JPH10320508A - Card reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a card reader of excellent workability and productivity easy to change program and setting. SOLUTION: This card reader 12 is provided with a magnetic head 42 for reading magnetic data recorded in a card, a ROM 32 storing a rewrite program, a flash memory 33 capable of storing and electrically rewriting the program of the procedure of read, a CPU 31 for controlling them and serial I/Fs 35 and 36 connected to an external equipment for transmitting and receiving data, etc. In this case, when power is supplied, the CPU 31 is operated corresponding to the rewrite program of the ROM 32 first, a part of the program of the flash memory 33 is made changeable by the data inputted from the external equipment, and even in the case that the format of the data recorded in the card is different and in the case that the function of the connected external equipment is different at the time of outputting the read data, they are outputted corresponding to the function.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a card reader for reading data recorded on a card.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an endoscope (scope) capable of observing internal organs of a body cavity by inserting an elongated insertion portion into the body cavity or performing various treatments using a treatment tool inserted into a treatment tool channel. Is also widely used. Various electronic scopes using a solid-state imaging device as an imaging unit are also used. According to this electronic scope, image processing such as enlargement of an image and enhancement can be easily performed.

[0003] Further, electrical image recording on a VTR, a still image recording device, or the like can be easily performed. As a still image recording device, an endoscope image filing system is known.
An output image of the system combined with the camera can be recorded on the recording device as a still image by remote operation from a scope.

[0004] In addition, data such as the name, date of birth, ID code, and examination date of a patient who undergoes an endoscopy at the time of this image recording can be managed in a database by associating the data with the recorded image. Data can be searched according to conditions such as IDs or examination dates, and the searched data and images related to the data can be easily specified and displayed. Is greatly improved.

Normally, when starting an endoscopy, it is necessary to input the patient's ID, name, date of birth, and other data, and the operator performs input using a keyboard. Note that the above-described data may be input by using a card on which data is recorded and a card reader instead of using the keyboard. In this case, it is possible to reduce input time and prevent input errors. Therefore, at the time of data input, a card reader is widely used.

[0006]

An endoscope image filing system is an electronic scope or a fiberscope.
It records an output image of a system combined with a V camera, and can be connected to various scopes. There are various types of image processing devices and the like prepared for that purpose, and their specifications are different.

For inputting patient data, a card reader is widely used, but the specifications of the side connected to the card reader are variously different as described above. For example, an electronic scope is a device that can operate not only as a unit of an image filing system but also can be used as a single unit (observation and treatment alone, but not image recording). Some may not exist. Regarding the connection of the card reader, it is often necessary to individually design or modify it according to the specifications of the device to be connected.

[0008] In addition, during endoscopic examination, data of a patient is often input by a card reader. However, even in a facility that uses the same card reader, the type and format of required data differs for each facility.

For example, there may be facilities where only the patient's ID needs to be input, and some users who want to use a card reader to input a lot of data such as the patient's name, date of birth, gender, and remarks. Will be. As described above, the card reader has to set data handling in accordance with the facility used and the needs of each user, and has to individually design and program.

The reason why it is necessary to individually design and program each will be described using an example of a magnetic card with reference to FIG.

A magnetic tape portion 92 is provided on one side of a magnetic card 91 shown in FIG. The example described here is a JIS II type magnetic card,
Data can be recorded up to 69 characters on the magnetic tape portion 92. As long as it is 69 characters or less, it is possible to freely record letters and numbers in any order and for any length.

Therefore, data recorded on the magnetic card has various formats depending on facilities using the magnetic card. FIG. 22 is a view showing an example of the state of data recorded on the magnetic tape portion 92.
(B) and (C) show magnetic tapes 9 at facilities A, B and C, for example.
2 shows the data recorded on FIG.

As described above, data can be freely recorded on the magnetic tape 92, and even if the same patient, the facility A is used as shown in FIGS. 22 (A), (B) and (C). , B, and C, data is often recorded with completely different contents.

The facilities A and B have different data recording positions and kana / roman characters, and the facility C has a patient ID.
Only numbers are recorded.

As described above, it can be said that there are nearly infinite numbers of recording modes of the magnetic card 91 on which recording can be freely performed. The data format must be known in advance by the reading device, that is, the card reader.

A. Existence of each data such as ID, name, date of birth, gender, etc. b. Start position of each data c. Length of each data d. Conversion type of each data (No conversion / Kana, Year /
Japanese calendar, M / F, 0/1, etc. e. Whether a space is inserted or deleted f. Whether or not hyphens are inserted or deleted For that purpose, the operation program stored in the ROM in the apparatus is rewritten. In other words, the program is different for each use facility.

As described above, when designing and programming by changing the setting for each facility in use, opening and closing of the housing of the apparatus, RO,
M requires removal and insertion of the M from the board, erasing / writing of the program on the ROM, and requires a lot of time.
These tasks include ROM removal tools, ROM erasers, R
Special tools and special devices, such as an OM writer, which are not widely used, are required, and the work efficiency is very poor.

The applicant of the present invention is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-314700.
Discloses a system in which a program written in a flash memory can be rewritten from the outside via a communication line or the like so that the operation of the device can be changed without disassembling the electric device. However, in this system, there is no detailed description of the rewriting program that performs the rewriting.

(Object of the Invention) The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has as its object to provide a card reader which can easily change programs and settings, and has high workability and productivity. .

[0020]

A data reading means for reading data recorded on a card, a data output means for outputting data to an external device, a memory means for storing an operation program, and a data stored in the memory means. After performing analysis and predetermined format conversion of the data read by the data reading unit based on the operation program, a card reader having a control unit for outputting data from the data output unit. The operation program is changed by providing data input means for inputting, and program updating means for updating at least a part of the operation program stored in the memory means with the data input from the data input means. In case, remove the memory means by opening and closing the case of the card reader You can easily update the program by inputting data from an external device, even if you do not have to perform operations such as when the format of the data recorded on the card is different or when you output the read data. The output can be easily dealt with according to the specification.

[0021]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 15 show a first embodiment of the present invention.
1 shows a configuration of an endoscope image filing system provided with a first embodiment, and FIG. 2 shows a video processor and a first compression / decompression device included in an image input unit. FIG. 3 shows a configuration of a card reader, FIG. 4 shows an example of display of an endoscope image and related data displayed on a monitor, and FIG. 5 shows contents of a patient database file and an examination database file. FIG. 6 shows a configuration of a function of synthesizing and displaying patient data with a captured image in the endoscope image filing system, and FIG. 7 mainly performs functions of recording, searching, and displaying an image in FIG. FIG. 8 shows a configuration in a case where an endoscope image filing system is formed using a video processor without a card reader I / F, and FIG. FIG. 10 shows a configuration in which an endoscope image filing system is formed using a video processor capable of inputting only a patient ID, and FIG. 10
1 shows a configuration of a video processor and a compression / expansion device in FIG. 1, FIG. 12 shows a configuration of a card reader system, and FIG.
3 shows a configuration of a memory map, FIG. 14 shows a state in which a rewrite program or the like is recorded on a floppy disk, and FIG. 15 shows a procedure of processing of a card reader.

An endoscope image filing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 comprises an image input unit 2 for inputting an image, an image recording unit 3 for recording an image, and an image search unit 4 for searching for an image. The units 2, 3, and 4 are interconnected by a LAN 5 as a network.

The image input unit 2 includes an electronic endoscope (also referred to as an electronic scope) 6 having a built-in image pickup device, and a light source device 7 for supplying illumination light to a light guide of the electronic scope 6.
A video processor 8 that performs signal processing on an image sensor of the electronic scope 6; a first monitor 9 that displays a video signal output from the video processor 8; and a first monitor 9 that performs image compression and expansion processing. A compression / expansion device 10, a first keyboard 11 for inputting data and the like, and a card reader 12 for reading data and the like recorded on a card
The electronic scope 6, the light source device 7, the first monitor 9, the compression / expansion device 10, the keyboard 11, and the card reader 12 are each connected to the video processor 8 by a signal line.

The image recording unit 3 comprises a host computer 13 and a recording device 14, and the host computer 13 and the recording device 14 are connected by signal lines.

The image search unit 4 includes a search device 15 for searching and a second monitor 16 for displaying the searched image.
A second compression / decompression device 17 for performing image compression and decompression processing, a second keyboard 18 and a mouse 19, and a second monitor 16, a second compression / decompression device 17, a second
The keyboard 18 and the mouse 19 are connected to the search device 15 by signal lines.

Further, the image input unit 2 and the image search unit 4 are connected via compression / decompression devices 10 and 17 respectively provided therein.
The LAN 5 is connected to the host computer 13 of the image recording unit 3.

