JP2004329700A - Side view mirror - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a side view mirror which can be connected to a conventional light source device which only radiates illumination light into a single light guide and which enables a user to simultaneously observe a straight view image and a side view image and changing the brightness of the picked-up images of a straight view direction and a side view direction. <P>SOLUTION: The side view mirror is provided with: a first shutter which is arranged between the first image pickup area of a CCD and a first objective optical system and capable of passing through/interrupting a luminous flux made incident on the first objective optical system; a second shutter arranged between a second image pickup area and a second objective optical system and capable of passing through/interrupting the luminous flux made incident on the second objective optical system; and a control means for controlling the operation of passing through/interrupting the luminous flux by using the first shutter and the second shutter and controlling the time of incidence of the luminous flux on the first image pickup area and the second image pickup area. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a side endoscope for observing a living body located in a radial direction of an insertion tube, which can capture a living body observation image by a built-in CCD.
[0002]
[Patent Document 1] JP-A-11-137512
[Prior art]
It is known that the types of electronic endoscopes are roughly classified into two types: a direct view scope and a side view scope. The direct endoscope has an objective optical system disposed on the longitudinal end face of the insertion tube of the endoscope, and observes (directly views) a living body located in the axial direction of the insertion tube. On the other hand, in the side endoscope, an objective optical system is arranged on a side surface of the insertion tube, and observes (side-views) a living body located in a radial direction of the insertion tube.
[0003]
In addition, a treatment instrument raising table (elevator) is provided beside the objective optical system of the side endoscope. The elevator is inserted into the treatment tool insertion channel of the endoscope, and is used to adjust the direction in which the treatment tool is led out from the side surface of the insertion tube. The sideoscope is used for a procedure such as inserting a stent into a fetal nipple of the duodenum.
[0004]
As described above, in the sideoscope, only the living body located in the radial direction (side-viewing direction) of the insertion tube can be observed. In other words, when a conventional sideoscope such as that described in Patent Document 1 is used, a living body in the axial direction of the distal end of the insertion tube, that is, the insertion direction of the insertion tube of the endoscope (direct viewing direction) is used. Could not be observed. Therefore, the operator of the sideoscope has to insert the distal end of the insertion tube of the sideoscope to the affected part without confirming the state of the insertion direction of the insertion tube. For this reason, a skilled technique was required to insert the distal end of the insertion tube of the side endoscope to the affected part.
[0005]
Therefore, it is desired that the side endoscope also be provided with an objective optical system for observing a living body in a direct viewing direction as shown in Patent Document 1. However, in the endoscope apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, the light from the objective lens for direct vision and the light from the objective lens for side vision are switched and made incident on the solid-state imaging device. Simultaneous observation is not possible, and the presence of the light switching mirror lengthens the optical path on the side viewing side, making the tip of the insertion tube thicker. Further, since the visual field differs between the direct viewing direction and the side viewing direction, a configuration in which the brightness of the captured image is changed between the direct viewing direction and the side viewing direction is desired. For example, a light source device that includes a first light guide that transmits illumination light that illuminates the side view direction in a side view and a second light guide that transmits illumination light that illuminates the side view direction is provided by a light source device that generates illumination light. In this configuration, illumination light having different brightness is incident on the first light guide and the second light guide.
[0006]
However, in order to use the side endoscope having the above-described configuration, a light source device capable of causing illumination light having different brightness to enter the first light guide and the second light guide is required. That is, the side endoscope having the above configuration requires a dedicated light source device.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention can be connected to a conventional light source device that only allows illumination light to enter a single light guide, and can simultaneously and directly observe a direct-view image and a side-view image. It is an object of the present invention to provide a side endoscope capable of changing the brightness of a captured image between a direction and a side viewing direction.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a sideoscope according to the present invention is configured such that a first imaging area and a second imaging area are arranged in parallel in a first direction, and the first direction is an endoscope. A CCD installed in the endoscope insertion tube so as to be parallel to the axial direction of the endoscope insertion tube, a first objective optical system installed on a longitudinal end surface of the endoscope insertion tube, and a first objective Reflecting means for bending a light beam incident on the first objective optical system so that an image formed by the optical system is formed on the first imaging area; and a second objective provided on a side surface of the endoscope insertion tube. An optical system which is arranged so that a light beam incident thereon forms an image on a second imaging area; and a first objective which is arranged between the first imaging area and the first objective optical system. A first shutter capable of passing / blocking a light beam incident on the optical system, a second imaging area and a second objective optical system. A second shutter capable of passing / blocking a light beam incident on the second objective optical system, and controlling a light beam passing / blocking operation by the first shutter and the second shutter to control the first imaging area and the second shutter. And control means for controlling the time during which the light flux enters the imaging area.
[0009]
According to the present invention, a direct-view image is formed on the first imaging area by the first optical system, and a side-view image is formed on the second imaging area by the second optical system. Therefore, both a direct-view image and a side-view image can be captured by one CCD. Further, according to the present invention, the time during which the first and second shutters allow the light flux to pass can be controlled, so that the image formed on the first imaging area and the image formed on the second imaging area can be formed. It is possible to set the brightness of the image different from that of the image.
[0010]
In the sideoscope according to the present invention, the first imaging area and the second imaging area are arranged in parallel in a first direction, and the first direction is an axial direction of the endoscope distal end insertion tube. A CCD installed in the endoscope insertion tube so as to be parallel to the first endoscope, a first objective optical system installed on a longitudinal end surface of the endoscope insertion tube, and an image formed by the first objective optical system. A reflecting means for bending a light beam incident on the first objective optical system so as to form an image on the first imaging area; and a second objective optical system installed on a side surface of the endoscope insertion tube. The first illuminating light for illuminating the periphery of the first objective optical system is transmitted, and the first illuminating light is transmitted so as to form an image on the second imaging area. And a second light through which second illumination light for illuminating the periphery of the second objective optical system is transmitted. A guide, an optical distributor that splits illumination light supplied from the outside of the side endoscope and makes the split light incident on the first light guide and the second light guide, and the first and second illumination lights. Light amount adjusting means for adjusting the amount of light.
