JP2004121549A - Electronic endoscope system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reproduce an endoscope with proper color balance when one light source lamp is changed to the other light source lamp in an electronic endoscope system comprising a light source device with at least two white light soruce lamps. <P>SOLUTION: The light source device 38 has two changeable light source lamps 74A and 74B. An image signal processing unit comprises a storage means 56 for storing white balance correction data on the two light source lamps, lamp discrimination means 130A and 130B for discriminating the changed light source lamp when one of at least two light source lamps is changed to the other, and a white balance processing means 50 for executing the white balance correction process for color pixel signals based on the white balance correction data corresponding to the light source lamp discriminated by the lamp discrimination means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an electronic scope for photoelectrically converting an optical object image into a color pixel signal, illumination means incorporated in the electronic scope to obtain the optical object image, and an illumination means for supplying illumination light to the illumination means. The present invention relates to an electronic endoscope system including a light source device and an image signal processing unit that processes a color pixel signal sequentially obtained from an electronic scope to generate a color video signal.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As is well known, in an electronic endoscope system as described above, a subject image captured by an electronic scope, that is, an endoscope image is reproduced and displayed as a full-color moving image on a TV monitor device. More specifically, an imaging optical system is provided at the distal end of the electronic scope, and a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD (charge coupled device) is combined with the imaging optical system. When the endoscope image is formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD image sensor by the photographing optical system, the endoscope image is photoelectrically converted into pixel signals for one frame. In addition, in order to obtain an endoscope image by inserting the electronic scope into the human body, it is necessary to illuminate the inside of the human body. For this reason, the electronic scope incorporates an illumination light guide cable, and its proximal end Is connected to a light source device. A white light source lamp, for example, a halogen lamp or a xenon lamp is provided in the light source device, and white light emitted from the white light source lamp is guided to an illumination light guide cable and emitted from the distal end of an electronic scope. The light illuminates the subject inside the human body.
[0003]
As an imaging method for reproducing an endoscope image as a full-color image in an electronic endoscope system, two methods are known, that is, a simultaneous color method and a frame sequential color method. In the simultaneous color method, a color filter (on-chip color filter) composed of a filter element group corresponding to a plurality of colors is provided on the light receiving surface of the CCD image sensor, and the CCD image sensor needs to reproduce a full-color image. The color pixel signals to be read out are simultaneously read out one frame at a time. On the other hand, in the field sequential color system, for example, a rotary RGB color filter is incorporated in the light source device, and red illumination light, green illumination light, and blue illumination light are sequentially emitted from the distal end of the electronic scope. Thus, the sequential reading of one frame of red pixel signals, one frame of green pixel signals, and one frame of blue pixel signals from the CCD image sensor is repeated. In any case, the color pixel signal obtained by the electronic scope is sent to an image signal processing unit, where it is appropriately processed and then sent to a TV monitor device as an appropriate color video signal, where the endoscope image is converted into a color video signal. Is reproduced as a full-color video.
[0004]
In an electronic endoscope system, the usage time is strictly controlled in order to determine the replacement time of the white light source lamp of the light source device, but the white light source lamp suddenly changes during the observation of the endoscope image by the electronic endoscope system. At this time, observation of the endoscopic image must be immediately interrupted. Such sudden interruption of observation not only burdens the patient but also reduces the efficiency of diagnosis and should be avoided as much as possible. Therefore, it has already been proposed to provide two light source lamps in a light source device so that when one of the light source lamps is cut off, the other light source lamp can be immediately switched to the other light source lamp (Patent Document 1).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. Hei 7-27012
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, even though white light source lamps are products of the same standard, the color temperature characteristics of each white light source lamp are different from each other, so white balance processing is indispensable to reproduce an endoscope image with an appropriate color balance. Become. That is, conventionally, when a white light source lamp is replaced, white balance correction data is prepared, and a color pixel signal is processed with the white balance correction data, whereby an endoscope image is reproduced with an appropriate color balance. .
[0007]
Therefore, even if two light source lamps are provided in the light source device and one of the light source lamps is cut off so that the other light source lamp can be switched immediately, the endoscope image is not necessarily reproduced with an appropriate color balance. That is, since the white balance correction data is prepared in advance based on the cut off light source lamp, the endoscope image cannot be reproduced with an appropriate color balance even if the switched light source lamp is used. In short, the color balance of a reproduced endoscopic image can be significantly different when one light source lamp is switched off and immediately switched to the other light source lamp. In observation diagnosis using an endoscopic image, the color of the tissue inside the human body is also an important diagnostic factor. Therefore, even if one light source lamp is cut off and the other light source lamp is immediately switched to, appropriate observation diagnosis using the endoscopic image is performed. Cannot be continued.
[0008]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is an electronic endoscope system including a light source device having at least two white light source lamps, and having an appropriate color balance when switching from one light source lamp to another light source lamp. An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic endoscope system configured to reproduce an endoscope.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An electronic endoscope system according to the present invention includes: an electronic scope for photoelectrically converting an optical image of a subject into a color pixel signal; lighting means incorporated in the electronic scope for irradiating the subject with illumination light; And an image signal processing unit that processes a color pixel signal obtained from the electronic scope to generate a color video signal. The light source device is provided with at least two switchable light source lamps, and the image signal processing unit is provided with storage means for storing white balance correction data for each of the at least two light source lamps; A lamp identification means for identifying the switched light source lamp when one of the light source lamps is switched to the other, and a white color correction signal corresponding to the light source lamp identified by the lamp identification means. White balance processing means for performing balance correction processing is provided.
[0010]
In a preferred embodiment of the electronic endoscope system according to the present invention, the electronic scope is detachably connected to the image signal processing unit, and the scope identification means for identifying the electronic scope connected to the image signal processing unit is provided. Provided. The storage means stores white balance correction data corresponding to a combination of each of at least two light source lamps and each of the electronic scopes. When the white balance correction data corresponding to the light source lamp identified by the lamp identification means and the electronic scope identified by the scope identification means when one of the at least two light source lamps is switched to the other, the white balance is corrected. The processing means performs a white balance correction process on the color pixel signal.
[0011]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Next, an embodiment of an electronic endoscope system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0012]
Referring first to FIG. 1, an electronic endoscope system according to the present invention is schematically illustrated as a block diagram. The electronic endoscope system is connected to an electronic scope (endoscope) 10, an image signal processing unit (a so-called processor) 12 to which the electronic scope 10 is detachably connected, and the image signal processing unit 12. And an analog color TV monitor 14. As described later, in the image signal processing unit, a color video signal is generated based on the endoscope image captured by the electronic scope 10, and the endoscope image is reproduced and displayed as a full-color moving image on the color TV monitor 14 according to the color video signal. Is done.
[0013]
The electronic scope 10 includes an operation unit 10A having a rigid structure, a flexible body insertion unit 10B integrated with the operation unit 10A, and a flexible connection unit 10C extending from the operation unit 10A. A connector 16 is provided at the tip of the flexible connecting portion 10C, and the electronic scope 10 is detachably connected to the socket 18 on the image signal processing unit 12 side via the connector 16. The electronic scope 10 is detachably connected to the image signal processing unit 12 because there are various types of electronic scopes 10. For example, typical examples of the electronic scope 10 include a bronchoscope, a stomach scope, and a large intestine scope. In short, the image signal processing unit 12 is shared by various types of electronic scopes.
[0014]
The operation unit 10A of the electronic scope 10 is provided with a remote control handle (not shown). By manually operating the remote control handle, the distal end of the body insertion unit 10B is curved and its direction can be changed. Has become. Various switches and the like are provided on the operation unit 10A, but these switches are not directly related to the present invention, and therefore, description thereof is omitted.
[0015]
An imaging sensor 20 is provided at the tip of the body insertion portion 10B, that is, at the distal end thereof. In the present embodiment, a simultaneous color method is employed for reproducing a full-color image of an endoscope image. That is, an on-chip color filter and a photographing optical system (objective lens) are provided on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 20, and the endoscope image is transmitted to the light receiving surface through the on-chip color filter by the photographing optical system. It is imaged. In the present embodiment, the on-chip color filter includes a large number of red, green and blue filter elements arranged in a mosaic pattern.
[0016]
A CCD driver signal line 22 and an image signal readout line 24 are connected to the image sensor 20, and these two lines 22 and 24 are inserted through the electronic scope 10. An illumination light guide cable 26 made of an optical fiber bundle is inserted into the electronic scope 10. The illumination light guide cable 26 extends to a distal end surface of the electronic scope 10 to illuminate an imaging target of the imaging sensor 20. At the proximal end of the illumination light guide cable 26, a rigid light guide rod 28 through which the optical fiber bundle is inserted is provided.
[0017]
A system controller 30 is provided in the image signal processing unit 12, and the system controller 30 is constituted by a microcomputer. That is, the system controller 30 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a program for executing various routines, a read-only memory (ROM) for storing constants and the like, and a writable / readable memory (ROM) for temporarily storing data and the like. RAM), an input / output interface (I / O), and controls the overall operation of the electronic endoscope system.
[0018]
Further, a timing controller 32 and an image signal processing circuit 34 are provided in the image signal processing unit 12, and the timing controller 32 and the image signal processing circuit 34 are connected to the system controller 30 via a bus 36. The timing controller 32 is operated under the control of the system controller 30, from which control clock pulses of various frequencies are output, and various operation timings in the image signal processing unit 12 are controlled according to these control clock pulses as described later. Controlled. Further, in the present embodiment, a light source device 38 is also provided in the image signal processing unit 12, and the light source device 38 is connected to the system controller 30 via the bus 36.
[0019]
When the electronic scope 10 is connected to the image signal processing unit 12, the CCD driver signal line 22 is connected to the timing controller 32 via the bus 36, and the image signal readout line 24 is connected to the image signal processing circuit 34. When the electronic scope 10 is connected to the image signal processing unit 12, the light guide rod 28 is optically connected to the light source device 38, whereby illumination light (white light) is transmitted from the light source device 38 to the illumination light guide cable 26. Guided and ejected from its distal end face.
[0020]
When the illumination light is emitted from the distal end face of the illumination light guide cable 26, the subject is imaged as an endoscope image on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 20 through the on-chip color filter, thereby forming the endoscope image. Are photoelectrically converted into color pixel signals for one frame, that is, red, green and blue pixel signals. On the other hand, when a series of control clock pulses are output from the timing controller 32 to the image sensor 20 through the CCD driver signal line 22 as an image read signal, one frame of color pixel signals are read from the image sensor 20 according to the image read signal. The data is sequentially read out through the line 24 and sent to the image signal processing circuit 34.
[0021]
Referring to FIG. 2, the image signal processing circuit 34 is illustrated as a detailed block diagram. As shown in the figure, the image signal processing circuit 34 is provided with a preamplifier 40 and a video signal generation circuit 42. The video signal generation circuit 42 includes a pre-stage signal processing circuit 44 and an analog / digital (A / D) converter. 46, a frame memory 48R, 48G and 48B, a white balance correction processing circuit 50, digital / analog (D / A) converters 52R, 52G and 52B, and a post-stage signal processing circuit 54.
[0022]
The individual color pixel signals sequentially read from the image sensor 20 are first amplified to a predetermined level by the preamplifier 40 and then input to the pre-stage signal processing circuit 44. In the pre-stage signal processing circuit 44, the individual color pixel signals undergo predetermined image processing, for example, noise removal processing, gamma correction processing, clamping processing, and the like, and are then converted into color digital pixel signals by the A / D converter 46.
[0023]
Note that the image processing in the pre-stage signal processing circuit 44 and the conversion processing in the A / D converter 46 are systematically and systematically performed according to the control clock pulse output from the timing controller 32. The signal readout timing and the respective processing timings in the pre-stage signal processing circuit 44 and the A / D converter 46 are synchronized with each other.
[0024]
The color (three primary colors) digital pixel signals output from the A / D converter 46 are once written to any of the frame memories 48R, 48G and 48B for each color. That is, a red digital pixel signal is written into the frame memory 48R, a green digital pixel signal is written into the frame memory 48G, and a blue digital pixel signal is written into the frame memory 52B. While these three primary color digital pixel signals are sequentially written into the frame memories 48R, 48G and 48B, the related three primary color digital pixel signals are simultaneously read out from the frame memories 48R, 48G and 48B at a predetermined timing. It is output as a video signal component of three primary colors of the digital component video signal.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 2, the output terminal side of the A / D converter 46 is also connected to the system controller 30, and when generating white balance correction data, one frame of three primary color data pixel signals is fetched. The three primary color pixel signals are used for creating white balance correction data as described later.
