CN102860809B - The control method of endoscopic system, light supply apparatus and endoscopic system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides the control method of a kind of endoscopic system, light supply apparatus and endoscopic system.The light supply apparatus (13) of endoscopic system (10) has: be emitted in the white light source (30) for usually being observed the white light utilized in the illumination light of image; And semiconductor light source unit (31).Semiconductor light source unit (31) sends oxygen saturation and measures light, and this oxygen saturation measures the narrow wavelength domain that light has the local of blue region, irradiates to look-out station, for measuring the oxygen saturation of the blood hemoglobin of the blood vessel that look-out station exists.The light of the red area comprised in white light, except oxygen saturation measures light, is measured light as the blood flow volume being used for the blood flow volume measuring blood vessel, supplies to fujinon electronic video endoscope (11) by light supply apparatus (13).Based on first and second image pickup signal that imaging apparatus measures light according to oxygen saturation mensuration light and blood flow volume and exports, calculate blood flow volume and oxygen saturation, image conversion is carried out to the information of oxygen saturation and these both sides of blood flow volume.

Description

The control method of endoscopic system, light supply apparatus and endoscopic system

Technical field

The present invention relates to the control method for observing endoscopic system, light supply apparatus and endoscopic system in subject.

Background technology

In medical treatment in recent years, the diagnosis etc. employing endoscopic system is extensively carried out.As based on the observation in the subject of endoscopic system, except using the white light of wide band as except the normal light observation of illumination light, also use and carried out the narrow band of light of narrow wave band to wavelength, the special light carrying out making the blood vessel in subject strengthen display etc. is observed.

In addition, also record like that just like Japan Patent No. 2648494 publications, utilize the extinction characteristic of blood vessel and the scattering properties of bio-tissue, take out the function information that oxygen saturation and the vessel depth of blood hemoglobin etc. is relevant to blood vessel from picture signal, and image conversion is carried out to it.In the endoscopic system described in patent No. 2648494 publications, at the near infrared region and green area etc. of the extinction spectrum of blood hemoglobin, the light of the wavelength domain using the absorbance because of oxygen saturation to change, obtains picture signal.The light of near infrared region or green area carries out color separation by optical light filter to white light and generates.Further, calculate oxygen saturation based on the picture signal obtained, distribute different colors according to the size of oxygen saturation, based on this distribution color and generate the colored oxygen saturation image of puppet (doubtful).By using this oxygen saturation image, such as, the discovery of the abnormal cancer reduced of oxygen saturation becomes easy, and therefore diagnosis performance improves.

In the cancer of hypoxia, poorly differentiated type early gastric cancer compared with well-differentiated cancer, the feature that the density of blood (also referred to as blood flow volume) with tumor region reduces.Therefore, in order to reliably carry out the discovery of this poorly differentiated type early gastric cancer, also needing to correspond to oxygen saturation and taking out the information relevant to blood flow volume from picture signal.Related to this, in Japan Patent No. 2648494 publications, only obtain oxygen saturation, be therefore difficult to find that poorly differentiated type early gastric cancer etc. is in oxygen saturation and the characteristic pathological changes portion of this both sides' tool of blood flow volume.And oxygen saturation is also subject to the impact of blood flow volume, therefore in order to improve the estimating precision of oxygen saturation, and needing the impact getting rid of blood flow volume, for this reason, requiring to hold oxygen saturation and these both sides of blood flow volume.

In addition, the oxygen saturation assay method that Japan Patent No. 2648494 publications are recorded uses the light of near infrared region and green area.Degree of reaching deeply from the light of mucosal surface has the wavelength dependency more shallow more in short-term and more such when wavelength is longer at wavelength, therefore, in the light of near infrared region and green area, also exist and cannot obtain this problem of the information relevant to the superficial blood vessel being positioned at mucosal surface well.Dislike in the diagnosis in the pathological changes portion of discriminating etc. the good of tumor, in most of the cases, compared with mid-deep strata, the assurance of the character of superficial blood vessel is even more important, therefore requires the character holding superficial blood vessel in detail.

But in the extinction spectrum of hemoglobin, compare with red area with green area, the change of the absorbance of blue region is more precipitous, and therefore when wavelength slightly departs from, absorbance has greatly changed.Therefore, when using the light of blue region, comparing with red area with green area, needing the narrow band of light with narrow wavelength domain.The optical light filter that utilizes recorded at Japan Patent No. 2648494 publications carries out in the method for color separation to white light, likely deficiency in light quantity and cannot obtain high assay precision.

On the other hand, the technology of this mensuration oxygen saturation is useful in endoscopic diagnosis, therefore in order to make user utilize more expediently, in the practical stage of endoscopic system, requires to reduce development cost and manufacturing cost.Therefore, the viewpoint anopia that the white light source of light supply apparatus is such can not be equipped on to existing as far as possible effectively utilization.

Summary of the invention

Main purpose of the present invention is easily to utilize the mode of the structure of existing light supply apparatus all can obtain with good estimating precision and the endoscopic system observed to provide a kind of for the oxygen saturation relevant to superficial blood vessel and these both sides of blood flow volume.

To achieve these goals, endoscopic system of the present invention possesses fujinon electronic video endoscope, light supply apparatus, processor device.Fujinon electronic video endoscope has the insertion section be inserted in subject, and has the imaging apparatus of the look-out station in shooting subject.Light supply apparatus is to the light of fujinon electronic video endoscope supply shooting.The image pickup signal that processor device exports based on imaging apparatus, real-time image processing.

Light supply apparatus has white light source and semiconductor light source.The white light that the illumination light of the usual observation image that white light source sends for obtaining look-out station utilizes.Semiconductor light source has the narrow wavelength domain of the local of blue region, irradiates to look-out station, and the oxygen saturation sending the oxygen saturation of the blood hemoglobin for measuring the blood vessel that look-out station exists measures light.Light supply apparatus is except oxygen saturation measures light, and the light of the red area also comprised by white light is used for measuring the blood flow volume mensuration light of the blood flow volume of blood vessel as irradiating to look-out station, supplies to fujinon electronic video endoscope.

Described processor device has blood flow volume and oxygen saturation calculation means and Computer image genration mechanism.Blood flow volume and oxygen saturation calculation means measure light based on the oxygen saturation reflected at look-out station and receive 2 first and second image pickup signals that blood flow volume measures the imaging apparatus output of light, obtain blood flow volume and oxygen saturation.The information of Computer image genration mechanism to oxygen saturation and these both sides of blood flow volume carries out image conversion.

Preferably, the light at least partially that white light comprises by light supply apparatus, as being used for the reference light obtaining the contrast signal utilized in the standardization of first and second image pickup signal, supplies to fujinon electronic video endoscope.Preferably, these 3 image pickup signals of the 3rd image pickup signal that blood flow volume and oxygen saturation calculation means correspond to reference light based on first and second image pickup signal and imaging apparatus and export, calculate blood flow volume and oxygen saturation.

Preferably, light supply apparatus has: collecting lens, its in order to white light that white light source is sent incident and white light is assembled to fujinon electronic video endoscope; Light merging part, it is configured in the light path of the white light from white light source towards collecting lens, and the light path that the oxygen saturation that semiconductor light source is sent measures light and white light is collaborated.And, preferably, light merging part have make white light through through portion and oxygen saturation is measured the reflecting part that light reflects towards collecting lens.

Preferably, light supply apparatus has opening-closing plate, this opening-closing plate can block between the on position of white light and the retreating position kept out of the way from light path being inserted into the light path of white light and move, light supply apparatus is under the pattern calculating blood flow volume and oxygen saturation, under the state of blocking white light making opening-closing plate move on position, oxygen saturation is measured light supply to fujinon electronic video endoscope, make opening-closing plate move to retreating position, blood flow volume is measured light and supplies to fujinon electronic video endoscope.

