Method and apparatus for detecting a control switch for medical equipment

A control switch detecting apparatus aims at detecting a control switch operable by an operator for controlling a medical device. When a position signal for representing a position of at least one of the control switch and the operator is transmitted from at least one of the control switch and the operator, an obtaining unit obtains relative position information indicative of a relative positional relationship between the control switch and the operator based on the transmitted position signal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon the prior Japanese Patent Application 2003-346232 filed on Oct. 3, 2003 and claims the benefit of priority therefrom so that the descriptions of which are all incorporated herein by reference.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for detecting a control switch that allows an operator to control the operation of at least one piece of medical equipment.

2. Description of the Related Art

Owing to the advances in medical technology in recent years, various pieces of medical equipment are being developed and put into practical use. Such medical equipment can be broadly divided into diagnostic monitoring equipment for monitoring and diagnosing tissues inside the body of a patient, and therapeutic treatment equipment for actually treating affected areas in the body parts of a patient.

The diagnostic monitoring equipment includes endoscopic systems, each having an endoscope for inspecting tissues of the body of a patient, and ultrasonic diagnostic systems, each of which is configured to generate ultrasonic images of tissues of the body of a patient based on ultrasonic echo signals therefrom for monitoring the tissues.

The therapeutic treatment equipment, which is designed to cut away and/or coagulate an affected area in the body of a patient with some treatment media, includes electric scalpel devices each using a high-frequency current, ultrasound-operating devices each using an oscillation of ultrasonic waves, and laser heat treatment instruments each using laser beam.

The diagnostic monitoring equipment and the therapeutic treatment equipment may be independently used, but recently, at least one piece of the diagnostic monitoring equipment and pieces of the therapeutic treatment equipment are often used in combination with each other.

In such a medical system designed to use at least one piece of the diagnostic monitoring equipment and pieces of the therapeutic treatment equipment together, an operator needs to specify one of the pieces of the therapeutic treatment equipment that matches an affected area in the body of a patient. After the specification of one of the pieces of the therapeutic treatment equipment, the operator needs to give operational instructions, for example, turn-on and turn-off instructions, to the specified piece of the therapeutic treatment equipment.

In particular, the operator operates a foot switch laid close to the operator's feet for specifying one of the pieces of the therapeutic treatment equipment and giving instructions to the specified piece. These controls of the therapeutic treatment equipment under the operations of the foot switch are disclosed, for example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication H11-318916 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,679,875 corresponding to Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-238919.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is made in viewing the background set forth above, so that preferable embodiments of the present invention can improve conventional method and apparatus for detecting a control switch.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control switch detecting apparatus for detecting a control switch operable by an operator for controlling a medical device. In the apparatus, a receiving unit is configured to receive a position signal for representing a position of at least one of the control switch and the operator. The position signal is transmitted from at least one of the control switch and the operator. In the apparatus, a determining unit is configured to determine relative position information indicative of a relative positional relationship between the control switch and the operator based on the received position signal.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a foot switch detecting apparatus for detecting a foot switch operable by an operator for controlling a medical device. In the apparatus, a transmitting unit is fitted to one of the foot switch and the operator and is configured to transmit a position signal for representing a position of one of the control switch and the operator. In the apparatus, a receiving unit is fitted to the other of the foot switch and the operator and is configured to receive the position signal transmitted from the transmitting unit. In the apparatus, a determining unit is configured to determine relative position information indicative of a relative positional relationship between the control switch and the operator based on the received position signal. In the apparatus, an output unit is configured to output the relative position information as information recognizable by the operator.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control switch communicable with a control unit for a control of a medical device and operable by an operator. In the control switch, a unit is configured to receive a position signal transmitted from the operator for representing a position of the operator and to transmit the received position signal to the control unit.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a controller communicable with a plurality of medical devices including a specific medical device and adapted to control them. In the controller, a first control switch is provided with a selection switch member operable by an operator and configured to select any one of the plurality of medical devices according to an operation of the selection switch member by the operator; and an output switch member operable by the operator and configured to output a control signal to the selected one of the medical devices according to an operation of the output switch member by the operator. In the controller, a second control switch has a switch member and operates to control the specific medical device according to an operation of the switch member. In the controller, an operation mechanism is engaged to the switch member of the second control switch. When the specific medical device is selected according to the operation of the selection switch member by the operator and the control signal is outputted to the specific medical device according to the operation of the output switch member by the operator, the operation mechanism operates the switch member of the second control switch according to the control signal.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of detecting a control switch operable by an operator for controlling a medical device. The method includes receiving a position signal for representing a position of at least one of the control switch and the operator. The position signal is transmitted from at least one of the control switch and the operator. The method also includes determining relative position information indicative of a relative positional relationship between the control switch and the operator based on the received position signal.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating, in response to an operation of a first control switch, a second control switch. The first control switch comprises a selection switch member operable by an operator and selectable any one of a plurality of medical devices including a specific medical device; and an output switch member operable by the operator for outputting a control signal. The second control switch has a switch member. The method includes, when the specific medical device is selected by the selection switch member according to an operation of the selection switch member by the operator and the control signal is outputted from the output switch member to the specific medical device according to an operation of the output switch member by the operator, receiving the outputted control signal. The method also includes automatically operating the switch member of the second control switch according to the received control signal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First embodiment

FIG. 1is a plan view schematically illustrating a positional relationship between elements of a medical system including a control switch detecting apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention in an examination room in which the medical system is located.FIG. 2is a block diagram illustrating a schematic structure of the medical system shown inFIG. 1.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the medical system30related to the first embodiment is equipped with an electronic endoscopic device33and pieces of therapeutic treatment equipment including an ultrasonic therapeutic device34, an electric scalpel device35, and a heat scalpel device36. That is, the medical system30is designed to an endoscopic system.

For example, the medical system30is so configured that all of the devices33to36are installed in a movable gantry B. In the examination room, an operating table T is previously placed, and a patient P as a target for inspection and treatment lies on the operating table T. The medical system30(the movable gantry B) is arranged close to the operating table T.

The medical system30is equipped with a foot switch37that allows an operator OP to specify one of the therapeutic treatment devices34-36and to instruct the identified device to control it, such as to turn it on or off. The foot switch37is laid at, for example, a desirable position for the operator OP in the examining room, such as close to the operator's feet, the operating table T, and the gantry B.

In particular, the operator OP operates the foot switch37with the operator's foot at desired times to select one of the therapeutic treatment devices34-36, thereby turning the selected device on and/or off.

The medical system30is provided with, as shown inFIG. 2, a medical system controller31having a control unit31U communicable with the electronic endoscope device33, the ultrasonic therapeutic device34, the electric scalpel device35, the heat scalpel device36, and the foot switch37, respectively, by wire cables or radio. The medical system30is provided with a display32communicable with the control unit31U.

The medical system30is provided with a position signal transmitter38fitted to a predetermined portion of the operator OP, for example, the ankle with a fitting member, such as a fitting band. The position signal transmitter38is operative to continuously or periodically transmit, for example, non-directional signals, such as radio signals or infrared signals, at predetermined frequencies around the transmitter38. The signals transmitted from the position signal transmitter38are referred to as position signals.

The electronic endoscope device33, as shown inFIG. 2, is equipped with an endoscope33a. The endoscope33ahas a fiberscope, an image pickup device, such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, mounted inside the fiberscope, and an optical system mounted inside the fiberscope for focusing light irradiated from one tip end of the fiberscope on a surgical field of the patient P.

The electronic endoscope device33is provided with a light source unit39optically coupled to the endoscope33athrough a light guide39a.The light source unit39has a lamp and a lighting control circuit for controlling the lighting of the lamp. The lighting control circuit turns on the lamp so that the lamp irradiates light. The light is guided through the light guide39ainto the fiberscope of the endoscope33a.

The electronic endoscope device33has an imaging processor33belectrically connected to the image pickup device and operative to execute predetermined image processes with respect to an image signal picked up by the image pickup device.

That is, in the electronic endoscope device33, the light irradiated from the fiberscope of the endoscope33ais focused by the optical system on the surgical field of the patient P. A light reflected from an area of the patient P including the surgical field is inputted to a light-sensitive surface of the image pickup device so as to be picked up thereby as the image signal. The image signal is inputted to the imaging processor to be subjected to the predetermined image processes thereby so that an endoscope image signal indicative of an endoscope image of the surgical field is generated. The endoscope image signal generated by the imaging processor33bis transmitted to the medical system controller31.

On the other hand, the ultrasonic therapeutic device34has an ultrasonic therapeutic instrument34a. The ultrasonic therapeutic device34is operative to supply energy to the ultrasonic therapeutic instrument34ato cause it to operate. The operated ultrasonic therapeutic instrument34agenerates ultrasonic waves and the generated ultrasonic waves are applied to at least a part of the surgical field, allowing the part of the surgical field to be cut away and/or to coagulate.

The electric scalpel device35has an electric scalpel35a. The electric scalpel device35is configured to apply a high-frequency current on at least a part of the surgical field through the electric scalpel35a, thereby cutting off the part of the surgical field and/or coagulating it.

The heat scalpel device36has a heat scalpel (not shown). The heat scalpel device36is configured to apply heat energy on at least a part of the surgical field through the heat scalpel, thereby cutting off the part of the surgical field and/or coagulating it.

In addition, the medical system controller31is provided with a microphone31gelectrically connected to the control unit31U and operative to input speech signals to the control unit31U. The medical system controller31is provided with a speaker31felectrically connected to the control unit31U and operative to output speech signals transmitted from the control unit31U.

The control unit31U, as shown inFIG. 2, has a plurality of functional blocks including a display control block31a, a switch control block31b, a switch input block31c, a speech input block31d, and a speech output block31e. The functional blocks31ato31eare operatively connected with each other.

The control unit31U is composed of a computer circuit including, for example, at least one microcomputer. At least one microcomputer is integrated with a memory in which program codes are installed through various types of storage mediums or a communication line linked to the Internet. The various types of storage mediums include CD-ROM (Compact Disk—Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk—ROM), and the like. The control unit31U is configured to implement the respective functions31ato31eas processes in accordance with the program codes.

