a configuration in which the display methods are able to be discretionally selected or changed may be used.

In this embodiment, the ultrasound image and the endoscope image are displayed on one monitor20, but an ultrasound image display monitor and an endoscope image display monitor may be separately provided. Further, a display form other than the monitor20may be used. For example, a form in which an ultrasound image and an endoscope image are displayed on a display of a personal terminal carried by an operator may be used.

The console100is an input device provided for an operator to input information necessary for ultrasonic diagnosis or for an operator to instruct the ultrasonic processor device14to start the ultrasonic diagnosis. The console100includes, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a touch pad, a touch panel, and the like, and is connected to a system controller152of the ultrasonic processor device14as shown inFIG.4. In a case where the console100is operated, the system controller152of the ultrasonic processor device14controls each part of the device (for example, a reception circuit142and a transmission circuit144to be described later) according to the operation content.

The ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10configured as described above performs initialization for activation in a case where electric power is supplied. In a case where the ultrasonic endoscope12is connected to the main body at the same time as the electric power is supplied, the system controller152of the ultrasonic processor device14operates the ultrasonic endoscope12after the initialization to proceed to a live mode. The live mode is a mode for sequentially displaying (real-time display) ultrasound images (motion pictures) obtained at a predetermined frame rate. In a case where the ultrasonic endoscope12is not connected to the main body at a time point when the electric power is supplied, the system controller152of the ultrasonic processor device14operates the ultrasonic endoscope12at a time point when the ultrasonic endoscope12is connected thereto after the initialization to proceed to the live mode. In a state where the ultrasonic endoscope12is connected to the main body, it is possible to start the live mode at an unspecified timing (for example, a timing for starting inspection of a subject (a timing immediately before the ultrasonic endoscope12is inserted into the body cavity) by operating the console100.

In the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10, at an unspecified timing in a period during which the ultrasonic endoscope12is not inserted into the body cavity in a state where the ultrasonic endoscope12is connected to the main body (in other words, in a period during which the ultrasonic endoscope12is not used), the ultrasonic processor device14performs a failure prediction process for predicting a failure of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10. The failure prediction process will be described later.

The period during which the ultrasonic endoscope12is not used may be determined as follows, for example, 1) A period until an inspection starting instruction is performed by operating the console100after electric power is supplied is determined as the period during which the ultrasonic endoscope12is not used. 2) A period during Which a change in an endoscope image acquired from the ultrasonic endoscope12is small after electric power is supplied is determined as the period during which the ultrasonic endoscope12is not used. 3) A motion sensor such as an acceleration sensor is provided in the ultrasonic endoscope12, and a period during which the amount of motion of the ultrasonic endoscope12is smaller than a predetermined value is determined as the period during which the ultrasonic endoscope12is not used. 4) A maintenance mode is provided in the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10, and a period during which the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10is set to the maintenance mode is determined as the period during which the ultrasonic endoscope12is not used.

Configuration of Ultrasonic Endoscope

Next, a configuration of the ultrasonic endoscope12will be described with reference toFIGS.1to4. The ultrasonic endoscope12includes the insertion part22and the operation part24as shown inFIG.1. As shown inFIG.1, the insertion part22includes the distal end part40, a bending part42, and a flexible part43in order from the distal end side (free end side). As shown inFIG.2, the distal end part40is provided with an ultrasound observation part36and an endoscope observation part38.

Further, as shown inFIGS.2and3, the distal end part40is provided with a treatment instrument outlet44. The treatment instrument outlet44serves as an outlet of a treatment instrument (not shown) such as a pair of forceps, a puncture needle, or a high-frequency knife, and also serves as a suction port for sucking a sucked substance such as blood and filth in the body.

Further, as shown inFIG.2, a cleaning nozzle90formed to clean surfaces of an observation window82and an illumination window88is provided at the distal end part40. Air or cleaning liquid is ejected from the cleaning nozzle90toward the observation window82and the illumination window88.

Further, as shown inFIGS.1and2, a balloon37that is able to be inflated and deflated is attached to the distal end part40at a position where the ultrasonic vibrator unit46is covered. The balloon37is disposed in the body cavity of the patient together with the ultrasonic vibrator unit46. Then, water (specifically, de-aired water) as an ultrasonic transmission medium is injected into the balloon37from a water supply port47formed in the vicinity of the ultrasonic vibrator unit46at the distal end part40, and thus, the balloon37is inflated. In a case where the inflated balloon37comes into contact with the inner wall of the body cavity (for example, around the observation target adjacent portion), air is excluded from between the ultrasonic vibrator unit46and the inner wall of the body cavity. Thus, it is possible to prevent attenuation of ultrasonic waves and their reflected waves (echoes) in the air.

As shown inFIG.1, the bending part42is a part provided on a proximal end side (a side opposite to the side where the ultrasonic vibrator unit46is provided) with reference to the distal end part40in the insertion part22, which is able to be freely bent. As shown inFIG.1, the flexible part43is a part that connects the bending part42and the operation part24, has flexibility, and is provided in an elongated state.

As shown inFIG.1, the operation part24is provided with a pair of angle knobs29and a treatment instrument insertion port30. In a case where each angle knob29is rotated, the bending part42is remotely operated to be bent and deformed. By this deformation operation, the distal end part40of the insertion part22provided with the ultrasound observation part36and the endoscope observation part38may be directed in a desired direction. The treatment instrument insertion port30is a hole formed for insertion of a treatment instrument such as a pair of forceps, and communicates with the treatment instrument outlet44through a treatment instrument channel45(seeFIG.3).

