JP2004305760A - Electronic endoscopic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic endoscopic apparatus which electrically enlarges and displays one part of an image of an object without deteriorating resolution. <P>SOLUTION: An image converting circuit 17 is provided in a scope 10. When a CCD 12 in the scope 10 has more number of pixels than a color television type of effective number of pixels, resolution of the image of the object which is formed in the CCD 12 is converted by the image converting circuit 17, and the image of the object is displayed on a monitor 50 by the number of pixels in response to the monitor 50. When one part of an image of the object displayed on the monitor 50 is enlarged, one part of the image of the object formed in the CCD 12 is formed by the number of pixels in response to the monitor 50 and is displayed on the monitor 50 by the image converting circuit 17. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic endoscope apparatus that includes a video scope and a processor, and can display an image of a human body organ on a TV monitor. In particular, the present invention relates to an enlarged electronic endoscope apparatus capable of enlarging and displaying a specific portion of an observation image.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when an observation image formed on an image sensor is displayed on a monitor, and a particular part of the observation image is to be observed and observed, an enlarged electronic endoscope that can enlarge and display an image of the specific part is provided. Mirror devices are known. As the magnifying electronic endoscope apparatus, an optical magnifying electronic endoscope apparatus using a scope having a zoom mechanism is generally known, and a distance between an objective lens and a variable power lens in the scope is changed. As a result, a specific portion is enlarged and displayed on the monitor. In such an optically enlarged display, a specific portion of interest can be observed while maintaining high resolution.

  However, when an optically enlarged display is performed, the viewing angle becomes narrow and the depth of focus becomes shallow. Therefore, it is difficult to keep a particular part of interest in the field of view in response to movement of the organ itself such as camera shake or stomach by the operator. On the other hand, instead of optically enlarged display, an electronic endoscope device having an electric enlarged display function of enlarging and displaying a specific portion by image signal processing is also used. In the case of the electrically enlarged display, the specific portion can be stably captured in the field of view because the focal depth does not change. However, since a specific portion having a small number of pixels is enlarged and displayed by an interpolation process or the like, the resolution of the enlarged image is reduced. Therefore, it is difficult to accurately determine the condition of the affected part.

  On the other hand, recently, a so-called megapixel image sensor having more than one million pixels has been used in various fields such as a digital camera, and a high-quality image can be obtained. However, when displaying a moving image on a monitor, the number of pixels of an image sensor that can be used as a video follows the color television system of the monitor, and only about 410,000 pixels can be used as a video in the NTSC system.

  Therefore, the present invention provides an electronic endoscope apparatus and a system thereof that can electrically enlarge and display a specific portion of an observation image without lowering the resolution by effectively using pixels of an image sensor. The purpose is to:

  An electronic endoscope apparatus according to the present invention includes a scope having an image sensor, a processor to which the scope is detachably connected, and a display device connected to the processor and displaying a subject image. An electronic endoscope device is formed on the image sensor, and based on an all-pixel object image formed by all pixels of the image sensor, a display object image forming means for forming a display object image for display on the display device, Signal processing means for converting an image signal corresponding to the display subject image into a video signal and outputting the video signal to a display device. The display subject image forming means is a normal display for forming a normal display subject image which is a subject image in which the resolution of all pixel subject images is converted and has a smaller number of pixels than all pixels of the image sensor as a display subject image. It is characterized by having a subject image forming means. As a result, the subject image whose resolution has been converted is displayed on the display device. Further, when the display subject image forming means enlarges and displays a part of the normal display subject image displayed on the display device, the display subject image is a part of the all-pixel subject image, and is an image of the all-pixel subject image. An enlarged display subject image forming means for forming an enlarged display subject image constituted by pixels located in a partial area which is a part of the area is characterized. As a result, when the electric enlarged display processing is performed, a part of the subject image in the normal display is enlarged and displayed without performing the interpolation processing. Therefore, even if the display is switched from the normal display to the enlarged display, the subject image is enlarged and displayed without a decrease in resolution due to the interpolation processing.

  It is desirable that the number of pixels of the imaging element in the scope is larger than the number of effective pixels according to the color television system of the display device. In this case, the normal display subject image is constituted by the number of pixels equal to or less than the number of effective pixels. If an image sensor having a number of pixels equal to or more than the number of effective pixels is used, a normal display subject image is constituted by a number of pixels close to the number of effective pixels in normal display, and a number of pixels close to the number of effective pixels in enlarged display. Can form an enlarged display subject image, and a high-quality subject image can be obtained for both normal display and enlarged display. Preferably, the number of pixels forming the normal display subject image is substantially equal to the number of pixels in the partial region. The effective number of pixels is the number of usable pixels of the image sensor according to the display device. For example, in the case of the NTSC system, it is approximately 410,000 pixels.

  It is preferable that the electronic endoscope apparatus further includes a pixel number determining unit that determines whether the number of pixels of the imaging device in the scope is larger than the number of effective pixels according to the color television system of the display device. In this case, the display subject image forming means forms the normal display subject image and the enlarged display subject image when the number of pixels of the image sensor is larger than the effective pixel number. Only when a scope having an image sensor with an effective pixel number or more is connected to the processor, a scope having an image sensor with a small number of pixels is connected to display a subject image whose resolution has been converted in normal display on a display device. Then, the resolution is converted, and a subject image with inferior image quality is not displayed. Therefore, even if both a conventional scope having an image sensor having a small number of pixels and a scope having an image sensor having an effective pixel number or more, for example, a megapixel, a high-quality image can be obtained without lowering the resolution. .

  It is desirable that the normal display subject image forming means performs a thinning process as resolution conversion on all pixel subject images. By performing the thinning-out process on all the pixel object images having the number of effective pixels or more, a normal display object image having the number of effective pixels or less is formed.

  The electronic endoscope apparatus generates a character signal corresponding to the instruction mark such that an instruction mark for indicating a target portion of the normally displayed subject image displayed on the display device is displayed on the display device, and generates a video signal. It is also desirable to have an instruction mark generating means for outputting to the display device. In order to change the position indicated by the indication mark on the display device, for example, a movement key for moving the position of the indication mark is provided, and a keyboard for outputting position information on the movement of the indication mark is connected to the processor. . In this case, it is desirable that the electronic endoscope apparatus includes an instruction mark position adjusting unit that adjusts the output timing of the character signal according to the instruction mark so that the position of the instruction mark moves according to the operation on the movement key. . Further, it is desirable that the keyboard is provided with a switching key for performing switching from the normal display subject image to the enlarged display subject image, and in this case, the electronic endoscope apparatus responds to an operation on the switching key. It is desirable to have a display state switching means for switching from the normal display subject image to the enlarged display subject image. By providing such a keyboard, while the normally displayed subject image is displayed on the display device, the operator can indicate the location of the target portion of the subject image by the indication mark while moving the indication mark.

  Alternatively, a touch panel may be provided on the screen of the display device instead of the keyboard. The touch panel is connected to the processor, and sends position information on the screen of the display device corresponding to the position touched by the touch panel to the processor. Then, when the operator touches the touch panel in order to indicate a target portion of the normally displayed subject image, the indicated position of the display device corresponding to the touched position on the touch panel is sent to the processor. When a touch panel is provided, it is desirable that the electronic endoscope apparatus includes a display state switching unit that switches from a normally displayed subject image to an enlarged display subject image in response to an operator touching the touch panel.

  Preferably, when switching from the normal display subject image to the enlarged display subject image, a part of the normal display subject image is enlarged and displayed around the designated position. As a result, an image centering on the position indicated on the screen as the part to be noticed by the operator is obtained.

  In order to obtain an enlarged display subject image, the enlarged display subject image forming means obtains, for example, a designated position detecting means for detecting a designated position and a designated pixel at a position corresponding to the detected designated position in the all-pixel subject image. Pointing pixel selecting means. Then, an enlarged display subject image is formed around the designated pixel so that the number of pixels in the partial region becomes a predetermined number of pixels equal to or less than the number of effective pixels. In this case, the magnified display subject image forming unit includes a designated pixel position determining unit configured to determine whether a magnified display subject image can be formed with a predetermined number of pixels around the designated pixel, and an enlarged pixel centered around the designated pixel. It is desirable to have designated pixel conversion means for converting designated pixels so that an enlarged display subject image is formed with a predetermined number of pixels when a display subject image cannot be formed. As a result, an enlarged display subject image is always formed with the same number of pixels, and a part of the image is not displayed while being lost.

  It is desirable that the predetermined number of pixels is substantially the same as the number of pixels of the normal display subject image. Thereby, the normal display subject image and the enlarged display subject image are displayed on the display device in the same size image area.

  It is desirable that the display subject image forming means is provided in the scope. This eliminates the need to significantly change the circuit configuration of the processor. When the display object image forming unit is provided in the scope, the normal display object image forming unit may be, for example, a pixel that forms the normal display object image among all the pixels of the image sensor that forms the all-pixel object image. By reading out the generated image signal from the image sensor, a normally displayed subject image is formed. Further, the enlarged display subject image forming means reads out an image signal generated at a pixel in a partial area constituting the enlarged display subject image from among all pixels of the imaging device from the imaging device, thereby forming the enlarged display subject image. Form.

  When the number of pixels of the image sensor is smaller than the number of effective pixels, the display subject image generation unit sets the all-pixel subject image as a normal display subject image and enlarges and displays a part of the all-pixel subject image displayed on the display device. In this case, it is desirable to form an enlarged subject image in which pixels are interpolated by performing an interpolation process on all pixel subject images. Accordingly, when the number of pixels of the image sensor is small, the subject image is enlarged and displayed by performing the interpolation processing.

  Alternatively, the electronic endoscope device is connected to the processor instead of the keyboard or the touch panel, and sends position information on the movement of the indication mark to the processor to change the indication position of the display device indicated by the indication mark. It is desirable that the position information input device be provided in an operation section of the scope, to which an instrument for operating the scope is attached. This allows the operator to move the position of the instruction mark while holding the scope.

  It is desirable that the operation unit of the scope includes a switching device for switching from the normally displayed subject image to the enlarged display subject image. In this case, it is desirable that the electronic endoscope apparatus includes a display state switching unit that switches from the normal display subject image to the enlarged display subject image in response to an operation on the switching key. Thus, the operator can switch from the normal display to the enlarged display while holding the scope.

  The position information input device is preferably composed of a plurality of push buttons, and position information for changing the position of the indication mark is sent to the processor in accordance with an operation on the plurality of push buttons. In this case, it is desirable that the switching device is at least one of the plurality of push buttons. For example, the position information input device includes three push buttons.

  It is preferable that the operation portion has an end portion having a convex shape, and one of three push buttons is provided on one of two surfaces facing each other at the end portion. One first push button is arranged, and the other two second and third push buttons are arranged on the other second surface at the end, and the first push button is a second and third push button. It is desirable that they are substantially opposed. Regarding the arrangement of the three push buttons, the first, second, and third push buttons are respectively arranged such that the first and second push buttons can be operated with the forefinger and the middle finger while operating the first push button with the thumb of the operator. Desirably, they are arranged on the first and second surfaces.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to electrically enlarge and display a specific portion of an observation image without lowering the resolution.

  Hereinafter, an electronic endoscope apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the entire electronic endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display of a subject image.

  The electronic endoscope apparatus includes a scope 10, a processor 20, and a television monitor (display device) 50. The television monitor 50 is connected to the processor 20. The scope 10 can be detachably connected to the processor 20, and is connected to the processor 20 and inserted into an organ of a human body when performing an operation or an examination. The operation of the entire electronic endoscope apparatus is controlled by a CPU (central processing unit) 36 provided in a system control circuit 34 in the processor 20.

  Light emitted from a light source 29 such as a halogen lamp enters the incident end 13 a of the light guide 13 via the stop 30 and the condenser lens 31. The light guide 13 is a fiber bundle (light flux) for guiding the light emitted from the light source 29 from the connection end of the scope 10 to the distal end (distal end). The light that has entered the incident end 13 a of the light guide 13 exits from the exit end 13 b of the light guide 13 and exits from the distal end of the scope 10 via the light distribution lens 14. As a result, the observation site S is irradiated with light. The connection end of the scope 10 indicates the connection side of the scope 10 with the processor 20.

  When light is applied to the observation site S, the light reflected by the observation site S passes through the objective lens 11 in the scope 10. As a result, a subject image is formed on the CCD (image pickup device) 12. On the light receiving surface of the CCD 12 on which a subject image is formed, photodiodes (not shown) serving as photoelectric conversion elements and serving as pixels of the CCD 12 are arranged. In the present embodiment, a single-chip system is applied as an imaging system, and a one-chip complementary color filter described later is arranged on the photodiode. When a subject image is formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 12, an analog image signal (charge) corresponding to a color passing through a complementary color filter is generated for each pixel by photoelectric conversion.

  In FIG. 1, a CCD 12 provided in a scope 10 is a CCD having approximately 1.2 million pixels, and is a so-called megapixel CCD. Data relating to the characteristics of the scope 10 (such as the number of pixels of the CCD 12) is stored in advance in the EEPROM 15, and when the electronic scope 10 is connected to the processor 20, data relating to the characteristics of the electronic scope 10 is stored in the system control circuit. 34.

  In a normal display state in which a subject image is displayed as a moving image on the monitor 50, an image signal generated in the CCD 12 is processed as described below. In this embodiment, the NTSC system is applied as a color television system, and the resolution of the monitor 50 complies with the NTSC system.

  The CCD driver 16 is a circuit for driving the CCD 12, and a drive signal output from the CCD driver 16 is sent to the CCD 12 via the image conversion circuit 17. As will be described later, when the CCD 12 is a megapixel CCD, only image signals generated at approximately 300,000 pixels out of approximately 1.2 million pixels of the CCD 12 are read from the CCD 12. That is, by controlling the drive signal for the transfer path (not shown) for charge transfer in the CCD 12 so as to thin out the pixels as appropriate, the image signal corresponding to the subject image for one frame composed of about 300,000 pixels Is sent to the image conversion circuit 17. In the image conversion circuit 17, a drive signal is output to the CCD 12 according to a control signal sent from the system control circuit 34.

  An image signal corresponding to a subject image composed of about 300,000 pixels is read out from the CCD 12, input to the image conversion circuit 17, and then sent to the CCD process circuit 21 in the processor 20. In the present embodiment, since the NTSC system is applied, an image signal generated in the CCD 12 is read out every frame at 1/30 second intervals.

  The CCD process circuit 21 performs processing such as noise removal on the image signal read from the CCD 12. Further, the image signals read for one frame are converted into image signals corresponding to the three primary colors of red, blue, and green, and separated for each color. When the image signal corresponding to each color is sent to the A / D conversion circuit 22, it is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal. The digitized image signal is temporarily stored in the image memory 23.

  The digital image signal stored in the image memory 23 is read from the image memory 23 and sent to the D / A converter 25. In the D / A converter 25, the digital image signal is converted into an analog signal and sent to the video processing circuit 26. In the video process circuit 26, the analog image signal is converted into a video signal (video signal) such as an NTSC (composite video) signal, a Y / C separation signal, or an analog RGB component signal.

  A CRTC (CRT Controller) 24 outputs character information according to the character information and the pointer in order to display character information such as a patient's name and an indication mark such as a pointer on the monitor 50. Then, in the video process circuit 26, a character signal is interposed in the image signal output from the image memory 23. In the system control circuit 34, a control signal for generating a character signal is output to the CRTC 24, and the output timing of the character signal is adjusted so that character information and an instruction mark are displayed at predetermined positions. .

  The video signals generated by the video processing circuit 26 are sequentially output to the monitor 50 according to the NTSC system. As a result, the subject image (normally displayed subject image) is displayed as a moving image in the image area NA on the screen of the monitor 50 (see FIG. 2). As the subject image displayed at this time, about 300,000 pixels out of about 410,000 pixels, which is the number of pixels usable in the NTSC system, are used. In the following, approximately 410,000 usable pixels of the CCD 12 according to the color television system of the monitor are referred to as an effective pixel number, and in the case of the NTSC system, it is approximately 410,000 pixels.

  The system control circuit 34 includes a CPU 36, a ROM 37, and a RAM 38, and data read from the EEPROM 15 in the scope 10 is temporarily stored in the RAM 38. The image area NA where the subject image is displayed in the normal display is in accordance with the number of pixels of the CCD 12 in the connected scope 10. When the scope 10 is connected, data corresponding to the image area NA is stored in the position memory 35. Is done.

  On the keyboard 51 (input device), data such as patient information is input by an operator. In the normal display state, as shown in FIG. 2, the pointer P is displayed on the monitor 50 as needed, and the pointer P is moved to change the position (pointed position) on the screen pointed by the pointer P. Is performed on the keyboard 51.

  When a movement key 51E provided on the keyboard 51 is operated, a signal corresponding to the operated movement key 51E is sent to the system control circuit 34. The signal sent from the keyboard 51 has information on the position at which the pointer P is moved. Based on the position information of the pointer P, the control signal is sent to the system control so that the pointer P is displayed at the position intended by the operator. The signal is sent from the circuit 34 to the CRTC 24. Accordingly, the pointer P moves in a direction according to the operated movement key 51E. However, the pointer P moves in the vertical and horizontal directions on the screen. The function key 51F is a key for switching between a normal display state and an enlarged display state. When the function key 51F is operated in a state where the pointer P is displayed at a predetermined position, the function image of the subject image pointed by the pointer P is displayed. A partially enlarged subject image (enlarged display subject image) is displayed in the image area MA of the monitor 50 (see FIG. 2). At this time, in the CCD 12, based on the drive signal from the image conversion circuit 17, only the image signal generated in the pixels constituting the subject image displayed in the enlarged display state is read. When the function key 51F of the keyboard 51 is pressed again, the display is switched to the normal display state, and the subject image of the normal display is displayed on the monitor 50.

  Note that the movement of the position of the pointer P by operating the keyboard 51 is, as conventionally known, such that the pointer P always stays within the image area NA where the subject image is displayed (so as not to fall out of the frame). Moves. Therefore, the system control circuit 34 sets the pointer P based on the data of the image area NA stored in the position memory 35 corresponding to the connected scope 10 and the signal regarding the movement of the pointer P sent from the keyboard 51. Moving.

  The timing generator 28 outputs a clock pulse, a synchronization signal, and the like to the CCD driver 16, the CCD process circuit 21, the A / D conversion circuit 22, the image memory 23, the CRTC 24, the D / A converter 25, and the video process circuit 26. Is done. Thereby, the input / output timing of the image signal in each circuit is adjusted.

  Further, in the CCD process circuit 21, a luminance signal is generated from the image signal read from the CCD 12 and sent to the system control circuit 34 via the A / D converter 22. In the system control circuit 34, a control signal for controlling the aperture 30 is sent to the aperture control circuit 33 based on the sent luminance signal. When a drive signal for driving the motor 32 is sent from the aperture control circuit 33 to the motor 32, the motor 32 rotates and the aperture 30 opens and closes in conjunction with the rotation of the motor. The aperture 30 opens and closes so that the amount of light applied to the observation site S becomes appropriate.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating a part of the pixel array in the CCD 12. With reference to FIG. 3, a description will be given of a thinning process for displaying a subject image in the normal display on the monitor 50. Here, the number of pixels of the CCD 12 is set to about 1.2 million pixels, and the thinning process is performed to reduce the number of pixels to about 300,000 pixels, which is 1/4.

  The complementary color filter CC is a mosaic filter composed of four color filter elements of cyan Cy, magenta Mg, yellow Ye, and green G, and is configured by repeatedly arranging pixel blocks B in which each color is an element. You. The arrangement of the complementary color filters CC corresponds to the pixel arrangement on the CCD 12, that is, the arrangement of the photodiodes. In the present embodiment, an interline transfer method is applied as the charge transfer method, and a vertical transfer unit (not shown) is provided between the columns of the photodiodes in the vertical direction of the CCD 12. A horizontal transfer unit (not shown) for transferring the charges transferred to the vertical transfer unit is provided below the photodiode array. FIG. 3 shows a state where the arrangement of the complementary color filters CC is provided on the pixel arrangement.

  Since about 300,000 pixels are thinned out from about 1.2 million pixels, only one pixel is selected from the four pixels located at the positions of four adjacent filter elements of the same color, and only the electric charge accumulated in the pixel is determined. Transfer to vertical transfer path. Regarding the remaining three pixels that are not selected, the accumulated charges are not transferred. The process of extracting one pixel from among these four pixels is repeatedly executed for each element of the complementary color filter CC.

Assuming that each pixel of the pixel array shown in FIG. 3 is represented by P _ji and each pixel selected by the thinning process is represented by P ′ _ji , the pixel P ′ _ji is represented by the following four equations (1) to (4)) Is determined by any of the following equations. However, the subscript j (0 to 7), the pixel P _ji, 'indicates the vertical position of _ji, the subscript i (0 to 7), the pixel P _ji, P' P indicating the horizontal position of _ji.

_P'ji = _Pji (j <2, i <2) (1)

P ′ _ji = P _{j + 2, i} (j ≧ 2, i <2) (2)

P ′ _ji = P _{j, i + 2} (j <2, i ≧ 2) (3)

P ' _ji = P _{j + 2, i + 2} (j ≧ 2, i ≧ 2) (4)

For example, among the pixels P ₀₀ , P ₀₂ , P ₂₀ , and P ₂₂ located at the positions of four adjacent same-color filter elements cyan Cy ₁₁ , Cy ₁₂ , Cy ₂₁ , and Cy ₂₂ , a pixel corresponding to cyan Cy ₁₁ P ₀₀ is extracted as a pixel P ′ ₀₀ by equation (1). Similarly, among the pixels P ₅₄ , P ₅₆ , P ₇₄ , and P ₇₆ located at the positions of four adjacent filter elements, yellow Y ₃₃ , Ye ₃₄ , Ye ₄₃ , and Ye ₄₄ , according to yellow Ye ₃₃ pixel P ₅₄ (4) are extracted as the pixel P _'32 by formula.

  By performing such a thinning process on a subject image formed on the CCD 12, that is, a subject image composed of about 1.2 million total pixels (all pixel subject image), the number of pixels is reduced by about 30 to １ ／. A subject image is formed with 10,000 pixels and the resolution is converted. In the pixel array in the CCD 12, the number of pixels in the horizontal direction is M, the number of pixels in the vertical direction is N, and the number of pixels in the horizontal direction is m and the number of pixels in the vertical direction is n in the subject image whose resolution has been converted. m = M / 2 and n = N / 2.

  In FIG. 3, the number of pixels of the CCD 12 is set to about 1.2 million pixels as the megapixel CCD, and the number of pixels forming the subject image after the thinning processing is set to about 300,000 pixels. It is possible to form an image with the number of pixels equal to or less than the number of effective pixels for the electronic scope 10 having the same. When the number of pixels of the CCD 12 is U and the number of pixels constituting the subject image in normal display is D, an image composed of all pixels may be converted into an image having a reduction ratio of D / U times. At this time, the expressions (1) to (4) change depending on the reduction ratio and the arrangement of the filter elements of the complementary color filters. Note that the thinning process of an arbitrary multiple and an integer multiple is conventionally known.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an enlarged display process according to the present embodiment. The enlarged display processing will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the position indicated by the pointer P displayed on the monitor 50 is represented by coordinates on the screen, and the horizontal coordinate is X and the vertical coordinate is Y. Usually, the coordinates indicated by the tip of the arrow of the pointer P are the position coordinates of the pointer P, and the system control circuit 34 indicates the pointer P according to the position information of the pointer P to be moved sent from the movement key 51E. Detect the position.

  In the normal display, the subject image is displayed in the image area NA, and the pointer P is moved to a target portion of the subject image. When the operator operates the function key 51F when the position indicated by the pointer P is the coordinates (X0, Y0), the following processing is performed.

First, based on the coordinates (X0, Y0) indicated by the pointer P, a pixel P ′ _C corresponding to the position indicated by the pointer P is obtained in the subject image of normal display composed of about 300,000 pixels. .

By the way, the subject image of the normal display formed by the thinning process is based on the subject image (all pixel subject image) formed in the image forming area (image area) of the CCD 12 having a total of about 1.2 million pixels. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, in the thinning process, one of the pixel P _ji in the pixel array of CCD12 becomes the pixel P _'ji constituting the normal display subject image that is as resolution conversion. Thus, (1) by any of the formulas - (4), in the pixel arrangement of CCD 12, the pixel P _C (instruction pixels) is obtained which corresponds to the pixel P _'C. Here, as shown in FIG. 4, a region where the pixel in the CCD12 are arranged, i.e., a region in which a subject image is formed by the image forming area TI, the coordinates of the pixel P _C in the image forming area TI (K, H ).

To enlarge a portion of the subject image in the normal display around the indicated position of the pointer P on the screen to define a partial region PI around the pixel P _C. However, the partial area PI is a partial area in the image forming area TI. Then, an image composed of all the pixels located in the partial area PI is set as an enlarged display subject image (enlarged display subject image).

In the present embodiment, on the screen of the monitor 50, the size of the area NA in the normal display state is equal to the size of the area MA in the enlarged display. That is, the number of pixels of the subject image of the enlarged display is approximately 300,000 pixels, which is the same as the number of pixels of the subject image of the normal display. Therefore, in order to form an enlarged display subject image is determined partial area PI constituted by 300,000 pixels around the pixel P _C. At this time, the number of pixels in the partial area PI is m (= M / 2) in the horizontal direction and n (= N / 2) in the vertical direction.

  Then, as described above, an image signal generated in a pixel in the partial area PI is read out from the CCD 12, so that an enlarged subject image is displayed in the area MA of the monitor 50. Note that the enlargement ratio in the present embodiment is four times.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the position of the pixel Pc in the image forming area TI. The position of the pixel Pc will be described with reference to FIG.

As described above, the partial area PI, around the pixel P _C, there are n pixels in the horizontal direction of m, the vertical direction. That is, for the horizontal direction, that in a negative direction from the specified pixel P _C (left) and positive direction (right direction) is m / 2 pixels respectively, also with respect to the vertical direction, the pixel P _C , There must be n / 2 pixels in the negative direction (upward) and the positive direction (downward). Therefore, in the image forming area TI of CCD 12, when the position of the pixel P _C is near the periphery of the image forming area TI, constituting the enlarged display object image in the m × n number of pixels (predetermined number of pixels) I can't.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the position of the designated pixel P _C (K, H) is closer to the origin (0, 0) than the position of the coordinates (m / 2, n / 2), an area indicated by oblique lines Is out of the image forming area TI of the CCD 12, and it is impossible to form a magnified display subject image with m × n pixels.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when performing the enlargement processing, as described later, the image forming area TI of the CCD 12 is divided into nine areas, and the image area PI of the enlarged display subject image is determined according to each area.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the entire endoscope apparatus executed by the CPU 36 in the system control circuit 34.

  In step 101, when the power is turned on, the setting values for the aperture 30, the light source 29, and the like are set to initial values. In step 102, processing related to the scope 10 is performed. In step 103, for example, date display processing is performed. Such an operation of the entire endoscope apparatus is repeatedly performed until the power is turned off, and in each of steps 102 to 103, a subroutine is executed.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a subroutine of step 102 in FIG.

  In step 201, it is determined whether or not the scope 10 has been replaced. That is, it is determined whether the previously connected scope 10 has been removed and another scope 10 has been newly connected to the processor 20. If it is determined that the scope 10 is newly connected to the processor 20, the process proceeds to step 202. If it is determined that the scope 10 is not newly connected to the processor 20, the subroutine ends and the process returns to step 102. Note that, when the process proceeds to step 201 for the first time after the execution of step 101 in FIG. 6 (when the process proceeds to step 201 only after the power is turned on), the process proceeds to step 202. In step 202, it is determined whether or not the number of pixels of the CCD 12 is larger than the number of effective pixels based on the data on the number of pixels of the CCD 12 read from the EEPROM 15 of the scope 10 connected to the processor 20.

  If it is determined in step 202 that the number of pixels of the CCD 12 is larger than the number of effective pixels, the process proceeds to step 203, where a thinning process is performed. That is, an image signal corresponding to a normally displayed subject image composed of about 300,000 pixels is read from the CCD 12. Then, in step 204, the video signal generated based on the image signal is output from the video process circuit 26 to the monitor 50, whereby the normally displayed subject image is displayed on the monitor 50. When step 204 is executed, the subroutine ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 202 that the number of pixels of the CCD 12 is not larger than the number of effective pixels, the process proceeds to step 205. In step 205, since the number of pixels of the CCD 12 is equal to or less than the number of effective pixels, an image signal corresponding to a subject image composed of all the pixels of the CCD 12 is read from the CCD 12. In step 206, a video signal corresponding to the subject image composed of all the pixels of the CCD 12 that is equal to or less than the effective pixel number is output to the monitor 50, whereby the subject image in the normal display is displayed on the monitor 50.

  FIG. 8 is an interrupt routine showing the enlarged display processing. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an image forming area TI in the image sensor 12. When the function key 51F of the keyboard 51 is operated, an interrupt process is started.

  In step 301, it is determined whether or not an operation on the function keys 51F of the keyboard 51 is an operation for switching from normal display to enlarged display.

  If it is determined in step 301 that the operation is an operation for switching from the normal display to the enlarged display, the process proceeds to step 302. In step 302, it is determined whether or not the number of pixels of the CCD 12 in the scope 10 connected to the processor 20 is equal to or greater than the number of effective pixels.

If it is determined in step 302 that the number of pixels of the image sensor 12 is equal to or greater than the number of effective pixels, the process proceeds to step 303. In step 303, the coordinates (X0, Y0) of the position indicated by the pointer P on the screen of the monitor 50 are detected. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, on the basis of the coordinates (X0, Y0) of the indicated position, the pixel P _C (K, H) corresponding in the image forming area TI is determined.

In step 304, it is determined whether or not the following equation is satisfied for the coordinate K in the i direction among the pixels P _C (K, H). Here, m is the number of horizontal pixels forming the enlarged display subject image and the normal display subject image.

0 ≦ K <m / 2 (5)

As shown in FIG. 9, the image forming area TI of the CCD 12 is divided into nine areas UA1 to UA8 and CA. Pixel P _C is when located in the area CA defines a partial area PI as composed of m × n pixels around the specified pixel P _C. On the other hand, if the specified pixel P _C is positioned in the other region UA1～UA8, it instructs the pixel P _C is 'is converted _{and C,} the modified pixel P' modified pixel P located on the peripheral region CA around the _C, A partial area PI composed of m × n pixels is determined. (5) In the formula, the pixel P _C is, whether or not located in the region UA1, UA2, the UA3 are determined.

In step 304, (5) is satisfied, i.e., if it is determined that the pixel P _C is a region UA1, UA2, located either within the region of UA3, proceeds to step 305. In step 305, it is determined whether or not the following formula is satisfied for the coordinate H in the j direction among the pixels P _C (K, H).

0 ≦ H <n / 2 (6)

That is, the pixel P _C is, whether located within the region UA1 is determined.

If it is determined in step 305 that the expression (6) is satisfied, the process proceeds to step 307. Since the pixel P _C can not be defined partial area PI in the number of pixels of m × n If the position of the left, at step 307, the pixel Pc is pixel P positions (m / 2, n / 2 ) Converted to _{m / 2, n / 2} . When step 307 is executed, the process proceeds to step 320.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 305 that the expression (6) is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step 306. In step 306, it is determined whether or not the following expression is satisfied for the coordinate H in the j direction among the pixels P _C (K, H).

n / 2 ≦ H ≦ N−n / 2 (7)

That is, the pixel P _C whether located within the region UA2 is determined.

If it is determined in step 306 that the expression (7) is satisfied, the process proceeds to step 308. Since the pixel P _C can not be defined partial area PI in the number of pixels of m × n If the position of the left, at step 308, the pixel P _C is the pixel P in the position of (m / 2, H) Converted to _{m / 2, H.} That is, the pixel P _C is converted to a pixel located on the boundary of the region UA2 and area CA. On the other hand, in step 306, (7) is not satisfied, i.e., when the pixel P _C is determined to be located within the region UA3, proceeds to step 309. Since the pixel P _C can not be defined partial area PI in the number of pixels of m × n If the position of the left, at step 309, the position of the pixel P _C is (m / 2, N-n / 2) It is converted into a certain pixel _{Pm / 2, Nn / 2} . When Steps 308 and 309 are executed, the process proceeds to Step 321.

On the other hand, in step 304, (7) is not satisfied equation, i.e., when the pixel P _C is determined not to be located in any region UA1, UA2, UA3, the process proceeds to step 310. In step 310, it is determined whether or not the expression (8) is satisfied for the coordinate K in the i direction among the pixels P _C (K, H).

m / 2 ≦ K ≦ M−m / 2 (8)

That is, the pixel P _C is, whether located in any area UA4, UA5 and CA is determined.

If it is determined in step 310 that the expression (8) is satisfied, the process proceeds to step 311. In step 311, it is determined whether or not the expression (9) is satisfied for the coordinate H in the j direction among the pixels P _C (K, H).

0 ≦ H ≦ n / 2 (9)

That is, the pixel P _C is, whether located within the region UA4 is determined. If it is determined that the expression (9) is satisfied, the process moves to step 313. Since the pixel P _C can not be defined partial area PI in the number of pixels of m × n If the position of the left, at step 313, the pixel P _C is the pixel P at position (K, n / 2) _K , converted to _{n / 2} . That is, the pixel P _C is converted to a pixel located on the boundary line between the area CA and the region UA4. When step 313 is executed, the process moves to step 321. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 311 that the expression (9) is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step 312.

In step 312, it is determined whether or not the expression (10) is satisfied for the coordinate H in the j direction among the pixels P _C (K, H).

n / 2 ≦ H ≦ N−n / 2 (10)

That is, the pixel P _C is, whether located within the area CA is determined.

If it is determined in step 312 that the expression (10) is satisfied, the process proceeds to step 314. At step 314, without the pixel P _C is converted, as the pixel P _C (K, H) is determined in the center of the enlarged display object image. On the other hand, in step 312, it is determined that (10) is not satisfied, i.e., when the pixel P _C is determined to be located within the region UA5, the process proceeds to step 315. Since the pixel P _C can not be defined partial area PI in the number of pixels of m × n If the position of the left, at step 315, the pixel P _C is in the position of the (K, N-n / 2 ) It is converted to the pixel P _{K, Nn / 2} . That is, the pixel P _C is converted to a pixel located on the boundary line between the area CA and the region UA5. When steps 314 and 315 are executed, the process proceeds to step 321.

On the other hand, in step 310, (10) is not satisfied, that is, when the pixel P _C is determined to be located in any area of the region UA6, UA7, UA8, proceeds to step 316. In step 316, it is determined whether or not the expression (11) is satisfied for the coordinate H in the j direction among the pixels P _C (K, H).

0 ≦ H ≦ n / 2 (11)

That is, the pixel P _C is, whether located within the region UA6 is determined. If it is determined in step 316 that the expression (11) is satisfied, the process proceeds to step 318. In step 318, the converted pixel P _C is the pixel P _{Mm / 2, n / 2} in a position (Mm / 2, n / 2 ). When step 318 is executed, the process proceeds to step 321. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 316 that the expression (11) is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step 317.

In step 317, it is determined whether or not the expression (12) is satisfied for the coordinate H in the j direction among the pixels P _C (K, H).

n / 2 ≦ H ≦ N−n / 2 (12)

That is, the pixel P _C is, whether positioned in the region UA7 is determined.

If it is determined in step 317 that the expression (12) is satisfied, the process proceeds to step 319. In step 319, it is converted into the pixel P _{Mm / 2, H} at the position of the pixel P _C is (Mm / 2, H). That is, the pixel P _C is converted to a pixel located on the boundary line between the area CA and the region UA7. On the other hand, in step 317, (12) is not satisfied, that is, when the pixel P _C is determined to be located within the region UA8, the process proceeds to step 320. In step 320, the converted pixel P _C is the pixel P _{Mm / 2, Nn / 2} at the position of (Mm / 2, Nn / 2 ). When steps 319 and 320 are executed, the process proceeds to step 321.

In step 321, the image generated in the pixel in the pixel P _C defined in step 314, and a position centered portion area PI of the converted pixel determined in step 307～309,313,315,318～320 The signal is read from the CCD 12. Then, an enlarged subject image is displayed on the monitor 50 based on the read image signal. When step 321 is executed, this routine ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 302 that the number of pixels of the CCD 12 is not larger than the number of effective pixels, the process proceeds to step 322. In step 322, an image signal corresponding to all pixels of the CCD 12 is read out, and an interpolation process is performed in the image memory 23. Thereby, the subject image of the enlarged display subjected to the interpolation processing is displayed on the monitor 50. After execution of step 322, this routine ends.

  If it is determined in step 301 that the operation is not the operation for switching from the normal display to the enlarged display but the operation for switching from the enlarged display to the normal display, the process proceeds to step 323, and the subject image in the normal display is displayed on the monitor 50. When step 323 is executed, this routine ends.

  FIG. 10 is a subroutine of step 323.

  The execution of steps 351 to 355 is the same as the execution of steps 202 to 206 in FIG. That is, it is determined whether or not the number of pixels of the image sensor 12 is equal to or greater than the number of effective pixels. If the number of pixels is equal to or greater than the number of effective pixels, thinning processing is performed, and the subject image whose resolution has been converted is displayed on the monitor 50. Is done. On the other hand, if the number of pixels is equal to or less than the number of effective pixels, an image signal corresponding to all pixels is read from the image sensor 12 as it is, and a subject image is displayed on the monitor 50 without resolution conversion.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, in the normal display state, the subject image including the number of pixels equal to or less than the effective pixel number (about 300,000 pixels) is displayed on the monitor 50, and in the enlarged display state, A subject image constituted by pixels in a partial area PI in the image forming area TI of the CCD 12 is displayed on the monitor 50. Since there is no need to perform interpolation processing in the enlarged display processing, when the diseased part of the subject image in the normal display is enlarged and observed, an image in which the diseased part is enlarged without lowering the resolution is displayed. Can be accurately diagnosed. When the CCD 12 has megapixels, the subject image can be displayed on the monitor 50 with the number of pixels close to the number of effective pixels of the monitor 50 even in the normal display state.

  When the number of pixels of the CCD 12 in the scope 10 is equal to or less than the effective number of pixels, in a normal display state, a subject image constituted by all the pixels of the CCD 12 is displayed on the monitor 50 without converting the resolution. As a result, when the number of pixels of the CCD 12 is small, images of normal display and enlarged display are displayed as in the related art, and a subject image with significantly reduced resolution is not displayed in normal display. That is, in addition to a scope having a megapixel CCD, it is compatible with a conventional scope having a small number of pixels.

  Since the image conversion circuit 17 is provided in the scope 10, it is possible to manufacture the processor 20 corresponding to this scope without changing the circuit configuration of the conventional processor.

  In the present embodiment, in the normal display, a subject image composed of about 300,000 pixels is displayed, but if the number of pixels is equal to or less than the number of effective pixels, the number of other pixels, for example, approximately equal to the number of effective pixels, A subject image may be composed of 410,000 pixels. Similarly, in the enlarged display, the subject image is not limited to forming the subject image with about 300,000 pixels, and the subject image may be formed with the number of pixels equal to or less than the effective pixel number.

  In normal display, a subject image whose resolution has been converted is formed by thinning out a subject image formed of all pixels, but a resolution-converted subject image may be formed by other processing. In this case, the relational expression of the pixel between the subject image of the resolution conversion and the subject image formed on the CCD 12 instead of the formulas (1) to (4) is determined.

  In the first embodiment, only the image signals generated in the pixels forming the subject image in the normal display and the enlarged display are output from the CCD 12 to the image conversion circuit 17, but the image signals of all the pixels of the CCD 12 are read out. Alternatively, the image conversion circuit 17 may be configured to send only the image signal corresponding to the pixels constituting the subject image to the processor 20. Alternatively, the image conversion circuit 17 may be provided in the processor 20, for example, between the image memory 23 and the D / A converter 25.

  Next, an electronic endoscope apparatus and a system thereof according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, an enlarged display process is executed by an operator operating a touch panel arranged on the screen of the monitor 50. The rest is the same as the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals indicate the same components.

  On the screen of the monitor 50, a touch panel TP provided with colorless and transparent matrix electrodes is arranged, and an image of the observation site S is observed through the touch panel TP. The touch panel TP is a device that sends position information on the screen to the processor 20. When an operator touches the touch panel TP with a finger, a signal related to a position on the screen corresponding to the place touched by the finger is sent to an interface (not shown). ) Is input to the system control circuit 34. Then, the processor detects a position on the screen (designated position) corresponding to the place touched by the finger. However, here, an infrared method is applied as a method of detecting a designated place on the screen.

  As in the first embodiment, the position memory 35 stores the display area of the subject image according to the number of pixels of the CCD 12 in the scope 10 as data, and the position on the screen designated by the operator is stored in the position memory 35. It is determined whether it is within the display area (area NA in FIG. 2). When it is within the display area, an enlarged display process is performed as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, when the operator indicates a portion other than the display area with the finger, the enlarged display processing is not executed. When a predetermined location on the touch panel TP is touched by the operator while the subject image of the enlarged display is being displayed on the monitor 50, the display is switched from the enlarged display to the normal display.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, by operating the touch panel TP, the subject image in the normal display is switched to the subject image in the enlarged display.

  A third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the third embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the position of the pointer on the monitor is moved by operating an operation button provided on the scope. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  The scope 10 is provided with a first instruction mark push button 18A, a second instruction mark push button 18B, and a third instruction mark push button 18C, which are push buttons. The first to third instruction mark push buttons 18A to 18C are position information input devices for moving the position of the pointer P on the screen of the monitor 50, and move the pointer P vertically and horizontally on the screen. When the operator operates the first to third instruction mark push buttons 18A to 18C, information on the position to which the pointer P moves is sent to the system control circuit 34.

  In the system control circuit 34, a control signal is sent to the CRTC 24 based on signals sent from the first to third instruction mark push buttons 18A to 18C in order to change the position of the pointer P on the monitor 50. In the CRTC 24, the output timing of the character signal according to the pointer P is adjusted based on the transmitted control signal.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a part of the scope 10.

  As shown in FIG. 13, an operation unit 10 </ b> M provided with various operation tools operated by an operator is provided on the processor side of the scope 10. When performing a treatment, the operator operates the distal end of the scope 10 (see FIG. 13). (Not shown) is operated with the right hand. The operation unit 10M has an end 10K that is convex and has a “U” shape. While the operator holds the scope 10 for performing a treatment or the like, the first surface 10R1 of the two surface portions facing each other on both sides of the end portion 10K faces upward while the other second surface portion faces the second portion. Surface 10R2 faces downward.

  The first instruction mark push button 18A is provided at the end 10K on the second surface 10R2, and is arranged so as to be operated by the thumb of the operator. On the other hand, the second and third instruction mark push buttons 18B and 18C are arranged on the first surface 10R1 so as to be operated by the index finger and the middle finger of the operator. The first instruction mark push button 18A is disposed at the end 10K so as to face the second and third instruction mark push buttons 18B and 18C, and the operator pushes the first instruction mark push button with the left thumb. The second and third instruction mark push buttons 18B and 18C can be operated with the index and middle fingers of the left hand.

  FIG. 14 is an interrupt routine showing a pointer display position moving process for the first to third instruction mark push buttons 18A to 18C.

  The first instruction mark push button 18A is also used as a switch for switching from a state where the pointer P is not displayed to a state where the pointer P is displayed, and the first instruction mark button 18A when the pointer P is not displayed on the monitor 50. When 18A is operated, this interrupt routine is started.

  In step 401, a control signal is sent from the system control circuit 34 to the CRTC 24 so that the pointer P is displayed on the screen. Then, in step 402, it is determined whether or not the first and second instruction mark push buttons 18A and 18B have been simultaneously operated by the operator. However, in this embodiment, when the pointer P is moved rightward by one coordinate, the first and second instruction mark push buttons 18A and 18B are simultaneously pressed.

  If it is determined in step 402 that the first and second instruction mark push buttons 18A and 18B have been operated simultaneously, the process proceeds to step 403. In step 403, it is determined whether or not the pointer P is currently located in the area MA (see FIG. 2) in the normal display. If it is determined that the pointer P is located within the area MA, that is, not located on the right boundary line of the area MA, and that the pointer P can be moved to the right by one coordinate, the process proceeds to step 404, where the pointer P is set to 1 Moved to the right by the coordinates. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 403 that the pointer P is located on the right boundary line of the area MA, the pointer P is displayed in the area MA. .

  If it is determined in step 402 that the first and second instruction mark push buttons 18A and 18B are not operated simultaneously, the process proceeds to step 405. In step 405, it is determined whether the first and third instruction mark push buttons 18A and 18C have been operated simultaneously. However, in the present embodiment, when the pointer P is moved leftward by one coordinate, the first and third instruction mark push buttons 18A and 18C are simultaneously pressed.

  If it is determined in step 405 that the first and third instruction mark push buttons 18A and 18C have been simultaneously operated, the process proceeds to step 406. In step 406, it is determined whether or not the pointer P is currently located in the area MA. If it is determined that the pointer P is located within the area MA, that is, not located on the left boundary line of the area MA, and that the pointer P can be moved to the left by one coordinate, the process proceeds to step 407 and the pointer P1 coordinate Is moved only to the left. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 406 that the pointer P is located on the left boundary line of the area MA, the pointer P is displayed in the area MA. .

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 405 that the first and third instruction mark push buttons 18A and 18C are not operated at the same time, the process proceeds to step 408. In step 408, it is determined whether the second instruction mark push button 18B has been operated. However, the operation of the second instruction mark push button 18B is an operation for moving the pointer P downward by one coordinate.

  If it is determined in step 408 that the second instruction mark push button 18B has been operated, the process proceeds to step 409. In step 409, it is determined whether or not the pointer P is currently located in the area MA. If it is determined that the pointer P is located within the area MA, that is, not located on the lower boundary line of the area MA, and the pointer P can be moved downward by one coordinate, the process proceeds to step 410 and the pointer P Is moved downward by one coordinate. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 409 that the pointer P is located on the lower boundary line of the area MA, the pointer P is displayed in the area MA. Return.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 408 that the second instruction mark push button 18B has not been operated, the process proceeds to step 411. In step 411, it is determined whether the third instruction mark push button 18C has been operated. The operation of the third instruction mark push button 18C is an operation for moving the pointer P upward by one coordinate.

  If it is determined in step 411 that the third instruction mark push button 18C has been operated, the process proceeds to step 412. In step 412, it is determined whether or not the pointer P is currently located in the area MA. If it is determined that the pointer P is located within the area MA, that is, not located on the upper boundary line of the area MA and the pointer P can be moved upward by one coordinate, the process proceeds to step 413, where the pointer P is set to 1 Moved up by coordinates. On the other hand, if it is determined that the pointer P is located on the upper boundary line of the area MA, the pointer P is displayed in the area MA.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 411 that the third instruction mark push button 18C has not been operated, the process proceeds to step 414. In step 414, it is determined whether the second and third instruction mark push buttons 18B and 18C have been operated simultaneously. However, the simultaneous operation of the second and third instruction mark push buttons 18B and 18C is an operation for executing the enlarged display processing.

  If it is determined in step 414 that the second and third instruction mark push buttons 18B and 18C have been operated simultaneously, the process proceeds to step 415, where the position of the pointer P is obtained in the system control circuit 34. In step 416, the pointer P is erased from the screen to display the subject image in the enlarged display by the enlarged display processing. When step 416 is performed, the routine ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 414 that the second and third instruction mark push buttons 18B and 18C have not been operated simultaneously, the process returns to step 402.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the pointer P is moved in the area MA in the normal display by operating the first, second, and third instruction mark push buttons 18A, 18B, and 18C. Since the first to third instruction mark push buttons 18A to 18C are provided at the end 10K of the scope 10, the operator can move the pointer P to a desired position while holding the scope 10.

  When performing the enlarged display processing, the operator can switch from the normal display to the enlarged display while holding the scope 10 because the second and third instruction mark push buttons 18B and 18C may be pressed at the same time. .

  The arrangement of the push buttons may be other than that shown in FIG. 13, and the number of push buttons is not limited to three. The end 10K may have any shape as long as a plurality of push buttons can be arranged, and a plurality of buttons may be arranged at the end 10K so that the operator can operate the buttons while holding the scope 10.

  In the present embodiment, a push button is applied as a position input device for moving the pointer P. However, another position input device, for example, a joystick or a trackball may be provided at the end 10K of the scope 10. .

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a normal display and an enlarged display of an image displayed on a monitor. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a thinning process. It is the figure which showed the enlarged display processing. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an image forming area of a CCD. It is a main routine showing the operation of the entire electronic endoscope apparatus. It is a subroutine showing scope related processing. It is an interruption routine showing an enlarged display process. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an image forming area. This is a subroutine of step 323 in FIG. It is a block diagram of an electronic endoscope apparatus which is a 2nd embodiment. It is a block diagram of an electronic endoscope apparatus which is a 3rd embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation unit of a scope. It is a routine showing a pointer moving process.

Explanation of reference numerals

10 Scope 10M Operation unit 10K End 10R1 First surface (first surface)
10R2 Second surface (second surface)
12 CCD (Imaging device)
17 Image conversion circuit (display subject image forming means)
18A 1st instruction mark push button (1st push button)
18B 2nd instruction mark push button (2nd push button)
18C 3rd instruction mark push button (3rd push button)
20 processor 24 CRTC (instruction mark generation means)
26 Video Process Circuit 28 Timing Generator 34 System Control Circuit 36 CPU
50 TV monitor (display device)
51 keyboard 51E movement key 51F function key P pointer (instruction mark)
TI Image formation area (image area)
PI subregion TP touch panel P _C pixel (indicated pixel)

Claims (21)

An electronic endoscope apparatus including a scope having an imaging element, a processor to which the scope is detachably connected, and a display device connected to the processor and displaying a subject image.
A display subject image forming means for forming a display subject image for display on the display device based on an all-pixel subject image formed by all the pixels of the image sensor;
Signal processing means for converting an image signal corresponding to the display subject image into a video signal, and outputting the video signal to the display device;
A character signal corresponding to the instruction mark is generated and displayed together with a video signal so that an instruction mark for indicating a target portion of the normally displayed subject image displayed on the display device is displayed on the display device. Instruction mark generating means for outputting to the device;
A moving key that is connected to the processor and that moves the position of the indication mark to change the indication position of the display device pointed to by the indication mark; A keyboard to send to
Instruction mark position adjusting means for adjusting the output timing of a character signal according to the instruction mark, such that the position of the instruction mark moves in response to an operation on the movement key,
A switching key provided on the keyboard, for performing switching from the normal display subject image to the enlarged display subject image,
Display state switching means for switching from the normal display subject image to the enlarged display subject image in accordance with an operation on the switching key,
The display subject image forming means,
A normal display subject image forming means for forming, as the display subject image, a normal display subject image which is a subject image obtained by converting the resolution of the all-pixel subject image and has a smaller number of pixels than all pixels of the image sensor; When,
When enlarging and displaying a part of the normal display subject image displayed on the display device based on the normal display mapped image forming means, the display subject image is a part of the all-pixel subject image, An enlarged display subject image forming means for forming an enlarged display subject image constituted by pixels located in a partial area which is a part of an image area of the all-pixel subject image. . An electronic endoscope apparatus including a scope having an imaging element, a processor to which the scope is detachably connected, and a display device connected to the processor and displaying a subject image.
A display subject image forming means for forming a display subject image for display on the display device based on an all-pixel subject image formed by all the pixels of the image sensor;
Signal processing means for converting an image signal corresponding to the display subject image into a video signal, and outputting the video signal to the display device;
A touch panel connected to the processor and arranged on the screen of the display device, and sending position information on the screen corresponding to the touched position to the processor,
Display state switching means for switching from the normal display subject image to the enlarged display subject image in accordance with the touch on the touch panel,
A designated position of the display device corresponding to a position on the touch panel touched to designate a target portion of the normally displayed subject image is sent to the processor,
The display subject image forming means,
A normal display subject image forming means for forming, as the display subject image, a normal display subject image which is a subject image obtained by converting the resolution of the all-pixel subject image and has a smaller number of pixels than all pixels of the image sensor; When,
When enlarging and displaying a part of the normal display subject image displayed on the display device based on the normal display mapped image forming means, the display subject image is a part of the all-pixel subject image, An enlarged display subject image forming means for forming an enlarged display subject image constituted by pixels located in a partial area which is a part of an image area of the all-pixel subject image. .   3. The device according to claim 1, wherein when the normal display subject image is switched to the enlarged display subject image, a part of the normal display subject image is enlarged and displayed around the designated position. 4. Electronic endoscope device. The enlarged display subject image forming means,
Pointing position detecting means for detecting the pointing position,
In the all-pixel object image, designated pixel selecting means for finding an indicated pixel at a position corresponding to the detected designated position,
3. The enlarged display subject image is formed around the designated pixel such that the number of pixels in the partial area is a predetermined number of pixels that is equal to or less than the number of valid pixels. An electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 1. The enlarged display subject image forming means,
With respect to the designated pixel, designated pixel position determining means for determining whether or not it is possible to configure the enlarged display subject image with the predetermined number of pixels,
Indicating pixel conversion means for converting an indicated pixel such that the enlarged display object image is formed with the predetermined number of pixels when the enlarged display object image cannot be formed around the indicated pixel. The electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 4, wherein   The electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined number of pixels is substantially the same as the number of pixels forming the normal display subject image.   The number of pixels of the imaging device in the scope is larger than the number of effective pixels according to the color television system of the display device, and the normal display subject image is configured with a number of pixels equal to or less than the number of effective pixels. The electronic endoscope device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein   3. The normal display subject image forming unit forms the normal display subject image having the number of effective pixels or less by thinning-out processing on the all-pixel subject image. An electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 1.   3. The electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number of pixels forming the normal display subject image is substantially equal to the number of pixels in the partial area. It has an image sensor and is detachably attached to a processor to which a display device for displaying a subject image is connected,
A display subject image forming unit configured to form a display subject image to be displayed on the display device based on an all-pixel subject image formed by all the pixels of the image sensor;
The display subject image forming means,
A normal display subject image forming means for forming a normal display subject image, wherein the display subject image is a subject image in which the resolution of the all-pixel subject image is converted, and is configured with a smaller number of pixels than all pixels of the image sensor; ,
When enlarging and displaying a part of the normal display subject image displayed on the display device based on the normal display mapped image forming means, the display subject image is a part of the all-pixel subject image, An enlarged display subject image forming means for forming an enlarged display subject image constituted by pixels located in a partial area which is a part of an image area of the all-pixel subject image. Scope.   The normal display subject image forming means reads out, from the image sensor, an image signal generated in a pixel constituting the normal display subject image among all pixels of the image sensor constituting the all pixel subject image, The scope of the electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 10, wherein a normal display subject image is formed.   The enlarged display subject image forming means reads out, from the image sensor, an image signal generated at a pixel in the partial region constituting the enlarged display subject image among all the pixels of the image sensor, thereby obtaining the enlarged display subject. The scope according to claim 10, wherein the scope forms an image.   The display subject image forming means, when the number of pixels of the imaging device in the scope is larger than the number of effective pixels according to the color television system of the display device, the normal display subject image and the enlarged display subject image The scope of an electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the scope is formed.   When the number of pixels of the image sensor is smaller than the number of effective pixels, the display subject image forming unit sets the all-pixel subject image as a normal display subject image as it is, and sets one of the all-pixel subject images displayed on the display device. 14. The electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 13, wherein, when the portion is displayed in an enlarged manner, an enlarged display subject image in which pixels are interpolated is formed by performing an interpolation process on the all-pixel subject image. Scope. An electronic endoscope apparatus including a scope having an imaging element, a processor to which the scope is detachably connected, and a display device connected to the processor and displaying a subject image.
A display subject image forming means for forming a display subject image for display on the display device based on an all-pixel subject image formed by all the pixels of the image sensor;
Signal processing means for converting an image signal corresponding to the display subject image into a video signal, and outputting the video signal to the display device;
A character signal corresponding to the instruction mark is generated and displayed together with a video signal so that an instruction mark for indicating a target portion of the normally displayed subject image displayed on the display device is displayed on the display device. Instruction mark generating means for outputting to the device;
A position information input device that is connected to the processor and sends to the processor position information on the movement of the indication mark to change the indication position of the display device indicated by the indication mark;
Instruction mark position adjusting means for adjusting the output timing of a character signal corresponding to the instruction mark, so that the position of the instruction mark moves in response to an operation on the position information input device,
The display subject image forming means,
A normal display subject image forming means for forming, as the display subject image, a normal display subject image which is a subject image obtained by converting the resolution of the all-pixel subject image and has a smaller number of pixels than all pixels of the image sensor; When,
When enlarging and displaying a part of the normal display subject image displayed on the display device based on the normal display mapped image forming means, the display subject image is a part of the all-pixel subject image, An enlarged display subject image forming means for forming an enlarged display subject image constituted by pixels located in a partial area which is a part of the image area of the all-pixel subject image,
The electronic endoscope apparatus, wherein the position information input device is provided in an operation unit of the scope, to which an instrument for operating the scope is attached. A switching device that is provided in the operation unit of the scope and that performs switching from the normal display subject image to the enlarged display subject image,
The electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising: a display state switching unit configured to switch from the normal display subject image to the enlarged display subject image in response to an operation on the switching key.   The position information input device includes a plurality of push buttons, and position information for changing a position of the instruction mark is sent to the processor in accordance with an operation on the plurality of push buttons. Item 16. The electronic endoscope device according to item 15.   18. The electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the position information input device includes three push buttons.   A convex end portion is formed in the operation portion, and a first push button, which is one of the three push buttons, is provided on a first surface of one of two surfaces facing each other at the end portion. And the other two second and third push buttons are disposed on the other second surface at the end, and the first push button is substantially opposed to the second and third push buttons. The electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 18, wherein   The first, second, and third push buttons are respectively the first and second push buttons so that the first and second push buttons can be operated with the forefinger and the middle finger while operating the first push button with the thumb of the operator. 20. The electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the electronic endoscope apparatus is disposed on a surface of the electronic endoscope. The electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the switching device is at least one of the plurality of push buttons.

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