JP2000201891A - Endoscopic instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a small-sized endoscopic instrument capable of performing the operation setting of many video signal processing functions or the like with excellent operability from a camera head. SOLUTION: An object image obtained by an endoscope 2 is imaged by the camera head 21, an image signal supplied through a cable 23 to a video processor and they are displayed on a monitor. Also, signals from two switches of a setting dial 31 and a switch 32 provided on the camera head 21 are supplied through the cable 23 to the video processor and used for the setting of the video signal processing function or the like. At the time, by selecting the function of a setting object by the setting dial 31 and performing the operation setting of the selected function by the switch 32, the setting to many video signal processing functions or the like is performed just by the two switches and thus, the camera head 21 is miniaturized and the operability is improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus characterized by a means for performing a setting operation of a processing function such as a video signal processing function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an endoscope apparatus that can observe a test site in a body cavity or a duct by inserting an elongated insertion portion into a body cavity or a duct has been widely used. Was. Such an endoscope apparatus is generally configured as shown in FIG. 9, that is, the endoscope apparatus 101 inserts an elongated insertion portion into a body cavity, a duct, or the like to form a subject image. Endoscope 10 to get
2, a light source device (not shown) for supplying illumination light to the endoscope 102, and an imaging device 103 which is detachably attached to the endoscope 102 and captures a subject image obtained by the endoscope 102. A video processor 1 for obtaining a video signal that can be displayed on a monitor from an image pickup signal obtained by the image pickup apparatus 103
And a monitor device 105 for displaying the video signal obtained by the video processor 104. The imaging device 103 includes an eyepiece 111 of the endoscope 102.
A camera head 121 detachably attached to the camera, a cable 122 for connecting the camera head 121 and the video processor 104, and a cable 12
The camera head 121 is provided with a connector 123 provided at two ends and detachably connected to the video processor 104. The camera head 121 includes a CCD or the like for capturing a subject image obtained by the endoscope 102. An image sensor 124 is provided, and a signal line 125 for transmitting an image signal or the like extends from the image sensor 124. The signal line 125 is inserted through the cable 122 and the other end is electrically connected to the connector 123. It is connected to the. The video processor 104 includes:
A video signal processing circuit 131 that performs a video signal processing function of converting an image signal input from the image sensor 124 via the cable 122 into a video signal that can be displayed on a monitor;
An operation setting operation switch 1 for setting and operating the operation of the video signal processing function executed by the video signal processing circuit 131
33, and a monitor cable 132 for providing the video signal obtained by the video signal processing circuit 131 to the monitor device 105. According to the endoscope apparatus 101 having the configuration as shown in FIG. 9, the subject image obtained by the endoscope 102 is converted into an image signal by the image sensor 124 in the camera head 121 of the image capturing apparatus 103, The signal is supplied to the video signal processing circuit 131 of the video processor 104 via the cable 122 and the connector 123. The video signal processing circuit 131 converts the imaging signal into a video signal that can be displayed on a monitor. Monitor cable 1
The image is provided to the monitor device 105 via the monitor 32, and the subject image obtained by the endoscope 102 is displayed on the monitor device 105. At this time, in general, the operator can operate the operation setting operation switch 133 of the video processor 104 to adjust, for example, the color tone, the degree of contour enhancement, the brightness of the image, and the like. Can be set.

