ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, CONTROL APPARATUS, AND GAS FEEDING CONTROL METHOD

An endoscope system includes a gas feeding apparatus that feeds carbon dioxide, and a light source apparatus provided with an air pump for supplying air. The endoscope system feeds the carbon dioxide or the air from a distal end of an endoscope when a gas/liquid feeding button provided to the endoscope is operated. The endoscope system includes a pressure meter and a processor. The pressure meter is provided inside the gas feeding apparatus and configured to detect a pressure of the carbon dioxide. The processor is configured to perform control for stopping feeding of the air by the air pump when determining that, after the carbon dioxide is fed by an operation of the gas/liquid feeding button, the pressure of the carbon dioxide detected by the pressure meter reaches a predetermined threshold.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an endoscope system including a gas feeding apparatus configured to feed carbon dioxide and an air supplying apparatus configured to supply air, and also relates to a control apparatus and a gas feeding control method.

2. Description of the Related Art

When an examination or a treatment is performed with an endoscope, gas is supplied from a gas feeding conduit provided in the endoscope into a body cavity in order to secure a field of view of the endoscope and an operation region for a treatment instrument. Air or carbon dioxide is used as gas to be fed into a body cavity. Carbon dioxide has a higher bioabsorbability than air, which provides an advantage that a patient feels less bloating.

Generally, an air pump provided to a light source apparatus is used for feeding air into a body cavity. A gas feeding apparatus including a gas container filled with carbon dioxide is used for feeding carbon dioxide into a body cavity.

In addition, some endoscope systems include both a light source apparatus and a gas feeding apparatus and enable an operator to selectively use air or carbon dioxide. When using such endoscope systems, if both air and carbon dioxide are simultaneously fed, excessive amount of gas is supplied into a body cavity. Therefore, an operator has to select gas to be used and perform switching of the gas to be fed.

When performing such switching of the gas to be used, the operator has to operate a feeding start/stop button for air or a feeding start/stop button for carbon dioxide. Such a button operation is a burden on the operator.

Japanese Patent No. 5611637 discloses a medical gas feeding system. In the medical gas feeding system, in order to reduce the above-described burden of switching operation on the operator, when detecting operation of the operation button of the gas feeding apparatus, the control section switches the air pump of the light source apparatus, which has been already operated, to a non-operating state.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An endoscope system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a gas feeding apparatus that feeds carbon dioxide, and an air supplying apparatus that supplies air, and the endoscope system feeds the carbon dioxide or the air from a distal end of an endoscope, when a predetermined operation member provided to the endoscope is operated. The endoscope system includes: a gas state detector provided inside the gas feeding apparatus, the gas state detector being configured to detect a state of the carbon dioxide, and a processor configured to perform control for stopping feeding of the air by the air supplying apparatus, when determining that, after the carbon dioxide is fed by the operation of the operation member, the state of the carbon dioxide detected by the gas state detector reaches a predetermined threshold.

A control apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a processor configured to control feeding of carbon dioxide by a gas feeding apparatus and feeding of air by an air supplying apparatus. The processor is configured to: detect a state of the carbon dioxide fed from the gas feeding apparatus; and perform control for stopping the feeding of the air by the air supplying apparatus, when determining that, after the carbon dioxide is fed by an operation of an operation member provided to an endoscope, the detected state of the carbon dioxide reaches a predetermined threshold.

A gas feeding control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a gas feeding control method using a gas feeding apparatus that feeds gas into a body cavity and an air supplying apparatus that supplies air into the body cavity. The method includes: detecting a state of carbon dioxide fed from the gas feeding apparatus; and performing control for stopping feeding of the air by the air supplying apparatus, when determining that, after the carbon dioxide is fed by an operation of an operation member provided to an endoscope, the detected state of the carbon dioxide reaches a predetermined threshold.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

First Embodiment

FIG. 1is a configuration view of a medical system according to the first embodiment. A medical system1is a system for performing an examination or a treatment of a subject4as a patient on a bed3by using an endoscope system2.

The endoscope system2includes an endoscope11, a system controller12, a camera control unit13, a light source apparatus14, a gas feeding apparatus15, a monitor16, a carbon dioxide container17.

The system controller12, the camera control unit13, the light source apparatus14, the gas feeding apparatus15, and the monitor16are placed on a cart18which is a placing table. The carbon dioxide container17is placed on an extending part18aextended from the cart18. The carbon dioxide container17is connected to the gas feeding apparatus15by a connecting tube17a.

The endoscope11includes an elongated insertion portion21, an operation portion22connected to a proximal end of the insertion portion21, and a universal cable23extended from the operation portion22, and a connector24provided at a distal end portion of the universal cable23. The connector24includes a cable24aconnected to the camera control unit13, and a gas feeding tube24bconnected to the gas feeding apparatus15.

The endoscope11includes, at a distal end portion of the insertion portion21, an observation window and an illumination window, which are not shown. On a rear side of the observation window, an image pickup device such as a CMOS image sensor is provided. The light from the subject is incident through the observation window and an image of the light is formed on an image pickup surface of the image pickup device. The image pickup device is configured to photoelectrically convert the image of an inside of the subject, which is formed on the image pickup surface, and output an image pickup signal. The image pickup signal is supplied to the camera control unit13by a signal line inserted through the insertion portion21, the operation portion22, the universal cable23, and the cable24a. The camera control unit13generates an endoscopic image based on the received image pickup signal, to output the generated endoscopic image to the monitor16.

On a rear side of the illumination window disposed at the distal end of the insertion portion21, a distal end surface of an elongated light guide, not shown, is disposed. The light guide is inserted through the insertion portion21, the operation portion22, and the universal cable23. A proximal end surface of the elongated light guide is disposed near a light source in the light source apparatus14through the connector24. The light from the light source of the light source apparatus14passes through the light guide and is emitted from the distal end of the insertion portion21, to illuminate the inside of the subject. Reflected light of the illumination light is received by the image pickup device. An operator can perform a desired examination or a desired treatment, while viewing the endoscopic image displayed on the monitor16.