Can be, imaging apparatus is the monochromatic imaging apparatus exporting monochromatic image pickup signal, light supply apparatus has light filter, this light filter has blueness, green, this trichroism or yellow, pinkish red (マ ゼ Application タ) color red, this trichroism penetrating region of viridescent (シ ア Application) color, trichroism each penetrating region is optionally inserted into the light path of white light, and white light color separation is become trichroism light, under the usual observing pattern of usually being observed image, light supply apparatus is the face formula in turn trichroism fairing time supplied to fujinon electronic video endoscope.And, preferably, on light filter, except trichroism penetrating region, be also provided with the light shielding part forming opening-closing plate.

Can be, imaging apparatus has blueness, green, this trichroism or yellow, this trichroism pixel of magenta, dark green red, and export the color image sensor of the trichroism picture signal corresponding with assorted pixel, light supply apparatus, under the usual observing pattern of shooting usual observation image, is the same up-to-date style of not carrying out color separation to described white light and supplying to fujinon electronic video endoscope.

Preferably, blood flow volume and oxygen saturation calculation means have signal than calculation means and dependency relation storage part.Signal is obtained than calculation means to be had dependent first image pickup signal and the ratio i.e. first signal ratio of contrast signal to oxygen saturation and these both sides of blood flow volume, blood flow volume is had to the ratio of dependent second image pickup signal and contrast signal and secondary signal ratio.Dependency relation storage part stores the second dependency relation of oxygen saturation and the first signal when the first dependency relation of secondary signal ratio, blood flow volume and secondary signal ratio.Blood flow volume and oxygen saturation calculation means are obtained with secondary signal than corresponding blood flow volume with reference to the second dependency relation, and obtain the oxygen saturation of answering with the first signal fusing with reference to the first dependency relation.

Preferably, oxygen saturation measures the wavelength domain that light has 470nm ± 10nm.Preferably, blood flow volume measures the wavelength domain that light has 590nm ~ 700nm.Preferably, reference light has the wavelength domain of 540nm ~ 580nm.

Preferably, Computer image genration mechanism uses the blood flow volume and oxygen saturation that calculate according to blood flow volume and oxygen saturation calculation means and the color table that tone changes, and generates the pseudo color image reflecting the information of blood flow volume and oxygen saturation.

Preferably, processor device has the display and control mechanism that exports to display of image Computer image genration mechanism generated, and display and control mechanism is by the while of having carried out the blood flow volume image of image conversion and the information of oxygen saturation carried out to these 2 images of oxygen saturation image of image conversion or optionally export to display to the information of blood flow volume.

Light supply apparatus of the present invention, be used in electronic endoscope system, to the light of fujinon electronic video endoscope supply shooting, and there is fujinon electronic video endoscope, this fujinon electronic video endoscope has the insertion section that is inserted in subject and has the imaging apparatus of the look-out station in shooting subject, and light supply apparatus possesses white light source and semiconductor light source.The white light that the illumination light of the usual observation image that white light source sends for obtaining look-out station utilizes.The narrow wavelength domain that semiconductor light source has the local of blue region sends for irradiating to look-out station and measures the oxygen saturation mensuration light of the oxygen saturation of the blood hemoglobin of the blood vessel that look-out station exists.Light supply apparatus is except oxygen saturation measures light, and the light of the red area also comprised by white light is used for measuring the blood flow volume mensuration light of the blood flow volume of blood vessel as irradiating to look-out station, supplies to fujinon electronic video endoscope.

In the control method of endoscopic system of the present invention, this endoscopic system has: fujinon electronic video endoscope, and it has the insertion section be inserted in subject, and has the imaging apparatus of the look-out station in shooting subject; Light supply apparatus, it is to the light of fujinon electronic video endoscope supply shooting, the control method of endoscopic system uses endoscopic system, calculate the oxygen saturation of blood hemoglobin of blood vessel and the blood flow volume of blood vessel that look-out station exists, comprise the first irradiation rate-determining steps, the first signal obtains step, second irradiate rate-determining steps, secondary signal obtains step, calculates step and Computer image genration step.First irradiates rate-determining steps controls light supply apparatus in mode oxygen saturation being measured light and irradiate to look-out station, this oxygen saturation measures the light that semiconductor light source that only light supply apparatus has sends, there is the narrow wavelength domain of the local of blue region, and for measuring oxygen saturation.First signal obtains the first image pickup signal that step obtains the imaging apparatus output of the reflected light receiving oxygen saturation mensuration light.Second irradiates rate-determining steps controls light supply apparatus in mode blood flow volume being measured light and irradiate to look-out station, and this blood flow volume measures the light of the red area comprised in the white light that white light source that only light supply apparatus has sends, for measuring blood flow volume.Secondary signal obtains the second image pickup signal that step obtains the imaging apparatus output receiving blood flow volume mensuration light.Calculate step based on first and second image pickup signal, calculate blood flow volume and oxygen saturation.Computer image genration step calculates result based on what calculate step, carries out image conversion to the information of oxygen saturation and these both sides of blood flow volume.

Invention effect

According to the present invention, the blood flow volume that the oxygen saturation mensuration light utilizing semiconductor light source to send and white light source send measures light, obtain blood flow volume and oxygen saturation, can obtain with good estimating precision therefore, it is possible to provide a kind of in the mode of the structure easily utilizing existing light supply apparatus and observe the oxygen saturation of mainly superficial blood vessel and the endoscopic system of these both sides of blood flow volume.

Accompanying drawing explanation

Fig. 1 is the outside drawing of the electronic endoscope system of the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is the front view in endoscope distal end portion.

Fig. 3 is the block diagram of the electric structure of the electronic endoscope system representing the first embodiment.

Fig. 4 is the key diagram of rotary filter.

Fig. 5 is the figure representing the spectrophotometric transmittance of primary colors system chromatic filter, the light intensity distributions of white light BB and narrow band of light N.

Fig. 6 A is the key diagram of the shape of light merging part.

Fig. 6 B is the key diagram of the configuration mode of light merging part.

Fig. 7 is the key diagram of opening-closing plate.

Fig. 8 is the key diagram of the action of light supply apparatus under usual observing pattern.

Fig. 9 is the key diagram of the action of light supply apparatus under function information observing pattern.

Figure 10 A is the key diagram of the shooting action of imaging apparatus under usual observing pattern.

Figure 10 B is the key diagram of the shooting action of imaging apparatus under function information observing pattern.

Figure 11 is the block diagram of function image handling part.

Figure 12 represents blood flow volume and the figure of signal than the dependency relation of R/G.

Figure 13 represents oxygen saturation and the figure of signal than the dependency relation of N/G, R/G.

Figure 14 is the figure of the specific absorbance representing hemoglobin.

Figure 15 be for illustration of in the figure of Fig. 8 according to signal than the key diagram of method obtaining oxygen saturation.

Figure 16 is the block diagram being made order representing blood flow volume image and oxygen saturation image.

Figure 17 is the figure of the relation representing blood flow volume and colour difference signal.

Figure 18 is the figure of the relation representing oxygen saturation and colour difference signal.

Figure 19 is the image graph of display device blood flow volume image and oxygen saturation image shown side by side.

Figure 20 is the image graph of the display device of either party shown in blood flow volume image and oxygen saturation image.

Figure 21 is the flow chart of the running order representing endoscopic system.

Figure 22 is the key diagram with the rotary filter of opening and closing function of the second embodiment.

Figure 23 is the key diagram with the rotary filter of opening and closing function different from Figure 22.

Figure 24 is the key diagram of the color image sensor of the 3rd embodiment.

Figure 25 is the key diagram of the light supply apparatus of the 3rd embodiment.

Figure 26 is the key diagram of the shooting action of the imaging apparatus that the 3rd embodiment is described.

Figure 27 is the figure of the spectrophotometric transmittance of the chromatic filter representing auxiliary colour system, the light intensity distributions of white light BB and narrow band of light N.

Detailed description of the invention

[the first embodiment]

As shown in Figure 1, the endoscopic system 10 of the first embodiment of the present invention possesses: the fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 taken the look-out station in subject; Based on the processor device 12 generating the observation image of look-out station by taking the signal obtained; The light supply apparatus 13 of the light of look-out station is irradiated in supply; And the display 14 of image is observed in display.The control station 15 as the operation inputting part such as keyboard and mouse is provided with at processor device 12.

Electronic endoscope system 10 possesses the usual observing pattern and these two action patterns of function information observing pattern of observing look-out station under white light.Function information observing pattern utilizes special light, obtains the living body functional information relevant to the blood vessel being present in look-out station and oxygen saturation and blood flow volume, carry out image conversion and the pattern of observing to them.

Fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 possesses: the insertion section 16 being inserted into the flexibility in subject; The operating portion 17 that the cardinal extremity part of insertion section 16 is arranged; By the general flexible cord 18 linked between operating portion 17 and processor device 12 and light supply apparatus 13.

Insertion section 16 is made up of the leading section 19 arranged continuously in turn from front end, bending section 20, flexible pipe portion 21.As shown in Figure 2, the front end face of leading section 19 be provided with to look-out station irradiate the illuminating window 22 of illumination light, the observation window 23 as light incidence reflected by look-out station, in order to clean observation window 23 supply gas/send water/delivery nozzle 24 of supplying gas, make the pliers outlet 25 etc. that the disposal appliance pliers or electric mes is outstanding.The optical system of imaging apparatus 44 (with reference to Fig. 2) and imaging is built-in with in the inside of observation window 23.

Bending section 20 is by the multiple curved block (Wan Qu Horse linked) form, under the effect of angle knob (ア Application グ Le ノ Block) 26 operating operating portion 17, flexure operation can be carried out in direction vertically and horizontally.Because bending section 20 bends, and the direction of leading section 19 is towards desired direction.Flexible pipe portion 21 has flexibility, so that can be inserted in the sinuate pipeline such as esophagus or intestinal.Be inserted with in insertion section 16 to the communications cable driving the drive singal of imaging apparatus 44 to communicate with the image pickup signal that imaging apparatus 44 exports, by the illumination light that supplies from light supply apparatus 13 photoconduction 43 (reference Fig. 2) to illuminating window 22 leaded light.

On operating portion 17, except angle knob 26, be also provided with the forceps channel 27 for inserting disposal appliance, the water button of supplying gas/send of water operation of carrying out supplying gas/send, for taking the release-push etc. of rest image.

Insert from the extended communications cable in insertion section 16 and photoconduction 43 at general flexible cord 18, at processor device 12 and light supply apparatus 13 side, adapter 28 is installed in one end of general flexible cord 18.Adapter 28 is the adapters of the compound type be made up of connector for communication and light source adapter, and connector for communication is equipped one end of the communications cable, and light source adapter is equipped one end of photoconduction 43.Fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 is connected with processor device 12 and light supply apparatus 13 in dismounting mode freely via this adapter 28.

As shown in Figure 3, light supply apparatus 13 possesses white light source 30, semiconductor light source unit 31 and they is carried out to the light source control portion 32 of drived control.The driving that light source control portion 32 carries out each portion of light supply apparatus 13 starts, terminate, driving time, the control of lock in time etc.

White light source 30 as xenon lamp (キ セ ノ Application ラ Application プ), Halogen light (Ha ロ ゲ Application ラ Application プ), metal halide lamp (メ タ Le Ha ラ イ De ラ Application プ) etc. from red area to blue region (about 400 ~ 700nm) wide wavelength domain in produce the broadband white light BB of luminescent spectrum continuous print.White light source 30 is identical with the existing light source being equipped on most light supply apparatus, can divert the parts from existing light supply apparatus.

The lamp 30a that white light source 30 comprises radiation white light BB, the reflector 30b that the wide white light BB that lamp 30a radiates is reflected towards exit direction.Spended time till the white light source such as xenon lamp or Halogen light is stable from lighting start to light quantity, therefore white light source 30 starts to light when the power supply of light supply apparatus 13 is put into, and in the use of fujinon electronic video endoscope 11, lights all the time.And in the light path of white light source 30, configuration diaphragm 33, the fader control of white light source 30 is undertaken by regulating the aperture of diaphragm 33.

The light path of the white light BB sent at white light source 30 configures rotary filter 34.As shown in Figure 4, rotary filter 34, in circular plate shape, is B filter unit 34a, G filter unit 34b, this trichroism chromatic filter of R filter unit 34c of the fan-shaped region of 120 ° being arranged respectively the light through B, G, R being circumferentially divided into three parts and central angle.

Rotary filter 34 is in order to optionally be inserted into the light path of white light BB by B filter unit 34a, G filter unit 34b, R filter unit 34c and be arranged to rotatable.Motor 34d is the drive source for making rotary filter 34 rotate.When rotary filter 34 rotates, assorted filter unit 34a, G filter unit 34b, R filter unit 34c are inserted into the light path of white light BB in turn.

B filter unit 34a, G filter unit 34b, R filter unit 34c have the spectrophotometric transmittance shown in Fig. 5 respectively, and by making white light BB through each filter unit 34a ~ 34c, and this is assorted to be separated into B, G, R, generates B coloured light, G coloured light, R coloured light.In the usual observing pattern that light supply apparatus 13 is observed look-out station under white light, the fairing of rotary filter 34 pairs of white light sources 30 time is utilized to carry out color separation and generate this trichroism light of B, G, R, being supplied in turn fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 by the trichroism light generated, is so-called face mode in turn.

The imaging apparatus 44 (with reference to Fig. 3) of fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 is the imaging apparatuss of the monochrome not arranging micro color light filter in imaging surface, exports the image pickup signal of the color corresponding with the light supplied in turn from light supply apparatus 13.The size of the rotary speed of rotary filter 34 and/or each filter unit 34a, 34b, 34c decides according to frame per second, and this frame per second defines the interval of the image pickup signal of the 1 picture amount exporting imaging apparatus 44.

In the light path of white light BB, at the configuration of the downstream of rotary filter 34 diaphragm 33, collecting lens 36, post integrator (ロ Star De イ Application テ グ レ mono-タ) 37.Diaphragm 33 by shading light dark slide and the actuator of dark slide displacement (not shown) is formed, by dark slide a part for the light path of white light BB blocked and controls light quantity.Light source control portion 32 receives the image pickup signal of imaging apparatus 44 output from processor device 12, according to image pickup signal, obtains the light exposure in the imaging surface of imaging apparatus 44, thus determines the diaphragm amount of diaphragm 33.Diaphragm 33, according to the diaphragm amount determined, carries out adjustment to control light quantity to diaphragm diameter with to the insertion of light path.

Collecting lens 36 makes to be assembled by the light of diaphragm 33, incident to post integrator 37.Post integrator 37 makes incident light multipath reflection occur to realize the homogenization of light quantity distribution in face in inside, makes light incident to the incident end face of the photoconduction 43 of the fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 be connected with light supply apparatus 13.

Semiconductor light source unit 31 is the special radiants sending special light under function information observing pattern, has the LASER Light Source 31a and collimating lens 31b that are made up of laser diode.LASER Light Source 31a measures light as the oxygen saturation for measuring oxygen saturation, and sends the narrow band of light of blueness (hreinafter referred to as the narrow band of light) N of the narrow wavelength domain of a part for blue region.As shown in Figure 5, the wavelength domain of narrow band of light N is narrow wave band wavelength domain being restricted to 470 ± 10nm, being preferably restricted to 473nm.As LASER Light Source 31a, the laser diode of the InGaN system of wide area (Block ロ mono-De エ リ ア) type, InGaNAs system, GaNAs system can be used.Semiconductor light source unit 31 by the control in light source control portion 32, and is carried out the lighting of LASER Light Source 31a, is extinguished, the control of light quantity.

The narrow band of light N that LASER Light Source 31a sends is incident to collimating lens 31b.Narrow band of light N is formed as collimated light beam by collimating lens 31b, and carries out shaping to the size of light beam and shape.

In the light path of white light BB, the light merging part 39 that the light path configuring narrow band of light N and the white light BB that semiconductor light source unit 31 is produced between rotary filter 34 and diaphragm 33 is collaborated.Orthogonal with the optical axis BA of white light BB from the emergent light axis NA of the narrow band of light N after semiconductor light source unit 31 just injection, light merging part 39 makes emergent light axis NA 90-degree bent, and the light path of narrow band of light N and the light path of white light BB are collaborated.