[0011]
In the above configuration, the brightness of the illumination light can be separately controlled in the direct viewing direction and the side viewing direction. Therefore, also in this configuration, the brightness of the image of the image formed on the first imaging area and the brightness of the image of the image formed on the second imaging area can be set separately.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 schematically shows a sideoscope system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The side-endoscope system 500 of the present embodiment includes a side-view type electronic endoscope (hereinafter, “side-endoscope”) 100, an electronic endoscope processor 200, and a monitor 300. The sideoscope 100 includes a direct-view objective optical system 110, a side-view objective optical system 120, a light guide 130, a right-angle prism 140, a CCD unit 150, a connector unit 170, and a changeover switch 180. . The connector section 170 has a built-in ROM 176. The electronic endoscope processor 200 includes a light source unit 220, a timing circuit 230, a first signal processing circuit 250, a memory 260, a scan converter 270, a second signal processing circuit 280, and a system controller 290.
[0013]
The light source unit 220 generates illumination light for irradiating the living body 401 and / or 402 that is the observation target of the side endoscope 100. The light source unit 220 includes a lamp 221, a condenser lens 222, a rotary filter 223, and a stop 224. The lamp 221 is a white light source such as a xenon lamp. The condenser lens 222 condenses the light from the lamp 221 on the light guide base 131 which is the incident end of the light guide 130. The rotation filter 223 is disposed between the light guide base 131 and the condenser lens 222. The rotating filter 223 periodically switches the wavelength band of light incident on the light guide base end 131 by a so-called plane sequential method. That is, the light source unit 220 switches between the red light (R), the green light (G), and the blue light (B) at predetermined time intervals and causes the light guide base 131 to enter. The cycle at which the light source unit 220 switches the wavelength band of light is controlled by the timing circuit 230.
[0014]
The illumination light enters the light guide base end 131 of the light guide 130 via the stop 224. The aperture controls the amount of illumination light incident on the light guide base end 133. The aperture of the stop 224 is set by the system controller 290.
[0015]
The illumination light incident on the light guide proximal end 131 passes through the light guide 130 and the side-view side branch 130a and the direct-view side branch 130b on the distal end side of the sideoscope 100, and passes through the side-view side distal end 132 of the light guide 130. And from the directly viewed distal end 133. The direct-view-side distal end 133 of the light guide 130 is arranged on the longitudinal end surface of the insertion tube tip 161 of the insertion tube 160 of the sideoscope 100. Therefore, the living body 401 near the longitudinal end face of the insertion tube tip 161 is irradiated with the illumination light. The side-view-side distal end 132 of the light guide 130 is arranged on the side surface of the insertion tube tip 161 of the insertion tube 160 of the sideoscope 100. Therefore, the living body 402 near the side surface of the insertion tube tip 161 is irradiated with the illumination light.
[0016]
The CCD unit 150 has a CCD light receiving surface 151. The CCD light receiving surface 151 is a substantially rectangular member. The CCD unit 150 is fixed inside the insertion tube tip 161 so that the longitudinal direction of the CCD light receiving surface 151 is substantially parallel to the axial direction of the insertion tube 160. A first imaging area 151a is defined on the distal end side of the insertion tube of the CCD light receiving surface 151, and a second imaging area 151b is defined on the proximal end side of the insertion tube of the CCD light receiving surface 151.
[0017]
An image of the living body 401 is captured by the direct-view objective optical system 110, the right-angle prism 140, and the CCD unit 150. The light beam incident on the direct-view objective optical system 110 travels toward the right-angle prism 140, where it is bent by 90 degrees to form an image on the first imaging area 151a.
[0018]
The image of the living body 402 is captured by the side-viewing objective optical system 120 and the CCD unit 150. The light beam incident on the side-viewing objective optical system 120 forms an image on the second imaging area 151b.
[0019]
By transmitting a control pulse to the CCD unit 150 by a driver circuit 171 (described later) disposed in the connector section 170 of the side endoscope 100, the timing at which the above-described imaging is performed is controlled. Further, the timing circuit 230 controls the timing of the control pulse transmission by the driver circuit 171. That is, the timing of imaging by the CCD unit 150 is controlled by the timing circuit 230. The imaging method by the CCD unit 150 will be described later.
[0020]
The image signal of the captured video is sent from the CCD unit 150 to the first-stage signal processing circuit 250. In the present embodiment, one field image is captured while a single type of illumination light is being emitted. That is, from the CCD unit 150, an image signal when capturing an image of a living body irradiated with red light, an image signal when capturing an image of a living body irradiated with green light, and an image of a living body irradiated with blue light. The image signal at the time is output in order.
[0021]
The first-stage signal processing circuit 250 converts an image signal from the CCD unit 150 into digital image data. The digital image data converted by the first-stage signal processing circuit 250 is sent to the memory 260.
[0022]
The memory 260 has a first area 261 and a second area 262. The first area 261 has a first R plane 261R, a first G plane 261G, and a first B plane 261B. Similarly, the second area 262 has a second R plane 262R, a second G plane 262G, and a second B plane 262B.
[0023]
When the electronic endoscope is connected to the endoscope processor 200, the system controller 290 of the endoscope processor 200 reads the contents of the ROM 176. The ROM 176 stores the specifications of the electronic endoscope. The system controller 290 determines from the contents of the ROM 176 whether or not the connected electronic endoscope is the side endoscope 100 of the present embodiment.