The system controller12controls operation of the entirety of the endoscope system2, and various apparatuses, such as the camera control unit13, connected to the system controller12. The system controller12is connected to the camera control unit13through a signal cable, not shown.

The camera control unit13is connected to the monitor16by a cable, not shown. The camera control unit13, for example, generates an endoscopic image and outputs an image signal of the endoscopic image to the monitor16. Furthermore, the system controller12is connected to the light source apparatus14and the gas feeding apparatus15through a plurality of signal lines to be described later.

In addition, the light source apparatus14includes an air pump14a. Air from the air pump14acan be supplied to a gas feeding channel23ain the universal cable23through an air flow path24c(shown with a dotted line) provided in the connector24. The light source apparatus14configures an air supplying apparatus for supplying air.

The gas feeding apparatus15discharges the carbon dioxide in the carbon dioxide container17to the gas feeding tube24b. The carbon dioxide from the gas feeding apparatus15is supplied to the connector24through the gas feeding tube24b. A gas passage is formed in the connector24. The gas passage is configured to allow the gas feeding tube24band the gas feeding channel23ain the universal cable23to communicate with each other.

The gas feeding channel23ain the universal cable23passes through the operation portion22to be communicated with a gas feeding path21ain the insertion portion21. The insertion portion21includes, inside thereof, a liquid feeding path, not shown. A distal end of the gas feeding path21ais connected to the liquid feeding path, to thereby form a gas/liquid feeding conduit at the distal end of the insertion portion21. A distal end of the gas/liquid feeding conduit is connected to a nozzle disposed at the distal end of the insertion portion21, so as to allow gas and liquid to be discharged from an opening21bof the nozzle.

The operation portion22includes a gas/liquid feeding button22cand a suction button22d. When the operator closes a hole formed on the gas/liquid feeding button22c, a gas feeding passage of the gas in the operation portion22is formed, to thereby enable the air from the light source apparatus14or the carbon dioxide from the gas feeding apparatus15to be supplied to the gas feeding path21a. For example, a cylinder provided in the operation portion22includes an opening through which the air or the carbon dioxide flows in. When the operator closes the hole formed on the gas/liquid feeding button22c, a flow path is formed. The flow path allows the air or the carbon dioxide to pass from the gas feeding channel23ato the gas feeding path21a, to be discharged from the opening21bof the nozzle at the distal end of the insertion portion21.

There is a case where a gas/liquid feeding button22eis connected instead of the gas/liquid feeding button22c. The gas/liquid feeding button22eis configured to be able to be depressed in two stages. When the gas/liquid feeding button22eis not depressed, the gas stops at the entrance of the gas/liquid feeding button22e. When the gas/liquid feeding button22eis depressed to the first stage, gas is fed, and when the gas/liquid feeding button22eis further depressed to the second stage, liquid is fed.

Although not described in detail here, when the gas/liquid feeding button22cis depressed, water from the liquid feeding path is discharged from the opening21bof the nozzle at the distal end of the insertion portion21, and when the suction button22dis depressed, suction is performed from the opening21bof the nozzle at the distal end of the insertion portion21.

As described above, the endoscope system2includes the gas feeding apparatus15configured to feed carbon dioxide and the light source apparatus14which is the air supplying apparatus for supplying air. When the gas/liquid feeding button22c, which is a predetermined operation member provided to the endoscope11is operated, carbon dioxide or air is fed from the distal end of the endoscope11. Accordingly, the operator can feed gas into the body cavity of the subject by operating the gas/liquid feeding button22c, to thereby be capable of ensuring the field of view of the endoscope.

FIG. 2is a block diagram showing a connecting relation of signal lines connecting the system controller12, the light source apparatus14, and the gas feeding apparatus15that constitute the endoscope system1. The system controller12and the gas feeding apparatus15are connected to each other through a communication line31. The system controller12and the light source apparatus14are connected to each other through a communication line32. The light source apparatus14and the gas feeding apparatus15are connected to each other through a communication line33. The communication lines31,32, and33constitute a communication network34. In the present embodiment, the communication network34is constituted of the communication lines31,32, and33formed in a ring shape, but may be another type of network such as a bus-shaped network. The system controller12, the light source apparatus14, and the gas feeding apparatus15are capable of communicating one another via the communication network34.

The system controller12includes a control section12A, a storage apparatus12B, a setting section12C, and a communication circuit35. The communication lines31,32are connected to the communication circuit35. The system controller12includes various circuits, apparatuses, etc., for controlling the entirety of the endoscope system1, as described above. However, illustration of such circuits, apparatuses, etc., are omitted inFIG. 2.

The storage apparatus12B includes a program storage region12pfor storing various programs, and a data storage region12dfor storing various data. The program storage region12pstores a stop control program12xfor performing later-described stop control of the air pump14aof the light source apparatus14. The data storage region12dstores data of a threshold TH to be described later. The setting of the threshold TH can be changed by the setting section12C. In other words, the setting section12C configures a threshold setting section configured to set the predetermined threshold TH for the state of gas. The setting section12C is a setting display device including a touch panel apparatus and a display apparatus, for example.

The control section12A can perform communication with the light source apparatus14and the gas feeding apparatus15through the communication circuit35. The control section12A can receive various signals from the light source apparatus14and the gas feeding apparatus15and transmit control signals to the light source apparatus14and the gas feeding apparatus15.

The light source apparatus14includes a control section14A, a communication circuit36, and the air pump14a. The light source apparatus14includes various apparatuses such as the light source, a filter, and the like. However, illustration of such apparatuses is omitted inFIG. 2. When a power source switch14bis turned on, the light source apparatus14turns on the air pump14ato cause the air pump to operate. As a result, air is fed to the gas feeding channel23a. In this state, if the operator closes the hole of the gas/liquid feeding button22c, the air is fed from the opening21bof the nozzle at the distal end of the insertion portion21. Note that, in the case where the light source apparatus14is provided with an on/off switch for turning on and off the air pump14a, in addition to the power source switch14b, when the on/off switch is turned on after the power source switch14bhas been turned on, the air pump14ais turned on. The control section14A can perform communication with the system controller12and the gas feeding apparatus15through the communication circuit36.