The electronic scope 6 has an elongated insertion portion 6A and an operation portion 6B provided at the rear end of the insertion portion 6A. The operation portion 6B has a release switch 20 for giving a release instruction.
Is provided. FIG. 2 shows a detailed configuration of the video processor 8 and the first compression / decompression device 10 included in the image input unit 2.

The video processor 8 includes an image processing unit 21 that performs signal processing on the image pickup device of the electronic scope 6,
The image processing unit 21, the superimpose unit 22, the keyboard I / F 24, and the card reader I / F 25 each include a superimpose unit 22, a control unit 23, a keyboard I / F 24, and a card reader I / F 25. Are connected to the control unit 23 by signal lines.

The image processing unit 21 is the electronic scope 6, the superimposing unit 22 is the first monitor 9, the keyboard I / F 24 is the first keyboard 11, and the card reader I / F 25 is the card reader 12. They are connected by signal lines.

The first compression / expansion device 10 includes a compression / expansion unit 2
6, a control unit 27, and a card reader I / F 28. Each of the compression / expansion unit 26 and the card reader I / F 28 is connected to the control unit 27 by a signal line. The compression / decompression unit 26 is directly connected to the image processing unit 21 of the video processor 8, and the control unit 27 is directly connected to the control unit 26 of the video processor 8 by a signal line.

FIG. 3 shows a detailed configuration of the card reader 12 of the first embodiment included in the image input unit 2.

The card reader 12 has a CPU 31 for controlling the components of the card reader 12, a ROM 32 as a read-only memory storing a rewriting program, a card reading program, and the like, and an electrically rewritable read-only memory. A flash memory 33 as a memory, a RAM 34 used as a work area, etc., two serial I / Fs 35 and 36 provided as communication ports for transmitting / receiving (communicating) data to / from an external device, a keyboard I / F 37, a magnetic head I / F 38, LCD (liquid crystal display) I / F 39, LED / buzzer I / F 40, keyboard 41 for inputting data, etc., magnetic head 42 as reading means for reading magnetic data of the magnetic tape portion of the card, LCD 43, notification LED4 as a means
4, and a buzzer 45.

The CPU 31 is connected to the ROM 32, the flash memory 33, the RAM 34, the serial I / Fs 35 and 36, the keyboard I / F 37, the magnetic head I / F 38, the LCD I / F 39, and the LED / buzzer I / F 40 by a computer bus 46, respectively. Keyboard 4
1 is a keyboard I / F 37, a magnetic head 42 is a magnetic head I / F 38, and an LCD 43 is an LCD I / F 39.
The LED 44 and the buzzer 45 are LED / buzzer I / F4
By connecting to 0, it is configured to function as a so-called microcomputer or personal computer capable of inputting / outputting and displaying various data.

In this embodiment, the memory for storing the program for operating the card reader 12 is a read-only memory in addition to the ROM 32 as the read-only memory. In this state, a flash memory 33 formed of an electrically rewritable EEPROM is used. Since the data stored in the flash memory 33 can be electrically rewritten, a part of the program can be rewritten.

The ROM 32 stores a program for “reading and transmitting a card”, which is a basic operation as a card reader, and a rewriting program for rewriting a program on the flash memory 33.

Then, by rewriting the program on the flash memory 33, by changing the setting data for setting which of the serial I / Fs 35 and 36 to transmit data, various patterns of data can be obtained. Transmission port selection is made possible.

In the case of a small change that does not require a change in the program itself, the flash memory 33
It is also possible to rewrite only the change in the table data portion written in a block different from the above program block.

In a modified example described later, the serial I / O
Data is sent from an external device via F35 and F36, and the program in the flash memory 33 is rewritten with the data so that the data can be read even if the format of the recorded data is different from a card.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. First, an outline of a basic operation of the entire endoscope image filing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The endoscope image filing system 1 has a function of recording a captured endoscope image, and a function of searching and displaying the recorded image.

The endoscope image is captured by the image input unit 2, the captured image is recorded by the image recording unit 3, and the recorded image is searched and displayed by the image search unit 4.
It is performed in.

These three units 2, 3, and 4 are LA
It is connected via N5, and transmission and reception of image data and related data necessary for recording, searching, and displaying images are performed between the units.

It is also possible to connect a plurality of image input units 2 and image search units 4 to one image recording unit 3 via the LAN 5 and to operate them. Record, search,
Display can be performed.

The endoscope image picked up by the electronic scope 6 is displayed on the first monitor 9 in real time. When the desired image to be recorded is displayed, the electronic scope 6 is displayed. By operating the release switch 20 provided on the operation unit 6B, the endoscope image being displayed is recorded.

When recording this image, it is also possible to record patient data such as the patient's ID number, name and date of birth, as well as related data such as examination data such as examination date, medical department and examination results. It is possible to search and display images based on the recorded related data.

FIG. 4 shows a screen configuration displayed on the monitors 9 and 16. The captured endoscope image is displayed on the right half of the screen, and related data of the endoscope image such as the patient ID, date of birth, and examination date are combined and displayed in the remaining space.

Next, the operation of each part constituting the system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. The electronic scope 6 has a light guide and a solid-state imaging device (not shown) therein, transmits the illumination light emitted by the light source device 7 through the light guide, and is disposed in the illumination window at the distal end of the insertion section 6A. The transmitted illumination light is emitted from the tip surface.
The subject illuminated with the illumination light emitted from the illumination window at the tip of the electronic scope 6 is formed on a solid-state image sensor, and the photoelectrically converted image signal is output to the video processor 8.

The electronic scope 6 further includes an operation unit 6B
A release switch 20 is provided, and a control signal of a release instruction when the release switch 20 is operated is also output to the video processor 8.

The image signal from the electronic scope 6 is input to the image processing section 21 of the video processor 8, where it is subjected to signal processing and output as a so-called video signal.
The video signal is output to the compression / expansion unit 26 of the compression / expansion device 10 and is also output to the first monitor 9 via the superimposing unit 22.

The endoscope image picked up by the electronic scope 6 is transmitted from the superimposing section 22 to the related data input from the first keyboard 11 or the already recorded already recorded image from the image recording unit 3 side. The data is combined with the related data and output to the first monitor 9.

A control signal is input from the control unit 26 to the image processing unit 21 and the superimposing unit 22 as an image synthesizing unit.
7, a control signal and related data can be input and output. The control unit 26 includes the first keyboard 11
The patient data on the screen shown in FIG. 4 such as a patient ID, a name, and a date of birth can be input, and when each patient data is input, the contents are automatically sent out.
By the operation of “0”, the transmission of the “release” control signal is changed to the first
Is transmitted from the keyboard 11 of the "examination end" signal.

The image data and related data are arranged between the video processor 8 and the LAN 5 via the compression / expansion device 10, and the data compressed by the compression / expansion unit 26 is transmitted on the LAN 5.

The compression / decompression unit 26 sends a control signal to the control unit 27.
The control unit 27 can input and output control signals and related data between the control unit 26 of the video processor 8 and the LAN 5.

Each data transmitted on the LAN 5 is input to the host computer 13 of the image recording unit 3 and
It is recorded and managed on the recording device 14. The recorded data can be arbitrarily read, and by inputting image specific information to the search device 15 of the image search unit 4 from the keyboard 18 or the mouse 19, the corresponding image data and its related data are searched. The second monitor 16 displays what is read out by the search.

When the data is read out and displayed, the data transmitted from the image recording unit 3 passes through the compression / expansion device 17, and the compressed data is expanded here to obtain the data before compression. Is restored.

The image search and display can also be performed on the image input unit 2 side. In this case, the first keyboard 11 or the card reader 12 transmits the image specific information to the video processor 8. By inputting, the corresponding image data is retrieved, read out, and displayed on the first monitor 9 together with the related data.

When the data is read out and displayed, it goes without saying that the data transmitted from the image recording unit 3 is expanded and restored from the compressed state by the compression and expansion device 10.

Next, the recording format of the related data will be described. The recording device 14 of the image recording unit 3 records a database file as related information. FIGS. 5A and 5B show the contents of the recorded database file. FIG. 5A shows a patient data file in which data of each patient who has undergone an examination is recorded.

The "patient ID" is a number assigned to each patient so that each patient can be identified. One patient is specified by specifying the “patient ID”, “name”, “birth date”, and the like. Next, FIG. 5B shows an examination data file, which is obtained by performing 1 for one patient.
Recording is performed in units of inspections.

The “inspection ID” is a number assigned in the order in which the inspection was performed. This "inspection ID", "inspection date",
One examination is specified by specifying "medical department" or the like. Further, as the inspection data, items in the following {} can be considered in addition to those shown in FIG.

(6) Age at examination, examination comment, examination type,
Hospitalization, outpatient, endoscope model, physician, lesion site, diagnosis name,
Biopsy No. Diagnosis details, biopsy results, special tests, film type, film number, film location These patient data files and test data files are managed using the patient ID as a key, and multiple test data can be associated with one patient. It is recorded in correspondence.

The recorded endoscope image is recorded in association with examination data. Thus, the patient
Inspection-Because each image is associated and recorded,
It is also possible to retrieve all desired information from one piece of information. Next, an operation for synthesizing and displaying a captured image and recorded patient data will be described with reference to FIG.

In the present system 1, as shown in FIG. 4, an endoscope image is displayed by being combined with patient data such as a patient ID, a name, and a date of birth. For that purpose, it is necessary to input all the patient data in advance using the keyboard 11, the card reader 12, or the like.

However, only the first examination needs to be performed, and the patient data that has been entered once and recorded has no need to be entered again from the next time. For example, the patient ID is used to specify the data. By simply inputting only the information, other patient data for the patient, such as the name and the date of birth, are automatically called and combined with the image.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration for synthesizing patient data to an image collectively for each function. A block denoted by reference numeral 48 indicates an image reproducing unit that displays images and data, and a block denoted by reference numeral 49 indicates an image recording unit that manages and records data.

The image reproducing means 48 is provided with a specific information input means 50 for specifying related data to be searched.
The specific information input means 50 outputs the specific information input from the keyboard 11 or the like to the transmitting means 51.

The transmitting means 51 outputs the input specific information to the receiving means 54 of the image recording means 49. Further, the image reproducing means 48 is provided with a receiving means 53 for receiving the relevant data output from the image recording means 49, and the receiving means 53 outputs the relevant data to the synthesizing means 52. Combining means 52
Is configured to combine related data with a captured image and output it to the monitor 16 or the like.

On the other hand, the related information searching means 55 to which the specific information is input from the receiving means 54 is stored in the image recording means 49.
Is provided. The related information searching means 55 is connected to a related information recording means 57 for recording information related to the target image. The related information searching means 55 searches for the related information recorded in the related information recording means 57, Transmission means 5
6 is output.

The transmitting means 56 is connected to the image reproducing means 48.
The related information is output to the receiving means 53 of. As described above, since the recorded related information is configured to be searched by inputting the specific information, the related data once recorded can be automatically combined with the call image from the second examination.

Next, the operation of the card reader 12 used for inputting data will be described. The card reader 12 is used instead of the first keyboard 11 when inputting patient data, and is often used particularly for inputting a patient ID. When the magnetic card on which the data is written is passed through the card reader 12, the data on the magnetic card is read, and the data is read from the card reader 1.
2 is transmitted to the connected video processor 8.

Therefore, the use of the card reader 12 can greatly reduce the trouble of operating the keys of the keyboard 11 to input data. As shown in FIG. 3, data on the magnetic card read by the magnetic head 42 is stored on the RAM 34 by the CPU 31 via the magnetic head I / F 38.

The data stored on the RAM 34 is a CPU
A predetermined data processing is performed by 31 and the data is changed to a transmittable data format, and the serial I / F 35 or 36
Is transmitted to the video processor 8.

When reading the data, the CPU 31
Determines whether data has been read normally from the magnetic head 42, and notifies the user of normal or abnormal reading by the LED 44 and the buzzer 45 via the LED / buzzer I / F 40.

The keyboard 4 is attached to the card reader 12.
1 is provided, and addition of data not written on the magnetic card can be input from the keyboard 41.

The card reader 12 is provided with an LCD 43, and when inputting data to the keyboard, L
With the CD 43, an input operation can be performed while checking input data.

When the data is read by the card reader 12 and output, the data is also displayed on the LCD 43. Further, some notification such as an operation instruction or an error notification to the user may be performed using the LCD 43. Next, points devised in the configuration of the card reader 12 will be described.

The memory storing the program for operating the card reader 12 as described above has a ROM 32
In addition, a flash memory 33 is used. Since the data stored in the flash memory 33 can be electrically rewritten, a part of the program can be rewritten.

The ROM 32 stores a program for “reading and transmitting a card”, which is a basic operation as a card reader, and a rewriting program for rewriting a program and the like in the flash memory 33.

On the flash memory 33, table data in which setting data for setting which of the two serial I / Fs 35 and 36 to transmit data from is stored is also written. .

By changing the setting data written in the table data on the flash memory 33, the port for data transmission can be selected.

Although the minimum program for enabling transmission is recorded in the ROM 32, setting data is written to the flash memory 33 so that a more complicated pattern transmission operation can be performed from that state. In addition to the table data area, a program area in which a transmission program is written is also provided.

As described above, when data is simply transmitted from one port, the transmission program written in the ROM 32 can be used only by changing the setting data in the table data area.

On the other hand, only a part of the data is
In the case where the data is transmitted via the serial interface 35 and the remaining data is transmitted via another serial I / F 36, the transmission program can be changed. That is, by making the transmission program rewritable, it is possible to cope with a case where transmission is performed in a special transmission pattern.

When rewriting data in the flash memory 33, rewriting data from an external device is transferred to the serial I / F 3
The program can be rewritten by inputting the write data with the keyboard 41 in addition to the case where the program is sent via 5 or 36.

The procedure for reading the magnetic card by the card reader 12 and the procedure for rewriting the program in the flash memory 33 are the same as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 15, and the processing will be described later.

The serial I / Fs 35 and 3 as the transmission port or the communication port of the card reader 12 of this embodiment
The reason that you can choose from two of the six
This is for coping with various differences in the configuration of the filing system 1. This difference in the system configuration mainly arises from the difference in the specifications of the video processor 8 to be used.

The description will be made with reference to FIG. Among the devices constituting the endoscope image filing system 1, the devices within the dotted lines are devices for this filing system for recording, searching, and displaying images. However, devices outside the dotted line can perform endoscopy by themselves, and there are various types.

Therefore, regarding the device outside the dotted line,
Various types may be used. In this case, a card reader 12 capable of selecting a communication port and changing a connection method or the like is useful. The following (a)-
An example in which a communication port of the card reader 12 is selectively used will be described with a specific example in FIG.

(A) Basic pattern P1 (the pattern described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2) The card reader 12 is connected to the video processor 8. The patient data is input by the first keyboard 11 at the time of the first examination, and is recorded in the recording device 14. At the time of the second and subsequent examinations, only the patient ID is input from the card reader 12, and the remaining patient data recorded in the recording device 14 is read out and combined with the endoscope image, and displayed on the monitor 9. You.

Since only the patient ID is transmitted from the card reader 12, the serial I / F used is 3
Either one of 5, 36 may be used, and there is no problem in using either of them.

(B) Pattern P2 (Card Reader I / F)
When using the video processor 8 not provided with 25) FIGS. 8 and 9 show the connection state of the card reader 12. FIG. The card reader 12 is connected to a card reader I / F 28 of the compression / decompression device 10.

As shown in FIG. 9, the card reader I / F 25
, The card reader 12 is connected to the compression / decompression device 10 in this system 1 as shown in FIG.

The operation in this case is similar to the operation of the basic pattern P shown in FIG.
As in the case of No. 1, only the patient ID is input from the card reader 12. Also, the serial I / Fs 35 and 36 used
As in the case of the basic pattern P1 in FIG.

In the basic pattern P1 of (a) and the pattern P2 of (b), either of the two serial I / Fs 35 and 36 may be used. In this case, the port not used is connected. There is a possibility that a user may make a connection error such as a connection error.

Therefore, for example, there are two I / Fs 35 and 36.
Of which is dedicated to video processor connection, I / F
The connection 36 may be a port dedicated to the connection of the compression / expansion device, and a connection error of the user such as connecting using a port not used may be prevented.

(C) Pattern P3 (when patient data other than the patient ID is also input from the card reader 12) The basic pattern P1 in (a) and the pattern P2 in (b) are the patient ID.
Is input by the card reader 12, but other patient data (name, date of birth, etc.) is also input to the card reader 1.
2 may be used for input.

In this case, the keyboard 11 is not used even during the first inspection. The operation is the basic pattern P in (a).
1, the pattern P2 is the same, but the connection method differs depending on the configuration of the device used in the system. An example is shown in the following patterns P4 and P5.

(D) Pattern P4 (video processor 8)
Is a specification that allows input of only the patient ID) FIGS. 10 and 11 show the connection state of the card reader 12. FIG. The card reader 12 is a card reader I / F 25 of the video processor 8.
And the card reader I / F 28 of the compression / expansion device 10.

Card reader 1 for connecting to two devices
Both serial I / Fs 35 and 36 are used. The card reader 12 also transmits patient data such as name and date of birth in addition to the patient ID. However, since the video processor 8 is capable of inputting only the patient ID, only the patient ID is transmitted to the video processor 8 side. The remaining patient data is transmitted to the compression / decompression device 10.

The patient data input to the compression / decompression device 10 is transmitted to the video processor 8 via the control unit 27. With such a connection, even if the video processor 8 has a specification that allows input of only the patient ID, all the patient data can be recorded and managed.

(E) Pattern P5 (video processor 8)
This pattern is also an example in which patient data other than the patient ID is transmitted from the card reader 12 as in the case of the pattern P4.
Is connected to both the video processor 8 and the compression / decompression device 10.

When the card reader 12 is not connected to the compression / decompression device 10 and the patient ID and other patient data are transmitted only to the video processor 8, data collision may occur depending on the specifications of the device used. Therefore, such a connection method is adopted.

This data collision will be described with reference to FIGS. When the card reader 12 is not connected to the compression / decompression device 10 but is connected only to the video processor 8, all data read by the card reader 12 is input to the video processor 8. At the time of the first inspection, there is no particular problem because the input data is only transmitted from the control unit 26 to the superimposition unit 22 and is synthesized with the image.

However, during the second and subsequent examinations, the patient data recorded in the related information recording means 57 is transmitted once and automatically combined with the image, as described above with reference to FIG. Therefore, in the synthesizing unit 52 (the control unit 26 and the superimposing unit 22), the patient data transmitted from the card reader 12 and the patient data read from the related information recording unit 57 collide with each other. May not work.

For example, if there is a function of judging whether or not the examination is the second or later examination and canceling one of the patient data, the problem can be solved. However, the video processor 8 has various specifications. Many do not have a function, and in such a case, the function of the compression / expansion device 10 is used to handle the problem.

Therefore, in this pattern P5, the patient ID
The patient data other than the above is transmitted from the card reader 12 to the compression / expansion apparatus 10, and the patient data is input from the compression / expansion apparatus 10 to the video processor irrespective of the first or second examination. To prevent data collisions.

As described above, the card reader 12 has a plurality of communication ports, and writes a transmission program for transmitting data or setting data to the flash memory 33 using one or both of the plurality of communication ports. It is also possible to easily cope with a case where the function of the video processor 8 or the like to be used is different by rewriting the transmission program data or the setting data of the flash memory 33.

Therefore, the present embodiment has the following effects. The card reader 12 is provided with a plurality of serial I / Fs 35 and 36, and a pattern can be variably set as to which serial I / Fs 35 and 36 each data read from the magnetic card is transmitted. It becomes possible to input and use data by connecting to the endoscope image filing system 1 using the type video processor 8 and the like, and it is possible to provide the card reader 12 with high versatility.

As described above, various types of video processors 8 may be used in the endoscope image filing system 1, and each time the video processors 8 are used, the video processor 8 and the compression / decompression device 10 are individually used. It is not advisable to modify hardware and software such as.

It is, of course, preferable that the setting can be changed so that various types of connections can be made. At this time, the setting can be changed by the card reader 12 which is a relatively inexpensive device. If this is done, it is not necessary to purchase a new expensive device such as a video processor with a setting function simply by adding an inexpensive card reader 12, and it is also possible to continue using the existing device, and to reduce cost performance. Excellent.

In this embodiment, a flash memory 33 is used to rewrite a part of a program so that various settings can be made. However, rewriting is not performed, and a program of a plurality of patterns is stored in the memory in advance. And a method of selecting from a plurality of patterns at the time of use may be used.

By doing so, the trouble of rewriting the program is reduced. Conversely, in the case of the present embodiment using the flash memory 33, it can be said that the flash memory 33 can be used not only with the prepared patterns but also with various pattern settings, not limited to the prepared patterns.

Further, as in the present embodiment, only the ROM 32 is used without using the flash memory 33, and
Even if the entire program is stored in the ROM 32, it is not impossible to change the data transmission port selection setting.

However, in this case, if the program stored in the ROM 32 is used in a pattern that cannot be handled, it is necessary to newly rewrite all the stored programs. After disassembling and taking out the ROM 32 on the board,
It is necessary to rewrite the program on the ROM 32 using an eraser, a ROM writer, or the like.

In other words, redesign and remodeling are performed, and the time and effort are not small. If a part of the program is rewritten to change the setting, as in this embodiment,
It is more preferable to use a memory such as the flash memory 33 in which electrically stored memory contents can be rewritten (of course, erasable), since the program can be easily rewritten.

Next, a modification of the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the selection and setting of the serial I / Fs 35 and 36 can be used according to the system by rewriting the program recorded on the flash memory 33. In the example, a program or the like recorded on the flash memory 33 is rewritten so that reading corresponding to a data format recorded on a magnetic card to be used can be performed.

Since the data format of the magnetic card is different in each facility used, the magnetic card reader program is usually prepared for each facility.

For example, a facility using only ID numbers (FIG. 2)
2 (C)), and individual patient data such as the patient's name and date of birth (see FIGS. 22 (A) and (B)). Further, even when the items used are the same, it is necessary to prepare different programs because the number of data and the recording order of each data are different.

In this modification, the basic programs and table data on the flash memories 33 and 33 'can be rewritten so that they can be read even when the data format of the magnetic card is different.

FIG. 12 shows a modified card reader 62, 6
A program for setting the use state in which the 2 'can be read is created, or the data is transmitted to the card readers 62, 62' from a recording medium on which data of the created program is recorded, and the flash memories 33, 33 ' 1 shows a card reader system 61 that performs a process of writing data to a card reader.

The card reader system 61 includes a modified card reader 62, 62 'and a card reader 6
For example, a notebook-type personal computer (hereinafter, abbreviated as a personal computer) 64 for writing a program so that the data on the magnetic card 63 can be read from the magnetic card 63 and a card reader 62 '. And a ROM writer 66 for writing rewrite program data into the ROM 32A.

Note that, in FIG.
This shows the state before the rewrite program in M32 is written. Therefore, the state in which the rewrite program is written is indicated by the ROM 32.

The personal computer 64 has a built-in floppy disk drive and CDROM drive so that a floppy disk 67 and a CDROM 68 can be used as recording media. In addition, CPU, RAM, RO (not shown)
M etc. are also built in. A keyboard 64a for inputting data and the like, and an LCD display 64b for displaying data.
Is provided.

This personal computer 64 has at least one serial I / F, and in FIG.
2 'is connected to the serial I / F by a cable 69, the cable 69 of the other card reader 62 and the ROM writer 6
6 is not connected to the cable 70.

The card reader 62 has the same hardware configuration as the card reader 12 of the first embodiment.
However, in the state of FIG.
The OM 32A is mounted on the socket of the ROM writing board of the ROM writer 66, and the unwritten RO
After the rewrite program is written in M32A, it is mounted on the card reader 62.

Then, the basic program and the table data are written in the flash memory 33 by operating according to the rewriting program as described later, and the product is shipped as a product.

Alternatively, even if the basic program and the table data are not written in the flash memory 33, a recording medium in which the basic program and the table data are written is attached and shipped as a product, and the user uses the personal computer 64 by using this recording medium. The basic program and the table data can be written in the flash memory 33 by transmitting the data to the card reader 62 side by an external device having a serial I / F and the like, which can read the data of the recording medium.

On the other hand, the card reader 62 'does not have the ROM 32 as a memory, and the memory is composed of a flash memory 33' and a RAM. This flash memory 33 'is composed of a ROM 32 and a flash memory 33.
And has both functions of the ROM 32 and the flash memory 33.

The card readers 62 'and 62 are provided with a keyboard 41 and an LCD 43 on the front thereof. Also,
An insertion groove 59 into which the magnetic card 63 is inserted is provided on the upper surface.

FIGS. 13 (A) and 13 (B) show an example of address assignment (ie, a memory map) of each memory area of the card reader 62 'and the card reader 62. Etc. will be written.

In the case of the card reader 62 ', the entire memory area is the area of the flash memory 33' and the RAM 34 '.
On the other hand, in the case of the card reader 62, the entire memory area is composed of an area of the ROM 32, an area of the flash memory 33, and an area of the RAM.

The memory area of the flash memory 33 'has a rewrite program area 71 for storing a rewrite program, a table data area 72, and a basic program area 73 for storing a basic program.

On the other hand, in the case of the card reader 62, the RO
The memory area of M32 is used for the rewrite program area 71, and the memory area of the flash memory 33 has a table data area 72 and a basic program area 73.

Here, the rewrite program is a program for rewriting each data in the table data area 72 and the basic program area 73 in the flash memories 33 'and 33.

The basic program is a program of a procedure for analyzing data read from the magnetic card 63 by the magnetic head 42 with reference to table data, converting the data into a predetermined format, and outputting.

The table data is required to correspond to the data format of the magnetic card 63 in order to separate ID information, name information, etc. from the read data when reading and analyzing the magnetic data of the magnetic card 63 by the basic program. And data for analysis or reference.