[0024]
If the electronic endoscope connected to the endoscope processor 200 is the side endoscope 100 of the present embodiment, the first-stage signal processing circuit 250 is illuminated when an image signal from the CCD unit 150 is captured. The type of the illuminating light and the image area in which the image signal was captured are determined. An image signal of an image formed on the first imaging area 151a when irradiated with the red light is digitized and stored in the first R plane 261R. An image signal of an image formed on the first imaging area 151a when irradiated with green light is digitized and stored in the first G plane 261G. An image signal of an image formed on the first imaging area 151a when irradiated with blue light is digitized and stored in the first B plane 261B. An image signal of an image formed on the second imaging area 151b when irradiated with red light is digitized and stored in the second R plane 262R. An image signal of an image formed on the second imaging area 151b when irradiated with the green light is digitized and stored in the second G plane 262G. An image signal of an image formed on the second imaging area 151b when irradiated with blue light is digitized and stored in the second B plane 262B. The timing of storing and reading out each image data in the memory 260 (described later) is controlled by the timing circuit 230.
[0025]
The scan converter 270 reads out the image data stored in the memory 260 and generates one color image data. What image data is generated by the scan converter 270 is determined by the setting of the changeover switch 180. The setting content of the switch 180 is transmitted to the timing circuit 230, and the timing circuit 230 determines what image is to be displayed based on the setting content of the switch 180, and determines only the direct-view image, only the side-view image, or the direct-view image. The scan converter 270 is controlled to generate image data including both side-view images.
[0026]
That is, when the changeover switch 180 is set to “display only a direct-view image”, the scan converter 270 generates color image data using only the digital image data stored in the first area 261. As a result, an image formed on the first imaging area, that is, color image data including only a direct-view image is generated. When the changeover switch 180 is set to “display only a side-view image”, the scan converter 270 generates color image data using only the digital image data stored in the second area 262. As a result, an image formed on the second imaging area, that is, color image data including only the side-view image is generated. When the changeover switch 180 is set to “display a direct-view image and a side-view image”, the scan converter 270 uses both digital image data stored in the first area 261 and the digital image data stored in the second area. To generate color image data. As a result, color image data in which the direct-view image and the side-view image are displayed side by side is generated.
[0027]
The color image data generated by the scan converter 270 is sent to the subsequent signal processing circuit 280. The subsequent signal processing circuit 280 converts the color image data into a video signal such as an NTSC signal and outputs the video signal. The monitor 300 displays this video signal as a color image.
[0028]
The aperture 224 sets the aperture of the aperture to fully open. In the present embodiment, the adjustment of the brightness of the captured image when the side endoscope 100 is connected to the endoscope processor 200 is performed by the side endoscope 100. A method of adjusting the brightness of a captured image by the sideoscope 100 will be described later.
[0029]
Through the above process, the image captured by the CCD unit 150 of the side endoscope 100 is displayed on the monitor 300. The system controller 290 outputs a predetermined control signal to the light source unit 220, the timing circuit 230, the first-stage signal processing circuit 250, the scan converter 270, and the second-stage signal processing circuit 280 to perform control other than the timing.
[0030]
On the other hand, when the system controller 290 determines that the electronic endoscope connected to the endoscope processor 200 is not the side endoscope 100 of the present embodiment, the first-stage signal processing circuit 250 The type of illumination light that was emitted when the image signal was captured is determined. An image signal when illuminated with red light is digitized and stored in the first R plane 261R. The image signal when illuminated with green light is digitized and stored in the first G plane 261G. The image signal when illuminated by the blue light is digitized and stored in the first B plane 261B.
[0031]
The scan converter 270 reads out the image data stored in the memory 260 and generates one color image data.
[0032]
The color image data generated by the scan converter 270 is sent to the subsequent signal processing circuit 280. The subsequent signal processing circuit 280 converts the color image data into a video signal such as an NTSC signal and outputs the video signal. The monitor 300 displays this video signal as a color image.
[0033]
When an electronic endoscope different from the side endoscope 100 of the present embodiment is connected to the endoscope processor 200, the aperture 224 uses the luminance output result from the first-stage signal processing circuit 250, The aperture of the aperture is set so that the brightness of the color image is appropriate.
[0034]
According to the above process, even when an electronic endoscope different from the side endoscope 100 of the present embodiment is connected to the endoscope processor 200, an image is captured by the CCD unit of the electronic endoscope. The image is displayed on the monitor 300.
[0035]
FIG. 2 shows the structure of the CCD unit 150 of the present embodiment. The CCD unit 150 of the present embodiment uses a full frame type CCD. The CCD unit 150 of the present embodiment includes a light receiving surface 151, a horizontal CCD (HCCD) 154, a first shutter means 158a, a second shutter means 158b, a charge detection amplifier (FDA) 156, and a first vertical transfer pulse. It has an input terminal IV1, a second vertical transfer pulse input terminal IV2, and a horizontal transfer pulse input terminal IH.
[0036]
In the first imaging area 151a of the light receiving surface 151, the first light receiving cells 152a are arranged in a matrix of M rows in the vertical direction (X direction in FIG. 2) and N columns in the horizontal direction (Y direction in FIG. 2). In the second imaging area 151b, the second light receiving cells 152b are arranged in a grid shape of M rows in the vertical direction and N columns in the horizontal direction. The HCCD 154 is formed adjacent to a horizontal side 153a of the first imaging area 151a (lower end in FIG. 2) and a horizontal side 153b of the second imaging area 151b (lower end in FIG. 2). A portion of the HCCD 154 adjacent to a side 153a extending in the horizontal direction of the first imaging area 151a is defined as a first HCCD 154a. Further, a portion of the HCCD 154 adjacent to a side 153b extending in the horizontal direction of the second imaging area 151b is defined as a second HCCD 154b.
[0037]
In the HCCD 154, 2 × N horizontal transfer cells are arranged in one row in the horizontal direction. Each of the first HCCD 154a and the second HCCD 154b includes N horizontal transfer cells. The horizontal transfer cells included in the first HCCD 154a are defined as first horizontal transfer cells 155a, and the horizontal transfer cells included in the second HCCD 154b are defined as second horizontal transfer cells 155b. Each of the first horizontal transfer cells 155a is adjacent to each of the first light receiving cells 152a arranged on one side 153a of the first imaging area 151a in a one-to-one relationship. Each of the second horizontal transfer cells 155b is adjacent to each of the second light receiving cells 152b arranged on one side 153b of the second imaging area 151b in a one-to-one relationship. The second horizontal transfer cell 155b adjacent to one end 157 (right end in FIG. 2) of the second HCCD 154b is connected to the charge detection amplifier 156.
[0038]
A transfer pulse from a driver circuit 171 (described later) disposed in the connector section 170 is transmitted to the first vertical transfer pulse input terminal IV1, the second vertical transfer pulse input terminal IV2, and the horizontal transfer pulse input terminal IH. The first vertical transfer pulse input terminal IV1 is connected to each of the first light receiving cells 152a, and the second vertical transfer pulse input terminal IV2 is connected to each of the second light receiving cells 152b. The horizontal transfer pulse input terminal IH is connected to each of the first horizontal transfer cell 155a and the second horizontal transfer cell 155b.
[0039]
In the CCD unit 150 shown in FIG. 2, when a vertical transfer pulse is sent to the first vertical transfer pulse input terminal IV1, the charges accumulated in each of the first light receiving cells 152a are transferred from the first light receiving cell 152a to the HCCD 154. It moves to the first light receiving cell 152a or the first horizontal transfer cell 155a adjacent in the vertical direction (X direction). That is, the charges accumulated in the first light receiving cells 152a arranged on one side 153a of the first light receiving cell 152a move to the first horizontal transfer cell 155a adjacent in the X direction. The other charges accumulated in the first light receiving cells 152a move to the first light receiving cells 152a adjacent in the X direction.
[0040]
When a vertical transfer pulse is sent to the second vertical transfer pulse input terminal IV2, the electric charge accumulated in each of the second light receiving cells 152b is shifted in the vertical direction (X direction) from the second light receiving cell 152b toward the HCCD 154. It moves to the adjacent second light receiving cell 152b or second horizontal transfer cell 155b. That is, the charges accumulated in the second light receiving cells 152b arranged on one side 153b of the second light receiving cell 152b move to the second horizontal transfer cell 155b adjacent in the X direction. The other charges stored in the second light receiving cells 152b move to the second light receiving cells 152b adjacent in the X direction.
[0041]
When a horizontal transfer pulse is sent to the horizontal transfer pulse input terminal IH, the charges accumulated in each of the horizontal transfer cells 155a and 155b of the HCCD 154 are adjacent to the horizontal transfer cell and the charge detection amplifier 156 (in the Y direction). To the horizontal transfer cell or the charge detection amplifier 156. That is, the charges accumulated in the horizontal transfer cell 155b at one end (the right end in FIG. 2) of the HCCD 154 move to the charge detection amplifier 156. The charges accumulated in the other horizontal transfer cells move to the horizontal transfer cells.
[0042]
The charge that has moved to the charge detection amplifier 156 is converted into a voltage change and sent to the first-stage signal processing circuit 250 (FIG. 1) as an image signal.
[0043]
The first shutter means 158a is disposed between the first imaging area 151a and the right angle prism 140. The first shutter unit 158a is, for example, a liquid crystal shutter, and can block a light beam that enters the direct-view objective optical system 110 and travels toward the first imaging area 151a. That is, when the first shutter means 158a is "open", the light beam incident on the direct-view objective optical system 110 forms an image on the first imaging area 151a via the right-angle prism 140. On the other hand, when the first shutter means 158a is "closed", the first imaging area 151a is shielded, and the light beam that has entered the direct-view objective optical system 110 does not enter the first imaging area 151a.
[0044]
The second shutter means 158b is arranged between the second imaging area 151b and the side-view objective optical system 120. The second shutter means 158b is, for example, a liquid crystal shutter similarly to the above, and can block a light beam which enters the side-viewing objective optical system 120 and travels toward the second imaging area 151b. That is, when the second shutter means 158b is "open", the light beam incident on the side-viewing objective optical system 120 forms an image on the second imaging area 151b. On the other hand, when the second shutter means 158b is "closed", the second imaging area 151b is shielded, and the light beam that has entered the side-view objective optical system 120 does not enter the second imaging area 151b.
[0045]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the connector section 170 of the sideoscope 100. The connector section 170 includes a driver circuit 171, a signal distribution circuit 172, a first signal level detection circuit 173a, a second signal level detection circuit 173b, a first comparator 174a, a second comparator 174b, a first pulse width control 175a, It has a two-pulse width control 175b and a ROM 176.
[0046]
The driver circuit 171 uses the clock sent from the timing circuit 230 to generate a vertical transfer pulse sent to the first vertical transfer pulse input terminal IV1, a vertical transfer pulse sent to the second vertical transfer pulse input terminal IV2, and a horizontal transfer pulse. It generates a horizontal transfer pulse sent to the input terminal IH.
[0047]
The image signal from the CCD unit 150 is sent to the first-stage signal processing circuit 250 and the signal distribution circuit 172.
[0048]
The signal distribution circuit 172 uses the clock transmitted from the timing circuit 230 to divide the image signal into a signal based on the first imaging area 151a and a signal based on the second imaging area 151b. An image signal corresponding to the image formed on the first imaging area 151a is sent to the first signal level detection circuit 173a. An image signal corresponding to an image formed on the second imaging area 151b is sent to the second signal level detection circuit 173b.
[0049]
The first signal level detection circuit 173a adds the input image signal for one field and calculates the luminance level of the image signal for one field (that is, the brightness level of the image formed on the first imaging area 151a). To detect. The time for transmitting the image signal for one field is determined from the clock generated by the timing circuit 230. The detected luminance level is sent to the first comparator 174a.
