JP4468525B2 - Endoscope system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an endoscope system capable of displaying an endoscopic image and related information related to the endoscopic image.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, an endoscope apparatus that displays endoscope-related information together with an endoscopic image has been proposed.
For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-78986, means for displaying an endoscopic image and various item names, means for inputting data corresponding to the displayed item names, and means for detecting completion of data input And a means for erasing the display of the item name when the completion of data input is detected, displaying the data input from the keyboard and also supplying it to the image file device Yes.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional example, only a limited character pattern generated by the character generator can be displayed, and an image cannot be displayed freely by an external device.
[0004]
  Further, when the endoscope system is used all over the world, the ROM or the character generator is increased in size if it has all the characters (for example, Japanese kanji and hiragana) used in each country. EndoscopeapparatusThere is a problem that the system becomes difficult to use for users.
[0005]
(Object of invention)
  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an endoscope displaying on the endoscope apparatus side without preparing a complicated and large-capacity code conversion means on the endoscope apparatus side. Easily display related information related to informationAt the same time, it is possible to convert the language of the country of use without increasing the size of the endoscope device.An object is to provide an endoscope system.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The endoscope system of the present invention is
  Taken with an endoscopepatient'sEndoscopic imageWhen,Related to the endoscopic imageAnd formed by character information consisting of a predetermined character code input from the input means.Endoscope related informationWhenAn endoscopic device that outputs so as to be displayed on the display means,
  As a past endoscopic image of a patient imaged by an endoscopeExternal images andExternal related to the external imageHolds text informationDoWith external devicesAn endoscope system equipped with,
  The external connection device provided in the endoscope apparatus and connected to the endoscope apparatus;BetweenAn interface unit for transmitting and receiving data;
  A video signal processing circuit which is provided in the endoscope apparatus and performs processing for generating a video signal of an endoscopic image from an imaging signal imaged by an imaging element incorporated in the endoscope;
  The external image provided in the endoscope apparatus, transmitted from the external connection device via the interface unit, or theOutsideDisplay memory for storing character information;
  A display memory for related information that is provided in the endoscope device and stores the endoscope related information;
    Provided in the endoscope apparatus, the external image related to the endoscopic image received from the external connection device or theOutsideOutput means for outputting character information to be displayed on the display means;
  The endoscope image, the endoscope related information, the external image read from the display memory, or theOutsideA selector for switching character information,
  A storage unit that is provided in the external connection device and stores unique character information of a language specific to a country in which the external connection device is used;
  A search is made as to whether or not the unique character information corresponding to the predetermined character code is stored in the storage means from a predetermined character code provided in the externally connected device and forming the character information by the input means. Search means;
  A conversion unit that converts the predetermined character code into the unique character information when the search unit determines that the unique character information corresponding to the predetermined character code is stored in the storage unit;
  With
  Displayed on the display means from the endoscope apparatusSaidEndoscope related informationForming the aboveBy transmitting character information to the external connection device, the external connection deviceSaid search meansIsA search is made as to whether or not character information of a language specific to the country in which the externally connected device is used, corresponding to the transmitted character information, is stored in the storage means, and the country specific information is stored in the storage means. If it is determined that character information is stored, it is sent by the conversion meansWasThe unique character information retrieved from the storage means for character informationConvert toAs the external character informationTransmitted to the endoscopic device, and the endoscopic device is substantially the same as the position of the character information displayed on the display means before the conversion.OutsideThe selector is switched so as to display character information.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
1 to 6 relate to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of the endoscope system of the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 shows the processing procedure of the present embodiment. 3 shows details of the comparison image selection process in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 shows index images and the like displayed on the monitor of the externally connected device, and FIG. 5 selects one index image in FIG. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the endoscope image and the comparison image are simultaneously displayed on the monitor on the endoscope apparatus side.
