JP2011036414A - Electronic endoscope and electronic endoscope system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic endoscope and an electronic endoscope system, capable of narrowing the diameter of the electronic endoscope and reducing noise even if a detection means such as a sensor is mounted at the distal end of the electronic endoscope. <P>SOLUTION: The electronic endoscope includes an insertion part to be inserted into the body of a patient, and a connection part to be connected to a processor. The electronic endoscope also includes: an imaging means for capturing the image of the inside of the body of the patient and generating image signals; the detection means for detecting the state of the distal end of the insertion part and generating output signals corresponding to the result of detection; a switching means for switching and outputting the image signals and output signals; an analog-digital converting means for converting the image signals and output signals output from the switching means into digital signals; and a serializer for converting the digital signals converted by the analog-digital converting means to serial signals and outputting the signals to the connection part at the distal end of the insertion part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic endoscope and an electronic endoscope system using the electronic endoscope, and more particularly to an electronic endoscope including a detection unit such as a sensor at a distal end portion.

  Conventionally, an electronic endoscope that takes an image of an observation target with an image pickup device such as a CCD provided at the tip, and supplies light to illuminate the observation target to the electronic endoscope. There is known an electronic endoscope system including a processor that processes a captured image and outputs the processed image to a monitor. Such an electronic endoscope system is widely put into practical use in the medical field for performing observation and therapeutic treatment in a body cavity, or in the industrial field for performing observation or inspection of industrial parts.

  In these electronic endoscope systems, the temperature of the CCD at the distal end may increase when the observation site is at a high temperature or depending on the driving status of the CCD. When the temperature of the CCD rises in this way, there is a problem that noise is generated with an increase in dark current, resulting in degradation of the observed image and blackout. Furthermore, there are cases where the distal end portion of the electronic endoscope that has become high temperature comes into contact with the body cavity wall or the like of the patient to be observed, which is problematic in terms of safety.

  Therefore, for example, in Patent Document 1, when a temperature sensor is arranged at the tip of the insertion portion of the electronic endoscope and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the exposure time is automatically set. An endoscopic system for adjustment has been proposed. According to such an endoscope system, even when the CCD becomes high temperature, noise can be reduced by adjusting the exposure time, and an image with good observability can be provided. Also, Patent Document 2 discloses an endoscope system in which a temperature sensor is arranged at the tip of an insertion portion of an electronic endoscope, as in Patent Document 1. In the endoscope system of Patent Document 2, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, it is possible to prompt the operator to stop observation by generating a warning sound and a warning display. It has become.

JP 2005-323984 A JP 2007-151594 A

  By the way, particularly in an electronic endoscope inserted into a patient's body in the medical field, it is desirable to make the insertion part of the electronic endoscope as small as possible from the viewpoint of alleviating the pain of the patient during observation. . However, in the electronic endoscope described in Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2, a signal line for transmitting an output signal from the temperature sensor extends from the distal end of the insertion portion to the processor. Therefore, the diameter of the insertion part of the electronic endoscope had to be increased. Further, there is a problem that noise is generated due to interference between a signal line for transmitting an output signal from the temperature sensor and a signal line for transmitting an image signal from the CCD, thereby causing image degradation.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and even when a detection means such as a sensor is provided at the tip of the electronic endoscope, the electronic endoscope can be reduced in diameter and reduced in noise. It is an object to provide a possible electronic endoscope and electronic endoscope system.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to the present invention, there is provided an electronic endoscope having an insertion portion to be inserted into a patient's body and a connection portion to be connected to the processor. Imaging means for capturing an image and generating an image signal, detection means for detecting the state of the distal end of the insertion portion and generating an output signal corresponding to the detection result, and switching means for switching and outputting the image signal and the output signal A / D conversion means for converting the image signal and output signal output from the switching means into a digital signal, and a serializer for converting the digital signal converted by the A / D conversion means into a serial signal and outputting it to the connection unit An electronic endoscope is provided.

  By configuring in this way, the image signal and the output signal can be converted into a digital signal at the distal end of the insertion portion of the electronic endoscope and then transmitted to the connection portion, compared with a case where an analog signal is directly transmitted. Therefore, it is possible to reduce deterioration of the image signal due to transmission. In addition, the number of signal lines that pass through the flexible tube of the insertion unit is such that the digital signal converted by switching the image signal and the output signal is further converted into a serial signal and then output to the connection unit. Can be reduced, and a reduction in diameter can be realized. Furthermore, noise interference between a plurality of signal lines can be prevented, and an observation image with less noise can be provided.