As shown inFIG.1, the operation part24is provided with an air/water supply button28afor opening or closing an air/water supply pipeline (not shown) that extends from a water supply tank21a, and a suction button28bfor opening or closing a suction line (not shown) that extends from a suction pump21b. A gas such as air sent from an air supply pump21cand water in the water supply tank21aflow through the air/water supply pipeline. In a case where the air/water supply button28ais operated, a part to be opened of the air/water supply pipeline is switched, and gas and water ejecting outlets are also switched in a corresponding form between the cleaning nozzle90and the water supply port47. That is, through the operation of the air/water supply button28a, the cleaning of the endoscope observation part38and the inflation of the balloon37may be selectively performed.

The suction line is provided for sucking a sucked substance in the body cavity sucked from the cleaning nozzle90or for sucking the water in the balloon37through the water supply port47. In a case where the suction button28bis operated, a portion to be opened of the suction line is switched, and the suction port is also switched in a corresponding form between the cleaning nozzle90and the water supply port47. That is, an object sucked by the suction pump21bmay be switched through the operation of the suction button28b.

As shown inFIG.1, at the other end of the universal cord26, the ultrasound connector32aconnected to the ultrasonic processor device14, the endoscope connector32bconnected to the endoscope processor device16, and the light source connector32cconnected to the light source device18are provided. The ultrasonic endoscope12is detachably connected to the ultrasonic processor device14, the endoscope processor device16, and the light source device18through the connectors32a,32b, and32c, respectively.

Next, among the components of the ultrasonic endoscope12, the ultrasound observation part36and the endoscope observation part38will be described in detail.

Ultrasound Observation Part

The ultrasound observation part36is a part provided for acquiring an ultrasound image, and is disposed on the distal end side in the distal end part40of the insertion part22as shown inFIGS.2and3. As shown inFIG.3, the ultrasound observation part36includes the ultrasonic vibrator unit46, a plurality of coaxial cables56, and a flexible printed circuit (FPC)60.

As shown inFIG.3, the ultrasonic vibrator unit46is a convex probe in which a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators48are arranged in an arc shape, and transmits ultrasonic waves in a radial shape (arc shape). However, the type (model) of the ultrasonic vibrator unit46is not particularly limited, and may be any other type that can transmit and receive ultrasonic waves, for example, a sector type, a linear type, a radial type, and the like.

As shown inFIG.3, the ultrasonic vibrator unit46is configured by laminating a backing material layer54, an ultrasonic vibrator array50, an acoustic matching layer76, and an acoustic lens78.

As shown inFIG.3, the ultrasonic vibrator array50is configured of a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators48(ultrasonic transducers) that are arranged in a one-dimensional array shape. More specifically, the ultrasonic vibrator array50has a configuration in which N (for example, N=128) ultrasonic vibrators48are arranged in a convexly curved shape along an axial direction of the distal end part40(longitudinal axis direction of the insertion part at equal intervals. The ultrasonic vibrator array50may have a configuration in which the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators48are arranged in a two-dimensional array shape.

Each of the N ultrasonic vibrators48is configured by disposing electrodes on both surfaces of a single crystal vibrator that is a piezoelectric element.

As the single crystal vibrator, any one of quartz, lithium niobate, lead magnesium niobate (PMN), lead zinc niobate (PZN), lead indium niobate (PIN), lead titanate (PT), lithium tantalate, langasite, or zinc oxide may be used. The electrodes include individual electrodes (not shown) that are individually provided for each of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators48and a ground electrode (not shown) common to the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators48. Further, the electrodes are electrically connected to the ultrasonic processor device14through the coaxial cable56and the FPC60.

Each ultrasonic vibrator48is supplied with a pulsed drive voltage as an input signal from the ultrasonic processor device14through the coaxial cable56. In a case where the drive voltage is applied to the electrodes of the ultrasonic vibrator48, the piezoelectric element expands and contracts, so that the ultrasonic vibrator48is driven (vibrated). As a result, pulsed ultrasonic waves are output from the ultrasonic vibrator48.

Further, in a case where each ultrasonic vibrator48receives reflected waves of ultrasonic wave (echoes) or the like, the ultrasonic vibrator48vibrates (is driven) in accordance with the reflected waves, and the piezoelectric element of each ultrasonic vibrator48generates an electrical signal. The electric signal is output as a reception signal from each ultrasonic vibrator48toward the ultrasonic processor device14.

As described above, the ultrasonic vibrator unit46of the present embodiment is a convex type. In other words, in this embodiment, the N ultrasonic vibrators48included in the ultrasonic vibrator unit46are sequentially driven by an electronic switch such as a multiplexer140, so that the ultrasonic waves are scanned within a scanning range along a curved surface on which the ultrasonic vibrator array50is disposed, for example, a range of about several tens of millimeters from the center of curvature of the curved surface.

As shown inFIG.3, the backing material layer54supports the ultrasonic vibrator array50from the back side (the side opposite to the acoustic matching layer76). Further, the backing material layer54has a function of attenuating ultrasonic waves propagated toward the hack side of the ultrasonic vibrator array50among the ultrasonic waves emitted from the ultrasonic vibrator48or the ultrasonic waves (echoes) reflected from the observation target portion. A backing material is made of a material having rigidity such as hard rubber, in which an appropriate amount of an ultrasonic attenuating material (such as ferrite and ceramics) is added.

The acoustic matching layer76is provided to achieve acoustic impedance matching between the patient's body and a drive target vibrator. The acoustic matching layer76is disposed outside the ultrasonic vibrator array50(that is, the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators48), and strictly speaking, is superimposed on the ultrasonic vibrator array50as shown inFIG.3. By providing the acoustic matching layer76, it is possible to increase transmittance of ultrasonic waves. As a material of the acoustic matching layer76, various organic materials of which an acoustic impedance value is closer to that of the patient's body compared with the piezoelectric element of the ultrasonic vibrator48may be used. As the material of the acoustic matching layer76, specifically, epoxy resin, silicone rubber, polyimide, polyethylene, and the like may be used.