[0026]
The writing of the digital pixel signal to each of the frame memories (48R, 48G, 48B) and the reading of the digital pixel signal from each of the frame memories are also systematically performed in accordance with the control clock pulse output from the timing controller 32.
[0027]
The three primary color video signal components of the digital component video signals read from the frame memories 48R, 48G, and 48B, that is, the red digital video signal component, the green digital signal component, and the blue digital signal component are supplied to the white balance correction processing circuit 50. After undergoing white balance correction processing, they are converted into red analog video signal components, green analog video signal components, and blue analog video signal components by the D / A converters 52R, 52G, and 52B, respectively. Next, the analog video signal components of the three primary colors are subjected to appropriate processing such as high-frequency noise removal processing, contour emphasis processing, amplification processing, and the like in the subsequent signal processing circuit 54, from which the red analog video signal component (R) and the green analog video signal are processed. The component (G) is output as a blue analog video signal component (B).
[0028]
On the other hand, in the timing controller 32, a composite synchronizing signal component of the component video signal is created, and the composite synchronizing signal component (SYNC) is output from the post-stage signal processing circuit 54 in three primary color analog video signal components (R, G, and R). It is output from the video signal creation circuit 42 in synchronization with B). In short, analog component video signals (R, G, B, and SYNC) are output from the video signal generation circuit 42 to the TV monitor 14, and the TV monitor 14 converts an endoscope image into an analog component video signal ( (R, G, B, and SYNC).
[0029]
The conversion processing in each D / A converter (54R, 54G, 54B) and the processing in the subsequent signal processing circuit are also systematically and systematically performed according to the control clock pulse output from the timing controller 32.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the white balance correction processing circuit 50 includes three digital multipliers 50R, 50G, and 50B, and each of the digital multipliers 50R, 50G, and 50B has white balance correction data. Is set as a coefficient. Here, the creation of the white balance correction data will be described. For example, the distal end of the electronic scope 10 is inserted into a cylindrical enclosure whose inside is coated with a reference white color. The pixel signal levels of each of the three primary color pixel signals are compared, and a coefficient that eliminates the signal level difference between these three primary color pixel signals is created as white balance correction data. During actual use of the electronic scope 10, each of the three primary color image signals obtained from the image sensor 20 is multiplied by a coefficient based on the white balance correction data, whereby the endoscope image is displayed on the TV monitor 14 with an appropriate color balance. Will be reproduced.
[0031]
In short, even if the imaging sensor 20 used in the electronic scope 10 is a product of the same standard, the spectral sensitivity characteristics of each product are different from each other, so that the white light source used in the light source device 38 Since the lamp also has different color temperature characteristics for each product, in order to reproduce an endoscope image on the TV monitor 14 with an appropriate color balance, one frame of three primary color pixels read from the image sensor 20 is required. Processing for adjusting the signal level of each signal, that is, white balance correction processing is required.
[0032]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the system controller 30 includes a suitable writable nonvolatile memory, for example, an EEPROM (electrically erasable, programmable, read-only memory) 56, in which white balance correction data is stored. You. Since the color temperature characteristics of the white light source lamp used in the light source device 38 can change over time, the white balance correction data needs to be updated periodically. Since two switchable white light source lamps are provided as described later, white balance correction data must be prepared for each white light source lamp.
[0033]
On the other hand, as described above, since the image signal processing unit 12 is shared by various electronic scopes (10), white balance correction data must be prepared for each individual electronic scope (10). When the image signal processing unit 12 is started up, that is, when its main power switch is turned on, white balance correction data corresponding to the electronic scope (10) connected to the image signal processing unit 12 is read out from the EEPROM 56 and digitally read. Multipliers 50R, 50G and 50B are set. That is, the system controller 30 needs to identify the electronic scope (10) connected to the image signal processing unit 12.
[0034]
For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 1, the connector section 16 of the electronic scope 10 is provided with a suitable memory, for example, a ROM 58, and the ROM 58 stores scope data representing the electronic scope 10 itself. For example, when the scope data has a 4-bit configuration, the image signal processing unit 12 can be shared by 16 electronic scopes (10). When the electronic scope (10) is connected to the image signal processing unit 12, the system controller 30 reads the scope data from the ROM 58, and thereby can identify the individual electronic scope (10).
[0035]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 60 denotes a front panel provided on a front wall of a housing of the image signal processing unit 12, and the front panel 60 is provided with various switches. Switches particularly related to the present invention include a main power switch 62, a lamp lighting switch 63, and a correction data creation command switch 64. The main power switch 62 is used for starting up the image processing unit 12, the lamp lighting switch 63 is used as a switch for lighting the white light source lamp of the light source device 38, and the correction data creation command switch 64 is used for white balance correction. Used as a switch to instruct creation of processing data. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 65 denotes a keyboard connected to the system controller 30, and one of the function keys on the keyboard 65 can be assigned the same function as the correction data creation command switch 64.
[0036]
Referring to FIG. 3, the housing of the image signal processing unit 12 is indicated by reference numeral 66, and in FIG. 3, the side wall surface of the housing 66 is illustrated as an elevation view. At four corners at the bottom of the housing 66, mounting pads 68 made of hard rubber are mounted. A window 70 is formed on the side wall surface of the housing 66. The window 70 is normally closed by an opening / closing lid 72 as shown in FIG. 3, and when the opening / closing lid 72 is removed as shown in FIG. Can be accessed to the light source device 38 provided in the inside.
[0037]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a socket 18 for connecting the connector 16 of the electronic scope 10 is attached to a front side wall surface of the housing 66. Both an electrical socket for connecting an electrical signal line such as the image signal readout line 24 and an optical socket for connecting the light guide rod 28 are provided integrally. 3 and 4, the connector section 16 to be connected to the socket section 18 is omitted, but the optical guide rod 28 is shown connected to the optical socket of the socket section 16.
