JP2006110055A - Endoscope apparatus and endoscope system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope apparatus by which an observatory optical system can be automatically focused in a desired position of an observation image. <P>SOLUTION: The endoscope apparatus 12 has the observatory optical system composed of 28, 30 and 32 for capturing an observation image which can be focused and a display 40 on which the observation image captured by the observatory optical system composed of 28, 30 and 32 is indicated. The endoscope apparatus 12 further has a focus position setting means composed of 52, 54, 58 and 40 for setting the focus position in which the observatory optical system composed of 28, 30 and 32 is automatically focused with respect to the observation image indicated on the display 40 and a focusing means composed of 64, 65 and 42 by which the observatory optical system composed of 28, 30 and 32 is automatically focused in the focus position set by the focus position setting means composed of 52, 54, 58 and 40. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus and an endoscope system having an autofocus function.

  Conventionally, an endoscope is inserted into a body cavity and the inside of the body cavity is observed. Some endoscopes have an autofocus function for automatically adjusting the focus of the observation optical system. An example of an endoscope having an autofocus function is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

  An objective lens for performing objective observation is disposed at the distal end portion of the endoscope of Patent Document 1. A cover glass is provided in front of the objective lens, and an imaging device for taking an observation image formed by the objective lens is disposed behind the objective lens. A signal line for transmitting an imaging signal from the imaging element is extended, and the signal line is electrically connected to a video processor. This video processor outputs an output image signal to a display device to display an observation image.

The video processor is connected to an autofocus control device for autofocusing the observation optical system, and outputs image information to the autofocus control device. Here, the objective lens is assembled in the lumen of the lens frame, and this lens frame is driven by an actuator, for example, so as to advance and retract in the optical axis direction. The autofocus control device calculates the amount of movement of the objective lens so that the observation optical system is in focus from the image information input from the video processor. Then, the autofocus control device outputs a drive signal to the actuator, and the actuator moves the objective lens to an appropriate position by moving the lens frame forward and backward in the optical axis direction. In this way, auto focusing of the observation optical system is performed. Thereafter, the inside of the body cavity is observed. In addition, treatment may be performed on a living tissue with a treatment tool under endoscopic observation.
JP-A-10-118008

  In the endoscope apparatus of Patent Document 1, a general autofocus function used for a consumer video camera or the like is used. That is, the observation optical system is auto-focused at substantially the center of the observation image, and the observation optical system cannot be auto-focused at a desired position other than the center of the observation image. For example, when an endoscope is inserted into a lumen to observe the lumen wall, the lumen wall is located in the peripheral portion of the observation image, and thus it is preferable to focus the observation optical system on the peripheral portion of the observation image. . In this case, it is necessary to stop the autofocus function and focus the observation optical system on the periphery of the observation image by manual operation, which makes the focus operation troublesome.

  In addition, when performing treatment on a living tissue with a treatment tool under endoscopic observation, an operator may operate the treatment tool with both hands, and in this case, an assistant operates the endoscope. When trying to focus the observation optical system on the operator's desired position other than the central part of the observation image, the assistant needs to focus the observation optical system by manual operation according to the operator's verbal instructions, The focus operation is particularly troublesome.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope apparatus capable of autofocusing an observation optical system at a desired position of an observation image. .

  The invention of claim 1 is an observation optical system capable of adjusting the focus for obtaining an observation image, a display unit for displaying an observation image obtained by the observation optical system, and an observation image displayed on the display unit. Focus position setting means for setting a focus position for auto-focusing the observation optical system, and focus means for auto-focusing the observation optical system at the focus position set by the focus position setting means Is an endoscope apparatus.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, the focus position for auto-focusing the observation optical system in the observation image is set by the focus position setting means, the observation optical system is auto-focused by the focus means to the set focus position, and the focus position is set. The observation image focused on is displayed on the display unit.

  The focus position setting means includes an area defining means for defining a plurality of areas in the observation image, and an area selecting means for selecting any of the plurality of areas as a focus area. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the focus area is the focus position.

  In the invention of claim 2, a plurality of regions are defined in the observation image by the region defining unit, one of the plurality of regions is selected as a focus region by the region selecting unit, and the observation optical system is focused by the focusing unit. Autofocus on the area.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the endoscope apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of regions are obtained by dividing the observation image.