More specifically, in the table data area 72, a. Existence of each data such as ID, name, date of birth, gender, etc. b. Start position of each data c. Length of each data d. Conversion type of each data e. Whether a space is inserted or deleted f. Data for analysis or reference for analyzing and grasping data on the magnetic card, such as presence or absence of hyphen insertion or deletion, is recorded.

The memory area of the RAM 34 is used as a work area 74 used for processing or working for temporarily storing patient data read from the magnetic card 63 and data used for calculation.

The flash memory 3 shown in FIG.
The area from address A000 to AFFF by 3 'and 33 is an unused area, and when the size is increased when the basic program is changed, it is possible to cope by using this unused area. .

Then, the program rewriting process S3 or the table rewriting process S5 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 15 is performed by the rewriting program stored in the rewriting program area 71, so that the magnetic card 63 having a data format different for each facility. Also, the magnetic card 63 of the data format can be read.

For example, in the case of a simple change such as changing the number or order of data to be used, only the table data in the table data area 72 needs to be changed. When a significant change such as that relating to the basic operation is required, the basic program itself is changed or the table data is changed together with the basic program.

As described above, since the part to be changed differs depending on the facility, the memory area of the flash memory 33 'or 33 is divided into a plurality of block areas (reference numeral 71,
72, 73, etc.), and only necessary parts can be changed.

In the card reader system 61 shown in FIG. 12, a serial interface of the personal computer and a serial interface 35 or 36 of the card reader 62 'are connected to the card reader 62' by a personal computer 64 via a cable 69, and the card reader 62 'is connected. The rewriting program data and the like are sent to the CPU 31 on the 62 'side, and the rewriting program data and the like as shown in FIG. 13A are written in the memory area of the flash memory 33'.

When this writing is performed, the rewriting program data, table data, and basic program data are written to a floppy disk 67 or a CDROM 68 as a recording medium (readable by the personal computer 64), and these data are written by the personal computer 64. The data may be transferred to the card reader 62 'to perform writing. Alternatively, these data may be transferred from the hard disk in the personal computer 64 and written.
FIG. 14A shows a state in which rewrite program data, table data, and basic program data are recorded on a floppy disk 67 as one example. Of course, instead of the floppy disk 67 or the floppy disk 6
Along with 7, rewrite program data and the like may be recorded in the CDROM 68.

Further, the rewriting program data may be recorded on a recording medium separately from other data. For example, only the rewriting program data is recorded on the first proppy disc 67a, and table data and basic program data are recorded on the second proppy disc 67b. FIG. 14B shows these floppy disks 67a and 67b.

First, only the rewrite program data of the first floppy disk 67a is transferred to the card reader 6.
2 '(as an external device of the card reader 62')
Transfer via the personal computer 64 and the flash memory 33 '
Write only the rewrite program to.

With the rewriting program written, the card reader 62 'is restarted and operated by the rewriting program.
The table data and the basic program data recorded on the second floppy disk 67b may be transferred to the card reader 62 'and written into the table data area 72 and the basic program area 73 of the flash memory 33'.

Although the description has been made of the case where the table data and the basic program data are recorded on the second floppy disk 67b, the table data is recorded on the second floppy disk and the basic data is recorded on the third floppy disk. The program data may be recorded and written into the table data area 72 and the basic program area 73 of the flash memory 33 'using the second and third floppy disks.

In this card reader 62 ', the ROM 32 is not provided and the program to be written in the ROM 32 is written in the rewritable flash memory 33'. Can be easily written in the flash memory 33 'and shipped as a product.

The rewriting program is written in the flash memory 33 ', shipped with a recording medium as shown in FIG. 14A or 14B, and the basic program data and table data required by the user are written. You can also do so.

Alternatively, a recording medium as shown in FIG. 14A or FIG. 14B is attached and shipped without writing the rewriting program, and the rewriting program required by the user is
Basic program data and table data can also be written.

In order to transfer and rewrite the rewrite program data so that at least the rewrite program area 71 is formed in the flash memory 33 'of the card reader 62', an external device must be used when the card reader 62 'is started. It is necessary to set a state in which data is serially received from the device and an operation of writing data to the rewrite program area 71 of the flash memory 33 'is performed.

For this purpose, first, the card reader 62 'is used.
Command data is input from the keyboard 41 of the flash memory 33 ', the data is serially received from the external device, and the data is written to the rewrite program area 71 of the flash memory 33'.

Alternatively, a program for performing such an operation (hereinafter referred to as an initial operation program) is previously written in the rewrite program area 71 of the flash memory 33 ', and when rewrite program data is received, the program is written first. The rewriting program data may be formed in the rewriting program area 71 by erasing the initial operation program and rewriting the rewriting program data with the rewriting program data.

Alternatively, instead of writing such an initial operation program in the flash memory 33 ', the flash memory 33' in which the rewrite program area 71 is formed in advance is mounted on the card reader 62 '. Is also good. In this case, the table data and the basic program can be written in the table data area 72 and the basic program area 73 by the rewriting program.

Alternatively, the card reader 62 'is provided with an I / F (interface) on which a recording medium such as a floppy disk can be mounted, and a program corresponding to the function of the initial operation program recorded on the recording medium is started. You may do it. Then, the rewriting program or the like recorded on this recording medium or another recording medium is stored in the flash memory 3.
3 'may be written.

On the other hand, in the case of the card reader 62, the personal computer 64 and the ROM writer 66 are connected by the cable 70,
The rewrite program data is sent from the personal computer 64 to the ROM writer 66, and the rewrite program data is written to the ROM 32A.

Also in this case, the rewriting program data recorded on the first floppy disk 67a, for example, may be sent to the ROM writer 66, and the rewriting program data may be written into the ROM 65.

Then, the ROM 32 in which the rewrite program data is written is mounted on the card reader 62.
Then, the rewriting program is operated by the ROM 32, and as described in the card reader 62 ',
The table data and the basic program data can be written in the table data area 72 and the basic program area 73 of the flash memory 33, respectively. Thus, the memory map of FIG. 13B is formed.

Next, the procedure for writing a rewrite program in the flash memory 33 and reading the magnetic card 63 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
Specifically, the case of the card reader 62 will be described (the rewriting program is not the ROM 32 but the flash memory 3).
The same applies to the card reader 62 'except that it is formed at the head of 3').

First, when the power is turned on, step S
The rewriting program in one ROM 32 starts.
That is, the CPU 31 operates in accordance with the rewriting program, and determines in step S2 whether or not the current mode is the program rewriting mode for rewriting the basic program based on whether or not a specific key on the keyboard 41, here, the designation key A is pressed.

If it is determined that the designation key A has been pressed, the program rewriting mode process, that is, the program rewriting process S3 is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the designation key A has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S4.
Is determined based on whether or not a specific key on the keyboard 41, here, the designation key B, is pressed.

If it is determined that the designation key B has been pressed, processing in the table rewriting mode, that is, table rewriting processing S5 is executed. On the other hand, the designation key B
If it is determined that is not pressed, processing in the normal mode, that is, normal reading processing S6 is executed.

That is, in the flowchart of FIG. 15, it is determined whether the mode is the rewrite mode or the normal mode based on whether or not the designation keys A and B on the keyboard 41 are pressed. If it is, the flash memory 33 is rewritten, and if it is not pressed, the operation in the normal mode is performed. In the case of the normal mode, an operation as a so-called magnetic card reader for reading data on the magnetic tape 75 of the magnetic card 63 starts.

As described above, the program data for performing the processing of steps S1 to S5 in FIG. 15 is written in the ROM 32. On the other hand, in the basic program area 73 of the flash memory 33, a basic program for performing the processing of step S6 (at least the processing of steps S17 to S22 in step S6) is written. The determination of the mode may be made by the following means, for example, in addition to the determination of whether or not the designation keys A and B on the keyboard 41 are pressed.

(1) After the power is turned on, it is monitored to determine which of the (magnetic head I / F 38) and the (serial I / F 35, 36) the data input occurs. (2) When data input is monitored and a predetermined command is input, the mode shifts to the rewrite mode (polling). (3) When data input is monitored and a predetermined command is input, the mode shifts to the rewrite mode (interrupt). (4) Whenever a predetermined switch is input, the mode shifts to the rewrite mode. Next, processing in each mode will be described.

When the program shifts to the program rewriting mode in step S3, the CPU 31 erases data in the basic program area 73 of the flash memory 33 in step S7. Then, it is determined whether there is data transmitted from the outside via the serial I / F 35 or 36 (step S).
8), the transmitted data is written to the basic program area 73 erased in step S9 when the transmitted data exists, and transmitted when there is no transmitted data. Wait for data to be sent.