[0008]
In this embodiment, an endoscope is configured so that an image related to an endoscope image captured by an endoscope can be received from an external device of the endoscope apparatus and displayed on a display unit on the endoscope apparatus side. A related image can be displayed without increasing the scale of the apparatus.
[0009]
As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes an endoscope 2 that is inserted into a body cavity or the like and images a subject such as a diseased part, and the endoscope 2 is illuminated. A light source device 3 that supplies light, a video processor 4 that performs signal processing on an imaging unit built in the endoscope 2, an endoscope image and the like by inputting a video signal output from the video processor 4 And a recording device 6 for recording a video signal, and an externally connected device 7 connected to the video processor 4. The video processor 4 is further input with endoscope related information. A keyboard 8 is connected.
[0010]
The endoscope 2 has an elongated insertion portion 9 and an operation portion 10 provided at the rear end thereof so as to be easily inserted into a body cavity or the like. A light guide 11 that transmits illumination light is inserted into the insertion portion 9. The rear end of the light guide 11 is detachably connected to the light source device 3, and illumination light supplied from a lamp (not shown) of the light source device 3 is transmitted by the light guide 11 and provided at the distal end portion 12 of the insertion portion 9. The light guide is emitted from the tip surface of the light guide attached to the illumination window to the subject in the body cavity.
[0011]
The distal end portion 12 is provided with an observation window adjacent to the illumination window, and an optical image of the subject is connected to the imaging position by an objective lens 13 attached to the observation window. At this imaging position, for example, a CCD 14 is disposed as a solid-state imaging device, and an optical image is photoelectrically converted into an electric signal and transmitted to the video processor 4 through a signal line 15.
[0012]
The signal line 15 is input to a video signal processing circuit 17 that performs processing for generating a video signal in the video processor 4 through a connector 16 provided in the video processor 4.
For example, the operation unit 10 of the endoscope 2 is provided with a release switch 18 for giving a release instruction. The release switch 18 is connected to a signal line 19 and connected to the video processor 4 through a connector 16.
[0013]
The video processor 4 controls the video signal processing circuit 17 that performs standard video signal generation signal processing on the imaging signal photoelectrically converted by the CCD 14 in the endoscope 2, controls the video signal processing circuit 17, and the like and performs a plurality of operations. A CPU 21 that performs processing, a program that operates the CPU 21, user setting information that is set by the keyboard 8, the operation panel 22, and the like are stored and retained, a rewritable nonvolatile ROM 23, a RAM 24 as a calculation memory, and a serial interface Watch for preventing runaway of serial communication controller (SIO) 25, parallel communication controller (PIO) 26, and CPU 21 that communicates and serially converts control commands or a plurality of data to externally connected device 7 or keyboard 8 to transmit / receive Dog timer (WDT) 7. Display of the endoscope image processed by the counter timer (CTC) 28 and the video signal processing circuit 17 and information related to the endoscope image such as patient data, date, and comments (hereinafter referred to as endoscope related information) A display controller 29 for controlling the display, a display memory 30 as a display controller memory, a FIFO 31 as a buffer memory for storing image data transmitted from the external device 7, a data display memory 32 connected to the FIFO 31, a video signal An endoscope image from the processing circuit 17, display data of endoscope related information output from the display controller 32, and image data obtained from the external connection device 7 are converted into a control signal generation circuit 33, a CPU 21, or a memory. A selector 35 switched by the controller 34 and an operation for operating the video processor 4. Panel 22, LED 36, it has a buzzer 37.
[0014]
The video processor 4 controls the CPU 21 by a program stored in the ROM 23 and performs the following operations.
Control of LED 36 and buzzer 37 via PIO 26,
Creation of endoscope related information data by the display controller 29 and display memory 30;
Endoscope to monitor 5 and recording device 6 (printer, filing device, film photographing device, etc.) by display controller 29, display memory 30, control signal generation circuit 33, memory controller 34, data display memory 32, and selector 35 Output of 2 captured images and endoscope related information,
Image processing of an endoscopic image by the video signal processing circuit 17,
The CPU 21 is controlled by the operation panel 22 and the keyboard 8.
[0015]
The selector 35 has a common contact point connected to the monitor 5 and the recording device 6, and the three contact points a, b, and c to be switched are the output end of the video signal processing circuit 17, the output end of the display controller 29, and the data display memory 32. When the contacts a, b, and c are selected (so as to be connected to the common contacts), the monitor 5 and the recording device 6 have the endoscope generated by the video signal processing circuit 17. Data display memory 32 for storing the video signal of the image, the endoscope related information related to the endoscope image such as the patient data / date / time / comment stored in the display memory 30, and the image data transmitted from the external connection device 7. The endoscope related information is output and displayed or recorded.
[0016]
In FIG. 1, an endoscope apparatus is configured from an endoscope 2 to a recording device 6, and an endoscope system 1 is configured by connecting an external connection device 7 to, for example, a video processor 4 of the endoscope apparatus. Yes.
[0017]
The external connection device 7 is connected to the video processor 4 (on the endoscope apparatus side), and is connected to the external device body 7a having an interface for transmitting and receiving data, and displays an endoscope image and the like. A monitor 7b and a keyboard 7c connected to the external device main body 7a and used for inputting data and the like are provided.
[0018]
More specifically, the external connection device 7 is a device capable of recording, reproducing, and managing a plurality of endoscopic images, such as a filing device or a PC (personal computer). Search by patient name, examination date, image recording date, etc.
[0019]
In the present embodiment, an endoscope image or the like captured by the endoscope 2 is displayed on the monitor 5 or an endoscope image or the like is recorded on the recording device 6 by the endoscope system 1 shown in FIG. To be able to.
[0020]
In this case, at the timing of displaying the endoscopic image captured by the CCD 14, the selector 35 stores the relevant information in which the contact a is selected and the relevant information related to the endoscopic image input from the keyboard 8 is input. At the timing of displaying the related information in the display memory 30, the contact point b is selected, and the endoscope image and the related information related to the endoscope image can be displayed on the monitor 5. It can also be recorded in the recording device 6.
[0021]
Further, as described below, in the present embodiment, the video processor 4 is connected to the external connection device 7 and includes, for example, a serial communication controller 25 that transmits and receives data such as endoscope image data, and the external connection device. Arbitrary image data or the like is received from the memory 7 and stored in the data display memory 32, and the image data stored in the data display memory 32 can be displayed on the monitor 5.
[0022]
For example, when an endoscopic image of an affected part of a patient is displayed on the monitor 5 by endoscopy, in order to grasp the degree of healing of the affected part, image data of the same part in the past of the same patient is filed, etc. By searching and reading from the externally connected device 7 and storing it in the data display memory 32, the image stored in the data display memory 32 is simultaneously displayed on the monitor 5, and the two images are compared, It is easy to understand the degree of healing.
[0023]
In this case, the selector 35 is switched so that the contact c is selected at the timing of displaying the image stored in the data display memory 32.
[0024]
That is, in this embodiment, the endoscope-related image information as the endoscope-related information related to the endoscope image captured by the endoscope 2 is endoscopeed without increasing the size of the endoscope device side. When it is stored on the external connection device 7 side as an external device of the mirror device and endoscope related image information is required for comparison with an endoscopic image, it is connected to the external connection device 7 The endoscope-related image information is received so that it can be easily displayed at the same time as the endoscope image.
[0025]
Subsequently, regarding the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention, refer to the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 and 3, the images displayed on the monitor 5 or the images recorded on the recording device 6 in FIGS. explain.
[0026]
When an endoscopic examination (endoscopic examination) of a patient is performed by the endoscope 2, the light source device 3, and the video processor 4, the endoscopic image of the patient, the patient ID of the patient, etc. Related information is displayed on the monitor 5.
[0027]
The operation when reading and displaying a past examination image for comparison with the endoscopic image under examination will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and subsequent drawings.
First, a comparison image is selected by the external connection device 7 as shown in step S1 of FIG. For example, a comparison image for comparison, specifically an endoscopic image, is selected using a keyboard 7c attached to the external device 7 or an operation panel.
[0028]
The comparison image selection process is shown in FIG.
A past endoscopic image is managed for each patient name, patient ID, and the like in a recording means such as a hard disk device in the external connection device main body 7a of the external connection device 7.
[0029]
Therefore, as shown in step S11 in FIG. 3, when an image search instruction command is input from the keyboard 7c to set the search mode, and a search is input by inputting a patient name, a past endoscopic image of the patient name is entered. Is retrieved and displayed on the monitor 7b as an index image (the retrieved endoscopic image is a reduced image) as shown in the next step S12.
[0030]
FIG. 4 shows a display screen of the monitor 7b in this case. A plurality of past index images 41 searched by the patient name are displayed on the monitor 7b of the external connection device 7, and endoscope related information 42 including the patient name and the like is also displayed.
[0031]
When this index image 41 is displayed, selection is requested in the next step S13 shown in FIG. 3, so that an operation for selecting a desired index image is performed by using a cursor key or the like of the keyboard 7c (or operation panel). For example, the frame 43 indicating the image to be selected is moved by the cursor key, and the selected image is determined by setting the desired image position and pressing the selection completion key or the determination key, and the selection is performed as shown in step S14. Display the index image in full size. If the selection in step S13 is not selected (the cancel key is pressed), the process returns to step S11 to search for the patient name.
[0032]
FIG. 5 shows a display example of the monitor 7b when the selection is performed in step S14. As shown in FIG. 5, the monitor 7b displays the selected image as a full-size endoscope image 44. In this way, the endoscope image 44 is displayed in full size, and more detailed related information 45 is displayed.
[0033]
Further, as shown in FIG. 5, when the full-size endoscopic image 44 is displayed, a display 46 for confirming whether or not the selection is OK is performed (step S15 in FIG. 3), and the endoscopic image is displayed. If “44” is acceptable, enter “Y” and confirm, and in the next step S16, the external connection device 7 performs processing for transmitting the image data to the video processor 4 side, and ends the comparison image selection processing. Then, the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG.
[0034]
If a selection that is not confirmed in the image selected in step S15 in FIG. 3 is performed, the process returns to step S12, and a plurality of index images are displayed again.
Note that the format of the image data to be transmitted may be an original as well as a general-purpose image format for BMP, GIFF, and JPEG.
[0035]
Further, when transmitting the image data, the data of the position or size when the image data is displayed on the monitor 5 or recorded on the recording device 6 is also transmitted. Further, when transmitting the selected image, as shown in steps S14 to S15, in addition to the method of transmitting after confirming the endoscope image in full size, immediately after the selection of the index image (step S13) May be sent to.
[0036]
When a signal for transmitting image data is transmitted from the external connection device 7 to the CPU 21 via the SIO 25, and the CPU 21 is ready to receive the image data, the transmission OK signal is sent to the external connection device 7, and this reply is returned. Thereafter, the externally connected device 7 actually transmits the image data via the SIO 25, and the CPU 21 of the video processor 4 receives the selected image data as shown in step S2 of FIG.
[0037]
When receiving the image data, the CPU 21 performs format conversion by the CPU 21 in order to convert the image data received in the next step S3 into RGB images for storage.
[0038]
The reason why the FIFO 31 is prepared is as follows.
(A) Since the image data has a large data capacity, the RAM 24 cannot store all the data.
(B) To store image data temporarily and measure the timing for storing the data in the data display memory 32.
[0039]
The CPU 21 writes (stores) the RGB-converted image data in the FIFO 31. Next, the RGB image data stored in the FIFO 31 is stored (WRITE) for one screen in the data display memory 32 by the memory controller 34 (step S5).
[0040]
The memory controller 34 is controlled by a timing Hsync / Vsync signal from a sync signal generation circuit (not shown), a control signal from the CPU 21, a position received from the external connection device 7, and size information, and a position / designated by the external connection device 7. WRITE is performed to the data display memory 32 so that the size can be displayed on the monitor 5 or recorded on the recording device 6.
[0041]
The selector 35 is controlled by the display controller 29, the control signal generation circuit 33, the memory controller 34, and the CPU 21, and the contacts a, b, and c are switched at an appropriate timing. Therefore, the input information in the selector 35, that is, the video signal is switched. The endoscopic image from the processing circuit 17, the endoscope related information from the display controller 29, and the comparative endoscopic image from the data display memory 32 are superimposed on the monitor 5 side and output, so that the image Composition is performed (step S6), and the synthesized image is displayed on the monitor 5 or recorded by the recording device 6 (step S7).
[0042]
FIG. 6 shows a display example of the monitor 5 on the monitor screen 5a.
As shown in FIG. 6, along with the endoscopic image 44 under examination, endoscopic-related information 48 related to the endoscopic image 44 is displayed on the monitor screen 5a, and further compared with the endoscopic image 44. An endoscopic image 47 (for example, an image of the same patient recorded in the past) for the purpose (transmitted from the external connection device 7) is displayed.
In FIG. 6, the positions of the endoscopic image 44 being examined and the endoscopic image 47 transmitted from the external connection device 7 may be switched and displayed.
[0043]
According to the present embodiment, for example, during the examination, by displaying a comparison image related to the endoscopic image being examined, it is possible to easily confirm the progress of the disease state or the degree of healing, An environment that facilitates diagnosis can be realized without enlarging the endoscope apparatus.
[0044]
Note that the position or size when the image data is displayed on the monitor 5 or recorded on the recording device 6 is specified by the external connection device 7 as in the present embodiment, the ROM 23 in the video processor 4 or the like. May be stored in advance and controlled by the memory controller 34.
[0045]
In the present embodiment, the selector 35 selects the endoscopic image from the video signal processing circuit 17, the endoscope related information from the display controller 29, and the comparative endoscopic image from the data display memory 32 at an appropriate timing. In this case, the image is synthesized by being superimposed on the monitor 5 and output. However, an image synthesis circuit having a storage means is provided at the subsequent stage of the selector 35. The mirror image, the endoscope related information, the comparison endoscope image, and the like may be combined and then output to the monitor 5 or the recording device 6.
[0046]
(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 7 and 9 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the second embodiment. FIGS. 8 and 10 to 11 are diagrams showing a display image on the monitor 5 or a recording image on the recording device 6.
[0047]
In this embodiment, display of character information related to an endoscopic image captured by an endoscope in the language of the country is received and displayed from the external device of the endoscope apparatus. is there.
The configuration of the endoscope system of the present embodiment is the same as that of the endoscope system 1 in FIG. However, this embodiment has different software and performs different operations as described below.
[0048]
As a character code that can be displayed on the monitor 5 by the video processor 4 or input from the keyboard 8, ASCII or JIS code is generally used. Having a dedicated character code for each country in the video processor 4 in all countries is a problem that leads to an increase in the size of the apparatus.
[0049]
The externally connected device 7 is a device capable of recording / reproducing / managing a plurality of endoscopic image related information such as a filing device or a PC. Search by patient name, examination date, image recording date, etc. Endoscopic image related information is recorded in the language of the country in which the externally connected device 7 is used other than ASCII and JIS (in this embodiment, kanji and hiragana).
[0050]
In this embodiment, the character code information is transmitted from the video processor 4 to the external connection device 7, converted into character information in the language of the country in which the external connection device 7 is used, and returned to the video processor 4. By doing so, it is possible to easily display arbitrary characters related to the endoscopic image without preparing a complicated and large-capacity code conversion means on the endoscope apparatus side.