As shown in Figure 6, light merging part 39 is to have based on the planar plate members to the permeability of white light BB, the reflecting member that narrow band of light N is reflected is provided with at the central part of its one side, the part not arranging reflecting member in planar plate members forms through portion 39a, and the part being provided with reflecting member forms reflecting part 39b.Reflecting part 39b make by only reflecting narrow band of light N other white light BB through dichroic mirror formed.

Light merging part 39 makes the center of reflecting part 39b consistent with the optical axis BA of white light BB, and tilts 45 ° to configure towards the direct of travel of white light BB.Due to this inclination, light merging part 39 configures in the mode of the light beam of crosscut white light BB obliquely, and therefore its flat shape corresponds to the shape of section when cutting off light beam obliquely and oval in shape.

The light beam of narrow band of light N is shaped to size and the shape of reflecting part 39b by collimating lens 31b.Light merging part 39 also tilts 45 ° to configure relative to the emergent light axis NA of narrow band of light N, and therefore correspond to this inclination, the shape of reflecting part 39b also becomes elliptical shape.

Reflecting part 39b do not make the wavelength components corresponding with narrow band of light N in white light BB through, the light quantity distribution therefore through the B filter unit 34a portion of rotary filter 34 through the B coloured light of light merging part 39 becomes uneven.But owing to realizing the homogenization of light quantity distribution in the inside of post integrator 37, the light quantity inequality therefore to the B coloured light of fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 supply reduces.

In fig. 2, between white light source 30 and rotary filter 34, opening-closing plate 40 is configured with.Opening-closing plate (シ Star ヤ タ plate) 40, when being supplied to fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 by narrow band of light N, blocks white light BB.

As shown in Figure 7, opening-closing plate 40 is made up of the component had the light-proofness of white light BB, and flat shape presents the shape of a part for circle being excised.Specifically, opening-closing plate 40 has the light shielding part 40a of the central angle of 120 °, band, remaining part of 240 ° cut and become make white light BB through through portion 40b.Opening-closing plate 40 is arranged to rotatable, by rotating, and light shielding part 40a and through portion 40b alternate selection is inserted into the light path of white light BB.Motor 40c (with reference to Fig. 3) is the drive source of opening-closing plate 40, is controlled by light source control portion 32.

Opening-closing plate 40 has the radius roughly the same with rotary filter 34, and rotating shaft is consistent.The central angle of the central angle of the light shielding part 40a of opening-closing plate 40 and the B filter unit 34a of rotary filter 34 is unanimous on the whole.The central angle of through portion 40b with by G filter unit 34b, that R filter unit 34c is added obtained central angle is unanimous on the whole.In addition, in this example, form through portion 40b by excising, but also can utilize make white light BB through lamella lucida to form through portion 40b.

As shown in Figure 8, under usual observing pattern, opening-closing plate 40 stops under the state that light shielding part 40a keeps out of the way from the light path of white light BB and through portion 40b is inserted into light path.White light source 30 is owing to lighting all the time, and therefore when through portion 40b enters into the light path of white light BB, white light BB is through through portion 40b.Under usual observing pattern, white light BB is all the time through through portion 40b, incident to rotary filter 34.Further, according to each filter unit 34a of B, G, R of being inserted in the light path of white light BB, the kind of 34b, 34c and generate B color, G color, this trichroism light of R color in turn.

In function information observing pattern, except narrow band of light N, also use and carried out the G coloured light after color separation and these 3 kinds of light of R coloured light from white light BB.As shown in Figure 9, under function information observing pattern, opening-closing plate 40 rotates with the speed identical with rotary filter 34, to make light shielding part 40a consistent with the rotatable phase of B filter unit 34a.Be inserted at light shielding part 40a in the light path of white light BB, and during through portion 40b keeps out of the way from light path, block white light BB.Be blocked period at white light BB, LASER Light Source 31a lights, and is supplied by narrow band of light N to fujinon electronic video endoscope 11.Due to the imaging apparatus that imaging apparatus 44 is monochromatic, therefore by arranging opening-closing plate 40, the colour mixture of narrow band of light N and white light BB can be prevented.And be inserted into the light path of white light BB and light shielding part 40a keeps out of the way period from light path at through portion 40b, white light BB, in turn through G filter unit 34b, R filter unit 34c, generates G coloured light and R coloured light.G coloured light and R coloured light are supplied to fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 in turn by collecting lens 36 and post integrator 37.Fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 exports the image pickup signal corresponding with 3 kinds of light from imaging apparatus 44.

In fig. 2, fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 possesses photoconduction 43, imaging apparatus 44, analog processing circuit 45 (AFE:AnalogFrontEnd), imaging control part 46.Photoconduction 43 is heavy caliber optical fiber, the optical fiber that ties in (バ Application De Le Off ア イ バ) etc., and when the adapter 28 of the incidence end being configured with photoconduction 43 is connected with light supply apparatus 13, incidence end is opposed with the exit end of the post integrator 37 of light supply apparatus 13.

On the leading section 19 of fujinon electronic video endoscope 11, the inside of the illuminating window 22 of setting is configured with the irradiation lens 48 that luminous intensity distribution (luminous intensity distribution) angle to illumination light adjusts.The light supplied from light supply apparatus 13 is irradiated from illuminating window 22 towards look-out station to irradiation lens 48 leaded light by photoconduction 43.Objective lens optical system 51 and imaging apparatus 44 is configured with in the inside of observation window 23.The picture light reflected by look-out station is incident to objective lens optical system 51 by observation window 23, is imaged on the imaging surface 44a of imaging apparatus 44 by objective lens optical system 51.

Imaging apparatus 44 is made up of ccd image sensor and cmos image sensor etc., has and multiple photo-electric conversion elements of the formation pixel of photodiode etc. are arranged in rectangular imaging surface 44a.Imaging apparatus 44 carries out opto-electronic conversion to the light received by imaging surface 44a, the signal charge that accumulation is corresponding with respective light income in each pixel.Signal charge converts voltage signal to by amplifier and is read out.Voltage signal exports from imaging apparatus 44 as image pickup signal.Image pickup signal is transported to AFE45.As mentioned above, imaging apparatus 44 is the monochromatic imaging apparatuss not arranging micro color light filter on imaging surface 44a.

Under usual observing pattern, imaging apparatus 44 exports image pickup signal B, G, the R corresponding with the colors of incident in turn B, G, R.Further, under function information observing pattern, narrow band of light N, G coloured light, R coloured light are incident in turn to imaging apparatus 44, and imaging apparatus 44 exports image pickup signal N, G, the R corresponding with colors in turn.

As shown in Figure 10 (A), imaging apparatus 44 obtaining in period at 1 frame, carries out the accumulation action of accumulating signal charge and the reading operation read by the signal charge of accumulation.Under usual observing pattern, take this trichroism picture light of B, G, R in turn at every 1 frame, export image pickup signal B, G, R in turn.This action is repeatedly carried out during usual observing pattern.

Under function information observing pattern, as shown in Figure 10 (B), take the picture light of narrow band of light N, G coloured light, this 3 coloured light of R coloured light at every 1 frame in turn, export image pickup signal N, G, R in turn.This action, during being set as function information observing pattern, is carried out repeatedly.

In fig. 2, AFE45 comprises correlated double sample circuit (CDS), automatic gain control circuit (AGC) and analog/digital converter (A/D) (all not shown).CDS implements correlated double sampling processing to the image pickup signal from imaging apparatus 44, and the noise reset of signal charge caused removes.AGC is amplified being eliminated the image pickup signal after noise by CDS.A/D converts the image pickup signal after being amplified by AGC the image pickup signal of the numeral with the gray value corresponding with the figure place of regulation to and inputs to processor device 12.

Imaging control part 46 is connected with the controller 56 in processor device 12, with the fundamental clock signal inputted from controller 56 synchronously to imaging apparatus 44 input drive signal.Image pickup signal, based on the drive singal from imaging control part 46, exports to AFE45 with the frame per second specified by imaging apparatus 44.