When performing data write processing, the serial I
PC 6 as external device through / F 35 or 36
4 and the like, necessary data is sent for rewriting, and data reception is checked by the CPU 31 on the card reader 62 side.

Then, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the data to be sent is the end (step S10), and if not, returns to step S8 and repeats the data writing process. If it is determined that the data has ended, the process proceeds to step S11 to end the program rewriting and notify that the rewriting has been completed.

The notification is made by the CPU 31 by the LED 44 or the buzzer 45 or by the LCD 43 indicating that rewriting has been completed. Then, the operation in the normal mode of step S6 is started.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that the mode is the table rewriting mode, the table data area 73 of the flash memory 33 is erased in step S12. Then, it is determined whether there is data transmitted from the outside (see step S13). If there is data transmitted, the table data area 72 deleted in step S14 is determined.
, The transmitted data is written.

For data writing, necessary data is sent from the personal computer 64 or the like through the serial I / F 35 or 36, and data reception is checked by the CP of the card reader 62 side.
It is done in U31.

Then, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the data to be sent is the end (step S15), and if not, returns to the step S13 to repeat the data writing process. If it is determined that the data has ended, the table rewriting is completed in step S16, and the completion is notified. This notification is notified by the CPU 31 by the LED 44 or the buzzer 45 or by a display on the LCD 43 that the rewriting is completed. Then, the operation in the normal mode of step S6 is started.

In the normal mode processing, the CPU 31 causes the magnetic head 42 in step S17 to read data from the magnetic tape portion of the magnetic card 63. Then, in the next step S18, it is determined whether or not there is data read by the magnetic head 42. If there is no data, the process returns to the data reading process in step S17.

If there is data, the next step S19
The data is analyzed and converted by referring to the table data. In other words, by referring to the table data, the order of the data such as the ID number and name of the read data and the information such as the number of bytes thereof are analyzed to separate the ID number and the name and the like to obtain a predetermined format. To the data.

It is determined whether the data converted in the next step S20 is consistent with the data written in the table data. If the number of bytes of the ID number is determined to be inconsistent because the number of bytes is too large or small compared to the information in the table data, a reading error has occurred and a message such as inserting a card to read again is displayed. Is performed, the process returns to step S17, and reading is performed again.

On the other hand, if it is determined that they match, processing for outputting the converted data is performed as shown in step S22. That is, the CPU 31 sets the read data to L
The data is output to the LCD 43 via the CDI / F 39 to display the ID number and the like, and the data is output to a device such as the video processor 8 to which the card reader 62 is connected.

At this time, it is determined whether or not the data output is normally performed as shown in step S23. That is, the reception signal returned from the connected device is monitored to determine whether the output has succeeded or failed.

If the operation is successful, step S18
And the process of outputting the read data is repeated.
On the other hand, if the output fails, the data output is repeated three times until the output succeeds. That is, in step S24, it is determined whether or not the number n of output failures is three. If the number n is two or less, n is incremented by one (step S25), and the process returns to step S22 to repeat data output.

If the data output fails even after performing the output three times, the number n of output failures is returned to the initial value of 0 (step S26), the error processing in step S21 is performed, and the error processing in step S17 is performed again. Check the data reading.

In FIG. 15, the number of times data output is repeated is described as three times. However, as described above, the number of times can be changed by rewriting the table data in the flash memory 33.

As described above, since the flash memory 33 can be erased and rewritten in units of blocks, it is possible to rewrite only the basic program or only the table data as shown in the flowchart of FIG. is there.

Therefore, in the card reader 62, the ROM 32
Up (on flash memory for card reader 62 ')
Since the basic program and the table data can be updated by the written rewriting program, it is possible to perform setting for each facility where an enormous number of patterns exist.

In the card reader 62, the rewriting program is recorded on the ROM 32, and only this rewriting program is recorded in a state in which erasing and updating cannot be performed. The state cannot occur (the basic program and the table data of the flash memory 33 are updated to be immediately operable by updating the table data).

The ROM writer 66 shown in FIG. 12 is used by the manufacturer of the card reader 62 to write a rewrite program in the ROM 32. The card writer 66 having the ROM 32 in which the rewrite program is written is mounted.
It is not required on the user side of using 2.

On the other hand, in the case of the card reader 62 ', since the rewriting program is recorded on the flash memory 33', there is a possibility that the rewriting program is lost due to an erroneous operation or the like. 66
Floppy disks 67 and 6 storing the rewriting program shown in FIG.
The data can be written again by transmitting it through the personal computer 64 using a recording medium such as 7a.

The rewriting program is stored in the first flash memory separately from the first flash memory storing the rewriting program as the flash memory 33 'and the second flash memory storing the basic program and the table data. After writing, the first flash memory may be set to a mode in which rewriting is prohibited (for example, setting by a dip switch or the like) to prevent the rewriting program from being lost.

If the setting is made for each facility, it can be set to be readable by mainly updating the table data. However, for example, hardware for the data reading portion is added, and a barcode reading sensor is provided for the serial I / F. If connected, the basic program can be updated to operate not only as a magnetic card reader but also as a barcode reader.

According to this modification, even when the data recording format of the magnetic card 63 is different, the data can be read by rewriting the basic program and table data for reading on the flash memory 33 or 33 '.

Conventionally, when a program is changed, R
Since the program on the OM was reworked, it was necessary to open and close the card reader housing and remove the screws.
Also, the physical replacement time was very long because it was necessary to remove and insert the ROM, but in this modification, the serial I / F3
Since it is only necessary to transmit data from an external device via the connector section 5 or 36, the work time can be reduced.

In the conventional example, when replacing the ROM, a special device (ROM writer) for writing a program to the ROM is required.
If there is a commonly used device such as a personal computer 64 capable of transmitting and receiving data, the setting can be changed.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment and its modifications, it is possible to provide the card readers 12, 62, and 62 'which can easily change the program and the settings, and have good workability and productivity.

Note that in the flowchart of FIG.
A mode may be provided in which a table rewriting process S5 is performed after the basic program rewriting process S3.

When the table data is rewritten, the data to be written in the table data area 72 may be selected so that the data can be read even in one data format. Alternatively, data to be written to the table data area 72 may be selected so that the data can be read.

For example, even in the same facility, a new magnetic card of a data format different from the old magnetic card used at the beginning may be used. In such a case, any magnetic card is used. However, it is desirable to be able to read without rewriting the table data or the like.

Such a case is a relatively simple change that increases the number of data items even if the data format is different, and therefore can be dealt with without requiring a large change.

(Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the flash memory 33 of the card reader 12 shown in FIG.
The serial I / F to be used can be selected and set by using the rewriting function of the program recorded above, and in a modified example, it is possible to cope with the case where the data format of the magnetic card 63 to be used is different. .

In this embodiment, the serial I / F used
Can be selected and set, and it is possible to cope with the case where the data format of the magnetic card 63 is different. In addition, the following items (1) to (4) can be set.

(1) Method of notifying an event to the user by LED and buzzer (2) Display method of LCD (3) Protocol of data transmission (4) Setting by type of magnetic head to be used It is also possible to change the notification method, the data communication protocol, and the setting for each type of magnetic head to be used.

By making it possible to set the above items (1) to (4), the following effects are obtained and the versatility is improved.

(A) Settings can be made in accordance with the use environment and preferences, and the use efficiency and use effect can be improved.

(B) There is a high possibility that the format of necessary information differs depending on the environment used and the user, but it is possible to cope with various data formats according to this. (C) Various communication settings are possible, and the limitation on communication partners and methods is reduced.

(D) There are a plurality of magnetic card standards, and the magnetic head to be used differs depending on the standard to be used, but any type of magnetic head can be used. (E) Even when the setting is changed, only the necessary parts need to be changed without changing all the programs, so that the time required for rewriting is reduced.

Conventionally, when a program is changed, R
Although the program on the OM was reworked, it was necessary to open and close the housing and remove the screws, and it was necessary to insert and remove the ROM, so the physical replacement time was very long. In this case, it is only necessary to transmit data from the connector part, so that the work time is reduced.

When replacing the ROM as in the past,
Special device for writing programs to ROM (RO
M writer) is required, but in the present embodiment, the setting can be changed if there is a device that can transmit and receive data, such as a generally used notebook personal computer.

(Third Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the card reader 12 shown in FIG.
1, which enables input of data such as numbers, kana characters, and English characters. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the keyboard 41 is provided with a "release" key, an "examination end" key, and a "search" key.

FIG. 16 shows the key configuration of the keyboard 41. The keyboard 41 is composed of 16 4 × 4 keys, and a plurality of characters are assigned to each of the keys 41a to 41j. 41k is a confirmation input key, 41m is a Kana / English / lowercase selection key, and 41n is a backspace key. 41o to 41q are function keys, and in the present embodiment, three function keys 41
“Release”, “Examination end”, and “Search” keys are set for o to 41q, respectively. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

Next, the operation will be described. First, the character input operation will be described. The keyboard 41 is configured to save space for use in order to reduce the size of the card reader 12, and is of a type often used for a card phone book or the like.

