JP2010081975A - Imaging system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging system capable of enhancing the image quality of photographed images comparing with conventional ones. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging system includes: a photographing unit having an imaging element for photographing an object and generating photographing signals; and a signal processing unit having a signal processing circuit for processing the photographing signals and freely electrically connected to the photographing unit. The signal processing unit has: a detecting section for detecting the kind of the photographing element when being electrically connected to the photographing unit; and a clock signal generating section for generating clock signals of frequencies according to the kind of the photographing element based on the detecting result of the detecting section. The photographing unit has: a photographing element driving section for driving the photographing element based on the clock signals; a storing section for storing predetermined information; and an information transmitting section which reads out the predetermined information from the storing section to transmit to the signal processing unit at a timing synchronized with the clock signals. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging system, and more particularly to an imaging system in which information held in the imaging device is transmitted according to the type of imaging element in the imaging device.

  Endoscope systems configured to include an endoscope, an image processing device, and the like have been widely used in the medical field, industrial field, and the like. In addition, in the medical field, for example, an endoscope system is used when performing observation and various treatments on a living tissue or the like. As an apparatus having the same configuration as that of such an endoscope system, there is an endoscope apparatus described in Patent Document 1, for example.

According to Patent Document 1, a memory for storing endoscope characteristic identification information including the type of color filter or spectral characteristics of an image sensor of an endoscope is provided in the endoscope, and the endoscope An endoscope apparatus having a configuration in which an image processing apparatus forms a spectral image using matrix data corresponding to mirror characteristic identification information is described.
JP 2006-239204 A

  However, in the configuration of the endoscope apparatus of Patent Document 1 described above, for example, when the endoscope characteristic identification information is read at a frequency asynchronous with the drive frequency of the image sensor, the clock signal of the image sensor and the endoscope characteristic are read out. A problem arises in that the readout signal of the identification information interferes, and as a result, the image quality of the video imaged by the endoscope deteriorates.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging system capable of improving the image quality of a captured image as compared with the conventional one.

  An imaging system according to the present invention includes an imaging device including an imaging device that captures an image of a subject and generates an imaging signal, and a signal processing circuit that performs processing on the imaging signal. A signal processing device that is freely connectable, wherein the signal processing device detects a type of the imaging element when electrically connected to the imaging device, and the detection A clock signal generation unit that generates a clock signal having a frequency corresponding to the type of the image pickup device based on the detection result of the image pickup device, and the image pickup device drives the image pickup device based on the clock signal. The predetermined information is read from the storage unit and transmitted to the signal processing device at a timing synchronized with the clock signal, a drive unit, a storage unit that stores the predetermined information, and a timing synchronized with the clock signal. And information transmission unit, characterized by comprising a.

  According to the image pickup system of the present invention, it is possible to improve the image quality of the picked-up video as compared with the related art.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  1 to 3 relate to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a main part of an imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a signal system between the imaging element type information storage unit and the imaging element type detection unit in the imaging system of FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a signal system between the scope type information storage unit and the scope type detection unit in the imaging system of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging system 1 of the present embodiment is electrically connected to the scope 2 as an imaging device, a cable 3 connected to the scope 2 at one end, and the scope 2 at the other end of the cable 3. A free processor 4 and a monitor 5 are provided as main parts.

  At least a part of the scope 2 is formed in a shape and size that can be inserted into a subject such as a living body. As shown in FIG. 1, the scope 2 stores an image sensor 21 disposed at the distal end, an image sensor drive unit 22 that outputs a drive signal for driving the image sensor 21, and predetermined information. And a storage unit 23.

  For example, the image sensor 21 such as a CCD operates at a drive frequency corresponding to a drive signal from the image sensor driver 22. In addition, the imaging device 21 captures an image of a subject at each timing according to the driving frequency, generates an imaging signal, and outputs the imaging signal to the processor 4.

  The image sensor driving unit 22 generates and outputs a drive signal for driving the image sensor 21 based on the clock signal and the synchronization signal from the processor 4.

  The storage unit 23 includes, as information for correcting an image sensor type information storage unit 23a in which information related to the driving frequency of the image sensor 21 is stored, and characteristics that may vary for each individual image sensor 21, for example, A scope type information storage unit 23b in which information such as color correction information, image mask information, and defective pixel information is stored.

  Based on the clock signal from the processor 4, the scope type information storage unit 23 b uses the same frequency as the clock signal or the frequency obtained by dividing the clock signal by N (N is an integer of 2 or more). Is output to the processor 4.