[0050]
The first comparator 174a compares the luminance level sent from the first signal level detection circuit 173a with the direct-view image reference level sent from the system controller 290 (FIG. 1). The comparison result is sent to the first pulse width control 175a. Note that the reference level for the direct-view image is variable.
[0051]
The first pulse width control 175a generates a pulse signal having a pulse width that determines the opening time of the first shutter 158a (that is, the exposure time of the first imaging area 151a) from the comparison result sent from the first comparator 174a. I do. This open time is feedback-controlled so that the difference between the luminance direct-view image level of the image signal for one field and the reference level is reduced. As a result, the opening time is set so that the luminance level of the image signal for one field is substantially constant. In other words, the brightness of the direct-view image can be adjusted by appropriately changing the reference level for the direct-view image. When the changeover switch 180 is set to “display only a direct-view image” and “display a direct-view image and a side-view image”, the signal level of the first pulse width control 175a becomes High for the opening time of the first shutter. Such a pulse is generated and sent to the first shutter 158a. The first shutter 158a is "open" while the input signal level is high, and "closed" while the input signal level is low. The timing of sending this pulse to the first shutter 158a is determined by the clock generated by the timing circuit 230. That is, this pulse is sent to the first shutter 158a at the timing when the imaging of one field is started. Therefore, on the other hand, when the changeover switch 180 is set to “display only the side-view image”, the first pulse width control 175a does not generate a pulse signal.
[0052]
By continuously sending the pulse signal of the predetermined pulse width to the first shutter 158a by the above-described mechanism, the changeover switch 180 is set to “display only the direct-view image” and “display the direct-view image and the side-view image”. When set, the luminance level of the image signal captured on the first imaging area 151a is kept substantially constant. When the changeover switch 180 is set to “display only the side-view image”, the first imaging area 151a is optically masked by the first shutter 158a.
[0053]
The second signal level detection circuit 173b adds the input image signal for one field and calculates the luminance level of the image signal for one field (that is, the brightness level of the image formed on the second imaging area 151b). To detect. The time for transmitting the image signal for one field is determined from the clock generated by the timing circuit 230. The detected luminance level is sent to the second comparator 174b.
[0054]
The second comparator 174b compares the luminance level sent from the second signal level detection circuit 173b with the side-view image reference level sent from the system controller 290 (FIG. 1). The comparison result is sent to the second pulse width control 175b. The side-view image reference level is variable.
[0055]
The second pulse width control 175b generates a pulse signal having a pulse width that determines the opening time of the second shutter 158b (that is, the exposure time of the second imaging area 151b) from the comparison result sent from the second comparator 174b. I do. This open time is feedback-controlled so that the difference between the luminance level of the image signal for one field and the reference level for the side view image is reduced. As a result, the opening time is set so that the luminance level of the image signal for one field is substantially constant. In other words, the brightness of the side-view image can be adjusted by appropriately changing the reference level for the side-view image. When the changeover switch 180 is set to “display only a side-view image” and “display a direct-view image and a side-view image”, the second pulse width control 175b changes the signal level to High only for the opening time of the second shutter. A pulse is generated and sent to the second shutter 158b. The timing of sending this pulse to the second shutter 158b is determined by the clock generated by the timing circuit 230. That is, this pulse is sent to the second shutter 158b at the timing when the imaging of one field is started. On the other hand, when the changeover switch 180 is set to “display only a direct-view image”, the second pulse width control 175b does not generate a pulse signal.
[0056]
By continuously transmitting the pulse signal of the predetermined pulse width to the second shutter 158b by the above-described mechanism, the change-over switch 180 is set to “display only the side-view image” and “display the direct-view image and the side-view image”. Is set, the luminance level of the image signal captured on the second imaging area 151b is kept substantially constant. When the changeover switch 180 is set to “display only a direct-view image”, the second imaging area 151b is optically masked by the second shutter 158b.
[0057]
FIG. 4 is a time chart showing the input timing of the vertical transfer pulse and the horizontal transfer pulse when the changeover switch 180 (FIG. 1) is set to “display only a direct-view image”.
[0058]
SVa is a vertical transfer pulse sent to the first vertical transfer pulse input terminal IV1. SVb is a vertical transfer pulse sent to the second vertical transfer pulse input terminal IV2. SH is a horizontal transfer pulse sent to the horizontal transfer pulse input terminal IH.
[0059]
As shown in FIG. 4, when the changeover switch 180 (FIG. 1) is set to “display only a direct-view image”, a pulse is sent once to the first vertical transfer pulse input terminal IV1, and then the horizontal transfer pulse is input. A pulse is sent to the terminal IH a plurality of times (2 × N times). By sending a pulse once to the first vertical transfer pulse input terminal IV1, the charge accumulated in each of the first light receiving cells 152a moves toward the first stage first HCCD 154a. By transmitting a pulse to the horizontal transfer pulse input terminal IH 2 × N times, all the electric charges accumulated in the HCCD 154 are sequentially transmitted to the electric charge detection amplifier 156. By transmitting the transfer pulse at such a timing, only the image signal of the image formed on the first imaging area 151a is output from the charge detection amplifier 156.
[0060]
FIG. 5 is a time chart showing the input timing of the vertical transfer pulse and the horizontal transfer pulse when the changeover switch 180 (FIG. 1) is set to “display only the side-view image”.
[0061]
As shown in FIG. 5, when the changeover switch 180 (FIG. 1) is set to “display only the side-view image”, a pulse is sent once to the second vertical transfer pulse input terminal IV2, and then the horizontal transfer pulse is input. The pulse is sent to the input terminal IH a plurality of times (N times). By sending a pulse once to the second vertical transfer pulse input terminal IV2, the charges accumulated in each of the second light receiving cells 152b move toward the first stage second HCCD 154b. By sending a pulse to the horizontal transfer pulse input terminal IH N times, all the charges accumulated in the HCCD 154 are sequentially sent to the charge detection amplifier 156. By transmitting the transfer pulse at such a timing, only the image signal of the image formed on the second imaging area 151b is output from the charge detection amplifier 156.