The gas feeding apparatus15includes a control section15A and a communication circuit37. The gas feeding apparatus15includes various apparatuses such as decompressors, a sensor, and the like, as will be described later. However, such apparatuses are not shown inFIG. 2. The control section15A can perform communication with the system controller12and the light source apparatus14through the communication circuit37.

The control section15A outputs a control signal SS to a flow rate adjusting valve43configured to supply carbon dioxide, and transmits, in real time, a detection signal DS to the system controller12through the communication circuit37. The detection signal DS is a signal from a sensor configured to detect the state of the carbon dioxide.

The control section12A of the system controller12can generate a control signal for controlling the operation of the air pump14abased on the received detection signal DS, and transmit the generated control signal to the light source apparatus14.

Each of the control sections12A,14A, and15A includes a processor. The processor includes a central processing unit (CPU), ROM, RAM, and the like, and implements various functions by reading programs stored in the ROM and the storage apparatus12B, developing the read programs in the RAM, and executing the programs. The processor may be configured of a semiconductor device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a circuit such as an electronic circuit.

FIG. 3is a block diagram showing a configuration of the gas feeding apparatus15. The gas feeding apparatus15includes a conduit GP to which the carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide container17is supplied. The conduit GP is communicated with the connecting tube17aand the gas feeding tube24b, and allows the carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide container17to be supplied to the gas feeding tube24bconnected to a gas feeding cap15b. The conduit GP includes two decompressors41,42, and the flow rate adjusting valve43in this order from the side of the connecting tube17a. The gas decompressed by the two decompressors41,42is supplied to the flow rate adjusting valve43.

The conduit GP includes, between the carbon dioxide container17and the decompressor41, a pressure meter44. The pressure meter44is configured to detect a pressure of the carbon dioxide in the carbon dioxide container17and output a detection signal DS1of the detected pressure to the control section15A. A pressure meter45is disposed between the flow rate adjusting valve43and the gas feeding tube24b. The pressure meter45, which is a gas state detector, is provided in a post-stage of the flow rate adjusting valve43configured to adjust the flow rate of the carbon dioxide to be fed from the gas feeding apparatus15. The pressure meter45detects a pressure in a conduit GP1located between the flow rate adjusting valve43and the gas feeding tube24b, and outputs a detection signal DS2of the detected pressure to the control section15A. The pressure meter45is provided inside the gas feeding apparatus15, and configures the gas state detector that detects the state of the carbon dioxide, i.e., the pressure of the carbon dioxide in the present embodiment.

The gas feeding apparatus15includes a power source switch15a. The control section15A is connected to the pressure meters44,45, and the flow rate adjusting valve43. The control section15A detects the on-state and the off-state of the power source switch15a. When the power source switch15ais turned on, the control section15A controls the flow rate adjusting valve43based on the detection signal DS2from the pressure meter45, to supply the carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide container17to the gas feeding tube24b. Thus, the carbon dioxide is supplied from the gas feeding apparatus15to the gas feeding tube24b.

As shown by the two-dot chain lines inFIG. 3, the gas feeding apparatus15may include a gas feeding switch15c, in addition to the power source switch15a. In that case, the gas feeding apparatus15is configured such that just turning on of the power source switch15adoes not cause the carbon dioxide to be supplied to the gas feeding tube24b, but further turning on of the gas feeding switch15ccauses the flow rate adjusting valve43to open by the control section15A, to thereby allow the carbon dioxide to be supplied from the gas feeding apparatus15to the gas feeding tube24b.

Next, description will be made on the stop control of the air pump in the above-described endoscope system. The stop control of the air pump is performed by the above-described stop control program12xfor performing the stop control of the air pump14a.

The operator turns on the power source switches of respective devices to be used, before performing an examination and the like. When feeding air into a body cavity, the operator does not turn on the power source switch15aof the gas feeding apparatus15. When the operator wishes to feed carbon dioxide, instead of air, into the body cavity, the operator turns on the power source switch15a.

FIG. 4is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of the stop control of the air pump in the control section12A. When the power source switch15aof the gas feeding apparatus15is turned on, the control section12A executes the stop control program12x. The control section12A performs state detection (Step (hereinafter abbreviated as S)1). The state detection means, in the present embodiment, detection of a pressure P in the conduit GP1. S1is receiving, from the gas feeding apparatus15, pressure data of a pressure value detected by the pressure meter45.

After the S1, the control section12A performs determination on whether to stop the air pump14a(S2). The determination on whether to stop the air pump14ameans, here, determining whether the pressure P in the conduit GP1exceeds the predetermined threshold TH1. The operator inputs, in advance, the threshold TH1from the setting section12C, to set the threshold TH1. The threshold TH1is stored in the data storage region of the storage apparatus12B.

When the power source switch15ais turned on, the flow rate adjusting valve43is opened, which leads to a rise in the pressure P in the conduit GP1. The conduit GP1is a part of the conduit GP and located on the downstream side of the flow rate adjusting valve43.

FIG. 5is a graph showing the state of the power source switch15aof the gas feeding apparatus15, the state of the flow rate adjusting valve43, and the change in the pressure detected by the pressure meter45. The horizontal axis inFIG. 5shows a lapse of time. When the power source switch15ais turned on at time t1, the flow rate adjusting valve43is turned on to be opened by the control section15A. When the flow rate adjusting valve43is opened, the pressure in the conduit GP1rises. As shown inFIG. 5, the pressure P detected by the pressure meter45rises after the time t1.

