Patent ID: 12251082

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In power supply management, inhibiting useless power consumption is important, and equivalently therewith, surely supplying necessary electric power is also important, and in particular, in endoscope examination, a situation in which electric power is shut off at timing which is different from timing which an operator intends is to be avoided.

In addition, although in terms of correctly reflecting the intention of the operator, power supply management using a manual switch, which is conventionally performed in general, is also effective, there may be a case where with priority given to convenience, the manual power supply management is shunned, and furthermore, human error such as forgetting to turn off a power source is easily caused.

It is to be noted that although the wireless endoscope is described as an example, also in the conventional type endoscope using the commercial power supply, similarly, appropriate power supply management is demanded.

FIG.1is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an endoscope system.FIG.2is a diagram illustrating an appearance configuration of an endoscope. Hereinafter, with reference toFIGS.1and2, a configuration of the endoscope system100will be described.

As shown inFIG.1, the endoscope system100includes an endoscope1and a video processor20. The endoscope system100may further include a monitor30, an endoscope hanger40, and a tray50.

The endoscope1is a video scope which includes an image sensor. Although the endoscope1is not particularly limited, the endoscope1is, for example, a flexible endoscope used for examination and treatment of a nose, ears and throat. In addition, the endoscope1may be a rigid endoscope. The endoscope1may be an endoscope used for examination and treatment of other organs, for example, a respiratory system such as bronchi or may be an endoscope used for examination and treatment of a digestive system. Alternatively, the endoscope1may be an endoscope used for laparoscopic surgery. Furthermore, the endoscope1is not limited to the medical endoscope and may be an industrial endoscope.

As shown inFIG.2, the endoscope1includes a grip part11which an operator grips, an operation part12which the operator operates, and an insertion part13which is inserted into a test object. It is to be noted that the endoscope1is the so-called wireless endoscope and wirelessly transmits, to the video processor20, a signal obtained by imaging the test object with the insertion part13inserted into a body cavity of the test object (hereinafter, referred to as an endoscopic image). Therefore, the endoscope1does not have any universal cord which extends from the operation part12and is connected to peripherals such as the video processor20. However, the endoscope1is not limited to the wireless endoscope and may be a wired endoscope which includes a universal cord.

The video processor20is a video processor which processes the endoscopic image obtained by the endoscope1. The video processor20converts, for example, the signal from the endoscope1to a video signal and outputs the video signal to the monitor30. Thus, on the basis of the video signal from the video processor20, the monitor30displays a live image.

Although the monitor30is, for example, a liquid crystal display, the monitor30may be other display device such as an organic EL display. The endoscope hanger40is a tool which hangs and retains the endoscope1, and at least one part thereof is configured by a conductive member41. The tray50is a metallic tray on which the endoscope1is placed.

FIG.3is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the endoscope.FIG.4is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an eddy current sensor. Hereinafter, with reference toFIGS.3and4, a configuration of the endoscope1will be described in detail.

As shown inFIG.3, the endoscope1includes a light source part2, an imaging part3, a wireless communication part4, a control part5, a sensor part6, and a battery7which supplies electric power to each of the parts.

The light source part2includes a built-in light source which emits illumination light. Although the built-in light source is not particularly limited, the built-in light source is, for example, a white LED which emits white light for normal observation. In addition, the light source part2may include a semiconductor light source which emits special light used for special light observation such as narrow band imaging (NBI) (registered trademark) observation and auto-fluorescence imaging (AFI) (registered trademark) observation. The endoscope1may appropriately make switching between the normal observation with the white light and the NBI observation by controlling the light source part2.

The imaging part3includes an image sensor which detects light from a test object102which is irradiated with the illumination light. The image sensor is, for example, a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor, a complementary MOS (CMOS) image sensor, or the like. The imaging part3generates an endoscopic image transmitted to the video processor20.

The wireless communication part4transmits and receives signals to and from the video processor20. Specifically, the wireless communication part4transmits, for example, the endoscopic image generated by the imaging part3to the video processor20. It is to be noted that a communication method between the wireless communication part4and the video processor20is not particularly limited.

The control part5controls operation of each of the light source part2, the imaging part3, and the wireless communication part4. In addition, on the basis of a detection result by the sensor part6, the control part5switches an operation mode of the endoscope1. Specifically, on the basis of a detection result of the conductive member101by at least one or more proximity sensors6aincluded in the sensor part6, the control part5makes switching between a normal operation mode and an energy-saving operation mode. Thus, the endoscope1enables inhibiting useless power consumption in the endoscope1.

It is to be noted that it is only required for the energy-saving operation mode to be an operation mode of which power consumption is lower than that of the normal operation mode. The control part5may dim the illumination light emitted from the light source part2in, for example, the energy-saving operation mode so as to be dimmer than the illumination light emitted therefrom in the normal operation mode and may stop emitting of the illumination light from the light source part2. Thus, electric power consumed by the light source part2can be inhibited. In addition, the control part5may transfer the endoscopic image obtained by the imaging part3from the endoscope1to the video processor20in, for example, the energy-saving operation mode at an image transfer rate lower than an image transfer rate in the normal operation mode and may stop transferring of the endoscopic image. Thus, electric power consumed by the wireless communication part4can be inhibited. In addition, even in the case where the transferring of the endoscopic image is stopped, only minimum operation in which wireless connection between the endoscope1and the video processor20is maintained, for example, only minimum communication may be performed. In other words, while a state in which the endoscope1and the video processor20recognize each other as a counterpart of the wireless connection is maintained, the endoscope1and the video processor20operate so as to save power as much as possible. Thus, since while electric power consumed by the endoscope1is inhibited, it is not needed to perform pairing again for reconnection upon resuming image transfer, time required for the pairing can be saved and overhead of communication can be avoided, thereby allowing the image transfer to be early resumed. In addition, the control part5may dim the illumination light or stop emitting of the illumination light and may reduce the image transfer rate in, for example, the energy-saving operation mode. As described above, it is desirable that in the energy-saving operation mode, by adjusting operation of at least one of the light source part2and the wireless communication part4, in each of which an amount of the power consumption is comparatively large, the amount of the power consumption is inhibited.

In a case where the image transfer rate is adjusted, in the energy-saving operation mode, the control part5may decimate a part of pixels of the endoscopic image obtained by the imaging part3and may thereafter transfer the endoscopic image from the endoscope1to the video processor20. Thus, the image transfer rate may be adjusted while a frame rate is maintained. Alternatively, in the energy-saving operation mode, the control part5may control the imaging part3so as to image the test object at a frame rate lower than a frame rate in the normal operation mode. Thus, electric power consumed by the imaging part3in addition to the electric power consumed by the wireless communication part4may be inhibited. Furthermore, in the energy-saving operation mode, the control part5may control the imaging part3so as to image the test object at the frame rate lower than the frame rate in the normal operation mode and may decimate the part of pixels of the endoscopic image obtained by the imaging part3and may then transfer the endoscopic image from the endoscope1to the video processor20. It is to be noted that the control part5may adjust imaging operation by the imaging part3so as not to be in conjunction with adjustment of the image transfer rate and for example, in the energy-saving operation mode, may stop imaging by the imaging part3.

The sensor part6includes one or more proximity sensors6a, any of which detects the conductive member and a posture sensor6b. In each of the one or more proximity sensors6a, an eddy current sensor8which detects eddy induced currents generated in the conductive member101is included (seeFIG.4). In each of the one or more proximity sensors6a, other sensor which can detect the conductive member101may be included and for example, a capacitance type proximity sensor or the like may be included. The posture sensor6bis a sensor which detects a posture of the endoscope1and includes, for example, a gyroscope sensor, acceleration sensor, and the like.

As shown inFIG.4, the eddy current sensor8includes a sensor coil9and a sensor circuit10. The sensor coil9generates an alternating current magnetic flux by a high frequency current supplied from the sensor circuit10. The sensor circuit10detects a current flowing in the sensor coil9and generates an output signal.

The eddy current sensor8is a sensor which detects change in impedance of the sensor coil9by eddy currents generated in the conductive member101. In the eddy current sensor8, when the sensor coil9and the conductive member101come close to each other, a number of cross fluxes penetrating the sensor coil9changes by the eddy currents induced by the conductive member101. Therefore, by detecting the change in the impedance of the sensor coil9, which is caused by the change in the number of cross fluxes, presence of the conductive member101can be detected.