With this keyboard 41, it is possible to input numbers, kana characters and alphabetic characters. To select a desired character, character keys 41a to 41j, kana / alphabet / lowercase selection key 41m, and a decision input key Use 41k.

For example, if the user wants to input “shi”, he selects kana with the key 41m and presses the key 41c twice.
Finally, the enter key 41k is pressed. Next, the function keys will be described.

In the first embodiment, when an image is recorded at the time of inspection, a “release” is performed by operating a release switch 20 provided on the electronic scope 6. , An input of “examination of inspection” is made from the first keyboard 11.

Also, patient data such as a patient ID and a name is inputted by the first keyboard 11 and the card reader 12,
By inputting "search" from the first keyboard 11, images and related data recorded in the image recording unit 3 can be searched and called and displayed.

In the present embodiment, these “release”,
The input of “examination” and “search” is performed from the card reader 12. By pressing the function keys 41 o to 41 q on the keyboard 41, the “release”,
Signal input of "test completed" and "search" can be performed.

The present embodiment has the following effects. First
As described above with reference to FIG. 7 in the description of the embodiment, there are various types of so-called endoscope devices (devices outside the dotted line in FIG. 7) that can be used alone, and
May be used.

Therefore, the endoscope image filing system 1 is not necessarily provided with a mechanism (switch) for inputting “release”, “end of examination”, and “search”, which are essential when recording and retrieving an image. Not necessarily.

However, by providing the card reader 12 with these input functions as in the present embodiment, the card reader 12 can be used in combination with various types of endoscope devices. When the endoscope image filing system 1 is to be configured, an expensive video processor 8 or an electronic scope 6 is required.
Rather than purchasing a new one, the same function can be obtained only by adding a relatively inexpensive card reader 12 using the endoscope apparatus currently on hand, and thus the cost performance is excellent.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, the background of the present embodiment will be described. Devices used in hospitals, such as endoscopy, should be used with safety measures so that no danger to the human body can occur. However, since a card reader is usually provided with a groove for inserting a card, it has a structure that is difficult to seal an internal electric board or the like, and it is difficult to secure electrical reliability when a liquid starts to fall. It was a device. The present embodiment corresponds to this.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show a housing structure of a card reader 82 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the card reader 82 as viewed obliquely from the front. The card reader upper surface 82a is provided with a card insertion groove 83 for inserting a magnetic card.

The upper surface 82a is angled, and is inclined so that the front end of the upper surface 82a is lower than the rear end.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view when the card reader 82 is viewed from the side. A partition plate 85 is provided between the card insertion groove 83 and an electric component installation position 84 where electric components such as an electric circuit board are installed.

The partition plate 85 is attached in parallel with the upper surface 82a, and a drain hole 86 is provided in an extended upper portion of the partition plate 85 on the lower surface of the card reader. Also, the upper surface 8
A magnetic head 87 is provided near the center in the longitudinal direction in the card insertion groove 83 of 2a. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. When data on the magnetic card is read by the card reader 12, the magnetic card is inserted into the card insertion groove 83 on the upper surface 82a. By pulling the inserted magnetic card from the back to the front, the data on the magnetic tape provided on the magnetic card is read by the magnetic head 87.

At the time of reading data, the lower end of the inserted magnetic card is in contact with the partition 85, and the partition 85 serves as a guide for the operation of drawing the magnetic card.

Since the card insertion groove 83 is provided on the upper surface 82a, when a liquid is applied to the card reader 12, the liquid enters through the card insertion groove 83. However, the liquid does not fall on the electric component by the partition plate 85, but flows down the drain hole 86 along the inclined upper surface of the partition plate 85.

The present embodiment has the following effects. Since the upper surface 82a to which the card insertion groove 83 is attached is angled so that the front end is lower, it is easy to perform a pulling operation for confirming the position of the card insertion groove 83 and reading the magnetic card.

Further, since the partition plate 85 is provided between the card insertion groove 83 and the electric component installation position 84,
The reliability can be ensured without the danger of the liquid falling onto the electric parts and short-circuiting occurring. Since the partition plate 85 for preventing flooding is also used as a guide for the reading operation of the magnetic card,
It is possible to reduce the size and cost.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 19 is an external view of a housing of a card reader 82 according to the fifth embodiment. This embodiment is different from the fourth embodiment in that a card insertion groove 83 is provided on the front surface of a card reader. The card reader insertion groove 83 is
2 is provided on the front surface 82b. Others are the same as in the first embodiment.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. Usually, each unit constituting the endoscope image filing system is used in a state where it is installed on a storage table such as a rack. The same applies to the image input unit 2 to which the card reader is connected, and the card reader 12 is often installed on a rack.

FIG. 20 shows a card reader 82 and the like
It shows the state installed in. Here, FIG. 20A shows a front view, and FIG. 20B shows a side view. Note that FIG. 20 shows the case where the card reader 82 is installed near the middle of the rack 88 and the case where it is installed in the upper stage at the same time to explain the operation of the present embodiment.

When the card reader 82 is installed as described above, the operation of the user's hand for operating the magnetic card is performed by performing an operation of moving from top to bottom as shown by a solid line in FIG. Become.

The dotted line in FIG. 20B indicates the operation of moving the hand which is necessary when the card insertion groove is provided on the upper surface. As compared with the case of the conventional card reader shown by the dotted line, the present embodiment may simply be an operation of moving from top to bottom.

Therefore, the present embodiment has the following effects. The type in which the card insertion groove 83 is provided on the front surface 82b has better operability than the one provided on the upper surface. In addition, when the card reader 82 is at a high position, the user can easily reach the operating position of the card closer to the front surface 82b of the rack 88. Even when the card reader 82 is located in the middle of the rack 88, it can be said that the operation is easier if the card operation position is closer to the front surface 82b of the rack without the need to insert a hand into the rack 88.

The card insertion groove 83 located at the right side of the rack 88 can be easily operated by a right-handed person. In addition, if the storage in the rack 88 is considered, it is preferable to make the width of the housing of the card reader 82 particularly small so as not to interfere with other devices.

It should be noted that the present invention includes embodiments and the like formed by partially extracting the above-described embodiments and the like, or embodiments and the like configured by partially combining the embodiments and the like.

[Supplementary Notes] Data reading means for reading data recorded on a card, data output means for outputting data to an external device, memory means for storing an operation program, and data reading based on the operation program stored in the memory means Control means for performing data analysis from the data output means after analyzing the data read by the means and performing a predetermined format conversion; anda data input means for inputting data from an external device; A card updating means for updating at least a part of the operation program stored in the memory means with the data inputted from the data input means.

(Purpose of Supplementary Notes 1 to 15) To provide a card reader which is easy to change programs and settings and has good workability and productivity.

(Purpose of Supplementary Notes 1 to 21) Provision of a highly versatile card reader. (Functions of Supplementary Notes 1 to 15, 20 to 21) The format and operation content of the data to be handled can be set and changed according to the environment to be used and the desires of the user.

[0237] 2. 2. The card reader according to claim 1, wherein said memory means is constituted by an electrically erasable and writable read-only memory (EEPROM). 3. Read-only memory (ROM) as the memory means
And a read-only memory (EEPROM) capable of electrically erasing and writing, wherein a program to be updated is stored in the EEPROM.

[0238] 4. The card reader according to claim 3, wherein a block erasable EEPROM is used as the EEPROM, and only the program portion to be updated can be changed. 5. The data output means and the data input means,
2. The card reader according to claim 1, wherein the same communication port is used.

[0239] 6. A recording medium for recording an operation program for causing a device to perform a predetermined operation, a rewrite program for rewriting the operation program, and a determination program for determining whether to execute the rewrite program. 7. 7. The recording medium according to claim 6, wherein the determination program executes the rewriting program when a predetermined input is made to the apparatus when power is turned on.

[0240] 8. 7. The recording according to Supplementary Note 6, wherein the operation program is divided and recorded into a setting table for storing numerical values and the like used for calculation, and a basic program for causing the apparatus to perform a predetermined operation with reference to the contents of the setting table. Medium. 9. 7. The recording medium according to claim 6, wherein the rewriting program is recorded in a state where erasing and rewriting are not possible, and the operation program is recorded in a state where electric erasing and rewriting are possible. 10. A data reading program for reading data input to the device, a data output program for outputting data to an external device, and the data output program by performing analysis and predetermined format conversion on the data read by the data reading program. Is a recording medium for recording a data processing program for performing a process of passing the data to a data output program in a form capable of being output, further comprising: a data input program for inputting data from an external device; And a processing program updating program for updating at least a part of the processing program with data.