Processor device 12 is except controller 56, and also possess image processing part 57, storage part 58 and display control circuit 59, controller 56 controls each portion.Image processing part 57 is implemented the image correction such as γ correction for the image pickup signal exported from fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 and is made view data.Storage part 58 stores the view data be made by image processing part 57.

In addition, image processing part 57, under usual observing pattern, based on corresponding with image pickup signal B, G, R of inputting in turn trichroism view data B, G, R, generates and usually observes image.When upgrading image pickup signal B, G, R according to frame per second at every turn, generate and usually observe image.The image that image processing part 57 generates is converted to the video signal such as synthesis (コ Application Port ジ Star ト) signal or separation (コ Application Port one ネ Application ト) signal and exports to display 14 by display control circuit 59.

Function image handling part 60 is provided with at image processing part 57.Function image handling part 60 is under function information observing pattern, based on corresponding with image pickup signal N, G, R 3 view data N, G, R, calculate the information of the oxygen saturation of blood flow volume and blood hemoglobin, generate and the blood flow volume image of pseudo color image has been carried out to the blood flow volume calculated and oxygen saturation has been carried out to the oxygen saturation image of pseudo color image.

As shown in figure 11, function image handling part 60 possesses signal than calculating section 64, dependency relation storage part 65, blood flow volume and oxygen saturation calculating section 66, blood flow volume image production part 67 and oxygen saturation image production part 68.

Signal to the view data N obtained under impinging upon function information observing pattern, G, R, calculates ratio and the signal ratio of the pixel pixel value each other (signal value) being in same position than calculating section 64.Signal fusing calculates in whole pixel of the view data of 1 picture amount.In the present embodiment, signal is obtained view data N than calculating section 64 and is compared R/G with the signal of view data G than N/G and view data G and the signal of view data R.View data G is normally used as the contrast signal of the lightness level representing look-out station in order to carry out standardization to view data N and view data R.In addition, signal is than the pixel only can obtaining the vasculature part in view data.In this case, vasculature part is such as determined with the difference of the image value of part in addition based on the image value of vasculature part.

Dependency relation storage part 65 storage signal is than the dependency relation of N/G and R/G and blood flow volume and oxygen saturation.Signal stores with one dimension table as shown in figure 12 than with the dependency relation of blood flow volume, and this one dimension table definition is that blood flow volume is also larger when signal is larger than R/G.In addition, signal stores with log scale (ス ケ mono-Le) than R/G.

On the other hand, signal is than storing with the isocontour bivariate table defining oxygen saturation on two-dimensional space shown in Figure 13 with the dependency relation of oxygen saturation.This isocontour position and shape are obtained by the emulation of the physics of light scattering, are defined as and change along with blood flow volume.Such as, when blood flow volume exists change, the interval between each equal pitch contour broadens or narrows.In addition, signal stores with log scale than N/G, R/G.

In addition, the extinction characteristic of the oxygenated haemoglobin shown in above-mentioned dependency relation and Figure 14 or reduced hemoglobin and light scattering characteristic closely related.In fig. 14, figure 70 represents the specific absorbance of oxygenated haemoglobin, and figure 71 represents the specific absorbance of reduced hemoglobin.As shown in Figure 14, such as, under the wavelength that the difference of specific absorbance the 473nm as the wavelength domain as narrow band of light N is larger, the information of oxygen saturation is easily obtained.But, the light of 473nm and the signal that obtains are irradiated not only for oxygen saturation to look-out station, and also high for the dependency degree of blood flow volume.

The wavelength dependency of the specific absorbance of the blood hemoglobin according to Figure 14, can obtain two following conclusions.

Near wavelength 470nm (such as, the wavelength region of the blueness of centre wavelength 470nm ± 10nm), along with the change of oxygen saturation, specific absorbance changes significantly.

In the wave-length coverage of the redness of 590 ~ 700nm, although due to the difference of oxygen saturation at first sight specific absorbance change significantly, the value of specific absorbance self is very little, and therefore result is the impact not being vulnerable to oxygen saturation.

Based on such opinion, under function information observing pattern of the present invention, the narrow band of light N of blue region is used to measure light as oxygen saturation, obtain the view data N corresponding with narrow band of light N, the R coloured light that use depends on blood flow volume and changes measures light as blood flow volume, obtains the view data R corresponding with R coloured light.Further, use show to the dependent signal of oxygen saturation and these both sides of blood flow volume than N/G and show only to the dependent signal of blood flow volume than these 2 signal ratios of R/G, obtain the oxygen saturation of the impact eliminating blood flow volume exactly.

Blood flow volume and oxygen saturation calculating section 66 use the dependency relation that is stored in dependency relation storage part 65 and the signal obtained than calculating section 64 by signal than N/G, R/G, obtain the blood flow volume under each pixel and these both sides of oxygen saturation.About blood flow volume, in the one dimension table of dependency relation storage part 65, the value more corresponding than R/G with the signal obtained than calculating section by signal becomes blood flow volume.On the other hand, about oxygen saturation, first, as shown in figure 15, in two-dimensional space, the corresponding point P more corresponding than B*/G*, R*/G* with the signal obtained than calculating section 64 by signal is determined.

Further, as shown in figure 15, when corresponding point P is between the lower limit line 73 of oxygen saturation=0% limit and the upper limit line 74 of oxygen saturation=100% limit, the fraction values that the equal pitch contour residing for this corresponding point P represents becomes oxygen saturation.Such as when Figure 15, the equal pitch contour residing for corresponding point P represents 60%, and therefore this 60% becomes oxygen saturation.In addition, in corresponding point from when departing between lower limit line 73 and upper limit line 74, when corresponding point are positioned at than lower limit line 73 by the top, oxygen saturation is 0%, and when corresponding point are positioned at than upper limit line 74 on the lower, oxygen saturation is 100%.In addition, in corresponding point from when departing between lower limit line 73 and upper limit line 74, the reliability of the oxygen saturation in this pixel can be reduced and do not show.

Blood flow volume image production part 67 is generated with pseudo-(doubtful) colour to the blood flow volume image of the blood flow volume representing blood flow volume and obtained by oxygen saturation calculating section 66.Blood flow volume image generates based on view data N and the blood flow volume that calculates.

As shown in figure 16, the video signal exported to display 14 is made up of brightness signal Y and colour difference signal Cb, Cr.Blood flow volume image is by distributing by view data G and the blood flow volume calculated respectively to brightness signal Y and colour difference signal Cb, Cr and generate.View data G is distributed to brightness signal Y.View data G corresponds to the reflected light of the slightly strong wavelength domain of the absorption of hemoglobin, therefore can the concavo-convex and blood vessel etc. of visuognosis mucosa according to the image based on this.Therefore, by being distributed to luminance signal by view data G, the lightness of the entirety of pseudo color image can be defined.

On the other hand, colour difference signal Cb, Cr, according to color table 67a, distribute the signal value corresponding with blood flow volume.Colour difference signal Cb as shown in figure 17, is defined as along with blood flow volume increases and signal value reduction by color table 67a, and is defined as by colour difference signal Cr along with blood flow volume increases and signal value increase.Therefore, blood flow volume image is when blood flow volume is many, and red degree increases, along with blood flow volume reduces and chroma (chroma) decline of red degree, close to monochrome.

Oxygen saturation image production part 68 is generated with pseudo-colours to the oxygen saturation image of the oxygen saturation representing blood flow volume and obtained by oxygen saturation calculating section 66.As shown in figure 16, oxygen saturation image in the same manner as blood flow volume image, by view data G and the oxygen saturation that calculates are distributed to brightness signal Y and colour difference signal Cb, Cr and generate.View data G is distributed to brightness signal Y.Colour difference signal Cb, Cr, according to color table 68a, distribute the signal value corresponding with oxygen saturation.

Color table 68a as shown in figure 18, under high oxygen saturation, the signal value being defined as colour difference signal Cr is just and the signal value of colour difference signal Cb is negative, under low oxygen saturation, the signal value being defined as colour difference signal Cr be on the contrary negative and the signal value of colour difference signal Cb for just.Further, under middle oxygen saturation, the magnitude relationship being defined as the signal value of colour difference signal Cr and the signal value of colour difference signal Cb is reversed.Therefore, a side high along with a direction low from oxygen saturation moves, and the color intensity of oxygen saturation image changes in indigo plant → light blue (water colour) → green → yellow → orange → red mode.

Blood flow volume image and the oxygen saturation image of generation described above are shown by display 14.As display packing, as shown in figure 19, can by oxygen saturation image and blood flow volume image down, and the image these reduced shows side by side simultaneously.Or, also can be user by the image selection mechanism of operation setting on control station 15, as shown in figure 20, select either party in oxygen saturation image and blood flow volume image, and by the display of the image of this selection on display 14.So, blood flow volume image and these both sides of oxygen saturation image can be used to carry out endoscopic diagnosis, therefore, it is possible to improve for the diagnosis performance in pathological changes portions such as oxygen saturation and this both sides' tool of blood flow volume characteristic poorly differentiated type early gastric cancer.

Next, use the flow chart shown in Figure 21, the effect of said structure is described.First, endoscopic system 10 starts with usual observing pattern, and white light source 30 starts to light, and rotary filter 34 starts to rotate.Under usual observing pattern, as shown in Figure 8, opening-closing plate 40 non rotating, light shielding part 40a keeps out of the way from the light path of white light BB, stops under the state that through portion 40b is inserted into.Thus, white light BB is incident in turn to each filter unit 34a ~ 34c of rotary filter 34, carries out color separation and generate this trichroism light of B, G, R in turn to white light BB.

Trichroism light supplies from light supply apparatus 13 to fujinon electronic video endoscope 11, and irradiates from illuminating window 22 to look-out station.Trichroism being taken by imaging apparatus 44 by observation window 23 as light reflected by look-out station, imaging apparatus 44 exports image pickup signal B, G, R in turn.Image processing part 57 is based on the view data B corresponding with image pickup signal B, G, R, G, R and generate and usually observe image.The usual observation image generated is stored in storage part 58.Display control circuit 59 exports usually observing image to convert video signal to display 14.Thus, show on display 14 and usually observe image.Under usual observing pattern, repeatedly carry out this process, upgrade the usual observation image shown on display 14.

When inputting the switching instruction switched from usual observing pattern to function information observing pattern when the operation by control station 15, switch to function information observing pattern.When switching to function information observing pattern, opening-closing plate 40, under the state making light shielding part 40a consistent with the rotatable phase of the B filter unit 34a of rotary filter 34, starts to rotate with the speed identical with rotary filter 34.

Light source control portion 32, during the light shielding part 40a of opening-closing plate 40 is inserted into the light path of white light BB, makes LASER Light Source 31a light.The narrow band of light N that LASER Light Source 31a sends supplies to fujinon electronic video endoscope 11, irradiates in turn from illuminating window 22 to look-out station.The picture light of narrow band of light N is incident to imaging apparatus 44 by observation window 23, and imaging apparatus 44 exports the image pickup signal N corresponding with narrow band of light N.

Further, light source control portion 32, during the through portion 40b of opening-closing plate 40 is inserted into the light path of white light BB, makes LASER Light Source 31a extinguish.During through portion 40b is inserted into light path, white light BB is incident in turn and generate G coloured light, R coloured light to G filter unit 34b, the R filter unit 34c of rotary filter 34.G coloured light and R coloured light supply to fujinon electronic video endoscope 11, irradiate in turn to look-out station.The picture light of G coloured light and R coloured light is incident in turn to imaging apparatus 44 by observation window 23, and imaging apparatus 44 exports image pickup signal G, the R corresponding with G coloured light and R coloured light.

Function image handling part 60, based on the view data N corresponding with image pickup signal N, G, R, G, R, according to order illustrated in fig. 15, calculates blood flow volume and oxygen saturation.The order that function image handling part 60 illustrates according to Figure 16 ~ Figure 18, generates blood flow volume image and oxygen saturation image.The image generated is with the arbitrary display form shown in Figure 19 and Figure 20, and display on display 14.When exist to usual observing pattern switching instruction before, repeatedly carry out above-mentioned process.When inputting the switching instruction to usual observing pattern, revert to usual observing pattern.When there is the instruction terminating to observe, white light source 30, LASER Light Source 31a, rotary filter 34, opening-closing plate 40 are stopped.

In addition, in this example, although be illustrated with the example of the generation usually observing image under function information observing pattern, but in the execution of function information observing pattern, also can hocket B, G, R for usually being observed image irradiation and for carrying out the narrow band of light N of function observation, the irradiation of G, R, generate and usually observe image and blood flow volume image and these both sides of oxygen saturation image.So, under function information observing pattern, can show and usually observe image.

As described above, in the present invention, use the narrow band of light N of blue region to measure light as oxygen saturation, use and measure light from the R coloured light after white light BB has carried out color separation as blood flow volume, thus calculate blood flow volume and these both sides of oxygen saturation.Thereby, it is possible to obtain not by the high-precision oxygen saturation that blood flow volume affects.

In addition, light and reference light is measured as blood flow volume, utilize the white light source 30 as the structure of existing light supply apparatus, use the R coloured light, the G coloured light that have carried out color separation from white light BB respectively, therefore with measure light and reference light for blood flow volume and compared with the situation adding special light source, components number, installation space can be reduced.Thus, easily utilize the structure of existing light supply apparatus, can reduce costs.

In addition, owing to using the LASER Light Source 31a sending the narrow band of light of blue region to measure light as oxygen saturation, therefore, it is possible to measure the oxygen saturation of superficial blood vessel accurately.As mentioned above, dislike in the diagnosis in the pathological changes portion of discriminating etc. the good of tumor, in most of the cases, compared with mid-deep strata, the assurance of the character of superficial blood vessel is even more important, and the observational technique can holding the character of superficial blood vessel is in detail comparatively preferred.

In blue region, from the extinction spectrum of the hemoglobin shown in Figure 10, compared with green area or red area, the change of absorbance is precipitous, when wavelength slightly departs from, and the larger change of absorbance.And the interval of the magnitude relationship generation reversion isobestic point of the absorbance of each hemoglobin 70,71 is also narrow.When wavelength field width, the signal mixing in 2 regions of magnitude relationship reversion, brightness value is averaged, and therefore cannot obtain high-precision information.Therefore, in order to utilize the light of blue region to obtain the vessel information of superficial blood vessel, and the wavelength domain of the width needing the interval of use and 2 isobestic points close, preferably use the narrow band of light of the wavelength domain had in the interval being accommodated in 2 isobestic points.

In addition, superficial blood vessel is thinner than mid-deep strata blood vessel, and the light quantity of therefore irradiating easily deficiency occurs, and when observing superficial blood vessel, needs the light source that light quantity is large.

So, in order to improve the estimating precision of the oxygen saturation of superficial blood vessel, preferably send the light source of the narrow band of light of blue region and the light of high light quantity.In the present invention, the situation adopting ratio to carry out color separation from white light BB can obtain high light quantity and can send the LASER Light Source 31a of monochromatic narrow band of light N, can improve the estimating precision of the oxygen saturation of superficial blood vessel thus.

Reference light calculates in process blood flow volume and oxygen saturation, is utilized as carrying out standardized contrast signal to the signal corresponding with narrow band of light N and R coloured light.Therefore, as long as make the horizontally separated of the lightness of look-out station, without the need to narrow band of light.Because wavelength domain is taken as wider, even if therefore use the G coloured light having carried out color separation from white light BB, also no problem in light quantity.In addition, in the above-described embodiment, although be illustrated to utilize G coloured light as the example of reference light, as long as but reference light makes the horizontally separated of lightness, G coloured light can be replaced, utilize by B filter unit 34a, R filter unit 34c, color separation has been carried out to white light BB B coloured light and R coloured light, also can not carry out color separation to white light BB, and use white light BB itself.