  The switching means may be configured to switch signals so that the output signal is output to the A / D conversion means during the optical black period in the image signal. Alternatively, the switching unit may be configured to switch the signal so that the output signal is output to the A / D conversion unit during the horizontal or vertical blanking period of the image signal. By using the period in which no valid image information exists in this way, it becomes possible to insert the output signal of the detection means into the image signal without affecting the image signal.

  The connection unit switches between the image signal and the output signal, a deserializer that converts the serial signal into an image signal and an output signal, an image signal processing unit that performs predetermined image processing on the image signal to generate a video signal, and the like. It is good also as a structure provided with the timing generator which supplies the pulse signal which shows a timing to a switching means. With such a configuration, the serial signal can be appropriately converted into the original signal at the connection unit, and the switching timing of the signal in the switching unit can be controlled.

  The connection unit may further include a notification signal transmission unit that transmits a notification signal to the processor based on the output signal. By configuring in this way, it is possible to notify the processor 20 of various information based on the detection result by the detection means. This makes it possible to perform more detailed diagnosis and processing corresponding to various situations around the observation site.

  Further, the detection means may be a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the distal end of the insertion portion. Then, the notification signal transmitting means may transmit a notification signal for notifying the processor when the temperature at the distal end of the insertion portion is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature based on the output signal. With this configuration, when the temperature at the distal end of the insertion section exceeds a predetermined temperature, the processor displays a message on the monitor to alert the surgeon or automatically cools the distal end. It is possible to perform various processes for the purpose.

  Further, according to the present invention, the electronic endoscope, a light source for supplying illumination light to the electronic endoscope, and a video signal processing means for performing a predetermined process on the video signal and converting the video signal into a monitor-displayable video signal An electronic endoscope system comprising: a monitor that displays an image corresponding to a video signal; and a display control unit that displays a message corresponding to the notification signal on the monitor when the notification signal is received. Is provided.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, even when a detection means such as a sensor is provided at the tip of the electronic endoscope, the electronic endoscope and the electronic endoscope capable of reducing the diameter of the electronic endoscope and reducing noise. An endoscopic system can be provided.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an electronic endoscope system in an embodiment of the present invention. (A) An image signal generated by a CCD, (b) a pulse signal supplied from a timing generator, and (c) a signal output to an A / D converter by switching a switch in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a timing chart.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electronic endoscope system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic endoscope system 1 according to this embodiment includes an electronic endoscope 10, a processor 20, and a monitor 30. The electronic endoscope system 1 of this embodiment is a medical electronic endoscope system for performing observation and treatment in a patient's body.

  The electronic endoscope 10 includes an insertion portion 100 that is inserted into a patient's body and a connection portion 130 that is electrically and optically connected to the processor 20. The insertion portion 100 includes a long flexible tube 120 and a distal end portion 110 provided at the distal end of the flexible tube 120. A light guide 111 for propagating light supplied from the processor 20 extends from the connection portion 130 to the distal end portion 110 of the electronic endoscope 10. Further, a light distribution lens 112 for emitting the light propagated by the light guide 111 to the observation site, and an object for forming an image of the light reflected by the observation site on the light receiving surface of the image sensor are provided at the tip 110. A lens 114 and a CCD 113 that is a solid-state imaging device that generates an analog image signal based on a subject image formed on the light receiving surface are disposed.

  In addition, the electronic endoscope 10 according to the present embodiment includes a temperature sensor 115 for detecting the temperature of the distal end portion 110 in the vicinity of the CCD 113. Further, a switch 116 that switches between an analog output signal output from the temperature sensor 115 and an analog image signal generated by the CCD 113 and outputs the analog output signal to the A / D converter 117 is provided at the distal end portion 110 of the electronic endoscope 10. An A / D converter 117 that converts an analog signal output from the switch 116 into a digital signal, and a serializer 118 that converts the digital signal converted by the A / D converter 117 into a serial signal are provided. .

  In addition, a serial signal transmitted from the serializer 118 through the flexible tube 120 is converted to the original signal (parallel digital image signal and digital output signal) at the connection portion 130 of the electronic endoscope 10. The deserializer 131, the pre-processing unit 132 that generates a video signal by performing predetermined image processing on the digital image signal converted by the deserializer 131, and the video signal generated by the pre-processing unit 132 is converted into an analog signal. Based on the digital output signal converted by the D / A conversion unit 133 and the deserializer 131 output to the subsequent processing unit 204 of the processor 200, the CPU 134 that communicates with the system controller 201 of the processor 20, and the electronic endoscope 10 EEPROM 135 for storing model information, etc., and switch 116 of tip 110 And a timing generator 136 for supplying a predetermined pulse signal to the A / D converter 117.

  The processor 20 includes a system controller 201 that performs overall control of the processor 20, a light source 202 that generates observation light to be supplied to the electronic endoscope 10, and a light guide for the electronic endoscope 10 that converges the light emitted from the light source 202. A condensing lens 203 coupled to 111 and a post-processing unit 204 that performs a predetermined process on the video signal received from the electronic endoscope 10 to generate a video signal and outputs the video signal to the monitor 30. The monitor 30 is a display device that displays a subject image corresponding to the video signal generated by the post-processing unit 204.

  Next, the operation of each part of the electronic endoscope system 1 will be described together with the flow of observation inside the body cavity in the electronic endoscope system 1. First, when the operator inserts the insertion unit 100 of the electronic endoscope 10 into the patient's body and the processor 20 is turned on, the light source 202 is turned on under the control of the system controller 201. The light source 202 is composed of a high-intensity lamp such as a xenon lamp or a halogen lamp. The light emitted from the light source 202 enters the incident end of the light guide 111 provided in the electronic endoscope 10 via the condenser lens 203. The light incident on the incident end of the light guide 111 is emitted from the light distribution lens 112 disposed at the distal end portion 110 through the connection portion 130 and the flexible tube 120 to the observation site in the body. Then, the emitted light is reflected by the observation site and imaged on the light receiving surface of the CCD 113 via the objective lens 114.

  In this embodiment, a single-plate simultaneous type is applied as a color imaging method, and yellow (Ye), cyan (Cy), magenta (Mg), and green (G) color elements are checked on the light receiving surface of the CCD 113. Complementary color filters (not shown) arranged in a line are arranged corresponding to each pixel on the light receiving surface. In the CCD 113, an image signal corresponding to the intensity of the light transmitted through the complementary color filter is generated by photoelectric conversion, and the image signal for one frame is sequentially read out by a color difference line sequential method at predetermined time intervals. In this embodiment, an interline transfer type CCD is used, and analog image signals for one frame are sequentially read out at intervals of 1/30 seconds, for example, corresponding to the vertical synchronization frequency of the NTSC system. It is output to the switch 116. As the solid-state imaging device, it is possible to use a primary color CCD or CMOS having a primary color (RGB) color filter instead of the complementary color CCD.

  In parallel with the generation of the analog image signal by the CCD 113, the temperature sensor 115 detects the temperature of the tip portion 110. The temperature sensor 115 is an IC type temperature sensor, and outputs a voltage value corresponding to the detected temperature to the switch 116 as an analog output signal. The switch 116 switches between the analog image signal generated by the CCD 113 and the analog output signal from the temperature sensor 115 based on the pulse signal supplied from the timing generator 136 of the connection unit 130, and outputs the analog image signal to the A / D conversion unit 117. .

  FIG. 2 is a timing chart for explaining signal switching in the switch 116. 2A shows an analog image signal output from the CCD 113, and FIG. 2B shows an optical black pulse signal (hereinafter referred to as “OBP signal”) supplied from the timing generator 134. Further, FIG. 2C is a diagram illustrating a signal output to the A / D conversion unit 117 when the signal is switched by the switch 116. In each waveform of FIG. 2, the horizontal axis represents time, and in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the vertical axis represents the signal output value.

  Here, the CCD 113 of the present embodiment is provided with an optical black (OB) region for optically detecting a black reference level. This OB region is formed by shielding the end of the CCD 113 with an aluminum vapor deposition film or the like. As shown in FIG. 2A, the analog image signal output from the CCD 113 includes an area that is not used for imaging corresponding to a pixel (OB pixel) in the OB area. Thus, in the present embodiment, the signal is switched by the switch 116 so that the output signal from the temperature sensor 115 is inserted in the optical black period (hereinafter referred to as “OB period”) corresponding to the OB pixel. ing. As shown in FIG. 2A, since there is no valid image information in the OB period, even if the output signal from the temperature sensor 115 is inserted in this OB period, there is no influence on the image signal. There is no effect.

  As described above, in order to insert the output signal from the temperature sensor 115 in the OB period of the image signal, the timing generator 136 synchronizes with the image signal of one frame, as shown in FIG. An OBP signal that is H (High) during the period and L (Low) during the other image signal periods is supplied to the switch 116. Based on the OBP signal, the switch 116 outputs an analog output signal from the temperature sensor 115 to the A / D converter 117 when the OBP signal is H, and an analog image signal generated by the CCD 113 when it is L. Is switched to output to the A / D converter 117. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2C, the A / D converter 117 receives an analog signal containing an analog output signal and an analog image signal alternately for each time.

