Endoscope system

• US 7,559,889 B2
• Filed: 02/28/2006
• Issued: 07/14/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 07/06/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hoya Corporation
• Original Assignee: Hoya Corporation
• Inventors: Takahashi, Tadashi
• Primary Examiner(s): Leubecker; John P
• Application Number:
  US11/362,735
• Publication Number:
  US 20060142640A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,232 Days
• Field of Search: 600/109, 600/117, 600/118, 600/101, 600/132, 348/72, 348/74, 348/76
• US Class Current: 600/118
• 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. A method for managing an endoscope, comprising:

storing, in a storage device of the endoscope, ownership information that indicates a term for which said endoscope is allowed to be utilized;

retrieving the ownership information from the storage device;

determining, based on the ownership information, an ownership status that indicates whether said endoscope is utilizable;

presenting the ownership status to an operator on a display,

wherein said ownership information includes information on whether said endoscope is purchased.

3. The method according to claim 1,

wherein said storage device comprises a nonvolatile memory.

4. The method according to claim 1,

wherein said storage device comprises a switch, said switch maintaining a state set by an operator.

5. The method according to claim 4,

wherein said endoscope comprises:

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 the 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.

6. The method according to claim 5,

wherein said endoscope includes a cover for said switch, said cover preventing said switch from unintentional operation.

2. A method for managing an endoscope, comprising:

storing, in a storage device of the endoscope, ownership information that indicates a term for which said endoscope is allowed to be utilized;

retrieving the ownership information from the storage device;

determining, based on the ownership information, an ownership status that indicates whether said endoscope is utilizable;

presenting the ownership status to an operator on a display,

wherein said ownership information includes information on whether said endoscope is leased.

7. The method according to claim 2,

wherein said ownership information includes information on whether a term of lease of said endoscope is less than a predetermined period.

8. The method according to claim 2,

wherein said storage device comprises a nonvolatile memory.

9. The method according to claim 2,

wherein said storage device comprises a switch, said switch maintaining a state set by an operator.

10. The method according to claim 9,

wherein said endoscope comprises:

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 the 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.

11. The method according to claim 10,

wherein said endoscope includes a cover for said switch, said cover preventing said switch from unintentional operation.

12. A method for managing an endoscope, comprising:

storing, in a storage device of the endoscope, specification information indicating design specifications of said endoscope and ownership information including at least information on whether said endoscope is purchased or leased;

determining, based on the ownership information, an ownership status that indicates whether said endoscope is utilizable;

retrieving the specification information from the storage device and retrieving the ownership information from the storage device;

presenting the specification information of said endoscope to an operator when reference is made to the specification information and presenting the ownership information of said endoscope to the operator when reference is made to the ownership information.

13. The method according to claim 12,

wherein said storage device comprises a nonvolatile memory.

14. The method according to claim 12,

wherein said storage device comprises a switch that maintains a state set by an operator.

15. The method according to claim 14,

wherein said endoscope further comprises:

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.

16. The method according to claim 15,

wherein said endoscope further comprises:

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