JP4814667B2 - Electronic endoscope device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic endoscope apparatus including a video scope, and more particularly to image signal processing for displaying an observation image.

In the electronic endoscope apparatus, the observation image is displayed in real time on the TV monitor based on the image signal obtained by photographing with the video scope, and the observation image can be recorded in the image recording apparatus. The recorded observation image is restored by an image file controller, an image reproduction device, or the like and displayed on a dedicated monitor such as a high resolution monitor (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).
JP-A-5-68668 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-75967

  When a recorded image is reproduced and displayed, it is necessary to connect the image reproducing device to the electronic endoscope device and separately perform an operation for reproduction display and an operation for an observation image displayed in real time. For this reason, it is difficult to effectively display the observation image recorded in accordance with the real-time observation image as necessary.

  An electronic endoscope apparatus according to the present invention is an electronic endoscope apparatus including a video scope having an image sensor and an endoscope processor to which the video scope is connected. This is an electronic endoscope apparatus that enables display of previously recorded observation images simultaneously with the observation images. The electronic endoscope apparatus according to the present invention includes image signal processing means for generating a video signal corresponding to a real-time observation image (hereinafter referred to as a real-time video signal) based on an image signal read from an image sensor, A captured observation image is displayed.

  Furthermore, the electronic endoscope apparatus of the present invention is provided on the outer surface of the processor housing so that a removable memory capable of storing observation image data can be attached, and the observation image data can be transmitted to and from the processor. A memory connection unit. As the removable memory, a memory of any standard such as an SD card or a USB memory (registered trademark) can be applied, and a mounting portion is provided accordingly. Then, the image signal processing means of the present invention reads the observation image data from the removable memory attached to the memory connection unit, and based on the observation image data, a video signal corresponding to the observation image to be reproduced and displayed (hereinafter, referred to as the image signal). A playback video signal). The previously recorded observation image is read from the removable memory, and the real-time observation image and the observation image recorded in the past can be displayed simultaneously only by the configuration of the electronic endoscope device. The progress of the department is diagnosed.

  For example, in the case of an autofluorescence electronic endoscope apparatus, normal light for illumination used for photographing for displaying a normal observation image that is a color image and excitation light used for photographing for displaying an autofluorescence observation image The image signal processing means generates a video signal of the normal observation image based on the normal light, and generates a video signal of the auto fluorescence observation image based on the auto fluorescence generated by the excitation light. . The image signal processing means is configured to output at least one of the video signal of the normal observation image and the video signal of the autofluorescence observation image and the reproduction video signal as a real-time video signal to the outside of the processor. That's fine.

  Observation image data recorded in a recorder, computer, etc. may be recorded in the memory, but in order to enable recording and display of the observation image only by the configuration of the electronic endoscope apparatus, the real-time observation image is converted into the observation image. It is desirable to provide recording means for recording data in a removable memory.

  In addition, in order to reproduce and display the same subject's observation image regardless of the operation of the operator, the real-time observation image data and the subject data associating the subject with the real-time observation image are respectively stored in the removable memory. It is desirable to provide a recording means for recording data and subject data, and a detecting means for detecting subject data corresponding to a real-time observation image in accordance with an operator's operation. In this case, the image signal processing means reads the corresponding observation image data according to the detected subject data.

  A dedicated monitor for reproducing and displaying the observation image may be provided. However, in order to effectively use the configuration of the processor, the image signal processing means is only set in the mode for observing the recorded observation image. The video signal of the reproduced observation image is preferably output to the outside of the processor. For example, a switch that can switch between the output of only the real-time video signal to the outside of the processor and the output of the real-time video signal and the playback video signal to the outside of the processor is provided, and the image signal processing means displays the real-time observation image When the mode is set, the switch is operated so that only the real-time video signal is output. When the mode is set to observe the recorded observation image, the real-time video signal and the playback video signal are output. Operate the switch.

  An endoscope image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an image signal processing unit that generates a real-time video signal corresponding to a real-time observation image based on an image signal read from an image pickup device of a videoscope, and an outer surface of a processor housing. Reproduction image display means for reading observation image data from a detachable memory attached to a provided memory connection unit and generating a reproduction video signal corresponding to a reproduction observation image recorded previously based on the observation image data; It is provided with.