The acoustic lens78is provided to converge ultrasonic waves emitted from the drive target vibrator toward the observation target portion, and is superimposed on the acoustic matching layer76as shown inFIG.3. The acoustic lens78is made of, for example, a silicone resin (minable silicone rubber (HTV rubber), liquid silicone rubber (RTV rubber), or the like), a butadiene resin, a polyurethane resin, or the like, and powder of titanium oxide, alumina, silica, or the like may be mixed as necessary.

The FPC60is electrically connected to the electrodes provided in each ultrasonic vibrator48. As shown inFIG.3, each of the plurality of coaxial cables56is wired to the FPC60at one end thereof. In a case where the ultrasonic endoscope12is connected to the ultrasonic processor device14through the ultrasound connector32a, each coaxial cable56is electrically connected to the ultrasonic processor device14at the other end thereof (on the side opposite to the FPC60).

Endoscope Observation Part

The endoscope observation part38is a part provided for acquiring an endoscope image, and is disposed on a base end side with reference to the ultrasound observation part36, in the distal end part40of the insertion part22, as shown inFIGS.2and3. As shown inFIGS.2and3, the endoscope observation part38includes the observation window82, an objective lens84, the imaging element86, the illumination window88, the cleaning nozzle90, a wiring cable92, and the like.

As shown inFIG.3, the observation window82is provided in a state of being inclined with respect to the axial direction (longitudinal axis direction of the insertion part22), in the distal end part40of the insertion part22. Light that is incident through the observation window82and is reflected by the observation target adjacent portion is imaged on an imaging surface of the imaging element86by the objective lens84.

The imaging element86photoelectrically converts reflected light from the observation target adjacent portion that has passed through the observation window82and the objective lens84and is imaged on the imaging surface, and outputs an imaging signal. As the imaging element86, a charge coupled device (CCD), a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), or the like may be used. A captured image signal output by the imaging element86is transmitted to the endoscope processor device16by the universal cord26through the wiring cable92that elongates from the insertion part22to the operation part24.

As shown inFIG.2, the illumination window88is provided on both sides of the observation window82. An emission end of a light guide (not shown) is connected to the illumination window88. The light guide elongates from the insertion part22to the operation part24, and an incident end thereof is connected to the light source device18connected through the universal cord26. Illumination light emitted from the light source device18travels through the light guide, and is irradiated from the illumination window88toward the observation target adjacent portion.

Configuration of Ultrasonic Processor Device

As shown inFIG.4, the ultrasonic processor device14includes the multiplexer140, a reception circuit142, a transmission circuit144, an A/D converter146, an image processing section148, the system controller152, and a display controller154.

The reception circuit142and the transmission circuit144are electrically connected to the ultrasonic vibrator array50of the ultrasonic endoscope12through the multiplexer140. The multiplexer140selects one or a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators48among N ultrasonic vibrators48, and opens channels thereof.

The transmission circuit144is a circuit that supplies a drive voltage for ultrasonic transmission to the ultrasonic vibrator48selected by the multiplexer140in order to transmit ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic vibrator unit46. The drive voltage is a pulsed voltage signal, and is applied to the electrodes of the ultrasonic vibrator48to be driven through the universal cord26and the coaxial cable56.

The reception circuit142is a circuit that receives an electrical signal output from the ultrasonic vibrator48that has received ultrasonic waves (echoes), that is, a reception signal. Further, the reception circuit142amplifies the reception signal received from the ultrasonic vibrator48in accordance with a control signal sent from the system controller152, and delivers the amplified signal to the A/D converter146. As shown inFIG.4, the A/D converter146is connected to the reception circuit142, converts a reception signal received from the reception circuit142from an analog signal to a digital signal, and outputs the converted digital signal to the image processing section148.

The image processing section148is connected to the A/D converter146as shown inFIG.4, and generates an ultrasound image based on a digital reception signal.

As shown inFIG.4, the display controller154is connected to the image processing section148, converts a signal of an ultrasound image generated by the image processing section148into an image signal based on a scan method of a normal television signal (raster conversion), performs a variety of necessary image processing such as gradation processing on the image signal, and outputs the image signal to the monitor20.

The system controller152controls each section of the ultrasonic processor device14, and is connected to the reception circuit142, the transmission circuit144, the A/D converter146, and the image processing section148as shown inFIG.4to control these devices. As shown inFIG.4, the system controller152is connected to the console100, and controls each section of the ultrasonic processor device14in accordance with inspection information and control parameters input from the console100in inspecting a subject. Thus, an ultrasound image corresponding to an ultrasound image generation mode designated by the operator is acquired, and in particular, in the live mode, the ultrasound image is acquired at a constant frame rate as needed.

The system controller152includes various processors that execute processing by executing a program, a random access memory (RAM), and a read only memory (ROM).

The variety of processors in this specification may include a central processing unit (CPU) that is a general-purpose processor that executes a program to perform a variety of processing, a programmable logic device (PLD) that is a processor of which a circuit configuration is changeable after manufacturing, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a dedicated electric circuit that is a processor having a circuit configuration that is dedicatedly designed for executing a specific process, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or the like. More specifically, the structures of these various processors are electric circuits in which circuit elements such as semiconductor elements are combined.

The system controller152may be configured by one of various processors, or may be configured by a combination of two or more processors of the same type or different types (for example, a combination of a plurality of FPGAs or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA).

The system controller152performs the above-described failure prediction process at an unspecified timing in a period during which the ultrasonic endoscope12is not used in a state where the ultrasonic endoscope12is connected to the main body.

FIG.5is a diagram showing functional blocks of the system controller152. A processor of the system controller152functions as an abnormality detection unit152A, a storage control unit152B, a failure prediction unit152C, and a notification control unit152D by executing a failure prediction program of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus. A failure prediction process is executed by the functional blocks. In this embodiment, the system controller152configures a failure prediction system of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus.

The abnormality detection unit152A performs a process of selecting one from the N ultrasonic vibrators48, transmitting ultrasonic waves from the selected ultrasonic vibrator48, and acquiring a reception signal of the ultrasonic vibrator48that receives reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves, with respect to all the ultrasonic vibrators48while sequentially switching the selected ultrasonic vibrator48. With this process, a reception signal is acquired from each of the N ultrasonic vibrators48. The abnormality detection unit152A detects an abnormality of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10on the basis of N reception signals acquired in this way.

In this embodiment, the abnormality of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10refers to a state where the ultrasonic vibrator48is deteriorated, a state where a wire that connects the ultrasonic vibrator48and the ultrasonic processor device14is damaged, or the like.

For example, in a case where disconnection occurs in the coaxial cable56, a reception signal of the ultrasonic vibrator48connected to the coaxial cable56with the disconnection changes compared with a reception signal of the ultrasonic vibrator48connected to the coaxial cable56without disconnection. Specifically, a period of time taken from the time when the level of a reception signal reaches a peak to the time when the level becomes equal to or smaller than a predetermined value is shorter in the coaxial cable56with the disconnection compared with in the coaxial cable56without the disconnection. Accordingly, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of disconnection by viewing the period of time. The abnormality detection method by the abnormality detection unit152A is not limited to the above-described example, and may employ any different method.

The abnormality detection unit152A determines the presence or absence of an abnormality for each of the N reception signals, and outputs the number of times of the abnormality determination (hereinafter, referred to as an abnormality occurrence number) as detected abnormality information. In the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10, it is possible to use not only one ultrasonic endoscope12, but also, to use a plurality of ultrasonic endoscopes12in a switchable manner. Although the plurality of ultrasonic endoscopes12are the same model, there are individual differences. Further, there is a difference in characteristics such as reception sensitivity of the ultrasonic endoscope12even in the same model. Accordingly, it is preferable that a determination criterion for determining that the abnormality detection unit152A is abnormal is not common to all the ultrasonic endoscopes12capable of being connected to the main body, and is individually determined for each ultrasonic endoscope12.

The storage control unit152B stores abnormality information output from the abnormality detection unit152A in a ROM inside the system controller152in association with time information and identification information of the ultrasonic endoscope12connected to the main body. The time information is information indicating a point in time when an abnormality is detected, which is the date and time when the abnormality information is output from the abnormality detection unit152A, for example. Hereinafter, the abnormality information stored in the ROM and corresponding time information are collectively referred to as abnormality log information.

In a case where the ultrasonic endoscope12is connected to the main body, the storage control unit152B may acquire identification information from the ultrasonic endoscope12, and may recognize the identification information of the ultrasonic endoscope12. In this way, in a case where a plurality of ultrasonic endoscopes12are used, abnormality log information of each different ultrasonic endoscope12is stored in the ROM.

The failure prediction unit152C predicts a failure timing of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10on the basis of a plurality of pieces of abnormality log information corresponding to each identification information stored in the ROM by the storage control unit152B.

FIG.6is a graph showing an example of abnormality log information corresponding to unspecified identification information. InFIG.6, a lateral axis represents time information included in abnormality log information and a longitudinal axis represents abnormality information (abnormality occurrence number) included in the abnormality log information. A threshold value TH2shown inFIG.6is a lower limit value of the abnormality occurrence number capable of determining that the ultrasonic endoscope12is in failure.

In the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10, even in a case where an abnormality occurs in a reception signal of the ultrasonic vibrator48, in generating an ultrasound image, the reception signal may be interpolated by a reception signal of the ultrasonic vibrator48around the ultrasonic vibrator48to thus be corrected. For example, an abnormality occurrence number in a case where the quality of the ultrasound image cannot be ensured by such correction may be set as the threshold value TH2.

For example, in a case where there is almost no change in an abnormality occurrence number based on the abnormality log information (for example, in a case where the size of an inclination of an approximate straight line obtained from the abnormality log information by the least squares method is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value), the failure prediction unit152C determines that a date obtained by adding a service life in normal use set in the ultrasonic endoscope12to a date based on the oldest time information included in the abnormality log information as a failure timing at which failure of the ultrasonic endoscope12occurs.

For example, in a case where a large increase tendency is observed in the abnormality occurrence number based on the abnormality log information (for example, in a case where the inclination of the approximate straight line exceeds the predetermined value), on the basis of the increase tendency, the failure prediction unit152C determines a timing (failure timing inFIG.6) at which the abnormality occurrence number will reach the threshold value TH2in the future (at which the ultrasonic endoscope12will fail) in a case where a usage frequency and a usage way until a current time point are continued.

The failure prediction unit152C outputs the failure timing of the ultrasonic endoscope12determined as described above as a prediction result.

The notification control unit152D shown inFIG.5performs a notification process based on the prediction result of the failure prediction unit152C. For example, the notification control unit152D sets a timing before a predetermined period of the failure timing indicated by the prediction result as a recommended maintenance timing, and displays a message indicating the recommended maintenance timing on the monitor20to notify a user of the recommended maintenance timing. Content of the message may be the failure timing itself, or may indicate a remaining period until failure.

The notification control unit152D may output the message through a speaker (not shown) provided in the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10, instead of displaying the message on the monitor20, Alternatively, the notification control unit152D transmits the message to an external electronic device connected to the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10to notify an administrator or the user of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10of the recommended maintenance timing.

FIG.7is a flowchart for illustrating an operation of the failure prediction process of the system controller152. First, the abnormality detection unit152A sequentially drives the N ultrasonic vibrators48, sequentially transmits ultrasonic waves from the respective N ultrasonic vibrators48, and acquires a reception signal of reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves from each ultrasonic vibrator48(step S1).

