JP2004049708A - Electronic endoscope device and auxiliary implement for regulating white balance - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simply regulate a white balance at a suitable distance in each electronic scope. <P>SOLUTION: A magnetic field generating element M is provided near a distal end 11e of an inserting section 11 of the electronic scope. A first sensor S1 of a magnetic sensing element is embedded in a bottom 41a of an auxiliary implement body 41 for regulating the white balance in which a cylindrical inside is coated with a white color. A second sensor S2 of a magnetic sensing element is embedded in an inner peripheral surface of a cylindrical unit 41B having an inlet 41b of the body 41 for regulating the white balance. The insertion of the inserting section 11 of the scope into the body 41 is sensed by sensing a magnetic field formed by the element M by the second sensor S2. A distance between the distal end 11e of the section 11 and the bottom 41a is detected by sensing the intensity of the magnetic field formed by the element M by the first sensor. The white balance is regulated based on the image picked up when the distal end 11e is disposed at a suitable distance. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to white balance adjustment in an electronic endoscope device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In medical treatment using an electronic endoscope (electronic scope), a different electronic scope is used for each application. Therefore, in a facility such as a hospital, a plurality of electronic scopes must be constantly provided. Meanwhile, since the electronic scope is used in a lumen where external light is blocked, a light source for illuminating the inside of the lumen is required. However, providing a light source for each electronic scope is wasteful both locally and economically. Therefore, the light source unit is configured as a unit independent of the electronic scope, and each electronic scope is mounted on the light source unit according to the application. At this time, the light source unit is configured as, for example, an independent light source device or an integrated video signal processing unit (processor unit) together with a video signal processing circuit and the like.
[0003]
Various types of lamps are used for the light source unit according to use conditions. The spectrum of a lamp differs for each type of lamp, and even for the same type of lamp, the spectrum varies from product to product. Even with the same lamp, the spectrum changes over time. Similarly, the spectral sensitivity characteristics of the imaging device mounted on the electronic scope are also affected by differences in types, variations among products that occur during the manufacturing process, changes over time in the color filter array, and the like. The light from the light source is transmitted to the tip of the electronic scope via the optical fiber. However, since the spectral transmittance characteristics of the optical fiber are not uniform for all wavelengths, the length of the insertion part of the electronic scope is long. However, if the length of the optical fiber is different, the spectrum of the illumination light emitted from the tip of the electronic scope will also be different. Further, the amount of light supplied from the lamp to the optical fiber is adjusted by a diaphragm device, but the spectrum of the light supplied to the optical fiber is affected by the driving state of the diaphragm.
[0004]
Since the spectral sensitivity characteristics of the electronic scope and the spectrum of the illuminating light are affected by the various factors described above, the color tone of the image obtained by the electronic scope is affected by the combination of the electronic scope and the light source unit and the usage time of the lamp. . In order to adjust the deviation of the color tone of the captured image due to these, it is necessary to perform white balance adjustment with the electronic scope mounted on the light source unit. Adjustment of the white balance is performed by inserting the tip of the electronic scope into a cylindrical auxiliary tool whose inside is colored white and operating switches such as a keyboard connected to the processor unit. It is troublesome to perform the operation every time the white balance is adjusted. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-96891 discloses a configuration in which it is detected that the tip of an electronic scope has been inserted into an auxiliary tool, and white balance adjustment is automatically started.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Since the depth of focus of the imaging optical system of the electronic scope is fixed, there is an appropriate distance or range in which each electronic scope is in focus. However, in the configuration of JP-A-61-96891, white balance adjustment is performed. It cannot be performed at an appropriate distance for each electronic scope.
[0006]
An object of the present invention is to easily perform white balance adjustment at an appropriate distance for each electronic scope.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An electronic endoscope apparatus according to the present invention is an electronic endoscope apparatus that is inserted into a lumen and captures an image of the lumen using an imaging element provided at a distal end of an insertion portion. Gain adjustment means capable of adjusting the gain of an image signal with respect to a captured image, an auxiliary tool for white balance adjustment having a white region which is imaged by the imaging device and serves as a reference for white balance adjustment, and a white region and the imaging device. A distance information detecting means for detecting distance information relating to a distance between, and, based on the distance information, detecting that a white area is imaged at a predetermined distance, and controlling a gain adjusting means based on the image signal. And white balance adjustment means for performing white balance adjustment.
[0008]
The distance information detecting means includes, for example, a magnetic field generating means and a magnetic detecting means. One of the magnetic field generating means and the magnetic detecting means is provided in the insertion portion, and the other is provided in the auxiliary tool. Alternatively, the distance information detecting means includes a plurality of detecting means such as a light receiving sensor and a light emitting means, and the distance information is obtained by detecting light emitted from the light emitting means in each of the light receiving sensors.
[0009]
The auxiliary tool has, for example, a cup-shaped cylindrical portion, the white region corresponds to the inner bottom surface of the cylindrical portion, and a detection unit having a set of a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical unit in the axial direction. Are arranged at predetermined intervals along. According to these methods, distance information relating to the distance between the white region and the image sensor can be easily obtained.
[0010]
Further, in order to prevent a malfunction such as when using a magnetic field generating means and a magnetic detecting means, the auxiliary tool has a concave portion having a white area inside, and the distance information detecting means detects the distance information. It is preferable to include a first sensor and a second sensor that detects that the insertion portion has been inserted into the concave portion.
[0011]
The electronic endoscope apparatus includes, for example, a notification unit that notifies that white balance is being adjusted while white balance adjustment is being performed. Further, the electronic endoscope device includes a storage unit that stores information relating to the depth of focus as the predetermined distance.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 schematically shows a configuration of an electronic endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0013]
The electronic endoscope apparatus according to the present embodiment generally includes an electronic endoscope (electronic scope) 10, a video signal processing apparatus (processor unit) 20, a keyboard 30, a monitor TV 31, and a white balance adjustment auxiliary tool 40. The processor unit 20, the keyboard 30, and the monitor TV 31 are provided on each stage of the cart 32, and the electronic scope 10 and the auxiliary tool 40 are mounted on the processor unit 20.
[0014]
The electronic scope 10 includes a flexible tubular insertion part 11 inserted into the body, an operation part 12 for an operator to operate the movement of the electronic scope 10, and a tubular flexible member. The communication pipe 13 is configured to connect the communication pipe 13 to the processor unit 20 in a flexible manner.
[0015]
The white balance adjusting auxiliary tool 40 includes a cylindrical auxiliary tool main body 41 for inserting the distal end of the insertion portion 11, and a connection cable 42 for connecting the processor unit 20 and the auxiliary tool main body 41. It is connected to the processor unit 20 via the connector 43. The processor unit 20 can be connected to peripheral devices such as a video printer, a video cassette recorder (VCR), a computer, and a storage device (for example, an MO, a hard disk, etc.).
[0016]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the electronic endoscope apparatus of FIG. The electrical configuration of the electronic endoscope device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
[0017]
In the electronic scope 10, a light guide L composed of a bundle of ultra-fine optical fibers is provided. One end of the light guide L is connected to a light source unit in the processor unit 20 when the connector unit 14 is connected to the processor unit 20. The light guide L reaches the distal end of the insertion section 11 via the communication pipe 13 and the operation section 12, and irradiates the illumination light for photography.
[0018]
An imaging device IS such as a MOS image sensor or a CCD is provided at the tip of the insertion section 11 of the electronic scope 10. The driving of the imaging element IS is controlled by a driving signal from the imaging element driving circuit 15, and the imaging element driving circuit 15 is controlled by a DSP (digital signal processor) 16. The image signal generated by the image sensor IS is sampled and held by the A / D conversion circuit 17, A / D converted, and input to the DSP 16. The DSP 16 subjects the image signal to camera processing such as blanking, clamping, white balance, and γ correction, and sends the image signal to the video signal processing circuit 21 of the processor unit 20.
[0019]
The DSP 16 is controlled by the microcomputer 18, and the microcomputer 18 performs white balance calculation and exposure calculation based on data from the DSP 16, and performs white balance adjustment in the DSP 16 and control of an electronic shutter in the image sensor IS. The microcomputer 18 is connected to the microcomputer 28 in the processor unit 20 and the nonvolatile memory 19. The microcomputer 18 detects an operation of an operation switch (not shown) such as a freeze button provided on the operation unit 12 (see FIG. 1), and notifies the microcomputer 28 of the processor unit 20 of the operation. For example, in the memory (ROM) 19, setting values specific to the electronic scope such as a serial number for identifying each electronic scope and data relating to the depth of focus of the electronic scope are recorded. Is also transmitted to the microcomputer 28 of the processor unit 20 via the microcomputer 18.
[0020]
A magnetic field generating element (for example, a magnetic coil) M for generating a magnetic field is provided at a predetermined position near the distal end of the insertion section 11. Power is supplied from the power supply circuit 33 to the magnetic field generating element M, and power is supplied from the power supply PS in the processor unit 20 to the power supply circuit 33 in the electronic scope 10.
[0021]
In the present embodiment, the imaging device drive circuit 15, DSP 16, A / D conversion circuit 17, microcomputer 18, memory 19, and power supply circuit 33 are provided in the connector section 14 of the electronic scope 10.
[0022]
The digital image signal output from the DSP 16 of the electronic scope 10 is subjected to signal processing such as gain adjustment in a video signal processing circuit 21 in the processor unit 20 and then a luminance signal (Y) and a color difference signal (RY). ) And (BY), and are output to the memory (Y) 22, the memory (RY) 23, and the memory (BY) 24, respectively. The respective image signals via the memories 22 to 24 are synchronized and input to the video processing circuit 25. The operations of the memories 22 to 24 are controlled by the microcomputer 28, and the timing is controlled based on a synchronization signal from the timing circuit 27. That is, the microcomputer 28 is connected to the timing circuit 27, and a built-in memory control circuit for controlling the driving of the memories 22 to 24 based on the synchronization signal from the timing circuit 27.
[0023]
When a freeze button (not shown) of the operation unit 12 is operated, the image data stored in the memories 22 to 24 is held, and the image data stored in the memories 22 to 24 is repeatedly output to the video processing circuit 25. Is done. As a result, the images held in the memories 22 to 24 are displayed on the monitor TV 31 as still images. When the electronic scope 10 outputs an analog image signal, the video signal processing circuit 21 performs a decoding process and an A / D conversion process, and thereafter performs the same process.
[0024]
In the video processing circuit 25, the image signal is converted into an analog signal, subjected to process processing such as amplification processing, clamping processing, blanking processing, etc., and output as an RGB signal, a Y / C signal, or a composite video signal (compensation terminal circuit). Circuit) 26a, 26b. The output terminal circuit 26a is connected to, for example, a monitor TV 31 via a video signal cable (not shown), and the output terminal circuit 26b is connected to a device other than the monitor TV 31, such as a video printer or a VCR. Video signals are transmitted to the output terminal circuits 26a and 26b by a predetermined method, and impedance matching and the like are performed in the output terminal circuits 26a and 26b.
[0025]
An on-screen display circuit 34 connected to the microcomputer 28 is connected to the video processing circuit 25. Based on a signal command from the microcomputer 28, a character which is superimposed on an image signal of the memories 22 to 24 is superimposed. Information and the like are generated and output to the video processing circuit 25. The video processing circuit 25 superimposes the signal from the on-screen display circuit 34 on the image signal from the memories 22 to 24.
[0026]
The timing of processing in the video processing circuit 25 is controlled based on a synchronization signal from the timing circuit 27. The video processing circuit 25 is also connected to the microcomputer 28, and is controlled based on a control signal from the microcomputer 28. A keyboard 30 and a speaker SP are connected to the microcomputer 28.
[0027]
The video signal processing circuit 21 is further connected to a microcomputer 28 and an aperture adjustment circuit 29. The aperture adjustment circuit 29 controls the drive of the aperture A based on the luminance signal (Y) from the video signal processing circuit 21 and adjusts the amount of light incident on the light guide L from the light source Ls. Note that the light from the light source Ls passes through the converging lens (not shown) and is condensed at the incident end of the light guide L across the stop A.
[0028]
Further, the microcomputer 28 is connected to the main body 41 of the white balance adjusting auxiliary tool 40 via a connection cable 42 (see FIG. 1). First and second sensors for detecting the magnetic field of the magnetic field generating element M provided at the distal end of the insertion section 11 of the electronic scope 10 are provided in the auxiliary tool main body 41, and are detected by the first and second sensors. The transmitted signal is transmitted to the microcomputer 28.
[0029]
Next, a white balance adjustment process in the electronic endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0030]
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a white balance adjustment processing operation using the white balance adjustment auxiliary tool 40 of the present embodiment. The inside of the assisting tool main body 41 is painted white, and includes a cylinder 41A having a relatively large diameter and a cylinder 41B having a relatively small diameter. One end of the cylinder 41A has a bottom surface 41a whose inner surface forms a white area serving as a white balance reference, and a connection cable 42 is attached to the bottom surface 41a. The other end of the cylinder 41A is connected to one end of the cylinder 41B, and the other end of the cylinder 41B forms an opening (entrance) 41b. A pair of first sensors S1 are embedded in the bottom surface 41a of the cylindrical portion 41A, and a pair of second sensors S2 are embedded in the side surface of the cylindrical portion 41B. These sensors S1 and S2 are connected via a connection cable 42. To the microcomputer 28 of the processor unit 20. The inner diameter of the cylinder 41B is slightly larger than the diameter of the tip 11e of the insertion portion 11 of the electronic scope 10, and the tip 11e of the insertion portion 11 is inserted into the auxiliary tool main body 41 from the opening 41b during white balance adjustment.
[0031]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the entire white balance adjustment process according to the present embodiment.
[0032]
When the connector unit 14 of the electronic scope 10 is connected to the processor unit 20 and, for example, a predetermined key operation is performed on the keyboard 30, the white balance adjustment processing of FIG. 4 is started. Prior to the white balance adjustment processing, it is assumed that the power of the electronic endoscope apparatus has already been turned on, the light source Ls has been turned on, and the control of the processor unit 20 and the electronic scope 10 has also been started.
[0033]
In step S101, power is supplied to the magnetic field generating element M buried at the tip of the insertion section 11, a magnetic field is formed, and the white balance setting value recorded in the memory (ROM) 19 by the microcomputer 18 on the electronic scope 10 side. Is read and transferred to the microcomputer 28 of the processor unit 20. The white balance setting value is data based on, for example, the depth of focus of the imaging optical system of the electronic scope 10, and the distance between the bottom surface 41a optimal for white balance adjustment and the tip 11e of the electronic scope 10 (or the image sensor IS). For example, an appropriate distance for focusing).
[0034]
In step S102, it is determined whether or not the tip 11e of the electronic scope 10 has been inserted into the auxiliary tool main body 41, and step S102 is repeated until it is determined that the tip 11e has been inserted. The second sensor S2 is a magnetic sensor whose detectable range is limited to the substantially cylindrical portion 41B, and detects the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating element M only after the insertion portion 11 passes through the cylindrical portion 41B (for example, When it is determined that the number of times of passing through the cylindrical portion 41B is an odd number, it is determined that the insertion is performed). That is, in step S102, when any of the second sensors S2 detects the magnetic field of the magnetic field generating element M, it is determined that the tip 11e of the electronic scope 10 has been inserted into the auxiliary tool main body 41.
[0035]
In step S102, the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating element M is detected by the second sensor, and when it is determined that the electronic scope 10 has been inserted into the auxiliary tool main body 41, the bottom surface of the tip 11e of the electronic scope 10 is determined in step S103. Control for monitoring the distance from 41a is started. In step S104, it is determined whether or not the distance between the tip 11e of the electronic scope 10 and the bottom surface 41a of the assisting device body 41 is the proper distance (set value) recorded in the memory 19. That is, the first sensor S1 is a magnetic sensor, and detects the distance between the bottom surface 41a and the tip 11e of the electronic scope 10 by detecting the strength of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating element M. The determination in step S104 is repeated until it is determined that the distance is an appropriate distance.
[0036]
If it is determined in step S104 that the distance between the distal end 11e of the electronic scope 10 and the bottom surface 41a is at an appropriate distance, in step S105, a message notifying that the white balance adjustment process is being performed is sent to the monitor TV31, The worker is notified through the speaker SP. When displaying a message on the monitor TV 31, an image signal for spur imposition is generated by the on-screen display circuit 34.
[0037]
In step S106, a gain adjustment process (described later) is started in the microcomputer 18 and the DSP 16 of the electronic scope 10. Thereafter, in step S107, the monitoring control of the distance is stopped, and in step S108, the monitor display and the sound warning during the white balance processing are stopped, and the white balance adjustment processing of the present embodiment ends. When the white balance adjustment process is completed, for example, a normal photographing operation of the electronic scope 10 is started.
[0038]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a program of the gain adjustment processing executed by the electronic scope 10 in step S106. It is a flowchart of the program of a gain adjustment process.
[0039]
In step S201, an image of the bottom surface 41a of the auxiliary tool main body 41 is captured by the image sensor IS using the illumination light of the light guide L, and, for example, one frame of RGB image signals is integrated (or averaged) in the DSP 16, The value is notified to the microcomputer 18. In step S202, the integrated RGB output ratios are compared. In the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the output values of R and B are equal to the output value of G. If it is determined that either the value of R or B is not equal to the value of G, the gain of R, G, and B in the DSP 16 is adjusted in step S203. For example, when the ratio of the detected RGB signals is r _R : r _G : r _B , the gains of R, G, and B are respectively 1 / r _R times, 1 / r _G times, and the currently set values. It is set to 1 / _{r B} times. To keep the gain of the G signal constant, the gains of R and B are set to r _G / r _R times and r _G / r _B times. When the change of the gain of each signal is completed, in step S202, the RGB output ratios amplified by the changed respective gains are compared. Steps S202 and S203 are repeated until it is determined in step S202 that the output value of G is equal to the output values of R and B.
[0040]
If it is determined in step S202 that G = R and G = B (or R: G: B = 1: 1: 1), the process proceeds to step S204, and the adjusted RGB is stored in the memory 19 in the electronic scope 10. The gain value is stored. Thus, the white balance adjustment processing of the present embodiment ends.
[0041]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, the electronic tool is inserted into the white balance adjusting auxiliary tool, and the bottom of the auxiliary tool is photographed at a proper distance between the bottom of the auxiliary tool and the tip of the electronic scope. Since the white balance adjustment is automatically performed based on the image of (1), the white balance adjustment can be performed with high accuracy and in a simple manner. Further, in the present embodiment, since the second sensor for detecting that the tip of the electronic scope has been inserted into the auxiliary tool is provided, the tip of the electronic scope is connected to the first sensor from outside the auxiliary tool. Even if approaching, it is possible to prevent the gain adjustment from being started by mistake.
[0042]
Incidentally, a permanent magnet can be used as the magnetic field generating element. Further, the magnetic field generating element may be provided on the auxiliary tool main body, and the magnetic sensor may be provided on the insertion portion of the electronic scope.
[0043]
Next, a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first embodiment, the distance between the bottom surface of the white balance adjustment aid and the tip of the electronic scope is detected using a magnetic field generating element and a magnetic sensor. In the second embodiment, the distance is detected using an optical sensor. Detection is being performed. Hereinafter, only a configuration different from the first embodiment will be described.
[0044]
In the second embodiment, since the optical sensor is used, the magnetic field generating element M is not provided at the tip of the insertion portion 11 of the electronic scope 10, and the magnetic sensor S1 is not provided on the bottom surface 41a of the auxiliary tool main body 41. . In the second embodiment, the distance between the tip 11e of the electronic scope 10 and the bottom surface 41a of the cylindrical portion 41A is detected by using a plurality of detection units 50 each including a set of a light emitting element D and a light receiving element S1 '. As shown in FIG. 6, the detection units 50 are arranged on the side surface of the cylindrical portion 41A, for example, at a predetermined interval d along the axial direction.
[0045]
As shown in FIG. 7, the light emitted from the light emitting element D is reflected by the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41A or the insertion portion 11 inserted into the auxiliary tool main body 41 and detected by the light receiving sensor S1 '. . The light reflected by the insertion portion 11 of the electronic scope 10 has a shorter propagation distance than the light reflected by the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41A. The distance from the bottom surface 41a to the tip 11e of the insertion section 11 is detected.
[0046]
As described above, substantially the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained in the second embodiment.
[0047]
In the second embodiment, the light emitting element D and the light receiving element S1 'are arranged at positions facing the inner peripheral surface, and the distance from the light from the light emitting element D is cut off by the insertion portion 11 so as to reduce the distance. It may be detected.
[0048]
In the present embodiment, the single-chip simultaneous imaging system equipped with an on-chip color filter has been described as an example. However, the present invention can be applied to a frame sequential imaging system.
[0049]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, white balance adjustment can be easily performed at an appropriate distance for each electronic scope.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment to which the present invention has been applied.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a circuit configuration of the electronic endoscope apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a white balance adjustment processing operation using a white balance adjustment aid.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the entire white balance adjustment process.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a gain adjustment process.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a white balance adjustment processing operation using a white balance adjustment auxiliary tool according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged side cross-sectional view of the white balance adjustment auxiliary tool in a state where the electronic scope is inserted into the white balance adjustment auxiliary tool in the second embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference Signs List 10 Electronic scope 11 Insertion section 11e Insertion section tip 16 DSP
20 Processor unit 40 White balance adjustment auxiliary tool 41a White balance adjustment auxiliary tool bottom (white area)
50 detection unit D light emitting element IS imaging element S1 first sensor S1 'light receiving element

Claims (10)

An electronic endoscope device that is inserted into a lumen and captures an image of the lumen using an imaging element provided at a distal end of an insertion portion,
Gain adjustment means capable of adjusting the gain of an image signal for an image captured by the image sensor,
An auxiliary tool for white balance adjustment that is imaged by the image sensor and has a white area that is a reference for white balance adjustment,
Distance information detecting means for detecting distance information related to the distance between the white area and the image sensor,
White balance adjustment means for detecting that the white area is imaged at a predetermined distance based on the distance information, and controlling the gain adjustment means based on the image signal to perform white balance adjustment. An electronic endoscope device characterized by the above-mentioned. The assisting tool has a concave portion having the white area inside, and the distance information detecting means detects that a first sensor for detecting the distance information and the insertion portion are inserted into the concave portion. The electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second sensor that performs the operation. 2. The electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the distance information detecting unit includes a magnetic field generating unit and a magnetic detecting unit. 4. The electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 3, wherein one of the magnetic field generation unit and the magnetic detection unit is provided in the insertion unit, and the other is provided in the auxiliary tool. 5. The electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the distance information detecting unit includes a plurality of detecting units. The distance information detecting means further includes a light emitting means, and the detecting means is a light receiving sensor, and the distance information is obtained by detecting light emitted from the light emitting means in each of the light receiving sensors. The electronic endoscope device according to claim 5, wherein The assisting tool has a cup-shaped cylindrical portion, the white area corresponds to the inner bottom surface of the cylindrical portion, and a plurality of detection units, each of which includes the light emitting unit and the light receiving sensor, are included in the cylindrical portion. The electronic endoscope device according to claim 6, wherein the electronic endoscope device is arranged at predetermined intervals on the peripheral surface along the axial direction. The electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies that white balance adjustment is being performed while the white balance adjustment is being performed. The electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit configured to store information on a depth of focus as the predetermined distance. It is an auxiliary tool for white balance adjustment used in the electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary tool is provided between a white region of the auxiliary tool and an imaging element provided at a tip of an insertion portion of the electronic endoscope apparatus. An auxiliary tool for adjusting white balance, comprising a sensor for detecting distance information relating to a distance.

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