JP2009112507A - Method and apparatus for information control, and endoscope system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To output information by an output mode according to the output performance of an information output apparatus even when the apparatus is replaced. <P>SOLUTION: When a power source of a processor device 13 is turned on, a CPU 27 etc. is started to obtain information of output performance such as the aspect ratio of the screen 15a of a main monitor 15, the aspect ratio of the screen 16a of a sub monitor 16. When an insertion part 18 is inserted into the body cavity of a patient, inside of a living body can be observed. The CPU 27 selects a template corresponding to the aspect ratio of an image and the aspect ratio of the screen 15a of a main monitor 15 or the aspect ratio of the screen 16a of a sub monitor 16 from a template DB 32. On the screen of the main monitor 15, the image is displayed together with character information on a patient ID etc. by layout utilizing the selected template. On the screen of the sub monitor 16, the image is displayed by layout utilizing the selected template. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information control method and apparatus for controlling an output state of information, and an endoscope system.

  In a system that outputs a captured image in real time, for example, an endoscope system, an image signal transmitted from an image sensor incorporated in an electronic endoscope is converted into image data by an information control device. The converted image data is displayed on the monitor screen in real time as an endoscopic image together with characters such as the patient name and examination date. The doctor makes a diagnosis by observing the image displayed on the screen of the monitor.

  Some information control devices are connected to a sub-monitor (see, for example, Patent Document 1). By using the sub monitor for patients, informed consent can be performed smoothly. In the invention described in Patent Document 1, images can be displayed at different magnifications for each monitor screen, and can be used in accordance with user preferences and diagnostic methods.

  In addition to a monitor having a screen for displaying an image, there is an information control device to which different types of information output devices such as a printer are connected (for example, see Patent Document 2). In the invention described in Patent Document 2, it is possible to set whether to output characters such as a patient name for each information output device. The patient's privacy can be protected by outputting the patient name in accordance with the use.

  By the way, the screen size of a monitor that displays an image is standardized by an aspect ratio, and there are various standards such as a standard size of 4: 3 and a wide size of 16: 9.

  In principle, an image having an aspect ratio corresponding to the aspect ratio of the screen is displayed on the monitor screen. On the other hand, it is possible to display an image with an aspect ratio that does not correspond to the aspect ratio of the screen, but in this case, the display form needs to be adjusted according to the aspect ratio of the screen. For example, when an image to be displayed on a standard size monitor is output to a wide size monitor, non-display portions 101 and 102 are provided on the left and right sides of the screen as shown in FIG. 23, or as shown in FIG. Is stretched in the left-right direction, or a part of the image protrudes from the screen as shown in FIG.

Also, if the image to be output becomes rough because the screen resolution of the monitor is low, the characters displayed together with the accompanying information also become rough, so the character size is adjusted according to the screen resolution so that the characters are not crushed There is also a need to do. Thus, it is necessary to output information such as images and characters in a form according to output performance such as the screen aspect ratio and resolution.
JP 2003-024273 A JP-A-11-341484

  The information control device described in Patent Document 1 is connected to a monitor with a screen aspect ratio of 4: 3 and a monitor with a 16: 9. Each monitor displays an image with the magnification adjusted. However, it is not assumed that the monitor will be replaced, and the output form of information such as images cannot be adjusted when the monitor is replaced with a monitor with different output performance.

  Further, Patent Document 2 does not mention any output performance of a monitor connected to the information control apparatus, and the output form cannot be adjusted.

  Such a problem that the output form cannot be adjusted is not limited to display on a monitor screen, and similarly occurs when outputting to a printer or other information output device.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an information control method and apparatus capable of outputting information such as an image in an output form corresponding to the output performance even when the information output apparatus is replaced, and An object is to provide an endoscope system.

  In order to achieve the above object, an information control apparatus according to the present invention is an information control apparatus in which an information acquisition apparatus that acquires medical diagnosis information and an information output apparatus that outputs medical diagnosis information are connected. An acquisition unit that acquires information on the output performance of the apparatus and a control unit that controls the output form of medical diagnosis information according to the information on the output performance are provided.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the acquisition unit has receiving means for automatically receiving output performance information.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the receiving means is a digital visual interface.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the acquisition unit has first operation input means for inputting information on output performance.

  In the invention according to claim 5, the control unit controls the output form of the medical diagnosis information according to the medical diagnosis information together with the output performance information.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided storage means for storing information on a plurality of output forms corresponding to the output performance. Further, the control unit performs control by reading out information on the output form from the storage means.

  According to the seventh aspect of the invention, there are provided display means for displaying a plurality of output forms, and second operation input means for selecting an output form to be used from among the plurality of output forms.

  In the invention described in claim 8, the medical diagnosis information includes an image obtained by imaging the inside of the subject with the information acquisition device, and characters representing the information on the subject.

  In the ninth aspect of the invention, the output form is set so that the image has the maximum size within the region where the medical diagnosis information is output in the information output device.

  In the invention described in claim 10, the output form is set so that characters are arranged in an empty area outside the area for outputting an image in the information output apparatus.

  In the invention described in claim 11, the output performance is the resolution of the area where the medical diagnosis information is output in the information output device. The output form is set so that the character size is changed according to the resolution.

  In the invention described in claim 12, the medical diagnosis information further includes a processed image obtained by processing the image.

  In the invention described in claim 13, the output form is set so that the image and the processed image are output side by side in the region where the medical diagnosis information is output in the information output apparatus.

  In the invention described in claim 14, the output performance is at least one of an aspect ratio and a resolution of a region where medical diagnostic information is output in the information output device.

  In the invention described in claim 15, the information acquisition device is an endoscope provided with a solid-state imaging device for imaging the inside of the subject.

  In the invention described in claim 16, the information output device is a monitor.

  An information control method of the present invention includes an acquisition step of acquiring output performance information of an information output device that outputs medical diagnosis information, and an output step of outputting medical diagnosis information in an output form corresponding to the output performance information. ing.

  An endoscope system of the present invention acquires an endoscope that images an inside of a subject and acquires an image, an information output device that outputs medical diagnosis information including the image, and information on output performance of the information output device An acquisition unit and a control unit that controls the output form of the medical diagnosis information according to the output performance information are provided.

  According to the information control method and apparatus and the endoscope system of the present invention, the information of the output performance of the information output device that outputs the medical diagnosis information is acquired, and the medical diagnosis information is output in the output form according to the information of the output performance. Therefore, even if the information output device is replaced, information such as an image can be output in an output form corresponding to the output performance.

  An endoscope system 11 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is a system that is used when a doctor diagnoses a patient, and is an electronic endoscope (endoscope) that images a patient's body cavity (inside a subject). , An information acquisition device) 12, a processor device (information control device) 13 for capturing a medical image (image) taken by the endoscope 12, and an operation unit (operation input means) for inputting an operation signal for operating the processor device 13. ) 14, a main monitor 15 having screens 15 a and 16 a for displaying images taken in the processor device 13 and various operation screens, a sub-monitor 16, and an illumination device 24.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the endoscope 12 includes a cable-shaped insertion portion 18 that is inserted into a body cavity from the oral cavity of a patient, and a grip portion 19 that is held by a doctor. The processor device 13 and the lighting device 24 are connected. The distal end 18 a of the fiber 26 that guides light from the illumination device 24 is exposed at the distal end 18 a of the insertion portion 18. In addition, a photographic lens 22 is provided, and an image sensor 23 is built in over the photographic lens 22. The image sensor 23 forms an image of the subject light guided by the photographing lens 22 and inputs an image signal to the processor device 13. The grasping part 19 is provided with a photographing button 25. The shooting button 25 is pressed when shooting a still image.

  In FIG. 2, the processor device 13 has a CPU 27. The CPU 27 comprehensively controls the entire processor device 13 in accordance with an operation signal input from the operation unit 14 or the like. In addition to the operation unit 14, the CPU 27 has an input interface (input I / F) 29, a RAM 30, an image generation circuit 31, a template database (template DB) 32, and display control circuits 33 and 34 via a data bus 28. Is connected.

  The input I / F 29 is, for example, a connector, to which the endoscope 12 is connected, captures data such as imaging signals and specifications from the endoscope 12 and transfers them to the RAM 30. The RAM 30 is a working memory for the CPU 27 to execute processing, and temporarily stores data fetched from the input I / F 29. The image generation circuit 31 reads an imaging signal temporarily stored in the RAM 30, and then performs predetermined conversion processing such as YC conversion processing to generate an image. The generated image is stored in the RAM 30 again.