[0062]
FIG. 6 is a time chart showing the input timing of the vertical transfer pulse and the horizontal transfer pulse when the changeover switch 180 (FIG. 1) is set to “display a direct-view image and a side-view image”.
[0063]
As shown in FIG. 6, when the changeover switch 180 (FIG. 1) is set to “display a direct-view image and a side-view image”, the first vertical transfer pulse input terminal IV1 and the second vertical transfer pulse input terminal A pulse is sent once to IV2, and then a plurality of pulses (2 × N times) are sent to the horizontal transfer pulse input terminal IH. By sending a pulse once to the first vertical transfer pulse input terminal IV1, the charge accumulated in each of the first light receiving cells 152a moves toward the first HCCD 154a. By sending a pulse once to the second vertical transfer pulse input terminal IV2, the charges accumulated in each of the second light receiving cells 152b move toward the first stage second HCCD 154b. By transmitting a pulse to the horizontal transfer pulse input terminal IH 2 × N times, all the electric charges accumulated in the HCCD 154 are sequentially transmitted to the electric charge detection amplifier 156. By transmitting the transfer pulse at such a timing, both the image signal of the image formed on the first imaging area 151a and the image signal of the image formed on the second imaging area 151b are converted to the charge detection amplifier 156. Output from
[0064]
FIGS. 7 and 8 are a perspective view and a plan view, respectively, schematically showing an image pickup state on the CCD light receiving surface 151 of the CCD unit 150 of the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing image data stored in each plane of each area of the memory 260 based on the image signals output from the CCD unit 150 of FIGS.
[0065]
As shown in FIG. 7, the light beam from the character “F” imitating the observation target of the living body 401 is inverted right and left and up and down via the direct-view objective optical system 110, projected on the right-angle prism 140, and bent at 90 degrees there. Then, the light flux from the character “F” imitating the observation target of the living body 402 is reversed right and left and up and down via the side-viewing objective optical system 1120 to the second imaging area 151b. As shown in FIG. 8, each light flux forms an image on the first imaging area 151a and the second imaging area 151b. The CCD unit 150 transmits an image signal corresponding to the formed image to the first-stage signal processing circuit 250 (FIG. 1). The first-stage signal processing circuit 250 converts the transmitted image signal into digital image data and transmits the digital image data to the memory 260.
[0066]
The digital image data transmitted to the memory 260 is stored in each plane of each area of the memory 260 as shown in FIG. That is, digital image data corresponding to a video image formed in the first imaging area 151a of the CCD unit 150 is stored in a predetermined plane of the first area 261 in the form shown in FIG. 9B, and is stored in the second imaging area 151b. The digital image data corresponding to the image formed on the second area 262 is stored in a predetermined plane in the second area 262 in the form shown in FIG. If the image formed in each imaging area is a normal image in the charge transfer direction, the digital image data is stored in the form shown in FIG. 9A, and the address control at the time of reading is the same as the address control at the time of storage. Although they are the same, actually, the images formed in the first imaging area 151a and the second imaging area 151b do not become normal images, and therefore, the address control at the time of reading must be changed from the address control at the time of storage. That is, in the case of FIG. 9B, the address is read in the direction of the arrow starting from the address of the lower left corner, and when the reading by the address of the upper corner is completed, one line is moved in the direction of the outlined arrow, and the lower corner is again read. The operation of changing the address in the direction of the arrow and reading is repeated. In the case of FIG. 9C, reading is performed by changing the address in the direction of the arrow starting from the address of the upper left corner, and when reading by the address of the lower corner is completed, one line is moved in the direction of the outlined arrow and the direction of the arrow again from the upper corner. The operation of changing the address and reading is repeated. By performing such a reading operation on the memory 260, a normal image is displayed on the monitor 300 in both the direct-view image and the side-view image.
[0067]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, both a direct-view image and a side-view image can be captured, and the brightness of the direct-view image and the side-view image can be separately adjusted.
[0068]
In the present embodiment, the brightness of the direct-view image and the brightness of the side-view image are separately adjusted by controlling the opening time of the first shutter 158a and the second shutter 158b. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, a configuration is possible in which the amount of illumination light emitted from the light guide on the side viewing side and the amount of illumination light emitted from the light guide on the side viewing side can be separately controlled. A second embodiment of the present invention described below is a sideoscope system having such a configuration.
[0069]
FIG. 10 schematically shows a sideoscope system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The side-endoscope system 1500 of the present embodiment includes a side-view type electronic endoscope (hereinafter, side-endoscope) 1100, an electronic endoscope processor 200, and a monitor 300. The sideoscope 1100 of the present embodiment includes a direct-view objective optical system 110, a side-view objective optical system 120, a proximal-side light guide 1300, a direct-view side light guide 1301, a side-view side light guide 1302, It has a right-angle prism 140, a CCD unit 150, a connector 1170, and a changeover switch 180. The connector 1170 has a built-in ROM 1176.
[0070]
The configurations of the electronic endoscope processor 200 and the monitor 300 are the same as those of the first embodiment of the present invention, and thus the description is omitted.
[0071]
In the present embodiment, the illumination light generated by the light source unit 220 enters the light guide base 1303 of the base light guide 1300. The illumination light that has entered the light guide proximal end 1303 passes through the proximal end light guide 1300 and is directed toward the direct viewing side light guide 1301 by an optical distributor (described later) in the connector portion 1170, and the side viewing side. The light is distributed to the side-viewing illumination light traveling toward the light guide 1302. The direct-view illumination light is emitted from the light guide distal end (direct-view side) 1310 of the direct-view side light guide 1301. The side-view illumination light is emitted from a light guide distal end (side-view side) 1320 of the side-view side light guide 1302. The light guide distal end (direct viewing side) 1310 is arranged on the longitudinal end surface of the insertion tube tip 161 of the insertion tube 160 of the sideoscope 1100. Therefore, the living body 401 near the longitudinal end face of the insertion tube tip 161 is irradiated with the illumination light. The light guide distal end (side view side) 1320 is arranged on the side surface of the insertion tube tip 161 of the insertion tube 160 of the sideoscope 1100. Therefore, the living body 402 near the side surface of the insertion tube tip 161 is irradiated with the illumination light.
[0072]
The configurations of the direct-view objective optical system 110, the side-view objective optical system 120, the right-angle prism 140, the CCD unit 150, the connector 1170, and the changeover switch 180 are the same as those in the first embodiment of the present invention. The description is omitted.
[0073]
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the connector 1170 of the sideoscope 1100. The connector section 1170 includes a driver circuit 1171, a signal distribution circuit 1172, a first signal level detection circuit 1173a, a second signal level detection circuit 1173b, a first comparator 1174a, a second comparator 1174b, an optical distributor 1175, and a first key. It has an optical device 1177a, a second dimmer 1177b, a shutter control circuit 1178, and a ROM 1176. The ROM 1176 stores the same contents as those of the ROM 176 in the first embodiment, and is read out by the system controller 290 as in the first embodiment.
[0074]
The light guide distal end 1304 of the proximal light guide 1300 is connected to the optical distributor 1175. The optical distributor 1175 distributes the illumination light transmitted via the proximal light guide 1300 to the first dimmer 1177a and the second dimmer 1177b.
[0075]
The driver circuit 1171 uses the clock sent from the timing circuit 230 to generate a vertical transfer pulse signal sent to the first vertical transfer pulse input terminal IV1, a vertical transfer pulse signal sent to the second vertical transfer pulse input terminal IV2, and a horizontal transfer pulse signal. A horizontal transfer pulse signal sent to the transfer pulse input terminal IH is generated.
[0076]
The image signal from the charge detection amplifier 156 of the CCD unit 150 is sent to the first-stage signal processing circuit 250 and the dimming control circuit 1172.
[0077]
The signal distribution circuit 1172 uses the clock sent from the timing circuit 230 to divide the image signal into that of the first imaging area 151a and that of the second imaging area 151b. An image signal corresponding to an image formed on the first imaging area 151a is sent to a first signal level detection circuit 1173a. An image signal corresponding to an image formed on the second imaging area 151b is sent to the second signal level detection circuit 1173b.
[0078]
The first signal level detection circuit 1173a adds the input image signal for one field and calculates the luminance level of the image signal for one field (that is, the level of the brightness of the image formed on the first imaging area 151a). To detect. The time for transmitting the image signal for one field is determined from the clock generated by the timing circuit 230. The detected luminance level is sent to the first comparator 1174a.
[0079]
The first comparator 1174a compares the luminance level sent from the first signal level detection circuit 1173a with the direct-view image reference level sent from the system controller 290 (FIG. 1). The comparison result is sent to the first dimmer 1177a. Note that the reference level for the direct-view image is variable.
[0080]
The first dimmer 1177a is a kind of stop, and reduces the amount of illumination light sent to the first dimmer 1177a to make the light enter the entrance end of the direct-view side light guide 1301. The amount of illumination light incident on the incident end of the direct-view side light guide 1301 is determined by the aperture of the stop. The first dimmer 1177a determines the opening degree of the aperture from the comparison result sent from the first comparator 1174a. The opening is feedback-controlled to such an extent that the difference between the luminance level of the image signal for one field and the reference level for the direct-view image is reduced. As a result, the aperture of the aperture is set so that the luminance level of the image signal for one field is substantially constant.
[0081]
By controlling the opening of the aperture of the first dimmer 1177a by the above-described mechanism, the luminance level of the image signal captured on the first imaging area 151a is kept substantially constant. In other words, the brightness of the direct-view image can be adjusted by appropriately changing the reference level for the direct-view image.
[0082]
The second signal level detection circuit 1173b adds the input image signal for one field and calculates the luminance level of the image signal for one field (that is, the brightness level of the image formed on the second imaging area 151b). To detect. The time for transmitting the image signal for one field is determined from the clock generated by the timing circuit 230. The detected luminance level is sent to the second comparator 1174b.
[0083]
The second comparator 1174b compares the luminance level sent from the second signal level detection circuit 1173b with the side-view image reference level sent from the system controller 290 (FIG. 1). The comparison result is sent to the second dimmer 1177b. The side-view image reference level is variable.
[0084]
The second dimmer 1177b is a type of stop, and reduces the amount of illumination light sent to the second dimmer 1177b to make the light enter the entrance end of the side viewing side light guide 1302. The amount of illumination light incident on the incident end of the side view side light guide 1302 is determined by the aperture of the stop. The second dimmer 1177b determines the aperture of the aperture from the comparison result sent from the second comparator 1174b. This opening is feedback-controlled to such an extent that the difference between the luminance level of the image signal for one field and the reference level for the side view image is reduced. As a result, the aperture of the aperture is set so that the luminance level of the image signal for one field is substantially constant.
[0085]
By controlling the opening degree of the aperture of the second dimmer 1177b by the above-described mechanism, the luminance level of the image signal captured on the second imaging area 151b is kept substantially constant. In other words, the brightness of the side-view image can be adjusted by appropriately changing the reference level for the side-view image.
[0086]
The shutter control circuit 1178 controls the first shutter 158a and the second shutter 158b according to the setting of the changeover switch 180. That is, when the changeover switch 180 (FIG. 10) is set to “display only a direct-view image”, the first mask 158 a (FIG. 2) is “open”, the second mask 158 b is “closed”, Only the light beam incident on the direct-view objective optical system 110 forms an image on the light receiving surface 151. When the changeover switch 180 (FIG. 10) is set to “display only the side-view image”, the first mask 158 a (FIG. 2) is set to “closed”, and the second mask 158 b is set to “open”. Only the light beam incident on the viewing objective optical system 120 forms an image on the light receiving surface 151. When the changeover switch 180 (FIG. 10) is set to “display only a direct-view image”, both the first mask 158a (FIG. 2) and the second mask 158b are “open”, and the direct-view objective optical system 110 Both the incident light beam and the light beam incident on the side-viewing objective optical system 120 form an image on the light receiving surface 151.
[0087]
As described above, also in the present embodiment, both the direct-view image and the side-view image can be captured, and the brightness of the direct-view image and the side-view image can be separately adjusted.
[0088]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to connect to a conventional light source device that only allows illumination light to enter a single light guide, to simultaneously observe a direct-view image and a side-view image, and to perform a direct-view direction. A side endoscope capable of changing the brightness of a captured image between the side view direction and the side view direction is realized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 schematically shows a sideoscope system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a CCD unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a connector section according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a time chart showing input timings of a vertical transfer pulse and a horizontal transfer pulse when the changeover switch is set to “display only a direct-view image” in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a time chart showing input timings of a vertical transfer pulse and a horizontal transfer pulse when the changeover switch is set to “display only a side-view image” in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a time chart showing input timings of a vertical transfer pulse and a horizontal transfer pulse when the changeover switch is set to “display a direct-view image and a side-view image” in the first embodiment of the present invention. is there.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing an imaging state on a CCD light receiving surface 151 of the CCD unit 150 of the embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a plan view schematically showing an imaging state on a CCD light receiving surface 151 of the CCD unit 150 of the embodiment.
9 is a diagram schematically illustrating image data stored in each plane of each area of a memory 260 based on image signals output from the CCD unit 150 of FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG.
FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a sideoscope system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a connector section according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[Description of sign]
100 sideoscope
110 Objective optical system for direct viewing
120 Objective optical system for side view
130 Light Guide
140 right angle prism
150 CCD unit
151 light receiving surface
151a First imaging area
151b Second imaging area
152a first light receiving cell
152b second light receiving cell
154 horizontal CCD
154a First HCCD
154b 2nd HCCD
155a First horizontal transfer cell
155b Second horizontal transfer cell
156 Charge detection amplifier (FDA)
158a First shutter means
158b Second shutter means
170 Connector
171 Driver circuit
172 Signal distribution circuit
173a First signal level detection circuit
173b Second signal level detection circuit
174a first comparator
174b Second comparator
175a 1st pulse width control
175b Second pulse width control
176 ROM
180 selector switch
200 Electronic endoscope processor
220 light source unit
230 Timing Circuit
250 first stage signal processing circuit
260 memory
270 Scan Converter
280 Post-stage signal processing circuit
290 System controller
300 monitors
500 lateral endoscope system
1100 Sideoscope
1300 Base end light guide
1301 Direct view side light guide
1302 Side viewing side light guide
1170 Connector
1171 Driver circuit
1172 Signal distribution circuit
1173a First signal level detection circuit
1173b Second signal level detection circuit
1174a first comparator
1174b Second comparator
1175 Optical distributor
1176 ROM
1177a First dimmer
1177b Second dimmer
1178 Shutter control circuit
1500 lateral endoscope system
IV1 First vertical pulse input terminal
IV2 Second vertical pulse input terminal
IH horizontal pulse input terminal

Claims (5)

An endoscope in which a first imaging area and a second imaging area are arranged in parallel in a first direction, and the first direction is parallel to an axial direction of the endoscope insertion tube. A CCD installed in the insertion tube,
A first objective optical system installed on a longitudinal end surface of the endoscope tip insertion tube;
Reflecting means for bending a light beam incident on the first objective optical system so that an image formed by the first objective optical system is formed on the first imaging area;
A second objective optical system installed on a side surface of the endoscope tip insertion tube, wherein the light beam incident thereon is arranged so as to form an image on the second imaging area;
A first shutter disposed between the first imaging area and the first objective optical system and capable of passing / blocking a light beam incident on the first objective optical system;
A second shutter disposed between the second imaging area and the second objective optical system and capable of passing / blocking a light beam incident on the second objective optical system;
Control means for controlling a light beam passing / blocking operation by the first shutter and the second shutter, and controlling a time at which the light beam enters the first imaging area and the second imaging area;
A sideoscope having a. 2. The sideoscope according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal transfer CCD of the CCD is arranged on one side of the CCD parallel to the first direction. The electric charge accumulated in the first imaging area is moved separately by a first vertical transfer pulse, and the electric charge accumulated in the second imaging area is moved separately by a second vertical transfer pulse. The sideoscope according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A first imaging area and a second imaging area are arranged in parallel in a first direction, and the endoscope is configured such that the first direction is parallel to the axial direction of the endoscope insertion tube. A CCD installed in the mirror tip insertion tube,
A first objective optical system installed on a longitudinal end surface of the endoscope tip insertion tube;
Reflecting means for bending a light beam incident on the first objective optical system so that an image formed by the first objective optical system is formed on the first imaging area;
A second objective optical system installed on a side surface of the endoscope tip insertion tube, wherein the light beam incident thereon is arranged so as to form an image on the second imaging area;
A first light guide through which a first illumination light for illuminating the periphery of the first objective optical system is transmitted;
A second light guide through which second illumination light for illuminating the periphery of the second objective optical system is transmitted;
An optical distributor that splits illumination light supplied from the outside of the side endoscope into the first light guide and the second light guide,
Light amount adjusting means for adjusting light amounts of the first illumination light and the second illumination light,
A sideoscope, comprising: The side endoscope according to claim 4, wherein the optical distributor and the light amount adjusting unit are built in a connector part of the side endoscope.

Images