The display control block31ahas a first function of receiving the endoscope image signal supplied from the image processor33. The display control block31ahas a second function of receiving selection information of the therapeutic treatment equipment that is obtained by the switch control block31bto generate a selection image signal indicative of a selection image32b. The selection image32ballows the operator OP to recognize one of the therapeutic treatment devices34-36that is selected by the operator OP and the operation mode of the selected one of the therapeutic treatment devices34-36.

Moreover, the display control block31ahas a third function of superimposing the generated selection image signal on the received endoscope image signal to supply the superimposition signal to the display32, causing the display32to display the superimposition signal on its screen.

The switch control block31bhas a first function of receiving the selection information transmitted from the foot switch37or the microphone31g. The selection information preferably includes information that permits the switch control block31bto recognize an identifier of one device of the therapeutic treatment devices and its operating mode. As the identifier, the designation of the selected device and/or the identification codes thereof can be used.

The switch control block31bhas a second function of specifying one device of the therapeutic treatment devices and the operation mode that correspond to the received selection information.

The switch control block31bhas a third function of receiving operational instruction information, such as on/off instruction information, to send the received operational instruction information to the specified device.

The switch control block31bhas a fourth function of outputting the received selection information to either the display control block31aor the speech output block31e.

The switch input block31chas a function of receiving the selection information and the operational instruction information sent from the foot switch37to supply the received selection information and operational instruction information to the switch control block31b.

At least one of the selection information, the operational instruction information, and relative position information, which is generated by the operator OP as a speech, is converted into a speech signal by the microphone31gto be amplified thereby and the amplified speech signal is inputted to the speech input block31d.

When the amplified speech signal is inputted to the speech input block31d, the speech input block31dhas a first function of receiving the inputted speech signal. The speech input block31dhas a second function of specifying at least one of the selection information, the operational instruction information, and relative position information based on the received speech signal to supply it to the switch control block31b.

The speech output block31ehas a function of converting at least one of the selection information and the relative position information that is outputted from the switch control block31binto a speech signal recognizable by the operator OP to put the speech signal on the speaker31f.

The display32has a first function of receiving the superimposition signal on which the endoscope image signal and the selection image signal are superimposed transmitted from the display control block31a. The display32has a second function of superimposing an endoscope image32aof the surgical field and the selection image32bto display the superimposed image on its screen based on the received superimposition signal. The display32executes the second function cooperatively with the control processes of the display control block31abased on its second function.

The foot switch37, as shown inFIG. 2andFIG. 3A, has a foot-operated selection switch37cfor selecting any one of the therapeutic treatment devices34-36. That is, the selection switch37cis configured to output the selection information for selecting one of the therapeutic treatment devices34-36and its operation mode to the switch control block31bthrough the switch input block31c.

The foot switch37has a pedal output switch, in other words, foot-operated output switch37afor outputting the operational instruction information indicative of the turning-on or turning-off of the selected device to the switch control block31bthrough the switch input block31c.

The output switch37ais configured to a twin-type output switch (seeFIGS. 2,3A and so on).

The foot switch37has a relative position detector37dconfigured to receive the position signals outputted from the position signal transmitter38, representing a position of the position signal transmitter38, in other words, the operator OP.

The selection switch37cattached to the foot switch37is, for example, a momentary push button switch. That is, the selection switch37cis configured to output operation information as the selection information to the switch control block31bthrough the switch input block31ceach time the operator OP pushes the selection switch37cwith the operator's foot.

The switch control block31bis configured to select one of the therapeutic treatment devices34-36and its operation mode in all of the previously determined operation modes of each of the therapeutic treatment devices34-36each time the selection information is transmitted through the switch input block31cto the switch control block31b.

For example, each time the selection information is transmitted through the switch input block31cto the switch control block31bthe switch control block31bsequentially selects one of the combinations of the therapeutic treatment devices34-36and their operation modes. The combinations indicate:

(1) operation of the ultrasonic therapeutic device34at 100% output

(2) operation of the ultrasonic therapeutic device34at 70% output

(3) operation of the electric scalpel device35at a predetermined output

(4) operation of the heat scalpel device36at a predetermined output

That is, the switch control block31bselects both one therapeutic treatment device and its operation mode simultaneously.

The selection information indicative of the identifier of one of the therapeutic treatment devices and its operating mode which are switchably selected every operation of the operator's selection switch37cis supplied from the switch control block31bto the display control block31a. The display control block31agenerates the selection image signal according to the selection information supplied thereto.

The display control block31adisplays on the center of the screen of the display32with the selection image32bsuperimposed on, for example, the right corner of the screen as the operator faces.

The selection image32bpermits the operator OP and/or an assistant to easily recognize the currently selected therapeutic treatment device and its operating mode. Specifically, the operator OP operates to continuously turn the selection switch37cof the foot switch37while visually identifying the selection image32b, and when a therapeutic treatment device that the operator OP wants to use is displayed on the screen of the display32, the operator OP stops the on-operations. This makes easy the operator's selection of a desirable therapeutic treatment device and its operating mode.

The output switch37aattached to the foot switch37is a momentary pedal switch. That is, the output switch37ahas outputted the turn-on instruction information through the switch input block31cto the switch control block31bwhile the operator OP pushes the output switch37awith the operator's foot.

The switch control block31btransmits, to the therapeutic treatment device selected on the selection information, the operational instruction information for causing the selected device to operate in the selected operating mode.

The therapeutic treatment device to which the operational instruction information is transmitted operates in the selected operating mode, which allows the operator OP to use the operator's selected therapeutic treatment device operating in the operator's selected operating mode to treat the surgical field of the patient P.

In place of operating the selection switch37cof the foot switch37, speech input through the microphone31gallows the therapeutic treatment device and its operation mode to be selected.

Specifically, when the operator OP produces a speech indicative of the selection information including the identifier of one of the therapeutic treatment devices34-36, which the operator OP wants to use, and the operation mode thereof, the produced speech corresponding to the selection information is converted into electric signals by the microphone31gand amplified thereby. The amplified electric signals are supplied to the speech input block31das speech signals.

The speech input block31greceives the supplied speech signals and analyzes the received speech signals to detect the selection information, that is, the identifier of the selected device and its operating mode. The speech input block31gsupplies the detected selection information to the switch control block31b.

The switch control block31bperforms the selection processes of one of the therapeutic treatment devices and its operating mode based on the supplied selection information in the same manner as the selection information supplied from the foot switch37. Incidentally, the operational instruction information, such as turning-on or turning-off information, of the therapeutic treatment device selected according to the speech inputted from the microphone31gis inputted from the operator OP through the output switch37aof the foot switch37to the switch control block31b. The switch control block31btransmits the operational instruction information to the selected device so that the selected device is controlled based on the operational instruction information.

Next, the relative position detector37dattached to the foot switch37will be explained.

As shown inFIGS. 3A to 3C, the relative position detector37dattached to the foot switch37is provided with a metal antenna body having a substantially circular plate as a whole. The antenna body is preferably radially divided into a number of, such as8, equal pieces from the center O thereof. The pieces of the metal antenna body serve as receiving antennas37d-1,37d-2, . . . ,37d-8, which have individual receiving directivities with respect to the position signals transmitted from the position signal transmitter38, respectively.

As specifically illustrated inFIGS. 3B and 3C, each of the receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8has a substantially fan-like shape in its cross section parallel to the radial direction. Each of the receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8has a receiving unit operative to receive the position signals each with the predetermined frequency transmitted from the position signal transmitter38. Each of the receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8also has an amplifier operative to amplify the position signals received by the receiving unit, and an output unit operative to output the amplified position signals.

Each of the receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8has a circular arc end surface, and each of directional receiving patterns P-1to P-8has a high sensitivity to some of the position signals transmitted from an area radially extending from the circular arc end surface. Viewing from above,FIG. 3Cshows the directional receiving patterns P-1to P-8around the relative position detector37dalong a horizontal surface, such as a floor surface of the examining room on which the operator OP is movable. Each of the directional receiving patterns P-1to P-8along a vertical direction orthogonal to the horizontal direction has a high sensitivity to some of the position signals positioned in a predetermined range centered at each of the circular arc end surface and expanding along the vertical direction.

Each of the directional receiving patterns P-1to P-8of each of the receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8allows the relative position detector37dto detect the position signals around the relative position detector37dwith great sensitivity.

The receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8are individually communicable with the control unit31U of the medical system controller31by wire cables or radio. The receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8are respectively driven in response to driving signals transmitted from the switch input block31cto operate to detect the position signals. The receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8further operate to individually transmit the detected signals through the switch input block31cto the switch control block31b. The receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8may be independently driven at all times or in a cycle, to detect the position signals. In this modification, the receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8operate to individually independently transmit the detected position signals through the switch input block31cto the switch control block31b.

The switch control block31bhas a fifth function of determining information indicative of a relative positional relationship between the foot switch37and the operator OP, in other words, between the position signal transmitter38and the relative position detector37d, according to the position signals detected by the receiving antennas377d-1to37d-8. The information determined based on the fifth function of the switch control block31bis referred to as “relative position information” hereinafter.

The relative position information between the position signal transmitter38and the relative position detector37dpreferably includes a direction of the position signal transmitter38with respect to the relative position detector37dand/or a distance between the position signal transmitter38and the relative position detector37d.

For example, when the position signals are detected by the receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8, respectively, and are supplied through the switch input block31cto the switch control block31b, the switch control block31bcompares the intensities of the position signals of the respective receiving antennas37d-1and37d-8with one another. As a result of the comparison, the switch control block31bspecifies one of the receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8, which receives the position signal with the highest intensity in all of the receiving antennas. The switch control block31bdetermines the direction of the specified receiving antenna with respect to the center O of the relative position detector37das a direction of the position signal transmitter38, in other words, a direction of the operator OP.

Specifically, as shown inFIG. 3C, it is assumed that the position signal transmitter38fitted to the operator OP is located in, for example, the directional receiving pattern P-8of the receiving antenna37d-8. InFIG. 3C, a reference numeral of38-1is assigned to the position signal transmitter38.

In this assumption, the position signal transmitted from the position signal transmitter38-1is received by the receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8of the relative position detector37d, respectively. The intensities of the received position signals received by the respective receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8are compared with one another by the switch control block31b, thereby specifying that the receiving antenna37d-8detects the receiving signal having the highest intensity in all of the receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8. This allows the switch control block31bto recognize that the position signal transmitter38-1is in the diagonally lower left direction from the center O inFIG. 3C, which corresponds to the direction of the receiving antenna37d-8with respect to the center O. In other words, the switch control block31brecognizes that the foot switch37is located in the diagonally upper right direction from the position signal transmitter38-1(the operator OP).

As another example, as shown inFIG. 3C, it is supposed that the position signal transmitter38fitted to the operator OP is located in, for example, the directional receiving pattern P-2of the receiving antenna37d-2. InFIG. 3C, a reference numeral of38-2is assigned to the position signal transmitter38.

In another example, the position signal transmitted from the position signal transmitter38-2is received by the receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8of the relative position detector37d, respectively. The intensities of the position signals received by the respective receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8are compared with one another by the switch control block31b, thereby determining that the receiving antenna37d-2detects the receiving signal having the highest intensity in all of the receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8. This permits the switch control block31bto recognize that the position signal transmitter38-2is located in the diagonally lower right direction from the center O inFIG. 3C, which corresponds to the direction of the receiving antenna37d-2with respect to the center O. That is, the switch control block31brecognizes that the foot switch37is located in the diagonally upper left direction from the position signal transmitter38-2(the operator OP).

In order to provide a particular way of estimating a distance of the position signal transmitter38from the relative position detector37das the relative position information of the position signal detector38, it is assumed that the receiving antenna37d-1receives the position signal having the highest intensity in all of the receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8.

In this assumption, the switch control block31bcompares the intensity of the received position signal by the receiving antenna37d-1with a reference value indicative of a reference intensity that has a predetermined relationship with respect to a corresponding given distance. The switch block31bestimates the distance between the position signal transmitter38and the relative position detector37dbased on the comparison result.

When the relative position information between the foot switch37and the operator OP (the position signal transmitter38and the relative position detector37d) is transmitted from the switch control block31b, the display control block31ahas a third function of receiving the transmitted relative position information. The display control block31a, as the third function, performs control processes to convert the received relative position information into a visual configuration that the operator OP can visually recognize, thereby displaying the converted visual configuration of the received relative position information on the display's screen in collaboration with a third function of the display32.

Next, overall operations of the medical system30according to the first embodiment will be described hereinafter.

Particularly, in the first embodiment, (1) overall operations of the medical system30to select one of the therapeutic treatment devices according to the operation of the foot switch37by the operator OP will be described hereinafter. In addition, (2) overall operations of the medical system30to detect the position of the foot switch37in a case where the operator OP loses the position of the foot switch37while using the selected therapeutic treatment device to treat the surgical field of the patient P will be described hereinafter.

(1) Selection of one of the therapeutic treatment devices due to either the operator's control of the foot switch37or speech-input through the microphone31g

It is supposed that the endoscope image32aof the patient P lain on the operating table T, which is taken by the electric endoscopic device33, is displayed on the screen of the display32under the control of the medical system controller31.

In this supposition, the operator OP investigates the endoscope image32adisplayed on the display's screen to closely observe the surgical field of the patient P. This allows the operator OP to determine one of the therapeutic treatment devices and its operating mode (for example, the ultrasonic therapeutic device34and 70% output as the operating mode), which match the state of the surgical field.

After the determination, the operator OP operates to turn the selection switch37con one or more times for selecting and specifying the ultrasonic therapeutic device34and its operating mode of 70% output.

In response to the turning-on operations of the selection switch37c, the above processes of the selection switch37c, the switch control block31b, and the display control block31aare performed. This results in that the selection images32brepresenting the selected therapeutic treatment devices and their operating modes, respectively, are switchably displayed on the screen of the display32every operation of the operator's selection switch37c.

The operator OP watches the switchably displayed selection images32b. When the operator visually recognizes that the operator's desired selection image32brepresenting the ultrasonic therapeutic device34and its operating mode of 70% output is displayed on the display's screen, the operator OP operates to turn the output switch37aof the foot switch37on and to keep the on state of the output switch37a.

This turning-on operation and keeping operation of the output switch37apermit the output switch37a, the switch control block31band the like to transmit, to the ultrasonic therapeutic treatment device34, the operational instruction information for causing the selected ultrasonic therapeutic treatment device34to operate in the selected operating mode of 70% output.

The ultrasonic therapeutic treatment device34receives the transmitted operational instruction information to be driven in the operating mode of 70% output based of the received operational instruction information. As a result, the operator OP uses the operator's specified therapeutic treatment device driven in the operator's specified operating mode to treat the surgical field of the patient P.

While using the specified therapeutic treatment device driven in the specified operating mode, the selection image32brepresenting the specified therapeutic treatment device and its operating mode is displayed on the screen of the display32. This allows the operator OP to visually recognize the operator's selected therapeutic treatment device and the operator's selected operating mode, making it possible to check the selected device and the selected operating mode at any time during the turning-on of the output switch37a.

In the first embodiment, the operator OP can produce a speech indicative of the identifier of the specified device, for example, the identifier of the ultrasonic therapeutic treatment device34and its operating mode of, for example, 70% output. The produced speech indicative of the selection information is processed by the microphone31gand the speech input block31dset forth above so as to be transmitted to the switch control block31band the display control block31a, respectively.

This results in that the selection image32brepresenting the specified therapeutic treatment device and its specified operating mode by the speech input is displayed on the screen of the display32. As a result, the turning-on operation and keeping operation of the output switch37aallow the specified therapeutic treatment device, such as ultrasonic therapeutic treatment device34, to be driven in the specified operating mode, such as 70% output.

After the treatment with respect to the surgical field of the patient P under the operations of the ultrasonic therapeutic treatment device34is completed, the operator OP operates to turn the on-state output switch37aoff. This turning-off operation of the output switch37acauses the switch control block31bto transmit the turning-off instruction information to the specified ultrasonic therapeutic treatment device34, making it possible to turn the operation of the ultrasonic therapeutic treatment device34off.

As described above, the medical system30according to the first embodiment allows the operator OP to easily and rapidly specify, with the use of the foot switch37and/or the microphone31g, one of the therapeutic treatment devices and its operating mode. The specified therapeutic treatment device and its operating mode match the state of the patient's surgical field while visually investigating the endoscope image32aof the surgical field. Furthermore, the medical system30according to the first embodiment allows the operator OP to easily and rapidly give the operational instruction information (turning-on or turning-off instruction information), with the use of the foot switch37and/or the microphone31g, to the specified therapeutic treatment device.

(2) Detection of the position of the foot switch37

As described in the overall operations of the (1) “Selection of one of the therapeutic treatment devices”, when determining one of the therapeutic treatment devices and its operating mode that match the surgical field of the patient P, the operator OP tries to operate the foot switch37to specify the determined therapeutic treatment device and its operating mode. In particular, the operator OP tries to push the operator's foot down on the selection switch37c.

In this situation, when the operator OP does not find the foot switch37, the operator OP produces a speech indicative of a keyword, such as “foot switch” for providing an operational instruction to the control unit31U through the microphone31g. The aim of the operational instruction is to cause the control unit31U to detect the position of the foot switch37.

The produced keyword “foot switch” is inputted to the microphone31gto be converted into a speech signal. The speech signal is amplified by the microphone31gto be supplied to the speech input block31d.

The speech input block31dreceives the supplied speech signal to perform speech recognition based on the speech signal, thereby recognizing the keyword of “foot switch”. The speech input block31dprovides the speech recognition information indicative of the keyword of “foot switch” to the switch control block31b.

The switch control block31boperates in a foot switch's position searching mode in response to receiving the speech recognition information indicative of “foot switch”. In the foot switch's position searching mode, the switch control block31bis adapted to control the operation of the relative position detector37dthrough the switch input block31c, thereby causing the relative position detector37dto receive the position signals transmitted from the position signal transmitter38. In the foot switch's position searching mode, the switch control block31bis also adapted to detect the relative positional relationship between the position signal transmitter38and the relative position detector37dbased on the received position signals.

The operations of the control unit31U in the foot switch's position searching mode will be described with reference toFIG. 4. The flowchart shown inFIG. 4represents processes of the functional blocks31ato31eof the control unit31U in accordance with the program codes installed in the control unit31U.

That is, when the operator OP produces the speech indicative of the keyword of “foot switch” for searching the position of the foot switch37, the produced speech of “foot switch” is converted by the microphone31ginto the speech signal so as to be amplified thereby. The amplified speech signal is supplied to the control unit31U.

The speech input block31dof the control unit31U receives the supplied speech signal in step S1ofFIG. 4to perform speech recognition based on the speech signal, thereby recognizing the keyword of “foot switch” in step S2.

In step S3, the switch control block31bof the control unit31U controls the operations of all of the receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8of the relative position detector37dthrough the speech input block31cin response to receiving the speech-recognized keyword of “foot switch”. The control process causes the receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8to receive the position signals transmitted from the position signal transmitter38, respectively.

Subsequently, the switch control block31bdetermines whether the position signals are transmitted from more than a predetermined number of receiving antennas out of the receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8. In other words, the switch control block31bdetermines whether the block31bcan obtain the relative position information between the position signal transmitter38and the relative position detector37din step S4.

When the position signals are transmitted from more than the predetermined number of receiving antennas out of the receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8, the determination in step S4is YES, so that the switch control block31bfetches the position signals transmitted from the receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8through the switch input block31cin step S5. The switch control block31bdetermines the relative position information between the position signal transmitter38and the relative position detector37dbased on the fetched position signals in step S6.

An example of the determination processes of the switch control block31bin step S6will be explained with reference toFIG. 5.

The switch control block31breceives the position signals transmitted from, for example, all of the receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8through the switch input block31cin step S6a1ofFIG. 5. The switch control block31bcompares the intensities of the position signals corresponding to the receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8with one another to specify one of the receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8, which receives the position signal having the highest intensity in other receiving antennas in step S6a2.

The switch control block31bdetermines a relative direction of the center O of the relative position detector37dwith respect to the specified receiving antenna to obtain a relative direction of the foot switch37with respect to the position signal transmitter38(the operator OP) based on the determined relative direction of the center O of the relative position detector37das the relative position information in step S6a3.

For example, supposing that the receiving antenna receiving the position signal having the highest intensity is the receiving antenna37d-4, the switch control block31brecognizes that the relative direction of the foot switch37with respect to the position signal transmitter38(operator OP) is a diagonally lower left direction.

The switch control block31bsupplies the obtained relative direction as the relative position information to the display control block31aand the speech output block31e, respectively, in step S7.

The display control block31aconverts the supplied relative position as the relative position information into a visual configuration that the operator OP can visually recognize, such as an arrow marker or character data indicative of the relative direction. The display control block31asuperimposes the converted visual configuration of the relative direction on the selection image32bto display them together on the screen, or displays the converted visual configuration of the relative direction on the screen so as to be close to the selection image32bdisplayed thereon in step S8.

For example, it is supposed that the relative direction between the position signal transmitter38and the relative position detector37dof the foot switch37represents that “the foot switch37is in the diagonally upper right direction from the position signal transmitter38(the operator OP)”. In this supposition, the processes of the display control block31aprovide that a transparent arrow marker M1indicative of the relative direction (the diagonally upper right direction) is superimposed on the selection image32bdisplayed on the screen (seeFIG. 6A).

Similarly, it is supposed that the relative direction between the position signal transmitter38and the relative position detector37dof the foot switch37represents that “the foot switch37is in the diagonally upper right direction from the position signal transmitter38(the operator OP)”. In this supposition, the processes of the display control block31aprovide that a number of, for example, eight inward arrow markers M11to M18, which are lightable, respectively, are displayed on the screen around the selection image32bat substantially constant intervals. The processes of the display control block31aallow one of the arrow markers M11to M18, which corresponds to the “diagonally upper right”, such as the arrow marker M11, to be turned on (seeFIG. 6B). InFIG. 6B, the lighted marker M11is illustrated to be blacked out.

Furthermore, assuming that the relative direction between the position signal transmitter38and the relative position detector37drepresents that “the foot switch37is in the left direction from the position signal transmitter38(the operator OP)”, the processes of the display control block31aallow one of the arrow markers M11to M18, which corresponds to the “left direction”, such as the arrow marker M14, to be turned on (seeFIG. 6B). InFIG. 6B, the lighted marker M14is illustrated by broken lines.

The control of the visual configuration of one arrow marker that represents the relative position information between the position signal transmitter38and the relative position detector37dis not limited to the control of lighting of the one arrow marker. That is, controlling the visual configuration of one arrow marker that represents the relative position information between the position signal transmitter38and the relative position detector37dto allow the one arrow marker to be visually identified in all of the arrow markers.

Concurrently with the processes in step S8, the speech output block31econverts the relative direction as the relative position information supplied from the switch control block31binto speech information recognizable by the operator OP, thereby outputting the converted speech information through the speaker31fin step S9.

For instance, it is assumed that the relative direction of the foot switch37(the relative position detector37d) with respect to the position signal transmitter38indicates that “the foot switch37is in the diagonally upper right direction from the position signal transmitter38(the operator OP)”. In this assumption, the processes of the speech output block31eallow a speech indicative of the relative direction of the foot switch37, such as “the foot switch is located in the diagonally upper right direction”, to be outputted from the speaker31f.

On the other hand, when no position signals are transmitted from the receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8or the position signals are transmitted from not more than the predetermined number of receiving antennas out of the receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8, the determination in step S4is NO. The switch control block31bgenerates undetectable information of relative positional relationship representing that the relative positional relationship between the position signal transmitter38and the relative position detector37d(foot switch37) is undetectable based on the position signals. The switch control block31bsupplies the generated undetectable information to the display control block31aand the speech output block31e, respectively, in step S10.

The display control block31aconverts the contents of the supplied undetectable information from the switch control block31binto a visual configuration that the operator OP can visually recognize, such as an arrow marker or character data indicative of the undetectable information. The display control block31asuperimposes the converted visual configuration of the undetectable information on the selection image32bto display them together on the screen, or displays the converted visual configuration of the undetectable information on the screen so as to be close to the selection image32bdisplayed thereon in step S11.

For example, as shown inFIG. 7, the processes of the display control block31aallow all of the arrow markers M11to M18displayed on the screen around the selection image32bat substantially constant intervals to blink, respectively. The control of the visual configuration of at least one arrow marker that represents the undetectable information of relative positional relationship between the position signal transmitter38and the relative position detector37dis not limited to the blink of all of the arrow markers.

That is, controlling the visual configuration of at least one arrow marker that represents the undetectable information of relative positional relationship between the position signal transmitter38and the relative position detector37dallows the operator OP to recognize that the relative positional relationship between the position signal transmitter38and the relative position detector37d(foot switch37) is undetectable based on the position signals.

In parallel with the processes in step S11, the speech output block31econverts the undetectable information supplied from the switch control block31binto speech information recognizable by the operator OP, thereby outputting the converted speech information through the speaker31fin step S12.

For instance, the processes of the speech output block31eallow a speech indicative of the undetectable information of the foot switch37, such as “the foot switch is not detected”, to be outputted from the speaker31f.

The processes of the switch control block31bin step S6shown inFIG. 5determine the relative direction as the relative position information. In the first embodiment, in addition to the relative direction, detection of a relative distance between the relative position detector37d(foot switch37) and the position signal transmitter38(operator OP) becomes possible.

That is, the switch control block31bexecutes the processes in step S6a1and S6a2shown inFIG. 5, respectively, to identify one receiving antenna corresponding to the position signal having the highest intensity.

Next, the switch control block31bcompares the intensity of the receiving signal received by the identified receiving antenna with the reference value indicative of the reference intensity that has the predetermined relationship with respect to the corresponding given distance. The switch block31bestimates the relative distance of the foot switch37(the relative position detector37d) with respect to the position signal transmitter38based on the comparison result in step S6b1ofFIG. 8.

The switch control block31bdetermines whether the estimated relative distance is within a predetermined distance, such as 1 m centered with respect to the operator OP in step S6b2.

When the estimated relative distance is within the predetermined distance, the determination in step S6b2is YES, so that the switch control block31bdetermines a relative direction of the center O of the relative position detector37dwith respect to the specified receiving antenna. The switch control block31bobtains a relative direction of the foot switch37with respect to the position signal transmitter38(the operator OP) based on the determined relative direction of the center O of the relative position detector37d. The switch control block31bdetermines the relative position information representing that the relative distance is within the predetermined distance in the obtained relative direction in step S6b3.

On the other hand, when the estimated relative distance exceeds the predetermined distance, the determination in step S6b2is NO, so that the switch control block31bdetermines a relative direction of the center O of the relative position detector37dwith respect to the specified receiving antenna. The switch control block31bdetermines a relative direction of the foot switch37with respect to the position signal transmitter38(the operator OP) based on the determined relative direction of the center O of the relative position detector37d. The switch control block31bdetermines the relative position information representing that the relative distance exceeds the predetermined distance in the obtained relative direction in step S6b4. The switch control block31bsupplies the obtained relative position information to the display control block31aand the speech output block31e, respectively (see step S7ofFIG. 4).

The display control block31aconverts the supplied relative position information into a visual configuration visually recognizable by the operator OP, such as an arrow marker or character data. The display control block31asuperimposes the converted visual configuration of the relative position information on the selection image32bto display them together on the screen, or displays the converted visual configuration on the screen so as to be close to the selection image32bdisplayed thereon (see step S8ofFIG. 4).

For example, it is supposed that the relative position information between the position signal transmitter38and the relative position detector37dof the foot switch37represents that “the foot switch37is in the diagonally upper right direction from the position signal transmitter38(the operator OP) and within the predetermined distance”. In this supposition, the display control block31adisplays the transparent arrow marker M1indicative of the relative direction (the diagonally upper right direction) on the selection image32b(seeFIG. 6A) or close to the selection image32b(seeFIG. 6B) so that the size of the arrow marker M1becomes a predetermined first size representing that the relative distance is within the predetermined distance. For example, when the relative distance between the foot switch37and the position signal transmitter38is within the predetermined distance, the arrow marker is displayed so that its lateral width gets to be thick and its longitudinal length gets to be short.

The speech output block31econverts the relative position information supplied from the switch control block31binto speech information recognizable by the operator OP, thereby outputting the converted speech information through the speaker31f(see step S9ofFIG. 4).

For example, it is supposed that the relative position information of the foot switch37(the relative position detector37d) with respect to the position signal transmitter38indicates that “the foot switch37is in the diagonally upper right direction from the position signal transmitter38(the operator OP), and the relative distance is within the predetermined distance”. In this supposition, the processes of the speech output block31eallow a speech indicative of the relative position information of the foot switch37, such as “the foot switch is located in the diagonally upper right direction and close to the operator”, to be outputted from the speaker31f.

In contrast, it is supposed that the relative position information between the foot switch37(the relative position detector37d) and the position signal transmitter38indicates that “the foot switch37is in the diagonally upper right direction from the position signal transmitter38(the operator OP), and the relative distance exceeds the predetermined distance”.

In this supposition, the display control block31adisplays the transparent arrow marker M1indicative of the relative direction (the diagonally upper right direction) on the selection image32b(seeFIG. 6A) or close to the selection image32b(seeFIG. 6B) so that the size of the arrow marker M1becomes a predetermined second size representing that the relative distance is out of the range of the predetermined distance around the operator OP. For example, when the relative distance between the foot switch37and the position signal transmitter38is out of the range of the predetermined distance around the operator OP, the arrow marker is displayed so that its lateral width gets to be thin and its longitudinal length gets to be long.

In addition, the speech output block31econverts the relative position information supplied from the switch control block31binto speech information recognizable by the operator OP, thereby outputting the speech information through the speaker (see step S9). For example, assuming that the relative position information of the foot switch37(the relative position detector37d) with respect to the position signal transmitter38indicates that “the foot switch37is in the diagonally upper right direction from the position signal transmitter38(the operator OP) and is out of the range of the predetermined distance”.

In this assumption, the processes of the speech output block31eallow a speech indicative of the relative position information of the foot switch37, such as “the foot switch is located in the diagonally upper right direction at a distance therefrom”, to be outputted from the speaker31f.

As a result, the operator OP recognizes the relative position information displayed on the screen of the display32and/or outputted as a speech from the speaker31f.

This feature allows, even if the operator OP does not find the position of the foot switch37, the operator OP to easily search and find the position of the foot switch37based on the recognized relative position information including at least one of the relative direction and the relative distance of the foot switch37.

Let us consider a medical system lacking the obtaining function of relative position information and the notification function of relative position information to the operator OP. In this case, when the operator OP does not find the position of the foot switch, the operator OP needs to turn the operator's eyes from the surgical field to the floor of the examining room and/or to blindly move the operator's foot circumferentially to search for the foot switch.

However, the medical system30of the first embodiment allows the operator OP to recognize the relative position information while visually investigating the surgical field through the endoscope image32adisplayed on the screen of the display32. This feature permits the operator OP to move the operator's foot according to the relative position information without turning the operator's eyes from the surgical field and diverting the operator's interest therefrom, making it possible to smoothly detect the foot switch37.

This results in expediting the selection of one of the therapeutic treatment devices and the treatment of using the selected therapeutic treatment device, thereby improving treatment efficiencies in the medical system30of the first embodiment.

Next, let us consider a case where, after the treatment of using the selected therapeutic treatment device, when using another one of the therapeutic treatment devices to treat a surgical field at intervals, the operator OP forgets the previously used therapeutic treatment device so as not to recognize which device and which operating mode are selected.

In this case, however, the medical system30of the first embodiment permits the operator OP to visually recognize the selection image32bdisplayed on the screen of the display32to recognize which device and which operating mode are selected at any given time.

Incidentally, in the first embodiment, the relative direction between the foot switch37and the position signal transmitter38(operator OP) or both the relative direction and the relative distance therebetween are obtained as the relative position information, and the obtained relative position information is notified to the operator OP. In the first embodiment, however, the only relative direction may be notified to the operator OP.

In the first embodiment, the position signal transmitter38is operative to continuously or periodically transmit the position signals, but the present invention is not limited to the structure.

For example, the receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8of the relative position detector37dcan be configured to receiving and transmitting antennas37d-1ato37d-8a. Each of the receiving and transmitting antennas37d-1ato37d-8ahas a directional transmitting pattern corresponding to each of the directional receiving patterns P-1to P-8. The receiving and transmitting antennas37d-1ato37d-8aare operative to transmit drive signals based on the directional transmitting patterns, respectively.

In this modification, the switch control block31bcontrols the receiving and transmitting antennas37d-1ato37d-8athrough the switch input block31c, thereby causing all of the receiving and transmitting antennas37d-1ato37d-8ato transmit the drive signals, respectively.

For example, when the position signal transmitter38is located in the directional pattern P1, the position signal transmitter38receives the transmitted drive signal transmitted from the receiving and transmitting antenna37d-1ato transmit the position signals.

As a result, the receiving and transmitting antennas37d-1ato37d-8areceive the position signal transmitted from the position signal transmitter38so that the determination process of the switch control block31bin step S4is YES, making it possible for the switch control block31bto shift to the processes after the processes in step S4.

In this modification, a time interval from the transmitting timing of the drive signal from at least one of the transmitting and receiving antennas37d-1ato37d-8ato the receiving timing of the position signal allows the relative distance between the position signal transmitter38and at least one of the transmitting and receiving antennas37d-1aand37d-8ato be determined.

Moreover, in the first embodiment, the switch control block31bof the control unit31U executes the processes of obtaining the relative position information, but the present invention is not limited to the structure. That is, a processing unit having functions that are substantially identical with those of the switch control block31bmay be installed in the foot switch37, and the processing unit may execute the processes of obtaining the relative position information between the foot switch37and the operator OP.

As another modification of the first embodiment, the position signal transmitter38may be installed in the foot switch37, and the relative position detector37dmay be separated from the foot switch37to be fitted to the operator OP. In another modification, the position signal transmitter38attached to the foot switch37may be operative to transmit the position signals based on the drive signals transmitted from the switch input block31c.

In the first embodiment, the relative position detector37dand the foot switch37may be integrated with each other, but the present invention is not limited to the structure.

For example, in a medical system30A shown inFIG. 9, a relative position detector37dais provided independently from a foot switch37-1. Preferably, the relative position detector37damay be detachable from the foot switch37-1.

The foot switch37-1has a position signal transmitter37ehaving position signal transmitting functions that are substantially identical with those of the position signal transmitter38.

That is, each of the receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8of the relative position detector37daaccording to this modification receives position signals transmitted from each of the position signal transmitter37eand the position signal transmitter38fitted to the operator OP. Each of the receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8supplies the received position signals to the switch input block31c.

The switch control block31baccording to the modification, as explained in steps S6or the like, determines the relative position information of the foot switch37-1with respect to the position signal transmitter37ebased on the position signals transmitted from the foot switch37-1. The switch control block31balso determines the relative position information of the position signal transmitter38(the operator OP) with respect to the relative position detector37da.

As a result, in this modification, the switch control block31bdetermines the relative position information between the foot switch37-1and the operator OP according to the relative position information between the foot switch37-1and the relative position detector37daand that between the operator OP and the relative position detector37da. This feature makes it possible to provide effects that are substantially the same as those in the medical system30shown inFIG. 2.

In the first embodiment, one relative position detector37dis attached to the foot switch37, but the present invention is not limited to the structure.

For example, in a medical system30B shown inFIG. 10, a plurality of, for example, two relative position detectors37d1and37d2are attached at predetermined different positions of a foot switch37-2, respectively.

In this modification, the position signals transmitted from the position signal transmitter38are received to the relative position detectors37d1and37d2, respectively. The position signals are supplied from the relative position detectors37d1and37d2to the switch control block31bthrough the switch input block31c, respectively.

That is, the switch control block31b according to this modification determines the relative position information between the foot switch37-2and the position signal transmitter38by triangulation based on the position signals supplied from the relative position detectors37d1and37d2. This causes the accuracy of the determined relative position information to be further improved in addition to the effects provided by the medical system30shown inFIG. 2.

In the first embodiment, the relative position detector37dhaving the structure shown inFIGS. 3A to 3Cis used as a device for determining information indicative of a relative positional relationship between the foot switch37and the operator OP, but the present invention is not limited to the structure. Various types of devices each operative to determine information indicative of a relative positional relationship between the foot switch37and the operator OP may be applied in place of the relative position detector37d.

For example, a relative position detector37dbattached to a foot switch37-3shown inFIGS. 11A to 11Cis provided with a metal receiving antenna37db-10having a substantially fan-like shape in its cross section parallel to the radial direction. The receiving antenna37db-10has a receiving directivity in a predetermined direction parallel to, for example, a horizontal surface, such as the floor surface of the examining room.

The fan-like shaped receiving antenna37db-10has one circular-arc end surface37db-10aand the other root end portion. The relative position detector37dbis also provided with a metal supporting pole SP supporting at its one end the root end portion of the receiving antenna37db-10, and a rotating mechanism37db-11supporting the other end of the supporting rod SP. The rotating mechanism37db-11causes the supporting pole SP to rotate so that the receiving directivity of the receiving antenna37db-10rotates along the horizontal surface within the range of, for example, 360 degrees.

The receiving antenna37db-10has a receiving unit operative to receive the position signals each with the predetermined frequency transmitted from the position signal transmitter38. The receiving antenna37db-10also has an amplifier operative to amplify the position signals received by the receiving unit, and an output unit operative to output the amplified position signals.

The receiving antenna37db-10has a three-dimensional directional receiving pattern P-10along the horizontal direction and vertical direction. The directional receiving pattern P-10has a high sensitivity to some of the position signals transmitted from an area radially extending from the circular-arc end surface37db-10aof the receiving antenna37db-10.

The directional receiving pattern P-10rotating 360 degrees allows the receiving antenna37db-10to receive the position signals around the foot switch37-3.

The rotating mechanism37db-11is provided with a comparing unit CP1operative to hold the position signals outputted from the output unit so as to link the held position signals to corresponding rotation angles (rotation directions) of the receiving antenna37db-10from a predetermined reference position, respectively. The comparing unit CP1is also operative to compare the intensities of the held position signals with one another. The comparing unit CP-1is communicable with the control unit31U of the medical system controller31by wire cables or radio.

That is, in this modification, the rotating mechanism37db-11controls the supporting pole PS based on the drive signal transmitted from the switch input block31cof the control unit31U so as to rotate the supporting pole SP. The rotation of the supporting pole SP allows the receiving antenna37db-10to rotate together with the supporting pole SP.

The position signals transmitted from the position signal transmitter38are received by the rotating receiving antenna37db-10for each rotation angle. The position signals received by the receiving antenna37db-10are supplied to the comparing unit CP-11.

The intensities of the position signals corresponding to the individual rotation angles of the receiving antenna37db-10, respectively, are compared with one another. The result of comparison identifies one of the rotation angles at which the position signal having the highest intensity in all of the rotation angles is received by the receiving antenna37db-10. The identified rotation angle corresponding to a direction with respect to the supporting pole SP provides a relative direction of the position signal transmitter38, in other words, a relative direction of the operator OP, with respect to the relative position detector37db.

In particular, as shown inFIG. 11C, it is supposed that, when the receiving antenna37db-10is rotated from the reference position at an angle of α1, the position signal transmitter38is located in the directional receiving pattern P-10of the receiving antenna37db-10(see a reference numeral of38-1assigned to the position signal transmitter38inFIG. 11C).

In this supposition, the position signals transmitted from the position signal transmitter38-1are received by the rotating receiving antenna37db-10for each rotation angle.

The intensities of the position signals corresponding to the individual rotation angles of the receiving antenna37db-10, respectively, are compared with one another. The result of comparison identifies the rotating angle of α1 at which the position signal having the highest intensity in all of the rotation angles is received by the receiving antenna37db-10. The comparing unit CP1recognizes that the position signal transmitter38-1is located in a lower left direction inFIG. 11Ccorresponding to the identified rotation angle of α1 with respect to the supporting pole SP. In other words, the comparing unit CP1recognizes that the foot switch37-3is located in an upper right direction inFIG. 11Ccorresponding to the opposite direction of the lower left direction determined by the identified rotation angle of α1 with respect to the supporting pole SP.

