Patents by Inventor Chieko Aizawa

Chieko Aizawa has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20070120550
    Abstract: A medical system control device comprises a first control unit for controlling at least a power supply to a plurality of devices configuring a medical system, a second control unit, the startup process time of which is longer than the first control unit, for controlling the entire medical system, and a storage unit for storing information at the time of an operation termination process for the medical system, which is performed by the second control unit. The first control unit controls a power supply to a predetermined device among the plurality of devices before the startup process of the second control unit is complete, according to the information stored in the storage unit in response to the power-on of the medical system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Publication date: May 31, 2007
    Applicant: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Kensuke Miyake, Chieko Aizawa, Tsukasa Ishii, Hiroyuki Ushifusa, Akihiro Miyashita
  • Patent number: 7195587
    Abstract: A shape of endoscope detecting apparatus in accordance with the present invention consists mainly of a shape detection unit, a marker, a location information of marker acquisition unit, and a display control unit. The shape detection unit detects the shape of a portion of an insertion unit of an endoscope inserted into a subject, and produces graphic data expressing the shape thereof. The marker is placed near a position on the subject at which the endoscope is inserted. The location information of marker acquisition unit acquires the location information of the marker. The display control unit graphically indicates on a display device the shape of the portion inserted into a body cavity, which is detected by the shape detection unit, using as a reference the location information of the marker acquired by the location information of marker acquisition unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Taniguchi, Sumihiro Uchimura, Yasuhiro Yoshizawa, Takeshi Kawabata, Masanao Hara, Kazutaka Tsuji, Chieko Aizawa
  • Publication number: 20070043260
    Abstract: An insertion shape detecting probe includes shape detecting elements for generating or detecting magnetic field or magnetic; signal lines connected to the shape detecting elements; supporting members that support the shape detecting elements; inner sheaths into which the signal lines and the supporting members are inserted; and an outer sheath into which the inner sheaths, the shape detecting elements, and at least one portion of the supporting members are inserted. The inner sheaths are each formed from a multiple-lumen tube that has a first lumen formed at a substantially central portion of each inner sheath and second lumens formed around an exterior periphery portion of the first lumen, and the supporting members are elongated wire rods one portion of which is arranged along exterior peripheries of the shape detecting elements in an axial direction and other portion runs through the second lumens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Applicant: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Niwa, Chieko Aizawa
  • Publication number: 20060173289
    Abstract: Position detecting elements are disposed in an endoscope insertion portion at predetermined intervals. Even when the endoscope insertion portion is bent, position data representing the detected positions of the elements is used to infer or detect the shape of the insertion portion. A virtual element is disposed between adjoining elements so that a predetermined condition will be met. Position data of the virtual element is used together with the actually detected position data in order to interpolate data for the purpose of detecting the shape of the insertion portion. Consequently, as if a larger number of elements were disposed, the shape of the insertion portion can be detected highly precisely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Publication date: August 3, 2006
    Inventors: Chieko Aizawa, Fumiyaki Onoda, Sumihiro Uchimura, Akira Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 6949068
    Abstract: By disposing a plurality of magnetic-field generating elements in the inserted portion of an endoscope, and by detecting it using a magnetic-field detecting unit disposed around the inserted portion, the shape of the inserted portion inserted into a body cavity is detected and it is displayed on a display device. For this purpose, it is determined whether the inserted portion is in an effective detection range in which the insertion portion shape can be detected by a detecting unit with a practicable accuracy, and by changing the display color of the inserted portion shape based on the determination result, it can be easily checked whether the inserted portion is in the effective detection range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Taniguchi, Fumiyuki Onoda, Jun Hasegawa, Yoshitaka Miyoshi, Shoichi Amano, Chieko Aizawa
  • Patent number: 6890294
    Abstract: An endoscope apparatus comprises an endoscope having a treatment tool passage channel in at least an insertion portion, an adaptor for endoscope forceps opening, which can be detachably attached to a treatment tool insertion opening which is at one end of the treatment tool passage channel, an insertion shape detection probe provided with a plurality of shape detection elements which are to be passed and arranged in the treatment tool passage channel via the adaptor for endoscope forceps opening, an insertion shape detection unit for detecting magnetic field emitted from the shape detection elements of the insertion shape detection probe, an insertion shape detection device which drives the insertion shape detection probe and outputs video signals for visualizing the insertion shape from the signals corresponding to the magnetic field detected by the insertion shape detection unit, and a display device for displaying the insertion shape of the insertion portion based on the video signals output from the inser
