CN102860812A - Electronic endoscope system, light source device, and control method of electronic endoscope system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides an electronic endoscope system, a light source device, and a control method of an electronic endoscope system. The light source device (13) is provided with not only a white light source (30) used for obtaining a common observation image, but also a semiconductor light source unit (31) emitting first and second narrow-band domain light in the blue region. The first narrow-band domain light and the second narrow-band domain light are light for obtaining blood vessel information containing oxygen saturation and blood vessel depth. During the obtaining of the blood vessel information, reference signals indicating the luminance level are required for the standardization of cameral signals corresponding to the first narrow-band domain light and the second narrow-band domain light. White light emitted by the white light source (30) is used as reference light for obtaining the reference signals. The determination precision is maintained by the narrow-band domain light of the semiconductor light source, and the cost increase is inhibited by the construction of the existing light source device, that is, the white light source (30).

Description

Electronic endoscope system, light supply apparatus, and the control method of electronic endoscope system

Technical field

The present invention relates to make to obtain the electronic endoscope system of blood vessel relevant information and light supply apparatus and the control method thereof of using thereof by fujinon electronic video endoscope.

Background technology

At medical field, use the diagnosis of fujinon electronic video endoscope to popularize.Fujinon electronic video endoscope possesses the elongated insertion section of inserting in the subject, and be provided with the illuminating window of the look-out station irradiating illumination light in the subject and by the observation window of the picture light institute incident of look-out station reflection at the front end of this insertion section, and be built-in with for imaging apparatuss such as the ccd image sensor that obtains observing image to making a video recording as light or cmos image sensors in the depth of observation window.Fujinon electronic video endoscope is connected with light supply apparatus, and is supplied to illumination light from light supply apparatus, and by light pipe to the illuminating window leaded light.

In endoscopic diagnosis in recent years, not only carry out observe giving birth to based on white light the common observation of character of integral body on the surface of soma, but also used the special light of the special light that is restricted to specific wavelength to observe.Special light is observed various observations, for example in No. 3559755 communiques of Japan's special permission, disclose following technology, there is the wavelength interdependence in utilization apart from the deeply degree of reaching of the light of mucomembranous surface, use wavelength domain different, B (green grass or young crops) color, G (green) color, territory, three kinds of arrowbands of R (red) color light emphasize to show the blood vessel of top layer, middle level, each layer of deep layer.

In addition, disclose following technology in No. 2648494 communiques of Japan special permission, use territory, the arrowband light of the near infrared region that the absorbance because of the oxygen saturation blood vessel changes to measure oxygen saturation in the blood.In addition, disclose following technology in the JP 2011-092690 communique that the applicant proposes, the information that obtains simultaneously oxygen saturation with territory, the arrowband light of blue region with represent apart from the information of the blood vessel degree of depth of the degree of depth of mucomembranous surface.

The observational technique of the relevant blood vessel of putting down in writing in above-mentioned three existing documents is useful when endoscopic diagnosis.Particularly in JP 2011-092690 communique, be disclosed, obtain the technology of oxygen saturation information and blood vessel depth information simultaneously, be the technology that can get rid of the mensuration of the high oxygen saturation of the precision of effect of depth of blood vessel, correctly observing exceedingly useful aspect the character of pathological changes section in optimum pernicious discriminating of tumor etc. is clearly visible.In addition, in the JP 2011-092690 communique, by using territory, the arrowband light of blue region, can carry out good observation to superficial blood vessel.When the optimum pernicious discriminating of tumor, the most important situations of assurance of the character of comparing the mid-deep strata superficial blood vessel are also arranged, and the technology of putting down in writing in the JP 2011-092690 communique is expected as the useful technology that can at length hold the character of superficial blood vessel more.

Can utilize better on such electronic endoscope system for the user, seek the reduction of development cost and manufacturing cost, therefore, require to effectively utilize as far as possible the countermeasure that xenon lamp, Halogen light, metal halide finsen lamp etc. are equipped on the white light source of existing light supply apparatus.

Put down in writing such as JP 2011-092690 communique, in order to obtain simultaneously oxygen saturation information and blood vessel depth information, three light that need to be different to look-out station illumination wavelength territory, and three signals of these catoptrical briliancy of needs expression.In the JP 2011-092690 communique, as a mode that obtains three signals, record the formation that is provided with three semiconductor light sources of special use of sending respectively three light or utilize white light source that three light are all carried out the formation that the color separation generates by filter to white light.The formation that three special-purpose semiconductor light sources are set leaves the leeway of improvement from the viewpoint of the formation of effectively utilizing existing light supply apparatus.

In addition, three light are all carried out color by filter separate in the mode that generates, the anxiety of deficiency in light quantity exists.This is owing to needing narrow territory, the arrowband light of wavelength domain in order to measure accurately oxygen saturation, if the photochromic separation of white is generated territory, arrowband light, then wavelength domain is narrow, therefore, sometimes can not obtain the cause of sufficient light quantity.Deficiency in light quantity also becomes measures the reason that precision reduces.As this countermeasure, consider to use by color and separate the white light source that with the degree that obtains required light quantity luminous quantity is increased from white light generation territory, arrowband light, but the white light source of so large light quantity is because excessive in usually observing, so not only waste is many but also special, therefore, the remaining problem of viewpoint from utilizing existing light supply apparatus to consist of.

In any of above-mentioned three existing documents, do not offer some clarification on for the problem of effectively utilizing existing light supply apparatus to reduce cost and not provide any hint yet.

Summary of the invention

The object of the invention is to, in the electronic endoscope system of observable blood vessel depth information and oxygen saturation both information, be made as and mainly guarantee the good mensuration precision relevant with superficial blood vessel, easily utilize the form of the formation of existing light supply apparatus simultaneously.

For achieving the above object, electronic endoscope system of the present invention possesses: the processor apparatus that has the fujinon electronic video endoscope that inserts the insertion section in the subject and have the imaging apparatus that the look-out station in the subject is made a video recording, supplies with the light supply apparatus of the light of shooting usefulness, the image pickup signal of imaging apparatus output is processed to fujinon electronic video endoscope.

Light supply apparatus has: white light source and first and second semiconductor light sources.White light source sends the white light that utilizes be used to the illumination light of the common observation image that obtains look-out station.First and second semiconductor light sources send for the oxygen saturation information that obtains the oxygen saturation of hematochrome in the blood that comprises expression look-out station existing blood vessel and expression apart from the vessel information of the blood vessel depth information of the degree of depth of the blood vessel on the surface of look-out station and to the light that look-out station shines, be all in the narrow wavelength domain of the part of blue region and have respectively first and second territory, blue arrowband light of different wavelength domains.

Light supply apparatus is supplied with first and second territory, blue arrowband light to fujinon electronic video endoscope, and the contrast signal that the standardization of first and second image pickup signal of imaging apparatus output utilizes as being used for obtaining receiving first and second territory, blue arrowband reflection of light light with reference to light, the light of the wavelength domain of at least a portion of comprising in the white light is supplied with to fujinon electronic video endoscope.

Processor apparatus is asked vessel information based on first and second image pickup signal and these three signals of contrast signal.

The preferred light source device has: for white light that white light source is sent to fujinon electronic video endoscope incident and with the collecting lens of white light optically focused; In the photosynthetic stream section from white light source photosynthetic light path that flows to white light towards the configuration of the light path of the white light of collecting lens and first and second territory, blue arrowband that first and second semiconductor light sources is sent.In addition, preferred light interflow section has the reflecting part that sees through section and first and second territory, blue arrowband light is reflected towards collecting lens through white light.

Preferably, light supply apparatus has: be inserted into the light path of white light and shutter movably between with the on position of white light shading and the retreating position kept out of the way from light path, when obtaining vessel information, shutter is moved under the state of on position with the white light shading, first and second territory, blue arrowband light is supplied with to fujinon electronic video endoscope, shutter is moved to retreating position, supply with to fujinon electronic video endoscope with reference to light.

Also can be, imaging apparatus is the monochromatic imaging apparatus of the monochromatic image pickup signal of output, light supply apparatus has filter, this filter have blueness, green, red trichroism see through the zone or yellow, pinkish red, cyan is trichroism sees through the zone, with the trichroism light path that respectively sees through regioselectivity ground insertion white light, with photochromic three coloured light that are separated into of white, light supply apparatus is the face sequential of when common observation image is made a video recording trichroism light being supplied with to fujinon electronic video endoscope successively.Preferably, on filter, not only establish and tricoloredly see through the zone, and be provided with the light shielding part that consists of shutter.

Also can be, imaging apparatus is the color image sensor with the trichroism pixel of blueness, green, red trichroism pixel or yellow, magenta, cyan and output trichroism picture signal corresponding with pixel of all kinds, and light supply apparatus is not carry out that color separates and to the same up-to-date style of fujinon electronic video endoscope supply with white is photochromic when common observation image is made a video recording.

