JP2001070225A - Endoscope device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope device capable of properly allocating the functions of an image control device to operating switches according to the structure of the operating switches of an endoscope image device. SOLUTION: The functions of a switch 35 are allocated by a switch function allocation processing part of a video processor according to a switch structure information from a switch structure information holding circuit 41 of an endoscope image device 1. Then, the functions allocated according to the switch structure are executed by a switch function execution control part according to the functions of the switch.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus for capturing and observing a subject image in a body cavity.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an elongated insertion portion is inserted into, for example, a body cavity or a duct (hereinafter, simply referred to as a body cavity), and video signal processing is performed on an image signal obtained by capturing a subject image in the body cavity. An endoscope apparatus for obtaining a video signal for monitor display is widely used. In general, such an endoscope apparatus performs an image signal processing on an image signal obtained by the endoscope imaging apparatus that obtains an imaging signal by capturing an image of a subject by inserting the imaging apparatus into a body cavity. A video processor or a CCU (camera control unit) for obtaining a video signal for display on a monitor is provided. It should be noted that the endoscope imaging device referred to in the present application may have a configuration in which an external imaging device is connected to an optical endoscope, or may be an electronic endoscope having a built-in imaging device. Good.

[0003] Generally, such an endoscope imaging apparatus includes:
Some are provided with an operation switch, and by operating this operation switch, it is possible to control the operation of the imaging control device and devices connected to the imaging control device. For example, Japanese Patent No. 2810702 discloses an endoscope apparatus that can freeze and release an endoscope image by operating an operation switch.

[0004]

Various types of endoscope imaging devices are used depending on the application. At this time, it is economical if a plurality of different types of endoscope imaging devices can be connected to a common imaging control device. However, when a plurality of different endoscope imaging devices are selectively connected to a common imaging control device and used, if the number of operation switches of each endoscope imaging device is different, the operation switch and the imaging control device are different. By not being properly mapped to features,
Operability is hindered. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and by enabling the function of the imaging control device to be appropriately assigned to the operation switch according to the operation switch configuration of the endoscope imaging device, operability and It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope apparatus which improves economy.

[0005]

An endoscope imaging apparatus for capturing an image of a subject to obtain an imaging signal, an imaging control apparatus for controlling the endoscope imaging apparatus and performing signal processing on the imaging signal, An operation switch provided in the endoscope imaging device, and an operation switch provided in the imaging control device, and performing at least one operation of the imaging control device or a device connected to the imaging control device in accordance with an operation of the operation switch. Device operation control means for controlling; configuration information holding means provided in the endoscope imaging device for holding at least information indicating the configuration of the operation switch; and performing the operation based on information provided from the configuration information holding means. An endoscope apparatus comprising: a function allocating unit that allocates an operation of a switch to an operation function of the device operation control unit.

[0006]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 11 show a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a configuration of an endoscope apparatus, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a switch configuration of a camera head, and FIG. 3 is different from FIG. 2 of a switch configuration of a camera head. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit configuration related to a video processor, FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a control circuit, FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a monitor screen, and FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a monitor screen, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of a control operation by a control circuit, and FIG.
Is a flowchart showing the flow of the activation process, FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of execution of the switch function, and FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of execution of the switch function.

As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an endoscope imaging apparatus 1 which is inserted into a body cavity to capture an image of a subject and obtain an imaging signal, and the endoscope imaging apparatus. A video processor 2 that performs video signal processing on the imaging signal obtained in step 1 to obtain a video signal in a format that can be displayed on a monitor; a light source device 3 that supplies illumination light to the endoscope imaging device 1; And a monitor device 4 for projecting the video signal obtained in step (1). The video processor 2 includes various external connection devices 5 as necessary.
Are connected and controlled by the video processor 2.

The endoscope imaging apparatus 1 includes an endoscope 11 that is inserted into a body cavity to obtain a subject image as an optical image, and an imaging device that captures a subject image obtained by the endoscope 11 to obtain an imaging signal. The device 12 is provided.

The endoscope 11 has an elongated insertion portion 21 to be inserted into a body cavity, and is provided continuously at a base end side of the insertion portion 21.
A grasping portion 22 for grasping the endoscope 11; an eyepiece portion 23 provided at a base end of the grasping portion 22 for emitting a subject image obtained by the endoscope 11; The light guide 24 extends from a side portion of the light source device 3 and guides illumination light from the light guide connector 25 connected to the light source device 3 to the endoscope 11.