But, light and blood flow volume mensuration light is measured as oxygen saturation owing to utilizing blue narrow band of light N and R coloured light, if therefore consider, rotary filter 34 has the general structure of this trichroism filter unit of B, G, R like that, then preferably utilize G coloured light as reference light.And the view data G corresponding with G coloured light distributes to brightness signal Y when generating blood flow volume image and oxygen saturation image, therefore from the view point of this image procossing, preferably utilize view data G as reference light.

In addition, as shown in Figure 5, in this example, employ that to have wavelength domain be that the light filter of light splitting (light splitting) transmitance of about 450nm ~ about about 620nm is as G filter unit 34b, but in order to improve the estimating precision of oxygen saturation further, preferably the spectrophotometric transmittance of G filter unit 34b is restricted to the wavelength domain of 540nm ~ 580nm.This is because in view of the extinction characteristic of the hemoglobin shown in Figure 14, in green area, situation about being averaged with the wavelength domain of 540 ~ 580nm is least vulnerable to the impact of oxygen saturation.

In addition, in this example, as narrow band of light N, use wavelength domain is 470 ± 10nm, the narrow band of light being preferably 473nm, as long as but wavelength domain is 440 ± 10nm, is preferably the light that the narrow band of light etc. of 445nm exists the wavelength domain of difference in the absorbance of each hemoglobin 70,71, also can be other wavelength domain.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, by light merging part 39, make the narrow band of light N of semiconductor light source unit 31 and collaborate from white light source 30 towards the light path of the white light BB of collecting lens 36.Arrange white light source 30, rotary filter 34, collecting lens 36 structure be the structure of standard in existing light supply apparatus.If the structure that above-mentioned embodiment is such, then need not apply significantly change to the light path of white light BB, only add light merging part 39 and opening-closing plate 40, therefore easily to assemble to existing light supply apparatus.

In addition, light merging part 39 have make white light through through portion 39a and reflecting part 39b that narrow band of light N is reflected, therefore, it is possible to prevent the complicated of structure.This is because, when light merging part 39 is only made up of reflecting part 39b, needing the travel mechanism for making light merging part 39 movement, so that make light merging part 39 keep out of the way from light path under usual observing pattern, under function information observing pattern, making light merging part 39 be inserted into light path.If arrange through portion 39a in light merging part 39, then can not travel mechanism be set, therefore forms the structure added to existing light supply apparatus simply, therefore easily utilize existing light supply apparatus.

In addition, the light transmission of the wavelength domain of the narrow band of light N that reflecting part 39b does not make white light BB contain, therefore when the size of reflecting part 39b is large, may cause the decline of the light quantity of the degree cannot ignoring its wavelength domain.In this case, when irradiating B coloured light under usual observing pattern, LASER Light Source 31a can be made to light, the light quantity that reflecting part 39b ends is compensated.

In addition, opening-closing plate 40 is made up of swivel plate, carries out the insertion to light path of light shielding part 40a and keep out of the way by spinning movement, but opening-closing plate 40 such as also can be made to move linearly and carry out inserting and keeping out of the way.But, when being formed as the structure making opening-closing plate 40 spinning movement as in this example, compared with the situation of carrying out moving linearly, there is no need for the linkage carrying out moving linearly, therefore, it is possible to simplify structure.

[the second embodiment]

In the above-described embodiment, be illustrated with the example being provided separately rotary filter 34 and opening-closing plate 40, but as shown in figure 22, also can use the rotary filter 91 of the function being provided with opening-closing plate.Rotary filter 91, at B filter unit and G filter unit place, is formed by being divided into the dual circle in inner region and these 2 regions of outer region.Inner region is each filter unit of B, G1, the R used under usual observing pattern, outer region be use under function information observing pattern light shielding part, G2, R each filter unit.The light shielding part of outer region plays function as the opening-closing plate 40 of above-mentioned embodiment.

Travel mechanism 92 makes the rotating shaft of rotary filter 91 move, and thus inner region and outer region is optionally inserted into the light path of white light BB.If use this rotary filter 91, then rotary filter 34 and opening-closing plate 40 can be set respectively, therefore, it is possible to reduce components number and configuration space.And, if be formed as the structure of dual circle, the spectrophotometric transmittance of the filter unit of G then can be changed according to pattern, thus utilize the light filter of the spectrophotometric transmittance of the G shown in Fig. 5 to form filter unit G1, and utilize the light filter with the spectrophotometric transmittance of the wavelength domain of the 540nm ~ 580nm being suitable for calculating oxygen saturation to form filter unit G2.

In addition, also can rotary filter 93 as shown in figure 23 such, without separating into inner region and outer region, and complete cycle is divided into 4 parts, each filter unit and the light shielding part of B, G, R is set in each cut zone.Light shielding part plays function as opening-closing plate 40.If this structure, then do not need travel mechanism 92.And, if be formed as the structure that rotary filter 93 is such, then when the switching of usual observing pattern and function information observing pattern, can carry out the rotation of opening-closing plate and the switching of stopping or rotary filter as shown in figure 22 91 as in the first embodiment does not make rotating shaft move and realize like that, therefore easily usually observes image and function information observation concurrently.

[the 3rd embodiment]

In the above-described embodiment, white light BB color separation to be become the example of the face of the rotary filter of this trichroism light of B, G, R formula to be in turn illustrated to use monochromatic imaging apparatus as the imaging apparatus 44 of fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 and to be provided with at light supply apparatus 13, but also can be suitable for the present invention in the system of the color image sensor 100 employed shown in Figure 24 as the same up-to-date style of the imaging apparatus of fujinon electronic video endoscope 11.Color image sensor 100 arranges any one the micro color light filter in B, G, R in each pixel forming imaging surface, forms this trichroism pixel of B, G, R in imaging surface.Trichroism pixel such as arranges with Baeyer (ベ イ ヤ mono-) form.

As shown in figure 25, at the same time when formula, light supply apparatus 13 does not need rotary filter 34.Formula is same in turn for other structure and the face shown in Fig. 6 and 7, therefore omits the description for same component mark same-sign.

As shown in Figure 26 (A), under usual observing pattern, stop the state that opening-closing plate 40 is kept out of the way in the light path making light shielding part 40a from white light BB, the light supply apparatus 13 pairs of fujinon electronic video endoscopes 11 with up-to-date style supply white light BB.White light BB irradiates from illuminating window 22 to look-out station, and its reflected light is taken by color image sensor 100.White light BB to color image sensor 100 incidence carries out color separation by micro color light filter, and color image sensor 100 output packet contains the trichroism chrominance signal corresponding with the pixel of the colors of B, G, R at interior image pickup signal.The spectrophotometric transmittance of each micro color light filter of B, G, R is same with the situation of the rotary filter 34 shown in Fig. 4.

As shown in Figure 26 (B), when function information observing pattern, opening-closing plate 40 is rotated, during the light shielding part 40a by opening-closing plate 40 blocks white light BB, LASER Light Source 31a is lighted, irradiates narrow band of light N.As shown in Figure 5, narrow band of light N is the light that B pixel is responded to, and therefore extracts the image pickup signal corresponding with B pixel out as image pickup signal N.

Further, keep out of the way period at the light shielding part 40a of opening-closing plate 40 from the light path of white light BB, irradiate white light BB.The image pickup signal that function image handling part 60 exports from color image sensor 100, extracts the image pickup signal G corresponding with G pixel and the image pickup signal R corresponding with R pixel out.Further, the order illustrated according to Figure 15 ~ 18, based on the view data N corresponding with image pickup signal N, G, R, G, R, calculates blood flow volume and oxygen saturation, based on calculating result, generating blood flow volume image and oxygen saturation image and showing on display 14.

In addition, in the respective embodiments described above, describe each filter unit of rotary filter and the micro color light filter of colored CCD with the example of the light filter using the primary colors system of B, G, R, but also can use have the spectrophotometric transmittance shown in Figure 27, the light filter of the auxiliary colour system of Y (Huang), M (magenta), C (viridescent).