Preferably, two wavelength of first and second territory, blue arrowband light are that separately absorbance produces poor wavelength in reduced blood pigment and oxidation hematochrome extinction spectrum separately.Preferably, in two wavelength, the magnitude relationship of reduced blood pigment and oxidation hematochrome absorbance separately is reverse.Preferably, territory, the first blue arrowband light wavelength is 440 ± 10nm, and territory, the second blue arrowband light wavelength is 470 ± 10nm.

Preferably, processor apparatus based on the ratio of the first image pickup signal and contrast signal namely the first luminance ratio, the second image pickup signal and contrast signal ratio namely the second luminance ratio ask vessel information.

Preferably, possess the storage device of the dependency relation of the degree of depth of pre-stored first and second luminance ratio and blood vessel and oxygen saturation, processor apparatus is asked vessel information based on dependency relation.

Preferably, dependency relation represents two coordinate axess are distributed respectively the briliancy coordinate system of first and second luminance ratio and two coordinate axess distributed respectively the corresponding relation of the vessel information coordinate system of the degree of depth of blood vessel and oxygen saturation, processor apparatus is specific in the briliancy coordinate system to go out first coordinate corresponding with first and second luminance ratio, processor apparatus is in the vessel information coordinate system, by with the first coordinate respectively to the coordinate axes projection of the degree of depth of the coordinate axes of oxygen saturation and blood vessel, specificly go out the second coordinate, ask oxygen saturation information and blood vessel depth information.

Preferably, processor apparatus has: the video generation device that generates the image of at least one in expression oxygen saturation information and the blood vessel depth information; With the image that the generates display control unit to display device output.

Light supply apparatus of the present invention is used for electronic endoscope system, electronic endoscope system possesses: have the insertion section of inserting in the subject and the imaging apparatus that the look-out station in the subject is made a video recording, and light supply apparatus is supplied with the light of shooting usefulness to fujinon electronic video endoscope.Light supply apparatus has: white light source, and it sends the white light that utilizes be used to the illumination light of the common observation image that obtains look-out station; First and second semiconductor light sources, its send for the oxygen saturation information that obtains the oxygen saturation of hematochrome in the blood that comprises expression look-out station existing blood vessel relevant with blood vessel with expression apart from the vessel information of the blood vessel depth information of the degree of depth on the surface of look-out station and to the light that look-out station shines, shine only all in the narrow wavelength domain of the part of blue region and have respectively first and second territory, blue arrowband light of different wavelength domains.Light supply apparatus is supplied with first and second territory, blue arrowband light to fujinon electronic video endoscope, and the contrast signal that the standardization of first and second image pickup signal of imaging apparatus output utilizes as being used for obtaining receiving first and second territory, blue arrowband reflection of light light with reference to light, the light of the wavelength domain of at least a portion of comprising in the white light is supplied with to fujinon electronic video endoscope.

The control method of electronic endoscope system of the present invention is the control method of electronic endoscope system of light supply apparatus that possesses fujinon electronic video endoscope and supply with the light of shooting usefulness to fujinon electronic video endoscope, is for the oxygen saturation information of the oxygen saturation that obtains the blood hematochrome that comprises the existing blood vessel of expression look-out station the control method apart from the vessel information of the blood vessel depth information of the degree of depth on the surface of look-out station relevant with blood vessel with expression.Fujinon electronic video endoscope has the insertion section in the insertion subject and has the imaging apparatus that the look-out station in the subject is made a video recording.

The control method of electronic endoscope system comprises the first irradiation control step, first signal and obtains each step of step that step, the second irradiation control step, secondary signal obtain step, ask vessel information.In the first irradiation control step, first and second territory, blue arrowband light that first and second semiconductor light sources that has according to light supply apparatus is sent, namely be in the territory, arrowband of the part of blue region and have respectively first and second territory, blue arrowband light of different wavelength domains, to the mode of look-out station irradiation, the control light supply apparatus.First signal is obtained in the step, obtains first and second image pickup signal of the imaging apparatus output that receives first and second territory, blue arrowband reflection of light light.In the second irradiation control step, the light of the wavelength domain of at least a portion that comprises in the white light that sends according to the white light source that light supply apparatus is had, the contrast signal that utilizes as the standardization that is used for obtaining at first and second image pickup signal with reference to the mode of light to the look-out station irradiation, the control light supply apparatus.Secondary signal obtains in the step, obtains to receive the contrast signal of exporting with reference to the imaging apparatus of reflection of light light.Ask in the step of vessel information, ask vessel information based on first and second image pickup signal and these three signals of contrast signal.

According to the present invention, the white light that utilizes first and second blue arrowband territory light that semiconductor light sources sends and white light source to send, obtain the vessel information that is formed by oxygen saturation information and blood vessel depth information, therefore, mainly can guarantee good mensuration precision for the vessel information of relevant superficial blood vessel, and can provide electronic endoscope system in the mode of the formation of easily utilizing existing light supply apparatus.

Description of drawings

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

Fig. 2 is the piece figure of electric formation of the electronic endoscope system of expression the first embodiment;

Fig. 3 is the key diagram of rotary filter;

Fig. 4 is the key diagram of photosynthetic stream section;

Fig. 5 is the key diagram of shutter;

Fig. 6 is the key diagram of the action of the light supply apparatus under the common observing pattern;

Fig. 7 is the key diagram of the action of the vessel information light supply apparatus of obtaining pattern;

Fig. 8 is the chart of light intensity distributions of spectral transmission, white light BB and first and second territory, arrowband light N1, the N2 of the former colour system color filter of expression;

The key diagram of the shooting action of the CCD when Fig. 9 A is common observing pattern;

Fig. 9 B is the key diagram of the shooting action of the CCD of vessel information when obtaining pattern;

Figure 10 is the chart of the absorptance of expression hematochrome;

Figure 11 is the chart of the dependency relation of first and second luminance ratio of expression S1/S3, S2/S3 and the blood vessel degree of depth and oxygen saturation;

Figure 12 A is according to first and second luminance ratio S1*/S3*, and S2*/S3* asks the key diagram of method of the coordinate (X*, Y*) of briliancy coordinate system;

Figure 12 B is the key diagram of asking with the method for the coordinate (U*, V*) of the corresponding vessel information coordinate system of coordinate (X*, Y*);

Figure 13 is the key diagram of the display mode that shown of the either party of blood vessel depth image or oxygen saturation image;

Figure 14 is the key diagram that shows simultaneously blood vessel depth image or oxygen saturation image two sides' display mode;

Figure 15 is the key diagram of display mode that the blood vessel depth information of relevant blood vessel and oxygen saturation information are shown simultaneously as Word message;

Figure 16 is the flow chart of the sequence of movement of expression electronic endoscope system;

Figure 17 is the key diagram of the rotary filter with the function of blocking of the second embodiment;

Figure 18 is the key diagram with the rotary filter that blocks function that is different from Figure 17;

Figure 19 is the key diagram of the colored CCD of the 3rd embodiment;

Figure 20 is the key diagram of the light supply apparatus of the 3rd embodiment;

Figure 21 is the key diagram that the shooting of the CCD of explanation the 3rd embodiment is moved;

Figure 22 is spectral transmission and the white light BB that represents the color filter of complementary color system, the chart that reaches the light intensity distributions of first and second territory, arrowband light N1, N2.

The specific embodiment

[the first embodiment]

As shown in Figure 1, the electronic endoscope system 10 of first embodiment of the invention possesses: the fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 that the look-out station in the subject is made a video recording, based on the signal that is obtained by shooting generate the observation image of look-out station processor apparatus 12, supply with the light of irradiation look-out station light supply apparatus 13, show the monitor 14 of observing image.

Electronic endoscope system 10 possesses: the common observing pattern of look-out station being observed based on white light obtains these two action patterns of pattern with the vessel information of utilizing special light to obtain to comprise the vessel information of the oxygen saturation information relevant with the blood vessel that is present in look-out station and blood vessel depth information.

The operating portion 17 of the cardinal extremity part that fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 possesses the flexible insertion section 16 of inserting in the subject, be located at insertion section 16, with the general cord 18 that links between operating portion 17 and processor apparatus 12 and the light supply apparatus 13.

Insertion section 16 is made of the leading section 16a that is connected with in order from front end, bending section 19, flezxible coupling section.Be provided with illuminating window 49 (with reference to Fig. 2) to look-out station irradiating illumination light at the front end face of leading section 16a, by the observation window 50 (with reference to Fig. 2) of the picture light incident of look-out station reflection, make the outstanding pliers outlet of the disposal part of pliers or radio knife and so on etc.Being built-in with imaging apparatus in the depth of observation window 50 is the optical system that CCD44 (with reference to Fig. 2) or imaging are used.