The imaging device 12 includes a camera head 31 detachably connected to the eyepiece 23 of the endoscope 11,
A CCD 32 which is provided on the camera head 31 and is an image pickup device for picking up an image of a subject emitted from the eyepiece 23 and obtaining an image signal, and extending from, for example, a rear end of the camera head 31, and A camera cable 33 for transmitting the obtained image signal to the video processor 2,
A camera connector 3 provided at an end of the camera cable 33 and detachably connected to the video processor 2;
4 and a switch 35.

As the external connection device 5, for example, a video signal obtained by the video processor 2 is input, and a VTR device 5a for recording a moving image of a subject image, and a portion to be treated of a patient is cut off using high frequency. An electrocautery device 5b for coagulating or coagulating, an insufflation device 5c for blowing air into a patient's body cavity, an ultrasonic diagnostic device (not shown) for observing a tomographic image of a patient's tissue using ultrasonic waves, An image filing device (not shown) that inputs a video signal obtained by the video processor 2 and records the subject image as digital data, and a printer device (not shown) that inputs the video signal obtained by the video processor 2 and prints the subject image. No.

The VTR device 5a is controlled by the video processor 2, for example, to start and stop recording. In the electrocautery device 5b, the video processor 2 selects, for example, an operation mode of performing incision or coagulation, and operates an operation switch (not shown) connected to the electrocautery device 5b. Thus, the medical treatment in the selected operation mode is performed. The video processor 2 controls pressurization and decompression of the insufflation device 5c.

In the present embodiment, the switch 35 is
It is composed of one or more push-button switches 35. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, it may be composed of two switches 35, that is, a first switch and a second switch 35. As shown in FIG. 3, three switches 35, that is, first, second, and third switches 35 may be provided.

[0014] As shown in FIG.
A switch configuration information holding circuit 41 for holding switch configuration information indicating the configuration of the switch 35 in the camera head 31, and an image sensor for holding image sensor identification information used to identify the type of the CCD 32, for example. An identification information holding circuit 42 is provided. The switch configuration information holding circuit 41 and the imaging device identification information holding circuit 42
For example, it may be constituted by a ROM (read only memory) or a resistor having a resistance value corresponding to information to be stored.
In the present embodiment, the switch configuration information holding circuit 41 holds at least information indicating the number of switches 35.

The video processor 2 comprises a control circuit 51 having, for example, a microprocessor for controlling each part of the video processor 2;
To drive the CCD 32 and
An imaging control circuit 52 that performs video signal processing on an imaging signal obtained by the CD 32 and outputs a video signal, temporarily stores the video signals obtained by the imaging control circuit 52 one after another, and responds to an instruction from the control circuit 51. A frame buffer 53 for freezing the video signal in response to the control signal;
, A character generator 54 for outputting a pixel signal representing the character, a superimposing circuit 55 for superimposing the output signal of the character generator on the output video signal of the frame buffer 53, and displaying a message image. A message image generating circuit 56 for outputting data representing a message image in accordance with an instruction from the control circuit 51, the data being stored in the ROM 56a;
A selection circuit 57 which is controlled by the control circuit 51 to select the video signal from the superimposition circuit 55 and the video signal from the message image generation circuit 56; A monitor driving circuit 58 that converts the video signal into a video signal and outputs the video signal; an externally connected device interface circuit 59 that is controlled by the control circuit 51 to drive the externally connected device 5; And a circuit 60.

The image pickup control circuit 52 includes the CCD 32
, And a video signal processing circuit 62 for performing video signal processing on the image pickup signal obtained by the CCD 32. The video signal processing circuit 62 includes, for example, a brightness correction processing unit 63 that corrects the brightness of the image under the control of the control circuit 51, and a color correction process that corrects the color under the control of the control circuit 51. And an image operation processing unit 65 that performs image operations such as image enhancement.

The control circuit 51 includes a signal from the switch 35 and the switch configuration information holding circuit 4.
1 and a signal from the image sensor identification information holding circuit 42.