[0051]
Hereinafter, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
In the system according to the present embodiment, an endoscopic image is displayed on the display screen of the monitor 5, and related information related to the endoscopic image is input by the keyboard 8, thereby displaying related information in ASCII or JIS code. Will do.
[0052]
FIG. 8 shows a display example of the monitor screen 5 a of the monitor 5. For example, an endoscopic image 44 captured by the CCD 14 of the endoscope 2 is displayed on the right side of the monitor screen 5a, and related information 45 is displayed on the left side.
When the related information 45 is not displayed in the language of the country (to be displayed in the language of the country), as shown in step S21 of FIG. 7, the character conversion in the keyboard 8 or the operation panel 22 is performed. When a switch (a character conversion key or a key associated therewith) is operated and input, a character conversion process is performed.
[0053]
Details of this character conversion processing are shown in FIG.
First, all or part of the endoscope-related data (ASCII or JIS code) displayed on the monitor 5 or recorded on the recording device 6 is transmitted from the video processor 4 (step S31), and transmitted from the video processor 4. The externally connected device 7 that has received the data searches whether kanji or hiragana character data corresponding to the received endoscope-related data is stored, and determines whether there is corresponding data (step S32). The search in this case is performed on a part of the endoscope related data (for example, patient name).
[0054]
If there is corresponding kanji or hiragana data, the data is transmitted to the video processor 4 (as converted data) as shown in step S33, and this process is terminated.
On the other hand, if there is no corresponding kanji or hiragana data, the conversion character data is input in step S34.
[0055]
In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, a character input screen is displayed on the monitor 7 b on the external connection device 7 and input from the keyboard 7 c attached to the external connection device 7 or the operation panel. In FIG. 10, Taro Yamada is input as the patient name, male and examination information 1 are input as the gender and comment.
[0056]
Then, after inputting the conversion character data, when an input completion key or return key in the keyboard 7c or the operation panel is input, the CPU (not shown) of the external connection device 7 transmits the data to the video processor 4 (as converted data). Then, this character conversion process is terminated (step S35).
[0057]
The format of the data to be transmitted may be an original other than BMP, GIFF, and JPEG.
Further, when data is transmitted, the position or size when the data is displayed on the monitor 5 or recorded on the recording device 6 is transmitted.
[0058]
When the signal is transmitted from the external connection device 7 to the CPU 21 via the SIO 25, the video processor 4 (the CPU 21) receives the converted data related to the endoscopic image from the external connection device 7 (FIG. 7). Step S22).
In order to convert the received data into an RGB image and store it in the FIFO 31, the CPU 21 performs format conversion (step S23). Note that data may be stored in the RAM 24 without using the FIFO 31.
[0059]
The RGB image (of the converted character data) stored in the FIFO 31 is written to the data display memory 32 by the memory controller 34 for one screen. The memory controller 34 is controlled by the Hsync / Vsync signal, the control signal from the CPU 21, the position received from the external connection device 7, and the size information, and is displayed or recorded on the monitor 5 at the position / size specified by the external connection device 7. WRITE to the data display memory 32 so that the data can be recorded in the memory 25.
[0060]
The selector 35 is controlled by the display controller 29, the control signal generation circuit 33, the memory controller 34, and the CPU 21, and the endoscope image from the video signal processing circuit 17 and the endoscope related information from the display controller 29 are controlled by the selector 35. Then, image synthesis (synthesis of image and character information) is performed with the related information from the data display memory 32 (step S26), and the synthesized image is output (transmitted) to the monitor 5 for display or recording. The data is output to the device 6 and recorded (S27). An example of a display image on the monitor 5 or a recording image of the recording device 6 is shown in FIG.
[0061]
  In FIG. 11, the endoscope related information 45 ′ in which the patient name, gender, and Comment are replaced with kanji in the endoscope related information 45 of FIG.ShiWill be displayed.
  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to convert the language of the country to be used without increasing the size of the endoscope device, so that it is possible to provide a system that is easy for the user to use.
[0062]
More specifically, since characters related to an endoscopic image can be captured from the external connection device 7 of the video processor 4 and displayed on the monitor 5 and recorded on the recording device 6, display / recording that is easy to diagnose is possible. It becomes possible and leads to efficiency of diagnosis.
Further, since it is not necessary to prepare a complicated and large-capacity ROM and character generator in the video processor 4, the video processor 4 is not increased in size.
[0063]
In the above description of the operation, when the converted data transmitted from the external device 7 is displayed on the monitor 5, the selector 35 is switched so that it is displayed at almost the same position as the related information 45 before conversion. You may do it.
[0064]
The corresponding data in the display memory 30 may be replaced with the converted data transmitted from the external device 7.
That is, in the above description, the converted data transmitted from the external device 7 has been described as being stored in the data display memory 32. However, the data in the display memory 30 may be replaced. In this case, the selector 35 is switched between the endoscopic image from the video signal processing circuit 17 and the display of related information in the display memory 30 as in the case of the display in FIG. The image 44 and the related information 45 'are synthesized and displayed.
[0065]
When the language of the country to be used is input to the video processor 4, endoscope related data is received from the video processor 4 and the corresponding data is stored in the external connection device 7 as in steps S 31 to S 32. In addition to a method of inputting by searching for the presence and transmitting to the video processor 4, the character data of the input language may be simply transmitted from the external connection device 7 to the video processor 4.
[0066]
Further, the position or size when the character data is displayed on the monitor 5 or recorded on the recording device 6 is specified in the ROM 23 in the video processor 4 in addition to the method of specifying from the external connection device 7 as in the present embodiment. It may be stored in advance and controlled by the memory controller 34.
[0067]
If the country where the video processor 4 is purchased is substantially determined after purchase, character data storage means (for example, a flash memory) is provided in the video processor 4 and sent from the external connection device 7. The character data of the country may be stored and held.
[0068]
In other words, since the amount of character data is much smaller in any country than image data, by providing such character data storage means, the character data is once stored and retained, and the next time onwards. Transmission from the external connection device 7 may be made unnecessary.
[0069]
Further, the above-described endoscope apparatus and the external connection apparatus 7 are respectively connected to each other by a network by providing a network interface, and image information or character information related to the above-described endoscope image is received from the external connection device 7. It may be transmitted to the endoscope apparatus side so that they can be displayed or recorded.
[0070]
[Appendix]
1. An endoscope apparatus comprising display means for displaying an endoscope image and endoscope-related information captured by an endoscope;
Holding an image or character information related to the endoscopic image, and an external connection device capable of transmitting and receiving the image or character information related to the endoscopic image;
An interface unit that is provided in the endoscope device and transmits / receives data to / from the external connection device connected to the endoscope device;
Output means for outputting the image or character information related to the endoscopic image received from the externally connected device so as to be displayed on the display means;
An endoscope system characterized by comprising:
[0071]
2. The endoscope system according to appendix 1, wherein the image or text information received from the externally connected device is that of the same patient.
3. The endoscope system according to appendix 1, wherein the character information received from the externally connected device includes character information specific to a country in which the endoscope system is used.
4). The endoscope system according to appendix 1, wherein the interface unit is a serial interface.
5. The endoscope system according to appendix 1, wherein the interface unit is a network interface.
[0072]
6). Display means for displaying an endoscope image and endoscope-related information captured by an endoscope, an image or character information related to the endoscope image, and an image or text related to the endoscope image In an endoscope apparatus provided with an external device capable of transmitting and receiving character information and an interface unit for transmitting and receiving data,
An endoscope apparatus comprising: output means for outputting an image or character information related to the endoscope image received from the external device so as to be displayed on the display means.
[0073]
  As described above, according to the present invention,OutsideBy connecting an externally connected device, the image or text information related to the endoscopic image captured from the endoscope is transmitted from the externally connected device, so that a complicated and large-capacity code conversion is performed on the endoscope device side. Even without preparing means, it is possible to easily display related information related to the endoscope information displayed on the endoscope apparatus side.At the same time, since the language of the country to be used can be converted without increasing the size of the endoscope apparatus, it is possible to provide a system that is easy for the user to use.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an endoscope system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing details of comparison image selection processing in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing index images and the like displayed on a monitor of an externally connected device.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which one index image is selected and displayed in full size in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which an endoscopic image and a comparative image are simultaneously displayed on a monitor on the endoscope apparatus side.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which an endoscopic image and character information before conversion are displayed.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of character conversion processing in FIG. 7;
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example when character information is input on the external device side.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which an endoscope image and converted character information are displayed on a monitor on the endoscope apparatus side.
[Explanation of symbols]
1. Endoscope system
2. Endoscope
3. Light source device
4 ... Video processor
5 ... Monitor
6. Recording equipment
7 ... Externally connected equipment
7a ... Externally connected device body
7b ... Monitor
7c ... Keyboard
8 ... Keyboard
14 ... CCD
17 ... Video signal processing circuit
21 ... CPU
22 ... Control panel
23 ... ROM
24 ... RAM
25 ... SIO
26 ... PIO
29 ... Display controller
30 ... Display memory
31 ... FIFO
32 ... Data display memory
33 ... Control signal generation circuit
34 ... Memory controller
35 ... Selector

Claims (2)

An endoscope image of the patient picked up by an endoscope, in relation to the endoscope image, displaying the endoscope-related information formed by character information of a predetermined character code input from the input means An endoscopic device for outputting to be displayed on the means;
The endoscope system and an external connection device that holds external character information associated with the external image and the external image as the past endoscopic images of a patient picked up by the endoscope,
Provided in the endoscope apparatus, an interface unit for transmitting and receiving data to and from the external connection apparatus connected to the endoscope apparatus,
A video signal processing circuit which is provided in the endoscope apparatus and performs processing for generating a video signal of an endoscopic image from an imaging signal imaged by an imaging element incorporated in the endoscope;
A display memory that is provided in the endoscope device and stores the external image or the external character information transmitted from the external connection device via the interface unit;
A display memory for related information that is provided in the endoscope device and stores the endoscope related information;
An output unit that is provided in the endoscope apparatus and outputs the external image or the external character information related to the endoscopic image received from the external connection device so as to be displayed on the display unit;
A selector for switching the endoscope image, the endoscope related information, the external image or the external character information read from the display memory, which constitutes the output means;
A storage unit that is provided in the external connection device and stores unique character information of a language specific to a country in which the external connection device is used;
A search is made as to whether or not the unique character information corresponding to the predetermined character code is stored in the storage means from a predetermined character code provided in the externally connected device and forming the character information by the input means. Search means;
A conversion unit that converts the predetermined character code into the unique character information when the search unit determines that the unique character information corresponding to the predetermined character code is stored in the storage unit;
With
By transmitting the character information to form the endoscope related information displayed on said display unit from the endoscope device to the external connection apparatus, the searching means of the external connection apparatus is transmitted the A search is made as to whether or not character information of a language specific to the country in which the externally connected device is used corresponding to the character information is stored in the storage means, and the unique character information of the country is stored in the storage means If it is determined that the character information transmitted by the conversion means is converted to the unique character information retrieved from the storage means, the character information transmitted to the endoscope apparatus as the external character information is transmitted, endoscope apparatus, in almost the same position as the position of the character information displayed on the display means prior to conversion, and performs switching of the selectors so as to display the external character information converted Endoscope system. The external connection device, the external image as the past endoscopic images of the patient, said has stored retrievably by the external character information associated with the external image, said endoscope apparatus, the external connection The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein the external image or the external character information received from a device is that of the same patient as the patient from whom the endoscopic image was captured.

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