Then, the abnormality detection unit152A detects an abnormality that occurs in the ultrasonic endoscope12on the basis of each of the N reception signals acquired in step S1, and outputs the abnormality occurrence number as abnormality information (step S2).

Then, the storage control unit152B stores the abnormality information output from the abnormality detection unit152A in the ROM in association with time information at a current point in time and identification information (hereinafter, referred to as identification information ID1) of the ultrasonic endoscope12connected to the main body (step S3).

Then, the failure prediction unit1520predicts a failure timing of the ultrasonic endoscope12having identification information ID1connected to the main body, on the basis of the entire abnormality log information (abnormality information and time information) corresponding to the identification information ID1stored in the ROM (step S4).

In a case where the failure timing is predicted in step S4, the notification control unit152D performs the notification process based on the prediction result (step S5). The above-described series of processes are performed whenever the ultrasonic endoscope12is connected to the main body, for example. Further, as the abnormality log information stored in the ROM increases, the prediction accuracy of the failure timing is also improved.

As described above, according to the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10, it is possible to predict the failure timing of the ultrasonic endoscope12on the basis of a history of the abnormality occurrence number detected on the basis of the reception signals of the ultrasonic vibrators48of the ultrasonic endoscope12. Thus, it is possible to predict the failure timing, to thereby propose an appropriate maintenance timing to the user. As a result, for example, it is possible to expect execution of maintenance before failure occurs, and to lengthen the life of the ultrasonic endoscope12. Further, in a case where the abnormality occurrence number does not increase, it is possible to postpone the maintenance timing, and to reduce the number of maintenances to reduce a period of time during which the ultrasonic endoscope12cannot be used.

In this embodiment, a configuration in which the abnormality detection unit152A outputs an abnormality occurrence number as abnormality information has been described. As a modification thereof, the abnormality detection unit152A calculates an abnormality occurrence rate that is a ratio of the abnormality occurrence number to N or an abnormality non-occurrence rate that is a ratio of (N−abnormality occurrence number) to N, and may output the result as abnormality information. In this case, the failure prediction unit152C may predict, in a case where the abnormality occurrence rate tends to increase, a failure timing based on the increase tendency. Further, in a case where the failure non-occurrence rate tends to decrease, the failure prediction unit152C may predict the failure timing based on the decrease tendency.

The abnormality detection unit152A, the storage control unit152B, the failure prediction unit152C, and the notification control unit152D of the system controller152may be configured to be provided in a processor included in the endoscope processor device16. In this configuration, the failure prediction system of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus is configured by the processor included in the endoscope processor device16.

Alternatively, among the functional blocks of the system controller152, the failure prediction unit152C and the notification control unit152D may be provided in a processor included in an external device such as an external server connectable to the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10. In this configuration, the storage control unit152B of the system controller152may transmit abnormality log information and identification information to the external device, so that the abnormality log information and the identification information may be stored in a database in the external device.

Thus, the processor of the external device can predict the failure tuning for each ultrasonic endoscope12specified by the identification information on the basis of the abnormality log information stored in the database. Further, according to this configuration, it is possible to cope with a case where one ultrasonic endoscope12is used by a plurality of ultrasonic endoscope apparatuses10as in a large hospital or the like. In this configuration, the system controller152of the ultrasonic processor device14and the processor of the external device configure the failure prediction system of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus.

Hereinafter, modification examples of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10will be described.

First Modification Example

FIG.8is a diagram showing functional blocks of the system controller152in the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10according to a first modification example. A processor of the system controller152shown inFIG.8executes the failure prediction program for the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus to function as an abnormality detection unit152a, a storage control unit152b, a failure prediction unit152c, and a notification control unit152d. The failure prediction process is executed by the functional blocks. In the first modification example, the system controller152forms the failure prediction system of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus.

The abnormality detection unit152aperforms a process of controlling each of the N ultrasonic vibrators48so as not to transmit ultrasonic waves, selecting the N ultrasonic vibrators48one by one, and acquiring a reception signal of the selected ultrasonic vibrator48. In this process, among a period during which each ultrasonic vibrator48is driven in a control sequence of the ultrasonic vibrator unit46in a case where an ultrasound image corresponding to one frame is acquired in a live mode or the like, and a period during which a reception signal thereafter is output, the former period is replaced with a period during which each ultrasonic vibrator48is not driven. Further, in this process, in a period during obtained by combining the period during which the ultrasonic vibrator48is not driven and a subsequent output period, a reception signal output from the ultrasonic vibrator48is acquired. The abnormality detection unit152adetects an abnormality of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10on the basis of the N reception signals acquired from the respective ultrasonic vibrators48in this way.

The abnormality of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10of the first modification example refers to noise mixture in a reception signal caused by various factors such as an abnormality of a device included in the ultrasonic endoscope12or an abnormality of a device of a power source or the like in the main body of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10,

FIG.9is a diagram showing an example of a reception signal acquired in a case where ultrasonic waves are not transmitted. As shown inFIG.9, the abnormality detection unit152aperforms the above-described process, so that reception signals are acquired in the order of a period T1, a period T2, a period T3, and so on. The length of a period during which each reception signal is output is the same as a length obtained by combining the period during which each ultrasonic vibrator48is driven in the control sequence for generating an ultrasound image and the period during which the reception signal thereafter is output. In a case where no abnormality occurs in the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10, as shown inFIG.9, each of the N reception signals is in a stable state at a low level.

However, in a case where an abnormality occurs in the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10, as shown inFIG.10, a state where a noise signal SG of a level that exceeds a predetermined threshold value TH3is included in a reception signal occurs.