As another example, assuming that, when the receiving antenna37db-10is rotated from the reference position at an angle of α2 so that the position signal transmitter38fitted to the operator OP is located in the directional receiving pattern P-10of the receiving antenna37db-10(see a reference numeral of38-2assigned to the position signal transmitter38inFIG. 11C), the direction of the position signal transmitter38-2can be recognized in the same way as the position signal transmitter38-1.

That is, the comparing unit CP1recognizes that the position signal transmitter38-2is located in a lower right direction inFIG. 11Ccorresponding to the identified rotation angle of α2 with respect to the supporting pole SP. In other words, the comparing unit CP1recognizes that the foot switch37-3is located in an upper left direction inFIG. 11Ccorresponding to the opposite direction of the lower right direction determined by the identified rotation angle of α2 with respect to the supporting pole SP.

Furthermore, the comparing unit CP1compares the intensity of the receiving signal received by the receiving antenna37db-10at the identified rotation angle with the reference value indicative of the reference intensity that has the predetermined relationship with respect to the corresponding given distance. The comparing unit CP1estimates the relative distance of the foot switch37-3(the relative position detector37db) with respect to the position signal transmitter38based on the comparison result.

In this modification, the comparing unit CP1executes the processes of obtaining the relative position information, such as the relative direction and/or the relative distance, but the present invention is not limited to the structure. That is, the switch control block31bof the control unit31U may execute the processes of obtaining the relative position information between the foot switch37and the operator OP.

In the first embodiment, when using the position signal transmitter capable of transmitting optical position signals as the position signals, such as infrared rays, a relative position detector capable of detecting the optical position signals to convert them into electric signals is needed.

As an example of such a relative position detector, a relative position detector37dcattached to a foot switch37-4shown inFIGS. 12A to 12Bis provided with a light detecting element37dc-12having a substantially fan-like shape in its cross section parallel to the radial direction. The light detecting element37dc-12has a receiving directivity in a predetermined direction parallel to, for example, a horizontal surface, such as the floor surface of the examining room.

The fan-like shaped light detecting element37dc-12has one circular-arc end surface37db-12aand the other root end portion. The relative position detector37dcis also provided with a supporting pole SP1supporting at its one end the root end portion of the light detecting element37dc-12, and a rotating mechanism37dc-11supporting the other end of the supporting rod SP1. The rotating mechanism37dc-11causes the supporting pole SP1to rotate so that the receiving directivity of the receiving antenna37dc-12rotates along the horizontal surface within the range of, for example, 360 degrees.

The light detecting element37dc-12has a receiving unit operative to receive the optical position signals transmitted from a position signal transmitter38acapable of transmitting the optical position signals as the position signals. The light detecting element37dc-12also has an amplifier operative to amplify the optical position signals received by the receiving unit, and an output unit operative to convert the amplified optical position signals into electric position signals to output them. Incidentally, the amplification may be executed after the conversion of the optical position signals into the electric position signals.

The light detecting element37dc-12has a three-dimensional directional receiving pattern P-12along the horizontal direction and vertical direction. The directional receiving pattern P-12has a high sensitivity to some of the optical position signals transmitted from an area radially extending from the circular-arc end surface37dc-12aof the light detecting element37dc-12.

The directional receiving pattern P-12rotating 360 degrees allows the light detecting element37dc-12to receive the optical position signals around the foot switch37-4.

The rotating mechanism37dc-11is provided with a comparing unit CP2operative to hold the optical position signals outputted from the output unit so as to link the held optical position signals to corresponding rotation angles (rotation directions) of the light detecting element37dc-12from a predetermined reference position, respectively. The comparing unit CP2is also operative to compare the intensities of the held optical position signals with one another. The comparing unit CP-12is communicable with the control unit31U of the medical system controller31by wire cables or radio.

In this modification, the rotating mechanism37dc-12controls the supporting pole PS1based on the drive signal transmitted from the switch input block31cof the control unit31U so as to rotate the supporting pole SP1. The rotation of the supporting pole SP1allows the light detecting element37dc-12to rotate together with the supporting pole SP1.

The optical position signals transmitted from the position signal transmitter38aare received by the rotating light detecting element37dc-12for each rotation angle. The optical position signals received by the light detecting element37dc-12are supplied to the comparing unit CP-12.

The intensities of the optical position signals corresponding to the individual rotation angles of the light detecting element37dc-12, respectively, are compared with one another. The result of comparison identifies one of the rotation angles at which the optical position signal having the highest intensity in all of the rotation angles is received by the light detecting element37dc-12. The identified rotation angle corresponding to a direction with respect to the supporting pole SP1provides a relative direction of the position signal transmitter38a, in other words, a relative direction of the operator OP, with respect to the relative position detector37dc.

Particularly, as shown inFIG. 12C, it is supposed that, when the receiving antenna37dc-12is rotated from the reference position at an angle of α1a, the position signal transmitter38ais located in the directional receiving pattern P-12of the light detecting element37dc-12(see a reference numeral of38a-1assigned to the position signal transmitter38ainFIG. 12C).

In this supposition, the position signals transmitted from the position signal transmitter38a-1are received by the rotating light detecting element37dc-12for each rotation angle.

The intensities of the optical position signals corresponding to the individual rotation angles of the light detecting element37dc-12, respectively, are compared with one another. The result of comparison identifies the rotating angle of α1a at which the optical position signal having the highest intensity in all of the rotation angles is received by the light detecting element37dc-12. The comparing unit CP2recognizes that the position signal transmitter38a-1is located in a lower left direction inFIG. 12Ccorresponding to the identified rotation angle of α1a with respect to the supporting pole SP1. In other words, the comparing unit CP2recognizes that the foot switch37-4is located in an upper right direction inFIG. 12Ccorresponding to the opposite direction of the lower left direction determined by the identified rotation angle of α1a with respect to the supporting pole SP1.

As another example, assuming that, when the light detecting element37dc-12is rotated from the reference position at an angle of α2a so that the position signal transmitter38afitted to the operator OP is located in the directional receiving pattern P-12of the light detecting element37dc-12(see a reference numeral of38a-2assigned to the position signal transmitter38ainFIG. 12C), the direction of the position signal transmitter38a-2can be recognized in the same way as the position signal transmitter38a-1.

That is, the comparing unit CP2recognizes that the position signal transmitter38a-2is located in a lower right direction inFIG. 12Ccorresponding to the identified rotation angle of α2a with respect to the supporting pole SP1. In other words, the comparing unit CP2recognizes that the foot switch37-4is located in an upper left direction inFIG. 12Ccorresponding to the opposite direction of the lower right direction determined by the identified rotation angle of α2a with respect to the supporting pole SP1.

Furthermore, the comparing unit CP2compares the intensity of the optical receiving signal received by the light detecting element37dc-12at the identified rotation angle with the reference value indicative of the reference intensity that has the predetermined relationship with respect to the corresponding given distance. The comparing unit CP2estimates the relative distance of the foot switch37-4(the relative position detector37dc) with respect to the position signal transmitter38abased on the comparison result.

In particular, an optical position signal has a characteristic that the directional range of the intensity of the optical position signal transmitted from the position signal transmitter38ais easily adjustable to be wide as compared with radio signals. This characteristic allows the comparing unit CP2to determine the relative positional relationship between the foot switch37-4and the operator OP with further accuracy.

In a case of using such a position signal transmitter capable of transmitting optical position signals as the position signals, the eight pieces of receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8may be replaced with eight pieces of light detecting elements that are arranged like the receiving antennas37d-1to37d-8shown inFIG. 8. In this modification, comparing the intensities of the optical position signals detected by the eight pieces of light detecting elements with one another permits the relative positional relationship between the foot switch37-4and the position signal transmitter38ato be easily determined.

In the first embodiment, the relative positional relationship between the position signal transmitter and the relative position detector is determined based on the position signals received by the relative position detector, but the present invention is not limited to the structure.

For example, a transmitter attached to the foot switch may be configured to transmit scan signals in a plurality of directions along the horizontal surface on which the operator OP is movable, such as ultrasonic signals. The transmitter may be also configured to receive echo signals reflected from the operator OP and corresponding to the scan signals. A receiver attached to the foot switch may be configured to determine the relative position information between the operator OP and the foot switch in the same ways as the first embodiment.

The medical system according to the first embodiment uses the electronic endoscopic device33as one piece of diagnostic monitoring equipment, but the medical system may use another one piece of diagnostic monitoring equipment, such as ultrasonic diagnostic system in place of the electronic endoscopic device33or in conjunction with the electronic endoscopic device33.

In the first embodiment, a direction in which the position signal with the highest intensity in all of the position signals is received is determined as a relative direction of the operator OP with respect to the foot switch, but the present invention is not limited to the structure. For example, all of the received position signals may be weighted based on differences among the intensities of the received position signals, making it possible to estimate the relative positional relationship of the operator OP with respect to the foot switch based on the weighted intensities of the position signals.

In the first embodiment, the control unit31U (the switch control block31b) executes the processes shown inFIG. 4in the foot switch's position searching mode in response to receiving the speech recognition information that is based on the keyword “foot switch” produced by the operator OP and that is supplied through the microphone. The present invention, however, is not limited to the structure.

For example, the control unit31U may execute the processes shown inFIG. 4in the foot switch's position searching mode in response to another signal as a trigger, or may periodically or randomly execute the processes shown inFIG. 4in the foot switch's position searching mode. In these examples, the functional blocks31dand31emay be omitted.

In the first embodiment, the control unit31U is composed of a computer circuit including, for example, at least one microcomputer, but may be composed of a plurality of hard-wired circuits that are capable of realizing all of the functions of the functional blocks31ato31e.

In addition, the position signal transmitter38may be operative to continuously or periodically transmit, as the position signals, directional signals each having a predetermined directivity in a predetermined direction along the horizontal surface. In this structure, the relative position detector has not necessarily individual receiving directivities with respect to the position signals transmitted from the position signal transmitter38, respectively. Because the position signals each has the predetermined directivity, when the relative position detector receives the position signal, the direction of the position signal transmitted to the relative position detector can be determined as the relative direction of the transmitter38.

