JP2008264312A - Image pickup system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image pickup system capable of improving operability more than conventional one. <P>SOLUTION: The image pickup system has: a first image pickup part and a second image pickup part for performing processing to output image pickup signals in accordance with an image of an object; a display image output part for performing processing to output to a display part images in accordance with the images of the object on the basis of the image pickup signal; a recorded image output part for performing processing to convert the image of the object into image data and to output them to a recording medium on the basis of the image pickup signal; an identification information determination part for detecting the kind of the first image pickup part and the kind of the second image pickup part; and a control unit for setting and controlling over whether or not respective associated parts related to respective functions are coordinated to perform processing in each of the functions performed by combination of processing performed by at least two of the first image pickup part, a second image pickup part, a display image output part, and the recorded image output part, on the basis of the detection result by the identification information determination part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging system, and more particularly to an imaging system capable of setting whether or not to use a desired function in conjunction with each other.

  An imaging system including an endoscope or the like has been widely used in the industrial field and the medical field. In particular, imaging systems in the medical field are mainly used for applications such as observation of various organs in a living body. And as an imaging system used in the use mentioned above, there exists an electronic endoscope system proposed by patent documents 1, for example.

The electronic endoscope system of Patent Document 1 includes a first electronic endoscope including a first scope (first endoscope) and a first image processor to which the first scope is connected. A second scope (second endoscope) and a second electronic endoscope having a second image processor to which the second scope is connected. In the electronic endoscope system of Patent Document 1, in the configuration described above, the operation mode of one of the first electronic endoscope and the second electronic endoscope is set to the other. Can be switched to the master mode, which is the mode in which the electronic endoscope can be controlled, or the stand-alone mode in which no data is exchanged between the first electronic endoscope and the second electronic endoscope It has various functions.
JP 2003-38432 A

  However, the electronic endoscope system of Patent Document 1 is desirably used only in one electronic endoscope, for example (desirably, the two electronic endoscopes are performed in an unlinked state). Each time the function is used, the user is forced to change the setting of the one electronic endoscope from the master mode to the stand-alone mode. As a result, there is a problem that the operability is lowered.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging system capable of improving operability as compared with the conventional art.

  An imaging system according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a first imaging unit that performs processing for outputting a first imaging signal corresponding to an image of a first subject, and a second corresponding to an image of a second subject. A second imaging unit that performs a process of outputting the imaging signal, and a process of outputting a first image corresponding to the image of the first subject to the display unit based on the first imaging signal, A display image output unit that performs processing for outputting a second image corresponding to the image of the second subject to the display unit based on the second imaging signal, and the first imaging signal based on the first imaging signal. A process for converting an image of one subject into first image data and outputting it to a recording medium is performed, and an image of the second subject is converted into second image data based on the second imaging signal. A recorded image output unit for performing processing for conversion and output to the recording medium; An identification information determination unit for detecting first identification information for identifying the type of the second imaging unit and second identification information for identifying the type of the second imaging unit, and the identification information determination In each function realized by a combination of processes performed by at least two of the first imaging unit, the second imaging unit, the display image output unit, and the recorded image output unit based on the detection result of the unit, A control unit configured to set whether to perform processing while linking each unit related to each function, and to control each unit related to each function according to the setting, To do.

  An imaging system according to a second aspect of the present invention is the imaging system according to the first aspect, further comprising: the first imaging unit, the second imaging unit, the display image output unit, and the recorded image output unit. It has one or a plurality of instructing units capable of instructing to use each function realized by a combination of processes performed by at least two of them, and the control unit includes the one or more instructing units. Setting whether to perform processing while linking each unit related to the one function when an instruction to use one of the functions is given in one of the instruction units In response to the above, control is performed for each unit related to the one function.

  The imaging system according to a third aspect of the present invention is the imaging system according to the first or second aspect, wherein the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit are provided in different imaging devices. It is characterized by that.

  The imaging system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the imaging system according to the first or second aspect, wherein the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit are provided in the same imaging device. It is characterized by.

  The imaging system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the imaging system according to the third aspect, further based on the first identification information and the second identification information, based on the first identification information and the first identification information. The first notice information for visually indicating the correspondence with the first imaging device having the imaging unit, and the correspondence between the second image and the second imaging device having the second imaging unit are visually confirmed. And a notification information generation unit that performs control for outputting the second notification information to be displayed.

  The imaging system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the imaging system according to the fifth aspect, characterized in that the first notification information and the second notification information are indicated by different colors.

