JP2006334322A - Endoscope system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope system which reduces time spent on examinations and observations on a subject. <P>SOLUTION: The endoscope system has an endoscope which is inserted in the subject, captures images of an object in the subject, and outputs the photographed images of the object as image-captured signals and a processor for connecting a still image storage device which stores video signals obtained by processing the image-captured signals output from the endoscope as still images and an image data storage device which stores image signals obtained by processing the video signals as image data with prescribed information on each image. The processor controls to output the video signals to the image data storage device when detecting informing signals showing that the still image storage device can not store the still images. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope system, and more particularly to an endoscope system having a processor capable of connecting a still image storage device and an image data storage device.

  Conventionally, endoscope systems have been widely used in the medical field, the industrial field, and the like. In recent years, for example, an image displayed on display means such as a monitor can be stored by an image data storage device such as a PC card as in the endoscope system proposed in Patent Document 1. An endoscope system having a function capable of outputting the one observation image to a plurality of storage devices, such as being able to be stored by a still image storage device such as a printer, is also widely used.

  The endoscope system proposed in Patent Document 1 can output a still image displayed on a monitor as image data by a PC card and a video printer connected via the PC card. It is configured so that it can be output as it is printed on paper or the like.

JP 11-087992 A

  In a conventional general endoscope system, for example, a still image displayed on a display unit such as a monitor with respect to the one storage device during a period until the busy state of the one storage device is canceled. When the storage instruction is issued, processing for invalidating the storage instruction is performed. Thereby, in the conventional general endoscope system, for example, even if the storage instruction for the still image is continuously given to the one storage device, the first storage instruction among the storage instructions. Save instructions other than are invalid. For this reason, when a conventional general endoscope system is used, it is difficult to continuously store still images of a subject, and as a result, a long time is spent on examination and observation of a subject. There is a problem that it will become. The endoscope system proposed in Patent Document 1 also has substantially the same problem as this problem.

  Further, in a conventional general endoscope system, when a still image displayed on a display unit such as a monitor is stored as image data in a PC card or the like, for example, a DCF (Design rule for Camera File system) standard is used. For example, an image format for a digital camera is used. The image format for the digital camera is, for example, a directory name and a file name that allow the operator to identify at a glance what kind of content the image is for each image. Is not configured as a data format. Therefore, in the case of using a conventional general endoscope system, the operator needs to check the contents while reproducing the images stored on the PC card one by one in order to find a desired image. As a result, there is a problem that the time spent for examination and observation of the subject becomes longer. The endoscope system proposed in Patent Document 1 also has substantially the same problem as this problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope system capable of shortening the time spent for examination and observation of a subject as compared with the prior art.

  The first endoscope system according to the present invention is an endoscope that is inserted into a subject, captures an image of a subject inside the subject, and outputs the captured image of the subject as an imaging signal, and the endoscope A still image storage device that stores a video signal obtained by performing signal processing on the imaging signal output from a mirror as a still image, and an image signal obtained by performing signal processing on the video signal as image data, A processor that can be connected to an image data storage device that stores predetermined information about each image, and the processor indicates that the still image storage device cannot store still images. When it is detected that a signal is output, control is performed to output the video signal to the image data storage device.

  In the second endoscope system according to the present invention, in the first endoscope system, when the processor detects that the output of the notification signal is stopped, the processor is within a period during which the notification signal is output. Further, control is performed to output a temporarily stored video signal, which is a video signal output to the image data storage device, to the still image storage device.

  According to a third endoscope system of the present invention, in the first or second endoscope system, the still image storage device is any one of a printer, a photography device, and a digital filing device. It is characterized by.

  According to a fourth endoscope system of the present invention, in the first endoscope system, the image data is an image data file processed in at least one of a JPEG format, a GIF format, and a TIFF format. It is stored in the image data storage device.

  According to a fifth endoscope system of the present invention, in the fourth endoscope system, the processor outputs an image data storage instruction signal which is an instruction for storing the subject image as image data. If detected, the image data storage device generates at least an inspection information management file in which the predetermined information is written, and an inspection information link output file for associating each of the image data files and the predetermined information. It is characterized by performing control for the purpose.

  A sixth endoscope system according to the present invention is the fifth endoscope system, and further, when the processor detects that the image data storage instruction signal is output, the image data storage device An inspection style sheet file for setting a display style of the inspection information link output file is generated.

  In a seventh endoscope system according to the present invention, in the fifth or sixth endoscope system, the predetermined information written in the examination information management file includes at least subject information relating to the subject. And image information relating to the image data file.

  An eighth endoscope system according to the present invention is the seventh endoscope system, wherein the examination information link output file is executed in a terminal device to which the image data storage device is connectable and operable. An image list screen in which the subject information and the image information are displayed on the same screen is generated and output.

  According to a ninth endoscope system of the present invention, in the fifth to eighth endoscope systems, the examination information link output file is configured as a hypertext format file.

  According to a tenth endoscope system of the present invention, in the first to ninth endoscope systems, the processor is inserted in the processor in a state where the image data storage device is not inserted in the processor. Control is performed to display a warning display based on a connection warning signal that is output when it is detected that there is not enough free space in the image data storage device.

  According to the endoscope system of the present invention, it is possible to reduce time spent for examination and observation of a subject as compared with the conventional system.