Second Embodiment

Such therapeutic treatment devices explained in the first embodiment have been produced by different manufacturers. For giving operational instructions to each therapeutic treatment device produced by each different manufacturer, each foot switch corresponding to each therapeutic treatment device has also been produced by each different manufacturer.

This may cause the therapeutic treatment devices and the foot switches corresponding thereto, which are produced by the different manufacturers, respectively, to connect to a medical system controller.

The foot switches produced by the different manufacturers do not necessarily have the same specification so that the different manufacturers independently determine specifications of operational instruction signals outputted from their foot switches, respectively.

For using the different foot switches having different specifications, respectively, to construct a medical system, it is necessary, from the different manufacturers, to receive at least the specifications of the operational instruction signals supplied from the different foot switches to the medical system controller.

Checking of whether the received specifications of the operational instruction signals are fitted in combination with the medical system controller are required, and/or setting of the medical system controller to comply with the received specifications of the operational instruction signals are needed.

However, there are many therapeutic treatment devices and many foot switches produced by many different manufacturers in markets so that it is difficult to acquire all specifications of many foot switches produced by many different manufacturers. In addition, it is impractical to design and provide a medical system controller that is fitted to all specifications of many foot switches produced by many different manufacturers.

The second embodiment of the present invention is made to provide a medical system controller allowing the use of a plurality of foot switches having different specifications, respectively, in combination.

The medical system controller according to the second embodiment will described hereinafter with reference toFIGS. 13 to 15.

FIG. 13is a block diagram illustrating a schematic structure of a medical system40including a medical system controller according to a second embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 14Ais a partially cross sectional view illustrating a schematic structure of a foot-switch on-off mechanism shown inFIG. 13. The foot-switch on-off mechanism is referred to simply as “on-off mechanism.FIG. 14Bis a partially enlarged view of the on-off mechanism shown inFIG. 14A, andFIG. 14Cis a view for explaining operations of the on-off mechanism shown inFIG. 14A.

The medical system40using the medical system controller, as shown inFIG. 13, is provided with an ultrasonic therapeutic device42and an electric scalpel device43as pieces of therapeutic treatment equipment.

The medical system40is provided with a first foot switch44communicable with the ultrasonic therapeutic device42and operative to give operational instructions to the ultrasonic therapeutic device42, such as turning-on and turning-off instructions. The medical system40is provided with a second foot switch45communicable with the electric scalpel device43and operative to give operational instructions to the electric scalpel device43, such as turning-on and turning-off instructions.

The ultrasonic therapeutic device42and the electric scalpel device43are produced by, for example, different manufacturers, respectively. Specifications of parts of the ultrasonic therapeutic device42that are related to the first foot switch44and those of parts of electric scalpel device43that are related to the second foot switch43are different from each other. The first and second foot switches44and45are designed to be produced based on different specifications, respectively.

The medical system controller41is communicable with one of the devices42and43, such as the ultrasonic therapeutic device42by wire cables or radio. The medical system40is provided with the on-off mechanism46communicable with the controller41by wire cables or radio and mechanically coupled to an on-off switch portion of the second foot switch45. The on-off mechanism46causes the on-off switch portion to be turned on and off.

The controller41is composed of a switch control unit41a, drivers41band41c. The switch control unit41ahas a switch selector41d,switches41eand41f.

The switch selector41dis electrically connected to the switches41eand41fand operative to control switching operations of the switches41eand41f, respectively, based on a switching control signal transmitted from the first foot switch44.

The switch41ehas an input terminal41e1to which the on/off operation signals with respect to the ultrasonic therapeutic device42are inputted from the first foot switch44. The switch41ehas an input terminal41e1has a first output terminal41e2electrically connected through the driver41bto the ultrasonic therapeutic device42, and a second output terminal41e3electrically connected to the on-off mechanism46.

The switch41fhas an input terminal41f1to which the on/off operation signals with respect to the ultrasonic therapeutic device42are inputted from the first foot switch44. The switch41falso has a first output terminal41f2electrically connected to the ultrasonic therapeutic device42and a second output terminal41f3electrically connected through the driver41cto the on-off mechanism46.

The first foot switch44, similarly to the first embodiment, has a selection switch44cand a twin-type output switch44a. The output of the selection switch44cis adapted to be supplied to the switch selector41dof the switch control unit41a. The output of the output switch44ais adapted to be supplied to the input terminals41e1and41f1of the switches41eand41f, respectively.

The second foot switch45serves as on-off control of the electric scalpel device43. The second foot switch45is adapted to be controlled by the on-off mechanism46under the control of the driver41bor the driver41c.

The schematic structure of the second foot switch45and the on-off mechanism46will be explained hereinafter (seeFIG. 14A).

The second foot switch45is provided with a base portion B substantially having a case shape and an inner follow portion, and one surface (in the second embodiment, bottom surface) and the other surface (in the second embodiment, top surface). The second foot switch45is provided with first and second on-off switch members45aand45bmounted through the top surface of the base portion B, respectively. The first and second switch members45aand45bare individually reciprocable with respect to the inner follow portion of the base portion B along a direction orthogonal to the bottom wall of the base portion B.

The second foot switch45has a first movable contact TC1movable toward the base portion B side together with the move of the first on-off switch member45atoward the base portion B side. The second foot switch45has a first fixed contact FC1electrically connected to a power supply unit PS, and a second fixed contact FC2electrically connected to the electric scalpel device43.

The second foot switch45is so configured that the move of the first movable contact TC1toward the base portion B side allows the first movable contact TC1to electrically contact to the first and second fixed contacts FC1and FC2, respectively. This results in that the first movable contact TC1and each of the first and second fixed contacts FC1and FC2are electrically conducted to each other.

These electric conduction between the first movable contact TC1and each of the first and second fixed contacts FC1and FC2allow the power supply unit PS and the electric scalpel device43to be electrically conducted to each other so that the electric scalpel device43is turned on.

Similarly, the second foot switch45has a second movable contact TC2movable toward the base portion B side together with the move of the second on-off switch member45btoward the base portion B side. The second foot switch45has a third fixed contact FC3electrically connected to the power supply unit PS, and a fourth fixed contact FC4electrically connected to the electric scalpel device43.

The second foot switch45is so configured that the move of the second movable contact TC2toward the base portion B side allows the second movable contact TC2to electrically contact to the third and fourth fixed contacts FC3and FC4, respectively. This results in that the second movable contact TC2and each of the third and fourth fixed contacts FC3and FC4are electrically conducted to each other.

These electric conduction between the second movable contact TC2and each of the third and fourth fixed contacts FC3and FC4allows the power supply unit PS and the electric scalpel device43to be electrically conducted to each other so that the electric scalpel device43is turned on.

Moreover, the second foot switch45is so configured that the move of the first movable contact TC1away from the base portion B side allows the first movable contact TC1to be separated from the first and second fixed contacts FC1and FC2, respectively. This results in that the first movable contact TC1and each of the first and second fixed contacts FC1and FC2are electrically separated from each other, whereby the power supply unit PS and the electric scalpel device43are electrically separated from each other so that the electric scalpel device43is turned off.

Similarly, the second foot switch45is so configured that the move of the second movable contact TC2away from the base portion B side allows the second movable contact TC2to be separated from the third and fourth fixed contacts FC3and FC4, respectively. This results in that the second movable contact TC2and each of the third and fourth fixed contacts FC3and FC4are electrically separated from each other, whereby the power supply unit PS and the electric scalpel device43are electrically separated from each other so that the electric scalpel device43is turned off.

The on-off mechanism46, as shown inFIGS. 14A to 14C, has a substantially tubular fixing frame46amade of hard material. The fixing frame46ahas one and the other opening end portions, and a rectangular tubular sidewall portion46a1. One of the opening end portions is formed with an inward flange. The fixing frame46ais attached to an outer periphery of the base portion B of the second foot switch45.

The on-off mechanism46is provided with a substantially tubular cover member46dhaving one opening end, the other closed end, and a tubular side wall portion46d1. The cover member46dis removably attached to the other opening end portion of the fixing frame46a, and the side wall portion46d1is fitted to the other opening end portion of the fixing frame46a. The opening end of the cover member46dis located inside the fixing frame46a.

The on-off mechanism46has first and second electromagnetic pistons46c1and46c2mounted on an inner surface of the other closed end so that the first and second electromagnetic pistons46c1and46c2are opposite to the first and second on-off switch members45aand45b, respectively. The first and second electromagnetic pistons46c1and46c2are mechanically coupled to the first and second on-off switch members45aand45b, respectively.

The first and second electromagnetic pistons46c1and46c2are electrically connected to the drivers4band41c, respectively, so that the first and second electromagnetic pistons46c1and46c2are reciprocable with respect to the base portion B based on the drive signals supplied from the drivers41band41c, respectively.

The on-off mechanism46, as shown inFIG. 14B, has a plurality of screw holes46f1,46f2, . . . penetrated through opposing areas of one of the side wall portion46a1of the fixing frame46aand the side wall portion46d1of the cover member46d, respectively. In the first embodiment, the screw holes46f1,46f2, . . . are formed at each area of the side wall portion46a1so that they are arranged along the reciprocation direction of each piston46c1,46c2. The on-off mechanism46has at least one screw hole46gpenetrated through each of opposing areas of the other of the side wall portion46a1of the fixing frame46aand the side wall portion46d1of the cover member46d, respectively. In the first embodiment, the fitting hole46gis formed at each area of the side wall portion46d1of the cover member46d. The screw hole46gis aligned with one of the screw holes46f1,46f2, . . . when the side wall portion46d1of the cover member46dis fitted to the other opening end portion of the fixing frame46a.

The on-off mechanism46has fitting screws46b. When the side wall portion46d1of the cover member46dis fitted to the other opening end portion of the fixing frame46a, each of the screw holes46gis aligned with one of the screw holes46f1,46f2, . . . . In this alignment, each of the fitting screws46bis screwed into each of the screw holes46gand one of the screw holes46f1,46f2, . . . , respectively, which allows the cover member46dto be fitted to the fixing frame46a.

That is, in this structure of the on-off mechanism46, selecting one of the screw holes46f1,46f2, . . . into which the fitting screw46bis screwed allows a positional relationship between each of the first and second pistons46c1and46c2and each of pressed surfaces45a1and45b1of the first and second on-off switches45aand45bto be adjusted.

Next, operations of the controller41and the on-off mechanism46will be described hereinafter.

The operator OP of the selection switch44cof the first foot switch44permits the electric connection to the output switch44aof the first foot switch44to be switched between the ultrasonic therapeutic device43and each of the driver41b,41c.

That is, when the operator OP operates the selection switch44cof the first foot switch44to select the electric scalpel device43, the switch control signal based on the selection is supplied to the switch selector41d.

The switch selector41dswitches the electric connection of the first input terminal41e1of the switch41eand the first input terminal41f1of the switch41ffrom the first output terminals41e2and41f2connected to the ultrasonic therapeutic device42to the second output terminals42e3and42f3connected to the driver41band41c, respectively. This switch operation of the switch selector41dallows the output switches44ato be electrically connected to the drivers41band41c, respectively.

Next, when the operator OP operates to turn the output switch44aconnected to the switch41eon so as to keep the on state of the output switch44a, the on operation input signal corresponding to the turning-on operation instruction is supplied through the switch41eto the driver41b.

The driver41bcauses the first electromagnetic piston46c1of the on-off mechanism46to be driven in response to the on operation input signal. This applies a pressing force with respect to the first on-off switch member45atoward the base portion B side. This applied pressing force makes the first movable contact TC1of the first on-off switch member45amove toward the base portion B side.

This provides the electric connection between the first movable contact TC1and each of the first and second fixed contacts FC1and FC2so that the first movable contact TC1and each of the first and second fixed contacts FC1and FC2are electrically conducted to each other. This results in that the power supply unit PS and the electric scalpel device43are electrically conducted to each other. The electric conduction between the power supply unit PS and the electric scalpel device43permits electric power to be supplied from the power supply unit PS to the electric scalpel device43, whereby he electric scalpel device43is turned on.

As a result, operating by the operator OP the first foot switch44without operating the second foot switch45corresponding to the electric scalpel device43allows the electric scalpel device43, which does not correspond to the first foot switch44, to be turned on. The operator uses the electric scalpel device43to treat the surgical field of the patient P.

On the other hand, when the treatment of the surgical field by the operator OP using the electric scalpel device43is completed, the operator OP operates to turn the continuously turn-on output switch44aoff. This results in that the supply of the drive signal from the driver41bto the first movable contact TC1is stopped so that the pressing force applied with respect to the first on-off switch member45ais released.

This makes the first movable contact TC1move away from the base portion B side. This movement of the first movable contact TC1separates the electric contact between the first movable contact TC1and each of the first and second fixed contact FC1and FC2so that the electric connection between the first and second fixed contacts FC1and FC2is broken. This causes the supply of the electric power from the power supply unit PS to the electric scalpel device43to be shut sown, allowing the electric scalpel device43to be turned off.

Incidentally, if the output switch44aconnected to the switch41fis operated so that the on operation input signal is supplied through the switch41fto the driver41c, the driver41cin place of the driver41bcan execute the same operations as the driver41b, so that the explanations of the operations are omitted.

As described above, in the second embodiment, on and off operations of the first foot switch44corresponding to one of the therapeutic treatment devices (ultrasonic treatment device42, the electric scalpel device43) whose specifications are different from each other causes the on-off mechanism46to operate. The operation of the on-off mechanism46permits the second foot switch45whose specifications are different from the first foot switch44to be turned on and off.

This provides the medical system40composed of therapeutic treatment devices whose specifications are different from each other and foot switches corresponding to the therapeutic treatment devices, despite differences of the specifications of the therapeutic treatment devices and those of the specifications of the foot switches.

In addition, changing the selection of one of the screw holes46f1,46f2, . . . into which the fitting screw46bis screwed allows adjustment of the positional relationship between each of the first and second pistons46c1and46c2and each of pressed surfaces45a1and45b1of the first and second on-off switches45aand45b.

This feature makes it possible to adjust the reciprocating ranges of the first and second on-off switch members45aand45bbased on the operations of the first and second electromagnetic pistons46c1and46c2.

As a result, even if foot switches each having the operating ranges in which the movable contacts are moved up to the connection of the fixed contacts based on the movements of the on-off switch members are different from each other, combination of the on-off mechanism46to the foot switches permits all of the foot switches to be turned on and off.

This-makes it possible to expand the range of combinations of a plurality of therapeutic treatment devices whose specifications are different from one another, thereby designing an efficient medical system.

In the second embodiment, the first and second electromagnetic pistons46c1and46c2that cause the first and second on-off switch members45aand45bto operate are used, but the present invention is not limited to the structure. For example, as mechanisms cause the first and second on-off switch members45aand45bto reciprocate under the control of the drivers41band41c, electromagnetic plungers, electromagnetic solenoids, or other similar mechanisms, which are capable of reciprocating the first and second on-off switch members45aand45bmay be applied.

It may be possible to combine the structure related to the first embodiment with that related to the second embodiment to constitute a medical system, providing both effects of the first and second embodiments.

Next, a modification of the on-off mechanism according to the second embodiment will be explained with reference toFIG. 15.

An on-off mechanism51according to the modification for operating the second foot switch45has first and second switch operating mechanisms51aand51bthat are designed to independently press the first and second on-off switch members45aand45b, respectively.

The first and second switch operating mechanisms51aand51bhave first and second motors52aand52b, and first and second supporting members SM1and SM2. The first supporting member SM1supports the first motor52aparallel to one side surface of the base portion B and opposite to the top surface of the base portion B. The second supporting member SM2supports the second motor52bparallel to the other side surface of the base portion B and opposite to the top surface of the base portion B. The first and second on-off switch members45aand45bare mounted on the top surface of the base portion B.

The first and second motors52aand52bare arranged so that their first and second rotating shafts RS1and RS2extend along the pressed surfaces45a1and45b1of the first and second on-off switch members45aand45bup to positions opposite to the pressed surfaces45a1and45b1of the first and second on-off switch members45aand45b, respectively.

The first and second switch operating mechanisms51aand51bare provided with first and second eccentric cams53aand53bfixed to the first and second rotating shafts RS1and RS2, respectively.

The first and second eccentric cams53aand53bhave substantially circular plate shapes, respectively. The first rotating shaft RS1is fixed to one peripheral end side of one surface of the first eccentric cam53aso that the first rotating shaft RS1is substantially orthogonal to the one surface of the first eccentric cam53a. The second rotating shaft RS2is fixed to one peripheral end side of one surface, which is opposite to the one surface of the first eccentric cam53a, of the second eccentric cam53bso that the second rotating shaft RS2is substantially orthogonal to the one surface of the second eccentric cam53b.

That is, in a state that the one peripheral end of the first eccentric cam53ais positioned in opposite to the first on-off switch member45a, the first motor52acauses the first eccentric cam53ato rotate substantially 180 degrees. This rotation of the first eccentric cam53aapplies a pressing force at the other peripheral end of the first eccentric cam53ato the first on-off switch member45a(seeFIG. 15).

Similarly, in a state that the one peripheral end of the second eccentric cam53bis positioned in opposite to the second on-off switch member45b, the second motor52bmakes the second eccentric cam53brotate substantially 180 degrees. This rotation of the second eccentric cam53bpresses at the other peripheral end of the second eccentric cam53bthe second on-off switch member45b(seeFIG. 15).

In the state that each of the one peripheral ends of the first and second eccentric cams53aand53bpresses each of the first and second on-off switch members45aand45b, each of the first and second motors52aand52bcauses each of the first and second eccentric cams53aand53bto rotate substantially 180 degrees. This rotation of each of the first and second eccentric cams53aand53breleases the pressing force applied to each of the first and second on-off switch members45aand45bto be kept away from each of the first and second on-off switch members45aand45b.

The first and second motors52aand52bare electrically connected to the drivers41band41c, respectively.

Incidentally, other structures of the on-off mechanism51are substantially identical with those of the on-off mechanism46according to the second embodiment.

In the modification of the second embodiment, as well as the second embodiment, the on/off operation of the output switch44aof the foot switch44, which is connected to the driver41b, causes the first motor52aof the on-off mechanism51to rotate. This rotation of the first motor52amakes the first eccentric cam53arotate, which permits the first eccentric cam53ato press the first on-off switch member45aor to release it from the pressed state of the first on-off switch member45a.

Incidentally, if the operator OP operates to turn on or off of the output switch44aof the foot switch44, which is connected to the driver41b, the second motor52bof the on-off mechanism51rotates. The rotation of the second motor52bmakes the second eccentric cam53brotate, which permits the second eccentric cam53bto press the second on-off switch member45bor to release the pressing force applied to the second on-off switch member45b.

As described above, even if the therapeutic treatment devices whose specifications are different from each other and foot switches whose specifications are also different from each other, the modification of the second embodiment can provide the medical system composed of these therapeutic treatment devices and the foot switches despite differences of the specifications of the therapeutic treatment devices and those of the specifications of the foot switches.

In addition, changing the geometry of each of the eccentric cams53aand53b, for example, the diameter of each of the eccentric cams53aand53b, permits adjustment of the positional relationship between each of the first and second eccentric cams53aand53band each of pressed surfaces45a1and45b1of the first and second on-off switches45aand45b.

This feature makes it possible to adjust the reciprocating ranges of the first and second on-off switch members45aand45bbased on the operations of the first and second eccentric cams53aand53b.

As a result, even if foot switches each having the operating ranges in which the movable contacts are moved up to the electrical contact position with respect to the fixed contacts based on the movements of the on-off switch members are different from each other, combination of the on-off mechanism51to the foot switches permits all of the foot switches to be turned on and off.

This makes it possible to expand the range of combinations of a plurality of therapeutic treatment devices whose specifications are different from one another, thereby designing an efficient medical system.

Incidentally, as a control switch that enables the operator OP to select one of therapeutic treatment devices and give an operational instruction to the selected device, the foot switch that permits the operator OP to operate with the operator's foot is applied for the medical systems of the first and second embodiments. The present invention, however, is not limited to these applications.

That is, various types of control switches that allow an operator to operate them with the operator's other portions, such as hand, elbow, can be applied for the medical systems of the first and second embodiments.

While there has been described what is at present considered to be these embodiment and modifications of the invention, it will be understood that various modifications which are not described yet may be made therein, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.