As shown in FIG. 4, the control circuit 51 comprises:
Functionally, a switch configuration information detector 71 that obtains switch configuration information from the switch configuration information holding circuit 41;
A switch function assignment processing unit 72 that assigns the function of the control circuit 51 to the operation of the switch based on the switch configuration information obtained by the switch configuration information detection unit 71.
A switch operation detecting unit 73 that detects the operation of the switch 35; and a switch function allocation processing unit 72 that is assigned to the switch 35 when the switch operation detecting unit 73 detects the operation of the switch 35. A switch function execution control unit 74 for executing and controlling a function, that is, a switch function; and a brightness correction processing unit 6 of the video signal processing circuit 62 driven by the switch function execution control unit 74.
3 and a color tone correction processing unit 64, and a video signal processing control unit 75 for controlling the freeze operation of the frame buffer 53, and a switch function execution control unit 74, which are driven through the external connection device interface circuit 59. Driven by the external connection device control unit 76 for controlling the external connection device 5 and the switch function execution control unit 74,
By driving the character generator 54, an operation guide display control unit 77 that superimposes character information such as operation guide on a video signal via a superimposition circuit 55, and image pickup device identification information from the image pickup device identification information holding circuit 42. Image sensor identification information detecting section 81 to be obtained and image sensor identification information detecting section 8
1 based on the image sensor identification information obtained in
2 based on the non-compliant image sensor determining unit 82 that detects that the video processor 2 is not compatible with the video processor 2 and the image sensor identification information obtained by the image sensor identification information detector 81. A non-connection judging unit 83 for detecting non-connection to the video processor 2;
0, and a message image such as a warning message according to the detection result of each of the non-corresponding imaging element determining unit 82, the non-connection determining unit 83, and the power-on detecting unit 84. A message image display control unit 85 that controls the message image generation circuit 56 and the selection circuit 57 is provided so as to be displayed on a monitor instead of a mirror image.

In the present embodiment, the switch function assignment processing section 72 assigns switch functions to switch operations in accordance with the number of switches 35 as shown in Table 1, for example. That is, when the number of switches is two, for example, the first switch 35 is used for controlling the freeze operation of the image, and the second switch 35 is used for controlling the VTR.
Used for controlling the device 5a. On the other hand, if the number of switches is 3
In this case, for example, the third switch 35 is used to switch the state of the switch function assigned to the first and second switches 35, that is, the switch function assignment state. Then, in the first switch function assignment state, the first switch function is assigned.
The switch 35 is used for controlling the freeze operation of the image, and the second switch 35 is used for controlling the VTR device 5a. In the second switch function assignment state, the first switch 35 is used to increase the brightness of the image, and the second switch 35 is used to decrease the brightness of the image.

[0020]

[Table 1] As shown in FIG. 6, the monitor screen 4a of the monitor device 4
In addition to the endoscope image 91, the superimposing circuit 55
, A switch function display 92 superimposed is displayed. The switch function display 92 indicates that the switch 3
FIG. 6 shows an example of the switch function assigned to the first switch function assignment state. In FIG. 7, the second
The example of the switch function in the switch function assignment state of FIG.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. First, when the video processor 2 is started, the control circuit 51
Starts the startup process shown in step S1 of FIG. The details of the activation process will be described later.

In the following step S2, switch configuration information is read, and in the following step S3, switch functions are assigned. Then, in step S4,
As the switch function assignment state, for example, a first switch function assignment state is set.

In the following step S5, a switch operation is detected. As shown in the following step S6, when there is no switch operation, the control is returned to step S5. On the other hand, if there is a switch operation, as shown in step S7, the switch function is executed, and the control returns to step S5.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the start processing shown in the step S1, first, as shown in a step S11, a power supply start detection is performed, and in the subsequent step S12,
A startup message is displayed. This start message is generated by the message image generating circuit 56.

In the following step S13, the image sensor identification information is read. As shown in the following step S14, when it is determined that the endoscope imaging apparatus 1 is not connected,
As shown in step S15, a warning message is displayed by the message image generation circuit 56, and the process stops. On the other hand, when the endoscope imaging apparatus 1 is connected, the control proceeds to the next step S16.