  In the invention of claim 3, the area defining means defines a plurality of areas by dividing the observation image.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the endoscope apparatus according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of regions has a shape corresponding to an observation object to be observed by the observation optical system.

  In the invention of claim 4, the region defining means defines a plurality of regions in the observation image so as to have a shape corresponding to the observation object observed by the observation optical system.

  According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the focus position setting means includes pointer display means for displaying a pointer in the observation image displayed on the display unit, pointer movement means for moving the pointer in the observation image, The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the position of the pointer is the focus position.

  In the fifth aspect of the invention, the pointer is displayed in the observation image by the pointer display means, the pointer is moved in the observation image by the pointer moving means, and the observation optical system is autofocused to the position of the pointer by the focusing means. .

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the endoscope apparatus includes an operation unit that operates the focus position setting unit and the focus unit, and the operation unit is formed separately from the observation optical system. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

  In the sixth aspect of the invention, the focus position setting unit and the focus unit are operated by operating an operation unit formed separately from the observation optical system.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided at least one treatment tool for performing treatment on a treatment target, an observation optical system capable of adjusting a focus for obtaining an observation image, and an observation image obtained by the observation optical system. In the observation image displayed on the display unit, and in the observation image displayed on the display unit, the observation optical system is autofocused on the observation image displayed on the display unit. A focus position setting means for setting the focus position to be set to the position of the index detected by the index detection means, and a focus means for automatically focusing the observation optical system to the focus position set by the focus position setting means. An endoscope system comprising the endoscope system.

  In the invention of claim 7, the position of the index in the observation image is detected by the index detection means, the focus position for autofocusing the observation optical system in the observation image is set as the index position by the focus position setting means, and the focus is set. The observation optical system is automatically focused on the index position by the means, and an observation image around the treatment instrument focused on the index position is displayed on the display unit.

  In the invention according to claim 8, the endoscope system has an operating means for operating the focus position setting means and the focusing means, and the operating means is formed integrally with the treatment instrument. The endoscope system according to claim 7.

  In the eighth aspect of the invention, the focus position setting means and the focus means are operated by operating the operation means formed integrally with the treatment instrument.

  The invention according to claim 9 is characterized in that there are a plurality of the treatment tools, and the plurality of indices can be switched between a state detected by the index detection means and a state not detected. The endoscope system according to Item 7.

  In the invention of claim 9, the indicator of any one of the plurality of treatment tools is switched to a state detected by the indicator detection means, and the indicators of the other treatment tools are not detected by the indicator detection means. The position of the index of one of the plurality of treatment tools is detected by the switching and index detection means, and the observation optical system is autofocused by the focus means at the position of the index.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to autofocus the observation optical system to a desired position of the observation image.

  A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows an overall schematic configuration of an endoscope apparatus 12 of the present embodiment. The endoscope apparatus 12 has an electronic endoscope 14. The endoscope 14 has an elongated insertion portion 16 that is inserted into a body cavity, and an operation portion 18 that is operated by an operator is connected to the proximal end portion of the insertion portion 16. A universal cord 20 extends from the operation portion 18, and a connector portion 22 is disposed at the extended end of the universal cord 20.

  Here, an illumination lens 24 of an illumination optical system that illuminates the observation target is disposed at the distal end of the insertion portion 16. Connected to the rear end surface of the illumination lens 24 is a front end portion of a light guide 26 that guides illumination light. The light guide 26 extends through the insertion portion 16, the operation portion 18, and the universal cord 20 to the connector portion 22. By connecting the connector portion 22 to the light source device 27, it is possible to supply illumination light to the light guide 26.

  On the other hand, an objective lens 28 of an observation optical system for obtaining an observation image is disposed at the distal end portion of the insertion portion 16. A focus lens 30 is disposed behind the objective lens 28, and an imaging element, such as a CCD 32, for capturing an observation image is disposed behind the focus lens 30. An observation signal line 34 for transmitting a video signal from the CCD 32 is extended. The observation signal line 34 is inserted through the insertion portion 16, the operation portion 18, and the universal cord 20 and extends to the connector portion 22. By connecting the connector portion 22 to the video processor 36, the observation signal line 34 is electrically connected to the video processor 36. The video processor 36 outputs an output image signal to the display device 38 and displays an observation image on the main screen 41 of the display unit 40 of the display device 38.

  The focus lens 30 is advanced and retracted in the optical axis direction of the observation optical system by the lens driving means 42. In this embodiment, a piezoelectric actuator is used as the lens driving means 42, and the forward / backward movement of the piezoelectric actuator is directly used as the longitudinal movement of the focus lens 30. A drive signal line 44 extends from the lens driving means 42, and the drive signal line 44 extends through the insertion portion 16, the operation portion 18, and the universal cord 20 to the connector portion 22. By connecting the connector portion 22 to the control device 46, the drive signal line 44 is electrically connected to the control device 46.

  The operation unit 18 of the endoscope 14 is provided with an operation panel 48 for performing various operations. As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel 48 is provided with a plurality of remote switches 50 for performing capture, white balance and the like. The operation panel 48 is also provided with a cross key 52 for setting a focus position for auto-focusing the observation optical system in the observation image. Referring again to FIG. 1, an operation signal line 49 extends from the operation panel 48, and the operation signal line 49 extends through the universal cord 20 to the connector portion 22. By connecting the connector portion 22 to the control device 46, the operation signal line 49 is electrically connected to the control device 46.

  Hereinafter, the autofocus function of the endoscope apparatus 12 of the present embodiment will be described. The control device 46 has a region defining means 54 that defines a plurality of regions in the observation image. In the present embodiment, a plurality of regions are defined by dividing the observation image. Specifically, ten regions are defined by dividing the observation image into two equal parts in the horizontal direction and five equal parts in the vertical direction. The area defining means 54 outputs an area signal to the video processor 36, and the video processor 36 displays information about the area on the display unit 40. In the present embodiment, the observation image and the boundary of the region are displayed so as to overlap each other on the sub-screen 56 of the display unit 40.

  The area defining means 54 also outputs an area signal to the area selecting means 58. The area selection means 58 selects any of the 10 areas defined in the observation image as a focus area for autofocusing the observation optical system. Here, an operation signal is input to the region selection unit 58 from the cross key 52 of the operation panel 48 of the operation unit 18 of the endoscope 14. The focus area is moved from a predetermined area to an area arranged on the left, right, top and bottom of the area in accordance with the left / right / up / down operation of the cross key 52. When a predetermined area is selected as the focus area, a selection signal is output from the area selection unit 58 to the video processor 36 via the pointer generation unit 60. The video processor 36 displays the pointer 62 in the area selected as the focus area on the sub-screen 56 of the display unit 40.

  The video processor 36 outputs the image signal of the focus area to the focus information detection unit 64. The focus information detection unit 64 calculates the amount of movement of the focus lens 30 that minimizes the amount of blur from the input image signal. For example, the image signal is separated into a luminance signal and a color signal, a high-frequency component of the luminance signal is extracted, and the amount of movement of the focus lens 30 is calculated by a hill-climbing method so that the integrated value of this high-frequency component becomes maximum. . Since the amount of movement of the focus lens 30 that minimizes the amount of blur is calculated from the image signal in the focus area, the amount of drive of the focus lens 30 that causes the observation optical system to focus on the focus area is calculated. It will be.

  The lens drive control unit 65 outputs a drive signal corresponding to the movement amount of the focus lens 30 calculated by the focus information detection unit 64 to the lens drive unit 42 to operate the lens drive unit 42. As a result, the focus lens 30 is moved by the lens driving means 42, and the observation optical system is automatically focused on the selected focus area.

  When the cross key 52 is not operated, the observation optical system is autofocused on the central portion of the observation image. That is, the video processor 36 outputs an image signal at the center of the observation image to the focus information detection means 64, and the focus information detection means 64 causes the focus lens 30 to minimize the blur amount from the image signal at the center of the observation image. Is calculated.

  That is, in this embodiment, the focus position setting means for setting the focus position for autofocusing the observation optical system in the observation image displayed on the display unit 40 by the cross key 52, the area defining means 54, and the area selecting means 58. Is formed. The video processor 36, the focus information detection means 64, the lens drive control means 65, and the lens drive means 42 form a focus means for autofocusing the observation optical system at the focus position set by the focus position setting means.

  Next, the operation of the endoscope apparatus 12 of this embodiment will be described. When observing a body cavity using the endoscope apparatus 12 of the present embodiment, the insertion portion 16 of the endoscope 14 is inserted into the body cavity. Then, the objective lens 28 is opposed to the observation target while illuminating the observation target with the illumination optical system.

  An observation image obtained by the objective lens 28 is imaged through the focus lens 30 and captured by the CCD 32. An image signal is output from the CCD 32 to the video processor 36 via an image signal line, and the video processor 36 displays an observation image on the display unit 40 of the display device 38. At the same time, the video processor 36 outputs an image signal at the center of the observation image to the focus information detection means 64. The focus information detection unit 64 calculates the amount of movement of the focus lens 30 so that the observation optical system is focused on the central portion of the observation image based on the image signal at the central portion of the observation image. Based on the calculated movement amount, the lens drive control unit 65 operates the lens drive unit 42 to move the focus lens 30. As a result, the observation optical system is autofocused at the center of the observation image.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the region of interest X to be observed may be located in the periphery of the observation image. In this case, the cross key 52 is operated to move the pointer 62 to a region including the region of interest X among the plurality of regions displayed on the child screen 56. In this way, the focus area is selected. At the same time, the video processor 36 outputs the image signal of the observation image area selected as the focus area to the focus information detection means 64 based on the selection signal from the area selection means 58 of the control device 46. The focus information detection unit 64 calculates the amount of movement of the focus lens 30 such that the observation optical system is focused on the focus area based on the image signal of the focus area. As a result, the observation optical system is autofocused on the region of interest X of the observation image.

  Therefore, the endoscope apparatus 12 of this embodiment has the following effects. By operating the cross key 52, the pointer 62 displayed on the sub-screen 56 is moved to the region including the region of interest X in the region of the observation image, and the focus region is selected. Further, the focus information detection unit 64 calculates the amount of movement of the focus lens 30 so that the observation optical system is focused on the focus area based on the image signal of the observation image area selected as the focus area. The focus lens 30 is moved based on the calculated amount, and the observation optical system is focused on the focus area. As described above, in this embodiment, the observation optical system can be autofocused at a desired position of the observation image.

  In the present embodiment, the operation panel 48 is disposed in the operation unit 18 of the endoscope 14, but a foot switch having the same function as the operation panel 48 may be used. Moreover, when using the small display apparatus 38 arrange | positioned by the operator as the display apparatus 38, you may provide the function as a touch panel to the subscreen 56 of the display part 40. FIG. That is, the touched area may be selected as the focus area by touching any of the areas of the sub-screen 56.

  FIG. 4 shows a first modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. Components having the same functions as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. In this modification, the focus area is selected by voice.

  With reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, in this modification, the area defining means 54 assigns numbers 1 to 9 to each area. These numbers are displayed on the sub-screen 56 of the display unit 40 so as to overlap the observation image. In addition, a microphone (not shown) is provided in the operation unit 18 of the endoscope 14 instead of the operation panel 48. And the area | region selection means 58 input with the audio | voice signal from the microphone selects the area | region corresponding to an audio | voice signal. That is, the focus area can be selected by saying any one of 1 to 9 toward the microphone.

  Hereinafter, a second modification of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Components having the same functions as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. In the present modification, referring to FIG. 1, the region defined by the region defining means 54 has a shape corresponding to the observation object to be observed by the observation optical system.

  Here, in the fields of general surgery, otolaryngology, orthopedics, and the like, the region of interest X is often arranged at the center of the observation image, and in the field of urology and the like, the region of interest X is arranged at the periphery of the observation image. Often. Corresponding to this, for example, the central portion of the observation image is defined as the first region, and the peripheral portion of the observation image is defined as the second region. Samples of these first and second areas are displayed in parallel on the sub-screen 56. Then, by operating the cross key 52 and placing the pointer 62 on either the first area sample or the second area sample, either the first area or the second area is selected. Select as focus area. In this way, it is possible to autofocus to an optimum position for each field.

  FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. Components having the same functions as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. In this embodiment, an area is not defined in the observation image, and a focus position for auto-focusing the observation optical system is directly designated by a pointer.

  Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5A, in this embodiment, a pointer position setting unit 66 is used instead of the region defining unit 54 and the region selecting unit 58. The pointer position setting means 66 designates a predetermined position of the observation image as a focus position for autofocusing the observation optical system. Here, an operation signal is input to the pointer position setting means 66 from the cross key 52 of the operation panel 48 of the endoscope 14. The focus position is moved left and right and up and down from a predetermined position according to the left and right and up and down operations of the cross key 52. When the focus position is designated, a position signal is output from the pointer position setting unit 66 to the video processor 36 via the pointer generation unit 60. The video processor 36 displays the pointer 62 at the position designated as the focus position, superimposed on the observation image displayed on the display unit 40.

  In addition, the video processor 36 outputs an image signal near the focus position to the focus information detection unit 64. The focus information detection unit 64 calculates the movement amount of the focus lens 30 that minimizes the blur amount from the image signal in the vicinity of the focus position. Therefore, the focus lens 30 moves so that the observation optical system is focused on the focus position. The amount will be calculated. In this way, the observation optical system is autofocused to the focus position.

  Here, the pointer generation means 60 and the video processor 36 form pointer display means for displaying a pointer in the observation image displayed on the display unit 40. Further, the operation panel 48 and the pointer position setting unit 66 form a pointer moving unit that moves the pointer 62 in the observation image.

  As in the first embodiment, when the cross key 52 is not operated, the observation optical system is autofocused at the center of the observation image. Once the focus position is designated, the focus position is fixed to the region of interest X even if the observation field of view is moved by the movement of the endoscope 14. When the region of interest X is outside the field of view of the endoscope 14, the observation optical system is autofocused at the center of the observation image. When a reset switch (not shown) on the operation panel 48 is operated, the designation of the focus position is canceled, and the observation optical system is autofocused at the center of the observation image.

  Next, the operation of the endoscope apparatus 12 of this embodiment will be described. When observing a body cavity using the endoscope apparatus 12 of this embodiment, the observation optical system is usually autofocused at the center of the observation image. As shown in FIG. 5B, when the region of interest X to be observed is located in the peripheral portion of the observation image, the cross key 52 is operated, and the pointer 62 displayed over the observation image is displayed. Move to region X. In this way, the focus position is designated. At the same time, the video processor 36 outputs an image signal in the vicinity of the focus position to the focus information detection unit 64 based on the position signal from the pointer position setting unit 66 of the control device 46. In this way, the observation optical system is autofocused to the focus position.

  When it is desired to change the observation angle, the observation visual field of the endoscope 14 is moved as necessary. In this case, the focus position is fixed to the region of interest X, and the observation optical system is autofocused on the region of interest X regardless of the movement of the observation field. When it is desired to autofocus the central portion of the observation image, the reset switch on the operation panel 48 is operated to cancel the focus position designation.

  Therefore, the endoscope apparatus 12 of this embodiment has the following effects. By operating the cross key 52, the pointer 62 displayed superimposed on the observation image is moved to the region of interest X, the focus position is designated, and the observation optical system is autofocused to the focus position. That is, it is possible to designate the position where the observation optical system is autofocused as a pinpoint, and a more appropriate observation image is obtained as compared with the case where the focus area is selected as in the first embodiment. It is possible.

  FIG. 6 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. Configurations having functions similar to those of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. In the present embodiment, in order to move the pointer 62, a head pointer 68 is used instead of the operation panel 48 (see FIG. 2). In this embodiment, the endoscope system 70 is configured by adding a treatment tool to the endoscope apparatus 12.

  The head pointer 68 of the endoscope apparatus 12 of the present embodiment has a gyro 72 and a headband 74 for fixing the gyro 72 to the operator's head. The gyro 72 detects the position and direction of the operator's head and transmits it as vector information. The transmitted vector information is received by the receiving circuit 76 arranged in the vicinity of the display device 38. The reception circuit 76 calculates where the operator's line of sight is directed on the display unit 40 from the received vector information, generates an operation signal for moving the pointer 62 to the calculated position, and outputs the operation signal to the pointer position setting means 66. . In addition, as a method of detecting the position and direction of the operator's head, a method using a magnetic source and a three-dimensional coil, a method of detecting a marker such as a light emitter by image processing, a method using an acceleration sensor, and line-of-sight detection are performed. The method used may be employed.

  In the endoscope system 70 of the present embodiment, a plurality of forceps 78 is used as a treatment tool. At least one of the forceps 78 is provided with an operation switch 80. This operation switch 80 is electrically connected to the gyro 72. When the operation switch 80 is pressed, vector information is transmitted from the gyro 72 to the receiving circuit 76, and the pointer 62 is generated and moved. When the pressing of the operation switch is released, a fixing signal is transmitted from the gyro 72 to the receiving circuit 76, and the pointer is fixed at that position. When the operation switch 80 is double-clicked, a release signal is transmitted from the gyro 72 to the receiving circuit 76, the designation of the focus position is released, and the observation optical system is autofocused at the center of the observation image.

  The endoscope 14 of the present embodiment is an optical rigid mirror, and transmits an observation image from the objective lens 28 at the distal end portion to the eyepiece lens at the proximal end portion via the relay lens. A camera head 82 for taking an observation image is attached to the eyepiece at the proximal end of the endoscope 14. The CCD 32 and the focus lens 30 are disposed inside the camera head 82, and when the camera head 82 is attached to the eyepiece portion of the endoscope 14, the focus lens 30 is between the eyepiece lens and the CCD 32. Is arranged. As in the first embodiment, the focus lens 30 is advanced and retracted in the optical axis direction by an actuator. Alternatively, the focus lens 30 may be assembled in the lumen of the lens frame, and the lens frame may be accommodated in a cylindrical housing so as to be slidable in the optical axis direction. In this case, for example, the lens frame may be advanced and retracted in the optical axis direction by a drive mechanism using a motor and a feed screw.

  In the present embodiment, the focus position setting means and the focus means for automatically focusing the observation optical system at the focus position are operated by an operation means formed by the head pointer 68 and the operation switch 80. The operating means is formed separately from the endoscope 14.

  Next, the operation of the endoscope system 70 of the present embodiment will be described. In the endoscope system 70 of the present embodiment, a treatment is performed on a living tissue with the forceps 78 under endoscopic observation. At this time, the operator may operate the plurality of forceps 78 with both hands, and in this case, the assistant operates the endoscope 14. In the surgical operation, when it is desired to autofocus the peripheral portion of the observation image, the operator presses the operation switch 80 provided on the forceps 78 and turns the line of sight to the position where the observation image is desired to be autofocused. The position and orientation of the operator's head are detected and transmitted by the gyro 72, and converted to an operation signal for generating and moving the pointer 62 by the receiving circuit 76. By this operation signal, the pointer 62 is moved to a position where the line of sight is directed, and the observation optical system is autofocused to that position. When the pointer 62 is moved to a desired position and the observation optical system is autofocused on the region of interest X, the operation switch 80 is released. Thereafter, the focus position is fixed to the region of interest X.

  When it is desired to autofocus at the center of the observation image, the operation switch 80 is double-clicked. As a result, a release signal is transmitted from the gyro 72 to the receiving circuit 76, the designation of the focus position is released, and the observation optical system is autofocused at the center of the observation image.

  Therefore, the endoscope system 70 of this embodiment has the following effects. If you want to autofocus the periphery of the observation image, simply press the operation switch 80 provided on the treatment instrument and point the line of sight to the position where you want to autofocus the observation image. Focused. That is, the operator who operates the treatment tool by the operation switch 80 and the head pointer 68 which are formed separately from the endoscope 14 and are arranged in the vicinity of the operator, can obtain a desired observation image. It is possible to easily autofocus the observation optical system at the position.

  FIG. 7 shows a modification of the third embodiment of the present invention. Components having the same functions as those in the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the focus information detection means 64 of the present modification has a function of detecting the treatment instrument, and when the treatment instrument is detected at the position of the pointer 62, the lens drive control means 65 is not operated. .

  For example, when the forceps 78 is used as a treatment tool, the forceps 78 is generally formed of a highly reflective member and has a metallic color such as metallic gray. Therefore, an image near the forceps is a high-luminance image. An image signal in the vicinity of the pointer 62 is input from the video processor 36 to the focus information detection means 64. If a predetermined band-like or wedge-shaped area is detected from the luminance signal obtained from this image signal, focus information detection is performed. The means 64 determines that the forceps 78 is present at the position of the pointer 62, and the lens drive control means 65 does not operate the lens drive means.

  This prevents the observation optical system from being autofocused on the treatment tool even when the treatment tool is taken in and out of the observation image to perform treatment on the living tissue under endoscopic observation. The situation where the position is frequently changed and is difficult to observe is avoided.

  8 and 9 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Components having the same functions as those in the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. As shown in FIG. 8A, an index 84 for designating the focus position is disposed at the distal end portion of the forceps 78 as the treatment instrument of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, an LED is used as the indicator 84, and green, blue, etc., which are not present in the living tissue, are used as the LED emission color. In addition, an operation switch 80 for causing the LED to emit light is disposed at the proximal end portion of the forceps 78.

  The operation switch 80 is also connected to the index detection means 86 of the control device 46 as shown in FIG. When the operation switch 80 is pressed, the index detection unit 86 acquires an image signal of the entire observation image from the video processor 36. Then, the index detection means 86 extracts a color signal for each pixel and converts it into color space data such as a color difference. The index detection means 86 determines for each pixel whether the data of the color space is included in the data range set in advance from the emission color of the LED. The index detection unit 86 outputs a pixel area including the pixel determined to be in the data range, that is, the index area to the video processor 36, and the video processor 36 outputs the image signal of the index area to the focus information detection unit 64. Output.

  The focus information detection unit 64 refers to FIGS. 8A and 8B, and calculates an amount of movement of the focus lens 30 that minimizes the amount of blur from the image signal in the index region. That is, the movement amount of the focus lens 30 is calculated such that the focus is on the position of the index 84. In this way, the observation optical system is autofocused at the position of the index 84. When the operation switch 80 is not depressed, the observation optical system is autofocused at the center of the observation image.

  Next, the operation of the endoscope system 70 of the present embodiment will be described. When observing a living tissue or the like in a body cavity using the endoscope 14, the observation optical system is normally autofocused at the center of the observation screen as shown in FIG. When a living tissue is treated using forceps 78 under endoscopic observation, it may be desired to focus on the distal end portion of forceps 78. In this case, the operation switch 80 is pressed to cause the LED at the tip of the forceps 78 to emit light, and the index detection unit 86 detects the index region and outputs it to the video processor 36. The video processor 36 outputs the image signal of the index region to the focus information detection unit 64, and the focus information detection unit 64 calculates the movement amount of the focus lens 30 so that the observation optical system is focused on the position of the index 84. In this way, as shown in FIG. 9B, the observation optical system is autofocused on the distal end portion of the forceps 78.

  Therefore, the endoscope system 70 of this embodiment has the following effects. The operation switch 80 is pressed to cause the LED, which is an index at the tip of the forceps 78, to emit light, and the index detection unit 86 detects the index region, and the observation optical system is autofocused to the position of the index 84. For this reason, it is possible to easily auto-focus on the distal end portion of the forceps 78.

  In addition, since the operation switch 80 is formed integrally with the treatment instrument, the operator operating the treatment instrument can autofocus the observation optical system to the position of the index 84 when desired. .

  In this embodiment, the index region is detected by the color of the index. Instead, the index may be detected by using pattern matching based on the feature amount extraction of the shape of the tip of the forceps, using the characteristic shape of the tip of the forceps as an index. Examples of the characteristic shape of the tip of the forceps include a linear shape.

  10 and 11 show a modification of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Components having the same functions as those in the fourth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. The first and second forceps 78a and 78b of the endoscope system 70 according to the present embodiment include first and second indicators 84a and 84b and first and second operation switches 80a and 80b, respectively. The first and second indicators 84a and 84b are detected by the indicator detection means 86 (see FIG. 8B) during light emission and not detected when extinguished, but are detected by the indicator detection means 86 (see FIG. 8B). Switching between a detected state and a non-detected state is possible.

  Next, the operation of the endoscope system 70 of the present embodiment will be described. When observing a living tissue or the like in a body cavity using the endoscope 14, normally, as shown in FIG. 11 (A), autofocus is performed on the central portion of the observation screen. When a living tissue is treated using the first and second forceps 78a and 78b under endoscopic observation, the first indicator 84a is emitted by pressing the first operation switch 80a, and FIG. As shown in (B), the observation optical system is autofocused on the tip of the first forceps 78a. Further, when the second operation switch 80b is pressed, the second index 84b is emitted, and the observation optical system is autofocused on the distal end portion of the second forceps 78b as shown in FIG. 11C. The

  Therefore, the endoscope system 70 of this embodiment has the following effects. First and second indicators 84a and 84b are disposed at the distal ends of the first and second forceps 78a and 78b, respectively, and the first and second indicators 84a and 84b are detected by the indicator detector 86. It is possible to switch between a state that is detected and a state that is not detected. Therefore, by setting only the index 84 of the forceps 78 of the plurality of forceps 78 to be detected by the index detection means 86, the observation optical system is provided at the distal end portion of the forceps 78 of the plurality of forceps 78. Autofocus is possible.

  In the above-described embodiment, the observation target is illuminated by the illumination optical system, but it is preferable that the spot photometry area having brightness suitable for observation overlaps the region of interest. For this reason, the selection of the focus area and the designation of the focus position may also serve as the setting of the spot photometry area. Conversely, a configuration may be adopted in which a spot photometry area is set and the observation optical system is autofocused at that position.

  The present invention provides an endoscope apparatus capable of autofocusing an observation optical system at a desired position of an observation image.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The perspective view which shows the operation panel of the endoscope apparatus of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The front view which shows an example of the image displayed on the display part of the endoscope apparatus of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The front view which shows an example of the image displayed on the display part of the endoscope apparatus of the 1st modification of 1st Embodiment of this invention. (A) is the schematic which shows the endoscope apparatus of 2nd Embodiment of this invention, (B) is a front view which shows an example of the display part of the endoscope apparatus of the embodiment. Schematic which shows the endoscope system of 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The front view which shows an example of the image displayed on the display part of the endoscope system of the modification of 3rd Embodiment of this invention. (A) is a perspective view which shows the endoscope system of 4th Embodiment of this invention, (B) is the schematic which shows the endoscope system of the embodiment. (A) is a front view which shows an example of the image displayed on the display part of the endoscope system of 4th Embodiment of this invention, (B) is displayed on the display part of the endoscope system of the same embodiment. The front view which shows another example of an image. The perspective view which shows the endoscope system of 5th Embodiment of this invention. (A) is a front view which shows an example of the image displayed on the display part of the endoscope system of 5th Embodiment of this invention, (B) is displayed on the display part of the endoscope system of the same embodiment. The front view which shows another example of an image, (C) is a front view which shows another example of the image displayed on the display part of the endoscope system of the embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 ... Endoscope apparatus, 28, 30, 32 ... Observation optical system, 40 ... Display part, (40, 52, 54, 58) (40, 52, 66) ... Focus position setting means, 42, 64, 65 ... Focusing means, 70 ... endoscope system, 78 ... treatment tool, 84 ... index, 86 ... index detection means.

Claims (9)

An observation optical system with adjustable focus for obtaining an observation image;
A display unit for displaying an observation image obtained by the observation optical system;
A focus position setting means for setting a focus position for auto-focusing the observation optical system in the observation image displayed on the display unit;
Focusing means for autofocusing the observation optical system to the focus position set by the focus position setting means;
An endoscope apparatus comprising: The focus position setting unit includes: a region defining unit that defines a plurality of regions in the observation image; and a region selection unit that selects any one of the plurality of regions as a focus region.
The focus area is the focus position;
The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1. The plurality of regions are obtained by dividing an observation image.
The endoscope apparatus according to claim 2. At least one of the plurality of regions has a shape corresponding to an observation target to be observed by the observation optical system.
The endoscope apparatus according to claim 2. The focus position setting means includes pointer display means for displaying a pointer in the observation image displayed on the display unit, and pointer movement means for moving the pointer in the observation image,
The position of the pointer is the focus position;
The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1. The endoscope apparatus has an operating means for operating the focus position setting means and the focus means,
The operating means is formed separately from the observation optical system,
The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1. At least one treatment tool having an index and performing treatment on the treatment target;
An observation optical system with adjustable focus for obtaining an observation image;
A display unit for displaying an observation image obtained by the observation optical system;
In the observation image displayed on the display unit, index detection means for detecting the position of the index;
In an observation image displayed on the display unit, a focus position setting unit that sets a focus position for auto-focusing the observation optical system to a position of the index detected by the index detection unit;
Focusing means for autofocusing the observation optical system to the focus position set by the focus position setting means;
An endoscope system comprising: The endoscope system has an operating means for operating the focus position setting means and the focus means,
The operating means is formed integrally with the treatment instrument,
The endoscope system according to claim 7. The treatment tool is plural,
The plurality of indicators can be switched between a state detected by the indicator detection means and a state not detected.
The endoscope system according to claim 7.

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