Patent ID: 12204744

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION

Embodiment 1

FIG.1illustrates an external appearance of an endoscope system10. The endoscope system10includes an endoscope processor20, an endoscope40and a display device50. The display device50is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic electro luminescence (EL) display, for example.

The display device50is installed on the upper section of a storage rack with casters16. The endoscope processor20is stored at the middle section of the storage rack16. The storage rack16is located near a bed for endoscopy (not illustrated). The storage rack16contains a slide-out drawer mounted with a keyboard15connected to the endoscope processor20. A foot switch17connected to the endoscope processor20is placed on the floor.

The endoscope processor20has a shape of a substantially parallelepiped and has one surface provided with a touch panel25. Below the touch panel25, a reading part28is located. The reading part28is an interface for connection, which is a universal serial bus (USB) connector, a secure digital (SD) card slot, a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM) drive or the like, to perform reading and writing from/to a portable recording medium. Note that the touch panel25may be a device separate from the endoscope processor20.

The endoscope40has an insertion part44, an operation part43, a universal cord49and a scope connector48. The operation part43is provided with control buttons431. The insertion part44is long and has one end connected to the operation part43through a bending proof portion45. The insertion part44has, from the operation part43side, a flexible portion441, a bending portion442and a head portion443. The bending portion442bends in response to the operation of a bending knob433.

The universal cord49is long and has one end connected to the operation part43and the other end connected to the scope connector48. The universal cord49is flexible. The scope connector48has a substantially parallelepiped shape. The scope connector48is attached with an air/water supply port36(seeFIG.2) to which an air/water supply tube is connected.

FIG.2illustrates the configuration of the endoscope system10. As described above, the endoscope system10includes the endoscope processor20, the endoscope40and the display device50. The endoscope processor20is provided with a control unit21, a main storage22, an auxiliary storage23, a communication unit24, a display device interface (I/F)26, an input device I/F27, an endoscope connector31, a light source33, a pump34and buses in addition to the touch panel25and the reading part28. The endoscope connector31includes an electric connector311and an optical connector312.

The control unit21is an arithmetic control device that executes a program of the present embodiment. The control unit21employs one more central processing units (CPUs), a multi-core CPU or the like. The control unit21is connected to the hardware components forming of the endoscope processor20via the buses.

The main storage22is a storage such as a static random access memory (SRAM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a flash memory or the like. The main storage22temporarily stores information needed in the course of the processing performed by the control unit21and a program that is being executed by the control unit21.

The auxiliary storage23is a storage such as an SRAM, a flash memory, a hard disk or the like. The auxiliary storage23stores a profile database (DB)71, a patient DB72, a program to be executed by the control unit21and various data needed for execution of the program. It is noted that the profile DB71and the patient DB72may be stored in an external large-capacity storage device connected to the endoscope processor20.

The communication unit24is an interface for performing data communication between the endoscope processor20and a network. The touch panel25includes a display unit251such as a liquid crystal display panel or the like and an input unit252overlaid on the display unit251.

The display device I/F26is an interface to make connection between the endoscope processor20and the display device50. The input device I/F27is an interface to make connection between the endoscope processor20and an input device such as the keyboard15, the foot switch17or the like.

The light source33is a high-intensity white light source such as a xenon lamp, a light emitting diode (LED) or the like. The light source33is connected to the bus via a driver (not illustrated). The lighting or light-out and changes in brightness of the light source33are controlled by the control unit21. The illumination light emitted from the light source33is incident on the optical connector312. The optical connector312is engaged with the scope connector48to supply the endoscope40with illumination light.

The pump34generates pressures to be used for an air supply function and a water supply function of the endoscope40. In the following description, the air supply function and the water supply function may sometimes collectively be described as an air/water supply function. The pump34is connected to the bus via a driver (not illustrated). The turning on or off and changes in pressure of the pump34are controlled by the control unit21. The pump34is connected to the air/water supply port36attached to the scope connector48via a water supply tank35.

The outline of the function of the endoscope40connected to the endoscope processor20is described. A fiber bundle, a cable bundle, an air supply tube, a water supply tube and the like are inserted inside the scope connector48, the universal cord49, the operation part43and the insertion part44. The illumination light having been emitted from the light source33is emitted through the optical connector312and the fiber bundle from an illumination window provided at the head portion443.

A range illuminated by the illumination light is captured by an imaging element provided at the head portion443. A captured image is transmitted from the imaging element through the cable bundle and the electric connector311to the endoscope processor20. The control unit21performs image processing on the captured image to generate an endoscopic image that allows the user to visually find a lesion. The control unit21outputs the endoscopic image to the display device50.

FIG.3is an example of a top screen561to be displayed on the touch panel25. During endoscopy, a user such as a doctor, a nurse or the like mainly uses the top screen561. The top screen561includes a menu region51, an operation region52and a custom button region54. The top screen561is one example of an operation screen for accepting an operation by the user.

The control unit21functions as an operation screen display unit that displays an operation screen on the touch panel25. According to the screen described with reference toFIG.3, the control unit21further functions as a patient button display unit and a setting button display unit.

The menu region51is displayed at the upper part of the top screen561. The menu region51includes a scope eject button511, a profile button512, a patient button513, a white balance button514and a setting button515. The operation region52includes a pump setting region521and a lamp setting region526.

The custom button region54is located along the bottom side of the touch panel25. In the custom button region54, multiple custom buttons541are displayed in a row. If many custom buttons541are displayed at the custom button region54, the user can horizontally scroll the custom button region54by a sliding operation of sliding the finger from side to side in the direction of alignment of the custom buttons541within the custom button region54. The details of the custom buttons541and the custom button region54will be described later.

When ejecting the endoscope40from the endoscope processor20, the user selects the scope eject button511. The control unit21stops the operation of the light source33and the pump34as well as power supply to the imaging element to allow the endoscope40to be ready to be safely removable from the endoscope processor20. The control unit21accepts a selection of the scope eject button511when the user performs a long-tap operation where the user continues to touch the scope eject button511for several seconds, for example.

The white balance button514is used when white balance is adjusted. Since the white balance adjustment has conventionally been conducted, description thereof is not repeated. The operation of the endoscope processor20when the profile button512, the patient button513or the setting button515is selected as well as the operation region52will be described below.

FIG.4illustrates a screen shift of screens to be displayed on the touch panel25. The top screen561described with reference toFIG.3includes the custom button region54as described above. If accepting a selection of the patient button513, the control unit21shifts the screen to a patient list screen562. As such, the control unit21functions as a patient list display unit and a custom button region display unit according to the present embodiment.

The control unit21shifts the screen from the patient list screen562to a patient list registering and editing screen563in response to an operation by the user. Examples of the patient list screen562and the registering and editing screen563will be described later.

If accepting a selection of the profile button512, the control unit21shifts the screen to a profile list screen564. The control unit21shifts the screen from the profile list screen564to a profile list registering and editing screen565in response to an operation by the user. Example of the profile list screen564and a profile list will be described later.

If accepting a selection of the setting button515, the control unit21shifts the screen to a setting screen566. The setting screen566includes a select tab551and a setting tab55. The control unit21displays the setting screen566with the select tab551selected.

The control unit21switches settable items to be displayed on the setting screen566based on the tab selected by the user. The example of the setting screen566will be described later. The setting screen566with the select tab551selected may sometimes be described as a select menu screen in the description below.

If accepting a selection of a custom region setting button542(seeFIG.24) from the user during the display of the setting screen566, the control unit21shifts the screen to a custom button region editing screen568. An example of the custom button region editing screen568will be described later.

In response to the user performing a long-tap operation or the like during the display of the select menu screen, the control unit21switches the screen to the select menu setting screen567. The user can change the setting of the select menu screen by using the select menu setting screen567.

On the screens other than the top screen561, a home button555(seeFIG.16) is arranged. If accepting a selection of the home button555by the user, the control unit21switches the screen to the top screen561.

The screens to be used by the user during the preparation for endoscopy is mainly a part encircled by a broken line inFIG.4. The screen to be used by the user during endoscopy is mainly the top screen561. Note that the user suitably operates a screen other than the above-described screens as necessary.

By having appropriately set the custom button region54using the custom button region editing screen568, the user can easily operate the endoscope processor20during endoscopy. By having appropriately set the settable items displayed on the select menu screen using the select menu setting screen567, the user can easily operate the endoscope processor20during the preparation for endoscopy.

FIG.5illustrates the record layout of the profile DB71. The profile DB71is a DB recording a user ID uniquely given to the user such as a doctor or the like, a user name, a profile related to a setting state of the endoscope processor20associated with one another. The profile includes the setting of the custom button region54, the setting of the select tab551, the setting of the initial state of the endoscope processor20and the like. The setting of the initial state of the endoscope processor20includes settings of, for example, a pressure of the pump34, brightness of the light source33and an image quality adjustment function such as a contrast, and the like.

The profile DB71includes a user number (No.) field, a user name filed and a profile field. In the user number field, a user ID uniquely given to the user such as a doctor or the like is recorded. In the user name filed, a name of the user such as a doctor or the like is recorded. In the profile field, a profile including the setting states of the custom button region54and the select tab551as well as the initial setting state of the endoscope processor20is recorded.

The user selects a user name recorded in the user name filed of the profile DB71using the profile list screen564described later. The control unit21sets the custom button region54and the select tab551as well as the initial state of the endoscope processor20based on the profile read from the profile DB71. The individual users can use the endoscope processor20in a user friendly setting.

The profile DB71may register records corresponding to multiple users for each department to which the users belong, for each type of occupation or the like. Multiple users can use the endoscope processor20under the common setting.

FIG.6illustrates the record layout of the profile DB71as a modification. The profile DB71shown inFIG.6includes a purpose number field, a purpose field and a profile field. In the purpose number field, a purpose number uniquely given for each intended purpose of the endoscope40is recorded.

In the purpose field, the purpose aimed by the technique performed using an endoscope is recorded such as “upper region observation,” “upper region close examination,” “endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography” (ERCP) and “endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR).” In the profile field, the profile such as the setting states of the custom button region54and the select tab551as well as setting of the initial state of the endoscope processor20is recorded.

The user selects a purpose of endoscopy recorded in the purpose filed of the profile DB71using the profile list screen564described later. The control unit21sets the custom button region54and the select tab551as well as the initial state of the endoscope processor20based on the profile read from the profile DB71. The user can use the endoscope processor20at settings suitable for the technique that is to be performed.

In the profile DB71, records for each model of the endoscope40, for example, may be recorded. In the profile DB71, records for each region of the body that takes endoscopy may be recorded. The region of the body that undergoes endoscopy may be identified based on the model of the endoscope40connected to the endoscope processor20. In the profile DB71, a record corresponding to the combination between the intended purpose of the endoscope40and the user may have been recorded.

FIG.7illustrates the record layout of the patient DB72. The patient DB72is a DB for recording information on patients who are scheduled to take endoscopy on that day. The patient DB72includes an order field, a patient ID field, a name field, an age field, a sex field, a note field and a complete field.

In the order field, the order in which endoscopy is scheduled to be performed is recorded. In the patient ID field, a patient ID uniquely given to the patient is recorded. In the name field, a name of the patient is recorded. In the age field, an age of the patient is recorded. In the sex field, a sex of the patient is recorded. In the sex field, “M” means a male and “F” means a female.

In the note field, a comment is recorded in text format. In the case where the user enters a special note such as an allergy or the like, the comment is recorded in the note field. In the complete field, whether or not endoscopy has already been finished is recorded. In the complete field, “Y” means that endoscopy has already been finished and “N” means that endoscopy has not been finished.

Note that instead of provision of the complete field in the patient DB72, the control unit21may delete records associated with a patient who has already taken endoscopy and a patient who canceled endoscopy from the patient DB72.

FIG.8is an example of the screen to be displayed on the display device50during endoscopy. The screen shown inFIG.8includes an endoscopic image section61, a date and time section62, a stopwatch section63, a patient section64and a doctor section65. The patient section64includes a patient name section641, a patient ID section642, a patient age section643, a patient sex section644and a comment section645.

In the endoscopic image section61, an endoscopic image captured using the endoscope40is displayed in real time. In the date and time section62, a date and time is displayed. In the stopwatch section63, a stopwatch is displayed on the basis of the operation by the user. The user can measure the time from when endoscopy is started using the stopwatch.

A patient name, a patient ID, a patient age and a patient sex are respectively displayed in the patient name section641, the patient ID section642, the patient age section and the patient sex section644. The control unit21acquires the records associated with the patient who is taking endoscopy from the patient DB72and displays them at the respective sections of the patient section64.

In the comment section645, a comment input by a doctor using the keyboard15or a voice input during the endoscopy is displayed. The control unit21may display information recorded in the note field of the patient DB72or information acquired from an electronic medical record or the like at the comment section645.

In the doctor section65, a name of the doctor who is in charge of endoscopy is recorded. If the profile DB71described with reference toFIG.5is used, the control unit21displays at the doctor section65the user name corresponding to the profile that is in use. Names of the doctors who are in charge of respective patients may have been recorded in the patient DB72. The control unit21may display the name of a doctor read from the ID card worn by the doctor, for example, at the doctor section65.

FIGS.9A and9Billustrate the operation of the operation region52. As described above, the operation region52includes the pump setting region521and the lamp setting region526. The pump setting region521includes a pump switch522, a pump adjustment switch523and a pump level section524. The lamp setting region526includes a lamp switch527, a lamp adjustment switch528and a lamp level section529.

The pump switch522is an example of an on-off switch to be used when the user performs a switching operation between on and off states of the pump34. The control unit21displays the pump switch522brightly if the pump34is in the on state and displays the pump switch522darkly if the pump34is in the off state.

The pump adjustment switch523is an example of an adjustment switch to be used when the user performs an output adjustment operation of the pump34. The pump adjustment switch523includes a combination of a range display portion in a bold line that horizontally extends and a circular slider portion. The slider portion is movable from side to side along the range display portion. The range display portion shows an adjustable range concerning the output of the pump34. The color of the range display portion is different on both sides of the slider portion.

The pump adjustment switch523is a slide switch that is operable by moving the slider portion along the range display portion from side to side. Note that the shape of the slider portion is not limited to be a circle. A slider portion having any shape such as a rectangle, for example, may be used.

In response to acceptance of an operation performed on the pump switch522by the user, the control unit21performs control of the switching between the on and off states. In response to acceptance of an operation performed on the pump adjustment switch523by the user, the control unit21performs output control of adjusting the output of the pump.

As such, the control unit21functions as a setting region display unit that displays the pump setting region521on the touch panel25, as an operation acceptance unit that accepts an operation of the pump switch522and the pump adjustment switch523, and as a change control unit that changes the operating state of the pump function. In place of the control unit21, a driver circuit or the like for control of the pump connected to the bus may control the pump34in cooperation with the control unit21.

The control unit21displays the output level of the pump34controlled based on the operation of the pump adjustment switch523at the pump level section524in text format. The output level of the pump34here means the pressure or the level of a flow rate delivered from the pump34.

The lamp switch527is an example of an on-off switch to be used when the user performs a switching operation between the on and off states of the light source33. The control unit21displays the lamp switch527brightly if the light source33is in the on state and displays the lamp switch527darkly if the light source33is in the off state.

The lamp adjustment switch528is an example of an adjustment switch to be used when the user performs an output adjustment operation of the light source33. The lamp adjustment switch528includes a combination of a range display portion in a bold line that horizontally extends and a circular slider portion. The slider portion is movable from side to side along the range display portion. The range display portion shows an adjustable range concerning the output of the light source33. The color of the range display portion is different on both sides of the slider portion.

The lamp adjustment switch528is a slide switch that is operable by moving the slider portion from side to side. Note that the shape of the slider portion is not limited to be a circle. A slider portion having any shape such as a rectangle, for example, may be used.

In response to acceptance of an operation performed on the lamp switch527by the user, the control unit21performs control of the switching between the on and off states of the light source33. In response to acceptance of an operation performed on the lamp switch527by the user, the control unit21performs output control of adjusting the output of the light source33.

As such, the control unit21functions as a setting region display unit that displays the lamp setting region526on the touch panel25, as an operation acceptance unit that accepts an operation of the lamp switch527and the lamp adjustment switch528, and as a change control unit that changes the operating state of the illumination function.

In place of the control unit21, a driver circuit or the like for control of the light source connected to the bus may control the light source33in cooperation with the control unit21.

The control unit21displays the output level of the light source33controlled based on the operation of the lamp adjustment switch528at the lamp level section529in text format. The output level of the light source33here means the brightness level of the light emitted from the light source33.

Though description is made taking a procedure executed when an output adjustment operation of the pump34is performed as an example, the output operation of the light source33is also performed according to a similar procedure.

The user operates the pump adjustment switch523by performing a sliding operation of sliding a finger placed on the slider portion displayed on the touch panel25as shown in the hollow arrow illustrated inFIG.9A.FIG.9Bshows a state in which the user completes the sliding operation and then releases the finger. The control unit21successively adjusts the output of the pump34in correspondence with the position of the slider portion that is being operated by the user. By this operation, the user can swiftly adjust the output of the pump34. It is noted that the control unit21may adjust the output of the pump34after the user releases the finger from the slider portion.

FIGS.10A and10Bshow a case where the user adjusts the pump adjustment switch523by performing a tap operation. In the case where the user taps on one end of the pump adjustment switch523as shown by the filled-in star inFIG.10A, the control unit21moves the slider to the right by a predetermined amount and increments the output level of the pump34by one. Likely, in the case where the user taps on the left side of the round slider portion, the control unit21moves the slider to the left by a predetermined amount and decrements the output level of the pump34by one.

The predetermined amount by which the slider portion is moved corresponds to the variation of the output level of the pump. In the case where the output level of the pump is variable from level 0 to level 10, for example, the predetermined amount is one-tenth of the length of the range display portion.

As such, in response to a tap operation by the user, the control unit21changes the output level of the pump34one by one. This makes it possible to prevent an operational error such as a sudden change in output of the pump34.

Even if the user taps on a position around the range display portion as well as the precise position of the range display portion, the control unit21accepts the tap operation and moves the slider by a predetermined amount. In the case where the user taps on an area shown by the broke line inFIG.10A, that is, an area including in and around the range display portion in any direction from the slider along the range display portion, for example, the control unit21accepts an operation of incrementing the output level of the pump34by one and moves the slider by a predetermined amount. The predetermined amount is a constant amount independent of the distance between the slider and the position on which the user taps. This eliminates the need for strictly adjusting the position where the user performs a top operation.

