JP2005065871A - Electronic endoscope apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic endoscope apparatus which can be used by selecting a function which an electronic endoscope etc. has with respect to the electronic endoscope apparatus for performing endoscope examination etc. by using the electronic endoscope or a camera provided with a solid-state imaging device. <P>SOLUTION: The electronic endoscope 2 with a built-in CCD 17 has a video signal processing part 18 for generating a standard video signal by using an FPGA 19 as a logical element, built in an operation part 12, and can be connected with an external apparatus casing part 5 through a signal cable 4. The apparatus casing part 5 is provided with a configuration data storage ROM part 25 storing a plurality of pieces of configuration data equivalent to a plurality of functions constructed in the case of giving to FPGA 19 by selecting operation by a selection switch 24A. Thus, the apparatus copes with different uses etc. by using a common electronic endoscope 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic endoscope apparatus that performs an endoscopic inspection or the like using an electronic endoscope provided with a solid-state imaging device or a camera head.

In recent medical treatments, medical practices such as diagnosis and treatment in a body cavity using an endoscope are frequently used. In recent years, electronic endoscope apparatuses that convert a subject image into an electrical signal by a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD and enable observation on a monitor are becoming widespread.
Many functions are required for the electronic endoscope apparatus. For example, signal generation circuits for supporting many solid-state imaging devices, image processing according to user preferences, remote control of a plurality of peripheral devices connected to the endoscope apparatus, and the like.

  Therefore, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-277005, in order to support a plurality of types of electronic endoscopes, circuit data unique to the electronic endoscope to be connected is recorded on the electronic endoscope side, and based on the circuit data. An apparatus having signal processing means constituting a dedicated processing circuit corresponding to each of the plurality of circuit systems is disclosed.

Conventionally, a circuit for realizing these functions and a circuit for processing a video signal of an electronic endoscope have been mounted in a casing (CCU, camera control unit) of an electronic endoscope apparatus called a video processor. However, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-104245, by utilizing a video processing dedicated DSP, video signal processing is performed in an electronic endoscope to generate a standard video signal, and the electronic endoscope and a medical FMD (Face Mounted). An apparatus is disclosed in which a display) is connected by a video cable and an endoscopic image is observed by a medical FMD.
JP-A-5-277065 JP 2001-104245 A

  However, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-277005, there is one circuit data recorded in the circuit data recording means, so that a dedicated processing circuit is configured based on the data, and the function of the electronic endoscope is also the data. There was a problem that was fixed to the function based on.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-104245 discloses an endoscopic image displayed on a medical FMD, but is not displayed on an endoscopic monitor, so that a plurality of humans cannot see the same endoscopic image. In addition to outputting electronic endoscopic images to a monitor, there is a problem that a video signal cannot be output to a connected device such as a VCR or a video printer.

(Object of invention)
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic endoscope apparatus that can be used by selecting a function of an electronic endoscope or the like and can be used for a wide range of applications.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an electronic endoscope apparatus that has a plurality of video outputs and can output a video to a plurality of external video devices even in an electronic endoscope or camera head having a standard video output.

An electronic endoscope or camera head with a logic element that can change the function built by programming,
An external device to which the electronic endoscope or camera head is connected;
Data storage means for storing a plurality of configuration data defining functions constructed by the logic elements in the external device;
Switching means for enabling the logic element to switch and use the configuration data;
With this, it is possible to select and use a function of an electronic endoscope or the like so that it can be used in a wide range of applications.
Further, the external device is provided with output means for distributing and outputting the standard video signal in a plurality of ways so that video can be output to a plurality of external video devices.

According to the present invention, an electronic endoscope or camera head having a logic element capable of changing a function constructed by programming,
An external device to which the electronic endoscope or camera head is connected;
Data storage means for storing a plurality of configuration data defining functions constructed by the logic elements in the external device;
Switching means for enabling the logic element to switch and use the configuration data;
Therefore, it is possible to select and use a function of an electronic endoscope or the like, and to deal with a wide range of uses.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  1 to 7 relate to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration of an electronic endoscope apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a video signal generator provided inside the electronic endoscope. FIG. 3 shows a configuration related to function selection in the apparatus casing to which the camera cable of the electronic endoscope is connected, FIG. 4 shows a configuration of the video output distribution section in the apparatus casing, and FIG. Fig. 6 shows the configuration of a flex-rigid board that forms a video signal generator provided inside the electronic endoscope, and Fig. 6 shows the switch and video signal generation when the electronic endoscope is assigned functions suitable for surgery. FIG. 7 shows the main components of the switch and the video signal generator when the electronic endoscope is assigned functions suitable for the otolaryngology field.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an electronic endoscope apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment incorporates an imaging unit, and an electronic endoscope 2 (or an optical endoscope) for performing endoscopy or endoscopic diagnosis. And a light source device 3 for supplying illumination light to the electronic endoscope 2 and a signal cable 4 of the electronic endoscope 2 are detachably connected. , Having a function selection function and a video output distribution function, and a device housing portion 5 for outputting in a plurality of video systems, and detachably connected to the device housing portion 5 to display an endoscopic image (endoscope) For example, a video cassette recorder (abbreviated as VCR) 7 for recording a video signal, and a video printer 8 for printing an endoscopic image when the video signal is inputted.

  The electronic endoscope 2 includes an elongated insertion portion 11 to be inserted into a body cavity or the like, and an operation portion (gripping portion) 12 provided at the rear end of the insertion portion 11. The light guide cable 13 and the signal cable 4 are extended from the operation unit 12, and the light guide connector at the end of the light guide cable 13 is detachably connected to the light source device 3, and is provided at the end of the signal cable 4. The signal connector 9 is detachably connected to the signal connector receiver of the apparatus housing 5.

  A lamp (not shown) is housed in the light source device 3, and light generated by the lamp is transmitted by a light guide 15 inserted through the light guide cable 13 and the insertion portion 11 of the electronic endoscope 2. The distal end of the light guide 15 is fixed to the illumination window at the distal end of the insertion portion 11, and the light transmitted from the distal end surface of the light guide 15 is emitted to illuminate the affected part in the body cavity.

  An observation window (imaging window) provided adjacent to the illumination window is provided at the distal end portion of the insertion portion 11, and an objective lens 16 is attached to the observation window, and a solid-state imaging device is provided at the imaging position. For example, a complementary color single plate type charge coupled device (abbreviated as CCD) 17 is arranged to photoelectrically convert the formed optical image.

The CCD 17 is connected to a video signal processing unit 18 provided inside the operation unit 12 through a signal line inserted through the insertion unit 11. The video signal processing unit 18 includes a drive system that drives the CCD 17 and a signal processing system that performs signal processing on an imaging signal output from the CCD 17 and generates a standard video signal.
As will be described later with reference to FIG. 2, the video signal processing unit 18 is a field programmable gate array (hereinafter abbreviated as FPGA) as a logic element capable of changing (or reprogramming) a function constructed by programming. ) 19 is used to form a signal processing system that selectively has a plurality of functions.

The video signal processing unit 18 is electrically connected to the apparatus housing unit 5 as an external device outside the electronic endoscope 2 via the signal cable 4. The video signal processing unit 18 is connected to a plurality of switches that can be operated from the outer surface of the operation unit 12, for example, a switch unit 21 including, for example, three switches 21A, 21B, and 21C. In the drawing, SW1 21A, SW2 21B, and SW3 21C are shown for easier understanding.
These switches 21A, 21B, and 21C are function instruction switches for executing assigned functions.

  Then, as will be described later, the device casing unit 5 connected to the electronic endoscope 2 is configured so that the function assigned to the switches 21A to 21C can be selected and set so that the electronic endoscope 2 is actually used. Depending on the field and application (for example, surgery and otolaryngology), functions that are easier to use are assigned to ensure good operability and perform endoscopy. That is, even when different functions are required depending on the application, etc., the data for constructing the function corresponding to the application is given to the FPGA 19 of the common electronic endoscope 2 and the function assigned to the switches 21A to 21C is also used. A function suitable for each is assigned so that it can be used for a wide range of purposes.

  The device casing 5 to which the electronic endoscope 2 is connected via the signal cable 4 is a selection (or switching) means for selecting (or switching), for example, the front panel 23 in the box-shaped casing 22. A plurality of, for example, three selection switches (changeover switches) 24A, 24B, and 24C are provided.

  In this case, the selection switch 24A is a configuration data storage ROM unit (CF data in FIG. 1) that determines a function that can be programmed by the FPGA 19 as a logic element constituting the video signal processing unit 18 of the electronic endoscope 2. One ROM (I) 25J (I = 1, 2, 3) in a plurality of ROM (1) 25A, ROM (2) 25B, ROM (3) 25C (see FIG. 3) constituting the storage ROM section 25) J = A, B, C).

  The selection switch 24B is a switch for selecting the brightness of the brightness setting unit 26, and the selection switch 24C is a switch for selecting an exposure area in the exposure detection area setting unit (abbreviated as an exposure area setting unit) 27.

  In addition, in the apparatus housing unit 5, an image having a function of distributing one standard video signal input via the signal cable 4 to a plurality of standard video signals and a function of converting to a different standard video system An output distribution & conversion unit 28 is included. The video output distribution & conversion unit 28 is connected to Y / C output terminals 30A and 30B and an NTSC output terminal 30C provided on, for example, the rear panel 29 of the apparatus housing unit 5 via signal lines, and these Y / C outputs. By connecting a monitor 6, a VCR 7, a video printer 8, and the like to the terminals 30A and 30B and the NTSC output terminal 30C, video output signals can be output to respective peripheral devices.

FIG. 2 shows a circuit configuration of the video signal processing unit 18 provided in the operation unit 12 of the electronic endoscope 2.
The video signal processing unit 18 is provided with a variable crystal oscillator (hereinafter abbreviated as VCXO) 31, a DSP 32, a CPU 33, a FIFO memory (first-in first-out memory) 34, an FPGA 19 as a reprogrammable logic element, and the like. A reference clock signal for operating the is generated.

  The DSP 32 includes an input line memory unit 32A for storing input signals in a line, a color signal processing unit 32B for processing color signals, a luminance signal processing unit 32C for processing luminance signals, and an electronic zoom processing unit for performing electronic zoom processing. 32D, a DSP including a synchronization signal generation circuit (TG / SSG) unit 32E that generates various timing signals, a CPU interface unit 32F that communicates with the CPU 33, and an encode & D / A converter unit 32G that performs encoding and D / A conversion. .

The second DSP 35 that outputs a signal to the input line memory unit 32A includes a CDS unit 35A that performs correlated double sampling, an AGC unit 35B that automatically amplifies with an appropriate gain, and an A / D that performs A / D conversion. It is a DSP comprising a converter unit 35C.
The CPU 33 changes and sets the setting parameters for determining the operation of each function block of the system control unit 33A for controlling the entire system, the white balance processing unit (simply abbreviated as W / B in FIG. 2) 33B for performing white balance processing, and the DSP 32. The CPU 33 performs serial communication A1 with the DSP 32, and appropriately changes the design parameters to execute the functions of the DSP 32.

  The main program 36A of the CPU 33 and the initial value data 36B of the setting parameters of the DSP 32 are stored in the EEPROM 36 as an electrically rewritable non-volatile memory that performs serial communication A2 with the CPU 33. The main program 36A and initial value data 36B are read into the CPU 33 when the power is turned on.

  Further, the FPGA 19 as a logic element capable of programming the function constructed by the configuration data described above rotates the video signal from the SW 32 for assigning the switch function to the switch part 21 and the video signal from, for example, the PSD 32 by 180 °. Generates a 180 ° rotation processing unit 19B to be processed, a video mirror processing unit 19C that converts the video signal from the PSD 32 to a video signal reflected by a mirror, and a memory control signal that controls the FIFO memory 34 to provide a freeze function The memory control signal generating unit 19D that performs the remote control and the remote signal generating unit 19E that generates the remote signal for remotely controlling the external video equipment such as the video printer 8 can be formed.

  The SSG / TG section 32E of the DSP 32 uses the reference clock signal 31a from the VCXO 31 to generate a drive signal 32h for driving the CCD 17, and drives the CCD 17 by this CCD drive signal 32h. The CCD 17 is driven by the VSG driven by the SSG / TG section 32E. It is also driven by a drive signal generated by the driver 10.

  The image pickup signal 17a from the CCD 17 is subjected to correlated double sampling in the CDS section 35A of the DSP 35, and after gain adjustment is performed in the AGC (auto gain control) section 35B, A / D conversion is performed in the A / D conversion section 35C. For example, it becomes a 10-bit digital video signal 35d, and this 10-bit digital video signal 35d is input to the input line memory unit 32A in the DSP 32.

From the digital video signal 35d input to the input line memory unit 32A, the input line memory unit 32A extracts the number of horizontal effective pixels of the digital video signal 35d, the color signal is sent to the color signal processing unit 32B, and the luminance signal is the luminance signal. The data is input to the processing unit 32C.
The color signal is determined by the color signal processing unit 32B at the complementary color clip level, then three primary colors (R, G, B) are created by the internal RGB matrix, γ correction processing is performed, and input to the electronic zoom processing unit 32D. The electronic zoom process is performed.

The luminance signal is subjected to enhancement processing by the luminance signal processing unit 32C, then subjected to γ correction processing, and input to the electronic zoom processing unit 32D, where electronic zoom processing is performed. The electronic zoom processing unit 32D performs an electronic zoom process of 1 to 256 times.
The color signal 32 i and the luminance signal 32 j that have been subjected to the electronic zoom processing are input to the FPGA 19.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, when the video 180 ° rotation processing unit 19B is formed, the video 180 ° rotation processing unit 19B is input, and the color signal 32i and the luminance signal 32j are 180 °. A rotated color signal 19f and a luminance signal 19g are generated. Then, the color signal 19f and the luminance signal 19g are returned to the encode & D / A conversion unit 32G, and are encoded and D / A converted to generate an analog color signal C and an analog luminance signal Y.

  Alternatively, when the video mirror processing unit 19C is formed by the FPGA 19, the video mirror processing unit 19C generates a color signal and a luminance signal in which the endoscopic image is mirrored with respect to the Y-axis direction at the center of the screen. . Then, the color signal and the luminance signal are returned to the encode & D / A conversion unit 32G, and are encoded and D / A converted to generate the analog color signal C and the analog luminance signal Y.

  When the function of freezing the endoscope screen is assigned, the color signal 32i and the luminance signal 32j are input to the FIFO memory 34 as shown in FIG. The FIFO memory 34 is controlled by the memory control signal 19h from the memory control signal generation unit 19D in the FPGA 19, and takes in the color signal 32i and the luminance signal 32j into the memory element in the FIFO memory 34.

  The captured same color signal 32i and luminance signal 32j are continuously returned to the encode & D / A converter 32G of the DSP 32. Then, the analog color signal C and the analog luminance signal Y are generated by encoding and D / A conversion by the encode & D / A conversion unit 32G, and the screen on the monitor 6 is an endoscope imaged by the CCD 17 of the electronic endoscope 2. The mirror image is frozen and displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the analog color signal C and the analog luminance signal Y output from the encoder & D / A conversion unit 32G are gained up by the 75Ω driver 38 and then passed to the device housing unit 5 via the signal cable 4. Entered.

As shown in FIG. 7, when a remote signal generator 19E for remotely controlling an externally connected device such as an external video device is formed in the FPGA 19 in the electronic endoscope 2, the remote signal generator 19E The remote signal 41a generated in the above is transmitted through the signal cable 4 and remotely controls the VCR 7 and the video printer 8 connected to the apparatus housing unit 5.
As described above, the switch unit 21 including the three switches 21A, 21B, and 21C is provided on the surface of the operation unit 12 of the electronic endoscope 2, and the functions of the electronic endoscope 2 are executed, the VCR 7 and the like Used when the video printer 8 is remotely controlled.

Switch signals 42a, 42b, and 42c by the respective operations of the switches 21A, 21B, and 21C are input to the switch function assigning unit 19A in the FPGA 19.
In a typical function assignment state, when the external device is remoted, to the remote signal generator 19E, and when the screen is frozen, to the memory control signal generator 19D for controlling the FIFO memory 34. When changing DSP parameter settings such as enhancement and electronic zoom, a switch signal 42k (k = a, etc.) is transmitted to the CPU 33 as the communication signal 43 communicated between the FPGA 19 and the CPU 33. This operation differs depending on the function assigned to the switch unit 21.

The configuration data of the FPGA 19 is acquired from the configuration data storage ROM unit 25 shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the configuration data storage ROM section 25 includes three configuration data storage ROM (1) 25A, ROM (2) 25B, and ROM (3) 25C, and is provided on the front panel 23 (configuration (For data storage ROM) By selecting the selection switch 24A, one of the switches S1, S2 and S3 schematically shown is turned on, and the configuration data storage ROM (1) 25A, ROM (2) 25B, ROM (3) One of the 25Cs is selected, and desired configuration data stored in the one can be read out.

  A plurality of configuration data to be used for the FPGA 19 is prepared because necessary functions change depending on the use of the electronic endoscope apparatus 1. The configuration data to be arranged in the FPGA 19 can be changed to be programmable by the FPGA 19. The circuit function to be constructed can be changed and set, and the function that can be realized by the electronic endoscope apparatus 1 can be changed according to the application.

  In this way, by making it possible to change and set the configuration data arranged in the FPGA 19, the functions of the same electronic endoscope 2 can be changed and set, and the same electronic endoscope 2 can be used even when the usage is different. Can be used for a wide range of applications without the need to use a dedicated electronic endoscope according to the application, and it can be operated without replacement. The sex etc. are improved.

  For example, if the electronic endoscope apparatus 1 is used for a surgical operation, the switch 23A has a white balance acquisition function, the switch 23B has an endoscope image enhancement level switching function, and the switch 23C rotates the image by 180 °. A function for switching ON / OFF of the function to be output is assigned, and the function of the video 180 ° rotation processing unit 19B is constructed in the FPGA 19.

  Further, when the electronic endoscope apparatus 1 is used for, for example, an otolaryngological examination, the switch 23A has an electronic zoom level switching function, the switch 23B has an electronic endoscope image freeze function, and the switch 23C has a freeze function. A remote control function used when the image is output by the video printer 8 is assigned, and a memory control signal generator 19D and a remote signal generator 19E are constructed in the FPGA 19.

  In addition, the selection switch 24B provided on the front panel 23 allows the user to select and switch the brightness level of the endoscope screen via the brightness setting unit 26, specifically, brightness Hi and brightness Low. ing.

  The brightness high / low switching signal 26 c is transmitted from the apparatus housing unit 5 through the signal cable 4 and input to the FPGA 19 shown in FIG. 2 in the operation unit 12 of the electronic endoscope 2, and then the CPU 33 receives the communication signal 43. The setting parameter of the DSP 32 is changed, and the brightness level of the image is switched.

Furthermore, the entire exposure area 27A and the exposure area center 27B in the exposure area setting unit 27 can be selected by a selection switch 24C provided on the front panel 23.
Then, the exposure detection area of the endoscope screen can be switched between the central portion and the entire portion by the exposure area selection switch 24C.

  The switching signal 27c between the central part and the entire part of the exposure area is transmitted from the apparatus housing unit 5 through the signal cable 4 and input to the FPGA 19 shown in FIG. 2 in the operation unit 12 of the electronic endoscope 2. Input to the CPU 33, change the setting parameters of the DSP 32, and switch the exposure detection area.

Further, the color signal C and the luminance signal Y output from the 75Ω driver 37 of the video signal processing unit 18 of the electronic endoscope 2 through the signal cable 4 are distributed and converted in the video output in the apparatus housing unit 5 shown in FIG. Input to the unit 28.
As shown in FIG. 4, the color signal C and the luminance signal Y are input to 75Ω drivers 46 and 47, respectively, and after being increased in gain, are output from Y / C output terminals 30A and 30B provided on the rear panel 29.

  The color signal C and the luminance signal Y are input to the NTSC signal synthesis circuit 48, a standard video signal is generated by the NTSC signal synthesis circuit 48, and the standard video signal 49a gained by the 75Ω driver 49 is further converted into a standard video signal 49a. , And output from the NTSC output terminal 30C.

Further, in this embodiment, the structure of the circuit board of the video signal processing unit 18 provided in the electronic endoscope 2 is as shown in FIG.
As described above, the video signal processing unit 18 mounted in the operation unit 43 of the electronic endoscope of FIG. 1 performs signal processing on the output signal of the CCD 17 and generates a standard video signal.

  When a single printed circuit board is mounted on an electronic endoscope as in the past, the electronic endoscope itself becomes large and the operability is lowered. Therefore, in the electronic endoscope 2 in this embodiment, a so-called flex-rigid board 51 is provided. In this way, the electronic endoscope 2 is downsized to ensure operability.

  That is, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the flex-rigid board 51 has a configuration in which a plurality of rigid boards 52 are connected by a flexible board (hereinafter abbreviated as “flexible board”) 53. This eliminates the need for the connector of the flexible board 53 used when signals are exchanged between the plurality of rigid boards 52, so that more electronic components can be mounted on the rigid board 52, thereby effectively reducing the board area. Can be used.

  Further, in this embodiment, each signal processing IC is mounted on the flex-rigid board 51 as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, and the flexible board 53 is bent as shown in FIG. 5C. Thus, the size is reduced by using a folding structure, and the electronic endoscope 2 is built in the operation unit 12. Since the size can be reduced, it is necessary to narrow the space between the rigid boards 52 as much as possible, and the positions of the electronic parts are shifted so that the tall electronic parts (IC) 54 do not interfere with each other between the rigid boards 52 facing each other. .

The operation of the present embodiment having such a configuration will be described.
As described above, in this embodiment, since the configuration data storage ROM unit 25 storing configuration data corresponding to a plurality of different functions is provided in the apparatus housing unit 5, the surgeon can use the electronic endoscope apparatus 1. The ROM 25 (I) (J) suitable for the application may be selected by the selection switch 24A depending on the application for which the examination, treatment, etc. are to be performed.
The SW function assignment unit 19A is also assigned a switch function suitable for the application in response to the selection.

  FIG. 6 shows connection of functional blocks in the FPGA 19 when the electronic endoscope apparatus 1 is used for a surgical operation, and the functions suitable for a standard surgical operation are assigned to the switches 21A, 21B, and 21C. The figure is shown.

  A white balance acquisition function is assigned to the switch 21A, and the switch signal 42a is input to the SW function assignment unit 19A in the FPGA 19 and then becomes the communication signal 43 and is input to the white balance processing unit 33B in the CPU 33. Then, an appropriate white balance is calculated and the setting parameter of the DSP 32 is changed.

  An electronic endoscope video enhancement level changing function is assigned to the switch 21B, and the switch signal 42b is input to the SW function assigning unit 19A in the FPGA 19 and then becomes the communication signal 43 and input to the system control unit 33A in the CPU 33. The setting parameter of the enhancement level of the DSP 32 is changed.

  The switch 23C is assigned an ON / OFF switching function for rotating and outputting the electronic endoscope image by 180 °, and the switch signal 42c is input to the SW function assigning unit 19A and then the image 180 ° rotation processing unit. The color signal 32i and the luminance signal 32j input to the image 19B and input to the video 180 ° rotation processing unit 19B from the DSP 32 are rotated by 180 ° to generate the color signal 19f and the luminance signal 19g, and are returned to the DSP 32.

  FIG. 7 shows a connection diagram of functional blocks in the FPGA 19 when representative functions are assigned to the switches 21A, 21B, and 21C when the electronic endoscope apparatus 1 is used for observation in the field of otolaryngology.

  The switch function of electronic zoom is assigned to the switch 21A, and the switch signal 42a is input to the SW function assigning unit 19A, and then becomes the communication signal 43 to be input to the CPU 33 to change the setting parameter of the DSP 32 and switch the electronic zoom level.

  The screen freeze function is allocated to the switch 21B, and the switch signal 42b is input to the SW function allocation unit 19A and then to the memory control signal generation unit 19D. The memory control signal generator 19D generates a memory control signal 19h. The FIFO memory 34 captures an endoscopic image by the memory control signal 19h and continuously outputs the same image signal to the DSP 32, thereby freezing the endoscopic image displayed on the monitor screen.

  The remote control function of the video printer 8 is allocated to the switch 21C, and the switch signal 42c is input to the SW function allocation unit 19A and then input to the remote signal generation unit 19E for the externally connected device, and the remote signal generation unit 19E Then, for example, a release signal is generated as the remote signal 41a. This release signal is transmitted through the signal cable 4 to remotely control the video printer 8.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the function formed by the FPGA 19 can be selected and set, the user can use the one electronic endoscope apparatus 1 to have a required function in different applications. Even when a different one is required, there is an effect that a function required for the selection operation can be provided.

  Therefore, it is possible to reduce the economical burden of having to prepare a dedicated electronic endoscope according to the case where the application is different. In addition, it is possible to reduce annoyance that must be properly used by replacing the electronic endoscope depending on the application.

Further, in this embodiment, the color signal C and the luminance signal Y gained up by the 75Ω driver 37 of FIG. 2 are transmitted by the signal cable 4, and the video output distribution & conversion unit 28 of the apparatus housing unit 5 shown in FIG. Is input.
As shown in FIG. 4, the color signal C and the luminance signal Y are distributed to two color signals and luminance signals by 75Ω drivers 46 and 47, respectively, and two Y / C signal output terminals 30A provided on the rear panel 29, Output from 30B.

The color signal C and the luminance signal Y are input to, for example, an NTSC signal synthesis circuit 48 for conversion into another standard video output signal, one NTSC signal is generated, gained up through a 75Ω driver 49, and then the real panel 29 is output from an NTSC output terminal 30 </ b> C provided at 29.
A plurality of external video devices such as a monitor 6, a VCR 7, and a video printer 8 can be connected to these output terminals 30A, 30B, and 30C via video cables.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, even in the electronic endoscope 2 having one standard video output, the connected device casing 5 has a plurality of video outputs, so that many external videos can be obtained. The video can be output to the device, and there is an effect that it can be used more easily.

  Although FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the electronic endoscope apparatus 1 using the electronic endoscope 2 in which the CCD 17 is arranged at the image forming position of the objective lens 16 provided at the distal end of the insertion portion 11, the electronic endoscope is shown. Instead of the mirror 2, a camera head-mounted endoscope in which an optical endoscope and a television camera (or camera head) with a built-in CCD 17 are mounted on the eyepiece of the optical endoscope may be adopted. In other words, the electronic endoscope apparatus 1 can be configured by employing the electronic endoscope 2 or the camera head provided with a solid-state imaging device such as the CCD 17.

  In the above-described configuration, one configuration data storage ROM (I) 25J is selected from the configuration data storage ROM unit 25 by the selection switch 24A, and the signal for the video signal of the video 180 ° rotation processing unit 19B or the like is selected by the FPGA 19. In addition to the function to perform processing, the function assigned to the switch unit 21 (SW function assignment) as a function instruction switch for executing the assigned function is also performed. Operability can be improved.

  On the other hand, for example, when three functions are assigned depending on the user, it is conceivable that one of the functions is used more than usual, and there is a possibility that the assignment between the switches 21A, 21B, and 21C may be exchanged. In addition, as a function such as an option, exchange between the switches 21A, 21B, and 21C to be assigned may be selected and set, or the function of the SW function assignment unit 19A may be assigned independently of the signal processing function. May be.

  The selection switch 24A may be a selection switch for each application. Then, a user who performs an endoscopic examination or treatment such as an operator operates the selection switch for the application according to the application, so that the electronic endoscope 2 having a function suitable for the application is obtained. If a switch function suitable for the application is automatically assigned to the operation unit 12 of the mirror 2, the endoscope can be operated with good operability as in the case of using an electronic endoscope dedicated to the application. Mirror examination and treatment can be performed.

  In this case, the function of the SW function assigning unit 19A and the function of signal processing may be selected and set in response to a case where it is desired to use a switch function different from that of a normal operator.

  In the configuration of FIG. 1, the device housing unit 5 as an external device to which the electronic endoscope 2 is detachably connected is separate from the light source device 3, but the light source device 3 includes the device housing unit 5. A function may be provided.

  Further, the configuration data storage ROM section 25 and the selection switch 24A may be provided, for example, in the signal connector 9 (that is, the apparatus housing section 5 is not used and is configured in the main body of the electronic endoscope 2). Then, by operating the selection switch 24A provided on the signal connector 9, it may be possible to select and set according to the use of the function described above. Even if it does in this way, it can maintain favorable operativity at the time of grasping electronic endoscope 2, and can respond to a wide use etc., without connecting electronic endoscope 2 to other external devices. Become.

  Further, the signal connector 9 may be provided with a power supply circuit (not shown) for supplying to the video signal processing unit 18 or may be connected to the light source device 3 so that power is supplied from the light source device 3 or the like. Anyway.

Note that a configuration configured by partially combining the above-described configurations also belongs to the present invention. [Appendix 1. The external device according to claim 1 is a light source device that generates illumination light.
2. An electronic endoscope or camera head capable of outputting standard video signals;
A device to which the electronic endoscope or camera head is connected;
Output means for distributing the standard video signal to a plurality of outputs in the device;
An electronic endoscope apparatus comprising:

3. An electronic endoscope or camera head with a logic element that can change the function built by programming,
Data storage means for storing a plurality of configuration data defining functions constructed by the logic elements;
Switching means for enabling the logic element to switch and use the configuration data;
An electronic endoscope characterized by comprising:

  When performing an intracorporeal examination or a surgical operation using an electronic endoscope or a television camera equipped with a solid-state imaging device, a function suitable for the application is constructed to perform endoscopic examination and diagnosis.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of an electronic endoscope apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the video signal production | generation part provided in the inside of an electronic endoscope. The block diagram which shows the structure regarding the function selection in the apparatus housing | casing part to which the camera cable of an electronic endoscope is connected. The block diagram which shows the structure of the video output distribution part in an apparatus housing | casing part. The figure which shows the structure of the flex-rigid board | substrate which forms the video signal production | generation part provided in the inside of an electronic endoscope. The figure which shows the main components of a switch and a video signal production | generation part at the time of assigning the function suitable for a surgical operation to an electronic endoscope. The figure which shows the main components of a switch and a video signal production | generation part at the time of assigning the function suitable for the otolaryngology field to an electronic endoscope.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electronic endoscope apparatus 2 ... Electronic endoscope 3 ... Light source device 4 ... Signal cable 5 ... Apparatus housing part 6 ... Monitor 7 ... VCR
8 ... Video printer 11 ... Insertion unit 12 ... Operation unit 17 ... CCD
18 ... Video signal processor 19 ... FPGA
21 ... Switch part 23 ... Front panel 24A, 24B, 24C ... Selection switch (changeover switch)
25 ... Configuration data storage ROM unit 28 ... Video output distribution & conversion unit 29 ... Rear panel 30A-30C ... Output terminal 31 ... VCXO
32 ... DSP
33 ... CPU
34 ... FIFO memory 35 ... DSP
36… EEPROM
Attorney Susumu Ito

Claims (3)

An electronic endoscope or camera head with a logic element that can change the function built by programming,
An external device to which the electronic endoscope or camera head is connected;
Data storage means for storing a plurality of configuration data defining functions constructed by the logic elements in the external device;
Switching means for enabling the logic element to switch and use the configuration data;
An electronic endoscope apparatus comprising:   A switch assignment function assigned to a function instruction switch for executing at least one function from a plurality of different functions including the function is set in conjunction with switching of configuration data by the switching means. The electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 1. Furthermore, even when an electronic endoscope or a camera head having a standard video output is used, an output means for distributing and outputting a standard video signal in plural in the external device is provided. The electronic endoscope apparatus described in 1.

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