JP2007014422A - Endoscope apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To notify the abnormality of an image processing system for the normal light observation or an image processing system for the fluorescence observation on a monitor for the image display. <P>SOLUTION: A color image signal output from a video circuit for a normal image 24 is output to a first image output detecting circuit 31 and a fluorescent image signal output from a video circuit for a fluorescent image 26 is output to a second image output detecting circuit 32. The first image output detecting circuit 31 and the second image output detecting circuit 32 are identical in constitution and sense the individual output powers of the image signals, and on the basis of the sensing result, the switching control of a selector, the processing controls by the video circuit for the normal image 24 and the video circuit for the fluorescent image 26, and the image composition control by an image composition circuit 28 are executed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus that performs normal observation and fluorescence observation.

  When a living tissue is irradiated with light (excitation light) having a wavelength of 400 nm to 480 nm, normal tissue emits fluorescence in the range of about 480 nm to 600 nm, and cancer cells do not emit fluorescence. In normal endoscopic observation, It is known that early cancer that is difficult to visually recognize can be found.

  Therefore, in a conventional video processor device for a fluorescence diagnostic electronic endoscope, for example, as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-150845, etc., only excitation light is transmitted through an illumination optical path emitted from a light source. An excitation filter is disposed, and a fluorescence transmission filter that transmits only light having a fluorescence wavelength is disposed between the objective optical system at the distal end of the insertion portion of the endoscope and the solid-state imaging device.

  However, in the apparatus as described above, the illumination light is only the excitation light, and the light beam incident on the solid-state imaging device is only the fluorescence, so that the normal endoscopic observation of the subject cannot be performed.

  Therefore, conventionally, when performing normal endoscopic observation in order to visually observe the position and state of the affected area, an endoscope for fluorescence diagnosis and an endoscope for normal observation are provided each time. It was necessary to replace and used, which was a heavy burden for both patients and doctors.

Therefore, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-66023 proposes a video processor device for an electronic endoscope for fluorescence diagnosis that can easily perform normal endoscope observation and fluorescence diagnosis.
JP-A-4-150845 JP-A-9-66023

  However, in a video processor device that enables normal endoscopic observation and fluorescence diagnosis, such as the above-mentioned JP-A-9-66023, when both a normal light observation image and a fluorescence observation image are simultaneously displayed on a monitor When either one of the CCD for normal light observation or the CCD for fluorescence observation fails, either one of the images becomes a noise image or nothing is output. There is a problem that it cannot be easily recognized on the monitor screen whether the CCD has failed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an endoscope apparatus capable of notifying an abnormality in an image processing system for normal light observation or an image processing system for fluorescence observation on an image display monitor. It is intended to provide.

The endoscope apparatus of the present invention is
An endoscope having normal light imaging means for imaging a subject image by normal light, and fluorescence imaging means for imaging a fluorescent image from the subject;
In the endoscope apparatus comprising: an image processing device that performs signal processing on an imaging signal from the normal light imaging unit and the fluorescence imaging unit of the endoscope, and generates a normal light image and a fluorescence image.
The image processing apparatus is
Normal light imaging driving means for driving the normal light imaging means;
Fluorescence imaging drive means for driving the fluorescence imaging means;
Normal light image signal processing means for processing the imaging signal from the normal light imaging means and generating the normal light image;
Fluorescent image signal processing means for processing the imaging signal including the fluorescent image to generate the fluorescent image;
Image combining means for combining the normal light image and the fluorescent image;
Normal light image processing monitoring means for monitoring the signal processing system of the normal light image from the drive signal of the normal light imaging drive means to the output signal of the normal light image signal processing means;
Fluorescence image processing monitoring means for monitoring the signal processing system of the fluorescence image from the drive signal of the fluorescence imaging drive means to the output signal of the fluorescence image signal processing means.

  According to the present invention, there is an effect that an abnormality in an image processing system for normal light observation or an image processing system for fluorescence observation can be notified on an image display monitor.

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

  FIGS. 1 to 25 relate to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the endoscope apparatus, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the RGB rotation filter of FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the first image output detection circuit or the second image output detection circuit, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a Cr-Cb color plane for explaining the operation of the noise image detection unit of FIG. 3, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a second diagram showing an example of a monitor display for explaining the operation of the video processor of FIG. 1, and FIG. 7 is a video processor of FIG. FIG. 8 is a fourth diagram illustrating an example of a monitor display illustrating the operation of the video processor of FIG. 1, and FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the video processor of FIG. FIG. 10 shows an example of a monitor display to be performed, and FIG. FIG. 11 shows a monitor display example for explaining the operation of the video processor of FIG. 1, FIG. 11 shows a monitor display example for explaining the operation of the video processor of FIG. 1, and FIG. 12 shows the operation of the video processor of FIG. FIG. 13 shows a monitor display example illustrating the operation of the video processor shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 13 shows a monitor display example explaining the operation of the video processor shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 14 shows a monitor explaining the operation of the video processor shown in FIG. FIG. 10 shows a display example, FIG. 15 shows a monitor display example illustrating the operation of the video processor of FIG. 1, and FIG. 16 shows a monitor display example illustrating the operation of the video processor of FIG. 12 and FIG. 17 are thirteenth diagrams showing examples of monitor display for explaining the operation of the video processor of FIG. 1, and FIG. 18 is a fourteenth diagram showing examples of monitor display for explaining the operation of the video processor of FIG. FIG. 19 is a diagram of FIG. FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a modification of the first image output detection circuit or the second image output detection circuit, and FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a Cr-Cb color plane for explaining a modification of the operation of the noise image detection unit of FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a configuration of a first modification of the video processor of FIG. 1, FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a configuration of a second modification of the video processor of FIG. 1, and FIG. 23 is a diagram of the video processor of FIG. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a third modification, FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a fourth modification of the video processor of FIG. 1, and FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a fifth modification of the video processor of FIG. It is.

As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has a flexible insertion portion 2 that can perform normal light observation and fluorescence observation, and drives the electronic endoscope 3. And a video processor 5 for processing the normal light observation image and the fluorescence observation image from the electronic endoscope 3 and displaying the normal light observation image and the fluorescence observation image on the monitor 4.
At the distal end of the insertion portion 2 of the electronic endoscope 3, first and second solid-state imaging devices, a normal light CCD 6 serving as a normal light imaging means 6, and a fluorescent CCD 7 serving as a fluorescence imaging means are all directed forward. They are arranged side by side. As the normal light CCD 6 and the fluorescent CCD 7, for example, a monochrome charge coupled device (CCD) is used.

  Objective optical systems 8 and 9 are respectively arranged in front of both the normal light CCD 6 and the fluorescent CCD 7, and an image of a subject in front is formed on the normal light CCD 6 and the fluorescent CCD 7. In addition, you may comprise so that one objective optical system may be shared by both CCD6 for normal light, and CCD7 for fluorescence.

  Between the fluorescence CCD 7 and the objective optical system 8, a fluorescence transmission filter 10 that transmits only light having a wavelength of 520 nm to 600 nm is disposed. Such a filter is not arranged in front of the normal light CCD 6.

  Further, the exit end of the illumination light guide fiber bundle 11 that irradiates illumination light toward the observation range of both objective optical systems 8 and 9 is arranged side by side with both objective optical systems 8 and 9.

  The video processor 5 is provided with a light source lamp 21 composed of, for example, a xenon lamp for supplying illumination light to the illumination light guide fiber bundle 11, and the light source lamp 21 and the incident end of the illumination light guide fiber bundle 11 are arranged. An RGB rotation filter 22 is disposed in the illumination optical path between them.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the RGB rotation filter 22 is formed with fan-shaped color filters of red (R), green (G), and blue (B). It is rotated.

  For example, the wavelength range of light transmitted through each color filter is as follows. Red (R): 580 nm to 650 nm. Green (G): 500 nm to 580 nm. Blue (B): 400 nm to 500 nm.

  As a result, the subject in front of the distal end of the insertion portion 2 is repeatedly and repeatedly illuminated with the illumination light of the three colors red, green, and blue via the illumination light guide fiber bundle 11.

  The normal light CCD 6 is driven by a normal light CCD driver 15 which is a normal light imaging drive means, and its image pickup signal is a normal light image signal processing means in the video processor 5 via a selector 17. It is output to the video circuit 24.

  On the other hand, the fluorescence CCD 7 with the fluorescence transmission filter 10 provided in front is driven by a fluorescence CCD driver 16 which is a fluorescence imaging drive means, and its image pickup signal is a fluorescence image signal processing means in the video processor 5. It is output to a certain fluorescent image video circuit 26.

  The imaging signal of the fluorescent CCD 7 can be output to the normal image video circuit 24 via the selector 17.

  Then, driving of the normal light CCD 6 and fluorescent CCD 7 (driving of the normal light CCD driver 15 and fluorescent CCD driver 16), processing in the normal image video circuit 24 and the fluorescent image video circuit 26, and the RGB rotation filter 22 are performed. The rotation of the motor 23 that rotates the motor is controlled in synchronization with the output signal from the timing circuit 25.

  As a result, the normal light CCD 6 performs imaging by the so-called RGB frame sequential method, and the normal image video circuit 24 obtains a normal color video signal of the subject.

  On the other hand, from the video signal imaged by the fluorescent CCD 7 and transmitted to the fluorescent image video circuit 26, only the video signal when the subject is illuminated with blue illumination light (wavelength 400 nm to 500 nm) is extracted. . That is, the image obtained by the fluorescence CCD 7 is only an image of light having a wavelength that can pass through the fluorescence transmission filter 10, and is excited from the subject by excitation light having a wavelength of 400 nm to 500 nm included in the blue illumination light. The fluorescent image thus obtained is extracted by the fluorescent image video circuit 26.

  The image composition circuit 28, which is an image composition means provided with notification means, receives the fluorescence image signal output from the fluorescence image video circuit 26 and the color image signal output from the normal image video circuit 24, and receives the image. The composition circuit 28 performs image composition processing so that a composite image composed of one or both of a fluorescent image and a normal image is displayed on the monitor 4.

  The color image signal output from the normal image video circuit 24 is also output to the first image output detection circuit 31 serving as the normal light image processing monitoring means, and the fluorescent image output from the fluorescent image video circuit 26. The signal is also output to the second image output detection circuit 32 which is a fluorescence image processing monitoring means.

  The first image output detection circuit 31 and the second image output detection circuit 32 have the same configuration, detect the output of each image signal, and based on the detection result, the selector switching control, the normal image video circuit 24 and process control in the fluorescent image video circuit 26 and image synthesis control in the image synthesis circuit 28 are performed.

  Specifically, the first image output detection circuit 31 (or the second image output detection circuit 32), as shown in FIG. 3, samples the color image signal output from the normal image video circuit 24. A sampling unit 41, an RGB average value calculation unit 42 that calculates an average value of R / G / B / images sampled by the image sampling unit 41, and detection of unoutputted images based on the calculation results of the RGB average value calculation unit 42 An image non-output detection unit 43, a color difference signal calculation unit 44 for calculating a color difference signal from the R / G / B / image sampled by the image sampling unit 41, and an average value of the color difference signals calculated by the color difference signal calculation unit 44. The calculated CrCb average value calculation unit 45, the noise image detection unit 46 that detects a noise image based on the calculation result of the CrCb average value calculation unit 45, and the detection of the image non-output detection unit 43 An OR circuit unit 47 that ORs the output result and the detection result of the noise image detection unit 46 and outputs the result as an output abnormality occurrence signal of the image output detection circuit is provided.

  The image sampling unit 41 samples R, G, and B data values from the endoscopic image portion excluding the character area, and outputs the sampled values to the RGB average value calculation unit 42 and the color difference signal calculation unit 44.

  The RGB average value calculation unit 42 calculates an average value for one screen of the R, G, and B data values and outputs the average value to the image non-output detection unit 43.

  When the image non-output detection unit 43 detects that the average values of the R, G, B data are all “0” for a plurality of screens, the image non-output signal is output to the OR circuit unit 47 as an image signal is not output. Output.

  Further, the color difference signal calculation unit 44 calculates the color difference signals Cr and Cb from the R, G, and B data values, and the CrCb average value calculation unit 45 calculates the average value of Cr and Cb for one screen to detect the noise image. To the unit 46.

Cr = 0.5R-0.419G-0.081B
Cr = −0.169R−0.331G + 0.5B
The noise image detection unit 46 detects whether the image is a noise image based on the average value of Cr and Cb, depending on which position in the Cr-Cb color plane coordinates shown in FIG. To the unit 47.

  In general, since various color components are randomly generated in the noise image, the average values of Cr and Cb are distributed in the vicinity of the origin of the Cr-Cb color plane coordinates. A noise image generation signal is output to the OR circuit unit 47 as a noise image when positioned within the dotted line of the Cr-Cb color plane coordinates.

  When the OR circuit unit 47 determines that the image signal is not normally output from the image non-output signal from the image non-output detection unit 43 or the noise image generation signal from the noise image detection unit 46, the output abnormality generation signal is output. The data is output to the selector 17, the normal image video circuit 24, the fluorescent image video circuit 26, and the image composition circuit 28.

  For example, when there is an abnormality in the fluorescent image by the output abnormality occurrence signal, only the normal light image is displayed on the monitor 4, and when there is an abnormality in the normal light image, the fluorescent image is displayed through the selector 17. 24, a pseudo ordinary light image is generated from the fluorescence image and displayed on the monitor 4. FIGS. 5 to 18 show display examples of the monitor 4. This display may be selectable.

  The pseudo normal image is an image generated by inputting the output of the fluorescent CCD 7 to the normal image video circuit 24 and generated as a normal image, and the fluorescent transmission filter 10 that cuts the excitation light is provided in front of the fluorescent CCD 7. Therefore, although the color tone of blue is slightly different from that of the normal image, the level is not a problem as an emergency image.

(1) FIG. 5 shows a display example when both the normal light image and the fluorescent image are normal, and the normal light image and the fluorescent image are displayed on the monitor 4.

(2) FIG. 6 shows a display example when the normal light image is normal and the fluorescent image is abnormal. The normal light image is displayed on the monitor 4 and the normal light image is also displayed in the area where the fluorescent image is displayed. Is displayed. Here, the image composition circuit 28 has notification means, and the notification means of the image composition circuit 28, for example, by making the frame of the normal light image in the area where the fluorescence image is displayed thick, so that the fluorescence image is displayed. Announce that it is abnormal.

  This notification allows the surgeon to easily recognize that a problem has occurred in the fluorescence observation, so that an appropriate response can be made, and the patient cannot determine whether or not a problem has occurred in the procedure using only the image on the monitor 4. So I don't have anxiety.

(3) FIG. 7 shows a display example when the normal light image is normal and the fluorescent image is abnormal, and the normal light image is displayed in the central area of the monitor 4. The notification means of the image composition circuit 28 notifies that the fluorescent image is abnormal by this display form.

(4) FIG. 8 shows a display example when the normal light image is normal and the fluorescent image is abnormal. The normal light image is displayed on the monitor 4 by the notification means of the image composition circuit 28, and the fluorescent image is displayed. A message indicating that fluorescence observation is not possible is displayed in the displayed area.

  In addition to messages such as “Cannot observe fluorescence”, “Cancel fluorescence observation”, “Can only use normal light observation”, “Not compatible with fluorescence observation”, “Only normal light observation” May be a simple message.

(5) FIG. 9 shows a display example when the normal light image is normal and the fluorescent image is abnormal. The normal light image is displayed on the monitor 4 by the notification means of the image composition circuit 28, and the fluorescent image is displayed. Displays a color bar in the displayed area.

(6) FIG. 10 is a display example when the normal light image is normal and the fluorescent image is abnormal, and an enlarged image of the normal light image is displayed in the central region of the monitor 4 by the notification means of the image composition circuit 28. .

(7) FIG. 11 shows a display example when the normal light image is abnormal and the fluorescent image is normal. The notification means of the image composition circuit 28 displays the fluorescent image on the monitor 4 and the normal light image is displayed. A fluorescent image is also displayed in the displayed area. Here, the notification means of the image composition circuit 28 notifies that the normal light image is abnormal, for example, by making the frame of the fluorescent image in the area where the normal light image is displayed thick.

(8) FIG. 12 shows a display example when the normal light image is abnormal and the fluorescent image is normal, and the notification means of the image composition circuit 28 is based on the fluorescent image instead of the normal light image and the fluorescent image. Each of the generated pseudo ordinary light images is displayed, and a frame of the pseudo ordinary light image is made thick to notify that the ordinary light image is abnormal.

(9) FIG. 13 shows a display example when the normal light image is abnormal and the fluorescent image is normal, and an enlarged image of the fluorescent image is displayed in the central region of the monitor 4 by the notification means of the image composition circuit 28. By making the frame of the enlarged fluorescent image a thick frame, it is notified that the normal light image is abnormal.

(10) FIG. 14 shows a display example when the normal light image is abnormal and the fluorescent image is normal, and the pseudo-normal light image is displayed on the monitor 4 by the notification means of the image composition circuit 28 and the fluorescent image is displayed. A message indicating that fluorescence observation is not possible is displayed in the area where is displayed. In addition, the fact that the normal light image is abnormal is notified by making the frame of the pseudo normal light image thick.

(11) FIG. 15 shows a display example when the normal light image is abnormal and the fluorescent image is normal. The notification means of the image composition circuit 28 displays the fluorescent image on the monitor 4 and the normal light image is displayed. A message indicating that normal light observation is not possible is displayed in the displayed area.

(12) FIG. 16 shows a display example when the normal light image is abnormal and the fluorescent image is normal. The notification means of the image composition circuit 28 displays the pseudo normal light image on the monitor 4 and the normal light. A message indicating that fluorescence observation is not possible is displayed in the area where the image is displayed. In addition, the fact that the normal light image is abnormal is notified by making the frame of the pseudo normal light image thick.

(13) FIG. 17 is a display example when the normal light image is abnormal and the fluorescent image is normal, and the pseudo-normal light image is displayed on the monitor 4 by the notification means of the image composition circuit 28 and the fluorescent image is displayed. Displays a color bar in the area where is displayed. In addition, the fact that the normal light image is abnormal is notified by making the frame of the pseudo normal light image thick.

(14) FIG. 18 shows a display example when the normal light image is abnormal and the fluorescent image is normal, and the pseudo normal light image or fluorescent image is enlarged in the central region of the monitor 4 by the notification means of the image composition circuit 28. Display an image. It should be noted that the enlarged normal light image or the fluorescent image has a thick frame to notify that the normal light image is abnormal.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when a failure or the like occurs in one of the CCDs, the operator is notified of the failure or the like in the display form of the monitor display. It is possible to respond, and there is no concern for patients.

  Further, when a failure or the like occurs in the normal light CCD 6, the normal light observation can be continued by the pseudo normal light image using the fluorescent CCD 7, so that the environment is close to an image that is usually regarded by the surgeon. It becomes possible to deal with treatment.

  As shown in FIG. 19, an image sampling unit 41 that samples a color image signal output from the normal image video circuit 24 and an average value of R / G / B / images sampled by the image sampling unit 41 are calculated. RGB average value calculation unit 42, image non-output detection unit 43 that detects non-output of an image based on the calculation result of RGB average value calculation unit 42, and R / G / B / image from RGB average value calculation unit 42 A color difference signal calculation unit 44 that calculates a color difference signal from the average value of the color difference signal, a noise image detection unit 46 that detects a noise image based on the calculation result of the color difference signal calculation unit 44, and a detection result and noise image of the image non-output detection unit 43 OR circuit unit 47 that ORs the detection result of detection unit 46 and outputs it as an output abnormality occurrence signal of the image output detection circuit, and includes first image output detection circuit 31 (or May constitute the second image output detection circuit 32), the circuit scale can be reduced.

  In this configuration, the color difference signal calculation unit 44 calculates the average RY and BY in one screen of the sampled R, G, and B data values instead of Cr and Cb.

RY = 0.7R-0.59G-0.11B
BY = -0.3R-0.59G + 0.89B
Further, in FIG. 4, it is assumed that the image is a noise image when it is located within the dotted line of the Cr-Cb color plane coordinates. As described above, the noise image detection unit 46 may detect the generation of a noise image when a distribution that is biased on the Cr-Cb color plane coordinates is detected.

  In addition, in order to improve the accuracy of noise image detection and image non-output detection, an image is divided into blocks, an average value is calculated for each block, and noise image detection and image non-output detection are performed. Moreover, noise image detection may be performed by known frequency analysis.

  Although the selector 17 is used in this embodiment, the selector can be omitted by configuring as shown in FIG.

  In this embodiment, the color image signal output from the normal image video circuit 24 and the fluorescent image signal output from the fluorescent image video circuit 26 are converted into the first image output detection circuit 31 and the second image output detection. The signal processing is performed by the circuit 32 to detect the abnormality of the normal light CCD 6 or the fluorescent CCD 7. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as a first modification of the video processor 5, as shown in FIG. Drive signal detection circuits 51 and 52 for detecting drive signals of the normal light CCD driver 15 for driving the CCD 6 and the fluorescent CCD driver 16 for driving the fluorescent CCD 7 are provided in place of the image output detection circuit. By monitoring the driving state of the driver 15 and the fluorescence CCD driver 16, a failure or the like is detected in the CCD, and a selector or the like as in the image output detection circuit. It may be controlled.

  Furthermore, as a second modification of the video processor 5, as shown in FIG. 23, CCD output detection circuits 61 and 62 for detecting image pickup signals from the normal light CCD 6 and the fluorescence CCD 7 are used instead of the image output detection circuit. It is also possible to detect the failure of the CCD by directly monitoring the output states of the normal light CCD driver 15 and the fluorescence CCD driver 16, and control the selector and the like in the same manner as the image output detection circuit.

  By the way, in the endoscope apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, the probe 72 is inserted into the treatment instrument channel 71 of the electronic endoscope 3 to treat the affected part, for example, a therapeutic laser apparatus 73 or the like. Is used.

  When such treatment by the therapeutic laser device 73 is performed, the affected part is irradiated with laser light from the tip of the probe 72. In general, since the fluorescence from the living body is weak, the gain of the imaging signal from the fluorescence CCD 7 is set higher than the gain of the imaging signal from the normal light CCD 6, and when the laser light is irradiated to the affected area, the fluorescence CCD 7 The image in FIG. 5 causes halation or an image in which noise is amplified.

  Therefore, in the video processor 5 shown in FIG. 24, a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as communication I / F) 74 for inputting an operation signal of the therapeutic laser device 73 is provided, and the therapeutic laser device 73 is operated via the communication I / F 74. When it is detected, the image composition circuit 28 is controlled to erase the fluorescent image from the monitor display as shown in FIG. At that time, the image size can be enlarged and displayed on the screen, but depending on the operator, the screen size may not be changed. By making it possible, it is possible to provide a device according to the user's preference. Further, the screen switching itself when using the therapeutic laser device 73 may be selectable by the user through a menu or the like. The same operation is performed not only when the treatment laser device 73 is used but also when an electric knife is used.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 24, since the therapeutic laser device 73 and the electric knife are automatically switched to the normal light image, it is possible to display an image with amplified noise without bothering the operator. Can be prevented.

  Further, the video processor 5 of the present embodiment incorporates light source means, but as shown in FIG. 25, a light source device 81 may be provided separately from the video processor 5. This type of light source device 81 monitors the lighting state of the light source lamp 21 with the CPU 100 or the like, and when detecting that the light source lamp 21 does not light due to a failure or the like, the emergency light 101 is inserted into the optical path to supply illumination light. Do. The lighting monitoring of the light source lamp 21 is performed by monitoring the current value flowing through the light source lamp 21.

  In the configuration of FIG. 25, when the CPU 100 performs control of switching to the emergency light 101, a switching signal is transmitted from the CPU 100 to the image composition circuit 28 via the communication I / F 74 of the video processor 5, and the image composition circuit 28 performs this switching. Based on the signal, simultaneous display of the normal light image and the fluorescence image is canceled, and only the normal light image is displayed on the monitor as shown in FIG. Also in this case, the screen size at this time can be specified by a menu or the like.

  Further, based on this switching signal, the image composition circuit 28 may display the normal light image in the fluorescent image display area and display the same normal light image side by side on two screens, as shown in FIG. In this case, since the screen size and the image position are not changed, the operator does not move the viewpoint, so that the operator's display is reduced.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The figure which shows the structure of the RGB rotation filter of FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a first image output detection circuit or a second image output detection circuit in FIG. The figure which shows the Cr-Cb color plane explaining the effect | action of the noise image detection part of FIG. 1 is a first diagram showing a monitor display example for explaining the operation of the video processor of FIG. The 2nd figure which shows the example of a monitor display explaining the effect | action of the video processor of FIG. The 3rd figure which shows the example of a monitor display explaining the effect | action of the video processor of FIG. FIG. 4 is a fourth diagram showing a monitor display example for explaining the operation of the video processor of FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a fifth diagram showing a monitor display example for explaining the operation of the video processor of FIG. 1; FIG. 6 is a sixth diagram showing a monitor display example for explaining the operation of the video processor of FIG. 1; FIG. 7 is a seventh diagram illustrating a monitor display example for explaining the operation of the video processor of FIG. 1; FIG. 8 is an eighth diagram showing a monitor display example for explaining the operation of the video processor of FIG. FIG. 9 is a ninth diagram showing an example of a monitor display for explaining the operation of the video processor of FIG. FIG. 10 is a tenth view showing a monitor display example for explaining the operation of the video processor of FIG. 1; FIG. 11 is an eleventh view showing a monitor display example for explaining the operation of the video processor of FIG. 1; 12th figure which shows the example of a monitor display explaining the effect | action of the video processor of FIG. 13th figure which shows the example of a monitor display explaining the effect | action of the video processor of FIG. FIG. 14 shows a monitor display example for explaining the operation of the video processor of FIG. The block diagram which shows the structure of the modification of the 1st image output detection circuit of FIG. 3, or the 2nd image output detection circuit. The figure which shows the Cr-Cb color plane explaining the modification of an effect | action of the noise image detection part of FIG. The figure which shows the structure of the 1st modification of the video processor of FIG. The figure which shows the structure of the 2nd modification of the video processor of FIG. The figure which shows the structure of the 3rd modification of the video processor of FIG. The figure which shows the structure of the 4th modification of the video processor of FIG. The figure which shows the structure of the 5th modification of the video processor of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope apparatus 3 ... Electronic endoscope 4 ... Monitor 5 ... Video processor 6 ... CCD for normal light
7 ... Fluorescent CCD
8, 9 ... Objective optical system 10 ... Fluorescent transmission filter 11 ... Illumination light guide fiber bundle 15 ... Normal light CCD driver 16 ... Fluorescent CCD driver 17 ... Selector 21 ... Light source lamp 22 ... RGB rotary filter 23 ... Motor 24 ... Normal image video circuit 25 ... Timing circuit 26 ... Fluorescent image video circuit 28 ... Image composition circuit 31 ... First image output detection circuit 32 ... Second image output detection circuit 41 ... Image sampling unit 42 ... RGB average value Calculation unit 43 ... Image non-output detection unit 44 ... Color difference signal calculation unit 45 ... CrCb average value calculation unit 46 ... Noise image detection unit 47 ... OR circuit unit

Claims (8)

An endoscope having normal light imaging means for imaging a subject image by normal light, and fluorescence imaging means for imaging a fluorescent image from the subject;
An endoscope apparatus comprising: an image processing device that performs signal processing on an imaging signal from the normal light imaging unit and the fluorescence imaging unit of the endoscope, and generates a normal light image and a fluorescence image.
The image processing apparatus includes:
Normal light imaging driving means for driving the normal light imaging means;
Fluorescence imaging drive means for driving the fluorescence imaging means;
Normal light image signal processing means for processing the imaging signal from the normal light imaging means and generating the normal light image;
Fluorescent image signal processing means for processing the imaging signal including the fluorescent image to generate the fluorescent image;
Image combining means for combining the normal light image and the fluorescent image;
Normal light image processing monitoring means for monitoring the signal processing system of the normal light image from the drive signal of the normal light imaging drive means to the output signal of the normal light image signal processing means;
An endoscope apparatus comprising: a fluorescence image processing monitoring unit that monitors a signal processing system of the fluorescence image from a drive signal of the fluorescence imaging driving unit to an output signal of the fluorescence image signal processing unit. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image synthesizing unit includes a notification unit that notifies the monitoring result of the normal light image processing monitoring unit and the fluorescence image processing monitoring unit on the synthesized image. . The normal light image processing monitoring unit and the fluorescent image processing monitoring unit monitor output states of the normal light image signal processing unit and the fluorescent image signal processing unit, respectively. Endoscope device. The said normal light image processing monitoring means and the said fluorescence image processing monitoring means monitor the output state of the drive signal of a normal light imaging drive means, and the drive signal of the said fluorescence imaging drive means, The Claim 1 or 2 characterized by the above-mentioned. The endoscope apparatus described. The said normal light image processing monitoring means and the said fluorescence image processing monitoring means monitor the input state of the said normal light image signal processing means and the said fluorescence image signal processing means, The said 1 or 2 characterized by the above-mentioned. Endoscope device. The image processing apparatus includes:
Peripheral device operation detection means for detecting the operating state of the connected peripheral device,
The notification means of the image composition means is:
The endoscopic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a monitoring result of the peripheral device operation detection unit is notified on the composite image. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the peripheral device is a medical treatment apparatus that performs treatment. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the peripheral device is a light source device that supplies the normal light.

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