  Subsequently, the A / D conversion unit 117 performs A / D conversion on the input analog signal to convert it into a digital signal. Specifically, the A / D converter 117 samples and quantizes an analog signal at a predetermined sampling frequency and a predetermined number of bits (for example, 8 bits) according to the clock pulse supplied from the timing generator 136. As a result, the A / D converter 117 converts the analog signal composed of the image signal and the output signal into an 8-bit digital signal. The digital signal converted by the A / D conversion unit 117 is output to the serializer 118. The serializer 118 converts an 8-bit digital signal into a 1-bit serial signal. The converted serial signal is transmitted through the signal line passing through the flexible tube 120 and input to the deserializer 135 of the connection unit 130.

  In the deserializer 131 to which a serial signal is input, processing opposite to that in the serializer 118 is performed. That is, a 1-bit serial signal is converted into a digital signal composed of 8 bits each. The 8-bit digital signal includes an image signal generated by the CCD 113 and an output signal from the temperature sensor 115 alternately for each time. Therefore, the deserializer 131 further performs a process of separating the image signal and the output signal. Here, as described above, the output signal from the temperature sensor 115 is inserted in the OB period of the image signal. The OB period of this image signal is a fixed period corresponding to the OB area, and the timing is also known. Therefore, the deserializer 131 can separate the image signal and the output signal based on information such as the timing of the OB period and the sampling frequency in the A / D conversion unit 117.

  Then, the image signal separated by the deserializer 131 is output to the pre-processing unit 132. The pre-processing unit 132 performs predetermined processing on the input image signal to generate a video signal including a color difference signal and a luminance signal. Examples of the predetermined processing include matrix processing, gain adjustment and resolution adjustment for each color, white balance and black balance adjustment, gamma correction, enhancement processing, and the like. The video signal generated by the upstream processing unit 132 is output to the D / A conversion unit 133. In the D / A conversion unit 133, the input video signal is converted into an analog signal and output to the subsequent processing unit 204 of the processor 20.

  In the post-processing unit 204 of the processor 20, the luminance signal component in the received video signal is subjected to noise reduction processing or the like, and the NTSC composite video signal obtained by multiplexing the luminance signal, the color difference signal, and the decoded synchronization signal with reduced noise. Video signals are generated. Then, the video signal is output from the processor 20 to the monitor 30, and a subject image corresponding to the video signal is displayed on the monitor 30. Thereby, the surgeon and the diagnosing person can observe the state in the body cavity of the patient from the subject image displayed on the monitor 30 and perform treatment while referring to the subject image.

  On the other hand, the output signal from the temperature sensor 115 separated by the deserializer 131 is output to the CPU 134. The CPU 134 calculates the temperature of the tip 110 based on the received output signal of the temperature sensor 115. Then, the CPU 134 determines whether or not the calculated temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature used for the determination is appropriately set (for example, 60 degrees) in consideration of the temperature characteristics of the CCD 113 and the safety aspect, and is stored in the EEPROM 135 in advance. And when the temperature of the front-end | tip part 110 is more than predetermined temperature, CPU134 sends the notification signal for notifying the system controller 201 of the processor 20 that the temperature of the front-end | tip part 110 is more than predetermined temperature. Send.

  When the system controller 201 receives the notification signal from the CPU 134, the system controller 201 causes the monitor 30 to display a message for notifying the surgeon that the distal end portion 110 of the electronic endoscope 10 is hot. Thereby, when the temperature of the front-end | tip part 110 becomes more than predetermined temperature, it becomes possible to alert a surgeon and to urge observation stop etc. In addition, when the temperature of the distal end portion 110 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, for example, a water jet (not shown) provided in the electronic endoscope 10 is operated to discharge water from the distal end portion 110. It is good also as a structure which reduces the temperature of the front-end | tip part 110 by this. Furthermore, it is possible to perform processing such as lowering the drive frequency of the CCD 113 or lowering the amount of observation light emitted from the light source 202. Thereby, when the temperature of the front-end | tip part 110 becomes high, the temperature of the front-end | tip part 110 can be lowered automatically.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the image signal generated by the CCD 113 and the output signal from the temperature sensor 115 are converted into a digital signal at the distal end portion 110 and then transmitted to the connection portion 130. ing. As described above, by transmitting the digital signal into the flexible tube 120, it is possible to reduce the deterioration of the image signal due to the transmission as compared with the case of transmitting the analog signal directly. Further, in this embodiment, the output signal is inserted into the OB period of the image signal to convert it into a digital signal, and the converted digital signal is further converted into a serial signal before being transmitted through the flexible tube 120. It has a configuration. With this configuration, the number of signal lines passing through the flexible tube 120 can be reduced, and a reduction in diameter can be realized. Furthermore, noise interference between a plurality of signal lines can be prevented, and an observation image with less noise can be provided.