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Niwa, Michio Sato, Akira Taniguchi, Fumiyuki Onoda, Sumihiro Uchimura, Chieko Aizawa
  • Publication number: 20050070790
    Abstract: An inserting shape detecting probe has a long and slender core wire, a plurality of shape detecting devices, signal lines, and an outer sheath. The plurality of shape detecting devices extended from the signal lines are fixed to the core wire at a predetermined interval. The core wire is inserted in the outer sheath. The inserting shape detecting probe has a thermal radiating member which is arranged along the outer circumference of at least one of the shape detecting devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Niwa, Chieko Aizawa, Fumiyuki Onoda
  • Publication number: 20050070757
    Abstract: In an adaptor for endoscope forceps opening: an adaptor connecting member includes an opening groove which is formed in its axial direction and from/to which the treatment tool is detached/attached, and an engaging groove integrally-formed to the opening groove; a treatment tool integrating member includes a flexible long member connected to the adaptor connecting member and an engaging projection which is fit into the engaging groove and fixes the treatment tool in close contact thereat; and a treatment tool position changing member is rotatably connected to the adaptor connecting member and includes a through-groove from which the treatment tool is detached and an opening notch portion communicated with the through-groove, wherein the opening groove, engaging groove, through-groove, and opening notch portion are arranged on the straight line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Applicant: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Niwa, Chieko Aizawa, Fumiyuki Onoda
  • Patent number: 6773394
    Abstract: An endoscope shape detection system has a CPU included in a control unit. The CPU performs frequency sampling of digital data to calculate coordinates indicating the spatial positions of source coils incorporated in an insertion unit of an endoscope received in a patient and of marker coils placed on a patient. An inserted state of the insertion unit of the endoscope is estimated based on the calculated coordinate data indicating the positions of the source coils. Display data based on the shape of the endoscope is produced from the calculated coordinate data indicating the positions of the source coils, and output to a video RAM. Display data of the marker coils is produced from the calculated coordinate data indicating the positions of the marker coils, and output to the video RAM. Consequently, the positions of the markers are depicted together with the shape of the endoscope. The positional relationship between the insertion unit of the endoscope and a patient's body can therefore be ascertained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Taniguchi, Chieko Aizawa, Yasuhiro Yoshizawa, Fumiyuki Onoda, Seiki Toriyama, Takeshi Kawabata, Katsuyoshi Sasagawa, Sumihiro Uchimura, Masanao Hara, Kazutaka Tsuji, Takayasu Miyagi, Hiroki Moriyama, Hiroshi Ishii, Yoshinao Oaki, Tsugio Okazaki, Jun Hasegawa, Yasuo Hirata, Tetsuo Nonami
  • Patent number: 6773393
    Abstract: A shape-of-endoscope detecting apparatus generally includes a shape detection unit, a marker, a marker locator unit, and a display control unit. The shape detection unit detects the shape of a portion of an insertion unit of an endoscope inserted into a subject, and produces graphic data expressing the shape thereof. The marker is placed near a position on the subject at which the endoscope is inserted. The marker locator unit acquires the location information of the marker. The display control unit graphically indicates on a display device the shape of the portion inserted into a body cavity, which is detected by the shape detection unit, using as a reference point the location information of the marker acquired by the marker locator. A shape-of-endoscope detecting method generally includes the steps of placing a marker, locating the marker, detecting the shape of the position of an endoscope inserted into a subject, and controlling the display of the detected shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Taniguchi, Sumihiro Uchimura, Yasuhiro Yoshizawa, Takeshi Kawabata, Masanao Hara, Kazutaka Tsuji, Chieko Aizawa
  • Publication number: 20040116775
    Abstract: A shape of endoscope detecting apparatus in accordance with the present invention consists mainly of a shape detection unit, a marker, a location information of marker acquisition unit, and a display control unit. The shape detection unit detects the shape of a portion of an insertion unit of an endoscope inserted into a subject, and produces graphic data expressing the shape thereof. The marker is placed near a position on the subject at which the endoscope is inserted. The location information of marker acquisition unit acquires the location information of the marker. The display control unit graphically indicates on a display device the shape of the portion inserted into a body cavity, which is detected by the shape detection unit, using as a reference the location information of the marker acquired by the location information of marker acquisition unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Taniguchi, Sumihiro Uchimura, Yasuhiro Yoshizawa, Takeshi Kawabata, Masanao Hara, Kazutaka Tsuji, Chieko Aizawa
  • Patent number: 6745065
    Abstract: An endoscope apparatus comprises an endoscope having a treatment tool passage channel in at least an insertion portion, an adaptor for endoscope forceps opening, which can be detachably attached to a treatment tool insertion opening which is at one end of the treatment tool passage channel, an insertion shape detection probe provided with a plurality of shape detection elements which are to be passed and arranged in the treatment tool passage channel via the adaptor for endoscope forceps opening, an insertion shape detection unit for detecting magnetic field emitted from the shape detection elements of the insertion shape detection probe, an insertion shape detection device which drives the insertion shape detection probe and outputs video signals for visualizing the insertion shape from the signals corresponding to the magnetic field detected by the insertion shape detection unit, and a display device for displaying the insertion shape of the insertion portion based on the video signals output from the inser
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Niwa, Michio Sato, Akira Taniguchi, Fumiyuki Onoda, Sumihiro Uchimura, Chieko Aizawa
  • Publication number: 20030195388
    Abstract: An endoscope apparatus comprises an endoscope having a treatment tool passage channel in at least an insertion portion, an adaptor for endoscope forceps opening, which can be detachably attached to a treatment tool insertion opening which is at one end of the treatment tool passage channel, an insertion shape detection probe provided with a plurality of shape detection elements which are to be passed and arranged in the treatment tool passage channel via the adaptor for endoscope forceps opening, an insertion shape detection unit for detecting magnetic field emitted from the shape detection elements of the insertion shape detection probe, an insertion shape detection device which drives the insertion shape detection probe and outputs video signals for visualizing the insertion shape from the signals corresponding to the magnetic field detected by the insertion shape detection unit, and a display device for displaying the insertion shape of the insertion portion based on the video signals output from the inser
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Niwa, Michio Sato, Akira Taniguchi, Fumiyuki Onoda, Sumihiro Uchimura, Chieko Aizawa
  • Patent number: 6589163
    Abstract: An endoscope shape detecting system displays an endoscope image and an insertion form image simultaneously on a display means. A first memory stores an endoscope image and a second memory stores an insertion form image. A control device controls a switching action such that the insertion form image is output to the display means during a period wherein the output of the endoscope image to the display means is turned off and stored in the first memory means, and that the output of the insertion form image to the display means is turned off and stored in the second memory during the period wherein the output of the endoscope image to the display is turned on. In addition, a control device is provided that controls the storing action such that a first period for storing endoscope images in the first memory and a second period for storing output signals from a magnetic field detecting device in the second memory do not overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chieko Aizawa, Akira Taniguchi, Jun Hasegawa, Katsuyoshi Sasagawa, Seiki Toriyama, Takayasu Miyagi, Tsugio Okazaki, Hiroki Moriyama, Yasuo Hirata, Hiroshi Ishii, Yoshinao Oaki
  • Publication number: 20030055317
    Abstract: A shape-of-endoscope detection system has a CPU included in a control unit. The CPU performs frequency sampling on digital data to calculate coordinates indicating the spatial positions of source coils incorporated in an insertion unit of an endoscope and of marker coils. An inserted state of the insertion unit of the endoscope is estimated based on the calculated coordinate data indicating the positions of the source coils. Display data based on which the shape of the endoscope is depicted is produced from the calculated coordinate data indicating the positions of the source coils, and output to a video RAM. Display data based on which the marker coils are depicted is produced from the calculated coordinate data indicating the positions of the marker coils, and output to the video RAM. Consequently, the positions of the markers are depicted together with the shape of the endoscope. The positional relationship between the insertion unit of the endoscope and a patient's body can therefore be grasped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Taniguchi, Chieko Aizawa, Yasuhiro Yoshizawa, Fumiyuki Onoda, Seiki Toriyama, Takeshi Kawabata, Katsuyoshi Sasagawa, Sumihiro Uchimura, Masanao Hara, Kazutaka Tsuji, Takayasu Miyagi, Hiroki Moriyama, Hiroshi Ishii, Yoshinao Oaki, Tsugio Okazaki, Jun Hasegawa, Yasuo Hirata, Tetsuo Nonami
  • Publication number: 20030028096
