JP2004344363A - Electronic endoscope being adjustable in white balance - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a subject image from being displayed, which is based on white balance adjustment which does not correspond to a light source characteristic. <P>SOLUTION: The processor 20 of the electronic endoscope incorporates a lamp 24. A videoscope 10 incorporates an initial signal processing circuit 19 for performing a white balance adjustment processing. When the videoscope 10 is connected to the processor 20, only a part of the subject image is displayed in a monitor 52, so as not to advance an endoscope operation untill an operator performs the white balance adjustment processing by operating a white balance adjustment switch 70A. When the white balance adjustment processing is completed, the whole subject image is displayed in the monitor 52. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a video scope having an image sensor and an electronic endoscope apparatus including a processor to which the video scope is connected, and more particularly to white balance adjustment for appropriately reproducing the color of a subject image.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a conventional electronic endoscope apparatus, white balance adjustment is performed before observation in order to appropriately reproduce a color image of an observation site (for example, see Patent Document 1). Specifically, a white object (such as a white boat) is photographed through a video scope, and the ratio of R, G, and B of the R, G, and B image signals according to the primary colors is set to 1: 1: 1. The gain values of R and B are adjusted. The R and B gain values are set according to the color temperature of a light source such as a lamp, that is, the spectral distribution characteristics.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-6-142038 (FIGS. 11 to 16)
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the case of a lamp whose spectral distribution characteristic changes as it is used for a long time (a lamp that changes with time), the color reproducibility of an observed image is not appropriate if the R and B gain values set during the white balance adjustment performed previously are not used. . In addition, since the videoscope can be connected to processors of the same type that have the same observation region target or processors that have different observation region targets, the videoscope can be connected to the previous one after white balance adjustment and endoscopic work have been performed. When a video scope is newly connected to a processor having light sources having different characteristics, the color reproducibility of the subject image deteriorates because the R and B gain values do not correspond to the light sources. As a result, observation of the site is hindered, and adversely affects diagnosis, treatment, surgery, and the like.
[0005]
In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic endoscope apparatus or the like that can prevent a subject image from being displayed based on white balance adjustment that does not correspond to light source characteristics.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An electronic endoscope apparatus according to the present invention is an electronic endoscope apparatus including a video scope having an image sensor and a processor to which the video scope is connected, and is provided in the video scope and formed on the image sensor. Signal processing means for performing white balance adjustment processing on an image signal corresponding to the subject image. For example, the signal processing unit adjusts the R and B gain values so that the ratio of R, G, and B of the R, G, and B image signals corresponding to the primary colors is 1: 1: 1. Once the white balance adjustment is performed, gain control is performed on the image signal based on the set R and B gain values.
[0007]
Further, in the electronic endoscope apparatus of the present invention, when the video scope is connected to the processor, a white balance adjustment is executed when the video scope is connected to the processor. Work progress stopping means for preventing the endoscope work from proceeding until the operation is completed. After the white balance is adjusted, the subject image may be normally displayed as it is.
[0008]
Since the operator cannot proceed with the endoscope operation, white balance adjustment is necessarily performed before observing a site such as the stomach. This prevents the subject image from being displayed based on the white balance adjustment according to the spectral distribution characteristics of the different light sources, and ensures that the treatment, the operation, and the like are performed with the color of the subject image faithfully reproduced.
[0009]
In order to surely notify the operator of the necessity of white balance adjustment, it is preferable to change the setting of the display method of the subject image. For this reason, it is preferable that the work progress stop unit has a video display control unit that can switch between a mask display indicating the necessity of white balance adjustment and a normal display that entirely displays the subject image. For example, the video display control means displays only a part of the subject image so as to hinder observation on the screen. In addition, in order to notify the necessity of the white balance adjustment not only with the video but also with the text information, it is preferable that the video display control means displays the text information so as to prompt the start of the white balance adjustment.
[0010]
In order to automatically display the subject image automatically after the white balance is adjusted, it is preferable that the electronic endoscope apparatus further includes a white balance completion determining unit that determines whether the white balance adjustment is completed. In this case, the video display control means switches the subject image to the normal display when the white balance adjustment is completed.
[0011]
When a xenon lamp, a halogen lamp, a metal halide lamp, or the like is used as a light source for illuminating a subject, for example, there is a period (hereinafter, referred to as a preparation period) from when the lamp is turned on to when light is stably emitted. The length of the period differs for each lamp. Since the white balance adjustment is desirably performed after the preparation period, the electronic endoscope apparatus preferably further includes a light source type determination unit that determines the type of the light source based on the preparation period, The work progress stopping means does not advance the endoscope work until at least a preparation period corresponding to the type of the light source has passed. For example, when controlling the image display, the image display control unit does not substantially display the subject image until a preparation period according to the type of the light source has passed, and displays a part of the subject image after the preparation period has elapsed. Is good.
[0012]
The processor of the electronic endoscope apparatus according to the present invention is a processor of the electronic endoscope apparatus to which a video scope having an image sensor is connected, and a scope that determines whether the video scope is connected to the processor. A connection determination unit; and a work progress stop unit that, when the video scope is connected to the processor, does not progress the endoscope work until white balance adjustment is performed.
[0013]
The video display control device for an endoscope of the present invention is a video display control device in an electronic endoscope device including a video scope having an imaging element and a processor to which the video scope is connected, wherein the video scope is Scope connection determining means for determining whether or not the video scope is connected; and, when the video scope is connected to the processor, proceed with the endoscope operation until white balance adjustment is performed in the video scope. Work progress stopping means for preventing the work progress.
[0014]
An endoscope video display control method according to the present invention is a video display control method in an electronic endoscope apparatus including a video scope having an image sensor and a processor to which the video scope is connected, wherein the video scope is Determining whether the video scope is connected to the processor, and if the video scope is connected to the processor, does not proceed with the endoscope operation until white balance adjustment is performed in the video scope; When the adjustment is performed, the subject image is displayed on the screen as a whole.
[0015]
A program of the present invention is a program of image display control in an electronic endoscope apparatus including a video scope having an imaging element and a processor to which the video scope is connected, wherein the video scope is connected to the processor. Scope connection determining means for determining whether or not, when the video scope is connected to the processor, work progress stop means for not progressing the endoscope work until white balance adjustment is performed in the video scope, Is made to function.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an electronic endoscope apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0017]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the electronic endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment.
[0018]
The electronic endoscope apparatus includes a video scope 10 having a CCD 12, and a processor 20 for processing an image signal read from the CCD 12. The video scope 10 is detachably connected to the processor 20, and a keyboard 50 is connected to the processor 20 together with a monitor 52. The videoscope 10 is connected to the processor 20 when starting an operation, an examination or the like.
[0019]
When power is supplied to the lamp 24 from the lamp power supply 11 including the lamp control unit 11A by operating a lamp lighting switch (not shown), the lamp 24 is turned on. The light emitted from the lamp 24 is incident on the incident end 13a of the optical fiber bundle 13 provided in the video scope 10 via a condenser lens (not shown) and a stop 22. The optical fiber bundle 13 transmits the light emitted from the lamp 24 to the distal end side of the video scope 10 having the observation site, and the light passing through the optical fiber bundle 13 is emitted from the emission end 13b. Thereby, light is irradiated to the observation site.
[0020]
The light reflected by the observation site reaches the light receiving surface of the CCD 12 through an objective lens (not shown) and a color filter (not shown), whereby a subject image of the observation site is formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 12. . In the present embodiment, a single-plate type is applied as an imaging method, and a primary color filter (not shown) including red (R), green (G), and blue (B) color elements is provided on the light receiving surface of the CCD. ) Is arranged. In the CCD 12, an image signal of a subject image corresponding to a color passing through the color filter is generated by photoelectric conversion, and image signals for one frame or one field are sequentially read at predetermined time intervals. Here, the NTSC system is applied as a color television system, and image signals for one frame (one field) are sequentially read out at intervals of 1/30 (1/60) second and transmitted to the initial signal processing circuit 19. Can be
[0021]
The initial signal processing circuit 19 performs an amplification process on the read image signal and converts the analog signal into a digital signal. Then, various processes such as gain control and gamma correction relating to white balance are performed on the digital image signal, and a luminance signal Y and color difference signals Cb and Cr are generated. The luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cb, Cb are sent to the processor signal processing circuit 28 of the processor 20. The luminance signal Y is sent to the system control circuit 36 of the processor 20 for adjusting the light amount.
[0022]
The luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cb and Cr sent to the processor signal processing circuit 28 are converted into video signals such as NTSC signals and output to the monitor 52. Thereby, the subject image is displayed on the monitor 52 in real time.
[0023]
A system control circuit 36 including the CPU 26 controls the entire processor 20 and outputs a control signal to each circuit such as the timing control circuit 42. The ROM 27 in the system control circuit 36 stores a program related to the control of the processor 20. In the timing control circuit 42, a clock pulse for adjusting the signal processing timing is output to each circuit in the processor 20, and a synchronization signal added to the video signal is sent to the processor signal processing circuit 28.
[0024]
The stop 22 provided between the incident end 13a of the optical fiber bundle 13 and the condenser lens opens and closes to adjust the amount of light irradiated on the subject, and when a control signal is sent from the system control circuit 36 to the peripheral control circuit 35. A drive signal is output to the stop 22 to drive the stop 22 by a predetermined amount. As a result, the amount of light applied to the subject is adjusted.
[0025]
The video scope 10 includes a scope control unit 15 for controlling the entire video scope 10 and an EEPROM 14 in which data on characteristics of the video scope 10 is stored in advance. The scope control unit 15 sends a control signal to the initial signal processing circuit 19 and reads data from the EEPROM 14 as appropriate. While the video scope 10 is connected to the processor 20, data is mutually transmitted between the scope control unit 15 and the system control circuit 36, and data relating to white balance adjustment processing and data relating to the scope characteristics are transmitted to the system control of the processor 20. The data is sent to the circuit 36, and data for starting the execution of the white balance adjustment is sent to the scope control unit 15.
[0026]
The front panel 70 of the processor 20 is provided with a white balance adjustment switch 70A. When the white subject WW is arranged at the tip of the video scope 10 and the white balance adjustment switch 70A is operated, the white balance adjustment is performed. You. That is, in the initial signal processing circuit 19, the R and B gain values of the R, G and B signals are determined. After the white balance ends, a gain control process is performed on the image signal based on the set R and B gain values. Thus, a subject image with good color reproducibility is displayed on the monitor 52.
[0027]
When the keyboard 50 is operated, a signal corresponding to the operation is sent to the system control circuit 36, and a control signal is sent to a CRTC (CRT controller) 43 based on the signal. Then, a character signal corresponding to the key operation is sent from the CRTC 43 to the processor signal processing circuit 28, and is superimposed on the video signal. Thereby, the character information is displayed on the monitor 52 together with the subject image.
[0028]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a main routine of the processor 10. When the power of the processor 10 is turned on, a main routine is started.
[0029]
In step S101, parameters and the like are initialized. At this time, the value of the white balance data WB is set to 0. The white balance data WB is data for confirming whether or not the white balance adjustment has been performed. The white balance data WB is set to “1” when the white balance adjustment is performed, and is set to “0” when the white balance adjustment is not performed. Then, in step S102, various processes (normal processes) such as a process related to the keyboard 50 are performed. Step S102 is repeatedly performed until the power is turned off.
[0030]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an interrupt routine of a process related to the connection of the video scope 10, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display screen of the monitor 52. This interrupt routine performs processing by interrupting the main routine at predetermined time intervals. An image control process related to white balance adjustment will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0031]
In step S201, it is determined whether or not the video scope 10 is connected to the processor 20. If it is determined that the video scope 10 is not connected, the process proceeds to step S205. In step S205, the white balance data WB is set to 0, and the interrupt routine ends. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S201 that the video scope 10 is connected, the process proceeds to step S202. In step S202, it is determined whether the white balance data WB is 0. That is, it is determined whether the white balance adjustment has not been performed yet.
[0032]
If it is determined in step S202 that the white balance data WB is 0, that is, it is determined that the white balance adjustment has not been performed, the process proceeds to step S204. In step S204, mask processing is performed so that only a part of the subject image captured by the video scope 10 is displayed on the monitor 52 (see FIG. 4). That is, the CRTC 43 outputs a character signal corresponding to the mask display so that a part of the subject image is displayed in the region IR. At this time, a control signal is output from the system control circuit 36 to the CRTC 43 in order to display on the monitor 52 character information that prompts the operator to perform a white balance adjustment. The CRTC 43 outputs a corresponding character signal. As a result, the character information “White Balance Required” is displayed on the monitor 52 (see FIG. 4). When step S204 is executed, the interrupt routine ends.
[0033]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S202 that the white balance data WB is not 0, that is, if it is determined that the white balance adjustment has already been performed, the process proceeds to step S203. In step S203, a control signal is sent from the system control circuit 36 to the CRTC 43 to switch from the mask display to the normal display. Thus, the subject image is normally displayed on the entire screen of the monitor 52 (see FIG. 4). When step S203 is executed, the interrupt routine ends.
[0034]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a white balance adjustment processing routine. When the operator operates the white balance adjustment switch 70A, the routine starts.
[0035]
In step S301, a command for starting execution of white balance adjustment is transmitted to the video scope 10. Thus, in the initial signal processing circuit 19, white balance adjustment processing is performed on an image signal obtained by photographing the white subject WW, and R and B gain values are determined.
[0036]
In step S302, it is determined whether data notifying that the white balance adjustment processing has ended has been transmitted from the video scope 50 to the processor 10. If it is determined that the data indicating the end has been transmitted, the process proceeds to step S303. On the other hand, when it is determined that the data indicating the end has not been transmitted, step S302 is repeatedly performed.
[0037]
In step S303, the white balance data WB is set to 1 to end the white balance adjustment. When step S303 is executed, the white balance adjustment processing routine ends.
[0038]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the video scope 10 is connected to the processor 20, it is determined that the white balance has not been adjusted (WB = 0), and the white balance adjustment processing is performed by operating the white balance adjustment switch 70A. Until the execution, only a part of the subject image is displayed on the monitor 52 (S204). When the white balance adjustment is completed (WB = 1), the subject image is normally displayed on the entire monitor 52 (S203).
[0039]
As a result, the operator cannot proceed with the endoscope operation. However, at the time of white balance adjustment, it is necessary to arrange the white subject WW to a certain distance from the end of the video scope with a certain degree of accuracy, and the operator places the white subject WW at an appropriate position from the image of this partial area. , That is, whether the white balance adjustment processing is properly performed.
[0040]
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, the object image is not displayed on the monitor at all until the lamp emits light stably, and the period during which the object image is not normally displayed is changed according to the type of the lamp. . In this embodiment, any one of a xenon lamp, a halogen lamp, and a metal halide lamp is applied. Other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment.
[0041]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an interrupt routine of a process related to the connection of the video scope 10, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display screen of the monitor 52. This interrupt routine performs processing by interrupting the main routine at predetermined time intervals.
[0042]
The execution of steps S401 and S402 is the same as the execution of steps S201 and S202 in FIG. 3, respectively. That is, the connection of the video scope 10 is confirmed, and it is confirmed whether the white balance adjustment is completed. The execution of step 415 corresponds to the execution of step 205 in FIG.
[0043]
In step S404, it is determined whether or not the lamp 24 is a xenon lamp based on the data on the lamp type stored in the ROM 27 in advance. If it is determined that the lamp 24 is a xenon lamp, the process proceeds to step S405. In step S405, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time T from when the lamp switch is turned on exceeds the preparation period T1 corresponding to the xenon lamp. The preparation period T1 indicates a period until stable light is emitted with no variation in the wavelength distribution of light when the xenon lamp is turned on.
[0044]
If the elapsed time T does not exceed the period T1 in step S405, the process proceeds to step S407. In step S407, a control signal is sent from the system control circuit 36 to the CRTC 43 so that no subject image is displayed on the monitor 52 (see FIG. 7). When step S407 is executed, the interrupt routine ends. On the other hand, if the time T exceeds the period T1 in step S405, the process proceeds to step S407, and a mask display process for displaying a part of the subject image captured by the video scope 10 in the region IR is performed (see FIG. 7). .
[0045]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S404 that the lamp 24 is not a xenon lamp, the process proceeds to step S408, and it is determined whether the lamp 24 is a halogen lamp. If it is determined that the lamp 24 is a halogen lamp, the process proceeds to step S409, and it is determined whether the elapsed time T exceeds the preparation period T2 corresponding to the halogen lamp. If it is determined that the elapsed time T has not exceeded the preparation period T2, the process proceeds to step S411, and the subject image is completely hidden. On the other hand, when it is determined that the elapsed time T exceeds the preparation period T2, the process proceeds to step S410, and a mask process is performed.
[0046]
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S408 that the lamp 24 is not a halogen lamp, that is, a metal halide lamp, the process proceeds to step S412, and it is determined whether the elapsed time T exceeds the preparation period T3 corresponding to the metal halide lamp. You. If it is determined that the elapsed time T has not exceeded the preparation period T3, the process proceeds to step S414, and the subject image is completely hidden. On the other hand, if it is determined that the elapsed time T has exceeded the preparation period T3, the process proceeds to step S413, where a mask process is performed.
[0047]
When the white balance adjustment process is performed and it is determined in step S402 that the white balance data WB is 1, the process proceeds to step S403, and the subject image is displayed normally (see FIG. 4). The lengths of the preparation periods T1, T2, and T3 are larger in this order (T1 <T2 <T3).
[0048]
As described above, according to the second embodiment, no subject image is displayed on the monitor 52 during the preparation period according to the type of the lamp 24. Since the white subject WW cannot be observed on the monitor 52, the operator cannot execute the white balance adjustment during the preparation period. As a result, the white balance adjustment process is performed in a state where stable light is emitted from the lamp 24, and the color reproducibility of the subject image is further improved.
[0049]
In addition, the image is not limited to the mask display shown in FIG. 4 and displays an image in which it is possible to confirm the white subject WW, but it is difficult to observe the subject image and the endoscope operation cannot be performed. do it. Alternatively, the present invention is not limited to the image display, and a means for preventing the endoscope operation from proceeding (such as sounding a loud buzzer) may be applied.
[0050]
In the present embodiment, the video processor 10 is configured such that the light source unit and the signal processing unit are integrally formed. However, the video processor 10 may be configured such that the light source unit and the signal processing unit are unitized independently.
[0051]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a subject image from being displayed based on white balance adjustment that does not correspond to light source characteristics.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a main routine of a processor.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an interrupt routine of a process related to connection of a video scope.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display screen of a monitor.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a white balance adjustment processing routine.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an interrupt routine of a process related to connection of a video scope in the second embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a display screen of a monitor according to a second embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Video scope 12 CCD (imaging device)
14 EEPROM (scope memory)
19. Initial signal processing circuit (signal processing means)
20 Processor 24 Lamp (light source)
36 System control circuit

Claims (8)

An electronic endoscope apparatus including a video scope having an imaging element and a processor to which the video scope is connected,
A signal processing unit that is provided in the video scope and executes a white balance adjustment process on an image signal corresponding to a subject image formed on the imaging element.
Scope connection determining means for determining whether the video scope is connected to the processor,
When the video scope is connected to the processor, the electronic endoscope apparatus further includes a work progress stop unit that does not progress the endoscope work until white balance adjustment is performed. 2. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the work progress stopping means includes a video display control means capable of switching between a mask display indicating the necessity of white balance adjustment and a normal display for displaying the entire subject image. Endoscope device. The electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the video display control unit displays only a part of the subject image on a screen. Further comprising white balance completion determining means for determining whether the white balance adjustment has been completed,
3. The electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image display control unit normally displays a subject image when the white balance adjustment is completed. Light source type determining means for determining the type of the light source based on a preparation period from when the light source for illuminating the subject is turned on to when the light source stably emits light,
2. The electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the work progress stop unit does not advance the endoscope work until at least a preparation period corresponding to the type of the light source has passed. Light source type determining means for determining the type of the light source based on a preparation period from turning on a light source for illuminating a subject to stably emitting light,
Elapsed time determination means for determining whether or not the elapsed time since power is supplied to the light source exceeds the preparation period,
The image display control means does not substantially display the subject image until a preparation period according to the type of the light source has passed, and displays a part of the subject image after the preparation period has elapsed. 3. The electronic endoscope device according to 2. A video display control method in an electronic endoscope apparatus including a video scope having an image sensor and a processor to which the video scope is connected,
Determining whether the video scope is connected to the processor,
If the video scope is connected to the processor, do not proceed with the endoscope work until white balance adjustment is performed in the video scope,
An image display control method for an endoscope, wherein a subject image is entirely displayed on a screen when white balance adjustment is performed. A video display control program in an electronic endoscope apparatus including a video scope having an imaging device and a processor to which the video scope is connected,
Scope connection determining means for determining whether the video scope is connected to the processor,
When the video scope is connected to the processor, the program causes the computer to function as a work progress stop unit that does not advance the endoscope work until white balance adjustment is performed in the video scope.

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