In the following step S16, the image pickup device, ie, C
It is determined whether or not the CD 32 is incompatible with the video processor 2. If not, a warning message is displayed by the message image generating circuit 56 and the control is stopped, as shown in step S17. On the other hand, if it is not compatible, the startup process ends normally.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the execution of the switch function in step S7, if the number of switches is, for example, two, it is determined in step S21 whether the first switch 35 has been operated. In step S
As shown in 22, the freeze operation of the image is performed, and the execution of the switch function ends. On the other hand, if it has not been operated, the control proceeds to the next step S23.

In the following step S23, it is determined whether or not the second switch 35 has been operated.
As shown in step S24, the control of the VTR device 5a is performed, and the execution of the switch function ends. On the other hand, when the switch function has not been operated, the execution of the switch function ends.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the execution of the switch function in step S7, when the number of switches is, for example, three, the switch function assignment state is determined first, and when the switch function assignment state is the first switch function assignment state, , Step S32
The control is advanced. In step S32, it is determined whether the first switch 35 has been operated. If the first switch 35 has been operated, the freeze operation is controlled as shown in step S33, and the execution of the switch function ends. On the other hand, if it has not been operated, the control proceeds to the next step S34.

In the following step S34, it is determined whether or not the second switch 35 has been operated.
As shown in step S35, the control of the VTR device 5a is performed, and the execution of the switch function ends. On the other hand, if it has not been operated, the control proceeds to the next step S36.

In a succeeding step S36, it is determined whether or not the third switch 35 has been operated.
As shown in step S37, the state is switched to the second switch function assignment state, and the execution of the switch function ends. On the other hand, when the switch function has not been operated, the execution of the switch function ends.

If it is determined in step S31 that the second switch function is assigned, the control proceeds to step S41. In step S41, it is determined whether the first switch 35 has been operated. If the first switch 35 has been operated, the brightness of the image is increased as shown in step S42, and the execution of the switch function ends. On the other hand, if it has not been operated, the control proceeds to the next step S43.

In a succeeding step S43, it is determined whether or not the second switch 35 has been operated.
As shown in step S44, the brightness of the image is reduced, and the execution of the switch function ends. On the other hand, if it has not been operated, the control proceeds to the next step S45.

In a succeeding step S45, it is determined whether or not the third switch 35 has been operated.
As shown in step S46, the state is switched to the first switch function assignment state, and the execution of the switch function ends. On the other hand, when the switch function has not been operated, the execution of the switch function ends.

According to the embodiment described above, the functions of the video processor can be appropriately assigned to the operation switches according to the configuration of the switches of the endoscope imaging apparatus, specifically, according to the number of switches. Becomes Thereby, the effect that the operability and economy of the endoscope device are improved can be obtained. The information indicating the switch configuration may include information indicating the type of switch in addition to the information indicating the number of switches. Also, information indicating a function assigned to a switch operation may be included.

Further, even if the function of the video processor includes a function of operating an externally connected device,
The functions of the video processor can be appropriately assigned to the operation switches according to the configuration of the operation switches.

Further, in the present embodiment, the function of the video processor is uniquely assigned to the switch according to the switch configuration. Therefore, each time an endoscope imaging device having a different switch configuration is connected to the video processor, Operability is better than a configuration in which the operator assigns functions to each switch.

By providing a switch having a function of changing the assignment of the switch function, it is possible to assign more functions to the switch than the number of switches.

Further, by displaying the functions assigned to the switches, erroneous operations are prevented and operability is improved.

Further, since the operator is notified whether the endoscope imaging device is disconnected, erroneous operation can be prevented.

Further, since the operator is notified whether the imaging device of the endoscope imaging device is not compatible with the video processor, erroneous operation can be prevented.

Further, since the operator is notified whether or not the image pickup device of the endoscope image pickup apparatus is incompatible with the video processor, when an error occurs or when an appropriate endoscope image cannot be obtained, the image is taken. It is easy to determine whether the element is generated or not because the element is incompatible with the video processor, and the trouble of analyzing a malfunction or the like is saved.

Further, since the display image can be switched to an image different from the endoscope image, various information can be transmitted to the operator on one screen, and the operability can be improved.

The present embodiment can be variously modified. For example, the assignment of the switch function to the switch operation may be made as shown in Table 2. That is, the number of switch function assignment states is not limited to one or two, but may be three or more.