[0241] 11. An operation program for performing an operation of reading data recorded on a card; and a rewritable memory for rewriting a rewritable memory in which the operation program is stored to change a part of the operation program; A recording medium in which a judgment program for judging which of an operation program and a rewriting program is to be executed is recorded. 12. The recording medium is a floppy disk or CDROM
12. The recording medium according to supplementary note 11, wherein

13. A data reading step for reading data recorded on a card inserted into a card reader, and rewriting the contents of a rewritable memory storing the data reading procedure to partially change the contents of the data reading step Memory rewriting step,
A method for changing an operation mode of a card reader, comprising: a determination step of determining whether to perform the data reading step or the memory rewriting step.

14. The memory rewriting step is a first step of rewriting a table portion storing data referred to in the data reading in the data reading step.
13. The method for changing an operation mode of a card reader according to Appendix 13, comprising: a rewriting step of rewriting the program portion; and a second rewriting step of rewriting a program portion in which a procedure for performing a reading operation is stored. 15. In the memory rewriting step, the non-rewritable R
13. The method for changing an operation mode of a card reader according to supplementary note 13 stored in the OM.

16. In a card reader provided with data reading means for reading data recorded on a card and data transmitting means for transmitting the read data via a communication port, a plurality of communication ports and data read by the data reading means are provided. And a designation unit for designating which one of a plurality of communication ports to transmit from each of the plurality of data, wherein the data transmission unit performs data transmission according to the content designated by the designation unit. A card reader for distributing each data to a plurality of communication ports.

(Operation of Supplementary Notes 16 to 19) A communication port to be used can be selected and set in accordance with the specification of a device to be connected. 17． 17. The card reader according to claim 16, wherein the designation means comprises an electrically rewritable memory. 18. The data recorded on the card is patient data managed in an endoscope image filing system capable of capturing an endoscopic image and recording and managing the captured image together with patient data, and a card reader Is used in connection with the endoscope image filing system.

19. The endoscope filing system includes at least an image input unit that captures an endoscope image and an image recording unit that records the captured endoscope image, and a card reader is used by being connected to the image input unit. 19. The card reader according to supplementary note 18, wherein: 20. Data reading means for reading data recorded on a card, data transmitting means for transmitting the read data via a communication port, and storage means for storing an operation program for data reading and an operation program for data transmission And a control means for controlling the data reading means and the data transmission means in accordance with a program stored in the storage means, wherein the storage means comprises a rewritable memory, A card reader characterized by being able to arbitrarily set a format such as the number of data, data length, and data order of data read / transmitted by rewriting data.

21. The storage means comprises a read-only memory and an electrically rewritable memory, and a program to be changed when setting is changed is stored on an electrically rewritable memory. 20. The card reader according to 20.

22. Recording instruction signal generating means for generating a signal for instructing recording of an image in an endoscope image filing system capable of capturing an endoscope image and recording / managing, searching / displaying the captured image together with patient data; At least one of an examination end notification signal generating means for generating a signal for notifying the end of the microscopy and a search start signal generating means for generating a signal for instructing a search start of a recorded image is used for inputting patient data. An endoscope image filing system provided in a card reader.

(Background of Supplementary Note 22) When it is desired to record and manage the output image of the endoscope apparatus, an image recording unit, a search unit, and the like are added to the handheld endoscope apparatus to constitute an endoscope image filing system. do it. However, as described above, there are endoscope devices of various specifications, and a handheld endoscope device is indispensable for constituting an image filing system, or does not have a function of inconvenience without it Is also conceivable. For example, the output function of a signal for instructing image recording from the endoscope apparatus, a signal for notifying the end of the examination, and a signal for starting a search for an image corresponds to this. Therefore, in order to fully utilize the functions of the endoscope image filing system, it is necessary to prepare an endoscope apparatus having a predetermined function, and the available endoscope apparatuses are limited. I was

(Purpose of Supplementary Note 22) Regardless of what kind of endoscope device (image input unit) is used to configure the endoscope image filing system, the function of the endoscope image filing device is fully exhibited. Providing a card reader that enables (Operation of Supplementary Note 22) Each signal can be generated from the card reader side even if the endoscope apparatus (image input unit) used does not have a means for generating a recording instruction signal, an examination end notification signal, and a search start instruction signal.

23. A card reader for rack arrangement, wherein a card insertion groove is provided on the front surface of a card reader, wherein the card insertion groove is provided on a front surface of the card reader by reading data recorded on the card by inserting the card into the card insertion groove. (Background of Supplementary Note 23) Each device constituting the endoscope image filing device is usually used in a state where it is installed on a storage table such as a rack. Similarly, when a card reader is used in an endoscope inspection, there is a high possibility that the card reader is stored in a rack or the like and used. However, there is no card reader manufactured considering such use on a rack,
The manual operation that must be performed by the user to read the data of the card into the card reader has not always been easy. (The position where the hand is moved is high, making it difficult to operate. Or, the hand is inserted into the rack, which has the disadvantage of being difficult to operate.) (Object of Appendix 23) Provision of a card reader with good operability . (Operation of Supplementary Note 23) Even when the card reader is arranged in the rack, the card insertion groove is located at a position where the card can be easily inserted.

[0252]

As described above, according to the present invention, data reading means for reading data recorded on a card, data output means for outputting data to an external device,
A memory unit for storing an operation program, and after analyzing and reading out a predetermined format of the data read by the data reading unit based on the operation program stored in the memory unit, outputting data from the data output unit. A card reader having control means for performing, data input means for inputting data from an external device,
Program update means for updating at least a part of the operation program stored in the memory means with the data input from the data input means,
When changing the operation program, it is possible to easily update the program by inputting data from an external device, without having to remove the memory means by opening and closing the case of the card reader, etc. It can easily cope with the case where the format of the data being read is different, the case where the read data is output, and the case where the output is performed according to the specification of the connected device. Therefore, it is possible to easily change settings according to the user or facility used, and to connect to various types of devices, thereby improving workability, productivity, and versatility.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope image filing system provided with a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a video processor and a compression / decompression device included in the image input unit.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a card reader.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of an endoscope image and related data displayed on a monitor.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing contents of a patient database file and an examination database file.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a function of synthesizing and displaying patient data with a captured image in the endoscope image filing system.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a portion mainly performing functions of recording, searching, and displaying an image in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope image filing system using a video processor without a card reader I / F.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a video processor and a compression / decompression device in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope image filing system using a video processor capable of inputting only a patient ID.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a video processor and a compression / decompression device in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a card reader system.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a memory map.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a rewriting program and the like are recorded on a floppy disk.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing of the card reader.

FIG. 16 is a view showing a key arrangement of a keyboard in a card reader according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view schematically showing the external appearance of a card reader according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a schematic sectional structure of the card reader in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view schematically showing the external appearance of a card reader according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

20 is a diagram showing a state in which the endoscope image filing system provided with the card reader of FIG. 19 is installed on a rack.

FIG. 21 is a view showing a magnetic card provided with a magnetic tape portion.

FIG. 22 is a view showing an example of data recorded on a magnetic tape portion of a magnetic card.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope image filing system 2 ... Image input unit 3 ... Image recording unit 4 ... Image search unit 5 ... LAN 6 ... Electronic scope 7 ... Light source device 8 ... Video processor 9, 16 ... Monitor 10, 17 ... Compression / expansion device 11, 18 ... keyboard 12, 62, 62 '... card reader 13 ... host computer 14 ... recording device 15 ... search device 19 ... mouse 20 ... release switch 21 ... image processing unit 22 ... superimpose unit 23 ... control unit 24 ... Keyboard I / F 25, 28 Card reader I / F 31 CPU 32 ROM 33 Flash memory 34 RAM 35, 36 Serial I / F 37 Keyboard I / F 38 Magnetic head I / F 39 LCDI / F 40: LED / buzzer I / F 41: Keyboard 42: Magnetic head 3 ... LCD 44 ... LED 45 ... Buzzer

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Kenya Inomata 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Tadao Eto 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo No. Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Masami Fukuchi 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Kei Takasugi 2-43-2, Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo No. Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A data reading means for reading data recorded on a card, a data output means for outputting data to an external device, a memory means for storing an operation program, and an operation program stored in the memory means A data reader for analyzing data read by the data reading means and performing a predetermined format conversion based on the data output means, and then outputting the data from the data output means. And a program updating means for updating at least a part of the operation program stored in the memory means with the data inputted from the data input means. 2. An operation program for performing an operation of reading data recorded on a card, and a rewritable memory in which the operation program is stored for changing a part of the operation program. A recording medium storing a rewrite program and a determination program for determining which of the operation program and the rewrite program is to be performed.