  The processor 4 as a signal processing device includes an image sensor type detection unit 41, an image sensor drive clock selection unit 42 as a clock signal generation unit, a synchronization signal generation unit 43, a scope type detection unit 44, and a parameter setting unit. Video processing parameter selection unit 45 and a video signal processing unit 46 as a signal processing circuit.

  The image sensor type detection unit 41 reads information stored in the image sensor type information storage unit 23 a when the processor 4 is connected to the scope 2 via the cable 3. The image sensor type detection unit 41 detects the drive frequency of the image sensor 21 based on the information read from the image sensor type information storage unit 23a, and the detection results are detected by the image sensor drive clock selection unit 42 and the video processing parameter selection unit. Output to 45.

  The image sensor drive clock selection unit 42 generates a clock signal corresponding to the drive frequency based on the detection result of the drive frequency output from the image sensor type detection unit 41. Then, the image sensor drive clock selection unit 42 outputs the generated clock signal to the synchronization signal generation unit 43, the scope type information storage unit 23b, and the image sensor drive unit 22.

  The synchronization signal generation unit 43 generates and outputs a synchronization signal for synchronizing the timing at which the image sensor 21 captures an object and the timing at which the video signal processing unit 46 performs processing on the video signal.

  Information from the scope type information storage unit 23 b is input to the scope type detection unit 44 in a state where the processor 4 is connected to the scope 2 via the cable 3. The scope type detection unit 44 detects information such as color correction information, image mask information, and defective pixel information based on the information output from the image sensor type information storage unit 23a, and the detection result is used as a video processing parameter. The data is output to the selection unit 45.

  The video processing parameter selection unit 45 holds various parameters related to video processing in advance. Then, the video processing parameter selection unit 45 selects an optimal parameter group for the scope 2 currently connected to the processor 4 based on the detection result of the scope type detection unit 44 from the various parameters described above, The selection result is output to the video signal processing unit 46.

  The video signal processing unit 46 uses the parameter group selected by the video processing parameter selection unit 45 at the timing according to the synchronization signal output from the synchronization signal generation unit 43 and outputs the image signal output from the image sensor 21. Signal processing is performed on the signal. Then, the video signal processing unit 46 generates a video signal from the imaging signal by the signal processing described above, and then outputs the video signal to the monitor 5.

  The monitor 5 displays an image of the subject corresponding to the video signal output from the video signal processing unit 46.

  In the imaging system 1 of the present embodiment, the signal system between the imaging element type information storage unit 23a and the imaging element type detection unit 41 is specifically configured as shown in FIG. 2, for example.

  The image sensor type information storage unit 23a and the image sensor type detection unit 41 are connected via a parallel interface 3a formed as a connector at the end of the cable 3, for example.

  The parallel interface 3a includes a GND potential supply terminal 32 to which a GND potential in the processor 4 is supplied, and detection terminals 33a, 33b, and 33c to which an electric signal from the image sensor type information storage unit 23a is supplied. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image sensor type information storage unit 23 a includes resistors 231 a, 231 b, and 231 c connected in parallel to the GND potential supply terminal 32. Thus, the same GND potential is supplied to the resistors 231a, 231b, and 231c via the GND potential supply terminal 32.

  Then, the electrical signal generated by supplying the GND potential to the resistor 231a is output to the processor 4 through the detection terminal 33a. The electric signal generated by supplying the GND potential to the resistor 231b is output to the processor 4 through the detection terminal 33b. Furthermore, the electrical signal generated by supplying the GND potential to the resistor 231c is output to the processor 4 through the detection terminal 33c.

  According to the configuration of the image sensor type information storage unit 23a described above, when the GND potential is supplied from the processor 4, a plurality of electrical signals corresponding to the respective resistance values of the resistors 231a, 231b, and 231c are generated. And output in parallel. That is, according to the image sensor type information storage unit 23a of the present embodiment, the electrical signal supplied to the detection terminal 33a, the electrical signal supplied to the detection terminal 33b, and the electricity supplied to the detection terminal 33c. Information related to the driving frequency of the image sensor 21 is shown by a combination with the signal.

  The electric signals supplied to the detection terminals 33a, 33b, and 33c are output in parallel to the image sensor type detection unit 41.

  According to the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the image sensor type detection unit 41 includes resistors 411a, 411b, and 411c to which the power supply potential in the processor 4 is supplied, a level detection unit 41a connected to the detection terminal 33a, It has a level detection unit 41b connected to the detection terminal 33b, a level detection unit 41c connected to the detection terminal 33c, and a drive frequency detection unit 41d.