Bending section 19 is made of a plurality of curved block that link, and by the angle knob 21 of operating operation section, carries out flexure operation in direction up and down.Carry out bending by bending section 19, the direction of leading section 16a is towards desirable direction.Flezxible coupling section has flexible, can insert the sinuate pipelines such as esophagus or intestinal.The illumination light that 16 insert the communication cable be connected with image pickup signal that driving signal or CCD44 to driven CCD 44 export and communicate in the insertion section, will supply with from light supply apparatus 13 is to the light pipe 43 (with reference to Fig. 2) of illuminating window 49 leaded lights.

In addition, at operating portion 17, except angle knob 26, also be provided with for the water button of supplying gas that inserts the forceps channel 22 of disposing part, the water of supplying gas operation, be used for the release-push of shooting rest image etc.

With regard to general cord 18, be inserted through 16 communication cables that extend or light pipe 43 from the insertion section, and at the one end, at processor apparatus 12 and light supply apparatus 13 sides adapter 24 be installed.Adapter 24 is the compound adapters that are made of with adapter connector for communication and light source, sets an end of communication cable at connector for communication, sets an end of light pipe 43 with adapter at light source.Fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 is connected in processor apparatus 12 and light supply apparatus 13 freely via these adapter 24 dismounting.

As shown in Figure 2, light supply apparatus 13 possesses white light source 30, semiconductor light source unit 31, drives their light source control section 32 of control.Light source control section 32 carries out the controls such as the driving beginning, end, driving timing, the timing same period of each one of light supply apparatus 13.

White light source 30 is xenon lamp, Halogen light, metal halide finsen lamp etc., is created in from the red area to the blue region (about continuous wide band light (white light) BB of 400～700nm) wide wavelength domain luminescent spectrum.White light source 30 is identical with the light source that is equipped on existing most light supply apparatus, can continue to use the part of existing light supply apparatus.

White light source 30 is made of to the reflecting mirror 30b that penetrates the direction reflection the lamp 30a of radiation white light BB, the white light BB that reaches lamp 30a radiation.The white light source such as xenon lamp or Halogen light expends time in from the light quantity that begins to light a lamp is stable, and therefore, white light source 30 just begins to light a lamp and continue to light a lamp in the use of fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 when the power supply access of light supply apparatus 13.In addition, dispose aperture 33 in the light path of white light source 30, the fader control of white light source 30 is undertaken by the aperture of regulating aperture 33.

Light path row at the luminous white light BB of white light source 30 disposes rotary filter 34.As shown in Figure 3, rotary filter 34 forms circular plate shape, and is B filter house 34a, G filter house 34b, the trichroism color filter of R filter house 34c that 120 ° fan-shaped zone is respectively equipped with transmission B, G, R light by trisection and at central angle at circumferencial direction.

Rotary filter 34 rotates freely according to the mode of B filter house 34a, G filter house 34b, R filter house 34c optionally being inserted the light path of white light BB and arranges.Motor 34d is be used to the drive source that makes rotary filter 34 rotations.During rotary filter 34 rotation, filter house 34a of all kinds, G filter house 34b, R filter house 34c are inserted the light path of white light BB successively.Light supply apparatus 13 is to observe under white light under the common observing pattern of look-out station, the light of white light source 30 separated by rotary filter 34 colors and be generated as B, G, the trichroism light of R, and the so-called face that three coloured light that generate are supplied with successively with respect to fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 mode successively.

The CCD44 of fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 (with reference to Fig. 2) is the imaging apparatus that is not provided with the monochrome of little color filter at shooting face, successively the output trichroism image pickup signal corresponding with three coloured light of supplying with successively from light supply apparatus 13.The frame rate (frame rate) at interval of image pickup signal that the size of rotary filter 34 rotary speeies and each filter house 34a, 34b, 34c is exported the 1 picture amount of CCD44 according to the rules determines.

In the light path of white light BB, dispose aperture 33, collecting lens 36, bar-shaped integrator 37 in the downstream of rotary filter 34.Aperture 33 is by to the dark slide of light shading with the actuator (not shown) of dark slide displacement is consisted of, by by dark slide with the in addition shading of the part of the light path of white light BB, control light quantity.Light source control section 32 receives the image pickup signal of CCD44 output from processor apparatus 12, ask the light exposure on the shooting face of CCD44 according to image pickup signal, determines the aperture amount of aperture 33.The fixed aperture amount of aperture 33 Gen Ju Suo Decision is regulated the aperture footpath and to the insertion amount of light path, and the control light quantity.

Collecting lens 36 makes the light optically focused that has passed through aperture 33 and makes it to bar-shaped integrator 37 incidents.Bar-shaped integrator 37 is made light quantity distribution homogenization in the face with the light of incident and to the incident end face incident illumination of the light pipe 43 of the fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 that is connected with light supply apparatus 13 by inner multipath reflection.

Semiconductor light source unit 31 is the special light light sources that send special light for obtaining vessel information under vessel information obtains pattern, has first and second LASER Light Source 31a, the 31b, optical fiber 31c, bonder 31d, the collimating lens 31e that are made of laser diode respectively.First and second LASER Light Source 31a, 31b all send territory, the blue arrowband light of the narrow wavelength domain of the part of blue region.

The first LASER Light Source 31a sends the light (below be called " territory, the first arrowband light N1 ") that wavelength domain is limited in 440 ± 10nm, is preferably limited to the territory, arrowband of 445nm, and the second LASER Light Source 31b sends the light (below be called " territory, the second arrowband light N2 ") that wavelength domain is limited in 470 ± 10nm, is preferably limited to the territory, arrowband of 473nm.As first and second LASER Light Source 31a, the employed laser diode of 32a, the laser diode that InGaN system, InGaNAs system, the GaNAs that can use the large tracts of land type is.

With regard to semiconductor light source unit 31, carry out lighting a lamp of the first LASER Light Source 31a and the second LASER Light Source 31b and extinguish by the control of light source control section 32, and optionally produce territory, the first arrowband light N1 and territory, the second arrowband light N2.

Territory, the arrowband photoconduction light that optical fiber 31c sends each LASER Light Source 31a, 31b and to bonder 31d incident.Bonder 31d is used for making from the optical axis of first and second territory, arrowband light N1, the N2 of each optical fiber 31c incident consistent, and each territory, arrowband light N1, N2 of penetrating at bonder 31d are to collimating lens 31e incident.Collimating lens 31e makes first and second territory, arrowband light N1, N2 become collimated light beam, and with size and the shape shaping of light beam.

In the light path of white light BB, between rotary filter 34 and aperture 33, dispose the photosynthetic stream section 39 of territory, the first arrowband light N1 that semiconductor light source unit 31 is occured, light path that N2 collaborates white light BB.The ejaculation optical axis NA of territory, the first arrowband light N1, N2 after semiconductor light source unit 31 penetrates and the optical axis BA quadrature of white light BB, photosynthetic stream section 39 makes and penetrates 90 ° of optical axis NA warpages, makes the light path of territory, the first arrowband light N1, N2 collaborate the light path of white light BB.

As shown in Figure 4, as the basis and be provided with the reflection part of reflection first and second territory, arrowband light N1, N2 at the central part of its single face, and the part that reflection part is not set in the flat board member consists of the part that sees through the 39a of section and be provided with reflection part and consists of reflecting part 39b take the flat board member that has permeability with respect to white light BB in photosynthetic stream section 39.The reflecting part 39b dichroic mirror that other white light BB sees through by only reflecting first and second territory, arrowband light N1, N2 forms.

Photosynthetic stream section 39 makes the optical axis BA of the center of reflecting part 39b and white light BB consistent, and towards the 45 ° of ground configurations of tilting of the direct of travel of white light BB.Tilt by this, photosynthetic stream section 39 configures according to the mode of the light beam of oblique crosscut white light BB, and therefore, the shape of the section of its flat shape during with the declinate cutting light beam is consistent, the formation elliptical shape.

The light beam of first and second territory, arrowband light N1, N2 is shaped as size and the shape of reflecting part 39b by collimating lens 31e.The photosynthetic stream 39 ejaculation optical axis NA with respect to first and second territory, arrowband light N1, N2 of section also tilt and 45 ° configure, and therefore, tilt according to it, and the shape of reflecting part 39b also forms elliptical shape.

Reflecting part 39b does not see through among the white light BB and first and second territory, arrowband light N1, wavelength components that N2 is corresponding, therefore, sees through the B filter 34b section of rotary filter 34 and sees through the light quantity distribution heterogeneity of the B coloured light of photosynthetic stream section 39.But, owing to making the light quantity distribution homogenization in the inside of bar-shaped integrator 37, therefore, the uneven reduction of light quantity of the B coloured light of supplying with to fujinon electronic video endoscope 11.