Even if the pump34or the light source33is set to the off state, the control unit21accepts an operation performed on the pump adjustment switch523or the lamp adjustment switch528to change the position of the slider. If the pump34or the light source33is turned to the on state, the control unit21controls the pump34or the light source33in correspondence with the position of the slider of the pump adjustment switch523or the lamp adjustment switch528.

If the pump34and the light source33are adjustable at sufficiently finely levels, the control unit21may perform adjustment of five levels or ten levels with a single tap operation. In other words, the predetermined amount by which the control unit21moves the slider with a single tap operation is not limited to one level.

The control unit21stores the adjusting states of the pump setting region521and the lamp setting region526in a nonvolatile memory such as the auxiliary storage23or the like at any time and reads them at startup of the endoscope processor20. This makes it possible to provide the endoscope processor20that starts up in user friendly settings even if aging of the pump34and the light source33occurs, for example.

If the use of the pump setting region521or the lamp setting region526at a setting larger than a predetermined threshold is stored, the control unit21may start up the endoscope processor20at a setting lower than the stored state. This makes it possible to provide the endoscope processor20that can be safely used without making the output of the pump34and the brightness of the light source33at startup get too large.

The control unit21may record the adjusting states of the pump setting region521and the lamp setting region526in the profile DB71. This makes it possible to provide the endoscope processor20that is started up depending on the use of each of the users.

FIG.11is a modification of the top screen56displayed on the touch panel25. A lamp life section525is displayed between the lamp setting region526and the custom button region54. The control unit21displays life expectancy of the light source33calculated based on the cumulative operating time of the light source33at the lamp life section525.

For example, the control unit21decreases the number of dots displayed at the lamp life section525if the life expectancy becomes short. The user can grasp the maintenance period such as replacing of the light source33or the like based on the number of dots displayed at the lamp life section525.

The control unit21displays a memory formed of dots above the lamp adjustment switch528. The large dot at the center means standard brightness. InFIG.11, the user can adjust the brightness in five levels on the bright side and in five levels on the dark side with reference to the standard brightness.

The control unit21displays a memory formed of dots above the pump adjustment switch523. InFIG.11, the user can adjust the pressure of the pump in five stages. The large dot at the leftmost position means that the pressure of the pump is the weakest of the five stages.

Note that the control unit21may accept an operation performed on the pump setting region521and the lamp setting region526by a voice input. For example, the user can set the lamp switch527to the on state by saying “LAMP ON.” Likely, the user can operate the lamp adjustment switch528by saying “LAMP UP” or “LAMP DOWN.”

By the voice input, the user can operate the pump setting region521and the lamp setting region526without separating the hand from the endoscope40. The screen inFIG.11allows the user to visually confirm the state of the endoscope processor20and the effect of the operation thereof.

FIG.12illustrates the configuration of the custom button541. The custom button541is a button used when the user adjusts various functions of the endoscope processor20.

The custom button541includes a state section547and a function description section545. The function description section545includes an icon section548and a name section549. In the icon section548, an icon for describing the function of each of the custom buttons541is displayed. In the name section549, the name of each of the custom buttons541is displayed in text format. In the state section547, the setting state of each of the custom buttons541is displayed in text format. It is noted that the user may display one of the icon section548and the name section549for the function the user can identify without misunderstanding.

FIGS.13to15illustrate the operation of the custom buttons541.FIG.13illustrates an example of the custom button541for adjusting the function switchable between the on and off states. The button shown inFIG.13is used for switching between the on and off states of a specific image processing function, for example.

If the user taps on the custom button541, the control unit21switches, between the on and off states, the function corresponding to the custom button541out of the functions of the endoscope processor20.

FIG.14illustrates an example of the custom button541switchable among three states. If the user taps on the custom button541, the control unit21displays the states of the function corresponding to the custom button541out of the functions of the endoscope processor20at the state section547in a sequentially switchable manner. By the user tapping on the custom button541three times, the state of the custom button541circles back and returns to the initial state.

If the custom button541is switchable among four states, for example, by the user tapping on the custom button541four times, the state of the custom button541circles back and returns to the initial state. The custom button541switchable in three states or more is used for switching a digital zoom magnification, for example.

As such, the control unit21functions as an operation acceptance unit that accepts an operation performed on the custom button541by the user and a change control unit that changes the operating state of the function corresponding to the custom button541an operation of which is accepted out of the functions of the endoscope processor20. The control unit21displays the setting state of the custom button541in the state section547.

FIG.15is an example of the custom button541concerning a stopwatch function. If the user taps on the custom button541, the control unit21starts up the function of the stopwatch and displays an elapsed time in the state section547. The control unit21also displays the elapsed time at the stopwatch section63described with reference toFIG.8.

If the user taps on the custom button541during the measuring, the control unit21repeats stopping and restarting of the measurement of the elapsed time. If the user performs a press and hold operation on the custom button541during the measurement, the control unit21resets the stopwatch.

By the use of the custom button541, the user can easily change the settings of the endoscope processor20even in the course of the endoscopy. It is noted that the control unit21may accept the operation of the custom button541by voice input. By saying “STOPWATCH,” for example, the user can perform the same operation occurring when tapping on the custom button541for the stopwatch function. By the use of the voice input, the user can operate the custom button541without separating the hand from the endoscope40.

Since the state section547is located above the custom button541, the state section547is difficult to hide behind the hand or the finger of the user when the user operates the custom button541. Accordingly, the endoscope processor20can be provided that has the custom buttons541easily operable.

Since both of the icon section548and the name section549are provided, the endoscope processor20can be provided that allows the user to surely operate the custom button541without misunderstanding.

Since the custom buttons541have the same size, the endoscope processor20can be provided that allows the user to arrange the custom buttons541in any order. Since the custom buttons541are aligned in the custom button region54, the user can promptly find a necessary custom button541by performing a scrolling operation from side to side. Thus, the endoscope processor20can be provided that can be easily used in the case where the doctor who is manipulating the endoscope40verbally instructs a nurse or a medical technician about the operation of the custom button541.

FIG.16illustrates the patient list screen562. As described above, if accepting a selection of the patient button513on the top screen561, the control unit21shifts the screen to the patient list screen562. The patient list screen562displays the order, the ID and the name of the patients for whom “N” are recorded in the complete field out of the patients recorded in the patient DB72described with reference toFIG.7in tabular form containing one patient per one row. In other words, the patient list screen562shown inFIG.16displays a list of the patients who are scheduled to undergo endoscopy.

The table shown inFIG.16includes an option button column, a number column, an ID column and a name column from the left. In the option button column, option buttons572are displayed.FIG.16is a state in which the patient with No. 01 with the filled-in circle is being selected. At the right end of the name column, an advanced button571is displayed.

For each item in a column heading above the table, an inverted-triangle sort button573is displayed. At the right end of the column heading, an add button556is displayed. In a title bar at the top of the patient list screen562, a delete button558and a home button555are displayed.

The shapes of the various kinds of buttons shown on the screen examples includingFIG.16are mere examples and not limited to the illustrated or described modes. The option button572, for example, is not limited to be circular. The option button572may be any shape such as elliptical, polygonal, star shape or the like. The selection status of the option button572may be displayed depending on variation in shape in place of variation in color. The selection status of the option button572may be displayed depending on the presence or absence of the display of the option button572itself. The selection status of the option button572itself may be displayed in characters.

The control unit21sets the option button572corresponding to the first patient in the list displayed on the patient list screen562as being selecting. If the order of endoscopy is changed, the user operates the option button572to select the next patient in the list for endoscopy. The option button572is one example of a patient acceptance unit that accepts a selection of the patient who will undergo endoscopy next.

The control unit21extracts the information related to the selected patient from the patient DB72and displays it in the patient section64of the screen described with reference toFIG.8. After confirming that the next patient in the list for the endoscopy is displayed at the patient section64, the user selects the home button555. The control unit21returns the display of the touch panel25to the top screen561.

In the case where the endoscopy is canceled, the user selects the delete button558with the option button572corresponding to a target patient selected. The control unit21deletes the corresponding patient from the patient DB72or records the cancellation at the complete field of the patient DB72.

FIGS.17and18illustrate sorting of the patient list.FIG.17shows a state in which the user is selecting the sort button573in the ID column. The control unit21displays the selected sort button573by the filled-in triangle to thereby show that sorting is being made in ascending order of the patient ID. In the case where the user reselects the same sort button573, the control unit21displays the selected sort button573by the filled-in inverted triangle to thereby show that sorting is being made in descending order of the patient ID.

As described above, the shapes of the various kinds of the buttons shown on the screen examples are all mere examples and not limited to the illustrated or described modes. The sort button573may have a shape other than a triangular shape such as an arrow shape, for example. The selection status of the sort button573may be displayed by variation in shape in place of variation in color. The selection status of the sort button573itself may be displayed in characters such as “descending order,” “ascending order” and the like.

FIG.18shows a state in which the user is selecting the sort button573in the number column. The control unit21displays the selected sort button by the filled-in inverted triangle to thereby show that sorting is being made in descending order. If the user reselects the same sort button573, the control unit21displays the selected sort button by the filled-in triangle to thereby show that sorting is being made in ascending order of the examination order.

In the case where the order of the endoscopy is changed or in the case where the endoscopy is canceled, the user suitably operate the sort button573to search for a target patient and selects the option button572of the patient. Then, the user selects the home button555or the delete button558.

If the home button555is selected, the control unit21shifts the screen to the top screen561and stores the setting state of the sort button in the nonvolatile memory such as the auxiliary storage23or the like. When displaying the patient list screen562at the next time, the control unit21displays the patient list in a sorted state the same as that in the previous time.

The control unit21may display the patient list screen562in a default sorted state every time without storing the setting state of the sort button. In either case, the control unit21displays only the patients who have not yet taken the endoscopy on the patient list screen562to thereby allow the user to easily find a desired patient and select the option button572of the patient.

The control unit21may display both of the patients who have already taken the endoscopy and the patients who have not yet taken the endoscopy on the patient list screen562. In such cases, it is desirable that the patients are displayed with flags to discriminate one from the other.

Even after selecting the option button572on the patient list screen562and preparing for endoscopy, there may be a case where, for example, the endoscopy cannot actually be performed due to situations such as an emergency examination required for another patient. There is also another case that endoscopy is interrupted halfway due to poor physical condition or the like of a patient. Even for such patients, “Y” is recorded in the complete field of the patient DB72.

By displaying the patients who have already taken the endoscopy on the patient list screen562, endoscopy of such patients can be conducted promptly. The control unit21may switch between display and non-display of the patients who have already taken endoscopy in response to a triple tap operation or the like during display of the patient list screen562.

FIG.19is an example of a screen to perform registration and editing on the patient list. The screen illustrated inFIG.19includes a patient ID entry section661, a patient name entry section662, a patient sex entry section663, a patient birthday (D.O.B: date of birth) entry section664, a patient age section665, a note section666, a cancel button668and a save button669.

If accepting a selection of the add button556on the patient list screen562described with reference toFIGS.16to18, the control unit21displays a registration/editing screen563illustrated inFIG.19with all the fields left blank. If accepting a selection of the advance button571, the control unit21displays the registration/editing screen563illustrated inFIG.19with the items recorded in the patient DB72displayed in all the respective fields.

For example, the user such as a doctor, a nurse or a medical technician or the like has input information on the patients who will take endoscopy using the registration/editing screen568before conducting the endoscopy at that day. Here, the user sequentially inputs the information on the patients in order in which the endoscopy is scheduled. If the user selects the save button669, the control unit21registers the information in the patient DB72in the order of acceptance of the input.

The control unit21may accept an input to the patient ID entry section661and automatically input to the sections other than the patient ID entry section661the information extracted from the electronic medical record or the like using the patient ID as a key. The control unit21may calculate an age of the patient based on the birthday of the patient input in the patient birthday entry section664and automatically input the age to the patient age section665.

The control unit21may accept an input such as a patient ID or the like by voice input. The control unit21may display a software keyboard for an editing operation on the touch panel25and accept an operation by the user via the keyboard.

The control unit21may acquire a patient list previously created from a hospital information system (HIS).

The patient list is displayed in the order of registration, so that the patient list can automatically be displayed according to the order of the endoscopy without a special operation by the user.

Sorting based on the patient ID or the like allows the user to promptly find a target patient even if the order of the patient who takes endoscopy is changed due to another examination or the like to be taken by the patient.

FIG.20illustrates the profile list screen564. If accepting a selection of the profile button512on the top screen561as described above, the control unit21shifts the screen to the profile list screen564. On the profile list screen564, the user number and the user name that are recorded in the profile DB71described with reference toFIG.5are displayed in tabular form.

The table shown inFIG.20contains an option button column, a number column and a name column from the left. In the option button column, the option buttons572are displayed. FIG. illustrates a state in which the profile with No. 01 indicated by the filled circle is being selected. At the right end of the name column, the advance button571is displayed.

For each item in a column heading above the table, the inverted-triangle sort button573is displayed. In the title bar at the top of the profile list screen564, the add button556, the delete button558and the home button555are displayed.

If the user selects the add button556or the advance button571, the control unit21shifts the screen to the registration/editing screen565to accept addition or editing of the records in the profile DB71. The concrete example of the registration/editing screen565is not described.

The user operates the option button572to select a profile to be used in the next endoscopy. If accepting a selection of the home button555, the control unit21extracts the information on the selected profile from the profile DB71to change the settings of the endoscope processor20. The control unit21shifts the screen to the top screen561.

It is noted that the name of a doctor who is in charge of a patient or the purpose of endoscopy may be recorded in the patient DB72. The control unit21searches the profile DB71for a corresponding profile and selects the profile to change the settings of the endoscope processor20.

FIG.21illustrates the select menu screen. At the top of the select menu screen, the select tab551, the setting tab55and the home button555are displayed. The setting tab55includes an image tab552, a function tab553and a system tab554.FIG.21shows a default state in which no settable item that is to be displayed on the select menu screen is selected.

The number of tabs and the kinds of the tabs shown inFIG.21are mere examples. The setting tab55may include two or less tabs or four or more tabs. The setting tab55is an example of a second tab and a second button that are for displaying settable items with the option buttons559(seeFIG.22). Multiple select tabs551may be displayed. The select tab551is an example of a first tab and a first button that are for displaying settable items for which one of the option buttons559is being selected. By displaying the select tab551and the setting tab55, the control unit21functions as a button display unit according to the present embodiment.

The endoscope processor20includes a lot of settable items that are suitably set by the user. The settable items are classified into multiple groups based on the functions or the like. In the present embodiment, a case where the settable items are classified into three groups respectively corresponding to the image tab552, the function tab553and the system tab554will be described. Note that one settable item may be included in multiple groups.

FIGS.22and23illustrate the setting screen566with the image tab522selected. Sett able items related to settings of an image to be displayed by the endoscope processor20are displayed in list form. At the left end of each of the settable items, the option button559is displayed. The settable items shown inFIG.22are a part of the settable items displayed when the image tab552is selected. The user searches for a desired settable item while vertically scrolling the screen.

Settable items illustrated in and afterFIG.22are mere examples. By displaying the setting screen566with the second tab such as an image tab or the like selected, the control unit21functions as a second settable item display unit according to the present embodiment.

The user selects the option button559displayed at the left end of the settable item that the user desires to frequently use. InFIG.22, the option button559for the uppermost settable item “Exposure control” is being selected. By storing the option button559for which a selection by the user has been accepted, the control unit21functions as a selection storage unit according to the present embodiment.

For the settable item of “Exposure control,” for example, two setting option buttons578of “Auto” and “Manual” are displayed. For the lowermost settable item of “Enhancement,” a total of seven setting option buttons578including “Off” and “+1” to “+6” are displayed. The control unit21accepts a selection of the setting option button578on which the user taps to adjust the level of image enhancement processing.

It is noted that display of the setting screen566is not limited to tab form in which tabs for switching are arranged at the top of the screen. The control unit21may display in a switchable manner a selection screen in which buttons respectively corresponding to the select tab551, the image tab552, the function tab553and the system tab554are aligned, and a settable item screen in which a list of settable items is displayed if any one of the buttons is selected.

The control unit21may display a list of the settable items corresponding to the select tab551at a default setting. Meanwhile, the control unit21displays the select tab551, the image tab552, the function tab553and the system tab554when the endoscope is used by a specific user who gets familiarized with operation of the endoscope processor20. The control unit21may display the select tab551, the image tab552, the function tab553and the system tab554based on an instruction from the user. This makes it possible to provide the endoscope processor20that is operable without the unfamiliar user being puzzled over a lot of settable items.

For a settable item capable of setting the details, the advance button571is displayed at the right end. If accepting a selection of the advance button571, the control unit21displays detailed items concerning this settable item. The concrete example thereof will be described below.

FIG.23shows an example of a screen to be displayed on the touch panel25by the control unit21if the advance button571for the settable item of “Picture in Picture” (PIP) in the third row from the bottom is selected. At the left end of the “PIP” row on the screen inFIG.23, a close button574is displayed. It is noted that the margin of the screen is not illustrated here.

The user sets “PIP Setting” to a desirable state and then selects the close button574. The control unit21accepts the setting to “PIP setting” and shifts the display to the screen described with reference toFIG.22.

FIG.24illustrates the setting screen566with the function tab553selected. Settable items related to various functions possessed by the endoscope processor20are displayed in list form. The option button559is displayed at the left end of each of the settable items. The settable items shown inFIG.24are a part of the settable items displayed when the function tab553is selected. The user searches for a desired settable item while vertically scrolling the screen.

A settable item of “Custom button assignment” is displayed in the uppermost row on the screen shown inFIG.24. At the right end of this row, a custom region setting button542is arranged. The details of the custom region setting button542is described below.

InFIG.24, the option button559for the settable item of “Scope eject” in the second row from the top is being selected. Out of the settable items shown inFIG.24, the control unit21accepts an operation on the “ON” button if the user taps on and holds these items, concerning the settable item of “Scope eject” to eject the endoscope40from the endoscope processor20and the settable item of “USB eject” to eject the USB memory from the reading part28. This makes it possible to prevent the endoscope40and the USB memory from being ejected from the endoscope processor20due to a wrong operation.

FIG.25illustrates the setting screen566with the system tab554selected. Settable items related to system settings of the endoscope processor20are displayed in list form. The sett able items shown inFIG.25are a part of the settable items displayed when the system tab554is selected. The user searches for a desired settable item while vertically scrolling the screen.

InFIG.25, the option button559for the settable item of “National Television System Committee/Phase Alternating Line (NTSC/PAL)” in the third row from the top is being selected. For the settable items of “Date/TIME,” “NTSC/PAL,” “Facility Name” and “Network,” setting display sections579for displaying the current setting state in text format are displayed.

FIGS.26to28illustrate the select menu screen. On the screen described with reference toFIG.21, the settable items obtained when the option buttons559have been selected are additionally displayed. By selecting the option buttons559, the user can collect the settable items the user wants to frequently use on the screen displayed by the select tab551. By displaying the setting screen566with the select tab551selected, the control unit21functions as a first settable item display unit according to the present embodiment.

FIG.27is a screen example to be displayed on the touch panel25by the control unit21when the advance button571of the settable item of “Remote button assignment” is selected. Below the settable item of “Remote button assignment,” a menu is displayed for setting the function of the control buttons431provided in the operation part43of the endoscope40.

In the lowermost row, control button icons582representing the four control buttons431are arranged.FIG.27displays a state of “No operation” indicating that a setting of the control buttons431has not yet been set. In the second and third rows from the bottom, function icons581representing the functions that can be set to the control buttons431are arranged. The number of function icons581is more than that can be arranged within the width of the screen of the touch panel25. The user can scroll the row in which the function icons581are arranged from side to side.

The user drags and drops the desired function icon581to the control button icon582. The control unit21displays the dragged and dropped function icon581in place of the control button icon582. The control unit21assigns the function corresponding to the dragged and dropped function icon581to the control button431.

The user can use the function assigned to the control button431without separating the hand from the endoscope40during endoscopy. In other words, if the user operates the control button431, the control unit21executes the function assigned to the control button431.

FIG.28is a screen to be displayed on the touch panel25by the control unit21when the advance button571for the settable item of “Foot switch assignment” is selected. Below the settable item of “Foot switch assignment,” a menu for setting the functions of the foot switch17is displayed.

In the lowermost row, two foot switch icons583respectively representing right and left buttons of the foot switch17are arranged. InFIG.28, no function of the buttons of the foot switch17is set. It is noted that the control unit21displays three foot switch icons583if the foot switch17formed of three buttons is connected to the endoscope processor20, for example.

In the second and third rows from the bottom, function icons581representing the functions that can be set to the foot switch17are arranged. The user drags and drops the desired function icon581to the foot switch icon583. The control unit21displays the dragged and dropped function icon581in place of the foot switch icon583. The control unit21assigns the function corresponding to the dragged and dropped function icon581to the buttons for the foot switch17.

The user can use the function assigned to the foot switch17without separating the hand from the endoscope40during endoscopy. In other words, if the user operates the foot switch17, the control unit21executes the function assigned to the foot switch17.

FIGS.29to33illustrate the select menu setting screen567. InFIGS.29to33, the name of each settable item is abstractly represented by a character string such as “BBB,” “XXZ” or the like.

As described above, in response to the user performing a long-tap operation or the like during the display of the select menu screen, the control unit21switches the screen to the select menu setting screen567. InFIG.29, in response to a selection of the settable item of “XXZ” at the lowermost row with a long tap operation, the screen is switched to the select menu setting screen567. InFIG.29, the settable item of “XXZ” that is being selected is represented by a bold frame.

As shown by the hollow arrow inFIG.29, the user slides a finger with the settable item of “XXZ” selected. The control unit21moves the selected settable item of “XXZ” to follow the finger movements of the user as shown inFIG.30. The user releases the finger at a desirable position where the settable item is to be arranged. The control unit21inserts the settable item of “XXZ” between the “BBB” and the “ABC.” As such, the control unit21functions as a change acceptance unit that accepts change in an arrangement position of the settable item within the select menu screen.

If any settable item is deleted from the select menu screen, the user performs a sliding operation leftward on the settable item to be deleted. The control unit21displays the delete button558at the right end of the settable item having accepted the sliding operation. If the settable item is to be deleted, the user performs a tap operation on the delete button558. If accepting the tap operation performed on the delete button558by the user, the control unit21deletes this settable item from the select menu screen as shown inFIG.33. The control unit21sets the option button559for the settable item having accepted the delete instruction as being unselected. As such, the control unit21functions as a delete acceptance unit according to the present embodiment.

It is noted that the user cancels the selection of the option button559on the setting screen566described with reference toFIGS.22to25to thereby delete the settable item from the select menu screen.

By the operation described above, the user can make the setting such that the frequently-used settable item is displayed at the upper part of the select menu screen. By using the select menu screen having been set, the user can promptly operate the endoscope processor20.

FIGS.34to41illustrate the custom button region editing screen568. The user can edit the kind and the order of the custom buttons541displayed in the custom button region54using the custom button region editing screen568. If accepting a selection of the custom region setting button542described with reference toFIG.24, the control unit21shifts the screen to the custom button region editing screen568. The control unit21functions as a custom button selection acceptance unit and an arrangement order change acceptance unit of the present embodiment via the custom button region editing screen568.

The control unit21may display the region shown inFIGS.34to41below the settable item of “Custom button assignment” as in the screen described with reference toFIGS.27and28.

The custom button region editing screen568includes a candidate button region543and the custom button region54. In the candidate button region543, the custom buttons541that can be arranged in the candidate button region543are displayed in list form. As such, the control unit21functions as a custom button region display unit and a candidate button region display unit. It is noted that for each of the custom buttons541within the candidate button region543, the state section547described with reference toFIG.12is left blank.

InFIGS.34to41, an area displayable on the touch panel25is represented by a display area frame259. As shown by the hollow arrow inFIG.34, the user can horizontally scroll the candidate button region543and the custom button region54independently.

If the user performs a press and hold operation, such as a touch for a predetermined time period, on any one of the custom buttons541within the candidate button region543, the control unit21accepts selection of the custom button541. InFIG.35, the custom button541of “Func. D,” selection of which has been accepted by the control unit21, is represented by the bold frame.

As shown by the hollow arrow inFIG.36, the user slides a finger with the custom button541selected. The control unit21moves the selected custom button541to follow the finger movement of the user as shown inFIG.22. If the custom button541is moved into the custom button region54, the control unit21displays a bold-line-like insertion marker544. The control unit21changes the position of the insertion marker544horizontally depending on the position of the custom button541that is being selected.

The user releases the finger from the touch panel25at a desired position and cancels the selection of the custom button541. As shown inFIG.37, the control unit21inserts the custom button541of “Func. D” having been selected to the position of the insertion marker544. As such, the user can change the arrangement order of the custom buttons541to a desired order. Hence, the control unit21functions as a custom button selection acceptance unit and an arrangement order change acceptance unit.

If the user presses and holds any of the custom buttons541within the custom button region54, the control unit21accepts a selection of the custom button541. InFIG.38, the control unit21represents the custom button541of “Func. TT” of which the control unit21has accepted a selection by the bold mark.

As shown by the hollow arrow inFIG.39, the user slides a finger with the custom button541selected. The control unit21moves the selected custom button541to follow the finger movement of the user as shown inFIG.39.

The user releases the finger from the touch panel25at a desired position and cancels the selection of the custom button541. As shown inFIG.40, the control unit21inserts the custom button541of “Func. Tt” having been selected to the position between the custom button541of “Func. A” and the custom button541of “Func. B.”

Returning toFIG.38, if accepting a selection of any custom button541within the custom button region54, the control unit21displays the delete button558at the upper right of the custom button541as shown inFIG.38. If the user selects the delete button558, the control unit21deletes this custom button541from the custom button region54.FIG.41shows a state in which the custom button541of “Func. TT” is deleted.

The control unit21updates the profile field of the profile DB71described with reference toFIG.5or6such that it reflects the setting or the like accepted via the select menu setting screen567and the custom button region editing screen568. If the same user performs endoscopy or if endoscopy is performed for the same purpose, the user can use the endoscope processor20at an operable setting depending on the situation by reading the settings from the profile DB71.

The profile DB71having been stored in a file server connected to the HIS may be referred to through a network every time the profile list screen564is displayed or every time a selection of the profile by the user is accepted. For example, in a medical institution possessing multiple endoscope processors20of the same model, the user can use any endoscope processor20in the same procedure.

The profile DB71may be stored in an external file server. The user who performs endoscopy in multiple medical institutions can use the endoscope processor20in the same procedure even in any medical institution.

Returning toFIG.23, the custom button541corresponding to the function with the advance button571like the “PIP” function may have been prepared.

If such a custom button541is selected, the control unit21displays a menu on which buttons or the like required for operating the function are arranged in the custom button region54on the top screen561. If the custom button541corresponding to “PIP” function is selected, for example, the control unit21arranges in the custom button region54a total of four buttons respectively corresponding to “Off” and “On” buttons inFIG.22and “upper right” and“1:1” buttons. The buttons here may be a pull-down menu format, for example. This makes it possible to present a number of options to the user in a relatively small space.

As such, the control unit21functions as a menu display unit according to the present embodiment that displays a menu when accepting a control of the custom button.

FIGS.42to45illustrate a screen locking operation. The screen locking operation is an operation of setting the touch panel to a locked state, that is, a state incapable of accepting a user operation.

A screen shift from an unlocked state is described. If the user performs a swipe operation on the top screen561from top to bottom as represented by the hollow arrow inFIG.42, the control unit21largely displays a lock button557in an unlocked state at the center of the touch panel25as shown inFIG.43.

If the user presses and holds the lock button557, the control unit21changes the state of the lock button557in a locked state as shown inFIG.44. Then, the control unit21shifts the screen to a state in which the lock button557is displayed at the peripheral edge portion of the top screen561as shown inFIG.45. In the following description, the state in which the lock button557is displayed at the peripheral edge of the top screen561is described as a locked state.

The screen shift will be described. In the locked state, the control unit21does not accept any operation on the touch panel25other than a tap operation performed on the lock button557. By the screen shift to the lock state, the control unit21functions as an acceptance stop unit that stops accepting an operation.

If the user taps on the lock button557, the control unit21displays the screen described with reference toFIG.44on the touch panel25for several seconds. If the user presses and holds the lock button557during this several seconds, the control unit21displays the screen described with reference toFIG.43on the touch panel25. Then, the control unit21displays the top screen not including the lock button557to restart an acceptance of an operation via the touch panel25. As such, the control unit21functions as an acceptance restart unit that cancels the locked state and restarts an acceptance of an operation.

If several seconds have elapsed without pressing and holding the lock button557on the screen described with reference toFIGS.43and44, the control unit21displays the top screen in the initial locked state.

The user can perform endoscopy even if the touch panel25is in the locked state. This makes it possible to prevent changes in the settings of the endoscope processor20occurring due to an accidental response of the touch panel25such as a case where the universal cord49makes contact with the touch panel25during the endoscopy, for example.

Even if the touch panel25is in the locked state, the user can operate the endoscope processor20using the control buttons431and the foot switch17. If the foot switch17is assigned the lamp adjustment switch528, for example, the user can control the output level of the light source33by using the foot switch17. The control unit21displays the output level of the light source33operated via the foot switch17at the lamp adjustment switch528of the touch panel25.

As such, the control unit21reflects a result obtained by operating the endoscope processor20using the foot switch17or the like on the display of the touch panel25even if the touch panel25is in the locked state.

Since a swipe operation from up to bottom is used for shifting the touch panel25to the locked state, the touch panel25is prevented from being accidentally set to the locked state due to, for example, a contact by the universal cord49or a nearby medical staff or the like.

If accepting a swipe operation on the screen other than the top screen561such as the setting screen566, the select menu setting screen567or the like, the control unit21may shift the touch panel25to the lock screen or neglect the swipe operation. The operation may be set using the setting screen566.

FIGS.46to48illustrate a modification of the screen locking operation.FIG.46is a modification of a screen obtained when a swipe operation is being made as described with reference toFIG.42. If detecting the start of a swipe operation, the control unit21displays the lock button557in an unlocked state at a position slightly above the portion touched by the user's finger on the touch panel25. The control unit21moves the lock button557to follow the movement of the user's finger.

Moreover, the control unit21displays the part other than the lock button557at low brightness when displaying the lock button557. The hatching shows the low-brightness part inFIG.46. This allows the user to more easily recognize the start of a screen locking operation.

The lock button557is displayed during a swiping operation, so that the user can easily find the start of a screen locking operation. The user quickly releases the finger from the touch panel25if not intending to perform a screen locking operation. If the user releases the finger from the screen before completion of a swipe operation of a predetermined length, the control unit21stops the screen locking operation and returns the screen to the original brightness.

The user can confirm the start of the screen locking operation while performing a swipe operation, so that the control unit21may set the touch panel25as being in the locked state immediately after the completion of the swipe operation without performing acceptance of a press and hold operation of the lock button557described with reference toFIG.43. If acceptance of a press and hold operation is not performed, the lock button557functions as a lock icon visually showing the locked state.

FIG.47is a modification of the screen at a completion of the swipe operation described with reference toFIG.44. If detecting the start of a swipe operation, the control unit21displays the lock button557in a locked state in the center portion of the top screen561. The lock button557displayed during a swipe operation functions as a lock icon that visually shows that a shift operation to the locked state is in progress. The control unit21functions as a lock icon display unit that displays the lock icon.

The control unit21may continuously display the screen shown inFIG.47even after completion of the swipe operation and shifting to the locked state. In other words, the control unit21may display the lock button557in the center of the touch panel25during the locked state. Thus, the endoscope processor20can be provided that allows the user to easily find the locked state and perform an unlocking operation.

With reference toFIG.48, a modification of a screen unlocking operation is described. In the locked state in the present modification, the control unit21does not accept an operation on the touch panel25other than a press and hold operation performed on the lock button557.

If the user presses and holds the lock button557, the control unit21changes the color of the lock button557gradually from bottom to top. The control unit21entirely changes the color of the lock button557and deletes the lock button557to thereby cancel the screen locking. Then, the control unit21restarts acceptance of an operation via the touch panel25. In the description below, releasing the screen locking is described as unlocking.

The user can confirm the progress of unlocking by change of the lock button557. For example, if the user stops pressing and holding the lock button557before the color of the lock button557is entirely changed, the control unit21interrupts the unlocking processing.

The operations of locking and unlocking of the screen as described with reference toFIGS.42to48are mere examples. For example, the control unit21may accept a screen locking operation by any operation such as a predetermined number of tap operations, a predetermined number of flip operations in a predetermined direction or the like in place of a swipe operation.

The control unit21may accept a screen locking operation and a screen unlocking operation by voice recognition. The control unit functions as a voice stop instruction acceptance unit and a voice start instruction acceptance unit. The control unit21may accept detailed settings concerning a screen locking operation and a screen unlocking operation via the setting screen566.

FIG.49is a flowchart showing a flow of the processing of a program. The control unit21acquires a record associated with a patient who is scheduled to take endoscopy next from the patient DB72(step S501). More specifically, the control unit21acquires the record having the smallest numerical value in the order field out of the records containing “N” in the complete field.

The control unit21displays the information such as a patient name or the like recorded in the record acquired at step S501at the patient section64of the screen displayed on the display device50described with reference toFIG.8(step S502). The user confirms that the patient that is being displayed at the patient section64matches the patient who is scheduled to actually take endoscopy next. If they do not match, the user selects the patient button513to display the patient list screen562described with reference toFIG.16. The user selects a correct patient on the patient list screen562.

The control unit21acquires a profile to be used in the next endoscopy from the profile DB71(step S503). More specifically, the control unit21waits for the user selecting the profile button512to display the profile list screen564and for selecting a profile. If the user does not select a profile, the control unit21uses the profile used in the previous endoscopy.

If the patient DB72contains a field to record information related to a profile such as the name of a doctor who is in charge of endoscopy, the purpose of the endoscopy or the like, the control unit21searches the profile DB71using the field as a key and acquires the profile.

The control unit21starts a subroutine for setting changes (step S504). The subroutine for setting changes is a subroutine for changing the settings of the endoscope processor20based on the acquired profile. The flow of processing of the subroutine for setting changes will be described later.

The user performs endoscopy using the endoscope40. During the endoscopy, the control unit21executes processing such as control of the imaging element provided at the head portion443of the control unit21, generation of an endoscopic image and display of the image on the display device50and the like (Step S505). The processing performed by the control unit21during the endoscopy is similar to the conventional processing, and thus the detailed description is not repeated.

After completion of the endoscopy, the control unit21records “Y” indicating the completion of the endoscopy in the complete filed of the record associated with the patient who has taken endoscopy in the patient DB72(step S506). The control portion21determines whether or not endoscopy of the patients recorded in the patient DB72has been finished (step S507). More specifically, if there remains any record containing “N” in the complete field, the control unit21determines that the endoscopy has not yet been finished.

If determining that the endoscopy has not yet been finished (NO at step S507), the control portion21returns the process to step S501. If determining that the endoscopy has been finished (YES at step S507), the control portion21ends the processing.

FIG.50is a flowchart showing a flow of the subroutine for setting changes. The subroutine for setting changes is a subroutine for changing the settings of the endoscope processor20based on the acquired profile.

The control unit21acquires the setting of the pump setting region521at the completion of the previous use that has been stored in the nonvolatile memory (step S511). It is noted that if the setting of the pump setting region521has been recorded in the profile, the control unit21acquires the setting of the pump setting region521from the profile.

The control unit21determines whether or not the acquired setting of the pump adjustment switch523is higher than a predetermined threshold (step S512). If determining that the setting is not higher than the threshold (NO at step S512), the control unit21returns the setting of the pump adjustment switch523to the state acquired at step S511(step S513). If determining that the setting is higher than the threshold (YES at step S512), the control unit21sets the pump adjustment switch523to the threshold (step S514).

After completion of the step S513or S514, the control unit21acquires the setting of the lamp setting region526at the completion of the previous use that has been stored in the nonvolatile memory (step S515). It is noted that if the setting of the lamp setting region526has been recorded in the profile, the control unit21acquires the setting of the lamp setting region526from the profile.

The control unit21determines whether or not the acquired setting of the lamp adjustment switch528is higher than a predetermined threshold (step S516). If determining that the setting is not higher than the threshold (NO at step S516), the control unit21returns the setting of the lamp adjustment switch528to the state acquired at step S515(step S517). If determining that the setting is higher than the threshold (YES at step S516), the control unit21sets the lamp adjustment switch528to the threshold (step S518).

After completion of the step S517or S518, the control unit21changes the state of the setting screen566based on the profile (step S519). The control unit21changes the custom buttons541to be displayed on the custom button region54on the top screen561based on the profile (step S520). By the step S520, the control unit21functions as a custom button display unit according to the present embodiment.

The control unit21changes the settings for the image processing of the endoscopic image based on the profile (S521). Thereafter, the control portion21ends the processing.

As such, the endoscope processor20can be provided that starts with the setting modified to the predetermined threshold in the case where the output of the pump34or the light source33is set to a maximum at the completion of the previous use.

It is noted that the subroutine for setting changes is not limited to the subroutine described with reference toFIG.50. For example, the control unit21may acquire the setting of the pump setting region521at the completion of the previous use at step S511and then automatically return the setting of the pump adjustment switch523without performing the determination at step S512.

Likely, the control unit21may acquire the setting of the lamp setting region526at the completion of the previous use at step S515and then automatically return the setting of the lamp adjustment switch528without performing the determination at step S516. As such, the endoscope processor20can be provided that starts at the settings the same as those at the completion of the previous use.

According to the present embodiment, the endoscope processor20can be provided that allows the user to promptly adjust the function by using the touch panel25.

According to the present embodiment, the endoscope processor20can be provided that allows the user to easily adjust the pressure of the pump34and the brightness of the light source33. The user can intuitively operate the pressure of the pump34and the brightness of the light source33by a sliding operation described with reference toFIG.9. The user can adjust the pressure of the pump34and the brightness of the light source33little by little by a tap operation without tapping on the precise position described with reference toFIG.10.

According to the present embodiment, since text is displayed at the pump level section524and the lamp level section529, the doctor who is using the endoscope40can provide a nurse or a medical technician with explicit instruction in the case where the doctor verbally instructs them about the operation.

According to the present embodiment, the endoscope processor20can be provided that allows the user to promptly grasp the function and the state of the function and to easily operate by using the custom button541. By tapping on the custom button541multiple times, the user can set each of the functions to a desired state

According to the present embodiment, since the custom buttons541have the same size, the custom buttons541can be aligned along the periphery of the touch panel25. Since the custom buttons541are aligned, the endoscope processor20can be provided that allows the user to easily find a target custom button541and operate the button.

According to the present embodiment, the endoscope processor20can be provided to which the name or the like of a patient who takes endoscopy next is easily settable.

According to the present embodiment, the endoscope processor20can be provided that allows the user to promptly perform an operation for a setting change by collecting the frequently-used settable items to the select menu screen. The endoscope processor20can be provided that allows the user to easily select the settable items displayed on the select menu screen using the option button559.

According to the present embodiment, the endoscope processor20can be provided that prevents setting changes unintentionally performed by the user or the like from occurring by locking the touch panel25.

Embodiment 2

The present embodiment relates to a portable endoscope processor20. Components overlapping those of Embodiment 1 are not described here.

FIG.51illustrates an external appearance of an endoscope system10according to Embodiment 2. The endoscope processor20according to the present embodiment is tablet-typed. The endoscope processor20is approximately entirely covered with the touch panel25on its surface. In addition to the top screen561and the like, the endoscopic image described with reference toFIG.8is also displayed on the touch panel25.

An endoscope connector31is disposed at a side surface of the endoscope processor20. At the periphery of the touch panel25, a camera18is disposed. The camera18is used for face recognition of the user, for example. The face recognition has conventionally been employed, and thus the detailed description is not made here.

The endoscope40according to the present embodiment is an endoscope for the respiratory organs without provision of an air/water supply function. The scope connector48may be a general-purpose connector such as a USB connector, for example.

FIG.52illustrates the configuration of the endoscope system according to Embodiment 2. The endoscope system10includes the endoscope processor20and the endoscope40. The endoscope processor20is provided with the camera18, the control unit21, the main storage22, the auxiliary storage23, the communication unit24, the touch panel25, the reading part28, the endoscope connector31and the buses. The respective components are similar to those of Embodiment 1, and thus the description thereof is not made here. It is noted that the endoscope connector31may also serve as the reading part28.

At the head portion443of the endoscope40, the LED for illumination and the imaging element are disposed. In other words, the endoscope40receives power supply from the endoscope processor20to thereby emit illumination light from the LED and provides the endoscope processor20with an image signal captured by the imaging element.

It is noted that the endoscope processor20may have the pump34. With the use of the scope connector48that can be connected to an air/water supply tube as well as a contact point for electric connection, the endoscope processor20can be provided that is usable in combination with the endoscope40having an air/water supply function.

The endoscope processor20may control an externally attached pump34while the endoscope40may have a connector that is connectable to the externally attached pump34as well as the scope connector48to be connected to the endoscope processor20.

The control unit21switches the screen to be displayed on the touch panel25based on the operation by the user. For example, the user can instruct the screen to be displayed on the touch panel25by a double tap operation or a voice operation by the user.

According to the present embodiment, a small and portable endoscope system10can be provided that is usable in a visiting medical examination and a bedside examination in an inpatients' ward, for example.

Embodiment 3

FIG.53illustrates the configuration of an endoscope system according to Embodiment 3. The present embodiment relates to a mode achieving an endoscope system10according to the present embodiment by generating a general-purpose computer90and a program97in combination. Components overlapping those of Embodiment 2 are not described here.

The endoscope system10according to the present embodiment includes the computer90and the endoscope40. The computer90is provided with the camera18, the control unit21, the main storage22, the auxiliary storage23, the communication unit24, the touch panel25, the reading part28and the buses. The computer90is an information appliance such as a general-purpose personal computer, a tablet, a smart phone or the like.

The program97is recorded in a movable recording medium96. The control unit21reads the program97via the reading part28and stores the same in the auxiliary storage23. Alternatively, the control unit21may read the program97stored in a semiconductor memory98such as a flash memory or the like mounted on the computer90. Alternatively, the control unit21may download the program97from another server computer (not illustrated) connected via the communication unit24and a network (not illustrated) and store the same in the auxiliary storage23.

The program97is installed as a control program of the computer90, and loaded into the main storage22and executed. Thus, the computer90functions as the above-described endoscope processor20while the computer90and the endoscope40function as the above-described endoscope system10.

Embodiment 4

FIG.54is a functional block diagram of an endoscope processor20according to Embodiment 4. The endoscope processor is provided with a setting region display unit81, an operation acceptance unit82and a change control unit83. The setting region display unit81displays on the touch panel25the setting regions521and526including the on-off switches522and527for accepting switching between on and off states of the functions of the endoscope40and the adjustment switches523and528for accepting level adjustments of the functions.

The operation acceptance unit82accepts operations of the on-off switches522and527and the adjustment switches523and528that are displayed. The change control unit83changes the operating state of the function based on the accepted operation.

The technical features (elements) described in the embodiments can be combined with each other and can form a new technical feature by the combination.