  The endoscope image processing method according to the present invention generates a real-time video signal corresponding to a real-time observation image based on an image signal read from an image pickup device of a video scope, and is connected to a memory provided on an outer surface of a processor casing. Observation image data is read from a detachable memory mounted on the unit, and a reproduced video signal corresponding to a previously recorded reproduction observation image is generated based on the observation image data.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to effectively display a real-time observation image captured by a video scope and a recorded observation image without preparing a component separate from the electronic endoscope apparatus.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a view showing a rotary shutter.

  The electronic endoscope apparatus includes a video scope 10 and a processor 20, and the video scope 10 is detachably connected to the processor 20. The processor 20 is connected with two monitors 70 and 80 and a keyboard 90. In the present embodiment, the normal observation mode, the autofluorescence observation mode, and the special observation mode can be selectively set, and the mode is switched by operating the mode switching button 11 provided on the operation unit of the video scope 10.

  The processor 20 is provided with a lamp 22 such as a halogen lamp or a xenon lamp, and a laser light source 24 such as a semiconductor laser. The lamp 22 and the laser light source 24 are supplied with power from a lamp power source 23 and a laser power source 25, respectively. It is driven to light by supply. While the lamp 22 emits white light (normal light), the laser light source 24 emits light in the ultraviolet region or a wavelength region close to the ultraviolet region (approximately 400 nm to 460 nm) as excitation light.

  When the normal observation mode in which the full color image is always displayed is set, the light emitted from the lamp 22 that is driven to light enters the incident end 12 </ b> A of the light guide 12 through the half mirror 26 and the condenser lens 27. The light guide 12 that is an optical fiber bundle guides light from the lamp 22 to the distal end portion of the video scope 10, and the light emitted from the light guide 12 exits from the distal end portion of the scope via the light distribution lens 14. Thereby, the subject is irradiated.

  The light reflected by the subject reaches the light receiving surface of the CCD 17 via the objective lens 15 and the excitation light cut filter 16, and a subject image is formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 17. On the front surface of the CCD 17, a complementary color mosaic filter (not shown) that transmits the corresponding complementary color light and the autofluorescence generated from the living tissue is arranged corresponding to each pixel. Based on this, an analog image signal corresponding to the subject image is generated by photoelectric conversion. The image signals are sequentially read out one field at a time interval (here, 1/60 seconds) in accordance with a TV standard such as the NTSC system and sent to the video signal processing circuit 30 of the processor 20. The CCD 17 is driven by an image sensor driving circuit 31 of the processor 20.

  In the video signal processing circuit 30, the input analog image signal is subjected to amplification processing and digitization processing, and various signal processing such as white balance adjustment and gamma correction is performed. A signal is generated. The video signal is sent to the monitor 70, whereby the color observation image is displayed on the monitor 70 as a moving image.

  When the auto fluorescence observation mode for displaying the auto fluorescence observation image is set, the laser light source 24 is intermittently turned on at a predetermined time interval (1/60 second interval), and the excitation light from the laser light source 24 is intermittently emitted. Radiated. The emitted excitation light is reflected by the half mirror 26 and enters the incident end 12 </ b> A of the light guide 11 through the condenser lens 27.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the rotary shutter 28 has an opening 28 </ b> A having a length corresponding to a semicircle along the circumferential direction. The shielding and transmission of the light emitted from 22 are repeated alternately. Here, the rotary shutter 28 is set at a constant speed so that the light from the lamp 22 is transmitted in accordance with the image signal readout time interval (1/60 second interval) and in a period in which no light is emitted from the laser light source 24. Rotate. Thus, by adjusting the rotation timing of the rotary shutter 28 and the emission timing of the excitation light from the laser light source 24, the subject is alternately irradiated with the excitation light from the laser light source 24 and the white light from the lamp 22. . In the normal observation mode, the rotary shutter 28 is positioned so that the light from the lamp 22 passes through the opening 28A.

  When normal light is irradiated on the subject, a color image signal is generated as in the normal observation mode. On the other hand, when the subject is irradiated with excitation light, autofluorescence generated from the living tissue reaches the CCD 17, while reflected light of the excitation light is blocked by the excitation light filter 16. As a result, a fluorescence image corresponding to autofluorescence is formed on the CCD 17. The CCD 17 is composed of a high-sensitivity image pickup device corresponding to autofluorescence with low light intensity. In the case of autofluorescence, a predetermined amplification process is performed.

  An image signal by autofluorescence (hereinafter referred to as autofluorescence observation image signal) and an image signal for normal observation by white light (normal observation image signal) are alternately read from the CCD 17 for each field, and a video signal processing circuit. In 30, the normal observation image signal and the fluorescence observation image signal are alternately processed to generate video signals of the autofluorescence observation image and the color observation image, respectively. Then, the video signal for the autofluorescence observation image is output to the monitor 80, and the video signal for the normal observation image is output to the monitor 70. As a result, the normal observation image is displayed on the monitor 70, and the autofluorescence observation image is displayed on the monitor 80.

  A side surface of the processor 20 is provided with a memory mounting portion 35 to which a detachable memory card 36 such as an SD card or a USB memory (registered trademark) can be mounted, and between the memory card 36 and the system control circuit 34. Data can be transmitted and received with each other. When a recording button (not shown) provided on the operation unit of the video scope 10 is operated, data of a normal observation image and an autofluorescence observation image are recorded on the memory card 36. Further, after recording the observation image on the memory card 36, the operator's operation on the keyboard 90 adds the test subject's ID number to the observation image data and records it on the memory card 36.

  When the reproduction observation image mode is set with the memory card 36 mounted on the memory mounting unit 35, the observation image data previously recorded from the memory card 36 is related to the current endoscopic work. Observation image data of a subject is read and sent to the video signal processing circuit 30. Here, the subject's ID number is input in advance by the operator's operation on the keyboard 90, and the subject's ID number is referenced in the system control circuit 34, and the corresponding observation image data is read out.

  A real-time video signal generated based on the image signal sent from the video scope 10 is output to the monitor 70. On the other hand, based on the reproduction observation image data read from the memory card 36, the video signal processing device 30 generates a video signal of the reproduction observation image and outputs it to the monitor 80. Thereby, the real-time observation image and the observation image recorded in the past are displayed on the monitors 70 and 80, respectively.

  The system control circuit 34 controls the operation of the processor 20 and outputs a control signal to each circuit such as the lamp power supply 23. The timing controller 32 outputs a clock pulse signal that adjusts the timing of signal processing, and outputs a control signal to the control circuit 33 for driving the motor 29, the image sensor driving circuit 31, and the like. The mode switching button 11 is provided on the operation unit of the video scope 10, and the normal observation mode, the autofluorescence observation mode, and the reproduction observation image mode are switched by an operation on the mode switching button 11.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the video processing signal circuit 30.

  The video signal processing circuit 30 includes an initial circuit 41, a memory controller 42, first, second, and third memories 43, 44, 45, and a switch 46. In the initial circuit 41, various processing such as amplification processing and white balance adjustment is performed on the image signal sent from the video scope 10, and a digital image signal is generated. The memory controller 42 controls reading and writing of image data with respect to the third memory 45. The input / output timing of the image signals in the first and second memories 43 and 44 is controlled by the timing controller 32.

  In the normal observation image mode, the image signal of the normal observation image is temporarily stored in the first memory 43 and sent to the switch 46. The switch 46 operates to output the image signal of the normal observation image to the first encoder 47. In the first encoder, a video signal such as an NTSC signal is generated based on the transmitted image signal, and the video signal is output to the first monitor 70.

  In the auto fluorescence observation mode, the image signal of the normal observation image and the image signal of the auto fluorescence observation image are alternately stored in the first memory 43 and the second memory 44, respectively, and sent to the switch 46. The switch 46 operates so as to output the image signal of the normal observation image to the first encoder 47 and the image signal of the autofluorescence observation image to the second encoder 48. The first encoder 47 generates a video signal from the image signal of the normal observation image, and the second encoder 47 generates a video signal from the image signal of the autofluorescence observation image. As a result, the normal observation image is displayed on the monitor 70, and the autofluorescence observation image is displayed on the monitor 80.

  In the reproduction observation image mode, corresponding observation image data is read from the memory card and stored in the third memory 45 via the system control circuit 34. As described above, the ID number of the subject is input and the observation image data is recorded together with the ID number before the endoscope work, and the system control circuit 34 observes the observation image data corresponding to the input ID number. Is read from the memory card 36. The observation image data is sent from the third memory 45 to the switch 46, and the image signal of the normal observation image and the image signal of the autofluorescence observation image stored in the first memory 43 and the second memory 44 are switched. 46.

  The switch 46 operates to output each image signal of the normal observation image and the autofluorescence observation image to the first encoder 47 and to output the reproduction observation image signal to the second encoder 48. In the first encoder 47, image signal processing is performed so that the normal observation image and the autofluorescence observation image are displayed simultaneously. The second encoder 47 generates a video signal based on the image signal of the reproduction observation image and sends it to the second monitor 80. As a result, the normal observation image and the autofluorescence observation image are displayed on the first monitor 70, and the reproduction observation image is displayed on the second monitor 80.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the memory card 36 can be detachably attached to the memory attachment portion 35 of the processor 20, and observation image data is recorded on the memory card 36. Then, when the reproduction observation image mode is set in the subsequent endoscopic operation, corresponding observation image data is read from the memory card 36 based on the ID number of the subject inputted in advance, and the previously recorded observation image is obtained. It is displayed on the monitor 80. As a result, the previously recorded observation image is displayed at the same time as the current observation image, and the progress of the lesioned part is grasped.

  In this embodiment, the normal observation image and the autofluorescence observation image are simultaneously displayed on the monitor 70, and the reproduction observation image is displayed on the monitor 80. However, only the normal observation image or the autofluorescence observation image is displayed on the monitor 70 and reproduced. An observation image may be displayed on the monitor 80. In the case of the auto fluorescence observation image mode, the fluorescence observation image and the normal observation image may be displayed simultaneously on one monitor.

  It may be configured such that only the reading process is executed without performing the recording operation of the observation image data. Further, predetermined observation image data may be read by an operator's selection operation. You may comprise so that observation image data may be always displayed on another monitor. Further, the present invention may be applied not only to the self-fluorescent observation electronic endoscope apparatus shown in the present embodiment but also to a normal electronic endoscope apparatus that displays a full-color image.

It is a block diagram of the electronic endoscope apparatus which is 1st Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the rotary shutter. It is a block diagram of a video processing signal circuit.

Explanation of symbols

10 Videoscope 17 CCD (Image sensor)
20 processor 22 lamp 24 laser light source 30 video signal processing circuit 34 system control circuit 35 memory mounting section (memory connection section)
36 Memory card (memory)
45 Third memory 46 Switch

Claims (9)