The control section15A of the gas feeding apparatus15transmits, in real time, detection value data of the detection signal DS2to the system controller12through the communication circuit37. Accordingly, the control section12A of the system controller12constantly monitors the received detection value data. In the S2, the control section15A determines, based on the received detection value data, whether the pressure P in the conduit GP1exceeds the predetermined threshold TH1.

The control section12A instructs the stop of the air pump14awhen the pressure P detected by the pressure meter45exceeds the threshold TH1(S3). In other words, the control section12A transmits an operation stop command for stopping the operation of the air pump14ato the light source apparatus14.FIG. 5shows that the pressure P in the conduit GP1exceeds the predetermined threshold TH1at the timing of the time t2. Since the pressure P exceeds the predetermined threshold TH1, the control section12A transmits the operation stop command for stopping the operation of the air pump14afrom the communication circuit35to the light source apparatus14through the communication line32.

When receiving the operation stop command, the control section14A of the light source apparatus14outputs, to the air pump14a, an off-signal for stopping the operation of the air pump14a. As described above, when determining that the state of the carbon dioxide detected by the pressure meter45, i.e., the pressure in the present embodiment, exceeds the predetermined threshold TH1, the control section12A performs control for stopping the feeding of air by the air pump14athat configures the air supplying apparatus.

In the case where the gas feeding apparatus15includes the gas feeding switch15c, the control section12A may transmit, to the light source apparatus14, the operation stop command for stopping the operation of the air pump14a, when the gas feeding switch15cis turned on and the pressure P detected by the pressure meter45exceeds the threshold TH1. When receiving the operation stop command, the light source apparatus14stops the operation of the air pump14a. In other words, when the pressure, which is the state of the carbon dioxide, exceeds the predetermined threshold TH1and the gas feeding switch15cof the gas feeding apparatus15is in the on-state, the control section12A performs the control for stopping the feeding of the air by the air pump14a.

In addition, in the case where the light source apparatus14further includes the on/off switch for turning on and off the air pump14a, if the air pump14ais operated when the light source apparatus14receives the operation stop command, the control section14A stops the operation of the air pump14a. If the air pump14ais not operated when the light source apparatus14receives the operation stop command, the control section14A does nothing.

However, in the case where the air pump14ais not operated when the light source apparatus14receives the operation stop command, the control section14A may bring the light source apparatus14into an operation inhibited state in which the air pump14ais not allowed to operate even if the on/off switch is turned on later. In other words, the light source apparatus14is brought into a state which does not accept the turning on of the on/off switch. For example, the light source apparatus14sets, inside thereof, flag information indicating the operation inhibited state. When the light source apparatus14is in the operation inhibited state, the operator may be caused to perform an operation for confirming that the air pump14ais allowed to operate so that the operator can bring the air pump14afrom the operation inhibited state into the operation enabled state in a case where the carbon dioxide concentration in the blood of the patient rises, for example.

FIG. 6is a graph showing the state of the power source switch15aof the gas feeding apparatus15, the state of the gas feeding switch15c, the state of the flow rate adjusting valve43, and the change in the pressure detected by the pressure meter45. The horizontal axis inFIG. 6shows a lapse of time. After the power source switch15ahas been turned on at time t11, when the gas feeding switch15cis turned on at time t12, the flow rate adjusting valve43is turned on to be opened by the control section15A. When the flow rate adjusting valve43is opened, the pressure in the conduit GP1rises. As shown inFIG. 6, the pressure P detected by the pressure meter45rises after time t13.

The control section12A can determine that the gas feeding switch15cof the gas feeding apparatus15is turned on by performing communication with the gas feeding apparatus15to acquire information on the state of the gas feeding switch15cvia the communication.

As described above, the control section12A executes processing for stopping the operation of the air pump14aat the timing of the time t2(or t13) when the pressure P exceeds the predetermined threshold TH1.

Note that, in the present embodiment, the control section12A of the system controller12receives the detection signal of the pressure meter45from the gas feeding apparatus15, to transmit the operation stop command for stopping the operation of the air pump14ato the light source apparatus14. However, the control section15A of the gas feeding apparatus15may transmit the operation stop command directly to the light source apparatus14.

Furthermore, the control section14A of the light source apparatus14may receive the detection value data of the pressure meter45from the gas feeding apparatus15, to determine whether the pressure exceeds the threshold TH1, and may stop the operation of the air pump14a.

The transmission processing of the detection value data of the pressure detected by the pressure meter45in the gas feeding apparatus15is executed by software processing or a hardware circuit in the control section15A. The pressure monitoring processing of the pressure meter45and the transmission processing of the operation stop command for the air pump14ain the system controller12are also executed by software processing or a hardware circuit in the control section15A.

As described above, in the case where the operator turns on the power source switch15ain order to use carbon dioxide for gas feeding into the body cavity, if the pressure P detected by the pressure meter45exceeds the predetermined threshold TH1, the operation of the air pump14aof the light source apparatus14is stopped. Such a configuration prevents an excessive amount of gas from being supplied into the body cavity.

Normally, the pressure in the conduit GP1of the conduit GP rises due to the carbon dioxide fed from the gas feeding apparatus15. However, if the sufficient amount of gas does not remain in the carbon dioxide container17or a valve provided at a gas discharge port of the carbon dioxide container17is closed, the pressure detected by the pressure meter45does not rise properly.

In other words, with the above-described embodiment, even if the power source switch15aof the gas feeding apparatus15is turned on, when the sufficient amount of carbon dioxide is not actually discharged, the operation of the air pump14ais not stopped.

In the above-described embodiment, when the flow rate adjusting valve43is opened and the pressure P in the conduit GP1exceeds the threshold TH1, the control section12A immediately transmits the operation stop command to the light source apparatus14. However, when the pressure P fails to or below the threshold TH1after exceeding the threshold TH1, or when the pressure P rises to or above a threshold TH1′ after exceeding the threshold TH1, the control section12A may output the operation stop command to the light source apparatus14to stop the feeding of the air by the air pump14a.