[0038]
A front panel 60 disposed adjacent to the socket portion 16 is attached to a front side wall surface of the housing 66. As described above, the front panel 60 includes a main power switch 62 and a lamp lighting switch 63. And a correction data creation command switch 64. Each of the switches (62, 63, 64) is configured as a self-restoring push-down switch, and is of a type that is repeatedly turned on and off each time it is pushed.
[0039]
Referring to FIG. 5, the image signal processing unit 12 is illustrated as a cross-sectional view of the housing 10 taken along line VV of FIG. As described above, in the present embodiment, the light source device 38 is provided with two switchable white light source lamps, and in FIGS. 4 and 5, the two white light source lamps are indicated by reference numerals 74A and 74B. As the white light source lamps 74A and 74B, for example, a white lamp such as a halogen lamp or a xenon lamp is used. The image signal processing unit 12 includes a control circuit board and a power supply unit on which various components, for example, the system controller 30, the timing controller 32, and the image signal processing circuit 34 are mounted. For simplicity, components other than those constituting the light source device 38 are omitted from FIG.
[0040]
The light source device 38 includes a movable lamp mounting base 76 for mounting two white light source lamps, that is, first and second white lamps 74A and 74B, and the movable lamp mounting base 76 is provided on a bottom inner wall surface 78 of the housing 66. On the other hand, it is rotatable around a vertical rotation axis. The movable lamp mounting base 76 is configured as a relatively thick plate-like member having a configuration as shown in FIG. 5, and a cylindrical sleeve 80 is integrally hung from the bottom thereof, while a bottom inner wall surface of the housing 66 is provided. From 78, the rotating shaft 82 is erected in a fixed state. As is clear from FIG. 5, the movable lamp mounting base 76 is rotatably mounted on the rotating shaft 82 with its cylindrical sleeve 80 so that the movable lamp mounting base 76 can be pivotally connected to the center axis of the rotating shaft 82, that is, the housing. 66 is rotatable about a vertical rotation axis with respect to the bottom inner wall surface 78.
[0041]
In order to mount each of the first and second white lamps 74A and 74B on the movable lamp mounting base 76, lamp mounting frames 84A and 84B are fixed on the movable lamp mounting base 76, and these lamp mounting frames 84A And 84B incorporate lamp mounting tools 86A and 86B as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, respectively. The lamp mounting devices 86A and 86B have the same configuration, and each lamp mounting device (86A, 86B) has an annular body 88 adapted to appropriately engage with the front flange of each white lamp (74A, 74B). The piano wire 90 includes a piano wire 90 extending from an appropriate portion of the annular body 88 and a hook 92 fixed to an appropriate location of the annular body 88. An operation knob 94 is attached to the tip of the piano wire 90.
[0042]
As is clear from FIGS. 6 and 7, in order to mount the white lamps (74A, 74B) on the lamp mounting tools (86A, 86B), first, the front flanges of the white lamps (74A, 74B) are annular. 88 and then hooked onto the hook 92 after the piano wire 90 has been elastically deformed along the back side of the front flange, the white lamp (74A, 86A, 86B) against the lamp fixture (86A, 86B). 74B) is completed. Of course, the elastic deformation of the piano wire 90 and the locking of the piano wire 90 to the hook 92 are performed by the operator manually operating the operation knob 94 of the piano wire 90.
[0043]
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a pair of electrode plugs 96 protrude from the rear ends of the white lamps (74A, 74B). Two power supply sockets (not shown) are provided in the housing 66, and these two power supply sockets are connected to ends of power supply cords extending from a power supply unit (described later) provided in the housing 66. The power supply socket is detachably inserted into a pair of electrode plugs 96 of each of the first and second white lamps 74A and 74B. When the lamp lighting switch 63 is turned on after the main power switch 62 provided on the front panel 60 is turned on, only one of the first and second white lamps 74A and 74B is turned on. Will be described later in detail.
[0044]
A concave reflecting mirror is incorporated inside each of the white lamps (74A, 74B), and the light exit surface is configured as a condenser lens. In FIG. 5, the optical axes of the first and second white lamps 74A and 74B are indicated by dashed lines OA and OB, respectively, and an extension of the optical axes OA and OB, that is, the first and second white lamps. Extension lines on the rear side of 74A and 74B are indicated by broken lines, respectively. As can be seen from the figure, the extension lines of the optical axes OA and OB intersect at a predetermined angle θ on the center axis of the rotation shaft 82, and the first and second white lamps 74A and 74B rotate. It is arranged equidistant from the central axis of the shaft 82.
[0045]
In FIG. 5, the movable lamp mounting base 76 is shown at the first lamp switching position. At this time, the optical axis OA of the first white lamp 74A is the light of the light guide rod 28 connected to the optical socket of the connector section 16. The position is aligned with the axis, and the position of the distal end surface of the light guide rod 28 is the focal position of the condenser lens of the first white lamp 74A. Thus, the illumination light emitted from the first white lamp 74A is efficiently condensed and incident on the distal end surface of the light guide rod 28.
[0046]
Referring to FIG. 8, the movable lamp mounting base 76 is shown in a second lamp switching position, and the second lamp switching position moves the movable lamp mounting base 76 clockwise from the first lamp switching position (FIG. 5). It corresponds to the position rotated by the angle θ. Since the arrangement relationship between the first and second white lamps 74A and 74B is as described above, when the movable lamp mounting base 76 is positioned at the second lamp switching position (FIG. 8), the second arrangement is performed. The optical axis OB of the white lamp 74B is made coincident with the optical axis of the light guide rod 28, and the position of the distal end surface of the light guide rod 28 is set as the focal position of the condenser lens of the second white lamp 74B. Thus, the illumination light emitted from the second white lamp 74B is efficiently condensed and incident on the distal end surface of the light guide rod 28.
[0047]
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, an aperture plate 98 is disposed between the white lamps (74 A, 74 B) and the distal end surface of the light guide rod 28, and the aperture plate 98 is operated by a suitable actuator 100. . The actuator 100 is operated under the control of the system controller 30, and the aperture of the aperture plate 98 is adjusted, whereby the amount of illumination light to be incident on the light guide rod 28 from the white lamps (74A, 74B) is adjusted. . That is, as the image sensor 20 approaches the subject, the aperture of the aperture plate 98 is narrowed. Conversely, as the image sensor 20 is farther from the object, the aperture of the aperture plate 98 is widened. The endoscope image at 14 is always displayed with constant brightness. The control of the aperture plate 98 is called automatic light control, and is a well-known technique in the art.
[0048]
In the present embodiment, the movement of the movable lamp mounting base 76 between the first lamp switching position (FIG. 5) and the second lamp switching position (FIG. 8) is performed by a manual operation. A manual operation handle 102 is attached to 80, and the manual operation handle 102 extends in the radial direction of the cylindrical sleeve 80 so as to pass through the side wall of the housing 66. That is, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, an elongated opening 104 extending along the lower side of the window 14 is formed in the side wall of the housing 66, and the manual operation handle 102 is moved through the opening 104 to form the housing 66. Extends to the outside. As shown in the figure, a spherical grip is attached to the tip of the manual operation handle 102, and the movable lamp mounting base 76 is moved to the first lamp switching position (FIG. 5) by grasping the spherical grip and moving it in the horizontal direction. And the second lamp switching position (FIG. 8).
[0049]
In order to guarantee the positioning of the movable lamp mounting base 76 with respect to the first and second lamp switching positions, positioning means is provided between the cylindrical sleeve 80 and the rotating shaft 82, and in this embodiment, the positioning means A part is incorporated into the attachment position of the manually operated handle 102 to the cylindrical sleeve 80.
[0050]
Referring to FIG. 9, there is shown a cross-sectional view in which the cylindrical sleeve 80 and the rotating shaft 82 are cut along a horizontal plane including the central axis of the manually operated handle 102. As shown in the figure, a through-hole 106 is formed in the cylindrical sleeve 80 in the radial direction, and the outermost portion of the through-hole 106 has an enlarged portion 108 adapted to receive the end of the manual operation handle 102. Is done. A substantially outer half area of the through hole 106 is formed as a female screw portion, while a small-diameter portion 110 projects from the end surface of the manually operated handle 102 as a male screw portion to be screwed into the female screw portion. The manual operation handle 102 is attached to the cylindrical sleeve 80 by screwing the small-diameter portion of the manual operation handle 102, that is, the male screw portion 110, into the female screw portion of the through hole 106.
[0051]
The inner wall surface of the inner half area of the through-hole 106 is smoothened, in which a small ball 112 is slidably accommodated, and a compression coil spring 114 is provided between the male screw portion 110 and the small ball 112. On the other hand, first and second hemispherical depressions 116A and 116B are formed on the outer wall surface of the rotating shaft 82, and an arc-shaped guide groove 118 is formed between the first and second hemispherical depressions 116A and 116B. Extend. Further, the first and second hemispherical recesses 116A and 116B are spaced apart from each other at an angle θ with respect to the center axis of the rotating shaft 82.
[0052]
When the movable lamp mounting base 76 is positioned at the first lamp switching position (FIG. 5), the small sphere 112 is elastically engaged in the first hemispherical recess 116A by the elastic force of the compression coil spring 114. Have been combined. When the movable lamp mounting member 76 is moved from the first lamp switching position (FIG. 5) to the second lamp switching position (FIG. 8) by operating the manual operation handle 102, the small ball 112 is compressed by the compression coil spring 114. When the movable lamp mounting member 76 reaches the second lamp switching position (FIG. 8) when it comes out of the first hemispherical recess 116A and moves along the arc-shaped guide groove 118 against the elastic force of Numeral 112 is engaged with the second hemispherical recess 116B by the elastic force of the compression coil spring 114 as shown in FIG.
[0053]
When the small sphere 112 is engaged with the hemispherical recess 116B, a slight impact is generated, and the impact is transmitted to the operator through the manual operation handle 52 as a feeling of braking. That is, the operator receives the impact as a sense of moderation that the positioning of the movable lamp mounting base 76 with respect to the second lamp switching position has been performed. Positioning can be reliably guaranteed. The same can be said for the case where the movable lamp mounting base 76 is returned from the second lamp switching position (FIG. 8) to the first lamp switching position (FIG. 5).
[0054]
Referring to FIG. 11, a power supply circuit for the first and second white lamps 74A and 74B is shown. When the movable lamp mounting base 76 is positioned at the first lamp switching position (FIG. 5) by the power supply circuit. When the first white lamp 74A is selected as the lamp to be turned on and the movable lamp mounting base 76 is positioned at the second lamp switching position (FIG. 8), the second white lamp 74B is turned on as the lamp to be turned on. To be elected.
[0055]
In FIG. 11, a power supply unit housed in the housing 66 is indicated by reference numeral 120. The power supply unit 120 is used not only for lighting the first and second white lamps 74A and 74B, but also for supplying power to a control circuit board on which the system controller 30, the timing controller 32, the image signal processing circuit 34, and the like are mounted. Also used for. As shown in FIG. 11, the power supply unit 120 is supplied with power from the commercial AC power supply 122 via the main power switch 62. The first and second white lamps 74A and 74B are selectively supplied with power from the power supply unit 120 via the lamp lighting switch 63 and the power supply switch 124. That is, when both the main power switch 62 and the lamp lighting switch 63 are turned on, only one of the first and second white lamps 74A and 74B is supplied with power by the power supply switch 124 and is lit.
[0056]
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the power supply changeover switch 124 is installed at an appropriate position close to the cylindrical sleeve 80, and the power supply changeover switch 124 is operated by an operation culm 126 extending radially from the outer wall surface of the cylindrical sleeve 80. Be done. The power supply changeover switch 124 is configured as a two-contact changeover switch as is apparent from FIG. 11, and for the contact changeover, as shown in FIGS. 128 are provided.
[0057]
When the movable lamp mounting base 76 is positioned at the first lamp switching position (FIGS. 5 and 9), the operation button 128 is pressed by the operation culm 126 against the spring urging force. Reference numeral 124 is operated to supply power to the first white lamp 74A as shown in FIG. 11, whereby the first white lamp 74A is turned on. On the other hand, when the movable lamp mounting base 76 is positioned at the second lamp switching position (FIGS. 8 and 10), the operation button 128 is released from the operation culm 126 and is protruded by the spring urging force. The changeover switch 124 is switched so as to supply power to the second white lamp 74B, whereby the second white lamp 74B is turned on.
[0058]
The power supply circuit shown in FIG. 11 incorporates a first lamp out detection circuit 130A and a second lamp out detection circuit 130B. The first lamp expiration detection circuit 130A includes a resistor R having a predetermined large resistance value._AOne end is connected to a power supply line 132A between the first white lamp 74A and the power supply unit 120, and the other end is grounded. Similarly, the second lamp burnout detection circuit 130B also has a resistor R having a predetermined large resistance value._BOne end thereof is connected to a power supply line 132B between the second white lamp 74B and the power supply unit 120, and the other end is grounded.
[0059]
During the lighting of the first white lamp 74A, the resistance R_AA potential corresponding to the resistance value is generated at one end of the first white lamp 74. If the potential is cut off during the lighting of the first white lamp 74A, the potential drops to the ground level. Thus, the system controller 30 has the resistor R_ABy monitoring the potential at one end of the first white lamp 74A, it is possible to recognize whether or not the first white lamp 74A has been cut off. Similarly, during the lighting of the second white lamp 74B, the resistance R_BA potential corresponding to the resistance value is generated at one end of the first white lamp 74. When the second white lamp 74B is turned off during lighting, the potential drops to the ground level. Thus, the system controller 30 has the resistor R_BBy monitoring the potential at one end of the second white lamp 74B, it can be recognized whether or not the second white lamp 74B has been turned off.
[0060]
Each of the first and second lamp burn-out detection circuits 130A and 130B also functions as a lamp lighting detection circuit that detects whether or not the corresponding white lamp (74A, 74B) is lit. That is, for example, the movable lamp mounting base 76 is moved from the first lamp switching position (FIGS. 5 and 9) to the second lamp switching position (FIGS. 8 and 10)._BThe system controller 30 determines that the second white lamp 74A has been turned on when the potential at one end of the device has transitioned from the ground level to a predetermined level.
[0061]
Referring to FIG. 12, there is shown a flowchart of a white balance correction data creation processing routine. This white balance correction data creation processing routine is executed by operating a correction data creation command switch 64 or a predetermined function key on the keyboard 65. You. Such white balance correction data creation processing is performed when the electronic endoscope system is delivered to the customer, and when any one of the first and second white lamps 74A and 74B is replaced with a new one. This can be performed as appropriate even when the color temperature characteristics of any of the first and second white lamps 74A and 74B undergo a temporal change.
[0062]
Further, a predetermined preparation work is required before executing the white balance correction data creation processing routine. That is, first, in a state where any one of the electronic scopes (10) is connected to the image signal processing unit 12, the main power switch 62 and the lamp lighting switch 63 are turned on to make the electronic endoscope system operable. is necessary. Next, in such an operable state, the body insertion portion 10B of the electronic scope (10) must be inserted into the cylindrical enclosure whose inside is coated with the reference white color.
[0063]
When the correction data creation switch 64 or a predetermined function key on the keyboard 65 is operated after the above preparation work is completed, the execution of the white balance correction data creation processing routine shown in FIG. 12 is started.
[0064]
First, in step 1201, scope data is fetched from the ROM 58 of the electronic scope (10). As described above, in the present embodiment, the scope data is 4-bit data, and based on the scope data, the system controller 30 identifies which electronic scope (10) is connected to the image signal processing unit 12. Can be.
[0065]
In step 1202, it is determined whether the first white lamp 74A is turned on. Resistance R_AIs at a predetermined level, the first white lamp 74A is turned on, and the resistance R_BIs at a predetermined level, the second white lamp 74B is turned on. If the first white lamp 74A is on, the process proceeds to step 1203, where the lighting lamp instruction flag LF is set to "1". If the second white lamp 74B is lit, the process proceeds to step 1204, where the lit lamp instruction flag LF is set to "0".
[0066]
In any case, in step 1205, the three primary color digital pixel signals for one frame are taken into the system controller 30 from the A / D converter 56. Next, in step 1206, the average gain of the image signals of the respective colors included in the three primary color digital image signals for one frame, that is, the average gain mg of the red pixel signal_R, Green pixel signal average gain mg_GAnd average gain mg of blue pixel signal_BIs calculated. In short, average gain mg_RIs the sum of all the gains of the red digital pixel signal for one frame and divided by the total number of pixels of the red digital image signal._GIs the sum of all the gains of the green digital pixel signal for one frame and divided by the total number of pixels of the green digital image signal._BIs the sum of all the gains of the blue digital pixel signal for one frame and divides it by the total number of pixels of the blue digital image signal.
[0067]
In step 1207, the white balance correction data (coefficient) W_R, W_GAnd W_BIs obtained by the following equation.
W_R= Pg_G/ Pg_R
W_G= Pg_G/ Pg_G
W_B= Pg_G/ Pg_B
That is, the average gain pg of the green image signal_GIs the reference value, and therefore the white balance correction data W for the green data image signal_G(Coefficient) is set to “1”, and the white balance correction data W for the red data image signal is set._R(Coefficient) is the average gain mg of the red data image signal_RAverage gain of the green image signal for_GAnd the white balance correction data W for the blue data image signal._B(Coefficient) is the average gain mg of the blue data image signal_BAverage gain of the green image signal with respect to mg_GAnd the ratio of
[0068]
In step 1208, the white balance correction data W_R, W_GAnd W_BIs stored in the EEPROM 56 in association with the scope data and the lighting lamp instruction flag LF, and the routine ends.
[0069]
As described above, in the present embodiment, since the image signal processing unit 12 is shared by the 16 electronic scopes (10), each of the 16 electronic scopes (10) and the first and second white lamps 74A are used. White balance correction data W for each of the 32 individual combinations with_R, W_GAnd W_BMust be prepared. That is, the white balance correction data creation routine is executed for each of the above-described combinations, and the white balance correction white balance correction data W_R, W_GAnd W_BIs created. Thus, as shown schematically in the table of FIG. 14, the EEPROM 56 stores 32 types of white balance correction white balance correction data W_R, W_GAnd W_BAre stored in the EEPROM 56 in association with the scope data and the lighting lamp instruction flag LF.
[0070]
Referring to FIG. 14, a flowchart of a white balance correction data setting processing routine is shown. This white balance correction data setting processing routine is executed when the lamp lighting switch 63 is turned on after the main power switch 62 is turned on.
[0071]
In step 1401, scope data is fetched from the ROM 58 of the electronic scope (10). Next, in step 1402, it is determined whether the first white lamp 74A is turned on. If the first white lamp 74A is turned on, the process proceeds to step 1403, where the lighting lamp instruction flag LF is set to "1". If the second white lamp 74B is lit, the process proceeds to step 1404, where the lit lamp instruction flag LF is set to "0".
[0072]
In any case, in step 1405, the white balance correction data W corresponding to the scope data and the lighting lamp instruction flag LF_R, W_GAnd W_BIs read from the EEPROM 56, and then at step 1406, the white balance correction data W_R, W_GAnd W_BIs set as a coefficient in each of the digital multipliers 50R, 50G, and 50B.
[0073]
Referring to FIG. 15, there is shown a flowchart of the lamp burnout monitoring routine. This lamp burnout monitoring routine is configured as a time interruption routine repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals, for example, every 100 ms. Is turned on.
[0074]
In step 1501, it is determined whether the flag F is “0”. The flag F is an invalidation flag for substantially invalidating the lamp burnout monitoring by this routine, and is set to "0" by initialization. If F = 0, the routine proceeds to step 1502, where it is determined whether or not the first and second lamp burnout detection circuits 130A and 130B detect that the lamp has burned out. That is, in step 1502, the sudden turning off of the white lamps (74A, 74B) in the lighting state is monitored every 100 ms.
[0075]
If it is detected in step 1502 that the white lamps (74A, 74B) that are lit are suddenly cut off, the process proceeds to step 1503, where execution of a lamp cut-out processing routine is instructed. The ramp-out processing routine will be described later with reference to FIG. Next, in step 1504, the flag F is set to "1". Thereafter, this routine is executed every 100 ms, but since F = 1, the lamp burnout monitoring by this routine is substantially disabled.
[0076]
FIG. 16 shows a flowchart of a lamp burn-out processing routine instructed to be executed in step 1503 of the lamp burn-out monitoring routine of FIG.
[0077]
In step 1601, it is determined whether lamp lighting has been detected. That is, when one of the first and second white lamps 74A and 74B is cut off, the user operates the manual operation handle 102 to switch from the first white lamp 74A to the second white lamp 74B or to switch the first white lamp 74B to the second white lamp 74B. 2 is switched from the first white lamp 74B to the first white lamp 74A._B, R_BThe lighting of the lamp can be detected by monitoring the rise of the potential at one end from the ground level to the predetermined level. In short, in step 1601, the process enters a standby state until the switching operation of the white lamp is completed.
[0078]
When the lighting of the white lamp is confirmed in step 1601, that is, when the completion of the switching operation of the white lamp is confirmed, the process proceeds to step 1602, where one of the first white lamp 74A and the second white lamp 74B is turned on. It is determined whether the light is turned on. If the first white lamp 74A is turned on, the process proceeds to step 1603, where the lighting lamp instruction flag LF is set to "1". If the second white lamp 74B is turned on, the process proceeds to step 1604, where the lighting lamp instruction flag LF is set to "0".
[0079]
In any case, in step 1605, the white balance correction data W corresponding to the scope data and the lighting lamp instruction flag LF_R, W_GAnd W_BIs read from the EEPROM 56, and then in step 1606, the white balance correction data W_R, W_GAnd W_BIs set as a coefficient in each of the digital multipliers 50R, 50G, and 50B. Subsequently, in step 1607, after the flag F is rewritten from "1" to "0", the present routine ends. Thus, even when the white lamp is suddenly cut off and the white lamp is switched during the operation of the electronic endoscope system, the endoscope image is reproduced and displayed on the TV monitor 14 with an appropriate color balance. Note that the scope data used in step 1605 has already been obtained from the ROM 58 of the electronic scope 10 when the white balance correction data setting routine of FIG.
[0080]
In the embodiment described above, the case where one of the first and second white lamps 74 </ b> A and 74 </ b> B is suddenly turned off while being turned on and the manual operation handle 102 is operated to switch to the other white lamp, However, even if the lit white lamps (74A, 74B) are not cut off, the white lamps can be switched. For example, when the luminous intensity of the white lamps (74A, 74B) being turned on becomes low or the color temperature characteristics fluctuate widely, the white lamps are switched by operating the manual operation handle 102. obtain. Even in such a case, the endoscope image must be reproduced and displayed on the TV monitor 14 with an appropriate color balance.
[0081]
Referring to FIG. 17, there is shown a flowchart of a lamp switching monitoring routine for coping with the above case. This lamp switching monitoring routine is also configured as a time interruption routine that is repeatedly executed, for example, every 100 ms, similarly to the lamp burnout monitoring routine, and its execution is started after the lamp lighting switch 63 is turned on.
[0082]
In step 1701, it is determined whether the flag F is "0". The flag F is an invalidation flag for substantially invalidating the lamp switching monitoring according to this routine, and is set to “0” by initialization. If F = 0, the routine proceeds to step 1602, where it is determined whether the lighting lamp instruction flag LF is "1" or "0". Note that the value of the lighting lamp instruction flag LF at this time is set in the white balance correction data setting processing routine of FIG.
[0083]
If it is determined in step 1702 that the first white lamp 74A is turned on by the lighting lamp instruction flag LF (LF = 1), the process proceeds to step 1703 to determine whether the second white lamp 74B is turned on. Is determined. That is, it is determined whether or not the switching from the first white lamp 74A to the second white lamp 74B has been performed by the operation of the manual operation handle 102. When such switching of the white lamp is confirmed, the process proceeds to step 1704, and the lighting lamp instruction flag LF is set to "0".
[0084]
On the other hand, when it is determined in step 1702 that the second white lamp 74B is lit by the lighting lamp instruction flag LF (LF = 0), the process proceeds to step 1705 to determine whether the first white lamp 74B is lit. It is determined whether or not. That is, it is determined whether or not the switching from the second white lamp 74B to the first white lamp 74A is performed by the operation of the manual operation handle 102. When such switching of the white lamp is confirmed, the process proceeds to step 1706, and the lighting lamp instruction flag LF is set to "1".
[0085]
In any case, when switching from one of the first and second white lamps 74A and 74B to the other is confirmed, the process proceeds to step 1707, and execution of a lamp switching process routine is instructed. The lamp switching processing routine will be described later with reference to FIG. Next, at step 1708, the flag F is set to "1". Thereafter, this routine is executed every 100 ms, but since F = 1, the lamp burnout monitoring by this routine is substantially disabled.