  In the resistor 411a, the power supply potential in the processor 4 is supplied to one end side, and the other end side is connected between the detection terminal 33a and the level detection unit 41a. Therefore, the level detection unit 41a detects the potential (level) obtained by dividing the power supply potential in the processor 4 by the resistance values of the resistors 231a and 411a as the potential (level) of the electric signal input to itself. To do.

  In the resistor 411b, the power supply potential in the processor 4 is supplied to one end side, and the other end side is connected between the detection terminal 33b and the level detection unit 41b. Therefore, the level detection unit 41b detects the potential (level) obtained by dividing the power supply potential in the processor 4 by the resistance values of the resistors 231b and 411b as the potential (level) of the electric signal input to itself. To do.

  In the resistor 411c, the power supply potential in the processor 4 is supplied to one end side, and the other end side is connected between the detection terminal 33c and the level detection unit 41c. Therefore, the level detection unit 41c detects the potential (level) obtained by dividing the power supply potential in the processor 4 by the resistance values of the resistors 231c and 411c as the potential (level) of the electric signal input to itself. To do.

  The drive frequency detection unit 41d detects the drive frequency of the image sensor 21 based on the detection results of the level detection units 41a, 41b, and 41c, and transmits the detection result to the image sensor drive clock selection unit 42 and the video processing parameter selection unit 45. To do.

  As described above, between the imaging element type information storage unit 23a and the imaging element type detection unit 41 in the imaging system 1 of the present embodiment is configured as a signal system that performs parallel transmission.

  In the imaging system 1 of the present embodiment, the signal system between the scope type information storage unit 23b and the scope type detection unit 44 is specifically configured as shown in FIG. 3, for example.

  According to the configuration shown in FIG. 3, the scope type information storage unit 23 b includes, for example, color correction information, image mask information, and defective pixels as information relating to the characteristics of each serial transmission / reception control unit 232 and scope 2. A memory 233 in which information such as information is stored.

  The serial transmission / reception control unit 232 as the information transmission unit is based on the clock signal from the image sensor drive clock selection unit 42 and at a timing corresponding to the same frequency as the clock signal or a frequency obtained by dividing the clock signal by N. In addition, the information stored in the memory 233 is read. Then, the serial transmission / reception control unit 232 transmits the information read from the memory 233 to the scope type detection unit 44 as a serial signal having the same frequency as the clock signal or a frequency obtained by dividing the clock signal by N. .

  As described above, the scope type information storage unit 23b and the scope type detection unit 44 in the imaging system 1 of the present embodiment are configured as a signal system that performs serial transmission.

  Note that the serial transmission / reception control unit 232 is not limited to setting the frequency of the serial signal as a predetermined frequency based on the clock signal from the image sensor drive clock selection unit 42, but for example, for controlling the scope type detection unit 44. Based on this, the frequency of the serial signal may be appropriately changed. However, even in such a case, the frequency of the serial signal that can be changed by the scope type detection unit 44 is limited to either the same frequency as the clock signal or the frequency obtained by dividing the clock signal by N. Shall.

  Here, the operation of the imaging system 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

  First, the surgeon turns on the power of each part of the imaging system 1 and connects the scope 2 and the processor 4 using the cable 3.

  When the scope 2 and the processor 4 are connected by the cable 3 in a state where the power of each part of the imaging system 1 is turned on, the GND potential in the processor 4 is changed to the imaging element via the GND potential supply terminal 32 of the parallel interface 3a. It is supplied to the type information storage unit 23a.

  Based on the GND potential in the processor 4, the image sensor type information storage unit 23a supplies an electrical signal indicating information related to the drive frequency of the image sensor 21 to the detection terminals 33a, 33b, and 33c.

  The electric signals supplied to the detection terminals 33a, 33b, and 33c are transmitted in parallel to the image sensor type detection unit 41.

  The image sensor type detection unit 41 detects the drive frequency of the image sensor 21 based on the potential (level) of each input electric signal, and sends the detection result to the image sensor drive clock selection unit 42 and the video processing parameter selection unit 45. Output.

  The image sensor drive clock selection unit 42 generates and outputs a clock signal corresponding to the drive frequency based on the detection result of the drive frequency output from the image sensor type detection unit 41.

  The serial transmission / reception control unit 232 stores the clock signal in the memory 233 in accordance with the same frequency as the clock signal or the timing corresponding to the frequency obtained by dividing the clock signal by N based on the clock signal from the image sensor driving clock selection unit 42. Read stored information. Then, the serial transmission / reception control unit 232 transmits the information read from the memory 233 to the scope type detection unit 44 as a serial signal having the same frequency as the clock signal or a frequency obtained by dividing the clock signal by N. .

  On the other hand, the image sensor drive unit 22 generates and outputs a drive signal for driving the image sensor 21 based on the clock signal from the image sensor drive clock selection unit 42 and the synchronization signal from the synchronization signal generation unit 43. To do.

  The image sensor 21 operates at a drive frequency corresponding to a drive signal from the image sensor drive unit 22. In addition, the imaging device 21 captures an image of a subject at each timing according to the driving frequency, generates an imaging signal, and outputs the imaging signal to the processor 4.

  According to the imaging system 1 of the present embodiment, the frequency of the serial signal output from the serial transmission / reception control unit 232 and the drive frequency of the imaging element 21 are synchronized with each other. That is, according to the configuration of the imaging system 1 of the present embodiment, interference between the serial signal output from the serial transmission / reception control unit 232 and the drive signal output from the imaging element driving unit 22 is suppressed, and as a result In addition, noise mixed in the imaging signal output from the imaging device 21 can be reduced.

  The imaging signal output from the imaging element 21 is converted into a video signal by being subjected to signal processing in the video signal processing unit 46 and then output to the monitor 5.

  As described above, according to the imaging system 1 of the present embodiment, when the processor 4 reads the information stored in the storage unit 23 of the scope 2, the information related to the driving frequency of the imaging element 21 is transmitted to the cable 3. After the (first) reading at the time of connection, other information is read using a signal having a frequency synchronized with the driving frequency. And according to the imaging system 1 of this embodiment which comprises such a structure, the image quality of the image imaged with the scope 2 can be improved compared with the past.

  Further, according to the imaging system 1 of the present embodiment, information related to the drive frequency of the imaging device 21 that is information necessary for the operation of the scope 2 is transmitted in parallel, and other additional information is serially transmitted. It is configured. According to the imaging system 1 of the present embodiment having such a configuration, the number of pins used for reading information from the storage unit 23 can be reduced, and as a result, the scope 2 is reduced in size. can do.

  Furthermore, according to the imaging system 1 of the present embodiment, information related to the driving frequency of the imaging device 21 that is information necessary for the operation of the scope 2 is read when the cable 3 is connected. And according to the imaging system 1 of this embodiment having such a configuration, the imaging device 21 is started almost immediately after the power of each part is turned on and the cable 3 is connected. The time until the subject image picked up by the image pickup device 21 is displayed on the monitor 5 can be short.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The figure which shows an example of a structure of the principal part of the imaging system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the structural example of the signal system between an image pick-up element classification information storage part and an image pick-up element classification detection part in the imaging system of FIG. The figure which shows the structural example of the signal system between a scope classification information storage part and a scope classification detection part in the imaging system of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Imaging system 2 Scope 3 Cable 3a Parallel interface 4 Processor 5 Monitor 21 Imaging element 22 Imaging element drive part 23 Storage part 23a Imaging element type information storage part 23b Scope type information storage part 41 Imaging element type detection part 42 Imaging element drive clock selection Unit 43 synchronization signal generation unit 44 scope type detection unit 45 video processing parameter selection unit 46 video signal processing unit

Claims (6)

An image pickup apparatus that includes an image pickup device that picks up an image of a subject and generates an image pickup signal, and a signal processing circuit that performs processing on the image pickup signal and that can be electrically connected to the image pickup apparatus. An imaging system comprising:
The signal processing device includes:
A detection unit that detects the type of the image sensor when electrically connected to the imaging device;
Based on the detection result of the detection unit, a clock signal generation unit that generates a clock signal having a frequency according to the type of the image sensor,
With
The imaging device
An image sensor driving unit for driving the image sensor based on the clock signal;
A storage unit for storing predetermined information;
An information transmission unit that reads the predetermined information from the storage unit and transmits the information to the signal processing device at a timing synchronized with the clock signal;
An imaging system comprising:   The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the information transmission unit transmits the predetermined information to the signal processing device as a serial signal having a frequency synchronized with the clock signal. The signal processing device includes:
The imaging system according to claim 1, further comprising: a parameter setting unit configured to set a signal processing parameter in the signal processing circuit based on the predetermined information.   4. The information transmission unit according to claim 1, wherein the information transmission unit transmits the predetermined information to the signal processing device as a serial signal having a frequency obtained by dividing the clock signal. 5. Imaging system.   The said information transmission part transmits the said predetermined information to the said signal processing apparatus as a serial signal of the same frequency as the said clock signal, The Claim 1 thru | or 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. Imaging system.   The imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the predetermined information is information for correcting characteristics that may vary for each individual imaging element.

Images