As shown in Table 2, the function of the externally connected device 5 operated by the switch 35 is
The function of controlling the light amount of the light source device 3 may be controlled, for example, as in the third switch function assigned state, or may be controlled as in the fourth switch function assigned state, as in the third switch function assigned state. The function may be a function of controlling the pressure of the device 5c, a function of switching the operation mode of coagulation and resection of the electrosurgical device 5b as in the fifth switch function assignment state, or a sixth function. A function for changing the color tone of the endoscope image, such as a switch function assignment state, may be used.

As shown in Table 2, the switch operation is not limited to the click operation of the switch, and may be, for example, an operation of simultaneously clicking a plurality of switches.
The operation may be determined based on a timing such as a switch pressing time.

[0047]

[Table 2] Further, as shown in FIG. 12, a setting state display 93 of the externally connected device 5 may be displayed on the monitor screen 4a. In the example of FIG. 1, an electric scalpel device 5 as an example of the external connection device 5
The operation mode b is displayed. Thereby, malfunction of the externally connected device 5 can be prevented, and operability is improved.

Further, the endoscope imaging apparatus is not limited to the configuration in which the imaging element is provided separately from the endoscope, and may have a configuration as shown in FIG. 13, for example. That is, the endoscope imaging apparatus 101 shown in FIG.
02, a grip portion 103 which is continuously provided on the base end side of the insertion portion 102, and grips the endoscope imaging device 101;
A CCD 104 is provided at the tip of the insertion section 102 and serves as an image sensor that captures a subject image and obtains an image signal, a switch 105 provided on the grip section 103, and extends from, for example, a side of the grip section 103. A universal cord 106, a light guide connector 107 and a camera connector 108 provided at an end of the universal cord 106 are provided. Thus, the endoscope imaging device may be a so-called electronic endoscope in which the imaging element is integrally formed.

(Second Embodiment) FIGS. 14 and 15 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an example of a switch structure of a camera head, and FIG. FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a switch configuration different from FIG. 14. Note that, in the present embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to portions configured similarly to the first embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, not only the camera head 31 provided with the push-button type switch 35 as in the first embodiment (see FIGS. 2 and 3), but also the camera head 201 shown in FIG. And a camera head 221 shown in FIG. 15 is selectively connected to the video processor 2.
That is, the camera head 201 shown in FIG. 14 includes a seesaw switch 202 and a button switch 203.
The camera head 221 shown in FIG. 15 includes a jog shuttle switch 222 and a button switch 223.

As shown in Table 3, in this embodiment, the switch configuration information includes not only information indicating the number of switches but also information indicating the type of switch. A switch function for a switch operation is assigned according to the switch configuration information.

In the example shown in Table 3, when the camera head 201 is connected to the video processor 2, the switch function assignment state is switched by the button switch 203, and the brightness of the endoscope image is changed by the seesaw switch 202. The color and tone are adjusted.

[0053]

[Table 3] When the camera head 221 is connected to the video processor 2, the button switch 223
The switch function assignment state is switched, and the brightness and color tone of the endoscope image are adjusted by rotating the jog shuttle switch 222.

According to the present embodiment described above, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. In this embodiment, not only information indicating the number of switches but also information indicating the type of switch is used as switch configuration information, so that switch functions can be assigned to various types of switches.

In this embodiment, since a switch suitable for continuous adjustment, such as a seesaw switch or a jog dial switch, is used, continuous control such as brightness adjustment or color tone adjustment of an endoscope image is used. The operability when making a simple adjustment is good.

(Third Embodiment) FIGS. 16 to 18
FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a video processor, FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit configuration relating to a video processor, and FIG. 18 is a functional configuration of a control circuit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram. Note that, in the present embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to portions configured similarly to the first embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 16, in the present embodiment,
A video processor 301 is provided instead of the video processor 2 (see FIG. 1) of the first embodiment.
The video processor 301 includes an LCD 30
3 (liquid crystal display) and an operation switch 302 are provided.

As shown in FIG. 17, the video processor 301 of the present embodiment is different from the video processor 2 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 4) in that the operation switches 3
02, an operation switch detection circuit 311 for detecting the operation of
An LCD drive circuit 312 for driving the LCD 303 is provided, and a control circuit 313 is provided instead of the control circuit 51 (see FIG. 4).

