Endoscope system

• US 20060142640A1
• Filed: 02/28/2006
• Published: 06/29/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/06/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Pentax Corporation (Hoya Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Pentax Corporation (Hoya Corporation)
• Inventors: Takahashi, Tadashi
• Granted Patent: US 7,559,889 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/117
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00059 provided with identification means for the endoscope
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/04 combined with photographic or television appliances
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/05 characterised by the image sensor, e.g. camera, being in the distal end portion

Abstract

An endoscope includes a storage device. The storage device is configured to store ownership information. The ownership information indicates a term for which the endoscope is allowed to be utilized.

Claims

1. An endoscope comprising:

a storage device configured to store ownership information, said ownership information indicating a term for which said endoscope is allowed to be utilized.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein said ownership information includes information on whether said endoscope is purchased.

3. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein said ownership information includes information on whether said endoscope is leased.

4. The endoscope according to claim 3, wherein said ownership information includes information on whether a term of lease of said endoscope is less than a predetermined period.

5. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein said storage device comprises a nonvolatile memory.

6. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein said storage device comprises a switch, said switch maintaining a state set by an operator.

7. The endoscope according to claim 6, further comprising:

a flexible inserting tube to be inserted to a human body;

an operation portion connected to a proximal end of said flexible inserting tube, said operation portion being operated by an operator to control said flexible inserting tube, and a connector configured to be connected to a processor and to transmit signals generated in said endoscope to said processor, said processor configured to process said signals obtained from said endoscope through said connector, wherein said switch is provided to one of said operating portion and said connector.

8. The endoscope according to claim 7, further comprising:

a cover for said switch, said cover preventing said switch from unintentional operation.

9. An endoscope comprising:

a storage device configured to store specification information, said specification information indicating design specifications of said endoscope.

10. The endoscope according to claim 9, wherein said storage device comprises a nonvolatile memory.

11. The endoscope according to claim 9, wherein said storage device comprises a switch, said switch maintaining a state set by an operator.

12. The endoscope according to claim 11, further comprising:

a flexible inserting tube to be inserted to a human body; and

an operation portion connected to a proximal end of said flexible inserting tube, said operation portion being operated by an operator to control said flexible inserting tube, and a connector configured to be connected to a processor and to transmit signals generated in said endoscope to said processor, said processor configured to process said signals obtained from said endoscope through said connector, wherein said switch is provided to one of said operation portion and said connector.

13. The endoscope according to claim 12, further comprising:

a cover for said switch, said cover preventing said switch from unintentional operation.