  A template DB (storage means) 32 stores templates related to the layout of images generated by the image generation circuit 31. There are a plurality of types of templates based on the relationship between the aspect ratio of the image and the aspect ratio of the screens of the monitors 15 and 16. Note that the aspect ratio of the image is a known value derived from the relationship between the photographing lens 22 and the imaging element 23, that is, the imaging performance of the endoscope 12.

  The template 36 shown in FIG. 3 displays an image having an aspect ratio of 4: 3 on a screen having an aspect ratio of 4: 3 (for example, a screen having a size of 1280 × 960). It has the area | region 37 in the center. The image display area 37 has a shape in which the upper and lower parts of the circle are removed in order to correspond to the shape of the image to be displayed. This shape depends on the fact that the taking lens 22 is circular and the image pickup element 23 is rectangular. The image display area 37 is set as large as possible so that its aspect ratio is 4: 3. A region 38 other than the image display region 37 and indicated by oblique lines is a character information display region 38 for displaying information such as characters. Note that the aspect ratios in the present specification are shown as horizontal: vertical.

  Similarly, the template 39 shown in FIG. 4 displays an image having an aspect ratio of 4: 3 on a screen having an aspect ratio of 5: 4 (for example, a screen having a size of 1280 × 1024). An image display area 40 is provided. The image display area 40 has a shape obtained by removing the upper and lower parts of the circle in order to correspond to the shape of the image to be displayed, and has the same shape as the image display area 37 (see FIG. 3) of the template 36. is doing. Further, the image display area 40 is set as large as possible so that the aspect ratio thereof is 4: 3, and is arranged near the upper center of the template 39. A region 41 other than the image display region 40 and indicated by hatching is a character information display region 41 for displaying information such as characters.

  A template 42 shown in FIG. 5 displays an image having an aspect ratio of 4: 3 on a screen having an aspect ratio of 16: 9 (for example, a screen having a size of 1920 × 1080). An image display area 43 is provided. The image display area 43 has a shape in which the upper and lower parts of the circle are removed in order to correspond to the shape of the image to be displayed, and the image display area 37 (see FIG. 3) of the template 36 or the image of the template 39. It has the same shape as the display area 40 (see FIG. 4). The image display area 43 is set as large as possible so that its aspect ratio is 4: 3, and is arranged at the left end of the template 42. A region 44 other than the image display region 43 and indicated by oblique lines is a character information display region 44 for displaying information such as characters.

  The template 45 shown in FIG. 6 displays an image having an aspect ratio of 1: 1 on a screen having an aspect ratio of 4: 3 (for example, a screen having a size of 1280 × 960). An image display area 46 is provided. The image display area 46 is circular in order to correspond to the shape of the image to be displayed. Although this shape depends on the fact that the taking lens 22 is circular, it is well known and will not be described in detail. The image display area 46 is set as large as possible so that its aspect ratio is 1: 1, and is arranged in the center of the template 45. A region 47 other than the image display region 46 and indicated by hatching is a character information display region 47 for displaying information such as characters.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the display control circuit (control unit) 33 controls the display state of the screen 15 a of the main monitor 15 connected via the digital communication interface (digital communication I / F) 49. The digital communication I / F 49 is a DVI (Digital Visual Interface) or the like, and mediates data exchange with the connected main monitor 15.

  The CPU (acquisition unit) 27 acquires the aspect ratio and resolution (the number of pixels per unit area) of the screen 15a of the main monitor 15 via the digital communication I / F 49. Further, the CPU 27 reads out data related to the specifications of the endoscope 12 from the RAM 30 and acquires the aspect ratio of the image. Then, the CPU 27 selects a template corresponding to the aspect ratio of the acquired image and the aspect ratio of the screen 15a from the template DB 32.

  The display control circuit 33 reads an image from the RAM 30, applies the image and character information to the template selected by the CPU 27, and displays the image on the screen 15a of the main monitor 15. The character information is applied to the template in a size corresponding to the resolution of the screen 15a and displayed on the screen 15a. In other words, the character information is applied to the template with a smaller size as the resolution of the screen 15a is higher, and is applied to the template with a larger size as the resolution of the screen 15a is lower.