The abnormality detection unit152adetermines whether or not each of the N reception signals acquired in a state where ultrasonic waves are not transmitted includes the noise signal SG that exceeds the threshold value TH3, sets the number of reception signals for which it is determined that the noise signal SG is included as an abnormality occurrence number, and outputs information on the abnormality occurrence number as information on the detected abnormality. The threshold value TH3forms a first threshold value.

It is preferable that the threshold value TH3is not common to all the ultrasonic endoscopes12connectable to the main body and is individually determined for each ultrasonic endoscope12.

The storage control unit152bshown inFIG.8stores abnormality information output from the abnormality detection unit152ain a ROM inside the system controller152in association with time information and identification information of the ultrasonic endoscope12connected to the main body. The time information is information indicating a time point when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection unit152a, for example, which is the date and time when the abnormality information is output from the abnormality detection unit152a. In this modification example, similarly, abnormality information stored in the ROM and corresponding time information are collectively referred to as abnormality log information.

In a case where the ultrasonic endoscope12is connected to the main body, the storage control unit152bshown inFIG.8may acquire identification information from the ultrasonic endoscope12, and may recognize the identification information of the ultrasonic endoscope12. In this way, in a case where a plurality of ultrasonic endoscopes12are used, abnormality log information of each different ultrasonic endoscope12is stored in the ROM.

The failure prediction unit152cshown inFIG.8predicts a failure timing of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10on the basis of a plurality of pieces of abnormality log information corresponding to each piece of identification information stored in the ROM by the storage control unit152b.

FIG.11is a graph showing an example of abnormality log information corresponding to unspecified identification information. InFIG.11, a lateral axis represents time information included in abnormality log information and a longitudinal axis represents abnormality information (abnormality occurrence number) included in the abnormality log information. A threshold value TH4shown inFIG.11is a lower limit value of the abnormality occurrence number capable of determining that the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10is in failure.

In the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10, even in a case where noise is mixed in a reception signal of the ultrasonic vibrator48, it is possible to perform noise elimination for eliminating the noise in generating an ultrasound image. For example, an abnormality occurrence number in a case where the quality of an ultrasound image cannot be ensured by the above-described noise elimination is set as a threshold value TH4.

For example, in a case where there is almost no change in an abnormality occurrence number based on the abnormality log information (for example, in a case where an inclination of an approximate straight line of the abnormality occurrence number obtained from the abnormality log information by the least squares method is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value), the failure prediction unit152cdetermines that a date obtained by adding a service life in normal use set in the ultrasonic endoscope12to a date based on the oldest time information included in the abnormality log information as a failure timing at which failure of the ultrasonic endoscope12occurs. Further, the failure prediction unit152cdetermines a timing obtained by adding a time obtained by subtracting an accumulated usage time at a current time point of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10from an accumulated usable time in normal use that is determined in advance with respect to the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10(a usable time until maintenance is necessary) to the current time point, as a failure timing at which failure of the main body of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10occurs.

For example, in a case where there is a large increase tendency in the abnormality occurrence number based on the abnormality log information (for example, in a case where the inclination of the approximate straight line exceeds the predetermined value), on the basis of the increase tendency, the failure prediction unit152cdetermines a timing (failure timing inFIG.11) at which the abnormality occurrence number will reach the threshold value TH4in the future (at which the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10will fail) in a case where a usage frequency and a usage way up to a current time point are continued.

The failure prediction unit152coutputs the failure timing of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10determined as described above as a prediction result.

The notification control unit152dshown inFIG.8performs a notification process based on the prediction result of the failure prediction unit152c. For example, the notification control unit152dsets a timing before a predetermined period of the failure timing indicated by the prediction result as a recommended maintenance timing, and displays a message indicating the recommended maintenance timing on the monitor20to notify the user of the recommended maintenance timing of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10. Content of the message may be the failure timing itself, or may indicate a remaining period until failure. The notification control unit152dmay output the message through a speaker shown) provided in the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10, instead of displaying the message on the monitor20. Alternatively, the notification control unit152dtransmits the message to an external electronic device connected to the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10to notify an administrator or the user of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10of the recommended maintenance timing.

FIG.12is a flowchart for illustrating an operation of the failure prediction process of the system controller152shown inFIG.8. First, the abnormality detection unit152acontrols the N ultrasonic vibrators48in a state where ultrasonic waves are not transmitted, and sequentially acquires reception signals from the respective N ultrasonic vibrators48(step S11).

Then, the abnormality detection unit152adetects an abnormality that occurs in the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10on the basis of each of the N reception signals acquired in step S11, and outputs the abnormality occurrence number as abnormality information (step S12).

Then, the storage control unit152bstores the abnormality information output abnormality detection unit152ain the ROM in association with time information at a current time point and identification information (hereinafter, referred to as identification information ID2) of the ultrasonic endoscope12connected to the main body (step S13).

Then, the failure prediction unit152cpredicts a failure timing of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10on the basis of the entire abnormality log information (abnormality information and time information) corresponding to the identification information ID2stored in the ROM (step S14).

In a case where the failure timing is predicted in step S14, the notification control unit152dperforms the notification process based on the prediction result (step S15). The above-described series of processes are performed whenever time the ultrasonic endoscope12is connected to the main body, for example. Further, as the abnormality log information stored in the ROM increases, the prediction accuracy of the failure timing is also improved.

As described above, according to the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10of the first modification example, it is possible to predict a failure timing of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10on the basis of a history of the abnormality occurrence number detected on the basis of the reception signals of the ultrasonic vibrators48of the ultrasonic endoscope12. Thus, it is possible to predict the failure timing, to thereby propose an appropriate maintenance timing to the user. As a result, for example, it is possible to expect execution of maintenance before failure occurs, and to lengthen the life of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10. Further, in a case where the abnormality occurrence number does not increase, it is possible to postpone the maintenance timing, and to reduce the number of maintenances to reduce a period of time during which the ultrasonic endoscope12or the main body cannot be used.