  The imaging system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the imaging system according to the fifth or sixth aspect, wherein the notification information generation unit is configured to control the first notification information as a control for outputting the first notification information. Control is performed to associate the color of light emitted from the first light emitting unit of the imaging apparatus with the color displayed in the vicinity of the first image in the display unit.

  The image pickup system according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the image pickup system according to the seventh aspect, wherein the notification information generating unit controls the second image pickup as control for outputting the second notification information. Control is performed to associate the color of light emitted from the second light emitting unit of the apparatus with the color displayed in the vicinity of the second image on the display unit.

  The image pickup system according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the image pickup system according to the second to eighth aspects, wherein at least one of the instruction units is provided in the image pickup apparatus.

  An imaging system according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the imaging system according to the second to ninth aspects, wherein the imaging device is an endoscope.

  In an imaging system according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the imaging system according to the first to tenth aspects, the display image output unit combines the first image and the first pointer to the display unit. When the process of outputting and the process of outputting the second image and the second pointer together to the display unit are further performed, and the control unit is associated with each process in the display image output unit In addition, control is performed to associate the display position of the first pointer in the first image with the display position of the second pointer in the second image.

  The imaging system according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the imaging system according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the control unit is configured such that when each process in the recorded image output unit is linked, Control is performed to output image data to the recording medium while associating the image data with the second image data.

  According to the imaging system of the present invention, it is possible to improve the operability as compared with the conventional system.

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

(First embodiment)
1 to 4B relate to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a main part of an endoscope system as an imaging system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen related to functions that can be used in one of the endoscopes in FIG. 1. FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen related to functions available in the other endoscope of the endoscopes in FIG. 1. FIG. 3A is a diagram showing a setting screen of a first modification example corresponding to the setting screen of FIG. 2A. FIG. 3B is a diagram showing a setting screen of the first modification example corresponding to the setting screen of FIG. 2B. FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a setting screen of a second modification example corresponding to the setting screen of FIG. 2A. FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a setting screen of a second modification example corresponding to the setting screen of FIG. 2B.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope system 1 as an imaging system is inserted into a living body, captures an image of a subject existing in the living body, and outputs endoscopes 2A and 2B as imaging signals. A processor 3 that performs signal processing on the imaging signals output from the endoscopes 2A and 2B, and a monitor as a display unit that displays an image of the subject corresponding to the video signal output from the processor 3 5 as a main part. The processor 3 is connected to an instruction input unit 4 capable of inputting various instructions and an external recording medium 6 capable of recording image data output from the processor 3.

  The instruction input unit 4 having a function as an instruction unit includes, for example, a keyboard 41, an operation panel 42, and a foot switch 43 as a device capable of outputting an instruction signal according to an instruction to the processor 3 or the like. Has been. The external recording medium 6 includes, for example, a printer 61 and an image filing device 62 as a medium capable of recording image data output from the processor 3.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope 2 </ b> A as an imaging apparatus includes an operation unit 21 </ b> A that can instruct the processor 3 and an insertion unit 22 </ b> A that is formed in an elongated shape and can be inserted into a living body. ing. An imaging unit 23A that captures an image of a subject and outputs it as an imaging signal is provided at the distal end of the insertion unit 22A.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the operation unit 21A of the endoscope 2A stores first endoscope identification information including information such as the model of the endoscope 2A, the type of the imaging unit 23A, and the ID number. A memory unit 24A, an LED unit 25A having three LEDs of red, blue, and green that are turned on (and turned off) under the control of the processor 3, and a plurality of switches that can instruct the processor 3 A scope switch group 26A having a function as an instruction unit is provided. It is assumed that the LED unit 25A is provided at a location where the user can easily see the lighting (and extinguishing) state in the operation unit 21A of the endoscope 2A.

  Further, a cable 27A having a plurality of signal lines connected to each part of the endoscope 2A is provided on the proximal end side of the operation unit 21A. The endoscope 2A is electrically connected to the connector 31 of the processor 3 via the cable 27A. Furthermore, an insertion portion 22A having a treatment instrument channel (not shown) formed therein is connected to the distal end side of the operation portion 21A.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope 2B as an imaging device is formed with an operation unit 21B capable of giving instructions to the processor 3 and a diameter smaller than that of the insertion unit 22A, and a treatment (not shown) of the insertion unit 22A. And an insertion portion 22B that can be inserted into the living body while being inserted through the instrument channel. An imaging unit 23B that captures an image of a subject and outputs it as an imaging signal is provided at the distal end of the insertion unit 22B.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the operation unit 21B of the endoscope 2B stores second endoscope identification information including information such as the model of the endoscope 2B, the type of the imaging unit 23B, and the ID number. A memory unit 24B, an LED unit 25B having three red, blue, and green LEDs that are turned on (and turned off) based on the control of the processor 3, and a plurality of switches that can instruct the processor 3 A scope switch group 26B having a function as an instruction unit is provided. It is assumed that the LED unit 25B is provided at a location where the user can easily see the lighting (and extinguishing) state in the operation unit 21B of the endoscope 2B.