  The display control circuit 34 controls the display state of the screen 16a of the sub monitor 16 connected via the digital communication I / F 50. The digital communication I / F 50 is DVI or the like, and mediates exchange of data with the connected sub monitor 16.

  The CPU (acquisition unit) 27 acquires the aspect ratio of the screen 16 a of the sub monitor 16 via the digital communication I / F 50. Further, the CPU 27 reads out data related to the specifications of the endoscope 12 from the RAM 30 and acquires the aspect ratio of the image. Then, the CPU 27 selects a template corresponding to the acquired image aspect ratio and the aspect ratio of the screen 16 a from the template DB 32. The display control circuit 34 reads an image from the RAM 30 and displays the image on the screen 16 a of the sub-monitor 16 using the template selected by the CPU 27.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the operation unit 14 includes a keyboard 52 for instructing input of characters and the like, and a mouse 53 for instructing selection operation, movement of a cursor 55 (see FIG. 7), and the like. For example, character information is input to the processor device 13 by operating the operation unit 14 according to the data input screen shown in FIG. On the data input screen, items such as patient ID, patient name, communication item, gender, date of birth, doctor, and age are displayed, and character information can be input for each item.

  The main monitor (information output device) 15 is connected to the processor device 13 via a cord 57 having a DVI terminal (not shown), and an image output from the processor device 13 and various kinds of images are displayed on the screen 15a. The operation screen is displayed. For example, when the aspect ratio of the screen 15a is 4: 3 and the aspect ratio of the image is 4: 3, the image captured by the endoscope 12 is applied to the template 36 (see FIG. 3), and FIG. Is displayed on the screen 15a. That is, an image is displayed in the image display area 37 in FIG. 3, and the character information input on the data input screen (see FIG. 7) is displayed in the character information display area 38. Since the character information is displayed in the character information display area 38, it is not displayed at a position where it is superimposed on the image.

  Similarly, the sub-monitor (information output device) 16 is connected to the processor device 13 via a cord 58 having a DVI terminal (not shown), and an image output from the processor device 13 is displayed on the screen 16a. Is displayed. For example, when the aspect ratio of the screen 16a is 4: 3 and the aspect ratio of the image is 4: 3, the image captured by the endoscope 12 is applied to the template 36 (see FIG. 3), and FIG. Is displayed on the screen 16a. That is, an image is displayed in the image display area 37 in FIG.

  Next, the operation of the endoscope system 11 (see FIG. 1) in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. When observing the inside of a patient's body cavity with the endoscope system 11, the power of the processor device 13 is turned on, and a data input screen (see FIG. 7) is displayed on the screen 15a of the main monitor 15. When the operation unit 14 is operated according to the data input screen, character information such as a patient ID is input to the processor device 13.

  When the processor device 13 is turned on, the CPU 27 and the like are activated, and output performance information such as the aspect ratio and resolution of the screen 15a of the main monitor 15 and the aspect ratio of the screen 16a of the sub monitor 16 is acquired. Similarly, the specifications (such as the aspect ratio of the captured image) of the endoscope 12 are acquired.

  When the insertion unit 18 is inserted into the patient's body cavity after the illumination device 24 is turned on, in-vivo observation can be performed. An imaging signal output by imaging the subject light by the imaging device 23 is input to the processor device 13 and subjected to predetermined conversion processing such as YC conversion processing by the image generation circuit 31 to become an image.

  The CPU 27 selects a template corresponding to the aspect ratio of the image and the aspect ratio of the screen 15a of the main monitor 15 or the aspect ratio of the screen 16a of the sub monitor 16 from the template DB 32. For example, when the aspect ratio of the image is 4: 3 and the aspect ratio of the screens 15a and 16a is 4: 3, the template 36 (see FIG. 3) is selected.

  An image is displayed on the screen 15a of the main monitor 15 together with character information such as a patient ID in a layout using the template 36 (see FIG. 8). On the other hand, an image is displayed on the screen 16a of the sub monitor 16 in a layout using the template 36 (see FIG. 9). That is, the image is displayed with a layout corresponding to the aspect ratio of the image and the aspect ratio of the screens 15a and 16a. Further, since the character information is displayed in the character information display area 38 (see FIG. 3) on the screen 15a of the main monitor 15, it is not displayed at a position where it is superimposed on the image.

  In the first embodiment, the screen 15a of the main monitor 15 has been described as an example in which the aspect ratio is 4: 3. However, the aspect ratio of the screen is not limited to this.