In the endoscope1configured as described above, any of the proximity sensors6adetects the conductive member41of the endoscope hanger40and the metallic tray50, whereby the operation mode of the endoscope1is switched from the normal operation mode to the energy-saving operation mode. Thus, at timing at which the endoscope1is obviously not in use such as in a case where the endoscope1is hung on the endoscope hanger40and in a case the endoscope1is placed on the tray50, electric power supply can be controlled. Therefore, while necessary electric power is surely supplied, useless power consumption can be surely inhibited. In particular, since in the endoscope1, by detecting the conductive member, the operation mode can be switched, it is only required for each of a holding tool such as the endoscope hanger and a receiving tool such as the tray, which are used in combination with the endoscope1, to include a metallic member or the like, and the existing tools can be used as they are.

In addition, in the endoscope1, each of the proximity sensors6aincludes the eddy current sensor. Because the eddy currents are not induced by a member other than the conductive member, unlike capacitance type proximity sensors or the like, by using the eddy current sensor, a detection target can be limited to the conductive member. Therefore, the endoscope1can inhibit a situation in which a member, not intended, is erroneously detected and the operation mode is thereby switched.

Hereinbefore, the exampled in which in the energy-saving operation mode, the operation of each of the light source part2, the imaging part3, and the wireless communication part4is adjusted is described, and in a case where the operation of the wireless communication part4among these is stopped, it is often the case that it takes a long time for return, as compared with a case where the operation of each of the light source part2and the imaging part3is stopped, and due to this, responsiveness is easily sacrificed. One factor of this is that when the wireless connection between the endoscope1and the video processor20is once disconnected, before data transfer therebetween is started, additional work for establishing the wireless connection again is required.

Therefore, as to a specific operation mode after switching from the normal operation mode to the energy-saving operation mode, in consideration of balance between inhibition of the power consumption and the responsiveness of the endoscope1, an operator may select an operation mode from among previously provided operation modes, and on the basis of a remaining amount of the battery7or the like, the endoscope1may automatically select an operation mode.

A first example of the specific operation mode is that when the endoscope1is place on the tray50or is hung on the endoscope hanger40, any of the one or more proximity sensors6adetects the conductive member101, and the operation mode is switched to the energy-saving operation mode, the control part5immediately stops emitting of the illumination light from the light source part2and also stops the imaging operation by the imaging part3. In addition, concurrently therewith, the control part5also disconnects the wireless connection between the wireless communication part4and the video processor20. This operation mode allows the endoscope1to inhibit the power consumption at a maximum.

A second example of the specific operation mode is similar to the first example in that when the operation mode is switched to the energy-saving operation mode, the control part5immediately stops the emitting of the illumination light from the light source part2and also stops the imaging operation by the imaging part3. Thereafter, when any of the one or more proximity sensors6adetects the conductive member101continuously for a predetermined period of time or more, that is, the energy-saving operation mode is maintained for the predetermined period of time or more, the control part5also disconnects the wireless connection between the wireless communication part4and the video processor20. For example, in a case where the operator has once placed the endoscope1on the tray50but soon resumes using of the endoscope1, since the wireless connection is not disconnected, this operation mode allows the operator to resume using of the endoscope1without inconvenience.

A third example of the specific operation mode is similar to the first example and the second example in that when the operation mode is switched to the energy-saving operation mode, the control part5immediately stops the emitting of the illumination light from the light source part2and also stops the imaging operation by the imaging part3. Thereafter, when the energy-saving operation mode is maintained for a predetermined period of time or more, the control part5reduces a bit rate between the wireless communication part4and the video processor20. Not only in the case where soon after switching to the energy-saving operation mode, using the endoscope1is resumed as in the second example but also in a case where the energy-saving operation mode is maintained for the predetermined period of time or more, this operation mode allows return to setting in normal use only by recovering the bit rate. Therefore, without sacrificing operability of the operator, inhibition in the power consumption can be achieved.

A fourth example of the specific operation mode is similar to the first to the third example in that when the operation mode is switched to the energy-saving operation mode, the control part5immediately stops the emitting of the illumination light from the light source part2and also stops the imaging operation by the imaging part3. In addition, the fourth example is similar to the third example in that thereafter, when the energy-saving operation mode is maintained for the predetermined period of time or more, the control part5reduces the bit rate between the wireless communication part4and the video processor20. In the present example, when the energy-saving operation mode is maintained further for a second predetermined period of time (>the predetermined period of time) exceeding the predetermined period of time or more, the control part5also disconnects the wireless connection between the wireless communication part4and the video processor20. In other words, the control part5inhibits the power consumption in the wireless communication part4via the reduction in the bit rate to the disconnection of the wireless connection in a stepwise manner. This operation mode allows balancing between the operability of the operator and the inhibition in the power consumption at a further high level.

Another operation mode may be an operation mode in which the stopping of the emitting of the illumination light in the first to the fourth example is changed to dimming of the illumination light. In addition, still another operation mode may be an operation mode in which the stopping of the imaging operation in each of the first to the fourth example is changed to a reduction in a frame rate. In addition, yet another operation mode may be an operation mode in which the stopping of the imaging operation in the first to the fourth example is changed to decimating of a part of pixels from the image. In addition, further another operation mode may be any combination of these.

Hereinafter, a desirable aspect of the endoscope1will be described. First, it is desirable that a coil diameter of the sensor coil9is larger than an internal diameter of a forceps port which opens at a leading end of the insertion part13of the endoscope1. In addition, it is further desirable that the coil diameter of the sensor coil9is three times or more as large as the internal diameter of the forceps port. This is because the internal diameter of the forceps port is deemed to substantially define a size of a treatment tool guided to the test object via the forceps port, and this is to avoid switching the operation mode to the energy-saving operation mode by detecting the treatment tool formed of the conductive member. Further details will be as follows.

Because the shorter a distance between the sensor coil9and the conductive member101(hereinafter, referred to as a liftoff L and seeFIG.4) is, the larger change in impedance is caused in the sensor coil9, in the eddy current sensor8, output in accordance with the liftoff L can be obtained. On the other hand, as described in Journal of Magnetics Society of Japan, pages 569-572, Vol. 20, No. 2, 1996, when the liftoff L is constant, output in accordance with an area ratio between a coil area calculated from the coil diameter of the sensor coil9and an area of a surface facing the sensor coil9of the conductive member101(hereinafter, referred to as a target area) is obtained, and the smaller the target area/coil area is, the smaller also the change in the impedance is. In particular, since in a range in which the liftoff L is small, as compared with the coil diameter, change in inductance (eventually, the change in the impedance) strongly depends on an area of the conductive member101, detection sensitivity of the eddy current sensor8having the sensor coil9of which coil diameter is large is lowered. Therefore, it is difficult to detect a target of which diameter is smaller than the coil diameter, and in general, it is desirable that a diameter of a plane surface of a target is three times or more as large as the coil diameter. This is because when the diameter of the plane surface exceeds three times the coil diameter, the change in the impedance is approximately constant, not depending on the area ratio, and as a result, the detection sensitivity is also approximately constant at a high level.

The above-described characteristics regarding the coil diameter which the eddy current sensor8of the endoscope1has are largely different from those of the conventional eddy current sensor. In order to surely detect even a small target by the eddy current sensor, it is desirable that the coil diameter is small, and this agrees with requisition to sensors in general, which are desired to be small-sized and lightweight. In contrast to this, as opposed to the above-mentioned requisition in general, by intendedly designing the coil diameter of the sensor coil9to be large, the eddy current sensor8of the endoscope1limits a detection target. By designing the eddy current sensor8as described above, the endoscope1makes it possible to further ensure a function to surely supply the electric power required when the endoscope is used.

It is to be noted that although inFIG.4, an example in which the coil is wound in a rectangle is shown, a shape of the coil is not particularly limited. It is only required for the shape of the coil to generate a magnetic flux, and the coil may be wound in, for example, any annular shape such as a circular shape and an elliptic shape. In addition, in the present description, the coil diameter is a distance from an axis of the coil to the coil, and in a case where the coil has a certain thickness, the coil diameter may be, for example, a distance from the axis of the coil to the center of the thickness of the coil. More specifically, by integrating the distance from the axis of the coil to the coil along the coil and dividing a value obtained by the integration by a length of the coil, the coil diameter may be calculated. It is to be noted that the axis of the coil may be defined by, for example, the center of gravity of a projected image of the coil and a normal vector, the projected image obtained when the coil is projected on a plane surface having the normal vector in a direction orthogonal to the magnetic flux generated in the coil, and in a case where the coil is wound in the circular shape, aggregate of centers of circles is the axis of the coil.