FIG. 7is a graph showing the state of the power source switch15aof the gas feeding apparatus15, the state of the flow rate adjusting valve43, the state of the gas/liquid feeding button22e, and the change in the pressure detected by the pressure meter45. The horizontal axis inFIG. 7shows a lapse of time. When the flow rate adjusting valve43is opened, the pressure in the conduit GP1rises. As shown inFIG. 7, the pressure P detected by the pressure meter45exceeds the threshold TH1at time t21. After that, when the operator operates the gas/liquid feeding button22e, for example, depresses the gas/liquid feeding button22eto the first stage, the carbon dioxide is discharged from the opening21bof the nozzle at the distal end of the insertion portion21. As a result, the pressure P in the conduit GP1falls to or below the threshold TH1.FIG. 7shows that the pressure P falls to or below the threshold TH1at the timing of time t22.

In other words, in the modification 1, if the pressure P detected by the pressure meter45exceeds the threshold TH1and thereafter falls to or below the threshold TH1, the control section12A transmits the operation stop command for stopping the operation of the air pump14ato the light source apparatus14. The modification 1 also provides the same effects as those in the above-described embodiment.

Description will be made on the case where the gas/liquid feeding button22cis used.FIG. 8is a graph showing the state of the power source switch15aof the gas feeding apparatus15, the state of the flow rate adjusting valve43, the state of the gas/liquid feeding button22c, and the change in the pressure detected by the pressure meter45. The horizontal axis inFIG. 8shows a lapse of time. When the flow rate adjusting valve43is opened, the pressure in the conduit GP1rises. As shown inFIG. 8, the pressure P detected by the pressure meter45exceeds a threshold TH1aat time t21′. After that, when the operator operates the gas/liquid feeding button22c, for example, closes the hole of the gas/liquid feeding button22c, the carbon dioxide is discharged from the opening21bof the nozzle at the distal end of the insertion portion21. As a result, the pressure P in the conduit GP1rises up to a threshold TH ib. This is because an endoscope conduit21a, which is located on the downstream of the gas/liquid feeding button22c, has an inner diameter smaller than that of the hole of the gas/liquid feeding button22cand has a higher flow rate resistance than that of the hole of the gas/liquid feeding button22c.FIG. 8shows that the pressure P rises to or above the threshold TH1bat the timing of time t22′.

Thus, in the modification 1 shown inFIG. 8, if the pressure P detected by the pressure meter45exceeds the threshold TH1aand thereafter rises to or above the threshold TH1b, the control section12A transmits the operation stop command for stopping the operation of the air pump14ato the light source apparatus14. The modification 1 also provides the same effects as those in the above-described embodiment.

In the above-described modification 1, if the pressure P detected by the pressure meter45exceeds the threshold TH1and thereafter falls to or below the threshold TH1, or if the pressure P exceeds the threshold TH1aand thereafter rises to or above the threshold TH1b, the control section12A transmits the operation stop command for stopping the operation of the air pump14ato the light source apparatus14. However, in the case where the above-described gas feeding switch15cis in the on-state, if the pressure P detected by the pressure meter45exceeds the threshold TH1and thereafter falls to or below the threshold TH1, or rises to or above the threshold TH1b, the control section12A may transmit the operation stop command for stopping the operation of the air pump14ato the light source apparatus14.

FIG. 9is a graph showing the state of the power source switch15aof the gas feeding apparatus15, the state of the gas feeding switch15c, the state of the flow rate adjusting valve43, the state of the gas/liquid feeding button22e, and the change in the pressure detected by the pressure meter45. The horizontal axis inFIG. 9shows a lapse of time. After the power source switch15ahas been turned on at time t31, when the gas feeding switch15cis turned on at time t32, the flow rate adjusting valve43is opened by the control section15A. When the flow rate adjusting valve43is opened, the pressure P in the conduit GP1rises. As shown inFIG. 9, the pressure P detected by the pressure meter45rises after the time t32, and the pressure P in the conduit GP1exceeds the threshold TH1.

After that, when the gas/liquid feeding button22eis depressed to the first stage, gas is fed from the opening21bof the nozzle at the distal end of the insertion portion21. As a result, the pressure P in the conduit GP1falls to or below the threshold TH1.FIG. 9shows that the pressure P falls to or below the threshold TH1at the timing of time t34. The modification 2 also provides the same effects as those in the above-described embodiment.

Description will be made on the case where the gas/liquid feeding button22cis used.FIG. 10is a graph showing the state of the power source switch15aof the gas feeding apparatus15, the state of the gas feeding switch15c, the state of the flow rate adjusting valve43, the state of the gas/liquid feeding button22c, and the change in the pressure detected by a pressure meter45. The horizontal axis inFIG. 10shows a lapse of time. After the power source switch15ahas been turned on at time t31′, when the gas feeding switch15cis turned on at time t32′, the flow rate adjusting valve43is opened by the control section15A. When the flow rate adjusting valve43is opened, the pressure P in the conduit GP1rises. As shown inFIG. 10, the pressure P detected by the pressure meter45rises after the time t32′ and the pressure P in the conduit GP1exceeds the threshold TH1a.

After that, when the hole of the gas/liquid feeding button22cis closed, gas is fed from the opening21bof the nozzle at the distal end of the insertion portion21. As a result, the pressure P in the conduit GP1rises to or above the threshold TH1b.FIG. 10shows that the pressure P rises to or above the threshold TH1bat the timing of time t34′. The modification 2 also provides the same effects as those in the above-described embodiment.

As described above, with the above-described embodiment and the respective modifications, it is possible to provide the endoscope system capable of surely supplying the carbon dioxide into the body cavity while reducing the burden on the operator.

For example, when the gas container is sufficiently filled with carbon dioxide and the valve of the gas container is open, the carbon dioxide can be surely supplied. Therefore, the air pump is brought into the non-operating state. However, when the gas container is not sufficiently filled with carbon dioxide or the valve of the gas container is closed, the carbon dioxide cannot be supplied. Therefore, the supply of the air is continued without being stopped, and the gas is continuously supplied into the body cavity.

Second Embodiment

In the first embodiment, the pressure in the conduit GP1located on the downstream of the flow rate adjusting valve43is detected, and the operation of the air pump14aof the light source apparatus14is stopped. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the flow rate of the gas flowing through the conduit GP is detected and the operation of the air pump14aof the light source apparatus14is stopped.

A configuration of a medical system according to the present embodiment is substantially the same as the configuration of the medical system1according to the first embodiment as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. The same constituent elements will be described by using the same reference signs and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 11is a block diagram showing the configuration of the gas feeding apparatus15according to the second embodiment. The configuration of the gas feeding apparatus15is substantially the same as that of the gas feeding apparatus15in the first embodiment. The same constituent elements are attached with the same reference signs and description thereof will be omitted. Only the different constituent elements will be described.

The conduit GP1is provided with a flow rate meter51. The flow rate meter51is configured to detect the flow rate of the gas flowing through the conduit GP1, and outputs, to the control section15A, a detection signal DS11of the flow rate as the detected state of the gas. In other words, the flow rate meter51is provided inside the gas feeding apparatus15, and configures a gas state detector configured to detect the state of the carbon dioxide, i.e., the flow rate in the present embodiment. The flow rate meter51as the gas state detector is provided in the post-stage of the flow rate adjusting valve43configured to adjust the flow rate of the carbon dioxide to be fed from the gas feeding apparatus15.

The detection signal DS11is transmitted from the control section15A to the control section12A. The control section12A executes the stop control of the air pump, which is shown inFIG. 4, based on flow rate data which the control section12A receives in real time.

FIG. 12is a graph showing the state of the power source switch15aof the gas feeding apparatus15, the state of the flow rate adjusting valve43, the state of the gas/liquid feeding button22e, and a change in the flow rate detected by the flow rate meter51. The horizontal axis inFIG. 12shows a lapse of time. When the power source switch15ais turned on at time t41, the flow rate adjusting valve43is opened by the control section15A.

After the flow rate adjusting valve43has been opened, when the gas/liquid feeding button22eis operated at time t42and gas feeding is performed, the carbon dioxide flows through the conduit GP1. As shown inFIG. 12, a flow rate Q of the carbon dioxide, which is detected by the flow rate meter51, rises after the time t42.

The control section15A of the gas feeding apparatus15transmits, in real time, detection value data of the detection signal DS11to the system controller12through the communication circuit37. Accordingly, the control section12A of the system controller12constantly monitors the received detection value data.

In the S2, the control section12A determines, based on the received detection value data, whether the flow rate Q of the carbon dioxide in the conduit GP1exceeds a predetermined threshold TH2. The threshold TH2is a flow rate value of a level at which it can be determined that the flow of the carbon dioxide of a certain level or more occurs, after the start of the feeding of the gas by the gas/liquid feeding button22ehaving been depressed to the first stage. The operator inputs, in advance, the threshold TH2from the setting section12C, to set the threshold TH2. The threshold TH2is stored in the data storage region of the storage apparatus12B.

The control section12A determines, based on the received detection value data, whether the flow rate Q of the carbon dioxide in the conduit GP1exceeds the predetermined threshold TH2. When detecting that the flow rate Q of the carbon dioxide exceeds the predetermined threshold TH2, the control section12A transmits the operation stop command for stopping the operation of the air pump14ato the light source apparatus14.FIG. 12shows that the flow rate Q of the carbon dioxide in the conduit GP1exceeds the predetermined threshold TH2at the timing of time43. When receiving the operation stop command, the light source apparatus14stops the operation of the air pump14aAs described above, when determining that the state of the carbon dioxide detected by the flow rate meter51, i.e., the flow rate in the present embodiment, exceeds the predetermined threshold TH2, the control section12A performs the control for stopping the feeding of the air by the air pump14a.

Description will be made on the case where the gas/liquid feeding button22cis used.FIG. 13is a graph showing the state of the power source switch15aof the gas feeding apparatus15, the state of the flow rate adjusting valve43, the state of the gas/liquid feeding button22c, and the change in the flow rate detected by the flow rate meter51. The horizontal axis inFIG. 13shows a lapse of time. When the power source switch15ais turned on at time t41′, the flow rate adjusting valve43is opened by the control section15A. Since this causes the gas to be leaked out from the hole of the gas/liquid feeding button, the flow rate detected by the flow rate meter starts to rise at the time t41′ and after a certain time elapses, the flow rate is stabilized to a constant value.

After the flow rate adjusting valve43has been opened, when the gas/liquid feeding button22cis operated at time t42′ and gas feeding is performed, the flow rate of the carbon dioxide flowing through the conduit GP1falls. As shown inFIG. 13, the flow rate Q of the carbon dioxide detected by the flow rate meter51decreases below a threshold TH2aafter the time t42′.

The control section15A of the gas feeding apparatus15transmits, in real time, the detection value data of the detection signal DS11to the system controller12through the communication circuit37. Accordingly, the control section12A of the system controller12constantly monitors the received detection value data.

In the S2, the control section12A determines, based on the received detection value data, whether the flow rate Q of the carbon dioxide in the conduit GP1exceeds the predetermined threshold TH2aand thereafter decreases below the threshold TH2a. The threshold TH2ais a flow rate value of a level at which it can be determined that the flow of the carbon dioxide of a certain level or more occurs, after the start of the feeding of the gas. The operator inputs, in advance, the threshold TH2afrom the setting section12C, to set the threshold TH2a. The threshold TH2ais stored in the data storage region of the storage apparatus12B.