  For example, when the aspect ratio of the screen 15a is 5: 4, the template 39 shown in FIG. 4 is selected. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, an image is displayed on the screen 15a together with character information such as a patient ID in a layout using the template 39.

  Further, when the aspect ratio of the screen 15a is 16: 9, the template 42 shown in FIG. 5 is selected. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, an image is displayed on the screen 15a together with character information such as a patient ID in a layout using the template 42.

  In the first embodiment, the case where the aspect ratio of the image captured by the endoscope 12 is 4: 3 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, when the aspect ratio of the image photographed by the endoscope 12 is 1: 1, if the aspect ratio of the screen 15a is 4: 3, the template 45 shown in FIG. 6 is selected. Then, as shown in FIG. 13, an image is displayed on the screen 15 a together with character information such as a patient ID in a layout using the template 45.

  In the first embodiment, the numerical value of the resolution of the screen 15a of the main monitor 15 is not shown, but the resolution of the screen displaying the image is not limited to a specific numerical value.

  For example, when the resolution of the screen 15a of the main monitor 15 is lower than that in the above case, the character information is applied to the template 36 (see FIG. 3) with a size larger than that in the above case. Then, as shown in FIG. 14, an image is displayed on the screen 15a together with character information having a size larger than that in the above case (see FIG. 8).

  In the endoscope system 11 of the first embodiment, the case where only one image is displayed on the screens 15a and 16a of the monitors 15 and 16 has been described. However, a plurality of images are displayed. But it ’s okay. In an endoscope system 61 (see FIG. 15) according to a second embodiment to be described next, an image that has been subjected to a predetermined process is displayed side by side with an image captured by the endoscope 12.

  An endoscope system 61 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 15 includes an endoscope 12, a processor device (information control device) 62 that captures an image captured by the endoscope 12, and an operation that operates the processor device 62. It comprises an operation unit 14 for inputting a signal, a main monitor 63 having screens 63 a and 64 a for displaying images taken in the processor device 62 and various operation screens, a sub monitor 64, and an illumination device 24.

  The processor device 62 has a CPU 27. The CPU 27 comprehensively controls the entire processor device 62. A RAM 30, an image generation circuit 31, a template DB 32, an enhanced image generation circuit 65, and the like are connected to the CPU 27 via a data bus 28.

  The template DB 32 stores a template 66 shown in FIG. The template 66 displays two images with an aspect ratio of 4: 3 side by side on a screen with an aspect ratio of 16: 9 (for example, a screen with a size of 1920 × 1080). Display areas 67a and 67b are provided. Each of the image display areas 67a and 67b has a shape in which the upper and lower parts of the circle are removed in order to correspond to the shape of the image to be displayed, and the image display area 37 (see FIG. 3) of the template 36, The image display area 40 (see FIG. 4) of the template 39 and the image display area 43 (see FIG. 5) of the template 42 have the same shape. The image display areas 67a and 67b have the same size and are set as large as possible so that each aspect ratio is 4: 3. It is arranged. A region 68 other than the image display regions 67a and 67b and indicated by hatching is a character information display region 68 for displaying information such as characters.

  The emphasized image generation circuit 65 reads the image generated by the image generation circuit 31 from the RAM 30 and then performs spectral image processing to generate an image in which a predetermined color is emphasized. Spectral image processing is processing that gives a certain emphasis to an image obtained by linear approximation by dimensional compression using principal component analysis or spectral estimation represented by Wiener estimation. Since this spectral image processing is a well-known technique, detailed description is omitted.

  The main monitor (information output device) 63 is connected to the processor device 62 via a cord (not shown) having a DVI terminal, and an image output from the processor device 62 and various operations are displayed on the screen 63a. A screen is displayed. For example, when the aspect ratio of the screen 63a is 16: 9 and the aspect ratio of the image is 4: 3, the image captured by the endoscope 12 is applied to the template 66 (see FIG. 16), and FIG. Is displayed on the screen 63a. That is, the image generated by the image generation circuit 31 is displayed in the image display area 67a in FIG. 16, and the image generated by the emphasized image generation circuit 65 is displayed in the image display area 67b. Thus, two images are displayed side by side in one screen 63a. In the character information display area 68, the character information input on the data input screen (see FIG. 7) is displayed.