[0086]
FIG. 18 shows a flowchart of a lamp switching processing routine instructed to be executed in step 1707 of the lamp switching monitoring routine of FIG.
[0087]
In step 1801, the white balance correction data W corresponding to the scope data and the lighting lamp instruction flag LF_R, W_GAnd W_BIs read from the EEPROM 56, and then in step 1801, the white balance correction data W_R, W_GAnd W_BIs set as a coefficient in each of the digital multipliers 50R, 50G, and 50B. Subsequently, in step 1607, after the flag F is rewritten from "1" to "0", the present routine ends. Thus, even when the white lamp is suddenly cut off and the white lamp is switched during the operation of the electronic endoscope system, the endoscope image is reproduced and displayed on the TV monitor 14 with an appropriate color balance. Note that the scope data used in step 1801 has already been obtained from the ROM 58 of the electronic scope 10 when the white balance correction data setting routine of FIG.
[0088]
In the embodiment described above, the simultaneous color method is introduced to reproduce the endoscope image as a full-color image. However, the endoscope image can be reproduced as a full-color image by the frame sequential color method. In this case, of course, an RGB rotary color filter is incorporated in the light source device 38, for example.
[0089]
In the above-described embodiment, the white balance correction processing circuit 50 includes the digital multipliers 50R, 50G, and 50B. However, the white balance correction processing circuit 50 may include an analog amplifier, for example, a voltage control amplifier (VCA). The white balance correction processing circuit is included in, for example, a subsequent signal processing circuit (54).
[0090]
In the above embodiment, the light source device is configured so that two white lamps can be switched to each other. However, three or more white lamps may be selectively switched.
[0091]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the signal processing circuit 34 handles the red pixel signal (R), the green pixel signal (G), and the blue pixel signal (B) as the color pixel image signals. Can be converted into a luminance signal (Y) and color difference signals (RY) and (BY). In such a case, the chromaticity (R -YGain: B-YGain) and the hue (R-YHue: B-YHue).
[0092]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, in the electronic endoscope system according to the present invention, even if the lamp is switched due to lamp burnout or the like, the endoscope image is always displayed on the TV with an appropriate color balance. Since the image can be reproduced and displayed on the monitor, it is not necessary to interrupt the appropriate observation and diagnosis based on the endoscopic image due to lamp burnout or the like, and as a result, the pain on the patient can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an electronic endoscope according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of the image signal processing circuit shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is an elevational view showing a side wall surface of a housing of the image signal processing unit shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is an elevational view similar to FIG. 3, showing a state in which an opening / closing lid is removed from a side wall surface of a housing.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. 4, showing a movable lamp mounting base of the light source device at a first lamp switching position.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a lamp mounting tool and a white lamp used in the light source device.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 6, showing a white lamp mounted on a lamp mounting tool.
8 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 5, showing the movable lamp mounting base in a second lamp switching position.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical sleeve for rotatably supporting the movable lamp mounting base and a rotation axis, taken along a horizontal plane, wherein the movable lamp mounting base is positioned at a first lamp switching position. It is a figure shown in a state.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 9, showing a state in which a movable lamp mounting base is positioned at a second lamp switching position.
FIG. 11 is a power supply circuit diagram of first and second white lamps included in the light source device.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a white balance correction data creation processing routine executed by a system controller of the image signal processing circuit.
13 is a table schematically showing a storage state of white balance correction data stored in an EEPROM by executing a white balance correction data creation processing routine of FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a white balance correction data setting processing routine executed by a system controller of the image signal processing circuit.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a lamp burnout monitoring routine executed by a system controller of the image signal processing circuit.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a lamp burn-out processing routine executed by a system controller of the image signal processing circuit.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a lamp switching monitoring routine executed by the system controller of the image signal processing circuit.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a lamp switching processing routine executed by the system controller of the image signal processing circuit.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 electronic scope
12 Image signal processing unit
14 analog color TV monitor
20mm imaging sensor
26 Light guide cable for lighting
28 ° light guide rod
30 mm system controller
32mm timing controller
34 ° image signal processing circuit
38mm light source device
50 ° white balance correction processing circuit
50R ・ 50G ・ 50B digital multiplier
52R ・ 52G ・ 52B Digital / analog (D / A) converter
54 ° post-stage signal processing circuit
56 EEPROM
58 ROM
62 main power switch
63 lamp lighting switch
64 ° correction data creation command switch
66mm housing
72 lid
74A / 74B white light source lamp
76mm movable lamp mounting base
80 cylindrical sleeve
82 ° rotation axis
84A / 84B Lamp mounting frame
86A / 86B Lamp mounting tool
98mm drawing plate
100mm actuator
102 manual operation handle
120 power supply unit
124 power switch
126 working culm
130A / 130B @ Lamp burnout detection circuit

Claims (2)

An electronic scope for photoelectrically converting an optical image of a subject into a color pixel signal, lighting means incorporated in the electronic scope for irradiating the subject with illumination light, and a light source for supplying the lighting light to the lighting means An electronic endoscope system comprising: a device; and an image signal processing unit that processes a color pixel signal obtained from the electronic scope to generate a color video signal.
The light source device is provided with at least two switchable light source lamps, and the image signal processing unit is configured to store white balance correction data for each of the at least two light source lamps; Lamp identification means for identifying the switched light source lamp when one of the light source lamps is switched to the other, and the color based on white balance correction data corresponding to the light source lamp identified by the lamp identification means. An electronic endoscope system comprising: a white balance processing unit that performs white balance correction processing on a pixel signal. 2. The electronic endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic scope is detachably connected to the image signal processing unit, and scope identification means for identifying the electronic scope connected to the image signal processing unit. Is provided, and the storage means stores white balance correction data corresponding to a combination of each of the at least two light source lamps and each of the electronic scopes, and from one of the at least two light source lamps to the other. Based on white balance correction data corresponding to the light source lamp identified by the lamp identification means and the electronic scope identified by the scope identification means when switched, the white balance processing means sets a white color for the color pixel signal. That the balance correction process is performed Electronic endoscope system according to symptoms.

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