  The operation unit 21B is provided with a wireless communication unit 27B that includes an antenna (not shown) and the like, and that can wirelessly exchange electrical signals with the wireless communication unit 32 of the processor 3. .

  As shown in FIG. 1, the processor 3 can wirelessly communicate between the connector 31 to which the cable 27A of the endoscope 2A can be detachably connected and the endoscope 2B. And LED units 33A and 33B, a signal processing unit 34, an identification information determination unit 35, a display image output unit 36, a recorded image output unit 37, and a CPU 38.

  The LED unit 33A includes three LEDs, red, blue, and green, each of which is turned on (and turned off) under the control of the identification information determination unit 35. In addition, the LED unit 33A is provided in the vicinity of the connector 31 of the processor 3 at a location where the user can easily see the lighting (and extinguishing) state.

  The LED unit 33B includes three LEDs of red, blue, and green that are turned on (and turned off) under the control of the identification information determination unit 35. In addition, the LED unit 33B is provided in the vicinity of the wireless communication unit 32 of the processor 3 at a location where the user can easily see the lighting (and extinguishing) state.

  Under the control of the CPU 38, the signal processing unit 34 performs signal processing such as noise removal on each of the imaging signals output from the endoscopes 2A and 2B, and outputs the imaging signal after the signal processing. The image is output to the display image output unit 36 or (and) the recorded image output unit 37. The signal processing unit 34 superimposes predetermined notification information according to the connection state of the endoscopes 2A and 2B on the imaging signal after the signal processing based on the control of the identification information determination unit 35. Output.

  The identification information determination unit 35 reads the first endoscope identification information stored in the memory 24A of the endoscope 2A and the second endoscope identification information stored in the memory 24B of the endoscope 2B. Thus, the connection state of the endoscope 2A and the endoscope 2B and the types of the imaging units 23A and 23B are detected. And the identification information discrimination | determination part 35 performs control based on the said connection state with respect to LED part 25A, 25B, 33A, 33B, and the signal processing part 34. FIG.

  The display image output unit 36 performs processing such as white balance processing, enhancement processing, enlargement processing, freeze image generation, and conversion processing to a video signal on the imaging signal output from the signal processing unit 34. The video signal after the processing is output to the monitor 5. Accordingly, the monitor 5 has an observation image 51A corresponding to the subject image captured by the endoscope 2A, an observation image 51B corresponding to the subject image captured by the endoscope 2B, and the endoscope 2A. The notification information 52A corresponding to the connection state of the camera and the notification information 52B corresponding to the connection state of the endoscope 2B are displayed together on the same screen.

  The recorded image output unit 37 performs processing such as compression processing and conversion processing to image data in a format corresponding to each recording medium on the imaging signal output from the signal processing unit 34 and performs the processing. The subsequent image data is output to the external recording medium 6. In the present embodiment, the image data output to the image filing device 62 is, for example, the recorded image output unit 37 based on the biometric identification information for identifying the living body to be observed, which is input from the keyboard 41. It shall be recorded in the folder generated by.

  The CPU 38 having a function as a control unit performs control based on instruction signals from the units of the instruction input unit 4, the scope switch group 26 </ b> A and the scope switch group 26 </ b> B, and the like.

  The CPU 38 controls the signal processing unit 34 to display on the monitor 5 a setting screen on which various settings of the processor 3 can be made based on instruction signals from each unit of the instruction input unit 4. And the user can perform the setting regarding each switch which scope switch groups 26A and 26B have, for example on the setting screen. The CPU 38 of the present embodiment performs various controls and processes for reflecting the setting contents made on each setting screen exemplified in the following (FIGS. 2A to 4B), the endoscope 2A (the imaging unit 23A), It is assumed that this is performed for each part of the endoscope 2B (the imaging unit 23B) and the processor 3.

  Further, the CPU 38 performs initial setting for each item included in the setting screen based on the detection result of the types of the imaging units 23A and 23B by the identification information determination unit 35.

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

  First, after turning on the power of each part of the endoscope system 1, the user connects the endoscope 2 </ b> A to the processor 3 with the cable 27 </ b> A, and connects the wireless communication unit 27 </ b> B of the endoscope 2 </ b> B to the vicinity of the wireless communication unit 32. To place.

  In the state described above, the identification information discriminating unit 35 includes the first endoscope identification information stored in the memory 24A of the endoscope 2A and the second endoscope stored in the memory 24B of the endoscope 2B. By reading the identification information, it is detected that both the endoscopes 2A and 2B are connected to the processor 3. Then, the identification information determination unit 35 as the notification information generation unit causes the LED units 25A and 33A to emit light with the first color as the notification information based on the detected result, and a color different from the first color. Control for causing the LED portions 25B and 33B to emit light with the second color as the notification information is performed. In addition, the identification information determination unit 35 as the notification information generation unit displays the first color as the notification information 52A in the vicinity of the observation image 51A based on the detection result, and the first information as the notification information 52B. Control for displaying the two colors in the vicinity of the observation image 51 </ b> B is performed on the signal processing unit 34.

  The LED units 25A and 33A as the light emitting units operate to emit the first color by combining the lighting states of the three LEDs of red, blue, and green based on the control of the identification information determination unit 35. . Further, the LED units 25B and 33B as the light emitting units emit the second color by combining the lighting states of the three LEDs of red, blue, and green based on the control of the identification information determination unit 35. Operate.

  The signal processing unit 34 superimposes the first color and the second color as predetermined notification information on the imaging signal based on the control of the identification information determination unit 35, and the monitor 5 via the display image output unit 36. Output to.

  By the operation described above, the user can easily visually recognize the first color in each part of the LED unit 25A, the LED unit 33A, and the notification information 52A, and the LED unit 25B and the LED unit 33B. In addition, the second color can be easily recognized visually in each part of the notification information 52B. Thereby, the user can recognize the correspondence between the endoscope connected to the processor 3 and the image of the subject image displayed on the monitor 5 easily and without misunderstanding.

  For example, when an instruction for displaying the setting screen is given on the keyboard 41, the setting screen shown in FIG. 2A is displayed on the monitor 5 as one of the setting screens on which various settings of the processor 3 can be performed. The Further, for example, when an instruction for displaying the setting screen is given on the keyboard 41, the setting screen shown in FIG. 2B is displayed on the monitor 5 as one of the setting screens capable of various settings of the processor 3. The 2A and 2B is an example of initial setting contents performed by the CPU 38 based on the detection results of the types of the imaging units 23A and 23B by the identification information determination unit 35. It is assumed to be shown.

  The setting screen illustrated in FIG. 2A is a setting screen related to each switch included in the scope switch group 26A of the endoscope 2A (connection ID = 1) connected to the connector 31. The setting screen illustrated in FIG. 2B is a setting screen related to each switch included in the scope switch group 26B of the endoscope 2B (connection ID = 2) arranged at a position where communication with the wireless communication unit 32 is possible.

  On the setting screen shown in FIG. 2A, for example, the user sets whether or not to link a function that can be used in accordance with an instruction from each switch included in the scope switch group 26A to each switch included in the scope switch group 26B. be able to.

  Specifically, in the setting shown in the setting screen of FIG. 2A, among the switches of the scope switch group 26A, the freeze instruction in the first switch (SW1) is linked and the release instruction in the second switch (SW2) is Non-interlocking, the enlargement instruction in the third switch (SW3) is set as interlocking, and the white balance instruction in the fourth switch (SW4) is set as non-interlocking. In the setting shown in the setting screen of FIG. 2B, the setting substantially the same as the setting shown in the setting screen of FIG. 2A described above is reflected.

  When the setting shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B is performed, for example, a freeze instruction is given at one of the first switch of the scope switch group 26A and the first switch of the scope switch group 26B. In this case, both the observed images 51A and 51B are displayed on the monitor 5 as freeze images (still images).

  2A and 2B are performed, for example, when a release instruction is given by the second switch of the scope switch group 26A, only the image data of the observation image 51A is stored in the external recording medium 6. On the other hand, when a release instruction is issued at the second switch of the scope switch group 26B, only the image data of the observation image 51B is output to the external recording medium 6.

  Further, when the setting shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B is performed, for example, an enlargement instruction is given to one of the third switch of the scope switch group 26A and the third switch of the scope switch group 26B. When it is made, both the observation images 51A and 51B are displayed on the monitor 5 while being similarly enlarged.

  When the settings shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B are performed, for example, when a white balance instruction is given at the fourth switch of the scope switch group 26A, white balance processing corresponding to the endoscope 2A is performed. When a white balance instruction is given in the fourth switch of the scope switch group 26B, white balance processing corresponding to the endoscope 2B is performed.

  By the above-described operation, the user can use the functions that can be used according to an instruction from one of the switches of the scope switch groups 26A and 26B when observing using the endoscopes 2A and 2B. The observation can be performed while interlocking or not interlocking the desired function.

  The setting screen for setting whether or not to link each function that can be used in accordance with an instruction from any of the switches included in the scope switch groups 26A and 26B is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Instead, for example, it may be the one shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B in which the functions are linked only when the scope switch group of one endoscope is operated. The setting contents of each item included in the setting screens shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B are examples of the initial setting contents performed by the CPU 38 based on the detection results of the types of the imaging units 23A and 23B by the identification information determination unit 35. It is assumed to be shown.

  Specifically, in the setting shown in the setting screen of FIG. 3A, a freeze instruction and a release instruction assigned to each switch (SW1 to SW4) included in the scope switch group 26A of the endoscope 2A (connection ID = 1). The enlargement instruction and the white balance instruction are set as interlocking. In the setting shown in the setting screen of FIG. 3B, a freeze instruction, a release instruction, and an enlargement instruction assigned to each switch (SW1 to SW4) included in the scope switch group 26B of the endoscope 2B (connection ID = 2). And the white balance instruction is set as non-interlocking.

  When the setting shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B is performed, for example, when a freeze instruction is given in the first switch of the scope switch group 26A, both the observation images 51A and 51B are frozen images (still images). When the freeze instruction is given by the first switch of the scope switch group 26B, only the observation image 51B is displayed on the monitor 5 as a freeze image (still image).

  When the settings shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B are performed, for example, when a release instruction is given by the second switch of the scope switch group 26A, the image data of both the observation images 51A and 51B are externally transmitted. When a freeze instruction is output to the recording medium 6 and the second switch of the scope switch group 26B is instructed, only the image data of the observation image 51B is output to the external recording medium 6.

  Furthermore, when the settings shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B are performed, for example, when an enlargement instruction is given at the third switch of the scope switch group 26A, both the observation images 51A and 51B are enlarged similarly. However, when an enlargement instruction is given by the third switch of the scope switch group 26B, only the observation image 51B is displayed on the monitor 5 while being enlarged.

  When the settings shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B are performed, for example, when a white balance instruction is given at the fourth switch of the scope switch group 26A, white balance processing corresponding to the endoscopes 2A and 2B is performed. Are performed at substantially the same timing, and when a white balance instruction is given by the fourth switch of the scope switch group 26B, white balance processing corresponding to the endoscope 2B is performed.

  The setting screen for setting whether or not each function that can be used is linked according to an instruction from one of the switches included in the scope switch groups 26A and 26B is shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B. For example, it may be the one shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B in which only a desired function is linked. It should be noted that the setting contents of each item included in the setting screen shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B are examples of the contents of the initial setting performed by the CPU 38 based on the detection results of the types of the imaging units 23A and 23B by the identification information determination unit 35. It is assumed to be shown.

  Specifically, in the setting shown in the setting screen of FIG. 4A, the freeze instruction in the first switch (SW1) among the switches of the scope switch group 26A of the endoscope 2A (connection ID = 1) is linked. The release instruction in the second switch (SW2) is set as non-linkage, the enlargement instruction in the third switch (SW3) is set in linkage, and the enhancement instruction in the fourth switch (SW4) is set as non-linkage. Further, in the setting shown in the setting screen of FIG. 4B, among the switches of the scope switch group 26B of the endoscope 2B (connection ID = 2), the release instruction in the first switch (SW1) is not linked, The highlight instruction in the switch (SW2) is set as non-interlocking, the enlargement instruction in the third switch (SW3) is linked, and the white balance instruction in the fourth switch (SW4) is set as non-linkage. That is, in the settings shown in the setting screens of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the function that links the freeze instruction and the enlargement instruction is set, and the function that does not link the release instruction, the enhancement instruction, and the white balance instruction is set.

  When the settings shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B are performed, for example, when a freeze instruction is given at the first switch of the scope switch group 26A, both the observation images 51A and 51B are frozen images (still images). Is displayed on the monitor 5 and when the release instruction is given by the first switch of the scope switch group 26B, only the image data of the observation image 51B is output to the external recording medium 6.

  4A and 4B is performed, for example, when a release instruction is given by the second switch of the scope switch group 26A, only the image data of the observation image 51A is stored in the external recording medium 6. On the other hand, when an instruction for emphasis is given in the second switch included in the scope switch group 26B, the emphasis process is performed only on the observation image 51B.

  Furthermore, when the setting shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B is performed, for example, an enlargement instruction is given to one of the third switch of the scope switch group 26A and the third switch of the scope switch group 26B. When it is made, both the observation images 51A and 51B are displayed on the monitor 5 while being similarly enlarged.

  When the setting shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B is performed, for example, when an enhancement instruction is given in the fourth switch of the scope switch group 26A, enhancement processing is performed only on the observation image 51A. When a white balance instruction is given by the fourth switch of the scope switch group 26B, white balance processing corresponding to the endoscope 2B is performed.

  After setting the scope switch groups 26A and 26B, the user inserts the insertion portions 22A and 22B into the living body and performs observation. Then, the user operates the switch to which the release instruction is assigned among the switches of the scope switch groups 26A and 26B, so that the image data of the subject image is converted into, for example, the image filing device 62 of the external recording medium 6. The processor 3 is instructed to output to the processor 3.

  When the CPU 38 of the processor 3 detects the input of the instruction signal according to the release instruction, the CPU 38 of the processor 3 outputs a control for causing the image filing device 62 to output the image pickup signal after the signal processing via the recorded image output unit 37. This is performed on the processing unit 34.

  At this time, when the CPU 38 detects that the release instruction is set in conjunction with each other on the setting screens described above, the CPU 38 further stores the first in the folder generated based on the biometric identification information of one living body to be observed. Generating a first folder based on the first endoscope identification information and a second folder based on the second endoscope identification information, and outputting the image data of the observation image 51A to the first folder Then, control for outputting the image data of the observation image 51B to the second folder is performed on the recorded image output unit 37. Further, when the CPU 38 performs the control on the recorded image output unit 37, the image data of the observation image 51A output to the first folder and the observation image 51B output to the second folder are displayed. A process for outputting linked recording information for associating with image data together in a folder generated based on the biometric identification information of the one living body is performed. Thereby, the CPU 38 receives an instruction (in the instruction input unit 4) for reproducing the image data acquired in a state where the release instruction is interlocked among the image data recorded in the image filing device 62. The two images corresponding to the two image data can be displayed together on the monitor 5 while referring to the linked recording information.

  As described above, the endoscope system 1 according to the present embodiment has a function of interlocking between a function that is interlocked between the two endoscopes and a function that is not interlocked when the two endoscopes are used. It is possible to select either for each scope switch or for each function. As a result, the endoscope system 1 of the present embodiment can improve operability as compared with the conventional system.

(Second Embodiment)
5 and 6 relate to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a main part of an endoscope system as an imaging system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen regarding functions available in the endoscope of FIG.

  Note that detailed description of portions having the same configuration as in the first embodiment is omitted. Moreover, about the component similar to 1st Embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted using the same code | symbol.

  As shown in FIG. 5, an endoscope system 101 as an imaging system is inserted into a living body, captures an image of a subject existing in the living body, and outputs an imaging signal as an imaging signal. The main part includes a processor 103 that performs signal processing on an imaging signal output from the endoscope 102, and a monitor 5 that displays an image of the subject corresponding to the video signal output from the processor 103. ing. The processor 103 is connected to an instruction input unit 4 capable of inputting various instructions and an external recording medium 6 capable of recording image data output from the processor 103.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the endoscope 102 includes an operation unit 21 </ b> C that can instruct the processor 103 and an insertion unit 22 </ b> C that is formed in an elongated shape and can be inserted into a living body.

  Further, the white light imaging unit 23C that captures an image of a subject illuminated with white light emitted from a light source such as a lamp (not shown) and outputs it as an imaging signal at the distal end of the insertion unit 22C, and the white light A special light imaging unit 28C that captures an image of a subject illuminated with special light, which is light subjected to band limitation by a band limiting filter (not shown), and outputs the image as an imaging signal. . Note that the special light is, for example, one of blue narrow band light, infrared light, and the like. Further, it is assumed that the special light imaging unit 28 </ b> C includes an imaging element and an optical system corresponding to one type of each of the special lights mentioned above.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the operation unit 21C of the endoscope 102 includes information such as the model of the endoscope 102, the type of the white light imaging unit 23C, the type of the special light imaging unit 28C, and the ID number. And a scope switch group 26 </ b> C composed of a plurality of switches that can instruct the processor 103.

  A cable 27C having a plurality of signal lines connected to each part of the endoscope 102 is provided on the proximal end side of the operation unit 21C. The endoscope 102 is electrically connected to the connector 31 of the processor 103 via the cable 27C. Further, an insertion portion 22C having a treatment instrument channel (not shown) formed therein is connected to the distal end side of the operation portion 21C.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the processor 103 includes a connector 31 to which the cable 27 </ b> A of the endoscope 2 </ b> A can be detachably connected, a signal processing unit 34, an identification information determination unit 35, a display image output unit 36, a recording An image output unit 37 and a CPU 38 are included.

  Based on the control of the CPU 38, the signal processing unit 34 performs signal processing such as noise removal on each imaging signal output from the endoscope 102, and displays the imaging signal after the signal processing is performed. The image is output to the image output unit 36 and / or the recorded image output unit 37.

  The identification information determination unit 35 reads the endoscope identification information stored in the memory 24 </ b> C of the endoscope 102 to detect the type and connection state of the endoscope 102.

  The display image output unit 36 performs processing such as conversion to a video signal on the imaging signal output from the signal processing unit 34, and outputs the video signal after the processing to the monitor 5. Accordingly, the monitor 5 has an observation image 151A corresponding to the subject image captured by the white light imaging unit 23C, an observation image 151B corresponding to the subject image captured by the special light imaging unit 28C, and Are displayed together on the same screen. Further, the display image output unit 36, for example, an arrow pointer 152A for pointing a desired position in the observation image 151A whose display position is changed in accordance with an operation of the scope switch group 26C and the like, and a desired position in the observation image 151B. And an arrow pointer 152B for pointing to the position of the image, and processing for outputting to the monitor 5 together with the observation images 151A and 151.

  The recorded image output unit 37 performs processing such as compression processing and conversion processing to image data in a format corresponding to each recording medium on the imaging signal output from the signal processing unit 34 and performs the processing. The subsequent image data is output to the external recording medium 6.

  The CPU 38 performs control based on an instruction signal from each part of the instruction input unit 4 and the scope switch group 26C on each part of the processor 3 and the like. Further, the CPU 38 controls the signal processing unit 34 to display on the monitor 5 a setting screen on which various settings of the processor 103 can be made based on instruction signals from each unit of the instruction input unit 4. And the user can perform the setting regarding each function which can be used by the endoscope 102 on the setting screen, for example. Note that the CPU 38 of the present embodiment performs various controls and processes for reflecting the setting contents made on each setting screen illustrated in FIG. 6 as to the endoscope 102 (the white light imaging unit 23C and the special light imaging). Section 28C) and each section of the processor 103.

  Further, the CPU 38 performs initial setting for each item included in the setting screen based on the detection result of the type of the white light imaging unit 23C and the type of the special light imaging unit 28C by the identification information determination unit 35.

  Next, the operation of the endoscope system 101 of this embodiment will be described.

  First, after turning on the power of each part of the endoscope system 101, the user connects the endoscope 102 to the processor 103 by the cable 27C.

  In the state described above, the identification information determination unit 35 detects the model of the endoscope 102 by reading the endoscope identification information stored in the memory 24C of the endoscope 102.

  The CPU 38 is shown in FIG. 6 as one of setting screens on which various settings of the processor 103 can be made based on the detection result in the identification information determination unit 35 and an instruction for displaying the setting screen made on the keyboard 41. Control for displaying the setting screen on the monitor 5 is performed.

  The setting screen illustrated in FIG. 6 is a setting screen for setting whether to link the functions related to the white light imaging unit 23C and the special light imaging unit 28C among the functions available by the endoscope 102. The setting content of each item included in the setting screen shown in FIG. 6 shows an example of the initial setting content performed by the CPU 38 based on the detection result of the connection state of the endoscope 102 (by the identification information determination unit 35). Suppose it is a thing.

  Specifically, in the setting shown in the setting screen of FIG. 6, among the functions available by the endoscope 102, the freeze function is linked, the release function is not linked, the enlargement function is not linked, and the arrow pointer The display function is set as linked.

  When the setting shown in FIG. 6 is performed, for example, when a freeze instruction is given in the scope switch group 26C or the like, both images 151A and 151B are displayed on the monitor 5 as freeze images (still images).

  When the setting shown in FIG. 6 is performed, for example, when a release instruction is given in the scope switch group 26C or the like, one of the observation images 151A and 151B is set according to the setting of the switch or the like to which the freeze instruction is output. One of the image data is output to the external recording medium 6.

  Further, when the setting shown in FIG. 6 is performed, for example, when an enlargement instruction is given in the scope switch group 26C or the like, one of the observation images 151A and 151B is set according to the setting of the switch or the like to which the enlargement instruction is output. One of them is displayed on the monitor 5 while being enlarged.

  When the setting shown in FIG. 6 is performed, for example, when an instruction for changing the display position of the arrow pointer is given in the scope switch group 26C or the like, the arrow pointer 152A in the observation image 151A is controlled by the CPU 38. And the display position of the arrow pointer 152B in the observation image 151B are changed in correspondence with each other. Thereby, it is possible to indicate the same part in the observation image 151A of the image of the subject illuminated with white light and the observation image 151B of the image of the subject illuminated with special light.

