JP2002209838A - Endoscopic imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscopic imaging device which makes it possible to obtain endoscopic images suitable for an imaging condition by using an imaging element which is capable of total pixel read-out and line jump read-out. SOLUTION: The output signal of a CCD 25 which is capable of the total pixel read-out and the line jump read-out is inputted to a movement detecting circuit 36, by which the movement of a subject is detected. This output signal is inputted to a mode switching circuit 37 which outputs a movement discrimination signal as to whether the movement is large or not to a CPU 38. The CPU 38 impresses a parameter setting signal to provide a reference signal as to whether the device is driven by a total pixel read-out mode or line jump read- out mode to a CCD driver 30 by the movement discrimination signal. If the movement is fast, the images decreased in read-out blurs are displayed by thinning the images of one field at a high speed in the line jump read-out mode. If, on the other hand, the movement is slow, the images are read out without thinning the high-resolution images of the one field and the high-resolution images are displayed in the total pixel read-out mode.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope image pickup apparatus for picking up an endoscope image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As in a conventional example, an endoscope imaging apparatus uses an interline CCD of a two-line mixed readout. In an interline CCD, 2
Line mixed readout is performed to obtain one frame of video in two fields. Therefore, when capturing a still image, in the case of a field freeze, an image for all pixels cannot be obtained, and the vertical resolution is degraded. On the other hand, in the case of frame freeze, although data for all pixels can be obtained, there is a drawback that flicker occurs due to a time lag between fields when the subject moves fast.

In recent years, with the spread of high-pixel digital cameras and the like, CCDs capable of all-pixel reading and line-interlacing reading, that is, all-pixel reading mode for non-interlaced good still image pickup and frame speed have been emphasized. There is a CCD that can switch between a draft mode for capturing an image in interlaced mode.

[0004]

Conventionally, such C
The CD was not properly used for the endoscope imaging device.

(Object of the Invention) The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and uses an image pickup means capable of reading all pixels and line skipping, and using an image pickup means suitable for an endoscope image pickup condition. An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope imaging device capable of obtaining an endoscope image.

[0006]

An image pickup means capable of reading all pixels for picking up an endoscope image and a line skipping readout, and outputs an all pixel readout signal and a line skipping readout signal of the image pickup means based on a reference signal. Possible readout signal output means, image signal processing means for processing the output signal of the imaging means in response to the readout signal output by the readout signal output means, and outputting the output signal of the image signal processing means as a display signal And an output unit that switches between the all-pixel readout signal and the line skip readout signal in accordance with the reference signal, and obtains an appropriate endoscope image in accordance with the imaging state of the endoscope. Like that.

[0007]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 12 show a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of an endoscope imaging apparatus having the first embodiment, FIG. 2 shows the configuration of a video signal processing circuit, and FIG. 3 shows the configuration of a video signal processing circuit. FIG. 4 shows a configuration of a motion detection circuit, FIG. 5 shows a specific example of a filter arrangement of a mosaic filter, FIG. 6 shows a configuration of a mode switching circuit, and FIG.
9 shows the CCD output in the all-pixel read mode and the draft mode. FIG. 8 shows the field cycle in the all-pixel read mode and the field cycle in the draft mode.
12 shows a CCD output (RGB signal output) in the case of reading all pixels, FIG. 10 shows a CCD output (RGB signal output) in a draft mode, FIG. 11 shows a detailed configuration of a color separation circuit, and FIG. FIG. 4 shows an explanatory diagram of the operation of the color separation circuit.

As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope image pickup apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention comprises an optical endoscope 2 and a TV camera 3 provided with image pickup means. A video processor or a video processor which is detachably connected to the attached endoscope 4, a light source device 5 for supplying illumination light to the optical endoscope 2 and the TV camera 3, and performs a video signal process for generating a standard video signal; It comprises a camera controller unit (hereinafter abbreviated as CCU) 6 and a monitor 7 for displaying a video signal output from the CCU 6.

The optical endoscope 2 has, for example, a hard insertion portion 8.
And a grip portion (operation portion) provided at the rear end of the insertion portion 8
9 is a rigid endoscope having a grip 9 and an eyepiece 10 provided at the rear end of the grip 9. A light guide 11 is inserted into the insertion portion 8, and the light guide 11 is connected to a light guide base of the holding portion 9 by a light guide cable 1.
2, the connector 12a at the end is detachably connected to the light source device 5.

In the light source device 5, white illumination light from a lamp 13 for generating illumination light is supplied to a light guide in a light guide cable 12 via a condenser lens 14, and this illumination light is further transmitted to an optical type. Light guide 11 in endoscope 2
Supplied to The light guide 11 has a distal end attached to an illumination window, emits illumination light transmitted from the illumination window, and illuminates a subject such as an affected part.

An observation window is provided at the distal end portion adjacent to the illumination window, and an objective lens 16 is attached to the observation window. The objective lens 16 forms an optical image of a subject.
This optical image is transmitted to the rear side by, for example, a relay lens system 17 and can be enlarged and observed by an eyepiece provided in the eyepiece 10. A camera head 21 detachably mounted (externally attached) to the eyepiece 10; a camera cable 22 (as a signal transmission system) having a base end extending from the camera head 21; A connector 23 is provided at the end of the camera cable 22. The connector 23 is detachably connected to the CCU 6.

An image forming lens 24 is arranged in the camera head 21 so as to face the eyepiece, and an image pickup means arranged at the image forming position, more specifically, a charge-coupled device (solid-state image pickup device). An optical image is formed on a CCD (abbreviated as CCD) 25.
A mosaic filter 26 is arranged in front of the imaging surface of the CCD 25, and optically color-separates the subject image on a pixel-by-pixel basis.
It leads to the imaging surface of D25.

FIG. 5 shows a specific example of the filter arrangement of the mosaic filter 26. As shown in FIG.
Are alternately arranged in the horizontal direction, and a line array where B filters and G filters are alternately repeated.

The CCD 25 is electrically connected to a video processing circuit 27 for performing a video signal generation process in the CCU 6 via (a signal cable in) the camera cable 22. The video signal generated by the video processing circuit 27 is output to the monitor 7 and displays a subject image on the display surface of the monitor 7.

FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the video processing circuit 27. A CCD driver 30 is provided in the video processing circuit 27. A CCD drive signal generated by the CCD driver 30 is applied to the CCD 25, and a signal photoelectrically converted by the CCD 25 is read and output. The CCD 25 is a progressive CCD capable of reading all pixels and reading by skipping lines as described later.

The output signal of the CCD 25 is input to a pre-analog signal processing circuit (hereinafter abbreviated as pre-processing circuit) 31 and subjected to pre-processing such as correlated double sampling, followed by A / D conversion.
The signal is input to the conversion circuit 32 and is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal. The digital signal is input to a digital signal processing circuit 33, and after being digitally processed, input to a D / A conversion circuit 34, converted into an analog signal, and converted into an analog signal processing circuit (hereinafter abbreviated as a post-processing circuit) 35.
, And is encoded by the post-processing circuit 35 to become a video signal, which is output to the monitor 7.

The signal output from the digital signal processing circuit 33 is input to a motion detection circuit 36, which detects the motion of the subject. The motion detection signal of the motion detection circuit 36 is input to a mode switching circuit 37, and the mode switching circuit 37 generates a motion determination signal based on the motion detection signal,
Output to CPU38.

The CPU 38 receives a signal from the CCD based on the motion discrimination signal.
A parameter setting signal is supplied to a CCD driver 30 as a read signal output unit as a reference signal for determining the 25 read mode, and the CCD driver 30 changes or sets the read mode of the CCD 25 based on the parameter setting signal.

FIG. 3 shows a detailed configuration of the digital signal processing circuit 33. The output signal of the A / D conversion circuit 32 in FIG.
The color separation circuit 40 shown in FIG.
After being separated into RGB signals, the signals are input to a white balance adjustment circuit (abbreviated as WB adjustment circuit) 41. W
The output signal of the B adjustment circuit 41 is supplied to a detection circuit 42,
By generating an adjustment signal for white balance adjustment and feeding it back to the WB adjustment circuit 41, the WB adjustment circuit 4
1 performs white balance adjustment.

The output signal of the WB adjustment circuit 41 is input to a color tone correction circuit 43. The color tone correction circuit 43 corrects the color tone and then outputs it to a gamma correction circuit 44. The gamma correction circuit 44 performs gamma correction, and then converts the D / A
And so on.

FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the motion detection circuit 36. The motion detecting circuit 36 has a frame memory 45 for storing the input signal for one frame, and delays the input signal to the motion detecting circuit 36 by one frame time to obtain the subtraction circuit 4.
6 is output.

The subtraction circuit 46 subtracts the input signal delayed by one frame time from the input signal to the motion detection circuit 36, and outputs the resulting signal to the absolute value circuit 47. That is, a difference between signals between two adjacent frames is extracted and output to the absolute value circuit 47.

The signal converted into an absolute value by the absolute value circuit 47 is output to a mode switching circuit 37 as a motion detection amount via a low-pass filter (abbreviated as LPF) 48.

As shown in FIG. 6, the mode switching circuit 37 includes a threshold data storage circuit 49 in which a threshold is written and a comparator 5
0. Threshold data for judging the presence or absence of motion is stored in the threshold data storage circuit 49 in advance. This threshold data is input to one input terminal of the comparator 50 as a reference signal for judging the presence or absence of motion. The reference numeral 50 compares the magnitude with the amount of motion detection input to the other input terminal, and outputs the comparison result to the CPU 38 as a motion determination signal.

The threshold data is, for example, a binary digital signal. When the amount of motion detection is larger than the threshold data, the amount of motion detection is compared with the magnitude of the motion detection. A signal is output to the CPU 38. Conversely, if the motion detection amount is smaller than the threshold data, a motion discrimination signal of 0 (which indicates that the motion of the subject is slow) is output to the CPU 38.

The CPU 38 responds to the motion discrimination signal by
The parameters of the CCD driver 30 are set so that the operation of the D driver 30 is switched between the all-pixel reading mode and the draft mode. In this case, specifically, when the movement of the subject is slow, the all-pixel reading mode is set, and when the movement of the subject is fast, the draft mode is set.

As shown in FIG. 7A, in the all-pixel reading mode, 1 to 792 are synchronized with the field reset.
Reading of the CCD 25 is performed up to the pixel. On the other hand, in the draft mode, as shown in FIG. 7B, the CCD 25 is read with 1 to 264 pixels, that is, 1/3 the number of pixels in the all-pixel reading mode, in synchronization with the field reset.

In this case, the vertical synchronizing signal VD output at the field period is as shown in FIG. That is, in the all-pixel reading mode, an image of one screen is read at a high resolution at the cycle shown in FIG. 8A and displayed on the monitor 7, and in the draft mode, as shown in FIG. ) 1
An image of one screen is read out at a cycle of / 3 and displayed on the monitor 7.

When the amount of motion detection is small, the subject is imaged and displayed at low speed in the all-pixel readout mode. When the amount of motion detection is large, the subject is imaged and displayed in draft mode at high speed with little blur. Then, the movement is displayed faithfully or smoothly (in comparison with the case of low speed).

Since the filter array as shown in FIG. 5 is provided on the front surface of the CCD 25, in the case of the all pixel read mode, all the pixels are read with the color signals corresponding to the filter array shown in FIG. . That is, a signal (charge) of each pixel is transferred to a vertical transfer unit adjacent to each pixel, and then transferred to a horizontal transfer unit (not shown), and signals along a horizontal line are sequentially output. In the case of FIG.
G, B, G, B,... Signal lines and R, G, R, G,
.. Are read alternately.

On the other hand, in the draft mode, data is read out as shown in FIG. That is, in each field, reading is performed every three lines in the vertical direction. In this case, signals of different lines are read out in the A field and the B field. Also in this case, the signal lines of G, B, G, B,... And the signal lines of R, G, R, G,.

Next, FIG. 11 shows a detailed configuration of the color separation circuit 40 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the color separation circuit 40
It has a G register 51 for extracting a G signal from an A / D conversion output signal, and an R / G register 52 for extracting an R / B signal. The G register 51 and the R / G register 52 include: A G sample pulse and an R / G sample pulse are applied, respectively. The output signal of the G register 51 is temporarily stored in a line memory 53,
A signal is output. The output signal of the R / G register 52 is temporarily stored in a line memory 54 and input to a line interpolation circuit 56. Also, the line memory 54
Are further input to a line interpolation circuit 56 via a line memory 55, and also to a changeover switch 57.

The output signal of the line interpolation circuit 56 is also input to the switching circuit 57. By controlling the switching circuit 57 to switch between the two input terminals and the output terminal thereof with a switching signal, the R and B signals can be output from the output terminal of the changeover switch 57. The R, G, and B signals output from the line memory 53 and the changeover switch 57 are stored in a temporary field memory 58, and the signals read from the field memory 58 are output to the WB adjustment circuit 41 as shown in FIG. Is done. Field memory 58 is CC
It has a storage capacity for storing R, G, and B signals (including signals generated by interpolation) when all pixels of D25 are read.

In the all-pixel reading mode, the R, G, and B signals when all the pixels are read are stored in the field memory 58. In the draft mode, the R, G, and B signals of 1/3 are stored in the field memory 58. A plurality of planes are prepared in the field memory 58 according to the writing speed, and when writing is performed, reading is performed from the field memory in which writing is not performed.

The signal readout from the field memory 58 is performed, for example, in a one-field period when all the pixels are read out in the all-pixels readout mode and an image is displayed on the monitor 7, and in the draft mode, one third of the field period The image is displayed during the period.

That is, in the case of the all-pixel read mode, the vertical synchronizing signal VD for reading from the field memory 58 for display is shown in FIG. 8A. The vertical synchronization signal VD is as shown in FIG.

That is, in the draft mode, an image is displayed at a field rate three times that of the all-pixel reading mode. Note that in the draft mode, when reading signals from the field memory 58, the signals are read at three times the speed as in the all-pixel reading mode. In this case, each horizontal line is read three times repeatedly and displayed on the monitor 7.
Therefore, even in the draft mode, high-speed display is performed with the same image size as in the all-pixel reading mode.

In this embodiment, the motion of the subject is detected, and the all-pixel reading mode and the draft mode are automatically selected and set in accordance with the speed of the motion when the motion is detected.
It is characterized by performing reading and signal processing corresponding to the read signal.

Next, the operation of the endoscope imaging apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. CCD 25 in camera head 21
Is a CCD capable of reading out all pixels using RGB primary color filters as shown in FIG. In addition, this CCD2
Reference numeral 5 has two types of reading methods, an all-pixel reading mode and a draft mode.

FIG. 9 is a complex diagram of a reading method in the all-pixel reading mode. As shown in FIG. 9, data of all pixels are sequentially read at a time. On the other hand, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a reading method in the draft mode. In this reading method, signal charges are read every three lines as shown in FIG. Also, different lines are read alternately between the A field and the B field as shown in the figure.

By adopting the reading method in this way, as shown in FIG. 7, the number of read lines per field differs between the all-pixel reading mode and the draft mode.

For example, when an image is initially taken in the draft mode, the signal read from the CCD 25 passes through the pre-processing circuit 31, the A / D conversion circuit 32, and the digital signal processing circuit 33, and the motion is detected. Input to the circuit 36,
The motion detection amount of the subject is detected by the motion detection circuit 36 and input to the mode switching circuit 37.

The threshold data is compared with the comparator 50 by the mode switching circuit 37. The motion discrimination signal resulting from the comparison is input to the CPU 38. When the motion discrimination signal is 1, the CPU 38 determines that the motion is fast, performs imaging in the draft mode, performs signal processing on the signal read out in the draft mode, and displays an image as a display signal to be displayed on the monitor 7. The signal is output to the monitor 7.

On the other hand, when the motion discrimination signal is 0, the CPU 38 judges that the motion is slow, and outputs a parameter change to the CCD driver 30 so as to perform imaging and image display in the all-pixel reading mode. .

In this case, the CCD driver 30 applies a CCD drive signal for reading all the pixels to the CCD 25, and the signal processing system enters a processing state suitable for the signal processing for the output signal. Then, a display signal is output to the monitor 7 to display a high-quality image read out from all pixels.

In the present embodiment which operates as described above, when the movement of the subject is slow, the all-pixel reading mode is adopted, and the reading rate is reduced to read all the lines. In this case, an image having a high vertical resolution is obtained. On the other hand, when the movement of the subject is fast, by adopting the draft mode in which lines are skipped and read, an image having a low vertical resolution but a high field rate can be obtained.

That is, in the present embodiment, by using the CCD 25 provided with the all-pixel reading mode and the draft mode, when the movement is slow, the high-resolution all-pixel reading is performed by the high-resolution all-pixel reading and the signal processing. If the motion is fast, a draft mode can be adopted to provide a high-quality video with less blur.

Next, the operation of the color separation circuit 40 shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the filter arrangement of the CCD 25 is such that a line in which R and G filters are alternately repeated and a line in which B and G filters are alternately arranged are arranged for each line. ing.

FIG. 12 is a waveform diagram for explaining the operation of the color separation circuit 40 on the N line of the CCD 25 and the N-1 and N + 1 lines before and after the N line. For example, when R and G are arranged alternately in the filter arrangement of the CCD 25 in N lines, a CCD output as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 10, the color separation circuit 40 is provided with a G register 51 and an R / B register 52. These registers 51 and 52 are shown in FIG.
By supplying an R sample pulse and a G sample pulse as shown in FIGS. 2 (H) and 2 (I), FIGS.
, A G signal and an R signal are obtained, respectively.

In the N line, R and G signals can be obtained.
Since the B signal cannot be obtained, N-1 and N + 1 before and after the B signal are not obtained.
A B signal is created by interpolation from the line. Line memory 5
Reference numerals 4 and 55 denote line memories for creating the interpolation signal.
The signals of the N-1 and N + 1 lines are created and supplied to the line interpolation circuit 56. The line interpolation circuit 56 creates a B interpolation signal (FIG. 12 (L)) by averaging the B signal of the N-1 line (FIG. 12 (E)) and the B signal of the N + 1 line (FIG. 12 (Q)). I do.

From the line interpolation circuit 56, the R interpolation signal and B
Since the interpolation signal is output alternately for each line, the switching signal is switched by the switching circuit 57 to generate the R signal and the B signal. In addition,
In FIG. 12, (A) to (F) of the N-1 line and (M) to (R) of the (N + 1) th line perform the same processing, and (G) to (L) of the Nth line are N-1. Line and N +
The same processing is performed although the pixels are different from one line.

This embodiment has the following effects. According to the present embodiment, by changing the readout mode according to the movement of the subject, the movement of the subject is fast, and when the resolution is not required so much, the draft mode is used. When the movement of the subject is slow and a high-resolution image is required, In addition to the all-pixel reading mode, by performing signal processing corresponding to each reading mode and displaying it on the display means, an appropriate image can be provided according to the movement of the subject.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 13 shows a configuration of a video signal processing circuit according to the second embodiment, FIG. 14 shows a configuration of a mode switching circuit, and FIG. 15 shows a flowchart of its operation.

As shown in FIG. 13, the video signal processing circuit 60 in the present embodiment is different from the video signal processing circuit 27 shown in FIG.
At the front panel (not shown)
A release instruction switch 61 is provided, and an output signal thereof is input to the CPU 38. The freeze / release instruction switch 61 is provided with a freeze SW for giving a freeze instruction and a release SW for giving a release instruction. When the freeze SW is operated, a freeze instruction signal is sent to the CPU 3.
The release instruction signal is supplied to the CPU 38 when the release SW is operated.

When the freeze instruction signal or the release signal is supplied, the CPU 38 outputs to the CCD driver 30 a parameter setting signal for forcibly setting the CCD driver 30 to the all-pixel reading mode.

The freeze supplied to the CPU 38
The release instruction signal is output to the mode switching circuit 62 and the digital image recording / compression circuit 64, and performs an operation corresponding to the freeze / release instruction signal. The output from the digital signal processing circuit 33 is temporarily stored in an image storage memory (simply referred to as an image memory) 63, and the mode switching circuit 6
2, the read / write control is performed.
The output signal of the image memory 63 is output to the D / A conversion circuit 34 and the digital image recording / compression circuit 64.

The output from the digital image compression circuit 64 is
It is stored in a recording medium 65 such as a PC card. FIG. 14 shows a detailed configuration of the mode switching circuit 62. The mode switching circuit 62 includes a threshold data storage circuit 49 storing threshold data as in the case of the mode switching circuit 37 of FIG. 6, and a comparator 50 for comparing the amount of motion detection, and further includes a memory read. And memory R / W for controlling memory write
A controller 66 is provided, and controls the image memory 63 according to a freeze / release instruction signal. The other configuration is the same as that of the video signal processing circuit 27 in FIG.

In the present embodiment, when the freeze / release instruction switch 61 is not operated, as described below, the same operation as in the first embodiment is performed, and the freeze / release instruction switch 61 is operated. In such a case, all-pixel reading mode is forcibly set to display a still image or record a still image.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, the freeze SW is a SW for instructing display of a still image, the release SW is a SW for further recording the still image on the recording medium 65,
Therefore, when the release SW is turned on, the function of the freeze SW is first activated.

When the operation starts, the CPU proceeds to step S1.
Reference numeral 38 denotes a motion determination signal from the mode switching circuit 62,
It is determined whether the determination signal is 0 or not. If the discrimination signal is 0, it is determined that the movement is slow, and the all-pixel reading mode is set (by sending a parameter setting signal to the CCD driver 30) as shown in step S2. Then, all the pixels in the all-pixel reading mode are stored in the temporary image memory 6.
3 and read from the image memory 63 (step S3) and output to the monitor 7 (step S4). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S5.

On the other hand, if the discrimination signal is not 0, it is determined that the motion is fast, and the draft mode is set as shown in step S6. Then, the image data is passed through the image memory 63 (step S7) and output to the monitor 7 (step S7).
8). After that, it moves to step S5.

In step S5, the CPU 38 freezes
By monitoring the signal from the release instruction switch 61, it is first determined whether or not the freeze SW has been turned ON. If the freeze SW is not turned on,
Returning to step S1, if the freeze switch is turned ON, the all-pixel reading mode is set as shown in step S9.

After the value of the motion discrimination signal is forcibly set to the all-pixel reading mode in step S9, an image for one field taken in the all-pixel reading mode is stored in the image memory 6.
Write to 3. After the image memory 63 is set to the all-pixel reading mode, an image for one field captured in the all-pixel reading mode is input after a certain delay time.

After writing the image for one field photographed in the all-pixel reading mode, the writing operation is stopped, the rewriting of the image written in the image memory 63 is prohibited, and the reading operation of the image is repeated. The process is performed (step S10). Therefore, the image written in the image memory 63 in the all-pixel reading mode,
That is, a still image is repeatedly output to the monitor 7 (step S11).

Next, the CPU 38 determines whether or not the release SW has been turned on. If the release SW has not been turned on, it is determined in step S13 whether or not the freeze has been released. If the freeze is released by turning off the freeze SW, the process returns to step S1. If the freeze is not released, the process returns to step S1.
It returns to 0 and maintains the freeze state.

On the other hand, in step S12, the release SW
If N, the image data in the image memory 63 is compressed by the digital image recording and compression circuit 64 in step S14. Then, the compressed image data is stored in the recording medium 65.
And outputs the compressed image data to the recording medium 65.
(Step S15). Thereafter, the freeze is released (release is released) (step S16), and the process returns to step S1 to display the moving image.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when there is no freeze / release instruction, the operation is almost the same as in the first embodiment. When a freeze / release instruction is issued, the all-pixel reading mode is forcibly set to display a still image of all pixels and to record all pixels in the all-pixel reading mode. The image memory 63 sequentially outputs the sequentially input images as they are.

This embodiment has the following effects. According to the present embodiment, when a freeze instruction is issued, a high resolution image can be obtained for a frozen image by setting the all-pixel reading mode, while an appropriate mode is selected according to the motion of the subject in the case of a moving image. Thus, it is possible to provide an appropriate endoscope image according to the movement and the situation of the subject.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG.
6 shows a configuration of a video signal processing circuit according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 17 shows C in the case of the double speed draft mode.
This shows the CD output (RGB signal output).

As shown in FIG. 16, the video signal processing circuit 70 of this embodiment is different from the video signal processing circuit 6 of FIG.
In place of the freeze / release instruction switch 61 at 0, a mode selection switch 71 as mode selection means for selecting a thinning rate is provided (on a front panel (not shown)) so that the thinning rate can be selected.

The output of the mode selection switch 71 is CP
U38, and the CPU 38 operates the mode selection switch 7
The thinning rate is set in the CCD driver 30 in accordance with the instruction in (1). Further, the CPU 38 outputs a mode selection signal of the mode selection switch 71 to the memory R / W controller 72.

The output signal of the digital signal processing circuit 33 is input to an image memory 63, and reading and writing of the image memory 63 are controlled by a memory R / W controller 72. The operation of the memory R / W controller 72 is controlled by the CPU 38. In addition,
The motion detection circuit 36 and the mode switching circuit 62 shown in FIG. 13 are not provided.

In the present embodiment, the mode selecting means 71 has the function of the freeze / release instruction switch 61 in the case of FIG. When the freeze / release instruction switch 61 is activated, the operation is the same as in the second embodiment. That is, the mode selection unit 71
When a freeze or release instruction signal is output to the CPU 38, the image memory 63 stores a still image in the case where the all-pixel reading mode is set, and the still image is displayed on the monitor 7 or the digital image is displayed. The data is compressed by the recording / compression circuit 64 and can be recorded on the recording medium 65. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. When a freeze or release instruction is given by the mode selection means 71, the same operation as in the second embodiment is performed, and a description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, a case where a mode selection signal is output by the mode selection switch 71 will be described.

In response to the three mode selection signals output from the mode selection switch 71, the CPU 38 changes the CCD read mode as shown in FIGS. FIG. 9 shows the case of the all-pixel reading mode, in which all the pixels having the thinning rate of 0 are sequentially read. FIG. 10 and FIG.
FIG. 10 shows a method of reading out data in a draft mode, and FIG.
Numeral 7 is a method of an intermediate thinning rate which is read out every two lines.

In FIG. 10, the vertical resolution is deteriorated because the thinning rate is larger than that in FIG. 17, but the image can be read out at a high speed. An appropriate image can be obtained by the surgeon arbitrarily setting the mode selection means according to the movement of the subject.

This embodiment has the following effects. According to the present embodiment, in a normal moving image, the double-draft mode is used. When the movement of the subject is very fast, the triple-draft mode with a high thinning rate is used. By selecting the pixel reading mode, an appropriate and good image can be provided depending on the situation.

As a modification of the third embodiment, the output signal of the digital signal processing circuit 33 is input to the motion detection circuit 36, and the output signal of the motion detection circuit 36 is input to the mode switching circuit 62, From the switching circuit 62, the speed of the movement is determined in three stages, the double draft mode is used for a moving image having a normal speed (intermediate moving speed), and the thinning rate is high when the motion of the subject is extremely fast. In the 3 × draft mode, when the motion of the subject is slow and a high resolution is required, a motion determination signal for setting the all pixel reading mode may be output to the CPU 38.

When the selection instruction is not given by the mode selection switch 71, the movement of the subject is automatically detected, and the display mode of the endoscope image is set according to the speed of the movement. May be.

An embodiment constituted by partially combining the above-described embodiments and the like also belongs to the present invention. For example, also in the first embodiment, the image memory 6
3 and a memory R / W controller 66 or 72 for controlling the memory R / W. In the all-pixel read mode, the all-pixel read cycle becomes longer, but the image written in the image memory 63 is repeated at a shorter cycle. You may make it read.

[Supplementary Notes] All-pixel reading, endoscope imaging means capable of line skipping readout, all pixel readout signal of the endoscope imaging means based on a reference signal, and readout signal output means capable of outputting a line skipping readout signal, Image signal processing means for processing an output signal of the endoscope imaging means in response to a read signal output by the read signal output means; and output means for outputting an output signal of the image signal processing means to a display means. An endoscope imaging apparatus characterized by having:

2. 2. The endoscope imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reference signal is a signal from a switching unit that switches reading in accordance with the movement of the subject. 3. 2. The endoscope imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reference signal is a signal from a switching unit that switches reading between a still image and a moving image. 4. 2. The endoscope imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reference signal is a signal from a switching unit that switches reading with a mode switching switch.

[0084]

As described above, according to the present invention, an image pickup means capable of reading all pixels for picking up an endoscope image and a line jump readout, and an all pixel readout signal of the image pickup means based on a reference signal. A read signal output unit capable of outputting a line jump read signal; an image signal processing unit that processes an output signal of the imaging unit in accordance with the read signal output by the read signal output unit; and Output means for outputting an output signal as a display signal, so that an all-pixel readout signal and a line skip readout signal are switched in accordance with a reference signal, and an appropriate endoscope is provided in accordance with an imaging state of an endoscope. A mirror image can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an endoscope imaging apparatus including a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a video signal processing circuit.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital signal processing circuit in the video signal processing circuit.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a motion detection circuit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a specific example of a filter arrangement of a mosaic filter.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a mode switching circuit.

FIG. 7 shows C in the all-pixel reading mode and the draft mode.
FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing a CD output.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a field cycle in the case of reading out all pixels and a field cycle in a draft mode.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a CCD output (RGB signal output) in the case of reading all pixels.

FIG. 10 shows a CCD output (RGB) in a draft mode.
FIG.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a color separation circuit.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of a color separation circuit.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a video signal processing circuit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a mode switching circuit.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of an operation according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a video signal processing circuit according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 shows a CCD output (RGB) in a draft mode.
FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope imaging device 2 ... Optical endoscope 3 ... TV camera 4 ... TV camera external endoscope 5 ... Light source device 6 ... CCU 7 ... Monitor 21 ... Camera head 22 ... Camera cable 24 ... Imaging lens 25 CCD 26 Mosaic filter 27 Video signal processing circuit 30 CCD driver 32 A / D conversion circuit 33 Digital signal processing circuit 34 D / A conversion circuit 36 Motion detection circuit 37 Mode switching circuit 40 Color Separation circuit 41 White balance adjustment circuit 42 Detection circuit 43 Color correction circuit 44 Gamma correction circuit 45 Frame memory 46 Subtraction circuit 47 Absolute value circuit 48 Low-pass filter (LPF) 49 Threshold data storage circuit 50 Comparator

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (72) Kuniaki Kami, Inventor 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Shinji Yamashita 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Ken Sudo 2-43-2, Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Kazunori Segawa 2-43-2, Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2H040 BA00 GA02 GA10 GA12 4C061 CC06 MM03 MM09 NN01 PP01 SS04 TT09 5C024 BX02 EX52 GY01 HX02 HX22 HX23 HX29 HX50 HX58 JX11 JX41 5C054 CC07 EA01 EF02 EF02 EF02 EF02 EF02 EF02

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup means capable of reading all pixels for picking up an endoscope image and a line skipping readout, and a readout signal capable of outputting an all pixel readout signal and a line skipping readout signal of the image pickup means based on a reference signal. Output means, image signal processing means for processing an output signal of the imaging means in response to a read signal output by the read signal output means, and output means for outputting an output signal of the image signal processing means as a display signal. An endoscope imaging apparatus comprising: 2. A motion detecting means for detecting a motion of the subject from an image signal obtained by capturing an image of the subject by the image capturing means; and the reference means according to motion information of the subject obtained by the motion detecting means. The endoscope imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a reference signal generating unit that outputs a signal. 3. The endoscope according to claim 1, further comprising: input means for inputting a freeze signal; and reference signal generating means for outputting the reference signal in response to an output from the input means. Mirror imaging device. 4. An input means for inputting switching between a mode for performing all-pixel reading and a mode for performing interlaced reading, and reference signal generating means for outputting the reference signal in accordance with an output from the input means. The endoscope image pickup device according to claim 1, wherein the endoscope image pickup device is provided.