The control section12A determines, based on the received detection value data, whether the flow rate Q of the carbon dioxide in the conduit GP1exceeds the predetermined threshold TH2aand thereafter decreases below the threshold TH2a. When detecting that the flow rate Q of the carbon dioxide exceeds the predetermined threshold TH2aand thereafter decreases below the threshold TH2a, the control section12A transmits the operation stop command for stopping the operation of the air pump14ato the light source apparatus14.FIG. 13shows that the flow rate Q of the carbon dioxide in the conduit GP1exceeds the predetermined threshold TH2aat the timing after the time t41′ and the flow rate Q of the carbon dioxide in the conduit GP1falls below the predetermined threshold TH2aat the timing after the time t42′. When receiving the operation stop command, the light source apparatus14stops the operation of the air pump14a. As described above, when determining that the state of the gas detected by the flow rate meter51, i.e., the flow rate in the present embodiment, exceeds the predetermined threshold TH2aand thereafter falls below the predetermined threshold TH2a, the control section12A performs the control for stopping the feeding of the air by the air pump14a.

In the case where the light source apparatus14includes an on/off switch for turning on and off the air pump14a, if the air pump14ais operated when the light source apparatus14receives the operation stop command, the control section14A stops the operation of the air pump14a. If the air pump14ais not operated when the light source apparatus14receives the operation stop command, the control section14A does nothing.

Furthermore, also in the present embodiment, similarly as in the first embodiment, in the case where the air pump14ais not operated when the light source apparatus14receives the operation stop command, the control section14A may bring the light source apparatus14into the operation inhibited state in which the air pump14ais not allowed to operate even if the on/off switch is turned on later. In other words, the light source apparatus14is brought into the state which does not accept the turning on of the on/off switch. When the light source apparatus14is in the operation inhibited state, the operator may be caused to perform an operation for confirming that the air pump14ais allowed to operate so that the operator can bring the air pump14afrom the operation inhibited state into the operation enabled state in a case where the carbon dioxide concentration in the blood of the patient rises, for example.

As described above, with the above-described embodiments and the respective modifications, it is possible to provide the endoscope system capable of surely supplying the carbon dioxide into the body cavity while reducing the burden on the operator.

For example, when the gas container is sufficiently filled with carbon dioxide and the valve of the gas container is open, the carbon dioxide can be surely supplied. Therefore, the air pump is brought into the non-operating state. However, when the gas container is not sufficiently filled with carbon dioxide or the valve of the gas container is closed, the carbon dioxide cannot be supplied. Therefore, the supply of the air is continued without being stopped, and the gas is continuously supplied into the body cavity.

Note that, also in the present embodiment, the control section12A receives the detection signal of the flow rate meter51from the gas feeding apparatus15, to transmit a stop signal for stopping the operation of the air pump14ato the light source apparatus14. However, the control section15A of the gas feeding apparatus15may transmit the stop signal directly to the light source apparatus14.

Furthermore, the control section14A of the light source apparatus14may receive the detection value data of the flow rate meter51from the gas feeding apparatus15, to determine whether the flow rate exceeds the threshold TH2, and may stop the operation of the air pump14a.

In addition, in the present embodiment, after turning on the power source switch15a(or gas feeding switch) of the gas feeding apparatus15, the operator operates the gas/liquid feeding button22c, to thereby allow the carbon dioxide to flow actually. Then, detection is made on whether the flow rate Q of the carbon dioxide actually exceeds the predetermined threshold TH2. If the valve of the carbon dioxide container17is closed, or the remaining amount of the carbon dioxide in the carbon dioxide container17is small, the carbon dioxide does not flow to the conduit GP1. In that case, the air pump14ais not stopped. Therefore, the operator can secure the field of view without being obstructed, and continue the examination and the like.

Also in the present embodiment, similarly as in the first embodiment or the modification 1, if the above-described power source switch15aor the gas feeding switch15cis turned on and the flow rate Q detected by the flow rate meter51exceeds the threshold TH2, the control section12A may transmit the operation stop command for stopping the operation of the air pump14a. In other words, when the state of the carbon dioxide, i.e., the flow rate in the present embodiment exceeds the predetermined threshold TH2and the gas feeding switch15cof the gas feeding apparatus15is in the on-state, the control section12A performs the control for stopping the feeding of the air by the air pump14a. The control section12A can determine whether the power source switch15aor the gas feeding switch15cof the gas feeding apparatus15is in the on-state, by trying to perform communication with the gas feeding apparatus15to confirm whether communication is available. The control section12A can determine that the gas feeding switch15cof the gas feeding apparatus15is turned on by performing communication with the gas feeding apparatus15to acquire information on the state of the gas feeding switch15cvia the communication.

Third Embodiment

In the first embodiment, the pressure in the conduit GP1located on the downstream of the flow rate adjusting valve43is detected, to stop the operation of the air pump14aof the light source apparatus14. In contrast, in the third embodiment, a concentration of the carbon dioxide flowing through the conduit GP1is detected, to stop the operation of the air pump14aof the light source apparatus14.

A configuration of a medical system of the present embodiment is substantially the same as the configuration of the medical system1of the first embodiment as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. The same constituent elements are attached with the same reference signs and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 14is a block diagram showing the configuration of the gas feeding apparatus15according to the third embodiment. The configuration of the gas feeding apparatus15is substantially the same as that of the gas feeding apparatus15of the first embodiment. The same constituent elements are attached with the same reference signs and description thereof will be omitted. Only the different constituent elements will be described.

The conduit GP1is provided with a carbon dioxide concentration meter61. The carbon dioxide concentration meter61is configured to detect the carbon dioxide concentration of the gas flowing through the conduit GP1, and outputs, to the control section15A, a detection signal DS21of the carbon dioxide concentration as the detected state of the gas. In other words, the carbon dioxide concentration meter61is provided inside the gas feeding apparatus15, and configures a gas state detector configured to detect the state of the carbon dioxide, i.e., the carbon dioxide concentration in the present embodiment. The carbon dioxide concentration meter61as the gas state detector is provided in the post-stage of the flow rate adjusting valve43configured to adjust the flow rate of the carbon dioxide to be fed from the gas feeding apparatus15.