It is to be understood that the embodiments disclosed here are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims, not by the above-mentioned meaning, and all changes that fall within the meanings and the bounds of the claims, or equivalence of such meanings and bounds are intended to be embraced by the claims.A1. An endoscope processor comprising:a patient selection button display unit that displays a patient selection button on a touch panel; anda patient list display unit that displays a patient list on the touch panel if an operation performed on the patient selection button displayed is accepted.A2. The endoscope processor according to clause A1, whereinthe patient list is a table form in which an order of performing endoscopy, a patient ID and a patient name are associated with one another and includes a sort button that sorts the patient list based on each item of an order of performing endoscopy, a patient ID and a patient name.A3. The endoscope processor according to clause A1 or A2, further comprising:a patient acceptance unit that accepts a selection of a patient from the patient list; anda display unit that displays information on a patient accepted by the patient acceptance unit together with an endoscopic image on a display device.A4. The endoscope processor according to clause A3, wherein the display device is the touch panel.A5. The endoscope processor according to clause A3, wherein the display device is a device separate from the endoscope processor that is externally connected to the endoscope processor.A6. The endoscope processor according to any one of clauses A3 to A5, whereindisplay of the patient list is stopped if the patient acceptance unit accepts a selection of a patient, and the patient list in a state immediately before the display is stopped is redisplayed if an operation of the patient selection button is accepted again.A7. The endoscope processor according to clause A6, wherein the patient list is redisplayed in a state where a patient a selection of which has been accepted by the patient acceptance unit is attached with a flag.A8. The endoscope processor according to any one of clauses A3 to A5, whereindisplay of the patient list is stopped if the patient acceptance unit accepts a selection of a patient, anda patient list is displayed in a state where the patient a selection of which has been accepted is deleted from the patient list immediately before the display of the patient list is stopped if an operation of the patient selection button is accepted again.A9. The endoscope processor according to any one of clauses A6 to A8, wherein the patient list is redisplayed in a state where a patient who takes endoscopy next to the patient a selection of which has been accepted by the patient acceptance unit.A10. The endoscope processor according to any one of clauses A1 to A9, further comprising:a setting region display unit that displays on the touch panel a setting region where an on-off switch accepting switching between an on state and an off state of a function of an endoscope is combined with an adjustment switch accepting adjustment of a level of the function together with the patient selection button,an operation acceptance unit that accepts operations performed on the on-off switch and the adjustment switch, anda change control unit that changes an operating state of the function based on an accepted operation.A11. A program causing a computer to execute the processing ofdisplaying a patient selection button on a touch panel; anddisplaying a patient list on the touch panel if an operation performed on the patient selection button displayed is accepted.A12. An information processing method causing the computer to execute the processing of:displaying a patient selection button on a touch panel; anddisplaying a patient list on the touch panel if an operation performed on the patient selection button displayed is accepted.B1. An endoscope processor comprising:a setting button display unit that displays a setting button on a touch panel;a button display unit that displays a first button and a second button on the touch panel if an operation of the setting button is accepted;a second settable item display unit that displays on the touch panel a plurality of settable items respectively associated with option buttons on the touch panel if a selection of the second button is accepted;a selection storage unit that accepts and stores a selection of one of the option buttons; anda first settable item display unit that displays a settable item having been selected by the option button on the touch panel if a selection of the first button is accepted.B2. The endoscope processor according to clause B1, wherein a settable item corresponding to a button being selected is displayed on the touch panel in addition to the first button and the second button if an operation of the setting button is accepted.B3. The endoscope processor according to clause B2, wherein the first button and the second button are displayed in tab form so as to be located at a periphery of the displayed settable item.B4. The endoscope processor according to any one of clauses B1 to B3, whereina plurality of the second buttons are displayed that are respectively associated with groups of settable items that are different from one another, andsome of the settable items included in the group corresponding to a second button a selection of which is accepted are displayed so as to be respectively associated with the option buttons.B5. The endoscope processor according to any one of clauses B1 to B4, further comprising a change acceptance unit that accepts an arrangement change of the displayed settable items if a selection of the first button is accepted.B6. The endoscope processor according to any one of clauses B1 to B5, further comprising a delete acceptance unit that accepts deletion of the displayed settable items if a selection of the first button is accepted.B7. The endoscope processor according to any one of clauses B1 to B6, wherein a setting option button accepting a setting change of each of the settable items is displayed.B8. The endoscope processor according to any one of clauses B1 to B7, wherein a setting display section displaying a setting state of each of the settable items and an advance button accepting an instruction of displaying a detailed item concerning the settable item are displayed.B9. The endoscope processor according to any one of clauses B1 to B8, comprising:a setting region display unit that displays on the touch panel a setting region where an on-off switch accepting switching between an on state and an off state of a function of an endoscope is combined with an adjustment switch accepting adjustment of a level of the function together with the setting button;an operation acceptance unit that accepts operations performed on the on-off switch and the adjustment switch; anda change control unit that changes an operating state of the function based on an accepted operation.B10. An information processing method causing a computer to execute the processing of:displaying a setting button on a touch panel;displaying a first button and a second button on the touch panel if an operation of the setting button is accepted;displaying on the touch panel a plurality of settable items respectively associated with option buttons on the touch panel if a selection of the second button is accepted;accepting and storing a selection of one of the option buttons; and;displaying a settable item having been selected by the option button on the touch panel if a selection of the first button is accepted.B11. An information processing method causing a computer to execute the processing of:displaying a setting button on a touch panel;displaying a first button and a second button on the touch panel if an operation of the setting button is accepted;displaying on the touch panel a plurality of settable items respectively associated with option buttons on the touch panel if a selection of the second button is accepted;accepting and storing a selection of one of the option buttons; and;displaying a settable item having been selected by the option button on the touch panel if a selection of the first button is accepted.C1. An endoscope processor comprising a custom button region display unit that displays on a touch panel a custom button region where a plurality of custom buttons respectively associated with functions operable by a user are aligned.C2. The endoscope processor according to clause C1, wherein the plurality of custom buttons have an equal size.C3. The endoscope processor according to clause C1 or C2, further comprising a custom button selection acceptance unit that accepts a selection of any one of the custom buttons arranged in the custom button region.C4. The endoscope processor according to clause C3, further comprising a candidate button region display unit that displays a candidate button region where the plurality of custom buttons are arranged in an array, wherein one of the plurality of custom buttons having been dragged and dropped from the candidate button region to the custom button region is arranged in the custom button region.C5. The endoscope processor according to any one of clauses C1 to C4, further comprising an arrangement order change acceptance unit that accepts a change of an arrangement order of the custom buttons displayed in the custom button region.C6. The endoscope processor according to any one of clauses C1 to C5, wherein the custom buttons within the custom button region are aligned along a side of the touch panel.C7. The endoscope processor according to any one of clauses C1 to C6, wherein the custom buttons within the custom button region are scrolled if a sliding operation is accepted in an alignment direction of the custom buttons in the custom button region.C8. The endoscope processor according to any one of clauses C1 to C7, wherein each of the custom buttons has a function description section describing a function operable by a user and a state section indicating a state of the function.C9. The endoscope processor according to any one of clauses C1 to C8, further comprising:an operation acceptance unit that accepts an operation performed on any one of the custom buttons; anda change control unit that changes an operating state of the function based on an operation accepted by the operation acceptance unit.C10. The endoscope processor according to any one of clauses C1 to C9, further comprising:a setting region display unit that displays on the touch panel a setting region where an on-off switch accepting switching between an on state and an off state of a function of an endoscope is combined with an adjustment switch accepting adjustment of a level of the function together with the custom button region;a second operation acceptance unit that accepts operations performed on the on-off switch and the adjustment switch; anda second change control unit that changes an operating state of the function based on an accepted operation.C11. A program causing a computer to execute the processing of displaying on a touch panel a custom button region where a plurality of custom buttons respectively associated with functions operable by a user are aligned.C12. An information processing method causing a computer to execute the processing of displaying on a touch panel a custom button region where a plurality of custom buttons respectively associated with functions operable by a user are aligned.D1. An endoscope processor comprising:an operation screen display unit that displays an operation screen accepting an operation by a user on a touch panel;an acceptance stop unit that stops acceptance of an operation via the operation screen if the touch panel accepts a swipe operation; andan acceptance restart unit that restarts acceptance of an operation via the operation screen.D2. The endoscope processor according to clause D1, wherein display of the operation screen is changed while the touch panel accepts a swipe operation.D3. The endoscope processor according to clause D1 or D2, further comprising a lock icon display unit that displays on the touch panel a lock icon indicating that acceptance of an operation is being stopped.D4. The endoscope processor according to clause D3, wherein the lock icon is arranged at a peripheral edge of the operation screen.D5. The endoscope processor according to clause D1, further comprising:a lock icon display unit that changes display of the operation screen while the touch panel accepts the swipe operation and displays an icon to follow a portion on which the swipe operation is performed, and displays a lock icon indicating that acceptance of an operation is being stopped at a central portion of the operation screen if acceptance of the swipe operation is completed.D6. The endoscope processor according to clause D5, wherein the icon is the lock icon.D7. The endoscope processor according to any one of clauses D3 to D6, whereinacceptance of an operation is restarted if a selection of the lock icon is accepted for a consecutive predetermined time period.D8. The endoscope processor according to any one of clauses D3 to D7, wherein display of the lock icon is changed while selection of the lock icon is consecutively accepted.D9. The endoscope processor according to any one of clauses D3 to D8, wherein acceptance of an operation is stopped if a swipe operation from up to bottom of the touch panel is accepted.D10. The endoscope processor according to any one of clauses D1 to D9, further comprising a voice stop instruction acceptance unit that accepts an instruction of stopping acceptance of an operation via the operation screen by voice.D11. The endoscope processor according to any one of clauses D1 to D10, further comprising a voice restart instruction acceptance unit that accepts an instruction of restarting acceptance of an operation via the operation screen by voice.D12. A program causing a computer to execute the processing of:displaying an operation screen accepting an operation by a user on a touch panel;stopping acceptance of an operation via the operation screen displayed if the touch panel accepts a swipe operation; andrestarting acceptance of an operation via the operation screen if a predetermined operation is accepted.D13. An information processing method causing a computer to execute the processing of:displaying an operation screen accepting an operation by a user on a touch panel;stopping acceptance of an operation via the operation screen displayed if the touch panel accepts a swipe operation; andrestarting acceptance of an operation via the operation screen if a predetermined operation is accepted.10endoscope system15keyboard16storage rack17foot switch18camera20endoscope processor21control unit22main storage23auxiliary storage24communication unit25touch panel251display unit252input unit259display area frame26display device I/F27input device I/F28reading part31endoscope connector311electric connector312optical connector33light source34pump35water supply tank36air/water supply port40endoscope43operation part431control button433bending knob44insertion part441flexible portion442bending portion443head portion45bending proof portion48scope connector49universal cord50display device51menu region511scope eject button512profile button513patient button514white balance button515setting button52operation region521pump setting region (setting region)522pump switch (on-off switch)523pump adjustment switch (adjustment switch)524pump level section525lamp life section526lamp setting region (setting region)527lamp switch (on-off switch)528lamp adjustment switch (adjustment switch)529lamp level section54custom button region541custom button542custom region setting button543candidate button region544insertion marker545function description section547state section548icon section549name section55setting tab (second tab, second button)551select tab (first tab, first button)552image tab553function tab554system tab555home button556add button557lock button558delete button559option button561top screen (operation screen)562patient list screen563registration/editing screen564profile list screen565registration/editing screen566setting screen567select menu setting screen568custom button region editing screen571advance button572option button573sort button574close button578setting option button579setting display section581function icon582control button icon583foot switch icon61endoscopic image section62date and time section63stopwatch section64patient section641patient name section642patient ID section643patient age section644patient sex section645comment section65doctor section661patient ID entry section662patient name entry section663patient sex entry section664patient birthday entry section665patient age section666note section668cancel button669save button71profile DB72patient DB81setting area display unit82operation acceptance unit83change control unit90computer96portable recording medium97program98semiconductor memory