  The above is the embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the output signal of the temperature sensor 115 is transmitted using the OB period in the image signal, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the output signal of the temperature sensor 115 is switched to be output during other periods in which no image information exists in the image signal, such as a horizontal blanking period or a vertical blanking period.

  In the above embodiment, the temperature sensor 115 is provided at the distal end portion 110 of the electronic endoscope 10 to detect the temperature of the distal end portion 110. However, there are various other types such as a PH sensor, a pressure sensor, an acceleration sensor, and the like. It is also possible to provide these sensors. In this case, the CPU 134 can receive the output signals of these sensors and transmit a notification signal to the system controller 201 so that the measurement values and messages corresponding to the output signals are displayed on the monitor 30. As described above, by providing various sensors on the distal end portion 110 close to the observation site, various situations around the observation site can be detected, and more detailed diagnosis can be performed.

  Further, it is possible to provide a plurality of these sensors at the distal end portion 110 of the electronic endoscope 10. When a plurality of sensors are provided as described above, an OB period in an image signal may be divided by the number of sensors, and an output signal of each sensor may be inserted into the divided period. With this configuration, it is possible to transmit the output signal of the sensor without affecting the image signal. Furthermore, it is not necessary to increase the number of signal lines passing through the flexible tube 120, and it is possible to transmit output signals from a plurality of sensors while maintaining a small diameter.

  In the above embodiment, the connection unit 130 of the electronic endoscope 10 includes the processing units such as the deserializer 131 and the timing generator 136. However, the processing unit may include these processing units. In this case, the serial signal output from the serializer 118 can be transmitted to the processor 20 as it is.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electronic endoscope system 10 Electronic endoscope 100 Insertion part 110 Tip part 115 Temperature sensor 116 Switch 117 A / D conversion part 118 Serializer 120 Flexible tube 130 Connection part 131 Deserializer 132 Pre-processing part 134 CPU
136 Timing Generator 20 Processor 201 System Controller 202 Light Source 204 Post-Processing Unit 30 Monitor

Claims (7)

An electronic endoscope having an insertion portion to be inserted into a patient's body and a connection portion connected to a processor,
At the tip of the insertion part,
Imaging means for imaging the body of the patient and generating an image signal;
Detecting means for detecting the state of the tip of the insertion portion and generating an output signal corresponding to the detection result;
Switching means for switching and outputting the image signal and the output signal;
A / D conversion means for converting the image signal output from the switching means and the output signal into a digital signal;
An electronic endoscope comprising: a serializer that converts the digital signal converted by the A / D conversion means into a serial signal and outputs the serial signal to the connection unit.   2. The electronic endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit performs signal switching so that the output signal is output to the A / D conversion unit during an optical black period in the image signal. mirror.   2. The switching unit according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit switches the signal so that the output signal is output to the A / D conversion unit during a horizontal or vertical blanking period in the image signal. Electronic endoscope. The connecting portion is
A deserializer for converting the serial signal into the image signal and the output signal;
Image signal processing means for generating a video signal by performing predetermined image processing on the image signal;
A timing generator that supplies a pulse signal indicating timing for switching the image signal and the output signal to the switching unit;
The electronic endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:   The electronic endoscope according to claim 4, wherein the connection unit further includes notification signal transmission means for transmitting a notification signal to the processor based on the output signal. The detection means is a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the tip of the insertion portion,
The notification signal transmitting means transmits a notification signal for notifying the processor to the effect when the temperature of the distal end of the insertion portion is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature based on the output signal. 5. The electronic endoscope according to 5. An electronic endoscope according to claim 5 or 6,
A light source for supplying illumination light to the electronic endoscope;
Video signal processing means for performing predetermined processing on the video signal and converting it into a video signal that can be displayed on a monitor;
A monitor for displaying an image corresponding to the video signal;
An electronic endoscope system comprising: display control means for displaying a message corresponding to the notification signal on the monitor when the notification signal is received.

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