  As described above, the endoscope system 101 according to the present embodiment sets a function that is interlocked between two imaging units and a function that is not interlocked when using an endoscope having two imaging units. Is possible. As a result, the endoscope system 101 of the present embodiment can improve operability as compared with the conventional system.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, Of course, a various change and application are possible in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of invention.

The figure which shows an example of a structure of the principal part of the endoscope system as an imaging system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the setting screen regarding the function which can be utilized in one endoscope among the endoscopes of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the setting screen regarding the function which can be utilized in the other endoscope among the endoscopes of FIG. The figure which shows the setting screen of the 1st modification according to the setting screen of FIG. 2A. The figure which shows the setting screen of the 1st modification according to the setting screen of FIG. 2B. The figure which shows the setting screen of the 2nd modification according to the setting screen of FIG. 2A. The figure which shows the setting screen of the 2nd modification according to the setting screen of FIG. 2B. The figure which shows an example of a structure of the principal part of the endoscope system as an imaging system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the setting screen regarding the function which can be used in the endoscope of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,101 ... Endoscope system, 2A, 2B, 102 ... Endoscope, 3,103 ... Processor, 4 ... Instruction input part, 5 ... Monitor, 6 ... External Recording medium, 51A, 51B, 151A, 151B ... Observation image, 152A, 152B ... Arrow pointer

Claims (12)

A first imaging unit that performs a process of outputting a first imaging signal corresponding to an image of the first subject;
A second imaging unit that performs a process of outputting a second imaging signal corresponding to the image of the second subject;
Based on the first imaging signal, a process of outputting a first image corresponding to the image of the first subject to a display unit is performed, and the image of the second subject is based on the second imaging signal. A display image output unit that performs a process of outputting a second image according to the display unit to the display unit;
Based on the first imaging signal, processing for converting the image of the first subject into first image data and outputting it to a recording medium is performed, and based on the second imaging signal, the second image A recording image output unit that performs processing for converting the image of the subject to second image data and outputting the second image data to the recording medium;
An identification information discriminating unit for detecting first identification information for identifying the type of the first imaging unit and second identification information for identifying the type of the second imaging unit;
Based on the detection result of the identification information determination unit, it is realized by a combination of processes performed by at least two of the first imaging unit, the second imaging unit, the display image output unit, and the recorded image output unit. In each function, while setting whether to perform processing while linking each unit related to each function, a control unit that controls each unit related to each function according to the setting,
An imaging system comprising: Further, instructions for using each function realized by a combination of processes performed by at least two of the first imaging unit, the second imaging unit, the display image output unit, and the recorded image output unit are provided. Having one or more indicators that can be performed;
The control unit, when an instruction to use one of the functions is given in one instruction unit of the one or more instruction units, each unit related to the one function 2. The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein control is performed on each unit related to the one function in accordance with a setting as to whether or not processing is performed in conjunction with each other.   The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit are provided in different imaging devices, respectively.   The imaging system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit are provided in the same imaging device.   Further, a first for visually indicating correspondence between the first image and the first imaging device having the first imaging unit based on the first identification information and the second identification information. Notification information for performing control to output notification information and second notification information for visually indicating correspondence between the second image and the second imaging device having the second imaging unit The imaging system according to claim 3, further comprising a generation unit.   The imaging system according to claim 5, wherein the first notification information and the second notification information are indicated by different colors.   As the control for outputting the first notification information, the notification information generation unit includes a color of light emitted from a first light emitting unit included in the first imaging device, and the display unit includes the first light information. 7. The imaging system according to claim 5, wherein control is performed so as to correspond to a color displayed in the vicinity of the image.   Further, the notification information generation unit controls the color of the light emitted from the second light emitting unit of the second imaging device and the display unit as the control for outputting the second notification information. The imaging system according to claim 7, wherein control is performed to associate the color displayed in the vicinity of the second image.   The imaging system according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the instruction units is provided in the imaging device.   The imaging system according to claim 2, wherein the imaging device is an endoscope. The display image output unit outputs the first image and the first pointer together to the display unit, and outputs the second image and the second pointer together to the display unit. Further processing,
When each process in the display image output unit is linked, the control unit displays the display position of the first pointer in the first image and the second pointer in the second image. The imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein control is performed so as to correspond to the display position.   The control unit performs control to output the first image data and the second image data to the recording medium in association with each other when the processes in the recording image output unit are linked. The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the imaging system is characterized.

Images