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, when generating blood flow volume image and oxygen saturation image, pseudo color image has been carried out to the information relevant to blood flow volume and oxygen saturation, but also can replace this situation, for the information relevant to blood flow volume and oxygen saturation, such as, make deep or light change with white and black monochrome.In oxygen saturation image, except the mode shown in above-mentioned embodiment, or on this basis, also comprise to the oxygenated haemoglobin index obtained according to " blood flow volume (oxygenated haemoglobin and reduced hemoglobin sum) × oxygen saturation (%) " carried out image conversion mode, the mode of image conversion has been carried out to the reduced hemoglobin index that basis " blood flow volume × (100-oxygen saturation) (%) " is obtained.

In the above-described embodiment, exemplified with the LASER Light Source be made up of laser diode as semiconductor light source, but also can replace laser diode and be the use of the LED light source of LED.And, in the above-described embodiment, describe the example of light supply apparatus and processor device split formation, but also integrally can form 2 devices.

In addition, the present invention goes for other the endoscope of mode such as ultrasonic endoscope being built-in with imaging apparatus and ultrasonic transducer in leading section.

Claims (15)

1. an endoscopic system, wherein,

Possess: fujinon electronic video endoscope, it has the insertion section be inserted in subject, and has the imaging apparatus of the look-out station in the described subject of shooting;

Light supply apparatus, it is to the light of described fujinon electronic video endoscope supply shooting; And

Processor device, its image pickup signal exported based on described imaging apparatus, real-time image processing,

Described light supply apparatus has:

White light source, it sends white light, and described white light is used in the illumination light of the usual observation image being intended to obtain described look-out station; And

Semiconductor light source, it has the narrow wavelength domain of the local of blue region, sends for irradiating to described look-out station and measures light to the oxygen saturation that the oxygen saturation of the blood hemoglobin of the blood vessel that described look-out station exists measures,

Described light supply apparatus is except described oxygen saturation measures light, also the light of the red area comprised in described white light is measured light as being used for irradiating to described look-out station to the blood flow volume that the blood flow volume of described blood vessel measures, supply to described fujinon electronic video endoscope

Described processor device has:

Blood flow volume and oxygen saturation calculation means, its based on the described oxygen saturation reflected by described look-out station is measured light and described blood flow volume measure light carry out light after 2 first and second image pickup signals exporting of described imaging apparatus, obtain described blood flow volume and described oxygen saturation; And

Computer image genration mechanism, it carries out image conversion to the information of described oxygen saturation and described these both sides of blood flow volume.

2. endoscopic system according to claim 1, is characterized in that,

The reference light that the contrast signal that the light at least partially that described white light comprises by described light supply apparatus utilizes in the standardization be used for first and second image pickup signal described obtains, supplies to described fujinon electronic video endoscope,

These 3 image pickup signals of the 3rd image pickup signal that described blood flow volume and oxygen saturation calculation means correspond to described reference light based on first and second image pickup signal described and described imaging apparatus and export, calculate described blood flow volume and oxygen saturation.

3. endoscopic system according to claim 1, is characterized in that,

Described light supply apparatus has: collecting lens, its in order to the white light that makes described white light source and send incident and optically focused is carried out to described white light to described fujinon electronic video endoscope; Light merging part, it is configured in the light path of the described white light from described white light source towards described collecting lens, and the light path that the described oxygen saturation that described semiconductor light source is sent measures light and described white light is collaborated.

4. endoscopic system according to claim 3, is characterized in that,

Described smooth merging part have make described white light through through portion and described oxygen saturation is measured the reflecting part that light reflects towards described collecting lens.

5. endoscopic system according to claim 1, is characterized in that,

Described light supply apparatus has opening-closing plate, and this opening-closing plate can block between the on position of described white light and the retreating position kept out of the way from described light path being inserted into the light path of described white light and move,

Described light supply apparatus is under the pattern calculating described blood flow volume and described oxygen saturation, under the state of blocking described white light making described opening-closing plate move to described on position, described oxygen saturation is measured light supply to described fujinon electronic video endoscope, make described opening-closing plate move to described retreating position, and described blood flow volume mensuration light is supplied to described fujinon electronic video endoscope.

6. endoscopic system according to claim 5, is characterized in that,

Described imaging apparatus is the monochromatic imaging apparatus exporting monochromatic image pickup signal,

Described light supply apparatus has light filter, this light filter has blueness, green, red this is trichroism, or yellow, magenta, this trichroism penetrating region of dark green, trichroism each penetrating region is optionally inserted into the light path of described white light, and described white light color separation is become trichroism light

Under the usual observing pattern obtaining described usual observation image, described light supply apparatus is to the face that described fujinon electronic video endoscope supplies formula in turn by secondary for described trichroism fairing.

7. endoscopic system according to claim 6, is characterized in that,

On described light filter, except described trichroism penetrating region, be also provided with the light shielding part forming described opening-closing plate.

8. endoscopic system according to claim 1, is characterized in that,

Described imaging apparatus be there is blueness, green, red this is trichroism, or yellow, magenta, this trichroism pixel of dark green, and exports the color image sensor of the trichroism picture signal corresponding with the pixel of colors,

Described light supply apparatus, under the usual observing pattern of the described usual observation image of shooting, is the same up-to-date style of not carrying out color separation to described white light and supplying to described fujinon electronic video endoscope.

9. endoscopic system according to claim 2, is characterized in that,

Described blood flow volume and oxygen saturation calculation means have:

Signal is than calculation means, and it is obtained: have the ratio i.e. first signal ratio of dependent described first image pickup signal and described contrast signal to described oxygen saturation and these both sides of described blood flow volume and described blood flow volume had to ratio and the secondary signal ratio of dependent described second image pickup signal and described contrast signal;

Dependency relation storage part, it stores the second dependency relation of described oxygen saturation and described first signal when the first dependency relation of described secondary signal ratio and described blood flow volume and described secondary signal ratio,

Described blood flow volume and oxygen saturation calculation means are obtained with described secondary signal than corresponding described blood flow volume with reference to described second dependency relation, and obtain the oxygen saturation of answering with described first signal fusing with reference to described first dependency relation.

10. endoscopic system according to claim 1, is characterized in that,

Described oxygen saturation measures the wavelength domain that light has 470nm ± 10nm.

11. endoscopic systems according to claim 1, is characterized in that,

Described blood flow volume measures the wavelength domain that light has 590nm ~ 700nm.

12. endoscopic systems according to claim 2, is characterized in that,

Described reference light has the wavelength domain of 540nm ~ 580nm.

13. endoscopic systems according to claim 1, is characterized in that,

The color table that described Computer image genration mechanism uses tone to change corresponding to the described blood flow volume calculated by described blood flow volume and oxygen saturation calculation means and described oxygen saturation, generates the pseudo color image reflecting the information of described blood flow volume and described oxygen saturation.

14. endoscopic systems according to any one of claim 1 ~ 13, is characterized in that,

Described processor device has the display and control mechanism exported to display by the image that described Computer image genration mechanism generates,

Described display and control mechanism by the blood flow volume image information of described blood flow volume having been carried out to image conversion and image conversion carried out to the information of described oxygen saturation these 2 images of oxygen saturation image simultaneously or optionally export to described display.

15. 1 kinds of light supply apparatuses, be used in the electronic endoscope system with fujinon electronic video endoscope, to the light of described fujinon electronic video endoscope supply shooting, described fujinon electronic video endoscope has the insertion section that is inserted in subject and has the imaging apparatus of the look-out station in the described subject of shooting, the feature of described light supply apparatus is

Have:

White light source, it sends white light, and described white light is used in the illumination light of the usual observation image being intended to obtain described look-out station; And

Semiconductor light source, it has the narrow wavelength domain of the local of blue region, sends the oxygen saturation measuring the oxygen saturation of the blood hemoglobin of the blood vessel that described look-out station exists for irradiating to described look-out station and measures light,

Described light supply apparatus is except described oxygen saturation measures light, and the light of the red area also comprised by described white light measures the blood flow volume mensuration light of the blood flow volume of described blood vessel as being used for irradiating to described look-out station, supplies to described fujinon electronic video endoscope.