In addition, the sensor coil9may be featured by the coil area, instead of the coil diameter, and in such a case, it is desirable that the coil area of the sensor coil9is larger than a sectional area of the forceps port which opens at the leading end of the insertion part13of the endoscope1. It is to be noted that also by designing the sensor coil9as described above, the endoscope1makes it possible to further ensure the function to surely supply the required electric power.

FIGS.5,6, and7are diagrams showing variations of placement of the sensor coil. In addition,FIGS.8and9are diagrams showing variations of a holding form of the endoscope on the endoscope hanger. Hereinafter, with reference toFIGS.5to9, desirable placement of the sensor coil will be described.

In the endoscope1shown inFIG.5, the sensor coil9is provided in the grip part11of the endoscope1. In addition, in order to realize a large coil diameter, the sensor coil9is wound along a contour shape of the grip part11. In more details, the sensor coil9is wound such that the axis of the sensor coil9faces a direction intersecting a tray bottom surface when the endoscope1is placed on the tray50. In the above-described placement, when the endoscope1is placed on the tray50, switching to the energy-saving operation mode is surely made. Furthermore, since in general, the treatment tool is inserted into the endoscope1from the forceps port provided for the operation part12, the treatment tool does not come close to the sensor coil9and accordingly, erroneously detecting the treatment tool and thereby switching to energy-saving operation mode can also be surely avoided. In addition, although in a case where the endoscope1is an industrial endoscope, it is assumed that a test object itself is a conductive member, by providing the sensor coil9in the grip part11, even if the test object is the conductive member, detecting the test object by the eddy current sensor8and thereby switching to the energy-saving operation mode can be avoided. It is to be noted that in a case where a plurality of postures in which the endoscope1is stable when the endoscope1is placed on the tray50is present, a plurality of sensor coils may be provided in the grip part11and the plurality of sensor coils may be wound such that any axis of the plurality of sensor coils faces a direction intersecting the tray bottom surface when the endoscope1is placed on the tray50in each of the postures.

An endoscope1ashown inFIG.6is different from the endoscope1in that a sensor coil9ais provided in an operation part12of the endoscope1a. The endoscope1ais similar to the endoscope1in other points. It is to be noted that in order to realize a large coil diameter, the sensor coil9ais wound along a contour shape of the operation part12. In more details, the sensor coil9ais wound such that an axis of the sensor coil9afaces a direction intersecting the tray bottom surface when the endoscope1ais placed on the tray50. In the above-described placement, when the endoscope1ais placed on the tray50, switching to the energy-saving operation mode is surely made. Furthermore, since probability with which a wristwatch, a finger ring, and the like which an operator wears come close to the sensor coil9ais lowered, erroneously detecting these and thereby switching to the energy-saving operation mode can also be avoided. It is to be noted that in a case where a plurality of postures in which the endoscope1ais stable when the endoscope1ais placed on the tray50is present, a plurality of sensor coils may be provided in the operation part12and the plurality of sensor coils may be wound such that any axis of the plurality of sensor coils faces a direction intersecting the tray bottom surface when the endoscope1ais placed on the tray50in each of the postures.

An endoscope1bshown inFIG.7is different from the endoscope1in that a sensor coil9bis provided over from a grip part11of the endoscope1bto the operation part12. The endoscope1bis similar to the endoscope1in other points. It is to be noted that the sensor coil9bis wound along contour shapes of the grip part11and the operation part12. In more details, the sensor coil9bis wound such that an axis of the sensor coil9bfaces a direction intersecting the tray bottom surface when the endoscope1bis placed on the tray50. In the above-described placement, when the endoscope1bis placed on the tray50, switching to the energy-saving operation mode is surely made. Furthermore, since a coil diameter becomes sufficiently large, erroneously detecting a wristwatch and a finger ring which an operator wears and a treatment tool and the like which the operator operates and thereby switching to the energy-saving operation mode can be avoided. It is to be noted that in a case where a plurality of postures in which the endoscope1bis stable when the endoscope1bis placed on the tray50is present, a plurality of sensor coils may be provided over from the grip part11to the operation part12and the plurality of sensor coils may be wound such that any axis of the plurality of sensor coils faces a direction intersecting the tray bottom surface when the endoscope1bis placed on the tray50in each of the postures.

In the case where the sensor coil9is provided in the grip part11, it is desirable that the endoscope system100includes an endoscope hanger40which is of a type of holding the grip part11as shown inFIG.8. Thus, since when the endoscope1is hung on the endoscope hanger40, the conductive member41is detected by the eddy current sensor8of the endoscope1, the operation mode can be switched to the energy-saving operation mode.

In addition, in the case where the sensor coil9ais provided in the operation part12, it is desirable that the endoscope system100includes an endoscope hanger40awhich is of a type of holding the operation part12as shown inFIG.9. Thus, since when the endoscope1is hung on the endoscope hanger40a, the conductive member41is detected by the eddy current sensor8of the endoscope1a, the operation mode can be switched to the energy-saving operation mode.

It is to be noted that in the case where the sensor coil9bis provided over from the grip part11to the operation part12, the endoscope system100may include the endoscope hanger40which is of the type of holding the grip part11as shown inFIG.8or may include the endoscope hanger40awhich is of the type of holding the operation part12as shown inFIG.9. Even in either case, since when the endoscope1bis hung on the endoscope hanger, the conductive member41is detected by the eddy current sensor8of the endoscope1b, the operation mode can be switched to the energy-saving operation mode.

FIG.10is a diagram showing further another example of the placement of the sensor coil.FIG.11is a diagram showing another example of the tray on which the endoscope is placed. Hereinafter, with reference toFIGS.10and11, placement of a sensor coil which is particularly desirable in a case where a nonmetallic tray is used will be described.

An endoscope1cshown inFIG.10includes two eddy current sensors. A sensor coil9cof one of the eddy current sensors is provided in an inside of a grip part11, that is, a portion which contacts first joints and second joints of fingers when an operator grips the grip part11. In addition, a sensor coil9dof the other of the eddy current sensors is provided in a boundary portion between an operation part12and an insertion part13. Either of the sensor coils is wound such that an axis of each of the sensor coils faces a direction substantially in parallel with a tray bottom surface when the endoscope1cis placed on a nonmetallic tray51. In the above-described placement, as shown inFIG.11, since metallic pins52which are provided for a tray51to fix the endoscope1cin a predetermined position when the endoscope1cis placed on the tray51are detected by the eddy current sensors, switching to an energy-saving operation mode is surely made. It is to be noted that the tray having the metallic pins52is not limited to the nonmetallic tray and may be a metallic tray.

It is to be noted that although hereinbefore, the examples in which the sensor coil or sensor coils are fixed inside the endoscope are described, the sensor coil may be provided in such a way as to turn inside the endoscope depending on a posture of the endoscope. For example, as shown inFIG.12, a sensor coil9emay be fixed on a bottom surface of a weight60, and the sensor coil9emay be configured such that an axis of the sensor coil9einvariably faces a gravitational direction by passing a supporting member61fixed on a wall surface62of the endoscope through a through hole provided for the weight60. Thus, in a case where the endoscope is placed on the tray50, facing even any direction, since eddy currents can be surely induced on a bottom surface of the tray, the tray is detected and the operation mode can be thereby switched to the energy-saving operation mode.

The above-described embodiment shows specific examples for facilitating understanding of the present disclosure, and the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to these. A variety of modifications and changes to the endoscope and the method for operating the endoscope can be devised without departing from the scope of the description of the claims.

For example, at least a region of a surface of the endoscope, through which the magnetic flux generated from the sensor coil pass, may be subjected to water repellent finish. Thus, occurrence of a situation in which the eddy current sensor detects human body fluid having high electric conductivity and as a result, during observation of an inside of a body cavity, the operation mode is switched to the energy-saving operation mode can be inhibited.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which any of the one or more proximity sensors6adetects the conductive member and switching to the energy-saving operation mode is thereby made is shown. However, when each of a plurality of proximity sensors6aincluded in the one or more proximity sensors6adetects the conductive member, the control part5may switch the operation mode to the energy-saving operation mode. By switching the operation mode on condition that the plurality of proximity sensors6adetect the conductive member, probability with which for example, by detecting a conductive member such as a finger ring, which is not intended, switching of the operation mode is made can be substantially reduced.