  1 to 13 relate to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of an endoscope system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the endoscope and the processor in the endoscope system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for illustrating a flow of a video signal when the printer is busy in the endoscope system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for illustrating the flow of the video signal after the busy state of the printer is canceled from the state of FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process in a case where two or more storage instructions are sequentially performed among the processes performed by the control unit of the processor of the endoscope system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure created on the PC card by the endoscope system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the examination information management file created on the PC card by the endoscope system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image list screen that is displayed when an examination information link output file created by the endoscope system according to the present embodiment is executed. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an endoscopic image display screen displayed when one image file is selected and executed on the image list screen of FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC card menu screen. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an endoscope image display screen that is displayed when one image file is selected and executed on the image list screen, which is different from FIG. 9. FIG. 12 shows an example of an endoscopic image display screen when an arrow pointer is moved and displayed on the image display unit when an image of a subject is captured using the endoscope system according to the present embodiment. FIG. FIG. 13 shows an example of an endoscopic image display screen when the image of FIG. 12 is enlarged at a predetermined magnification with the tip of the arrow pointer as the center of the image and an enlarged image is displayed on the image display unit. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope system 1 is inserted into a subject, takes an image of a subject inside the subject, and outputs an image of the taken subject as an imaging signal. A light source device 3 that emits illumination light for illuminating the subject imaged by the endoscope 2 and a processor that generates a video signal by performing signal processing on an imaging signal output from the endoscope 2 The main part is comprised.

  The endoscope 2 includes an operation unit 2a provided with a scope switch group 13 and an insertion unit 2b inserted into the subject. In addition, the endoscope 2 is detachably connected to the light source device 3 via a universal cord 12 that is configured to be detachable on the base end side with respect to a connector 2c provided in the operation unit 2a. Furthermore, the endoscope 2 is detachably connected to the processor 4 by a connector 14 provided on the distal end side of the universal cord 12.

  For example, when the operator operates the switch or the like, the scope switch group 13 having a switch or the like corresponds to each of the switch and the like for the endoscope 2 and the processor 4 or the like. Instruction signals for performing various operation instructions such as adjustment of the image enhancement level, change of the zoom level, and change of the image size of the image of the subject displayed on the monitor 32 described later are output.

  The processor 4 is configured to be detachable from the connector 14 provided on the distal end side of the universal cord 12 extending from the endoscope 2, and is also detachable from the printer 30, the keyboard 31, and the monitor 32. It is configured. The processor 4 includes switches and the like. The operation switch group 5 outputs an instruction signal for an operator to give various operation instructions to the processor 4 and the like, and nonvolatile storage as an image data storage device A PC card slot 7 into which a PC card 6 as a medium can be inserted and removed is provided on the exterior surface.

  The printer 30 as a still image storage device has a configuration capable of printing a still image of a subject image displayed on the monitor 32 on a storage medium such as a paper medium based on a video signal output from the processor 4. is doing. Note that the printer 30 in the present embodiment may be a device such as a photography device or a digital filing device as long as it has a configuration capable of storing still images.

  The keyboard 31 having a plurality of keys has keys such as an inspection end key (not shown) that outputs an instruction signal for instructing the processor 4 to end the inspection. In addition, when the operator operates the plurality of keys and the like, the keyboard 31 controls the endoscope 2 and the processor 4 and the like corresponding to each of the plurality of keys and the like, for example, adjustment of contrast level, image enhancement, etc. Instruction signals for performing various operation instructions such as level adjustment, zoom level change, and image size change for an image of a subject displayed on the monitor 32 described later are output.

  The monitor 32 displays an image such as a subject image captured by the endoscope 2 based on the video signal output from the processor 4.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the endoscope 2 includes an objective lens 10 that forms an image of a subject and an image pickup device 11 that is disposed at an imaging position of the objective lens 10 at the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2b. ing. Further, in the endoscope 2, a light guide 8 for guiding the irradiation light emitted from the light source device 3 through the universal cord 12 to the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2b is provided with the operation portion 2a and the insertion portion 2b. It is provided so that it may be inserted.

  The imaging device 11 is composed of a CCD (charge coupled device) or the like, photoelectrically converts the image of the subject formed by the objective lens 10 and outputs it as an imaging signal. The imaging signal output from the imaging device 11 is output to the processor 4 via the universal cord 12 having a proximal end connected to the connector 2c and a distal end connected to the connector 14.

  The processor 4 includes an amplification unit 15, a preprocessing unit 16, an A / D (analog / digital) conversion unit 17, a Y / C separation unit 18, an RGB matrix unit 19, a white balance adjustment unit 20, a digital A video processing unit 21, a storage unit 22, an image compression / decompression unit 24, a PC card driver unit 25, a control unit 27, a D / A (digital / analog) conversion unit 28, a post-processing unit 29, A character superimposing unit 34 and a PC card power supply unit 35 are included.

  The amplifying unit 15 amplifies and outputs the input imaging signal.

  The preprocessing unit 16 configured by an analog filter or the like performs preprocessing such as noise removal on the imaging signal output from the amplification unit 15.

  The A / D conversion unit 17 performs A / D conversion on the imaging signal output from the preprocessing unit 16.

  The Y / C separation unit 18 separates the imaging signal output from the A / D conversion unit into a luminance signal and a color signal.

  The RGB matrix unit 19 converts the luminance signal and color signal output from the Y / C separation unit 18 into an RGB signal having red (R), green (G), and blue (B) color components and luminance components. .

  The white balance adjustment unit 20 adjusts the luminance ratio based on the white balance for the luminance component of the RGB signal.

  The digital video processing unit 21 configured by a digital filter or the like performs processing such as digital filter processing on the RGB signal output from the white balance adjustment unit 20.

  Based on the control signal from the control unit 27, the character superimposing unit 34 superimposes the character image signal on the RGB signal output from the digital video processing unit 21 so that a predetermined character is displayed on the monitor 32. Output as a video signal.

  The storage unit 22 composed of a volatile memory or the like temporarily stores the video signal output from the character superimposing unit 34 and compresses the stored video signal based on the control signal output from the control unit 27. / Output to the extension unit 24.

  The storage unit 22 temporarily stores the video signal output from the image compression / decompression unit 24, and stores the stored video signal in the D / A conversion unit 28 based on the control signal output from the control unit 27. Output.

  The image compression / decompression unit 24 performs, for example, JPEG compression processing on the video signal based on the video signal output from the storage unit 22 and the control signal output from the control unit 27. Then, the image compression / decompression unit 24 outputs the video signal after the compression processing to the PC card driver unit 25 as an image signal. The image compression / decompression unit 24 compresses a compression rate higher than that of the JPEG format based on a compression format such as the GIF format, for example, by operating the keyboard 31 by the operator. It may have a configuration that is changed to a rate, or may have a configuration that is changed to a lower compression rate than the JPEG format based on a compression format such as the TIFF format. . The image compression / decompression unit 24 also compresses the video signal output from the storage unit 22 into a first image signal that is compressed as a first compression rate based on a non-compression format such as the TIFF format, And the second image signal compressed as the second compression rate based on the compression format such as the format, and the generated first image signal and second image signal are sent to the PC card driver unit 25. In contrast, it may have a configuration for outputting together. In the following description of the present embodiment, the image compression / decompression unit 24 performs a JPEG format compression process on the video signal output from the storage unit 22, and the video signal after the compression process is performed. Is output to the PC card driver unit 25 as an image signal.

  Further, the image compression / decompression unit 24 is, for example, the image signal that has been subjected to JPEG compression processing based on the image signal output from the PC card driver unit 25 and the control signal output from the control unit 27. The decompression process is performed on. Thereafter, the image compression / decompression unit 24 outputs the image signal after the decompression process to the storage unit 22 as a video signal.

  The PC card driver unit 25 performs, for example, drive control based on the PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) standard on the PC card 6 based on the control signal output from the control unit 27, so that the PC card 6 6 is output to the image compression / decompression unit 24 as an image signal.

  Further, the PC card driver unit 25 outputs from the image compression / decompression unit 24 by performing, for example, drive control based on the PCMCIA standard on the PC card 6 based on the control signal output from the control unit 27. The output image signal is output to the PC card 6.

  When the PC card driver unit 25 detects that the PC card 6 is inserted into the PC card slot 7 and that the inserted PC card 6 has sufficient free space, the PC card driver unit 25 sends a connection detection signal to the control unit 27. Output. Further, when the PC card driver unit 25 detects a state in which the PC card 6 is not inserted into the PC card slot 7 or a state in which there is not enough free space in the inserted PC card 6, a connection warning signal is generated. Output to the control unit 27.

  The PC card power supply unit 35 supplies a voltage required for input / output of signals performed by the PC card 6 inserted in the PC card slot 7 to the PC card driver unit 25.

  The control unit 27 configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like outputs an instruction signal output from the operation switch group 5, a connection detection signal and a connection warning signal output from the PC card driver unit 25, and a printer 30. A control signal for performing control based on a notification signal described later or an instruction signal output from the keyboard 31, a storage unit 22, an image compression / decompression unit 24, a PC card driver unit 25, a printer 30, or a character superimposing unit. 34 for output. It is assumed that the control unit 27 also controls the respective units other than those described above in the processor 4. When the control unit 27 detects a connection warning signal output from the PC card driver unit 25, the control unit 27 displays a warning display having a character string or the like for indicating that the free space of the PC card 6 is not sufficient. Such control is performed on the character superimposing unit 34.

  The D / A converter 28 performs D / A conversion on the video signal output from the character superimposing unit 34 or the video signal output from the storage unit 22.

  The post-processing unit 29 converts the video signal output from the D / A conversion unit 28 into a video format such as NTSC format or PAL format, and then monitors the converted video signal as a first video signal 32. Output for. Further, the post processing unit 29 converts the video signal output from the D / A conversion unit 28 into a format corresponding to the printing format of the printer 30, for example, and then uses the converted video signal as the second video signal. Output to the printer 30.

  Next, the operation of the endoscope system 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

  First, after connecting each part of the endoscope system 1, the surgeon turns on and activates each part of the endoscope system 1. The surgeon inserts a PC card 6 having a sufficient free space into the PC card slot 7. In this state, the PC card driver unit 25 detects that a PC card 6 having a sufficient free space has been inserted into the PC card slot 7 and outputs a connection detection signal to the control unit 27. If the PC card driver 25 detects that the PC card 6 is not inserted into the PC card slot 7 or that the inserted PC card 6 does not have sufficient free space, the PC card driver unit 25 generates a connection warning signal. Output to the control unit 27.

  Thereafter, the operator inserts the insertion portion 2b of the endoscope 2 into the subject such as a living body, and then illuminates with illumination light emitted from the distal end side of the light guide 8 at a desired site inside the subject. An image of a subject such as a living tissue is taken. The image of the subject imaged by the endoscope 2 is photoelectrically converted by the image sensor 11 and output to the processor 4 as an image signal.

  The imaging signal output from the endoscope 2 is input to the processor 4 and then A / D converted in a state where amplification and preprocessing are performed, and then adjustment of the luminance ratio and digital filter processing are performed. It is converted into a broken RGB signal. Further, the RGB signal is output to the monitor 32 as a first video signal that is D / A converted and converted to the NTSC format or the PAL format after the character image signal is superimposed. The monitor 32 displays an image of the subject based on the first video signal.

  The RGB signal is output to the printer 30 as a second video signal that has been converted into a format corresponding to the printing format of the printer 30 after the character image signal is superimposed. The printer 30 does not perform printing based on the second video signal and maintains a standby state until it detects that a control signal is output from the control unit 27.

  When the image of the subject displayed on the monitor 32 is to be output and stored as a paper medium by the printer 30 in the state as described above, the surgeon, for example, provided in the operation switch group 5 is not shown. By operating the print switch, the processor 4 is instructed to store. Furthermore, when it is desired to continuously output and store the image of the subject displayed on the monitor 32 to the printer 30, the surgeon further operates, for example, a print switch (not shown) provided in the operation switch group 5. Thus, the processor 4 is instructed to store continuously in time.

  Based on the first instruction signal output from the operation switch group 5 and serving as the first storage instruction to the printer 30, the control unit 27 of the processor 4 displays the subject of the image displayed on the monitor 32 with respect to the printer 30. A first control signal for printing an image is output.

  The printer 30 prints the image of the subject displayed on the monitor 32 based on the first control signal output from the control unit 27 and the second video signal output from the post-processing unit 29. .

  In addition, the control unit 27 of the processor 4 outputs a second time to the printer 30 that is output continuously from the operation switch group 5 in time in response to a first instruction signal as a first storage instruction. Based on the second instruction signal as the second and subsequent storage instructions, the printer 30 outputs a second control signal that causes the image of the subject displayed on the monitor 32 to be printed (step in FIG. 5). S1).

  When the printer 30 detects the second control signal output from the control unit 27, the printing of the subject image based on the first control signal is completed, and the still image can be continuously stored. , That is, when the printer 30 itself is not busy (step S2 in FIG. 5), the second control signal output from the control unit 27 and the second video signal output from the post-processing unit 29 Then, the image of the subject displayed as an image on the monitor 32 is continuously printed (step S9 in FIG. 5).

  Further, when the printing of the subject image based on the first control signal is incomplete at the time of detecting the second control signal output from the control unit 27, the printer 30 is based on the second control signal. A notification signal that is a signal indicating that the still image of the subject image cannot be stored, that is, that the printer 30 itself is busy is output to the control unit 27 (FIG. 5). Step S2 and Step S3).

  The control unit 27 detects that the connection detection signal is output from the PC card driver unit 25, and then outputs the connection detection signal to the D / A conversion unit 28 based on the notification signal output from the printer 30. A control signal for performing control to output the video signal also to the storage unit 22 is output to the character superimposing unit 34. Further, the control unit 27 stores a control signal for performing control such that the video signal when the printer 30 is busy is temporarily output to the PC card 6 based on the notification signal output from the printer 30. The data is output to the unit 22, the image compression / decompression unit 24, and the PC card driver unit 25 (step S4 in FIG. 5).

  Based on the control signal output from the control unit 27, the character superimposing unit 34 also outputs the video signal output to the D / A conversion unit 28 to the storage unit 22.

  The storage unit 22 outputs the video signal output from the character superimposing unit 34 to the image compression / decompression unit 24 based on the control signal output from the control unit 27.

  The image compression / decompression unit 24 performs compression processing on the video signal output from the storage unit 22 based on the control signal output from the control unit 27, and then converts the video signal after the compression processing to The image signal is output to the PC card driver unit 25.

  The PC card driver unit 25 outputs, for example, an image signal output from the image compression / expansion unit 24 to the PC card 6 based on the control signal output from the control unit 27.

  With the flow of the video signal as shown in FIG. 3 described above, the video signal when the printer 30 is busy is temporarily stored in the PC card 6 as a compressed image signal. .

  Thereafter, when the printing of the subject image based on the first control signal output from the control unit 27 is completed, the printer 30 indicates that the subject image can be printed based on the second control signal. Therefore, in order to indicate that the printer 30 itself is not busy, the output of the notification signal to the control unit 27 is stopped.

  When the control unit 27 detects that the output of the notification signal from the printer 30 is stopped (step S5 in FIG. 5), the control unit 27 controls the character superimposing unit 34 to stop outputting the video signal to the storage unit 22. The control signal is output. When the control unit 27 detects that the notification signal is not output from the printer 30, the control unit 27 outputs the compressed image signal to the PC card 6 within a period during which the notification signal is output from the printer 30. A control signal for performing control to output the temporarily stored video signal, which is the recorded video signal, to the printer 30, a storage unit 22, an image compression / decompression unit 24, and a PC card driver unit 25 (Step S6 in FIG. 5).

  Based on the control signal output from the control unit 27, the PC card driver unit 25 temporarily stores the video signal when the printer 30 is busy, which is temporarily stored as an image signal subjected to compression processing, on the PC card 6. The image signal is output to the image compression / decompression unit 24.

  The image compression / decompression unit 24 performs an expansion process on the image signal output from the PC card driver unit 25 based on the control signal output from the control unit 27, and then the image signal after the expansion process is performed. Is output to the storage unit 22 as a video signal.

  The storage unit 22 outputs the video signal output from the image compression / expansion unit 24 to the D / A conversion unit 28 based on the control signal output from the control unit 27.

  The video signal output from the storage unit 22 is D / A converted by the D / A conversion unit 28, and then converted to a format corresponding to the printing format of the printer 30 by the post-processing unit 29. It is output to the printer 30 as a video signal.

  The printer 30 outputs a second control signal output from the control unit 27 and a second video signal output from the post-processing unit 29, that is, an image that has been subjected to compression processing when the printer 30 itself is busy. The image of the subject is printed based on the video signal temporarily stored in the PC card 6 as a signal. Then, the printer 30 temporarily stores the second control signal output from the control unit 27 and the image signal temporarily stored in the PC card 6 as an image signal subjected to compression processing when the printer 30 itself is busy. A print completion signal for indicating that printing of the subject image based on the signal is completed is output to the control unit 27.

  Based on the print completion signal output from the printer 30 (step S7 in FIG. 5), the control unit 27 temporarily stores the compressed image signal in the PC card 6 when the printer 30 is busy. A control signal for performing control to delete the video signal is output to the PC card driver unit 25 (step S8 in FIG. 5).

  Based on the control signal output from the control unit 27, the PC card driver unit 25 receives the video signal temporarily stored in the PC card 6 as a compressed image signal when the printer 30 is busy. Perform deletion.

  Due to the flow of the video signal as shown in FIG. 4 as described above, even when the printer 30 is instructed to store when the printer 30 is busy, the printer 30 changes the video signal at the time when the storage instruction is made. Printing can be performed based on this.

  When the image of the subject displayed on the monitor 32 is to be output and stored as image data on the PC card 6, the surgeon operates an image data storage switch (not shown) provided in the operation switch group 5, for example. As a result, an image data storage instruction signal is output as a storage instruction to the processor 4.

  The control unit 27 performs control so that the video signal output to the D / A conversion unit 28 is also output to the storage unit 22 based on the image data storage instruction signal output from the operation switch group 5. Is output to the character superimposing unit 34. Further, the control unit 27 stores a control signal for performing control such that the image of the subject image displayed on the monitor 32 is output to the PC card 6 based on the notification signal output from the printer 30. Output to the unit 22, the image compression / decompression unit 24, and the PC card driver unit 25.

  The storage unit 22 outputs the video signal output from the character superimposing unit 34 to the image compression / decompression unit 24 based on the control signal output from the control unit 27.

  The image compression / decompression unit 24 performs compression processing on the video signal output from the storage unit 22 based on the control signal output from the control unit 27, and then converts the video signal after the compression processing to The image signal is output to the PC card driver unit 25.

  The PC card driver unit 25 outputs, for example, an image signal output from the image compression / expansion unit 24 to the PC card 6 based on the control signal output from the control unit 27.

  As described above, the image of the subject image displayed on the monitor 32 is stored in the PC card 6 as, for example, a JPEG image data file.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the PC card 6 has a DCIM management information file 103 and an inspection style sheet file 104 as data structures in the DCIM folder 102 created based on the DCF standard immediately below the root directory 101. And the examination folder group 105 are stored in the same directory. It is assumed that such a data structure of the PC card 6 is created when the control unit 27 performs control on the PC card 6 via the PC card driver unit 25.

  The DCIM management information file 103 is, for example, a file configured as a binary file as a data management file in the DCIM folder.

  The inspection style sheet file 104 includes, for example, a cascade style sheet file as a file for setting the display style of data in the inspection folder.

  The inspection folder group 105 includes one or a plurality of inspection folders 105A, 105B,.

  The inspection folders 105A, 105B,... Included in the inspection folder group 105 are, for example, each time the inspection end key included in the keyboard 31 is operated once, that is, for each inspection, the control unit 27 performs the PC card driver unit. The folders are created one by one by performing control via 25, and each has substantially the same data structure. The image based on the image signal output from the PC card driver unit 25 is stored as an image data file in the last created examination folder among the examination folders 105A, 105B. The In the following description, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, the case where the examination folder created last in the examination folder group 105 is the examination folder 105A will be described.

  The inspection folder 105A includes an inspection information management file 105A1, an inspection information link output file 105A2, and an image file data group 105A3 having one or a plurality of image data files 105a1, 105a2,. It is configured to be stored in the same directory.

  The examination information management file 105A1 is configured as a binary file having data such as examination date, patient ID, and observation state as data corresponding to each image data file included in the image file data group 105A3. A specific example of the data structure of the inspection information management file 105A1 will be described later.

  The inspection information link output file 105A2 corresponds to one image data file among the image data files included in the image file data group 105A3 and one image data file among the data included in the inspection information management file 105A1. For example, an XML (Extensible Markup Language) file is used as a hypertext file that can correspond to the display style set by the inspection style sheet 104 as a file for associating each information. In the present embodiment, the inspection information link output file 105A2 is configured by an XML file. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) file or an XHTML (Extensible Hyper) is used. It may be configured by a Markup Language) file.

  Image data files 105a1, 105a2,... As image data files included in the image file data group 105A3 are image data files based on image signals output from the PC card driver unit 25. For example, operation switches This file is created one by one each time an image data storage switch (not shown) provided in the group 5 is operated once.

  In the state where the last created examination folder is the examination folder 105A, after the examination end key of the keyboard 31 is operated once, an image signal is output from the PC card driver unit 25 to the PC card 6. In this case, an image file data group 105B3 having an inspection information management file 105B1, an inspection information link output file 105B2, and one or a plurality of image data files 105b1, 105b2,. Are created in the same directory.

  Each time an image data file is stored in the same directory, that is, in the inspection folder 105A, the inspection information management file 105A1 includes, for example, information on the one image data file as shown in FIG. It is structured as a file having a structure and being additionally written as a total of 256 bytes of data. The inspection information management file 105A1 is created when the control unit 27 performs control on the PC card 6 via the PC card driver unit 25.

  The examination date information 201 and the examination time information 202 are information written in the first 16-byte portion of each piece of information related to one image data file. For example, the examination date information 201 and the examination time information 202 include the year, month, date, and time of the processor 4. This is information recorded in the year, month, date, and time when the examination folder 105A is created. The examination date information 201 and the examination time information 202 are not limited to information recorded in the year, month, date, and time when the examination folder 105A is created. For example, the examination date information file 201 and the examination time information 202 are first stored in the examination folder 105A. It may be information recorded in the year, month, date and time when is stored.

  Patient ID information 203, patient name information 204, patient birth date information 205, patient sex information 206, patient age information 207, comment information 213, and doctor name information 216 are, for example, a keyboard 31 in which an operator is connected to the processor 4 Is inputted in advance in advance for performing an examination on the subject. The patient age information 207 is not limited to the information input by the operator operating the keyboard 31 connected to the processor 4. For example, when the patient birth date information 205 is input by the operator. Alternatively, it may be automatically calculated and input by the processor 4.

  The contrast level information 208, the image enhancement level information 209, and the zoom level information 210 are information relating to the contrast level, the image enhancement level, and the zoom level when one image data file is saved.

  The image enhancement level is determined by the processor 4 according to, for example, 10 levels from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest) as levels for enhancing the contour of the image of the subject displayed on the monitor 32. It is a preset value. Then, on the setting screen related to the endoscope 2, the surgeon can change the scope up to three of the ten image enhancement levels by operating the scope switch group 13. Settings for each switch of the switch group 13 can be made.

  The image storage date information 211 and the image storage time information 212 are information recorded at the timing when an instruction to store one image data is given to the processor 4 based on, for example, the year, month, date and time of the processor 4. It is.

  The image data file name information 214 is information relating to a file name given to each of the image data files 105a1, 105a2,... Shown in FIG.

  The endoscope image size information 215 is information regarding the image size in the image of the subject image displayed on the monitor 32 when one image data file is saved.

  The null information 217 is information written in a portion corresponding to the last 16 bytes of each piece of information related to one image data file, and is, for example, information configured as a 16-byte empty character string. If the next image data file is further saved in the examination folder 105A following the one image data file, each piece of information regarding the next image data file is stored in the examination information management file 105A1 as null information. It is added after 217.

  In the inspection information link output file 105A2, every time information such as inspection date information 201 is recorded in the inspection information management file 105A1 with respect to each image data file, the information is stored in the inspection information management file 105A1. Information indicating whether or not the information has been recorded is written.

  Then, the surgeon can connect the PC card 6 in which the image data file or the like is stored in the data structure as shown in FIG. 6, for example, the PC card 6 can be operated, and the inspection information link output file 105 </ b> A <b> 2. By connecting to a terminal device such as a personal computer (not shown) capable of executing the above, an image of a subject imaged using the endoscope 2 at a place other than the place where the endoscope system 1 is installed Can be observed.

  In that case, the surgeon first connects the PC card 6 to a terminal device (not shown), and then performs an operation on the terminal device to select and execute the examination information link output file 105A2.

  When the inspection information link output file 105A2 is executed, the terminal device (not shown), based on the information described in the inspection information link output file 105A2, in the inspection information management file 105A1, the inspection date information 201 for each image data file. Are read, and the display style set by the inspection style sheet file 104 is read. Thereby, a terminal device (not shown) performs processing so that an image list screen 300 as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on a viewer such as a browser.

The image list screen 300 is based on the display style set by the inspection style sheet file 104, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, a terminal device (not shown) as an image having an upper frame portion 301 and a lower frame portion 302. Displayed on a monitor (not shown) connected to the. The upper frame portion 301 constituting the subject information includes examination date information 201, examination time information 202 as subject information information relating to one image data file among the information described in the examination information management file 105A1. Information based on patient ID information 203, patient name information 204, patient date of birth information 205, patient sex information 206, patient age information 207, and doctor name information 216 is displayed.

  Further, the lower frame unit 302 includes contrast level information 208, image enhancement level information 209, zoom level information 210 as image information relating to each image data file among information described in the inspection information management file 105A1. Information based on the comment information 213 and the image data file name information 214 is displayed. Each image data file displayed on the lower frame unit 302 based on the image data file name information 214 is a list in which only the file names of the respective image data files are displayed as shown in FIG. Alternatively, an image based on each image data file may be displayed.

  Furthermore, the upper frame portion 301 and the lower frame portion 302 of the image list screen 300 may not display all the information described above. In that case, for example, a terminal device (not shown) performs a process of displaying a PC card menu screen 500 as shown in FIG. 10 for switching the display state of each information displayed on the image list screen 300. The PC card menu screen 500 includes a patient ID display selection unit 501, a patient name display selection unit 502, a patient birth date display selection unit 503, a patient age display selection unit 504, an examination date information display selection unit 505, It is configured as an image having a doctor name display selection unit 506, a zoom level display selection unit 507, and an image enhancement level display selection unit 508. Then, the terminal device (not shown) converts each piece of information set to “ON” by the operator in each of the above-described selection units on the PC card menu screen 500, into the upper frame unit 301 and the lower frame unit 302 on the image list screen 300. The processing for setting the display state is performed at. Further, the terminal device (not shown) converts each piece of information set to “OFF” by the operator in each of the above-described selection units on the PC card menu screen 500, and the upper frame unit 301 and the lower frame unit 302 on the image list screen 300. The process of making a non-display state in is performed.

  Thereafter, the surgeon performs an operation for selecting and executing one image data file displayed on the lower frame unit 302 based on the image data file name information 214 on a viewer such as a browser. To do.

  When one image data file is selected and executed from the image data files displayed in the lower frame portion 302 of the image list screen 300, a terminal device (not shown), for example, an endoscope image as shown in FIG. Processing to display an image on the display screen 400 is performed. The endoscopic image display screen 400 may be displayed on a viewer on which the image list screen 300 is displayed, or may be displayed on a viewer different from the image list screen 300. It may be a thing.

  The endoscope image display screen 400 is a screen displayed on the monitor 32 when an instruction for saving an image of a subject by the endoscope 2 as image data is given, and is selected and operated by an operator. An information display unit 401 that displays information on the executed one image data file, and an image display unit 402 that displays an image of a subject based on the one image data file selected and executed by the surgeon. It is configured.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the information display unit 401 of the endoscope image display screen 400 may not display all the information related to one image data file. In addition, the information display unit 401 of the endoscope image display screen 400 displays only the information set by the surgeon to “ON” in each selection unit of the PC card menu screen 500 described above. May be.

  By the way, when an operator captures an image of a subject using the endoscope system 1 of the present embodiment, for example, the surgeon operates a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown) connected to the processor 4. 12, the arrow pointer 402a can be moved and displayed on the image display unit 402 of the endoscope image display screen 400 displayed on the monitor 32. Then, when the normal image as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the image display unit 402, the surgeon clicks on a pointing device (not shown) to set the tip of the arrow pointer 402a as the center of the image. An enlarged image as shown in FIG. 13 in which the normal image is enlarged to a predetermined magnification can be displayed on the image display unit 402. The predetermined magnification is a magnification set in advance in the processor 4, and when the enlarged image is displayed on the image display unit 402, a setting value in the setting is displayed on the information display unit 401. In addition, the surgeon moves the arrow pointer 402a by operating a pointing device (not shown) while the enlarged image as shown in FIG. An enlarged image can be displayed while moving.

  As described above, in the endoscope system 1 according to the present embodiment, when a save instruction is given to the printer when the printer is busy, the video signal at the time when the save instruction is given is temporarily stored in the PC card. And after the busy state of the printer is released, printing based on the video signal can be performed. As a result, the surgeon can easily store continuous still images, and therefore, the time spent for examination and observation of the subject can be shortened as compared with the prior art.

  As described above, the endoscope system 1 according to the present embodiment includes an image data file and an examination information management file in which information corresponding to the image data file is described for each examination. A configuration in which a data structure is created in the PC card so that a link output file for associating the image data file with each piece of information is stored in the folder and stored in the created folder. Have. Then, the link output file stored in the PC card having the data structure created by the endoscope system 1 of the present embodiment is executed on a terminal device such as a personal computer. The image data file and each information for each inspection are displayed as a list. As a result, the surgeon can easily find a desired image from a group of image data files stored on the PC card, so that the time spent for examining and observing the subject can be shortened compared to the prior art. Can do.

  In addition, in the endoscope system 1 of this embodiment, the structure can be variously changed in the range which does not deviate from the summary of invention.

The figure which shows the structure of the principal part of the endoscope system which concerns on this embodiment. The figure which shows the internal structure of an endoscope and a processor in the endoscope system which concerns on this embodiment. The figure for showing the flow of the video signal in case the printer is busy in the endoscope system concerning this embodiment. The figure for showing the flow of the video signal after the busy state of a printer is canceled from the state of FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of a process when the preservation | save instruction | indication of 2 times or more is continuously performed among the processes which the control part of the processor of the endoscope system which concerns on this embodiment performs. The figure which shows an example of the data structure produced in PC card by the endoscope system which concerns on this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the data structure of the test | inspection information management file produced in PC card by the endoscope system which concerns on this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the image list screen displayed when the test | inspection information link output file produced by the endoscope system which concerns on this embodiment is performed. The figure which shows an example of the endoscope image display screen displayed when the one image file is selected and performed in the image list screen of FIG. The figure which shows an example of a PC card menu screen. The figure which shows the example different from FIG. 9 of the endoscope image display screen displayed when one image file is selected and performed in an image list screen. The figure which shows an example of the endoscope image display screen at the time of moving and displaying the arrow pointer on an image display part, when imaging the image of a subject using the endoscope system according to the present embodiment. The figure which shows an example of an endoscopic image display screen when the image of FIG. 12 is displayed on the image display part by which the image of FIG. 12 was enlarged by the predetermined magnification by making the front-end | tip part of an arrow pointer into an image center part.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope system, 2 ... Endoscope, 2a ... Operation part, 2b ... Insertion part, 2c ... Connector, 3 ... Light source device, 4 ... Processor, 5 ... Operation switch group, 6 ... PC card, 7 ... PC card slot, 8 ... Light guide, 10 ... Objective lens, 11 ... Image sensor, 12 ... Universal code , 13 ... scope switch group, 14 ... connector, 15 ... amplifying unit, 16 ... pre-processing unit, 17 ... A / D conversion unit, 18 ... Y / C separation unit, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 19 ... RGB matrix part, 20 ... White balance adjustment part, 21 ... Digital image processing part, 22 ... Memory | storage part, 24 ... Image compression / decompression part, 25 ... PC card driver Part, 27 ... control part, 28 ... D / A conversion part, 29 ... Stroke processing unit, 30 ... printer, 31 ... keyboard, 32 ... monitor, 34 ... character superposition unit, 35 ... PC card power supply unit, 101 ... root directory, 102 ... DCIM folder, 103 ... DCIM management information file, 104 ... inspection style sheet file, 105 ... inspection folder group, 105A, 105B ... inspection folder, 105A1, 105B1 ... inspection information management file, 105A2, 105B2 ... inspection information link output file, 105a1, 105a2, 105b1, 105b2 ... image data file, 105A3, 105B3 ... image file data group, 201 ... inspection date information, 202 ... inspection Time information 203 ... Patient ID information 204 ... Patient name information 2 5 ... Patient birth date information, 206 ... Patient sex information, 207 ... Patient age information, 208 ... Contrast level information, 209 ... Image enhancement level information, 210 ... Zoom level information 211 ... Image storage date information, 212 ... Image storage time information, 213 ... Comment information, 214 ... Image data file name information, 215 ... Endoscope image size information, 216. Doctor name information, 217 ... null information, 300 ... image list screen, 301 ... upper frame part, 302 ... lower frame part, 400 ... endoscopic image display screen, 401 ... Information display unit 402 ... Image display unit 402a ... Arrow pointer 500 ... Card menu screen 501 ... Patient ID display selection unit 502 ... Patient name display selection unit 5 03 ... Patient birth date display selection unit, 504 ... Patient age display selection unit, 505 ... Examination date information display selection unit, 506 ... Doctor name display selection unit, 507 ... Zoom level display Selection unit, 508... Image enhancement level display selection unit

Claims (10)

An endoscope that is inserted into a subject, captures an image of a subject inside the subject, and outputs the captured image of the subject as an imaging signal;
A still image storage device for storing a video signal obtained by performing signal processing on the imaging signal output from the endoscope as a still image, and an image signal obtained by performing signal processing on the video signal as image data And a processor capable of connecting an image data storage device for storing together with predetermined information about each of the images,
The processor controls to output the video signal to the image data storage device when detecting that a notification signal indicating that still image storage is impossible is output in the still image storage device An endoscope system characterized by performing   When the processor detects that the output of the notification signal is stopped, the processor outputs a temporarily stored video signal that is a video signal output to the image data storage device within a period during which the notification signal is output. The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein control for outputting to the still image storage device is performed.   The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein the still image storage device is any one of a printer, a photographing device, and a digital filing device.   2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the image data is stored in the image data storage device as an image data file processed in at least one of a JPEG format, a GIF format, and a TIFF format. Mirror system.   When the processor detects that an image data storage instruction signal, which is an instruction for storing the subject image as image data, is output, at least the predetermined information is written in the image data storage device. 5. The endoscope system according to claim 4, wherein control is performed to generate an inspection information management file and an inspection information link output file for associating each of the image data files and the predetermined information.   Further, when the processor detects that the image data storage instruction signal is output, the processor generates a test style sheet file for setting a display style of the test information link output file in the image data storage device The endoscope system according to claim 5, wherein:   7. The predetermined information written in the examination information management file includes at least subject information relating to the subject and image information relating to the image data file. Endoscope system.   The inspection information link output file generates an image list screen in which the subject information and the image information are displayed on the same screen when executed on a terminal device to which the image data storage device is connectable and operable. The endoscope system according to claim 7, wherein the endoscope system outputs the output.   The endoscope system according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the examination information link output file is configured as a hypertext format file.   The processor outputs a connection that is output when the state in which the image data storage device is not inserted into the processor or the state in which the image data storage device inserted into the processor does not have sufficient free space is detected. The endoscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein control is performed to display a warning display based on a warning signal.

Images