[0003] In general, when the endoscope apparatus 101 is used for medical purposes, particularly for surgical purposes, a patient who observes or performs treatment with the endoscope apparatus 101 is required.
In order to prevent various bacteria from being transmitted through the endoscope device 101, not only the endoscope 102 that directly contacts the patient,
The operator of the endoscope or the imaging device 1 near the endoscope 102
03 is also required to be strictly disinfected and sterilized. At this time, disinfection sterilization of the imaging device 103 is performed by removing the imaging device 103 from the endoscope 102 and the video processor 104, and immersing the imaging device 103 in, for example, a disinfecting solution or applying the sterilization device. However, since the video processor 104 and the monitor device 105 do not directly contact the endoscope 102, are large in size, and have insufficient resistance to disinfection and sterilization, strict disinfection and sterilization may not be performed. General. Therefore, when the video processor 104 is not sterilized, the operator of the endoscope 102 cannot touch the operation setting operation switch 133 during the operation, and the operation setting of the video signal processing function is not performed. Can not do. For the same reason, the operator cannot perform an operation of giving an instruction to the video processor 104 from the operation setting operation switch 133 to record the subject image obtained by the endoscope 102, that is, a release operation. For this reason, the operator needs to complete the operation setting of the video signal processing function and the like before disinfecting and sterilizing the operator himself, or prepare an operator of the operation setting operation switch 133 in addition to the operator. There is an endoscope device 101 having a configuration as shown in FIG.
There was a problem that operability was poor.

Therefore, conventionally, the same reference numerals are given to the parts configured in the same manner as in FIG. 9 and the description is omitted. As shown in FIG. 10, one of the operation setting operation switches 133 shown in FIG. An endoscope device 101 in which a switch to be used is provided on a camera head 121 is known. That is, FIG.
In the endoscope device 101 shown in FIG.
In addition to the operation setting operation switch 133 disposed in the camera head 121, an operation setting operation switch 141 is disposed on the camera head 121. The signal from the operation setting operation switch 141 is transmitted to a signal line 142 inserted through the cable 122.
And the video processor 104 via the connector 123.
To the video signal processing circuit 131. According to the endoscope apparatus 101 configured as shown in FIG. 10, the operator can set the operation setting operation switch 14 even during the operation.
1 can be operated, so that the operation setting of the video signal processing function can be operated and the release operation can be performed.
The problem of the configuration as shown in FIG. 9 can be reduced.
The operation setting operation switch 141 may be provided not only near the endoscope 102 such as the camera head 121 as shown in FIG. 10 but also on the main body of the endoscope 102 in some cases.

[0005]

However, the operation setting items such as the video signal processing function in the endoscope apparatus in recent years include the color tone, the degree of contour enhancement, and the image brightness adjustment setting described in the related art. In addition, for example, there is a wide variety of settings such as auto focus and special light observation,
It is necessary to provide a switch for the release operation. Therefore, if many operation setting operation switches are provided near the endoscope or the endoscope in order to provide these operation setting functions to the operation setting operation switch near the endoscope or the endoscope, The size of the endoscope or the vicinity of the endoscope becomes large, and the operability is rather deteriorated. Further, if a large number of operation setting operations are assigned to one operation setting operation switch depending on the operation timing of the operation setting operation switch, the operation setting operation switch may be erroneously operated, resulting in deterioration of operability. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and can perform many operation setting operations of the present endoscope apparatus with good operability from an endoscope or the vicinity of the endoscope, and is a small endoscope. It is intended to provide a device.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image pickup means which is built in the distal end of an insertion portion of an endoscope or is detachably attached to an eyepiece of the endoscope; An endoscope apparatus comprising: a video signal processing unit that obtains a video signal that can be displayed on a monitor from an imaging signal obtained by an imaging unit; a first processing function that is a video signal processing function of the video signal processing unit; A setting target to be set when a setting operation is performed on a processing function included in one of the processing functions of the endoscope apparatus excluding the first processing function and a processing function included in one of the second processing functions. It is characterized by comprising a setting target processing function selecting means for selecting a processing function, and an operation setting operation means for setting and operating an operation of the setting target processing function selected by the setting target processing function selecting means.

[0007]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 4 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing an entire configuration of an endoscope apparatus, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure relating to the setting dial, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing an appearance around the setting dial.

As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes an endoscope 2 which is inserted into a body cavity, a duct, or the like to obtain a subject image, and illuminates the endoscope 2. A light source device 3 for supplying light, an imaging device 4 for imaging a subject image obtained by the endoscope 2, and an image for obtaining a video signal that can be displayed on a monitor from the imaging signal obtained by the imaging device 4. It comprises a video processor 5 as a signal processing means and a monitor device 6 for displaying a video signal obtained by the video processor 5.

The endoscope 2 has an elongated insertion portion 11 to be inserted into a body cavity, a duct, or the like, and a grip portion provided at a base end side of the insertion portion 11 for gripping the endoscope 2. 12 and a light guide cable 13 extending from the side of the grip portion 12 and having an end detachably connected to the light source device 3 for guiding illumination light from the light source device 3 to the endoscope 2. And an eyepiece section 14 that is provided continuously to the base end side of the grip section 12 and emits an optical image of a subject to be observed by the endoscope 2.

The image pickup device 4 includes a camera head 21 detachably connected to the eyepiece 14 and a built-in camera head 21 for picking up a subject image emitted from the eyepiece 14. An image sensor 22 such as a CCD; a cable 23 extending from the camera head 21 and transmitting an image signal and the like obtained by the image sensor 22 to the video processor 5; 5 has a connector 24 detachably connected to the connector 5.

The video processor 5 has a monitor cable 5a for outputting a video signal obtained by the video processor 5 to the monitor device.

As shown in FIG. 2, the camera head 21
A setting target processing function selecting means for selecting a setting target processing function to be set when an operation such as a video signal processing function executed by the video processor 5 is set at a position near the endoscope 2 A setting dial 31 and a switch 32 as an operation setting operation means for setting and operating the operation of the setting target processing function selected by the setting dial 31
have. In the present embodiment, the setting dial 31 is rotated by an operator to select a setting target processing function. The switch 32 is
In the present embodiment, it is constituted by a push button type switch.

As shown in FIG. 3, the setting dial 31
Is inserted into a hole formed in the exterior 21a of the camera head 21. And the camera head 21
A rotary encoder 42 is fixed at a position facing the setting dial 31 on a substrate 41 fixed therein by soldering or the like. The rotary encoder 42 includes a fixed portion 43 fixed to the substrate, and a rotating portion 44 rotatably attached to the fixed portion 43. The rotation position of the rotation unit 44 is detected. The rotating portion 44 has a protrusion 44 a formed opposite to the setting dial 31.
The protrusion 44a is fitted in a groove 31a formed on the rotation shaft of the setting dial 31. At this time, a part of the protrusion 44b projecting in the radial direction is formed on the protrusion 44a, and the groove 31a is formed according to the shape of the protrusion 44b, and the protrusion 44b is formed in the groove 31a. The engagement prevents the setting dial 31 and the rotating portion 44 from sliding in the rotating direction. A screw groove 44c is formed on the tip end surface of the protrusion 44a along the rotation axis of the rotation unit 44, and a screw hole 31b is formed at a position of the setting dial 31 facing the screw groove 44c. The screw 45 is screwed into the screw groove 44c through the screw hole 31b to prevent the setting dial 31 from dropping out of the rotating part 44. That is, the rotary encoder 42 is configured to detect the rotational position of the setting dial 31. An O-ring 46 is provided in a gap between the exterior 21 a and the setting dial 31.
The watertightness of the camera head 21 in the portion where the camera head 21 is disposed is ensured. The rotary encoder 42 is electrically connected to a signal line 47 for transmitting a pulse signal corresponding to the rotational position of the rotary encoder 42. The signal line 47 is inserted through the cable 23 and the other end. Are electrically connected to the connector 24. As described above, the video processor 5 detects the turning position of the setting dial 31 and selects a setting target processing function corresponding to the turning position of the setting dial 31.

[0015] As shown in FIG.
Shows a function display 51 indicating a setting target processing function selected by the setting dial 31. Setting dial 3
An index 52 is written at the position of the camera head 21 near 1 and the function display 51 is displayed by rotating the setting dial 31.
Is set to the position of the index 52 to select the processing function to be set. The setting target processing functions assigned to the switch 32 by the setting dial 31 include a function of setting a color tone of an endoscope image, a function of setting a contour emphasis, a function of setting a brightness, etc. Video signal processing function of the video processor 5 and other endoscope devices, such as a function for making settings relating to autofocus, a function for making settings relating to autofocus, a function for making settings relating to special light observation, a function for recording an endoscope image, that is, a release function Various setting functions related to the operation of one part may be incorporated. When a setting target processing function is selected with the setting dial 31, the video processor 5 superimposes a display for identifying the selected function on a video signal, and displays the monitor device 6 with an endoscope image. , An identification display such as a selected function name is drawn.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. First, prior to the procedure, the endoscope 2 and the imaging device 4 are respectively sterilized and sterilized. At this time, since the O-ring 46 is provided in the gap between the setting dial 31 and the exterior 21a of the camera head 21, the disinfectant or the like is prevented from entering the camera head 21 from this portion.

Next, when the surgeon attempts to set the video signal processing function of the video processor 5 or another functional operation of the endoscope apparatus 1 during the operation, the operator turns the setting dial 31. The function display 51 indicating the setting target processing function is indicated by the index 5
By pressing the switch 32 in accordance with 2, the operation of the setting target processing function is set. For example, when performing red color tone adjustment, the setting dial 31 is rotated, and as shown in FIG. 4, “COLOR” meaning a red color tone adjustment function.
When the function display 51 marked “(R)” is aligned with the position of the index 52, the red color tone adjustment function is selected as the setting target processing function. Then, by operating the switch 32, the red color tone of the endoscopic image drawn on the monitor device 6 is adjusted. At this time, since the setting dial 31 and the switch 32 are sterilized and sterilized, even during the operation, the operator can operate the setting dial 31 and the switch 32.
Can be operated. At this time, since the function display 51 of the setting target processing function is written on the setting dial 31, the operator does not mistakenly operate the setting dial 31. Further, at this time, since the operation setting for many setting target processing functions can be performed only by operating two switches including the setting dial 31 and the switch 32, the camera head 21 is formed in a small size, and the switch is easily operated. Operations can be performed. In the example of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, ten types of setting target processing functions can be selected with the setting dial 31. Note that the number of setting target processing functions that can be selected with the setting dial 31 may be more or less than the example shown in FIG.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the portion where the setting dial 31 is provided is watertight by the O-ring 46, so that the disinfection and sterilization can be performed. Further, since the setting dial 31 and the switch 32 are disinfected and sterilized, even during the operation, the video signal processing function of the video processor 5 and other functions of the endoscope apparatus 1 can be controlled by the camera head 21 near the endoscope 2. Settings can be made. That is, since many setting target processing functions can be set and operated by the setting dial 31 and the switch 32, many functions of the endoscope apparatus 1 can be operated without operating switches of the video processor 5 which are not sterilized. Setting, release operation, and the like can be performed with the setting dial 31 and the switch 32. In addition, a setting dial 3 is used to set many functions of the endoscope apparatus 1 and release operation.
Since the operation can be performed by two switch operations of the switch 1 and the switch 32, it is not necessary to provide a number of switches corresponding to many functions and the like, and the endoscope apparatus 1 can be made compact. Further, the function selected by the setting dial 31 can be confirmed on the function display 51 written on the setting dial 31, so that erroneous operation can be prevented. That is, according to the present embodiment, many operation setting operations of the endoscope apparatus 1 can be performed with good operability from the camera head 21 in the vicinity of the endoscope 2 and an effect that the size can be reduced can be obtained. Can be. (Second Embodiment) FIGS. 5 to 7 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing an example of a monitor screen displaying a menu display, and FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a monitor screen displaying a bar graph display for setting values, and FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a monitor screen displaying a menu display when the menu display extends over a plurality of pages. In the present embodiment, only parts different from those in the first embodiment will be described. Also, portions configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 5, an endoscope image 62 captured by the image sensor 22 is displayed on a monitor screen 61 of the monitor device 6. The endoscope image 62 is obtained by converting the image signal obtained by the image sensor 22 into a video signal by the video processor 5 and rendering the video signal on the monitor screen 61. In the present embodiment, the video processor 5 outputs a video signal in which a menu display 63, which is a list of processing functions to be set, is superimposed on the endoscopic image 62 to the monitor device 6, and the monitor screen 6
1, a menu display 63 is displayed. At this time, when the operator turns the setting dial 31, the menu display 6 is displayed.
The cursor display 64 displayed on three sides moves, and the setting target processing function indicated by the cursor display 64 is selected. That is, the surgeon can select and confirm the setting target processing function while viewing the monitor screen 61. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the cursor display 64 indicates “ENHA” in the menu display 63 which indicates the setting function of the outline emphasis.
NCE ", which indicates that the contour emphasis setting function is currently selected as the target processing function. When the switch 32 is operated at this time, every time the switch 32 is operated, the degree of contour enhancement of the endoscope image 62 is changed from, for example, a state in which no enhancement is performed to a state in which the degree of enhancement is weak → a state in which enhancement is moderate. , The degree of emphasis, the state of strong emphasis, the state of no emphasis, and so on. The degree of outline emphasis is thereby adjusted. Such a flow of operation is not only the setting function of the contour emphasis, but also
Other setting functions, for example, “WHITE BAL” described in the menu display 63 representing the white balance adjustment function
The same applies to the case of selecting "Ance" or the like.

Some of the processing functions to be selected are not only those whose setting values are selective but also those whose setting values are continuous. For example, when adjusting the brightness of the endoscope image 62, the cursor 64 is moved with the setting dial 31 to a position where “BRIGHTNESS” indicating the brightness is displayed in the menu display 63 shown in FIG. Here, when the switch 32 is operated, a bar graph display 71 corresponding to the degree of brightness is displayed on the monitor screen 61 as shown in FIG. The bar graph display 71 is displayed longer as the brightness of the endoscope image 62 is set to be brighter. When the switch 32 is operated while the bar graph display 71 is displayed on the monitor screen 61, the length of the bar graph display 71 changes in accordance with the number of times of operation, and the brightness decreases in accordance with the length. Change.

At this time, not only the set value is changed by the switch 32 but also the set value may be changed by rotating the setting dial 31. For example, when the setting dial 31 is turned to the right, the length of the bar graph display 71 becomes longer, and conversely, when the setting dial 31 is turned to the left, the length of the bar graph display 71 becomes shorter. You may comprise so that it may become. As described above, when the setting value is changed with the setting dial 31 when continuously adjusting the setting value, the switch 32 does not need to be operated many times, and the operability at the time of the adjustment is improved. I do.

The selection processing function having a continuous set value includes, for example, a color tone adjustment function in addition to the brightness.

On the monitor screen 61 shown in FIG. 6, when ending the setting of the brightness, "E" meaning the end of the setting is used.
By selecting the display marked "XIT" with the setting dial 31 or the switch 32, the screen returns to the screen displaying the menu display 63 shown in FIG. in this way,
By calling the child screen shown in FIG. 6 from the parent screen shown in FIG. 5 and returning to the parent screen shown in FIG. 5 from the child screen shown in FIG. And complicated selection and setting operations can be performed.

In some cases, the menu display 63, which is a list of the processing functions to be selected, does not fit on one page of the monitor screen 61. In such a case, on the monitor screen 61 shown in FIG. 5, "NEX" meaning a transition to the next page is performed.
Use the setting dial 31 to move the cursor 6 to the position where "T" is displayed.
4 and the switch 32 is operated. Then, the screen changes to the screen shown in FIG. 7, and the continuation of the menu display 63 is displayed on the monitor screen 61. The operation on the menu display 63 shown in FIG. 7 is the same as the operation on the menu display 63 shown in FIG. Thus, menu display 6
By displaying 3 over a plurality of pages, many selection target processing functions can be selected on the menu display 63.

On the monitor screen 61 shown in FIG. 5, a cursor display 64 is displayed on the setting dial 31 at a position where "EXIT" indicating the end of the menu display 63 is displayed.
Is moved and the switch 32 is operated, the menu display 63 and the like shown in FIG. Thus, after the setting of various functions of the endoscope apparatus 1 is completed, only the endoscope image 62 can be displayed on the monitor screen 61, and the endoscope image 62 can be easily observed. The functions of the setting dial 31 and the switch 32 when the menu display 63 is deleted from the monitor screen 61 may be set by operating the menu display 63.
When the menu display 63 is erased, the setting dial 3
A convenient function to be assigned to the switch 1 and the switch 32 is, for example, a release function for storing the endoscope image 62 in the video processor 5.

According to the embodiment described above, the first
In addition to the effects described in the embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. In the present embodiment, the selection and setting of the processing function to be selected can be performed according to the guidance on the monitor screen 61. Further, the menu for selecting and setting the processing function to be selected is hierarchized. Complex selection and setting of the target processing function can be performed. Further, since the menu display 63, which is a list of the processing functions to be selected, can be divided into multiple pages, many processing functions to be selected can be included in the menu display 63. In addition, for the selection target processing function in which the set values are continuous, the set values are graphically displayed by a bar graph or the like, so that the set values are easy to see and the operability is improved. Further, for the selection target processing function in which the set value is continuous, not only the switch 32 but also the set dial 31 is used to change the set value, so that the trouble of the setting operation is reduced, and the operability is reduced. Is improved.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a monitor screen displaying a user setting selection menu display according to the embodiment. In the present embodiment, only parts different from those in the first and second embodiments will be described. In addition, parts configured in the same manner as the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In this embodiment, the setting dial 31 is used in the endoscope apparatus 1 of the first embodiment or the second embodiment.
And a setting state set using the switch 32 is stored in a storage circuit in the video processor 5. At this time, the video processor 5 can store a plurality of different setting states depending on the use scene and the operator. A plurality of different setting states are stored with setting names corresponding to the respective setting states, so that a desired setting state is identified. For example, after setting the color tone, outline emphasis, brightness and the like of the image by operating the setting dial 31 and the switch 32 or operating the video processor 5, this setting state is saved under a setting name of, for example, "CUSTOM 1". Can be kept.

When the setting state is called, a user setting selection menu display 81 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the monitor screen 61 by calling a sub-screen from the menu display 63 or changing the screen, or by operating the setting dial 31 and the switch 32. Display. In this user setting selection menu display 81, “CUSTOM 1”, “CUSTOM 2”,
, Are setting names corresponding to the setting states. When a setting name corresponding to a desired setting state is selected from the user setting selection menu 81 with the setting dial 31 and the switch 32, the setting state corresponding to the selected setting name is called, and the endoscope apparatus is called. 1 The function operation of each unit is set. For example, a user setting selection menu display 81
In, when a setting name described as “CUSTOM 1” is selected, the setting state stored under the setting name “CUSTOM 1” is called, and for example, the color tone, outline emphasis, brightness and the like of the image are set.

The setting name of the setting state is not limited to the above-mentioned setting names such as "CUSTOM 1", "CUSTOM 2",..., And can be set arbitrarily to the operator's name or name. It may be.

According to the embodiment described above, the first
In addition to the effects described in the embodiments and the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. In the present embodiment,
For example, in a case where a plurality of operators reuse one endoscope apparatus 1, by registering a setting state corresponding to each operator in advance, each functional operation of the endoscope apparatus 1 can be performed. A desired setting state can be called by a simple operation without setting each time, and operability is improved. When one endoscope apparatus 1 is used in a plurality of different scenes, the setting operation corresponding to each use scene is registered in advance, so that each functional operation of the endoscope apparatus 1 can be performed each time. Even without setting, a desired setting state can be called by a simple operation, and operability is improved.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be variously modified without departing from the gist of the invention. For example, the setting dial 31
When not using, a stopper mechanism for fixing the turning position of the setting dial 31 may be provided. By providing this stopper mechanism, when the setting dial 31 is not used, it is possible to prevent the operator from unexpectedly turning the setting dial 31 and changing the setting contents due to an erroneous operation. In addition to providing the stopper mechanism, a menu display 6 is displayed when the stopper mechanism is released.
3 may be displayed. By configuring the menu display 63 to be displayed when the stopper mechanism is released, the operator can easily recognize the state in which the setting dial 31 can be operated and the state in which the setting dial 31 must not be operated, and the operability is improved. improves. Also, for example, the rotary encoder 42
Is not limited to a rotary encoder, but may be any as long as it can detect the rotational position of the setting dial 31, and may be configured using a variable resistor or the like. Also, for example, the monitor screen 6
The menu display 63 and the like displayed in FIG.
The display is not limited to the display shown in (1), and any display may be used as long as it can clearly understand the selection target processing function for making selections and settings with the setting dial 31 and the switch 32. . Further, in the case of display in a language, it is needless to say that display in Japanese is not limited to display in English, and display in other languages may be used. Further, for example, the menu display 63 or the like may be always displayed on the monitor screen 61,
It may be displayed for a predetermined time when the setting dial 31 or the switch 32 is operated. Further, for example, the setting dial 31 and the switch 32 may be provided not only on the camera head 21 near the endoscope 2 but also on a gripping portion of the endoscope depending on the configuration of the endoscope apparatus. For example, if the endoscope is not a so-called optical endoscope as shown in FIG. 1 but a so-called electronic endoscope having a built-in image pickup device at the distal end of the insertion section, a camera head is provided in the endoscope apparatus. Since the setting dial 31 and the switch 32 are not provided, the setting dial 31 and the switch 32 are provided on a grip portion of the endoscope or the like. Also, for example,
The selection target processing function may include not only the video signal processing function of the video processor 5 but also other functions of the endoscope apparatus 1. For example, the setting function of the monitor device 6 or the light source device 3
May be included in the selection target processing function. When a recording device that records a video signal is provided in the endoscope device, a setting function for controlling the recording device may be included in the selection target processing function.

Further, for example, the setting dial 31 is not limited to a mechanism that rotates around a rotation axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the camera head 21 or the endoscope 2, but may rotate around a rotation axis that is parallel to the longitudinal direction. It may be a mechanism that rotates. Further, for example, the number of setting dials 31 is not limited to one, and a plurality of setting dials may be provided. Also, for example, the number of switches 32 is not limited to one, and a plurality of switches 32 may be provided. Also, for example, the switch 32
Is not only configured by a mechanism separate from the setting dial 31, but also may be a mechanism integrated with the setting dial 31.

[Supplementary note] (Supplementary note 1) Imaging means built in the distal end of the insertion portion of the endoscope or detachably attached to the eyepiece of the endoscope,
In an endoscope apparatus having a video signal processing unit for obtaining a video signal that can be displayed on a monitor from an imaging signal obtained by the imaging unit, a first processing function that is a video signal processing function of the video signal processing unit, A setting to be set when a setting operation is performed on a processing function included in one of the processing functions of the endoscope apparatus other than the first processing function and a processing function included in the second processing function. A setting target processing function selecting means for selecting a target processing function; and an operation setting operation means for setting and operating an operation of the setting target processing function selected by the setting target processing function selecting means. Endoscope device.

(Additional Item 2) Imaging means built in the distal end of the insertion portion of the endoscope or detachably attached to the eyepiece of the endoscope, and monitor display is possible based on the imaging signal obtained by the imaging means. An endoscope apparatus having video signal processing means for obtaining a proper video signal, a first processing function being a video signal processing function of the video signal processing means and a processing of the endoscope apparatus excluding the first processing function A guidance display for selecting a setting target processing function to be set when the operation of setting the operation of the processing function included in one of the second processing function or the processing function included in both is displayed. A monitor device, a setting target processing function selecting unit for selecting the setting target processing function by operating according to the guidance display, and an operation of the setting target processing function by operating according to the guidance display. The endoscope apparatus characterized by comprising an operation setting operation means for constant operation.

(Additional Item 3) Imaging means built in the distal end of the insertion portion of the endoscope or detachably attached to the eyepiece of the endoscope, and monitor display is possible based on an imaging signal obtained by the imaging means. An endoscope apparatus having video signal processing means for obtaining a proper video signal, a first processing function being a video signal processing function of the video signal processing means and a processing of the endoscope apparatus excluding the first processing function A guidance display for selecting a setting target processing function to be set when the operation of setting the operation of the processing function included in one of the second processing function or the processing function included in both is displayed. A monitor device; setting target processing function selecting means for selecting the setting target processing function by operating according to the guidance display; and selecting and setting the setting target processing function by operating according to the guidance display. The endoscope apparatus characterized by comprising an operation setting operation unit for setting the operation of the operation of the setting target processing function.

(Additional Item 4) In the endoscope apparatus according to Additional Items 1 to 3, the setting target processing function selecting means includes a dial for selecting a setting target processing function according to a turning position. It consisted of.

(Additional Item 5) In the endoscope apparatus according to additional items 1 to 3, the operation setting operation means is constituted by a push button type switch.

(Additional Item 6) In the endoscope apparatus according to additional items 1 to 3, the setting target processing function selecting means is provided at a position near the endoscope of the imaging means.

(Additional Item 7) In the endoscope apparatus according to additional items 1 to 3, the setting target processing function selecting means is provided in a grip portion of the endoscope.

(Additional Item 8) In the endoscope apparatus according to Additional Items 1 to 3, the setting target processing function selecting means has at least a function of correcting a color tone of an image included in the video signal. Can be selected.

(Supplementary note 9) The endoscope apparatus according to Supplementary note 1 to Supplementary note 3, wherein the setting target processing function selecting unit is configured to correct at least the brightness of an image included in the video signal. Can be selected.

(Additional Item 10) In the endoscope apparatus according to Additional Items 1 to 3, the setting target processing function selecting means performs at least a setting related to an outline enhancement of an image included in the video signal. Function can be selected.

(Additional Item 11) In the endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 1 to Additional Item 3, the setting target processing function selecting means can select at least a function for performing a setting relating to autofocus of the imaging means. It is.

(Additional Item 12) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Items 1 to 3, further comprising recording means for recording the video signal, wherein the setting target processing function selecting means includes at least the recording means. The function for performing the setting related to the control is selectable.

(Additional Item 13) In the endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 1, a display for identifying the setting target processing function selected by the setting target processing function selecting means is superimposed on the video signal.

[0047]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The effect that many operation setting operations of the present endoscope apparatus can be performed with good operability from the endoscope or the vicinity of the endoscope can be obtained, and the size can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing an entire configuration of an endoscope apparatus.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration around a camera head.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a structure relating to a setting dial.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an appearance around a setting dial.

FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing an example of a monitor screen displaying a menu display.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a monitor screen displaying a bar graph display for setting a continuous set value;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a monitor screen displaying a menu display when the menu display extends over a plurality of pages.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a monitor screen displaying a user setting selection menu display according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are used for explanation of a conventional technique, and FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope apparatus having a switch for setting and operating a video signal processing function in a video processor.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope apparatus having a switch for setting and operating a video signal processing function and the like in the endoscope;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope apparatus 2 ... Endoscope 4 ... Imaging device 5 ... Video processor 6 ... Monitor device 21 ... Camera head 31 ... Setting dial 32 ... Switch

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup means built in a distal end of an insertion portion of an endoscope or detachably attached to an eyepiece of the endoscope, and a video signal which can be displayed on a monitor based on an image signal obtained by the image pickup means. Wherein the video signal processing means has a first processing function which is a video signal processing function of the video signal processing means and a processing function of the endoscope apparatus excluding the first processing function. Setting target processing function selecting means for selecting a setting target processing function to be a setting target when setting operation of a processing function included in one or both of the second processing function and an operation of the processing function included in both; An endoscope apparatus comprising: an operation setting operation unit configured to set and operate an operation of the setting target processing function selected by the setting target processing function selection unit.