In the above-described embodiment, the example in which any of the one or more proximity sensors6adetects the conductive member and in which the operation mode is switched to the energy-saving operation mode is shown. However, when any of the one or more proximity sensors6adetects the conductive member continuously for a predetermined period of time or more, the control part5may switch the operation mode to the energy-saving operation mode. As described above, by providing a certain grace period for switching the operation mode, risk that at timing which is not intended by an operator, switching to the energy-saving operation mode is made can be substantially reduced. It is to be noted that the certain grace period may be applied only in a case where switching from the normal operation mode to the energy-saving operation mode is made, and no grace period may be provided in a case where switching from the energy-saving operation mode to the normal operation mode is made. By using such an unsymmetrical switching criterion, both of inhibiting useless power consumption and surely supplying necessary electric power can be achieved at a high level. It is to be noted that switching from the energy-saving operation mode to the normal operation mode may be made by manual operation of an operator or may be made on the basis of the detection result of the proximity sensors as with the switching from the normal operation mode to the energy-saving operation mode. Specifically, return from the energy-saving operation mode to the normal operation mode may be made by pressing down a specific switch provided for the endoscope, or the return from the energy-saving operation mode to the normal operation mode may be made when a state in which the proximity sensors are detecting the conductive member is changed to a state in which the proximity sensors are not detecting the conductive member.

In the above-described embodiment, the example in which any of the one or more proximity sensors6adetects the conductive member and in which the operation mode is switched to the energy-saving operation mode is shown. Specifically, shown are the example in which the control part5switches the operation mode to the energy-saving operation mode in the case where the detection result of the conductive member by the one or more proximity sensors6ais the result obtained when the endoscope1is placed on the metallic tray50; the example in which the operation mode is switched to the energy-saving operation mode in the case where the detection result of the conductive member by the one or more proximity sensors6ais the result obtained when the endoscope is placed on the nonmetallic tray51including the metallic pins52to fix the endoscope in the predetermined position; the example in which the operation mode is switched to the energy-saving operation mode in the case where the detection result of the conductive member by the one or more proximity sensors6ais the result obtained when the endoscope is hung on the metallic endoscope hanger40; and the like. However, on the basis of the detection result of the conductive member by the one or more proximity sensors6aand the detection result of the posture of the endoscope1by the posture sensor6b, the control part5may make switching between the normal operation mode and the energy-saving operation mode. More specifically, for example, in a case where any of the one or more proximity sensors6adetects the conductive member and the posture sensor6bdetects a predetermined posture, the control part5may switch the operation mode to the energy-saving operation mode. Since by combining the proximity sensors6aand the posture sensor6b, probability with which an unused state of the endoscope1is erroneously detected can be decreased, necessary electric power can be further surely supplied. It is to be noted that although herein, as one example of the conductive member, each of the metallic tray, the metallic pins, and the metallic hanger is exemplified, the conductive member is not limited to metal. The conductive member may be, for example, made of carbon, resin with conductive particles added, or the like. Accordingly, instead of the metallic tray, a tray made of carbon or a tray made of Teflon (registered trademark) with conductive particles added may be used, and instead of the metallic pins, pins made of resin with conductive particles added may be provided. In addition, the pins provided for the tray may be pins with surrounding of metallic pins covered with Teflon.

Although the detection result of the conductive member by the proximity sensors6ais outputted, for example, as a voltage value from the proximity sensors6ato the control part5, the voltage value (a threshold voltage) that the control part5should determine that the conductive member is detected may be adjusted by an operator in consideration of a previously assumed liftoff, a target area, and the like. In addition, the conductive member may be detected by using threshold voltages which are different from each other between when the endoscope is hung on the endoscope hanger40and when the endoscope is placed on the tray50, and in this case, the control part5may determine a threshold voltage which should be used on the basis of the detection result of the posture sensor6b.

In addition, although in the above-described embodiment, the example in which inFIG.10, both of the two eddy current sensors are provided for the purpose of detecting the pins52is shown, the plurality of proximity sensors provided for the endoscope may be provided for the purpose of detecting different targets. For example, one or more proximity sensors may be provided for detecting the tray, alternate one or more proximity sensors may be provided for detecting the pins provided for the tray, and further alternate one or more proximity sensors may be provided for detecting the endoscope hanger.