In the first modification example, a configuration in which the abnormality detection unit152aacquires a reception signal of each of the N ultrasonic vibrators48in a state where ultrasonic waves are not transmitted has been described, but the invention is not limited thereto. A configuration in which the abnormality detection unit152aacquires reception signals from at least two ultrasonic vibrators48among the N ultrasonic vibrators48in a state where ultrasonic waves are not transmitted and determines an abnormality on the basis of the acquired reception signals may be employed. In this case, similarly, it is possible to determine whether or not an abnormality occurrence number tends to increase on the basis of a history of abnormality information. Thus, it is possible to predict a failure timing.

Further, in the first modification example, a configuration in which the abnormality detection unit152aoutputs the number of reception signals (first number) including signals having a level that exceeds the threshold value TH3among the N reception signals as abnormality information has been described. As a modification example thereof, a configuration in which the abnormality detection unit152acalculates an abnormality occurrence rate that is a ratio of the first number to N or an abnormality non-occurrence rate that is a ratio of (N−(first number)) to N and outputs the result as abnormality information may be employed. In this case, in a case where the abnormality occurrence rate tends to increase, the failure prediction unit152cis able to predict a failure timing based on the increase tendency. Further, in a case where the failure non-occurrence rate tends to decrease, the failure prediction unit152cis able to predict a failure timing based on the decrease tendency.

Second Modification Example

Functional blocks of the system controller152in the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10according to a second modification example are the same as inFIG.8, but the functions of the abnormality detection unit152aand the failure prediction unit152care partially different. In the second modification example, similarly, the system controller152configures a failure prediction system of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus.

The abnormality detection unit152ain the second modification example is the same as that in the first modification example in view of detection of an abnormality of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10on the basis of N reception signals in a state where ultrasonic waves are not transmitted, acquired as described in the first modification example, but its abnormality determination method is different from that in the first modification example.

FIG.13is a diagram showing an example of a reception signal acquired in a case where ultrasonic waves are not transmitted. Noise may be superimposed on the reception signal as a whole depending on a cause of an abnormality of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10, and there is a case where an average level of the reception signals increases compared with the state ofFIG.9, as shown inFIG.13. Further, in a case where the average level becomes too high (for example, reaches a predetermined threshold value TH5), there is a possibility that the quality of an ultrasound image may not be maintained. Thus, the abnormality detection unit152ain the second modification example calculates an average level of N reception signals, determines that there is an abnormality in a case where the average level exceeds a predetermined threshold value TH6(here, a value smaller than the threshold value TH5), and determines that there is no abnormality in a case where the average level is equal to or smaller than the threshold value TH6.

Further, in a case where it is determined that there is the abnormality, the abnormality detection unit152aoutputs the average level of the N reception signals as abnormality information. The threshold value TH6configures a second threshold value. It is preferable that the threshold value TH6is not common to all the ultrasonic endoscopes12connectable to the main body but is determined individually for each ultrasonic endoscope12.

The failure prediction unit152cin the second modification example predicts occurrence of a failure of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10on the basis of a plurality of pieces of abnormality log information corresponding to each piece of identification information stored in the ROM by the storage control unit152b.

FIG.14is a graph showing an example of abnormality log information corresponding to unspecified identification information. InFIG.14, a lateral axis represents time information included in abnormality log information, and a longitudinal axis represents abnormality information (average level of N reception signals) included in the abnormality log information. The threshold value TH5shown inFIG.14is a lower limit value of the average level capable of determining that the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10is in failure.

For example, in a case where there is almost no change in an average level based on the abnormality log information (for example, in a case where an inclination of an approximate straight line of the average level obtained from the abnormality log information by the least squares method is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value), the failure prediction unit152cin the second modification example determines that a date obtained by adding a service life in normal use set in the ultrasonic endoscope12to a date based on the oldest time information included in the abnormality log information as a failure timing at which failure of the ultrasonic endoscope12occurs. Further, the failure prediction unit152cdetermines a timing obtained by adding a time obtained by subtracting an accumulated usage time at a current time point of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10from an accumulated usable time in normal use that is determined in advance with respect to the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10(a usable time until maintenance is necessary) to the current time point, as a failure timing at which failure of the main body of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10occurs.

Further, for example, in a case where there is a large increase tendency in the average level based on the abnormality log information (for example, in a case where the inclination of the approximate straight line exceeds the predetermined value), on the basis of the increase tendency, the failure prediction unit152cdetermines a timing (failure timing inFIG.14) at which the average level will reach the threshold value TH5in the future (at which the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10will fail) in a case where a usage frequency and a usage way up to a current time point are continued.

The failure prediction unit152coutputs the failure timing of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10determined as described above as a prediction result.

FIG.15is a flowchart for illustrating a failure prediction process of the system controller152in the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10according to the second modification example. First, the abnormality detection unit152acontrols the N ultrasonic vibrators48in a state where ultrasonic waves are not transmitted, and sequentially acquires reception signals from the respective N ultrasonic vibrators48(step S21).

Then, the abnormality detection unit152adetects an abnormality that occurs in the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10on the basis of an average level of the N reception signals acquired in step S21, and outputs the average level of the N reception signals as abnormality information in a case where it is determined that there is the abnormality (step S22).

Then, the storage control unit152bstores the abnormality information output from the abnormality detection unit152ain the ROM in association with time information at a current time point and identification information (hereinafter, referred to as identification information ID3) of the ultrasonic endoscope12connected to the main body (step S23).

Then, the failure prediction unit152cpredicts a failure timing of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10on the basis of the entire abnormality log information (abnormality information and time information) corresponding to the identification information ID3stored in the ROM (step S24).