  Similarly, the sub-monitor (information output device) 64 is connected to the processor device 62 via a code (not shown) having a DVI terminal, and an image output from the processor device 62 is displayed on the screen 64a. Is done. For example, when the aspect ratio of the screen 64a is 16: 9 and the aspect ratio of the image is 4: 3, the image captured by the endoscope 12 is applied to the template 66 (see FIG. 16), and FIG. Is displayed on the screen 64a. That is, the image generated by the image generation circuit 31 is displayed in the image display area 67a in FIG. 16, and the image generated by the emphasized image generation circuit 65 is displayed in the image display area 67b. Thus, two images are displayed side by side in one screen 64a. In addition, about the same structure as the endoscope system 11 in 1st Embodiment, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

  Next, the operation of the endoscope system 61 (see FIG. 15) in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. When observing the inside of a patient's body cavity with the endoscope system 61, both the processor device 62 and the illumination device 24 are powered on.

  When an insertion portion (not shown) of the endoscope 12 is inserted into a body cavity of a patient, in-vivo observation can be performed. The image generated by the image generation circuit 31 is read out to the enhanced image generation circuit 65 and subjected to spectral image processing to become an image in which a predetermined color tone is enhanced.

  The CPU 27 selects a template corresponding to the aspect ratio of the image and the aspect ratio of the screen 63 a of the main monitor 63 or the aspect ratio of the screen 64 a of the sub monitor 64 from the template DB 32. For example, when the aspect ratio of the image is 4: 3 and the aspect ratio of the screens 63a and 64a is 16: 9, the template 66 (see FIG. 16) is selected.

  On the screen 63a of the main monitor 63, two images are displayed side by side with character information such as a patient ID in a layout using the template 66 (see FIG. 17). On the other hand, on the screen 64a of the sub monitor 64, two images are displayed side by side in a layout using the template 66 (see FIG. 18). That is, two images are displayed side by side in a layout corresponding to the aspect ratio of the image and the aspect ratio of the screens 63a and 64a. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the same effect | action as the endoscope system 11 of 1st Embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, the images that have been subjected to the spectral image processing are displayed side by side with the images taken by the endoscope 12, but it is sufficient that a plurality of images are displayed. Images subjected to the above image processing or reference images may be displayed side by side.

  In the second embodiment, two images are displayed side by side. However, a means for switching the display may be provided so that one image can be displayed.

  In the endoscope systems 11 and 61 of the above embodiments, the aspect ratio of the image photographed by the endoscope 12 and the aspect ratio of the monitor screen are automatically acquired, and templates corresponding to them are obtained. If the CPU 27 selects them but cannot automatically acquire them, the template may be selected by the user. In an endoscope system 71 (see FIG. 20) according to a third embodiment to be described next, the CPU 27 selects a template based on an operation signal related to the template from the operation unit 14.

  An endoscope system 71 according to the third embodiment illustrated in FIG. 20 includes an endoscope 12, a processor device (information control device) 72 that captures an image captured by the endoscope 12, and an operation that operates the processor device 72. It comprises an operation unit 14 for inputting a signal, a main monitor 15 having screens 15 a and 16 a for displaying images captured by the processor device 72 and various operation screens, a sub monitor 16, and an illumination device 24.

  The processor device 72 has a CPU 27. The CPU 27 comprehensively controls the entire processor device 72. Display control circuits 33 and 34 are connected to the CPU 27 via the data bus 28.

  The display control circuit 33 controls the display state of the screen 15 a of the main monitor 15 connected via the analog communication interface (analog communication I / F) 73. The analog communication I / F 73 is a VGA (Video Graphics Array) or the like, and mediates transmission of data to the connected main monitor 15.

  The main monitor 15 is connected to the processor device 72 via a cord (not shown) having a VGA terminal, and an image output from the processor device 72 and various operation screens are displayed on the screen 15a. .

  In the template selection screen shown in FIG. 21, a plurality of templates 36, 39, and 42, selection buttons 75 to 77 for selecting a template, and a cursor 78 indicating an operation position in the screen are displayed. A template is selected by operating the operation unit 14 according to the template selection screen.

  The image photographed by the endoscope 12 is applied to the template selected on the template selection screen and displayed on the screen 15a.

  On the other hand, the display control circuit 34 controls the display state of the screen 16a of the sub monitor 16 connected via the analog communication I / F 74. The analog communication I / F 74 is a VGA or the like and mediates data transmission to the connected sub monitor 16.

  The sub-monitor 16 is connected to the processor device 72 via a cord (not shown) having a VGA terminal, and an image output from the processor device 72 is displayed on the screen 16a.

  The image photographed by the endoscope 12 is applied to the template selected on the template selection screen (see FIG. 21) and displayed on the screen 16a.

  Next, the operation of the endoscope system 71 (see FIG. 20) in the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. When observing the inside of a patient's body cavity with the endoscope system 71, both the processor device 72 and the illuminating device 24 are turned on, and a template selection screen (FIG. 5) is displayed on the screen 15a of the main monitor (output means) 15. 21) is displayed. When the operation unit 14 is operated according to the template selection screen, a template is selected.

  When an insertion portion (not shown) of the endoscope 12 is inserted into a body cavity of a patient, in-vivo observation can be performed.

  An image is displayed on the screen 15a of the main monitor 15 together with character information such as a patient ID in a layout using the selected template (see, for example, FIG. 8). On the other hand, an image is displayed on the screen 16a of the sub-monitor 16 in a layout using the selected template (see, for example, FIG. 9). That is, the image is displayed in the template layout selected by the user.

  In the third embodiment, the list of templates to be selected is displayed as the template selection screen on the screen 15a of the monitor 15. However, an output device (output means, not shown) for outputting the list of templates is provided as a separate processor. It may be provided in or connected to the device 72 and output from there.

  Moreover, in the said 3rd Embodiment, although the template selection screen was displayed, it is only assistance for selecting a template and does not need to be displayed. In this case, in order to select a template, it is a condition that an image aspect ratio and a screen aspect ratio are input from the operation unit 14. Similarly, in the first and second embodiments, a template may be selected by inputting an image aspect ratio and a screen aspect ratio from the operation unit 14.

  In the first and second embodiments, the template selection screen as in the third embodiment is displayed on the main monitors 15 and 63, and the operation unit 14 is operated according to the template selection screen, so that the template is selected. You may make it.

  In each of the above embodiments, the endoscope systems 11, 61, and 71 have been described as examples. However, the monitor connected to the processor device can be replaced, and the image can be displayed with a layout corresponding to the aspect ratio of the monitor screen. May be displayed, and may be applied to other medical diagnosis systems.

  In the above embodiments, the medical image is displayed on the monitor, but may be output to a printer.

  In each of the above embodiments, the sub monitor is provided in addition to the main monitor, but only the main monitor may be provided without providing the sub monitor.

  In the above embodiments, the aspect ratios of the main monitor and the sub monitor are the same, but they may be different.

  In the above embodiments, the communication means of the main monitor and the communication means of the sub-monitor are unified by digital communication I / F or analog communication I / F. However, the digital communication I / F and analog communication are not unified. One communication I / F may be provided.

  In each of the above embodiments, the processor device and the monitor are connected via a cord to perform wired communication, but may be wirelessly connected to perform wireless communication.

  In each of the above embodiments, the layout of the image to be displayed is determined based on the template. However, coordinate data corresponding to the aspect ratio of the image and the aspect ratio of the monitor screen should be set in advance. Thus, it is possible to determine based on the coordinate data.

It is the schematic which shows the structure of the endoscope system of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the endoscope system of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the template of aspect ratio 4: 3 of an image, and aspect ratio 4: 3 of a screen. It is a figure which shows the template of aspect ratio 4: 3 of an image, and aspect ratio 5: 4 of a screen. It is a figure which shows the template of the aspect-ratio 4: 3 of an image, and the aspect-ratio 16: 9 of a screen. It is a figure which shows the template of the aspect-ratio 1: 1 of an image, and the aspect-ratio 4: 3 of a screen. It is a figure which shows the data input screen which inputs character information. It is a screen figure of the main monitor of aspect ratio 4: 3 of the screen which displays the image of aspect ratio 4: 3. It is a screen figure of the sub monitor of aspect ratio 4: 3 of the screen which displays the image of aspect ratio 4: 3. It is a flowchart explaining the effect | action of the endoscope system of 1st Embodiment. It is a screen figure of the main monitor of aspect ratio 5: 4 of the screen which displays the image of aspect ratio 4: 3. It is a screen figure of a main monitor with an aspect ratio of 16: 9 on a screen that displays an image with an aspect ratio of 4: 3. It is a screen figure of the main monitor of aspect ratio 4: 3 of the screen which displays the image of aspect ratio 1: 1. It is a screen figure of a main monitor with an aspect ratio of 4: 3 and a low resolution that displays an image with an aspect ratio of 4: 3. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the endoscope system of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the template of aspect ratio 16: 9 of the screen which displays two images with an aspect ratio of 4: 3 side by side. It is a screen figure of the main monitor of aspect ratio 16: 9 of the screen which displays two images with an aspect ratio of 4: 3 side by side. FIG. 10 is a screen diagram of a sub-monitor having an aspect ratio of 16: 9 that displays two images having an aspect ratio of 4: 3 side by side. It is a flowchart explaining the effect | action of the endoscope system of 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the endoscope system of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the template selection screen which selects a template. It is a flowchart explaining the effect | action of the endoscope system of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the prior art example which displays the image of a standard size on the wide size monitor which provided the non-display part. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a conventional example in which a standard-size image is stretched in the left-right direction and displayed on a wide-size monitor. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a conventional example in which a part of a standard size image is displayed on a wide size monitor in a protruding manner.

Explanation of symbols

11, 61, 71 Endoscope system 12 Electronic endoscope (endoscope)
13, 62, 72 Processor device (information control device)
14 Operation part (operation input means)
15, 63 Main monitor (information output device)
15a, 63a Screen 16, 64 Sub monitor (information output device)
16a, 64a screen 27 CPU (acquisition part)
29 Input interface (input I / F)
32 template database (template DB, storage means)
33, 34 Display control circuit (control unit)
36, 39, 42, 45, 66 Template 49, 50 Digital communication interface (digital communication I / F, digital visual interface)
65 Enhanced image generation circuit 73, 74 Analog communication interface (analog communication I / F)

Claims (18)

An information control device to which an information acquisition device for acquiring medical diagnosis information and an information output device for outputting medical diagnosis information are connected,
An acquisition unit for acquiring information on output performance of the information output device;
An information control apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls an output form of the medical diagnosis information according to the output performance information.   The information control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit includes a reception unit that automatically receives the output performance information.   The information control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the receiving unit is a digital visual interface.   The information control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit includes a first operation input unit that inputs information on the output performance.   5. The information control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls an output form of the medical diagnosis information according to the medical diagnosis information together with the output performance information. Comprising storage means for storing a plurality of information of the output forms corresponding to the output performance;
The information control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs the control by reading out information on the output form from the storage unit. Display means for displaying a plurality of the output forms;
7. The information control apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising second operation input means for selecting an output form to be used from among the plurality of output forms.   The information according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the medical diagnosis information includes an image obtained by imaging the inside of the subject with the information acquisition device, and characters representing the information on the subject. Control device.   The information control apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the output form is set so that the image has a maximum size within a region where the medical diagnosis information is output in the information output apparatus.   10. The information control apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the output form is set so that the character is arranged in an empty area outside the area where the image is output in the information output apparatus. The output performance is a resolution of an area for outputting the medical diagnosis information in the information output device,
11. The information control apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the output form is set so that the size of the character is changed according to the resolution.   The information control apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the medical diagnosis information further includes a processed image obtained by processing the image.   13. The information control apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the output form is set so that the image and the processed image are output side by side in a region where the medical diagnosis information is output in the information output apparatus. .   14. The information control according to claim 1, wherein the output performance is at least one of an aspect ratio or a resolution of a region where the medical diagnosis information is output in the information output device. apparatus.   The information control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information acquisition apparatus is an endoscope including a solid-state image sensor that images an inside of a subject.   The information control device according to claim 1, wherein the information output device is a monitor. An acquisition step of acquiring information of output performance of the information output device that outputs medical diagnosis information;
An information control method comprising: an output step of outputting the medical diagnosis information in an output form corresponding to the output performance information. An endoscope that images the inside of the subject and acquires an image;
An information output device for outputting medical diagnosis information including the image;
An acquisition unit for acquiring information on output performance of the information output device;
An endoscope system comprising: a control unit that controls an output form of the medical diagnosis information according to the output performance information.

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