JP2003284683A - Video scope of electronic endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a video scope that conducts the proper signal processing of a processor to be connected. <P>SOLUTION: A model of a processor 10 and the setting-up data (the setting-up data to be registered) as to its signal processing to be prepared for each version number are stored in EEPROM 57 contained in the video scope 50. The video scope 50 is then connected with the processor 10 before the model of the processor 10 and the version number are detected. The corresponding setting-up data are read out from the EEPROM 57 and written in the register 55A of a signal processing circuit 55. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic endoscope apparatus for inspecting and treating an organ such as a stomach, and more particularly to processing an image signal read from an image pickup device at the tip of the electronic endoscope. Data setting for the signal processing circuit for

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional electronic endoscope apparatus, a signal processing circuit for processing an image signal read from an image pickup device provided at a tip of an electronic endoscope (hereinafter referred to as a videoscope) has a videoscope. The signal processing circuit performs gain control of the color (R, G, B) signals, gamma correction, image contour enhancement, and color difference signal generation. The setting data related to the signal processing, which is the calculation reference value of the image signal processing, such as the gain value in the gain control and the gamma value in the gamma correction, is stored in the memory in advance, and the data is read from the memory at the time of the initial setting of the data It is written as register setting data in a register related to signal processing of the signal processing circuit.

[0003]

Regarding the processor to which the videoscope is connected, the characteristics of the light source lamp that emits the illumination light of the observation region, the light of the lamp at the incident end of the optical fiber bundle that transmits the light to the tip of the videoscope. The characteristics of the condensing optical system that condenses the light, the characteristics of the signal processing circuit on the processor side that processes the image signal sent from the videoscope, and the like differ depending on the model of the processor. Therefore, when the register setting data set in the register of the signal processing circuit provided in the videoscope has a value that does not match the characteristics of the processor, the color reproducibility of the observed image is deteriorated.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to obtain a videoscope of an electronic endoscope apparatus capable of performing signal processing suitable for a connected processor.

[0005]

A videoscope for an electronic endoscope apparatus according to the present invention is a videoscope for an electronic endoscope apparatus that has an image pickup element and is connected to a processor. And a signal processing circuit provided in the videoscope for storing register setting data to be written in a predetermined register and processing an image signal read from the image sensor based on the register setting data stored in the predetermined register With. The register setting data includes a matrix coefficient for RGB signal generation processing, a gain value for RGB gain control, a gamma correction value for gamma correction, an enhancer coefficient for image contour enhancement, and a matrix coefficient for color signal generation processing. The memory is an EEPROM (Electronic Erasable Programmable) so that these register setting data can be adjusted later.
It is good to apply rewritable memory such as able ROM). The processor has a lamp for the light source, a condensing optical system that condenses the light of the lamp to the incident end of the optical fiber bundle, and a signal on the processor side that processes the image signal sent from the videoscope and outputs it to a monitor. A processing circuit and the like are provided, and the characteristics of the focusing optical system and the processor signal processing circuit differ depending on the model of each processor.

For example, a reflection mirror and a condenser mirror are provided around the lamp for the light source, and the spectral distribution of the light incident on the incident end of the optical fiber bundle depends on the reflection characteristics and coating characteristics of the reflection mirror and the condenser mirror. The characteristics are different.
Also, regarding the condenser lens provided between the lamp and the incident end, the condensing state of light changes due to the difference in the characteristics, and the spectral distribution characteristic of the light emitted from the emitting end of the optical fiber bundle also differs. Since the spectral distribution characteristics of the light radiated to the observation region are different, the characteristics of the image signal read from the image sensor are different depending on the characteristics of the condensing optical system of the processor. Further, gamma correction and image contour enhancement (enhancement) performed on the image signal may be executed by the signal processing circuit on the processor side. In the present invention,
The signal processing in the videoscope is executed in consideration of the characteristics of the condensing optical system and the signal processing circuit that differ depending on the model of the processor. That is, the video scope of the present invention comprises a processor model detecting means for detecting the model of the processor, and a register setting data writing means for reading the register setting data corresponding to the model of the processor from the memory and storing it in the register. Characterize.

Signal processing is performed by using register setting data adapted to the characteristics of the processor including the characteristics of the processor type, that is, the characteristics of the focusing optical system and the characteristics of the signal processing circuit on the processor side. Therefore, one video scope can be shared, that is, can be used in combination with processors of various models without deteriorating the color reproducibility of the observed image.

As described above, the characteristics of the condensing optical system and the like differ depending on the model of the processor, and further, the characteristics of the processor may also differ depending on the improved product (the upgraded product). Therefore, it is desirable to prepare register setting data suitable for the improved model as well as the processor model. That is, the register setting data is
It is defined as data corresponding to the processor model and the improvement number.The processor model detection means detects the processor modification number together with the processor model, and the register setting data writing means registers the register setting data according to the modification number together with the processor model. Is read from the memory and stored in the register.

The configuration of the image signal processing may be a configuration other than the above-mentioned signal processing circuit and memory. A videoscope of an electronic endoscope apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes a signal processing unit which is provided in the videoscope and which processes an image signal read from an image sensor based on register setting data relating to signal processing. A processor model discriminating unit for detecting the model is provided, and the signal processing unit processes the image signal based on the register setting data corresponding to the discriminated model of the processor.

A register setting data setting program of the present invention is a videoscope of an electronic endoscope apparatus having an image pickup device and connected to a processor, and stores register setting data relating to signal processing according to a model of the processor. It is provided in the memory to be stored and the videoscope,
A program for executing register setting data setting processing in a videoscope equipped with a signal processing circuit that processes an image signal read from an image sensor based on register setting data stored in a register. The processor model detecting means for detecting and the register setting data writing means for reading the register setting data corresponding to the model of the processor from the memory and storing it in the register are made to function.

[0011]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An electronic endoscope apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment. An electronic endoscope device including a videoscope and a processor is a device for performing an inspection, an operation, or the like on an organ such as a stomach. When the inspection or the like is started, the videoscope allows the observation region to be imaged. Therefore, it is inserted into the body.

In the electronic endoscope apparatus, CC which is an image pickup element
A videoscope 50 having a D54 and a processor 10 for processing an image signal read from the CCD 54 are provided, and a monitor 32 for displaying a subject image is a processor 1.
Connected to 0. The video scope 50 is the processor 10
And a keyboard 34 is connected to the processor 10.

When a lamp lighting switch (not shown) is turned on, power is supplied from the lamp power supply 11 including the lamp control section 11A to the lamp 12. The light source lamp unit 12 is
It has an infrared cut filter and a condenser mirror together with a lamp such as a xenon lamp. The light emitted from the light source lamp unit 12 is transmitted through the condenser lens 14 to the videoscope 5
It is incident on the incident end 51A of the optical fiber bundle 51 provided inside the optical fiber 0. The optical fiber bundle 51 is an optical fiber that transmits the light emitted from the light source lamp unit 12 to the tip side of the videoscope 50 having the observation site, and the light that has passed through the optical fiber bundle 51 is emitted from the emission end 51B. As a result, the observation site S is irradiated with light via the light distribution lens 52 which is a diffusion lens.

The light reflected at the observation region S reaches the light receiving surface of the CCD 54 through the objective lens 53, whereby an object image of the observation region S is formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 54. In the present embodiment, the single-plate simultaneous type is applied as a color imaging method, and yellow (Ye), cyan (Cy), magenta (Mg), and green (G) color elements are in a checkered pattern on the light receiving surface of the CCD. Complementary color filters (not shown) arranged in a line are arranged so as to correspond to the respective pixels on the light receiving surface. Then, in the CCD 54, an image signal of a subject image corresponding to a color passing through the complementary color filter is generated by photoelectric conversion, and one frame or one frame is generated at predetermined time intervals.
The image signals for the fields are sequentially read according to the color difference line sequential method. As the color television system, for example, the NTSC system is applied, which is 1/30 (1/6).
Image signals for one frame (one field) are sequentially read out every 0) second intervals and sent to the signal processing circuit 55 configured by an IC chip.

The signal processing circuit 55 includes an initial process circuit for performing amplification processing, a signal separation processing circuit for separating a luminance signal and a chrominance signal, and R, G, R for generating R, G, B primary color signals. B matrix circuit, R, G, B gain circuit for gain adjustment of R, G, B, gamma correction circuit for gamma correction, image contour enhancement circuit for enhancing image contour, luminance signal, color difference signal generation A color matrix circuit for doing so is included (all are not shown). A video signal is generated by performing various processes on the image signal input to the signal processing circuit 55 in each circuit. Further, the signal processing circuit 55 is provided with a timing generator (not shown) that outputs a clock signal for reading an image signal from the CCD 54, a clock signal for adjusting timing in signal processing, and the like. The generated video signal is sent to the processor signal processing circuit 28, and the brightness signal is used as the brightness signal.
Sent to 3. Further, a synchronization signal or the like at a predetermined timing is sent from the signal processing circuit 55 to the timing control circuit 30 in accordance with the luminance signal of one frame (one field) that is sequentially sent to the dimming circuit 23.

In the processor signal processing circuit 28, the video signal sent from the signal processing circuit 55 is subjected to predetermined processing. The processed video signals are NTSC composite signals, Y / C separated signals (S video signals), RGB
It is output to the monitor 32 as a video signal such as a separation signal, so that the subject image is displayed on the monitor 32.

The processor CPU 24 in the system control circuit 22 controls the entire processor 10 and outputs a control signal to each circuit such as the dimming circuit 23, the lamp control section 11A and the processor signal processing circuit 28. In the timing control circuit 30, a clock pulse for adjusting the processing timing of the signal is output to each circuit in the processor 10, and a synchronizing signal accompanying the video signal is sent to the processor signal processing circuit 28.

A diaphragm 16 for adjusting the amount of light applied to the subject S is provided between the incident end 51A of the light guide 51 and the condenser lens 14, and is opened and closed by driving a motor 18. In the present embodiment, the dimming circuit 23
The light amount of the light passing through the diaphragm 16, that is, the light irradiated to the subject S is adjusted by. The brightness signal output from the signal processing circuit 55 is converted into a digital brightness signal by an A / D converter (not shown), and then the dimming circuit 2
Input to 3. Based on this brightness signal, a control signal is sent from the light control circuit 23 to the motor driver 20, and the motor 18
Are driven by the motor driver 20. As a result, the diaphragm 16 opens to a predetermined opening.

The video scope 50 is provided with a scope CPU 56 for controlling the entire video scope 50 and a data rewritable EEPROM 57, and a program relating to scope control is stored in the R in the scope CPU 56.
It is stored in the OM 58. Further, the setting data (register setting data) regarding the signal processing is stored in the EEPROM 57.
Remembered in. The scope CPU 56 controls the signal processing circuit 55, reads register setting data from the EEPROM 57, and writes the register setting data in the register 55A of the signal processing circuit 55. In the signal processing circuit 55, signal processing is executed based on the written register setting data.
When the videoscope 50 is connected to the processor 10,
Data is transmitted and received between the scope CPU 56 and the system control circuit 22, and the scope CP is used as necessary.
From U56 to system control circuit 22 or from system control circuit 22 to scope CPU56
Data is sent to.

The front panel 96 is provided with a setting switch (not shown) for setting a reference luminance value that serves as a reference in automatic light control, and is set by the operator operating the setting switch. A signal according to the value is sent to the system control circuit 22. The reference brightness value data is temporarily stored in the RAM 26 and, if necessary, the system control circuit 22.
Is sent to the dimming circuit 23. When a key operation is performed on the keyboard 34 to display character information such as patient information on the monitor 32, a signal corresponding to the operation of the keyboard 34 is input to the system control circuit 22.
Based on the signal, the character signal is superimposed on the video signal in the processor signal processing circuit 28.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a main routine that is executed by the scope CPU 56 and includes a setting process of register setting data. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a code table of the processor and an address map of the EEPROM 57. When the videoscope 50 is connected to the processor 10 and the power of the videoscope 50 is turned on, the main routine is started.

In step 101, the scope CPU 56
The initial settings for and variables are initialized. Then, in step 102, the connected processor 10
The model and its improvement number (hereinafter referred to as the version number) are detected. In the present embodiment, the model of the processor 10 includes characteristics of a condenser optical system such as a condenser lens 14 and a condenser mirror of the light source lamp unit 12, and a processor signal processing circuit 28.
There are three types of processors with different characteristics, "processor I" and "processor I" respectively.
I "and" processor III ". Further, where each type of processor is an improvement on the first shipped product, an improvement number is assigned to distinguish the original processor from the improved processor. The improvement number is set to "00" for the first product of "processor I, processor II, processor III", and the improvement number is "01", "02" ... It is attached to the processor (in the following, an improvement number is represented by a subscript). However, in this embodiment, only “processor I” is improved once.

Processor I₀₀And processor II₀₀Between
Then, the characteristics of the condenser lens 14 are mainly different. Processor
I₀₀Is a high concentration that effectively collects the light from the light source lamp
Type condensing lens is provided, while processor II
₀₀Is a semi-collector that does not collect light as much as a high-concentration condensing optical system.
An optical condenser lens is provided. Therefore, the process
Supporter II₀₀When using the
The light emitted from the firing end 51B is the processor I₀₀use
The light is bluish compared to when you do. Therefore,
In the register setting data, R, B gain value, R, G, B
The matrix coefficient etc. follows the characteristics of such illumination light.
Have been set. Processor I₀₀And processor III
₀₀And the characteristics of the signal processing circuit are mainly different. Professional
Sessa I ₀₀Then, the gamma correction processing and the image edge enhancement processing are
Although not executed in the processor signal processing circuit 28,
Processor III₀₀Then gamma correction processing, image edge enhancement
Processing is performed in the processor signal processing circuit 28
It Processor III₀₀Register setting data corresponding to
In, the enhancer coefficient and gamma correction value are
The processing circuit 55 performs gamma correction and image edge enhancement processing.
It is set to a value that will not be executed. Also, the processor I
₀₀And processor I₀₁Between the light source lamp section 12
The characteristics (coating characteristics) of the optical mirror are different. Process
Supporter I₀₁The register setting data according to
Values are set according to the characteristics.

In the present embodiment, the model of the processor 10,
The processor characteristic data indicating the version number is stored in advance in the ROM 25 in the system control circuit 22 of the processor 10, and the processor I ₀₀ , the processor I ₀₁ , the processor II ₀₀ , and the processor III ₀₀ have 1
It is represented by a code of 0 _H to 30 _H (see FIG. 3). When the video scope 50 is connected to the processor 10, the code data is transmitted from the processor 10 to the scope CPU 56. Based on this processor characteristic data, the model and version number of the processor 10 are detected by the scope CPU 56. When step 102 is executed, the process proceeds to step 103.

The EEPROM 57 stores register setting data 57 according to the model and version number of the processor 10.
A, 57B, 57C, 57D are stored (see FIG. 3), and the signal processing data 57A, 57B, 57C, 57D are stored.
Correspond to processor I ₀₀ , processor I ₀₁ , processor II ₀₀ , and processor III ₀₀ , respectively. here,
The register setting data 57A to 57D collectively show a plurality of register data, and here each is data of about 30 bytes. In step 103, EEP
The register setting data corresponding to the model and version number of the processor 10 detected from the register setting data stored in the ROM 57 is read. Then, the read signal processing data is written in the register 55A of the signal processing circuit 55.

In step 104, a cyclic process including a command process related to communication with the processor is performed, and is repeatedly executed until the power of the videoscope 50 is turned off.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the signal processing data is stored in the EEPROM 57 according to the model and version number of the processor 10, and when the videoscope 50 is connected to the processor 10, the model and version of the processor 10 are connected. The number is detected, and the corresponding register setting data is read from the EEPROM 57 and written in the register 55A.

The processor 10 does not have to have a signal processing circuit and a lamp integrally formed,
It may be a processor in which a light source device including a lamp and the like and a signal processing device including a signal processing circuit are separately configured.

If the characteristics of the processor other than the focusing optical system and the processor signal processing circuit differ depending on the model of the processor (for example, signal processing timing), the value of the signal processing data may be set in consideration thereof.

[0031]

As described above, according to the video scope of the present invention, signal processing suitable for the connected processor can be performed. As a result, the color reproduction of the observed image is the same for any type of processor, and the operator does not feel discomfort.
Diagnosis and treatment can be performed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic endoscope apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a main routine executed in a scope CPU.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a code table of a processor and an address map of an EEPROM.

[Explanation of symbols] 10 processors 12 Light source lamp section 14 Condensing lens 28 Processor Signal Processing Circuit 50 video scope 54 CCD (imaging device) 55 Signal processing circuit 55A register 56 Scope CPU 57 EEPROM (memory)

Continued front page    (72) Inventor Mitsuru Iida             2 36-9 Maenocho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo Pen             Within Tax Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 4C061 LL02 SS07 SS30 YY14

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A videoscope of an electronic endoscope apparatus having an image pickup device and connected to a processor, comprising: a memory for storing register setting data to be written in a predetermined register according to a model of the processor. A signal processing circuit that is provided in the video scope and that processes an image signal read from the image sensor based on the register setting data stored in the predetermined register; and processor model detection that detects the model of the processor. And a register setting data writing unit that reads the register setting data according to the model of the processor from the memory and stores the setting data in the predetermined register. 2. A videoscope of an electronic endoscope apparatus having an image pickup device, which is connected to a processor, wherein register setting relating to signal processing of an image signal read from the image pickup device is provided in the videoscope. A signal processing unit that processes based on data, and a processor model determination unit that determines the model of the processor, wherein the signal processing unit is an image signal based on the register setting data according to the determined model of the processor. A videoscope of an electronic endoscopic device, which is characterized by processing 3. The register setting data is data determined in accordance with at least one of characteristics of a signal processing circuit on the processor side provided in the processor, a lamp, and a condensing optical system. The videoscope of the electronic endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 2. 4. The videoscope of the electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the memory is a rewritable memory. 5. The register setting data is data corresponding to an improved product as well as the model of the processor, the processor model detecting means detects an improvement number together with the model of the processor, and the register setting data writing means The videoscope of the electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the register setting data corresponding to a model number of the processor and an improvement number is read from the memory and stored in the register. 6. A videoscope of an electronic endoscope apparatus having an image pickup device and connected to a processor, comprising: a memory storing register setting data relating to signal processing according to a model of the processor; To perform the register setting data setting process in the video scope, which is provided in the video scope and includes a signal processing circuit that processes the image signal read from the image sensor based on the register setting data stored in the register For operating the processor model detecting means for detecting the model of the processor and the register setting data writing means for reading the register setting data corresponding to the model of the processor from the memory and storing the register setting data in the register. program.