An electronic endoscope apparatus comprising a videoscope having an image sensor and a processor,
Image signal processing means for generating a real-time video signal corresponding to a real-time observation image based on an image signal read from the image sensor;
A memory connection section provided on the outer surface of the processor casing so as to allow attachment of a removable memory capable of storing observation image data, and enabling transmission of the observation image data to and from the processor And
The image signal processing means reads the observation image data from the removable memory attached to the memory connection unit, and based on the observation image data, a reproduced video signal corresponding to a previously recorded reproduced observation image to generate,
The image signal processing means has a switch capable of switching between the output of only the real-time video signal to the outside of the processor and the output of the real-time video signal and the reproduced video signal to the outside of the processor,
When the mode for displaying the real-time observation image is set, the image signal processing means is set to the mode for observing the recorded observation image by operating the switch so as to output only the real-time video signal. The electronic endoscope apparatus is characterized by operating the switch so as to output the real-time video signal and the reproduced video signal .   The electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a recording unit that records the real-time observation image as the observation image data in the removable memory. Recording means for recording the observation image data according to the real-time observation image and subject data associating the subject with the observation image data in the removable memory;
Detecting means for detecting subject data according to the real-time observation image;
The electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image signal processing means reads corresponding observation image data in accordance with the detected subject data.   2. The electronic endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the image signal processing means outputs the video signal of the reproduced observation image to the outside of the processor only when the recorded observation image is set to the observation mode. apparatus. A processor of an electronic endoscope apparatus to which a videoscope having an image sensor is connected,
Image signal processing means for generating a real-time video signal corresponding to a real-time observation image based on an image signal read from the image sensor;
A memory connection section provided on the outer surface of the processor casing so as to allow attachment of a removable memory capable of storing observation image data, and enabling transmission of the observation image data to and from the processor And
The image signal processing means reads the observation image data from the removable memory attached to the memory connection unit, and based on the observation image data, a reproduced video signal corresponding to a previously recorded reproduced observation image Produces
The image signal processing means has a switch capable of switching between the output of only the real-time video signal to the outside of the processor and the output of the real-time video signal and the reproduced video signal to the outside of the processor,
When the mode for displaying the real-time observation image is set, the image signal processing means is set to the mode for observing the recorded observation image by operating the switch so as to output only the real-time video signal. the real-time image signal and processor to that electronic endoscope apparatus characterized by operating the switch so as to output the reproduced video signal when the. An electronic endoscope apparatus comprising a videoscope having an image sensor and a processor,
Image signal processing means for generating a real-time video signal corresponding to a real-time observation image based on an image signal read from the image sensor;
A memory connection section provided on the outer surface of the processor casing so as to allow attachment of a removable memory capable of storing observation image data, and enabling transmission of the observation image data to and from the processor And
The image signal processing means reads the observation image data from the removable memory attached to the memory connection unit, and based on the observation image data, a reproduced video signal corresponding to a previously recorded reproduced observation image to generate a further,
A light source capable of emitting normal light for illumination used for photographing for displaying a normal observation image that is a color image and excitation light used for photographing for displaying an autofluorescence observation image;
The image signal processing means generates a video signal of the normal observation image based on the normal light, and generates a video signal of the auto fluorescence observation image based on the auto fluorescence generated by the excitation light,
The image signal processing means is capable of outputting, as the real-time video signal, at least one of a video signal of a normal observation image and a video signal of an autofluorescence observation image and the reproduced video signal to the outside of the processor. It shall be the electronic endoscope apparatus. A processor of an electronic endoscope apparatus to which a videoscope having an image sensor is connected,
Image signal processing means for generating a real-time video signal corresponding to a real-time observation image based on an image signal read from the image sensor;
A memory connection section provided on the outer surface of the processor casing so as to allow attachment of a removable memory capable of storing observation image data, and enabling transmission of the observation image data to and from the processor And
The image signal processing means reads the observation image data from the removable memory attached to the memory connection unit, and based on the observation image data, a reproduced video signal corresponding to a previously recorded reproduced observation image to generate a further,
A light source capable of emitting normal light for illumination used for photographing for displaying a normal observation image that is a color image and excitation light used for photographing for displaying an autofluorescence observation image;
The image signal processing means generates a video signal of the normal observation image based on the normal light, and generates a video signal of the auto fluorescence observation image based on the auto fluorescence generated by the excitation light,
The image signal processing means is capable of outputting, as the real-time video signal, at least one of a video signal of a normal observation image and a video signal of an autofluorescence observation image and the reproduced video signal to the outside of the processor. A processor of an electronic endoscope apparatus. Image signal processing means for generating a real-time video signal corresponding to a real-time observation image based on an image signal read from an image sensor of a video scope;
The observation image data is read from a removable memory attached to a memory connection portion provided on the outer surface of the processor casing, and a reproduction video signal corresponding to a previously recorded reproduction observation image is obtained based on the observation image data. Replay image display means for generating ,
The image signal processing means has a switch capable of switching between the output of only the real-time video signal to the outside of the processor and the output of the real-time video signal and the reproduced video signal to the outside of the processor,
When the mode for displaying the real-time observation image is set, the image signal processing means is set to the mode for observing the recorded observation image by operating the switch so as to output only the real-time video signal. An endoscope image processing apparatus , wherein the switching device is operated so as to output the real-time video signal and the reproduced video signal . Image signal processing means for generating a real-time video signal corresponding to a real-time observation image based on an image signal read from an image sensor of a video scope;
The observation image data is read from a removable memory attached to a memory connection portion provided on the outer surface of the processor casing, and a reproduction video signal corresponding to a previously recorded reproduction observation image is obtained based on the observation image data. Replay image display means for generating,
The image signal processing means generates a video signal of the normal observation image based on the normal light for illumination used for photographing for displaying the normal observation image which is a color image, and displays the autofluorescence observation image Based on the autofluorescence generated by the excitation light used to shoot the image of the autofluorescence observation image,
The image signal processing means is capable of outputting, as the real-time video signal, at least one of a video signal of a normal observation image and a video signal of an autofluorescence observation image and the reproduced video signal to the outside of the processor. An endoscope image processing apparatus.

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