As shown in FIG. 18, the control circuit 313 of the present embodiment is different from the control circuit 51 of the first embodiment.
A setting menu screen control unit 321 is provided instead of the switch function assignment processing unit 72 as compared with (see FIG. 5). The setting menu screen control unit 321 sets the function of the video processor 301 by driving the LCD 303 via the LCD drive circuit 312 and detecting the operation of the operation switch 302 via the operation switch detection circuit 311. It has a function of controlling a setting menu screen to be set, and has a switch function assignment screen control unit 322 for setting a switch function as one of the functions.

The switch function assignment screen control unit 322
Changes the switch configuration of the endoscope imaging apparatus based on the switch configuration information obtained by the switch configuration information detection unit 71.
D303 is displayed. When a function assigned to a switch of the endoscope imaging apparatus is input or selected by the operation switch 302, the switch function is set in the switch function storage unit 323. Other operations are the same as in the first embodiment.

According to the present embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the switch function of the endoscope imaging apparatus can be set by the video processor according to the intended use, and the endoscope apparatus can be used with good operability.

When the switch function of the endoscope imaging device is set by the video processor, the setting can be performed according to the switch configuration of the endoscope imaging device. Thus, the functions of the video processor can be appropriately assigned to the switches.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIGS. 19 to 21
Is a perspective view showing an appearance of a camera head according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit configuration of the camera head and a video processor, and FIG. 21 is a control circuit and a video processor of the camera head; 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a control circuit of FIG. Note that, in the present embodiment, the same components as those in the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the camera head 401 of the present embodiment includes a CCD 32, a camera cable 33, a switch 402, an LCD 403, and a control circuit 405 for controlling the camera head 401. It is configured. The video processor 411 of this embodiment is provided with a control circuit 412 instead of the control circuit 313 (see FIG. 18) of the fourth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 21, the camera head 4
01, a switch operation detecting unit 421 for detecting the operation of the switch 402, a switch configuration information holding unit 422 for holding switch configuration information, and an image sensor identification information holding unit 423 for holding image sensor identification information.
And a setting menu screen control unit 424 for setting the function of the video processor 411 by driving the LCD 403 or detecting the operation of the switch 402. The setting menu screen control unit 424 has a switch function assignment screen control unit 425 for setting the switch function in substantially the same manner as in the fourth embodiment.

The control circuit 4 of the video processor 411
12 is substantially the same as the control circuit 313 (see FIG. 18) of the fourth embodiment, except that the switch operation detecting unit 73 (see FIG. 18) of the fourth embodiment is removed. Instead, the output from the switch operation detection unit 421 of the camera head 401 is provided to the switch function execution control unit 74, and the switch configuration information detection unit 71 (see FIG. 18) and the setting of the fourth embodiment are set. The menu screen control unit 321 (see FIG. 18) is removed and replaced with the switch function storage unit 431 so that switch function allocation information is given from the switch function allocation screen control unit 425. The imaging device identification information is provided from the device identification information holding unit 423 to the imaging device identification information detection unit 81.

According to the present embodiment described above, the fourth
The same effect as that of the embodiment can be obtained.

In this embodiment, since the switch function is assigned by the camera head 401, the operator can set the switch function with the camera head 401 without touching the video processor 411. . Further, in a medical endoscope apparatus, since an endoscope imaging apparatus is generally subjected to disinfection and sterilization processing, a surgeon operates a switch by operating the sterilized and sterilized endoscope imaging apparatus. Function settings can be made.

The present embodiment can be variously modified. For example, a camera head 451 as shown in FIG. 22 may be provided instead of the camera head 401 (see FIG. 19). In the camera head 451, a button switch 452 and a jog shuttle switch 453 are provided in place of the switch 402 (see FIG. 19) of the camera head 401. According to the camera head 451, the provision of the jog shuttle switch 453 provides the same effects as those of the second embodiment.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be variously modified without departing from the gist of the invention.

[Supplementary Note] (Supplementary note 1) An endoscope image pickup apparatus that captures a subject image to obtain an image pickup signal, and an image pickup control apparatus that controls the endoscope image pickup apparatus and performs signal processing on the image pickup signal An operation switch provided in the endoscope imaging device, and at least one of a device provided in the imaging control device and connected to the imaging control device or the imaging control device in accordance with an operation of the operation switch Equipment operation control means for controlling the operation, configuration information holding means provided in the endoscope imaging apparatus and holding at least information indicating the configuration of the operation switch, based on information given from the configuration information holding means, An endoscope apparatus comprising: a function assignment unit that assigns an operation of the operation switch to an operation function of the device operation control unit.