Among Fig. 2, between white light source 30 and rotary filter 34, dispose shutter 40.Shutter 40 when territory, the first arrowband light N1 and territory, the second arrowband light N2 are supplied with to fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 with white light BB shading.

As shown in Figure 5, shutter 40 is made of the parts that have light-proofness with respect to white light BB, and its flat shape forms the shape that makes circular a part of incised notch.Particularly, shutter 40 has the light shielding part 40a of the central angle that has 240 °, and remaining 120 ° part is formed by incised notch and sees through the 40b of section through white light BB.Shutter 40 is rotated freely and arranges, by being rotated, with the light path of light shielding part 40a and the 40b interactive selection ground insertion white light BB of the section of seeing through.Motor 40c (with reference to Fig. 2) is the drive source of shutter 40, and by 32 controls of light source control section.

Shutter 40 has the radius roughly the same with rotary filter 34, and rotating shaft is consistent.Each filter house 34a, 34b of the central angle that sees through the 40b of section of shutter 40 and B, the G of rotary filter 34, R, the central angle of 34c are roughly consistent.In addition, in this example, will form with type of incision through the 40b of section, but also can consist of the 40b through section by the lamella lucida that sees through white light BB.

As shown in Figure 6, under common observing pattern, shutter 40 stops making light shielding part 40a keep out of the way from the light path of white light BB and make under the state that is inserted into light path through the 40b of section.White light source 30 is continued to light a lamp, and therefore, when entering the light path of white light BB through the 40b of section, white light BB sees through the 40b of section.Under common observing pattern, white light BB always sees through the 40b of section, and to rotary filter 34 incidents.And the kind according to B, the G of the light path that is inserted into white light BB, R each filter house 34a, 34b, 34c generates B color, G color, the trichroism light of R color successively.

As shown in Figure 7, under vessel information obtained pattern, shutter 40 was according to making through the consistent mode in the 40b of section and the rotation position of G filter house 34b with the speed rotation identical with rotary filter 34.Thus, during seeing through that the 40b of section inserts the light path of white light BB and make that light shielding part 40a keeps out of the way from light path, white light BB sees through G filter house 34b, generates G coloured light.G coloured light is supplied with to fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 by collecting lens 36 and bar-shaped integrator 37.In addition, light shielding part 40a be inserted into the light path of white light BB and see through that the 40b of section keeps out of the way from light path during, with white light BB shading.During with white light BB shading, first and second LASER Light Source 31a, 31b light a lamp successively, and first and second territory, arrowband light N1, N2 are supplied with to fujinon electronic video endoscope 11.Therefore CCD44, by shutter 40 is set, prevents the colour mixture of first and second territory, arrowband light N1, N2 and white light BB owing to being monochromatic imaging apparatus.

Like this, obtain in the pattern in vessel information, with first and second territory, arrowband light N1, N2 with carried out G coloured light three kinds of light that color separates from white light BB and supplied with to fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 successively.Fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 is from CCD44 output and three kinds of image pickup signals that light is corresponding.G coloured light is also obtained in the pattern in vessel information on the basis of common observing pattern and is utilized.Particularly, as described later, as being used for obtaining being used with reference to light for the contrast signal that compares two signals corresponding with first and second territory, arrowband light N1, N2.

Among Fig. 2, fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 possesses light pipe 43, CCD44, analog processing circuit 45 (AFE:Analog Front End), imaging control part 46.Light pipe 43 is heavy caliber optical fiber, bundle fiber etc., when the adapter 24 (with reference to Fig. 1) of the incident end that configures light pipe 43 is connected with light supply apparatus 13, and the ejecting end subtend of the bar-shaped integrator 37 of incident end and light supply apparatus 13.

In the depth of the illuminating window 49 of the leading section 16a that is located at fujinon electronic video endoscope 11, dispose the irradiation lens 48 at the luminous intensity distribution angle of adjusting illumination light.The light of supplying with from light supply apparatus 13 is shone towards look-out station to irradiation lens 48 and from illuminating window 49 by light pipe 43 leaded lights.Be provided with observation window 50 at leading section 16a, dispose object lens optical system 51 and CCD44 in the depth of observation window 50.Picture light by the look-out station reflection passes through observation window 50 to 51 incidents of object lens optical system, and passes through object lens optical system 51 in the shooting face 44a of CCD44 imaging.

As everyone knows, CCD44 has light sensitive diode etc. is consisted of a plurality of components of photo-electric conversion of pixel with the shooting face 44a of rectangular arrangement, and the light that is received by shooting face 44a is carried out light-to-current inversion, accumulates the signal charge corresponding with each light income in each pixel.Signal charge is read out as voltage signal after being transmitted by vertical transmission road and horizontal transmission road.Voltage signal is exported from CCD44 as image pickup signal.Image pickup signal is admitted to AFE45.As above-mentioned, CCD44 is the monochromatic imaging apparatus that little color filter is not set at shooting face 44a.

As shown in Figure 8, under common observing pattern, white light BB generates the corresponding wavelength domain of the spectral transmission of filter house 34a, the 34b of all kinds with its B, G, R, 34c and three coloured light of light quantity successively by rotary filter 34.CCD44 output with successively B, G, R corresponding image pickup signal B, G, the R of all kinds of incident.And, obtain in the pattern in vessel information, by territory, the first arrowband light N1, N2 with carried out G coloured light that color separates by G filter house 34b successively to CCD44 incident, CCD44 exports and corresponding image pickup signal N1, N2, G of all kinds successively.

Shown in Fig. 9 (A), CCD44 accumulates signal charge obtaining of 1 frame in the interval the action of reading of accumulating action and reading the signal charge accumulated.In common observing pattern, make a video recording successively B, G, the trichroism picture light of R, and input successively image pickup signal B, G, R.Such action be set as common observing pattern during be repeated.

Under vessel information obtains pattern, shown in Fig. 9 (B), the picture light of territory, the first arrowband light N1 that makes a video recording successively, territory, the second arrowband light N2, three kinds of light of G coloured light, and export successively image pickup signal N1, N2, G.Such action be set as vessel information obtain pattern during be repeated.

In Fig. 2, AFE45 by correlated double sample circuit (CDS), automatic gain control circuit (AGC), and analog/digital converter (A/D) (all omitting diagram) consist of.CDS is to implementing the correlated double sampling processing from the image pickup signal of CCD44, removes the noise that causes because of replacement of signal charge.AGC will remove by CDS the image pickup signal amplification of noise.A/D will be converted by the image pickup signal that AGC amplifies to the image pickup signal of the numeral with gray value corresponding with the bit number of regulation and input to processor apparatus 12.

Controller 59 in imaging control part 46 and the processor apparatus 12 is connected, and synchronous with the base frequency signal of inputting from controller 59, and to the CCD44 input drive signal.CCD44 exports image pickup signal with the frame rate of regulation to AFE45 based on the driving signal from imaging control part 46.

Processor apparatus 12 possesses Digital Signal Processing section 55 (DSP (Digital Signal Processor)), frame memory 56, blood-vessel image generating unit 57, display control circuit 58, and 59 pairs of each ones of controller control.DSP55 is to implementing the image correction such as gamma-corrected, image data generating from the image pickup signal of fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 outputs.The view data that frame memory 56 storages are generated by DSP55.

In addition, DSP55 generates usually observation image based on the trichroism view data corresponding with image pickup signal B, G, the R of successively input under common observing pattern.Usually observe image generates when upgrading image pickup signal B, G, R according to frame rate at every turn.Display control circuit 58 will usually be observed image transitions and become composite signal or form the video signal such as signal and to monitor 14 outputs.

Obtain in the pattern in vessel information, blood-vessel image generating unit 57 is based on three view data corresponding with image pickup signal N1, N2, G, process by implementing following image, generate the blood vessel depth image that makes the oxygen saturation image of oxygen saturation frame and make blood vessel depth information image conversion.

Blood-vessel image generating unit 57 possesses luminance ratio calculating section 60, dependency relation storage part 61, the blood vessel degree of depth-oxygen saturation calculating section 62, blood vessel depth image generating unit 63, oxygen saturation image production part 64.View data N1, N2, the G corresponding with image pickup signal N1, N2, G that luminance ratio calculating section 60 will be stored in frame memory 56 contrasts, ask the first luminance ratio S1/S3 of view data N1 and view data G for the pixel of the same position of angiosomes, simultaneously, ask the second luminance ratio S2/S3 between view data N2 and the view data G.

At this, the brightness value of the pixel of S1 presentation video data N1, the brightness value of the pixel of S2 presentation video data N2, the brightness value of the pixel of S3 presentation video data G.Brightness value S3 represents the level of the lightness of look-out station, is for relatively brightness value S1, S2 are used to make the standardized contrast signal of value of brightness value S1, S2.

As the ad hoc approach of angiosomes, for example the difference of the brightness value of with good grounds vasculature part and the brightness value beyond it is asked the method for angiosomes.In addition, in this example, only angiosomes is asked the first luminance ratio S1/S3 and the second luminance ratio S2/S3, but also can ask the first luminance ratio S1/S3 and the second luminance ratio S2/S3 for the integral image that comprises angiosomes pixel in addition.

Dependency relation storage part 61 stores oxygen saturation in first and second luminance ratio S1/S3, S2/S3 and the blood vessel and the dependency relation of the blood vessel degree of depth.This dependency relation be the extinction spectrum of hematochrome in blood shown in Figure 10 as the dependency relation of prerequisite, obtain by a plurality of view data N1, the N2 that is accumulated with the analyses such as diagnosis so far.As shown in figure 10, hematochrome has the extinction characteristic that specific absorbance μ a changes because of the light wavelength of shining.Specific absorbance μ a represents that the size of the Optical Absorption of hematochrome is absorbance, is expression to the I0exp of the decay situation of the light of the hematochrome irradiation (coefficient of the formula of μ a * x).At this, I0 is the light intensity that the life somas such as top layer mucosa of look-out station is shone from light supply apparatus, and x (cm) is to the degree of depth of giving birth to the blood vessel in the soma.

In addition, from oxygen not bonding reduced blood pigment 70, have different extinction characteristics with the oxidation hematochrome 71 of oxygen bonding, (the specific absorbance μ isobestic point (each hematochrome 70 among Figure 10,71 intersection point) a), it is poor that absorbance produces except the identical absorbance of expression.When absorbance produced difference, even to identical blood vessel irradiation same intensity and the light of identical wavelength, brightness value also can change.In addition, even the light of irradiation same intensity, if wavelength is different, then specific absorbance μ a also changes, so brightness value changes.

In addition, among Figure 10, if relatively wavelength is that the poor and wavelength of the absorbance of each hematochrome 70,71 about 550nm is absorbance poor about 445nm, then show, the extent of each hematochrome 70,71 absorbance changes because of wavelength.

In view of the extinction characteristic of above hematochrome, even oxygen saturation is identical, if wavelength is different, then absorbance is also different, and the deeply degree of reaching in the mucosa is also different.Therefore, such as territory, the first arrowband light N1, N2, it is poor that each hematochrome 70,71 absorbance all exist, and light, both brightness values of comparison by utilizing two kinds of different wavelength domains of its extent, can obtain simultaneously these two kinds of information of oxygen saturation and the blood vessel degree of depth.

As specially permit No. 2648494 communiques and put down in writing, use at present hematochrome 70, each absorbance of 71 to produce the light of a poor wavelength domain and carrying out according to the method that its brightness value is measured oxygen saturation, but the measured value of the oxygen saturation of obtaining according to the brightness value of a light is subject to the impact of the blood vessel degree of depth, therefore, precision is not high.According to the above-mentioned method of utilizing the light of two kinds of wavelength domains, on the basis of oxygen saturation information, can also obtain the blood vessel depth information, therefore, the measured value of the oxygen saturation of the impact that the blood vessel degree of depth that has been eliminated is brought.

As shown in figure 11, dependency relation storage part 61 first and second luminance ratio of storage expression S1/S3, the dependency relation of the corresponding relation of the vessel information coordinate system 67 of the briliancy coordinate system 66 of S2/S3 and expression oxygen saturation and the blood vessel degree of depth.Briliancy coordinate system 66 is the XY coordinate systems with this 2 axle of XY, and X-axis is distributed the first luminance ratio S1/S3, and Y-axis is distributed the second luminance ratio S2/S3.

Vessel information coordinate system 67 is UV coordinate systems with UV2 axle of being located on the briliancy coordinate system 66, and the U axle is distributed to the blood vessel degree of depth, and the V axle is distributed to oxygen saturation.The U axle exists the blood vessel degree of depth to be positive dependency relation with respect to briliancy coordinate system 66, therefore, has positive inclination.About this U axle, the expression blood vessel is more more shallow towards the right side is oblique, and blood vessel is more tiltedly lower darker towards a left side.On the other hand, the V axle has oxygen saturation with respect to the dependency relation of briliancy coordinate system 66 for bearing, and therefore, has the inclination of Negative.About this V axle, the expression oxygen saturation is more lower towards a left side is oblique, and oxygen saturation is more tiltedly lower higher towards the right side.

In addition, in vessel information coordinate system 67, U axle and V axle are at intersection point P quadrature.This is because in the extinction spectrum of hematochrome, the magnitude relationship of the absorbance of the wavelength domain of the absorbance of the wavelength domain of territory, the first arrowband light N1 and territory, the second arrowband light N2 is reverse.Namely, as shown in figure 10, wavelength domain at territory, the first arrowband light N1 is 440 ± 10nm, the specific absorbance of reduced blood pigment 70 is larger than the specific absorbance of oxidation hematochrome 71, relative with it, wavelength domain at territory, the second arrowband light N2 is 470 ± 10nm, and the specific absorbance of oxidation hematochrome 71 is larger than the specific absorbance of reduced blood pigment 70.

The blood vessel degree of depth-oxygen saturation calculating section 62 based on the dependency relation of dependency relation storage part 61 specific go out by luminance ratio calculating section 60 that calculate with first and second luminance ratio S1/S3, the oxygen saturation that S2/S3 is corresponding and the blood vessel degree of depth.At this, first and second luminance ratio S1/S3 by luminance ratio calculating section 60 is calculated among the S2/S3, will be made as S1*/S3* about the first luminance ratio of the pixel in the angiosomes, and the second luminance ratio is made as S2*/S3*.

The blood vessel degree of depth-oxygen saturation calculating section 62 in briliancy coordinate system 66, specificly goes out and first and second luminance ratio S1*/S3*, the coordinate (X*, Y*) that S2*/S3* is corresponding shown in Figure 12 (A).Specific behind the coordinate (X*, Y*), shown in Figure 12 (B), in vessel information coordinate system 67, the coordinate axes that the specific coordinate (X*, Y*) of institute is projected to respectively oxygen saturation is that the coordinate axes of V axle and the blood vessel degree of depth is the U axle, specificly go out coordinate (U*, V*).Thus, ask blood vessel depth information U* and oxygen saturation information V* for the pixel in the angiosomes.

In addition, in this example, as the wavelength domain of first and second territory, arrowband light N1, N2, use two reverse wavelength domains of the magnitude relationship of absorbance (440 ± 10nm と 470 ± 10nm), but also can not use two reverse wavelength domains of magnitude relationship of absorbance.But in the situation of two not reverse wavelength domains of the magnitude relationship of using absorbance, at two-dimensional space, U axle and V axle are non-orthogonal.In this situation, if for example use the relation of three-dimensional solid space regulation U axle と V axle, then can come the specific coordinate (U*, V*) that goes out in the vessel information coordinate system 67 from the specific coordinate (X*, Y*) of institute briliancy coordinate system 66.Certainly, U axle and V axle quadrature easily generate the required data of computing such as table data of regulation dependency relation, therefore, as the wavelength domain of first and second territory, arrowband light N1, N2, preferably use two reverse wavelength domains of magnitude relationship of absorbance.

Blood vessel depth image generating unit 63 possesses cromogram (CM (Color the Map)) 63a that distributes colour information according to the degree of the blood vessel degree of depth.In cromogram 63a, become blueness when for example being the top layer according to the degree of depth of blood vessel, become green during for the middle level, become during for deep layer red mode, the color that the degree of the basic of distribution blood vessel degree of depth can clearly distinguish.The degree of depth in this said blood vessel degree of depth is the scope of deeply degree of reaching of territory, the first arrowband light N1, N2.Territory, the first arrowband light N1, N2 be owing to being blue region, thus short apart from the light of the deeply degree of reaching on the surface of the look-out station red area longer than wavelength, therefore, can utilize territory, the first arrowband light N1, N2 mainly to differentiate the degree of the degree of depth in the zone, top layer.Blood vessel depth image generating unit 63 goes out the colour information corresponding with the blood vessel depth information U* that is calculated by the blood vessel degree of depth-oxygen saturation calculating section 62 according to cromogram 63a is specific.

Blood vessel depth image generating unit 63 by colour information and the common image of observing are synthesized, makes it reflect at the common image of observing to the specific colour information of all pixels in the angiosomes time.As common observation image, for example use the view data of in frame memory 56, storing before obtaining pattern just switching to vessel information.Thus, generate the blood vessel depth image data that common observation image reflected the information of the blood vessel degree of depth.The blood vessel depth image data that generate are stored in the frame memory 56 again.In addition, colour information is not only to common observation image reflection, and view data N1, N2, any of G or the composograph reflection that they are synthetic that can obtain obtain pattern in vessel information.

Oxygen saturation image production part 64 possesses cromogram (CM (Color the Map)) 64a that distributes colour information according to the degree of oxygen saturation.In cromogram 64a, for example according to becoming cyan when the low oxygen saturation, become magenta during in middle oxygen saturation, becoming yellow mode during in high oxygen saturation and distribute the color that can clearly distinguish according to the degree of oxygen saturation.Oxygen saturation image production part 64 is identical with blood vessel depth image generating unit, goes out the colour information corresponding with the oxygen saturation information V* that is calculated by the blood vessel degree of depth-oxygen saturation calculating section from cromogram 64a is specific.And, usually reflecting in the perspective image data by making this colour information, generate the oxygen saturation view data.The oxygen saturation view data that generates is identical with blood vessel depth image data, is stored in frame memory 56.In addition, identical with the blood vessel depth image, the oxygen saturation image also can replace usually observing image, and take view data N1, N2, G or their composograph as basis reflection colour information.

Display control circuit 58 reads blood vessel depth image and oxygen saturation image from frame memory 56 in the same manner with usually observing image, converts thereof into video signal and to monitor 14 outputs.Obtain the display mode of the image in the pattern as vessel information, thinking has various patterns.

For example shown in Figure 13, also can show in a side of monitor 14 and usually observe image 72, in any by the selected blood vessel depth image 73 of image switching SW68 (with reference to Fig. 2) or oxygen saturation image 74 of opposite side demonstration.In the blood vessel depth image 73 of Figure 13, blood-vessel image 75 represents by the blueness of expression superficial blood vessel, and blood-vessel image 76 represents by the green of expression middle level blood vessel, and blood-vessel image 77 is represented by the redness of expression deep-level blood vessel.In addition, in the oxygen saturation image 74, blood-vessel image 80 represents by the cyan of the low oxygen saturation of expression, and blood-vessel image 81 represents by the magenta of oxygen saturation in the expression, and blood-vessel image 82 is represented by the yellow of the high oxygen saturation of expression.

In addition, as shown in figure 14,74 liang of sides of blood vessel depth image 73 and oxygen saturation image are shown simultaneously.In addition, as shown in figure 15, also can not show blood vessel depth image 73 and oxygen saturation image 74, usually observe the blood-vessel image 85 of stipulating in the image 72 and specify, for the blood-vessel image 85 of this appointment, the blood vessel degree of depth (D (Depth)) and oxygen saturation (StO2 (Saturated Oxygen)) are shown as Word message.

Then, use flow chart shown in Figure 16 that the effect of above-mentioned formation is described.At first, electronic endoscope system 10 starts with common observing pattern, and white light source 30 begins to light a lamp, and simultaneously, rotary filter 34 begins rotation.In common observing pattern, as shown in Figure 6, shutter 40 does not rotate, and stops under the state of the light path that is inserted into white light BB through the 40b of section.Thus, white light BB to each filter house 34a～34c incident of rotary filter 34, separates white light BB color successively, generates successively B, G, the trichroism light of R.

Three coloured light 11 are supplied with from light supply apparatus 13 to fujinon electronic video endoscope, shine to look-out station from illuminating window 49.Made a video recording by CCD44 by observation window 50 by three colour light of look-out station reflection, CCD44 exports image pickup signal B, G, R in turn.DSP55 generates based on view data B, the G corresponding with image pickup signal B, G, R, R and usually observes image.The common observation image that generates is stored in frame memory 56.Display control circuit 58 will observe usually that image transformation becomes video signal and to monitor 14 output.Thus, show usually observation image at monitor 14.In common observing pattern, repeat such processing, update displayed is in the common observation image of monitor 14.

By operating console 23, when input obtains the switching indication of pattern from common observing pattern to vessel information, be switched to vessel information and obtain pattern.When switching to vessel information and obtain pattern, shutter 40 makes through beginning rotation with the speed identical with rotary filter 34 under the 40b of section and the consistent state in the rotation position of the G filter house 34b of rotary filter 34.

Light source control section 32 is during the light path of the light shielding part 40a of shutter 40 being inserted white light BB, and is synchronous with the frame rate of CCD44, and first and second LASER Light Source 31a, 31b are lit a lamp successively.First and second territory, arrowband light N1, the N2 that first and second LASER Light Source 31a, 31b send supplies with to fujinon electronic video endoscope 11, shines successively look-out station from illuminating window 49.To CCD44 incident, CCD44 exports image pickup signal N1, the N2 corresponding with first and second territory, arrowband light N1, N2 to the picture light of first and second territory, arrowband light N1, N2 by observation window 50.

And, light source control section 32 with shutter 40 see through the 40b of section insert white light BB light path during, first and second LASER Light Source 31a, 31b two sides are extinguished.Will insert through the 40b of section light path during, white light BB generates G coloured light to the G filter house 34b incident of rotary filter 34.G coloured light is supplied with to fujinon electronic video endoscope 11, and shines to look-out station.To CCD44 incident, CCD44 exports the image pickup signal G corresponding with G coloured light to the picture light of G coloured light by observation window 50.

Blood-vessel image generating unit 57 obtains oxygen saturation information and blood vessel depth information based on view data N1, N2, the G corresponding with image pickup signal N1, N2, G by the illustrated order of Figure 12.Blood-vessel image generating unit 57 uses cromogram 63a, 64a that these information are being reflected generation oxygen saturation image and blood vessel depth image usually in the observation image.The image that generates shows at monitor 14 with Figure 13～any display mode shown in Figure 15.Repeat above-mentioned processing, until the switching indication to common observing pattern occurs.Having inputted in the situation of indicating to the switching of common observing pattern, return common observing pattern.Having in the situation of observing the indication that finishes, white light source 30, first and second LASER Light Source 31a, 31b, rotary filter 34, shutter 40 are stopped.

In addition, in this example, obtain in the pattern in vessel information, be illustrated with the example of usually not observing the generation of image, but obtain in the execution of pattern in vessel information, also can carry out alternately be used to the irradiation of the B that is usually observed image, G, R with for obtaining first and second territory, arrowband light N1 of blood-vessel image, the irradiation of N2, G, carry out simultaneously the generation of blood-vessel image and the usually generation of observation image.Accordingly, obtain in vessel information and also can upgrade common observation image in the pattern.

As described above, in the present invention, territory, two arrowbands light N1, the N2 that utilizes blue region with carried out three light of G coloured light that color separates from white light BB, obtain oxygen saturation information and blood vessel depth information.The formation of utilizing existing light supply apparatus be the light of white light source 30 as reference light, therefore, compare with the prior art that consists of territory, three arrowbands light by semiconductor light sources of putting down in writing in the JP 2011-092690 communique, can reduce number of spare parts, the space is set.Thus, easily utilize the formation of existing light supply apparatus, and number of spare parts can reduce also, therefore, can reduce cost.

In addition, owing to use two LASER Light Source 31a, 31b of territory, the arrowband light that sends blue region, so can guarantee good mensuration precision.At first, in the present invention, select the reason of the light of blue region to be as territory, the first arrowband light N1, N2, in the diagnosis of the pathological changes sections such as optimum pernicious discriminating of tumor, also have the assurance of the character of superficial blood vessel to compare the important situation of mid-deep strata more, and expectation can be held the observational technique of the character of superficial blood vessel in detail.For tackling this requirement, among the present invention, adopt dark degree of reaching shallow and can obtain well the light of blue region of the information of superficial blood vessel.

And, use the reasons are as follows of territory, arrowband light.The extinction spectrum of hematochrome as shown in figure 10 shows, at blue region, compares green area and red area, and the variation of absorbance is violent, if wavelength is very few, then absorbance significantly changes.In addition, the magnitude relationship of each hematochrome 70,71 the absorbance interval that produces reverse isobestic point also dwindles.If the wavelength field width, then the signal in reverse two zones of magnitude relationship mixes, and brightness value averages out, and therefore, can not obtain the high information of precision.Therefore, obtain the vessel information of superficial blood vessel for the light that utilizes blue region, need to use narrow territory, the arrowband light that with the wavelength domain of the near width in the interval of two isobestic points, preferably has the wavelength domain at the interval that converges on two isobestic points.

In addition, superficial blood vessel is owing to thinner than mid-deep strata blood vessel, so the deficiency in light quantity of irradiation in the situation that observe superficial blood vessel, needs the large light source of light quantity.

Like this, for the vessel information De Measuring that improves relevant superficial blood vessel decides precision, preferably send the light source of the light of territory, the arrowband light of blue region and high light quantity, according to such reason, among the present invention, employing can be sent first and second LASER Light Source 31a, the 31b of first and second territory, arrowband light N1, N2.By using first and second LASER Light Source 31a, 31b, compare by the situation of filter with the separation of white light BB color, obtain territory, arrowband light N1, the N2 of large light quantity.

With reference to only as be used for will be corresponding with first and second territory, arrowband light N1, N2 the standardized contrast signal of brightness value S1, S2 (brightness value S3) be utilized, therefore, as long as know the level of the lightness of look-out station, therefore, carried out the G coloured light that color separates even use by white light BB, also no problem in practical.In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, to utilize G coloured light to be illustrated as the example of reference light, but as can be known with reference to light so long as the level of lightness is known gets final product, therefore, replace G coloured light, also can utilize by B filter house 34a, R filter 34b white light BB has been carried out B coloured light or R coloured light that color separates, also can white light BB color not separated and use white light BB itself.

In addition, in this example, as territory, the first arrowband light N1, the use wavelength domain is 440 ± 10nm, be preferably territory, the arrowband light of 445nm, as territory, the second arrowband light N2, the use wavelength domain is 470 ± 10nm, be preferably territory, the arrowband light of 473nm, but as above-mentioned, so long as all at each hematochrome 70,71 absorbance is variant and the light of two wavelength domains that this extent is different, then also can be other wavelength domain.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, utilize photosynthetic stream section 39 from the light path interflow of white light source 30 towards the white light BB of collecting lens 36 territory, arrowband light N1, the N2 of semiconductor light source unit 31.White light source 30, rotary filter 34, being formed in of collecting lens 36 are set are the formation of standard in the existing light supply apparatus.If the such formation of above-mentioned embodiment, then in the light path of white light BB, do not increase significantly change and only append photosynthetic stream section 39 and shutter 40 gets final product, therefore, the existing light supply apparatus of easily packing into.

In addition, photosynthetic stream section 39 has through the seeing through the 39a of section and make the reflecting part 39b of first and second territory, arrowband light N1, N2 reflection of white light, therefore, can prevent the complexity that consists of.This in the situation that photosynthetic stream section 39 only consisted of by reflecting part 39b, in common observing pattern, need to be according to making photosynthetic stream section 39 keep out of the way, obtain the travel mechanism that the mode that is inserted into light path the pattern moves photosynthetic stream section 39 in vessel information from light path.If arrange in photosynthetic stream section 39 and to see through the 39a of section, travel mechanism then is not set gets final product, therefore, can simplify the formation of appending to existing light supply apparatus, therefore, easily utilize existing light supply apparatus.

In addition, reflecting part 39b does not make the light transmission that is contained in wavelength domain white light BB, first and second territory, arrowband light N1, N2, therefore, in the large situation of the size of reflecting part 39b, may cause the reduction of the light quantity of the degree that can not ignore at this wavelength domain yet.In this situation, in common observing pattern, when irradiation B coloured light, first and second LASER Light Source 31a, 31b are lit a lamp, compensation also can by the light quantity that reflecting part 39b blocks.

In addition, shutter 40 is made of swivel plate, sees through spinning movement and carries out light shielding part 40a to the insertion of light path and keep out of the way, but shutter 40 traveling priorities are inserted and keep out of the way.But, if for as this example, making the formation of shutter 40 spinning movements, then compare with the situation of traveling priority, can simplify the amount that does not need for the linkage of traveling priority with consisting of.

[the second embodiment]

In the above-described embodiment, be illustrated with the example that rotary filter 34 and shutter 40 are set respectively, but as shown in figure 17, also can use the rotary filter 91 of the function that is provided with shutter.Rotary filter 91 utilizes two bicirculars regional by interior week and that two zones of outer regions form to consist of.Be provided with the filter house of B, G, R in interior all zones, be provided with light shielding part and G filter house in outer regions.Interior week works as the rotary filter 34 of above-mentioned embodiment in the zone, and outer regions works as the shutter 40 of above-mentioned embodiment.Travel mechanism 92 moves by the rotating shaft that makes rotary filter 91, interior week zone and outer regions is optionally inserted the light path of white light BB.If use such rotary filter 91, rotary filter 34 and shutter 40 need not be set respectively, therefore, can reduce number of spare parts or configuration space.

In addition, rotary filter 93 as shown in figure 18 also can be without separating into interior week zone and outer regions and with all-round 6 five equilibriums, at the B of common observation usefulness, G1, vessel information is set between each filter house of R obtains two light shielding parts of usefulness and the Three regions of G2 filter house.Two light shielding parts are distributed to respectively first and second territory, arrowband light N1, N2 and are used.G1 can be identical spectral transmission with G2, also can be different.According to this formation, do not need travel mechanism 92.

[the 3rd embodiment]

In the above-described embodiment, with the CCD44 as fujinon electronic video endoscope 11, use monochromatic imaging apparatus, being provided with the example of face sequential that white light BB color is separated into the rotary filter of the trichroism light of B, G, R at light supply apparatus 13 is illustrated, but as the CCD of fujinon electronic video endoscope 11, use shown in Figure 19 the system of same up-to-date style of colored CCD 100 also can use the present invention.Colored CCD 100 is provided with B, G, any little color filter of R in each pixel that consists of shooting face, consist of B, G, the trichroism pixel of R in shooting face.Trichroism pixel for example (ベ イ ヤ one: Bayer) arrange with Baeyer by form.

As shown in figure 20, in the situation of formula, light supply apparatus 13 does not need rotary filter 34 at the same time.Other formation is identical with the face sequential shown in Fig. 6 and 7, and therefore, also description thereof is omitted for the identical symbol of same parts mark.

Shown in Figure 21 (A), under common observing pattern, supply with white light BB with 13 pairs of fujinon electronic video endoscopes of light supply apparatus 11 of up-to-date style.White light BB shines to look-out station from illuminating window 49, by colored CCD 100 these reflected light of shooting.Carry out color to the white light BB of colored CCD 100 incidents by little color filter and separate, colored CCD 100 outputs comprise the image pickup signal of the trichroism chrominance signal corresponding with B, G, R pixel of all kinds.The spectral transmission of B, G, each little color filter of R is identical with the situation of rotary filter shown in Figure 8 34.

Shown in Figure 21 (B), in the situation that vessel information obtains pattern, make shutter 40 rotation, by the light shielding part 40a of shutter 40 with white light BB shading during, first and second LASER Light Source 31a, 31b are lit a lamp successively, shine successively first and second territory, arrowband light N1, N2.As shown in Figure 8, because territory, the first arrowband light N1 is the light of B pixel sensitization, so image pickup signal that will be corresponding with the B pixel extracts as image pickup signal N1.Territory, the second arrowband light N2 is the light of B pixel and the sensitization of G pixel, therefore, the image pickup signal corresponding with B pixel and G pixel is extracted as image pickup signal N2.Thus, obtain image pickup signal N1, the N2 corresponding with first and second territory, arrowband light N1, N2.

And, the light shielding part 40a of shutter 40 keep out of the way from the light path of white light BB during, irradiation white light BB.Blood-vessel image generating unit 57 is extracted the image pickup signal G corresponding with the G pixel from the image pickup signal of colored CCD 100 outputs.And, obtain vessel information according to order illustrated in fig. 12 and based on image pickup signal N1, N2, G, generate blood-vessel image and show.In this example, as reference light, utilize G coloured light, but identical with the first embodiment, also can utilize B coloured light or R coloured light, white light.

In addition, in the respective embodiments described above, example with the filter of the former colour system that uses B, G, R has illustrated each filter house of rotary filter, little color filter of colored CCD, but also can use filter with complementary color system spectral transmission, Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan) shown in Figure 22.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, oxygen saturation has been carried out image conversion, but in the oxygen saturation image of the present invention, replace the mode shown in the above-mentioned embodiment, or on this basis, also comprise the image of oxidation hematochrome rate (hemoglobin index) image conversion that will obtain according to " blood flow volume (oxidation hematochrome and reduced blood pigment sum) * oxygen saturation (%) " or the image of the reduced blood pigment rate image conversion that will obtain according to " blood flow volume * (100-oxygen saturation) (%) ".

In the above-described embodiment, as the semiconductor light sources example LASER Light Source that is consisted of by laser diode, but also can be to replace laser diode and the led light source that used LED.As imaging apparatus, be not limited to the CCD of above-mentioned embodiment, also can use cmos image sensor.In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the example that consists of with light supply apparatus and processor apparatus split is illustrated, but also can one consist of two devices.

In addition, the present invention also goes for the endoscope that leading section is built-in with ultrasonic endoscope of imaging apparatus and ultrasonic transducer (transducer) etc., alternate manner.

Claims (16)

1. electronic endoscope system, it possesses: the processor apparatus that has the fujinon electronic video endoscope that inserts the insertion section in the subject and have the imaging apparatus that the look-out station in the described subject is made a video recording, supplies with the light supply apparatus of the light of shooting usefulness, the image pickup signal of described imaging apparatus output is processed to described fujinon electronic video endoscope, it is characterized in that

Described light supply apparatus has:

White light source, it sends the white light that utilizes be used to the illumination light of the common observation image that obtains described look-out station;

First and second semiconductor light sources, it sends the light irradiated to described look-out station in order to obtain vessel information, described irradiate only all in the narrow wavelength domain of the part of blue region and have respectively first and second territory, blue arrowband light of different wavelength domains, described vessel information comprises the oxygen saturation information of the oxygen saturation of hemochrome in the blood that means the existing blood vessel of described look-out station and means apart from the blood vessel depth information of the degree of depth of the described blood vessel on the surface of described look-out station

Described light supply apparatus is supplied with described first and second territory, blue arrowband light to described fujinon electronic video endoscope, and the contrast signal that the standardization of first and second image pickup signal of described imaging apparatus output utilizes as being used for obtaining receiving described first and second territory, blue arrowband reflection of light light with reference to light, the light of the wavelength domain of at least a portion of comprising in the described white light is supplied with to described fujinon electronic video endoscope

Described processor apparatus is asked for described vessel information based on described first and second image pickup signal and these three signals of described contrast signal.

2. electronic endoscope system as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that,

Described light supply apparatus has: for white light that described white light source is sent to described fujinon electronic video endoscope incident and with the collecting lens of described white light optically focused; In the photosynthetic stream section from described white light source photosynthetic light path that flows to described white light towards the configuration of the light path of the described white light of described collecting lens and first and second territory, blue arrowband that described first and second semiconductor light sources is sent.

3. electronic endoscope system as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that,

Described photosynthetic stream section has: the reflecting part that sees through section and described first and second territory, blue arrowband light is reflected towards described collecting lens that sees through described white light.

4. electronic endoscope system as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that,

Described light supply apparatus has: be inserted into the light path of described white light and between with the on position of described white light shading and the retreating position kept out of the way from described light path shutter movably,

When obtaining described vessel information, described shutter is moved under the state of described on position with described white light shading, described first and second territory, blue arrowband light is supplied with to described fujinon electronic video endoscope, described shutter is moved to described retreating position, supply with to described fujinon electronic video endoscope with reference to light described.

5. electronic endoscope system as claimed in claim 4 is characterized in that,

Described imaging apparatus is the monochromatic imaging apparatus of the monochromatic image pickup signal of output,

Described light supply apparatus has filter, this filter have blueness, green, red trichroism see through the zone or yellow, pinkish red, cyan is trichroism sees through the zone, with the trichroism light path that respectively sees through the described white light of regioselectivity ground insertion, with photochromic three coloured light that are separated into of described white

Described light supply apparatus is the face sequential of when described common observation image is made a video recording described trichroism light being supplied with to described fujinon electronic video endoscope successively.

6. electronic endoscope system as claimed in claim 5 is characterized in that,

On described filter, not only be provided with and describedly trichroism see through the zone, and be provided with the light shielding part that consists of described shutter.

7. electronic endoscope system as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that,

Described imaging apparatus is the color image sensor with the trichroism pixel of blueness, green, red trichroism pixel or yellow, magenta, cyan and output trichroism picture signal corresponding with pixel of all kinds,

Described light supply apparatus is described white light not carried out that color separates when described common observation image is made a video recording and the same up-to-date style supplied with to described fujinon electronic video endoscope.

8. electronic endoscope system as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that,

Two wavelength of described first and second territory, blue arrowband light are that separately absorbance produces poor wavelength in reduced blood pigment and oxidation hematochrome extinction spectrum separately.

9. electronic endoscope system as claimed in claim 8 is characterized in that,

In described two wavelength, the magnitude relationship of reduced blood pigment and oxidation hematochrome absorbance separately is reverse.

10. electronic endoscope system as claimed in claim 9 is characterized in that,

Territory, the described first blue arrowband light wavelength is 440 ± 10nm, and territory, the described second blue arrowband light wavelength is 470 ± 10nm.

11. electronic endoscope system as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that,

Described processor apparatus based on the ratio of described the first image pickup signal and described contrast signal namely the first luminance ratio, the second image pickup signal and described contrast signal ratio namely the second briliancy recently ask for described vessel information.

12. electronic endoscope system as claimed in claim 11 is characterized in that,

Possess storage device, the degree of depth of its pre-stored described first and second luminance ratio and described blood vessel and the dependency relation of described oxygen saturation,

Described processor apparatus is asked for described vessel information based on described dependency relation.

13. electronic endoscope system as claimed in claim 12 is characterized in that,

Described dependency relation represents two coordinate axess are distributed respectively the briliancy coordinate system of described first and second luminance ratio and two coordinate axess distributed respectively the corresponding relation of the vessel information coordinate system of the degree of depth of blood vessel and oxygen saturation,

Described processor apparatus,

Specificly in described briliancy coordinate system go out first coordinate corresponding with described first and second luminance ratio,

In described vessel information coordinate system, by described the first coordinate is carried out projection to the coordinate axes of the degree of depth of the coordinate axes of described oxygen saturation and described blood vessel respectively, specificly go out the second coordinate, ask for described oxygen saturation information and described blood vessel depth information.

14. such as each described electronic endoscope system in the claim 1～13, it is characterized in that,

Described processor apparatus has:

Generate the video generation device of the image of at least one in the described oxygen saturation information of expression and the described blood vessel depth information;

With the image that the generates display control unit to display device output.

15. light supply apparatus, it is used for electronic endoscope system, described electronic endoscope system possesses: have the fujinon electronic video endoscope that inserts the insertion section in the subject and have the imaging apparatus that the look-out station in the described subject is made a video recording, and, described light supply apparatus is supplied with the light of shooting usefulness to described fujinon electronic video endoscope, it is characterized in that having:

White light source, it sends the white light that utilizes be used to the illumination light of the common observation image that obtains described look-out station;

First and second semiconductor light sources, it sends the light irradiated to described look-out station in order to obtain vessel information, described irradiate only all in the narrow wavelength domain of the part of blue region and have respectively first and second territory, blue arrowband light of different wavelength domains, described vessel information comprises the blood vessel depth information of the degree of depth on the surface of the oxygen saturation information of the oxygen saturation of hemochrome in the blood that means the existing blood vessel of the described look-out station distance described look-out station relevant with described blood vessel with expression

Described first and second territory, blue arrowband light is supplied with to described fujinon electronic video endoscope, and the contrast signal that the standardization of first and second image pickup signal of described imaging apparatus output utilizes as being used for obtaining receiving described first and second territory, blue arrowband reflection of light light with reference to light, the light of the wavelength domain of at least a portion of comprising in the described white light is supplied with to described fujinon electronic video endoscope.

16. the control method of an electronic endoscope system, it uses electronic endoscope system to obtain vessel information, described electronic endoscope system possesses: have the fujinon electronic video endoscope that inserts the insertion section in the subject and have the imaging apparatus that the look-out station in the described subject is made a video recording, with light supply apparatus from the light of shooting usefulness to described fujinon electronic video endoscope that supply with, described vessel information comprises the oxygen saturation information of the oxygen saturation of hematochrome in the blood that represents the existing blood vessel of described look-out station, the blood vessel depth information of the degree of depth on the surface of the distance described look-out station relevant with described blood vessel with expression, it is characterized in that

The control method of electronic endoscope system comprises:

The first irradiation control step, first and second territory, blue arrowband light that first and second semiconductor light sources that has according to described light supply apparatus is sent, namely be in the territory, arrowband of the part of blue region and have respectively first and second territory, blue arrowband light of different wavelength domains, to the mode of described look-out station irradiation, control described light supply apparatus;

First signal is obtained step, obtains first and second image pickup signal of the described imaging apparatus output that receives described first and second territory, blue arrowband reflection of light light;

The second irradiation control step, the light of the wavelength domain of at least a portion that comprises in the white light that sends according to the white light source that described light supply apparatus is had, the contrast signal that utilizes as the standardization that is used for obtaining at first and second image pickup signal with reference to the mode of light to described look-out station irradiation, control described light supply apparatus;

Secondary signal obtains step, obtains to receive the described contrast signal of exporting with reference to the described imaging apparatus of reflection of light light;

Ask for the step of described vessel information based on described first and second image pickup signal and these three signals of described contrast signal.

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