In a case where the failure timing is predicted in step S24, the notification control unit152dperforms a notification process based on the prediction result (step S25). The above-described series of processes are performed whenever time the ultrasonic endoscope12is connected to the main body, for example. Further, as the abnormality log information stored in the ROM increases, the prediction accuracy of the failure timing is also improved.

As described above, according to the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10of the second modification example, it is possible to predict a failure timing of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10on the basis of a history of the average level of the reception signals of the ultrasonic vibrators48of the ultrasonic endoscope12. Thus, it is possible to predict a failure timing, and to provide an appropriate maintenance timing to the user. As a result, for example, it is possible to expect execution of maintenance before failure occurs, and to lengthen the life of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10. Further, in a case where the average level of the reception signals does not increase, it is possible to postpone the maintenance timing, and to reduce the times of maintenances to reduce a period of time during which the ultrasonic endoscope12or the main body cannot be used.

In the second modification example, a configuration in which the abnormality detection unit152aacquires a reception signal from each of the N ultrasonic vibrators48in a state where ultrasonic waves are not transmitted has been described, but the invention is not limited thereto. The abnormality detection unit152aacquires a reception signal from at least one ultrasonic vibrator48among the N ultrasonic vibrators48in a state where ultrasonic waves are not transmitted, and may determine an abnormality on the basis of the magnitude of the average level of the acquired reception signals. In this case, similarly, it is possible to determine whether or not noise superimposed on a reception signal tends to increase as a whole on the basis of a history of abnormality information. Accordingly, it is possible to predict a failure timing.

The respective functional blocks of the system controller152in the first modification example and the second modification example may be configured to be provided in a processor included in the endoscope processor device16. Alternatively, among the functional blocks of the system controller152, the failure prediction unit152cand the notification control unit152dmay be configured to be provided in a processor included in an external device such as an external server that is connectable to the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus10.

As described above, the following content is disclosed in this specification.

(1) A failure prediction system of an ultrasonic endoscope apparatus comprising:an abnormality detection unit that acquires a reception signal of an ultrasonic vibrator of an ultrasonic endoscope and detects an abnormality of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus including the ultrasonic endoscope on the basis of the reception signal;a storage control unit that stores information on the abnormality detected by the abnormality detection unit in association with time information; anda failure prediction unit that predicts a failure timing of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus on the basis of a plurality of pieces of the abnormality information stored by the storage control unit and the time information corresponding to the plurality of pieces of abnormality information.

(2) The failure prediction system of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus according to (1),wherein the abnormality detection unit acquires the reception signal of the ultrasonic vibrator in a state where ultrasonic waves are not transmitted from the ultrasonic vibrator, and detects the abnormality on the basis of the reception signal.

(3) The failure prediction system of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus according to (2),wherein the abnormality detection unit acquires the reception signal of each of a plurality of the ultrasonic vibrators included in the ultrasonic endoscope, determines that there is the abnormality in a case where the reception signal including a signal of a level that exceeds a predetermined first threshold value is present, and outputs a first number of the reception signals including the signal of the level that exceeds the first threshold value, a ratio of the first number to a second number of the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators, or a ratio of a number obtained by subtracting the first number from the second number to the second number, as the abnormality information.

(4) The failure prediction system of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus according to (2),wherein the abnormality detection unit determines that there is the abnormality in a case where an average level of the reception signals exceeds a predetermined second threshold value, and outputs the average level as the abnormality information.

(5) The failure prediction system of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus according to (1),wherein the abnormality detection unit acquires the reception signal of the ultrasonic vibrator that receives reflected waves of ultrasonic waves transmitted from all the ultrasonic vibrators included in the ultrasonic endoscope, and detects the abnormality of the ultrasonic endoscope on the basis of the reception signal.

(6) The failure prediction system of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5),wherein the abnormality detection unit detects the abnormality in a period during which the ultrasonic endoscope is not used.

(7) The failure prediction system of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6),wherein the storage control unit stores the abnormality information in association with identification information of the ultrasonic endoscope, andwherein the failure prediction unit predicts the failure timing of the ultrasonic endoscope specified by the identification information on the basis of the abnormality information corresponding to the identification information and the time information.

(8) The failure prediction system of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus according to any one of (1) to (7), further comprising:a notification control unit that performs a notification process based on a prediction result of the failure prediction unit.

(9) The failure prediction system of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus according to any one of (1) to (8),wherein the abnormality detection unit, the storage control unit, and the failure prediction unit are provided in a main body of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus.

(10) The failure prediction system of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus according to any one of (1) to (8),wherein the abnormality detection unit and the storage control unit are provided in a main body of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus, andwherein the failure prediction unit is provided in an external device connectable to the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus.

(11) A failure prediction method of an ultrasonic endoscope apparatus, comprising:an abnormality detection step of acquiring a reception signal of an ultrasonic vibrator of an ultrasonic endoscope and detecting an abnormality of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus including the ultrasonic endoscope on the basis of the reception signal;a storage control step of storing information on the abnormality detected in the abnormality detection step in association with time information; anda failure prediction step of predicting a failure timing of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus on the basis of a plurality of pieces of the abnormality information stored in the storage control step and the time information corresponding to the plurality of pieces of abnormality information.

(12) Anon-transitory computer readable recording medium storing a failure prediction program of an ultrasonic endoscope apparatus, for causing a computer to execute:an abnormality detection step of acquiring a reception signal of an ultrasonic vibrator of an ultrasonic endoscope and detecting an abnormality of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus including the ultrasonic endoscope on the basis of the reception signal;a storage control step of storing information on the abnormality detected in the abnormality detection step in association with time information; anda failure prediction step of predicting a failure timing of the ultrasonic endoscope apparatus on the basis of a plurality of pieces of the abnormality information stored in the storage control step and the time information corresponding to the plurality of pieces of abnormality information.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCES