JP2007275382A - Electronic endoscope processor and electronic endoscope system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic endoscope processor and an electronic endoscope system, available in compact size and at a low price, that can simultaneously output the main and subordinate relational images as digital signals formed by respective endoscopes in synchronization with their external conditions. <P>SOLUTION: The electronic endoscope processor is provided with an imaging treatment means to generate a first digital image signal by giving imaging treatment to image signals transmitted from electrically and optically connected electronic endoscopes, a signal conversion means to convert an analogue video signal outputted from at least one external device into a second digital image signal, and an output synchronization control means to synchronize the output of the first digital image signal from the imaging treatment means to outside with the output of the second digital image signal from the signal conversion means to outside. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a processor capable of outputting an image captured by an electronic endoscope as a digital signal, and an electronic endoscope system including the processor as a component.

  Conventionally, the image is taken with an electronic endoscope so that the image quality of the taken image is prevented from being deteriorated and a high-quality captured image can be observed even at a place away from the place where the electronic endoscope (electronic scope) is actually used. 2. Description of the Related Art An electronic endoscope system that outputs a captured image as a digital signal is known. Such an electronic endoscope system is disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1 below.

JP-A-8-214290

  In recent years, it has been composed of a main electronic endoscope and processor pair and one or more sub electronic endoscope and processor pairs. A so-called parent-child endoscope system that realizes endoscopic observation has been put into practical use. Specifically, the parent-child endoscope system is used in a state where a thin insertion portion of an electronic endoscope according to a forceps channel or the like of the main electronic endoscope is inserted. Then, the operator performs imaging and observation using a main electronic endoscope having a high operation performance and a high-performance configuration in a relatively wide lumen in the body cavity. An image captured by the main electronic endoscope is subjected to image processing by a corresponding main processor and output to the outside. Further, in the narrow lumen, the operator projects the leading end of the insertion portion of the secondary electronic endoscope from the forceps channel of the main electronic endoscope and enters the narrow lumen, and the main This makes it possible to observe parts that were difficult to image with an electronic endoscope. The image captured by the secondary electronic endoscope is subjected to image processing by the corresponding secondary processor and output to the outside.

  Even in a parent-child endoscope system as described above, if images taken in either master or slave pair can be digitally output simultaneously, a plurality of high-quality captured images can be obtained at locations away from the actual use location. It will be possible to observe and edit at the same time.

  However, if the electronic endoscope system disclosed in Patent Document 1 is applied to a parent-child endoscope system as it is, the main and slave processors must be configured to output digital signals independently. Therefore, problems such as an increase in size and cost of each processor constituting the parent-child endoscope system are caused. This defect may cause a problem of an arrangement space in an examination room for performing endoscopic observation, a new equipment investment is required, or an existing equipment cannot be used.

  Furthermore, if each of the main and slave processors can output digital signals independently, the signals simultaneously output from the processors are not synchronized with each other, which may hinder observation and editing. Therefore, it is not preferable to separately prepare a device or the like that performs processing for synchronizing the digital signals in a place where an image based on each digital signal is observed.

  Therefore, in view of the above circumstances, the present invention simultaneously outputs an image captured by each electronic endoscope having a master-slave relationship while being inexpensive and avoiding an increase in size as a digital signal while synchronizing with the outside. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic endoscope processor and an electronic endoscope system that can perform the above-described processing.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an electronic endoscope processor according to claim 1 of the present invention performs image processing on an image signal transmitted from an electronic endoscope electrically and optically connected. Image processing means for generating a first digital image signal, signal conversion means for converting an analog video signal output from at least one external device into a second digital image signal, and output from the image processing means to the outside Output synchronization control means for adjusting output synchronization between the first digital image signal and the second digital image signal output from the signal conversion means to the outside.

  According to the electronic endoscope processor according to claim 1, not only an image captured by the connected electronic endoscope but also an externally generated analog video signal can be converted into a digital image signal. it can. Each digital image signal can be simultaneously output while being synchronized. Therefore, for example, by using the electronic endoscope processor according to claim 1 as a main processor in the parent-child endoscope system, an image is picked up by a secondary electronic endoscope and output through the secondary processor. It is possible to digitally convert and output analog image signals. That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, since the subordinate electronic endoscope and the processor can use existing ones, each electronic endoscope can be used while reducing the cost and avoiding the enlargement of the apparatus. It is possible to simultaneously output the images picked up by the digital image signal while synchronizing with the outside.

  According to the electronic endoscope processor of the second aspect of the present invention, the image processing means has a first storage unit for temporarily storing the generated first digital image signal, and a signal conversion means. Has a second storage unit for temporarily storing the converted second digital image signal, and the output synchronization control means matches the timing of reading each digital image signal stored in each storage unit Therefore, the output synchronization is adjusted.

  In the electronic endoscope processor according to claim 3, the output synchronization control means includes the first digital image signal output from the image processing means and the second digital image output from the signal conversion means. A synchronization word can be added to the signal at the same timing.

  According to the electronic endoscope processor of the fourth aspect, it is desirable to have analog signal output means for analogly converting at least the first digital image signal and outputting it to the outside.

  According to the processor for electronic endoscope according to claim 5, the image processing means superimposes a character signal indicating that at least the digital signal is the first digital image signal on the first digital image signal. A first signal superimposing unit can be further included.

  Similarly, the signal conversion means may further include second signal superimposing means for superimposing at least a character signal indicating that the digital signal is the second digital image signal on the second digital image signal ( Claim 6).

  The electronic endoscope system according to claim 7 is an electronic endoscope, an endoscope, and an auxiliary processor that performs image processing on an image signal transmitted from the endoscope and outputs the processed image signal to the outside as an analog video signal. And an electronic endoscope processor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, to which an electronic endoscope and an auxiliary processor are connected.

  From another viewpoint, the electronic endoscope system according to claim 8 is a first digital image obtained by performing image processing on an electronic endoscope and a first image signal transmitted from the electronic endoscope. A first processor that generates a signal, an endoscope, and a second processor that performs image processing on the second image signal transmitted from the endoscope and outputs the processed image as an analog video signal to the outside. One processor converts the analog video signal output from the second processor into a second digital image signal, and outputs the first digital image signal and the second digital image signal to the outside in synchronization with each other. It has an output means, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  According to the electronic endoscope system according to claim 9, the insertion tube flexible tube of the endoscope connected to the second processor is in the insertion tube flexible tube of the electronic endoscope connected to the first processor. It is configured to enter the body cavity via the. The endoscope may be an electronic endoscope (claim 10).

  The electronic endoscope processor according to the present invention converts not only an image signal transmitted from an electronic endoscope directly connected to the processor but also an analog video signal output from an external device into a digital image signal. can do. And it becomes possible to output outside, synchronizing the synchronization of each digital signal. As a result, a parent-child electronic endoscope that can simultaneously output the images captured by each electronic endoscope as digital image signals to the outside while effectively preventing an increase in the size of the system while suppressing an increase in cost. A mirror system is provided.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electronic endoscope system 100 according to the present invention. The electronic endoscope system 100 includes a first processor 100A, a first electronic endoscope 100B, a second processor 100C, a second electronic endoscope 100D, a first monitor 100E, and a second monitor 100F.

  The first processor 100A includes a system controller 1, a light source unit 2, an image processing unit 3, an external signal conversion unit 4, and an operation unit 6. During endoscopic observation, the first electronic endoscope 100B is electrically and optically connected to the first processor 100A. Further, the first monitor 100E and the second processor 100C are connected to the first processor 100A. The first electronic endoscope 100B includes an imaging unit 7, an endoscope side image processing unit 8, an EEPROM 9, a forceps channel 10, and a light guide 11. The first processor 100A is configured to output an analog video signal to the first monitor 100E and to output a digital image signal to the outside. This point will be described later.

  Although not shown, the second processor 100C has substantially the same configuration as the first processor 100A described above. However, in order to avoid an increase in cost, the second processor 100C has a cheaper and simpler configuration than the first processor 100A. For example, all video signals output from the second processor 100C to the outside (here, the first processor 100A and the second monitor 100F) are all analog signals.

  The second electronic endoscope 100D is configured substantially the same as the first electronic endoscope 100B. Here, the second electronic endoscope 100D is an endoscope that is used while being inserted through the forceps channel 10 of the first electronic endoscope 100B and protruding from the forceps port 10a. That is, the second electronic endoscope 100D corresponds to a secondary endoscope when the first electronic endoscope 100B is regarded as a main endoscope. The second processor 100C corresponds to an auxiliary processor. That is, the electronic endoscope system 100 is a parent-child endoscope system in which the first electronic endoscope 100B is positioned as a master unit and the second electronic endoscope 100D is positioned as a slave unit. The body cavity insertion portion, that is, the insertion portion flexible tube in the second electronic endoscope 100D has a shape that can be inserted into the forceps channel 10 of the first electronic endoscope 100B.

  Endoscopic observation and endoscopic treatment for a subject using the electronic endoscope system 100 configured as described above will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram related to image processing mainly performed by the first processor 100A.

  An image signal in the body cavity imaged by the first electronic endoscope 100B is output to the outside through the following image processing. First, the system controller 1 controls the light source unit 2 to emit light. The system controller 1 not only controls each part of the first processor 100A, but also drives and controls the first electronic endoscope 100B (for example, the imaging unit 7). More specifically, when the first electronic endoscope 100B is connected to the first processor 100A, the system controller 1 reads information unique to the first electronic endoscope 100B stored in the EEPROM 9. The first electronic endoscope 100B is driven and controlled with reference to the unique information. The unique information stored in the EEPROM 9 is exemplified by identification information such as a lot number.

  The light source unit 2 emits light in response to a control signal from the system controller 1. The irradiated light is emitted from the distal end of the first electronic endoscope 100B (more specifically, the distal end of the flexible tube of the first electronic endoscope 100B) via the light guide 11, and illuminates the inside of the body cavity. .

  The reflected light from the illuminated body cavity is received by the imaging element 71 in the imaging unit 7. The image sensor 71 performs photoelectric conversion and outputs a voltage signal (hereinafter referred to as an image signal) corresponding to the amount of received light. The output image signal is amplified to a predetermined level by the amplifier 72 and then input to the endoscope-side image processing unit 8.

  The endoscope side image processing unit 8 performs processing such as gamma correction and gain adjustment on the input image signal. The endoscope side image processing unit 8 has a signal generation IC circuit inside. The circuit generates a luminance signal Y and color difference signals Cb and Cr based on the image signal. Each signal generated here is assumed to be a 10-bit parallel signal. The luminance signal and the color difference signal are output from the endoscope side image processing unit 8 and input to the first digital decoder 31 of the image processing unit 3.

  The first digital decoder 31 converts the input luminance signal and color difference signal into digital signals. The first digital decoder 31 of the present embodiment samples each signal in accordance with the D-1 standard, and digitizes it. That is, the first digital decoder 31 performs sampling so that the ratio of the sampling frequency of the luminance signal and each color difference signal is 4: 2: 2. Specifically, the first digital decoder 31 performs sampling at a sampling frequency of 13.5 MHz for the luminance signal and 6.75 MHz for each color difference signal. As a result, the effective video period corresponding to one line of each signal, that is, the number of samples in the period from the previous synchronization signal to the current synchronization signal is 720 for the luminance signal and 360 for each color difference signal.

  The luminance signal and each color difference signal that have undergone the digital signal processing are temporarily recorded as data in the first memory 32. Each signal is simultaneously read according to a timing signal periodically transmitted from the system controller 1 and input to the first multiplexer 33. Here, when displaying a still image, the update of data recorded in the first memory 32 may be stopped.

  The image processing unit 3 has a first character processing circuit 34. The first character processing circuit 34 generates a character signal relating to information that visually represents that the image displayed via the image processing circuit 3 is an image captured by the first electronic endoscope 100B. Then, the character signal is superimposed on each signal read from the memory 32 and input to the first multiplexer 33. As information corresponding to the character signal generated by the first character processing circuit 34, character information such as “MAIN” is exemplified. In addition, the first character processing circuit 34 can generate and superimpose character signals related to various information such as a patient name, a patient ID, and the current date and time.

  The first multiplexer 33 performs a multiplexing process by sequentially sampling each input signal at a predetermined sampling frequency. In the present embodiment, the predetermined sampling frequency is set to twice the sampling frequency for the luminance signal in the first digital decoder 31, that is, 27 MHz. Sampling is performed in the order of the color difference signal Cb, the luminance signal Y, and the color difference signal Cr. Through the multiplexing process, a single digital signal is generated. Hereinafter, the digital image signal generated here is referred to as a first digital image signal for convenience of explanation. The first digital image signal immediately after being generated by the first multiplexer 33 is a 10-bit parallel signal. This multiplexing processing can reduce the burden in subsequent circuits and the like as compared with processing for three types of 10-bit signals.

  Note that the synchronization word generation circuit 5 is connected to the first multiplexer 33. The synchronization word generation circuit 5 generates a synchronization word corresponding to a synchronization pulse existing in each analog signal before the input of the first digital decoder 31 under the control of the system controller 1, and transmits the synchronization word to the first multiplexer 33. . The first multiplexer 33 adds the synchronization word transmitted from the synchronization word generation circuit 5 to the first digital image signal at a predetermined timing.

  The first digital image signal output from the first multiplexer 33 is input to the first parallel / serial converter 35 and the digital encoder 36. The first parallel / serial converter 35 converts the input first digital image signal into a serial signal and outputs it to the outside. At the time of external output, the parallel / serial converter 52 sets the transmission rate to 10 times the sampling frequency at the time of multiplexing of the first multiplexer 33, that is, 270 MHz, in order to prevent signal transmission delay due to serial conversion. Is done.

  In addition, the digital encoder 36 converts the input first digital image signal into an R video signal, a composite video signal, or the like according to the R, G, B analog signals or the specifications of the first monitor 100E. The first monitor 100E displays an image based on the analog signal converted and output by the digital encoder 36. The analog output from the digital encoder 36 can be controlled by the system controller 1 by the operator or the like operating the operation unit 6 on the front panel or the like.

  An image signal relating to the inside of the body cavity imaged by the second electronic endoscope 100D is output to the outside through the following image processing. When imaging the inside of the body cavity using the second electronic endoscope 100D, the second processor 100C performs the same processing as the first processor 100A described above. However, the second processor 100 </ b> C has an inexpensive configuration that does not have a function of performing digital conversion processing as performed by the image processing unit 3. Therefore, the video signal output from the second processor 100C to the second monitor 100F and the first processor 100A is an analog signal.

  The analog video signal output from the second processor 100C is input to the external signal converter 4 of the first processor 100A. The external signal conversion unit 4 includes a second digital decoder 41, a second memory 42, a second multiplexer 43, a second character processing circuit 44, a second parallel / serial converter 45, and a determination circuit 46.

  Here, the external signal conversion unit 4 of the first processor 100A is configured to be able to convert it into a digital signal regardless of the standard of the input analog video signal. Specifically, the second digital decoder 41 has a function that can convert the input analog signal into a predetermined digital signal regardless of the standard. Also, the external signal conversion unit 4 is provided in the number corresponding to the standard of the analog video signal that can be input to the port P for cable connection. Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience, it is assumed that a luminance signal and a color difference signal are input.

  When the second processor 100C to be connected is determined in advance and the analog video signal output from the second processor 100C is always a single standard, one connection port is sufficient. Further, only a single port P conforming to a predetermined standard is disposed in the external signal conversion unit 4, and an analog video signal of the predetermined standard is obtained by a known conversion process as a cable for connecting the processors 100A and 100C. It is also possible to use a cable having a conversion function for converting into a cable.

  The analog video signal input via the port P is input to the second digital decoder 41 via the determination circuit 46. The determination circuit 46 is a circuit that determines the presence or absence of an external signal input. When there is no signal input from the outside, the system controller 1 puts the entire external signal conversion unit 4 into a dormant state based on a signal transmitted from the determination circuit 46 to save power.

  The second digital decoder 41 performs the same processing as the first digital decoder 31 and digitally converts the luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cb and Cr. Each signal is temporarily stored as data in the second memory 42 disposed in the subsequent stage. Each digitally converted signal is a 10-bit parallel signal similar to the signal digitized by the image processing unit 3.

  Here, the system controller 1 transmits the same signal as the timing signal used when reading the first memory 32 to the second memory 42 at the same timing. As a result, the signals corresponding to the data stored in the second memory 42 are simultaneously read and transmitted to the second multiplexer 43.

  The second character processing circuit 44 performs the same processing as the first character processing circuit 34 included in the image processing unit 3. Specifically, the second character processing circuit 44 is a character relating to information that visually represents that the image displayed via the external signal conversion unit 4 is an image captured by the second electronic endoscope 100D. A character signal related to information, for example, character information such as “SUB” is generated. Then, the character signal is superimposed on each signal output from the second digital decoder 41 and input to the second multiplexer 43. As with the first character processing circuit 34, the second character processing circuit 44 can also generate and superimpose other character signals related to the patient name and the like.

  The second multiplexer 43 performs the same multiplexing process as the first multiplexer 33 on each input signal. Through the multiplexing process, a single digital signal is generated. Hereinafter, the digital image signal generated here is referred to as a second digital image signal for convenience of explanation.

  Note that the synchronization word generation circuit 5 is connected to the second multiplexer 43 in the same manner as the first multiplexer 33. Under the control of the system controller 1, the synchronization word generation circuit 5 generates a synchronization word corresponding to a synchronization pulse existing in each analog signal before the second digital decoder 41 is input, and transmits the synchronization word to the second multiplexer 43. . The second multiplexer 43 adds the synchronization word transmitted from the synchronization word generation circuit 5 at a predetermined timing to the second digital image signal. Here, the predetermined timing is the same timing as the timing at which the first multiplexer 33 described above adds a synchronization word to the first digital image signal. That is, by synchronizing the read timings from the memories 32 and 42, it is possible to give a synchronization word to each digital signal at the same timing.

  The second digital image signal output from the second multiplexer 43 is input to the second parallel / serial converter 45. Since the processing in the second parallel / serial converter 45 is the same as that of the first parallel / serial converter 35 described above, description thereof is omitted here.

  The electronic endoscope system 100 is configured as described above. Thus, according to the electronic endoscope system 100 of the present embodiment, even when there are a plurality of sets of electronic endoscopes and processors, if any one processor is the first processor 100A, the other processor Even when only an analog video signal can be output, the image signal generated by each electronic endoscope is effectively converted into a digital signal (second digital image signal). The second digital image signal is output to the outside in synchronization with the digital signal from the first processor 100A (that is, the first digital image signal). That is, according to the electronic endoscope system 100 of the present embodiment, existing equipment other than the processor (here, the first processor 100A) to which the main electronic endoscope (here, the first electronic endoscope 100B) is connected. The above-mentioned effect can be obtained while using.

  The above is the embodiment of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the configuration described above, and modifications such as those described below are possible.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the second electronic endoscope 100D is used as a subordinate endoscope. However, the electronic endoscope system according to the present invention can use an ultrasonic endoscope or an X-ray observation endoscope as a subordinate endoscope.

  In the above embodiment, the endoscope side image processing unit 8 is incorporated in the first electronic endoscope 100A. However, the processing unit 8 is disposed in the image processing unit 3 and positioned as a pre-stage processing unit. Is also possible.

  In the above-described embodiment, D-1 is used as a digital signal standard. However, this is merely an example, and conversion according to another standard is also possible. For example, the parallel / serial converters 35 and 45 can perform conversion into the IEEE 1394 format suitable for consumer devices.

  In the above embodiment, the read timing from each of the memories 32 and 42 is matched, and a synchronization word is given at the same time to synchronize the output synchronization of a plurality of digital signals. Alternatively, as an alternative to this configuration, a PLL (Phase Locked Loop) circuit or a Genlock circuit can be used.

It is a figure showing a schematic structure of an electronic endoscope system of an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram about image processing of the electronic endoscope system of an embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 System controller 3 Image processing part 4 External signal conversion part 7 Imaging part 10 Forceps channel 100 Electronic endoscope system 100A 1st processor 100B 1st electronic endoscope 100C 2nd processor 100D 2nd electronic endoscope

Claims (10)

Image processing means for generating a first digital image signal by performing image processing on an image signal transmitted from an electronic endoscope electrically and optically connected;
Signal converting means for converting an analog video signal output from at least one external device into a second digital image signal;
Output synchronization control means for synchronizing output synchronization between the first digital image signal output from the image processing means to the outside and the second digital image signal output from the signal conversion means to the outside. An electronic endoscope processor characterized by the above. The processor for an electronic endoscope according to claim 1,
The image processing means includes a first storage unit that temporarily stores the generated first digital image signal,
The signal conversion means includes a second storage unit that temporarily stores the converted second digital image signal,
The processor for electronic endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the output synchronization control means synchronizes output by matching timings for reading each digital signal stored in each storage unit. In the processor for electronic endoscopes according to claim 1 or 2,
The output synchronization control unit adds a synchronization word to the first digital image signal output from the image processing unit and the second digital image signal output from the signal conversion unit at the same timing. A processor for electronic endoscope. The processor for an electronic endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An electronic endoscope processor comprising analog signal output means for converting at least the first digital image signal into an analog signal and outputting the converted signal to the outside. The processor for an electronic endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The image processing means further includes a first signal superimposing unit that superimposes a character signal representing that at least the digital signal is the first digital image signal on the first digital image signal. A processor for electronic endoscope. The electronic endoscope processor according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The signal converting means further includes second signal superimposing means for superimposing a character signal representing that at least the digital signal is the second digital image signal on the second digital image signal. Processor for electronic endoscope. An electronic endoscope,
An endoscope,
An auxiliary processor that performs image processing on an image signal transmitted from the endoscope and outputs the processed image signal as an analog video signal;
An electronic endoscope system comprising: the electronic endoscope processor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the electronic endoscope and the auxiliary processor are connected to each other. An electronic endoscope,
A first processor that generates a first digital image signal by performing image processing on the first image signal transmitted from the electronic endoscope;
An endoscope,
A second processor that performs image processing on the second image signal transmitted from the endoscope and outputs it as an analog video signal;
The first processor synchronizes the first digital image signal and the second digital image signal with signal conversion means for converting the analog video signal output from the second processor into a second digital image signal. An electronic endoscope system characterized by having an external output means for outputting to the outside. The electronic endoscope system according to claim 7 or 8,
The electronic endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein the insertion tube flexible tube of the endoscope is allowed to enter the body cavity through the insertion tube flexible tube of the electronic endoscope. The electronic endoscope system according to any one of claims 7 to 9,
The electronic endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein the endoscope is an electronic endoscope.

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