The detection signal DS21is transmitted from the control section15A to the control section12A. The control section12A executes the stop control of the air pump, which is shown inFIG. 4, based on carbon dioxide concentration data which the control section12A receives in real time.

FIG. 15is a graph showing the state of the power source switch15aof the gas feeding apparatus15, the state of the flow rate adjusting valve43, the state of the gas/liquid feeding button22c(or gas/liquid feeding button22e), and a change in the carbon dioxide concentration detected by the carbon dioxide concentration meter61. The horizontal axis inFIG. 15shows a lapse of time. When the power source switch15ais turned on at time t51, the flow rate adjusting valve43is opened by the control section15A.

After the flow rate adjusting valve43has been opened, the carbon dioxide flows into the conduit GP1, regardless of whether the gas/liquid feeding button22cis operated. As shown inFIG. 15, a carbon dioxide concentration D detected by the carbon dioxide concentration meter61rises after the time51. Since the gas is leaked out from the hole of the gas/liquid feeding button22c, the carbon dioxide concentration D starts to rise at the time51, and after a certain time elapses, the carbon dioxide concentration is stabilized to a constant value above a threshold TH3.

The control section15A of the gas feeding apparatus15transmits, in real time, detection value data of the detection signal DS21to the system controller12through the communication circuit37. Accordingly, the control section12A of the system controller12constantly monitors the received detection value data.

In the S2, the control section12A determines, based on the received detection value data, whether the carbon dioxide concentration D in the conduit GP1exceeds the predetermined threshold TH3. The operator inputs, in advance, the threshold TH3from the setting section12C, to set the threshold TH3. The threshold TH3is stored in the data storage region of the storage apparatus12B.

The control section12A determines, based on the received detection value data, whether the carbon dioxide concentration D in the conduit GP1exceeds the predetermined threshold TH3. When detecting that the carbon dioxide concentration D exceeds the predetermined threshold TH3, the control section12A transmits the operation stop command for stopping the operation of the air pump14ato the light source apparatus14.FIG. 15shows that the carbon dioxide concentration D in the conduit GP1exceeds the predetermined threshold TH3at the timing of time t52. In the example shown inFIG. 15, the gas/liquid feeding button22c(or the gas/liquid feeding button22e) is operated at the timing of time t53. When receiving the operation stop command, the light source apparatus14stops the operation of the air pump14a. As described above, when determining that the state of the carbon dioxide detected by the carbon dioxide concentration meter61, i.e., the carbon dioxide concentration in the present embodiment, exceeds the predetermined threshold TH3, the control section12A performs the control for stopping the feeding of the air by the air pump14a.

Note that, also in the present embodiment, the control section12A receives the detection signal of the carbon dioxide concentration meter61from the gas feeding apparatus15, to transmit the operation stop command for stopping the operation of the air pump14ato the light source apparatus14. However, the control section15A of the gas feeding apparatus15may transmit the operation stop command directly to the light source apparatus14.

Furthermore, the control section14A of the light source apparatus14may receive the detection value data of the carbon dioxide concentration meter61from the gas feeding apparatus15, to determine whether the carbon dioxide concentration exceeds the threshold TH3, and may stop the operation of the air pump14a.

In addition, in the present embodiment, after turning on the power source switch15a(or gas feeding switch) of the gas feeding apparatus15, the operator operates the gas/liquid feeding button22c(or the gas/liquid feeding button22e), to thereby allow the carbon dioxide to flow actually. Then, detection is made on whether the carbon dioxide concentration D actually exceeds the predetermined threshold TH3. If the valve of the carbon dioxide container17is closed, or the remaining amount of the carbon dioxide in the carbon dioxide container17is small, the carbon dioxide does not flow to the conduit GP1, and the carbon dioxide concentration D does not rise. In that case, the air pump14ais not stopped. Therefore, the operator can secure the field of view without being obstructed, and continue the examination and the like.

Also in the present embodiment, similarly as in the first embodiment or the modification 1, when the above-described power source switch15aor the gas feeding switch15cis turned on and the carbon dioxide concentration D detected by the carbon dioxide concentration meter61exceeds the threshold TH3, the control section12A may transmit the operation stop command for stopping the operation of the air pump14a. In other words, when the state of the carbon dioxide, i.e., the carbon dioxide concentration in the present embodiment exceeds the predetermined threshold TH3and the gas feeding switch15cof the gas feeding apparatus15is in the on-state, the control section12A performs the control for stopping the feeding of the air by the air pump14a. The control section12A can determine whether the power source switch15aor the gas feeding switch15cof the gas feeding apparatus15is in the on-state by trying to perform communication with the gas feeding apparatus15to confirm whether communication is available. The control section12A can determine that the gas feeding switch15cof the gas feeding apparatus15is turned on by performing communication with the gas feeding apparatus15to acquire information on the state of the gas feeding switch15cvia the communication.

As described above, with the above-described embodiments and the respective modifications, it is possible to provide the endoscope system capable of surely supplying the carbon dioxide into the body cavity while reducing the burden on the operator.

For example, when the gas container is sufficiently filled with carbon dioxide and the valve of the gas container is open, the carbon dioxide can be surely supplied. Therefore, the air pump is brought into the non-operating state. However, when the gas container is not sufficiently filled with carbon dioxide or the valve of the gas container is closed, the carbon dioxide cannot be supplied. Therefore, the supply of air is continued without being stopped, and the gas is continuously supplied into the body cavity.

In the above-described embodiments and the respective modifications, any one of the pressure, the flow rate, and the carbon dioxide concentration of the carbon dioxide in the conduit is detected by one of the detectors. However, at least two or more states of the carbon dioxide, for example, the pressure and the flow rate, the pressure and the carbon dioxide concentration, the flow rate and the carbon dioxide concentration, or the pressure, the flow rate, and the carbon dioxide concentration may be detected, and if even at least one of the states exceeds a predetermined threshold, the air pump14aof the light source apparatus14may be stopped.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but various changes, modifications, and the like are possible without changing the gist of the present invention.