    Abstract: An endoscope apparatus comprises an endoscope having a treatment tool passage channel in at least an insertion portion, an adaptor for endoscope forceps opening, which can be detachably attached to a treatment tool insertion opening which is at one end of the treatment tool passage channel, an insertion shape detection probe provided with a plurality of shape detection elements which are to be passed and arranged in the treatment tool passage channel via the adaptor for endoscope forceps opening, an insertion shape detection unit for detecting magnetic field emitted from the shape detection elements of the insertion shape detection probe, an insertion shape detection device which drives the insertion shape detection probe and outputs video signals for visualizing the insertion shape from the signals corresponding to the magnetic field detected by the insertion shape detection unit, and a display device for displaying the insertion shape of the insertion portion based on the video signals output from the inser
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Niwa, Michio Sato, Akira Taniguchi, Fumiyuki Onoda, Sumihiro Uchimura, Chieko Aizawa
  • Patent number: 6511417
    Abstract: An endoscope shape detection system has a CPU included in a control unit. The CPU performs frequency sampling on digital data to calculate coordinates indicating the spatial positions of source coils incorporated in an insertion unit of an endoscope and of marker coils. An inserted state of the insertion unit of the endoscope is estimated based on the calculated coordinate data indicating the positions of the source coils. Display data based on which shape of the endoscope depicted is produced from the calculated coordinate data indicating the positions of the source coils, and output to a video RAM. Display data based on which marker coils are depicted is produced from the calculated coordinate data indicating the positions of the marker coils, and output to the video RAM. Consequently, the positions of the markers are depicted together with the shape of the endoscope. The positional relationship between the insertion unit of the endoscope and a patient's body can therefore be ascertained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Taniguchi, Chieko Aizawa, Yasuhiro Yoshizawa, Fumiyuki Onoda, Seiki Toriyama, Takeshi Kawabata, Katsuyoshi Sasagawa, Sumihiro Uchimura, Masanao Hara, Kazutaka Tsuji, Takayasu Miyagi, Hiroki Moriyama, Hiroshi Ishii, Yoshinao Oaki, Tsugio Okazaki, Jun Hasegawa, Yasuo Hirata, Tetsuo Nonami
  • Publication number: 20020188174
    Abstract: A source coil line-break/short-circuit detecting circuit and a probe connection detecting circuit are provided to the source coil driving circuit unit of an endoscope shape detecting apparatus. The source coil line-break/short-circuit detecting circuit detects line-breaks and short-circuits of the source coils. The probe connection detecting circuit detects whether a connection exists with a probe. A marker coil line-break/short-circuit detecting circuit detects line-breaks and short-circuits of the marker coils. A marker connection detecting circuit detects whether a connection exists with a marker. Accordingly, using the apparatus without being connected to a probe or markers can be avoided by detecting the connection of the probe and markers by the probe connection detecting circuit and marker connection detecting circuit, respectively, when the system is energized, thereby avoiding detecting noise and consequently displaying a random image on the monitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Applicant: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chieko Aizawa, Akira Taniguchi, Jun Hasegawa, Katsuyoshi Sasagawa, Seiki Toriyama, Takayasu Miyagi, Tsugio Okazaki, Hiroki Moriyama, Yasuo Hirata, Hiroshi Ishii, Yoshinao Oaki
  • Publication number: 20020169361
    Abstract: By disposing a plurality of magnetic-field generating elements in the inserted portion of an endoscope, and by detecting it using a magnetic-field detecting unit disposed around the inserted portion, the shape of the inserted portion inserted into a body cavity is detected and it is displayed on a display device. For this purpose, it is determined whether the inserted portion is in an effective detection range in which the insertion portion shape can be detected by a detecting unit with a practicable accuracy, and by changing the display color of the inserted portion shape based on the determination result, it can be easily checked whether the inserted portion is in the effective detection range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Taniguchi, Fumiyuki Onoda, Jun Hasegawa, Yoshitaka Miyoshi, Shoichi Amano, Chieko Aizawa
  • Patent number: 6432041
    Abstract: A source coil line-break/short-circuit detecting circuit and a probe connection detecting circuit are provided to the source coil driving circuit unit of an endoscope shape detecting apparatus. The source coil line-break/short-circuit detecting circuit detects line-breaks and short-circuits of the source coils. The probe connection detecting circuit detects whether a connection exists with a probe. A marker coil line-break/short-circuit detecting circuit detects line-breaks and short-circuits of the marker coils. A marker connection detecting circuit detects whether a connection exists with a marker. Accordingly, using the apparatus without being connected to a probe or markers can be avoided by detecting the connection of the probe and markers by the probe connection detecting circuit and marker connection detecting circuit, respectively, when the system is energized, thereby avoiding detecting noise and consequently displaying a random image on the monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Taniguchi, Chieko Aizawa, Yasuhiro Yoshizawa, Fumiyuki Onoda, Seiki Toriyama, Takeshi Kawabata, Katsuyoshi Sasagawa, Sumihiro Uchimura, Masanao Hara, Kazutaka Tsuji, Takayasu Miyagi, Hiroki Moriyama, Hiroshi Ishii, Yoshinao Oaki, Tsugio Okazaki, Jun Hasegawa, Yasuo Hirata