(Additional Item 2) The endoscope apparatus according to additional item 1, wherein the endoscope imaging device is an endoscope in which imaging means is integrally formed.

(Supplementary Item 3) The endoscope apparatus according to Supplementary Item 1, wherein the endoscope imaging apparatus includes an endoscope, and imaging means separately formed from the endoscope. Have.

(Additional Item 4) In the endoscope apparatus according to additional item 1, the equipment connected to the imaging control device includes a light source device.

(Additional Item 5) In the endoscope apparatus according to additional item 1, the equipment connected to the imaging control device includes an image recording device.

(Additional Item 6) In the endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 1, the equipment connected to the imaging control device includes a medical cautery device using electricity.

(Additional Item 7) In the endoscope apparatus according to additional item 1, the equipment connected to the imaging control device includes an insufflation device.

(Additional Item 8) In the endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 1, the information indicating the configuration of the operation switches includes information indicating the number of the operation switches.

(Additional Item 9) In the endoscope apparatus according to additional item 1, the switch includes a push-button switch.

(Additional Item 10) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 1, wherein the switch includes a seesaw switch.

(Additional Item 11) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 1, wherein the switch includes a jog shuttle type switch.

(Additional Item 12) In the endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 1, at least information indicating a configuration of an imaging element provided in the endoscope imaging device and provided in the endoscope imaging device is stored. A configuration information holding means for holding is provided.

(Additional Item 13) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 1, further comprising means for displaying a function assigned to the operation switch.

(Additional Item 14) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 1, further comprising means for displaying a function assigned to the operation switch.

[0085]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since the functions of the imaging control device can be appropriately assigned to the operation switches according to the configuration of the operation switches of the endoscope imaging device, the effect of improving operability and economy can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 to FIG. 11 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a switch configuration of a camera head.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a switch configuration of the camera head which is different from FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit configuration related to a video processor.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a control circuit.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a monitor screen.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a monitor screen.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of a control operation by the control circuit.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of a start process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of execution of a switch function.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of execution of a switch function.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing a display example of a monitor screen according to a modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope imaging apparatus according to a modification of the first embodiment.

FIGS. 14 and 15 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an example of a switch configuration of a camera head.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an example of a switch configuration of the camera head which is different from FIG.

FIG. 16 to FIG. 18 relate to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a video processor.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit configuration related to a video processor.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a control circuit.

FIG. 19 to FIG. 21 are perspective views showing an appearance of a camera head according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit configuration of a camera head and a video processor.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a control circuit of a camera head and a control circuit of a video processor.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a camera head according to a modification of the fourth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope imaging device 2 ... Video processor 35 ... Switch 41 ... Switch configuration information holding circuit 51 ... Control circuit 71 ... Switch configuration information detection unit 72 ... Switch function assignment processing unit 74 ... Switch function execution control unit

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Akihiko Mochida 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hideki Tashiro 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Kogyo Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Makoto Tsunakawa 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Kogyo Co., Ltd. (72) Kotaro Ogasawara 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo F-term in Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (reference) 2H040 DA36 GA01 GA02 GA10 GA12 4C061 AA00 BB00 CC06 DD00 FF07 FF11 JJ18 LL03 NN01 NN05 NN09 PP19 TT03 TT13 WW01 XX02 5C054 AA01 CA04 CC05 CD11 CG03 CH07 FA04

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An endoscope imaging apparatus that captures a subject image and obtains an imaging signal, an imaging control apparatus that controls the endoscope imaging apparatus and performs signal processing on the imaging signal, and the endoscope imaging. An operation switch provided in the device; and a device operation provided in the imaging control device, the device operation controlling at least one of the imaging control device and a device connected to the imaging control device in accordance with an operation of the operation switch. A control unit, a configuration information holding unit provided in the endoscope imaging device and holding at least information indicating a configuration of the operation switch, and an operation of the operation switch based on information provided from the configuration information holding unit. An endoscope apparatus comprising: a function allocating unit for allocating to an operation function of the device operation control unit.