JP2001037718A - Image diagnostic device and endoscope device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To embody an image diagnostic device which enables the quantitative judgment of a difference between the normal part and lesion part within an examinee and displays the endoscope image for making the same diagnosis possible with ease of observation regardless of an observer's degree of skill. SOLUTION: The endoscope device is provided with the image diagnostic device 8 which calculates the blood information quantity in the examinee in a blood information quantity calculation section 22 in accordance with the signal level of the endoscope image inputted via an input section 21, sets the prescribed regions of the endoscope image in a region setting section 23, forms pseudo image data allowing the recognition of a quantitative change from the information on these prescribed regions and the calculated blood information quantity in a pseudo image data forming section 24, synthesizes the pseudo image data with the endoscope image in an image synthesis section 25, and outputs the same from an output section 26 to a display means, by which the quantitative judgment of the normal part and lesion part in the examinee is made possible and the variation of the diagnosis may be suppressed without depending upon the observer's degree of skill.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image diagnostic apparatus and an endoscope for clearly displaying a difference between a normal part and a lesion part in a subject by subjecting an endoscope image picked up by an image pickup means to signal processing. Related to the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, by performing image processing on an endoscopic image obtained from an endoscope, an image diagnosis for easily distinguishing a normal part from a lesion in a subject can be easily performed. Equipment has come to be used.

[0003] Such an image diagnostic apparatus emphasizes an endoscope image picked up in a visible region as described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 6-335451, and characterizes an ordinary endoscope image. There is an image processing apparatus that performs image processing to obtain an endoscope image having the characteristics of a dye density distribution.

Further, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-80834, there is an image diagnostic apparatus that calculates a blood volume or oxygen saturation as a numerical value for a designated area.

[0005]

However, the diagnostic imaging apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 6-335451 can clarify the difference between a normal part and a lesion part in a subject. However, since a quantitative display cannot be performed, the final diagnosis may differ depending on the skill of the doctor who is the observer.

The image diagnostic apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-80834 can suppress the variation in diagnosis depending on the skill of the observer by displaying quantitative data. Since no numerical value is displayed above, two monitors must be observed during the inspection, and there is a problem in terms of ease of observation.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and enables quantitative determination of the difference between a normal site and a lesion site in a subject so that the same diagnosis can be performed regardless of the skill of the observer. It is an object of the present invention to realize an image diagnostic apparatus and an endoscope apparatus for easily displaying an endoscope image for enabling the observation.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image diagnosis system which is connected to or built in an endoscope capable of imaging an inside of a subject and outputting an endoscope image. In the device, an input unit for inputting the endoscope image, and a blood information amount calculation unit that calculates a blood information amount in the subject based on a signal level of the endoscope image input from the input unit, Area setting means for setting a predetermined area of the endoscope image; and a pseudo image for generating pseudo image data based on information of the predetermined area set by the area setting means and a calculation result of the blood information amount calculating means. Data generating means; image synthesizing means for generating a synthetic image based on the pseudo image data output from the pseudo image data generating means and the endoscope image input from the input section; It is characterized by comprising an output unit for outputting a composite image from.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging apparatus provided in an endoscope for imaging the inside of a subject, and the imaging apparatus is provided based on a signal level of an endoscope image captured by the imaging means. Blood information amount calculating means for calculating the blood information amount in the sample, area setting means for setting a predetermined area of the endoscope image, information on the predetermined area set by the area setting means, and the blood information amount calculating means Based on the calculation result, pseudo image data generating means for generating pseudo image data, and synthesizing based on the pseudo image data output from the pseudo image data generating means and the endoscope image input from the input unit. An image synthesizing unit for generating an image and an output unit for outputting a synthesized image from the image synthesizing unit are provided. With this configuration, it is possible to quantitatively determine the difference between a normal part and a lesion part in the subject, and easily display an endoscopic image to enable the same diagnosis regardless of the skill level of the observer. To realize an image diagnostic apparatus and an endoscope apparatus.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 3 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing the entire configuration of an endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram illustrating an image diagnostic apparatus, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example on a monitor according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope apparatus 1 according to the present invention has, for example, an elongated insertion section 3 having a built-in image pickup device 2 at a distal end thereof, and a side section provided at a base end side of the insertion section 3. An electronic endoscope (hereinafter simply referred to as an endoscope) 1A, which is configured to be watertight with an operation unit 5 also serving as a grip unit provided with a universal cord 4 protruding from the camera, and an imaging device 2 of the endoscope 1A. A video processor 6 that performs signal processing by a signal processing circuit (not shown) incorporating the image pickup signal and outputs an endoscope image;
An image diagnostic apparatus 8 which processes an endoscope image from the video processor 6 and outputs the processed signal to a monitor 7 as a display means.
It is mainly composed of

The insertion portion 3 has a distal end 11 provided at a distal end, a bendable bending portion 12 provided at a rear portion of the distal end portion 11, and an elongated long portion provided at a rear portion of the bending portion 12. And a flexible portion 13 having flexibility. A bending operation lever 14 is provided on the rear side of the operation section 5, and the bending section 12 can be bent by rotating the bending operation lever 14. Further, a switch 15 such as a suction button for operating a suction device (not shown) or a release switch for stopping the image is arranged on the rear end side of the operation unit 5.

The image diagnostic apparatus 8 of the present embodiment calculates a value (hereinafter abbreviated as IHb) correlated with the amount of hemoglobin from the endoscopic image output from the video processor 6 and calculates the IHb value. Pseudo color data, which is pseudo image data indicating a change, is created, combined with the original endoscope image, and output to the display means.

The hemoglobin is a pigment contained in blood, and a change in IHb corresponds to a change in blood volume. Therefore, by referring to the IHb, it is possible to apply the method to discrimination between a diseased part and a normal part and determination of the degree of inflammation. Recently, studies on the relationship between Helicobacter pylori (hereinafter referred to as HP) and IHb, which are also being studied for their relationship with cancer, have been conducted, and it is possible to diagnose the presence of HP by referring to IHb. Is suggested.

In the present embodiment, as an example of an image diagnostic apparatus 8 capable of quantitatively discriminating a difference between a normal part and a diseased part of a subject, an image diagnosis using IHb enabling the existence diagnosis of HP The device 8 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image diagnostic apparatus 8 includes an input unit 21 for inputting an endoscopic image, for example, and the input unit 21
A blood information amount calculation unit 22 that calculates a blood information amount in the subject based on the signal level of the endoscope image input from the device, an area setting unit 23 that sets a predetermined area of the endoscope image, Pseudo image data generation unit 2 that generates pseudo image data based on the information of the predetermined region set by region setting unit 23 and the calculation result of blood information amount calculation unit 22
4, an image synthesizing unit 25 that generates a synthetic image based on the pseudo image data output from the pseudo image data generating unit 24 and the endoscope image input from the input unit 21.
And an output unit 26 for outputting a synthesized image from the image synthesizing unit 25.

The blood information amount calculator 22 calculates IHb defined by the following equation based on the signal level of the input endoscope image. IHb = 32 × Log 2 (R / G) (1) R: data of R image G: data of G image It is easy to realize this equation (1) by a circuit. This can be realized by calculating the image data and the G image data using a divider (not shown) and converting the output result by a Log conversion table (not shown) constituted by a ROM or the like. In addition, the input endoscope image may be stored in a memory (not shown), and the calculation of the above equation (1) may be performed using a CPU or the like. The IHb calculated in this way is output to the area setting unit 23 and the pseudo image data generation unit 24.

The region setting unit 23 refers to the IHb calculated by the blood information amount calculating unit 22 to
A pixel indicating a blood vessel, redness or the like is detected, and a detection signal is output to the pseudo image data generation unit 24. It should be noted that redness may remain in gastric mucosa once infected with HP and eradication is performed, and blood vessels under the mucosa may be well observed in mucous membranes with advanced atrophy. These redness and blood vessels cause a decrease in the accuracy of HP presence diagnosis, so that it is necessary to exclude them. In general, it is known that IHb shows a high value in blood vessels and reddened parts. Therefore, a threshold value indicating a blood vessel, redness, or the like is provided in advance, and this threshold value is compared with IHb output from the blood information amount calculation unit 22. Can be detected. This threshold value may be obtained experimentally, or, for example, when the histogram has two peaks with reference to the histogram of IHb in one screen, and the threshold value is a value indicating 20% from the higher value, for example. The threshold value may be determined as an intermediate value between two peaks.

The pseudo image data generation unit 24 determines a blood vessel and a reddish part based on the IHb calculated by the blood information amount calculation unit 22 and a detection signal indicating a blood vessel and a reddish part detected by the area setting unit 23. An average value of IHb values for one screen excluding the IHb of the indicated pixel is obtained, and pseudo color data is created from the average value. The pseudo color data is obtained by dividing the calculated IHb into several ranges and performing pseudo coloring.

The above-mentioned diagnosis of the presence of HP using IHb is described in, for example, “Stomach and Intestine” (Medical Shoin Vol.33 No.8 July 19)
98, P1119 to P1120), there was a significant difference in IHb in the fundic gland mucosa depending on the presence or absence of HP infection, and the average IHb before eradication was 63.0 ± 5.0. Utilizing the result that the average of IHb after the bacterium is 55.6 ± 5.0,
When the vicinity of IHb = 59 is set as the threshold, the diagnosis is performed by determining which side of the threshold is the measured IHb value.

In this embodiment, although not shown as an example of pseudo color data allocation, for example, IHb is divided into three ranges, and IHb ≦ 58 is blue, and 58 <IHb ≦
60 is assigned to yellow, 60 <IHb is assigned to red, and gray is assigned to a large number of unmeasurable areas such as an image having many halations and dark areas. The pseudo color assignment as described above makes it possible to objectively diagnose the presence of HP by observing the color of the pseudo color.

In this embodiment, the average value of IHb is H
Although used as an index for the existence diagnosis of P, a histogram of IHb for one screen may be calculated, and a frequently-used value may be used as an index.

The image synthesizing section 25 synthesizes the pseudo color data generated by the pseudo image data generating section 24 and the endoscope image input to the input section 21. The combined image combined by the image combining unit 25 is output from the output unit 26.
The data is output to the monitor 7 and displayed.

Using the image diagnostic apparatus 8 configured as described above, an endoscope image captured by the imaging device 2 of the endoscope 1A is displayed on the monitor 7 as shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which a switch 15 or the like provided on the endoscope 1A is pressed down to display an endoscope image frozen by freezing means (not shown).

The image diagnostic apparatus 8 sets and generates an area (shaded area) 29 in which a child screen or the like is displayed at a position that does not overlap an image area (hereinafter referred to as an observation image area) 28 of the endoscope image 27. The synthesized pseudo color data is displayed. In addition, the endoscope image 27 in which the pseudo color data is synthesized
May be displayed at all times, or may be displayed only during a freeze.

As a result, the pseudo color data obtained from the IHb accurately calculated by eliminating the influence of redness and blood vessels, which are error factors in the diagnosis of the presence of HP, can be quantitatively and easily recognized on the observation monitor. It can be displayed at a position that does not overlap with the observation image area 28.

Thus, the pseudo color data based on the characteristic amount calculated from the endoscope image is synthesized and displayed at a position that does not overlap with the observation image area, so that the observation can be performed without affecting the lesion. Discrimination and diagnosis with the part can be made quantitatively. Therefore, regardless of the doctor's skill level,
Variation in diagnosis can be suppressed.

In the endoscope apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the inside of the subject is imaged by the electronic endoscope 1A having the image pickup device 2 built in the distal end portion 11 side of the insertion section 3 of the endoscope 1A, and the video is taken. An endoscope image obtained by performing signal processing on the imaging signal of the imaging device 2 by the processor 6 is processed by the image diagnostic device 8 of the present invention,
Although the display is configured to be displayed on the monitor 7, the present invention is not limited to this, and an optical image in the subject is guided by an image guide inserted through the insertion portion of the endoscope and observed through the eyepiece. An endoscopic image obtained by imaging the inside of a subject with an imaging device detachably attached to the optical endoscope is processed by an image diagnostic apparatus 8 of the present invention, and the monitor 7 May be configured to be displayed.

Further, the present invention is not limited to only the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

(Second Embodiment) FIGS. 4 to 6 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a circuit block diagram showing an image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of display on a monitor in the second embodiment, displaying an endoscope image obtained by synthesizing pseudo color data.

In the present embodiment, there is provided an area setting means for determining a position of an endoscope image in which a region of interest having a predetermined size is set, and the endoscope image determined by the area setting means is provided. The pseudo color data is displayed in the upper region of interest. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, an image diagnostic apparatus 30 according to the present embodiment has an input section 31 for inputting, for example, an endoscope image.
A blood information amount calculating unit 32 for calculating a blood information amount in the subject based on a signal level of an endoscope image input from the input unit 31; Based on the information of the predetermined area set by the area setting unit 33 and the calculation result of the blood information amount calculation unit 32, the pseudo image data is set based on the area setting unit 33 that determines which position of the mirror image is set. A pseudo image data generation unit 34 to be generated; pseudo image data output from the pseudo image data generation unit 34; the endoscope image input from the input unit 31; and a predetermined area set by the area setting unit 33 The image combining unit 35 mainly includes an image combining unit 35 that generates a combined image based on this information, and an output unit 36 that outputs the combined image from the image combining unit 35.

The endoscopic image input to the image diagnostic apparatus 30 is input to the blood information amount calculating unit 32 as in the case described with reference to FIG. 2, and IHb is calculated. The calculated IHb is output to the pseudo image data generation unit 34.

The pseudo image data generator 34 allocates pseudo colors based on the IHb calculated by the blood information amount calculator 32. The method of assigning colors based on the IHb value is the same as that of the first embodiment. However, in the first embodiment, an average value of a region is calculated and a color is assigned to that value. The embodiment is different in that a color is assigned to the IHb value for each pixel. Information on the color assigned to each pixel, that is, pseudo image data, is output to the image synthesizing unit 35.

The area setting section 33 is a means for deciding at which position in the endoscope image a region of interest having a predetermined size is set as described above. For example, as shown in FIG. The observation image area 41 is divided into nine parts, and a marking 42 indicating a region of interest is displayed on one of the nine positions so as to overlap the endoscope image 40. The marking 42 can be moved in nine divided areas by operating, for example, an arrow key or the like, and a predetermined area can be set by a determination key or the like. Although not shown, these arrow keys, the enter key, and the like may be provided on the front panel of the diagnostic imaging apparatus 30, or may be provided on a separately connected keyboard or the like. Alternatively, a mouse may be connected to the diagnostic imaging apparatus 30 or the like. Also, the region of interest is not limited to the method of selecting from the nine divided regions.
An area of a predetermined size may be freely set using a mouse or the like, or may be fixed in advance as a vicinity of the center of the observation area more simply. The information of the region of interest set in this way is stored in the image synthesizing unit 35.
Is output to

The image synthesizing unit 35 calculates an interest among the IHb calculated based on the pseudo image data generated by the pseudo image data generating unit 34 and the information of the region of interest set by the region setting unit 33. Only the data in the area is converted into pseudo-color data and combined with the endoscope image. For this reason, the IHb for each pixel of the endoscope image is converted into pseudo color data, and the IHb distribution image in the region of interest is superimposed and synthesized at a position corresponding to the predetermined region, thereby obtaining the region of interest as shown in FIG. An IHb distribution image can be obtained.

At this time, since the pseudo color data 52 is synthesized in the observation image area 51, there is a possibility that the treatment may be hindered during the treatment. Therefore, similarly to the case described with reference to FIG. 3, the user presses the switch 15 or the like provided on the endoscope 1A to display the frozen endoscope image by the freezing means (not shown), and pays attention to the position where the child screen is displayed. An IHb distribution image in the area may be combined, or a display changeover switch (not shown) may be provided so that the image is combined only when desired, or a pseudo color image is combined only when the endoscope image is frozen. May be displayed. Further, only the region where the HP exists may be determined using the threshold, and the pseudo color display may be synthesized only in the region where the HP exists. In addition, not only in the case of FIG. 6, but also in the case of displaying as in the first embodiment, the composite image may be displayed only at the time of the display changeover switch or freeze.

As a result, in the present embodiment, unlike the case of the first embodiment, an IHb distribution image can be observed.
Therefore, it is possible to quantitatively observe not only the existence diagnosis of HP but also the boundary discrimination between the lesion and the normal part. Further, the present invention may be applied not only to the distribution of IHb but also to the distribution of hemoglobin such as oxygen saturation. Furthermore, by displaying the pseudo color data 52 at a position that does not cover the observation image area 51 as in the case described with reference to FIG. 3, quantitative diagnosis can be performed without disturbing the observation as in the first embodiment. Can be performed.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to only the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

(Third Embodiment) FIGS. 7 and 8 relate to a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a circuit block diagram showing an image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of display on a monitor in the embodiment, in which a bar graph created by a graph creating unit is combined and displayed outside an observation image area of an endoscope image.

In the first and second embodiments, an image obtained by synthesizing pseudo color data of a predetermined area together with an endoscope image is displayed on a monitor, so that a quantitative diagnosis of a lesion can be made. However, in the present embodiment, the image diagnostic apparatus is configured to display, on a monitor, an image obtained by synthesizing the graph created by the graph creating means outside the observation image area of the endoscope image.

As shown in FIG. 7, an image diagnostic apparatus 70 according to the present embodiment has an input section 7 for inputting, for example, an endoscope image.
1, an inter-image calculation unit 72 that calculates an IHb amount for each pixel from the endoscope image input from the input unit 71, and compares the IHb amount calculated by the inter-image calculation unit 72 with a predetermined range. A calculation result comparing unit 73, an image conversion unit 75 that converts the input endoscope image via a delay 74 based on a comparison result of the calculation value comparing unit 73, and a comparison result of the calculation value comparing unit 73 , A statistic calculation unit 76 for calculating a statistic of the IHb amount, a graph creation unit 77 for creating a graph for displaying the statistic calculated by the statistic calculation unit 76, and the image conversion unit 75 An image synthesizing unit 78 for synthesizing the output of the image creating unit 77 and the output of the graph creating unit 77, and an output unit 79 for outputting the synthesized image from the image synthesizing unit 78.

The inter-image calculation section 72 calculates the IHb according to the equation (1) in the same manner as described in the first embodiment.
The amount is to be obtained. The calculated value comparison unit 73
Compares the IHb amount calculated by the inter-image calculation unit 72 with a reference value, and detects an abnormal reddish portion or an abnormal fading portion. These abnormal portions can be detected from the IHb amount in the same manner as described with reference to FIG. For example, an extremely high value is a reddish portion, and an extremely low value is a discolored portion. The image conversion unit 75 includes the operation value comparison unit 7
3. The image conversion of the area where the IHb amount is determined to be abnormal is performed. On the other hand, the conversion is not performed for the region where the IHb amount is determined to be normal. Here, the conversion is performed, for example, to cyan, which is a prominent color in the endoscope image. The statistic calculation unit 76 calculates the area (the number of pixels) of the abnormal region of the IHb amount in the region determined to be abnormal by the calculated value comparison unit 73. In the graph creating section 77, the statistic calculating section 76
The area (number of pixels) of the abnormal region of the IHb amount is created in a graph according to the output. The image synthesizing unit 78
Is configured to combine the endoscope image in which the abnormal region output from the image conversion unit 74 is colored, for example, in cyan, with the graph display output from the graph creation unit 77.

Using the thus constructed image diagnostic apparatus 70, an endoscope image captured by the imaging device 2 of the endoscope 1A is displayed on the monitor 7 as shown in FIG. Outside the observation image area 81 of the endoscope image, for example, a bar graph 82 created by the graph creating unit 77 is synthesized and output. On the gauge of the bar graph 82, for example, a numerical value 83 serving as a measure of the number of pixels is displayed together.

As a result, an abnormal region colored, for example, in cyan can be known from the endoscope image, and the graph display of the IHb amount of the abnormal region can be used as a reference for diagnosing a lesion.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but can be applied to the diagnosis of the presence of HP as in the first embodiment. In that case, the calculation value comparison unit 73 causes redness,
Pixels indicating blood vessels are detected, and the statistic calculation unit 76 calculates an average value of IHb excluding these pixels. And
For example, a bar graph is created by the graph creating unit 77 using the average value of IHb. The gauge of this bar graph displays a value serving as a threshold value of IHb, and the color of the graph is changed according to the relationship between the value indicated by the average value of IHb and the threshold value to facilitate recognition. For example, when the HP indicates a value that clearly exists, the graph is displayed in red, and when the HP indicates a value that does not explicitly exist, the graph is displayed in blue. Then, the image conversion unit 78 may display pixels indicating redness or blood vessels in a color such as gray. This clarifies areas not used for diagnosis.

The present invention is not limited to only the above-described embodiments, but can be variously modified without departing from the gist of the invention.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 9 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram illustrating the image diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment. In the first to third embodiments, a quantitative diagnosis can be performed by displaying an image obtained by synthesizing pseudo color data of a predetermined area together with an endoscope image on a monitor. In the embodiment, in order to prevent color misregistration occurring in the pseudo color data of the predetermined area, the color misregistration amount is calculated from the input endoscope image and compared with a predetermined value. The image diagnostic apparatus is configured so that image conversion is not performed on an image that is estimated to be large.

As shown in FIG. 9, an image diagnostic apparatus 90 according to the present embodiment has an input section 9 for inputting, for example, an endoscope image.
1, an inter-image calculation unit 92 that calculates the IHb amount for each pixel from the endoscope image input from the input unit 91, and compares the IHb amount calculated by the inter-image calculation unit 92 with a predetermined range. A calculation value comparison unit 93, a color shift amount calculation unit 94 that calculates a color shift amount for one frame from the input endoscope image, and a color shift amount calculated by the color shift amount calculation unit 94. And an image for converting the input endoscope image via a delay 96 based on the comparison result of the color misregistration amount comparing section 95 for comparing with the calculated value and the calculated value comparing section 93 and the color misregistration amount comparing section 95. It is mainly composed of a conversion section 97 and an output section 98 for outputting a composite image from the image conversion section 97.

The inter-image calculation unit 92 calculates the IHb according to the equation (1) in the same manner as described in the first embodiment.
The amount is to be obtained. The calculated value comparison unit 93
Compares the IHb amount calculated by the inter-image calculation unit 92 with a reference value, and detects an abnormal reddish portion or an abnormal fading portion. The color misregistration amount calculation unit 94 obtains 1 by calculating a misregistration amount of the input endoscope image between RGB images.
The color shift amount for each frame is calculated. The color misregistration amount comparison unit 95 compares the color misregistration amount for one frame calculated by the color misregistration amount calculation unit 94 with a predetermined value, and determines whether the color misregistration of the image of the frame is large. . The image conversion unit 97 performs an image conversion of the region where the IHb amount is determined to be abnormal by the operation value comparison unit 93 with respect to the frame determined to have a small color shift amount by the output of the color shift amount comparison unit 95. . On the other hand, frames with large color misregistration, IH
The conversion is not performed for the area where the b amount is determined to be normal. Here, conversion to cyan, which is a prominent color in the endoscope image, is performed as the conversion.

When the color shift amount comparing section 95 determines that the color shift amount is small, a mark indicating that the color shift amount is small may be displayed on a monitor. By looking at this mark, the doctor who is the operator determines whether the color misregistration is large and is not displayed when the abnormal region is not displayed on the screen or is not displayed because there is no abnormal region. I can do it.

As a result, color misregistration occurs in the pseudo color data in the predetermined area, and image conversion is not performed on an image in which it is estimated that the error in the IHb amount to be obtained is large. Use can be prevented.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is also possible to calculate the amount of color shift for each pixel and exclude pixels having a large color shift from the processing.

The present invention is not limited to only the above-described embodiments, and can be variously modified without departing from the gist of the invention.

[Appendix] (Appendix 1) In an image diagnostic apparatus connected to or incorporated in an endoscope capable of imaging the inside of a subject and outputting an endoscope image, an input section for inputting the endoscope image And, based on the signal level of the endoscope image input from the input unit,
Blood information amount calculation means for calculating the blood information amount in the subject, area setting means for setting a predetermined area of the endoscope image, information on the predetermined area set by the area setting means, and the blood information amount Based on the calculation result of the calculation means,
Pseudo image data generating means for generating pseudo image data;
Image synthesizing means for generating a synthetic image based on the pseudo image data output from the pseudo image data generating means and the endoscope image input from the input section, and outputting a synthetic image from the image synthesizing means. An image diagnostic apparatus, comprising: an output unit.

(Additional Item 2) An imaging unit provided in the endoscope for imaging the inside of the subject, and a blood information amount in the subject based on a signal level of an endoscope image taken from the imaging unit. Blood information amount calculation means to be calculated, area setting means for setting a predetermined area of the endoscope image, and information on the predetermined area set by the area setting means and a calculation result of the blood information amount calculation means. Pseudo image data generating means for generating pseudo image data; and image synthesis for generating a synthetic image based on the pseudo image data output from the pseudo image data generating means and the endoscope image input from the input unit. And an output unit for outputting a combined image from the image combining means.

(Additional Item 3) The image diagnosis according to additional item 1, wherein the pseudo image data is created based on an average value of the blood information amount in a predetermined area set by the area setting means. apparatus.

(Additional Item 4) The image diagnostic apparatus according to Additional Item 1, wherein the area setting means sets an area excluding redness and blood vessels.

(Additional Item 5) The image diagnostic apparatus according to additional item 1, wherein the image synthesizing unit synthesizes the created pseudo image data at a position that does not overlap with the observation image area.

(Additional Item 6) The image synthesizing means synthesizes the created pseudo image data at a pixel whose blood information amount calculated by the blood information amount calculating means is within a predetermined range. Item 2. The image diagnostic apparatus according to Item 1.

(Additional Item 7) The image diagnostic apparatus according to Additional Item 1, wherein the image synthesizing means synthesizes the pseudo image data created in the area set by the area setting means.

(Additional Item 8) The image diagnostic apparatus according to Additional Item 1, wherein the image synthesizing means synthesizes the created pseudo image data when the image is frozen.

(Appendix 9) The pseudo image data is created based on the most frequent value of the blood information amount in the predetermined area set by the area setting means. An image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

(Additional Item 10) The image diagnostic apparatus according to additional item 1, wherein the information on blood calculated by the blood information amount calculating means is a value correlated with hemoglobin.

(Additional Item 11) The image diagnostic apparatus according to additional item 1, wherein the information on blood calculated by the blood information amount calculating means is a value correlated with the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin.

(Supplementary Item 12) In an image diagnostic apparatus connected to or incorporated in an endoscope capable of imaging an inside of a subject and outputting an endoscope image, an input section for inputting the endoscope image; An inter-image calculation unit that performs an inter-image calculation from the endoscopic image input from the input unit to calculate an IHb amount for each pixel, and compares the IHb amount calculated by the inter-image calculation unit with a predetermined range. Calculating a statistic of the IHb amount based on a comparison result of the calculated value comparing means, an image conversion means for converting the endoscope image based on a comparison result of the calculated value comparing means, and the calculated value comparing means; Statistic calculation means, graph creation means for creating a graph for displaying the statistic calculated by the statistic calculation means, and image synthesis for synthesizing the output of the image conversion means and the output of the graph creation means Means An image diagnostic apparatus characterized in that:

(Additional Item 13) In an image diagnostic apparatus connected to or incorporated in an endoscope capable of imaging the inside of a subject and outputting an endoscope image, an input section for inputting the endoscope image, An inter-image calculation unit that performs an inter-image calculation from the endoscopic image input from the input unit to calculate an IHb amount for each pixel, and compares the IHb amount calculated by the inter-image calculation unit with a predetermined range. A calculated value comparing unit, a color shift amount calculating unit for calculating a color shift amount for one frame from the input endoscope image, and a color shift amount calculated by the color shift amount calculating unit as a predetermined value. An image diagnosis system comprising: a color shift amount comparing unit to be compared; and an image converting unit that converts the endoscope image based on a comparison result of the operation value comparing unit and the color shift amount comparing unit. apparatus.

(Additional Item 14) The pseudo image data is
Additional item 2 wherein the information is created based on the average value of the blood information amount in the predetermined region set by the region setting means.
An endoscope apparatus according to claim 1.

(Additional Item 15) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 2, wherein the area setting means sets an area excluding redness and blood vessels.

(Additional Item 16) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 2, wherein the image synthesizing unit synthesizes the created pseudo image data at a position that does not overlap with the observation image area.

(Additional Item 17) The image synthesizing means synthesizes the created pseudo image data at a pixel whose blood information amount calculated by the blood information amount calculating means is within a predetermined range. Item 3. The endoscope apparatus according to Item 2.

(Additional Item 18) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 2, wherein the image synthesizing means synthesizes the pseudo image data created in the area set by the area setting means.

(Additional Item 19) The endoscope apparatus according to additional item 2, wherein the image combining means combines the created pseudo image data when the image is frozen.

(Additional Item 20) The pseudo image data is
3. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the blood information is created based on the most frequent value of the blood information amount in the predetermined area set by the area setting means.

(Additional Item 21) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 2, wherein the information on blood calculated by the blood information amount calculating means is a value correlated with hemoglobin.

(Additional Item 22) The endoscope apparatus according to additional item 2, wherein the information on blood calculated by the blood information amount calculating means is a value correlated with the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin.

(Additional Item 23) An image pickup means provided in the endoscope for picking up an image of the inside of the subject, and an inter-image calculation is performed from the endoscope image picked up by the image pickup means to calculate an IHb amount for each pixel. Calculating means for comparing the IHb amount calculated by the calculating means between images with a predetermined range, and converting the endoscope image based on a comparison result of the calculating value comparing means. Image conversion means, statistic calculation means for calculating a statistic of the IHb amount based on a comparison result of the operation value comparison means, and graph creation for displaying the statistic calculated by the statistic calculation means. An endoscope apparatus, comprising: a graph creating unit that performs the processing; and an image combining unit that combines an output of the image converting unit and an output of the graph creating unit.

(Additional Item 24) An image pickup means provided in the endoscope for picking up the inside of the subject, and an inter-image calculation is performed from the endoscope image picked up by the image pickup means to calculate an IHb amount for each pixel. Calculating means for comparing the IHb amount calculated by the calculating means between images with a predetermined range, and calculating a color shift amount for one frame from the input endoscope image. A color shift amount calculating unit, a color shift amount comparing unit that compares the color shift amount calculated by the color shift amount calculating unit with a predetermined value, and a comparison result of the calculated value comparing unit and the color shift amount comparing unit. And an image conversion means for converting the endoscope image based on the endoscope image.

[0079]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to quantitatively determine the difference between a normal site and a lesion site in a subject, and to reduce the variation in diagnosis without depending on the skill of the observer. Can be suppressed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing an entire configuration of an endoscope apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram showing the image diagnostic apparatus in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example on a monitor according to the first embodiment;

FIGS. 4 to 6 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a circuit block diagram showing an image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a region of interest setting screen.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of display on a monitor according to the second embodiment, displaying an endoscope image obtained by combining pseudo color data.

FIGS. 7 and 8 relate to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a circuit block diagram showing an image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example on a monitor according to the third embodiment, in which a bar graph created by a graph creating means is combined and displayed outside an observation image area of an endoscope image.

FIG. 9 is a circuit block diagram showing an image diagnostic apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope apparatus 1A ... Endoscope (electronic endoscope) 2 ... Imaging apparatus (imaging means) 8,30,70,90 ... Image diagnostic apparatus 21,31,71,91 ... Input part 22,32 ... Blood information amount calculation unit (blood information amount calculation unit) 23, 33 ... region setting unit (region setting unit) 24, 34 ... pseudo image data generation unit (pseudo image data generation unit) 25, 35 ... image synthesis unit (image synthesis) Means) 26, 36, 79, 98 Output unit 72, 92 Inter-image operation unit (inter-image operation unit) 73, 93 Operation value comparison unit (operation value comparison unit) 75, 97 Image conversion unit (image conversion unit) Means 76 Statistic amount calculation unit (Statistic amount calculation unit) 77 Graph creation unit (Graph generation unit) 94 Color shift amount calculation unit (Color shift amount calculation unit) 95 Color shift amount comparison unit (Color shift amount comparison unit) means)

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An image diagnostic apparatus connected to or incorporated in an endoscope capable of imaging an inside of a subject and outputting an endoscope image, wherein: an input unit for inputting the endoscope image; A blood information amount calculating unit that calculates a blood information amount in the subject based on the input signal level of the endoscope image; an area setting unit that sets a predetermined area of the endoscope image; Pseudo image data generating means for generating pseudo image data based on the information of the predetermined area set by the means and the calculation result of the blood information amount calculating means; and pseudo image data output from the pseudo image data generating means An image combining unit that generates a combined image based on the endoscope image input from the input unit, and an output unit that outputs a combined image from the image combining unit.
An image diagnostic apparatus comprising: 2. An imaging unit provided in an endoscope for imaging the inside of a subject, and blood for calculating a blood information amount in the subject based on a signal level of an endoscopic image taken from the imaging unit. Information amount calculation means; area setting means for setting a predetermined area of the endoscope image; a pseudo image based on information of the predetermined area set by the area setting means and a calculation result of the blood information amount calculation means. Pseudo image data generating means for generating data; image synthesizing means for generating a synthetic image based on the pseudo image data output from the pseudo image data generating means and the endoscope image input from the input unit; An output unit that outputs a synthesized image from the image synthesizing unit,
An endoscope apparatus comprising: